tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88668466435394717162024-02-20T07:23:35.020-08:00LandShark AdventuresThe Adventures of LandShark as told by two parents taking another break from life in Silicon Valley with their three kids in an RV Motorhome named LandShark. This time we're going to Europe. Really.Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425235408878948258noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-89835504957824637172015-07-28T05:27:00.002-07:002015-07-28T05:30:07.135-07:00Weighing in one year laterTaking a moment to update the blog which has been left unwritten so long, I would like to share one small, but important milestone. One of my personal objectives of the sabbatical was to get more healthy. We certainly did that as a family and it has persisted. However, for me, I was shocked to find that rather than continuing or going down from my 205 lbs at the start of the trip, I somehow had gotten up to 220. I was <u>obese</u>. I learned the following:<br />
<br />
Exercise is not enough. <br />
<br />
I was easily doing 10k steps a day based on fitbit reports. And I thought I was eating healthy, but I clearly was not.<br />
<br />
I set a goal to lose 10% of my weight in 6 months, and having done that another 10% in the following 6. I would cut back on calories and I would maintain and if possible increase my exercise. I would NOT go back to my life of commuting, sitting at work and eating to comfort myself.<br />
<br />
1 year later (on the anniversary of weighing in at 220), I hit my follow on goal to lose another 10%. I'm 177.2 lbs. Rather than being somewhat obese, I'm now somewhat overweight.<br />
<br />
I have many strategies and techniques which helped me get there, and it's worth recognizing those now.<br />
<ul>
<li>Track exercise, calories and weight. By doing all three, it caused me to encourage exercise, discourage eating so much and see the results of that approach. I already used the fitbit for tracking exercise, so that was easy. Midway through my year I bought the Fitbit Aria which tracks weight. Expensive, but it made tracking weight really easy. Tracking calories was by far the most difficult because it is a bother to remember to do it, and one must do a fair bit of guess work with portion sizes. My advice -- be brutally honest if not harshly unfair. When I ate half a box of cookies, I put myself down for it. When I used a tablespoon of olive oil cooking, it went into the mix. Fact is, the weight doesn't care about what you write down, but reading what you write down correlated with your weight gain (and loss!) helps you learn. And the fitbit app seems to make it pretty easy w/ the bar scanner and large library of foods.</li>
<li>Cook - I started cooking healthier meals. Mostly in the slow cooker because I could cook on one day, and the following day was reheated (and tasted better!). If you can make the time, Slow Cooker Revolution from the Test Kitchen folks is awesome. A lot of work, but not one recipe has failed. Considering the number of bad slow cooker recipes we've tried, this is amazing. By cooking, I kept much better focus on what I was eating.</li>
<li>Drink smart - Coffee w/ cream and sparkling water are my drinks of choice and habit. On the trip we discovered the Sodastream, and I picked one up. I fill water from the tap and then fill with CO2. <u>No flavoring</u>. It's refreshing and fills the stomach better than plain water. And we don't have all of the bottles & cost from purchasing water. And as for the cream (or whole milk), fats are satiating. When I have fats, I fill up -- unlike the carbs of breads, cookies, pasta etc. I would have a couple of drinks/week and stop it there. I've come to learn that alcohol also messes with my sleep so there's little upside.</li>
<li>Protein and fats are the way to go. I really did love bread, cookies, baked goods and all that. But I cannot eat them freely and lose weight. I have a 1-3 slices of bread/day at most and typically try to keep it to one slice -- my breakfast is eggs in a hole w/ 2 eggs, 1 slice of bread, 2 coffees, a solid tablespoon of butter. Oddly, I found that beef really threw me off. So I learned to have beef 2-3 times/month at most. Pork, chicken and seafood were all good. Potatoes and rice were also minimized. Plain Fage Greek Yogurt (not Chobani or any of the other "greek style" yogurts -- Fage) was also critical. Very high protein and fairly high fat especially if you get the full fat (which I'm now trying out to see if it works better -- it tastes even better!)</li>
<li>Fruit & Vegetables - I kept the fruit bowl full and visible. When I snacked, I had fruit. Similarly, with dinner or lunch, I would load up on vegetables & salads -- minimal potatoes, rice or other starches. I would still have sauces and dressing, but I wouldn't have the whole portion. Just some.</li>
<li>Occasional treats - By tracking my consumption, I could see a day when I was well under target calories, and then I would have ice cream (with lots of fat to satiate! Baskin Robins Chocolate Peanut Butter... Goood...) or maybe put some honey in my yogurt as a small treat. I would avoid cookies because once I started on cookies there was little turning back.</li>
<li>A break - every 7 days or so, I would go over my target calories. Not hugely over like a Tim Ferris 2 lbs of bacon and a whole chocolate cake kind of binge, but 500-1000 calories over my daily goal. It was amazingly easy to do this. BBQ ribs or large instead of eating a few of my kids fries would do it. But I saw the weight gain almost immediately. Oddly enough, because I saw such a big setback, I was often able to get back on the plan and break through to the next level quickly.</li>
<li>Walk - Some like running. I tried. after a couple of days I hurt my foot and had to slow down. But I was still losing weight. So, I just kept walking. My ritual was breakfast, drop Sarah at school and then continue to walk -- at least 4 miles. And whenever I need to run an errand, if it was less than 1 mile, I would walk. And after I did that, I always had a piece of fruit or a yogurt.</li>
<li>Take it slow - 0.5-1lb/week over time is fine weight loss. It took me 15 years to get from 183 to 220, how could I expect to lose it ALL in 6 WEEKS! I had to change my mind set and many of my habits, and to do that I had to keep doing it. The above points were gradually added over that year. On July 28, 2014 I started to pay attention. And every day thereafter, I continued to pay attention.</li>
<li>Reflect - Most of all, I kept looking back at all of my records during the year. Because my exercise patterns, weight and consumption were all tracked, I could see when things were working and when they were not. I would then be able to see when I was getting into a bad pattern, and what worked to get me out of it. Some of the things I did may not work for you, but reflecting definitely will.</li>
</ul>
I have a goal of another 10% in 6 months. To reach a normal weight for the first time of my life (I came out 10lbs, 6oz), and then keep it in that neighborhood. It will be a particular challenge doing this when living in Chicago w/ the winters and big food portions, but this too, I will do.vcrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01070977145139802697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-10410409519425769532015-01-25T16:55:00.001-08:002015-01-25T16:55:50.618-08:00Breezing through Berlin and Copenhagen (June 1-10, 2014)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>June 1st</b>, we left our spot at Recreatiecentrum Koningshof in Rijnsburg and drove to
CampingPlatz Holm-Seppensen, located just south of Hamburg, where we
would leave LandShark while doing a side trip to Berlin.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx1yk4fDr4MWL584wg9NxW8yBIuWtC3iafVVVqtnMKdkcCgGkiiJ_7YqbAQuBZmKPZ8NlIjmqlIhd6qD1U-1kSQ9amJWkgk8flPG4qZ90zX4FnTEVZWe5zyEqg6X-95XjnRzM1TH5HwlI/s1600/Paul+hamburger.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx1yk4fDr4MWL584wg9NxW8yBIuWtC3iafVVVqtnMKdkcCgGkiiJ_7YqbAQuBZmKPZ8NlIjmqlIhd6qD1U-1kSQ9amJWkgk8flPG4qZ90zX4FnTEVZWe5zyEqg6X-95XjnRzM1TH5HwlI/s1600/Paul+hamburger.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Greetings
from Twente": Paul was my co-pilot that day and we reluctantly ended up
at a McDonalds restaurant just off the highway to get a bite to eat, or
in Paul's case, a big bite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Paul and I arrived at CampingPlatz Holm-Seppensen and
were quickly checked in. It was a lovely spot next to a small lake with
a miniature golf course next door. It also had a snack bar on site. The
biggest drawback however was that, while it offered wifi, we had no way to
access it. This was another set up whereby one registers for wifi and
then has a wifi access code texted to their mobile phone. This texting
capability is only enabled for people with mobile phones registered in
Germany and a few other neighboring countries, and which excluded us. The Germans certainly
have their concerns with the internet; any venue we visited that offered
wifi had no business connection to the service itself. Any questionable or
immoral queries on the internet must have dire legal consequences in
Germany because many of the places we sought internet didn't want any relationship to the service provider whatsoever.<br />
<br />
Vincent and the
kids eventually arrived about 90 minutes later. The first order of
business was to fill up with water and we met a number of animated
German campers who were excited to see our California license plates and
learn how far we had traveled. Later, a man and his child also came by
and congratulated us on having the courage to undertake this journey.<br />
<br />
That
evening, we walked over to the Holm-Seppensen snackbar and we all had a
pretty underwhelming dinner; it was some sort of diced sausage in curry sauce
with fries on the side. It could only be described as dreadful.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT8lEdOINR37E3tfg93q1m3W9YIe7-vmAaNNKbti6_46xnSPc41vFeXKM_YVTMLD6yi5ud4OAATN2FPLKzQGrgs1__DL7GoV_fEVMJZGf1C07THJetA6OP5by6m8GK7eTQVCSpOh4YcNF/s1600/hamburg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT8lEdOINR37E3tfg93q1m3W9YIe7-vmAaNNKbti6_46xnSPc41vFeXKM_YVTMLD6yi5ud4OAATN2FPLKzQGrgs1__DL7GoV_fEVMJZGf1C07THJetA6OP5by6m8GK7eTQVCSpOh4YcNF/s1600/hamburg.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CampingPlatz Holm-Seppensen is scenically situated on a small lake, surrounded by trees, and is equipped with a playground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 2nd</b>,
we loaded up the Prius and left LandShark at CampingPlatz
Holm-Seppensen. We had a long 340 km drive to Berlin where we rented a
well-situated flat from Town Apartments on Kochstrasse, about a block
and a half from
Checkpoint Charlie. Berlin is another city that has restricted umwelt
zones and requires cars to be certified and have a requisite sticker
showing compliance on the front window. We didn't have this but
rationalized that if we saw a service station advertising the
certification en route from Hamburg, we'd stop along the way and try to
achieve certification. We didn't find such an opportunity however and
eventually found ourselves crossing into Berlin's umwelt zones. We then
had to tempt (and make a deal with) fate and pressed on hoping that if we could get to the apartment and park, we
wouldn't use the car until the day came to drive out of Berlin.<br />
<br />
We
arrived at the Town Apartments without being stopped, yet feeling the
stress, nonetheless. (This must be what it feels like to be transporting
contraband goods with the worry of not making a traffic infraction or
drawing any attention to our driving; not easy with California license
plates.) I was relieved to find that Town Apartments provided
underground parking and so the car wouldn't be visible on the street.<br />
<br />
After checking in and getting settled,
we walked out to get something to eat and found a great place for
tapas. We walked by Checkpoint Charlie, named by the Western Allies,
which was a main crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War.
What's standing there today is actually a copy of the guard house and a
sign that once marked the border crossing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBIQBXlbbXYOo-dkwUxGyVbOrfKUTsTk3YJrGFWFwLvnDsL0ac7PzO7WsfcwuPXArgdFNzHQsXThwQ0RwSra0osQLP9bKeUmSHktbFnpCkzThqVfwGAYIzOKHWMQcHdkNKFOxxfs0ARGx/s1600/cpc3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBIQBXlbbXYOo-dkwUxGyVbOrfKUTsTk3YJrGFWFwLvnDsL0ac7PzO7WsfcwuPXArgdFNzHQsXThwQ0RwSra0osQLP9bKeUmSHktbFnpCkzThqVfwGAYIzOKHWMQcHdkNKFOxxfs0ARGx/s1600/cpc3.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Actor" soldiers posing for the camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Researching the Checkpoint Charlie "re-enactment", I've learned that
many people who were involved in overseeing the checkpoint or who lived
through the Cold War are not happy about it, calling "the use of fake
soldiers an unacceptable spectacle". Having been through so many museums
covering different wars, I can understand the opinion. I think the
masses all too quickly forget about the injustices that have been done to
others. I'm sure anyone who attempted to traverse the wall or who knew
someone who died trying probably look at the Checkpoint Charlie with some dismay.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-eiOQIZ87t8Qry5mnPDumkm1vm4NcHDJzvmIZfj-MV1K_uwTgUUsj8-bg8-wUtPvu9GUvLOmY8SGDFf2CuRgYi3-xlt5YEeaWYE-b8wMfPAq7H3HrvWu6pBw7QWP9xfuWErIPSmmbAwk/s1600/bundesrat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-eiOQIZ87t8Qry5mnPDumkm1vm4NcHDJzvmIZfj-MV1K_uwTgUUsj8-bg8-wUtPvu9GUvLOmY8SGDFf2CuRgYi3-xlt5YEeaWYE-b8wMfPAq7H3HrvWu6pBw7QWP9xfuWErIPSmmbAwk/s1600/bundesrat.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for an evening stroll, we passed the Bunesrat on Leipziger Strasse. It was completed in 1904 and was used by the upper chamber of the Prussian parliament. Today, it is used by the Bundesrat, one of the five constitutional bodies in Germany.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 3rd</b>, we set out
to first visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. It is crammed with
information and if one read everything on display, one could easily
spend a full day here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj718Sl8au0LsplqiCVzZS-db-ym6KC1tJaoINsnE6AzL9kXsua1HbdP9N6QDCeNEYYm2WpfgHGlpOnISd1zfzYd5bjwbNuS-iuacvF9fUDdIWCXXg6RzB8JQWiFqdfEJPcgjJhTdaj3BXO/s1600/charlie+museum1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj718Sl8au0LsplqiCVzZS-db-ym6KC1tJaoINsnE6AzL9kXsua1HbdP9N6QDCeNEYYm2WpfgHGlpOnISd1zfzYd5bjwbNuS-iuacvF9fUDdIWCXXg6RzB8JQWiFqdfEJPcgjJhTdaj3BXO/s1600/charlie+museum1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Checkpoint
Charlie Museum began as an exhibition by human rights activist Dr
Rainer Hildebrandt in October 1962, and was located just outside the Berlin Wall. The
original apartment consisted of only two and a half rooms. Today the
museum is over 2000 sq meters and explores the history of the Berlin
Wall, those affected by it as well as the challenges facing people today
as we struggle for worldwide recognition of human rights and freedom. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9H-z8sp8afynz7AKkuLhLBn_ZaE-sBaewEaGI0AHYNhbSMW5-cz7fgiX2-SWvdY-lk6__zmEK3pEsqMdnq6ehete4Cr34Dwqy6qn2mhbgYkKO6Zj9YyiRCYDNCKUUt_DMs9mvAxf-QEwX/s1600/cpc1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9H-z8sp8afynz7AKkuLhLBn_ZaE-sBaewEaGI0AHYNhbSMW5-cz7fgiX2-SWvdY-lk6__zmEK3pEsqMdnq6ehete4Cr34Dwqy6qn2mhbgYkKO6Zj9YyiRCYDNCKUUt_DMs9mvAxf-QEwX/s1600/cpc1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Volkswagon
used to smuggle people across the border: Those wanting to escape the
GDR had to become increasingly creative in their desperate efforts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZcNvkzaNboH1E5qOGBo-GZwBWDVcw-h4UGKTT929mXpvNeThlm3d7GipX8-k3z8CXXynUt40hkcb46tGVJ2lrw6To-Sv49nVxGjNlQazgTx-IxseLoFXyuZMK6M3yPP0TJ7HxDrq5Dos/s1600/cpc5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZcNvkzaNboH1E5qOGBo-GZwBWDVcw-h4UGKTT929mXpvNeThlm3d7GipX8-k3z8CXXynUt40hkcb46tGVJ2lrw6To-Sv49nVxGjNlQazgTx-IxseLoFXyuZMK6M3yPP0TJ7HxDrq5Dos/s1600/cpc5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many people
trying to flee East Germany did so via braving the Baltic. It is
estimated that nearly 200 people died in escape attempts via the Baltic
Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlMwihLT-W9yWWPPqNY-EJVvQ98F2gh1-B9sD12vIVnsL1Fx5ds36H7kF2bEBUsGeW_a7aXK5O-3Dy55aEmgQWO_3TThF0AdDYEsZik3Uypp-cm-DVFo2uf_EjhOzLqJ21VRumgjGLHof/s1600/cpc2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlMwihLT-W9yWWPPqNY-EJVvQ98F2gh1-B9sD12vIVnsL1Fx5ds36H7kF2bEBUsGeW_a7aXK5O-3Dy55aEmgQWO_3TThF0AdDYEsZik3Uypp-cm-DVFo2uf_EjhOzLqJ21VRumgjGLHof/s1600/cpc2.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum
includes a tribute to Raoul Wallenburg who was a Swedish architect,
businessman and diplomat and who is credited with saving tens of thousands
of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary from certain deportation and death
during the final years of WWII. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5MaGAtRWC4JYwdhytBvKTGbxyVt2geVBmVWJrO-VK-T0oz4cj3eL69etelwOeGiLKsvtb1KT42TqNt8Ja2QWWMcsUrH0xZDT5BvDY3U6Jlo9L4Pds7jr9Z9-yiHyCP2GB8rKYLo7Mc9s/s1600/cpc4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5MaGAtRWC4JYwdhytBvKTGbxyVt2geVBmVWJrO-VK-T0oz4cj3eL69etelwOeGiLKsvtb1KT42TqNt8Ja2QWWMcsUrH0xZDT5BvDY3U6Jlo9L4Pds7jr9Z9-yiHyCP2GB8rKYLo7Mc9s/s1600/cpc4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2009, a
permanent exhibition covering President Ronald Reagan was added to the
museum. Reagan is recognized for his role in liberating Eastern Europe
and for his historic remarks
on June 12, 1987, where he exclaimed, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this
wall!” </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdx2OELTYVvZrAcZt5MwgXUqJtzf7yXLtqECMbjn2yAj05VP0JZHNAawpNoqUB8hc1a6q4xfYrLsUYNHpykN03UlwMkmi-_IvJHqTi3RZtcypf4s6APddOqlhng3nJ_iS6ud-4OHlZf06/s1600/cpc6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdx2OELTYVvZrAcZt5MwgXUqJtzf7yXLtqECMbjn2yAj05VP0JZHNAawpNoqUB8hc1a6q4xfYrLsUYNHpykN03UlwMkmi-_IvJHqTi3RZtcypf4s6APddOqlhng3nJ_iS6ud-4OHlZf06/s1600/cpc6.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergei
Magnitsky is one of several people featured who have died due to
atrocious human rights violations in more recent years. Magnitsky was a Russian lawyer and
accountant who was arrested while investigating a large-scale theft from
the
Russian state, sanctioned and carried out by Russian officials. He
eventually died in prison, after serving 358 days in Moscow's notorious
Butyrka prison, seven days before the expiration
of the one-year term during which he could be legally held without
trial. He developed gall stones, pancreatitis, and a blocked gall
bladder and received inadequate medical care. A human rights council set
up by the Kremlin found that he was beaten up just before he died. His
arrest and subsequent death in custody generated international
media attention and triggered both official and unofficial inquiries
into allegations of fraud, theft and human rights violations. His case
led to the adoption of the Magnitsky Bill by the US government at the
end of 2012 by which those Russian
officials believed to be involved in the auditor’s death were barred
from entering the United States or using its banking system. In
response, Russia blocked hundreds of foreign adoptions in 2013.
Posthumously, Magnitsky was convicted of tax evasion (responsible for
the fraudulent activity he was actually investigating). It was a move by
the Russian government likened to "Stalin-era justice" and has come to
symbolize the brutality of Russia's system and the penalties incurred by
those who uncover official wrongdoing.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and having a bite to eat, we headed over to the exhibition,
“Topography of Terror”, which documents the history of the institutions of "terror" preceding and during WWII, and is located in the
immediate vicinity of the Nazi government district. Between 1933 and 1945, the centres of national-socialist terror, namely
the Gestapo with its own prison, the SS headquarters, the SS Security
Service (SD) and the Reichssicherheitshauptamt (main office for State
Security) were located here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8azHJWiWVKds1vedXH0HTdnCr2vl5oJt_6Sw1HDN9KN1xDWQlItbYOmgnUr9KAsc6WdUhsmwYHxhloicIvQz097qNZ8ySmv9sM3lw_X_Nv_tzO0UWGv9jlcu-fp_CsQCwnrBYB861S8_t/s1600/top+terror2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8azHJWiWVKds1vedXH0HTdnCr2vl5oJt_6Sw1HDN9KN1xDWQlItbYOmgnUr9KAsc6WdUhsmwYHxhloicIvQz097qNZ8ySmv9sM3lw_X_Nv_tzO0UWGv9jlcu-fp_CsQCwnrBYB861S8_t/s1600/top+terror2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exhibition
displays several propaganda posters used to illustrate that the
elderly, the infirm, Jews etc were a burden to society.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nMGVDrBUAjeowrlS7ec9WxI9csJhKPMaqChJaq_ORencccZJ4WiaDsokKJ0ZjSVmZU6lTlpd1PfmkxJ0NO_9ArJNGHTat0j-5W4kq4VcIua30Nr6fkzc4Vi64PUUFA9vGJT2GTgKToxh/s1600/top+terror6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nMGVDrBUAjeowrlS7ec9WxI9csJhKPMaqChJaq_ORencccZJ4WiaDsokKJ0ZjSVmZU6lTlpd1PfmkxJ0NO_9ArJNGHTat0j-5W4kq4VcIua30Nr6fkzc4Vi64PUUFA9vGJT2GTgKToxh/s1600/top+terror6.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many examples
of socialism introduced by the Nazi party were provided. This placard
covers "Stew Sunday", implemented in 1933 to help those struggling to
feed themselves during the period of severe economic depression.
Unfortunately, those who did not conform to Nazi ideology were not
allowed to participate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHkjWIlFVWjlEjRNXRvYuQ7b-l4MyOZw7sPGCR4tccx4ErxPAUErEGfQ8S9cklw5rNQ78jxIjIFd5RPjN9Nm1CthGHxVzKyFdvk3K1hftlyPAlVq0L1k2EW1wtF1mGrc7s9Zmq01ynxz2/s1600/top+terror3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHkjWIlFVWjlEjRNXRvYuQ7b-l4MyOZw7sPGCR4tccx4ErxPAUErEGfQ8S9cklw5rNQ78jxIjIFd5RPjN9Nm1CthGHxVzKyFdvk3K1hftlyPAlVq0L1k2EW1wtF1mGrc7s9Zmq01ynxz2/s1600/top+terror3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are numerous photographs that document key participants and events. This one was titled, "Taking a Break from Mass Murder" which was taken at the SS Retreat Sola-hütte near Auschwitz (late summer 1944).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is <span lang="EN-US">also the site, </span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">at
Niederkirchnerstraße,</span> of the remaining 200 meters of the Wall – which marked the border between the districts of
Mitte (East Berlin) and Kreuzberg (West Berlin); it has been preserved
with all the traces of the destruction that occurred during the
transitional period.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbZfUrzik4goZem8LwTUtGLUv0HO85-OSWr727vnmzwrq0kdku2O40rO4KruSi0Q8xOPyM7a4u-7F17xzSzK2WTcN9P82MI8t58Jz92qjnoRfzNPy9XWJQmQ0qvTN6wL_047UJ07vY8yB/s1600/top+terror.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbZfUrzik4goZem8LwTUtGLUv0HO85-OSWr727vnmzwrq0kdku2O40rO4KruSi0Q8xOPyM7a4u-7F17xzSzK2WTcN9P82MI8t58Jz92qjnoRfzNPy9XWJQmQ0qvTN6wL_047UJ07vY8yB/s1600/top+terror.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US">Reforms in the Soviet Union, the rapidly growing
protest movement in the GDR population, as well as the flight of
thousands of GDR citizens via Eastern European countries led to the
surprisingly peaceful fall of the Wall on November 9, 1989. Soon afterwards the
first sections of the barrier were torn down. Even before the
reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, the Wall had largely
disappeared from the Berlin landscape.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 4th</b>, we set out on foot to visit the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70pOHw7Io45zCKPzoJL3er_RoWoWJoc3rFT4QN8W13h_TOkNqIFbqELzbpAAaamQWjwXdGHb2gVmkdnQK6oftWoFTO8PUiS19lmdWNUuxReDomtlODmkh1YhMwuGRWwK7eSLxzQFiqtOf/s1600/berlin1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70pOHw7Io45zCKPzoJL3er_RoWoWJoc3rFT4QN8W13h_TOkNqIFbqELzbpAAaamQWjwXdGHb2gVmkdnQK6oftWoFTO8PUiS19lmdWNUuxReDomtlODmkh1YhMwuGRWwK7eSLxzQFiqtOf/s1600/berlin1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All over
Berlin, one sees these colorful above-ground pipes. A bit of an
eye-sore, in my opinion, but I gather necessary to carry out
construction. Apparently, the groundwater level in Berlin is quite high,
at an average of 2 meters below the
surface. Therefore almost every building sits in a subterranean
puddle. When a new building project starts, the impeding groundwater
needs
to be drained off the foundation pit. Therefore, the pipes are used to
carry away the
water towards the next river or canal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDPbnfld73d2Sbd_BR2YkM505x8nKA69rRSWUkNu_KC9e7lgPKAjcg4whxQHQANhU-krFgI5AYJiW8So3RnkKGoqet1pA4r74JuWMNlXjZu-QxqHoME8v4Lwt1Ut2v4F_Ar9mcry8RzQG/s1600/berlin2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDPbnfld73d2Sbd_BR2YkM505x8nKA69rRSWUkNu_KC9e7lgPKAjcg4whxQHQANhU-krFgI5AYJiW8So3RnkKGoqet1pA4r74JuWMNlXjZu-QxqHoME8v4Lwt1Ut2v4F_Ar9mcry8RzQG/s1600/berlin2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A statue of
Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Karl Ferdinand von Humboldt (22 June 1767 – 8
April 1835) (aka Wilhelm von Humbolt) sits, not surprisingly, in front
of the Humboldt University. Von Humbolt was a Prussian philosopher,
government official, diplomat and founder of the University of Berlin.
He was an adept linguist and is credited with being the first European
linguist to identify human language as a rule-governed system, rather
than just a collection of words and phrases paired with meanings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlMlXlUwzkcdOEbxw3qp73MOJQtEVTJ8mDcf16DTulR6rlyqLXnhNNwBY7cKsS-oKwcvO5axCLWzC5Uae9LnwRlJqh2abvxjxThyphenhyphenWsJfXb-gPdl82kL4HB8i6V77z4tYciS0Ha-7OGn2m/s1600/berlin3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlMlXlUwzkcdOEbxw3qp73MOJQtEVTJ8mDcf16DTulR6rlyqLXnhNNwBY7cKsS-oKwcvO5axCLWzC5Uae9LnwRlJqh2abvxjxThyphenhyphenWsJfXb-gPdl82kL4HB8i6V77z4tYciS0Ha-7OGn2m/s1600/berlin3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Deutsches Historisches Museum was founded by the then Federal Republic of Germany and the Land,
Berlin, in 1987 on the occasion of the 750th anniversary celebration of
Berlin. With the unification of Germany in 1990, the collections of the
central historical museum of the GDR were added making the German
Historical Museum the
museum for the history of all parts of Germany. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOdM67bBMoXVsE8CTNhWIUALS0Y543ipDtpnDIgHPFGDhWNFANkwyGO52Kz5Afh7PChZi0va3KzxxI2w2X1Pgd0oi6ttI57wsxhDnsMTz5WAJxtIuE3tcx1taMgEp4639taJWii_P2wSV/s1600/berlin6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOdM67bBMoXVsE8CTNhWIUALS0Y543ipDtpnDIgHPFGDhWNFANkwyGO52Kz5Afh7PChZi0va3KzxxI2w2X1Pgd0oi6ttI57wsxhDnsMTz5WAJxtIuE3tcx1taMgEp4639taJWii_P2wSV/s1600/berlin6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry hall to the German Historical Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="body-text fs12">
The German
Historical Museum's permanent exhibition covers around 1500 years of
Germany’s
past. Some 7000 artifacts and exponents tell of people, ideas, events and
historical developments from the 5th century to the end of the 20th
century. The museum also hosts a number of outstanding temporary
exhibitions throughout the year. A visit here really requires a full day
and even at that, one would not be able to take in everything.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZCLASpqhedJbQFrTzQmvLoobGDmlRZ5J_KC5li-i3S2TubLGF8Ld8y-lR6VTWe5T7cTmHqqIkMn5DlTZYcmpFXISb0tSzhRGeKgWvYfucLMviBhUBAyaNuwbQFsFZLGAJ2Lv6Q8Va5Br/s1600/berlin4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZCLASpqhedJbQFrTzQmvLoobGDmlRZ5J_KC5li-i3S2TubLGF8Ld8y-lR6VTWe5T7cTmHqqIkMn5DlTZYcmpFXISb0tSzhRGeKgWvYfucLMviBhUBAyaNuwbQFsFZLGAJ2Lv6Q8Va5Br/s1600/berlin4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of a
temporary exhibition, "1914-1918. The First World War": The exhibition
told the story of 15 locations including Berlin,
Brussels, Petrograd and Verdun, which together illustrated the course of
the war, along with its range of social ramifications. The
escalation of violence was illustrated over the course of the war,
including the
industrialized mass destruction of human life and the invention of new
methods to commit mass murder, such as aircraft bombs and poison gas.
Many of the exhibits were used to analyze and question the structures
of the War. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJFvLxOssgdHtUPlP15J-7KkLnDp2r25D1ViqWy5Mqs6RbsKtLEcH3Fm5wxqOJuiYjiD6OAh1_myVbHA0l06mTNP4WpjoW1KwdUD2OsAwN-XzH1pC0wUNbb32ZPuKb_ZoeKNxCFzvo9oP/s1600/berlin5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJFvLxOssgdHtUPlP15J-7KkLnDp2r25D1ViqWy5Mqs6RbsKtLEcH3Fm5wxqOJuiYjiD6OAh1_myVbHA0l06mTNP4WpjoW1KwdUD2OsAwN-XzH1pC0wUNbb32ZPuKb_ZoeKNxCFzvo9oP/s1600/berlin5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum
features an inviting restaurant. Here we are having lunch and hoping to
gain energy to tackle and take in more of the exhibitions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r6IOcPQgk0M0TmVGrds97DFuTj5dq1gAevqWA5QBESIpeUjm1XV6ONcK7b30utYZ8GwCyiiWqxCRME9RH5Z_TZeAj8qx29xEg7M2iDJBlXpJaUgxQrIzRAdVdnH0ui9UN3wiarAqnzy0/s1600/berlin7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r6IOcPQgk0M0TmVGrds97DFuTj5dq1gAevqWA5QBESIpeUjm1XV6ONcK7b30utYZ8GwCyiiWqxCRME9RH5Z_TZeAj8qx29xEg7M2iDJBlXpJaUgxQrIzRAdVdnH0ui9UN3wiarAqnzy0/s1600/berlin7.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of the
walk through 1500 years of German history, there's comprehensive
coverage of the events leading up to and during WWII. The hand-held
audio tour is very helpful when trying to take in as much information as
possible. In the background to this photo is a model of the <i>Great Hall of the People</i>, planned in 1938.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAehxQR50x5MwWTEXxgU12-w4R0Aq04IqJyhyEZ16v6T5ofZYKFbbcdJO82Ee9ykzZLociBUYMloXZKWyp4qwZIL_fJBqMib85YovlRMmHUmf3YQnAR6Xg5NsImjX-G9W9ZJPQmDnU5DR/s1600/berlin8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAehxQR50x5MwWTEXxgU12-w4R0Aq04IqJyhyEZ16v6T5ofZYKFbbcdJO82Ee9ykzZLociBUYMloXZKWyp4qwZIL_fJBqMib85YovlRMmHUmf3YQnAR6Xg5NsImjX-G9W9ZJPQmDnU5DR/s1600/berlin8.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">File photos of inmates at the Auschwitz concentration camp, 1942.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGesZKAF5QHByDmPM0ZqfohHM7tHNOcdAd7GILPsVCIsFR0ySAo8zZtWr5wflMdazMnnRFJa8qRMnhitvo-tRnbtukYgZRiNSR__3VFmNd-M_eY1_EUDNbsK89Pw6Ug7JYyNm4OU4s_NIZ/s1600/berlin9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGesZKAF5QHByDmPM0ZqfohHM7tHNOcdAd7GILPsVCIsFR0ySAo8zZtWr5wflMdazMnnRFJa8qRMnhitvo-tRnbtukYgZRiNSR__3VFmNd-M_eY1_EUDNbsK89Pw6Ug7JYyNm4OU4s_NIZ/s1600/berlin9.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerful visual illustrating the fracturing of Nazi Germany by 4 key Allies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the museum, we visited the
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also referred to as the
Holocaust Memorial, located just south of the Brandenburg Gate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkkNpOioUKe6exZXXyaZtUDpUrpsN1A_iUjWtRKrCx4ug5bvtw2sQU0UjgUK9f1WJzMOw72Lm4Dof0_C7xXOzDZ609dUjnRcGeAL_QltCy0IHgsWte9kol3Dhhk4VitdEQTQ0cdwZT1oi/s1600/berlin12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkkNpOioUKe6exZXXyaZtUDpUrpsN1A_iUjWtRKrCx4ug5bvtw2sQU0UjgUK9f1WJzMOw72Lm4Dof0_C7xXOzDZ609dUjnRcGeAL_QltCy0IHgsWte9kol3Dhhk4VitdEQTQ0cdwZT1oi/s1600/berlin12.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandenburg
Gate: It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a
sign of peace and built by Carl Gotthard Langhans from 1788 to 1791. It
is built on the site of a former city gate that marked the start of the
road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of
Europe was inaugurated on May 10, 2005, 60 years after the end of WWII.
It consists of 2,711 gray concrete slabs, or stelae.
They are identical in their horizontal dimensions (reminiscent of
coffins), differing vertically (from eight inches to more than fifteen
feet tall), arranged in a precise rectilinear array over 4.7 acres,
allowing for long, straight, and narrow alleys between them. The
dropping and undulating ground, combined with the increased height of
the stelae are meant to communicate how Jews felt trapped by a Nazi
regime that permeated a continent. The architect was Peter Eisenman.
There is no significance to the
number of slabs he chose. Like most modern public art, this Holocaust
Memorial has received it's share of criticism. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMHCrzFCJ1fo6tpNYC1ZYrhJne_LDBXN0djs5opS6MARIs1BGAf3DgPUXqoZ6ESag1qf7QkjdIHtUzI6bBOdOuA7GxilNkUEeAMh-_EkJhw3BzAscvZtqHXbC8W4Gg_NJq9MAn_jYi4MY/s1600/berlin10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMHCrzFCJ1fo6tpNYC1ZYrhJne_LDBXN0djs5opS6MARIs1BGAf3DgPUXqoZ6ESag1qf7QkjdIHtUzI6bBOdOuA7GxilNkUEeAMh-_EkJhw3BzAscvZtqHXbC8W4Gg_NJq9MAn_jYi4MY/s1600/berlin10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the "short
end" of the memorial, one is inclined to sit and rest....and reflect.
Many probably take this moment to check email if one had a smart phone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KwmKiQ2ZDEwTGaOtJWXIuuSdEVICB8G0TXBR_dsmog7ihHqVPHS3spfc7RHyukQICeedpgJPyXHy1dE2HcGAaELDVqoDuqvhNXDTabIZc_nDcaKvPMcwX-FxuK-KiYYzDb8lIiq2leAv/s1600/berlin11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KwmKiQ2ZDEwTGaOtJWXIuuSdEVICB8G0TXBR_dsmog7ihHqVPHS3spfc7RHyukQICeedpgJPyXHy1dE2HcGAaELDVqoDuqvhNXDTabIZc_nDcaKvPMcwX-FxuK-KiYYzDb8lIiq2leAv/s1600/berlin11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The further
one walks into the memorial, there is a growing feeling of
claustrophobia. One feels dwarfed and consumed by these stelae. Many children visiting here however have a strong urge to play
hide and seek, my own included.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 5th</b>, we had a full day planned with two museums to cover and later that evening, dinner with friends. Our first stop was at the Jewish Museum.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_wL3Eoi5fuYec9WTqgYOBtvVMp5U6tqBIhmmGVskLPV1XE3ZfEv8TIo1C355p79MUm-STk3ChpHRt-PGWjXCiJp-rnX9LTAx_KKlpYkNdIgkVpzyxVVIc7ooEON-Mlu5hbpxS0Oragjl/s1600/berlin13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_wL3Eoi5fuYec9WTqgYOBtvVMp5U6tqBIhmmGVskLPV1XE3ZfEv8TIo1C355p79MUm-STk3ChpHRt-PGWjXCiJp-rnX9LTAx_KKlpYkNdIgkVpzyxVVIc7ooEON-Mlu5hbpxS0Oragjl/s1600/berlin13.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Berlin Jewish Museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe and covers 2 millennia of German-Jewish history. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSoLPPBvIT5GOhTdnkDKgTDRD1_dtjtg0pe0EbwRDOXXd-DXaWV1molLZVR3yLrU__6yRIJAfzSS2O2EVWj6ldPgNobvsOENagddZOPjteRE-3sYJnIjEBzxGgZhm16dINrme2lo639SU/s1600/berlin14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSoLPPBvIT5GOhTdnkDKgTDRD1_dtjtg0pe0EbwRDOXXd-DXaWV1molLZVR3yLrU__6yRIJAfzSS2O2EVWj6ldPgNobvsOENagddZOPjteRE-3sYJnIjEBzxGgZhm16dINrme2lo639SU/s1600/berlin14.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Unusual
success story: Hoping to escape poverty and hunger, the widow Rebecca
Strauss, emigrated from Bavaria to America in 1847 taking along her 3
youngest children. In America, her youngest son sold cloth to
California's gold diggers. Together with a tailor, he developed a rugged
kind of work pants: Jeans with copper rivets. His name soon went around
the world: Levi Strauss."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsW-9QqhERg9qSeeSqv-7VJVsn8WJy5ukxRSDLK1zgR_lA3iQyOerXwUuxH7-dYtMB95Wy-yvZGtrjC0HSqzMeKjDF41mTuaUP3exbGC_OvMQS6ZBXRjeHkaryxN4zCz1F8-zihZiDNra/s1600/berlin19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsW-9QqhERg9qSeeSqv-7VJVsn8WJy5ukxRSDLK1zgR_lA3iQyOerXwUuxH7-dYtMB95Wy-yvZGtrjC0HSqzMeKjDF41mTuaUP3exbGC_OvMQS6ZBXRjeHkaryxN4zCz1F8-zihZiDNra/s1600/berlin19.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786): He was was a German Jewish philosopher to whose ideas the <i>Haskalah</i>,
the 'Jewish enlightenment' of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,
is indebted; he was the first Jew to bring secular culture to those
living an Orthodox Jewish life. He valued reason and felt anyone could
arrive logically at religious truths. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44ojKG-NPcpZAC-pB_TgEeWgQlZrBKhRikaZj15XZMy5Jmaiy8DFcydlesNvssDKOwQUIW47rdkEEzdKrYq0KM68y7ROeYlNyhvDEgbBCkwufFUZ2np8u2rZfYTbOBByIuP64VuUXtfib/s1600/berlin15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44ojKG-NPcpZAC-pB_TgEeWgQlZrBKhRikaZj15XZMy5Jmaiy8DFcydlesNvssDKOwQUIW47rdkEEzdKrYq0KM68y7ROeYlNyhvDEgbBCkwufFUZ2np8u2rZfYTbOBByIuP64VuUXtfib/s1600/berlin15.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in the
installation Shalekhet (Fallen Leaves): At first I was horrified to see
Sarah walking on this display but later learned that visitors are
invited to walk on the faces and listen to the sounds
created by the metal sheets, as they clang and rattle against one
another. Over 10,000 open-mouthed faces coarsely cut from heavy,
circular iron plates cover the floor. They represent, not only the
innocent Jews murdered in Europe during WWII, but all victims of
violence and war.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8uoCjzNYEpEPUpwlzu8tvpsp5LX78ZmWsAtS2AC3znlsD7Wo3TTkuS3Yw0FEbn_JDNMbWbiYN8zwJCGVyLakaBwxo3_0sRYVIhGt38RiLaL-yHRn2AtEIE8x3oSrecoqHa0kSg3Fj0Ep/s1600/berlin16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8uoCjzNYEpEPUpwlzu8tvpsp5LX78ZmWsAtS2AC3znlsD7Wo3TTkuS3Yw0FEbn_JDNMbWbiYN8zwJCGVyLakaBwxo3_0sRYVIhGt38RiLaL-yHRn2AtEIE8x3oSrecoqHa0kSg3Fj0Ep/s1600/berlin16.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the
Holocaust Tower: This is a narrow, irregularly-shaped cell with very
high walls. The roof is black, though a small amount of light falls from
a single
diagonal opening which allows sounds from the outside world to drift in.
Otherwise one hears only the echoing scrape of one's own shoes and the
rustling of other visitors.
The room is meant to give visitors a brief sense of what it was like to
be incarcerated by the Nazis. It's a relief to exit the room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxpu6Zg9EDyhyphenhyphen92Su3XGgmIfxjUNrO37LLO-oXwOLFoSkGsmFUbTxtQytwnQZD6KQuAyy2w8Pk7uTF_SxlCyhl7W5r3Zf841jJbuXlbERpVmO9SPnraBvimfBFjOJpuBop4BwTo6J9A0m/s1600/berlin18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxpu6Zg9EDyhyphenhyphen92Su3XGgmIfxjUNrO37LLO-oXwOLFoSkGsmFUbTxtQytwnQZD6KQuAyy2w8Pk7uTF_SxlCyhl7W5r3Zf841jJbuXlbERpVmO9SPnraBvimfBFjOJpuBop4BwTo6J9A0m/s1600/berlin18.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ongoing tapes
of Nazi trials are shown as well as interviews with German citizens
asking their opinion of whether or not alleged Nazi supporters should
still be convicted for their crimes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG7Tfq95efNJ8dYY-lGSmdX7tSak3sz9WPHbYdaMOOhmzbfETrMorEwpwkdiOY64bgnkQpg27ThwyT8BOLY5kFmsxHdQ3Yoe2CCivVX3HCWqdeaNw9wx7QT8gubE98U_KsT-k31QhkbKZ/s1600/berlin17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG7Tfq95efNJ8dYY-lGSmdX7tSak3sz9WPHbYdaMOOhmzbfETrMorEwpwkdiOY64bgnkQpg27ThwyT8BOLY5kFmsxHdQ3Yoe2CCivVX3HCWqdeaNw9wx7QT8gubE98U_KsT-k31QhkbKZ/s1600/berlin17.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garden of Exile: Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the garden is intended to represent the experience of European Jewish exiles, driven
from their homes during World War II. Standing in between the rows of
forty-nine concrete container columns gives a claustrophobic, disorienting
experience, where you are aware that logically, escape is very close but
physically, you feel as if you are trapped forever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon leaving the Jewish Museum, our next stop was someplace completely different, the
Computerspielmuseum (Computer Games Museum). Anyone born in 1970 or
afterwards will love this place, particularly if you're looking for a
break from days of heavy German history lessons. The permanent
exhibition is focused on the history of games and how they have evolved
over the years. There are over 300 exhibits with the opportunity to play
some classics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJgwUBLFV96tlNhJDC8m8-xfmxr3JfVYiWZNzbhwsynp6kfNyFfep1NuFCxmQE2vR4F3Owk92t6VjntLx5Y4wR9jb1V05YgTwZpF8p2ikLBxooMWUs_V8x-yFWbJNvm4_VPNnXvYWQwmf/s1600/berlin25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJgwUBLFV96tlNhJDC8m8-xfmxr3JfVYiWZNzbhwsynp6kfNyFfep1NuFCxmQE2vR4F3Owk92t6VjntLx5Y4wR9jb1V05YgTwZpF8p2ikLBxooMWUs_V8x-yFWbJNvm4_VPNnXvYWQwmf/s1600/berlin25.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of old, familiar equipment is on display on the "Wall of Hardware".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRaaGeAKQyqtwwFycdwpFjjFUmn1rDqXVW4lWP1f5201cPSZi0GMlA6IuS-kya-z54uCxa51iDktwnjj1k4pb_tAuHl6eaIf_iTFSLSeSO7a7ZYmXbtN7omDjce-6lLfIiQNhp59naspm/s1600/berlin21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRaaGeAKQyqtwwFycdwpFjjFUmn1rDqXVW4lWP1f5201cPSZi0GMlA6IuS-kya-z54uCxa51iDktwnjj1k4pb_tAuHl6eaIf_iTFSLSeSO7a7ZYmXbtN7omDjce-6lLfIiQNhp59naspm/s1600/berlin21.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apple II (1977) is widely accepted as the product that kick-started the personal computer industry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9HWr3O0GNcYxQcI5syLvf_NxNhToqJ-4TjR0mw3OxQV3FTMIscce_CZytfXQUKlQXJCMFJgTjaQVpQmyW-vApLR7VyMVtuZJDNFuwenuBUzmTRN2dRfZ6QIzyayluPdsLq4_C37jEejl/s1600/berlin22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9HWr3O0GNcYxQcI5syLvf_NxNhToqJ-4TjR0mw3OxQV3FTMIscce_CZytfXQUKlQXJCMFJgTjaQVpQmyW-vApLR7VyMVtuZJDNFuwenuBUzmTRN2dRfZ6QIzyayluPdsLq4_C37jEejl/s1600/berlin22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors can try out a number of devices and games. Here, Sarah is playing on the Nintendo 3DS (2011).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMxssSb_svNrcIKW5Gj6SqSLNsr8J8yxLQoWMpbAWdlQyk4NPHIlN3amI4NUQd8nOdPNIgIOM2sJpLVb7F3AMp4crp2cCQRiSdAj0w2Psi2jrhL8L_YdAaWxssm52raRMktSuYwbYsHl/s1600/berlin23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMxssSb_svNrcIKW5Gj6SqSLNsr8J8yxLQoWMpbAWdlQyk4NPHIlN3amI4NUQd8nOdPNIgIOM2sJpLVb7F3AMp4crp2cCQRiSdAj0w2Psi2jrhL8L_YdAaWxssm52raRMktSuYwbYsHl/s1600/berlin23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all tried out wipEout HD (2010) on the Sony 3-D monitor (2010).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_WOZ3iKyF1RquobNSLu5ODkr8_CBCnzqcTALmrrM2Pe6yTlTLsqSamRryh2_o7AUZoqWwh_ZCUfzkcJy40vCPMDQZvZDedYFn1oLKaTw0Gfq3PMXTDL0Lvh9qlavLUhF6_opcJTXWyon/s1600/berlin24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_WOZ3iKyF1RquobNSLu5ODkr8_CBCnzqcTALmrrM2Pe6yTlTLsqSamRryh2_o7AUZoqWwh_ZCUfzkcJy40vCPMDQZvZDedYFn1oLKaTw0Gfq3PMXTDL0Lvh9qlavLUhF6_opcJTXWyon/s1600/berlin24.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the old arcade games were kind of fun too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening we had dinner with a friend
of mine, who also went to Miss Porter's School, and her husband and son.
It was wonderful to talk with people outside of our "immediate family";
we had great conversations catching up and comparing life in Germany vs
life in the US. It was a most enjoyable evening. <br />
<br />
On <b>June 6th</b>,
it was time to press our luck and take the Prius out of hiding in the
garage and leave Berlin. We gratefully managed to get out of the city
without getting pulled over and we arrived back at CampingPlatz
Holm-Seppensen after about a 4 hour drive. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAe2O-VkZDMKWeauskS_3pdc3LJP6Ety3186NYQbWi1cX7t3pRqCvpyYnuyrJQM9Hr0VzFIe9UM-qnNemFm2ONfeIsdVG-1NSNKH5EFV01C34YcoiWXomvS2IQmVuDtuH0mECzIFSPGC22/s1600/berlin26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAe2O-VkZDMKWeauskS_3pdc3LJP6Ety3186NYQbWi1cX7t3pRqCvpyYnuyrJQM9Hr0VzFIe9UM-qnNemFm2ONfeIsdVG-1NSNKH5EFV01C34YcoiWXomvS2IQmVuDtuH0mECzIFSPGC22/s1600/berlin26.jpg" height="400" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first pass,
this could be misperceived as a speed limit sign. Notice the tank! It
is however a military bridge weight limit sign; the numbers are
referring to the MLC (Military Load Class) which is roughly equivalent
to the weight in tons. So, tanks up to MLC 50 are allowed to cross the
coming bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest of the day, the kids worked on school projects
and I worked on the blog. Vince was absorbed researching how to get
LandShark back to the US, having decided that we couldn't confidently
sell it before we flew back ourselves. He was in communication with a
family who also did an interview on the <i>Family Adventure</i> podcast,
finding out how they shipped their 5th wheel back, and giving us some
options as to what carrier to use.<br />
<br />
On <b>June 7th</b>, we
drove to our next destination, DCU Absalon Copenhagen Campground, on the
outskirts of Copenhagen. James was my co-pilot. We took the Scandlines
ferry from Puttgarden to Roedby. The crossing took only about 45
minutes, just long enough to have an open-faced shrimp and egg sandwich.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TGPD7y_BJ5Wgy9UUYUB3zU93slM18ZO1EmlCmL536jDYek_nDNe_fawAWN9hPO-OCSRCU44on9WumBed_5lFdurg3_f-nz7xTk0RVslfL36oujHI9DkX7PjGGT02TGr-0xPVK8SMUQCl/s1600/puttgarden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TGPD7y_BJ5Wgy9UUYUB3zU93slM18ZO1EmlCmL536jDYek_nDNe_fawAWN9hPO-OCSRCU44on9WumBed_5lFdurg3_f-nz7xTk0RVslfL36oujHI9DkX7PjGGT02TGr-0xPVK8SMUQCl/s1600/puttgarden.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A final farewell and glance back at Germany.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
about 5 hours, James and I finally arrived at the DCU Absalon
Copenhagen Campground. We were about 90 minutes ahead of Vince and the
others, having traveled on an earlier ferry. Even at that, the check-in
was so slow that I was just finishing up when LandShark pulled in!
Nevertheless, the campground was great and everything else worked out.<br />
<br />
On <b>June 8th</b>,
we went to the <span class="st">Nationalmuseet (National Museum) in Copenhagen</span> which is Denmark's largest museum of
cultural history, where one can follow the history of the Danes right up
until present day. Like many Scandinavian museums, the National Museum
has a fantastic area dedicated for children. In fact it's set up as a
separate entity, the Children's Museum. And to make this stop a complete
no-brainer, the museum is free.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwGdBHMddAW4UEeuKU56dZyVHX8D1U1no0krM7hMvsqJA1iUnat7rbmFX5l5WR522sgiEtyHFYJ71lXFgawyAAcKCxI7CUl4WNc9E4jXFEqmVofGd0R7Orzbj4bIqVNlySYTf_sqjcEyp/s1600/museum5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwGdBHMddAW4UEeuKU56dZyVHX8D1U1no0krM7hMvsqJA1iUnat7rbmFX5l5WR522sgiEtyHFYJ71lXFgawyAAcKCxI7CUl4WNc9E4jXFEqmVofGd0R7Orzbj4bIqVNlySYTf_sqjcEyp/s1600/museum5.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Children's Museum, kids can dress up and pilot a ship.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDdKi-83rWmauOwV9Mbpvz5xjK6StZQR_EfP4eeo0Fu32hpLch8yn2MUYPRj4qWS_KINsUolZ1Wb-4sdQUbOx1h1Qh5-7-bVRb3ppy4yguVsUVHsE12eYeqj6YMQUtIled0ivVSD1zq7J/s1600/museum1.jpg" height="297" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They can wear authentic viking armor (realistic also weight-wise) and ride into battle to defend the fortress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRWO9UcGpZzF5JOfugQb8s9lTJQO7ikJqQb2-dlq5X_Sg5_hNVq8a6Ch-DISaZgOTLMEeOGTWflawZnVudJn65tyJwkUrcb6dGFL2yFxCLhrf4VCXPsM-lCgoc3TV8b566Fo2ec0aUk4c/s1600/museum2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRWO9UcGpZzF5JOfugQb8s9lTJQO7ikJqQb2-dlq5X_Sg5_hNVq8a6Ch-DISaZgOTLMEeOGTWflawZnVudJn65tyJwkUrcb6dGFL2yFxCLhrf4VCXPsM-lCgoc3TV8b566Fo2ec0aUk4c/s1600/museum2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They can help each other build a wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpYqxGwimNwm8gW5UXRw2Zz6S-FEIe78AXHvpCZ2s1zXVFlzIQY2ZA65u9Cr0eQI_cpo7bePhwJR_5CEa_3BMkms24g9yAaUxK7k_UoRBKwY-ij5NPmv4OvpEQ_GGE4S2QnlTbAKLmftA/s1600/museum6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpYqxGwimNwm8gW5UXRw2Zz6S-FEIe78AXHvpCZ2s1zXVFlzIQY2ZA65u9Cr0eQI_cpo7bePhwJR_5CEa_3BMkms24g9yAaUxK7k_UoRBKwY-ij5NPmv4OvpEQ_GGE4S2QnlTbAKLmftA/s1600/museum6.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They can shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioTYUoXqOp5vIOaPNTs3JOGC-jDw_C81btmzzEOVk2d8CCvwvP4VaKZPEw-j3Fvu3NJOe73JIs7O_mhXE7supKv5S9sJjX67s29oDmIzimGy1nlxsA98HNsqep1qGrdQ3B5TvEstqxIXY/s1600/museum7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioTYUoXqOp5vIOaPNTs3JOGC-jDw_C81btmzzEOVk2d8CCvwvP4VaKZPEw-j3Fvu3NJOe73JIs7O_mhXE7supKv5S9sJjX67s29oDmIzimGy1nlxsA98HNsqep1qGrdQ3B5TvEstqxIXY/s1600/museum7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The can prepare food. What's on the menu? Herring, of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQYhe-xp_FpPgUI4wlzxClvpOQKvPPiih2J6F0w00VyWC4El-eeZj3XN9I23idYpupfcJ46GCrerBV6v3x7UuML97AN-0V3sl57oy2neyJbSOvK0MS_LZEa2N0-mXuEaG9veG0a6Ofywe/s1600/museum8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQYhe-xp_FpPgUI4wlzxClvpOQKvPPiih2J6F0w00VyWC4El-eeZj3XN9I23idYpupfcJ46GCrerBV6v3x7UuML97AN-0V3sl57oy2neyJbSOvK0MS_LZEa2N0-mXuEaG9veG0a6Ofywe/s1600/museum8.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They
can go to school in a 1920's classroom. The kids spent an unusually
long time here; perhaps they were missing the real thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD8a99eNQLMlQ_G0z5xiLv25UyD-_4u2CvXpcrxSpFVo9UI9QowuA2tPRHp8l7jzFIDqFzCGgkaPUxn6vh0Nucmd3zUJ0mGLkfzFuBa0ifMDmhDKxPHDP3FpCl2Z5WzMgGf68GHRwgU3g/s1600/museum3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD8a99eNQLMlQ_G0z5xiLv25UyD-_4u2CvXpcrxSpFVo9UI9QowuA2tPRHp8l7jzFIDqFzCGgkaPUxn6vh0Nucmd3zUJ0mGLkfzFuBa0ifMDmhDKxPHDP3FpCl2Z5WzMgGf68GHRwgU3g/s1600/museum3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
small boat named "Fafner" is a replica of a type called a faering.
Fafner, together with 3 other boats, was buried with a Viking chief in
Gokstad in Norway around the year 900. Paul and Sarah don't care; it's
all about the battle for them. Don't think Sarah's fish is going to
stack up well against Paul's sword.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXIQMc8nS6fucUnBf-0sS1nB4Fh29sep4Or4qqPQwHqkU5mFptlAa-BUgyTL5um3Cpb542fHEYibSOpSCqqe-ZHftoBFjPxmp-fuOUOsXd9d_WneOW_xOJmvbRx4l_qhppFZA5s5yPmRS/s1600/museum4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXIQMc8nS6fucUnBf-0sS1nB4Fh29sep4Or4qqPQwHqkU5mFptlAa-BUgyTL5um3Cpb542fHEYibSOpSCqqe-ZHftoBFjPxmp-fuOUOsXd9d_WneOW_xOJmvbRx4l_qhppFZA5s5yPmRS/s1600/museum4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass-ceiling foyer is an excellent architectural feature, providing as much light as possible during those short, dark winter days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTguml0KE3cPflZaIeK-PaThDvN_ekEUV36zweui4S1qG2BNJeNJAML47CFY7Twy-eOAmmoIsQXrALpcAvxLkovj_tvjYoCsfGieEmotDK2fsygtrV5zBoEg_C8PCuWyPLqzLNl2OApYCG/s1600/museum9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTguml0KE3cPflZaIeK-PaThDvN_ekEUV36zweui4S1qG2BNJeNJAML47CFY7Twy-eOAmmoIsQXrALpcAvxLkovj_tvjYoCsfGieEmotDK2fsygtrV5zBoEg_C8PCuWyPLqzLNl2OApYCG/s1600/museum9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It
wasn't easy, but I finally got the kids out of the Children's Museum
and we spent some time walking through the permanent collection. Here we
learned that Evangelical Lutheranism has been the official state faith
of Denmark since the Reformation in 1536.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZVKslsxs7ayhCjU0IuDt9s_RZ3FX8YLJtQUhTtGPUCX7w4NTdJR4H363iZGzFa4TrJ61p9ah3PIMO0Mn6jK8MqPOmghGwXW6PFFP6KFiCSpKe2ln6ardPNHDpk8yhHCr2wZ1sA2MVWM/s1600/museum10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZVKslsxs7ayhCjU0IuDt9s_RZ3FX8YLJtQUhTtGPUCX7w4NTdJR4H363iZGzFa4TrJ61p9ah3PIMO0Mn6jK8MqPOmghGwXW6PFFP6KFiCSpKe2ln6ardPNHDpk8yhHCr2wZ1sA2MVWM/s1600/museum10.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It
wouldn't be a complete historical visit to the Danish National Museum
without commentary on the country's sexual liberation. In the 1960s,
sexuality and sexual morality were heavily debated. In 1966, the
contraceptive pill reached Denmark and the country was the first to legalize
pornography in 1969.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HlmH4m_OUnMjws7NND06iZ08TosVNxZaKgojxPeJgWlc6oeIYl15LuDwKExt4lKV80196zZOLxz6xMobLS8S6nbMJELrlyc21uI2FkXtfGvD6kZs2PmUMtGLEvWNGO5X_D6Mn_O0kSGb/s1600/museum11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HlmH4m_OUnMjws7NND06iZ08TosVNxZaKgojxPeJgWlc6oeIYl15LuDwKExt4lKV80196zZOLxz6xMobLS8S6nbMJELrlyc21uI2FkXtfGvD6kZs2PmUMtGLEvWNGO5X_D6Mn_O0kSGb/s1600/museum11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christiansborg
Palace is part of the National Museum. It was the residence of Crown
Prince Frederik (V) and Crown Princess Louise, as well as other members
of the royal family.<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span>Here,
Paul is standing in the Great Hall; decorated in 1745, it is the most
prestigious room in the palace and is where the royal family sat on
festive occasions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the National Museum, we walked a while around the center of Copenhagen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHW1zTZc_360ah_sHdBnw278KwIOiiIgTFU7KxO-iB9U9X3_34X2ZScGWkWwtXFZFipqTdfkgD9NVsJwPhMQcOksquVrk3q-TbnIzwZUpwJRmAnz2L8-QdENxpC7rYV1Cy77Ur7qE-k_d/s1600/amalian1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHW1zTZc_360ah_sHdBnw278KwIOiiIgTFU7KxO-iB9U9X3_34X2ZScGWkWwtXFZFipqTdfkgD9NVsJwPhMQcOksquVrk3q-TbnIzwZUpwJRmAnz2L8-QdENxpC7rYV1Cy77Ur7qE-k_d/s1600/amalian1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christiansborg Palace with a statue of Christian IX in the distant courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5NnslGG3VZBGuZ5ppXH-Xd7IwTuV9RvPEba_GAV4M-OW7UGYw94pWO6Up3M7pGBeJiuqkfaX6ShhiBSb1aku7aQRn-dzvqF-wBbpbFvpAeOXMKRVsWGcXt0EvqLJlgm-LzrnfxsNaznx/s1600/amalien2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5NnslGG3VZBGuZ5ppXH-Xd7IwTuV9RvPEba_GAV4M-OW7UGYw94pWO6Up3M7pGBeJiuqkfaX6ShhiBSb1aku7aQRn-dzvqF-wBbpbFvpAeOXMKRVsWGcXt0EvqLJlgm-LzrnfxsNaznx/s1600/amalien2.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slotsholmen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeK8MHm4B1e_R8rKzahMQaoMcbiNWMyceGxmB8_J4NlGZrdNH-bfO14mf2BwiyBInzr6QAkXBxSE68ypRxM9tNDGFFOGDd2jz7ko_3p-GvYDqDNAcekaRbHKi1Z986hJZLUCqN1aPvsCL/s1600/amalien.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeK8MHm4B1e_R8rKzahMQaoMcbiNWMyceGxmB8_J4NlGZrdNH-bfO14mf2BwiyBInzr6QAkXBxSE68ypRxM9tNDGFFOGDd2jz7ko_3p-GvYDqDNAcekaRbHKi1Z986hJZLUCqN1aPvsCL/s1600/amalien.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many silly tourists can you stuff into a guard's house?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaxDjALsU3mQiLtXtz5Boz1V-HaQbMKHd7T7vZJ_h1kxx2hgHc3OWnNoO06_rI8mtB2JhB1CdZVgmltSDAgmBQ_YOCN7gDAlZuTmZ4-fpX66V2bcXoeJQSicP2Dk_bNShFxDxtxUQIged/s1600/bishop+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaxDjALsU3mQiLtXtz5Boz1V-HaQbMKHd7T7vZJ_h1kxx2hgHc3OWnNoO06_rI8mtB2JhB1CdZVgmltSDAgmBQ_YOCN7gDAlZuTmZ4-fpX66V2bcXoeJQSicP2Dk_bNShFxDxtxUQIged/s1600/bishop+a.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue
of Bishop Absalon (1128-1201). He has an interesting story, too
detailed to add here but in general was known for supporting a time of
peace in Denmark following periods of civil war.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThm0lsAABd0DAolr-dYjc7ASBXChtW3Q8N2SG5UZgbdWR5Fi5xRChqgtKInTnqkfAyQZN4POh0awIlpnEkn9Gui3LdspVC0lALwYVyurIwqsX3PJfHIkBdpH3esfcwjlGu37qCp9NLbKV/s1600/radhus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThm0lsAABd0DAolr-dYjc7ASBXChtW3Q8N2SG5UZgbdWR5Fi5xRChqgtKInTnqkfAyQZN4POh0awIlpnEkn9Gui3LdspVC0lALwYVyurIwqsX3PJfHIkBdpH3esfcwjlGu37qCp9NLbKV/s1600/radhus.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Copenhagen <span class="st">Rådhus (city hall) tower from Vester Voldgade.<i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 9th</b>,
we arranged to meet friends of Vincent's at a medieval market at Valby Parken. We
thought the venue would be a fun experience for the kids and would hopefully give the
adults a chance to catch up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m6Lje-F-A1TNB69z8ydgWg_bAXR6FqVd6PvAg2tZpB8gl1DZP2BWu0P5xoFdTz_56bI7dOuUtAGrAmEQNL3qL31P0ju07cjUZLx4KEdOcBB7RzdsGM1khwTuZOZBuj2hpGrAmEfn0Qq5/s1600/fair2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m6Lje-F-A1TNB69z8ydgWg_bAXR6FqVd6PvAg2tZpB8gl1DZP2BWu0P5xoFdTz_56bI7dOuUtAGrAmEQNL3qL31P0ju07cjUZLx4KEdOcBB7RzdsGM1khwTuZOZBuj2hpGrAmEfn0Qq5/s1600/fair2.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Copenhagen's medieval market </span>showcased knights, vikings and medieval camps.
There were demonstrations of craftsmanship such as jewelry- and
clothes-making, blacksmithing, war arts and musical entertainment
representative of the era. There were games for kids and lots of things
for sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBfywxeP-szj0OT1jYySB6frwwnhV8AvcHfsURJBA1F2tI4dVgYKggv_ncg5c95JZcXcyscoz8p68B09ST_OROQsE42UD_yKlmSdPEo5Y4_-xQNwQXDExG7wyxStWk_ZxkglwAC2vLGsq/s1600/valby1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBfywxeP-szj0OT1jYySB6frwwnhV8AvcHfsURJBA1F2tI4dVgYKggv_ncg5c95JZcXcyscoz8p68B09ST_OROQsE42UD_yKlmSdPEo5Y4_-xQNwQXDExG7wyxStWk_ZxkglwAC2vLGsq/s1600/valby1.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock battle ensues.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmFt_JfrA72bkao7FeE6wQzmnl6lIdRW9qDvcjNJbRew6PSxioQw-yjYeQbc38sozR3KY7GkQCZFf3ZegEEAnls8lD7YpmpiUk7JjoWpwZ8WgK_VNmpGdtyf4x3nmVfcvug6azK4k1vNP/s1600/valby2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmFt_JfrA72bkao7FeE6wQzmnl6lIdRW9qDvcjNJbRew6PSxioQw-yjYeQbc38sozR3KY7GkQCZFf3ZegEEAnls8lD7YpmpiUk7JjoWpwZ8WgK_VNmpGdtyf4x3nmVfcvug6azK4k1vNP/s1600/valby2.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red team lost. Or maybe they collapsed from heat stroke; it was uncharacteristically hot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucXa2rRLGcT4YTA_BVSRuAiWu5juXvnZOvaGo1w_Z-mONwQALz8Dom0j1D2O62RlUCabgiUm79eKtsG8Nl55JNl8X5UFf0BrHKSu5cBsTzJalvCXIRJuB7JHS43SAU7cajDsQkvLjcxF_/s1600/fair1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucXa2rRLGcT4YTA_BVSRuAiWu5juXvnZOvaGo1w_Z-mONwQALz8Dom0j1D2O62RlUCabgiUm79eKtsG8Nl55JNl8X5UFf0BrHKSu5cBsTzJalvCXIRJuB7JHS43SAU7cajDsQkvLjcxF_/s1600/fair1.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul purchased a crossbow and spent some time aiming at unsuspecting targets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmvDF7uNbrNcT-z2q-J3j1F4wJqmjFeKQgZVk2HEGxYlG4DZvuIlfsa9srBhFNeBzfblslVzgqMNBxNMQv0Mb0EJHvOKrKGH3NEMFLGDR8yrTSFOCs9lacDtTzP6qj4_-ff109SSOja65/s1600/valby3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmvDF7uNbrNcT-z2q-J3j1F4wJqmjFeKQgZVk2HEGxYlG4DZvuIlfsa9srBhFNeBzfblslVzgqMNBxNMQv0Mb0EJHvOKrKGH3NEMFLGDR8yrTSFOCs9lacDtTzP6qj4_-ff109SSOja65/s1600/valby3.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are this mother and son actors or did they too collapse from heat stroke?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUnr1iM0aiVHk2gCtfFueYoONVmClB7Bt4lIUsM1qEUEwZxWOPd5Kmr6HKNSY5MrHyzxrqcy5bKNotcGPOifoLJF2jV8ymiC95rONRMJQ8TtwyNZv54ILd2Mt8XiSFyrSOqaL6GyMtWlc/s1600/fair3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUnr1iM0aiVHk2gCtfFueYoONVmClB7Bt4lIUsM1qEUEwZxWOPd5Kmr6HKNSY5MrHyzxrqcy5bKNotcGPOifoLJF2jV8ymiC95rONRMJQ8TtwyNZv54ILd2Mt8XiSFyrSOqaL6GyMtWlc/s1600/fair3.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After
a couple hours, we had our fill of the medieval market and walked over
to the children's playground in Valby Park. Like many playgrounds in
Denmark, the natural terrain was an integral part of the playground
itself. The kids however spent most of their time climbing trees and
seeking shade and relief from the extremely bright and hot sunlight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>June 10th</b>, we had all planned to visit Tivoli which is Copenhagen's reknown
amusement park and pleasure garden. This was a special "main event"
family outing. I had been to Tivoli once or twice years before during the winter
time so was looking forward to seeing it in the prime season.
Unfortunately, James woke up that morning feeling very ill and so sadly
had to stay behind with Molly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsjXgsuM2_18tI4VfAt5MQpfpITKNEqs6AdmamQ52nPvVuYhx8w3iF-YK-rEuc2_0x4Gb3FHudZietZ8esbFIufZFmlssJ3uE5csRVQhnW_LpKFJc_gsJS3644dyKQdKo9zyePajWRmsT/s1600/tivoli1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsjXgsuM2_18tI4VfAt5MQpfpITKNEqs6AdmamQ52nPvVuYhx8w3iF-YK-rEuc2_0x4Gb3FHudZietZ8esbFIufZFmlssJ3uE5csRVQhnW_LpKFJc_gsJS3644dyKQdKo9zyePajWRmsT/s1600/tivoli1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tivoli opened in August 1843 and is the second oldest amusement park in the world after Dyrehavsbakken (opening in 1583) just north of Copenhagen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tivoli was founded by Georg Carstensen who obtained a five-year charter to create the park by telling King Christian VIII that "when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics". Apparently when Walt Disney visited Tivoli with his wife in 1951, he was inspired by the park's lush flowery landscape, cleanliness and family fun atmosphere and wanted to emulate that at his own Disneyland, which opened 4 years later.<br />
<br />
I discovered that visiting Tivoli during the spring/summer is a very
different experience than doing so off-season. And we could not have
been there on a more perfect day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and
the colors of the gardens, buildings and rides were so rich and
brilliant. I believe this was my favorite theme park experience I'd ever
had. Many of the rides were unique and most had some kind of story to
tell in the design details. We had such a wonderful time here and highly
recommend it for families visiting the Copenhagen area.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-fvkUW80eodBbdnd1k17g5zcxsjboFYtaYh6uw8laRK_J87j7d364T8ZW14nO3SVN_xpjKg8WuPNb6Po-N9mE7875t3PptHK-TrXmORqDkQV-kzklI0I4EU30kaB4r5Ddqapbv4cC_Pi/s1600/tivoli9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-fvkUW80eodBbdnd1k17g5zcxsjboFYtaYh6uw8laRK_J87j7d364T8ZW14nO3SVN_xpjKg8WuPNb6Po-N9mE7875t3PptHK-TrXmORqDkQV-kzklI0I4EU30kaB4r5Ddqapbv4cC_Pi/s1600/tivoli9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nimb Hotel, opened in 1909, is a 5-star hotel built in a Moorish-inspired style located right on the Tivoli grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDteEli4zMrsBvCDbIOIeMDE4N6al981U__244L9rE2Q_jZ2RgFQhy6CwS_EH375uVGc3hjOYkxDb1CCSup7eZwBbtzrNJWstNiDbE_tdoBPLqnRw1jVYz-a1xhMfwRky3QPX1SY70R4TT/s1600/tivoli8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDteEli4zMrsBvCDbIOIeMDE4N6al981U__244L9rE2Q_jZ2RgFQhy6CwS_EH375uVGc3hjOYkxDb1CCSup7eZwBbtzrNJWstNiDbE_tdoBPLqnRw1jVYz-a1xhMfwRky3QPX1SY70R4TT/s1600/tivoli8.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tivoli is a 21-acre park and is beautifully landscaped with fountains and numerous flower
beds. The park boasts more than 111,000 custom-designed
lights that illuminate it at night and more than 400,000 colorful
flowers, including 65,000 tulips in the spring. It really is a visual pleasure to walk through. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOUXNKltCXGfF5AKbFbvydWxhtK9V7oNgH_FixUY902eV9bAzuZ7xaER5Dz_T-P-rwRcZSk9l7-ABLvhWmunXtTWTRoIU8KatT9WPuD_-AN7W416snhzv9wSUHt_lMXhyphenhyphenYoB5D7lq6R_F/s1600/tivoli10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOUXNKltCXGfF5AKbFbvydWxhtK9V7oNgH_FixUY902eV9bAzuZ7xaER5Dz_T-P-rwRcZSk9l7-ABLvhWmunXtTWTRoIU8KatT9WPuD_-AN7W416snhzv9wSUHt_lMXhyphenhyphenYoB5D7lq6R_F/s1600/tivoli10.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Galley Ships</i>: It's a carousel-type ride with extra thought and detail added. Sitting in your own ship, you go up and down, along with the waves, as you go around. In the center, a battle takes place involving canons being fired with smoke effects. It's fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIpgHBhO9OW6NRDQ4AObraIyDbrtvBaQgxEQtrcxjtRpo-xNrsuKw_EXowm1RMtPX02ZGO_nfxpW9tYq1be-30xLtBETQ6NrA8jnh4JhTUy3QWcKmDsWAn2yV9yJHFS-Vxcva3n-Em_Tz/s1600/tivoli2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIpgHBhO9OW6NRDQ4AObraIyDbrtvBaQgxEQtrcxjtRpo-xNrsuKw_EXowm1RMtPX02ZGO_nfxpW9tYq1be-30xLtBETQ6NrA8jnh4JhTUy3QWcKmDsWAn2yV9yJHFS-Vxcva3n-Em_Tz/s1600/tivoli2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Star Flyer</i>: It's a classic swing ride but rises up 80 meters making it one of the highest carousel rides in Northern Europe. How Paul got me on this ride, I'll never know. Absolutely terrifying for those of us afraid of heights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA5nD8hhbmZWZpyIRmNJmQEUQxoKBYZO2yrEzVGU1cHlUvsP7stwSZRi7Ky0k8yJS1kSfBTv9kxogyNVFMj7x8cw7HeOS8ZEuhOeuYrbJm45pF9WATFAGrw42WR4dqKbEK-0tnADgPaom/s1600/tivoli4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA5nD8hhbmZWZpyIRmNJmQEUQxoKBYZO2yrEzVGU1cHlUvsP7stwSZRi7Ky0k8yJS1kSfBTv9kxogyNVFMj7x8cw7HeOS8ZEuhOeuYrbJm45pF9WATFAGrw42WR4dqKbEK-0tnADgPaom/s1600/tivoli4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming from the land where 16 oz (475 ml) is a <i>small</i> and where it's not hard to find "Big Gulp" sizes of 40 and 64 oz (1.18 liters and 1.89 liters, respectively), we got a kick out of the tiny Tivoli refill cup. Kidding aside, it is a great concept; for 65 DKK, Paul got an armband that would let him refill the cup with Pepsi or other soda (including plain soda water) every 15 minutes. Let's just say there was some family sharing going on. With 4 of us, we each were set to have a drink every hour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RkcrX5fh0rdhJgCQZrBLAp19f4aY37E0ERUguwnQUtonjH89iEMMaOXUH11swlgRowy-oNqQdT0dw0JkNZ7ZLxstj9YhBjhqZem2DQXDVrSsr_qMRtJgyOTRj4aIArObRue6SW-xn46T/s1600/tivoli5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RkcrX5fh0rdhJgCQZrBLAp19f4aY37E0ERUguwnQUtonjH89iEMMaOXUH11swlgRowy-oNqQdT0dw0JkNZ7ZLxstj9YhBjhqZem2DQXDVrSsr_qMRtJgyOTRj4aIArObRue6SW-xn46T/s1600/tivoli5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Vintage Cars</i> and Sarah's 15 minutes with the communal soda cup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrZXCvz0sF9neRV56R5ofEsCgFMvcCKv9Mx67sFidQOBr0ED7Y1M2qTWsUjtnS2FMpry_nBwNfjXqWrVAFSTp4E4_Nji4iF2mW3oPALVcjYMp8HdTy6lrliOsXZxQno7ccQOzMa4cnJev/s1600/tivoli15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrZXCvz0sF9neRV56R5ofEsCgFMvcCKv9Mx67sFidQOBr0ED7Y1M2qTWsUjtnS2FMpry_nBwNfjXqWrVAFSTp4E4_Nji4iF2mW3oPALVcjYMp8HdTy6lrliOsXZxQno7ccQOzMa4cnJev/s1600/tivoli15.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rode the giant octopus on <i>Nautilus</i>: Riders themselves control moving up and down as they go around, and then touch down on water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZdbSKpQ_zUo04W1s3DZV8ijw7Rk9QAF-JBArkotqE4vM3TeU_roQZ8iP1ngZqOYZvqTQ7xD3O5BgrD8eYocTaxJczst0wr9FfXjiJR3M8ysVddMFInNqeWzdJW1C7z9a1Ubph7qXPiAo/s1600/tivoli16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZdbSKpQ_zUo04W1s3DZV8ijw7Rk9QAF-JBArkotqE4vM3TeU_roQZ8iP1ngZqOYZvqTQ7xD3O5BgrD8eYocTaxJczst0wr9FfXjiJR3M8ysVddMFInNqeWzdJW1C7z9a1Ubph7qXPiAo/s1600/tivoli16.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever wonder what it would be like to fly a WWII dive bomber? Then <i>Veritigo</i> is the ride for you. Riders experience 5 Gs going 100 km/hr. Nope, didn't ride this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs2XtgnuL6HRzB-dDO1mohMfgHpXRXpS_jc5VN2tUs9CiKbErhCR0Li8ENwL-Px1lo4PemuZG0A9BUa4Nas7I9zIfiK68uVGcbkZ5I1fQyDD-nHE2DsxuPIp077t-w_UO1L3sQyU68xzk/s1600/tivoli11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs2XtgnuL6HRzB-dDO1mohMfgHpXRXpS_jc5VN2tUs9CiKbErhCR0Li8ENwL-Px1lo4PemuZG0A9BUa4Nas7I9zIfiK68uVGcbkZ5I1fQyDD-nHE2DsxuPIp077t-w_UO1L3sQyU68xzk/s1600/tivoli11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the story scenes (The Little Mermaid) while riding the <i>Flying Trunk</i>: Here one sits in a trunk and goes on a journey through 32 of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales while listening to snippets of the tales (told in English or Danish). At the end, visitors meet Mr Andersen as he continues to write at his desk. It was cute.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNwFe0cnAtYJc4MRbv4i0KFS8qOGWbMx_OixCafv1DYSSnvqX9R_uV-G4w8rZi16PRpOUMKo7Qeu5qihHmpW3y2psHHH9vgYDBcYax5sW0KkFl7bUQzwbcPMsFPJA6s6R9QDrLEmX5SrQ/s1600/tivoli12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNwFe0cnAtYJc4MRbv4i0KFS8qOGWbMx_OixCafv1DYSSnvqX9R_uV-G4w8rZi16PRpOUMKo7Qeu5qihHmpW3y2psHHH9vgYDBcYax5sW0KkFl7bUQzwbcPMsFPJA6s6R9QDrLEmX5SrQ/s1600/tivoli12.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, Sarah and I on the <i>Temple Tower</i>: You have to work on this one which requires that riders pull themselves up in order to get the "drop experience". Requires upper body strength folks! Sarah wasn't pleased about the manual labor part.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsI3_onvskQQd5niaFGinvSvkPHu47wbgkP4AkABo0PO5Ryc62oFj4OW6RPEkc16BwuhcFD7_FageP7zOG_5UHqPoHTdpwsFAmeSSvUDSRnFfnH-FzXHndMxS720sOinxQhcBS6MKWg6N/s1600/tivoli13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsI3_onvskQQd5niaFGinvSvkPHu47wbgkP4AkABo0PO5Ryc62oFj4OW6RPEkc16BwuhcFD7_FageP7zOG_5UHqPoHTdpwsFAmeSSvUDSRnFfnH-FzXHndMxS720sOinxQhcBS6MKWg6N/s1600/tivoli13.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to board the wooden <i>Roller Coaster</i> which turned 100 years old this year: Built in 1914, it is one of world's oldest wooden roller coasters that is still
operating today. The man in the red shirt stepping on is an operator who manually controls the brakes when going down hill
so the coaster won't gain too much speed. It's such a great ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other great and unique rides of which I just don't have good photos include the Mine and Odin Express. And there were a few familiar ones as seen in the US, like the Demon and the classic Bumper Cars. The park really had something for everyone, including some very fine dining. Being a family on a tight budget, many of the restaurants were certainly beyond our means but I did notice a number of couples and groups enjoying bottles of fine wine and very appetizing gourmet meals.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_FM8JyefodFil__JB8mMfHwsTXuVnkyMCBqZ2geK1oTKTKZUNx2f6If6srvtV1fQBSMmFfekkkXe_LV68sq-IUda2KMZxffQJ16wQeuW36goBrtetZaG4v-QrxcOTMvEkZ-fCsXxudXA/s1600/tivoli6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_FM8JyefodFil__JB8mMfHwsTXuVnkyMCBqZ2geK1oTKTKZUNx2f6If6srvtV1fQBSMmFfekkkXe_LV68sq-IUda2KMZxffQJ16wQeuW36goBrtetZaG4v-QrxcOTMvEkZ-fCsXxudXA/s1600/tivoli6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic ice cream to help cool off on an unusually warm day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR789Kfi5frgWp77FopZhfg5u8L_jzwTtF3INuoXD51nTR_eqVGKhgeAXJGOZEKKOa06WABdqTReqnQBvYKSRaVllxESXr75LkypzIdj3jqvPD-_19iIQl03Uz6x36r-_Q4O5iDCyNcnb/s1600/tivoli14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR789Kfi5frgWp77FopZhfg5u8L_jzwTtF3INuoXD51nTR_eqVGKhgeAXJGOZEKKOa06WABdqTReqnQBvYKSRaVllxESXr75LkypzIdj3jqvPD-_19iIQl03Uz6x36r-_Q4O5iDCyNcnb/s1600/tivoli14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What kind of prize can you win playing games at Tivoli? Massively-sized Marabou chocolate bars, of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zKxxuqa4-hW_XoD8rCCWGlVk5EDMFkeR-5e_IFhWJlohgA0RUdASkkbXh8Qnv1NyElHhTqnPUEfpg9nfscmdA3EhME8qw4N7ItQ0lAHe_Hf6xzHJGV2JNrStvTrcLqnoQ3fbL117rXZa/s1600/tivoli3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zKxxuqa4-hW_XoD8rCCWGlVk5EDMFkeR-5e_IFhWJlohgA0RUdASkkbXh8Qnv1NyElHhTqnPUEfpg9nfscmdA3EhME8qw4N7ItQ0lAHe_Hf6xzHJGV2JNrStvTrcLqnoQ3fbL117rXZa/s1600/tivoli3.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brilliant strategy to reduce waste: All beverages are sold in reusable
and recyclable cups. A 5 DKK deposit is included in the price of the
(first) drink served with the cup; at the end of the day, deposit the cup here
at a Reusable Cup Refund Point and get your 5 DKK refunded. So simple.
Why don't we see these in North America? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1puxuMQdCyH6LWsHRhY_C5wfIsKZ2HGo-2xUOLh8Fc3z9fdjMBALl5cE828_pqpv6PdVUq_eQn7_pWm_FgKZcs60nSyVY7AGdNl14Yirdxmy0zRcjGCZTTUb1m-j3T_wJCoxnhuRWe701/s1600/tivoli7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1puxuMQdCyH6LWsHRhY_C5wfIsKZ2HGo-2xUOLh8Fc3z9fdjMBALl5cE828_pqpv6PdVUq_eQn7_pWm_FgKZcs60nSyVY7AGdNl14Yirdxmy0zRcjGCZTTUb1m-j3T_wJCoxnhuRWe701/s1600/tivoli7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of the day, we sat on the grass and watched the <i>Harlekin and Columbine</i> pantomime<b> </b>performed at the Pantomime Theatre, which is stunning in it's Chinese-influenced detail and is also known for its mechanical front curtain that takes five men to operate, resembling a peacock's tail when it's closed. The stage is primarily used for pantomime theatre in the classical Italian commedia dell'arte tradition, which is performed daily during peak season with a live pit orchestra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we exited Tivoli's main gates, I took one last snapshot to capture a memory of Copenhagen: The <span class="st"><em>Rådhus </em>or city hall<em>. </em>Our time in Copenhagen was far too brief, like so many of our visits elsewhere. These couple days were particularly wonderful, after so many cold, damp months, with the unexpected gorgeous sunny, warm weather. We were all however very much looking forward to our next destination, Sweden, which was at one time home to both Vincent and myself. There, we had several friends waiting to see us in Stockholm and all of us would welcome some refreshing social interaction beyond our own nuclear family. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZH8xeG0tOs03e4Gkc2mhN_AruRiY1cOknp2gGi8yzqdYaszv_0tUsMHD4XGMFEsNrB5ZGkIMgMBVKKNxSSfNrH6oL97LAkTO0Dz5yU9nyd1v1HvZ6zLoPBvIqu8bZihcWRD47rxffagA/s1600/tivoli17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZH8xeG0tOs03e4Gkc2mhN_AruRiY1cOknp2gGi8yzqdYaszv_0tUsMHD4XGMFEsNrB5ZGkIMgMBVKKNxSSfNrH6oL97LAkTO0Dz5yU9nyd1v1HvZ6zLoPBvIqu8bZihcWRD47rxffagA/s1600/tivoli17.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current building of the City Hall was inaugurated in 1905. It is the headquarters of the municipal council and Lord Mayor of the Copenhagen municipality in Denmark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-36388017398928752942014-09-04T08:10:00.000-07:002014-09-04T08:16:35.076-07:00California DMV PNO (planned non operation) Experience / Review / Annoyances / ScamA break from my complete lack of posts to the blog, but I feel that this must be said. California has a "planned non operation" capacity whereby you don't pay full registration for your car if you don't use it for "a registered year". Yes, "a registered year" is the rub. Nevermind the fact that I parked my car for 14.5 consecutive months, it was not the registered year. My registered year is november 12 - november 11. So the fact that my car may have been stored from July 1, 2013 to September 3, 2014 is irrelevant. I still had to pay two full years of registration. On top of the special fee for planned non operation. On top of the fee for turning off planned non-operation. On top of the 3.5 hours I had to sit around the DMV.<br />
<br />
Just don't do it.<br />
<br />
If you're journeying for only a year, sell the car. Or keep it in storage with absolute minimum insurance coverage (California requires insurance unless you're non-operational, but insurance was cheaper than what I spent in $'s much less aggrivation/time to deal with the PNO process). And if you keep it in storage, make sure to get someone to run it monthly for a bit to make sure the fluids stay fluid. And keep it on a charger to make sure you don't have to buy new batteries.<br />
<br />
Hopefully this will help someone out in the future. vcrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01070977145139802697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-40905169508524513232014-06-28T13:40:00.000-07:002014-06-28T14:09:44.106-07:00Captivated by the Netherlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>May 26th</b>, we drove from Camping Klein Strand to our next
campground, Recreatiecentrum Koningshof, in Rijnsburg near Amsterdam.
While we were sad to leave the fantastic facilities and activities that
Klein Strand had to offer, we discovered Koningshof was just as great.
Koningshof had an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor pool with splash
area and water slide. It had a recreational room with dress up theater,
foosball and other games. It also had a super playground. We spent the
rest of the day at the campground catching up on things while the kids
were all quick to try out the facilities. <br />
<br />
On <b>May 27th</b>,
we had to figure out which museums to tackle in Amsterdam. I decided on
the Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) and we concluded
that this was one of the best museums for kids that we had encountered
on the whole trip.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBw6mi1_BHtr-nVwRUFDEgZXv4FSkEeCUyKvZ7OdK8Fdh3g__ZgCtSxQazxxaP0AEjIBPnKCwHwR0IiHB09v8_dOrLC_Gc5B0pF5d3UDfSCR8WVMLBl6AUCWr3rhDDRmrp5GiE_PS3TSJ/s1600/naval+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBw6mi1_BHtr-nVwRUFDEgZXv4FSkEeCUyKvZ7OdK8Fdh3g__ZgCtSxQazxxaP0AEjIBPnKCwHwR0IiHB09v8_dOrLC_Gc5B0pF5d3UDfSCR8WVMLBl6AUCWr3rhDDRmrp5GiE_PS3TSJ/s1600/naval+1.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum has a replica of the <i>Amsterdam</i>,
an 18th-century ship built for transport between the Netherlands and
the East Indies. The ship started its maiden voyage from Texel to
Batavia on January 8, 1749, but was wrecked in a storm on the English
Channel on January 26, 1749. The shipwreck was discovered in 1969 and is
sometimes visible during low tides. On an outward voyage a ship such as
this carried guns and bricks for the settlements and strongholds, and
silver and golden coins to
purchase Asian goods. On a return journey the ships carried the goods
that were purchased, such as spices, fabrics and china.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhv84vPzK6qb3CpdgKQryrlV1t4U59TNfTbNZejZqUu2dzut33o_khi6xouLlezrLMIMw1vkSfCEr3C_NHMDYsWP1g-EQb79-f3hriqr0MYjwjt4VTCaLV8mJGNprJo_xvtDHa5RTPmRA/s1600/naval+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhv84vPzK6qb3CpdgKQryrlV1t4U59TNfTbNZejZqUu2dzut33o_khi6xouLlezrLMIMw1vkSfCEr3C_NHMDYsWP1g-EQb79-f3hriqr0MYjwjt4VTCaLV8mJGNprJo_xvtDHa5RTPmRA/s1600/naval+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors
can board the ship and check out the the various decks. Here, Sarah is
reviewing the steps to firing a canon, which was pretty neat with sound
effects.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY6FjIkRJnSKuB6OvPy2bzNXjoMhw7ITS2xFa9_uPGsVNo2N6HtuwMfIQwnSiKk1-vNyq4wrSbcN4dTOB6IXMbgpitQR6pw1OGlix9VIuSJND2rLT2dNTc5Da99SAWPk1sHfGQQXzvNc-/s1600/schev+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY6FjIkRJnSKuB6OvPy2bzNXjoMhw7ITS2xFa9_uPGsVNo2N6HtuwMfIQwnSiKk1-vNyq4wrSbcN4dTOB6IXMbgpitQR6pw1OGlix9VIuSJND2rLT2dNTc5Da99SAWPk1sHfGQQXzvNc-/s1600/schev+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul testing some lines below deck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The museum offers many excellent experiences. One of our favorites, despite being narrated in Dutch, was the <i>Voyage at Sea</i> where visitors are directed through a series of rooms that take them through 350 years of history. The journey begins in the Zeemagazijn, the very building that today is home to the Het Scheepvaartmuseum. Visitors then meet admiral Michiel de Ruyter who prepares them for a sea battle. In the
next room, one finds oneself on the high seas, in a raging
storm, as ships all around are buffeted by wind and waves.
A little
further along in time, one reaches 1916 and discovers what it is like to be on board a ship
struck by a torpedo. In the fourth and final room of the exhibit, visitors become "a part of history".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7kTMRQsTW-STNrxIJaGE5s-CuNmqH-cNcG2RB2nuJYxrjoNENu894iqvPnBC6Zci9IQlOdGbOlhKzVqrplSpWeUb8TAK5QV2BLu5Nvn2lReWpVuAa-0GJqY2VY1nrEUQbjYGiI3MJheN/s1600/naval+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7kTMRQsTW-STNrxIJaGE5s-CuNmqH-cNcG2RB2nuJYxrjoNENu894iqvPnBC6Zci9IQlOdGbOlhKzVqrplSpWeUb8TAK5QV2BLu5Nvn2lReWpVuAa-0GJqY2VY1nrEUQbjYGiI3MJheN/s1600/naval+2.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the first
room of the experience, we had to sit down and have lessons in rowing so
that we would be prepared for our voyage at sea. Little did we know at
this point, that we were being filmed and our rowing selves would be
superimposed on a final scene of voyageurs returning to land. Paul's
over-enthusiasm captured on film got a few laughs at the end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjnwtvCF6BwoVUjLsUVMTM3XvvEh8IbcYaA-GboWKVwE3sutX-Np2JPKUhuMraoZ5GXKeVYgkO-z8Vripumg7vgSG7SMtVtTqxjLEuNLe_DqCmp60ruqWgrZ3qcKpXf2EAc654xKsyOiw/s1600/naval+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjnwtvCF6BwoVUjLsUVMTM3XvvEh8IbcYaA-GboWKVwE3sutX-Np2JPKUhuMraoZ5GXKeVYgkO-z8Vripumg7vgSG7SMtVtTqxjLEuNLe_DqCmp60ruqWgrZ3qcKpXf2EAc654xKsyOiw/s1600/naval+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We then walked
into a room that covered preparing for a long voyage at sea. The
commentary was all in Dutch; it would have been great to add a couple
more languages somehow. There are less than 30 million people in the
world who speak Dutch which significantly narrows the market for an
experience like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEUHuohe_MWCe0ybExkZm1vblzhLCLp_53ATl6DPaHx0FGYVX0vMhaP980jd4CcSKffsCEBNlYbfBFjdvd3dj5Rzr7c_6Ir8DMOKKCoRPmlBhG5XWzBFogNiAuCkLjAFEtjfouY025GLs/s1600/schev+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEUHuohe_MWCe0ybExkZm1vblzhLCLp_53ATl6DPaHx0FGYVX0vMhaP980jd4CcSKffsCEBNlYbfBFjdvd3dj5Rzr7c_6Ir8DMOKKCoRPmlBhG5XWzBFogNiAuCkLjAFEtjfouY025GLs/s1600/schev+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room had a 360 degree view of the high seas all around us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMrnFBuAfEdkCDppWe1x-vpJobaspUTYLOVoFK7kiEGFYh4DNScRJzPSvFi3VVWt6iF32LSJl-biQR5ARlrKegwpbfopmHCuZKnI31Y4_1neWdELGjovXAtKQ4Cz_ij00ZkCyVJ-DyDCf/s1600/schev+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMrnFBuAfEdkCDppWe1x-vpJobaspUTYLOVoFK7kiEGFYh4DNScRJzPSvFi3VVWt6iF32LSJl-biQR5ARlrKegwpbfopmHCuZKnI31Y4_1neWdELGjovXAtKQ4Cz_ij00ZkCyVJ-DyDCf/s1600/schev+8.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of our journey: We are rowing back to the Het Scheepvaartmuseum. In the rowboat to the right of someone's head are James and myself. Unfortunately, I took the photo not yet noticing that we were all on screen, otherwise I would have tried to capture a clear shot of us all rowing back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The museum had many other outstanding exhibits covering different aspects of the history of the Netherlands. The museum doesn't shy away from the more sombre sides of the past and includes a section titled "The Dark Chapter" which covers the economic background to the slave trade and the horrific story of the slave ship, <i>Leusden</i>. The museum is multi-dimensional and excellent for kids. It includes a virtual experience of what it's like to be a container being shipped around the world and coming through Amsterdam. Also for kids is the adventure of Sal and Lori and their sailing journey around the world. The museum houses beautiful paintings with a maritime theme and a wide range of navigational instruments. It's an outstanding venue for the whole family.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-7IV0C-21hyphenhyphenJQd85pytGiLYAuFsUm1vjeudREngL7pEjyA_F_Xt2qXWEDvoWp6Wdc5AqZnNVIt64lIs5F07jzWIURYdcYe__VSnCv3kIJ1O2-IUfL_xb_vjLhmUdOZlnCIa3kQIIF_2R/s1600/golden+age.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-7IV0C-21hyphenhyphenJQd85pytGiLYAuFsUm1vjeudREngL7pEjyA_F_Xt2qXWEDvoWp6Wdc5AqZnNVIt64lIs5F07jzWIURYdcYe__VSnCv3kIJ1O2-IUfL_xb_vjLhmUdOZlnCIa3kQIIF_2R/s1600/golden+age.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way through the <i>Golden Age </i>exhibit which covers the Netherlands during the 17th century: At that time the Netherlands was one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world, primarily thanks to seafaring. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZdakmATPVEx_oIIM7BO1QdRnpLk8Rj9XRAnrtNAwYypJMt1MABof4ttFHOjoOeRp5UzjInv_yQsXQh0jpWsYz5DIMFa25X2uwx_FoQMlG3tWr4d6Z8CaXgpFGnAhp2raf3_Xen7KwjIf/s1600/tale+of+whale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZdakmATPVEx_oIIM7BO1QdRnpLk8Rj9XRAnrtNAwYypJMt1MABof4ttFHOjoOeRp5UzjInv_yQsXQh0jpWsYz5DIMFa25X2uwx_FoQMlG3tWr4d6Z8CaXgpFGnAhp2raf3_Xen7KwjIf/s1600/tale+of+whale.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah resting in the <i>Tale of the Whale</i> exhibit, which shows how our image of the whale has changed over time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 28th</b>, we went to the Dutch Resistance
Museum which covers the occupation of the Netherlands by the Nazis in
WWII. This was another excellent museum, thought provoking to say the least.
While the subject matter could be distressing for young people (as it
will be disturbing for adults), the museum thoughtfully provides a
children's section for kids about aged 8 to 14; in this section, the
lives of 4 different children are explored during the occupation: Eva, a
Jewish girl who is sent to a concentration camp, Jan, whose family
hides a Jewish man, Henk, whose brother is ordered to enlist with the
Nazis but who resists and hides instead, and Nelly, who is a member of
the Youth Storm Troopers and whose father takes on jobs to support the
Nazis. Sarah spent most of her time in this section while Vincent and the boys were in the main section and I oscillated between the two. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X5RXzqgfUR6Ozvh3iIcZUVFrDIfrqpqL4Q0p_3ei_FQ066jxrcpVLhsB_iw4jf9Gwwh67Ty4u_Mds66TtrTZAx_2HZSjMJ1Oqea4GLVAZxqBsF8SPfxQyEGBjOlklU4gQ9m772pGYajE/s1600/resist+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X5RXzqgfUR6Ozvh3iIcZUVFrDIfrqpqL4Q0p_3ei_FQ066jxrcpVLhsB_iw4jf9Gwwh67Ty4u_Mds66TtrTZAx_2HZSjMJ1Oqea4GLVAZxqBsF8SPfxQyEGBjOlklU4gQ9m772pGYajE/s1600/resist+1.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah
exploring Jan's home: Jan's father was a minister; Sarah is in the
church pulpit giving a sermon. To the left is a fighter plane and kids
can go in and pretend to fly it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd2_Vqyqr6hB9i9nMOjphOX98IXVjdmtwtUFGr-dgLzL1Q2WrSfrYTAAcM3DDxdjvnekcH6k_8TuhcrGsFPKJy6xJ0UOgYkm6OiMIuhnqEollLUtDop0Zb1B21navVCQEfCu1dNQ4MHRZ/s1600/resist+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd2_Vqyqr6hB9i9nMOjphOX98IXVjdmtwtUFGr-dgLzL1Q2WrSfrYTAAcM3DDxdjvnekcH6k_8TuhcrGsFPKJy6xJ0UOgYkm6OiMIuhnqEollLUtDop0Zb1B21navVCQEfCu1dNQ4MHRZ/s1600/resist+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room of Henk's house: Henk enjoyed collecting things that he found during the war. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In
the main museum, one walks through a maze of interactive displays
addressing the Nazi occupation (which occurred from May 14, 1940 to May
5, 1945). The displays try to put the visitor in the shoes of the Dutch
at the time. The Nazi's have taken over. "What would you do? Adapt?
Collaborate? Or resist?" These were the choices of the Netherlands'
residents. Most people were far too embroiled in day-to-day worries to
think
about daring to involve themselves in any kind of resistance and the
easiest path was one of adapting or collaboration. The various dilemmas
that people faced are spelled out in text, audio and video. One of the
quandaries that a number of people faced was whether or not to help
someone or a family hide; visitors could listen to a range of excuses
told as to why they "didn't want to get involved". These experiences lead
one to think about the world today; most of us are too busy with the needs
of our daily lives to get caught up in fighting the injustices that
take place around us. Should we and can we leave our comfort zones and
do more?<br />
<br />
The exhibition tells a chronological story, from approximately 1930 to
1950, in which information is offered in various "layers". Visitors get an overall picture of a rather
indolent Dutch society in the thirties, experience the shock of the
unexpected German invasion, then discover that both the oppression and
resistance to it gradually intensify in the occupation years as the war
progresses. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJWSJRH0JlAtheSJTO2IntU_fIsRCgQhNc0YGeNXEGfPs41AFogKvjG2uH5MExlS6BkE4ZqB50AZzSEm7VpGPS_pK0qF1LaEln7BaRY0KXPfd4vZkKB6hf1QZYTLVYsWOhSOkwqFL_4GQ/s1600/resist+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJWSJRH0JlAtheSJTO2IntU_fIsRCgQhNc0YGeNXEGfPs41AFogKvjG2uH5MExlS6BkE4ZqB50AZzSEm7VpGPS_pK0qF1LaEln7BaRY0KXPfd4vZkKB6hf1QZYTLVYsWOhSOkwqFL_4GQ/s1600/resist+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets and walls of the museum help evoke the climate of the war years. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW51JTSDTDu3P0FLImTj4hOlCDRNVuLKETiNC7XML8eTzsNYyKm8_A1bWHE-YXJVJF7KA0dZ8R0XmfBbQutnZsjoGFF2v1XnGsa6x3913jB_GParSRRh_zIFSxZ7hIVsU6TJMlRqYvchz/s1600/resist+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW51JTSDTDu3P0FLImTj4hOlCDRNVuLKETiNC7XML8eTzsNYyKm8_A1bWHE-YXJVJF7KA0dZ8R0XmfBbQutnZsjoGFF2v1XnGsa6x3913jB_GParSRRh_zIFSxZ7hIVsU6TJMlRqYvchz/s1600/resist+4.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exhibition covers all forms of resistance: Strikes, forging of
documents, helping people to go into hiding, underground newspapers,
escape routes, armed resistance, espionage and so on. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The
museum also includes a separate section telling the story of the former
colony, the Dutch East
Indies, where the population suffered badly under the Japanese regime.
The museum provides audio guides such that visitors can listen to
selections in both the children's section and adult section, in English
(and perhaps other languages).<br />
<br />
As we were about to leave
the museum, we discovered all four of our umbrellas were stolen at the
front door. I must say I was shocked; having just gone through the
Resistance Museum, didn't those thieves develop any sense of humanity out of
it? Disappointing, to say the least. <br />
<br />
We walked back
to collect the car and then we decided to drive over to the Anne Frank
Museum to see what the line was like. We were not organized enough to order
tickets in advance and therefore we knew that we'd have to stand in line with the
other poor planners in order to see the house. We arrived and I saw that
the line was at the 45 minute wait mark, which was pretty good as far
as the Anne Frank house lines can be. It was starting to rain however
and we no longer had umbrellas, so we opted to leave and instead get there early in the morning
the next day. With that decision made, we drove back to the campground.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRtRjiiFr1ZfCuJ78V-fDsBpS0xT-ZedujZwfWvGa7mTcfIOvr8hJTCNTkX_CA2m_mkXsIFIWr4yUNqf9PBLnQNqG8jo1HQwFiJB_j1iE1KZcny8CvC0T1okrYOFFvwL-AL1yfiCej97B/s1600/grocery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRtRjiiFr1ZfCuJ78V-fDsBpS0xT-ZedujZwfWvGa7mTcfIOvr8hJTCNTkX_CA2m_mkXsIFIWr4yUNqf9PBLnQNqG8jo1HQwFiJB_j1iE1KZcny8CvC0T1okrYOFFvwL-AL1yfiCej97B/s1600/grocery.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way back to the campground, we stopped for groceries. This supermarket had a neat little play area for kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 29th</b>,
we got up early to go to the Anne Frank house. We arrived about 9:40
and there already was a line twice as long as there was the previous
night, meaning our wait in line would be about 90 minutes. It was cold
standing there with the wind blowing. I went off in search of hot chocolates,
which was another long line, but the errand helped to pass the time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaVvos8jSmePjJ5CwR6AcMSr4pIGYY3hfQPRemdQINTH2Rggvyv2j16SVVJM3b-djGMq9YTrbKmiAGlK1QGb-NtmZh87rodxZIyeSwNO2trhl6SBhyt1tUUwj73vPuj1XOxB0qGdjcAQ6/s1600/anne+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaVvos8jSmePjJ5CwR6AcMSr4pIGYY3hfQPRemdQINTH2Rggvyv2j16SVVJM3b-djGMq9YTrbKmiAGlK1QGb-NtmZh87rodxZIyeSwNO2trhl6SBhyt1tUUwj73vPuj1XOxB0qGdjcAQ6/s1600/anne+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are about 60 minutes into our wait. Moods were much improved with a hot chocolate in our hands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzPA3bTcB4ziUuxedH3Uoku1ROT5sU82YW-Kl44EdtUUt5Lq9h48g73JfbjSk1Vj6gLWjNEqmRSpqvdyjOlp4uaM4zcfKo2V8ld8cKVPPStT2RJRmCcLKmJHxNqt3wMZ3hLObdYiHZwmR/s1600/anne+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzPA3bTcB4ziUuxedH3Uoku1ROT5sU82YW-Kl44EdtUUt5Lq9h48g73JfbjSk1Vj6gLWjNEqmRSpqvdyjOlp4uaM4zcfKo2V8ld8cKVPPStT2RJRmCcLKmJHxNqt3wMZ3hLObdYiHZwmR/s1600/anne+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At about the
20 minute mark, museum staff handed out a brochure outlining the path of
the museum and an introduction to the 8 people who went into hiding and
their 4 helpers who kept them fed and with supplies over the two years.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids questioned why we had to go to this museum,
which required us
to stand in line for so long. Was it worth it? Was it over-hyped? My
answer to the first question is "yes". My answer to the second question
is probably "yes", given there isn't a lot to see at the Anne
Frank house. The Dutch Resistance Museum that we visited the previous
day gives a much broader
perspective of the suffering that Jews faced during the war. The Anne
Frank house however gives a very personal account and for many people,
myself included, it is impossible to get through the museum without
tears. Anyone with a sense of empathy cannot escape the feeling of
sadness and despair at the fact that only Otto Frank, Anne's father,
survived the war. The others died within a few months to a couple weeks
from being liberated. The story of these victims gives a voice to so
many others that perished during WWII. Given the real horrors of their
experience, it's not so much that the Anne Frank house is over-hyped;
it's that venues with similar messages are perhaps under-hyped in
comparison. The world, including the Allies, didn't do enough to save
victims of the holocaust. Visiting the Anne Frank house and other such
venues helps to bring home that message and causes one to reflect on
what atrocities against humanity are still going on today? Are we doing
enough to help those victims? Probably not.<br />
<br />
There were 8
people in total in
hiding in this house at Prinsengracht 263, which was Otto Frank's place
of business where he
produced jam and sold meat seasonings. They were the Franks: Otto, his
wife Edith and daughters,
Margot and Anne. The Van Pels: Hermann, his wife Auguste and their son
Peter. And a friend of Miep Gies' (one of the 4 helpers), Fritz
Pfeffer. The 8 people hiding were discovered on August 4, 1944 which was
after D-day (June 6, 1944); they came so close to surviving. Initially
all of them were sent to Auschwitz. Edith Frank was selected for the gas
chamber but managed to escape and hide in a different section of the
camp; she kept most of her food for her two girls and became very weak
as a result.<br />
<br />
Around
the beginning of November 1944, with the Russian Army advancing, Anne,
her sister Margot and Auguste Van Pels were moved out of Auschwitz
(along with the
healthier prisoners) and sent to Bergen-Belsen. Edith Frank's poor
health was
probably the factor that led her not to be chosen and she was held back
at Auschwitz; Edith died from starvation on January 6, 1945.<br />
<br />
Otto
Frank, Fritz Pfeffer and Hermann and Peter Van Pels initially managed
to be able to stay together. Otto, Fritz and Hermann were assigned to
heavy labor. After a few weeks, Hermann was unable to keep up and was
exhausted; he was selected for the gas chamber and was killed.<br />
<br />
Fritz
Pfeffer was sent to the Neuengamme concentration camp in October 1944.
Thousands of prisoners died there from a combination of heavy labor,
lack
of food and poor sanitary conditions. Fritz Pfeffer was among them. He
died in the sick-bay barracks on December 20, 1944. <br />
<br />
With
the imminent arrival of the Russian Army to Auschwitz, the Nazis
evacuated the camp. Prisoners who could still walk had to go with them.
Peter Van Pels was among these prisoners. He arrived at the Mauthausen
concentration camp
in Austria at the end of January 1945. The prisoners had to perform
heavy
labor. It is believed that Peter died sometime between April 11th and May 5th from
exhaustion. <br />
<br />
In February 1945, Auguste Van Pels was transferred to Buchenwald concentration camp and then to<b> </b>then
to the Czechoslovakia camp, Theresienstadt ghetto, on April 9, 1945.
While she was noted as being alive on April 11, 1945, she died sometime
afterward between April 11th and early May 1945, when the camp was
liberated.<br />
<br />
In March 1945, Margot died of typhus and
just a few weeks later in March, Anne died as well. A friend of Anne's,
whose interview is shown in the museum, is recorded as saying she saw
Anne in Bergen-Belsen a week or so before she died. At that point, Anne
knew Margot was dead and thought her whole family had died. It appeared
she had nothing left for which to live. Anne died just a few weeks
before Bergen-Belsen was liberated.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEauoNcSMImehMc2XcX8r43dd2t8rA4ToOgpF6BVOEWixbZbMJ0sGn8qiD160bZRWXnpSMDsVma5kVXIawbJIjmVeHaz2PJK4jpjzuyQLGZBxPYT7KFTcY63OicC6uzoAD0aInEg_8q2l5/s1600/anne+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEauoNcSMImehMc2XcX8r43dd2t8rA4ToOgpF6BVOEWixbZbMJ0sGn8qiD160bZRWXnpSMDsVma5kVXIawbJIjmVeHaz2PJK4jpjzuyQLGZBxPYT7KFTcY63OicC6uzoAD0aInEg_8q2l5/s1600/anne+6.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otto Frank's
business, and the location of the secret annex, was the flat-roofed
building to the right of the house with the triangular roof. The next
two buildings to the right were acquired and are a part of the museum
complex.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfublB3Gs4TTVtV_eLfl6VMOrfuQvJpih_v0hv4mA2_XLvqwQoiN3WYdAAxLP6EtZe-8WUBcud9HZW0gdigucc4oLmu9wYuLg3UTENuak7uEi_tkw45bKTD2eZhvBYzXc8m6rAivc6JWY/s1600/anne+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfublB3Gs4TTVtV_eLfl6VMOrfuQvJpih_v0hv4mA2_XLvqwQoiN3WYdAAxLP6EtZe-8WUBcud9HZW0gdigucc4oLmu9wYuLg3UTENuak7uEi_tkw45bKTD2eZhvBYzXc8m6rAivc6JWY/s1600/anne+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James walking up the very steep staircase to the "secret annex".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-WK99llQZYRhGt4I9RGdh0wl2CzhUv-gPj93P0FkkvkCFxtwNqYMUz-rpc2APrx2NEXHE7hh-Giz9OkQ0j_tujp4BkzpWrH7ecoPA-oa8ignWYCj5nwGVP46VYC9rzuj6_ji9EJ1kR9B/s1600/anne+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-WK99llQZYRhGt4I9RGdh0wl2CzhUv-gPj93P0FkkvkCFxtwNqYMUz-rpc2APrx2NEXHE7hh-Giz9OkQ0j_tujp4BkzpWrH7ecoPA-oa8ignWYCj5nwGVP46VYC9rzuj6_ji9EJ1kR9B/s1600/anne+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Diary of Anne Frank</i> has been translated into 70 languages and published in over
60 countries. More than 30 million copies of the diary have been
sold. One of those copies is with us in LandShark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVJ6NCAPzaiRkPbcHEh6sCEyHYRIcCP29RVD2o4YYVoFdv-Mo1tpoOXTyXN9Wi1Xo4gy4gtXq5USu6HKNPoxlukchXrENQTNQ9x8JrRw_Kw2LmF8155rZ24wDbmEKWQaJVTvZw3mOZ4UY/s1600/anne+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVJ6NCAPzaiRkPbcHEh6sCEyHYRIcCP29RVD2o4YYVoFdv-Mo1tpoOXTyXN9Wi1Xo4gy4gtXq5USu6HKNPoxlukchXrENQTNQ9x8JrRw_Kw2LmF8155rZ24wDbmEKWQaJVTvZw3mOZ4UY/s1600/anne+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Anne
Frank near the Anne Frank house: Several bunches of flowers were left
at the foot of the statue illustrating how moved people are today by her
story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Anne Frank house, we walked down
the street to The Pancake Bakery which was highly recommended. The
pancakes (crepes) were good, but huge, so it's a good idea to buy a few
and split them among the group if you plan to go there.<br />
<br />
After
lunch, no one wanted to tackle anything too heavy so we decided on a
canal tour which we could catch near the Anne Frank house. The tour
lasts 75 minutes and one can choose between 2 different routes. For €5
extra, one can use the canal tour as a hop-on hop-off means of
transportation for 24 hours. (We chose just the 75 minute tour.)<br />
<br />
Here are a few fun facts about Amsteradam. The name Amsterdam<i> </i>is derived from the city’s origins; it grew around a <i>dam</i> in the river <i>Amstel</i>.
The city has 165 canals with a combined length of about 100 kilometers.
There are 1,281 bridges and about 3,100 houseboats in the greater
Amsterdam area.<br />
Because the city accommodates cars, a
comprehensive tram system and well over 600,000 bicycles (often with
separate paths for each), it has one of the most elaborate road systems
we had seen anywhere; there certainly was a learning curve in order to
comfortably navigate it, both as a motorist and as a pedestrian.
Cyclists have the right-away over anyone. Finally, what is the
difference between a coffeeshop and a koffie huis (coffee house)? A
coffeeshop sells soft drugs (marijuana or hashish), space cakes, coffee,
tea, and sometimes freshly-squeezed juices and sandwiches. A koffie
huis sells the same things, minus the soft drugs and space cake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_SLw2JoRD4Pa9yg3KWr-_T3VcrGStj16ard0bjwf1cybNjj7cZUbMz851j32LqU4i5TwaaXoxsqq33QkekVKFScSvrk7BYUbVyOQtFUhotoXhu3GhI7nebRU1P5_J-iLP_GvyTaJqaCm/s1600/wooden+shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_SLw2JoRD4Pa9yg3KWr-_T3VcrGStj16ard0bjwf1cybNjj7cZUbMz851j32LqU4i5TwaaXoxsqq33QkekVKFScSvrk7BYUbVyOQtFUhotoXhu3GhI7nebRU1P5_J-iLP_GvyTaJqaCm/s1600/wooden+shoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our canal tour, James tried on some wooden shoes for size.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHC8Y0K-rvU1HXQrkg2mM9RMZtzrji1ZrTx96n3cHRHiVctGoyHRi2kIC4shM5Rk4VAE8JH0G90JmaB5a-xo4mMshsexBDGO3wiG2aiw9GJ5HhjEOLNk0HIs3TC_sMI4QpYDxX6Rbeu0a/s1600/canal+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHC8Y0K-rvU1HXQrkg2mM9RMZtzrji1ZrTx96n3cHRHiVctGoyHRi2kIC4shM5Rk4VAE8JH0G90JmaB5a-xo4mMshsexBDGO3wiG2aiw9GJ5HhjEOLNk0HIs3TC_sMI4QpYDxX6Rbeu0a/s1600/canal+2.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical
Amsterdam houses are tall and narrow. They were narrow both due to the
scarcity of the land as well as because the owners had to pay taxes
according to the width of the facade. At first glance, the Amsterdam
houses don't have the same grandeur as houses in other European cities;
many of them were built in the 17th century by merchants who used the
houses as both workshop and residence. However look closely and you'll
see the fine details of these buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uQPhvwXWqJ81XTxYtSMVkMbGz6n5o14ROtJJZHU7wrOTrZz0frjhxBJmL7jMVutGIgbouxSgOM-GnMe377Y3Q_fRYGoGSPsvW28r6r5BigYbNYdbtOJn3mk1jRjFS-IFfz8I91Qv0TWe/s1600/canal+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uQPhvwXWqJ81XTxYtSMVkMbGz6n5o14ROtJJZHU7wrOTrZz0frjhxBJmL7jMVutGIgbouxSgOM-GnMe377Y3Q_fRYGoGSPsvW28r6r5BigYbNYdbtOJn3mk1jRjFS-IFfz8I91Qv0TWe/s1600/canal+3.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many Amsterdam
houses have hoisting beams with hooks to which a pulley wheel and rope
can be attached; this is because the interiors are too narrow for large
pieces of furniture to be carried upstairs inside. Rather, the furniture
would be lifted up on the outside with the aid of these beams. The
impressive gables are often tied to the roof by means of cables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdLEKMbDxtYnICTFOVoaobf7SY458O30Hp14aMkEsxVgyB48z3yRoA7AY8fzxJFBBijQ_HFXvTVNvzd9xMoRdBBopY1nYamMNYE-m71KsKhyphenhyphenoINjVY-iU2-vR83DtuuYUwyfgyABXAqMs/s1600/canal+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdLEKMbDxtYnICTFOVoaobf7SY458O30Hp14aMkEsxVgyB48z3yRoA7AY8fzxJFBBijQ_HFXvTVNvzd9xMoRdBBopY1nYamMNYE-m71KsKhyphenhyphenoINjVY-iU2-vR83DtuuYUwyfgyABXAqMs/s1600/canal+9.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4 class="tip-header media-header">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge):</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">The Blauwbrug</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">owes
its name to a bridge that no longer exists and which was painted the
characteristic blue of the Dutch flag. The present brick and sandstone
bridge (which replaced the old wooden bridge) was made in preparation
for the 1883 World Exhibition. Both the bridge’s stone foundations and
the lampposts are decorated with shapes of a Medieval’s ship prow.</span></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hnq3VSGROCaIEvF13qnUoall8j53WkbyXp1pdAa0SR2Kqn-5dRi9ECl2Ht-9NM4z9dtZNRDYFVX4GpxKQzhRXlkRtuPAQxs7TQmzHi9zcMFHlSRRzZXT7ldB_g1ubk2DhJYOKvxYN_h6/s1600/canal+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hnq3VSGROCaIEvF13qnUoall8j53WkbyXp1pdAa0SR2Kqn-5dRi9ECl2Ht-9NM4z9dtZNRDYFVX4GpxKQzhRXlkRtuPAQxs7TQmzHi9zcMFHlSRRzZXT7ldB_g1ubk2DhJYOKvxYN_h6/s1600/canal+1.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the days
before numbered addresses, buildings had some sort of sign on them which
was used to label that location, and sometimes depict the profession of
the owner. Fortunately, some buildings still have these signs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMABhJp8OCD3BB24UrH5ePiZwQ7y_oi5L0NGYOVMsimxnNO7sa9MEk0kp7XPQqKlF-q2zf2W077iv4QI3BC63ThXOR_6M4m1Y0bPUwskuGd5W-jqzFpYGP6M7F-hT1DVHbcahDIYHw2uRz/s1600/canal+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMABhJp8OCD3BB24UrH5ePiZwQ7y_oi5L0NGYOVMsimxnNO7sa9MEk0kp7XPQqKlF-q2zf2W077iv4QI3BC63ThXOR_6M4m1Y0bPUwskuGd5W-jqzFpYGP6M7F-hT1DVHbcahDIYHw2uRz/s1600/canal+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many warehouses (here with simple pointed gables) have been converted into housing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXalkXLN-wj10CtkR_TTh0FWjH6JPRrbAzYbhbs_At1NnRBjxIHkyBvqJoCAjMovAu0AO1SIe8egxSkdRovzOEvFkVLEQDFXKrRM3RpJ0XLl8PD_GW0ewwsRwvwasinPq_gkTBwqY11MI/s1600/canal+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXalkXLN-wj10CtkR_TTh0FWjH6JPRrbAzYbhbs_At1NnRBjxIHkyBvqJoCAjMovAu0AO1SIe8egxSkdRovzOEvFkVLEQDFXKrRM3RpJ0XLl8PD_GW0ewwsRwvwasinPq_gkTBwqY11MI/s1600/canal+5.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montelbaanstoren:
Built in 1512, the tower is a piece of Amsterdam's protective wall that
still stands today. The tower housed Amsterdam's military guards,
stationed there in order
to spy any approaching armies who may be trying to overtake the city. It was also reported to be a gathering place for sailors who would meet at
the base before heading off to far-away lands on long sea
voyages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlm01hKVNv-2lbdY_zzskqTD96ZASa_CYxT3D9Adnd3TR8dz7-TQLbESW_fmsE69dwbpAU7cy64gZNXv9rB2hyphenhyphenqs7DhphHUrDs50KKxneaGqscHuiFvROqO-5jRL8Us16nSDYXDzAqrFF/s1600/canal+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlm01hKVNv-2lbdY_zzskqTD96ZASa_CYxT3D9Adnd3TR8dz7-TQLbESW_fmsE69dwbpAU7cy64gZNXv9rB2hyphenhyphenqs7DhphHUrDs50KKxneaGqscHuiFvROqO-5jRL8Us16nSDYXDzAqrFF/s1600/canal+6.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting in
the 16th century, the different gable types were used to
camouflage the end of sharp, pitched roofs and architectural
idiosyncrasies. The lack of firm land meant that Amsterdam houses were
built on narrow, deep plots, and one of the only ways to make a property
distinctive was at the top, with a decorative gable. Gable variants
include spout, step, neck, elevated neck, bell (shown center and right),
cornice and straight cornice (shown left, mixed with a neck gable), and
they often include splendid scroll work and
ornamentation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK66Wr5-DWUSx72ZHHEdI2D_jZGTCr_SyfZfx0TkXOJQaGwOQUpEeKyMwgqrFN2gkQdwd9l4wnEKQ-QtR0RJk3i3HkasKdLTRUjv5A7PQiEITOI19Sd9LGtzARAY7Oum3TWY6fvmNpF9w/s1600/canal+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK66Wr5-DWUSx72ZHHEdI2D_jZGTCr_SyfZfx0TkXOJQaGwOQUpEeKyMwgqrFN2gkQdwd9l4wnEKQ-QtR0RJk3i3HkasKdLTRUjv5A7PQiEITOI19Sd9LGtzARAY7Oum3TWY6fvmNpF9w/s1600/canal+8.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The step gable
(left) was a predominant feature in the early to mid 17th century;
there are only about 100 step gables remaining today in Amsterdam. The
bell gable (center) was built between the late 17th century through the
late 18th century. The neck gable (right) was typically built from the mid 17th
century through the late 18th century. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNdJ_gl2dIS9Acxym2IPFOQzwph7pjQjPVYbdjGhZGEOJOew1hFFI0IpKB03ywT_f1bCNLZ1Y9f0NQK4iE6kQSqpAA6wpwHKVfX772M03al-F6i9D49GEEgmwdbX1N4AKBAMjeyX51CxK/s1600/canal+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNdJ_gl2dIS9Acxym2IPFOQzwph7pjQjPVYbdjGhZGEOJOew1hFFI0IpKB03ywT_f1bCNLZ1Y9f0NQK4iE6kQSqpAA6wpwHKVfX772M03al-F6i9D49GEEgmwdbX1N4AKBAMjeyX51CxK/s1600/canal+7.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might not
be readily apparent from this photo but the facades of these buildings
are not at right angles with the sides of the buildings. The facades
were built parallel to the canals but depending on the placement of the
land behind, the buildings might be more the shape of a parallelogram,
as these are, rather than a rectangle or square. By the way, the four
rooves to the left are examples of spout gables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt1V0ZV1gdez-Hp5USygwVe9wb7ISg_c-ZmOVLxdMRxexmOaPVWzIvUh0Dc67pKgZoOG4pGmqdlt2hZ-aYgqAKlrSMZMAp3BkQZDvTq2EV-Cj4-8Idi0sKJPYHKcgYfpi9UpC-tJFii2w/s1600/canal+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt1V0ZV1gdez-Hp5USygwVe9wb7ISg_c-ZmOVLxdMRxexmOaPVWzIvUh0Dc67pKgZoOG4pGmqdlt2hZ-aYgqAKlrSMZMAp3BkQZDvTq2EV-Cj4-8Idi0sKJPYHKcgYfpi9UpC-tJFii2w/s1600/canal+10.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At some point
during the tour, both Paul and Vincent nodded off. Looks like James could
have done with a nap too. Good thing I took photos so they could see what
they missed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 30th</b>, we finally
got a break in the weather and the sun appeared. Sarah started the day
at the swimming pool and after James finished his math work, he joined
her. Meanwhile I wrapped up the blog covering southern Germany and our
side trip to Salzburg, while Vincent continued on his many projects.
After lunch, we decided to visit The Hague. I researched kid-friendly
museums and tried to find something a little different from what we had
done recently. I wanted to stay clear of WWII museums as we'd visited
some pretty heavy topics the last few days. In the end I settled on the
Muzee Scheveningen which covers what it was like to live in, on and around
the sea in this area in the 1800s and early 1900s. I chose the
Scheveningen Museum because reviewers gave feedback that the museum provided
translations in English.<br />
<br />
When we visited, we found that
some rooms had an English translation card but many areas did not. This
could be an excellent second tier museum if they put more effort into
providing language translations; I think they could really boost their
visitation numbers if they did so. <br />
<br />
One of the
highlights of visiting the Scheveningen had nothing to do with the
museum itself. We happened to catch the removal of garbage from the
waste bins at the front of the museum and the subsequent cleaning of the
containers. This was an advanced refuse system that none of us had ever seen
before.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4VHFz4qy8cnA95CohP4y0EfAUKu0NLcFDqX3dyQsasMNw8fN3y3KXxKXniCxQzBRlKWP01lyeBSAV4DyFoL51Ys9-FihgSbabG7Pv_7t2fbYz7rP4bfJAdPD3nBKy5AlfsPOVHNSkyPM/s1600/refuse+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4VHFz4qy8cnA95CohP4y0EfAUKu0NLcFDqX3dyQsasMNw8fN3y3KXxKXniCxQzBRlKWP01lyeBSAV4DyFoL51Ys9-FihgSbabG7Pv_7t2fbYz7rP4bfJAdPD3nBKy5AlfsPOVHNSkyPM/s1600/refuse+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We looked outside the museum window and saw a robotic arm from the garbage truck latch onto the top of a waste bin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZFmKX9Aavq4spQGYMXUTwTt1f4YNrO7vo8tcSSPnXcIfwunXHAycprMYjEZbaSMqvhvWcMc0zBTtfGBkCIOft5_Q2jtmCHs2za-d5YCwfDdAbKoDhTW5s4ztUGkoRgaYrF6jCQPDULrC/s1600/refuse+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZFmKX9Aavq4spQGYMXUTwTt1f4YNrO7vo8tcSSPnXcIfwunXHAycprMYjEZbaSMqvhvWcMc0zBTtfGBkCIOft5_Q2jtmCHs2za-d5YCwfDdAbKoDhTW5s4ztUGkoRgaYrF6jCQPDULrC/s1600/refuse+2.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We then saw the arm lift the waste bin which was attached to a much larger bin underneath that was hidden underground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvvlSoHADo0vRSCCiXjX-Wn3ovKJeXmpuYKVqh3lkdD9VfC8B7cRqtJE2GtD0EMNHtjzDUuGyWPR-nKaj2GEaDt6LLKXVixbbeH8S3gItJl1gEPYqiWbxOMiExDjoRo_VQZxqtHGCZhFr/s1600/refuse+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvvlSoHADo0vRSCCiXjX-Wn3ovKJeXmpuYKVqh3lkdD9VfC8B7cRqtJE2GtD0EMNHtjzDUuGyWPR-nKaj2GEaDt6LLKXVixbbeH8S3gItJl1gEPYqiWbxOMiExDjoRo_VQZxqtHGCZhFr/s1600/refuse+3.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The double bin was lifted over the truck and emptied.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1Trhv95EmRayoWAfzkpLvTx6X2rWc0fg6GmC32Taab2H6n8ik5J6VrVL3qqxQX3xgP1aidWSedhyphenhyphenVyuln1zoqUi9d3hoXxsCUQvCWfjEq_WlgKZzy7F04lklPyqqP2fpaHOBVLSIRfGC/s1600/refuse+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1Trhv95EmRayoWAfzkpLvTx6X2rWc0fg6GmC32Taab2H6n8ik5J6VrVL3qqxQX3xgP1aidWSedhyphenhyphenVyuln1zoqUi9d3hoXxsCUQvCWfjEq_WlgKZzy7F04lklPyqqP2fpaHOBVLSIRfGC/s1600/refuse+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the
first garbage truck left, a second green truck pulled up alongside the
bins. The driver got out of the truck and, with the aid of a remote
control, proceeded to lift the first bin out of the ground. We saw a
second worker, with the yellow cannister, pressure hose the exterior of
the other bins. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgI90pIzxUhnbfPa7k-3jYKts6fIJaFigOh2AiV2J-7BEiC1wd0kh3iQfP_rdi_WE1MaNokz4dG6hEaFaONuDrE6o9VgHapumnZpyVQ43tnxr8CCIhTcFxYlU6MvOwaR-ah1n1OHwlKR7/s1600/refuse+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgI90pIzxUhnbfPa7k-3jYKts6fIJaFigOh2AiV2J-7BEiC1wd0kh3iQfP_rdi_WE1MaNokz4dG6hEaFaONuDrE6o9VgHapumnZpyVQ43tnxr8CCIhTcFxYlU6MvOwaR-ah1n1OHwlKR7/s1600/refuse+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arm
carried the bin over the rear of the truck and the interior was pressure
hosed. The bin was then returned to its slot on the street. The process
was then repeated for the other two bins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAywdW5uOdOqKfp9u1LhDXczzYVvi0Q7hz6i-6xljnZP3vIYmCc5-xMdz_RwLGTHmzbZhQqOqyJaIcRYk2BPnV876obWwKj_AGbjwOL_Gcv4E3MS2vqMtkOxscLHATgv8JDQmhsbw7OSt/s1600/refuse+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAywdW5uOdOqKfp9u1LhDXczzYVvi0Q7hz6i-6xljnZP3vIYmCc5-xMdz_RwLGTHmzbZhQqOqyJaIcRYk2BPnV876obWwKj_AGbjwOL_Gcv4E3MS2vqMtkOxscLHATgv8JDQmhsbw7OSt/s1600/refuse+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After each bin
was pressure hosed, the second worker hosed down the parked car next to the
truck to remove any debris that may have struck and stuck to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeijBMer_mTmihaRfuSOrmzpY31oTxht-0-dpvkw33h-tXqNFvElqMZA7AN3ckHCnw-e_-lSUJBQlxYlxuquF7ntgJ92mz3efMSf2AjKQY726knXlvc1T8lQV17spW7aYxfrRpiGT-w5AE/s1600/refuse+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeijBMer_mTmihaRfuSOrmzpY31oTxht-0-dpvkw33h-tXqNFvElqMZA7AN3ckHCnw-e_-lSUJBQlxYlxuquF7ntgJ92mz3efMSf2AjKQY726knXlvc1T8lQV17spW7aYxfrRpiGT-w5AE/s1600/refuse+7.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon leaving
the museum, we took a closer look at the waste bins and saw that they
are designated for the local residents to deposit their garbage. Lo and
behold a woman emerged from the apartment building across the street with a bag
of garbage. So we had to capture her in action disposing of her garbage.
(At this point Vincent left us, preferring to keep a low profile.) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back to the museum, here are a few photos
of some of the exhibits. This place had a lot of potential if only
language translations (other than Dutch) were easily accessible.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruqDz7njj9HQN_k2GhZnr6YYhg1cI0v8dP9oHdkHWLMyp8W7k7hMK6tZAfVK-ygpzNre8c-9HWQylfSXObt7PG_NTjg6weqSQT-QXBsOd2CBUykTZyZtIIvVXns2qHsF1PcBj_VfsikHu/s1600/schev+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruqDz7njj9HQN_k2GhZnr6YYhg1cI0v8dP9oHdkHWLMyp8W7k7hMK6tZAfVK-ygpzNre8c-9HWQylfSXObt7PG_NTjg6weqSQT-QXBsOd2CBUykTZyZtIIvVXns2qHsF1PcBj_VfsikHu/s1600/schev+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a room that gave a sense of going into the ocean and meeting sea life under water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmNQtxOC9Byl8OE7I2YGPAwdhpzLPEkqm6Bu6Q15T5qNyDCn3Z3fmipraglEkJytLI3hZCLI8PjYh71kVK8JisGdVFAgmSZO9yUAmUKIocqLAwb67hSpqXHLeLMd84JoEUqnRLFkMia2m/s1600/schev+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmNQtxOC9Byl8OE7I2YGPAwdhpzLPEkqm6Bu6Q15T5qNyDCn3Z3fmipraglEkJytLI3hZCLI8PjYh71kVK8JisGdVFAgmSZO9yUAmUKIocqLAwb67hSpqXHLeLMd84JoEUqnRLFkMia2m/s1600/schev+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeemonster,
real or fake? The text was in Dutch so I have no idea the story behind
this half fish half monkey. I'd researched that it could be a replica of
a "Fiji mermaid<b>" </b>which was an object comprising the torso and
head of a juvenile monkey sewn to the back half of a fish. It was a
common feature of sideshows, where it was presented as the mummified
body of a creature that was supposedly half mammal and half fish, a
version of a mermaid. The original Fiji mermaid was exhibited by P. T.
Barnum from 1842 until the 1860s when it was destroyed in a fire. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V75SAOSmSljVppv-xNXSrB37F7WLx9KaRj2eMRiPe6WVQk48Nyf5YEq0Qtz1Z16Fg1pqWfyZqQSkteOCFF0ULKkcuZB3eIy92dxeiV4ts8Hcxmi43yLFARRKVHk5vbazwt-A-NtrSB-H/s1600/schev+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V75SAOSmSljVppv-xNXSrB37F7WLx9KaRj2eMRiPe6WVQk48Nyf5YEq0Qtz1Z16Fg1pqWfyZqQSkteOCFF0ULKkcuZB3eIy92dxeiV4ts8Hcxmi43yLFARRKVHk5vbazwt-A-NtrSB-H/s1600/schev+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathing
machine (1830-1920): This was the only exhibit that had an English
explanation. A horse would pull the bathing machine into the water to a
depth of about 70 cm. The bather, wearing a bathing costume, would then
enjoy a dip in the water. When the bather was finished, the horse would
pull the bathing machine back up onto the beach. During bathing there
was always supervision by a "bath man" attendant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-VZzzOkwh8NcOmdkGWmCztyS2_NLpPpE_T1_Z0_AUwo3fAvS1AnWNfeqqlJ2uYVQCdrcM4NMJugDwJa1Ap-rwXhlw5OPjPn419XD4eyUEoOVGEQrfbTp7PWal7_8-L9amz1GBPDW2Zox/s1600/schev+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-VZzzOkwh8NcOmdkGWmCztyS2_NLpPpE_T1_Z0_AUwo3fAvS1AnWNfeqqlJ2uYVQCdrcM4NMJugDwJa1Ap-rwXhlw5OPjPn419XD4eyUEoOVGEQrfbTp7PWal7_8-L9amz1GBPDW2Zox/s1600/schev+1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 1719,
Kniertje Gerbrants de Wit gave birth to quintuplets, 5 girls. One was
stillborn and the other 4 only survived 4 days. This was such an unusual
event that people from miles around, including royalty, came to see the
infants. The parents let people visit 44 days before the bodies were
finally buried. Here, the museum shows 5 blue babies(!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2RBDg_rL1hkfMQZ_1v-aWF08yCY133SfUC1ZVDk_xCds_GgaM6SAZ6T6lDZD81YhqKmfDfzJQMShrv-gd6mWacZztJ9glxEkJMaCkHDtvRm2JonHyAO_WAQQ1GmUN059wqa11XHNqrwK/s1600/schev+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2RBDg_rL1hkfMQZ_1v-aWF08yCY133SfUC1ZVDk_xCds_GgaM6SAZ6T6lDZD81YhqKmfDfzJQMShrv-gd6mWacZztJ9glxEkJMaCkHDtvRm2JonHyAO_WAQQ1GmUN059wqa11XHNqrwK/s1600/schev+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room gave the sense of what it was like to live below deck on a <i><span lang="nl">bomschuit</span></i>
fishing boat. The ceiling even moved up and down with creaking sound
effects. With this sort of effort put into the museum, it wouldn't be a
stretch to add more language translations to give more visitors a better
experience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 31st</b>, Vincent and I decided to give the
kids a day off such that they could stay at the campground while he and
I went into Amsterdam to the Rijksmuseum. I tried to promote the
Rijksmuseum but no one was biting. Sarah had made a few friends at the
campground and she was having too much fun. The boys just wanted to hang
out with a few extra hours on the computer. Paul had finished his 8th
grade science curriculum the prior day and so he deserved a break. A few
months ago, Paul had completed the algebra curriculum and James had
finished science and history so both boys just had two subjects left to
wrap up. For Paul it was history and english and for James, algebra and english.<br />
<br />
While
I hated the kids to miss one of the best galleries in Europe, deep down
I was looking forward to spending the afternoon in a museum at my own
pace with nobody nearby whining to leave. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTjP3M8YIxpBiNf1t1Ab7Uq4S6TI9m728KZ80VTWUovoUwxcaWQ0xLCYZVF6eCN_YSOhbPr0r94YpJDg7Q4kVEOx4JBrFEX8fB5bwlzvSGwnBjTlw3cHWX2yuZi-Gx04cgKA8U3nfuPpX/s1600/rijks+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTjP3M8YIxpBiNf1t1Ab7Uq4S6TI9m728KZ80VTWUovoUwxcaWQ0xLCYZVF6eCN_YSOhbPr0r94YpJDg7Q4kVEOx4JBrFEX8fB5bwlzvSGwnBjTlw3cHWX2yuZi-Gx04cgKA8U3nfuPpX/s1600/rijks+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main foyer of the Rijksmuseum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The
Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague in 1800 and moved to Amsterdam in
1808. It is dedicated to art and history of the Netherlands. The museum
just underwent a 10 year renovation, reopening in 2013. This is one of
the top galleries in Europe. If you've ever had an art history class,
chances are you'll see some of the paintings you studied at the
Rijksmuseum, as I did.<br />
<br />
The museum offers an audioguide
for €5 which contains 4 different tours one can take. Vincent and I both
did the "highlights" tour and then "golden age" tour. Vincent then went
off and did the "art therapy" tour on his own. For those that are
successful in getting their children through the museum doors, there is a
"family" tour available as well. Here are a few snaps of some of the
gems that the museum holds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPj8CxS20jB_LXMyHkt7PL4E9hddu_iPwnvoB12RCEGVNTRdISprJGR2WZNsjNnEHoeidOXJyQ_h48JteVtPMMwjYiop374NMKNuy40yiI6E945yiGs_RZaAq4XeXTDM8B4eWPjR73pGW/s1600/rijks+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPj8CxS20jB_LXMyHkt7PL4E9hddu_iPwnvoB12RCEGVNTRdISprJGR2WZNsjNnEHoeidOXJyQ_h48JteVtPMMwjYiop374NMKNuy40yiI6E945yiGs_RZaAq4XeXTDM8B4eWPjR73pGW/s1600/rijks+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Portrait of a Girl Dressed in Blue </i>(1641) by Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zmqhNrqFMu89yaJZX_A06YFXMojz4YqSbTmRpVtrgHhyphenhyphenFPQu3nerG-X4DuAhfZhSGcxnYj9Pl7uTmk_qc8khaRRgiipDFqJT-IizzNy3Q_tTCjfxSOrtR8Vyw0Tj-qQ1PMO4A_4bOTmu/s1600/rijks+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zmqhNrqFMu89yaJZX_A06YFXMojz4YqSbTmRpVtrgHhyphenhyphenFPQu3nerG-X4DuAhfZhSGcxnYj9Pl7uTmk_qc8khaRRgiipDFqJT-IizzNy3Q_tTCjfxSOrtR8Vyw0Tj-qQ1PMO4A_4bOTmu/s1600/rijks+3.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dutch Ships in a Calm</i> (c 1665) by Willem van de Velde II. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAWegzi01i4cNtr2OWQhMJreuOD7v1Q_ZNGlwS6jyqxCI2Lp66-rWOUXev_4zRprX2x-GFCxnSaqy4WLWbieGHxtuRSlfmL_NWpfNgS1LTXHSjwYH74_ZzCi7Xtr0REeTzGB4k0oSO8H8/s1600/rijks+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAWegzi01i4cNtr2OWQhMJreuOD7v1Q_ZNGlwS6jyqxCI2Lp66-rWOUXev_4zRprX2x-GFCxnSaqy4WLWbieGHxtuRSlfmL_NWpfNgS1LTXHSjwYH74_ZzCi7Xtr0REeTzGB4k0oSO8H8/s1600/rijks+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Gallery of Honour: At the very end is Rembrandt's <i>Night Watch</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeOJwbrCx4O2YpjD-Zt8N9pEGOaRMtBlPyg6INg6Y7PfpC0F2L3tnz8U9qWT5rIYyU8A8cGQhGcqyteSH1UDrjan-W-2MY3PtpoWCm4sbt5qptkmNoSS0mKO2UORO81MVrnj5h86y25Bi/s1600/rijks+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeOJwbrCx4O2YpjD-Zt8N9pEGOaRMtBlPyg6INg6Y7PfpC0F2L3tnz8U9qWT5rIYyU8A8cGQhGcqyteSH1UDrjan-W-2MY3PtpoWCm4sbt5qptkmNoSS0mKO2UORO81MVrnj5h86y25Bi/s1600/rijks+5.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Night Watch</i>
(1642) by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn: This painting is considered a Rembrandt
masterpiece in part because the militiamen are all depicted in action.
Until this group painting, the subjects in such group portraits were
always depicted as sitting or standing stiffly next to one another.
Rembrandt also used light to depict important details such as the
captain's hand gesture and the girl's pale dress. The painting actually
illustrates a scene during the daytime but because the overall painting
is dark, it later earned the title <i>Night Watch</i>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eDJhRMYaANTcmSiNbMBPrValgpqj_9nysGha5AZ-gevfoynOWdKPzTVvfo-Opy6uTw-NgGH-r9i_mX-g1GM1vw05Okk1F1oL5gceEA4FElADHETWWOkAggaIxKR59o53G842DDBxInQU/s1600/rijks+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eDJhRMYaANTcmSiNbMBPrValgpqj_9nysGha5AZ-gevfoynOWdKPzTVvfo-Opy6uTw-NgGH-r9i_mX-g1GM1vw05Okk1F1oL5gceEA4FElADHETWWOkAggaIxKR59o53G842DDBxInQU/s1600/rijks+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of the <i>William Rex</i>., a Dutch warship from the late 17th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNSG_hZM_Ytc7LNre4f87W97NmT5CoIjKjW9HZYCGLtTSTbt39wgOPvNlnrgaxhX_I3K9l042HrmR49pUuwrbuTrz_RKntvE1Ku4oZHSdwj6mwWWhQibuNXc1sO0VMrnEhCiL0ysZGZGB/s1600/rijks+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNSG_hZM_Ytc7LNre4f87W97NmT5CoIjKjW9HZYCGLtTSTbt39wgOPvNlnrgaxhX_I3K9l042HrmR49pUuwrbuTrz_RKntvE1Ku4oZHSdwj6mwWWhQibuNXc1sO0VMrnEhCiL0ysZGZGB/s1600/rijks+7.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Portraits of Giuliano and Francesco Giamberti da Sangallo</i> (1482-85) by Piero di Cosimo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysyFeLQ_VGe5W1w2jt3VxFymjifdDxpGZ81iF6hDA3l6w9LKYSEr_UGehIIPK3ushEL1neGfzk9_smgfNQVBz-I8d7wD1WsPA6fOX_qiNM1KuPteATM9VJiUVksfOreXzJLu2TIazTvCg/s1600/rijks+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysyFeLQ_VGe5W1w2jt3VxFymjifdDxpGZ81iF6hDA3l6w9LKYSEr_UGehIIPK3ushEL1neGfzk9_smgfNQVBz-I8d7wD1WsPA6fOX_qiNM1KuPteATM9VJiUVksfOreXzJLu2TIazTvCg/s1600/rijks+9.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Still Life with Cheese</i> (c 1615) by Floris Claesz van Dijck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjLJRwrQ_JVj_S3HhWflUrUv7aaSYv2MV0pqqmOex6Yif3tb9YKg5mx61Qiq8QCRZTG9M8-P8n9w8HxXjPD-s9BJxRTv6A1xN7I6KbtmZICr5uV2WKl_M-42YWLxxa8H7A9Xvws22GMe6/s1600/rijks+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjLJRwrQ_JVj_S3HhWflUrUv7aaSYv2MV0pqqmOex6Yif3tb9YKg5mx61Qiq8QCRZTG9M8-P8n9w8HxXjPD-s9BJxRTv6A1xN7I6KbtmZICr5uV2WKl_M-42YWLxxa8H7A9Xvws22GMe6/s1600/rijks+12.jpg" height="400" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul</i> (1661) by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9my9RvXkInmWYCMkus2nmaqSxa9w3PSLTCJAdFZpsKvYBcQg8tw8Yd0fWwmvxacalH0-qGDTvyCsOak2WsJngljqupXMcMJd9wdeYXoM-w_nKs6p6oV9w9dhp2KxOCzyg_GIEdkVUnR5-/s1600/rijks+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9my9RvXkInmWYCMkus2nmaqSxa9w3PSLTCJAdFZpsKvYBcQg8tw8Yd0fWwmvxacalH0-qGDTvyCsOak2WsJngljqupXMcMJd9wdeYXoM-w_nKs6p6oV9w9dhp2KxOCzyg_GIEdkVUnR5-/s1600/rijks+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Still Life with Gilt Cup</i> (1635) by Willem Claesz Heda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYfy5qy5Kphg5pHdAYq5bsnEgvx-Ni5GpaTXwRQAGe3GgpbvE87dY7v5zxbg0OZkWjglrtSncTGPTHUAG5HWFX8GjKqZu46izDKZj5fR7GJYeRa9-oNWc86JnAxI4rHDI0HPdIV6wchVa/s1600/rijks+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYfy5qy5Kphg5pHdAYq5bsnEgvx-Ni5GpaTXwRQAGe3GgpbvE87dY7v5zxbg0OZkWjglrtSncTGPTHUAG5HWFX8GjKqZu46izDKZj5fR7GJYeRa9-oNWc86JnAxI4rHDI0HPdIV6wchVa/s1600/rijks+11.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the Bois de Boulogne near Paris</i> (c 1906) by Isaac Israels.</td></tr>
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We stayed at the Rijksmuseum until the closing
announcements. Afterwards, Vincent and I sat and had a beer at a
cafe/bar across the street from the museum. It was a nice way to end the
afternoon and end our visit in The Netherlands. We really enjoyed
Amsterdam and, for both of us, this was our favorite time visiting the
city thus far. Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-19501994723839736602014-06-11T11:09:00.001-07:002014-06-11T11:09:50.680-07:00Brief Visits to Luxembourg and BelgiumOn <b>May 20th</b> we left our Freizeitcenter Oberrhein campground near Baden Baden and drove north to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Our parking destination was Camping Steinfort, not far from Luxembourg City. It was a little startling entering the campground given our preconceptions of "wealthy Luxembourg"; Camping Steinfort seemed to be the home of several permanent residents. I had had the impression that Luxembourg was filled with the well-off but we found that Camping Steinfort was where the other half lived. The campground was going to close at the end of the season and I gather that they had sold the land to developers. The campground did have a swimming pool however which was what the kids cared about. It also had a restaurant/bar. The restrooms however didn't provide toilet paper; they were on a BYOTP program. It was an odd mixture of amenities and the bare minimum. Nevertheless, since LandShark pretty much had everything we needed, all we really required was a place to park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyiVsRn9GkSgygozbckmAzooNrbhnEFWsa1Uwr0_QO4n9EUdACfVyRkhL86Vim-FdZqNfG9wRjTPPAAobWDsDQSvPPtHbEW4QMpMTCWmqvfCTN2i7Z4NvUljp-lNDXCPIIsGrT1WdVW68/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyiVsRn9GkSgygozbckmAzooNrbhnEFWsa1Uwr0_QO4n9EUdACfVyRkhL86Vim-FdZqNfG9wRjTPPAAobWDsDQSvPPtHbEW4QMpMTCWmqvfCTN2i7Z4NvUljp-lNDXCPIIsGrT1WdVW68/s1600/pool.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James, all by himself in the pool.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 21st</b>, we drove into Luxembourg City to explore a bit. The history of Luxembourg goes way back over 1000 years ago when Siegfried, Count of Ardennes, built a castle high on a promontory, laying the foundation stone of the present-day capital and the beginning of a settlement that had immense strategic importance over the centuries.<br />
<br />
Luxembourg is the world's only remaining grand duchy; it is a representative democracy with a constitutional monarch and is headed by a grand duke. The country has the world's second highest GDP per capita (after Qatar). It's central location has historically made it of great strategic
importance to numerous powers, dating back to its founding as a Roman fortress, its hosting of a vital Frankish castle during the early middle ages and its role as a bastion for the Spanish Road between the 16th and 17th centuries. It was one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now the European Union) and participates in the Schengen Group, named after the Luxembourg village of Schengen where the Schengen agreement was signed (a thorny issue for Americans/Canadians and other non-EU citizens who want to stay in Europe longer than 90 days.)<br />
<br />
Once parked, we set out to walk the pedestrian zone and find some food. Due to the high prices advertised at restaurants, we settled on fast food and then set out to do a self-guided walking tour of the city. Here are some photos I took during the day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuJixkEASzER0xjZC0erqOqo4AazxrdzWIkaQDkJRWnDWLV3Kc_m6HBbOoi7mOZqn5b8GfDtcQSulIxvjx6OZ4kmNoe560OMy_xzVhufQDRWNeoHtEBgkF0BbX4guQl27pgpyR5f8P3rc/s1600/lux+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuJixkEASzER0xjZC0erqOqo4AazxrdzWIkaQDkJRWnDWLV3Kc_m6HBbOoi7mOZqn5b8GfDtcQSulIxvjx6OZ4kmNoe560OMy_xzVhufQDRWNeoHtEBgkF0BbX4guQl27pgpyR5f8P3rc/s1600/lux+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah encountered this fun water fountain. Push the clown's nose for a drink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JMJlv9wPvv_wFfD29zeLR5gh-YFsW_Tw8lM5YQkwqMIjwjCFFlalygAHQKMoieF2roHbSTg8WFDKUMipALCvUof_S_tzjZ4l8Xz5bb1til-i6o8_rlXWwZblxMqT1CPRxHYy5avxsJzn/s1600/lux+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JMJlv9wPvv_wFfD29zeLR5gh-YFsW_Tw8lM5YQkwqMIjwjCFFlalygAHQKMoieF2roHbSTg8WFDKUMipALCvUof_S_tzjZ4l8Xz5bb1til-i6o8_rlXWwZblxMqT1CPRxHYy5avxsJzn/s1600/lux+2.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City Palace (Cercle Municipal) located on Place d'Armes: It is an administrative building with several festival halls and the seat of the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. The Place d'Armes was completed in 1671 and renovated in 1986. We had lunch at McDonalds, located on the Place d'Armes just left of the City Palace, which had nice outdoor seating.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvNnaG9CgaPwaxXKNyH6qediasA-IArOiYvqzXoNPRiSvDQK4kSPFNPeiCN5KKcrI0nI5wuB7iC2ruHWxOl3KYO4uPtrPc8xUIz1Aw8TB83lxxDghySMQvhT__YYJgFvpiZcz3vBPtex9/s1600/lux+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvNnaG9CgaPwaxXKNyH6qediasA-IArOiYvqzXoNPRiSvDQK4kSPFNPeiCN5KKcrI0nI5wuB7iC2ruHWxOl3KYO4uPtrPc8xUIz1Aw8TB83lxxDghySMQvhT__YYJgFvpiZcz3vBPtex9/s1600/lux+3.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gelle Fra" Memorial: It was established in 1923 to commemorate the Luxembourgers who perished in WWI and today it symbolizes freedom and resistance for the Luxembourg people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s3iAKy567ivCHVwfc6TjBj0MMWEdPkx5b06wzmriuljPVDm1eXI-EY397sQAtYAqSnNnhUly1kYQmsPd8CSZyrNwiU-cFRvP2oNqbQV_-rKPurWGeeKnZCCeIElOxwxYtuVg6vwvdNa1/s1600/lux+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s3iAKy567ivCHVwfc6TjBj0MMWEdPkx5b06wzmriuljPVDm1eXI-EY397sQAtYAqSnNnhUly1kYQmsPd8CSZyrNwiU-cFRvP2oNqbQV_-rKPurWGeeKnZCCeIElOxwxYtuVg6vwvdNa1/s1600/lux+24.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the State Savings Bank (Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat) and Bank Museum located on the Place de Metz.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0fHHICSmfyk2KHGmKrm98jHtCm0RDB8OgzZGkbMvaNc1_DSdxNfp_87Y7bNnIVTLsMqdBUP1Lmx_vSV_u8Y7GHqcKF-ZddRORREPl65hOToYUz_73vDNczeJm7DMXxCJEIkjUHsMUBMU/s1600/lux+4.jpg" height="303" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral to the Blessed Virgin: Consecrated in 1613, it was built in the late gothic style. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1870.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F5MRpKBoUVGvCH_qdqSH07cSfr4BbFSGjRRiTQZW-6w-jCHwQzLIPijWYvjMBVPk0hYPsReOpsai57B-mSLtpc33cFQvJceyI_XokcALYK3m5PM_s1NbAZD8-lz2D5G110tjntbckqrm/s1600/lux+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F5MRpKBoUVGvCH_qdqSH07cSfr4BbFSGjRRiTQZW-6w-jCHwQzLIPijWYvjMBVPk0hYPsReOpsai57B-mSLtpc33cFQvJceyI_XokcALYK3m5PM_s1NbAZD8-lz2D5G110tjntbckqrm/s1600/lux+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance to the Cathedral to the Blessed Virgin, which is also referred to as Notre-Dame Cathedral.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemJkPI6Ldo8aiV-XRkk7vPxkQexbqL036nYMxRmOjGSI5cXM2DDilBs9-KzDPz8t68sKfZ5h1mABm5cJjXYg1O-F4A0CgrfvWTUv3CkuJQgQEjEqR2RHiYMV3S22bNwN965mmuXV5wuDL/s1600/lux+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemJkPI6Ldo8aiV-XRkk7vPxkQexbqL036nYMxRmOjGSI5cXM2DDilBs9-KzDPz8t68sKfZ5h1mABm5cJjXYg1O-F4A0CgrfvWTUv3CkuJQgQEjEqR2RHiYMV3S22bNwN965mmuXV5wuDL/s1600/lux+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral to the Blessed Virgin was originally a Jesuit church and was elevated to cathedral status by Pope Pius IX in 1870. The cathedral boasts unusual art deco columns (c 1930).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR6Mrm3b8Gf3YgIvEq031mGefXbGBPYHdYkcziOx_ylGv69dCH6H5LCJ7WhsWe09hJqmtjyNfq0F91JQasD6jGIbc1yS_dkTulU0qrTwaIg9ZFqCClYp8LQKj1oX_Ot99szLvQClnQ4kq/s1600/lux+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR6Mrm3b8Gf3YgIvEq031mGefXbGBPYHdYkcziOx_ylGv69dCH6H5LCJ7WhsWe09hJqmtjyNfq0F91JQasD6jGIbc1yS_dkTulU0qrTwaIg9ZFqCClYp8LQKj1oX_Ot99szLvQClnQ4kq/s1600/lux+9.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stained glass windows behind the altar are lovely. (Unfortunately not well captured in this photo.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0_Ua6Z-iSPPCp2ibzCqB0TwBkDducaJmnrcVWMRvsD1IHFb3ANIf3SqSw3nVyUD6W54dXS1aUhnsjrq9GXTsXlsSqRxHtx-iZM-4fGq1k-w6P1N2M8sLj8vPAk6bsE0t8x3L8j9wdSki/s1600/lux+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0_Ua6Z-iSPPCp2ibzCqB0TwBkDducaJmnrcVWMRvsD1IHFb3ANIf3SqSw3nVyUD6W54dXS1aUhnsjrq9GXTsXlsSqRxHtx-iZM-4fGq1k-w6P1N2M8sLj8vPAk6bsE0t8x3L8j9wdSki/s1600/lux+6.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Duchess Charlotte Memorial: It was erected in honor of (who else but) Grand Duchess Charlotte (1896-1985).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3hwxWwXNoeGtQUH8zrJstXMUonyO5bB5kzBgEttCn4RInQ3NHe_KefdQDIYogiAxCkDaPD1WbZhEEvNWim6uA9MXOq-U5FWGuUGw2zyjwoxP_C5qLf-0otMCvX-_6RwMKSSyAu9qvKqi/s1600/lux+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3hwxWwXNoeGtQUH8zrJstXMUonyO5bB5kzBgEttCn4RInQ3NHe_KefdQDIYogiAxCkDaPD1WbZhEEvNWim6uA9MXOq-U5FWGuUGw2zyjwoxP_C5qLf-0otMCvX-_6RwMKSSyAu9qvKqi/s1600/lux+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make our self-guided walking tour seem more like a "tour", Vincent took Sarah's McDonald's balloon and proceeded to assume the role of a bonified tour guide.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistEXzURWCb3lvcTA9VP2V77DHYUY9jMCQkdw6JRmTAoaur2e0qTYjV7_t7nEfmJopjeNblGunFnTSkzCK6uwUhAeUb1atSlSrZ2AAcsfmNUKgcfGHd5z44wFMQkWuiccQcn6lNyiU6FtB/s1600/lux+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistEXzURWCb3lvcTA9VP2V77DHYUY9jMCQkdw6JRmTAoaur2e0qTYjV7_t7nEfmJopjeNblGunFnTSkzCK6uwUhAeUb1atSlSrZ2AAcsfmNUKgcfGHd5z44wFMQkWuiccQcn6lNyiU6FtB/s1600/lux+11.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over the ancient quarters and fortifications of Luxembourg City: They've been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cuBstbjqhaDaOZe310QtzSbap04cjCZ2A_3dlzDkMW2E6i979Jk9XL23vBOAFfuseKDEql_PkJ524IDBGgFv7mny546FhYSYx2DipsHE3zni2GDfjOg4-saCcQa9GV9wm4c8c5e_oLkg/s1600/lux+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cuBstbjqhaDaOZe310QtzSbap04cjCZ2A_3dlzDkMW2E6i979Jk9XL23vBOAFfuseKDEql_PkJ524IDBGgFv7mny546FhYSYx2DipsHE3zni2GDfjOg4-saCcQa9GV9wm4c8c5e_oLkg/s1600/lux+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because of its strategic position, Luxembourg was, from the 16th century
until 1867 when its walls were partially dismantled, one of Europe's greatest
fortified sites. It was repeatedly reinforced as it passed from one
great European power to another: The Holy Roman Emperors, the House of
Burgundy, the Habsburgs, the French and Spanish kings, and finally the
Prussians. Until their partial demolition, the fortifications were an excellent example of military architecture spanning several centuries. With the signature of the Treaty of London in 1867, the European powers
confirmed the perpetual neutrality of the Grand Duchy and, in
consequence, the
demolition of the fortifications. This brought to an end a long
evolution over nine centuries and turned a grim fortress of some 180 hectares
into an open city. Dismantlement of more than 24 km of underground
defences and some 40,000 m2 of casemates, batteries, barracks, and the
like lasted sixteen years and cost over 1.5 million gold francs. Some
elements survive, such as twelve of the 28 gates and a number of
redoubts and forts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B5jXLqFZBz7cHrshgHKUSJkiu8LencmN382GtJO-ldaq0FCDRilIhb3qxWNfJ3rCHTuZifkL52EbMLqxXKRX30KNjZG3VS7SelVVjeaEsO5DuC4muZ4lpyGU9Xw9pe72qLmOiDMnVWxv/s1600/lux+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B5jXLqFZBz7cHrshgHKUSJkiu8LencmN382GtJO-ldaq0FCDRilIhb3qxWNfJ3rCHTuZifkL52EbMLqxXKRX30KNjZG3VS7SelVVjeaEsO5DuC4muZ4lpyGU9Xw9pe72qLmOiDMnVWxv/s1600/lux+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St John (Neumunster) church (CCRN Abbaye de Neumunster).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCcFsNMRM5lngTF2zJ-Xn5n7ec4Fkbc1ET1zLQrzwYbE9_6EcavMxYdUlrNRSE8cXyufu5PoHsTP1bKbshiHPQvq_DmPVTeU8LYVbtcrZYJNL64IZtnmeCbxZ5HTQ2dRvZe2unTLRsUW1/s1600/lux+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCcFsNMRM5lngTF2zJ-Xn5n7ec4Fkbc1ET1zLQrzwYbE9_6EcavMxYdUlrNRSE8cXyufu5PoHsTP1bKbshiHPQvq_DmPVTeU8LYVbtcrZYJNL64IZtnmeCbxZ5HTQ2dRvZe2unTLRsUW1/s1600/lux+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A significant proportion of Luxembourg City consists of park area. In the distance is the viaduct which had 24 arches, built 1859-61.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq909RaL8mzeVJ6mDYf0HxkoocHNPGj6mOWWvWwcB7wHU7err8TlkSv8uZRQvmURvxKC3mgEOmtdCggnOLMx1uLIERwur_RsaYJ3_Sio6rkpDkv2MA5XHSuINJWi_FXTxYmSmuyt04BquQ/s1600/lux+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq909RaL8mzeVJ6mDYf0HxkoocHNPGj6mOWWvWwcB7wHU7err8TlkSv8uZRQvmURvxKC3mgEOmtdCggnOLMx1uLIERwur_RsaYJ3_Sio6rkpDkv2MA5XHSuINJWi_FXTxYmSmuyt04BquQ/s1600/lux+15.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of St Michael and the Dragon outside of St Michael's church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt4DHNKi7cnq_34LgKsjg8rbgs1fGeDWRVagkm1FojfViDE7_pxtWuw0lfPVpV6U75HTZU2NjjfkrVcoAJXuhF6ltvlsotqOu3BwtNPNNqPmZMytPqGhq2wVjx6R6uWzrGU6fA8PdNEbM/s1600/lux+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt4DHNKi7cnq_34LgKsjg8rbgs1fGeDWRVagkm1FojfViDE7_pxtWuw0lfPVpV6U75HTZU2NjjfkrVcoAJXuhF6ltvlsotqOu3BwtNPNNqPmZMytPqGhq2wVjx6R6uWzrGU6fA8PdNEbM/s1600/lux+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of St Michael's church (Eglise St Michel). The first church structure was built as the castle chapel for the Count of Luxembourg in 987, making this the oldest religious site in Luxembourg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KZb3hkIRjf1-ABPGqlOz6y3iQYboQFbIqIcD1rj0aBf6WqrF5XdZp2VT8NaeCFIs9Def5cj5PuiJXP-1n1-gvZg8OPq4eNQHofONLLYhXG6mJp51efXJ4fJcxsayVw8dkOVR9OgjJIkp/s1600/lux+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KZb3hkIRjf1-ABPGqlOz6y3iQYboQFbIqIcD1rj0aBf6WqrF5XdZp2VT8NaeCFIs9Def5cj5PuiJXP-1n1-gvZg8OPq4eNQHofONLLYhXG6mJp51efXJ4fJcxsayVw8dkOVR9OgjJIkp/s1600/lux+17.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up Rue de la Loge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQuGJ8sVzit2LxbWokcotPI32KnYJCHVHsEMReBObr94YDFKT13_lVqJEFbOBDiXPX8BeUUYoiZebxKrDrMsTHO_sJ4FUqXcItns0O4IauE-905IEkbowi8QPyPJzY3jZSJFalwXBNtdX/s1600/lux+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQuGJ8sVzit2LxbWokcotPI32KnYJCHVHsEMReBObr94YDFKT13_lVqJEFbOBDiXPX8BeUUYoiZebxKrDrMsTHO_sJ4FUqXcItns0O4IauE-905IEkbowi8QPyPJzY3jZSJFalwXBNtdX/s1600/lux+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending Rue Large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7-59NHRabsbDwWitYIYcL5zAyXcQR9P-EouF2ui3kvVndatCE-w9IdYFO-a3gKm93CeobwzFEpl9ReKZ9kfW3drgz5fqi9LrOHzITWjliwum6gR20XOBwvT7T-HYrMuT17NKzGHXj3DY/s1600/lux+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7-59NHRabsbDwWitYIYcL5zAyXcQR9P-EouF2ui3kvVndatCE-w9IdYFO-a3gKm93CeobwzFEpl9ReKZ9kfW3drgz5fqi9LrOHzITWjliwum6gR20XOBwvT7T-HYrMuT17NKzGHXj3DY/s1600/lux+19.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pétrusse River.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LQSktN3CbhrVWUB0TEQ-v1sAkvBYGhTfW-V4iNoMGW7RQDFZXhaLIJsNel2EeQYRpEZ16WXIBGucVZlSImIf32ljApCHHtqOmMmdDLnbeDnAhUC3FQUAwfqzqIjAXX_y-Dvv7FAGu8oK/s1600/lux+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LQSktN3CbhrVWUB0TEQ-v1sAkvBYGhTfW-V4iNoMGW7RQDFZXhaLIJsNel2EeQYRpEZ16WXIBGucVZlSImIf32ljApCHHtqOmMmdDLnbeDnAhUC3FQUAwfqzqIjAXX_y-Dvv7FAGu8oK/s1600/lux+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quirin Chapel: An early Christian sanctuary built right into the fortified walls in the 14th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9oVYwTCrWhVIEXhDlbg4ZJnO3CPrz-km6UzKm2cxHJ6FGA8jRdevoLhFSIZML3oJ-Gi_bRAd8S5fACUy52PgdvLVGn7fR4h18ZiUEFEzLcZXgKmrDceYv3zG4Q9tOF01PlzGfy5Mk08S/s1600/lux+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9oVYwTCrWhVIEXhDlbg4ZJnO3CPrz-km6UzKm2cxHJ6FGA8jRdevoLhFSIZML3oJ-Gi_bRAd8S5fACUy52PgdvLVGn7fR4h18ZiUEFEzLcZXgKmrDceYv3zG4Q9tOF01PlzGfy5Mk08S/s1600/lux+21.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the Petrusse Valley, we found some work-out equipment along with this set of 3 climbing walls. Of course we had to try them out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfC_8Q-oslTpC5em44J3FElfFJ-u37rL9FlEqYKvSz_nl64ZqC-2tmgGd4OaBaZFM42t0RKav-OKnxTnDwddGRP0HYV9RDX3Q7CYCDNWOSXzGj2kxkNyPlXtyja8aRAtkIKnE9xi6-3pk/s1600/lux+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfC_8Q-oslTpC5em44J3FElfFJ-u37rL9FlEqYKvSz_nl64ZqC-2tmgGd4OaBaZFM42t0RKav-OKnxTnDwddGRP0HYV9RDX3Q7CYCDNWOSXzGj2kxkNyPlXtyja8aRAtkIKnE9xi6-3pk/s1600/lux+22.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the viaduct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLrqSNuH3jnbZ7b6hyphenhyphenGHuFYAyxIo-JDnI00UXvVCrT_NBuSpkpwIdVihBUyWR5z13-2ZhsQb_Xf-JcnLsXsifJ3lV1hyphenhyphenNxe_q7kz4gvU1ou9K-BWqrSIZi21SoJG3XzbQOOF_oOSTMK8Y/s1600/lux+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLrqSNuH3jnbZ7b6hyphenhyphenGHuFYAyxIo-JDnI00UXvVCrT_NBuSpkpwIdVihBUyWR5z13-2ZhsQb_Xf-JcnLsXsifJ3lV1hyphenhyphenNxe_q7kz4gvU1ou9K-BWqrSIZi21SoJG3XzbQOOF_oOSTMK8Y/s1600/lux+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortified corner stone placed in 1644: The walls were built in a star-pattern with triangular bastions. This was an architectural defense improvement over the round turrets which provided "dead zones" and gave attackers relative shelter from defensive fire<b>; </b>diamond-shaped points gave storming infantry no shelter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we made the steep hike back up to the top of the fortifications, we came across a mini-carnival taking place. Vince gave each kid €5 to spend how they'd like. Both James and Sarah made moderate choices; Paul on the other hand had a really, really big craving for candy floss.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj0Vz2b2mV3tNCq9m_UEiKCPjif9P_SlQ8X0gEyILDWCtGB-xg87Tzc58Nt2v5ZiNX3vrdgLKC4JI2A4yQC1MnFYTNlyEu3VwguYS-xqKvYxckHzVZGOWCOoLDnGE_crpAcY8D1JCpdEw/s1600/floss+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj0Vz2b2mV3tNCq9m_UEiKCPjif9P_SlQ8X0gEyILDWCtGB-xg87Tzc58Nt2v5ZiNX3vrdgLKC4JI2A4yQC1MnFYTNlyEu3VwguYS-xqKvYxckHzVZGOWCOoLDnGE_crpAcY8D1JCpdEw/s1600/floss+1.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul put his entire €5 towards one giant candy floss. Hey, look everyone; I have a big pink top hat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL5y7QD82fV3w5HSg9y-6YhScrjEsA4Kl671WJ-YQJM5SjjGGNduhrxwlSfzsbN9_vU8uIym-ou65jjjDM5_c76yec-ctk3cAt2upfyCS-XMoLlB4ZI4QNQVDqNj8KywZ-rhxnOibBKUE/s1600/floss+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL5y7QD82fV3w5HSg9y-6YhScrjEsA4Kl671WJ-YQJM5SjjGGNduhrxwlSfzsbN9_vU8uIym-ou65jjjDM5_c76yec-ctk3cAt2upfyCS-XMoLlB4ZI4QNQVDqNj8KywZ-rhxnOibBKUE/s1600/floss+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This floss topped the size of Sarah's floss purchase in Budapest and, at that time, that was the biggest candy floss I had ever seen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQtMXdaf_0zx79ojOj4rGaLakw8Yb98P6c4Pkw10h5BJjt58eg2Bx-aEJaOHdzJFkTOH_sLOTzmS8jUIqZt_IYgJBP3d3X6x3vBvOchZ1WqYQZLpKy7or3EtywUx3CNBD9GpRx3Lz4Wgw/s1600/floss+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQtMXdaf_0zx79ojOj4rGaLakw8Yb98P6c4Pkw10h5BJjt58eg2Bx-aEJaOHdzJFkTOH_sLOTzmS8jUIqZt_IYgJBP3d3X6x3vBvOchZ1WqYQZLpKy7or3EtywUx3CNBD9GpRx3Lz4Wgw/s1600/floss+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a third the way through, Paul began to have second thoughts on his choice. Maybe biggest isn't always better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHHvZqlW8ugonOgCaJ7m8omQ6uzWN26VrAeBeCWEGxgOoNTROMbUK9Y7VdVN46cXt0Sx7r1oLugPZ2cQ3Xjw7BQam7NDAMWU7fz39w7cdqpYFJxhhnuLNL4EZyAgcc5j6FqR1xYReFncg/s1600/floss+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHHvZqlW8ugonOgCaJ7m8omQ6uzWN26VrAeBeCWEGxgOoNTROMbUK9Y7VdVN46cXt0Sx7r1oLugPZ2cQ3Xjw7BQam7NDAMWU7fz39w7cdqpYFJxhhnuLNL4EZyAgcc5j6FqR1xYReFncg/s1600/floss+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half way through, the sugar high hit and so did the fits of laughter. At this point Vince and I were wondering if we were being good parents allowing Paul to "learn from his choice" or should we be intervening for the sake of his health?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKoXMk6dqv5lZueM_kjOmKX11Ce21r-oZhjxe_VsD9788o2J-7lZLNMQHShhskPhBtDpBUTRvtxKn0iZbvNy4nM-ju9SANvyBJs8NtrSgCWQ68CVhJ6pIWG2b4oh_OCVIWevGAig5bKl/s1600/floss+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKoXMk6dqv5lZueM_kjOmKX11Ce21r-oZhjxe_VsD9788o2J-7lZLNMQHShhskPhBtDpBUTRvtxKn0iZbvNy4nM-ju9SANvyBJs8NtrSgCWQ68CVhJ6pIWG2b4oh_OCVIWevGAig5bKl/s1600/floss+5.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He finished it! We were surprised that he didn't end up with a dreadful headache an hour later. Somehow his body managed to metabolize the influx of sugar. Nevertheless, Paul decided he'd never buy that large of a candy floss again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 22nd</b>, we went to the village of Schengen where the Schengen treaty was signed. We felt we needed to go there since the Schengen treaty significantly impacted our year in Europe. When we reached Schengen, we saw that it truly is a village. It didn't seem to have a center and at first pass it didn't seem to have a town hall or any restaurants (although we did spot 3 restaurants on a second pass). We later learned that the Schengen agreement was signed on board the river-boat, "Princesse Marie-Astrid". We wondered, "Why Schengen"? Why was the agreement signed in this small seemingly insignificant village? Well, when we looked at the GPS, we saw no less than 11 border crossing sites (covering crossings between Germany, France and Luxembourg) within a 1 mile distance of the town and we could see that this town represented the benefits of losing those border controls. There may have been other reasons, but the practical reason alone could have warranted the decision.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9MZzqsFgikumZ7RbUGIjY85MfHRuaosjIver6GTfbVMLt-ybvOHC2sPT26S936VnGf7qAHPqcObQMwFhwnIrdEKxhbo72AbXtGd4yZ4xUpXutDwSkFdq0LzHGlW7kDtvRXt0KOTRRuPY/s1600/yes+schengen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9MZzqsFgikumZ7RbUGIjY85MfHRuaosjIver6GTfbVMLt-ybvOHC2sPT26S936VnGf7qAHPqcObQMwFhwnIrdEKxhbo72AbXtGd4yZ4xUpXutDwSkFdq0LzHGlW7kDtvRXt0KOTRRuPY/s1600/yes+schengen.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro-Schengen: On the one hand the Schengen treaty makes life traveling between countries really easy, with no border controls. (We decided to make the Schengen zone "Sharks Territory", while we were there.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeXPgMs6oKof9XBwihQQDjsKlSHoBLvtSG4H0cDLv5EUu7K87kz0WaaIFmhHZZ95x36C1YeyvbZLnSTY1dobSW6hcQSTTJT6m1OJrl2av31UHfaojwIBtvbTrX7KUmz0ZzXpbCEADzUf1/s1600/no+schengen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeXPgMs6oKof9XBwihQQDjsKlSHoBLvtSG4H0cDLv5EUu7K87kz0WaaIFmhHZZ95x36C1YeyvbZLnSTY1dobSW6hcQSTTJT6m1OJrl2av31UHfaojwIBtvbTrX7KUmz0ZzXpbCEADzUf1/s1600/no+schengen.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Against Schengen: On the other hand, Americans, Canadians and other nationals outside of
the Schengen treaty get a raw deal because they now can only stay in the
region covering the Schengen treaty for no more than 90 days in a 180
day period. Long term tourists were better off prior to the treaty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw that there was a European Community Museum so we parked the car with the aim to find something to eat and then take a look at the museum. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TFG4EiW8PvznkPOe_frEaOPjko_JptiKcmaOHkPLXz-vCcMVaExHGPx2ls5ce3PToDSK7vWwL1OHMDt2PUPNwrFsWZH6qxZhjK45xRo3L78HYzAJQJKeJmVK1Jb-5BbcmnxCno2VVQxt/s1600/schengen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TFG4EiW8PvznkPOe_frEaOPjko_JptiKcmaOHkPLXz-vCcMVaExHGPx2ls5ce3PToDSK7vWwL1OHMDt2PUPNwrFsWZH6qxZhjK45xRo3L78HYzAJQJKeJmVK1Jb-5BbcmnxCno2VVQxt/s1600/schengen+2.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For lunch we went to the Chinese restaurant which is the one nationality
represented in this village that's not part of the Schengen zone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2AlEp5tLaH3E1s-QWwwTdsnQh1ZFeRWLPKoM5qZ-m98TRpWD3AdePPRawin5_yoYhD9jJDuQRzzTAcrQJImOS83za0lNDx8aowlD5nHOlwWN-hzv_lsp1Gvb0SbE94rtKuqKRmWoPFXy/s1600/schengen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2AlEp5tLaH3E1s-QWwwTdsnQh1ZFeRWLPKoM5qZ-m98TRpWD3AdePPRawin5_yoYhD9jJDuQRzzTAcrQJImOS83za0lNDx8aowlD5nHOlwWN-hzv_lsp1Gvb0SbE94rtKuqKRmWoPFXy/s1600/schengen+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Princesse Marie-Astrid" docked at this quay and the representatives
of the states of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of
Germany and the Republic of France signed on June 14, 1985 and then
again on June 19, 1990 the Schengen Agreement concerning the gradual
abolition of controls at their common borders as well as its convention
for application.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had stopped including photos of "love locks" on bridges and such in the blog since most towns we visited seemed to have this represented. However here in Schengen, I saw a new twist: Love locks categorized according to which country the couple represented. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6467MwkYEsuSzouwBDPUluMP9kcgKGrwhGvKiCRSlEORzJZxxnJ8LR4gINl2-5EpDYIiOI860HDZRhsDSEBy45S1inX_4ZrLilfRCnY6S8wpnZ8F9Hf2Z32EUAhhzWtYjBbdk8wSgBod/s1600/schengen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6467MwkYEsuSzouwBDPUluMP9kcgKGrwhGvKiCRSlEORzJZxxnJ8LR4gINl2-5EpDYIiOI860HDZRhsDSEBy45S1inX_4ZrLilfRCnY6S8wpnZ8F9Hf2Z32EUAhhzWtYjBbdk8wSgBod/s1600/schengen+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturally, the country Luxembourg was well-covered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next to the Schengen Museum was a section of the Berlin wall. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbbJj9MSyuMRELw0bVVC6df37D1yzShjQ5k0cBSsvGG3RgnQVnp7RSaTISu08BVY22rHpSsH-iZNbNYT5cOcI94Nr_9R6FNfNF1SI6E26h-JAwRyYz2-QFe3bWCjUlk1KjEi40kxmv3Qp/s1600/schengen+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbbJj9MSyuMRELw0bVVC6df37D1yzShjQ5k0cBSsvGG3RgnQVnp7RSaTISu08BVY22rHpSsH-iZNbNYT5cOcI94Nr_9R6FNfNF1SI6E26h-JAwRyYz2-QFe3bWCjUlk1KjEi40kxmv3Qp/s1600/schengen+4.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section of the torn down Berlin wall symbolized the "breaking of barriers", just like the Schengen Agreement did. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Schengen Museum consisted essentially of one large room with lots of information about the principals of the agreement and those who have benefitted from it. It was free of charge to visit and contained a lot of information in many languages for visitors to take. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wps7dvB58Uoc8dvQ_Q3UuLx0bp0AmbuXon6Jua-F0cWNU31mbP2xp-MEoMoywJkqkxj1suwIwT6s1oYrU9IfFn25hf_ioo7IAcnA-j7jkSqUjX_XtrlEq-4n6qguCcv-SJBhlWom8z4N/s1600/schengen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wps7dvB58Uoc8dvQ_Q3UuLx0bp0AmbuXon6Jua-F0cWNU31mbP2xp-MEoMoywJkqkxj1suwIwT6s1oYrU9IfFn25hf_ioo7IAcnA-j7jkSqUjX_XtrlEq-4n6qguCcv-SJBhlWom8z4N/s1600/schengen+7.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, Vincent left a comment stating that the agreement has made it more
difficult for Americans (and others) to visit all participating
countries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4LzjPgTfMNZo0KdsXZx97_Efvc9Scyt32wK5iHlpFNT8hoc54IBlROgKvJiKi-PXe_hmna7XRxuWuZNcqAF1-_F_94VJem_rYIb_w6Xv3pkrMjay9p5Ujz0eI-8YnbBqPRqta3_3y8uo/s1600/schengen+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4LzjPgTfMNZo0KdsXZx97_Efvc9Scyt32wK5iHlpFNT8hoc54IBlROgKvJiKi-PXe_hmna7XRxuWuZNcqAF1-_F_94VJem_rYIb_w6Xv3pkrMjay9p5Ujz0eI-8YnbBqPRqta3_3y8uo/s1600/schengen+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum had a display on border control hats. Styles ranged from the very formal to Estonia's baseball cap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgC-TKgVY5oqziawbhU-TVL3bxYb2jWNNAZ1seMZDXtkPSbuNWq-G8cPntej1EAONmieRN8Ia9wYWWPklh0WOMahefUW0V_K0A-pfrzpmvEcGEML_ozaEufr3EPqndCE3mshmbiGthSs0/s1600/schengen+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgC-TKgVY5oqziawbhU-TVL3bxYb2jWNNAZ1seMZDXtkPSbuNWq-G8cPntej1EAONmieRN8Ia9wYWWPklh0WOMahefUW0V_K0A-pfrzpmvEcGEML_ozaEufr3EPqndCE3mshmbiGthSs0/s1600/schengen+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun feature for kids was the ability to create one's own Schengen
Passport. Sarah was all over that, making passports for everyone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving Schengen, we drove back to Camping Steifort to collect
LandShark and then drive to Belgium. Our next campground stop was
Camping Le Relais in Somme-Leuze. We arrived and the office was closed. A neighboring home-owner showed where we could park just outside of the campground and so we got settled. We had access to electricity but had to feed coins into the meter box and had no access to dumping, which would be a problem in another day. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbRqG66Ax8X8dzwNPEKJ3zVXDgIQZ9B_A78MkzGny6UsyH_WeJGj5jDipFRKsDoFK3RVDNafQ6oxkNLS2QY7cUXPjhp2xzBvlI7jqOxWk9s-pbGhc8x06vDF-ttkxZHmVA_J_l7EZ8FfN/s1600/belgium+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbRqG66Ax8X8dzwNPEKJ3zVXDgIQZ9B_A78MkzGny6UsyH_WeJGj5jDipFRKsDoFK3RVDNafQ6oxkNLS2QY7cUXPjhp2xzBvlI7jqOxWk9s-pbGhc8x06vDF-ttkxZHmVA_J_l7EZ8FfN/s1600/belgium+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once parked, Paul threw the ball for Molly, her favorite pastime. She was one happy pup. And this photo was taken before she noticed the bunny rabbits hopping about. Times got even better after that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 23rd</b>, we woke to pretty good weather but still no sign of our campground manager even though Vince had emailed him and left a message. We were an hour or so from Brussels and a couple hours from Bruges, so we made the call to move on. Vince received a message from another campground close to Bruges that they had room for us, so we packed up, closed slides and moved on to Camping Klein Strand.<br />
<br />
What a difference Klein Strand was compared to the last two campgrounds (which were both varying degrees of run-down facilities). Klein Strand was "happening"; it was situated on a lake with 2 huge water slides. It had boating activities, a children's center and playground, tennis courts and an inflatable jump house. The restaurant on-site was the "China Garden" (yes, another Chinese restaurant).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3x0IxSLMrlJ1I7fHvWmsEujFBvskOpUVZaAlFD6SZOKpuPa5zSrbjwkAzXFImcFl94GsARytI9COkX0UbxfjBaLAeW3Z7oT4-AZLDEJNPRYUotIp6cd3LKqgzwP5xyn3HHYMpfKnihzF/s1600/klein+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3x0IxSLMrlJ1I7fHvWmsEujFBvskOpUVZaAlFD6SZOKpuPa5zSrbjwkAzXFImcFl94GsARytI9COkX0UbxfjBaLAeW3Z7oT4-AZLDEJNPRYUotIp6cd3LKqgzwP5xyn3HHYMpfKnihzF/s1600/klein+1.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out the trampoline. Behind Sarah is a kiddie pool that operates in the summer months.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr96NS35d8bPCz_rRNdQGWOywAgZS_2oBVBexzwllID09HBF9hZapr_veBIm6761ENX_JN3oyO9ONVWAx91MS9Mw8uOA-nddvQAxJwSVjnliyCxMXpw9U7we39MHSpVuX5SJ16U0u7etX/s1600/klein+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr96NS35d8bPCz_rRNdQGWOywAgZS_2oBVBexzwllID09HBF9hZapr_veBIm6761ENX_JN3oyO9ONVWAx91MS9Mw8uOA-nddvQAxJwSVjnliyCxMXpw9U7we39MHSpVuX5SJ16U0u7etX/s1600/klein+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James up a (climbing) tree. Now what?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as we parked, "the plan" was that we'd go into Bruges and spend the rest of the day there. We didn't have much time in Belgium (like many of our stops) so didn't want to waste the day. However, when the kids saw the lake and the slides they really wanted to try those. So I said they could do that for about 45 minutes and then we had to leave.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXqDm1w-bcmdy3Y9g_OgPQo6gPxa2kZFMgc5U4QKFf_Qcslyj92FdeounaWO8ErgjkT2ErVykqyVqduDvIQI-izKNPEdT19Zo4OT5hxcKop2SYRfTgeDJJCnGHuT8BhoUORdiwCy4LayM/s1600/klein+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXqDm1w-bcmdy3Y9g_OgPQo6gPxa2kZFMgc5U4QKFf_Qcslyj92FdeounaWO8ErgjkT2ErVykqyVqduDvIQI-izKNPEdT19Zo4OT5hxcKop2SYRfTgeDJJCnGHuT8BhoUORdiwCy4LayM/s1600/klein+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, very apprehensive about going down the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVCKGjH_KyDpziPIYayVww4p5-hXOurvJ7WGGO6jCT3Vz94dOq3AAHgjDEwBeAmi951NHsXeUQKMTvrNxgkVWl7SqhU2derJFJ9TNvKL403TJLPj6M6jFTc0ACD5HGOJvtXGja_2GWuj8/s1600/klein+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVCKGjH_KyDpziPIYayVww4p5-hXOurvJ7WGGO6jCT3Vz94dOq3AAHgjDEwBeAmi951NHsXeUQKMTvrNxgkVWl7SqhU2derJFJ9TNvKL403TJLPj6M6jFTc0ACD5HGOJvtXGja_2GWuj8/s1600/klein+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No worries. This cork screw slide was so slow, one had to push their way down. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEI_ewWJjP_O3F_wmOYLJ8Ecjq0714ZCq_TypoOb-IISl2_5QaBS6xOW9P_dln2p1PWRz3g5DjJhH1rXroBMb4qLqX4UK0hvzT_IyOkeOP10tUrC8PFMlKiI01iXkaRCz4XQOl2-dqpSt/s1600/klein+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEI_ewWJjP_O3F_wmOYLJ8Ecjq0714ZCq_TypoOb-IISl2_5QaBS6xOW9P_dln2p1PWRz3g5DjJhH1rXroBMb4qLqX4UK0hvzT_IyOkeOP10tUrC8PFMlKiI01iXkaRCz4XQOl2-dqpSt/s1600/klein+5.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow slide was the best. Once Paul gave Sarah a nudge down the
first time, she loved it too. They all enjoyed racing each other down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our time at the lake, we returned to the RV to find that no one was really motivated to go anywhere. I, on the other hand, was pretty antsy to do something. I knew Vince really wanted to go into Bruges (just not today) and so I made the call to drive to Yves and try to get to the In Flanders Fields Museum. Sweet James volunteered to go with me so the two of us drove off. We left at 16:00 for what should have been a 40 minute drive but traffic, and ultimately roadwork, prevented us from getting to Yves until 17:20; the museum was to close at 18:00 so I waved off trying to get into the city right away. Along the route, I observed a number of WWI cemeteries and slowed down to take a closer look.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JlajFy0FF5TvrBZytP4XRa0nZZwTnZ0lN1svCEF5JHltJQCuXSAEGA3hwc4BEi9g3FdKI-CGNNZzy_9c7MbygO0bzccBTpB8zeIpOiREohr402HgBinxupqCUhdEUvDniNE37uGvA904/s1600/iepers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JlajFy0FF5TvrBZytP4XRa0nZZwTnZ0lN1svCEF5JHltJQCuXSAEGA3hwc4BEi9g3FdKI-CGNNZzy_9c7MbygO0bzccBTpB8zeIpOiREohr402HgBinxupqCUhdEUvDniNE37uGvA904/s1600/iepers+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A roadside memorial with those famous poppies: "In remembrance of all people of Scottish origin,
who took part in The Great War 1914-1918. Also dedicated to the 1st
South African Brigade which was part of the 9th Scottish Division during
most of the war". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
James and I eventually found our way into Ypres (Ieper in Flemish) and parked the car just outside the fortified walls (free parking). We walked into the town to see what was there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL_AZ54JUiXzCoD-u2LmeVmLCM3fHsGv3kcFemeu6nuPQpzr1Oq9er-hnIEf5WPc20ezT9m0EWVLBIvsLc-F6z1n6RX1x23FFexAQZ8auMuT9CW2ILz63-7MK2uc0YLTFSGPBKiKyQbd9/s1600/iepers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL_AZ54JUiXzCoD-u2LmeVmLCM3fHsGv3kcFemeu6nuPQpzr1Oq9er-hnIEf5WPc20ezT9m0EWVLBIvsLc-F6z1n6RX1x23FFexAQZ8auMuT9CW2ILz63-7MK2uc0YLTFSGPBKiKyQbd9/s1600/iepers+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James' Church: The first church at this location was constructed in the 12th century. It was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWI.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW0pQs0SpplUfWbaJAFXmQh8DbrOrkByCFXI2rYp95MmN4CX3KocJ4ZgsqVRwno31KEGA3oPFMrLng2CvBxVlyxGRK1xohUoii_5pIqotMC5N7dgEi0mUV_sYQEfHYY8C0c9fWo3_7Is5/s1600/iepers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW0pQs0SpplUfWbaJAFXmQh8DbrOrkByCFXI2rYp95MmN4CX3KocJ4ZgsqVRwno31KEGA3oPFMrLng2CvBxVlyxGRK1xohUoii_5pIqotMC5N7dgEi0mUV_sYQEfHYY8C0c9fWo3_7Is5/s1600/iepers+3.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Menin Gate Memorial, completed in 1927.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUQU0To11TjrgWa8Lc7mmBXPv09XYv3_ngs5WaoF6ziA9nP88r56jdmSbBw6q_KNPlIt0w1I3tgcc6R-y9PEud4TMyVwvxdXs_hs_Ln5EDC8JeAZFlXmS-7acG5fDKXCUWxySRMJK_yIE/s1600/iepers+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUQU0To11TjrgWa8Lc7mmBXPv09XYv3_ngs5WaoF6ziA9nP88r56jdmSbBw6q_KNPlIt0w1I3tgcc6R-y9PEud4TMyVwvxdXs_hs_Ln5EDC8JeAZFlXmS-7acG5fDKXCUWxySRMJK_yIE/s1600/iepers+4.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of the gate reads, "To The Armies Of The British Empire Who Stood Here From 1914 To 1918 And To Those Of Their Dead Who Have No Known Grave".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoav6bp7iAnwj8YC7hA3_WeD9UhM1RJtpl-BMRY5mjcJAInG9mk2VDH2B9rRGGr6-QHKKId6ymxornsbfODlgz3GAijlBMT0wEMSDrWaLUfzEPsBxizPeyWOj_vPvP35m0yyA5xtFbj3d/s1600/iepers+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoav6bp7iAnwj8YC7hA3_WeD9UhM1RJtpl-BMRY5mjcJAInG9mk2VDH2B9rRGGr6-QHKKId6ymxornsbfODlgz3GAijlBMT0wEMSDrWaLUfzEPsBxizPeyWOj_vPvP35m0yyA5xtFbj3d/s1600/iepers+13.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James standing in the Menin Gate's <i>Hall of Memory</i>: There are about 55,000 names inscribed on the walls here; they are of British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of WWI and whose graves are unknown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jM7h_XxcgwADr6jzHdLXyRJGNvQzIpOwxMLHTzNy1Zflr3YAWrQMIUW_Y3vvD_Ftjrvi8iWIQYs3nyPBIX7nGsq2pFpVdIsjQtCkHQJgwvbBOhhV_drQl226F5TgJ8_MDTBnra42KlSe/s1600/iepers+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jM7h_XxcgwADr6jzHdLXyRJGNvQzIpOwxMLHTzNy1Zflr3YAWrQMIUW_Y3vvD_Ftjrvi8iWIQYs3nyPBIX7nGsq2pFpVdIsjQtCkHQJgwvbBOhhV_drQl226F5TgJ8_MDTBnra42KlSe/s1600/iepers+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James sitting on the town's fortified walls that were built in the 17th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWTgGKoCOENtRkCfVFyLLUcK2j9f1zv2A8uzw7Yfe-aXarsEC9jvc-UOzKkXerX3YubWoMPZwQG2eDT6W034gMVtoqe7SgrzppmQBv5Ltt09bPb4ZV9wenA81GQhUkiAEpDzUGQetmVMS/s1600/iepers+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWTgGKoCOENtRkCfVFyLLUcK2j9f1zv2A8uzw7Yfe-aXarsEC9jvc-UOzKkXerX3YubWoMPZwQG2eDT6W034gMVtoqe7SgrzppmQBv5Ltt09bPb4ZV9wenA81GQhUkiAEpDzUGQetmVMS/s1600/iepers+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramparts Lille.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFU_8j3cZUTUprcQnccY51-vo9ZJG-EPj_i2eDpKD2Q58U4yDSfhhyVRIE6RpS2GEf9tkMtdjF9hrNZXreL61HjnA4XIBaRAJpq3neNG8lc2ZJ-NVpkoRRll0efj91j8Q7-199DghyHA1/s1600/iepers+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFU_8j3cZUTUprcQnccY51-vo9ZJG-EPj_i2eDpKD2Q58U4yDSfhhyVRIE6RpS2GEf9tkMtdjF9hrNZXreL61HjnA4XIBaRAJpq3neNG8lc2ZJ-NVpkoRRll0efj91j8Q7-199DghyHA1/s1600/iepers+7.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the gate of the cemetery, there was a cabinet that contained listings of those buried in the cemetery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3YS73dfR9xQiBdijxcci6SlH_Pu5YP2nnSjhLW_E2acaOBpPgVb7u2yleFa4V1_WBYySmsJfX6mVWBjkCyVW7BvVuXTJusxeONKhRnArdjhKUroI6FpqeG8qJLU5i_MK-z-EEwlpK5jO/s1600/iepers+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3YS73dfR9xQiBdijxcci6SlH_Pu5YP2nnSjhLW_E2acaOBpPgVb7u2yleFa4V1_WBYySmsJfX6mVWBjkCyVW7BvVuXTJusxeONKhRnArdjhKUroI6FpqeG8qJLU5i_MK-z-EEwlpK5jO/s1600/iepers+8.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grote Markt and all the buildings in Ypres (except for one) were destroyed during WWI. Everything that is seen today was built after the end of the war. There was great debate as to whether the town should be built as a mirror image of what it was before the war or with more modern architecture to reflect the times. (The town inhabitants just wanted the town rebuilt so that they could carry on with their lives.) In most cases, buildings were built to reflect what they looked like before the war, with some additions of modern conveniences.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0dSfHc1dwev0FBMn0frPoDREIiMwIRxy0d0Z4gnp_JqrhlM4XybvnM2w7V6nPlOAUr5gPEbyYbJTyrLj7jqvnuGumuw05iy36VCuGQxlxLr_VG1Wve6zsWFnXcNXyjaqWz2Q4k-mLhuc/s1600/iepers+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0dSfHc1dwev0FBMn0frPoDREIiMwIRxy0d0Z4gnp_JqrhlM4XybvnM2w7V6nPlOAUr5gPEbyYbJTyrLj7jqvnuGumuw05iy36VCuGQxlxLr_VG1Wve6zsWFnXcNXyjaqWz2Q4k-mLhuc/s1600/iepers+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Grote Markt stands the 132 meter long Lakenhalle (cloth hall), rebuilt in its 13th century style. The
original building was begun around 1260 and completed in 1304. It was
completely destroyed during the First World War. The new (replica) building is one
of the finest and largest secular buildings in Europe. The extent of
the hall in which the cloth was stored, checked and sold, is indicative
of the power wielded by the guilds within the town. Above the entrance
door is the statue of the patron saint Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Thuyne; in
the niches are statues of count Balduin and Mary of Constantinople
together with King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. The large hall on the
first floor is open to visitors. This building also houses the In Flanders Fields Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYCxp8G_qsimWom8BEbHk4VsBKkTchnM20vtThletrzVRXilrjt7HdMzU-TB2bcQLEDC3nqOwtmsh7w0zMCPLldqITcqfz8r73hAAnZS0INqOq49-Xw6ElpGx1SSSBvXSA9QVk735NPWM/s1600/iepers+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYCxp8G_qsimWom8BEbHk4VsBKkTchnM20vtThletrzVRXilrjt7HdMzU-TB2bcQLEDC3nqOwtmsh7w0zMCPLldqITcqfz8r73hAAnZS0INqOq49-Xw6ElpGx1SSSBvXSA9QVk735NPWM/s1600/iepers+10.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by several chocolatier shops; in the front window of one of them, we spotted these chocolate poppies. Great gift.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
James and I enjoyed a rare dinner with just the two of us on the Grote Markt. Afterwards, we walked down to the Menin Gate where a Last Post ceremony has been running every night at 8pm since 1928. The purpose of the ceremony is to remember those in the British Commonwealth and their allies who died during the turbulent years of the Great War. The Menin Gate was chosen as the location for the ceremony because it was from this spot that countless
thousands of soldiers set off for the front, many of them destined never
to return.<br />
<br />
The Last Post ceremony lasts about 10 minutes. It includes a Last Post bugle call, signaling a final farewell to the fallen. It also features the Reveille, which symbolizes the return to daily life at
the end of the act of remembrance. As of July 9th, 2015, there will have been 30,000 Last Post ceremonies conducted. The intention is that this act of remembrance continues on into perpetuity.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqCeQHNxv6feCw7xvsNEo9z1-WQHKasEAOMPcRCmb6OJi7IM788MoslL8w4kN_5Wv0DrrZEFcmv4Abcr9mt5BzM4qm8w5mTUz6e4qel06_OploSXfqtBBCSNryE73Snhrz-0HKkqg5yD7/s1600/iepers+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqCeQHNxv6feCw7xvsNEo9z1-WQHKasEAOMPcRCmb6OJi7IM788MoslL8w4kN_5Wv0DrrZEFcmv4Abcr9mt5BzM4qm8w5mTUz6e4qel06_OploSXfqtBBCSNryE73Snhrz-0HKkqg5yD7/s1600/iepers+12.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look down Menenstraat at the Menin Gate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRutxr_HuD6h5vF9c4uuS6eGC_4nuI7TZQJUAxuJrnBKPgW1ZtrLGvhiCjQGTtAFfJp4RdGHVmF807SodwQfolnf74u9GyLUm6IArb6b0RA2uuCb_Qhf_Zxt3ZehKCUR52H_EG9s_nAKGs/s1600/iepers+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRutxr_HuD6h5vF9c4uuS6eGC_4nuI7TZQJUAxuJrnBKPgW1ZtrLGvhiCjQGTtAFfJp4RdGHVmF807SodwQfolnf74u9GyLUm6IArb6b0RA2uuCb_Qhf_Zxt3ZehKCUR52H_EG9s_nAKGs/s1600/iepers+11.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken during the Last Post service: Here, while a group sang a few songs including "Danny Boy", a number of people took wreaths (mostly of poppies), flowers and crosses up the stairs and laid them on benches, then bowed and stepped away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 24th</b>, we drove into Brussels to see what we could accomplish during the day. We managed to find garage parking (albeit expensive) near the Grand Place and started walking in that direction to find some lunch. I had been to Brussels a few times and wanted to find the <span class="st">Rue des Bouchers, which is packed with several seafood restaurants, and order the classic Belgium dish, moules et frites. Due to one of our group in urgent need to find a restroom, we didn't quite make it and had to settle for the Danish Tavern restaurant next to St Nicholas Church. It was frustrating because I knew we were really close to Rue des Bouchers, but not having a map I couldn't confidently direct the group there within the required minimal time. Anyway, we all ordered moules et frites and it was probably the most disappointing version of the dish I've ever had in my life. (Advice: Don't eat at the Danish Tavern.)</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">After finishing up with lunch, we continued on to the Grand Place and here are some photos I took along the way.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vWDU1-tuY0BsKgctG0Ng5nXqe2_342Ycm_yiLyT0-jkHRRoDJU-Xnv1i0JI8vbvH4CsNd6jTBNT1qjuFFx7Ic7cVc-c_3c_LuUf6kHUDsZRoaQMZDUxpTdiq3RSE4PfRU5m8mGIfnotY/s1600/bruss+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vWDU1-tuY0BsKgctG0Ng5nXqe2_342Ycm_yiLyT0-jkHRRoDJU-Xnv1i0JI8vbvH4CsNd6jTBNT1qjuFFx7Ic7cVc-c_3c_LuUf6kHUDsZRoaQMZDUxpTdiq3RSE4PfRU5m8mGIfnotY/s1600/bruss+1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brussels Opera House, La Monnaie: First opening in 1700, the opera house was re-built three times by different rulers of Brussels. It
now plays about one to two operas per month in its grand chambers in addition to theatre, recitals, dance performances and concerts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN-05iZPnYKjetYTtbGnQnl4sdTYdDk9CGJYiDnPnCIUzZkrQTc3oaWyrtjvq41HQxl9qWETQkSJmFHcKIq_M829SSqK_Q2kQi5SUpf1r2O_yYaj3HVnktA7LD9mmMW4hNmQVCx9m9hmx/s1600/Bruss+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN-05iZPnYKjetYTtbGnQnl4sdTYdDk9CGJYiDnPnCIUzZkrQTc3oaWyrtjvq41HQxl9qWETQkSJmFHcKIq_M829SSqK_Q2kQi5SUpf1r2O_yYaj3HVnktA7LD9mmMW4hNmQVCx9m9hmx/s1600/Bruss+2.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up towards the Town Hall tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-TY33w-hbAJ5uz1mH0GMqJ4Db-n4Zy_qleetpvg-c8AKo7DGKZ0ChppUXWjsJhX5s15JiKZ_nN2PjRE3OJVohGCRHAYpoaGswtF-jANnHTT0wodA7xuL10r3oCVZqj93OHH4QoUgwDx/s1600/bruss+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-TY33w-hbAJ5uz1mH0GMqJ4Db-n4Zy_qleetpvg-c8AKo7DGKZ0ChppUXWjsJhX5s15JiKZ_nN2PjRE3OJVohGCRHAYpoaGswtF-jANnHTT0wodA7xuL10r3oCVZqj93OHH4QoUgwDx/s1600/bruss+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Nicolas Church: This gothic church, surrounded by small dwellings, originated from a chapel founded during the 12th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UQ6twDHLJR5FQKy5t9QMvp-oV9jD2rV4ThUF7mVF2LtMuLQJ_rxvgjcG-zbPDt_HUKJH6ZdFGT7_uSe5a-mEQs1JPaksfwP2IbO6V85KdivUpKnLil5JTEI-tfa7_Hw-afocqpI2qN1p/s1600/bruss+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UQ6twDHLJR5FQKy5t9QMvp-oV9jD2rV4ThUF7mVF2LtMuLQJ_rxvgjcG-zbPDt_HUKJH6ZdFGT7_uSe5a-mEQs1JPaksfwP2IbO6V85KdivUpKnLil5JTEI-tfa7_Hw-afocqpI2qN1p/s1600/bruss+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the current church, whose choir was completed in 1381, only a few remainders of the original church are left. Damaged (bombings in 1695, fall of the belfry 1714) and restored several times, this sanctuary notably holds Louis XIV-style furniture (master altar, stalls, wainscoting, communion bench and paneling). It's an unusual structure because the center aisle of the church curves; it was built that way to accommodate a small brook that ran next to the church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tzhXzn1t-XcCVma3ihAMoT0MnoPkstRBHPsvxsPqxVsBIjLIzQga6-k2nCYsDrss2m2LpR4oJeYTuAIvaifNlkAn78bfjY5HtnLwcJfRaVljedX7k2RR_3DudItLkhBcqgdGABalEuLC/s1600/bruss+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tzhXzn1t-XcCVma3ihAMoT0MnoPkstRBHPsvxsPqxVsBIjLIzQga6-k2nCYsDrss2m2LpR4oJeYTuAIvaifNlkAn78bfjY5HtnLwcJfRaVljedX7k2RR_3DudItLkhBcqgdGABalEuLC/s1600/bruss+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Vincent taking a closer look at one of the side altars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOpMZfutv2KIUFusCjAWT4t__YmfmaBICB75ecvPPL3FHl47SvS8sQSVz0KHZSAgsShGvwnxwA15plSUgUJIc8RRPUM-kBJXEsoDu1ZTJi2CZlOxokwtWtcQYQJZR-vLqFk6FE45w-vZa/s1600/bruss+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOpMZfutv2KIUFusCjAWT4t__YmfmaBICB75ecvPPL3FHl47SvS8sQSVz0KHZSAgsShGvwnxwA15plSUgUJIc8RRPUM-kBJXEsoDu1ZTJi2CZlOxokwtWtcQYQJZR-vLqFk6FE45w-vZa/s1600/bruss+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Mannekin Pis, located at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Stroofstraat: Like many other visitors to this small bronze statue of a naked boy urinating in a basin, Paul and James wondered, "What was the big attraction?" Here, Paul shows his disapproval over the hype. This Brussels icon has been amusing visitors since 1619. Even during my first visit around 1990, on an IBM training session, the first thing locals took me to see was the Mannekin Pis. Over time it has become a tradition for visiting heads of state to donate miniature versions of their national costume for this little boy; the wardrobe of over 760 outfits can be seen at the Brussels City Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeIPQI09ndXCtCixGClFh7sdJ73BdxYakGK7hQF8Xv7i6ChViDyu-arLZs9DYQ783TFOYmWVtd51Gj01TmmddMpssDiUqAzaURjtuGM_XD1Mzy65Im7-1z1u8D7Ra4lV6rdFWBRirSqh-/s1600/bruss+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeIPQI09ndXCtCixGClFh7sdJ73BdxYakGK7hQF8Xv7i6ChViDyu-arLZs9DYQ783TFOYmWVtd51Gj01TmmddMpssDiUqAzaURjtuGM_XD1Mzy65Im7-1z1u8D7Ra4lV6rdFWBRirSqh-/s1600/bruss+7.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next to Mannekin Pis, were a few waffle vendors. We wanted to replace the memory of our disappointing lunch with something better. These were the sample waffles from which to choose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnkT9pvDJxge4DxVwLOEmxCTcmGMEedfrS2E4KwjLDaX5ENjUzAEgtjfSwA2YGIdBqv8NOJgxnul5Dxnq4KbOWzikAMJWahKdEFiWEpBBBQ86LNwBeKtBlQ564ZMUMBxloVKsYYWS4mKF/s1600/bruss+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnkT9pvDJxge4DxVwLOEmxCTcmGMEedfrS2E4KwjLDaX5ENjUzAEgtjfSwA2YGIdBqv8NOJgxnul5Dxnq4KbOWzikAMJWahKdEFiWEpBBBQ86LNwBeKtBlQ564ZMUMBxloVKsYYWS4mKF/s1600/bruss+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hmm, maybe this wasn't the best diet choice." But if one is going to indulge, these were the best waffles we'd ever had so they were definitely worth cutting back a day or so afterwards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-znBGt6_67IlG1eJk4ey5ym_7_9JRNO6Gier6szceY8qbY6h4KWaJ-0Paenl8Rpq3EFqmwYW5NdO1WpkUdSs12K1FYvx08w2x4yF6W-a2WJATF2cKkbAgI6ZX4MdlBfBxmrU-kQdUtfu/s1600/bruss+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-znBGt6_67IlG1eJk4ey5ym_7_9JRNO6Gier6szceY8qbY6h4KWaJ-0Paenl8Rpq3EFqmwYW5NdO1WpkUdSs12K1FYvx08w2x4yF6W-a2WJATF2cKkbAgI6ZX4MdlBfBxmrU-kQdUtfu/s1600/bruss+9.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is store after store selling Belgian chocolates. If one is visiting other cities in Belgium, it's probably better to buy them elsewhere at lower prices.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF1JZzkhMkMKTCAhKlUE7V_WZQzoOHI17l4mWX7_3No6viDrg7o1GQE9ehTYVgFLeUQDr9YY_HD7H8TO9vixQsWqEOOmEaALyPS0CZwYKTruvTFIlh69kDnQdVVncVn7KdmgT613ZcVNm/s1600/bruss+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF1JZzkhMkMKTCAhKlUE7V_WZQzoOHI17l4mWX7_3No6viDrg7o1GQE9ehTYVgFLeUQDr9YY_HD7H8TO9vixQsWqEOOmEaALyPS0CZwYKTruvTFIlh69kDnQdVVncVn7KdmgT613ZcVNm/s1600/bruss+10.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town Hall, Grand Place: The oldest part of the hall (left side) was completed in 1420. The admission of the craft guilds into the traditionally patrician city government likely spurred
interest in expanding the building. A second wing was completed in 1449. The 96 meter tower was completed in 1455. The Town Hall was completely gutted in 1695 (as well as the entire square destroyed) following the bombardment of Brussels by a French army on order of Louis XIV. The building was rebuilt by 1712 and then the interior again revised in 1868.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpRp9dLqBEu6Aa3Bubeu5wnZm9-vZnP3NFR9aoxFM-LsAzi1rGqqT3_rDDouvCjPOtuevnddZn0VOGIzolUZaruQuVbwxNu04S9Y6vs2S3EXNDBu3RGL6sGoa_rpKq3d8q-EY3WkRv2JJ/s1600/bruss+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpRp9dLqBEu6Aa3Bubeu5wnZm9-vZnP3NFR9aoxFM-LsAzi1rGqqT3_rDDouvCjPOtuevnddZn0VOGIzolUZaruQuVbwxNu04S9Y6vs2S3EXNDBu3RGL6sGoa_rpKq3d8q-EY3WkRv2JJ/s1600/bruss+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Town Hall facade is decorated with numerous statues representing nobles,
saints, and allegorical figures. The present sculptures are
reproductions; the older ones are in the city museum in the Maison du Roi (King's House) across the Grand Place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm7gHLk2GnTtqlebZ_GqU91GQ1kMIqhGXClcCwbOeE1_pbjhHQFN-JBDy5-gNhc4ZSm-nsq6u05btauCeU-Ov7BFLAVzuSoaho1FtCg81_gkcY3kVD60LazhMcqBF1be6uGkyZLOxkQvK/s1600/bruss+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm7gHLk2GnTtqlebZ_GqU91GQ1kMIqhGXClcCwbOeE1_pbjhHQFN-JBDy5-gNhc4ZSm-nsq6u05btauCeU-Ov7BFLAVzuSoaho1FtCg81_gkcY3kVD60LazhMcqBF1be6uGkyZLOxkQvK/s1600/bruss+15.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guild halls on the Grand Place.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6L5hGcvpYP_NpVasiR2b4Lgte1arTqxP1qUSFfrckXjN6O5irm7AffsThlPV8aaQDYHG1XAqshEZzODNZsPLZHu4l1AMkmQUeOcJcBwgohUFrLrtkWDhDA0BHmwTgtQxtO3Fcv0OcqcY/s1600/bruss+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6L5hGcvpYP_NpVasiR2b4Lgte1arTqxP1qUSFfrckXjN6O5irm7AffsThlPV8aaQDYHG1XAqshEZzODNZsPLZHu4l1AMkmQUeOcJcBwgohUFrLrtkWDhDA0BHmwTgtQxtO3Fcv0OcqcY/s1600/bruss+14.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of one of the old guild halls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F2Xtj_nlE5Rle6BUE-gUw5i3Np3J_SqRGIOKc9plMboDwMNDOx3E3cLcAD3A2HBTjr3-QGjJgVERPoU8WoX5vSPuYpaJt4E4P5-0PnmV97DpXzsaC2kpHbUqjA7VJsWFpoE8MijdVnUz/s1600/bruss+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F2Xtj_nlE5Rle6BUE-gUw5i3Np3J_SqRGIOKc9plMboDwMNDOx3E3cLcAD3A2HBTjr3-QGjJgVERPoU8WoX5vSPuYpaJt4E4P5-0PnmV97DpXzsaC2kpHbUqjA7VJsWFpoE8MijdVnUz/s1600/bruss+11.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Place is one of the most beautiful town squares in the world. Not surprisingly, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRs_WkME1e6Vq3YRMf4ffX7gbi2H_UJnuTGzncNCel7-8tu6kjs18CWzndrHHG5jXm6Pgq6Y7n2rx6igIkL98VcdLj9iEul2aozwH22s_CCzOmEHI_ArTZgRiuRgjgPVRb_vFE6QeL278/s1600/bruss+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRs_WkME1e6Vq3YRMf4ffX7gbi2H_UJnuTGzncNCel7-8tu6kjs18CWzndrHHG5jXm6Pgq6Y7n2rx6igIkL98VcdLj9iEul2aozwH22s_CCzOmEHI_ArTZgRiuRgjgPVRb_vFE6QeL278/s1600/bruss+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once every two years, in August, the square is covered by a blanket of flowers for a few days. Seeing photos, it looks spectacular. At other times of the year, it's a great place to sit outside trying one of Belgium's close to 800 different types of beer. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvVGvI8U7zG8RPGIt65OiBX9YSE0IkYhUCTOxEoLm2F_syAi6E0SncSily9_UqeDI14ZegNRweideFJgfsn25vdC_ufq6PW-Y5_RvJpZZMKA0v6flaRERxY1m32m1OZQUXyDq_3swKk29/s1600/bruss+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvVGvI8U7zG8RPGIt65OiBX9YSE0IkYhUCTOxEoLm2F_syAi6E0SncSily9_UqeDI14ZegNRweideFJgfsn25vdC_ufq6PW-Y5_RvJpZZMKA0v6flaRERxY1m32m1OZQUXyDq_3swKk29/s1600/bruss+17.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jazz festival was taking place across Brussels so some of the buildings, such as the Maison du Roi, were blocked by performance stages and equipment trucks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jmt9CHk1IgghaWNmkJwA9fpt69yVa7Fk00e1x31wItn_aJgPcm6hUvGHOC2hZv2wPOEMQwqcRruBWrppl1luE7OtCXZz_XkKNIBkTNfFTjZR4GRK_xXWgyBdoDC9v5vxnbziizXSMaiP/s1600/bruss+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jmt9CHk1IgghaWNmkJwA9fpt69yVa7Fk00e1x31wItn_aJgPcm6hUvGHOC2hZv2wPOEMQwqcRruBWrppl1luE7OtCXZz_XkKNIBkTNfFTjZR4GRK_xXWgyBdoDC9v5vxnbziizXSMaiP/s1600/bruss+16.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last look back at the Grand Place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5fXt3TAF_2O5WzEcrtcWs5DOEOAIXjaH7sannxrbuo1RH0LLIkCnkuHUB3OOZ2xBa23oSJnGr4-1Em_xdR0PvnmrGWASOQjEFmG91Jnp3Jvrf4ZkPRcYOlcfm5ZEHqyqdEmefvmD1tlT/s1600/bruss+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5fXt3TAF_2O5WzEcrtcWs5DOEOAIXjaH7sannxrbuo1RH0LLIkCnkuHUB3OOZ2xBa23oSJnGr4-1Em_xdR0PvnmrGWASOQjEFmG91Jnp3Jvrf4ZkPRcYOlcfm5ZEHqyqdEmefvmD1tlT/s1600/bruss+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Galeries Royales St Hubert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwbbPQm-niHGJi_tH7ANxrU-yg5BLWsbs6gY2rI-MRx8YhTisArILASOPZzNSghpZdZXonW3xnrUfP6Pb2-0IyseJGZpyKLDBor0sepAk03obAeyzvBfYixHMnY4xtT5b5hHdQMVmFhJy/s1600/bruss+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwbbPQm-niHGJi_tH7ANxrU-yg5BLWsbs6gY2rI-MRx8YhTisArILASOPZzNSghpZdZXonW3xnrUfP6Pb2-0IyseJGZpyKLDBor0sepAk03obAeyzvBfYixHMnY4xtT5b5hHdQMVmFhJy/s1600/bruss+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One won't find any bargains in Les Galeries; this box of 24 Smurf chocolates was going for €30.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU7y8z8V_FQqbBv1fX9kPB_dRJS1fswFnQlNS-kUAzgo0ecMdxtpPfJHNb73UytE-GEDc-FDmIsK54GbCsOgI3kdF5nwOeXzOi2jOidHI8p48P0zO75yUWwVhYx_Gy0CGV1x_wxHULKEb/s1600/Bruss+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU7y8z8V_FQqbBv1fX9kPB_dRJS1fswFnQlNS-kUAzgo0ecMdxtpPfJHNb73UytE-GEDc-FDmIsK54GbCsOgI3kdF5nwOeXzOi2jOidHI8p48P0zO75yUWwVhYx_Gy0CGV1x_wxHULKEb/s1600/Bruss+20.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah found the perfect sculpture that was just "her".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4fzeboJA_erkcKveTXTgoADL9zCB3b_c6duuipgka3glV9OvAOR_0bCT65jcX9Uh93gLdHJdiRtsAwBDZ01nyrDpjdlSXKD8COSsaGcKYfOOQY_DL2cyS3bX1AatdQc_Ex2HVzFGmMQp/s1600/bruss+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4fzeboJA_erkcKveTXTgoADL9zCB3b_c6duuipgka3glV9OvAOR_0bCT65jcX9Uh93gLdHJdiRtsAwBDZ01nyrDpjdlSXKD8COSsaGcKYfOOQY_DL2cyS3bX1AatdQc_Ex2HVzFGmMQp/s1600/bruss+21.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula: A religious building has been located on this site as early as the 9th century.<b> </b>The church, as seen today, was completed in 1519 and rose to cathedral status in 1962. The two towers are attributed to the Flemish architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck (1470-1485), who also designed the exquisite tower of Brussel's Town Hall.</td></tr>
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We eventually made our way to the Belgian Comic Strip Center which was reported to be one of the top sights for kids. The museum covers the invention of the comic strip and its evolution through history. The full range of comic art is covered including science fiction, wild west, crime and politics. The museum showcases Belgium's most famous comic series <i>The Adventures of Tintin</i> and its creator Hergé (Georges Prosper Remi); both my boys were fans of Tintin.<br />
<br />
I was a bit disappointed in the museum because most of the comic strips are shown in their native language (usually French), which of course is how it should be. But so many visitors don't read French (including my kids) and therefore so much was lost on them. It wouldn't take much to have language translations next to each comic strip so that international visitors could have a better experience. I feel, after having visited 200+ museums so far on this trip, I should be hired as a museum consultant to help maximize the visitor's experience; so many museums have great concepts but just miss the mark because they don't give enough thought to their audience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QGSRK3a0h25mHBpTuHFesmUKeGl4ZeYi-IDcx0Rc2YrOB0NbgLADRzj4JvWzzukOh4Fs-ctLXRqvd6STAZHigjwkkwbflJtas-IxrWpg14KSEXqMi-dAT0e6KyEcuSx-xqShQ_Dy8tGB/s1600/bruss+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QGSRK3a0h25mHBpTuHFesmUKeGl4ZeYi-IDcx0Rc2YrOB0NbgLADRzj4JvWzzukOh4Fs-ctLXRqvd6STAZHigjwkkwbflJtas-IxrWpg14KSEXqMi-dAT0e6KyEcuSx-xqShQ_Dy8tGB/s1600/bruss+22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Belgian Comic Center is housed in the former Waucquez Warehouse which is an Art Nouveau gem, designed by Victor Horta (1906). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the museum and walking a bit further around Brussels, we decided to fetch the car and head to Bruges for dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWykL_Xk9LTUcVyNgqWaJ9PwxuWKT4yrHnG6d2mCWfDePkR3fbNcxAi31ReLGPBT4lsZ1nnH8OTWcaoMbi-90YHRfrJ_UvppacWXlDL722ggvdAx97d_sAQiAH-CShUmr5IO0YvNDwFmg/s1600/bruges+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWykL_Xk9LTUcVyNgqWaJ9PwxuWKT4yrHnG6d2mCWfDePkR3fbNcxAi31ReLGPBT4lsZ1nnH8OTWcaoMbi-90YHRfrJ_UvppacWXlDL722ggvdAx97d_sAQiAH-CShUmr5IO0YvNDwFmg/s1600/bruges+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We arrived in Bruges just in time to catch this marching band whose uniforms were a close copy of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. We followed the band to the Markt (Market Square).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenPFyQuGMULDDWXtrLW7TgFZ8lbYuBrKtvwoc3CIpqNemkc3OnJHWjThDfBvYO3iUi5aSpWW13zusm-_V1CgZ0HhKt7tJzP7I6UiVqbpNYQQKgw2QidEdMp9QRg2AvKIAv3zY9MQ4dfJk/s1600/bruges+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenPFyQuGMULDDWXtrLW7TgFZ8lbYuBrKtvwoc3CIpqNemkc3OnJHWjThDfBvYO3iUi5aSpWW13zusm-_V1CgZ0HhKt7tJzP7I6UiVqbpNYQQKgw2QidEdMp9QRg2AvKIAv3zY9MQ4dfJk/s1600/bruges+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck (1887) located in the Markt: They are patriotic heroes in Belgium because of their passion for Flemish identity; they, and the actions of their militia, prevented Belgium from becoming an integral part of France early on. They are also given credit for ensuring the survival of the Dutch language in the northern part of Belgium.</td></tr>
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We had dinner at one of the restaurants shown behind the statue in the above photo. I
had French onion soup and it was fine. Paul ordered his usual pizza and
it was terrible. Vincent's moules were mediocre. The worse part was that
it was very expensive compared to what we'd been paying so far in
Europe. We were 0-2 for restaurant meals during the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgZzJCTujLzejiRBZkPnKsvqhk0kFy6-OnlsD-UHOif2sAX2STeQobW5OcAf_d_e2pymchs404Gdz7szuCt3lPiYzHT9pO08ijAT-mP4nAVRNwnjr7rp_8fUeT3Xkgg3XKFAHT79UQSAB/s1600/bruges+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgZzJCTujLzejiRBZkPnKsvqhk0kFy6-OnlsD-UHOif2sAX2STeQobW5OcAf_d_e2pymchs404Gdz7szuCt3lPiYzHT9pO08ijAT-mP4nAVRNwnjr7rp_8fUeT3Xkgg3XKFAHT79UQSAB/s1600/bruges+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The belfry, built in the 12th century: Visitors can climb up the 366 steps to the
summit and take in the wonderful view of the city. We didn't arrive in time to do that but we enjoyed the consolation of listening to the 46 bell carillon which just filled the square with music.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVFCKQkHlpDw7hgEY39rg4CVJsBEXrqAg-KtjKY7YLz-0xmqoDlwjB71LBWaln6o8mejZU9ejJIOUmsnGYzbrWosf-L-SDcfzcLGJYJpQtflIeBDTZJ46fRVukz9POlgLGjkAl5IqYVyX/s1600/bruges+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVFCKQkHlpDw7hgEY39rg4CVJsBEXrqAg-KtjKY7YLz-0xmqoDlwjB71LBWaln6o8mejZU9ejJIOUmsnGYzbrWosf-L-SDcfzcLGJYJpQtflIeBDTZJ46fRVukz9POlgLGjkAl5IqYVyX/s1600/bruges+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof op de Markt)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgddxFsMsZjUvIfBRRkZUdj6KR7etBK_r7fcIeAoxfIPZ3okJdu4x6YCiGZbNaxp8_qczYCyvjgxaFL1whNQ6C_uc6YQXkTgM16yDKp7L-x4xmCZ6oFZ6BuXf4CLzTUpUL5ZV6iSg6UBQ/s1600/bruges+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgddxFsMsZjUvIfBRRkZUdj6KR7etBK_r7fcIeAoxfIPZ3okJdu4x6YCiGZbNaxp8_qczYCyvjgxaFL1whNQ6C_uc6YQXkTgM16yDKp7L-x4xmCZ6oFZ6BuXf4CLzTUpUL5ZV6iSg6UBQ/s1600/bruges+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part about Bruges for the kids was the mini carnival we stumbled upon. Bumper cars are always a mood booster.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 25th</b>, Vince started the day by doing four loads of laundry. When I went to fetch the very last load I noticed that the pitches had both water faucets and gray water dumping capability; this was one of the rare times we could have used our own washing machine. Damn. That's the negative when the boys hook us up at the pitch; sometimes those kind of useful details get lost. There haven't been many campgrounds with both water and dumping capability at the pitch so our inhouse washing machine hasn't really been that handy. <br />
<br />
Anyway, at noon we set out for Ypres. I had done more research and decided, since it was Memorial Day weekend and we hadn't see a war-oriented museum for a while, we should see the In Flanders Fields Museum. It was just renovated and reopened in 1998 and so I knew it wouldn't be old school. It had mostly received really good reviews and the only negative reviews seemed to be from people who frequented the museum before the renovations. I inferred that maybe the museum lost some of its depth in the transition to using multimedia and catering to a younger and perhaps more diverse audience.<br />
<br />
Prior to going to the museum, I wanted to try one more time to go to a restaurant for moules et frites. I found two places that had at least one good review for their mussels near the Grote Markt. We came across one of them and Vincent just wanted to go in so we did. We were seated right away and then we sat unattended for at least 15 minutes. No one came to take even drink orders. I had a growing bad feeling that this was going to be another disappointing experience so I uncharacteristically got up and said, "We're leaving." All very hungry at this point, we marched over to the second restaurant, which was noted as being "affordable" and quickly got seated. Upon reading the menu however we discovered mussels were not offered. Ugh. (I must have read an old review.) Whatever. We weren't going to move and we did have a more affordable lunch although it too fell into the mediocre category. Anyway, with a more reasonable bill (€57), it didn't seem to sting as much the meals from the prior day did. Nevertheless, our experience of food in Belgium got low marks. I know good restaurants exist in the country; I just think that one has to do the research to avoid the multitude of poor options.<br />
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After lunch we stepped into St Martin's Church before going to the museum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W3g3pjG84XHZjML5PLB8NYXcAygql70pAItYXDhfTOwxOYBEzCwRWuaQacB5vz311avTRRkEfnbpZojtRamO9iGrXi54tJmwVgaoHwItmNzwIdY7CaJzofHf-qyBprSGiCuxwWb_s5Nm/s1600/st+martins+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W3g3pjG84XHZjML5PLB8NYXcAygql70pAItYXDhfTOwxOYBEzCwRWuaQacB5vz311avTRRkEfnbpZojtRamO9iGrXi54tJmwVgaoHwItmNzwIdY7CaJzofHf-qyBprSGiCuxwWb_s5Nm/s1600/st+martins+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Martins was completed in 1370 and, at 102 metres, it is one of the tallest buildings in Belgium. After the Concordat of 1801 between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII, Ypres was incorporated into the diocese of Ghent, and Saint Martin's lost its status as a cathedral however it continues to (wrongly) be referred to as being one. It was heavily damaged during WWI and therefore had to be
entirely rebuilt (following the original plans); the newer version however has a higher spire than the original.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf2O_rnF-UuwLW5WRFB77-zfk-vO9l-pevXawXrblKH3BwYaMiL_H65djEYAneWooZspw6t0kY7tgzRnBSP_ePVHOb9PQxxCTXAJLuN0ifkn8WBuih7tbNoGAyr-FYDNU9nxHrb2w82F6/s1600/st+martins+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf2O_rnF-UuwLW5WRFB77-zfk-vO9l-pevXawXrblKH3BwYaMiL_H65djEYAneWooZspw6t0kY7tgzRnBSP_ePVHOb9PQxxCTXAJLuN0ifkn8WBuih7tbNoGAyr-FYDNU9nxHrb2w82F6/s1600/st+martins+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stained glass windows in St Martins are particularly beautiful because they were created with such small details.</td></tr>
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We then went to the In Flanders Fields Museum and, upon paying for tickets, we each received a white wristband with a red poppy on it. This was used to gain access to various sections of the museum. It was also used to input information about yourself (name, age, country of origin) such that you could scan it at various points in the museum and you'd receive information about people with whom you might have a connection (women for me or someone who might be my age and from Canada). It was meant to symbolize an identity bracelet, like those first used by the armies of the First World War; everyone received a new individual service number to be kept on one’s body. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevB8-MKG6-LwQeApZqZ_kTitLZnuqhSJgwpf2osNE__PWxoi6UTKt3gHKJ8V16aIiO6kLOcSpzxOsvW80wi1GyVwH4ddasKehvhRPjYyJECcrYp5yHCFzASXHp0Z1x2QBN-WN7p3p8EYu/s1600/iffm+1.jpg" height="298" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first stage in the museum is to register your bracelet.</td></tr>
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The museum covers the industrialized world before the war, the various declarations of war and Belgium's initial stance of neutrality, the realities of trench warfare, the uniforms and equipment available at the beginning of the war, which were utterly inadequate, and their evolution during the war, the significant casualties due to the increased firepower of the heavy artillery and the introduction of the machine gun, various methods to observe and spy on the enemy, propaganda used during the war, and much more. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWqkWUOEEeEyfzZm_t5rTrOTh-0Hq1WIVY2Mj877PPUimvFMFOY2_AU7cRtcp1RGRxWznxY2jfYMJfdN0pFhNII94MoO1Upa_PTB5H7panjrcxzIunE2pw3egO5UuxMItsXIU8cmvbd-d/s1600/iffm+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWqkWUOEEeEyfzZm_t5rTrOTh-0Hq1WIVY2Mj877PPUimvFMFOY2_AU7cRtcp1RGRxWznxY2jfYMJfdN0pFhNII94MoO1Upa_PTB5H7panjrcxzIunE2pw3egO5UuxMItsXIU8cmvbd-d/s1600/iffm+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vince
looking at a display of hundreds of buckles and other uniform bits
found in the fields around Ypres, presumably belonging to soldiers who
were killed and went missing during the war. Behind Vince is a display
addressing how horses were still playing an important role but
thousands fell victim to grenades, bullets, sickness and exhaustion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCPbrNqgdIxB6xbJwMsi99PJdCcQaz-VAv_YV5keSoNzuuBMvJ_ZjP2RFOclO6gF6MBTeR92HY1QYRTTEMt5Kh1jUYTClTdRIwgxILTNOBGT9YrX1jioOa7Z-O_u9ygYBZYY3699wHo7i/s1600/iffm+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCPbrNqgdIxB6xbJwMsi99PJdCcQaz-VAv_YV5keSoNzuuBMvJ_ZjP2RFOclO6gF6MBTeR92HY1QYRTTEMt5Kh1jUYTClTdRIwgxILTNOBGT9YrX1jioOa7Z-O_u9ygYBZYY3699wHo7i/s1600/iffm+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throughout
the museum are films showing members of Britain, the Commonwealth and
their allies speaking about their various experiences during the war
based on their function (soldier, nurse, doctor, etc). This was a great
effect to help visitors connect to the realities of the war. There was
one montage that included a British soldier, French soldier, Belgian
soldier and a German soldier all talking about a Christmas eve where
there was an informal truce called and the men in each respective trench
sang Christmas carols and even shared cigarettes and fruit with those
on the opposing side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw-sJf9ccq8yoBvJUKpkFhPC4YSWrJM3Mg2vLoQ4w7MQd5frETwKkrji9DnTq_L6S98y7W702d3fm9VbKP6Bu7_6Bruexw0L1DcFCpdUOawHvOX4YfiPuRO_qeELCVbgH_frLhgqNNi95/s1600/iffm+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw-sJf9ccq8yoBvJUKpkFhPC4YSWrJM3Mg2vLoQ4w7MQd5frETwKkrji9DnTq_L6S98y7W702d3fm9VbKP6Bu7_6Bruexw0L1DcFCpdUOawHvOX4YfiPuRO_qeELCVbgH_frLhgqNNi95/s1600/iffm+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In order to try to gain an advantage, poisonous gas was first used in WWI. The German scientist and chemist, Fritz Haber, was the first to perfect this new terror weapon and it was unleashed on the British lines in 1915. Initially, the use of this dreadful weapon caused an outcry, but before long the allied troops were using it, too. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIx6hmTxo3FSvQH5Zyo3q1YtshdOIErlEQAHb-r0lYvdlv3vXo3Ttwjc19tzgnIl_i5dCCd65vV42TKHHYCMB2AmHnyonpSkiYqxLtt_KxW-FiJAkU1FGeCGAdwbAYeNoUxkkOlcL2Oj/s1600/iffm+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIx6hmTxo3FSvQH5Zyo3q1YtshdOIErlEQAHb-r0lYvdlv3vXo3Ttwjc19tzgnIl_i5dCCd65vV42TKHHYCMB2AmHnyonpSkiYqxLtt_KxW-FiJAkU1FGeCGAdwbAYeNoUxkkOlcL2Oj/s1600/iffm+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One can walk up to the belfry for a fabulous 360 degree view of Ypres. Way off in the distance one can see the Menin Gate Memorial.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaIQluwUOMzKqzhyphenhyphensCRszclmA46wmXSRbmjxTNLoRS803pihDzAtwMosM0lMn11zq0Ovw9-Sc6pq7h5LLUJdIr-k3MLkdoGOsjuY2mQX3eiH40KJWBR4hhwUz3NWurDm0YvdxosK90XM7/s1600/iffm+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaIQluwUOMzKqzhyphenhyphensCRszclmA46wmXSRbmjxTNLoRS803pihDzAtwMosM0lMn11zq0Ovw9-Sc6pq7h5LLUJdIr-k3MLkdoGOsjuY2mQX3eiH40KJWBR4hhwUz3NWurDm0YvdxosK90XM7/s1600/iffm+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum showed the development of medicine and medical practices through the war. War on an industrial scale produced casualties to match. Two-thirds of the Belgian soldiers who lost their lives at The Battle of the IJzer died at the railheads of Dunkirk and Calais, lying in rows for days on end waiting for treatment that never came. There were no antibiotics and none of the antiseptics developed during the war were effective. The best treatment was to remove damaged tissue as quickly as possible. Also, at that time PTSD was not understood (or recognized) by the medical community.</td></tr>
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After leaving the In Flanders Fields Museum, we walked across the Grote Markt to purchase more Belgian chocolates; they were really high above any other chocolate we had tried thus far in Europe. We then drove back to our campground and made dinner which was far better and much less expensive than any other meal we had in Belgium. The next day we would be hitting the road again and moving to Amsterdam. We didn't do Belgium justice but with only 90 days in the Schengen zone we had to keep going. There's just so much to see and experience in each of the places we've visited; it felt like the more we saw, the more we realized what was still out there to be discovered. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-68049449249769555842014-05-30T03:47:00.000-07:002014-06-09T22:39:52.223-07:00Touring Munich and along the Rhine in Germany, with a Side Trip to Salzburg, Austria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On <b>May 8th</b>, we left Prague and our next destination was Munich, Germany. Not long after leaving we ran into terrible traffic. It was probably due to an accident but we never saw any evidence of one. Nevertheless, the delay kept us in stop and go traffic for well over an hour. When we finally did get moving, we pulled over for lunch and Vince said he didn't think he wanted to drive all the way to Munich that day. So he suggested an alternative stop for the night, Campingplatz Straubing in Straubing, north of Munich, which would be able to take a motorhome the size of LandShark.<br />
<br />
Sarah and I reached Camping Straubing around 16:00 and checked in. The site was recommended in our "Big Pitch Guide" and was described as the "owner speaks English". To be polite, I greeted the man behind the desk asking if he spoke English. His reply was "Spreiken sie Deutsch?" Well, "Nein" I replied. Anyway using minimal language, I sorted out that we needed a spot for our 11 meter RV. I then asked if there was wifi. "Nein" was the reply. (In 2014, there's no wifi?) The man said we'd have to find a hot spot in the city but gave no indication of where I should go. I had to remind him I was new to the area (not speaking German should have been a tip off) and needed some guidance. He waved his hand over the pedestrian zone in the city and sent me off. He was certainly the grumpiest, least helpful campsite host I had encountered thus far.<br />
<br />
Sarah suggested we go to a McDonald's because, "they have wifi there". (She's an observant girl.) So she and I set off for the center of town but then I realized I didn't have any change for parking. We then searched for a McDonald's with drive-thru which theoretically would also have a parking lot. We found one of those and I bought Sarah an ice cream. The McDonald's did in fact have free wifi but I had to receive an access code on my cell phone in order to use it. Ugh. Of course, not having a cell phone this was useless. Anyway, it was a win for Sarah with her ice cream.<br />
<br />
After Sarah's treat, we stopped for groceries and then headed back to the campground where Vincent and the boys were waiting. We had tapas for dinner and then retired for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhJyIZJD8qh4IAHOBL6C1pJOPL1xKR-Ktty-8w-rWjVyaF0mhgdES46Ghue51lwmRV0F_z72Vmg7gzILmrTI8HLsvk1iEAREY2ztGlBlgoTKXjTtSqslTmacjNGOQwJ-r95SeFKtdiWRg/s1600/Germ+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhJyIZJD8qh4IAHOBL6C1pJOPL1xKR-Ktty-8w-rWjVyaF0mhgdES46Ghue51lwmRV0F_z72Vmg7gzILmrTI8HLsvk1iEAREY2ztGlBlgoTKXjTtSqslTmacjNGOQwJ-r95SeFKtdiWRg/s1600/Germ+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the grocery store, we noticed this bottle and can return machine. I had used these 20 years ago in Sweden and I was reminded of how lame the US and Canada are in regard to recycling. Put one of these machines in every grocery story and people will return 99% of their bottles and cans which will in turn get recycled rather than so many going into landfill. One gets a receipt for their returns that they then take to the cashier for a refund. And while they're at it, they'll shop in the store while they are there. These machines have been around for decades and people living in countries that use them are militant about getting their vessel deposits back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oqOuXkZqPNLn50U4LxgoccS6M7QQdklXVlXa8WaAMkt9iPucq6W66tjIGNQG_4zMHWxCLCHwfkiVJ9EVmYQeNjrvMHGxLKTlBzdN9solJEo6gu3otRig99ZVE3jUjM8420i08uLg28M3/s1600/Germ+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oqOuXkZqPNLn50U4LxgoccS6M7QQdklXVlXa8WaAMkt9iPucq6W66tjIGNQG_4zMHWxCLCHwfkiVJ9EVmYQeNjrvMHGxLKTlBzdN9solJEo6gu3otRig99ZVE3jUjM8420i08uLg28M3/s1600/Germ+2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another neat item in the store was this vending machine for bread. We picked up a couple of baguettes.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 9th</b>, Vincent left early to see if I could get an emissions check on the Prius so that we could drive into Munich and any other cities in Germany that had a low emissions requirement. (One needs a sticker verifying that the vehicle is approved to drive in an "umwelt zone".) After about 90 minutes, he finally returned with the disappointing news that he needed to have the title of the car with him as well as some special paperwork. On the plus side, he did manage to get a SIM card for the mifi so that we would have access to the internet if we came up against anymore connection hurdles in Germany.<br />
<br />
At about 11:15, we left Campingplatz Straubing and made our way to Campingplatz Thalkirchen in Munich.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDnV_q9GhJvcrKcJjpvpbAASpmVZzILqTbAndzLfrNYzqcsFlmCi1vSH1sR7qORDS2fWWMOjozzB2k3ZYQAItfPZUwpTuP6OT35_bd1kgL5L4DlB-Akl-5Qo57DB6xC0nT3i-jq1jmakl/s1600/staubing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDnV_q9GhJvcrKcJjpvpbAASpmVZzILqTbAndzLfrNYzqcsFlmCi1vSH1sR7qORDS2fWWMOjozzB2k3ZYQAItfPZUwpTuP6OT35_bd1kgL5L4DlB-Akl-5Qo57DB6xC0nT3i-jq1jmakl/s1600/staubing.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Campingplatz Straubing.</td></tr>
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Paul was my co-pilot this time. Despite taking great care to drive via the city, I did make a wrong turn and ended up driving in the "emissions control zone" but thankfully I was not noticed nor pulled over. Paul and I arrived about an hour before Vincent and so we had a chance to figure out where LandShark could park as well as order some lunch.<br />
<br />
I must say the campground staff at Thalkirchen were very friendly and helpful so I felt this was a more inviting place to stay than Campingplatz Straubing. Thalkirchen did have access to internet but one had to go to their office and connect via an ethernet cable or use one of the campground terminals and pay €1 per half hour. A bit pricey and, more to the point, inconvenient. Fortunately we had our own mifi but there was a limit of 500 GB/day so we had to be careful how we used it (ie, no Facebook surfing.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE1XYlX3K1i2IYVUuyTDHdVINk1m6Q0Y7mojDoc2GfPlSWt11ufhInyAzW8UOpMizGdd3qLzLS_hfE4O_TnJ5uYgbMRmRNFggduYylbLUMFiL_EzL_UJ5k86oYRM2XxzRu1EuH5OPHd4s/s1600/Germ+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE1XYlX3K1i2IYVUuyTDHdVINk1m6Q0Y7mojDoc2GfPlSWt11ufhInyAzW8UOpMizGdd3qLzLS_hfE4O_TnJ5uYgbMRmRNFggduYylbLUMFiL_EzL_UJ5k86oYRM2XxzRu1EuH5OPHd4s/s1600/Germ+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campground is located on a a waterway which is a branch off the Isar river. We could see and hear fun log rafting tours running. While having lunch, we saw one group float by entertained by some lively German folk music and then the next group got something quite different with Bachman Turner Overdrive blaring. What a contrast.</td></tr>
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The rest of the day we stuck around at the campground. The kids spent time at the playground, did some homework and Vincent and I caught up on some research, blogging etc. We met some friendly folks from the UK who were curious about our travels and it was nice talking to new people. Camping, mostly during off season, we hadn't really met many other campers. I could see however that, with the weather changing, there were more people out and about who were generally more sociable.<br />
<br />
On <b>May 10th</b>, we were told that there was a big football game taking place in Munich and we should steer clear of the city. So we decided to go to the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles in Schwangau, about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive south of Munich. We had limited time to spend there because we needed to be back at the campground by about 18:45 in order to try to get tickets to Blizzcon. This was something very important to Paul. Tickets to this event (which runs early in November) are very hard to get and on-line ticket sales literally sell out within 10 seconds. Paul and Vincent had tried to get tickets two days earlier at 4:00am but didn't succeed and today was their last chance. Therefore we'd need to leave Schwangau around 16:30 in order to comfortably get back to our campground to try again.<br />
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The drive through the countryside to Schwangau was absolutely lovely. I would have liked to stop several times to take photos of the countryside but there weren't many opportunities on the narrow roads. Plus we had a time crunch so didn't have time for leisurely photo ops.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at the ticket office for the two castles, we saw that the next available tour for the Neuschwanstein castle was at 15:30 and the next tours for the Hohenschwangau castle were at 14:25 and 14:55. I made the call to skip Neuschwanstein and see the Hohenschwangau castle at 14:55 instead, which is the only castle that has any history to it. The Neuschwanstein castle was built as recently as 1869-86 and was only inhabited by King Ludwig for 172 days before he died in 1886 at aged 40. Only a third of the interior was finished before his death. The castle gets so much focus, I think, because of its romantic exterior and the fact that Disney modeled the Cinderella castle at Disneyland after Neuschwanstein (on a much smaller scale), which gets the Americans' attention. The Hohenschwangau castle's history goes back to the 12th century. Much of the original castle was destroyed by Napoleon. King Maximilian II (Ludwig's father) rebuilt it in 1830 and it was used by the royal family mostly as a summer residence and hunting lodge. I had been on the Neuschwanstein tour over 20 years ago and nothing from it really stood out in my mind other than it being crowded so I was quite okay just going on the Hohenschwangau tour, which was good with history both about King Maximilian II and Ludwig. Vincent however was disappointed to miss the Neuschwanstein tour so I suppose this is yet another place we might have to return to because we couldn't fit everything in. So far, most places we've been to on this year long trip warrant a repeat visit except for maybe Tirana, Albania.<br />
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Prior to visiting the Hohenschwangau castle, we went to the Tegelberg luge run. This was something that I thought the kids would much prefer over wandering around castle grounds and I was right. Their faces all lit up when I suggested going on a summer luge run. The Tegelberg luge has a stainless steel track and a cable system that pulls riders up in their sleds. We bought 12 rides worth and all had a grand time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBePL2wK1xoSJPAoHY5Z8qsUEamQlPjKdsTuKtfAIiAQpwUWfu7pcWcT4o6OZt2B18BmJ_ilb6EJjEg4b4Erz6kWDmzJ6Wc4zfFV-am86pkhJBcuhtwG46_eMS89X1wI9tcl13hxQ5nbwU/s1600/Germ+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBePL2wK1xoSJPAoHY5Z8qsUEamQlPjKdsTuKtfAIiAQpwUWfu7pcWcT4o6OZt2B18BmJ_ilb6EJjEg4b4Erz6kWDmzJ6Wc4zfFV-am86pkhJBcuhtwG46_eMS89X1wI9tcl13hxQ5nbwU/s1600/Germ+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent is ahead of me, and the kids ahead of him, as we are pulled up to the top of the luge run.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyNCsxOKKPJAOAIY_BVNZAih_cEPyv4tdglV_F3-H1lPO2hGds5l_Y_5OzNIDqPv0iMWKTcfVghjbsnViAJTlw6qS1Mji6jQhFIqYXKwyXuzLjluGciPg4qkWSemSXeUZ73cU1BexSeCV/s1600/Germ+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyNCsxOKKPJAOAIY_BVNZAih_cEPyv4tdglV_F3-H1lPO2hGds5l_Y_5OzNIDqPv0iMWKTcfVghjbsnViAJTlw6qS1Mji6jQhFIqYXKwyXuzLjluGciPg4qkWSemSXeUZ73cU1BexSeCV/s1600/Germ+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending the luge run. The sled has hand brakes so one can go down as fast as one wants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4XqRFq7NaInqfGgKOpWg7XHlWk0Qlw2BkTH06_r8Zh3PwXeqGXlD5gmhSIn6bO8y84AVtTlJpxOi6SJje1HlkukEAM5YF9LsezdwE0vwvBCmuyW5Z_nNZG0oVfFRv0yMuz2H-Jb_9LPQ/s1600/Germ+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4XqRFq7NaInqfGgKOpWg7XHlWk0Qlw2BkTH06_r8Zh3PwXeqGXlD5gmhSIn6bO8y84AVtTlJpxOi6SJje1HlkukEAM5YF9LsezdwE0vwvBCmuyW5Z_nNZG0oVfFRv0yMuz2H-Jb_9LPQ/s1600/Germ+6.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I captured James going down the track ahead of me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrbBadh0OZIzQSerypUybKmYmoVIrgbK2WYcwAP4It_Q2ENAg-wuJ-7BOFfuoYl3-ZiWvSiClQCWqGWTNQcJA2IO8FQjiqGDsgQYZ0-PrKWnDwkuei_je-IQ9YuKjFYpJ1_B8rqAK8x4C/s1600/Germ+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrbBadh0OZIzQSerypUybKmYmoVIrgbK2WYcwAP4It_Q2ENAg-wuJ-7BOFfuoYl3-ZiWvSiClQCWqGWTNQcJA2IO8FQjiqGDsgQYZ0-PrKWnDwkuei_je-IQ9YuKjFYpJ1_B8rqAK8x4C/s1600/Germ+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLTePS5TpBHL-OfLYBj6mbIpJfA3_em0q8wArLmrNNBiE0go3j6Se8jQOV7jrsrOyYHWcN99GkocVSYJh1cgXmLy6rSJCBDYyb6KJtr0UpO3TsMxZyWxs10OSbVkPgI-isqNUYON0pPl-/s1600/Germ+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLTePS5TpBHL-OfLYBj6mbIpJfA3_em0q8wArLmrNNBiE0go3j6Se8jQOV7jrsrOyYHWcN99GkocVSYJh1cgXmLy6rSJCBDYyb6KJtr0UpO3TsMxZyWxs10OSbVkPgI-isqNUYON0pPl-/s1600/Germ+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the luge, the kids tried out the dueling zip-lines. Definitely their favorite playground activity.</td></tr>
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At about 14:20, we drove back to the base of Hohenschwangau castle and parked. We then walked up the hill and waited for our 14:55 tour to start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9_uja30cnUetYgc0b_yZMBLzrrWZSpg8rwVDgPmX5Kep3spTgIsBcKpKJ-qVLFSnGSWrDLt2F-Xn5TBgPcA6RF_W-ieOoSHfQ1Oj0yhOIpg63MWj4OJmfne6CsSadqhhORPYNf_AxPpr/s1600/Germ+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9_uja30cnUetYgc0b_yZMBLzrrWZSpg8rwVDgPmX5Kep3spTgIsBcKpKJ-qVLFSnGSWrDLt2F-Xn5TBgPcA6RF_W-ieOoSHfQ1Oj0yhOIpg63MWj4OJmfne6CsSadqhhORPYNf_AxPpr/s1600/Germ+9.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hohenschwangau castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21rYWSwnrVD6_88LUHSVdHdNotwGyzw8Io2Vz1WsuIg9nmmAzvQ1d4TSEDOuheazArizvse4gUqXA1l0bF6cuS5Zbv1bbSk4AP3LtgcmVkGEM7CBcPMM0w5Wau9i6XJEggxc8L1xT7Id8/s1600/Germ+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21rYWSwnrVD6_88LUHSVdHdNotwGyzw8Io2Vz1WsuIg9nmmAzvQ1d4TSEDOuheazArizvse4gUqXA1l0bF6cuS5Zbv1bbSk4AP3LtgcmVkGEM7CBcPMM0w5Wau9i6XJEggxc8L1xT7Id8/s1600/Germ+10.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> (Tiny) Neuschwanstein castle up off in the distance taken from the Hohenschwangau castle gardens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfzn7fra_Ph1B33XqWHd4hCz7iWKDKRL1FzSNEKJ2D4HhMdoIwJiRex9ytGEYPnckFON2A8ckDuejrrnwIohu_fYnXsHto3oOXWdwePQMkmAH1xeqSHBDUNL9ahKfHrBinIzBuyYOXxIP/s1600/Germ+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfzn7fra_Ph1B33XqWHd4hCz7iWKDKRL1FzSNEKJ2D4HhMdoIwJiRex9ytGEYPnckFON2A8ckDuejrrnwIohu_fYnXsHto3oOXWdwePQMkmAH1xeqSHBDUNL9ahKfHrBinIzBuyYOXxIP/s1600/Germ+11.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of (what I believe to be) Forggensee Lake from the grounds of<b> </b>Hohenschwangau castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNKOK_qprNOjV3Sdsaqp6GaXv2_2eF7kvZl7PBxTRBlDvM-2M3_lIbya20E2sc83gqU0KHIAQgEZZ59RTzWai_nn4ilcvBrbG9KZI9NY-oeqCf1-LbGRVksuggum2oqkiBAwlbfzkhS05/s1600/Germ+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNKOK_qprNOjV3Sdsaqp6GaXv2_2eF7kvZl7PBxTRBlDvM-2M3_lIbya20E2sc83gqU0KHIAQgEZZ59RTzWai_nn4ilcvBrbG9KZI9NY-oeqCf1-LbGRVksuggum2oqkiBAwlbfzkhS05/s1600/Germ+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Alpsee Lake and Austria beyond, taken from the Hohenschwangau castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_eeOlwyvicKhLpuTVC6wKzxBJLoJyRdgpJBi7bEuOEHubUkoqr-mFhZ25thXKvnUoSmoj9id9B4sPDNNCP3X8TH5p4OlT_o66HW4n7rYhzUHZfEDNbQ1uEtEberPZht-pk2GoSu2aMc8/s1600/neusch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_eeOlwyvicKhLpuTVC6wKzxBJLoJyRdgpJBi7bEuOEHubUkoqr-mFhZ25thXKvnUoSmoj9id9B4sPDNNCP3X8TH5p4OlT_o66HW4n7rYhzUHZfEDNbQ1uEtEberPZht-pk2GoSu2aMc8/s1600/neusch.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Neuschwanstein: Another day my friend. Another day.</td></tr>
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We returned back to the campground in time to try to buy tickets for Blizzcon. Vincent and Paul were staked out in LandShark with two laptops and the mifi. James and Sarah were at terminals in the campground office and my laptop was connected via the ethernet. Paul had a friend in California also trying for tickets. At 19:00 we all sprung into action. James and Paul were both lucky and got access to tickets. So Paul bought his set and we let James's go. Neither Sarah nor I could buy any. The interest in this event is crazy; I really don't understand it. Nevertheless, Paul and James were thrilled to be going to this event in LA later in the year.<br />
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On <b>May 11th</b>, we spent the day in Munich. Munich has been the capital of the German state of Bavaria since 1506 and is located
on the Isar River just north of the Bavarian Alps. It's the third
largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. The name "Munich" is a combination of Latin and Old High German which means "by the monks", derived from the monks of the Benedictine order who ran a monastery at the place that was later to become the old town of Munich. Records of the city date back as far as 1158. After WWI, Munich was the center of much political unrest and was the center of the Nazi Party. The city suffered 71 air raid bombs during WWII and so much of what one sees today of the city has been rebuilt since then.<br />
<br />
We went to the Munich Stadtmuseum (City Museum) which was founded in 1888; it is located in the former municipal arsenal and stables. As things to do in Munich, it was rated pretty highly but I would not recommend it unless one gets an audioguide (or is well-versed in German). There are no English translations and so much of the content would be lost on the non-German speaker. As it was, we only received 2 audioguides that worked (out of 4) and the battery died in one of the good two before we got through the museum. The top two floors are the most engaging for kids; one covers puppetry but some of those displays are kind of disturbing. For example, there was a clown that bounced to and fro with an evil laugh whenever someone walked by it and there was a head that spouted blood whenever someone walked by that. A little more mainstream and kid-friendly was the musical instrument display on the top floor which contained some instruments that visitors could try out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MJwjjS18TtRL34_x9MaFBQBYaGg7_GB9M3NRG5Bv0EaokdhmGEZw9OcXYZT8CadeIlM-bkHb9d_miOoTwheQl2VAOEOXJIBqgMlVcn1nSeo24cac7__nWq6wtdK4k8SFSN-nfTeQZy2c/s1600/Germ+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MJwjjS18TtRL34_x9MaFBQBYaGg7_GB9M3NRG5Bv0EaokdhmGEZw9OcXYZT8CadeIlM-bkHb9d_miOoTwheQl2VAOEOXJIBqgMlVcn1nSeo24cac7__nWq6wtdK4k8SFSN-nfTeQZy2c/s1600/Germ+15.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul mimicking the pose of a bust of Wilhem Richard Wagner, the German composer, theater director and conductor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j9FysfIAhj9hQ_s9AUlS6fWXfGHPjAphqa0SsOV4RqhfTXAahqbawYQHFV3AjHtc68vAUfE8oSNvD-52esXpb3fTUwbWIAh6maRUDyaXbcViLjrL_9nweTnYkwjGM6ueMR6zY8twC163/s1600/Germ+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j9FysfIAhj9hQ_s9AUlS6fWXfGHPjAphqa0SsOV4RqhfTXAahqbawYQHFV3AjHtc68vAUfE8oSNvD-52esXpb3fTUwbWIAh6maRUDyaXbcViLjrL_9nweTnYkwjGM6ueMR6zY8twC163/s1600/Germ+16.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul peeking into a massive antique multi-view stereoscope with different images in about 18 view points around the perimeter.</td></tr>
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The museum didn't shy away from Hitler's history in Munich.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAzQnjSjo9UrE-z_a2XO14v68v4bdw-p2cKFS8edmCZuReHIfKFPWO1pNyUMRaWfXBk8R8XwNd7GisXvivzMfweInHoOXdb7nbskvnM89GejVZTV2YTE7YgYK7n8Fh4HsteAzqWwQrUgT/s1600/Germ+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAzQnjSjo9UrE-z_a2XO14v68v4bdw-p2cKFS8edmCZuReHIfKFPWO1pNyUMRaWfXBk8R8XwNd7GisXvivzMfweInHoOXdb7nbskvnM89GejVZTV2YTE7YgYK7n8Fh4HsteAzqWwQrUgT/s1600/Germ+17.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 1923 Hitler attempted a coup in Munich to seize power. He failed and was imprisoned; it was during this time that he wrote his memoir, <i>Mein Kampf</i> (<i>My Struggle</i>). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmeL8nhuABdagBKeWaxJZiRXpbKSp30s4xlD7jI-ECHhtVba1zn9_-xMveMmhQbAXg2CxXG_-BVdeYN7IYO-y3eisbzIDIVviQL51smRZ6J9Ehop912Z1zfx0y5LabqIwaBYkIpnqGmgb/s1600/Germ+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmeL8nhuABdagBKeWaxJZiRXpbKSp30s4xlD7jI-ECHhtVba1zn9_-xMveMmhQbAXg2CxXG_-BVdeYN7IYO-y3eisbzIDIVviQL51smRZ6J9Ehop912Z1zfx0y5LabqIwaBYkIpnqGmgb/s1600/Germ+18.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decapitated head spouting blood. Kind of random.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hI4dekf6wRXuG4CliSjrxlUZYqu83nBRr1aqX8QikzqoxBTfMbYw0RJQh3SM2z8KpGRu2SjkZm28AKHI_dy2FI_nyPu2Mu2mTwX_OH0IGRDvhOgiKSsO5NPpKjxnzFKG-DaRXVeSNi3T/s1600/drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hI4dekf6wRXuG4CliSjrxlUZYqu83nBRr1aqX8QikzqoxBTfMbYw0RJQh3SM2z8KpGRu2SjkZm28AKHI_dy2FI_nyPu2Mu2mTwX_OH0IGRDvhOgiKSsO5NPpKjxnzFKG-DaRXVeSNi3T/s1600/drums.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah trying the bronze drums. The music floor was the best area for kids at the museum; most of it didn't seem to really connect with "Munich" so I thought it a bit odd for the "City Museum". Nevertheless, the kids were entertained which was the goal.</td></tr>
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After leaving the Munich City Museum, we went to the Neue Pinakothek, one of three Pinakothek museums, that features about 400 paintings and sculptures from the 19th century (my favorite period). I probably wouldn't have gotten everyone to go here except that it was Mother's Day and so there was some willingness to do what Mom wanted. The other related museums are the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.<br />
<br />
The Alte Pinakothek,<b> </b>which was contracted by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, was opened in 1836 and is one of the oldest art galleries in Germany; with its grand galleries lit by large skylights, the Alte
Pinakothek influenced the architecture of museums and galleries all over
Europe. It is
home to over 800 European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the end
of the Rococo; important collections include Early Italian, Old German,
Old Dutch and Flemish paintings, with masterworks by Albrecht Duerer,
Peter Paul Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci.<br />
<br />
The Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest museum for modern art in Germany with four collections under its roof. There is the
State Graphic Collection with more than 400,000 prints, drawings and
works on paper, the International design Museum Munich, the Museum of
Architecture of the Technical University of Munich (the largest
specialist collection of its kind in Germany) and the State Gallery of
Modern Art, which showcases stars such as Picasso, Magritte, Kandinsky,
Francis Bacon, and Warhol.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWR7f-RnpnTgURS0jwTen1f9wAMeLAbd1WWhtiSV8uf6p-1zDuF-9luZpQgrbzijw8_HY0ODjKqPQPdi-3S439tIIVPwwUBydAIY-DkcJjvp4MtueucAfscGZ92xHQwW9JAWQJfKNhH5A/s1600/Germ+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWR7f-RnpnTgURS0jwTen1f9wAMeLAbd1WWhtiSV8uf6p-1zDuF-9luZpQgrbzijw8_HY0ODjKqPQPdi-3S439tIIVPwwUBydAIY-DkcJjvp4MtueucAfscGZ92xHQwW9JAWQJfKNhH5A/s1600/Germ+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the museum, we saw this crowd of people hanging out in front of the Apple store. Seems they were after the free wifi; then Vincent joined in.</td></tr>
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I really enjoyed the Neue Pinakothek Museum and would have liked to spend a bit more time there. I think 90 minutes to 2 hours is the right amount of time. But I was lucky to even get through the front doors, so I was grateful. Photographs were allowed so I took a few that caught my eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfXorEy-GDqtH2h49NdX-boxZVgWaF8kEk5XFljx7tm3RVnW64y4b7yAHBQP71lt0uP9aplTt3RheJXa4O9rp2SuQPMDgq7BeU1sYJCO7Yv8rocYygt0In1Wgd3eS6bRegPpfHAVj3vhs/s1600/Germ+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfXorEy-GDqtH2h49NdX-boxZVgWaF8kEk5XFljx7tm3RVnW64y4b7yAHBQP71lt0uP9aplTt3RheJXa4O9rp2SuQPMDgq7BeU1sYJCO7Yv8rocYygt0In1Wgd3eS6bRegPpfHAVj3vhs/s1600/Germ+22.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sunflowers" (1888) by Vincent Van Gogh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhyphenhyphenju334SoaLnv79D_JK8EDYjlwJPbxOPkRVZzWVUn0rTpkkNGuY0sAylAWs8ntyILBizhNx1SnQTvErkgHVRdpUydLJqp2OIrB90l7_ZCo62kJtxphHLanydIUM3qZsfyYJFR66CDawM/s1600/Germ+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhyphenhyphenju334SoaLnv79D_JK8EDYjlwJPbxOPkRVZzWVUn0rTpkkNGuY0sAylAWs8ntyILBizhNx1SnQTvErkgHVRdpUydLJqp2OIrB90l7_ZCo62kJtxphHLanydIUM3qZsfyYJFR66CDawM/s1600/Germ+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Quayside by the Seine in Paris" (1899) by Maximilien Luce.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDhoWEb6gBnTo_pcYjAk56HbDKGBjA9vbhlxqtS6ltanv0AVxj1BNL3IEN60uRCod0WXDtnMJDKUEfNmMyaTB1M8HcXeSRXQmlCzPkKdmh1xzkZObU_mOUNsMSZP_nwjcOFc0wY_9mazu/s1600/Germ+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDhoWEb6gBnTo_pcYjAk56HbDKGBjA9vbhlxqtS6ltanv0AVxj1BNL3IEN60uRCod0WXDtnMJDKUEfNmMyaTB1M8HcXeSRXQmlCzPkKdmh1xzkZObU_mOUNsMSZP_nwjcOFc0wY_9mazu/s1600/Germ+24.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peonies" (1871) by Anselm Feuerbach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZF9QIBtZ8JKsNm3CH42Jm8ujUEvaz8DWxw8-WswQrmYiL52OkoZwyTPwBId1cVUCplOlz3sYG9YJM5hVeYVpi1HexsOHg-5S5SVsmRmWT9I86nLxAogChApV7z3SDn_YOAN00IReOG8Y/s1600/Germ+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZF9QIBtZ8JKsNm3CH42Jm8ujUEvaz8DWxw8-WswQrmYiL52OkoZwyTPwBId1cVUCplOlz3sYG9YJM5hVeYVpi1HexsOHg-5S5SVsmRmWT9I86nLxAogChApV7z3SDn_YOAN00IReOG8Y/s1600/Germ+25.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sunshine in the house and heart" (~1885/90) by Christoffel Bisschop</td></tr>
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Leaving the Neue Pinkothek, we walked back towards Marienplatz and to the Hofbräuhaus. Here are a few photos of Munich I took along the way as well as some taken earlier in the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz1vyK8hgkZF1JT4sMlOMaglfXKar25yIiKXDhhMOku3OkZLttILLoVl0yIzrGyigRyaN7Cy6CnAqhdRbOhXYW6XFATi0JYHSAqQgnW47XruTV_HzOo-UK30hPBf-G7ijuhclE6jhNiXr/s1600/Germ+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz1vyK8hgkZF1JT4sMlOMaglfXKar25yIiKXDhhMOku3OkZLttILLoVl0yIzrGyigRyaN7Cy6CnAqhdRbOhXYW6XFATi0JYHSAqQgnW47XruTV_HzOo-UK30hPBf-G7ijuhclE6jhNiXr/s1600/Germ+26.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glyptothek Museum at Konigsplatz: Munich's oldest public museum dedicated to ancient sculptures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W7EcMmL8JFIRbMym2pV8csQcK493X_cyysF_jXc62BhVl4M4KJF-yRZw8Y88SKRL3wXtQNhOh1J88HHFzJNPnq-SjtcXYwA0YJ493aMXUGYmeJCvk5GAt9JBWGceWvz7IiUxtWyeuhV4/s1600/Germ+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W7EcMmL8JFIRbMym2pV8csQcK493X_cyysF_jXc62BhVl4M4KJF-yRZw8Y88SKRL3wXtQNhOh1J88HHFzJNPnq-SjtcXYwA0YJ493aMXUGYmeJCvk5GAt9JBWGceWvz7IiUxtWyeuhV4/s1600/Germ+21.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Louis Vuitton lou.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhyphenhyphensfrHOVn9uxyBwtGby3r6VGjY1s7zaNOgOebvTlrKXPQHBkNeRjTmOJbaLcFpxzii6HW9UTSZBB6iROXQJ2L71uYQAlOpwgNFWVNXpocYl7VeZlFgv0FDu3v19zCwVKuzqUtABo-_e-/s1600/Germ+20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhyphenhyphensfrHOVn9uxyBwtGby3r6VGjY1s7zaNOgOebvTlrKXPQHBkNeRjTmOJbaLcFpxzii6HW9UTSZBB6iROXQJ2L71uYQAlOpwgNFWVNXpocYl7VeZlFgv0FDu3v19zCwVKuzqUtABo-_e-/s1600/Germ+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Town Hall: The New Town Hall hosts the city government. It was built between 1867 and 1908 in a gothic revival architectural style. In the center tower is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel which consists of 43 bells and 32
life-sized figures; it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century every day at 11am (and at 12noon and 17:00 in summertime). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVDHLdi48bAo-m0yct-DKWzRk-ckZver8jkbs7XqBadgftxcnvIj-ivnCLui9lusllclxYoHNU-mEy5bjc4EfLK0IMl0n-2RyxhtkAlcxwVEwq2R9kFpttCfEv_xv60YNiWaLg7Avb6Y8/s1600/fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVDHLdi48bAo-m0yct-DKWzRk-ckZver8jkbs7XqBadgftxcnvIj-ivnCLui9lusllclxYoHNU-mEy5bjc4EfLK0IMl0n-2RyxhtkAlcxwVEwq2R9kFpttCfEv_xv60YNiWaLg7Avb6Y8/s1600/fountain.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain) found at the northeast corner of Marienplatz.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBhmm6QNY_Cbz-GiKzkyPBCW2I5cOWN4le1ZknlWIJ2GqjB6C3PwfDrs2SJDQTKGkr6uOROpsouYUchq8XxBmeAQnMQbyloar7NMu4dxPdlsD58Cqu1854yjDqheLJFFcJTV9U_MCpDBV/s1600/Germ+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBhmm6QNY_Cbz-GiKzkyPBCW2I5cOWN4le1ZknlWIJ2GqjB6C3PwfDrs2SJDQTKGkr6uOROpsouYUchq8XxBmeAQnMQbyloar7NMu4dxPdlsD58Cqu1854yjDqheLJFFcJTV9U_MCpDBV/s1600/Germ+13.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spielzugmuseum (toy museum) on Marienplatz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For dinner that evening, we went to the Hofbräuhaus which is Munich's most famous beer hall and is one of those "must dos" when visiting Munich.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif21Hw-4gnzfMibOdtVpr28NsUrBuOVsorHfgAekwGmDKTga1Zex8u96mDhGBOptmtRvO6m9Ux4eMvLPFPFLAFa7yudEZ13ZxuTt7GvFJEetmY5_2RLyYVRhp7RpBlypG9dWN_ECOGkuEQ/s1600/Germ+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif21Hw-4gnzfMibOdtVpr28NsUrBuOVsorHfgAekwGmDKTga1Zex8u96mDhGBOptmtRvO6m9Ux4eMvLPFPFLAFa7yudEZ13ZxuTt7GvFJEetmY5_2RLyYVRhp7RpBlypG9dWN_ECOGkuEQ/s1600/Germ+27.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hofbräuhaus was originally built in 1589 by Bavarian Duke Maximilian I. It's now a brewery and beer hall owned by the Bavarian State government.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYoGu8BlZcanOrzQ6xNYwFSQSLfnnbovIYMut9IU76QcnfU7vOtnrmmxlii8ilADON_GCdomx0Ii133KwJiz97AJunUdRe7C1lm16hI5MqnLec3E9Bu7UiQW05aBpgeGOd0znnAO3R0Z/s1600/Germ+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYoGu8BlZcanOrzQ6xNYwFSQSLfnnbovIYMut9IU76QcnfU7vOtnrmmxlii8ilADON_GCdomx0Ii133KwJiz97AJunUdRe7C1lm16hI5MqnLec3E9Bu7UiQW05aBpgeGOd0znnAO3R0Z/s1600/Germ+28.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm bretzels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy95Hj4VPMJCWsBdW6HLpHJm88KlreisTJGzfhSoA6-dX8OYfQx6_6vHHh35DzM5Upi3NOgI76nHJw5EgdLG-foJ18wZ0DKJvCydHwga3dA40HrtBhjTWrpThwlGVSDOdXxfcttROO1_IG/s1600/hof+band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy95Hj4VPMJCWsBdW6HLpHJm88KlreisTJGzfhSoA6-dX8OYfQx6_6vHHh35DzM5Upi3NOgI76nHJw5EgdLG-foJ18wZ0DKJvCydHwga3dA40HrtBhjTWrpThwlGVSDOdXxfcttROO1_IG/s1600/hof+band.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the middle of the hall, a band of men dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing play lively German drinking songs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb7aNfh0YvWLmjhTnPEFVaNAtC2-kVaopl12gwZ7hmmsbq7lA9HoTRmMhgA54Qrr7tJUffaArbCOOWVt_Vrm4u85EiwNX1zTZfQUmV4aC10Lb2_VirUbk-tRVwjDl3dY4nCUg1cHcCx2X/s1600/Germ+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb7aNfh0YvWLmjhTnPEFVaNAtC2-kVaopl12gwZ7hmmsbq7lA9HoTRmMhgA54Qrr7tJUffaArbCOOWVt_Vrm4u85EiwNX1zTZfQUmV4aC10Lb2_VirUbk-tRVwjDl3dY4nCUg1cHcCx2X/s1600/Germ+29.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The band seemed to be fueled by beer, spotted left behind while they took a break.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI6IqtuN1jTTy1vkWmKarhKF4ORSiDk0pUhPWLQRvUXhwOguWp4_g9b907kYYj1wlkDekXyqAl6YisGIruh8nUuce5qukFCiyQwM_sGQ1ou2EQH2WUVw2mml-MY-uPVx_c6UL2MKEmb67/s1600/Germ+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI6IqtuN1jTTy1vkWmKarhKF4ORSiDk0pUhPWLQRvUXhwOguWp4_g9b907kYYj1wlkDekXyqAl6YisGIruh8nUuce5qukFCiyQwM_sGQ1ou2EQH2WUVw2mml-MY-uPVx_c6UL2MKEmb67/s1600/Germ+30.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking out, we saw a more adult version of the memory game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 12th</b>, we did four loads of laundry before we set off to <i>Clue Quest</i> another one of those "solve a series of puzzles within 60 minutes" games. As with Prague and Budapest, this type of activity was the number one thing to do in Munich as ranked by TripAdvisor. (Crazy.)<br />
<br />
Unlike the room escape games we had done thus far, the <i>Clue Quest </i>challenge wasn't based on a historical them. You walked into a laundry room set up and solved a series of puzzles sorting through laundry, searching in washing machines and solving puzzles involving laundry icons. It was different and fun and we managed to figure out the code to exit the room within our 60 minute limit.<br />
<br />
After leaving <i>Clue Quest</i>, we took the underground to Odenplatz and went to the Royal Residenz which is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs of the House of Wittelsbach. (The Wittelsbach dynasty ruled the German territories of Bavaria from 1180 to 1918.) We decided to take a tour of the apartments. When I listened to the introduction I thought I mistakenly heard the commentator say, we'd be walking through over 90 rooms (must have said 19), but no the tour actually does walk you through 90 rooms. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo9nvwisoZnIIBVunorFpyamTqCok1mbBsuckwCeSlcmOE1RuUaTktowUaj6_UDzTFqA0EQoBwJWD9Q7tXj_BDYyUz0MONTBBvoUT1s8P4dyWl28e2HiPlVqWx76zd-a1nQybHS4Gv4JW/s1600/resid+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo9nvwisoZnIIBVunorFpyamTqCok1mbBsuckwCeSlcmOE1RuUaTktowUaj6_UDzTFqA0EQoBwJWD9Q7tXj_BDYyUz0MONTBBvoUT1s8P4dyWl28e2HiPlVqWx76zd-a1nQybHS4Gv4JW/s1600/resid+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys posing in front of the Banqueting Hall Wing (<i>Festsaalbau</i>) at the Royal Residenz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The reader here will probably be grateful that I included photos of only a few rooms, and not all 90 of them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDrhKeT6gFbFakuDcIAbZNImQFpN5Jz4bP84gUCAysvKtOW0MQd2_39d3mUSh95RjMtiIBB58hPYQNqpoA8UqX6jLiHCFk-ruWL-TcdoP6VUIc0ise0HwJFtXkyUfLzOY0T8HxK80MmPw/s1600/resid+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDrhKeT6gFbFakuDcIAbZNImQFpN5Jz4bP84gUCAysvKtOW0MQd2_39d3mUSh95RjMtiIBB58hPYQNqpoA8UqX6jLiHCFk-ruWL-TcdoP6VUIc0ise0HwJFtXkyUfLzOY0T8HxK80MmPw/s1600/resid+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hall of Antiquities (<i>Antiquarium</i>): It was built between 1568-1571 for the antique collection of Duke Albert V (1550–1579). It was then remodeled into a banqueting hall in 1586-1600.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvdjeyFmsjps4kCNiZrbipqteW0ev3GUgM6cH4kmi8LiNQn_iz8lrctsewKZyg9QWnhyphenhyphen56mNHV4pNyAojXR4e92zcvE5oWSszzyRph3GwSBFvw8qnuPbm8u0gVF_G6ixelnI992LpBuu-/s1600/resid+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvdjeyFmsjps4kCNiZrbipqteW0ev3GUgM6cH4kmi8LiNQn_iz8lrctsewKZyg9QWnhyphenhyphen56mNHV4pNyAojXR4e92zcvE5oWSszzyRph3GwSBFvw8qnuPbm8u0gVF_G6ixelnI992LpBuu-/s1600/resid+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Hall: It was built around 1590 by Duke Wilhelm V (ruled 1579-98). It's name derives from the four black scagliola portals erected in 1623. The illusionistic architectural painting on the ceiling was designed by Hans Werl in 1602. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9-8dzji6qMq1TbIIA9jHhQj_DZRIn65NQnZFNn9CqLIxWzR05oXnqNLKCxC1p3f7x9T4ffAAg2VPAkfiLH_GzyWixzjgGzHe_HiEOAX8g9eEGucTDE7MJqrglpKTDm_6_gvexvknQ_Zw/s1600/resid+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9-8dzji6qMq1TbIIA9jHhQj_DZRIn65NQnZFNn9CqLIxWzR05oXnqNLKCxC1p3f7x9T4ffAAg2VPAkfiLH_GzyWixzjgGzHe_HiEOAX8g9eEGucTDE7MJqrglpKTDm_6_gvexvknQ_Zw/s1600/resid+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing right in the center of the room looking up at the ceiling, you get the correct perspective of looking up at floors above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszywKm8dmCAih5iTyg-4ZuiHiVgTtkAJHUNKv1aRkb6m6h8ZYufWDJNZuluWdQxTuOGDCNY5QgSYm9lD0IMaPUm9D3kSDLSlmRL1I2YCkyobny0B9HTlis2qcXE4oozCHme0IuXOB_ivK/s1600/resid+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszywKm8dmCAih5iTyg-4ZuiHiVgTtkAJHUNKv1aRkb6m6h8ZYufWDJNZuluWdQxTuOGDCNY5QgSYm9lD0IMaPUm9D3kSDLSlmRL1I2YCkyobny0B9HTlis2qcXE4oozCHme0IuXOB_ivK/s1600/resid+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand off to the side, the perspective is not right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTKaFv2GBVF7VGWxrSUaIoGf2Mrcs046mae_I2d4Pzis_pMNBtzw4Vrg7B2G963diOK6HOT58kZW3NGaGgf7w_lxcoWEiWArrYnwj0BoJOZIMXNIWrT9fsDnwfNo4CDWTKfjbUCvj7hFZ/s1600/resid+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTKaFv2GBVF7VGWxrSUaIoGf2Mrcs046mae_I2d4Pzis_pMNBtzw4Vrg7B2G963diOK6HOT58kZW3NGaGgf7w_lxcoWEiWArrYnwj0BoJOZIMXNIWrT9fsDnwfNo4CDWTKfjbUCvj7hFZ/s1600/resid+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music Room: The furniture and musical instruments in this room belonged to the first Bavarian King, Max I Joseph (ruled 1799-1806 as Elector, 1806-25 as King).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPGBv_Qs3V-g-yYq-ZCLXFfWID_nKZTfReJUPQkQ4rVCRxCh7XK44fGwB6QHQtA5QacsAdw76MO9VkKe_g6T2nGYpO_doIQsXEJ4llHcSU0DiSmExwkv0JS2sDb4vN8tjORRwvwsWC7qo/s1600/resid+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPGBv_Qs3V-g-yYq-ZCLXFfWID_nKZTfReJUPQkQ4rVCRxCh7XK44fGwB6QHQtA5QacsAdw76MO9VkKe_g6T2nGYpO_doIQsXEJ4llHcSU0DiSmExwkv0JS2sDb4vN8tjORRwvwsWC7qo/s1600/resid+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul standing in the cabinet of mirrors: </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Zp2qdugQj7kTWeLomuZDr0A4TiEzBOF7qaYlt9DxLyfA9IkicKgdF06M2g1DWZ1eiICnHTv6eMyK5i8smrTtgd7VdMcUt8KfnBGTavYI_mVhBBBY5DlkvfezpfXcPdVMJjPI4Qa8gAk/s1600/resid+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Zp2qdugQj7kTWeLomuZDr0A4TiEzBOF7qaYlt9DxLyfA9IkicKgdF06M2g1DWZ1eiICnHTv6eMyK5i8smrTtgd7VdMcUt8KfnBGTavYI_mVhBBBY5DlkvfezpfXcPdVMJjPI4Qa8gAk/s1600/resid+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Bedroom: It was reserved exclusively for representative purposes and not used by the Elector as his private bedroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lPBxL30qdZps2S38jBzaqfzNLCIpNhGBAh-MN7eSmyUToB2gUIavZ8DSVkaDcRwnEuE2jiRT4nz6RZOQVwk8LJ7Ys8jQhWHF3OEYmMZq8JT8Z97iarQ_h_AT4lMIvrNDGYYJTLTTJudy/s1600/resid+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lPBxL30qdZps2S38jBzaqfzNLCIpNhGBAh-MN7eSmyUToB2gUIavZ8DSVkaDcRwnEuE2jiRT4nz6RZOQVwk8LJ7Ys8jQhWHF3OEYmMZq8JT8Z97iarQ_h_AT4lMIvrNDGYYJTLTTJudy/s1600/resid+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The every day dinnerware.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AykHvyGcLbyMsqlCJ-7I-nJVd_2E1sm0LXUYCtf2FSxnynZLWWG8v8hJcBjc4qCzuX4deJfnxZua915M_y31SQIkIUrZS6FsSD7y44FFGM6E1sEBvL6kt5GRoj5Ffd8g-BGTm4xNT3RG/s1600/resid+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AykHvyGcLbyMsqlCJ-7I-nJVd_2E1sm0LXUYCtf2FSxnynZLWWG8v8hJcBjc4qCzuX4deJfnxZua915M_y31SQIkIUrZS6FsSD7y44FFGM6E1sEBvL6kt5GRoj5Ffd8g-BGTm4xNT3RG/s1600/resid+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ancenstral Gallery: The Ancenstral Gallery of the House of Wittelsbach was created under Elector Karl Albrecht (ruled 1725-45, after 1742 as Emporer Karl VII). The gallery is now regarded as one of the outstanding masterpieces of South German Rococo. The portraits show over 100 members of the house of Wittelsbach and their consorts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way to finding dinner we happened to walk by Munich's high end food store, Dallmayr, so I had to duck in to take a peak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJbUPkoPNz9tBpSrIMtJdqm82DdZMZWXi1ljKcSG380T9dGTAKZdPMhuQNk2OLs_wAgPn5cH-xOGmYZXftQrmhrLWaIfjOqcrVHJazujnmKZ6uJB8_mTKH_gIUm9AWSvtoY5C1AM6krD0/s1600/dall+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJbUPkoPNz9tBpSrIMtJdqm82DdZMZWXi1ljKcSG380T9dGTAKZdPMhuQNk2OLs_wAgPn5cH-xOGmYZXftQrmhrLWaIfjOqcrVHJazujnmKZ6uJB8_mTKH_gIUm9AWSvtoY5C1AM6krD0/s1600/dall+1.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first records of Dallmayr go back to about 1700 when a merchant from Munich called Christian Reitter operated a trading business. In 1870, Alois Dallmayr takes over and the company is named after him. Around 1900, under the competent management of Therese Randlkofer (a woman at the helm), Dallmayr
became one of the best delicatessens in Europe and is awarded
the title of purveyor to the Royal Bavarian Court and is able to boast a
list of customers that includes the German imperial family and 14 other
royal houses in Europe. Struggling through the difficult times of the 1930s, management introduce and focus on coffee which is still a major part of the business today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r0pD27BAb2ikXn_om72N6Lvsc5lMnN_kb9s6RU_OSow7rXVq4vx_ZFj3FWxhvgK5upg74uzR5lpgzgEthpdVzLa3r9opKobbIT2dcQLHhJzkChE643Nb80s6n88jxLhDYM0R0wG0Y8Ld/s1600/dall+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r0pD27BAb2ikXn_om72N6Lvsc5lMnN_kb9s6RU_OSow7rXVq4vx_ZFj3FWxhvgK5upg74uzR5lpgzgEthpdVzLa3r9opKobbIT2dcQLHhJzkChE643Nb80s6n88jxLhDYM0R0wG0Y8Ld/s1600/dall+2.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallmayr has a similar feel to it as walking into Harrod's Food Hall in London, but on a smaller, more intimate scale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening we ate at Augustiner am Platzl which served pretty good food. It's a relatively new restaurant (opened in 2003) but features Augustiner Bräu beer. Established in 1328, Augustiner Bräu is<b> </b>Munich's oldest, still independent, brewery and produces Munich's most popular brands of beer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CqWHnfzLeF7a7T5pmnTgaVUuVmxqwSVK6xdZAfVNMmhmFkd-LUPsdQotBsO7Jvfq4dazbfs9yPr8e7Ju9vJ4xJlNp7y2Wh5g0u7x98CeKKjptX7O6-5tMCaet-RyQcn1UDZBX4W7ZxQr/s1600/augustiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CqWHnfzLeF7a7T5pmnTgaVUuVmxqwSVK6xdZAfVNMmhmFkd-LUPsdQotBsO7Jvfq4dazbfs9yPr8e7Ju9vJ4xJlNp7y2Wh5g0u7x98CeKKjptX7O6-5tMCaet-RyQcn1UDZBX4W7ZxQr/s1600/augustiner.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Augustiner am Platzl is a good pub/restaurant for a traditional German meal and good beer.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 13th</b>, we woke up early to make the 100 minute drive to Salzburg and catch a <i>Sound of Music bicycle</i> tour. It was a bit corny perhaps but with kids this was a new alternative to the walking, bus and boat tours. Plus the kids had seen the movie umpteen times and we'd done the "Sing-a-long-Sound-of-Music" event so everyone was pretty familiar with the material. We peddled about 13 km over 3.5 hours and passed about 20 or so sights from the movie plus a number of other key Salzburg landmarks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU1gog0yO7m5uDU5MN65sDB7q_wc4uwYS-H42m7aZta4ekYucxYJknWznvMU_V3cvSbzsDyXx0gSkKHJXT3owbkRk-1HihJLXfMZhvoe2ULmgmyE5UTm0bOTSCut0ew5kGiG1ORgpvyMt/s1600/salz+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU1gog0yO7m5uDU5MN65sDB7q_wc4uwYS-H42m7aZta4ekYucxYJknWznvMU_V3cvSbzsDyXx0gSkKHJXT3owbkRk-1HihJLXfMZhvoe2ULmgmyE5UTm0bOTSCut0ew5kGiG1ORgpvyMt/s1600/salz+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reviewing the hand breaks on the bike: This was Sarah's first time on a bike since her biking accident in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming last June; not surprisingly, she was a bit nervous.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IhwWwo1MO1fkYC7pSrY0qklhEpOOCBbywFSlq6HwSFTyZePrDpI1VVT0zMO7nw5hdwlustoXQCGkWi5LqPWMPlD90kj8IjvMnDu4rzmPKFdV85mK2fzsOvsRXsret1hso4Joto1xHrSq/s1600/salz+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IhwWwo1MO1fkYC7pSrY0qklhEpOOCBbywFSlq6HwSFTyZePrDpI1VVT0zMO7nw5hdwlustoXQCGkWi5LqPWMPlD90kj8IjvMnDu4rzmPKFdV85mK2fzsOvsRXsret1hso4Joto1xHrSq/s1600/salz+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James flicking water at the horse in the fountain just like Maria did</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBf0OQGCHmUuEDFp6E6MGFU5zc4a3arZSa8_rsZRisSMOEllflZtG_A9IDfqS_tanAKADetbdgpuBuOycoQx1AJWY0tAJbkt9JNa5Befe-O3SpjCuO2Ilek5v4d7U5pIFPpXwd07HehRs/s1600/salz+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBf0OQGCHmUuEDFp6E6MGFU5zc4a3arZSa8_rsZRisSMOEllflZtG_A9IDfqS_tanAKADetbdgpuBuOycoQx1AJWY0tAJbkt9JNa5Befe-O3SpjCuO2Ilek5v4d7U5pIFPpXwd07HehRs/s1600/salz+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Peter Stiftsbackerei, Salzburg's oldest running bakery, has been operating for over 700 years. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSapCMympc7n34VGgQK5edNaqwJXkEeNbxkfj3tNjUWNawBUDDteu4549nYPz_MiWMgTl2Q65Te_KkzfU9i2PLH3yA3J6-3lQ2zjBYDBD1JXFMBQpz7zLdo2OrilnKQtYDT5K9s8AX4Ex/s1600/st+peters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSapCMympc7n34VGgQK5edNaqwJXkEeNbxkfj3tNjUWNawBUDDteu4549nYPz_MiWMgTl2Q65Te_KkzfU9i2PLH3yA3J6-3lQ2zjBYDBD1JXFMBQpz7zLdo2OrilnKQtYDT5K9s8AX4Ex/s1600/st+peters.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Peters cemetery was the inspiration for the cemetery in which the Von Trapps hid from the German soldiers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE6n19NZGZSOB0o5wMAw2Td02s8UDMtM28krZxXWJ2V4dDffg06MIg-kbih5QXiSMGqwcFE7BqIfeUSZspZ8k_4Jra6frZn7htSPyhqCT8RhXRP0Gr3N6Oe8VHYsn9cJiHr_pMMZ1DB7C/s1600/salz+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE6n19NZGZSOB0o5wMAw2Td02s8UDMtM28krZxXWJ2V4dDffg06MIg-kbih5QXiSMGqwcFE7BqIfeUSZspZ8k_4Jra6frZn7htSPyhqCT8RhXRP0Gr3N6Oe8VHYsn9cJiHr_pMMZ1DB7C/s1600/salz+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in front of the Nonnberg Abbey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GJQVaKMfEiVL-yY3uuZUGNrvTWDcKEZuZtN9sP1MbTVDdxS7tP7SUffkVGuQmTnjACr0EPntbKu0EUh4wuB4FFE9fDl4emzVIjgao90iHueYJzPIFtYzmZluL6bnpacaerzuqVY1Pm1y/s1600/salz+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GJQVaKMfEiVL-yY3uuZUGNrvTWDcKEZuZtN9sP1MbTVDdxS7tP7SUffkVGuQmTnjACr0EPntbKu0EUh4wuB4FFE9fDl4emzVIjgao90iHueYJzPIFtYzmZluL6bnpacaerzuqVY1Pm1y/s1600/salz+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Salzburg from the Nonnberg Abbey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQHlIonVnS0FOF3LqYcRkeSeBvwIU72rMPKrMcfXyWDoaWIRAP6QnzIknci-6Zij1slm2zcE-kAgkS2GjyuggHzUNh-EipCLCY1zshbP8BsrKkPngRQRxlUPC3HtpoVuFSRkSb1fKQIjd/s1600/salz+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQHlIonVnS0FOF3LqYcRkeSeBvwIU72rMPKrMcfXyWDoaWIRAP6QnzIknci-6Zij1slm2zcE-kAgkS2GjyuggHzUNh-EipCLCY1zshbP8BsrKkPngRQRxlUPC3HtpoVuFSRkSb1fKQIjd/s1600/salz+1.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopoldskron Palace located on the lake Leopoldskroner Weiher: The palace grounds and lake were used as the Von Trapp home gardens. Notice the color of the building (white) is different then the color of the building used as the Von Trapp home (yellow). Outside scenes often had to be shot twice; once with the yellow building back drop and a second time with the lake back drop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ARq8zWol14o7xcwvLTAviBfSPTTZj84cra-aLBt1Hhb8YrIHVs5K0GbO0tJufug7BPOm2xR3rshSIBek9CBqZSeu2SCnb3AXtX9w-QaRPix-q2tY9eCeU5jTWp8luA7oVcBKkPBJyMc/s1600/salz+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ARq8zWol14o7xcwvLTAviBfSPTTZj84cra-aLBt1Hhb8YrIHVs5K0GbO0tJufug7BPOm2xR3rshSIBek9CBqZSeu2SCnb3AXtX9w-QaRPix-q2tY9eCeU5jTWp8luA7oVcBKkPBJyMc/s1600/salz+2.jpg" height="327" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the Frohnburg Palace, aka the Von Trapp family residence on Hellbrunner Allee: Like how the Von Trapps tried to avoid the Germans sneaking out the front gates pushing their car, we are pushing Sarah on her bike. Kind of the same except we're pushing a bike and we're pushing it the wrong direction.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMzsJKQQsOxd1qF2XfS60KasmIj7uYSXO4yZv8lhE6nHwDN8_gSZIXGy2crgJNhj4Na8BLWlCGss6sJhBLnX-jZ0LhtaJCL6DUB6Mwi-gpxb_XW7EnCZM_BK26IB3ee9SEXk7pM3QQxiz/s1600/salz+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMzsJKQQsOxd1qF2XfS60KasmIj7uYSXO4yZv8lhE6nHwDN8_gSZIXGy2crgJNhj4Na8BLWlCGss6sJhBLnX-jZ0LhtaJCL6DUB6Mwi-gpxb_XW7EnCZM_BK26IB3ee9SEXk7pM3QQxiz/s1600/salz+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent duplicating Maria's heel click in front of the Von Trapp home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaCsltpQTgdBW-s_VZPaWqBO_hHcDhAovbgGgqJHGvSo6zJ5bI5dkep-U2vwMyr4qTQfYkHCQsyys_1E2FrUMllYIuRRnmLavhmwSUYEtuMEJSKiXpil9k8a4_BJPBQg2lRuJsRJBJuR3/s1600/salz+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaCsltpQTgdBW-s_VZPaWqBO_hHcDhAovbgGgqJHGvSo6zJ5bI5dkep-U2vwMyr4qTQfYkHCQsyys_1E2FrUMllYIuRRnmLavhmwSUYEtuMEJSKiXpil9k8a4_BJPBQg2lRuJsRJBJuR3/s1600/salz+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of farmland and mountains across the road from the Von Trapp home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTa6gnUL0ngaKH5aePsJvBxhz852YxtU2t3abe-xUUscXSEovRD68lL5yDPQDXl2y7nCVJlyW1C0qhkCpoPuQkAiROa8s6nKpmivkz3Kvk4vMnJ2wAU0AixKVQTgKgz5Uxv4De47HRFVc/s1600/salz+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTa6gnUL0ngaKH5aePsJvBxhz852YxtU2t3abe-xUUscXSEovRD68lL5yDPQDXl2y7nCVJlyW1C0qhkCpoPuQkAiROa8s6nKpmivkz3Kvk4vMnJ2wAU0AixKVQTgKgz5Uxv4De47HRFVc/s1600/salz+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A familiar scene at the gazebo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOGWLVAMzwCq_WoO6wQwPtiQZvdZWdmbMLj3fpUZ9A7u6UjjS3nxqjCGOKy_lCgSOE9llE-5_L1HT5NaZySB2J-UIEmcQ6H54OGssvvxtDr5GyiRrPLDEmSZcRr8-QPpAJDPWTXe_c6Us/s1600/salz+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOGWLVAMzwCq_WoO6wQwPtiQZvdZWdmbMLj3fpUZ9A7u6UjjS3nxqjCGOKy_lCgSOE9llE-5_L1HT5NaZySB2J-UIEmcQ6H54OGssvvxtDr5GyiRrPLDEmSZcRr8-QPpAJDPWTXe_c6Us/s1600/salz+6.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking in the countryside with the Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill in the distance. The origins of the fortress date back to 1077.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUqc5q-JiYqt0r46HgsLs6iPyc4eGL-f2ALzmzDsWW3rg_tntFEKOeFvaXflVFKg1wOsu7_LwEAupnj-w86yXMRZ8cxeXxr4oUNYQjhh2AWhVQSZGsyZLgXuOClNS0vSjsitUqMBor65R/s1600/salz+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUqc5q-JiYqt0r46HgsLs6iPyc4eGL-f2ALzmzDsWW3rg_tntFEKOeFvaXflVFKg1wOsu7_LwEAupnj-w86yXMRZ8cxeXxr4oUNYQjhh2AWhVQSZGsyZLgXuOClNS0vSjsitUqMBor65R/s1600/salz+16.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Salzach River runs through Salzburg. <i>Salz</i>, meaning "salt" and until the 19th century, shipping salt down the river was an important part of the local economy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguD-WHDzZbsKnia2B9FxOyh7-iUWXplMe43M0oXl4Ft38MPR-PvRSKdLBBOiBrQ6Dm7sNMC0BRSbII6WNsuDiUNGBBM9pzqeLa_8iuWaZDHt7pGwnIjFBIA5qy5QbwCOlZeoIjh16b8aM/s1600/salz+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguD-WHDzZbsKnia2B9FxOyh7-iUWXplMe43M0oXl4Ft38MPR-PvRSKdLBBOiBrQ6Dm7sNMC0BRSbII6WNsuDiUNGBBM9pzqeLa_8iuWaZDHt7pGwnIjFBIA5qy5QbwCOlZeoIjh16b8aM/s1600/salz+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirabell Palace Gardens: On these steps Maria and the children sang parts of "Do-Re-Mi".</td></tr>
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After finishing the tour, we wandered by the Alter Markt (old marketplace) where we had lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLZWAoYOxr5KDBJdlegWWRcyTYocYgJ527Uwaz_TZpvRtQLfV_IYzLr8jpN4GpzRp6Q177wzIfsc-m6l-4svWsVGeI5Dnzod8iTr9kx6QpwyRgk0Nbg4FkcWH86BwwWX01D-m-TtWD3IA/s1600/salz+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLZWAoYOxr5KDBJdlegWWRcyTYocYgJ527Uwaz_TZpvRtQLfV_IYzLr8jpN4GpzRp6Q177wzIfsc-m6l-4svWsVGeI5Dnzod8iTr9kx6QpwyRgk0Nbg4FkcWH86BwwWX01D-m-TtWD3IA/s1600/salz+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrian streets in the old town have small elegant artisan signs above the shops. Even the McDonald's has a sign that fits in.</td></tr>
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After we ate, no one had much energy for anything else. I would have liked to see more of Salzburg but it wasn't going to be with this crew on this day. Fortunately, I'd been to Salzburg before so had already seen several of the highlights. Nevertheless, I would have liked to see Mozart's residence again (Salzburg was his birthplace) plus wandered around and taken in more of the baroque architecture of this World Heritage Site.<br />
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On <b>May 14th</b>, we left Campingplatz Thalkirchen destined for Rhein-Camping Waldshut in Waldshut-Tiengen, Germany just on the border of Switzerland. After much research, Vincent realized that campgrounds in Germany were notably less expensive than those in Switzerland. (One campground just outside of Zurich was going to charge the equivalent of $126/night (for a campground)!) Our ultimate goal was to be near Zurich where Vincent was to show LandShark and see if there would be any interest. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zgnTqi81gjWrn9gBo-6iWAEvZULDu644LBHZs_boo-NQQCwqz5hWWFSlf3WN27o26CMlFjIXVJ-QSOBzU51S4V-WbdGHKLYAtXouMXDAfyLxuobpLCQeQaLA-8STf_JqOG2tGe_bUNvD/s1600/aussie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zgnTqi81gjWrn9gBo-6iWAEvZULDu644LBHZs_boo-NQQCwqz5hWWFSlf3WN27o26CMlFjIXVJ-QSOBzU51S4V-WbdGHKLYAtXouMXDAfyLxuobpLCQeQaLA-8STf_JqOG2tGe_bUNvD/s1600/aussie.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before leaving Campingplatz Thalkirchen, we stopped and talked to the Australians who owned this RV. We noticed it had Australian license plates on it and they clearly won the prize for those who had traveled the furthest to be here! That's one motorhome that would probably be able to navigate the roads in Albania.</td></tr>
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Sarah was my copilot and we drove a significant part of the way through Switzerland. I didn't stop and get a vignette as I didn't think I'd be in Switzerland long so stuck to the non-toll roads which meant going along scenic narrow roads and through every village.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGyhSmXRdDahfAokr2-ToR8hDeLpbD1_Nl9VBXklYGn2eF0jsINfP0kItBvMd9LCoCtKQe8DSU9pz6BdutAxp0KszFqQxALxpQq4O8HH1MYTQkV2tCHvXK7DS0fn01ihmQ4TpaAYWIGM3/s1600/switz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGyhSmXRdDahfAokr2-ToR8hDeLpbD1_Nl9VBXklYGn2eF0jsINfP0kItBvMd9LCoCtKQe8DSU9pz6BdutAxp0KszFqQxALxpQq4O8HH1MYTQkV2tCHvXK7DS0fn01ihmQ4TpaAYWIGM3/s1600/switz.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As one would expect, the countryside was stunning in Switzerland and along the Germany border, but there were very few places to stop for photographs. We did drive through an old covered bridge, which was an unusual sighting, and I managed to capture that along with a few Swiss cows.</td></tr>
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We arrived and I was surprised that Vincent still wasn't there yet, since our route took so long and I knew Vincent would be taking toll roads. Turns out he had to repurchase a toll box in Austria to drive less than 10 miles and then return it again for a refund. Returning it took over 45 minutes with lots of wrong turns and only one place that would accept the return and provide a refund. From what I heard from Vincent and the boys' retelling, "frustrating" didn't even begin to describe the experience.<br />
<br />
Anyway, when Vincent arrived at the campground, we had the next experience of German campground management that took "penny pinching" (cents pinching?) to a whole new level. Firstly, they didn't want us to fill up our water tank with their water; they wanted us to drive LandShark across the street and pay for water over there (€1/100 liters). LandShark takes about 200 liters when empty so I, a bit exasperated, asked could we just pay them €2 and fill up on site? This required a conference between the Mrs and her husband. Very reluctantly, they agreed and cautioned the water pressure was pretty slow. We tried it and it was one of the most powerful water taps we had encountered on the continent. (Confirming, the issue was more that they just didn't want us using their water.) Just as the Mr approached Vincent and said, "We don't usually let large campers fill up here", James called out and said the tanks were full. So the manager turned around and sauntered away.<br />
<br />
I then asked if they had wifi; well, "Yes" but we'd have to pay for that too. So I signed up for wifi for me, as Vincent had the mifi set up and the daily limited was really only good for one person. Then I learned that they charge for electricity; once one is plugged in, they lock the box and when one is ready to leave, they unlock the meter box, read the meter and charge for usage. This was the first time we had encountered electricity meter reading. Up until this point, a pitch might cost more with electricity but it had been a flat additional cost. The fact that they'd lock our cord in the box such that we couldn't detached without their intervention seemed a bit extreme. <br />
<br />
And in case you're wondering, yes there was a charge for showers: 50 cents for 3 minutes.<br />
<br />
I had to wonder what all the basic fees were for, given all these extra charges? There's the charge for the RV, which is more than the charge for a tent, and therefore implies electricity and perhaps more water would be consumed; there's an extra charge for a car; there's the €6/adult/day charge and €4-€5 charge for kids, depending on age. What are these per person charges for if they don't include the basics of facilities and power usage? One would assume the per person charge would cover using the facilities but they're charging extra for the showers. There's the €2 charge for the dog; Molly doesn't use the facilities. All these extra charges are annoying when they already have the per person charges and extra lift on large campers. <br />
<br />
Putting the annoying charging policies aside, we settled into our new spot which was lovely, right on the Rhine River.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANYhnG0Sy3WEPHh_cOAt7z6eNt-qNVQv3lYxJ50VqHUV-2ch_3XlOUTAZTuu5Yl2ACaj3PC_0Ck_nHW8JizpGLLOVxNfWmktTmH6XB2xF9r69aIb8Ev7gjDGbmG5rlOYrj8na73fAZM4q/s1600/family+rhein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANYhnG0Sy3WEPHh_cOAt7z6eNt-qNVQv3lYxJ50VqHUV-2ch_3XlOUTAZTuu5Yl2ACaj3PC_0Ck_nHW8JizpGLLOVxNfWmktTmH6XB2xF9r69aIb8Ev7gjDGbmG5rlOYrj8na73fAZM4q/s1600/family+rhein.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent had found a tripod so we took this photo including the whole family at our camping spot on the Rhine.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 15th</b>, we tidied and cleaned up LandShark and then Vincent drove it off to Zurich to show it to a dealer and see if they would be interested in making an offer on it. (We had to start marketing LandShark to see if we could sell it at the end of our year abroad.) Meanwhile, I proposed taking the kids to Technorama, the science museum in Zurich but the kids preferred to try out the mini-golf course a few hundred meters from the campground. Since I didn't see the need to force the issue to drive somewhere, that is where we headed.<br />
<br />
It had just finished raining and the course was wet but at least they were open. I paid a little under €9 for the 4 of us to play and the woman behind the counter handed us <i>4 red balls, all marked the same</i>. (Really? How can 4 people keep track of their own ball when they all are the same?) Molly wasn't allowed on the course (even though there wasn't anyone around for miles) but she could be tied up next to the course. Poor dog, just went crazy watching the balls roll around the course; she has a very strong instinctual drive to chase balls and watching minigolf balls zipping about was almost too much for her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0CAOw256UVxCB4fBiYFbPpOX7UnWKO74_PmpGcTH1OkSeC_vIbC-KX3ih6IK1FtGze6HsknsLJn28YH5U57oyGLKEt0-_Oe8gBSvIcM2mg0tfuYl8gbtdlsRPNwd2kPqPHDPgbPJqAAY/s1600/minigolf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0CAOw256UVxCB4fBiYFbPpOX7UnWKO74_PmpGcTH1OkSeC_vIbC-KX3ih6IK1FtGze6HsknsLJn28YH5U57oyGLKEt0-_Oe8gBSvIcM2mg0tfuYl8gbtdlsRPNwd2kPqPHDPgbPJqAAY/s1600/minigolf+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-golf next to the Rhine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPQ5liN-A8CkbwB7AiQatbTnoLJS0Xgl7CjIEcGc7GuhYGkTldulMHpscfDxlFNvyZjBDw5laitN6x_ZGbfGMWZWEd2pwii1Lg2SO7Jpiu5nKinHySzHghE3IJ6TirFYZS1QfRsNbZ8XA/s1600/minigolf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPQ5liN-A8CkbwB7AiQatbTnoLJS0Xgl7CjIEcGc7GuhYGkTldulMHpscfDxlFNvyZjBDw5laitN6x_ZGbfGMWZWEd2pwii1Lg2SO7Jpiu5nKinHySzHghE3IJ6TirFYZS1QfRsNbZ8XA/s1600/minigolf+2.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly really wanted to chase after those golf balls.</td></tr>
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After our 18 holes, Sarah started playing on a second course but she was quick to be reprimanded, "Nein!" While I could understand that the woman would want to be paid for another round, I was beginning to get tired of the German style of micro-management which seemed to be prevalent in this area.<br />
<br />
After turning in our clubs and balls, the kids had an ice cream and I bought a bottle of Coke. We were just walking off the grounds, through the gate, when the woman ran out after me; she wanted the Coke bottle back. She said if I wanted to take it with me, I could pay her 20 cents. Good grief. I finished it on the spot and handed her the bottle.<br />
<br />
The kids and I went back to the campground restaurant and had lunch. I ordered sparkling water for James and myself. Sarah doesn't like sparkling water so instead of ordering plain bottled water, I ordered her a glass of tap water. When I received the bill for lunch, the restaurant charged me €1.10 for tap water. Huh? (I could have gotten a hundred liters of it across the street!) I was just paying the bill when Vincent returned. He parked just outside of the campground barricade and found he couldn't get into the campground. Management had a policy of not letting any vehicles enter or leave between 12:00 - 14:00. Staff were there, literally a few meters from the controls, but would not open the barricade. At 14:00, one of the staff stepped forward and offered to open the barricade for Vincent. This was a bit much for me; at the mercy of campground staff to let one in our out and being locked up at the electricity meter, I felt a bit trapped.<br />
<br />
If one wants to be subjected to strict policies and be "nickled and dimed" (what's the EU equivalent of that expression?) this was the campground. After 301 days on the road, most of them living at campgrounds, Rhein-Camping Waldshut so far won the prize for most stringent management. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vhMFEFuM9zVIuDwNDbTVMbjVLHOaEIORkqMmRaBqR2V-kR2l8XPT8nEUPMFqqOYTGwo4C543c5CTORvei3g9IEdQgUK1ViVcVj_InDsLk1LUDMhEKhmvqZYEFOgXJO37lZl8iQBlBoPo/s1600/waldshut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vhMFEFuM9zVIuDwNDbTVMbjVLHOaEIORkqMmRaBqR2V-kR2l8XPT8nEUPMFqqOYTGwo4C543c5CTORvei3g9IEdQgUK1ViVcVj_InDsLk1LUDMhEKhmvqZYEFOgXJO37lZl8iQBlBoPo/s1600/waldshut.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Want to heat something up on their hot plate? You'll have to pay for it.</td></tr>
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After Vincent parked LandShark and we got hooked up again, I suggested we go for a walk to Switzerland which was on the other side of the Rhine. We walked along the river, crossed the bridge to Switzerland, determined there wasn't much to see on that side and crossed back taking a long walk on the path next to the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ISafwHW02-RKXBIMwsi-sdDQw1Vw_kGItxMwkSYoHq8YPPVDGLwyHLdkcKME5ttgb9oWerSuJL3ISVQJr2DAQXmJgq4I3dhR_Ynbuy9bbFqGMXLDcvWSfzpH39fKQnFf-osSBHXMlvzS/s1600/waldshut+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ISafwHW02-RKXBIMwsi-sdDQw1Vw_kGItxMwkSYoHq8YPPVDGLwyHLdkcKME5ttgb9oWerSuJL3ISVQJr2DAQXmJgq4I3dhR_Ynbuy9bbFqGMXLDcvWSfzpH39fKQnFf-osSBHXMlvzS/s1600/waldshut+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic river-side walk.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 16</b>, we decided to leave Rhein-Camping Waldshut a day early, as the campground policies were annoying, and we thought we should move on up the Rhine a bit. At check out, the campground charged an extra €5 for paying with a credit card (first time that has happened), making the bill €118 for 2 nights. Pretty pricey. We noticed that they charged me for 3 days of wifi twice so I went back to see if I could get a refund. Apparently when I bought 3 days of wifi, I was actually buying it from a separate service provider and I'd need to provide my initial receipt for a refund from the €8 fee. (Wouldn't you know; we threw that out when cleaning up the RV before taking it to Zurich.) They also claimed one of our sons purchased 3 days of wifi, explaining the second €8 fee; that was news to us. I went back to the boys and both denied they asked for wifi. I asked if they'd be willing to go to the manager and speak to her about this. They both were willing to do so indicating to me they were indeed telling the truth. (Checking the history of their laptop was a further verification.) The manager maintained however that one of them had ordered the wifi and they wouldn't provide a refund without a receipt (which we didn't have because they never requested it). At this point, I was extremely annoyed and said this situation was risking a bad review. Was it worth it to them? I was not happy and I wanted some concession to rectify that I only used wifi 2 days and that they mistakenly charged us an extra 3 days for the boys. The manager just regarded me with an uncomprehending expression. I don't think she or her husband had given much thought to this foreign idea of customer satisfaction. Their pricing model was a tip off of that when we checked in. (Making customers drive across the street to fill up water for €1? What a pain to put the customer through and for so little financial gain. Stupid.) I was quite happy to see Rhein-Camping Waldshut disappear via my rear view mirror as we drove away.<br />
<br />
Enroute, we stopped at a gas station; I filled up the car with petrol and then went to use the facilities. I found that I had to pay 70 cents for such a privilege. This was the second time in Germany that I had stopped at a full service gas station and had to pay to use the facilities. Initially I was annoyed but then discovered it was worth it for the high end experience. Other than in Japan, the Sanifair brand of washroom/toilet used in Germany was the cleanest I'd encountered on the trip. This second visit, I took my camera in the stall to photo the "sterilization" process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgP5yZ6JuukYylkQ_phPVpz9yvAZwDDY6MqxvUKTV1nD_FDGinfRuAmPZWM94VtttRrTIJZ5_cabI4E9ytEdLtfKYUTzA-_0I3xvs_uvCKRnRq5iq0kfUH2dXyKgWLpYK2V76FF9r143c/s1600/toilet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgP5yZ6JuukYylkQ_phPVpz9yvAZwDDY6MqxvUKTV1nD_FDGinfRuAmPZWM94VtttRrTIJZ5_cabI4E9ytEdLtfKYUTzA-_0I3xvs_uvCKRnRq5iq0kfUH2dXyKgWLpYK2V76FF9r143c/s1600/toilet+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One enters and the toilet looks pretty standard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop4PsZp-qUqsuTLWKp2VDfsOypyjDC-P8sdBE3C8RfAg2MEPVcee-_5ijhx8D6bfeOVHlI9cjOLVfzY_R4vB_7hev7TAIi9zo4qC6W-eO_1L8AlRMP29ByZF_ikbx0cD6ccvhZd6HxBLu/s1600/toilet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop4PsZp-qUqsuTLWKp2VDfsOypyjDC-P8sdBE3C8RfAg2MEPVcee-_5ijhx8D6bfeOVHlI9cjOLVfzY_R4vB_7hev7TAIi9zo4qC6W-eO_1L8AlRMP29ByZF_ikbx0cD6ccvhZd6HxBLu/s1600/toilet+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But wave your hand over the sensor-reader and the blue arm extends over the rim of the toilet seat and the seat spins 360 degrees while some solution is sprayed and the seat wiped. Presto, one might be tempted to actually sit. If the Germans and Japanese could get together one might have the perfect toilet seat package, both sterilized and heated.</td></tr>
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We eventually arrived at Freitzeitcenter Oberrhein, our next campground, just a few kilometers away from Baden-Badan. Oh, we were so glad we moved a day early. What a lovely place with lake swimming, a great playground and super campground staff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLIlI2Z2tqvqBnzCckAxgeqxV8rFSdmWP4bUvYMdnWlgiyFhw3YRQb3YmsDTx-2jCQvuUetcDOWhzB4MOuhUdLxYCVRPqzVYE12prhZ7-NKMSiw_pPPFlb2gAterCXk3RL1UXn28eM-m1/s1600/bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLIlI2Z2tqvqBnzCckAxgeqxV8rFSdmWP4bUvYMdnWlgiyFhw3YRQb3YmsDTx-2jCQvuUetcDOWhzB4MOuhUdLxYCVRPqzVYE12prhZ7-NKMSiw_pPPFlb2gAterCXk3RL1UXn28eM-m1/s1600/bad.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't long before the kids were in the water, finally enjoying a typical summer-time activity.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 17th</b>, we ended up staying the whole day at the campground. The weather was perfect and I could finally dig out a pair of shorts. Sarah quickly made some friends, a boy who was 11 and his brother who was about 7. They couldn't really speak English but their parents could and were quite happy to have Sarah come by and play. This was the first time Sarah had anyone to play with in several months and it was the best day for her in a long time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWavHy0opHGZkvZ-wZBvRlqdnZbmrL_XDNsCWMM1ulE-Eu3aarp-jXEdqvQNKDV7sT8jhPovZ88a8OJRMKsTrPCh8nNAv6Eeg4cAjhTAkoAUg-ShFqtq36rXjyvBHFzjX0lDjqZumUwkN/s1600/bad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWavHy0opHGZkvZ-wZBvRlqdnZbmrL_XDNsCWMM1ulE-Eu3aarp-jXEdqvQNKDV7sT8jhPovZ88a8OJRMKsTrPCh8nNAv6Eeg4cAjhTAkoAUg-ShFqtq36rXjyvBHFzjX0lDjqZumUwkN/s1600/bad+2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and one of her new friends at the playground. They were impressed that she knew so much about Harry Potter. (The benefits of having 2 older brothers and watching the movies about 10 times a piece.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb4-w_ztCtF054HD5iNnV5_JuRASpFo5ZfqqP5HEA5pm9moyEVn9CcrtNlKjpZ5JIrIelEIALmCW32JBU3mVlW3-OMcl0w2x4JWpXOTPwLrM01ODfpyhlyKH3foejxRk1psmhIlyJUs4C/s1600/fo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb4-w_ztCtF054HD5iNnV5_JuRASpFo5ZfqqP5HEA5pm9moyEVn9CcrtNlKjpZ5JIrIelEIALmCW32JBU3mVlW3-OMcl0w2x4JWpXOTPwLrM01ODfpyhlyKH3foejxRk1psmhIlyJUs4C/s1600/fo+2.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the Freitzeitcenter Oberrhein campground consisted of these semi-permanent dwellings. Sarah's new friends had something like this. They typically consisted of a trailer that usually had an awning or roof over it plus a canvas-sided structure next to it. They usually also had an outside sitting area. Some renters/owners created yards with beautiful lawns and water features. I wanted to take pictures of those but could never find a time when I wouldn't be noticed taking the photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVbwMEHkMx7II7Q7129JjlKvL2lB-lTXSgPrOcp5Hah-HGbQ-txXezGolJDV4BI46QOffngnG7XC3K5WAansAC6v1kZqmo88pMtglMJfgm23uHpEI_04edsFp7NWRCQHvgKA9nrjFMqOv/s1600/molly+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVbwMEHkMx7II7Q7129JjlKvL2lB-lTXSgPrOcp5Hah-HGbQ-txXezGolJDV4BI46QOffngnG7XC3K5WAansAC6v1kZqmo88pMtglMJfgm23uHpEI_04edsFp7NWRCQHvgKA9nrjFMqOv/s1600/molly+bath.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the campground charged €4 for Molly, at least they provided some value for that charge: A dedicated dog shower! Much to Molly's disapproval, we had to use it.</td></tr>
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On<b> May 18th</b>, we headed in to Baden Baden to wander around the old town center and then find nice place for lunch. Baden Baden was <i>the</i> spa resort destination for Europe's elite 150 years ago. Royalty and aristocracy would go to Baden Baden for the "kur", a soak in the curative mineral waters, and then enjoy one of the world's top casinos.<br />
<br />
When we parked our car, we noticed signage for certain parking spots. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8h6c3croAoZGHlwpEhvPkOOzoUsgEUcIIxZK5rXI7uh3VmogB3DXCc2UAACkMKPjZp6203lFiwcZKlmrjttc2wtO7WraEOJHw5Rc-rCplmpg6S5C4Xzp9n93BkArPb5k06zp65oWOwN4/s1600/parking+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8h6c3croAoZGHlwpEhvPkOOzoUsgEUcIIxZK5rXI7uh3VmogB3DXCc2UAACkMKPjZp6203lFiwcZKlmrjttc2wtO7WraEOJHw5Rc-rCplmpg6S5C4Xzp9n93BkArPb5k06zp65oWOwN4/s1600/parking+1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Nur für Frauen = Only for Women: These spots are near exit points making them safer locations for women. I'd never seen this before. State-run parking lots can't make this designation but private lots can.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCTZ8F7xDW1eYm9oJloTVZMc1kwY2eSaObsXYm7ll98lM6yMCYTD5tTP1pelEJE_N_CZSIEJ70nbxr3QMUvA4uUXMUwCaBj71fnyn1DT1ai1r68S5AX4tyNb8-HlyV6Dw9ocwZwuKXXUo/s1600/parking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCTZ8F7xDW1eYm9oJloTVZMc1kwY2eSaObsXYm7ll98lM6yMCYTD5tTP1pelEJE_N_CZSIEJ70nbxr3QMUvA4uUXMUwCaBj71fnyn1DT1ai1r68S5AX4tyNb8-HlyV6Dw9ocwZwuKXXUo/s1600/parking+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking dedicated to mothers with small children. What about men with small children?</td></tr>
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We strolled through the pedestrian area, had a bite to eat sitting outside, and then spent a little more time walking about getting a feel for the city. I could have easily stayed the afternoon and visited a museum or two. Today was some kind of children's day at many museums and we tried to entice the kids to investigate those but I had already suggested the option of the Mehliskopf activity center in the Black Forest and the kids pretty much had a one-track mind to get there as soon as they could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslLjcG8DTxPX3AusNwL8TiCSc4TtpPRD7FtoQskVtvp21AH4InLqWDFzh_TcD3cIE_dIm44s6SriS6dP_ADyu6FAO2q1W1As5Ke5GP2W9vS_Dkv6oSb7-3N52ZnLEOzExTDJDr3nP0nuT/s1600/bad+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslLjcG8DTxPX3AusNwL8TiCSc4TtpPRD7FtoQskVtvp21AH4InLqWDFzh_TcD3cIE_dIm44s6SriS6dP_ADyu6FAO2q1W1As5Ke5GP2W9vS_Dkv6oSb7-3N52ZnLEOzExTDJDr3nP0nuT/s1600/bad+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baden-Baden has a charming pedestrian zone with many restaurants and high-end shops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOxxRcGiTcEe9aSQA61ztbpklFW1e3mhjSnEozhr8FJ7AlcKRHfdnXL4jAEVXyt9SPCTqFx87Ia2i4iXFVfQTNsbAINGKbE9mfO1BsSNyKxy3rAZQlVWaLHEngPwa1BUehtpmfwiy2gfC/s1600/bad+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOxxRcGiTcEe9aSQA61ztbpklFW1e3mhjSnEozhr8FJ7AlcKRHfdnXL4jAEVXyt9SPCTqFx87Ia2i4iXFVfQTNsbAINGKbE9mfO1BsSNyKxy3rAZQlVWaLHEngPwa1BUehtpmfwiy2gfC/s1600/bad+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah standing by a fountain in the city center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEAoFiTcs2m5M1t0izpmH_fEKzhuhyv71QVLVE734PZCFL-bVeGN8KXluTiwJcHMBvkntcSyfJo5wVmSDGeYKIm85gzhvIHmQUC2aEVd_TK1VZDZKZGteHJIUy2wTwwesXWhntc7UPFpE/s1600/bad+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEAoFiTcs2m5M1t0izpmH_fEKzhuhyv71QVLVE734PZCFL-bVeGN8KXluTiwJcHMBvkntcSyfJo5wVmSDGeYKIm85gzhvIHmQUC2aEVd_TK1VZDZKZGteHJIUy2wTwwesXWhntc7UPFpE/s1600/bad+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shallow Oos River runs through the park landscape of the Lichtentaler Allee. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BvbK8dM-w0USl2iA-2xcIhtOhrQaWqKhz7UwCllbVsBAFtaVDPRLjEqT0WWVIWrPZoVF0CbS85T8qhwDV_VChh_2QwT5gTAVzlxNCCuILFDaHCDF6tDNuieDTIkNDWppd1bmhO_vwDYR/s1600/bad+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BvbK8dM-w0USl2iA-2xcIhtOhrQaWqKhz7UwCllbVsBAFtaVDPRLjEqT0WWVIWrPZoVF0CbS85T8qhwDV_VChh_2QwT5gTAVzlxNCCuILFDaHCDF6tDNuieDTIkNDWppd1bmhO_vwDYR/s1600/bad+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kunsthalle museum was featuring a special arts activity for kids that day. The gallery doesn't have a collection of its own but exhibits visiting art exhibitions from all around the world. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdlC2La9CxxAw3NCiw4223isYgDjv-Voreth-nWyaREHVFC6I2oYIj-jBQzbvavkqbZn76Iawh5D9ueMUxaodGr82ExG93mwJwDTrhLmJGAcGOrbbpObu1CL6GBwLZZ_XB5xTI6EGXT1Z/s1600/bad+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdlC2La9CxxAw3NCiw4223isYgDjv-Voreth-nWyaREHVFC6I2oYIj-jBQzbvavkqbZn76Iawh5D9ueMUxaodGr82ExG93mwJwDTrhLmJGAcGOrbbpObu1CL6GBwLZZ_XB5xTI6EGXT1Z/s1600/bad+9.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baden-Baden Casino has a history dating back over 250 years. With the kids, we didn't go in it but have read that the interior is "fashioned on the lines of French royal palaces". I'm sure it inspires people to bet big and probably lose big. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ6Zk1IeG1sa4i2rwezmbHUaG6X68-qyFFMtw-9zohsboURI_9vmZzfumpJTGOWoNnFK-p6QwvAP9BAQqdCJJbcu2s10kT6gGczbAf2Of3a0Mc9TwJKZTNbu3usijHnn0aZPoOsuBnYWb/s1600/bad+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ6Zk1IeG1sa4i2rwezmbHUaG6X68-qyFFMtw-9zohsboURI_9vmZzfumpJTGOWoNnFK-p6QwvAP9BAQqdCJJbcu2s10kT6gGczbAf2Of3a0Mc9TwJKZTNbu3usijHnn0aZPoOsuBnYWb/s1600/bad+10.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinkhalle (Pump room): It looked like a small building from here. But walk through that door...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblt8CcWuzL1dRldh5TMgZ8Alp4vwFvmtXg4551jM8n1e5PeUDvNaUe-Xd_MotAJ5Wd9JLhyphenhyphenW1HUg-X9O4K7JE0KPo22OtRsDj7PcbiV6uZ4HUTYALvMzFqu6a4KHRmq0Pmm520f51V3TA/s1600/bad+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblt8CcWuzL1dRldh5TMgZ8Alp4vwFvmtXg4551jM8n1e5PeUDvNaUe-Xd_MotAJ5Wd9JLhyphenhyphenW1HUg-X9O4K7JE0KPo22OtRsDj7PcbiV6uZ4HUTYALvMzFqu6a4KHRmq0Pmm520f51V3TA/s1600/bad+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one finds this 90-metre arcade, lined with frescos and benches. It was built between built 1839–42 and is part of the Kurhaus spa complex. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26rWvoFUgJ9wxXHVqTEk-E4BW-ITzLFgiXvUwTevsWAzGa4pNXHFkpo6xm8mu9SDv6x3ZF70DgHYj2lxLmf72islIjbLzlpV7cNKpKdfGUe2yZYnH_tXzLv_IzU1ClDep6Gp7qWgBGRyE/s1600/bad+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26rWvoFUgJ9wxXHVqTEk-E4BW-ITzLFgiXvUwTevsWAzGa4pNXHFkpo6xm8mu9SDv6x3ZF70DgHYj2lxLmf72islIjbLzlpV7cNKpKdfGUe2yZYnH_tXzLv_IzU1ClDep6Gp7qWgBGRyE/s1600/bad+12.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive frontage of the Trinkhalle with its corinthian pillars.</td></tr>
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At about 14:00, we retrieved the car and set off for Mehliskopf. It offers rope obstacle courses, 3-wheel cart runs, skiing (in winter), a luge run, archery, bungy-trampolines and a kid's playground.<br />
<br />
We arrived and there was some kind of fireman appreciation and fire prevention program taking place. The kids spotted the steep bob sled/luge run that was a kilometer long and that is what they wanted to do. Vincent purchased a €41 deal giving us 15 runs, which worked out pretty well given the 5 of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwFP0xJiZIZpgS_0EbLcJ3A6mU_-sgMh1jFm0YvvaWtgHEfDtf9S2lX6Bjm6trZ-pAQTuILZLPim6xmDrj5ndG9yejBH2NHU-v46yGwcpCGDgDdnQFvuKhCa3WkkfG1M528AA8BiX4SzJ/s1600/luge+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwFP0xJiZIZpgS_0EbLcJ3A6mU_-sgMh1jFm0YvvaWtgHEfDtf9S2lX6Bjm6trZ-pAQTuILZLPim6xmDrj5ndG9yejBH2NHU-v46yGwcpCGDgDdnQFvuKhCa3WkkfG1M528AA8BiX4SzJ/s1600/luge+3.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the 1000 meter track.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM09jE8dd6SIBvhqStmT8pYcyOJAZ7x3iixyZQ3vyXo5XxT1tuUX-OHx1WwMfLUNenUOxsX5YMpE7Hh1IJSl6RX_LV6b0fOHdbShS1-8QzQKheZpH3P618UDj172MCW4IcJFNfSZ_fQwz/s1600/luge+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM09jE8dd6SIBvhqStmT8pYcyOJAZ7x3iixyZQ3vyXo5XxT1tuUX-OHx1WwMfLUNenUOxsX5YMpE7Hh1IJSl6RX_LV6b0fOHdbShS1-8QzQKheZpH3P618UDj172MCW4IcJFNfSZ_fQwz/s1600/luge+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah chose to ride with Vincent because he "goes really fast".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrufr0UCGj5YZ5AdGU1PxEMrcrGTAg19Re_oPgZNhgfQjMg8-FJoBi6aepfr3BTp6xE19Mz-eLQjXZWnNAJPXwStEySNHIeHNB58fzOYkkG8_-cwKgNxrlTtpHOV86OO29ngJYG6ZodDk/s1600/luge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrufr0UCGj5YZ5AdGU1PxEMrcrGTAg19Re_oPgZNhgfQjMg8-FJoBi6aepfr3BTp6xE19Mz-eLQjXZWnNAJPXwStEySNHIeHNB58fzOYkkG8_-cwKgNxrlTtpHOV86OO29ngJYG6ZodDk/s1600/luge+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning the descent down: The course was similar to a roller coaster track, the difference being that one has a hand break and can choose to go down like a <i>bat out of hell</i> or a bit slower.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI9uK_iIqNeKQVo1noXCYCRth5qIHXiIut-2KI4-ngky9jbhrk7oJKebhtOXcP-FMgFfWLx_oPoAyQL5pye-FOgBA0zotjqhRVcMQ7RknDrF-D2Q1BCKvkI0wylTnS0PHh__0wi2KYX7i/s1600/luge+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI9uK_iIqNeKQVo1noXCYCRth5qIHXiIut-2KI4-ngky9jbhrk7oJKebhtOXcP-FMgFfWLx_oPoAyQL5pye-FOgBA0zotjqhRVcMQ7RknDrF-D2Q1BCKvkI0wylTnS0PHh__0wi2KYX7i/s1600/luge+4.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Vincent opted for <i>bat out of hell</i> speed.</td></tr>
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After the last bob sled run, we spent a little time at the playground and then got an ice cream and returned to the campground. Vincent and I made dinner and then we set out to <a href="http://www.carasana.de/en/friedrichsbad/home/" target="_blank">Friedrichsbad</a>, the Roman Irish style bath. Apparently, this bath pampered the rich and famous when it opened 130 years ago. It it an elegant building with marble, tile-work with tropical scenes, domes and columns. The dress code? Naked. And today, Sunday, all the rooms, including the change rooms were mixed. This is the experience one must do if visiting Baden-Baden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbo6ykJDxT6kmrAI9EB32EiU9RwMILlX08TvRSIuK6w767l4iQYBZWwA9MEsa077oGzH_nJwGHTZEBtJAq3j21bj3Mm8Hc9fKiPmFvGY2WHUIMGP5NWhXIk0MMYrySlEY6xj9Riu1f3o_/s1600/friedrichs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbo6ykJDxT6kmrAI9EB32EiU9RwMILlX08TvRSIuK6w767l4iQYBZWwA9MEsa077oGzH_nJwGHTZEBtJAq3j21bj3Mm8Hc9fKiPmFvGY2WHUIMGP5NWhXIk0MMYrySlEY6xj9Riu1f3o_/s1600/friedrichs1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent in the lobby of the Friedrichsbad: For obvious reasons, this is about the only place cameras are allowed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokygVbdA8bOOgeldxqU3SUWd1crZJqlKziQfMujVMx4YgpXfUqwQuICjd_1r4sVGbH4aIhlnKgsiN1u8bQK2_ngO1nMhIjIfDJmCQx2IxyLX8059CBQMWzPTgSvlVPvy0PnnelsrQBpqU/s1600/friedrichs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokygVbdA8bOOgeldxqU3SUWd1crZJqlKziQfMujVMx4YgpXfUqwQuICjd_1r4sVGbH4aIhlnKgsiN1u8bQK2_ngO1nMhIjIfDJmCQx2IxyLX8059CBQMWzPTgSvlVPvy0PnnelsrQBpqU/s1600/friedrichs2.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When it opened in 1877, the Friedrichsbad was considered to be the most modern bathing establishment in Europe. This a photo of the painted ceiling in the foyer.</td></tr>
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Vincent and I chose the "Well-being" treatment which covered 3.5 hours in the baths, traversing 17 rooms and including a 10-minute soapy brush massage. Vincent and I headed to the change room and yes it was odd going into the same place. There were attendants there who were very helpful. (While the clients were naked, the attendants were dressed.) We noticed that the 17 rooms all had instructions concerning how long one should stay at that station and the temperature of the air, steam or water. The first 8 rooms work on gradually warming your body. Here's a rundown of the different rooms:<br />
<br />
1: Take a soapy shower with thermal water (5 min)<br />
2: Lie down in a dry warming room (15 min) (54 C)<br />
3: Lie down in a dry hot room (5 min) (68 C)<br />
4: Take a thermal shower (5 min)<br />
5: 10-minute brush massage: I chose the strawberry soap (which was a special feature for the month of May) and asked for the soft brush; I was glad I did because I think a hard brush would have removed a few layers of skin. This is followed with a quick thermal shower.<br />
6: Thermal steam room (10 min) (42 C)<br />
7: Hot thermal steam room (44 C)<br />
8: Take a thermal shower<br />
9: Warm thermal pool/bath (36 C) <br />
10: Thermal whirlpool bath (15 min) (34 C and this felt cool)<br />
11: Thermal kinotherapeutic bath (5 min) (28 C and quite noticebly cooler; it was hard to stick it out for 5 minutes)<br />
12: Take shower (needed to be a hot shower to get through the next step)<br />
13: Cold plunge (18 C and felt like dunking in ice)<br />
14: Wrap oneself in a warm towel to dry off<br />
15: Cream room: Here one has the option to sign up for a €12 cream massage which sounds amazing but we opted to apply our own cream.<br />
16: Rest room: This room experience was heavenly. The room is filled with about 20+ comfy beds. An attendant puts a large sheet on a bed and you lie down. The attendant then folds each side of the towel around you and then wraps a soft fuzzy blanket around you such that you are in a burrito-style wrap. You lie in this dimmed, quiet room for 30 minutes. It was <i>wonderful</i>!<br />
17: Reading room: Wrapped in a sheet/towel, we sat in the reading room and had a non-alcoholic sparkling wine with fruit and discussed how fabulous the last couple hours were.<br />
<br />
This was my 4th bath house experience thus far in Europe and the Friedrichsbad was the absolute best. It was fun going through the bath house experience with Vincent and the "naked" dress code didn't bother us. We were mixing with strangers and there really weren't many people at that time of day so in many rooms, it was just the two of us. I did wonder whether I would feel awkward with people I did know or with a boss from work, but I didn't need to think too much about that since I don't think this type of establishment exists where we live in the US.<br />
<br />
On <b>May 19th</b>, we decided to stay one more day at the Freizeitcenter Oberrhein as it was such a nice campground and we thought we could spend more time exploring the Black Forest. We drove to Baden-Baden and took the Merkur Bergbahn (funicular) that climbs Mount Merkur to the summit where an observatory, restaurant and playground are situated. It was a gorgeous summer-like day and absolutely perfect for such an outing. We opted to take the funicular up Mount Merkur and hike down (about 4.2 km). When we bought our one-way tickets, the saleswoman said we could either walk or fly down. Huh? Apparently the top of Mount Merkur is a very popular take-off point for parasailers and they'll take you down for €109. The kids were very keen on that but the price tag for 5 made it a non-starter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6hTvmeXWHvn_zrpbC5NAlVgMr6qM_ypvALNO-DU1fZHwpumQ6_TMUTo7sK-XihtKp-4erIx2FpHHlF2fxTVJ3zNTYxdXpmh3ipib6B0SWM0J2QQqSxq2QMvZrM8e2BeaCARcG-cAIXdh/s1600/merk+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6hTvmeXWHvn_zrpbC5NAlVgMr6qM_ypvALNO-DU1fZHwpumQ6_TMUTo7sK-XihtKp-4erIx2FpHHlF2fxTVJ3zNTYxdXpmh3ipib6B0SWM0J2QQqSxq2QMvZrM8e2BeaCARcG-cAIXdh/s1600/merk+4.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views from the top of Mount Merkur were just stunning on a day like this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ_k3jdDEBZohrEQBj-4nAi2BL-Tt6DovPeB6qviKzsrCQzl91vcnvA_2CEbZgdBQDNaMGD1k4CNQyyN9lqyv4FACeUF8Na9YDX34oJv0jhtpczzQfozmg-p4VDwA29-QqznUWKI3t_n-/s1600/merkur+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ_k3jdDEBZohrEQBj-4nAi2BL-Tt6DovPeB6qviKzsrCQzl91vcnvA_2CEbZgdBQDNaMGD1k4CNQyyN9lqyv4FACeUF8Na9YDX34oJv0jhtpczzQfozmg-p4VDwA29-QqznUWKI3t_n-/s1600/merkur+5.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the views and watching several parasailers take off next to us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s50IWYoHG4u2NRerLDx0LFBJK3JeU7FOFRJPoEYizN1PgCc8x8HcxiDZ_U4kyJ6a3WBQEcBRUoraQqYR8ictOp9h4phZtmEnLwi1MGWwqEKuobq2-Lc9ZeGXMrm7Jl-6rs0Qc0oipXXv/s1600/merk+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s50IWYoHG4u2NRerLDx0LFBJK3JeU7FOFRJPoEYizN1PgCc8x8HcxiDZ_U4kyJ6a3WBQEcBRUoraQqYR8ictOp9h4phZtmEnLwi1MGWwqEKuobq2-Lc9ZeGXMrm7Jl-6rs0Qc0oipXXv/s1600/merk+6.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just taking off: Everything needs to be right or the parasailer ends up in the trees below.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY-h8znOR0OYvIvvYbM7lA6YxmJB9Cdl1x5-3cz_2XiOJxRoTkQTbJjG2It8A7dLPMZACCCBhmWVgdQ8x7AVhhi4LI4i2sYri0I6dmbijI45bxrxQ2XI62n6N4vJcWalHQvO-YO3FAbAS/s1600/merk+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY-h8znOR0OYvIvvYbM7lA6YxmJB9Cdl1x5-3cz_2XiOJxRoTkQTbJjG2It8A7dLPMZACCCBhmWVgdQ8x7AVhhi4LI4i2sYri0I6dmbijI45bxrxQ2XI62n6N4vJcWalHQvO-YO3FAbAS/s1600/merk+3.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, there were 6 men up in the air. At times there were up to 10 or more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvtpGpdQ6DyMYZFGFHi2C1bxpKgt0dW2eNaCUGephBzIrzuwzH3xH2RNVH6mSWcmGgRka09adxQMn7IIVnaSwZlguHpkicijGZ02IL9BM5MLfTEZGL2o1vLAZgxst0ETuUcpgwjxZsdlM/s1600/blk+forest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvtpGpdQ6DyMYZFGFHi2C1bxpKgt0dW2eNaCUGephBzIrzuwzH3xH2RNVH6mSWcmGgRka09adxQMn7IIVnaSwZlguHpkicijGZ02IL9BM5MLfTEZGL2o1vLAZgxst0ETuUcpgwjxZsdlM/s1600/blk+forest+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting our descent down Mount Merkur. The boys could talk endlessly with each other about computer games or some project that they have in the works.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNq3-Xg3YPNyJPT8zwfIW-gtpOdjIruJ9V9dQeQiDT8eab2uL4Lu8JXBeL_bH_6CQab7DPTyw_Qje7Wj6k6InFfJjfMB1Oeg1UhSvIwmRsRiy_vWIMI2FcdfCwJUvUdvi6TCqBFDDl-g7/s1600/blk+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNq3-Xg3YPNyJPT8zwfIW-gtpOdjIruJ9V9dQeQiDT8eab2uL4Lu8JXBeL_bH_6CQab7DPTyw_Qje7Wj6k6InFfJjfMB1Oeg1UhSvIwmRsRiy_vWIMI2FcdfCwJUvUdvi6TCqBFDDl-g7/s1600/blk+forest.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking down Mount Merkur through the Black Forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8oCVe5bT9a4Vxf4S56ZMuNMtMzv3YIr0_O-7WoeAYO_9BdEYo3RrkdiEHUivy56BQ3Wt8WVPLET0PXUUbVJt3GITcBHT-trWBNqH_pCg8uyZd3C3SktvkAJOSXP1jOu31fZgn-zf6WBX/s1600/merk+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8oCVe5bT9a4Vxf4S56ZMuNMtMzv3YIr0_O-7WoeAYO_9BdEYo3RrkdiEHUivy56BQ3Wt8WVPLET0PXUUbVJt3GITcBHT-trWBNqH_pCg8uyZd3C3SktvkAJOSXP1jOu31fZgn-zf6WBX/s1600/merk+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the funicular track. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYEceqdqNldjGhnrpnn9JRZHkNi594wLCEqZeJGPdwmf1Db5-5bTtXZTIYJOnltU4SNfYugqSd3c5B64t8Rh783Epb-Bz1pq8a9uOcf-XgH9rVfnxnxUTywJk1dy2-8IrweXjBn97w_ta/s1600/rhod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYEceqdqNldjGhnrpnn9JRZHkNi594wLCEqZeJGPdwmf1Db5-5bTtXZTIYJOnltU4SNfYugqSd3c5B64t8Rh783Epb-Bz1pq8a9uOcf-XgH9rVfnxnxUTywJk1dy2-8IrweXjBn97w_ta/s1600/rhod.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was peak <span class="st">rhododendron</span> season; the blooms only last about two weeks but they are a treat when you catch them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINK8o2cPwwVVgCDw9LxW_m-Q9OEiAGX5a55iZ09l0uJk3MK9H8EItoqil1uUDmSYMU9JBOfmDuOqO0NWINU91ZaG_7-kY4PoHS47Cl9C8IgYDToPMwldvBVp8OJMopjnCGtIiOw1C30q5/s1600/merk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINK8o2cPwwVVgCDw9LxW_m-Q9OEiAGX5a55iZ09l0uJk3MK9H8EItoqil1uUDmSYMU9JBOfmDuOqO0NWINU91ZaG_7-kY4PoHS47Cl9C8IgYDToPMwldvBVp8OJMopjnCGtIiOw1C30q5/s1600/merk.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rest and ice cream at the end of the trail.</td></tr>
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On the way home we stopped at the grocery store for some supplies. At the entrance to the store was another one of those bottle return machines. There was an upper machine for returning individual bottles and a lower machine for returning cases of bottles. James ran back to the car to find an empty bottle. We only had one but he wanted to try it out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy7W__84SVViTPpy3UCRV7LBLNNhKy5AE86tbW9N_wsTLUt2J18F_-Vcrk8SZSudXKkunOApUGNFZ7k6BtCERibMrHiyzzeXqB5III5_yiHUfyoRFw8VGy0SG_8LXhvV9TQl0DpN2T4bU/s1600/bot+ret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy7W__84SVViTPpy3UCRV7LBLNNhKy5AE86tbW9N_wsTLUt2J18F_-Vcrk8SZSudXKkunOApUGNFZ7k6BtCERibMrHiyzzeXqB5III5_yiHUfyoRFw8VGy0SG_8LXhvV9TQl0DpN2T4bU/s1600/bot+ret.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed the bottle in bottom first and the machine scans it. When you are finished, press the green button for your receipt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Qtz-k-DiHX8Tj6BTOTU605Zj7Vl2Gs6WdDLxVsVdUMbCXnkVst1vZWDT6qTgPdb5jO55ZtQmE2lQ35t42qHawmX0ESWUxj1Qh3GWz_ecNczRr8WH4rxY4_4-KBQoZT4vfbCvfMrpgL0/s1600/bot+ret+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Qtz-k-DiHX8Tj6BTOTU605Zj7Vl2Gs6WdDLxVsVdUMbCXnkVst1vZWDT6qTgPdb5jO55ZtQmE2lQ35t42qHawmX0ESWUxj1Qh3GWz_ecNczRr8WH4rxY4_4-KBQoZT4vfbCvfMrpgL0/s1600/bot+ret+2.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow, one .5 liter bottle return was worth 15 cents; that's real money.</td></tr>
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On <b>May 20th</b>, we woke to another stunning summer-like day. It was time to move on to our next destination which was Camping Steinfort on the outskirts of Luxembourg City. The Freizeitcenter Oberrhein was a great campground. There were no extra charges for showers (which were terrific with special facilities for small children). We had to contend with no entry/exit during 13:00-15:00 but all other times we were able to easily come and go with a key card. It was nice leaving Germany on a good note.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6yEj82ayWkbFg39exalqSuXUzjnvH0JL2IaNs8cykPMiEq_53AV5RdlkY_29hX_-t1Lt3zyYMTWvQTQv5-MvYVZvdNohCBq4ojghvzouHssFixeB-r1XkVGlm94u_KZu6wQOtUhf9mQ6/s1600/fo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6yEj82ayWkbFg39exalqSuXUzjnvH0JL2IaNs8cykPMiEq_53AV5RdlkY_29hX_-t1Lt3zyYMTWvQTQv5-MvYVZvdNohCBq4ojghvzouHssFixeB-r1XkVGlm94u_KZu6wQOtUhf9mQ6/s1600/fo+1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to leave Freizeitcenter Oberrhein camping.</td></tr>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-74776447252612806362014-05-18T00:07:00.002-07:002014-05-18T00:24:22.754-07:00The Magical City of Prague, Czech Republic<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On <b>May 4th</b>, we left the Wienerwald campground and headed for Prague in the Czech Republic. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyubvfGsHVln1Zcd2frEBBE6U5yT-DtgiEJn1_8P66-tFxnXdwBfMlE6bhinwnCLukb4WCjnA2st0gorZf4ohnVpkVWzNolZOPgW8i_UZVWKSiRzBeEDxmtWJc6459zQNkcEMOia3E9YpA/s1600/cr+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyubvfGsHVln1Zcd2frEBBE6U5yT-DtgiEJn1_8P66-tFxnXdwBfMlE6bhinwnCLukb4WCjnA2st0gorZf4ohnVpkVWzNolZOPgW8i_UZVWKSiRzBeEDxmtWJc6459zQNkcEMOia3E9YpA/s1600/cr+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The countryside driving between Vienna and Prague was lovely. I had the opportunity to stop once and took this photo of a palatial building by a small town and vineyard.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our campground</span> destination was Triocamp located on the outskirts of Prague. James, my co-pilot that day, and I arrived about 40 minutes before Vincent so found out where we could park. Here, wifi was only available about 40 feet within the range of the office which made it pretty inconvenient for internet searches or blogging. We really depended a lot on the internet and I was beginning to remember back to many of the campgrounds earlier in the trip, prior to Camping Split, that had limited weak wifi or wifi that didn't permeate throughout the campground, or both. We solved the problem by buying a country-specific card for our mifi (UK, France, Italy) and found the further south we went, the cheaper the cost per gigabyte of usage was. The last couple months we had gotten spoiled by our road trip and staying in apartments, all with pretty good wifi included. While, there were some glitches with the wifi at Camping Split in Stobrec, Croatia, management had upgraded and tuned the wifi such that it could be accessed at the pitch and was pretty good (at least when the campground wasn't full). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgUHN_PyUzT_yPxuEe5t7n6cMOe0IG1qJzBxhnrfkL3w_OdDggRQzkyQaskSatYVgR-O4iruQB1X3ffzTh-ZUeSbTltJgjl_BaOltSa23WvZ8_A1OF4Gdf-djpFSdtrhletOjqyoSVIeI/s1600/cr+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgUHN_PyUzT_yPxuEe5t7n6cMOe0IG1qJzBxhnrfkL3w_OdDggRQzkyQaskSatYVgR-O4iruQB1X3ffzTh-ZUeSbTltJgjl_BaOltSa23WvZ8_A1OF4Gdf-djpFSdtrhletOjqyoSVIeI/s1600/cr+39.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the wifi hurdle aside, one of the better features of Triocamp was that it had a couple of trampolines on which the kids loved jumping both in the mornings before we got going and in the evenings when we returned from our outings.<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</style><div><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">On <b>May 5th</b>, I decided we should take another one of
those “Free Walking Tours” in order to get a good overview of Prague. We drove
into the city and parked in an underground parking lot that we hoped would be
more secure than street parking. I had read a lot of warnings about petty crime
in Prague including that many rental car companies don’t allow cars to go into
the Czech Republic due to vandalism. I wasn’t sure if I was getting overly
alarmed because Prague indeed had a higher incidence of crime or if it was because
I finally picked up a guidebook, that included warnings, after having navigated many countries through
only the guidance of the internet. Anyway, to lower the risks, I removed the
front license plate of the Prius once again so that it did not wander off
anywhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We walked to the old town square (Staromestske Namesti) and found lunch right on the
square, which was surprisingly good for being in such a touristy location. </span></span> </span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvpowUBljlSNDWMP-XPPe4f2QoyAmZ1C6KJfFmSoS4_5ukhh4efy25FMnWDBjz6CvjZ8yhZEYBaFZc-epJ5Eo92kbM6mikkcG_s4xAUL8IeJUmnKhhsVmINnAqwhTKICwubkVMst38cVM/s1600/cr+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvpowUBljlSNDWMP-XPPe4f2QoyAmZ1C6KJfFmSoS4_5ukhh4efy25FMnWDBjz6CvjZ8yhZEYBaFZc-epJ5Eo92kbM6mikkcG_s4xAUL8IeJUmnKhhsVmINnAqwhTKICwubkVMst38cVM/s1600/cr+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having lunch just outside of St Nicholas Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">After lunch we stepped into the Church of
St Nicholas and then wandered to where
the Sandeman Free Walking Tour started. I signed us up and given we had
about
45 minutes before it began, we walked around taking in some of the
neighboring
sights. The last time I had been in Prague was in December 1996; I was
moving
to the US from Sweden and flew Czech Air because it was the only airline
from
which I could get at reasonable one-way ticket. I had chosen to do a
lay-over
in Prague for a couple days and was struck by how beautiful the old town
was. At that time, it was covered in a blanket of white snow and I was
one of the few tourists walking the streets. Today, of course, it looked
much different; no snow, more tourists but just as lovely.</span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDIytoNvZWbowrR1ZIM4smO_TFkq2usdWTUgyCGjNOANf9hRZrpWN4-Scf6Opf091-VSxt8TojOD3lbBqxfoDpw40UKowfH68YAWD2HomAsomje5hGPvqJlhy-NkRcMSDyMA-emZTHurq/s1600/cr+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDIytoNvZWbowrR1ZIM4smO_TFkq2usdWTUgyCGjNOANf9hRZrpWN4-Scf6Opf091-VSxt8TojOD3lbBqxfoDpw40UKowfH68YAWD2HomAsomje5hGPvqJlhy-NkRcMSDyMA-emZTHurq/s1600/cr+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Nicholas Church is a baroque church that was completed in 1735. In 1781 the decoration inside St. Nicholas was removed after emperor
Josef II ordered the closure of all monasteries without a social
function. In 1870, St. Nicholas became Russian
Orthodox. During the second World War Czech army units were
stationed at St. Nicholas, and working alongside artists of the day, the
troops were set to work restoring the church. Much of what we see today
is thanks to their meticulous work. After the war, St. Nicholas was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement, with whom it remains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tyD0K5RpJiuUY3US4sik-Fx6iI_EqYoTjJODofqlZa-CudEvTj0IVZe-6Ep8AOlgGej1iYoKjbjAUj87LC7SzqTrGcpE0RGfY3z_7SF03VqCCBD5PjZpm-O6C9w-5zwuaFLmcU55eqRU/s1600/cr+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tyD0K5RpJiuUY3US4sik-Fx6iI_EqYoTjJODofqlZa-CudEvTj0IVZe-6Ep8AOlgGej1iYoKjbjAUj87LC7SzqTrGcpE0RGfY3z_7SF03VqCCBD5PjZpm-O6C9w-5zwuaFLmcU55eqRU/s1600/cr+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church holds classical music concerts almost daily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7kr9uslyrmvb8UUwLZPG0mfM_qNFUoZanjm9OKUKQWgvLB9Ag0Qt7Y85Lm4Ktll7blu2NsQOkBgHi-MI-Vs0biW430pWUBP19HsEjYvE4JPcjQsWnM_pO-Uo2Eopn5I5aDUnDuvfb_TW/s1600/cr+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7kr9uslyrmvb8UUwLZPG0mfM_qNFUoZanjm9OKUKQWgvLB9Ag0Qt7Y85Lm4Ktll7blu2NsQOkBgHi-MI-Vs0biW430pWUBP19HsEjYvE4JPcjQsWnM_pO-Uo2Eopn5I5aDUnDuvfb_TW/s1600/cr+5.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town Square: In the background is <span class="st">the Church of Our Lady before Týn, founded in 1385, with its two gothic spires.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_ApsnvoiRpalfCsmelFv66gDHOMFRXGRFYU6OM6G1E8HIXxr1JazeNTqfjroQ5U8ljHs7IYObd3RkngUgnSpQM4PMfs58R1-HVP-XcF74DzoXnfCiNdaaRAbZJFlaicMWyh8gkm6Ngih/s1600/cr+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_ApsnvoiRpalfCsmelFv66gDHOMFRXGRFYU6OM6G1E8HIXxr1JazeNTqfjroQ5U8ljHs7IYObd3RkngUgnSpQM4PMfs58R1-HVP-XcF74DzoXnfCiNdaaRAbZJFlaicMWyh8gkm6Ngih/s1600/cr+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronomical Clock: The clock was installed at the old town square in the early 1400s. Much of it has been refurbished, most notably, after damage during WWII.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAPAb4AJ_42LspPsLVAD_-sK1b6yk3hrZ_DBSZ5tO3bK71pO2on3XV8sssnpZm3SF2ys-Htp5EhlU1zc7I2nfZI2LZPU5CdWMHmgktBhL7kaiB6ZuCqJWwMm5KP491RsU9FzisqmkcPCR/s1600/cr+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAPAb4AJ_42LspPsLVAD_-sK1b6yk3hrZ_DBSZ5tO3bK71pO2on3XV8sssnpZm3SF2ys-Htp5EhlU1zc7I2nfZI2LZPU5CdWMHmgktBhL7kaiB6ZuCqJWwMm5KP491RsU9FzisqmkcPCR/s1600/cr+10.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clock puts on a bit of a show on the hour. The four figures on either side of the upper dial are a Turk with a mandolin representing hedonism, a Jewish money lender (greed), a figure with a mirror (vanity) and a skeleton with an hourglass representing death that we all are inevitably facing. On the hour, the skeleton representing death tips the hourglass and pulls a cord, ringing the bell; the windows open above and 12 apostles parade by, the rooster crows and the hour is rung. One has to watch carefully because the movements are so slight that it's easy to miss parts of the show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48sMMD0OXWaNs54lQuXpSv46DyM8p_SGBKSQifLJTi4qyYiVBbefkrf3PfbInVyTXGy0QKwryBHsMIsEsLJj7y0FlB7q6JXs5Ahd10TYY9v8Mc9qZYUlgrcOrgq6o5Dm8ZV6Mg62heJRa/s1600/cr+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48sMMD0OXWaNs54lQuXpSv46DyM8p_SGBKSQifLJTi4qyYiVBbefkrf3PfbInVyTXGy0QKwryBHsMIsEsLJj7y0FlB7q6JXs5Ahd10TYY9v8Mc9qZYUlgrcOrgq6o5Dm8ZV6Mg62heJRa/s1600/cr+8.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the Havel Market, located off of Melantrichova Street, which dates back to 1232.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDKGoAurFxIWB1rGkXu1XuUfjfw814y0_EptdUkJABcYQvEhxYMWVsgKXTljH08iYbjVkDLOsxlbrPKNOixgipZ0I6d_53SWR98nO_kiCIM-YX-6O4M40WbUXYXPCQBDubqu87Cf5dcm1/s1600/cr+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDKGoAurFxIWB1rGkXu1XuUfjfw814y0_EptdUkJABcYQvEhxYMWVsgKXTljH08iYbjVkDLOsxlbrPKNOixgipZ0I6d_53SWR98nO_kiCIM-YX-6O4M40WbUXYXPCQBDubqu87Cf5dcm1/s1600/cr+7.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy produce for sale at Havel Market but at tourist prices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVyOdSyG43v3tlQyySkMspbW959sRN40LrvcwOQ1yfAR71DfaYvI6dlRPBI9UDqSc08pIzIFquPHz9iSsLF8694TOtubR75jnk4DvjoM7vmJ9UhldaxNGDBFZlOVreWnQ6vY2wqa4EOMh/s1600/cr+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVyOdSyG43v3tlQyySkMspbW959sRN40LrvcwOQ1yfAR71DfaYvI6dlRPBI9UDqSc08pIzIFquPHz9iSsLF8694TOtubR75jnk4DvjoM7vmJ9UhldaxNGDBFZlOVreWnQ6vY2wqa4EOMh/s1600/cr+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before joining the walking tour, we stopped and purchased some of these donuts that were cooked over coals and then rolled in a sugar cinnamon mixture. All, goodness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0SKYODSkZ-un9Mokczjd7FmYDX5o7GXVLnatUXwfXwbM_EOWuM_785BJ9UyuM4kPexbU-kwBP8b6QAOUr8Eigc5ZcLmfAuxTLyVCgUN4gdMGnYEBM56sdkMVG9ToGLbk8ODNqkLoWJLO/s1600/cr+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0SKYODSkZ-un9Mokczjd7FmYDX5o7GXVLnatUXwfXwbM_EOWuM_785BJ9UyuM4kPexbU-kwBP8b6QAOUr8Eigc5ZcLmfAuxTLyVCgUN4gdMGnYEBM56sdkMVG9ToGLbk8ODNqkLoWJLO/s1600/cr+11.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Hus Memorial: The monument was erected in 1915 and symbolizes the long struggle for Czech freedom. Jan Hus was an advocate for the participation of common people in worship rituals (challenging the Catholic church hierarchy and doctrines) and was excommunicated and burned in Germany for his beliefs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">We were introduced to our guide, Tijo, at 14:00 and then set off on a ~3 hour tour of the Old Town, New Town and Jewish Quarter, with a 30 minute break about 2 hours in. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a rapid run-through of a few of Prague's historical highlights in more recent years: Under Emperor Charles IV (1316-78) and his son, Wenceslas IV (1361-1419), Prague became the
capital of the Holy Roman Empire and of the German Nation and flourished
culturally, economically and politically. Towards the end of the 16th
century, Prague became again the residential city for the court of
Emperor Rudolf II and all the extravagant baroque palaces and churches
date from this period. Due to the large influx of Slavs from the rural
areas, the majority of the city was no longer German speaking by about
1860, although a large German population remained there (mainly in the
Old Town and Lesser Quarter). After the decline of the Austro-Hungarian
Empire, Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia in 1918. In the first half of the 20th century, Prague was a place where three cultures flourished side by side and
significantly influenced one another: Czech, German and Jewish. Franz
Kafka, as a Jewish-German-Czech author, is the most prominent example of
their interconnection. Since
1989, Prague has been the capital of the Czech Republic and since 1992, the historic
center has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage
Sites. Walking around the historical districts, one can see that Prague is a European textbook of architectural styles with examples of romanesque rotundas, gothic cathedrals, renaissance palaces, Jewish synagogues, baroque churches and cubist and secessionist monuments.</span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">As we started the walking tour, Paul hadn’t forgotten that he
didn’t like walking tours and he reminded us of how much he disliked the one in Budapest (which was one of the best walking tours on which I had ever been). Nevertheless, Paul (and all the kids) seemed to be more into this one and they said it was quite okay at the end. I guess it really depends on what state of mind the kids are in at the time. Here are a few more photos taken as we walked around Prague.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_xJ80dwDiMyToPCJKhqgngbc7-0F91ItfqUrE5vYUlTKPTL0t_l432tRXkFf8i5uy9QHUWFh3gyfLYYvc7kW3Ds56SWbMjn8XikTd84RbACtXfi9IUkwOppTZQPBt0geO_WO1eQJ3kKG/s1600/cr+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_xJ80dwDiMyToPCJKhqgngbc7-0F91ItfqUrE5vYUlTKPTL0t_l432tRXkFf8i5uy9QHUWFh3gyfLYYvc7kW3Ds56SWbMjn8XikTd84RbACtXfi9IUkwOppTZQPBt0geO_WO1eQJ3kKG/s1600/cr+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estates Theater: Built in the 1770s, this Classicist building was the prime opera venue in Prague for many years. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart premiered Don Giovanni and directed many of his other works here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMyDnhOsZ4jMdTOl8o8YQ8l5jUO94A4QxXB-xQILIGeZ0MDt5WuZVG5np0AHJiwjL2bMkGkdhFyLoCVGw9iOETkV83nkSbE5_jrqp6GqD13ueI_Q7SgCR4ZuHMFXYChHmetbl3I_4TfyY/s1600/cr+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMyDnhOsZ4jMdTOl8o8YQ8l5jUO94A4QxXB-xQILIGeZ0MDt5WuZVG5np0AHJiwjL2bMkGkdhFyLoCVGw9iOETkV83nkSbE5_jrqp6GqD13ueI_Q7SgCR4ZuHMFXYChHmetbl3I_4TfyY/s1600/cr+13.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Wencestas Square towards the National Museum: Wenceslas was known as a wise and benevolent 10th century Duke of Bohemia; he's also known as the "good king" in the Christmas carol of the same name. In November 1989, Wencestas Square was the location of the Velvet Revolution (where 30,000 students congregated to celebrate the communism victory over facism 50 years earlier but spontaneously turned it into a peaceful protest against communism). The students were beaten by the police and many arrested. In the days following, students across Czechoslovakia decided to strike and other sympathizers (like theater actors and parents) came to the square in support of the protest. Eventually on December 29th,Vaclav Havel was elected president of a now free Czechoslovakia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-kVJAgqg_1EBf4iIZ_5g87cquMSl6eoQ9u6HnIHKOex5-hZDN3VGwc9pv1JiOJEv2trpf4YJ9OuH1hO_fx8PmsejhQpbB1moqqN6KgnxBRtOu7WFjzyOIBEqj4Vkw3kCQxhQBDI6tr2H/s1600/cr+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-kVJAgqg_1EBf4iIZ_5g87cquMSl6eoQ9u6HnIHKOex5-hZDN3VGwc9pv1JiOJEv2trpf4YJ9OuH1hO_fx8PmsejhQpbB1moqqN6KgnxBRtOu7WFjzyOIBEqj4Vkw3kCQxhQBDI6tr2H/s1600/cr+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look up and one can often spot beautiful details on the buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloBe_mn4faqISoyOxBM1Q5fpPXhnTnCPXZXw6TeB0RclwF9YR8_k-oB1LqyFH1fFRZf4g3kspvgnEpB7KQ_U0lXIKHVEw4awi1s5bO-guXEffd-yRicZm5YpHXdNzNMsZAnS_7GG3_Y6c/s1600/cr+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloBe_mn4faqISoyOxBM1Q5fpPXhnTnCPXZXw6TeB0RclwF9YR8_k-oB1LqyFH1fFRZf4g3kspvgnEpB7KQ_U0lXIKHVEw4awi1s5bO-guXEffd-yRicZm5YpHXdNzNMsZAnS_7GG3_Y6c/s1600/cr+15.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powder Tower: Built in the later part of the 15th century, the Powder Tower is one of the original 13 city gates in Prague. It didn't gain the name of Powder Tower until the 17th century when it was used to store gunpowder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWv9-Y518-Pd-ujHxfVDZOotiumWYWDWhnz7-Tx8DDofVz1NivYRkjAoOTvFCtZXhWMukwkxsvOiII-KxRjdqD90k1wc5ib4Jfy86a5FmuMZw_tT-8Nw00-Yvl24NKXLO6bKwzigsb4mf/s1600/cr+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWv9-Y518-Pd-ujHxfVDZOotiumWYWDWhnz7-Tx8DDofVz1NivYRkjAoOTvFCtZXhWMukwkxsvOiII-KxRjdqD90k1wc5ib4Jfy86a5FmuMZw_tT-8Nw00-Yvl24NKXLO6bKwzigsb4mf/s1600/cr+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street connecting the Powder Tower to the Old Town Square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HJ_0aSCiw3pfm8FKDdHbRGql8UlPQCA3cCVKhY7DsAI8MUM8Q9wnCohizBI1oI4bVHn7P2jxJ-UbOSlTI31QU_Elq9jaVhE2lGP49tlW6v-0TknpDoSYuNrJJRoib3y1vKqalZRolviy/s1600/cr+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HJ_0aSCiw3pfm8FKDdHbRGql8UlPQCA3cCVKhY7DsAI8MUM8Q9wnCohizBI1oI4bVHn7P2jxJ-UbOSlTI31QU_Elq9jaVhE2lGP49tlW6v-0TknpDoSYuNrJJRoib3y1vKqalZRolviy/s1600/cr+17.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In Utero</i> by David Cerny: This pregnant woman sculpture was somewhat controversial when it was installed. Apparently one can enter the sculpture between the legs and the sound inside is imagined to be akin to being in the womb. After listening one can emerge like being "born again".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz1D-496Cam5ZFLhbQCtE3eS8v_mrTnz_FEHuf-R6cfiBcyjvFbyz11BNLLrAoo4MZ2jHtCbfUk9mwSPXpbsfCZVhlaFU9VoXC9vQuITS729RZsr2HQdDChitN9bcwvZatBS0sn8cVoNN/s1600/cr+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz1D-496Cam5ZFLhbQCtE3eS8v_mrTnz_FEHuf-R6cfiBcyjvFbyz11BNLLrAoo4MZ2jHtCbfUk9mwSPXpbsfCZVhlaFU9VoXC9vQuITS729RZsr2HQdDChitN9bcwvZatBS0sn8cVoNN/s1600/cr+18.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument to Franz Kafka by Jaroslav Róna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">During the walk, we found out random trivia such as the Czech Republic resident drinks 1.5 liters of beer a day and this statistic includes "everyone" so some people are drinking more than the average in order to make up for the babies, children and non-drinkers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3tuavNhPoMjAsYnaIV_m1mj_ghgbgKvJRSYdO7rAdYRH5Yjuga8-vVs1h37xuS9GvTh9vt4s8yqndk1kkLIJDIOpt3mry7qw4VuNkdBZZmDH5xl8xxh7Iu_bM8LpdhGvjH3khxiNrcFe/s1600/cr+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3tuavNhPoMjAsYnaIV_m1mj_ghgbgKvJRSYdO7rAdYRH5Yjuga8-vVs1h37xuS9GvTh9vt4s8yqndk1kkLIJDIOpt3mry7qw4VuNkdBZZmDH5xl8xxh7Iu_bM8LpdhGvjH3khxiNrcFe/s1600/cr+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Synagogue: This Moorish-style synagogue was built in the 1800s and houses displays of Jewish history through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyyyO8-CQKA8vNaeo0luJ8vdHmkmJfzRaXAIpj_2tJcWUJT-NVcycwliXq1T8C48mCMMDw3jxlAQkCZtKQ0zT9qFxKeyFTSaZG6RQGOwe3hVbDSCtuZcgDgm8afWgdipr8z0i79Y73RkP/s1600/cr+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyyyO8-CQKA8vNaeo0luJ8vdHmkmJfzRaXAIpj_2tJcWUJT-NVcycwliXq1T8C48mCMMDw3jxlAQkCZtKQ0zT9qFxKeyFTSaZG6RQGOwe3hVbDSCtuZcgDgm8afWgdipr8z0i79Y73RkP/s1600/cr+20.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old-New Jewish Synagogue (opened in 1270) is located in the left foreground. The Jewish Town Hall (1586) with the two clocks is adjacent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">After the walking tour, we decided to buy tickets to a classical
concert. (Or rather, I decided that we should see one. The kids weren’t too
enthusiastic about it.) Prague offers several of them in various churches as
well as at the Rudolfinium, which is the venue we chose. The concerts are literally a nod to “the top ten
classical hits of all times”. They’re targeted at the tourist, the masses, and
even if one hasn’t listened to a classical album or CD in their life, one
should recognize most of the music. I thought this would be a perfect
introduction for the kids; if they were ever going to be open-minded about
classical music, this would be the entrée. The concert was held in one of the
smaller halls in the Rudolfinium and, while our seats had very poor visibility
near the back, the string quintet was very good and they filled the hall with
the music. Among the “hits” we listened to were Mozart’s “A Little Night
Music”, Pachelbel’s “Canon”, selections from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and a
suite from Bizet’s “Carmen”. The kids recognized a number of pieces. Sarah
pointed out she recognized some music from Warner Bros. cartoons and while no
one was pleased to be there at the start of the concert, they all thought it
was quite alright by the end.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilytmhFlr7uINaXxkqDW_4UiycmkyFKgTLNUIx5jrHUtaV0LkiuhkndzA0h-cWmcSB6y4Mh5UbIdMb3FAvbiWNr95cl87KOSZEyPswPghdBAfO_a6oalmQf6To5eHLa2vQuBgAqx9E8YYo/s1600/cr+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilytmhFlr7uINaXxkqDW_4UiycmkyFKgTLNUIx5jrHUtaV0LkiuhkndzA0h-cWmcSB6y4Mh5UbIdMb3FAvbiWNr95cl87KOSZEyPswPghdBAfO_a6oalmQf6To5eHLa2vQuBgAqx9E8YYo/s1600/cr+40.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rudolfinum is a neo-renaissance building built in the second half of the 19th century and was named in honor of Rudolf of Habsburg, son of Emperor Franz Josef, who committed suicide in 1889. Since 1946, it has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vtAejohy4s7LXEJIdCawXVsYJCzexCqObHVYXFLhpF5z0PVqsPYqxy8277v5Qz7tpK4hNwfQEvmtxT1VOBl3govozL59TAzFVy8KW2TlkgVqH4LbeF-AUEjnwVg6muQ2XATsoPMOfjLh/s1600/cr+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vtAejohy4s7LXEJIdCawXVsYJCzexCqObHVYXFLhpF5z0PVqsPYqxy8277v5Qz7tpK4hNwfQEvmtxT1VOBl3govozL59TAzFVy8KW2TlkgVqH4LbeF-AUEjnwVg6muQ2XATsoPMOfjLh/s1600/cr+21.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ensemble taking a bow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">On <b>May 6th</b>, Paul wanted to stay at the RV and work on science. As it had been quite a while since he (or anyone) had a day off, we were fine giving him some alone time. Vincent, James, Sarah and I decided to go to Prague's Castle Quarter which is situated high above Prague and affords great views of the city. When we arrived, leveraging Rick Steve's advice, we purchased a ticket that gave us entrance to St Vitus Cathedral, main rooms of the old royal palace, the basilica of St George and the Golden Lane. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LEttDuEAZA9RHjirQMtM0F7JcNcOp1mhY8BycYAr8NgqIWLg6QJLBmOnhsfKXp9vjU0BDbXyDqcbXjOi4g79ni08ot37-Q3ORZz1AaxMAm10Fc0y7G71qHlSXd7Zw0IGTfENXuM9H3wx/s1600/cr+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LEttDuEAZA9RHjirQMtM0F7JcNcOp1mhY8BycYAr8NgqIWLg6QJLBmOnhsfKXp9vjU0BDbXyDqcbXjOi4g79ni08ot37-Q3ORZz1AaxMAm10Fc0y7G71qHlSXd7Zw0IGTfENXuM9H3wx/s1600/cr+41.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schwarzenberg Palace: Located in the Castle Quarter, it's named after the Schwarzenberg family who gained it through marriage in 1719. Since 2008, it has been used as an art gallery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzGNxnREAcctQ4DweK88FasgxuujexQo6tWyTtaNP9k-YLBblPYm7dFc0VccGCNYlS-VYgTx2yTxslarx-iDLLGFGAHP4cjKqEpi1e-J7RevKRT-8E0SaNHxhOERsKpHq23mqTkhyOviB/s1600/cr+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzGNxnREAcctQ4DweK88FasgxuujexQo6tWyTtaNP9k-YLBblPYm7dFc0VccGCNYlS-VYgTx2yTxslarx-iDLLGFGAHP4cjKqEpi1e-J7RevKRT-8E0SaNHxhOERsKpHq23mqTkhyOviB/s1600/cr+23.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic street lamp near the gate of Prague Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIN6wm4v5eJi1FyjxHcWiIVTaFb2DXRwwP70QE2JpsVy0Oh4Jaoy4zd8jLje2UdEO6C5xrnHo2Ai4T7ywKr69UXtJyk4nMhRADB1uiCsUqICs1nrZT82ubGmZwDXL0XcZ0ZC-poFW3xn9/s1600/cr+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIN6wm4v5eJi1FyjxHcWiIVTaFb2DXRwwP70QE2JpsVy0Oh4Jaoy4zd8jLje2UdEO6C5xrnHo2Ai4T7ywKr69UXtJyk4nMhRADB1uiCsUqICs1nrZT82ubGmZwDXL0XcZ0ZC-poFW3xn9/s1600/cr+33.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archbishop's (Sternberg) Palace: Located near the Castle Square, the Archbishop's Palace was originally built in the renaissance style though later it was rebuilt in the baroque style. Another reconstruction took place in the 18th century and so elements of the rococo style can be seen on both the facade and the interior. The palace houses the National Gallery's collection of European paintings, including those by Albrecht Durer, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt and El Greco.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUHJNIAVPvlhh1T-sVFjUo0iJTsAronNB1ihx6xW-rFgzeYjuTx5JoxN5yRS8QcEqjg5hXYASDjI2i7ThV7G7PyFEGv3gT_B6PJnC05OwqFcOYfhfJzuctAHILpA1gcNFq6ND1Vpc4PNr/s1600/cr+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUHJNIAVPvlhh1T-sVFjUo0iJTsAronNB1ihx6xW-rFgzeYjuTx5JoxN5yRS8QcEqjg5hXYASDjI2i7ThV7G7PyFEGv3gT_B6PJnC05OwqFcOYfhfJzuctAHILpA1gcNFq6ND1Vpc4PNr/s1600/cr+22.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle grounds had some lovely lawns and pockets of flowers in bloom but it was this contraption that caught my eye and that of most other tourists. This Roomba-like self-guided machine zig-zagged across the lawn unmanned and, over time, the entire lawn was trimmed. Like most lawn mowers it didn't do well with edges, leaving about 6 inches that would have to be cut the old fashioned way with clippers or a weed-wacker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02uWhYCPZnCDO6UqSsLrrGLEjiJV9ZcXvl00nME9-c1gYjW5ybM4Smd6jEod6v5fn8YOKfB8zlH0xo-WzTSstYAkcN5o3PskDDoxygsWI86XZNLlzQUZ99CxdrhBtrnNfzqC5X-F01Uk9/s1600/cr+28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02uWhYCPZnCDO6UqSsLrrGLEjiJV9ZcXvl00nME9-c1gYjW5ybM4Smd6jEod6v5fn8YOKfB8zlH0xo-WzTSstYAkcN5o3PskDDoxygsWI86XZNLlzQUZ99CxdrhBtrnNfzqC5X-F01Uk9/s1600/cr+28.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view behind Sarah was the view from the castle grounds. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Sarah wore her Junior Ranger shirt and
shorts that day and assumed the personality of someone in charge.
Through our self-guided tour of the castle, she was constantly reminding
us, "No flash photography allowed; photography only permitted with a
license; please, do not touch the rope barricades; do not touch any of
the carpets or furniture beyond the barricades; please follow the
arrows", etc. She was pretty good...and funny. And the exercise kept her
(and us) entertained throughout the castle. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The old royal palace </span><span style="font-size: small;">dates back to the 12th century and was designed in Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its Vladislav Hall was used for inaugurations, being the most important representative hall in the country. (As Sarah frequently pointed out) photos were not permitted in the palace without a license so if you wish to see a few photos, they can be found <a href="http://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle/photogallery/prague-castle/9.shtml" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47UgcyXzxf9YujIASqzfCTideIB5tWBQoM6WewStRO2ikACL-pzfXvJ8SETmTZUt539mM9rApIdagCE5csNd5nFjqzJ8DytpGSsWRJNg4lNlErctgl54hsFzlt6dEdGuIk5qPCdIB_pJi/s1600/cr+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47UgcyXzxf9YujIASqzfCTideIB5tWBQoM6WewStRO2ikACL-pzfXvJ8SETmTZUt539mM9rApIdagCE5csNd5nFjqzJ8DytpGSsWRJNg4lNlErctgl54hsFzlt6dEdGuIk5qPCdIB_pJi/s1600/cr+24.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert Cathedral: The cathedral was started in 1344 but due to wars, plagues and other reasons was never completed until 1929. It contains the tombs and relics of the most important local saints and kings including the first three Habsburb kings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies_1LfcuYk0jtuCpPMBuuXjJcHlAFCI1dGnultFfRer7n5wHUi0h-Z0Y-BT-feTskqzB8HYGCasZdBr0epDCXz7Q4MUdnNLwSSxd2DXvViK6N6vLPEGErnzvI_GfK28Js0SLC3BEv_WMc/s1600/cr+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies_1LfcuYk0jtuCpPMBuuXjJcHlAFCI1dGnultFfRer7n5wHUi0h-Z0Y-BT-feTskqzB8HYGCasZdBr0epDCXz7Q4MUdnNLwSSxd2DXvViK6N6vLPEGErnzvI_GfK28Js0SLC3BEv_WMc/s1600/cr+25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample of the detailed facade, much of which was completed in the 1920s. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LJJVOwxx40ejuELPGeTdX4VpZZBJ67cHTkpsK5rEV5xBUSFHD0TvbnvtDNGzRpcmYQIYAU590yucZ1tetI8m9bLgmu0PgP3vwEgRBUe9los8-ql6BTS13-dDDhkYERZo0pC7PeIsb_da/s1600/cr+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LJJVOwxx40ejuELPGeTdX4VpZZBJ67cHTkpsK5rEV5xBUSFHD0TvbnvtDNGzRpcmYQIYAU590yucZ1tetI8m9bLgmu0PgP3vwEgRBUe9los8-ql6BTS13-dDDhkYERZo0pC7PeIsb_da/s1600/cr+26.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overall layout of the cathedral was designed by a Frenchman, Matthias of Arras, who designed it as a gothic triple-naved basilica with flying buttresses and radiating chapels.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIizmsbPxEjmA4LZZK9Y6isWs79_4o1SwzkZmhDxEh8Lv0XT2wlaTeresgYzJm4jyRK2ja1NLmdEYQyversEqDznKeRmNZxI6SyQayVWjlG63wE380V7R9t4mvGdy4l5M-iisdyu_0RTVJ/s1600/cr+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIizmsbPxEjmA4LZZK9Y6isWs79_4o1SwzkZmhDxEh8Lv0XT2wlaTeresgYzJm4jyRK2ja1NLmdEYQyversEqDznKeRmNZxI6SyQayVWjlG63wE380V7R9t4mvGdy4l5M-iisdyu_0RTVJ/s1600/cr+29.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica and Convent of St George: This is considered Prague's best preserved romanesque church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgeTu74KIEkyKJ9gK-mzLHJdNGIWDPenfTJbSHyDz6fJoWGDvbE1BL6buJ4OOHzMLZSe5M4K7baVKAHFEQ3meBxJ6hxUWGkWEPEWy23CkknBN41fW8Pp4UsIC_kGQPFEpSCtzpp9nlCFg/s1600/cr+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgeTu74KIEkyKJ9gK-mzLHJdNGIWDPenfTJbSHyDz6fJoWGDvbE1BL6buJ4OOHzMLZSe5M4K7baVKAHFEQ3meBxJ6hxUWGkWEPEWy23CkknBN41fW8Pp4UsIC_kGQPFEpSCtzpp9nlCFg/s1600/cr+30.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founded in 920 by Premyslid Duke Vratislav I, St George's Basilica was intended to be the main sanctuary in Bohemia. It was a burial place <b></b> of rulers from the Premyslid dynasty till 1055. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd100iyEFroe9OzZD5Xl2Cg_-fvWMVeiCkN2736VXyYwV2Pbo5x0C7eOg6M-PuLg7zpXz_Iivfnm0fftcDXSYAlE_yOVaGtoeh5bDGfqBrpCUHAOSEnP_6p7vHkxmjcn6cwMx-iCL5ejP/s1600/cr+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd100iyEFroe9OzZD5Xl2Cg_-fvWMVeiCkN2736VXyYwV2Pbo5x0C7eOg6M-PuLg7zpXz_Iivfnm0fftcDXSYAlE_yOVaGtoeh5bDGfqBrpCUHAOSEnP_6p7vHkxmjcn6cwMx-iCL5ejP/s1600/cr+31.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon leaving the basilica, one walks through the St John of Nepomuk Chapel; there is an altar with these bones arranged in a window underneath. Apparently they are not St John's nor are they even real. Why or why would they include these if they were not real? Well to fool the naive tourist, I gather. I hate that. To the management of historical sights: If you don't have authentic things to show, don't show a fake; it's cheating the paying visitor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3_k4hXBXRjYaMxItUy9pRcSpaTUT1x9dK8K0Da9dZ25gT_F2bMSSZdF_Knf83juwCCbQzxihKVxdF4GjOIGJ5tskH9UKHjkbnOY5PoU8oINAeqEMuAn05TapYubh8Ns6ZjXu_o7LStKk/s1600/cr+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3_k4hXBXRjYaMxItUy9pRcSpaTUT1x9dK8K0Da9dZ25gT_F2bMSSZdF_Knf83juwCCbQzxihKVxdF4GjOIGJ5tskH9UKHjkbnOY5PoU8oINAeqEMuAn05TapYubh8Ns6ZjXu_o7LStKk/s1600/cr+32.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the process of changing of the guards, which takes place every hour on the hour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCeWap7ES1ad03iB8fNSQs6liZnLS_synGql00uxvYTYlKl_4JR68ba7AUDUe3Fhipqg1hCZg2vzcO-ydkWZN8X5aU6k6-J23am95wscEzhPSZWNR9wCGj8h2WWAXRzJyDJ3jvAFWXnEB/s1600/cr+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCeWap7ES1ad03iB8fNSQs6liZnLS_synGql00uxvYTYlKl_4JR68ba7AUDUe3Fhipqg1hCZg2vzcO-ydkWZN8X5aU6k6-J23am95wscEzhPSZWNR9wCGj8h2WWAXRzJyDJ3jvAFWXnEB/s1600/cr+34.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Lane: This picturesque street originally housed castle servants. The houses were occupied up until WWII. Franz Kafka briefly lived at #22. Today the dwellings are filled with a mix of shops and reconstructions portraying medieval life in the lane.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROVX5W24xMZ84jkhUJtO-4bQoIXYaBF7psxXwvuX6mLgKRjRymc9kvHux3Ds1VGCfhGzviI1YYU8x6u2XmOo3QHxtIsGLv0hCYnAxH6amU2ZGWwqo3zhRGDoQ4ewfYNipHAxc6xuB4xto/s1600/cr+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROVX5W24xMZ84jkhUJtO-4bQoIXYaBF7psxXwvuX6mLgKRjRymc9kvHux3Ds1VGCfhGzviI1YYU8x6u2XmOo3QHxtIsGLv0hCYnAxH6amU2ZGWwqo3zhRGDoQ4ewfYNipHAxc6xuB4xto/s1600/cr+35.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In one of the buildings in Golden Lane, is a huge display of several suits of armor, torture aids and weaponry. Visitors can also try shooting a crossbow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwoQcPvg3R48f1-7SwxvmP_qXLjPoF_Tpht0729puQXf_HSUum85GZX5bhP2Zme60F5QEAoav1_iFzOh_Eafe-Udv3xUrLe3l3i2gA0UNk5k_tbjXMAd_neWlmKvjAV2OoOymbr57s-H2/s1600/cr+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwoQcPvg3R48f1-7SwxvmP_qXLjPoF_Tpht0729puQXf_HSUum85GZX5bhP2Zme60F5QEAoav1_iFzOh_Eafe-Udv3xUrLe3l3i2gA0UNk5k_tbjXMAd_neWlmKvjAV2OoOymbr57s-H2/s1600/cr+36.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amongst the weaponry was this combo pistol/knife. On the blade of the knife is a calendar with the names' days throughout the year. What a great gift idea for that someone who has everything!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfCzuubcj-ca0h3W9Un02aa-nT_Zx-mBXeU0NBUUW5otfOLUCE9IAoizEoOWrqOJl6ZHNq1vFR3guEpy9JQ1lssdFlwDOixDmbtPyyv9gdtIvALcHi9wJLAT5Gd9C2QiAzqoND_777i-J/s1600/cr+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfCzuubcj-ca0h3W9Un02aa-nT_Zx-mBXeU0NBUUW5otfOLUCE9IAoizEoOWrqOJl6ZHNq1vFR3guEpy9JQ1lssdFlwDOixDmbtPyyv9gdtIvALcHi9wJLAT5Gd9C2QiAzqoND_777i-J/s1600/cr+37.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After leaving the Golden Lane, we stopped for a drink. Behind Sarah and James is the entrance to the castle complex.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">On <b>May 7th</b>, we went to another "room escape" venue called <i>MindMaze</i> which is rated #2 of 273 attractions in Prague. (It's competitor, <i>Trap</i>, was #1). Clearly TripAdvisor is being monopolized by a younger user set. While these escape games are fun, should they really be #1 and #2 in a city like Prague or Budapest? While we obviously are fans, evidenced by our frequent visits, I wouldn't put them as the "top sights" in some of these cities. But that's just me. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf_EXN2TVg4KJxNr92LrrYgmHRIIO79DXJIcDblV46myii1fDflRKWp4kjaJT29-tEm0PoAq0J9kSG0x-kH8bDkKQP9mgb4-0j1xIR2PbB4uDLuWMMyIB_CBRTSvGQPz0UzTHL18q7NkZ/s1600/cr+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf_EXN2TVg4KJxNr92LrrYgmHRIIO79DXJIcDblV46myii1fDflRKWp4kjaJT29-tEm0PoAq0J9kSG0x-kH8bDkKQP9mgb4-0j1xIR2PbB4uDLuWMMyIB_CBRTSvGQPz0UzTHL18q7NkZ/s1600/cr+38.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The theme around the <i>MindMaze</i> room was around alchemy and reaching the philosopher's stone; like the other games, we had to find missing puzzle pieces, decipher codes, open locks and solve puzzles. We managed to complete the mission within our 60 minuted allotted time period. This was a very good room experience.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">After leaving MindMaze we went to the Karel Zeman Special Effects Film Museum. Sarah commented afterwards that this was one of her favorite museums of the trip. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Karel Zeman (1910–89) was a Czech film director, artist, production designer and animator, best known for directing fantasy films combining live-action footage with animation. Zeman received international recognition and many of his works received awards. The museum was opened by his daughter and shows a number of his films along with describing how he created some of his best special effects. These were the days before any computer-generated special effects, so all the techniques were really tangible. Sarah left the museum ready to make movies.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytd1Jc7LI1BE2tqOhXOOM05fhNXE-Yl7B6qo9h9RZ5ny7-gsdbh5HIZTYslQOdqN6fu6in2haFXb54nOOlaemDwQmzTmtJqDLKjb9Z8hkHerZKr30sgdoF-eHoGWZqKoLzUCedWOJmgc/s1600/cr+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytd1Jc7LI1BE2tqOhXOOM05fhNXE-Yl7B6qo9h9RZ5ny7-gsdbh5HIZTYslQOdqN6fu6in2haFXb54nOOlaemDwQmzTmtJqDLKjb9Z8hkHerZKr30sgdoF-eHoGWZqKoLzUCedWOJmgc/s1600/cr+44.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah trying out a flying machine: Someone would move the back drop while the person in the machine would pedal, making the wings flap. The effect on film was that it looked like the person was flying.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKUXul8Hb5-ABY9VAcABb1Op8eRnlEe3dTGRcUR3HFxo6tnL-Gb2p68qdMoJxcpg2FhNiZN9ekWxEpFIQWLqJrTh6ewKNBGI93mmQu7xnwideH_Zq_GYjUGwZs8vfa8tIjjsKIvuXZI1D/s1600/cr+45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKUXul8Hb5-ABY9VAcABb1Op8eRnlEe3dTGRcUR3HFxo6tnL-Gb2p68qdMoJxcpg2FhNiZN9ekWxEpFIQWLqJrTh6ewKNBGI93mmQu7xnwideH_Zq_GYjUGwZs8vfa8tIjjsKIvuXZI1D/s1600/cr+45.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenes from "The Fabulous World of Jules Verne" (1958): This was the first of several Zeman films inspired by the works of Jules Verne. Here, Zeman tried a new artistic style to bring to life the black and white engravings made by the first illustrators of the Jules Verne books. The scenery, costumes and props all had varying degrees of black and white stripes. The film was showered in prizes and became one of the greatest films of the 20th century.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rnyRytHN7jSM3VoStSW8g4snNnTCbcxV_nepKjTCTNBdiLh8Ss50pxYJDtOyBcyR0GZd5MKDaeDdvzXFnIdsSKmrg8YJIe_r7TU90M5vOri8GEf3RH2gam7Pl7ie0L9G-F-GTadzbwP/s1600/cr+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rnyRytHN7jSM3VoStSW8g4snNnTCbcxV_nepKjTCTNBdiLh8Ss50pxYJDtOyBcyR0GZd5MKDaeDdvzXFnIdsSKmrg8YJIe_r7TU90M5vOri8GEf3RH2gam7Pl7ie0L9G-F-GTadzbwP/s1600/cr+46.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeman used flat scenery painted with a 3-dimension feel and placed in such a way to give his sets on film depth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTATo-HOhSbgYZS1oaqLr-PL3CmQQNK_Hg0t268SE9xJ-u9Gq_i0em2GQDI-hnYWwiiQUUMjm7vAKGGw_t2mRyTxENgyOfEH6susbSnqBecPE-qkXNhCwTBigAo_MW4al6qv8rpMTPBghI/s1600/cr+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTATo-HOhSbgYZS1oaqLr-PL3CmQQNK_Hg0t268SE9xJ-u9Gq_i0em2GQDI-hnYWwiiQUUMjm7vAKGGw_t2mRyTxENgyOfEH6susbSnqBecPE-qkXNhCwTBigAo_MW4al6qv8rpMTPBghI/s1600/cr+47.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids hanging out on another film set.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">When we finished up at the Special Effects Museum, we took a walk on the Charles Bridge, which is a 14th century stone bridge that spans the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town to the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">King Charles IV commissioned the bridge and the foundation stone was laid in 1357. The initial intention was to build a functional construction for knight tournaments.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ovgxaoFDdqQoE9QkDnJn0IXsqo5mPRGgA9PAuD8TF01iJ73t76x3xBGyq2DMMgfnWwKjjywF4dTrIUpiD3ODe1sSzsybCjuk3J_LHiXhtVlSKG-IMxWrTcVV2bl1rzUN2naviVMw-8x9/s1600/cr+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ovgxaoFDdqQoE9QkDnJn0IXsqo5mPRGgA9PAuD8TF01iJ73t76x3xBGyq2DMMgfnWwKjjywF4dTrIUpiD3ODe1sSzsybCjuk3J_LHiXhtVlSKG-IMxWrTcVV2bl1rzUN2naviVMw-8x9/s1600/cr+42.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Town Bridge Tower which sits at the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge.</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAntTBOljeCa3NY4lKY75jsmov4EHX3AM1HZgxEvdGI7E5Z3e0ceKPhGterkm0vwq5dMrXbkZHVnfTUwlj2P6oRB0jpaBq-7CvbcYVAM11vWUZlTyADFKWYa9O77mfoZk6k0YLeqFfLU2/s1600/cr+48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAntTBOljeCa3NY4lKY75jsmov4EHX3AM1HZgxEvdGI7E5Z3e0ceKPhGterkm0vwq5dMrXbkZHVnfTUwlj2P6oRB0jpaBq-7CvbcYVAM11vWUZlTyADFKWYa9O77mfoZk6k0YLeqFfLU2/s1600/cr+48.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the bridge at the Old Town Bridge Tower at the entrance to the Old Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQCScZB1P91aeIe3PhywZpe5zlOPHuqaE2i-hSq5sAjN8Bj-YzDFtu6dNP-vzQah2yoHkzRF0aid1dMam_FLUY1vorI5xf46XPYA4ciC7qKiHXmUPpwhQfiXhVWA6SwaIK0pIMMp5TKGs/s1600/cr+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQCScZB1P91aeIe3PhywZpe5zlOPHuqaE2i-hSq5sAjN8Bj-YzDFtu6dNP-vzQah2yoHkzRF0aid1dMam_FLUY1vorI5xf46XPYA4ciC7qKiHXmUPpwhQfiXhVWA6SwaIK0pIMMp5TKGs/s1600/cr+43.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are now 75 statues on the bridge but most are copies as floods and catastrophes over the centuries damaged the originals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">We then drove to the State Opera House to see the opera <i>Madame Butterfly</i> by Giacomo Puccini. This was the kids' first opera and the State Opera House in Prague was a great venue in that it was on the small side (good visibility), it offered English subtitles and the ticket prices were really affordable. The choice, Madame Butterfly, was also good in that everyone grasped the story and we all had a good discussion afterwards about what selfish, horrible person Pinkerton was. And why do they stage Butterfly performing harakiri behind a screen rather than center stage? (The ending, for me, falls flat.)</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAwpcJHLxotq8JWYSclDkEiuxm28mpjx5huIa2sLc5nPZ2RNX0mlq6krJ3HzzZu2ytyC6VoZeM9hubaADf1Cydp2Ijf_BeDtrfKbD0dFbgio1Tpewqccf6jqfietaQirjsAb-NIBePo_Q/s1600/cr+49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAwpcJHLxotq8JWYSclDkEiuxm28mpjx5huIa2sLc5nPZ2RNX0mlq6krJ3HzzZu2ytyC6VoZeM9hubaADf1Cydp2Ijf_BeDtrfKbD0dFbgio1Tpewqccf6jqfietaQirjsAb-NIBePo_Q/s1600/cr+49.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The State Opera originally opened in 1888 as the "New German Theater"; at that time the Czech land was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and there was a large German minority living in Prague.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4lDwylR5ByIIyAr-bs21TY7HO3AXxXsuYrxToT9b4XaehdxxV_tS827l4koGzUo1lVHtoLSTDiANqGEpImuHhfQz-rBsVDfJSdBHdR30VC1D8TfcumygOUPU_0UcgtrqMIzoyqKsICO/s1600/cr+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4lDwylR5ByIIyAr-bs21TY7HO3AXxXsuYrxToT9b4XaehdxxV_tS827l4koGzUo1lVHtoLSTDiANqGEpImuHhfQz-rBsVDfJSdBHdR30VC1D8TfcumygOUPU_0UcgtrqMIzoyqKsICO/s1600/cr+50.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent got us box seats so we had our own balcony. Sweet! Good precaution in case anyone wanted to crawl up on the floor and nod off. But no one did. The kids had staying power.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinucg1Q9Xgp8j67oIOSANoZ4leoHX03oguVA1yow5DbyQkPyog1Bo9Pk1QG9RyoFij-ivulQRuP4pBev8y-n5ov9ZBndrhS9IwvFkOryQOqykM6S0DZEZE0X_FEd3lOA8JqAhoR5lH2RWl/s1600/cr+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinucg1Q9Xgp8j67oIOSANoZ4leoHX03oguVA1yow5DbyQkPyog1Bo9Pk1QG9RyoFij-ivulQRuP4pBev8y-n5ov9ZBndrhS9IwvFkOryQOqykM6S0DZEZE0X_FEd3lOA8JqAhoR5lH2RWl/s1600/cr+54.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of the elaborate neo-rococo decor around the box seats. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This was our last day in Prague and the Czech Republic. It was just an introduction for most of us and worthy of a return visit one day. Again, there were many sights not well-explored so we'll just have to add Prague and more of the Czech Republic to the growing list of repeat visits down the road.</span></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-65793272226102568732014-05-17T07:16:00.003-07:002015-07-26T20:54:52.313-07:00Vienna Austria, Bratislava Slovakia and Venice Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>April 24th</b>,
we left Budapest and headed towards Vienna, Austria. I had visited
Vienna over 20 years ago with my mother and aunt and always knew I
wanted to return.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvJontC8mArasgY8oqudP41aZ0sAmQLLWAWjJocZnBXbjEqHhubDOEnXCUyR8eIkq62ggvvc9C6IPocqKhaiwwKq0YVceezfuVacfpQxCfVfEG5wM1_JXgyuV2qAngfQzuzzkcgHbye0T/s1600/yellow+flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvJontC8mArasgY8oqudP41aZ0sAmQLLWAWjJocZnBXbjEqHhubDOEnXCUyR8eIkq62ggvvc9C6IPocqKhaiwwKq0YVceezfuVacfpQxCfVfEG5wM1_JXgyuV2qAngfQzuzzkcgHbye0T/s1600/yellow+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our drive through Austria
towards Vienna (and also back into Hungary), we drove by fields of
rapeseed flowers. They were just gorgeous. Rapeseed is grown for the
production of animal feed, vegetable oil for human consumption, and
biodiesel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-77vS7nuR7HxFSCus9dr5vPAeNkvpL57u1B6COme_D2zd_ywydd1KtFRHg52PAye1hSvJgcwz9rGX5ZQPhAvyUuihTfStKYrI8195J9nMY4-8zL-8FMDEM572hj4WUeNS4HuBED3EKG7j/s1600/yellow+flowers+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-77vS7nuR7HxFSCus9dr5vPAeNkvpL57u1B6COme_D2zd_ywydd1KtFRHg52PAye1hSvJgcwz9rGX5ZQPhAvyUuihTfStKYrI8195J9nMY4-8zL-8FMDEM572hj4WUeNS4HuBED3EKG7j/s1600/yellow+flowers+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More rapeseed fields as seen from the highway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
En route to our first choice campground, Vincent
received a message that it was full, so we adjusted our course to head
to the campground Wienerwald in the village, Sulz im Wienerwald
(~€12/day which included our being absent 5 days in Venice), about 20
minutes drive outside of Vienna. The Wienerwald campground turned out to be just fine and in a lovely setting with horses, goats and rabbits on the property. A load of laundry in the campground washing machine was a mere €2 which probably the best price we'd encountered yet on this trip. When trying to hook up LandShark to the electrical outlet however, we found that we did not have the right fitting to plug in. The campground outlet was a simple 2-pronged socket, whereas our plug was equipped with a 3rd grounded prong. A kind neighbor loaned us theirs and gave us a map pointing to a camping supply store where we could buy an adapter. So that is to where we headed, and we had dinner along the way. The rest of the evening was spent doing the usual: Research, blogging, homework and messing with the dog.<br />
<br />
On <b>April 25th</b>,
we decided to visit the Schönbrunn Palace. It was the former summer
residence of the Habsburg family and is one of Europe's most impressive
Baroque palace complexes.<br />
<br />
Here's a very brief history: Records go back to 1569, when Roman Emperor Maximilian II built a mansion to host hunting expeditions where Schönbrunn Palace now stands. Thereafter, the land had a tumultuous history and it wasn't until Emperor Charles VI acquired Schönbrunn
in 1728 and then made it a gift to his daughter, Maria Theresa, that the
palace took form as it is seen today. During Maria
Theresa's reign, the palace became the center of court and political
life. Under her personal influence and the supervision of the architect,
Nikolaus Pacassi, the once hunting lodge was rebuilt and
extended into a palatial residence. Work on the unfinished building
began in the winter of 1742/43 and
eventually culminated into a huge rebuilding project which gave the palace
the appearance it largely retains to this day.<br />
<br />
Following
the sudden death of Maria Theresa's husband, Emperor Franz Stephan, in 1765, a new phase of refurbishment
and alterations ensued. The widowed empress had several rooms in the
east wing of the palace appointed as memorial rooms and spared no
expense in fitting them out with precious Chinese lacquer panels and
costly wooden paneling which have been preserved to this day and can be
seen on the palace tour.<br />
<br />
The last project initiated by Maria Theresa, during the 1770s, was the
designing and laying out of the gardens under the supervision of court
architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, who constructed
architectural features in the park such as the Gloriette, the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruin<b> </b>and the Obelisk Fountain.
In addition, the garden avenues, fountains and open spaces were enhanced with
statues and sculptures in the antique style executed by Wilhelm Beyer
and his studio. The remodeling of the palace and gardens was not
finally completed until just before Maria Theresa's death in 1780.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBe6W9vO9N6zsfuR3uHaGIjded2QHbOeXLfCUd57M7qooMLFxX0gsDUE-EZGXUyrjFPc2CLCFQaS5zRiRXUBnA2KSU3wP6T9ZQ82l6QVz3bOJ0v3Rm2pCAu-LVejoIYbYtvt3NRrIkMid/s1600/schoen+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBe6W9vO9N6zsfuR3uHaGIjded2QHbOeXLfCUd57M7qooMLFxX0gsDUE-EZGXUyrjFPc2CLCFQaS5zRiRXUBnA2KSU3wP6T9ZQ82l6QVz3bOJ0v3Rm2pCAu-LVejoIYbYtvt3NRrIkMid/s1600/schoen+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having just walked through the main gates, this is the view as one walks towards Schönbrunn Palace. It was an overcast day so was difficult to get a good photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon
arrival at the Palace, we bought a "Classic Plus" ticket which
included a self-guided tour of the palace and access to the Privy
Garden, to the Gloriette panorama terrace, to the maze, labyrinth and
playground and entrance to the Apple Strudel Show. (Yes, there was indeed an Apple Strudel Show.)<br />
<br />
We
had to wait about an hour before we could start our tour of the palace
so we found a restaurant for lunch (as we are so apt to do). After lunch,
we went directly to the tour which included an audioguide and was
actually a great way to go through the rooms at one's own pace. Taking
photographs of the palace rooms was not allowed so if interested, one
can see photos of the rooms on the tour (and more) by clicking <a href="http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/things-to-know/palace/tour-of-the-palace.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Once
we finished the tour, the kids wanted to find the maze, labyrinth and
playground. We headed towards that section of the gardens and here are a few photos I took of the park
along the way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIXbQInP9L4M3AP9a8CwWDzBDGKO9rHXMcaw7ODOqUhVYXsWl5Rbv-dcyNOSH6Plxd8HOo_G4MWSgGzKDewpEXddt0KxNiEiTKFz6zEBPsR5h8YlHTLDGehfOiWISYrJIaJrRdqK_dPGu/s1600/schoen+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIXbQInP9L4M3AP9a8CwWDzBDGKO9rHXMcaw7ODOqUhVYXsWl5Rbv-dcyNOSH6Plxd8HOo_G4MWSgGzKDewpEXddt0KxNiEiTKFz6zEBPsR5h8YlHTLDGehfOiWISYrJIaJrRdqK_dPGu/s1600/schoen+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain) (center) and Gloriette up on the hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6IfH1qPzoeMUjQQkoLhK1fgs8B9fOc-Qj3G3bimjBkAGNeC99vB419n20KH27R3dUgPeQxXpcCR0Uc7_6IGJdNwSBz9i0a9jgYeJN8urFY5OifdU0Ux7_S4pCrDZcXA2OYGFr59zB7z2/s1600/schoen+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We arrived
during the peak tulip blooming period. There were many extremely tall
manicured hedges, trees and mature vines that had been topped off giving
the feeling of walls framing the garden "avenues".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fsO5sXJ-3x04rP45qNnnBh1MWuWbrzdSMoZPI6-O2LRKTxvzXX2uPPmq5flU_wtBNFKE_vaQYU8Hoygwhl-3SLaL4q7CNkAli5DFyrJLqFgQKcenEv4hq8xDE1rd9rLCscYzH77nx_o/s1600/schoen+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fsO5sXJ-3x04rP45qNnnBh1MWuWbrzdSMoZPI6-O2LRKTxvzXX2uPPmq5flU_wtBNFKE_vaQYU8Hoygwhl-3SLaL4q7CNkAli5DFyrJLqFgQKcenEv4hq8xDE1rd9rLCscYzH77nx_o/s1600/schoen+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Najadenbassin (Naiads Basin).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9zz0DYW8s0n0Qux1Ua5ZDNuD-WyOFPfjXA_Kh3QDe8_kuwendE7Zb8DhCHy5lDQ-bQkWf6MD8M52YIvS9W7s1ugPTkhfBKM8fpSxGAXwHM68pP4qTOEyRM1ZPQRSDfI3TgwIJsGgfmg7/s1600/schoen+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9zz0DYW8s0n0Qux1Ua5ZDNuD-WyOFPfjXA_Kh3QDe8_kuwendE7Zb8DhCHy5lDQ-bQkWf6MD8M52YIvS9W7s1ugPTkhfBKM8fpSxGAXwHM68pP4qTOEyRM1ZPQRSDfI3TgwIJsGgfmg7/s1600/schoen+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were 2 mazes and 1 labyrinth to follow. The maze in the foreground was laid out between 1698 and 1740 and consisted
of four different parts with a central elevated pavilion from
which the maze could be seen as a whole.<br />
During the 19th century
it was gradually abandoned until in 1892 the last remaining hedges
were felled. In autumn 1998 a new maze with a viewing platform (from
where this photo was taken) at its centre was laid out taking the
historical model into account where possible.The labyrinth (top left)
includes games, puzzles and a giant kaleidoscope.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 16:00 we went to the <a href="http://www.cafe-residenz.at/en/our-offers/original-wiener-apfelstrudel/original-wiener-strudelshow.html" target="_blank">Apple Strudel Show</a>
in which a woman demonstrated how to make (obviously) apple strudel. At the end of
the demonstration, we were provided with a Strudel hotline number and
email address in the event we have trouble making our own strudel and
need help! (If interested, +43 1 24 100 310 and residenz@cafe-wien.at.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvaatu1Sdg5ItA7OPVq3znil1nQOYFSJN9vpeim4ms8KMGvGj_vLIZJHjMoUk6jucerYSDpJLm9TT-DzLv92p4ZwG_TnVxmRq19fCd7H-2zMXU-35r1pjDBQ8FAcxxFFvairzE7Bumzgo/s1600/strudel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvaatu1Sdg5ItA7OPVq3znil1nQOYFSJN9vpeim4ms8KMGvGj_vLIZJHjMoUk6jucerYSDpJLm9TT-DzLv92p4ZwG_TnVxmRq19fCd7H-2zMXU-35r1pjDBQ8FAcxxFFvairzE7Bumzgo/s1600/strudel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An enticing
feature of the show was that one received an apple strudel sample to
eat while watching someone make more apple strudel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspIx_XRfZhJAHggu4sS8fnp75dTTURWYKc6j5Qeox1_9N7CiHpmVQRbTYad9PazBpFEe_hkdBqezJx5WeH9YUuTOyYKi4ZlUgZdtdTTvMopvvegNw1Qx2OJPo_SzUNdxAhbf0Fj2D4jC6/s1600/strudel+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspIx_XRfZhJAHggu4sS8fnp75dTTURWYKc6j5Qeox1_9N7CiHpmVQRbTYad9PazBpFEe_hkdBqezJx5WeH9YUuTOyYKi4ZlUgZdtdTTvMopvvegNw1Qx2OJPo_SzUNdxAhbf0Fj2D4jC6/s1600/strudel+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the
demonstrator was working with the dough. In order to give it this
incredible elasticity, the dough was soaked in oil for several hours.
She rolled the dough out like a pie shell and then started working with
it like pizza dough. However unlike pizza, she was able to stretch it to
a paper-thin thickness without tearing the dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the Apple Strudel Show, Vince and
the kids decided to go to the Technisches (Technical) Museum which was
just two blocks away from the palace grounds. I chose to spend the next
90 minutes or so at the palace and see the other things our Classical
Plus ticket included.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKguXgsTqBO9LZywoeV3Uo-rvvF6iAx5l0JANLouFdK6FuXaJZaaO6oh5_x0PynqBguoKACU8dLs9oPnlWe_0xeolEB_CIGm5aYLgixI0BzU7ftAgMJnJIKmjHZhpGkfQETYfu66tyU4P/s1600/schoen+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKguXgsTqBO9LZywoeV3Uo-rvvF6iAx5l0JANLouFdK6FuXaJZaaO6oh5_x0PynqBguoKACU8dLs9oPnlWe_0xeolEB_CIGm5aYLgixI0BzU7ftAgMJnJIKmjHZhpGkfQETYfu66tyU4P/s1600/schoen+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Privy Garden: It is also known as the Crown Prince Rudolf Garden and is
part of the Meidling Kammergärten. It lies immediately in front of the
east façade of the palace, and received its name around 1870, after
apartments had been furnished for Crown Prince Rudolf on the ground
floor of this wing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT8veHXq4465htg_VkfL_4PHWczqqshprMmEC1yDUdW_BWlp1LumrIusBDmQeavdNh_mQdUxtQEgM3FFtPG1HbWFxbccQP-DycPRur4wnh-k3_xBy5EKIVwhG_h90DTzlJIFQX91rORGV/s1600/schoen+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT8veHXq4465htg_VkfL_4PHWczqqshprMmEC1yDUdW_BWlp1LumrIusBDmQeavdNh_mQdUxtQEgM3FFtPG1HbWFxbccQP-DycPRur4wnh-k3_xBy5EKIVwhG_h90DTzlJIFQX91rORGV/s1600/schoen+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain): It is located at the foot of the hill behind the palace and was designed as the
crowning element of the Great Parterre. It was
conceived as part of the overall design of the gardens and park
commissioned by Maria Theresa in the 1770s. Excavations for the pool (situated in front of the fountain)
began in 1776 and the fountain was completed four years later, just
before the death of the empress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Kdsel3UdQtsFOMnTVqbHXmRFvN1ff5yxCYeDjbzOri5tAak9wdLV-Y61ltBY3XjnD8z3SXzXe9vhhZnQpieL0-SLQO7eMGB6c49-y-KCsJ8JRtWbzeY3EwbS6Q3dme70iByq7wJJN6yE/s1600/schoen+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A belvedere for Schönbrunn Hill was intended as the crowning touch to the
palatial Baroque ensemble in Leopold I's time back in the late1600s, but it was not until Johann Ferdinand
Hetzendorf von Hohenberg remodelled the park that this project was
finally realised. The early classicistic colonnaded Gloriette was built
to Hohenberg's designs on the crest of the hill in 1775. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWu75-u88tXg2KRE6lbhVgiVgZgRxkWYSti3BiTU0WkUm4FXznZzOME0aTO3GoIkqrDmFGxf0Di9MN0YMPWam3aIDRmcbC_vArIX-gKdNffUhtIIwTtcM8qzOvIQVjzNT7kaFvyuOORME/s1600/schoen+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWu75-u88tXg2KRE6lbhVgiVgZgRxkWYSti3BiTU0WkUm4FXznZzOME0aTO3GoIkqrDmFGxf0Di9MN0YMPWam3aIDRmcbC_vArIX-gKdNffUhtIIwTtcM8qzOvIQVjzNT7kaFvyuOORME/s1600/schoen+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The broad reaching view from the Gloriette's panorama terrace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2crvLgSnThK-mD9uBIqu48wje5lhYhqrVlvta-h74GHP-fTBOLSDqP_f__GQhEEwrFJv-5lZBoYTE3GvA14l1hRDrPhVuo08h8YNU5eByPz1ltZoHcMzZCa41JjfcUKzLoWyD6j9Z7p_/s1600/schoen+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2crvLgSnThK-mD9uBIqu48wje5lhYhqrVlvta-h74GHP-fTBOLSDqP_f__GQhEEwrFJv-5lZBoYTE3GvA14l1hRDrPhVuo08h8YNU5eByPz1ltZoHcMzZCa41JjfcUKzLoWyD6j9Z7p_/s1600/schoen+11.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whimsical wisteria tunnel that emitted an exquisite perfumed scent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I later met Vincent and the kids in the lobby of
the Technisches Museum. I asked the kids what they thought of it and
they replied that it was, "Okay". There weren't too many hands-on
displays apparently. I asked Vincent what he thought of it and he said,
"It was really good." Displays were translated into English and, "If one
took the time to read, one could learn a lot." Vincent noted that many
displays incorporated what was going on in history during the time of the science discovery
which made it more interesting. The museum charged €10 for adults and
children up to 19 years old were free. The pricing perhaps signaled that
the older the person, the more they were likely to get out of a visit
to the museum.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFgfPR6N85d2xgXaw8V_8F-5gQ-JOZsISzQNbVSfNltlRTv9P_aujpvLR7kVbjGNG7EpsQwXu1zJrdJbOC7u2jVKqRwqL_zLovlwI5gWcynSfzMmTEdnAwU72L63Cw5HD0tWr1VaTKxgn/s1600/tech+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFgfPR6N85d2xgXaw8V_8F-5gQ-JOZsISzQNbVSfNltlRTv9P_aujpvLR7kVbjGNG7EpsQwXu1zJrdJbOC7u2jVKqRwqL_zLovlwI5gWcynSfzMmTEdnAwU72L63Cw5HD0tWr1VaTKxgn/s1600/tech+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby of the Technisches Museum: Construction
of the building started in 1909 and the museum was opened in 1918. It
obviously has been renovated and updated since then.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 26th</b>, we packed our bags
and left LandShark and the Prius at Camping Wienerwald for a five day excursion to
Venice, Italy. At one time, we had planned to drive to Venice and camp on the outskirts of the city but in Vincent's efforts to minimize miles driven in LandShark,
he organized a trip via public transportation; the excursion involved a bus, local
train, subway, overnight train and vaporetto to reach our booked apartment in
the Cannaregio district of Venice. Since we would be carrying
everything, including Molly's bed, food and dishes, we packed with just
the bare essentials.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCkAY9uHtLaTgZEHpYgcTGq53il34R_6dIO3pKVZUNlHC7OQYyp_wC6yJEhh5TALksmDDDmCJMmkgpHZrXASRITbcqXmIlF4lvFCY-UGeeHCCB7TLRBnWOZQ9UvzaWQ__mVQcLbNoRtny/s1600/bus+stop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCkAY9uHtLaTgZEHpYgcTGq53il34R_6dIO3pKVZUNlHC7OQYyp_wC6yJEhh5TALksmDDDmCJMmkgpHZrXASRITbcqXmIlF4lvFCY-UGeeHCCB7TLRBnWOZQ9UvzaWQ__mVQcLbNoRtny/s1600/bus+stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting
for the bus that would take us to a local train and then subway (that would in turn
take us to the West Banhof station). We weren't sure whether Molly would
be allowed on the bus or local train so we packed her in a carrying bag
to be less conspicuous. Would anyone notice her?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2yupSCwgKV1UaazHnhHoY2l8E_TciDQt655yZYz9Df3Um964stlObptuXaQtK_XPtyTQOLE8XuDUCU5BbrKesl-kywch-5r45DW81VOslxd-Lyq-wCmCXaYmgDPvZAPKdId4G_maLQ6q/s1600/bus+stop+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2yupSCwgKV1UaazHnhHoY2l8E_TciDQt655yZYz9Df3Um964stlObptuXaQtK_XPtyTQOLE8XuDUCU5BbrKesl-kywch-5r45DW81VOslxd-Lyq-wCmCXaYmgDPvZAPKdId4G_maLQ6q/s1600/bus+stop+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So
far so good. Well, that was until Molly lunged and barked at the passenger
wearing a hood (startling everyone on the bus in the process). Paul had to turn her around so she was facing James and
wouldn't see people passing by. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
arrived at the train station and found a luggage locker to place our
belongings while we walked around Vienna. At this point, it was about
14:00 and our train wouldn't depart until 20:44 so we had a good 6+
hours to put in. Since we had Molly with us, we knew we couldn't go into
any museums so we opted to do the self-guided walking tour. We started
by walking up Mariahilfer Strauss, which is a main shopping street,
towards the historical hub of Vienna. Here are a subset of places we saw
along the way:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73Fo5cdLG4YsgqGs9g5zD2hPtTdR-L2wTVNODLJOzlVTZkRMTT0uH87tIHuyOlyxoMh_Jz3xtZok4EECYnIks_KoPkYFe9zQbNFO_JrXHC8Zt4h8cGt6b0LpV6cTuRkq-6cl8XtcSFNmR/s1600/wien+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="280" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mariahilfer Kirche (Church):<i> </i>It is a Baroque church originally built in 1686–1689, but redesigned in 1711–1715. In front of the church is a statue of the composer, Josef Haydn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM-emkI0_E-NAsLe9LUaA6InQZEFAojss1iaCXlYjmw8TovXRxFOSDMRfkrDSBP2QFKv4vpCv7tatXR3zxtXiBfqtfidTe5WIoGh4QZYwMYplI_XiukvXVwVsspw60ygSjbnPQ_ZkN8sp/s1600/horse+accordian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM-emkI0_E-NAsLe9LUaA6InQZEFAojss1iaCXlYjmw8TovXRxFOSDMRfkrDSBP2QFKv4vpCv7tatXR3zxtXiBfqtfidTe5WIoGh4QZYwMYplI_XiukvXVwVsspw60ygSjbnPQ_ZkN8sp/s1600/horse+accordian.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This equestrian accordian player was busking just outside of the Museum Quartier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh71xfhpJuaOoqIc-ASPwIid6Wah5PCRKOxf3tFlg8B5nZg0aOp_SrvY4r0L_t1xllgDzo2ZE-4tOniFXgd5o9SQSIHYHppY-KDFK1gT6TEtiHiIzHLy0JuDfvA5wROLEiAwVIKD-p4jS/s1600/wien+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh71xfhpJuaOoqIc-ASPwIid6Wah5PCRKOxf3tFlg8B5nZg0aOp_SrvY4r0L_t1xllgDzo2ZE-4tOniFXgd5o9SQSIHYHppY-KDFK1gT6TEtiHiIzHLy0JuDfvA5wROLEiAwVIKD-p4jS/s1600/wien+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kunsthistorisches Museum: This museum of art history and fine arts was opened around 1891 at the same time as the Naturhistorisches Museum, by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary. The two museums have identical exteriors and face each other across Maria-Theresien-Platz. The museums were commissioned by the Emperor in order to find a suitable shelter for the Habsburg's formidable art collection and to make it accessible to the general public.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWMhmAh_S-tOY9dKNyzSRAo2RmxxZ3Yv7Sy6YTgQ5ecwlpqluXP8sheydAyfi2__8K2hsTSk3CyYyyw_x3rbB4BsVvIFGmyt5FViBI0VHctSp3huiMPB_uywCa7EiT4dAdGx7RGXPLWg8/s1600/wien+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWMhmAh_S-tOY9dKNyzSRAo2RmxxZ3Yv7Sy6YTgQ5ecwlpqluXP8sheydAyfi2__8K2hsTSk3CyYyyw_x3rbB4BsVvIFGmyt5FViBI0VHctSp3huiMPB_uywCa7EiT4dAdGx7RGXPLWg8/s1600/wien+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking
along Babenbergerstrasse: Any tree that could be in bloom was blooming.
Vienna was so green and the buildings so beautiful. This is one of my
favorite cities in Europe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju51zfvd_vxiAen5_f6_VFmh7YdFOADSEuGMfvc4obI1UMF-zBdzhatA5ii6mD2nAFoaa2AkE8gcswvtTA5eoBE9TaZJyeo8w5Ojj_E_BcHBPlfsCiffnA0bVcZi7Xl9BQ_eZJ0LvXZ6SA/s1600/mozart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju51zfvd_vxiAen5_f6_VFmh7YdFOADSEuGMfvc4obI1UMF-zBdzhatA5ii6mD2nAFoaa2AkE8gcswvtTA5eoBE9TaZJyeo8w5Ojj_E_BcHBPlfsCiffnA0bVcZi7Xl9BQ_eZJ0LvXZ6SA/s1600/mozart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozart Denkmal statue in the Burggarten (Castle Park) located next to the Hofburg Palace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUM1oNE97YFzYklSHBD7cF_DYfRccJzNGUQa_dTaM5Drl9TjfkzO2WdJTgwyt5GP59ttDJgfVrK-_HmkgXvYlEjB3PlLK9YHkgCHzpU93d-x1NxHNH-WIhtUBR_ye7lDbvIToO0MHupok/s1600/wien+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUM1oNE97YFzYklSHBD7cF_DYfRccJzNGUQa_dTaM5Drl9TjfkzO2WdJTgwyt5GP59ttDJgfVrK-_HmkgXvYlEjB3PlLK9YHkgCHzpU93d-x1NxHNH-WIhtUBR_ye7lDbvIToO0MHupok/s1600/wien+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephansdom
(St Stephen's Cathedral): This massive gothic cathedral is the center
of the city and is the focal point of Vienna's main square,
Stephanplatz. St Stephen's started as a parish in 1147 and was completed in 1433.
St Stephen's has the second largest swinging bell in Europe; it is
officially named for St Mary, but is referred to as Pummerin ("Boomer")
and weighs 20,130 kilograms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo_yiy4tofB6FtGF5HAk2OFE1wrm5n2GDOIiMSXpXDAO-2slZjcqcN5ofURzJWOpSfvAdwgUXR9ukcmZf8BwjtZAJ6ARv099DIhicjPsbL0aoTafSis-_dGfHiPyFf_GAeCjHC4aD-BGJ/s1600/wien+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo_yiy4tofB6FtGF5HAk2OFE1wrm5n2GDOIiMSXpXDAO-2slZjcqcN5ofURzJWOpSfvAdwgUXR9ukcmZf8BwjtZAJ6ARv099DIhicjPsbL0aoTafSis-_dGfHiPyFf_GAeCjHC4aD-BGJ/s1600/wien+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Stephen's has 18 altars in the main part of the church, and more in the various chapels. The main
High Altar took over seven years to build (1641 to 1647) and was done as
part of the first refurbishment of the cathedral in the baroque style. The stone pulpit is a masterwork of late Gothic sculpture and, like so many built centuries ago, sits out in the nave so that worshipers could better hear the sermon in the days before microphones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcpF6rjQale5OMcFH6Ng6KEDIAu-XZqwvQZ3QSyV_rKqNAYXLHQoI1TBgNQzFO5Y76xBwlIUPDw7a1dV7n8IYNXeCNwRF7WFWAHl5JgD2EwdrJCFQgLIcj0MmI9DesX5aFYiCAtTTbPya/s1600/wien+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcpF6rjQale5OMcFH6Ng6KEDIAu-XZqwvQZ3QSyV_rKqNAYXLHQoI1TBgNQzFO5Y76xBwlIUPDw7a1dV7n8IYNXeCNwRF7WFWAHl5JgD2EwdrJCFQgLIcj0MmI9DesX5aFYiCAtTTbPya/s1600/wien+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The organ has been an important feature of St Stephen's since the 14th century. After the fire of 1945, Michael Kauffmann built a large
electric organ with 125 voices and 4 manuals (completed in 1960). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn_l_4UdTOQZN0oWwIzA920Lw1VMncX7CRpa5NMCNMuJrPDYJCS-XEDBZU2wQ4Fk-PKctoTrw9Y3RKarra-maG6-hYa0RXnO4twSdz8W6T6b8Vbdo9Pc06gvP7uaJ4BvOtrn2P9AgaT7a/s1600/wien+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn_l_4UdTOQZN0oWwIzA920Lw1VMncX7CRpa5NMCNMuJrPDYJCS-XEDBZU2wQ4Fk-PKctoTrw9Y3RKarra-maG6-hYa0RXnO4twSdz8W6T6b8Vbdo9Pc06gvP7uaJ4BvOtrn2P9AgaT7a/s1600/wien+7.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pestsäule (plague Column)<b> </b>located on the Graben: It was erected to commemorate the end of one of the last big plagues to hit Europe and Vienna (1679).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqxAT-CDT2IfakZ4WLCOsQTRwVR2CyoTAaHNmq2hlrmN5w6oP6laTrUwmJpndbncT4-8DbeCuDluMV53uPkwkjhrcaD210VwtsiqixAQk2dh0ql5k0CUrx0FrLxU5CXUQFgFrXsUSEXbC/s1600/wien+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqxAT-CDT2IfakZ4WLCOsQTRwVR2CyoTAaHNmq2hlrmN5w6oP6laTrUwmJpndbncT4-8DbeCuDluMV53uPkwkjhrcaD210VwtsiqixAQk2dh0ql5k0CUrx0FrLxU5CXUQFgFrXsUSEXbC/s1600/wien+8.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peterskirche (St Peters) is a baroque Roman Catholic parish located on Petersplatz next to the Graben.
While other churches sat on this location, the current building was
consecrated in 1733. It was the first domed structure in Vienna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDEkfA3Nz9sgQmNBkp6mu-lZOZ9PYo837u8Op_nB9kM23pNxO7shjA_wOQW5pKJZ2oBoysgPquQ-HMffqQfbZk8m7Ahv5Snqe2uPbk1VxGnopV_ihF_xWhVSZ0qPyzPhaWvoTHPl74GaL/s1600/wien+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDEkfA3Nz9sgQmNBkp6mu-lZOZ9PYo837u8Op_nB9kM23pNxO7shjA_wOQW5pKJZ2oBoysgPquQ-HMffqQfbZk8m7Ahv5Snqe2uPbk1VxGnopV_ihF_xWhVSZ0qPyzPhaWvoTHPl74GaL/s1600/wien+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">highly decorated</span> interior of St Peters is stunning. It<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> contains a lot of fine artwork from the early 18th century,
including frescoes, gilded carved wood features and altarpieces.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_HnwbrzQzF5XrudcoiIcxBjB-2wYtufmpeZ6ieC1gvM-CWAcWVZ31xvt7Zs4gUF4YclHrhXvSkviOM5EpdpGKnd4pKnJNCSrbhZ97RJiThH3plNhwMUq5cLxP5GsEC6cYR0IiA3aRZ-8/s1600/wien+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_HnwbrzQzF5XrudcoiIcxBjB-2wYtufmpeZ6ieC1gvM-CWAcWVZ31xvt7Zs4gUF4YclHrhXvSkviOM5EpdpGKnd4pKnJNCSrbhZ97RJiThH3plNhwMUq5cLxP5GsEC6cYR0IiA3aRZ-8/s1600/wien+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baroque high altar was constructed by Antonio Galli Bibiena and his Bolognese workshop. Martino Altomonte created the altarpiece. The altarpiece portrays the <i>Healing of the Lame by St. Peter and St. John in Jerusalem</i>. The gilded ornate pulpit is a sculpture by Matthias Steinl (1726); on top of the canopy is a representation of the Holy Trinity. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVdlcH5JGsfJmuYLpV5EcTAial1jQu-B4Jfllb-knZEE4FfJjRoJo29U0YnKgyHXLj5TIJsa_85NDGOd0-toe10f2HC7H0YF5oq-nnG1eL4NO8IoJt8SGnRyJZ-Yyiu3-Te-e4Q4Su0NY/s1600/wien+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVdlcH5JGsfJmuYLpV5EcTAial1jQu-B4Jfllb-knZEE4FfJjRoJo29U0YnKgyHXLj5TIJsa_85NDGOd0-toe10f2HC7H0YF5oq-nnG1eL4NO8IoJt8SGnRyJZ-Yyiu3-Te-e4Q4Su0NY/s1600/wien+10.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turreted dome was mainly designed by Matthias Steinl, who was also responsible for much of the interior decoration. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving St Peters, within the span of about 5 seconds, Sarah tripped and fell, skinning both knees and spraining or breaking her little finger (we weren't sure at the time); meanwhile Vince and the boys noticed that Molly just urinated a lot of blood a few yards away. We had a double crisis on our hands and it was 15:30 on a Saturday afternoon. We knew there was no chance of an animal clinic being open today nor tomorrow and we weren't sure whether we should be rushing to find a (human) medical center. (Sarah was prone to breaking bones.) With a train to catch in a few hours, we put Molly in the red carry bag so she wouldn't have to walk further and continued on our walking tour hoping to find an apotek (pharmacy) along the way. We did eventually come across an apotek and bought some topical pain reliever and a bandage to wrap Sarah's finger and give it more support. If we didn't come across a medical center, during the next couple of hours, we'd see how her finger was the next day and then seek out treatment, if necessary, in Venice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01ThDOgZc8CFlJLl3UlV_wsUNIztY4nVuEkc9wL00V3LrLVlrg7f-OPxXPRACAa7w8F43WtltY_8d_NWaYeLq9wB8nBzIKXIX0bv5LoONSUvMU7VN1lW90VQt75WUR7o3nZckFDvT9M44/s1600/wien+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01ThDOgZc8CFlJLl3UlV_wsUNIztY4nVuEkc9wL00V3LrLVlrg7f-OPxXPRACAa7w8F43WtltY_8d_NWaYeLq9wB8nBzIKXIX0bv5LoONSUvMU7VN1lW90VQt75WUR7o3nZckFDvT9M44/s1600/wien+19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah with a make-shift sling (her purse) and Molly back in the bag. There was trouble right here in Vienna city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbZmc_R1aVDz4aqutPIRjJIPDuLq3ra26GwpTf1d6G_XbQ_wFX58MNkiWyxITMJE_HsVjH4cuCgvamuJtdGEuc3NfRRTvl8o8xvwtjUM7VaXwun6CbWMLB7zl8eLjKs0V_OZeM2dPhYsa/s1600/wien+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbZmc_R1aVDz4aqutPIRjJIPDuLq3ra26GwpTf1d6G_XbQ_wFX58MNkiWyxITMJE_HsVjH4cuCgvamuJtdGEuc3NfRRTvl8o8xvwtjUM7VaXwun6CbWMLB7zl8eLjKs0V_OZeM2dPhYsa/s1600/wien+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we started back to the train station, we passed the Spanish Winter Riding School. The Spanish Winter Riding School dates back to the 16th century but the building that is seen today wasn't built until 1729-35. The school was named for the Spanish horses that formed one of the bases of the Lipizzan breed, which was used exclusively at the school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlm8gJV9T_9Da2aDK36naYfiWuEGdyBeGK5Fwxih_VI-PrN9qGlc-CE0Dc8j7f6jSI8ksr9QlddOgsYcdXhGiLwHqr4vNe6kJOvbdJmvTXozWZHTOxHzoz53oxin9BPwhy7rTyjkrIPfV/s1600/wien+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlm8gJV9T_9Da2aDK36naYfiWuEGdyBeGK5Fwxih_VI-PrN9qGlc-CE0Dc8j7f6jSI8ksr9QlddOgsYcdXhGiLwHqr4vNe6kJOvbdJmvTXozWZHTOxHzoz53oxin9BPwhy7rTyjkrIPfV/s1600/wien+17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul standing beside some ancient Roman wall ruins located by the Spanish Riding School. The walls are from a fortified military camp that the Romans started building in 15 BC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvNmWWNgp7SkukQzjkExjNAq5gXCi-sXOkJqTT6INHa4TOExPw8aozMwb9WNAWH37_LK-Sz8YVPNixc_xMhaavlyK4vjNFeTbeyjfO2ct3CXAPuj8CDTaMiW0HaCRzDGddZFz_UEv4ywi/s1600/wien+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvNmWWNgp7SkukQzjkExjNAq5gXCi-sXOkJqTT6INHa4TOExPw8aozMwb9WNAWH37_LK-Sz8YVPNixc_xMhaavlyK4vjNFeTbeyjfO2ct3CXAPuj8CDTaMiW0HaCRzDGddZFz_UEv4ywi/s1600/wien+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austrian National Library: Built by Emperor Charles and Empress Maria Theresa from 1720-23, the library is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world today. The statue is of Emperor Joseph II.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCLqTJEDeB_M1KrZySivSok5Nu7-d10mV4mGHkDcRUonskHb-bDHol6J0wA1UCQXx0RSTrHkxjZwj5vvVLJuvzrjlOew9I3j0xuf2EfO6kT0ERQ6Wd541CIxTGNmXWWdjnbcY8nW8bcbD/s1600/wien+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCLqTJEDeB_M1KrZySivSok5Nu7-d10mV4mGHkDcRUonskHb-bDHol6J0wA1UCQXx0RSTrHkxjZwj5vvVLJuvzrjlOew9I3j0xuf2EfO6kT0ERQ6Wd541CIxTGNmXWWdjnbcY8nW8bcbD/s1600/wien+20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking towards the Albertina Museum: The Albertina Museum houses approximately 65,000 drawings and approximately 1 million old master prints, as well as more modern graphic works, photographs and architectural drawings. On the stairs to the entrance is a copy of "Young Hare" (1502) by Albrecht Dürer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AaPOBDjSAvz28dhNN73oByZxPI44-X8SmFeUWSneGgT7G1F7AJTUR-FaTQLNEQPk8bIuIZNvfpBm89mdzKH8gACyU0sBugUjPynz0HlDMkbA-w0r1DKN6livgrZgi2SWG3XxA06WjpK_/s1600/wien+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AaPOBDjSAvz28dhNN73oByZxPI44-X8SmFeUWSneGgT7G1F7AJTUR-FaTQLNEQPk8bIuIZNvfpBm89mdzKH8gACyU0sBugUjPynz0HlDMkbA-w0r1DKN6livgrZgi2SWG3XxA06WjpK_/s1600/wien+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vienna State Opera House: Opened in 1863, this 1200 seat theatre hosts over 300 performances of about 70 different works a year. Tickets sell out very quickly so in order to see a performance here one has to really plan and book weeks/months ahead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At a little after 20:00, we boarded our train and found our respective compartments. The kids shared one compartment at one end of our #403 car, while Vincent and I shared another compartment at the opposite end. (Couldn't the agent put us closer together? I should be grateful we were all on the same train, I suppose.) The only other time I had slept on a train was about 30 years ago during my Eurail adventure and this was certainly an upgrade from that experience. There were 3 bunks in our compartments, a small table, a closet and wash basin. The only negative was no access to wifi which was a bit strange given this was 2014. Nevertheless, it was pretty comfortable as trains go.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF1KGkouzGWxMLIr5_GTaBZA9K1omz7PkDCsuu8y4Nnq9GLxBUd5QV0ms38BXDdAumP8yTf2rI4IgGu3MlBDwN1669rkA9g3EeR2zDxqjvT_naC-fLVz1t7IWH6uS6QPssq-7AjM2X4nb/s1600/train+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF1KGkouzGWxMLIr5_GTaBZA9K1omz7PkDCsuu8y4Nnq9GLxBUd5QV0ms38BXDdAumP8yTf2rI4IgGu3MlBDwN1669rkA9g3EeR2zDxqjvT_naC-fLVz1t7IWH6uS6QPssq-7AjM2X4nb/s1600/train+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of the overnight package, we received slippers, earplugs, soap, a hand towel, water, pureed fruit in a tube, and sparkling wine. Here Vincent is making his breakfast selection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YA9CQxDE699QDopGJ9-yWuuLA3aWbW5pt-IiMX4XTxr0FaH13mDBTJl2GNhqbSMArw0IuScg3yTmOetUrYrQMn0WptaYurrmdXfRrSs2_4HOdgJ9hcC0f5ngPUnlItFn_5JqMcHYsKuB/s1600/train+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YA9CQxDE699QDopGJ9-yWuuLA3aWbW5pt-IiMX4XTxr0FaH13mDBTJl2GNhqbSMArw0IuScg3yTmOetUrYrQMn0WptaYurrmdXfRrSs2_4HOdgJ9hcC0f5ngPUnlItFn_5JqMcHYsKuB/s1600/train+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each compartment contained a tiny closet and wash basin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 27th</b>,
we arrived in Venice about 8:30. Upon leaving the train station, we
bought weekly vaporetto passes for our 5 days in Venice (which in
hindsight one doesn't need if not living on the Lido and is happy
walking most places) and then set off to find our apartment "Chromotheraphy" located in the Cannaregio district on Campiello Widmann.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LOt3vRZY5rWn5xBADqpNCvCD4A9Xn0FA60wZsbhmn-PlvispkuXoXmVwtPmdXdRgBreixNpoxLWBT3Na6d-7ffuFBwmgZrfZ4xbzaKTunQp_4TD0qLLM4VBGEP0F7OZcYlLSpH9oDHnT/s1600/venice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LOt3vRZY5rWn5xBADqpNCvCD4A9Xn0FA60wZsbhmn-PlvispkuXoXmVwtPmdXdRgBreixNpoxLWBT3Na6d-7ffuFBwmgZrfZ4xbzaKTunQp_4TD0qLLM4VBGEP0F7OZcYlLSpH9oDHnT/s1600/venice+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit tired after a not-too-restful night on the train, we waited for our first vaporetto to take us from the train station.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After checking into our apartment, we set out to explore a bit of Venice. Here are a few shots I took during the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDcK2hmmVWf4SkBYDzQmaTB5F6CboZjqHQ5nd4OdqJgJDF4CelIlWUBWkesLLLgtMbBk8MWyGqBgbjvTt0XWF8Ko3SicvBhcRkkj7CSQqbp5r8Tpr_yAfrmLJyJi03HSmWZrY059f9gvO/s1600/venice+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDcK2hmmVWf4SkBYDzQmaTB5F6CboZjqHQ5nd4OdqJgJDF4CelIlWUBWkesLLLgtMbBk8MWyGqBgbjvTt0XWF8Ko3SicvBhcRkkj7CSQqbp5r8Tpr_yAfrmLJyJi03HSmWZrY059f9gvO/s1600/venice+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miracoli Church: The present building was completed in the 1490s.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmjXOROGRvSyXFGSl_odFDBLWXRnWvFIYqT2gZGUusAgz-sbvmEoGgomizoifA4NlNF7aWsjSuun21wMJtkVjIeghMWjThkxVdJ9VVea68j8loUfgQ03gI0u24FqQPrJVXGtHpjcF49lc/s1600/venice+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmjXOROGRvSyXFGSl_odFDBLWXRnWvFIYqT2gZGUusAgz-sbvmEoGgomizoifA4NlNF7aWsjSuun21wMJtkVjIeghMWjThkxVdJ9VVea68j8loUfgQ03gI0u24FqQPrJVXGtHpjcF49lc/s1600/venice+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many canal shots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVBGLaiulUbA3lIiCITsmpp2ympxHYh6pSb7hWz3zWI5-wcbRFIEETZRdRuzUrLp_quxftxMXPgPvsYcRJn9he7YrMvNOoM5X-hWbzv-8bGc3HQio1eyqUcoqzjFmE1Yw7O3AZ0qV97oC/s1600/venice+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVBGLaiulUbA3lIiCITsmpp2ympxHYh6pSb7hWz3zWI5-wcbRFIEETZRdRuzUrLp_quxftxMXPgPvsYcRJn9he7YrMvNOoM5X-hWbzv-8bGc3HQio1eyqUcoqzjFmE1Yw7O3AZ0qV97oC/s1600/venice+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. It was first a pontoon bridge built in 1181, then it became a series of wooden bridges (the first being built in 1255). The present stone bridge was completed in 1591.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later
that day, Vincent proposed that we go to a classical concert held at
the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista. It was part of the Venice Music
Project. The kids were very excited about the prospects. (Sarcasm.)
Anyway, we went and for classical music fans it was special with less
known music (you won't hear Vivaldi's "Four Seasons") from Marais, Mondonville and Duphly performed by Ensemble T
Kabinet (comprised of Americans and an Austrian). They played a violin,
viola da gamba and harpsichord. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO74jWHtnNwRS8L7UBgeMlsb3iw7Bwycz-Spol8veiXvWD0C6VWa7xyQzBKSYtDs-8EM-GmAU_XI3XKRN2TmIgkqtibnAa23j_-VEFqTrmqkTi35eITfCJ9mDVMXOug0yN2c1JNL1s-VPD/s1600/venice+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO74jWHtnNwRS8L7UBgeMlsb3iw7Bwycz-Spol8veiXvWD0C6VWa7xyQzBKSYtDs-8EM-GmAU_XI3XKRN2TmIgkqtibnAa23j_-VEFqTrmqkTi35eITfCJ9mDVMXOug0yN2c1JNL1s-VPD/s1600/venice+5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the courtyard entrance to San Giovanni Evangelista.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgczVAKuUMOtVlkrWU-8r72bN-fz5Q33-ssDyh64W1qBxH-Oml3NwAuCMUWeTrEt6y7S_hvsE039t2a50BAw7hYSYemlRrDHG8FK0ARG-PBnhyphenhyphen5HaB2B91ENA4hwvY_5uFCLY9BJjQtXR/s1600/venice+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgczVAKuUMOtVlkrWU-8r72bN-fz5Q33-ssDyh64W1qBxH-Oml3NwAuCMUWeTrEt6y7S_hvsE039t2a50BAw7hYSYemlRrDHG8FK0ARG-PBnhyphenhyphen5HaB2B91ENA4hwvY_5uFCLY9BJjQtXR/s1600/venice+6.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concert set-up in San Giovanni Evangelista: This church has an interesting history. Originally founded in 1261, it is the second oldest scuola (school or more accurately, organization founded on spiritual principles) in Venice. The founders of San Giovanni were a confraternity of flagellants who
took part in religious ceremonies, whipping their backs and spraying
blood onto the pavements as they processed through the city. Perhaps not surprisingly, the practice was outlawed in Venice soon after the scuola was opened. I'm sure local residents got annoyed cleaning up after these people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 28th</b>, we took a vaporetto to Murano which is well know for its glass factories. Murano’s reputation as a center for glass-making was born when the
Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction to the city’s mostly
wood buildings, ordered glass-makers to move their foundries to Murano
in 1291. The process of making Murano glass is rather complex. Most Murano glass
art is made using the lampworking (where a torch is primarily used) technique. The glass is made from
silica, which becomes liquid at high temperatures. As the glass passes
from a liquid to a solid state, there is an interval wherein the glass
is soft before it hardens completely. This is when the glass-master can
shape the material. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTxtJaoY2NOOYvwh0GBKqFa-LR-o4vmRRYySOqJbeHSbS4WQ7ejzXO_dStIbJR6Lfa0FnTS8OTNIwBFdZ7pKj0s7LbfJCfY7egXSd4L21Yjms4jfK4CA14y7OyfAZtdbjoxi7y4mr1jyG/s1600/venice+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTxtJaoY2NOOYvwh0GBKqFa-LR-o4vmRRYySOqJbeHSbS4WQ7ejzXO_dStIbJR6Lfa0FnTS8OTNIwBFdZ7pKj0s7LbfJCfY7egXSd4L21Yjms4jfK4CA14y7OyfAZtdbjoxi7y4mr1jyG/s1600/venice+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isola di San Michele: In the early 1800s, it became a cemetery when it was deemed that burying bodies on the main Venetian islands was unsanitary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKehDqop2WBIeXIVBkSh1kPC_nhDPafGMpsY4HhxtdhpLq8a8mg4azMn9wYLi2roirBkpCRTL4N1sX-BiOosF-wna3TgM1MpyyOfGdIQY2msCS2t2mhzh8KdBQBiKQsyafIDtI5ImCudGL/s1600/venice+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKehDqop2WBIeXIVBkSh1kPC_nhDPafGMpsY4HhxtdhpLq8a8mg4azMn9wYLi2roirBkpCRTL4N1sX-BiOosF-wna3TgM1MpyyOfGdIQY2msCS2t2mhzh8KdBQBiKQsyafIDtI5ImCudGL/s1600/venice+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murano has its share of canals as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE1rVEg61Bup41Une7Oh0AVruQYm_7VH0i-nmc8FNKX9xPFQ4K5MA-WoCTplsSg8ezxCjAb7v-LlwMcsMNZbCx6lTRX-3zV77k59dScAheTKM7W3TwEzuFmO1R2CfPq8TD4PR7GlksmUW/s1600/murano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE1rVEg61Bup41Une7Oh0AVruQYm_7VH0i-nmc8FNKX9xPFQ4K5MA-WoCTplsSg8ezxCjAb7v-LlwMcsMNZbCx6lTRX-3zV77k59dScAheTKM7W3TwEzuFmO1R2CfPq8TD4PR7GlksmUW/s1600/murano.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you'd expect, Murano is filled with shops selling the most gorgeous glass articles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzdp4ZluG9ugl2QExcvHyIeHE2l1OYRWDIYxxSVDf2pRGs2b_bn0cfbs9QAYxWvNpDMiETIcfOIhLq8Jtuv2bqOQ_dQ3OQEFATliPbQLLfr6q6vE7qyCNzitDcu9W9FgK_WKBvCwM_Gl/s1600/venice+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzdp4ZluG9ugl2QExcvHyIeHE2l1OYRWDIYxxSVDf2pRGs2b_bn0cfbs9QAYxWvNpDMiETIcfOIhLq8Jtuv2bqOQ_dQ3OQEFATliPbQLLfr6q6vE7qyCNzitDcu9W9FgK_WKBvCwM_Gl/s1600/venice+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at a glass sculpture called "Natale di Luce in una Cometa di Vetro” (Christmas of Light in a Glass Comet) by Simone Cenedese. At night it is lit up and is very striking. (As inferred by pictures...We did not stay long enough to see for ourselves). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6ut5pY2_ZdcOWg4ulQx2N1P1oybZoxswk8g5eyHUVdU5sm7lTtmfnGICSeADzHlzLpBw9Vu4uW92thbTlMhC8DK6F0ENoKHSmw8UEMGtz4mh9vNP0DPVeYRHzImCRqGt5EfTHGtM6zrn/s1600/venice+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6ut5pY2_ZdcOWg4ulQx2N1P1oybZoxswk8g5eyHUVdU5sm7lTtmfnGICSeADzHlzLpBw9Vu4uW92thbTlMhC8DK6F0ENoKHSmw8UEMGtz4mh9vNP0DPVeYRHzImCRqGt5EfTHGtM6zrn/s1600/venice+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica dei Santa Maria e Donato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqit6HPgHSbv8B8DoUM7tixzOGnA6W5BPsScYrk7RLOOt1ui4Zcckyj8qeTIR-kyL_8AEl5hnRr_BB6XIGl-Qa2AbmZWaO4Y9gzajFwi_aGWGw1eC8WXshI02AomsWLNKJEJ2QfZqxfkUA/s1600/venice+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqit6HPgHSbv8B8DoUM7tixzOGnA6W5BPsScYrk7RLOOt1ui4Zcckyj8qeTIR-kyL_8AEl5hnRr_BB6XIGl-Qa2AbmZWaO4Y9gzajFwi_aGWGw1eC8WXshI02AomsWLNKJEJ2QfZqxfkUA/s1600/venice+12.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah lighting yet another candle in the Basilica dei Santa Maria e Donato. She made it a practice to light a candle in each church we visited during the course of our trip and said a prayer for God to watch over her family. So far, it seemed to be working.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We wandered around quite a bit and admired all the gorgeous glass
products. This was another rare occasion where I would have loved to
shop and purchase some glassware but the logistics of doing so made it
pretty impossible. Nowhere to put the stuff in LandShark, impossible to
carry with all our other belongings when we do return to North America
and nowhere to directly ship the goods since we didn't have a home
base yet in North America. Plus having lived on the road now some 284
days, I was reminded of how few belongings one really needs to live well
and we already had way too much stuff packed away back in California.
As a small nod to purchase something, Vince and I bought a few wine
stoppers that we could use and give a couple as gifts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW0Cc33YQYzXNa-akEtlSev86HBD94bZwa8GndtyRAoMfI5mZXWNVnIig4ysC0smTkkkntICR_WeeH7J2lP9FF3MwWZTY3ZuXsYC4Mg72j-2Wb-w64FDmQqJbNMlvcFFDv_kBvLsCzDhI/s1600/venice+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW0Cc33YQYzXNa-akEtlSev86HBD94bZwa8GndtyRAoMfI5mZXWNVnIig4ysC0smTkkkntICR_WeeH7J2lP9FF3MwWZTY3ZuXsYC4Mg72j-2Wb-w64FDmQqJbNMlvcFFDv_kBvLsCzDhI/s1600/venice+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lunch, we stepped into a glass factory and watched a craftsman for a while. This glass maker was creating tigers and horses. His skill was really impressive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After returning from Murano, we had a veterinarian appointment for Molly at 16:30. Vincent and I walked half-way across Venice and back again trying to find the vet's office. Signage was at a minimum and we never would have found the office if it hadn't been for the GPS plus cell phone.<br />
<br />
After running a few tests, it was determined that Molly had bladder stones and so she was prescribed an antibiotic plus a special dog food that she'd have to be fed for at least 5-6 weeks. (I read later that some dogs need to stay on the special food for life, so we'll see.) She also would have to drink bottled water from now on (while tap water was good enough for the rest of us). Since we would be on the road for the next 3 months, we had to buy enough food at least to get her to the next vet visit, which would be in about 6 weeks. Anyway the plus was that it didn't seem to be anymore serious (ie, not cancer) and there were 5 of us to carry the bottled water and food when it came to traveling back to Vienna via public transportation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2VBdDoLaxG1oM8ljjdx4OF0mBmdGcM07DSKTFdZTzduDyRKfhZsLrFuKoKfQ0VWSHFbguweA-FTUjc-e9Ac80Qgi3ZjmMhXRg7TndtxYrN27Qs-2OLYQEUXHFYkBqBPmg0k7huSM8dB7/s1600/venice+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2VBdDoLaxG1oM8ljjdx4OF0mBmdGcM07DSKTFdZTzduDyRKfhZsLrFuKoKfQ0VWSHFbguweA-FTUjc-e9Ac80Qgi3ZjmMhXRg7TndtxYrN27Qs-2OLYQEUXHFYkBqBPmg0k7huSM8dB7/s1600/venice+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly wasn't too keen on visiting the vet. She also wasn't thrilled to be on the table so high off the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhMem44tL1v-TG9lCXQmj-1mOIgIh_OyAw8iYmIRLXG1U5znBMK4ZclI31AILkY2tHrU5QH15dQkzFENLJo6ulrVxKmmMPCfoJvJcrrRj4FKYaIuWxciiaRwmmvbJU8XmwfWZ0F4qfJJE/s1600/venice+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhMem44tL1v-TG9lCXQmj-1mOIgIh_OyAw8iYmIRLXG1U5znBMK4ZclI31AILkY2tHrU5QH15dQkzFENLJo6ulrVxKmmMPCfoJvJcrrRj4FKYaIuWxciiaRwmmvbJU8XmwfWZ0F4qfJJE/s1600/venice+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another canal shot walking home from the vet. I liked the flower boxes hanging from the windows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 29th</b>, Vincent booked us in a session to "voga alla veneto" (learn the unique, stand-up rowing style developed to traverse Venice and its lagoon). It was run by Row Venice, which is operated by VIVA Voga Veneta, a non-profit organization promoting the presence of the voga and traditional boats in the Venetian canals.<br />
<br />
We were coached by the woman who started the business and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. This was a super activity to do with kids in Venice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2eMlwv6zE48b1iGIX11_Oic-G5xMXkdAPoRvGuA5wsVgdXSNYJcWP6j6I933jZhH6S4BFZ7vC-vHeoYTjFk1cwCLyhjnxx6EOR375WJ7Hpfort9WyxUppE5qsl-ntP9tIrIxBkiBe4Q6/s1600/venice+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2eMlwv6zE48b1iGIX11_Oic-G5xMXkdAPoRvGuA5wsVgdXSNYJcWP6j6I933jZhH6S4BFZ7vC-vHeoYTjFk1cwCLyhjnxx6EOR375WJ7Hpfort9WyxUppE5qsl-ntP9tIrIxBkiBe4Q6/s1600/venice+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A canal scene on the way to our lesson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ea6j61wXkhnVT8mzWJUYY6MMFtFW6Y-hTSlD3ijkQLeauRUC0cID3J0JonhxEKmCStiyo7_1BChmMDm8q1kZ2vJeq0TFrs6wCOaqrEh4BOa_pMVRwefAla8xZlaOqNqpM-4Jp272hrDU/s1600/venice+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ea6j61wXkhnVT8mzWJUYY6MMFtFW6Y-hTSlD3ijkQLeauRUC0cID3J0JonhxEKmCStiyo7_1BChmMDm8q1kZ2vJeq0TFrs6wCOaqrEh4BOa_pMVRwefAla8xZlaOqNqpM-4Jp272hrDU/s1600/venice+17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon starting our session, we were first given instructions on how to row <i>a prua</i> (at the prow). James had a go at it first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozY_uszO4vxEm6QT601EN8ieck9utRthJMTttDrbBeS8rm_1zeL48lrAN_WnxcD1inHaSq72VAu5jbwNEVsUBIrjpcF7HzGLcWrOanG3EYkdr1EwZjNse0kaBdw7FqxuDfdohJ3b69zUn/s1600/venice+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozY_uszO4vxEm6QT601EN8ieck9utRthJMTttDrbBeS8rm_1zeL48lrAN_WnxcD1inHaSq72VAu5jbwNEVsUBIrjpcF7HzGLcWrOanG3EYkdr1EwZjNse0kaBdw7FqxuDfdohJ3b69zUn/s1600/venice+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul was up next.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS5XrQVz-2oIiDvQz3DtyOeuYi98iYHzDd9LcmRLhe_iOlLVJe02QfAE6CRpNq1LduIZG-YSb20amOA6-kR-Ul5tGOiSfnx8qTWcgLngn_oiVDfO-7wnLbh1mX53nzbjWFqPKZLoTG4ZQ/s1600/venice+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS5XrQVz-2oIiDvQz3DtyOeuYi98iYHzDd9LcmRLhe_iOlLVJe02QfAE6CRpNq1LduIZG-YSb20amOA6-kR-Ul5tGOiSfnx8qTWcgLngn_oiVDfO-7wnLbh1mX53nzbjWFqPKZLoTG4ZQ/s1600/venice+19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Sarah gave it a go. Vincent and I also got a turn and I found it pretty straight forward; it's not much different than rowing except one is handling a very long oar which can be tricky when one enters a narrow canal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpU6qxeHhjIpWX3UU4V-lHbGxjfRsZSqun-LQUOvxpy1RWj5eRHQzrQCyTtJkc4B9B9MdeBRkET4kmNFbtWaquzcFVjoZPZUTeQHie1bQJAsTtHf0OMBaNEPQ9V6RVRCrTqhGvd3K3VWD/s1600/venice+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpU6qxeHhjIpWX3UU4V-lHbGxjfRsZSqun-LQUOvxpy1RWj5eRHQzrQCyTtJkc4B9B9MdeBRkET4kmNFbtWaquzcFVjoZPZUTeQHie1bQJAsTtHf0OMBaNEPQ9V6RVRCrTqhGvd3K3VWD/s1600/venice+20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now Vincent had a lesson and a turn at rowing <i>a poppa</i>, at the stern of the gondola. It was trickier than being in the prow and he had the added pressure of onlooking commentators in neighboring buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After wrapping up our 90 minute gondola lesson, we got the courage to face St Mark's Square; it was a stunningly beautiful, sunny day and we were all feeling good after our time gliding through the canals.<br />
<br />
As you'd expect, St Mark's was full of tourists but at least it was still possible to move. It was just the end of April so we were still only in the shoulder season. I can't imagine coming here in June, July or August. Unfortunately the introduction of cruise ships has tipped an already overcrowded situation into, in my opinion, a dreadful "experience". I would think trying to tour any of the main sights in high season would induce a sense of claustrophobia while packed in with hundreds/thousands of others and unable to walk in a straight line further than 30 cm.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNS-zlr4JE40okYwquBlB0ywQSs7M1mNR1tDyjzk-IkhEtUMlbiXuJKXJLI_W2G55QAcmNKeqqLPPXu7PrLEODXkgWNXDKAKvM4TryQbnYhGfpHh80rqIjuszxcve8_5Mzeo8w3S4sdEU/s1600/venice+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNS-zlr4JE40okYwquBlB0ywQSs7M1mNR1tDyjzk-IkhEtUMlbiXuJKXJLI_W2G55QAcmNKeqqLPPXu7PrLEODXkgWNXDKAKvM4TryQbnYhGfpHh80rqIjuszxcve8_5Mzeo8w3S4sdEU/s1600/venice+22.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza San Marco: On the left is the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica. The tower collapsed in 1902 and was reconstructed in 1912. The original tower was started in the 9th century and finished in the 12th century. The tower had 5 bells, each with a special purpose; the <i>Renghiera</i> (or the <i>Maleficio</i>) announced executions; the <i>Mezza Terza</i> proclaimed a session of the Senate; the <i>Nona</i> sounded midday; the <i>Trottiera</i> called the members of the Maggior Consiglio to council meetings and the <i>Marangona</i>, the biggest, rang to mark the beginning and ending of working day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0hHxy_z0X6dm9-vg7dq6asWsTeTrcEHNHasVZOeGYcKd4lLtuUqaROrIyItXbYDcY9_L-iy1JIfmcb8NtaOBuVivvkwxLduR1VSewpb_0-L2GwERPm5-C5ZrPL2Gxq2UOp_AeBfQYroU/s1600/venice+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0hHxy_z0X6dm9-vg7dq6asWsTeTrcEHNHasVZOeGYcKd4lLtuUqaROrIyItXbYDcY9_L-iy1JIfmcb8NtaOBuVivvkwxLduR1VSewpb_0-L2GwERPm5-C5ZrPL2Gxq2UOp_AeBfQYroU/s1600/venice+23.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With all the chaos and people at St Mark's, it can be easy not to stop and look up. Despite years of weather, there are still many intricate details to be found on the buildings lining the square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dNGe-Ws5ZNabyfPoTZOFusAg3z4ZNDRg0LViVCyCQTpFbAth7IdfY4wxv6fC8jMJYJmzupqUOWEGb4nIaCvU_N2Z6mXPYC_lT1gl9O76Vq_R944Lc7YfP1p-XQR_YLG5L7oBM9fycbXJ/s1600/venice+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dNGe-Ws5ZNabyfPoTZOFusAg3z4ZNDRg0LViVCyCQTpFbAth7IdfY4wxv6fC8jMJYJmzupqUOWEGb4nIaCvU_N2Z6mXPYC_lT1gl9O76Vq_R944Lc7YfP1p-XQR_YLG5L7oBM9fycbXJ/s1600/venice+35.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are very expensive shops lining the square with luxurious items. I'm not sure who actually purchases from these shops as I'd think most items could be purchased elsewhere at lower prices. But still, there are those few where money is not an object.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZUOjIZ45IZJ4r9Z9KjNJgKMSGQyHNyejM-BFdwV574r993n1tFumtXLKlia6zmUcjwlOlQHtfeiGExMRR__SiDblMCvZkXd1dgIGYrTLwvyyH9giCexXvDp0ie_oFSZpH_g_uWzKGU51/s1600/venice+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZUOjIZ45IZJ4r9Z9KjNJgKMSGQyHNyejM-BFdwV574r993n1tFumtXLKlia6zmUcjwlOlQHtfeiGExMRR__SiDblMCvZkXd1dgIGYrTLwvyyH9giCexXvDp0ie_oFSZpH_g_uWzKGU51/s1600/venice+36.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As mentioned in other posts, I'm not generally interested in shopping but, like Istanbul, Venice has so many beautiful products for sale. My mission here was handbags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4Ishx4UI2v3ilLqUXz6nmCWG7kP76GiRg6jXdGJHUKzFnzGtzDBOTcBfLshR4FRU7sDuNJRO93O5Vz778L9s6i3v4n3XvuyljaBkCU0AJRZJP8Bf3LqWNNqapRmG3baPKI7XZqhoprjr/s1600/venice+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4Ishx4UI2v3ilLqUXz6nmCWG7kP76GiRg6jXdGJHUKzFnzGtzDBOTcBfLshR4FRU7sDuNJRO93O5Vz778L9s6i3v4n3XvuyljaBkCU0AJRZJP8Bf3LqWNNqapRmG3baPKI7XZqhoprjr/s1600/venice+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling so good in the sunshine and "<i>here we were at St Mark's</i>", we did
the extravagant thing to sit down and order a few drinks (€5-€9 each) and small pizza
(€8) on the square. I asked the waiter to take a photo of us and asked
for the background to be of the square but he insisted on taking it in
the opposite direction with the sun directly in our faces, construction
barricades and full garbage can behind us. I was so annoyed. It was just
a reminder that while the locals really depend on the tourist €, I
think deep down they really hate us. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy6HaS3CsfVnpatwOkxmS-r2UsuCKT83b-cokPfo3FkRQ0-w3gb1uKK5GhQI_ZI-3MmJybv_49jwhP9f6jpmRa6HXwlXL3StuQlJUANBzwYQ3uSSkr35BZnGcb0COTeSyO4lao4_2iTUa/s1600/venice+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy6HaS3CsfVnpatwOkxmS-r2UsuCKT83b-cokPfo3FkRQ0-w3gb1uKK5GhQI_ZI-3MmJybv_49jwhP9f6jpmRa6HXwlXL3StuQlJUANBzwYQ3uSSkr35BZnGcb0COTeSyO4lao4_2iTUa/s1600/venice+24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mark's Basilica, the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, was undergoing significant restoration. The first St Mark's building stood here in 832. The building, generally as seen here, was consecrated sometime between 1093-1117 (historical records aren't clear).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg308dfhQGK7LYviV_DsAtTp1a8RYuIOEWgiV9Kfev34XR6F5QivEqrxwJoM3J35d84H3IqAEwEELkzDqpRsgBJbR7e8RzFSlnnUryCnEISrJxYMjvhdKthGvTD9r6uRbNKJNEulRp-LTWE/s1600/venice+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg308dfhQGK7LYviV_DsAtTp1a8RYuIOEWgiV9Kfev34XR6F5QivEqrxwJoM3J35d84H3IqAEwEELkzDqpRsgBJbR7e8RzFSlnnUryCnEISrJxYMjvhdKthGvTD9r6uRbNKJNEulRp-LTWE/s1600/venice+25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doge's Palace: The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice (chief magistrate), the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. The palace has a complicated history that started in 810 with a number of chapters through the centuries. Some features of the palace today date back to the 14th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkYeSyV75HSdQ19JeqvNXekh_h0I87V1gIq2tlS2zCjiHtsUNDG0GnVaAcTlaNRrZOOoQxHOX8xlErDNLdlQ1lPxHWvBkzUAvhe_MV6OCc1E4IyaHqPJHJ7PUKpSKciKgcai1AyJ43GFK/s1600/venice+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkYeSyV75HSdQ19JeqvNXekh_h0I87V1gIq2tlS2zCjiHtsUNDG0GnVaAcTlaNRrZOOoQxHOX8xlErDNLdlQ1lPxHWvBkzUAvhe_MV6OCc1E4IyaHqPJHJ7PUKpSKciKgcai1AyJ43GFK/s1600/venice+26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, the Bridge of Sighs. Built in 1600, it connected the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then boarded a vaporetto and rode along the Grand Canal. We had to get our money's worth out of that weekly pass.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnZOzkjHKPTJCDjlFRiItljQ8qla_PDEaJQ2ng1ILOPrXsjKYS2BwNj4QJmuoL5CqGCMYI3dbNYxU6bUVP0pzB5AxZAY6gT8qgGiFJRu64XA_d4p1p85pL0uQuDMA-0_A6na-2k_o0ICi/s1600/venice+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnZOzkjHKPTJCDjlFRiItljQ8qla_PDEaJQ2ng1ILOPrXsjKYS2BwNj4QJmuoL5CqGCMYI3dbNYxU6bUVP0pzB5AxZAY6gT8qgGiFJRu64XA_d4p1p85pL0uQuDMA-0_A6na-2k_o0ICi/s1600/venice+27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of San Giorgio Maggiore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7YVD7kRD9TVJh2JBMv1QvqKBoS1ZFTVh5FEkupzS7nWsDTNx2I_n8Xjs2qh12RF0Cj0nifpRDLXIA_ur-CpnrvxDCFqILQ9ofATZbBZFtbJb-ws5hyOaJ_hhBq5-GMrMcFKvD2S72Ea2/s1600/venice+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7YVD7kRD9TVJh2JBMv1QvqKBoS1ZFTVh5FEkupzS7nWsDTNx2I_n8Xjs2qh12RF0Cj0nifpRDLXIA_ur-CpnrvxDCFqILQ9ofATZbBZFtbJb-ws5hyOaJ_hhBq5-GMrMcFKvD2S72Ea2/s1600/venice+28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria della Salute (Saint Mary of Health):<b> </b>In 1630, Venice experienced an unusually devastating outbreak of the plague. As an offering for the city's deliverance from the pestilence, the Republic of Venice vowed to build and dedicate a church to "Our Lady of Health". The church was consecrated in 1681. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSLCoNq9inmm_th_UX-w8rPv1p2sP6OVXboV87V-SyqQn35WaWn8pfxQN9XwcYaiQj2rbjSD-5-24hZAb_IEwbC0HcDQrM-w0G7m9s9lN8dPObNv2aQo62qMzx5WBtmjoxxxz4_DwoiN9/s1600/venice+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSLCoNq9inmm_th_UX-w8rPv1p2sP6OVXboV87V-SyqQn35WaWn8pfxQN9XwcYaiQj2rbjSD-5-24hZAb_IEwbC0HcDQrM-w0G7m9s9lN8dPObNv2aQo62qMzx5WBtmjoxxxz4_DwoiN9/s1600/venice+30.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Board a vaporetto and take in the scenery. There are lots of ornate interesting buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwXDSKqvnola8bIl3rDh-nPayq_D36sRoSRcRv40X-uiXQPvzkVtFwKKhAfQjPpthJGnY3z2CVMQbnpROxgzwgkbHKezP4OnmoGDImmRmWUzYF9Q8sAj5mXb-Ut9K9ZiXri2_FxYKEtwI/s1600/venice+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwXDSKqvnola8bIl3rDh-nPayq_D36sRoSRcRv40X-uiXQPvzkVtFwKKhAfQjPpthJGnY3z2CVMQbnpROxgzwgkbHKezP4OnmoGDImmRmWUzYF9Q8sAj5mXb-Ut9K9ZiXri2_FxYKEtwI/s1600/venice+31.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Barbarigo is a 16th century building that was used for the design, light manufacture, sale and display of Salviati mosaics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpoKAHUnhvMMl7Hts7UoH7DmHOKQIzJtBZbq_a7D1HvjNFeiB4CcMj_QkLs6OC7Ha775UC8v-gNPfseRYTcfWqzlu6U6FHjb9yig6aHunUYUWRmPLBaU37iVDZ23BXa69smBGxWZJ1vTI/s1600/venice+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpoKAHUnhvMMl7Hts7UoH7DmHOKQIzJtBZbq_a7D1HvjNFeiB4CcMj_QkLs6OC7Ha775UC8v-gNPfseRYTcfWqzlu6U6FHjb9yig6aHunUYUWRmPLBaU37iVDZ23BXa69smBGxWZJ1vTI/s1600/venice+32.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view looking down the Grand Canal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBS-J1IoWSw07taAWTSft-i1R-0qeoKutJRF0oC6puBf0F6TaEbN85BeuRxqewrcw8icLFJhx_jQixnhnKfRrGHkjhCwfDncg44CVcyV4snNCP-CoTqnXmQkBCj0qD_-eWq1V3FFJ9wzV/s1600/venice+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBS-J1IoWSw07taAWTSft-i1R-0qeoKutJRF0oC6puBf0F6TaEbN85BeuRxqewrcw8icLFJhx_jQixnhnKfRrGHkjhCwfDncg44CVcyV4snNCP-CoTqnXmQkBCj0qD_-eWq1V3FFJ9wzV/s1600/venice+33.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Rialto Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 30th</b>,
we started our day by heading out to the Lido, wandering around a bit
and having a pretty good lunch. Having stayed on the Lido about 16 years ago, I was reminded that the restaurants are
often a bit better there and the prices slightly more reasonable, given
tourists have to make more of an effort to get there. After lunch, we
pretty much just walked back to the vaporetto station and then took a
boat to San Marco, then another boat to Arsenale in order to go to the
Naval Museum (Museo Storico Navale) which had pretty high reviews and we
thought the boys, at least, would enjoy it. Plus, as it's run by the Navy, the museum has a bargain admissions fee. We arrived to discover that the museum
closed at 13:30. So with that plan gone bust, we took another vaporetto
to San Giorgio Maggiore to see the church there of the same name. The
best views of Venice can actually be seen from San Giorgio Maggiore.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtIH2HS3bh6PofXjvI_TtiYXCL-c-khFb168OItMjsKzdfy5SlNAjQC23_GNphzXstz4Z3DizyqlTmYDWx6WKz4jShSlTJz_sG5DYhbNepYR0fYKe0tcdj2g7QLjtlq_707q7upD14scs/s1600/venice+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtIH2HS3bh6PofXjvI_TtiYXCL-c-khFb168OItMjsKzdfy5SlNAjQC23_GNphzXstz4Z3DizyqlTmYDWx6WKz4jShSlTJz_sG5DYhbNepYR0fYKe0tcdj2g7QLjtlq_707q7upD14scs/s1600/venice+37.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Doge's Palace from San Giorgio Maggiore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2Idk5SeVzCTc5XLCXLKh1qqyKgyapMFebT5TpXfrw-u4jIPrqOEh5XAn7JpHkwaD76Yl02Y_rPGauvJsZFj91JuPr1_FaZI6fgIm-5G3n0SKKCF8QX8vickNy2DAsGJINzvUA6xMA7X1/s1600/venice+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2Idk5SeVzCTc5XLCXLKh1qqyKgyapMFebT5TpXfrw-u4jIPrqOEh5XAn7JpHkwaD76Yl02Y_rPGauvJsZFj91JuPr1_FaZI6fgIm-5G3n0SKKCF8QX8vickNy2DAsGJINzvUA6xMA7X1/s1600/venice+38.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Giorgio Maggiore is a 16th-century Benedictine church built between 1566 and 1610. The interior is quite plain compared to many basilicas in Italy, with undecorated white walls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbhXUTCNXXZ53S_BzWfzCzRTkK0vu0_tgezC1bFHvrRXYxxGLMlVV5wBmjdo2r9bMECSecHPQ6LBsaXhRrQVvrR_6SXUjUs9eMWLCPVSAx1mZexT14SCZdqT-M-Q-YA0j7mxmHIwb_QRp/s1600/venice+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbhXUTCNXXZ53S_BzWfzCzRTkK0vu0_tgezC1bFHvrRXYxxGLMlVV5wBmjdo2r9bMECSecHPQ6LBsaXhRrQVvrR_6SXUjUs9eMWLCPVSAx1mZexT14SCZdqT-M-Q-YA0j7mxmHIwb_QRp/s1600/venice+39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting another candle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon
leaving San Giorgio, I realized we hadn't been to one museum or gallery
in Venice and it would be a shame to leave and not immerse ourselves in
something. That being said, we had the kids and given we had 285 days
of recent travel experience with them, promoting a gallery to the kids
was a real long shot. Vince proposed either the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
or the Gallerie dell'Accademia. None of the kids were interested in
either. Paul stated we should choose whatever museum we could get
through the quickest. With that advice, we chose the Guggenheim which
some travel advisers recommend for kids. (They've never met ours.)
Anyway to the Guggenheim we went. And it pretty much played out as
expected. Sarah essentially refused to go in and stayed in the sculpture
garden the whole time, which was fine. At least she wasn't complaining
next to Vincent nor me. Paul and James sprinted through, though Paul
claimed he read every sign. Vincent and I took longer as we opted to get
the audio guides which give much more detailed descriptions than what
the signage provides. When Paul came to me and proclaimed, "I'm done;
can we go now?" He also volunteered that he hated modern art and "It's
for people who have too much money on their hands." (Well, I can't fault
him for that opinion.) I gave him my audio guide and told him to listen
to 10 complete descriptions to see if something clicked for him. Having listened to several descriptions at this point, I knew it would be unlikely as much of the audio is targeted at those who are already at complete comfort with modern art (ie, lots of over-the-top whimsical commentary). Off he went and the assignment bought me a little extra time.<br />
<br />
If one is half open to modern art, the Guggenheim museum is a good place to visit. Peggy decided she would start a collection purchasing art from living artists, which really was a great thing (for those living artists that she liked). A number of those artists did get recognized, some due to Peggy's support, so the result is a strong collection of a variety of early to mid-20th century art. The museum has a real east coast US feel to it, in large part due to the staff and the general atmosphere. In addition to the collection, the other nice aspect to the museum is that there are a number of staff milling about wearing an "Ask Me" button; one can ask them about any piece of art and they'll give you a detailed background on the piece. I hadn't seen this before but thought it was a great way to help people come to a better understanding of a piece that might just look like a few lines on a canvas.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynV2tsii84x1TE9zzjHn1gCsXdSexZy3VCP4LBPJp7RIqn0MpQNy9ix1IEPjhyTcdZCWVZHPqj43vRLoFXSokx5bld17KeQQ7YOJxJ3crKDJ7BYhBCrClrsOfbWtYEx0jAqc3munTAluh/s1600/gugg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynV2tsii84x1TE9zzjHn1gCsXdSexZy3VCP4LBPJp7RIqn0MpQNy9ix1IEPjhyTcdZCWVZHPqj43vRLoFXSokx5bld17KeQQ7YOJxJ3crKDJ7BYhBCrClrsOfbWtYEx0jAqc3munTAluh/s1600/gugg+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy Guggenheim's remains are buried in the sculpture garden along with those of her cherished dogs. Looking at the dates, many of those dogs didn't live very long in her care so I wondered what the story was with some of them. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mZFC7srZXeQht15EofCXE3R_BcwJCPUDLvhioL7VQxQ49ovxiwFZTdJI3b7xOSUvw7vuMj9zKkGDFB2yjaoEZKMSNzMH9b25yBmVokesJw5R7L3bmCBhU4GqJwpC8c4RcmI8wr46kMb5/s1600/gugg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mZFC7srZXeQht15EofCXE3R_BcwJCPUDLvhioL7VQxQ49ovxiwFZTdJI3b7xOSUvw7vuMj9zKkGDFB2yjaoEZKMSNzMH9b25yBmVokesJw5R7L3bmCBhU4GqJwpC8c4RcmI8wr46kMb5/s1600/gugg+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>La Pluie</i> (1911) by Marc Chagall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqR49HpJYyHiRJESYl-w1ggqbG4cC5dvvQoi6P7SgCb6GQ8eeeDJDc3z12aJR3umfqAaLuogqMpS8aaDoVXb_yeSXIzYTnJaOzMXHonJ1OlcNXvx0c3DviVpHw8YbQxRXbG3DSiRPsknM/s1600/gugg+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqR49HpJYyHiRJESYl-w1ggqbG4cC5dvvQoi6P7SgCb6GQ8eeeDJDc3z12aJR3umfqAaLuogqMpS8aaDoVXb_yeSXIzYTnJaOzMXHonJ1OlcNXvx0c3DviVpHw8YbQxRXbG3DSiRPsknM/s1600/gugg+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flowers</i> (1964) by Andy Warhol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1sFywPWUW-MwXGhJkQebEZyAG9r4V92vYgSb1eNtEpTNqz8H1549_35gARePRiHlnnqJNMfe5FnL_5HL4PPJZRLubXPx2oU6EDmKD2jO9NKb98zojkQ4ddRtxv8k9_Cqofb3JdE5N8MY/s1600/gugg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1sFywPWUW-MwXGhJkQebEZyAG9r4V92vYgSb1eNtEpTNqz8H1549_35gARePRiHlnnqJNMfe5FnL_5HL4PPJZRLubXPx2oU6EDmKD2jO9NKb98zojkQ4ddRtxv8k9_Cqofb3JdE5N8MY/s1600/gugg+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Piazza San Marco #15</i> (1915) by William Congdon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0t8s2s9iB66KJFen6rz_C2qkyT-GKrF2y9bvw8Qw6TIqNOTqLmzPzgEAC2MK3P8AW7pA2gcKT7i7wWMZQmAz-EetPdm2lOehFUGV7MhvcNXj1SJW7OjzBtFc8i_XdmxsZXRjThyQMQrc/s1600/gugg+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0t8s2s9iB66KJFen6rz_C2qkyT-GKrF2y9bvw8Qw6TIqNOTqLmzPzgEAC2MK3P8AW7pA2gcKT7i7wWMZQmAz-EetPdm2lOehFUGV7MhvcNXj1SJW7OjzBtFc8i_XdmxsZXRjThyQMQrc/s1600/gugg+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the Grand Canal from the Guggenheim Museum terrace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later that
evening, Vincent realized that his CapitalOne MasterCard was missing and
we surmised that he left it at the Guggenheim Museum when he bought our
tickets. It was safely at the ticket desk when Vincent retrieved it the next morning so if one ever gets separated from their credit card, the Guggenheim Museum is a good place for that to happen.<br />
<br />
On <b>May 1st</b>, we woke to an
unexpected beautiful sunny day. We had to check out of our "Chromotherapy"
apartment at 10am and our plan was to drop our luggage off at the train
station and then spend the rest of the day touring Venice. We were
grateful that it wasn't raining, which was the forecast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFXztQnclvY85l0l2SJPmTIf2_27Sm2CWrR7s-be_fgPJJH5mCpguIGX4fluicTuEMaoac7zss_NoHl4WEX5IHJVboaHqHy186sWHCcCcFUI86SjN3-bA-rKToEABeDAsrb7a6WlAldt/s1600/venice+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFXztQnclvY85l0l2SJPmTIf2_27Sm2CWrR7s-be_fgPJJH5mCpguIGX4fluicTuEMaoac7zss_NoHl4WEX5IHJVboaHqHy186sWHCcCcFUI86SjN3-bA-rKToEABeDAsrb7a6WlAldt/s1600/venice+40.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly was back in the bag again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had lunch right next to the water along the Rio San Trovaso by the
Zattere station. After lunch, Sarah and I opted to spend the afternoon
together (with me still on the hunt for handbags) while the boys were
resigned to dealing with Molly and deciding to spend a couple hours at
the Giardini Pubblici/Napoleonici.<br />
<br />
Sarah and I ended walking clear across Venice back to the Cannaregio district (which I found to have the best deals on handbags) stopping in several shops along the way. I was amazed at how well Sarah remembered how to navigate through the small alleys. I probably would have gotten lost if I hadn't had her help. The girl's got a great memory.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxoHjkp1rnHMqsp7qL1-wwtktxipmO6S-Dhj7xp78Z4aEFSApQ8jVVblfTt9axOV9jdaLqHBpO5oODdWyytn48X2v3EyPoyhWSoVLExYsVakTCZnMKYXKcEt3sLl6hoBJEjO50sZmDZ_G/s1600/venice+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxoHjkp1rnHMqsp7qL1-wwtktxipmO6S-Dhj7xp78Z4aEFSApQ8jVVblfTt9axOV9jdaLqHBpO5oODdWyytn48X2v3EyPoyhWSoVLExYsVakTCZnMKYXKcEt3sLl6hoBJEjO50sZmDZ_G/s1600/venice+41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the wooden Ponte dell'Accademia which crosses the Grand Canal. It was first constructed in 1854, then was replaced in 1933 and then again in 1985.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We all met up again near the
Zattere station and had a bite to eat before heading back to the train station<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8DKqEv3Mu_KWoFR2wC1eSmv4UJFEK4pDZxhuwaWVX8H7sFlqfOvt8eNpYuSD4dTieeGeU4hyphenhyphen5q0BM3C4kJBUxPrmNGc8OjImzCuzVc1dwYwPy45sIGHxUlrT6IiwageMg9EtXf2zKceH/s1600/boydog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8DKqEv3Mu_KWoFR2wC1eSmv4UJFEK4pDZxhuwaWVX8H7sFlqfOvt8eNpYuSD4dTieeGeU4hyphenhyphen5q0BM3C4kJBUxPrmNGc8OjImzCuzVc1dwYwPy45sIGHxUlrT6IiwageMg9EtXf2zKceH/s1600/boydog+1.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boy loves his dog. Paul and Molly hanging out until it was time to catch the vaporetto to the train station.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LzXKKfwdvzl7v_baURnjGUdb0HZ-4ahFERzGaHhzQsm98KKEZwF6vbwHdU9VfxDI0abpjCgpeWF4c4TTdoAWt6qWTEgygzJstulxAExswmnchiBgz6f_ppr8HQAYpEXbepSwYWmHrW47/s1600/venice+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LzXKKfwdvzl7v_baURnjGUdb0HZ-4ahFERzGaHhzQsm98KKEZwF6vbwHdU9VfxDI0abpjCgpeWF4c4TTdoAWt6qWTEgygzJstulxAExswmnchiBgz6f_ppr8HQAYpEXbepSwYWmHrW47/s1600/venice+42.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the most out of the limited real estate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Giardini Napoleonici </div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Giardini Napoleonici</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Giardini Napoleonici</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsdswMNP_GUZDLQb-TyYzWa8CYMr-wB5JUFnagMvTMnlmRn7iM3GeG0laLKU7-IgUVb1cXzrvqyEhgU2kC4qQ0q6AFJgdSSQvFFpAwLyPhc8dfXmgecxyBPUZKFp4OFIDwBXhUM97rE-T/s1600/venice+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsdswMNP_GUZDLQb-TyYzWa8CYMr-wB5JUFnagMvTMnlmRn7iM3GeG0laLKU7-IgUVb1cXzrvqyEhgU2kC4qQ0q6AFJgdSSQvFFpAwLyPhc8dfXmgecxyBPUZKFp4OFIDwBXhUM97rE-T/s1600/venice+43.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A final lovely view of the lagoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>May 2nd</b>,
we arrived at the West Banhof station in Vienna at 8:28am as planned
and then took the local train, subway and bus back to our campground.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKELiAFf4wJMIlqF50eVFLUIITasEigUYAIwWiLCxhMaEXPTWLhc0eQ42iR7IKJlHnyINUeroH9nwnpG_OBNLGl7O3YN66nvUEOEfNutKMSTDwIBBvHhsnu70cC_zuEUN98A9J7gGSv87/s1600/train2+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKELiAFf4wJMIlqF50eVFLUIITasEigUYAIwWiLCxhMaEXPTWLhc0eQ42iR7IKJlHnyINUeroH9nwnpG_OBNLGl7O3YN66nvUEOEfNutKMSTDwIBBvHhsnu70cC_zuEUN98A9J7gGSv87/s1600/train2+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the train to arrive in Vienna: Molly was more than ready to get off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even
though I think we all slept better on the train than we did traveling
to Venice, none of us had a great night's sleep. I thought back to
Istanbul and imagining how wonderful it would be to travel on the Orient
Express and began to have second thoughts; maybe a few nights of train
travel wouldn't be that wonderful afterall and one would arrive a shattered mess
having not slept well for days...<br />
<br />
Once we unpacked, did a
load of laundry and the kids did some school work, we decided to drive
to Slovakia and spend a few hours in the capital, Bratislava. We were
kind of doing the typical "American tour" visiting a country to check
off a box but I was too tired to do more intensive sightseeing in
Vienna. At this point, I knew I wouldn't be able to see a fraction of
what I wanted to see in Vienna so I had more or less given up on that
thought and penciled Vienna in for another trip later down the road.<br />
<br />
On the drive to Bratislava, we listened to the <a href="http://www.familyadventurepodcast.com/16-gap-year-europe-landshark" target="_blank">podcast</a> Vincent and I gave for <i>Family Adventure</i>, which covers families doing "epic travel adventures". It was the first time either Vincent or I had been interviewed so naturally we were curious how it turned out. Fortunately, the kids thought it was okay (ie, we didn't embarrass them with any of our anecdotes).<br />
<br />
Bratislava
is not a big city, as capitals go, with a population of about 420,000.
It's another key city that sits on the Danube river as well as the left
bank of the Morava River. Evidence of first settlements goes back to
about 5000 BC. The area fell under Roman rule from the 1st to the 4th
century AD, when the Romans introduced grape growing to the area and
began a tradition of wine making which survives to the present. The
Slavs arrived from the East between the 5th and 6th centuries. From 1536
to 1783, Bratislava (at that time, known as Pressburg) was the capital
of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg monarchy
territories, and had been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German
historical figures. Between 1536 and 1830, eleven Hungarian kings and
queens were crowned at St Martin's Cathedral. The 17th century was
marked by anti-Habsburg uprisings, fighting with the Turks, floods,
plagues and other disasters, which diminished the population. The city
flourished during the 18th-century reign of Queen Maria Theresa and
became the largest and most important town in Hungary. The population
tripled; many new palaces, monasteries, mansions, and streets were
built, and the city was the center of social and cultural life of the
region. In 1918, after WWI, the city was incorporated into the newly
formed country of Czechoslovakia. In WWII, Bratislava quickly fell under
Nazi influence and was eventually taken by the Soviet Red Army on April
4, 1945 and later became part of the Eastern Bloc. In 1993, the city
became the capital of the newly formed Slovak Republic following the
dissolution of Czechoslovakia.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ApDGQRhoZjvGoU7AfjuMJCUvqaBkEe8I1Otgl44yqKNH-RLRxSgDiWD5qRdbS9NYfw5JxSuXBrYpIQ-atH3h1g1xKxlyQLzbZBye33RXWE57gOQjrJEXPxCo28YL927neixVzEppojr4/s1600/brat+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ApDGQRhoZjvGoU7AfjuMJCUvqaBkEe8I1Otgl44yqKNH-RLRxSgDiWD5qRdbS9NYfw5JxSuXBrYpIQ-atH3h1g1xKxlyQLzbZBye33RXWE57gOQjrJEXPxCo28YL927neixVzEppojr4/s1600/brat+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving
into the city, one can easily spot Bratislava Castle. In 1811, the
castle was destroyed by fire. What is seen here is a reconstruction done
after 1950.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-HUeyLWntmRdmGWbOmrxUuvpbfIxfU65Mmr4oKWQ2i2Ff2t3OygPLZ0ZpQ13u5ZkaSGAHzBerv3po-MCk04C6IAkDQaieiXzbFsczBVM91iIC-p6qr_c7J-YOzPar9zybF5qX0t6GPyB/s1600/brat+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-HUeyLWntmRdmGWbOmrxUuvpbfIxfU65Mmr4oKWQ2i2Ff2t3OygPLZ0ZpQ13u5ZkaSGAHzBerv3po-MCk04C6IAkDQaieiXzbFsczBVM91iIC-p6qr_c7J-YOzPar9zybF5qX0t6GPyB/s1600/brat+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Martin's Cathedral: Between 1563 and 1830 St Martin's served as the coronation church for
Hungarian kings and their consorts, marked to this day by a 300-kg
gilded replica of the Hungarian royal crown perched way on the top of the
cathedral's 85-metre-tall neo-Gothic tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY5VA9_KJCIt4n4jusYbap5XOWBbypKq_SgssmLpTYyj_AA-_Sytiwl-kfH3aqtzgwdF9sCGtCJ28aVg85DpXj9CPDa51q8aQS6agYYRk5lR4yAOFfbD7a9K2CcnIuk7rypKC77FvMYO7/s1600/brat+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY5VA9_KJCIt4n4jusYbap5XOWBbypKq_SgssmLpTYyj_AA-_Sytiwl-kfH3aqtzgwdF9sCGtCJ28aVg85DpXj9CPDa51q8aQS6agYYRk5lR4yAOFfbD7a9K2CcnIuk7rypKC77FvMYO7/s1600/brat+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, in her new Venetian hat, standing next to a statue of Hans Christian Andersen. Apparently, Andersen said, "If you want a fairy tale, your city (Bratislava) is a fairy
tale itself." After visiting here, he produced some of his masterpieces such
as "The Little Match Girl".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQguZPZgE2NTamkQU4x91T16fAlL9dgD7yrPETOocb1R6SEPo_kKKOKvIv-LbH76jW7mhedfZyGVpZ3cPjFfoy5Wgf1f49yEfG9GIUJiWxKwXrzxTvN3ZTLSWEP796xWueykLFBPDeX-i/s1600/brat+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQguZPZgE2NTamkQU4x91T16fAlL9dgD7yrPETOocb1R6SEPo_kKKOKvIv-LbH76jW7mhedfZyGVpZ3cPjFfoy5Wgf1f49yEfG9GIUJiWxKwXrzxTvN3ZTLSWEP796xWueykLFBPDeX-i/s1600/brat+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Martin's Cathedral is a three-nave Gothic cathedral and was built on the site of a
previous, Romanesque church, dedicated to the Holy Saviour, from 1221.
After 1291, when Bratislava was given the privileges of a town, the
church was rebuilt to become part of the city walls (its tower served as
a defensive bastion). The present church was consecrated in 1452.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ001NsGodkMe9ZXjiSgfZxM5dOauUvtwysyd1ApWPpnvchawawLExbdjFu2n_5q6ImDAlYU0ajufe1WpLL-e2q6cC54Tip17rizX8whVRNxm1hjfhfy4WWuoxs3seuxCRPPk3UFkkEf-A/s1600/brat+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ001NsGodkMe9ZXjiSgfZxM5dOauUvtwysyd1ApWPpnvchawawLExbdjFu2n_5q6ImDAlYU0ajufe1WpLL-e2q6cC54Tip17rizX8whVRNxm1hjfhfy4WWuoxs3seuxCRPPk3UFkkEf-A/s1600/brat+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our €2 entrance fee to St Martins included the crypt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4_VZoFv7jCJZoXCTUIcModd85iOKCuWOrBU4lD0VCHLx2Ww00CgPRyYw0iAjrFMYYFyG_v-mPnH7uVx6V_t0iLuqZWNCcsUKECpRDHc1y5U0QFosC9Zq9RSlMFMfluIvkALZo4WR0l_K/s1600/brat+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4_VZoFv7jCJZoXCTUIcModd85iOKCuWOrBU4lD0VCHLx2Ww00CgPRyYw0iAjrFMYYFyG_v-mPnH7uVx6V_t0iLuqZWNCcsUKECpRDHc1y5U0QFosC9Zq9RSlMFMfluIvkALZo4WR0l_K/s1600/brat+11.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting character found on an outside wall of the cathedral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrV60seTf4dBs2YtBGCRMJuyCDmYovHTphZ6BLbFyD1I8pI66WEDbhnnfm0q4fcaESJtht8DgAX4zkUkmKVmdmT5saoZ-UZ0tJ10cXSiqumyL6P9El-CiM8W4t8EcspKoEOnFaQD5wfm9/s1600/brat+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrV60seTf4dBs2YtBGCRMJuyCDmYovHTphZ6BLbFyD1I8pI66WEDbhnnfm0q4fcaESJtht8DgAX4zkUkmKVmdmT5saoZ-UZ0tJ10cXSiqumyL6P9El-CiM8W4t8EcspKoEOnFaQD5wfm9/s1600/brat+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up Venturska Ulica </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaVZmZBtdJCBfgzfPulipKKs2dzoNX93Mvgb6iKwsAVxE3v-LsVYBFMGUDG03KS1YvIAWa9iO8G_rsV4_Tm-zF9yErz-VwKQkm-zT0i06Dkc6S_kQlkuFYfly4TaCekW9oNt7OH2tohM8/s1600/brat+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaVZmZBtdJCBfgzfPulipKKs2dzoNX93Mvgb6iKwsAVxE3v-LsVYBFMGUDG03KS1YvIAWa9iO8G_rsV4_Tm-zF9yErz-VwKQkm-zT0i06Dkc6S_kQlkuFYfly4TaCekW9oNt7OH2tohM8/s1600/brat+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's always fun to spot the unusual food item(s) in the local grocery store. Here we spotted cabbage juice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_E2CtAvb64ImQaUmTYVdzmavFeaKC-_VT-Xz1Jq08vEHT9mcLvBIT5Exd_eRtXskgDibV5AkWh5MD7fmH94JI21oTpj01X4wJ2n14J0dGB-grKI8zV4biaAjmPD92jf5ksdP44r4pz1/s1600/brat+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_E2CtAvb64ImQaUmTYVdzmavFeaKC-_VT-Xz1Jq08vEHT9mcLvBIT5Exd_eRtXskgDibV5AkWh5MD7fmH94JI21oTpj01X4wJ2n14J0dGB-grKI8zV4biaAjmPD92jf5ksdP44r4pz1/s1600/brat+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most Slovenského národného povstania (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising<i>) </i>commonly referred to as the UFO Bridge: It houses a restaurant at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>May 3rd</b> I had to come up with a plan for Vienna that the kids might
enjoy. Two of the top ranked museums for kids (besides the obvious
Prater amusement park) were the <span class="st">Naturhistorisches (Natural History) Museum </span>and the Haus der Musik. Since it was a cold (mid 40s) day, threatening to rain, that is what we decided to do.<br />
<br />
Vienna'a
Natural History Museum is one of the oldest and most noteworthy natural
history museums in the world. It certainly was the most impressive that
I had seen thus far. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSvptgCr-xY3uPtYxfk3tepZeU7hbRD6DE4Cit8Hs3xAUKuvoxfssuZbWHVtfEAtlijBqf5Rdx5V_oerOHyzO223SfBSX7STm7dbVbhQEB1cPMBvNWoIB8zG8a8HPxKWReoTJX4zWthh9/s1600/nh+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSvptgCr-xY3uPtYxfk3tepZeU7hbRD6DE4Cit8Hs3xAUKuvoxfssuZbWHVtfEAtlijBqf5Rdx5V_oerOHyzO223SfBSX7STm7dbVbhQEB1cPMBvNWoIB8zG8a8HPxKWReoTJX4zWthh9/s1600/nh+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current building was completed in 1889. Its collections were founded in 1750 by Emporer Frana I Stephan of Lorraine, the husband of Maria Theresa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hvQqNT7YJkDhvTgXkiTNfGXiJ23XJUWUgfsMRw1UQhRd6re2KDHcFGmbV7_l0BLLH3Vqy_eVNuJkiVd4ML7tA4-akrKngP1hQqkB15ttqDJPgMwOWwcLB3pjHwQlV5FiJADJSh9pEjF1/s1600/nh+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hvQqNT7YJkDhvTgXkiTNfGXiJ23XJUWUgfsMRw1UQhRd6re2KDHcFGmbV7_l0BLLH3Vqy_eVNuJkiVd4ML7tA4-akrKngP1hQqkB15ttqDJPgMwOWwcLB3pjHwQlV5FiJADJSh9pEjF1/s1600/nh+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just
opposite to the Naturhistorisches Museum is the Kunsthistorisches
Museum, which has an identical exterior. In the foreground is a monument honoring empress Maria Theresa who reigned for 40 years (1740-80). She is holding a scroll with the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, an edict
issued by Emperor Charles VI that allowed women to ascend the throne.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the exquisite building to the extensive collection, all well
displayed, it is well worth a visit with kids and even without kids if
one is into this type of museum. Today it houses a collection of about 30 million specimens and artefacts.
They comprise a number of famous and unique objects including the
25,000 year old figure of the "Venus of Willendorf" (female statuette), a
complete skeleton of Steller's sea cow which became extinct more than
200 years ago, huge dinosaur skeletons and the largest and oldest
meteorite collection in the world.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2qrgmaBNhx0jiQTn98Up7EEWqWXKkUo_0EjnWZ5qtrnqYkKal-kvvJ4Qr9PUmssEVRlbMqiXVSFZy8Uws8m-T6VYwHRPN0ECiKUezgxUkzfGMORdjgeUgqFWBeW6yLG0z__v97yUVb2e/s1600/nh+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2qrgmaBNhx0jiQTn98Up7EEWqWXKkUo_0EjnWZ5qtrnqYkKal-kvvJ4Qr9PUmssEVRlbMqiXVSFZy8Uws8m-T6VYwHRPN0ECiKUezgxUkzfGMORdjgeUgqFWBeW6yLG0z__v97yUVb2e/s1600/nh+10.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exquisite interior of the grand hall staircase of the <span class="st">Naturhistorisches Museum.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-Yy-uXMBovU4ooc12swRTeAtdtvK7uUbp37Usc4I607ev4ue9u6YOaev7_51bVcfQ8hWD-mXk77H6HbaH6Ri5APowVNbRIRjo9UQ6mvwV2QDUmx86KiBDNwcM5iJoc_ilOVvCwhkf7ii/s1600/nh+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-Yy-uXMBovU4ooc12swRTeAtdtvK7uUbp37Usc4I607ev4ue9u6YOaev7_51bVcfQ8hWD-mXk77H6HbaH6Ri5APowVNbRIRjo9UQ6mvwV2QDUmx86KiBDNwcM5iJoc_ilOVvCwhkf7ii/s1600/nh+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the top floor is a cafe; perfect for a break. Look up and one can see the area is lit via this beautiful dome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTlYfYHe0cC8mbHGgUinaD8LI0160dnSD8qFwSf7Y1pQd0kRsqC-powSrHlvFgDaJiMAD6WupF5wXWxLt2YR-6j9L3Sq-55W2nkvuqjqJAGzVlGPhaT9e-tannj1ahRzd6iEWfyHsbx_P/s1600/nh+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTlYfYHe0cC8mbHGgUinaD8LI0160dnSD8qFwSf7Y1pQd0kRsqC-powSrHlvFgDaJiMAD6WupF5wXWxLt2YR-6j9L3Sq-55W2nkvuqjqJAGzVlGPhaT9e-tannj1ahRzd6iEWfyHsbx_P/s1600/nh+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the displays show the animals in what their habitat would look like. The display cabinets seem to come straight from an 18th century naturalist’s study.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL581hbuv5AACmNwWvzmKenIXr8lUB0sUQT1VakAEdahy1LmqSl-svXfw-hA-yvBOLofglf90Qyu-1DxSxmluEXtF36N2IfslCqVcxo1Sevs5VOtNCRz8NfLBH_xxPF4TtyhinWSvPmjwr/s1600/nh+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL581hbuv5AACmNwWvzmKenIXr8lUB0sUQT1VakAEdahy1LmqSl-svXfw-hA-yvBOLofglf90Qyu-1DxSxmluEXtF36N2IfslCqVcxo1Sevs5VOtNCRz8NfLBH_xxPF4TtyhinWSvPmjwr/s1600/nh+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum has placed notices next to specimens that are either extinct or critically endangered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lkQGPpXrAcoWNgCDvExs8-L6Vpu1J6OEzJ1wN0L9kzNn08794NVh_m4GEWI_uytZomUbMB3ZK2jBdQgUdQOFOXfc5WeNXk_h4Q-UY3cfZ99c98_qS5N4uqaK-rjulvQ4wleFpZIpreX5/s1600/nh+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lkQGPpXrAcoWNgCDvExs8-L6Vpu1J6OEzJ1wN0L9kzNn08794NVh_m4GEWI_uytZomUbMB3ZK2jBdQgUdQOFOXfc5WeNXk_h4Q-UY3cfZ99c98_qS5N4uqaK-rjulvQ4wleFpZIpreX5/s1600/nh+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James standing within the lower jaw of a fin whale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbd2tjZXOMkFp1B19-gGMb4XvSUS9sh0VsKfAEQRegLbOUndRzNtX5YtrDAYNTdyiEkO1roUkFMlfNbj-ioBAGFWAxSF1tue2QXrHE-7YFj-bJFQGIVM5ArUS57QwyEcBaiIeRvSpnLbk/s1600/nh+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbd2tjZXOMkFp1B19-gGMb4XvSUS9sh0VsKfAEQRegLbOUndRzNtX5YtrDAYNTdyiEkO1roUkFMlfNbj-ioBAGFWAxSF1tue2QXrHE-7YFj-bJFQGIVM5ArUS57QwyEcBaiIeRvSpnLbk/s1600/nh+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Black Rhinoceros: The museum does the best job I've seen of natural
museums and zoos thus far to educate visitors about animals that have
become extinct or are on the path to extinction and why. Next to the
black rhino was a placard explaining how the belief that rhino horns
have benefits to various medical conditions is completely false. They
describe the dire results of the illegal killing and trade of rhino
horns and point out that even rhino horns from natural history museums have been stolen to meet the rising demand in Asia with values as high as €20,000/kg or ~€100,000+/horn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mc67Q3N6hEO6t27m59d14g_Z0J7Iv9W0-rvoJLazi9ZKwx1r0S7ZwDc8YG8fa0a_S6tjZ-pfIOHqnABlNAmTs1FbQK3y-h_1mCcNkt5wgxYIonfVsJg9n6gxIufVu8tPY3n2ld71Nzu1/s1600/nh+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mc67Q3N6hEO6t27m59d14g_Z0J7Iv9W0-rvoJLazi9ZKwx1r0S7ZwDc8YG8fa0a_S6tjZ-pfIOHqnABlNAmTs1FbQK3y-h_1mCcNkt5wgxYIonfVsJg9n6gxIufVu8tPY3n2ld71Nzu1/s1600/nh+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even
the frescoes and details of the room walls reflected the contents. This is a
close up of an upper wall fresco in the room housing reptiles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXzI0GtXHLAL9JDGDrXzy1ToEER_-qpHEcM5MLXgMqYpgHPitnsjo3Fg8ghb7kghYln4z0xengklAZfD5Gclrm8-2bViyc0zG3QyxaFDDhneQqXPeoNFK1yL4dp7263ygT6P8JBKjRNHt/s1600/nh+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXzI0GtXHLAL9JDGDrXzy1ToEER_-qpHEcM5MLXgMqYpgHPitnsjo3Fg8ghb7kghYln4z0xengklAZfD5Gclrm8-2bViyc0zG3QyxaFDDhneQqXPeoNFK1yL4dp7263ygT6P8JBKjRNHt/s1600/nh+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
display pointing out that sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for
jelly fish. The turtles eat the plastic bags and then die.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Among
other displays on the first floor was the best (most impactful)
exhibition on the role humans play in the extinction of other species
and the negative changes to the environment. There was no "pc" dancing
around the issue; the exhibit laid out the grim trend.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJgpRHfiZgBi-HYAgBEFoA7KLs9lg1oRPA5eoRAyrlBvr4CFZg5xMQgEry8iw_772IYi7_NWpM0ameIATMhwHlYcc9hR3-SB6js80tvdiEiicK0iHqiXJ2_rCIwSNpk8mtYeZZcLqc7_3/s1600/nh+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJgpRHfiZgBi-HYAgBEFoA7KLs9lg1oRPA5eoRAyrlBvr4CFZg5xMQgEry8iw_772IYi7_NWpM0ameIATMhwHlYcc9hR3-SB6js80tvdiEiicK0iHqiXJ2_rCIwSNpk8mtYeZZcLqc7_3/s1600/nh+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Today scientists are observing the sixth great wave of species extinction
in the history of the earth. Three animal or plant species die out every
hour. Humans are first and foremost responsible for the destruction of
ecosystems, climate change and the mass extinction of species...it is
only a question of time before humans themselves become the victims of
their over exploitation of life and resources."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtBtfc5tgFffuuM7RtHHsAeZeihTFKxoGbIGwmdUeKqPeRAJBOAbvOIsXQmSVmyapL84-j-W8eigDPNnkIy-Q3vkIRmTX81FL9gMRpDYwigcZ-W11OU95J-feNLwgIr4CBxSuprDE8C3Z/s1600/nh+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtBtfc5tgFffuuM7RtHHsAeZeihTFKxoGbIGwmdUeKqPeRAJBOAbvOIsXQmSVmyapL84-j-W8eigDPNnkIy-Q3vkIRmTX81FL9gMRpDYwigcZ-W11OU95J-feNLwgIr4CBxSuprDE8C3Z/s1600/nh+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One room of the exhibit had a hundred or so lists hanging from each wall listing the species that have already become extinct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTa3TYmzNT26QXIpU76ZN7jDG3wI2HzsGiaF3oyOCNH_2SsyBKKAUZch6lnWWMSi-7CB6x4UMKATa92glbER1ToK4YxS_431FAdvwHvk4r9P3sax3NCzUeTugZs8Cum6zXxh_psZu8BB5z/s1600/nh+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTa3TYmzNT26QXIpU76ZN7jDG3wI2HzsGiaF3oyOCNH_2SsyBKKAUZch6lnWWMSi-7CB6x4UMKATa92glbER1ToK4YxS_431FAdvwHvk4r9P3sax3NCzUeTugZs8Cum6zXxh_psZu8BB5z/s1600/nh+13.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Without any change in course, the orangutan is projected to be extinct by 2030.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Pq0hl8BVrpHnZvqqLjiuVouDCa3CcRqWHVfOWgpTZSNQSZCrEYE_nYmWbp-YLuwZ8MKmGA2_ND-qHOPmlAybpT3_Q3JCzCgMuQuG5R89K5diOpTRZweWcMKwSrCyBTNRQtmvJoSAx94/s1600/nh+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Pq0hl8BVrpHnZvqqLjiuVouDCa3CcRqWHVfOWgpTZSNQSZCrEYE_nYmWbp-YLuwZ8MKmGA2_ND-qHOPmlAybpT3_Q3JCzCgMuQuG5R89K5diOpTRZweWcMKwSrCyBTNRQtmvJoSAx94/s1600/nh+14.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So will the tiger. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5NVEi4gFvVQf65YKC_EJNX28y-qjE8g4sUdQa0VxlY6vJ0n6m36HM9wKL9BmCwuVqUAOdnR9d2NXYUnWbJFQ7Q2sGsdI_AfOSfRUy4nmDVbZ0rMDaVfAhJO2gZ98Djtg_TibNQqW1Fc_/s1600/nh+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5NVEi4gFvVQf65YKC_EJNX28y-qjE8g4sUdQa0VxlY6vJ0n6m36HM9wKL9BmCwuVqUAOdnR9d2NXYUnWbJFQ7Q2sGsdI_AfOSfRUy4nmDVbZ0rMDaVfAhJO2gZ98Djtg_TibNQqW1Fc_/s1600/nh+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There
were displays covering the perils of overfishing, not choosing the
right fish to consume, the effects of pesticides, the decline of the bee
population and how our choices as consumers are accelerating the deadly
direction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I ran my MyGreenFunds
business, which was all about eco-friendly fundraising, I educated
myself about many of these issues but through my research I had never
seen an exhibit with the depth and breadth of this one at the Natural
History Museum. I'd like it duplicated all over the world and while some
of the content would be disturbing for elementary kids, all middle
school and high school kids should be required to visit the exhibit and
do a related project of their choice. (There is no shortage of issues
from which to choose!) Without thes next generation fully on board,
the earth's future looks pretty grim indeed.<br />
<br />
After leaving the museum, we walked to the Haus der Musik, which is billed as an interactive music discovery museum, located at Seilerstätte 30, stopping for an early dinner along the way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wa1ajm8MkE7asycscsBiANf0XJ2fqL_9v3E1r6qSLOvuF_3woQHnQvvqcfeGaB3_GcwymD6d74MfrXqAh1mrtKeGBi1GugXAuwgYNl3KIyjP4a2maDqnXCN2OTddaGHxUwRWpwncGa5H/s1600/wien+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wa1ajm8MkE7asycscsBiANf0XJ2fqL_9v3E1r6qSLOvuF_3woQHnQvvqcfeGaB3_GcwymD6d74MfrXqAh1mrtKeGBi1GugXAuwgYNl3KIyjP4a2maDqnXCN2OTddaGHxUwRWpwncGa5H/s1600/wien+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by the Hotel Sacher and Sacher Cafe, where the famous Sacher torte was created. We weren't destined to sample the original torte at €8 a slice this trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVeZGThdh2eFZYHC808kWWwVMBHsUvnUoo-uVIHtb-hZsLV3tJ2V3b56q8M70aGOjfUj8RDhbxjDeGJBer7SVOuMnG0xrhHF0wmc6K4XOOIh1S0eW-0XiiA108l4CO1qyMthKlLKnqQxO/s1600/musik+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVeZGThdh2eFZYHC808kWWwVMBHsUvnUoo-uVIHtb-hZsLV3tJ2V3b56q8M70aGOjfUj8RDhbxjDeGJBer7SVOuMnG0xrhHF0wmc6K4XOOIh1S0eW-0XiiA108l4CO1qyMthKlLKnqQxO/s1600/musik+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the "History of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra" exhibit, there was a "Waltz with Dice" activity. Two people could throw dice and create their own waltz. Here, Paul and James are creating their unique version of the Vienna Waltz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The third floor of the Haus der Musik, has permanent exhibitions devoted to Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Audio guides are available (included in the fee of admission) to listen to anecdotes concerning each of these artists.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwWWBbZMNyIiPDR0yN_6N9g6v4aQlpkMG6lwU4k58CcjTZ0nFnMvwirbmhCV-Uv_iU_2iko8Nh4M-B6vT8cb-aGLxsP40AnucfeATtopCtTu9BFE1SAy6sOmiSvFlZNIQpbeU5qj1J2Hy/s1600/musik+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwWWBbZMNyIiPDR0yN_6N9g6v4aQlpkMG6lwU4k58CcjTZ0nFnMvwirbmhCV-Uv_iU_2iko8Nh4M-B6vT8cb-aGLxsP40AnucfeATtopCtTu9BFE1SAy6sOmiSvFlZNIQpbeU5qj1J2Hy/s1600/musik+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent working through the Haydn room: It included a description of his daily routines and
interactive documentation covering Haydn’s life from the farmer's
child to the Emperor's palace. Another focus was on the relationship
between Haydn and his employers, the Counts of Esterházy and on Haydn’s
life in London. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36VujRADZZ4zgdWS8EwnD6vwyxUA6KEse15EF8de6cLp_1houfUP6HPszY88DSwrSW4UAej3vBwHyEpP7FxZ5NjGizIo_hO_ebeR7cm1YwRifIg1PSvWf0y44RHFZthaZERTJZ9PEzgB_/s1600/musik+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36VujRADZZ4zgdWS8EwnD6vwyxUA6KEse15EF8de6cLp_1houfUP6HPszY88DSwrSW4UAej3vBwHyEpP7FxZ5NjGizIo_hO_ebeR7cm1YwRifIg1PSvWf0y44RHFZthaZERTJZ9PEzgB_/s1600/musik+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mozart (1756-91) room: Mozart died at age 36 but managed to compose over 600 works.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX-fe7zFAvhvi-MU6j6MmdP-j39EkjWCvlqasUC3bAF4CDxf_7NFAG2QWB9hqteHdYMUxFUGIMhR3xquvI_oRhzTAMl1e5WC4B-yB5lDejbSLfXshWqVeKrR6F5sJu3npiA7o4M4JaMHD/s1600/musik+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX-fe7zFAvhvi-MU6j6MmdP-j39EkjWCvlqasUC3bAF4CDxf_7NFAG2QWB9hqteHdYMUxFUGIMhR3xquvI_oRhzTAMl1e5WC4B-yB5lDejbSLfXshWqVeKrR6F5sJu3npiA7o4M4JaMHD/s1600/musik+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beethoven (1770-1827) room: Beethoven studied under Haydn for a few years from 1790-93. In 1796, he began to lose his hearing and was almost completely deaf by 1814.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg7MreVO2XBFY17dqRHZ3N6A8Rzinx2flaleg0LwyQqpvBJWROjEFY71GN467FH7-chpn_KSGvvPOUENFTR-wkODiRvaN7hzN-XpweRgjoJvWzI98JWfBqrw-3S7BeC9tlXoQ8K-QXYA2/s1600/musik+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg7MreVO2XBFY17dqRHZ3N6A8Rzinx2flaleg0LwyQqpvBJWROjEFY71GN467FH7-chpn_KSGvvPOUENFTR-wkODiRvaN7hzN-XpweRgjoJvWzI98JWfBqrw-3S7BeC9tlXoQ8K-QXYA2/s1600/musik+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A highlight for many at the Haus der Musik is the "Virtual
Conductor", which enables visitors to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra themselves. The conductor's baton is "tracked"; the computer
recognizes how fast the baton is being moved, how expansive or intensive
these movements are; the corresponding instructions are then
transmitted to the Philharmonic's film. I missed photographing Vince or the kids conducting the orchestra but captured this unsuspecting women instead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGrW6-XfyabqhutDXBtvVbTHOIh_AtfjlNZmSj_fHTdad2ef6AKQ_8geE5aNkdm7mDyM4OMO-uHP80rH05kHHh-IsnllZXgB_m4kfi70jAxDi9bJ4dnra1mb-5Yy7ghSJWaLywXOi8dr2/s1600/musik+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGrW6-XfyabqhutDXBtvVbTHOIh_AtfjlNZmSj_fHTdad2ef6AKQ_8geE5aNkdm7mDyM4OMO-uHP80rH05kHHh-IsnllZXgB_m4kfi70jAxDi9bJ4dnra1mb-5Yy7ghSJWaLywXOi8dr2/s1600/musik+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul creating music on the "virtual stage": Here body language influences both the music and the film images. I'm sure the outcome was something frantic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the
Haus der Musik, we collected our car at the most expensive parking
garage under the Museum Quarter building (€22) and headed back to the
Wienerwald campground.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4Vnm4ymJ8STovUFgY7xhiy52BdDGjFtF1_MBebqgh3Z1nH10ZU58vboDhjDct4jTACuo4YOha2lf5pucWQPCfXO1Yh3MwDgGkoDxB9f2nLzOlrO83t9FSN_VVDbFqX_EFUIQhw3XqMV_/s1600/wien+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4Vnm4ymJ8STovUFgY7xhiy52BdDGjFtF1_MBebqgh3Z1nH10ZU58vboDhjDct4jTACuo4YOha2lf5pucWQPCfXO1Yh3MwDgGkoDxB9f2nLzOlrO83t9FSN_VVDbFqX_EFUIQhw3XqMV_/s1600/wien+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking by the Opera House, we saw the current production being broadcast live outside. If it was a little warmer and the kids not so tired, we would have stayed to watch more of it. Oh well, next time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day we would be driving to Prague in the
Czech Republic. There was so much I didn't see or do in Vienna that I
wanted to. In fact, it's probably the city thus far that I left feeling
the most unsatisfied with our visit. Next time, I'll do more of what I
would like: The opera, the philharmonic orchestra (both require planning
in order to get tickets), the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Hofburg palace, Leopold Museum
and so much more. Plus time to just wander around the historic areas
and take in the beautiful architecture stopping for a glass of wine or
coffee along the way to further take it all in. Traveling with kids is a
different experience; often it's a great experience. And without the
kids, I wouldn't have visited the Natural History Museum nor sought out
the Haus der Musik which definitely inspired less complaining that a
fine arts museum. Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-91028998259930896732014-05-10T09:43:00.000-07:002014-05-29T10:15:13.347-07:00Live the DreamLive the Dream<br />
<br />
Ever wanted to sail the world? Or at least sail Europe? But for various reasons (time, ports are not the same as being in the cultural centers, can't swim etc), you moved on?<br />
<br />
Ever consider a motorhome? It can do 65 to windward no problem. It will get you up the coast. It will get you to the interior. You can load it on a ferry and go from Barcelona to Rome overnight. But egads, the European motorhomes are 25' if you are lucky.<br />
<br />
How about an American motorhome in Europe?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB67D4DRecixNfAoh0YD1s5HlX25__P3FaJyotht34uXg5ANR7BzbRaAmHtx7lbAq8hjTQS7SK9TZbOj0zctnNYOAq9lS-EVUkn8ITGJ481_8vv7KMbAn535eH-1XJyDyoFesq5X_A2Hy/s1600/LS2+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB67D4DRecixNfAoh0YD1s5HlX25__P3FaJyotht34uXg5ANR7BzbRaAmHtx7lbAq8hjTQS7SK9TZbOj0zctnNYOAq9lS-EVUkn8ITGJ481_8vv7KMbAn535eH-1XJyDyoFesq5X_A2Hy/s1600/LS2+1.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><br />
That was our thinking when this all started 2+ years ago. The natural followup question, can it be done?<br />
<br />
Yes, we have been cruising for 9+ months in our 36' 2008 American motorhome w/ our family of 5. Sure we could have done it in a 25' European model, but some of us might not have survived. Yes, it's big on the roads. It will turn heads. When you get to the less cosmopolitan regions, it will turn every single head. Random Italians have complimented me on what a lovely motorhome while I was dumping tanks. Sono pazzo, others have thought. But we're not crazy. We're living the dream.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWYszq801huqqxyGMi_wIkDxiZyFQk0xWBZ1CdNPVg8X-4ef4JVJK7YDKYtsDylyD28rRe772C_Aa2TBhtDqN6VOT58_pXt729C7nAgXdOOV6sZAku41cIIVD7antahsHMJkxdOfe1jQb/s1600/LS2+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWYszq801huqqxyGMi_wIkDxiZyFQk0xWBZ1CdNPVg8X-4ef4JVJK7YDKYtsDylyD28rRe772C_Aa2TBhtDqN6VOT58_pXt729C7nAgXdOOV6sZAku41cIIVD7antahsHMJkxdOfe1jQb/s1600/LS2+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>But like all good dreams, one must wake. And we are going to wake up in July with an RV that needs to ship back to the US. Or maybe you can pickup our part of the dream and keep going...<br />
Well, the good news is that our 36' 2008 American motohome is currently in Europe, and we're going to be done with our trip of this part of our lifetime in about 3 months. And naturally we want to sell. <br />
<br />
American motorhomes in Europe are not cheap. Check out http://www.stingrayrv.com/American-Motorhome-Sales/ convert to dollars and shake your head in amazement.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, these are the specifications:<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmdCq4tFLoh53eisflbSeaJsCarI8bi5pcvJpNTG7sZPf8eg3d6ZaW9DC9rA38cwl9rAGKc8jLihOdJ9Cc3fnV_MBbGLgkOIqYeLQpNVcTP9QIGfl9r5LYwtVoHqCx27plFncfiOfAwbM/s1600/LS2+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmdCq4tFLoh53eisflbSeaJsCarI8bi5pcvJpNTG7sZPf8eg3d6ZaW9DC9rA38cwl9rAGKc8jLihOdJ9Cc3fnV_MBbGLgkOIqYeLQpNVcTP9QIGfl9r5LYwtVoHqCx27plFncfiOfAwbM/s1600/LS2+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>
<li>2008 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA FRED Bunkhouse</li>
<li>300 hp Cummins diesel engine</li>
<li>Freightliner Chassis</li>
<li>Sleeps 4 in actual beds that don't need unfolding or inflating</li>
<li>Queen Island bed with side tables</li>
<li>2 single-person bunks</li>
<li>Sleeps 6 including the inflatable fold out couch</li>
<li>4 slides for incredible inside living space</li>
<li>Inverter</li>
<li>Solar Panels</li>
<li>Upgraded and expanded batteries</li>
<li>Macerator w/ 100ft hose (you will never go back to a regular American setup after using this)</li>
<li>Adapters for European water hoses and LPG tank</li>
<li>Washing machine. Yes, really.</li>
<li>3-burner Gas Cooktop</li>
<li>Microwave/Convection oven</li>
<li>2 door refrigerator/freezer (gas or electric)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li>
<li>CD/AM/FM radio with headphone jack for iPhone/Android device</li>
<li>Backup camera in back and sides</li>
<li>Automatic self-leveling jacks</li>
<li>Automatic snow chains (flick a switch and keep on going to the skiing!)</li>
<li>Real standup shower with glass doors and switch to turn off the water. Better than 90% of the camp showers I've used. This is the thing that sold me on this model. I like a good shower.</li>
<li>New blinds (I hated those nasty "folding" blinds -- these roll down straight)</li>
<li>New LED bulbs for most of coach (a very few could not be sourced)</li>
<li>Hot water heater with both gas and electric</li>
<li>220v power converter</li>
<li>Flat screen TV w/ worldwide DVD player</li>
<li>Central vacuum cleaner</li>
<li>Laser Printer/Scanner (we removed the 20" cathode ray tube TV to put this in, awesome upgrade!)</li>
<li>US/European Garmin GPS w/ Truck routing and Bluetooth</li>
<li>Emergency catalytic heater for if either of the 2 forced air heaters fail (or if you want to save money)</li>
<li>Camp stove piped to big tank</li>
<li>5kw diesel generator</li>
<li>Bedding and various other housewares if you want it. Or we'll just give it away. Camp chairs & table as well.</li>
</ul>
<br />
It has not been imported to anywhere in Europe, and is still registered in California. So, that may or may not need to happen depending on the buyer. And I have owned it for over 1 year which likely gets some break vis a vis import taxes.<br />
<br />
Based on what I've seen, a purchase for 60k GBP or 74k Euros would make both of us happy (one dealer is offering the same, but gas powered model for 90k GBP -- http://www.stingrayrv.com/American_Motorhome_Hire_Rental_Winnebagos_details.aspx?mID=1510), but frankly what I most want is a guaranteed handoff somewhere between Switzerland, Sweden and the UK in or before early July. So, make an offer. ilovelandshark@gmail.com is the place to reach me.vcrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01070977145139802697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-50657622443078142342014-05-07T14:17:00.000-07:002014-05-18T00:29:01.614-07:00Re-entering the Schengen Zone: First Stop, Budapest, Hungary<style>
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</style><div><span lang="hr">On <b>April 19th</b>, we exited Croatia and re-entered the Schengen zone, traveling to Budapest, Hungary. I followed Vincent, who drove LandShark, to the border to ensure we all had a successful crossing. It took some time for the border agents to check our passport; perhaps they were validating that we hadn't overstayed our allowance in Croatia (which is 90 days without a long-term visa). Since we had been in and out so many times and with Vince and Paul </span><span lang="hr">leaving for the US
twice, I could see it would take them some time to figure out. Anyway,
we passed through without incident. Once into Hungary, we had to buy a
vignette in order to use the Hungarian highways. The system in Hungary
is to pay a 10-day, 1-month or 1-year vignette fee and to register the
vehicle license. As one travels along the highways, cameras take photos
of the license plates and validate that the vehicle is covered. If a
vehicle isn't covered, I suspect there are traffic police located nearby
and they flag down the driver.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="hr" style="font-size: small;">Once we crossed the border and stopped to get a bite to
eat, I continued on to Camping Niche which is located on the Buda side
of Budapest. When I arrived I was a bit alarmed at how tightly packed
the motorhomes were parked. There's essentially a one way road and I
wondered how well Vincent had done his research this time. Fortunately,
because I arrived about 40 minutes early, I had time to go to reception
and learn that they had reserved a spot for us by the entrance. This
would mean Vincent would only have to eventually back up about 100 feet,
albeit a really tight 100 feet. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7dh4hzL-blHIYRGWD_n15SfHuoglh4V88trEiKUF1-oMw71irJRaY797DuCgAzvVRSDKi5FRsQG8oIIw0BaPc1k3pAy6QERYT28tXSzZFmwIDXOFV8cvSMG456ZLm3vLf7y0G8uOs6mf/s1600/floss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7dh4hzL-blHIYRGWD_n15SfHuoglh4V88trEiKUF1-oMw71irJRaY797DuCgAzvVRSDKi5FRsQG8oIIw0BaPc1k3pAy6QERYT28tXSzZFmwIDXOFV8cvSMG456ZLm3vLf7y0G8uOs6mf/s1600/floss.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside of Camping Niche's gates was this vendor making candy floss. He sold a range of flavors that I'd never seen before: Coconut, kiwi, toffee, chocolate...Here, Sarah's waiting for her watermelon floss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLR_HOO5M7-AT5FaQREzIMTdEdplI6OZbovo1ZDBaIpqdM4RSgmFcEm2FhC4cn0vytU26KzQnLvmjxal9MBLOURIt-v_33iyvWa0jMr7oS2_RQMWYGxZ5L3ZeLeuwD0OojGbuYfGzkjY4/s1600/floss+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLR_HOO5M7-AT5FaQREzIMTdEdplI6OZbovo1ZDBaIpqdM4RSgmFcEm2FhC4cn0vytU26KzQnLvmjxal9MBLOURIt-v_33iyvWa0jMr7oS2_RQMWYGxZ5L3ZeLeuwD0OojGbuYfGzkjY4/s1600/floss+2.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was the biggest candy floss I'd ever seen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfecJ0JK3xoLYWVkux5Ph7JzBAv_pFDlA8LUR3PE2MNYWsvnpAJLWD5gw9B59xzGpGS79kVL4PdHdeUwJB-kULpY8kOuJ_2i4565v6uxE-s9rmvsj3lcWVXqrXZeOQXc6YtOeYke5mmEbb/s1600/niche.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfecJ0JK3xoLYWVkux5Ph7JzBAv_pFDlA8LUR3PE2MNYWsvnpAJLWD5gw9B59xzGpGS79kVL4PdHdeUwJB-kULpY8kOuJ_2i4565v6uxE-s9rmvsj3lcWVXqrXZeOQXc6YtOeYke5mmEbb/s1600/niche.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant and registration at Camping Niche. This was the only place to access wifi so it was often busy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwVfcjuVBYgXUg4gITeokLjQPDNCqivoLXxmVkgCFZ3HWFPOUHOhcPF1dWN01OnkHNrqh1r2LXJc479KgxikgoHQLDtVSQ4hK33OiJH-5l3Q608vO7v-AV4zoEPMyPGgFDJI_VW4EqiLJ/s1600/niche+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwVfcjuVBYgXUg4gITeokLjQPDNCqivoLXxmVkgCFZ3HWFPOUHOhcPF1dWN01OnkHNrqh1r2LXJc479KgxikgoHQLDtVSQ4hK33OiJH-5l3Q608vO7v-AV4zoEPMyPGgFDJI_VW4EqiLJ/s1600/niche+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping
Niche was the tightest campground we had visited to date. Campers were
lined up as if in a parking lot with a single service road down the
center. There was poor access to water and dumping facilities so we were
restricted to bringing in our own water and using the campground
facilities most of the time. For me, this crossed the line to too much
"roughing it".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="HR" >On <b>April 20th</b> (Easter), we enjoyed the free breakfast at
Camping Niche and then set out to visit <i>Trap </i>which tests participants' skills to escape a room or series of rooms within an hour. It was a similar venue as <i>Room Escape</i>
in Novi Sad, Serbia. It was rather an unusual venue for Easter Sunday
but probably the best (non-tour, non-historical sight) present we could
give the kids during the holiday (second only to the chocolate and the
cash from Nana and that Easter Bunny).</span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeqT3Gk1ZODgoVcZb_wwiIqteUEspHtndHKj67zikPc8dis9ni1X6XOhFpMvH1zv9ACZ4cJspfJgH89WsBDLK2lun2E25bIiv4LPvczH_lrmpZH9sAnIKPNlFBaXDpS23kHNx3_0N5BuP/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeqT3Gk1ZODgoVcZb_wwiIqteUEspHtndHKj67zikPc8dis9ni1X6XOhFpMvH1zv9ACZ4cJspfJgH89WsBDLK2lun2E25bIiv4LPvczH_lrmpZH9sAnIKPNlFBaXDpS23kHNx3_0N5BuP/s1600/easter.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good news, the Easter Bunny found us in Budapest! Looks like she got some supplies from Sweden! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEH3BpXxYyaYdL18EoidJI5k8iXq9YDWNpAht3t6ZTi_woPR6gRL0lZOm_E3hQHKfE-Zj9tl2NvdN0GSqN7Xi6i0sd7YsoZaW-zMtrKZ1Ne0T-KkJv2moS0wtsCMXS6uITlWl6BhmIdBz/s1600/buda+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEH3BpXxYyaYdL18EoidJI5k8iXq9YDWNpAht3t6ZTi_woPR6gRL0lZOm_E3hQHKfE-Zj9tl2NvdN0GSqN7Xi6i0sd7YsoZaW-zMtrKZ1Ne0T-KkJv2moS0wtsCMXS6uITlWl6BhmIdBz/s1600/buda+1.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving into the city, we drove through the Easter Egg tunnel, more commonly known as the Buda Castle Tunnel. It's 350 meters long and was built between 1953-57. Its length is approximately identical to that of the Chain Bridge (seen ahead),
prompting anecdotes according to which the tunnel was only built so
that in rainy weather, the Chain Bridge could be shoved in and
protected from wet conditions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">We arrived at <i>Trap</i> about 45 minutes early and so we decided to explore the neighborhood a bit beforehand. A few blocks away we stumbled upon St Stephens Basilica. A service had just ended and so we were able to slip in for a few moments. This was certainly a more appropriate venue for Easter Sunday.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcyagYrjZ9X5siZTH4hfZaegamChGjh2bNMUXISh8_h3orD3PcLup5oJvV2BwvEtz8E57zzSl_hjDDqh3CqURLslUevJUbdnAUUiy9-alPH7KPJm8sgGmRVXz3FNGyFTIApX6dTFYhbpt/s1600/steph+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcyagYrjZ9X5siZTH4hfZaegamChGjh2bNMUXISh8_h3orD3PcLup5oJvV2BwvEtz8E57zzSl_hjDDqh3CqURLslUevJUbdnAUUiy9-alPH7KPJm8sgGmRVXz3FNGyFTIApX6dTFYhbpt/s1600/steph+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Stephens is so massive, it was impossible to capture the basilica in a single photo without the use of a special lens. The basilica was named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose right hand is housed in the reliquary. Today, St Stephens is the third largest church building in Hungary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLafUWXSZUjqBD5B6iveEPstL-psoKk4swESpUHlaXyZcT1qI1croH2_mLwAQBkJH6lv5OU0p5IAqiHlVimfMIJ6NyPZ7PyVvdlsNXmsg8vfOr27r5rXfL_GiKByUeFtfYT-h0Uao4iBx8/s1600/steph+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLafUWXSZUjqBD5B6iveEPstL-psoKk4swESpUHlaXyZcT1qI1croH2_mLwAQBkJH6lv5OU0p5IAqiHlVimfMIJ6NyPZ7PyVvdlsNXmsg8vfOr27r5rXfL_GiKByUeFtfYT-h0Uao4iBx8/s1600/steph+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Stephens was completed in 1905 after 54 years of construction. The architectural style is Neo-Classical with a Greek cross ground plan. The interior is stunning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdW8jffVh1Kka-mLp2GYRZm1shcZS2sWedng5GH2I-fbWn-o-rf25JTPRFOCsSQA0GBpQ0S_PF4mhEKmYH5ZBoq5ANY2wDLOfAncOLGPVl9mWyBEUVgOwkLfLyIlkNZg4Grxnx4sEDbtC/s1600/steph+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdW8jffVh1Kka-mLp2GYRZm1shcZS2sWedng5GH2I-fbWn-o-rf25JTPRFOCsSQA0GBpQ0S_PF4mhEKmYH5ZBoq5ANY2wDLOfAncOLGPVl9mWyBEUVgOwkLfLyIlkNZg4Grxnx4sEDbtC/s1600/steph+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equal with the Hungarian Parliament Building, it is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest at 96 metres; thus symbolizing that "worldly and spiritual thinking
have the same importance".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Once back at the <i>Trap</i> experience, we worked through two games solving puzzles and other challenges. The first one had a medieval theme and the second an Egyptian theme. With good team work, we managed to unlock both rooms within our one hour time allotment. </span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3nsMVkzNgXXJPkWSkeqGyaV2qRxxRlYBOzYC8UQa0_byczswpA8ZKhMxRSByiwnqaG7UpC86in26pcnh09sR-02m4zRQLMkPt65PTJXnuGzf-TPcXkJzAYZwYU7bjNZ16C1tNMLgkfVB/s1600/trap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3nsMVkzNgXXJPkWSkeqGyaV2qRxxRlYBOzYC8UQa0_byczswpA8ZKhMxRSByiwnqaG7UpC86in26pcnh09sR-02m4zRQLMkPt65PTJXnuGzf-TPcXkJzAYZwYU7bjNZ16C1tNMLgkfVB/s1600/trap.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trap</i> provides the opportunity to "team race against puzzles".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkocl3z6e_boAPqxXfWSVGMxZWX47XFPxkgQuMmWnl0mlTqUstlp999wBViQbAGZqyLPzDFBcGWv2xZ5_-nkPJYT7lAvllau0UkOOjBSAX41uWqs8dJHtAN0tuJYl_KHooGqC5OdDuWmr/s1600/trap+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkocl3z6e_boAPqxXfWSVGMxZWX47XFPxkgQuMmWnl0mlTqUstlp999wBViQbAGZqyLPzDFBcGWv2xZ5_-nkPJYT7lAvllau0UkOOjBSAX41uWqs8dJHtAN0tuJYl_KHooGqC5OdDuWmr/s1600/trap+2.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medieval <i>Trap</i> game: We wore these tunics which I'm sure helped us to solve the puzzles under our one hour time limit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Following our fun time at <i>Trap</i>, we decided to sign up for a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour to get a better overview of Budapest. As these type of bus tours go, this one was one of the better ones in that the head sets were more usable than usual and the audio pretty good. Plus it's a way to drag the kids around a new city without making them walk everywhere. At one point, we got off the bus and caught a boat that cruised by some of the building highlights along the Danube. Despite our efforts at making the tourism easier on the kids, Paul made it clear he was displeased with the whole bus tour concept in general. What's a parent to do? There's no pleasing everyone all the time. In fact, in our family, there's rarely pleasing everyone at anytime. Everyday was a balancing act of compromise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span lang="HR" >Here's a (very) little history about Budapest. Budapest was first inhabited by the
Celts and then the Romans until the end of the 4th century. Magyar tribes invaded and inhabited the area from the 8th century and their presence is still felt in the country today, throughout the culture, language, customs and cuisine. The first king was Stephen I
(as noted earlier between ~1000-1038) who later became St Stephen. Until Stephen I came along, Hungary was a
pagan settlement. Stephen however was raised to become a devout
Christian and transformed Hungary into a Christian state. The Mongols had a presence in the 13th century and the Ottomans ruled the area for about 150 years during the 16th and 17th centuries. The dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary was established via the </span><span style="font-size: small;">Austro-Hungarian Compromise in 1867; at that time, Austria-Hungary was geographically the second largest country in Europe after the Russian Empire. In 1873 Buda and Pest were officially merged with a third town, Óbuda
(Ancient Buda), thus creating the new metropolis of Budapest. After the end of WWI in 1918, Austria-Hungary found itself on the wrong side of the war and was spit up; via the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, Hungary lost over
two-thirds of its territory, and about two-thirds of its inhabitants. In 1949, Hungary was declared a communist People's Republic. In 1956, there was a revolution against communism that didn't overthrow communism but "softened" it. This is one reason why Budapest retains much of its historical buildings whereas those in Bucharest, Romania were destroyed in favor of exhibiting communism's strong presence. (<span lang="HR" style="font-family: Times;">As a side anecdote, believe it or not, even today apparently some
people who intend to travel to "Budapest", end up in "Bucharest" (as told to
us during our walking tour in Bucharest) and I presume the vice verse
occurs.) </span>Hungary's transition to a Western-style democracy was one of the
smoothest among the former Soviet bloc; by late 1988, activists within
the party and Budapest-based intellectuals were
increasing pressure for change. In October 1989, the Parliament adopted legislation providing for
multiparty parliamentary elections and a direct presidential election.
The legislation transformed Hungary from a People's Republic into the
Republic of Hungary; it guaranteed human and civil rights, and created an
institutional structure that ensured separation of powers among the
judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a sample of photos I took along the way on our Hop-On-Hop-Off bus and boat tours. </span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_NK8dTHcDOKstMTJOXtyBdjFq_s6oaQFuArBQ8eb6BJKACsPk2UHr85m6opLqCDXV-qaY56S0vlCub_NxJMNuTV4M9XDGvE_e3naP7mVszoaivuKdOXzGuGKSD21gpo2wmMkf7gDRkNR/s1600/buda+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_NK8dTHcDOKstMTJOXtyBdjFq_s6oaQFuArBQ8eb6BJKACsPk2UHr85m6opLqCDXV-qaY56S0vlCub_NxJMNuTV4M9XDGvE_e3naP7mVszoaivuKdOXzGuGKSD21gpo2wmMkf7gDRkNR/s1600/buda+2.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungarian Royal Opera House: Opened in 1884, it was constructed in a neo-Renaissance style, with elements of Baroque.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_6mSgEo64xnZFaaplAS3rZqaak2_O2rj-DLwz6BCpm92lgbkVLPpQ3S5Oo5qUhYvIhhrOJL0zJLjU8fW6ioEXSXqj78UpMn8qesrAOMnoExtOmQrqa-Prj-Q1o9Sdb8KSkslTW_4M5z-/s1600/boat+tour+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_6mSgEo64xnZFaaplAS3rZqaak2_O2rj-DLwz6BCpm92lgbkVLPpQ3S5Oo5qUhYvIhhrOJL0zJLjU8fW6ioEXSXqj78UpMn8qesrAOMnoExtOmQrqa-Prj-Q1o9Sdb8KSkslTW_4M5z-/s1600/boat+tour+2.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest. Opened in 1849,<br />
it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXS7wHC88DbC-3yGiRapL_vUbkl0vIQqva2rT2fwvssgj3zGAJYiribwV_jlh1KPaeqcK40cPRJHBVJRYh2GpywGYGxReBkTKXQpITW_K1GW1Zs3Pb0oxKgwADQuEzxbtNZmBcc9pZE-3/s1600/boat+tour+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXS7wHC88DbC-3yGiRapL_vUbkl0vIQqva2rT2fwvssgj3zGAJYiribwV_jlh1KPaeqcK40cPRJHBVJRYh2GpywGYGxReBkTKXQpITW_K1GW1Zs3Pb0oxKgwADQuEzxbtNZmBcc9pZE-3/s1600/boat+tour+4.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret Bridge (Margit híd) (1876): It was the second permanent bridge in Budapest after the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It's an unusual shape in that it's two branches are at a 165 degree angle such that the bridge connects to Margaret Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfpjKO92OENNi1ppl_9GzEYGfFWC659bn86D-zo3O4BR_n9RiMDdtGjkQO-jdlX_8vsQeJ6zSGCk1-Aya6aIjDbVAr5-5Bez2tdE_a2_V5vI8fb7v7EcYEjnaKftGvfwDCPUFg-evn6mQ/s1600/boat+tour+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfpjKO92OENNi1ppl_9GzEYGfFWC659bn86D-zo3O4BR_n9RiMDdtGjkQO-jdlX_8vsQeJ6zSGCk1-Aya6aIjDbVAr5-5Bez2tdE_a2_V5vI8fb7v7EcYEjnaKftGvfwDCPUFg-evn6mQ/s1600/boat+tour+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, once again, wanted it to be known that he was not happy with the boat tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXMv7Bi7VItsUcxCjIhMmx4eTttT2ICjbBhOIQ5M2SzGqOSL5f8bO9EC9Aa18FAw-cYYauxtMfdbhh_AfnWFVfxCHsdzFfYD8oX1cyFy8RtvasXc8TgPgsvfq_P5MQREL0lCZiWy-X2GW/s1600/boat+tour+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXMv7Bi7VItsUcxCjIhMmx4eTttT2ICjbBhOIQ5M2SzGqOSL5f8bO9EC9Aa18FAw-cYYauxtMfdbhh_AfnWFVfxCHsdzFfYD8oX1cyFy8RtvasXc8TgPgsvfq_P5MQREL0lCZiWy-X2GW/s1600/boat+tour+5.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buda Castle (<span lang="hu">Budavári Palota): It was </span>first built by King Bela IV of Hungary between 1247 and 1265 but nothing of that structure exists today. The oldest part of the current castle (foundations of the castle keep) dates from the 14th century. It wasn't until the time of Queen Maria Theresa that the current castle was constructed and was finally completed in 1769. Much of the castle was destroyed however in 1849 when the Hungarians were fighting for control and the Austrians were using the castle as their last stronghold. The castle/palace was once again rebuilt between 1850 and 1856 by Josef Weiss and Carl Neuwirth. After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, Franz Joseph was crowned king of Hungary and the palace played an important part in the lavish ceremony. The castle continued to play a role in the coronation of Hungarian kings right up until the coronation ceremony of the last Hungarian king, Charles IV, in 1916. Unfortunately damage from WWII and post-war reconstruction from the Communist era had destroyed most of the interior from the time of Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl6TUPkQB0qaa7nen019ehxTFLcYogGvbGInZqyuvdXcTZb-MzP4KT4Yy_GwvQYbvCYDSXBO4llu6G5ZeTq8Zwx3clY1Pv53Do1goqsdlP6vM2lFZUefJPv7qqZ41jA6seHAr96OZ2wnM/s1600/buda+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl6TUPkQB0qaa7nen019ehxTFLcYogGvbGInZqyuvdXcTZb-MzP4KT4Yy_GwvQYbvCYDSXBO4llu6G5ZeTq8Zwx3clY1Pv53Do1goqsdlP6vM2lFZUefJPv7qqZ41jA6seHAr96OZ2wnM/s1600/buda+3.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hungarian Parliament Building<b> </b>is one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. It is currently the largest building in Hungary. Construction began in 1885 and the building
was inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896, and
was finally completed in 1904.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-wvI4qWR1axim7-JBJttol6SR370d4veZzceLa8wDQtWFr5ky6SNY-udeDB_8V7Z6HNmR29PrEBCa5jZqJn6EaZlUcjkboL8pcfPOz6keBRXq1zTqNHa_BgbrdAeIDW4aIZtCOhtsPef/s1600/buda+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-wvI4qWR1axim7-JBJttol6SR370d4veZzceLa8wDQtWFr5ky6SNY-udeDB_8V7Z6HNmR29PrEBCa5jZqJn6EaZlUcjkboL8pcfPOz6keBRXq1zTqNHa_BgbrdAeIDW4aIZtCOhtsPef/s1600/buda+4.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Szent Gellért Hegye (Hill of St Gellert): The monument is a tribute to Bishop Gellert who was killed by the pagans during the great pagan rebellion in
1046. He was put in a barrel and tossed down from the top
of the hill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">We finished the day with a second Chinese meal, having eaten at the same restaurant for lunch, and then returned back to Camping Niche. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">On <b>April 21st</b>, we went back into the Pest side and parked again in a street not far from the Opera House.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP2MVvYqa5ZARfRtYbaNazDQooLVQj5-0DQJHJRAtY-WnV84tk8cITeXlOpG4Yy2NES5kC_G4FL6NPqe0MDPHQwEeUb_UToibe1HhOq7RSBMMe146JVZjcbrDyiKDTm6Yv0KMApapdhlh/s1600/buda+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP2MVvYqa5ZARfRtYbaNazDQooLVQj5-0DQJHJRAtY-WnV84tk8cITeXlOpG4Yy2NES5kC_G4FL6NPqe0MDPHQwEeUb_UToibe1HhOq7RSBMMe146JVZjcbrDyiKDTm6Yv0KMApapdhlh/s1600/buda+5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking to find a place to eat lunch, we walked by this city park located on a street corner. The building walls had been painted with a landscape making the playground really inviting. What a great way to dress up an ugly gray wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">After a bite to eat we set out to take the second Hop-On-Hop-Off bus route while once again Paul made his wishes known that he did not want to do another one of these bus tours. Nevertheless we did and then disembarked a little after 14:00 so that we could take a Free Walking tour of the city. Here are a few snaps I took while on the bus. Not many are very good because most were taken while the bus was moving.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjzXiKOIbDNxux2CrqYVhBhFvzSco06PxeRAYO7Dgh32QVS1xSdSXOh3bNColplaP-95j1R5yEQmWwFqMkWiksRTIzC36b3s7B30P3IZ3x3-E2dQTlQWysE6cLoUsYfzASCuoWNt4DHzg/s1600/buda+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjzXiKOIbDNxux2CrqYVhBhFvzSco06PxeRAYO7Dgh32QVS1xSdSXOh3bNColplaP-95j1R5yEQmWwFqMkWiksRTIzC36b3s7B30P3IZ3x3-E2dQTlQWysE6cLoUsYfzASCuoWNt4DHzg/s1600/buda+6.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heroes Square: Located at the end of Andrassy Avenue and next to City Park, Heroes Square is the largest square in Budapest. The Millennium Monument in the middle of the square was erected to commemorate the 1000-year-old history of the Magyars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoB4BxtRifezuhuED5ETjxhQChTVQu-XnahQYzDwwhHJZyYrpuXOJpC5pQeTQI1zCYvWtTEWONkDhwmFlPAu86S08DccrqokHzQu4GmUqxgaeELxImoCQpLBZ47ZWB3lfVkQH0TP2hW199/s1600/buda+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoB4BxtRifezuhuED5ETjxhQChTVQu-XnahQYzDwwhHJZyYrpuXOJpC5pQeTQI1zCYvWtTEWONkDhwmFlPAu86S08DccrqokHzQu4GmUqxgaeELxImoCQpLBZ47ZWB3lfVkQH0TP2hW199/s1600/buda+7.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum of Fine Arts: Located at Heroes Square, the museum contains more than 100,000 pieces of art including all periods of European art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN_xb10DZU2pjgDD2vUjCLruYW71bEPSI96Kp62VDXz-esu1a1eZglUh87Ps5L2rC_u1Tfl2X8-WDJH9QJoCETuvLoJMbefWsfTjD9KBrkVAuyUT0rLGEVCCx2FaOMKM2_Ota8hulUpSM/s1600/buda+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN_xb10DZU2pjgDD2vUjCLruYW71bEPSI96Kp62VDXz-esu1a1eZglUh87Ps5L2rC_u1Tfl2X8-WDJH9QJoCETuvLoJMbefWsfTjD9KBrkVAuyUT0rLGEVCCx2FaOMKM2_Ota8hulUpSM/s1600/buda+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) houses contemporary art and is located on Heroes Square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDGYTi2m_ujUx8X3JLwE6o_N2TtW4CfBye0TMAB4OAGMh2zLlqvoeUvpGZT5oNwqsJRZ04C1Ot6UFoObIYAC4WIOc13wIHRzcvOiJzOBI7HTNMWmYMlwHtgtLaqGA8c-XZfEMANcsR3NB/s1600/buda+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDGYTi2m_ujUx8X3JLwE6o_N2TtW4CfBye0TMAB4OAGMh2zLlqvoeUvpGZT5oNwqsJRZ04C1Ot6UFoObIYAC4WIOc13wIHRzcvOiJzOBI7HTNMWmYMlwHtgtLaqGA8c-XZfEMANcsR3NB/s1600/buda+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Pesti Vigado Concert Hall.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">At 14:30, we met three "Free Walking Tour" guides at Vorosmarty Square. After an introduction from each guide, the group was divided into 3 and we were assigned to a guide. Our guide, a woman whose name escapes me at this time, was very enthusiastic. At this point, Paul made it known that a walking tour was even a worse idea than the bus tour and I was pretty discouraged. But despite my dark mood, it didn't take long for our guide to sweep me into her talk and engage me into the highlights she was presenting. This was the best tour guide I think I'd ever encountered. It was a 3 hour walking tour, yet she found places to stop so people could sit while she covered different topics. She was interesting, engaging and fun. She received a big tip from us at the end and we decided we'd like to try to take the "Communist" tour the next day, if we could swing it. Here are a few photos I took during the Free Walking Tour.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16foibKCmzvXiX545H7DUdgJDQPyB7ZK77XzSNgnQGk53c-QW2Fn20LQuc7VkthpqqXuBpUIW8DJT4NkPAOxEE56x85sICSIrCpOTR1OI2rCAPPIkG1rch-s5qGm5cDELXa64cQg0grNm/s1600/buda+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16foibKCmzvXiX545H7DUdgJDQPyB7ZK77XzSNgnQGk53c-QW2Fn20LQuc7VkthpqqXuBpUIW8DJT4NkPAOxEE56x85sICSIrCpOTR1OI2rCAPPIkG1rch-s5qGm5cDELXa64cQg0grNm/s1600/buda+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beginning overview of Hungary's very complicated history.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduh3AO9yGhjZYUscYC1Wam2WkN4LFu1d2gAK59-wXQfYPmIlUQxgo2XTECMFZRy-AZ5JaMRx8RzEfEbw7X_zOLKZRuAKfk37dEd3EzXnsd3TzESOE1H6oKJWeSs93kWfoS9tC2c2FUqmj/s1600/buda+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduh3AO9yGhjZYUscYC1Wam2WkN4LFu1d2gAK59-wXQfYPmIlUQxgo2XTECMFZRy-AZ5JaMRx8RzEfEbw7X_zOLKZRuAKfk37dEd3EzXnsd3TzESOE1H6oKJWeSs93kWfoS9tC2c2FUqmj/s1600/buda+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James rubbing the knees of the Little Princess statue (Kiskiralylany Szobor): It was the first statue to be added to the city after the fall of communism. As such, the small statue of the little girl is as far away from "communist ideals" as possible. Rub her knees and you are supposed to have good luck the rest of the day. James doesn't seem too convinced of this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nlETJyzTB2TiV_5qaFuKA4_oEWe0VQ9FsKxZGpOHTsPbDYOOIrOmQaks5D_ECZfH3OI76uH1dm_osXG5p4p9lE5oIuTc8v07Tp0lG4rYRVNfb7j0gLgZ7gBd3Ch1quSXjjEvrB08Lc1/s1600/buda+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nlETJyzTB2TiV_5qaFuKA4_oEWe0VQ9FsKxZGpOHTsPbDYOOIrOmQaks5D_ECZfH3OI76uH1dm_osXG5p4p9lE5oIuTc8v07Tp0lG4rYRVNfb7j0gLgZ7gBd3Ch1quSXjjEvrB08Lc1/s1600/buda+12.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The statue of József (Archduke Joseph), Palatine (Governor or deputy of the King) of Hungary: The statue stands on József nádor tér,
the square named after him. József was the seventh son
of the Habsburg Emperor, Leopold. From 1796 to 1847 he was the palatine
of Hungary and showed a great interest and
genuine care for Hungary and its capital. He was an advocate of city
planning, public works and constructions, which helped to turn Budapest
into a metropolis. His statue faces the city that was developed during
his tenure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHeHre64rrmfV_5rGs1gxjpCwlnGKj9SDMuRN_0Pq4IPDNbbnhgiJdkEYg81ikyfU09TVtKPMGJa_P_4ZU-vVw2BQjZJjqPyfHMciTTXrlNjPp9dO2FovWBIDcfGLX1XaPg1IiC2n9UYl/s1600/buda+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHeHre64rrmfV_5rGs1gxjpCwlnGKj9SDMuRN_0Pq4IPDNbbnhgiJdkEYg81ikyfU09TVtKPMGJa_P_4ZU-vVw2BQjZJjqPyfHMciTTXrlNjPp9dO2FovWBIDcfGLX1XaPg1IiC2n9UYl/s1600/buda+13.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Danubius Fountain located in </span><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Erzsébet Square which is the</span><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> largest green area in Budapest's inner city:</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzxVSiOqxjQpUoyRz5O6n9VO4ZSSxWTqUB55KSLQ1STP6A4g5ggarvthjpy1K-Mo97fsLEQpo0DdlAAyaVOWRcNNaQfCmFythp7EL-piMycyN2L2KHwLFF3uJNCxfSxgtO_9sgKFIPixK/s1600/buda+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzxVSiOqxjQpUoyRz5O6n9VO4ZSSxWTqUB55KSLQ1STP6A4g5ggarvthjpy1K-Mo97fsLEQpo0DdlAAyaVOWRcNNaQfCmFythp7EL-piMycyN2L2KHwLFF3uJNCxfSxgtO_9sgKFIPixK/s1600/buda+14.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently if one rubs the policeman statue's tummy, one will eat very well that day. Looks like a lot of people have eaten well in Budapest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmgvctEd-CJdxmA9PQhpMvzNHc-SCTJjKSQzkbIkTavC4IANCXcyBAbU7_RnuWGa9iqjQizH427d9NC5vC0P-BtX7QEKQMHoUFcbvZJtFAasI4wBpKstdV5_xJlzq4cu6yrY9Ev8AWUK0/s1600/buda+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmgvctEd-CJdxmA9PQhpMvzNHc-SCTJjKSQzkbIkTavC4IANCXcyBAbU7_RnuWGa9iqjQizH427d9NC5vC0P-BtX7QEKQMHoUFcbvZJtFAasI4wBpKstdV5_xJlzq4cu6yrY9Ev8AWUK0/s1600/buda+15.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungarian Academy of Sciences.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjD-mJWXbTqxzZ15IPii51uJKvFfEgtrubN-UW6ZJds2OkqyUp22HkQgfbvTP_rNGRMeteoVi6HrbOxFs0mr8FODnO7UtarBUtQYlXWWgkvDBTMRsIDpgrK30hU_6hhgIKmmbseJAF3c2/s1600/buda+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjD-mJWXbTqxzZ15IPii51uJKvFfEgtrubN-UW6ZJds2OkqyUp22HkQgfbvTP_rNGRMeteoVi6HrbOxFs0mr8FODnO7UtarBUtQYlXWWgkvDBTMRsIDpgrK30hU_6hhgIKmmbseJAF3c2/s1600/buda+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view over Budapest after having climbed up to the Royal Palace grounds. We are looking from Buda across the Danube to Pest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzuOFyppBh_fJc1KgNwTkK5rZUshfk55BvXJIzpzJzK4mMXVnS285S_1FoHBrvdzab-jSD9_6i6UrJ8nD2xWvVPQOZ5Sa9JWUgxtjxtwI-wLoRBUtsKJHBgbtNsZPqupx-7Fz8X5nUqFY/s1600/buda+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzuOFyppBh_fJc1KgNwTkK5rZUshfk55BvXJIzpzJzK4mMXVnS285S_1FoHBrvdzab-jSD9_6i6UrJ8nD2xWvVPQOZ5Sa9JWUgxtjxtwI-wLoRBUtsKJHBgbtNsZPqupx-7Fz8X5nUqFY/s1600/buda+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The President's Residence: Apparently no one would be interested in harming Hungary's President and so the two guards here are not armed. If there's trouble, they'll do what anybody else would do: Call the police.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIyEi6EUbC4l8Q9xkBucF1kSZQFt2KH7HU1GEvadmi9uUV4mrDCga-8WzMgrvyLq_krYj1bJJxSeT1sBQH8vNHLUAr02VELzs_iyISUfVb8Fnh0aCDhdXT9edyrBprh4Rb__O6yqJTJ12/s1600/buda+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIyEi6EUbC4l8Q9xkBucF1kSZQFt2KH7HU1GEvadmi9uUV4mrDCga-8WzMgrvyLq_krYj1bJJxSeT1sBQH8vNHLUAr02VELzs_iyISUfVb8Fnh0aCDhdXT9edyrBprh4Rb__O6yqJTJ12/s1600/buda+18.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of General András Hadik (1710-90) of the Habsburg army: He was a Magyar hussar (light calvary soldier) who embodied the best military virtues: bravery, finesse, steadfastness and patriotism. (Another interpretation of the Magyar hussars was that they were mercenaries serving in several different armies of Europe in the 18th century.) This was another statue in Budapest with a "rubbing tradition"; in this case, if one rubbed the horses balls one's virility would strengthen. As a result the horse's balls are very shiny. A few years ago, people in the neighborhood got so fed up with drunk college kids climbing the statue and rubbing the horse's balls that it is now illegal to do so.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rtvVftDf_Fm4IM3ZAcaVboBusXxBu86t4YEWdmlm-_jED5G9SbY08gJWRiIr32mFR0Y1q7MKeSksjgaNJ0KOXeUvbmfdtepvNTFfSkSuqdjEKe6iD6fBGo6p9y_RinsOHxtPcNkHcu8-/s1600/Buda+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rtvVftDf_Fm4IM3ZAcaVboBusXxBu86t4YEWdmlm-_jED5G9SbY08gJWRiIr32mFR0Y1q7MKeSksjgaNJ0KOXeUvbmfdtepvNTFfSkSuqdjEKe6iD6fBGo6p9y_RinsOHxtPcNkHcu8-/s1600/Buda+19.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthias Church: The original church was built in 1015. The current structure was built during the second half of the 14th century and was extensively restored in the late 19th century. Officially named as the Church of Our Lady, it has been popularly named after King Matthias (1443-90).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">On <b>April 22nd</b>,
we went to the Szechenyi Bath and Spa house. It is the oldest bath in
Budapest, as well as the largest. It is recommended for families and had
pretty good reviews on TripAdvisor. The other recommended bath house is
Gellert which architecturally is the most stunning. But since we had
the kids, and Paul and Sarah so far hadn't experienced one of these
public thermal baths (James, Vincent and I enjoyed the Thermae Spa in
Bath, England), I was fine with trying the Szencheny Bath.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Once we parked the car, we first had lunch at the Szechenyi Garden Restaurant, which was lovely.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4H0dFesGPFVnNMeWmG1lPsxezaqA9VbKyubGX_fIh0GIj1F95hdDVcx8exEeN7A8tNDRMqIGVBwNIoIzNWqq1anYWQaH_LtQXGgJZFmw82dSROWvVOl9c3fPX1EIqhBsHx_l8vzFoB_P/s1600/bday+lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4H0dFesGPFVnNMeWmG1lPsxezaqA9VbKyubGX_fIh0GIj1F95hdDVcx8exEeN7A8tNDRMqIGVBwNIoIzNWqq1anYWQaH_LtQXGgJZFmw82dSROWvVOl9c3fPX1EIqhBsHx_l8vzFoB_P/s1600/bday+lunch.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday lunch at the
Szechenyi Garden Restaurant: Refined atmosphere with linen table cloths
and napkins. May not seem like much but when this was day 278 of
camping, these details were a big deal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">In
reading reviews of the Szechenyi Bath House, we were told to bring
bathing suits, towels (so we wouldn't have to rent them) and flip flops.
We did and felt prepared. We got changed and met in the outdoor pool
area. Here, there was a warm pool, a lap pool and a hot pool. I spent a
bit of time in the warm pool and then the hot pool and then set out to
see if I could find a sauna or some other thermal pool in the building.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8itppHr5wSSAfvehUShUGQDRDM4aYFYfksNdNXG7kUSkuSe9AGFnfBSkKTI-Re7PRehoonrR-M4ly-XlOdSp5LU8gvxd2SoFqRtta2LWdKyQwPqOVX3o5nE6y9gbvhN3pRfJJq5vNOmq/s1600/sze+1.jpg" height="288" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the warm pool (left) and lap pool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbmTvpFMU6DHCgr79DdnFR1uw8tXHbeYGwlc0BPVDEWShdZRMnh55nEApwUIFLXfcIVEAFMx-cdU_QfstJCG-M4juAo67rw5K856H38ZrvONqc9_miwT2BQyT7-MicmPrk3j2WS4LNMLN/s1600/sze+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbmTvpFMU6DHCgr79DdnFR1uw8tXHbeYGwlc0BPVDEWShdZRMnh55nEApwUIFLXfcIVEAFMx-cdU_QfstJCG-M4juAo67rw5K856H38ZrvONqc9_miwT2BQyT7-MicmPrk3j2WS4LNMLN/s1600/sze+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Szechenyi
boasts "free massages" with the water jets in the thermal pools. In the
circular area below, people are pushed around at a fast clip; it looked
as if I was watching a movie in fast motion. The kids loved this
feature.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">I
discovered a few issues with the facilities. Firstly, the place is
huge. There are several maps posted with a "You Are Here" icon but they
never bothered to place the red dot on the map to actually show one
where they are in the bath house. The second, and biggest issue, was
there was no soap or shampoo at all in the showers. I've been to dozens
of pools, spas and bath houses in North America and Europe and they
always request people take showers before entering (preferably with
soap) but regardless one always wants to take a shower afterwards
(definitely with soap) to wash off the "public water". Here there was
nothing. I was astonished. The soapy shower goal was particularly
important to me because I really didn't want to have to go back to
Camping Niche and take a shower in their unheated, shower stall later in
the day. Surely Szechenyi would sell little bottles of shampoo or
shower gel. So I set out to walk 200 yards to the rental counter where I
stood for 15 minutes while the two people behind the counter attended
no one, but instead counted money as they were changing shifts. Couldn't
there be overlapping shifts so that customers didn't have to stand and
wait 15 minutes? And when the man finally decided his shift had started I
asked if he sold shampoo or soap and his answer was "No, you must go up
into the lobby to purchase." At this point, I was pretty annoyed. I
shuffled up to the entrance to the lobby in my bathing suit and flip
flops but had trouble convincing the person controlling the entrance
that I wanted to leave to buy soap. She was perplexed that I'd want to
buy soap but eventually let me out. I went to the kiosk where they sell
bathing suits and caps and asked to buy shampoo. "We don't sell
shampoo", was the reply. Huh? They only had a few bars of soap, so I
bought one. I asked why they don't sell shampoo. "How do people wash
their hair here?" ("How do people wash at all"?) The woman behind the
counter clearly thought that the need for soap or shampoo was odd. I
eventually made it back into the bath area and then set out to find a
massage place, knowing from reviews that they can be hard to find in the
complex. (I should also mention that I did find a sauna, but it was
cold, dark and not in operation.) I found the Thai massage center tucked
away in a corner of the 2nd floor and, to much surprise, found they
could take me right away for a massage. I chose a 45 minute oil massage,
which was really lovely and salvaged the whole experience, upgrading my
rating from a one-star to two star score for Szechenyi.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlyFpI9GB4OVBQn7tFfNhqTILNEqwYz7hsueC62bF0wK7XeK33RX4HYk26WwU0XtsyjWUxqSuMeAIN-x8OiAGvw3HL8Wo9Vtdd2UmWfqcOlS0bFxZgTZiaGFLqGzA93R513kjsqZB9bEa/s1600/sze+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlyFpI9GB4OVBQn7tFfNhqTILNEqwYz7hsueC62bF0wK7XeK33RX4HYk26WwU0XtsyjWUxqSuMeAIN-x8OiAGvw3HL8Wo9Vtdd2UmWfqcOlS0bFxZgTZiaGFLqGzA93R513kjsqZB9bEa/s1600/sze+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ornate entrance hall to the Szechenyi Baths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">After
leaving the Bath house we got back into the car and drove over to the
Jewish section of town and found <i>ExitPoint</i> which is another one of those "solve a series of puzzles to escape a room within 60 minutes" exercises. We'd started looking out for these "escape exercises" because they apparently originated in Hungary for Europe (Japan may have been the true originating country) and Hungary had at least 45 companies offering these 60 minute games. It was also about the only activity in which we could all agree would be fun to do.</span><br />
<h2>
</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAYPOSeU6298up2-YFdNU8HxkdTl76Te1SN_-fBiGrvP2-dMKp3YlvbX6hyphenhyphenNj10aEMaDQW0t2T4zW6XhArqxSIZkx5tGm3ic48hP6iifp0aF8xTjO31mwJJuUPPzmKNQDcWWLigGQjcTU/s1600/exit+point.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAYPOSeU6298up2-YFdNU8HxkdTl76Te1SN_-fBiGrvP2-dMKp3YlvbX6hyphenhyphenNj10aEMaDQW0t2T4zW6XhArqxSIZkx5tGm3ic48hP6iifp0aF8xTjO31mwJJuUPPzmKNQDcWWLigGQjcTU/s1600/exit+point.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit Point offered 3
escape-themed rooms. Because of Sarah, Vincent signed us up for "Down
the Rabbit Hole" which is loosely connected to Alice in Wonderland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNuaVeguGU7YjZm5VOKz-RkgpjseO6inaWzYhxQ8bLWl49WFSWLJjbGE5lyJNCU0ce5f0Sc2k2JEdxXrY0-t3pjGImtZ2dGAG0iD9TZ7Fg-1c9Z416DJ2qKSFrtqNd3VW4fD9foIE-aBb/s1600/exit+point+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNuaVeguGU7YjZm5VOKz-RkgpjseO6inaWzYhxQ8bLWl49WFSWLJjbGE5lyJNCU0ce5f0Sc2k2JEdxXrY0-t3pjGImtZ2dGAG0iD9TZ7Fg-1c9Z416DJ2qKSFrtqNd3VW4fD9foIE-aBb/s1600/exit+point+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our
photo taken "down the rabbit hole". It had a broad set of puzzles that
required some knowledge of certain things, such as the basics of chess.
It had a good use of space and a great themed experience. We solved the
puzzles in about 46 minutes but asked for 3 clues along the way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Once
we completed the "Rabbit Hole" everyone really wanted to try
<i>ExitPoint's</i> "Madness" room but it was fully booked for the rest of the
day. With that decision made for us, we headed off to find some dinner
in the Jewish quarter. We eventually found a Bistro Restaurant which had
an interesting menu and we all had a pretty good meal with a couple
chocolate lava cakes to share for dessert. We then returned to the
campground and I checked email to find numerous birthday greetings via
email, facebook and linkedin. Social media receives a lot of criticism,
but I must say when it helps people remember you, it really helps make a
birthday special.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">On <b>April 23rd</b>, we had two
more "room escape" activities booked, this time with <i>Claustrophilia</i>. Our
first appointment was in a room called the "Wicklewood Heritage". The
theme was based on a Lord Wicklewood who was a real adventurer who
dedicated his life to find lost treasures around the world. The start of
the game was a little different than the others we had tried in that we
met no one at the beginning. Once we found the starting address/room of
the game, we read an introduction letter, had to sign it agreeing to
the terms of the game and place the signed letter in a mail box. Once
the signed letter hit the mail box, the game (and timer) began. We successfully completed the game without any hints (other than being told
we solved everything and the last key in our hands was the key to exit
the room). There were some clever and unique puzzles and everyone got to
participate. Sarah did a great job collecting clues.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">When we finished we had about 20 minutes before our next game, "Voodoo Tales", a couple blocks away.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I2cJu6g3w0JAPLnq1AzQoR_0kwL3j87fItUA6_L_NdPXglDoyj5401cehxdEfyUeIPoRGLb4a2QHBiyvh8RIlKzXqsCQS2xjk60c79IGW5dn1_Rfh4QFmGQsvmbBAxSkOcn0tKKSXf6J/s1600/voodoo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I2cJu6g3w0JAPLnq1AzQoR_0kwL3j87fItUA6_L_NdPXglDoyj5401cehxdEfyUeIPoRGLb4a2QHBiyvh8RIlKzXqsCQS2xjk60c79IGW5dn1_Rfh4QFmGQsvmbBAxSkOcn0tKKSXf6J/s1600/voodoo.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering into Voodoo Tales and the unexpected challenges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Once
again, when we arrived at the entrance no one was there to meet us. We
just had a letter of introduction, which we were required to sign, and a
walkie-talkie that we could use to radio for help. A couple of the
puzzles/tasks were pretty hard to complete and there weren't as many
problems to solve so it was harder for all of us to participate equally.
This was the first time we didn't complete the escape within the 60
minute time frame, which was disappointing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">After we left the "Voodoo Tales" activity, we found a place for lunch and then hoped to join the Free Communist Walking Tour that would start at 15:30. Unfortunately, lunch took a bit too long and traffic was not in our favor trying to get to the tour meeting point so we had to give up those plans. As an alternative, Vincent suggested we visit Csodakpalotaja (Palace of Wonders) which appeared to be some type of science museum. It's billed as a 1300 square meter physics playhouse. The GPS directed us to a shopping mall and so we were a little doubtful that we were in the right place. But on the second floor of the mall we found it and discovered a real gem for the kids. There were over 100 games and exhibits that were all interactive. The content was engaging for a wide range of ages so even Vincent and I enjoyed visiting different stations and trying various challenges. Explanations were given in both Hungarian and English.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J9h2PjQJXLjh-d5QcWe0tblZl8t9q11C3BOqjJu-Q93nqMHYgsGJOH9n5TfseLL5FgHOi96frfnWsTxgaBNxbY-v5ZSUmhl9Amr2k79z0BpskemuMnUNxQSH7xDOl4fwD4titwIkGmQm/s1600/cso+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J9h2PjQJXLjh-d5QcWe0tblZl8t9q11C3BOqjJu-Q93nqMHYgsGJOH9n5TfseLL5FgHOi96frfnWsTxgaBNxbY-v5ZSUmhl9Amr2k79z0BpskemuMnUNxQSH7xDOl4fwD4titwIkGmQm/s1600/cso+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Sarah trying to talk to each other while hearing their voices with a delay. It's very difficult because the mouth-to-ear feedback mechanism has been tampered with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn17dLQvojByMXuGFpxQEc51aGc5o8yR5n6Z6jyMRF3OMPRcmzTouy-YW9LVXcR2lx6WqTGncygJKgLswvSXeW7yHB7dBf1b-6XidUwp7bFjdiC6d6EEctPIs4e7ibHiUNT19ydD9kjqBZ/s1600/cso+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn17dLQvojByMXuGFpxQEc51aGc5o8yR5n6Z6jyMRF3OMPRcmzTouy-YW9LVXcR2lx6WqTGncygJKgLswvSXeW7yHB7dBf1b-6XidUwp7bFjdiC6d6EEctPIs4e7ibHiUNT19ydD9kjqBZ/s1600/cso+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Sarah testing out their musical memory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">After leaving the museum, we headed back to Camping Niche. The next day we'd be traveling to Vienna, one of my favorite cities in Europe. Camping Niche turned out to be a good spot. While space was tight, facilities were clean and the staff very friendly. In addition to our welcome drinks when we arrived, they sent us off with a bottle of wine upon departure; no wonder the campground received such great reviews!</span></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-29744545259865877472014-04-25T01:42:00.002-07:002014-04-25T01:42:56.259-07:00Return to Croatia during SpringOn <b>March 30th</b>, we returned to Croatia and Camping Split in Stobreč. It felt like returning home and oddly enough, it was good to be
back in LandShark again. The best part of being back was that for two
whole days we didn't have to go anywhere, nor did we want to go
anywhere. <b>March 31st</b> and <b>April 1st</b> were spent at the
campground just hanging out, enjoying the beautiful spring weather and
catching up on things. My only outing was a trip to the dentist in Stobreč to check on a tooth that was troubling me and was relieved to
find that there was no urgent issue or problem. I would have liked to
have gotten caught up with the blog but just couldn't muster up the
focus and other diversions easily caught my attention, like watching the
kids play tennis with Molly or James and Paul wrestling in the water.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwfAHmQSWIvjgCkr68OJt0Xy_pA8G9wJko-GAweQ-_yekcUfsHSZT8Xo_H7yk-wOn9up69-BsjNenbLfjP2KMHwYHUvYlFartSILUjY31KKZAoNuV7w6BAFLyToOTYBqwJixKOPQRlZmi/s1600/stobrec+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwfAHmQSWIvjgCkr68OJt0Xy_pA8G9wJko-GAweQ-_yekcUfsHSZT8Xo_H7yk-wOn9up69-BsjNenbLfjP2KMHwYHUvYlFartSILUjY31KKZAoNuV7w6BAFLyToOTYBqwJixKOPQRlZmi/s1600/stobrec+1.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sweet view from my dentist's office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DniVmAt0VtUj9j_2cRboax_o_oTGcOa3PzO_z0AFS1jXT5mEjaioHmWC9Z5llPpXWwYQOHDuriWKDfoi8-rhbOAQ16fSDVnb7fFoe4sbf9DD93Ci-g5mQlqJy37GXC64aY9YiTOgvJGC/s1600/tennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DniVmAt0VtUj9j_2cRboax_o_oTGcOa3PzO_z0AFS1jXT5mEjaioHmWC9Z5llPpXWwYQOHDuriWKDfoi8-rhbOAQ16fSDVnb7fFoe4sbf9DD93Ci-g5mQlqJy37GXC64aY9YiTOgvJGC/s1600/tennis.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Trying Tennis": It was hard to play tennis when Molly would continually chase, and often catch, the ball thereby halting the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jg-QYtZT3LVTAie_Ty38kwBWB93RPONaDztS4priLYfdUSRX2bueGdUXttsAGY2U-vmkfTi1k1z7L_rM-9i2X6ZCzEhrh4pbV5Q4R4SZYxqAOpvYv4dbA_mg2ChgKg_PAH6xf7UkmiUm/s1600/stobrec+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jg-QYtZT3LVTAie_Ty38kwBWB93RPONaDztS4priLYfdUSRX2bueGdUXttsAGY2U-vmkfTi1k1z7L_rM-9i2X6ZCzEhrh4pbV5Q4R4SZYxqAOpvYv4dbA_mg2ChgKg_PAH6xf7UkmiUm/s1600/stobrec+2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had other not-so-fun diversions to accomplish: Dumping tanks and
refilling the propane tank, which required tidying up and moving
LandShark. Vincent and I also had to relook at our Schengen territory
plans as it looked like Poland was "off" due to the apparent poor
conditions of the roads in that country. Budapest, Hungary was now "on"
and Vincent worked on a plan that would get us up as far as Stockholm by
midsummer, but minimize the miles on LandShark; this was not an easy
task.<br />
<br />
The other diversion on April 1st was our interview with Eric Hemingway who hosts the <a href="http://www.familyadventurepodcast.com/" target="_blank">Family Adventure podcast</a>.
Vincent arranged for us to be interviewed. In order to get a wifi
connection at the campground and call via Skype, we had
to sit in the Prius near the wifi router. It was a less than ideal
location given we had a campground security person trying to message us
during the call. After the call ended and we were ready to move the
Prius back to our campground, Vince couldn't start the car. The battery
was dead. This was the second time we killed the battery. Vince found
someone at the campground who was able to help jump start our car and
then he went out and purchased a bottle as a token of thanks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidakWPwBKpHSDj7Y5UhObAwIw_68OsVn83Iu9aPCHajpZr3RJFCEP-tk0TNHuOndz0w5DZEJr7QnsIsQy0zc5gUqN3pfpRfjNhSsseSz89sxFCxz3zggKHTssX_T05zE2KK-mfhDr5iBNB/s1600/stobrec+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidakWPwBKpHSDj7Y5UhObAwIw_68OsVn83Iu9aPCHajpZr3RJFCEP-tk0TNHuOndz0w5DZEJr7QnsIsQy0zc5gUqN3pfpRfjNhSsseSz89sxFCxz3zggKHTssX_T05zE2KK-mfhDr5iBNB/s1600/stobrec+3.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile 3 hours later, the boys were still at it. Paul's shoes had gotten soaked in the previous round so he had improvised footwear with tea towels covered in plastic bags. I was not pleased about the additions to our laundry that day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our brief stay in Stobreč quickly passed and on <b>April 2nd</b>,
we were back on the road again to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb.
Vincent and Paul would be flying to the US on April 3rd and my Mother
would be flying in that same day to spend two weeks with James, Sarah,
Molly and me. We arrived at Petros Apartments ($65/night + €12 parking (two different currencies quoted))
after a 4 hour drive (on good Croatian roads). I'm giving Petros
Apartments a mention because it was one of, if not the best
accommodation, we had stayed at so far during this trip. We got settled and then had a pretty good meal at a neighborhood restaurant called Cro.<br />
<br />
<b>April 3rd</b> was spent dropping Vincent and Paul off at Zagreb International, then working on the blog while James did school work and Sarah spent most of the afternoon avoiding home work. Later on, I picked Mother up at the airport and then we all spent the rest of the day catching up with her. <br />
<br />
On <b>April 4th</b>, James, Sarah, Mother and I took a taxi to <span lang="hr">Trg bana Jelačića (named after Ban Josip </span><span lang="hr">Jelačić) which is Zagreb's main square in the </span><span lang="hr">Gornji
Grad (upper old town). Taking a taxi with 4 passengers (30-40 kuna,
depending on the driver) was about the same cost as taking a tram or bus
and a lot more straightforward. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="hr">We walked across the </span><span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">Trg bana Jelačića and then through the </span>Dolac which is the most visited and the best known farmer's market in Zagreb.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWYFjKoUWZXk9nd8SA7nWgrfHtyvIaGWn1Hj8QTDgzYAPS8MrNmdDGapJXMS3UooJvzA14p4ac4_3oFHNJOkL4kNDmqVaFbs6mVR0n9DqELfgiERG_kgDwjqylexsjsng92mXaB7Zrkei/s1600/zagreb+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWYFjKoUWZXk9nd8SA7nWgrfHtyvIaGWn1Hj8QTDgzYAPS8MrNmdDGapJXMS3UooJvzA14p4ac4_3oFHNJOkL4kNDmqVaFbs6mVR0n9DqELfgiERG_kgDwjqylexsjsng92mXaB7Zrkei/s1600/zagreb+1.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Josip <span lang="hr">Jelačić on </span><span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">Trg bana Jelačića: </span></span>It was originally installed in 1866 by Austrian authorities despite mixed support. He was a 19th century governor who extended citizen's rights and did much to unite the Croats within the Hapsburg Empire. He had a complicated reputation;
Jelačić' sided with the Austrians when the Hungarians were trying to take over, as he thought he'd have a better chance at gaining Croatia's independence with the Austrians. As a result, he was considered a national hero in Croatia. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM1gBSmUwt4rQXrEAnnQ-J4-OkW7wgew5KGeJ817JBJXCSV5uz1uz13ivBLRribfbcYNwlcwdKSh2GxLUAMs-zI-BA4Z19q1Iu-UVKbs_aZsVQkW5BE1MAN_BJ4S0NXciWTToO2odtOAl/s1600/zagreb+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM1gBSmUwt4rQXrEAnnQ-J4-OkW7wgew5KGeJ817JBJXCSV5uz1uz13ivBLRribfbcYNwlcwdKSh2GxLUAMs-zI-BA4Z19q1Iu-UVKbs_aZsVQkW5BE1MAN_BJ4S0NXciWTToO2odtOAl/s1600/zagreb+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty spring flower arrangements sold at the Dolac (farmers' market) for the equivalent of a dollar or two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnPqqyBBps5wILWzr5_9sWBcXntYGFYh_cGCiImekplyH5hP0GPMIYnebv1-dYvEOKq0xPMyPfVMt6rA9yg0zbjoPM95-1m8hzjqBCK6vDGA1P0SF2RwYMBU1tudkjVTXVssTeu3pUSUB/s1600/zagreb+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnPqqyBBps5wILWzr5_9sWBcXntYGFYh_cGCiImekplyH5hP0GPMIYnebv1-dYvEOKq0xPMyPfVMt6rA9yg0zbjoPM95-1m8hzjqBCK6vDGA1P0SF2RwYMBU1tudkjVTXVssTeu3pUSUB/s1600/zagreb+3.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dolac with the St Mary's Church clock tower in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">We
found a restaurant near the market and had lunch and then headed for
the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. </span>Construction
on the original cathedral started in 1093, but the building was
destroyed by the Tatars (Turkic people from the territory of the former
Russian Empire) in 1242. The current form of this cathedral was
completed in 1906.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVXcVTYsw23D72CeT1TCD0mHktZhxh7wUG4XRN03RJ10r1upDpeTfDmSZ2QL7_LxlftjM8YdX1bdNVrRvs7l3OmdohQ2aop_6tylFGfkvPlJGwgGkcF5QstxpbKQZMFYvO6MmT6KyvJO_/s1600/zagreb+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVXcVTYsw23D72CeT1TCD0mHktZhxh7wUG4XRN03RJ10r1upDpeTfDmSZ2QL7_LxlftjM8YdX1bdNVrRvs7l3OmdohQ2aop_6tylFGfkvPlJGwgGkcF5QstxpbKQZMFYvO6MmT6KyvJO_/s1600/zagreb+5.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
cathedral is the tallest building and is truly a exquisite landmark in
Zagreb. It is dominated by two neo-Gothic spires. The cathedral is
undergoing a major exterior refurbishment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1svzWIHtsmUIRvEzvfr429RRryfhuBSh6BtZ3w6Pp1sSMPOGrD4ffjsJ1NVDYM_Y8cc6nML1rMDZ8-2PFM1tDPqVlHy045N_0NfdKOG19vtT6VeoaEHK4E29SU5cb7DM4_QeE5rHcpCHx/s1600/zagreb+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1svzWIHtsmUIRvEzvfr429RRryfhuBSh6BtZ3w6Pp1sSMPOGrD4ffjsJ1NVDYM_Y8cc6nML1rMDZ8-2PFM1tDPqVlHy045N_0NfdKOG19vtT6VeoaEHK4E29SU5cb7DM4_QeE5rHcpCHx/s1600/zagreb+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many intricate and elegant details on the exterior of the cathedral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM2A9IxmKyTdztbXIbkeRXOsQQnNkno7KrrEB9WWGkCBLOUeRZzzsCixtz1xNl_eSPngEllsPiQsE3ut9sHbq-dN8X0_q8PnV29bo_s0ySAjd305TDvBboU3QOxr2D4Yb_upipoKncd01/s1600/zagreb+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM2A9IxmKyTdztbXIbkeRXOsQQnNkno7KrrEB9WWGkCBLOUeRZzzsCixtz1xNl_eSPngEllsPiQsE3ut9sHbq-dN8X0_q8PnV29bo_s0ySAjd305TDvBboU3QOxr2D4Yb_upipoKncd01/s1600/zagreb+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
interior was beautiful. It had been a long time since I'd been in a
church that hadn't been destroyed by a recent war and later refurbished (often in a simpler fashion).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1rJfzmKAVt_CYWqOD9fy3DadllM8RCcwytUD3il-1nx0O8pkICAtu9gNhGJdPZemaNWv9ZFOQcMzbyu62gwfsVBIZ1vyd3haZlGJOL9Ze82WPD3qd_ZlZyFy4weR-4IenViakCAEjZ53/s1600/cathedral+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1rJfzmKAVt_CYWqOD9fy3DadllM8RCcwytUD3il-1nx0O8pkICAtu9gNhGJdPZemaNWv9ZFOQcMzbyu62gwfsVBIZ1vyd3haZlGJOL9Ze82WPD3qd_ZlZyFy4weR-4IenViakCAEjZ53/s1600/cathedral+fountain.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Virgin Mary And Four Angels Fountain located on the square in front of the cathedral. It was built by the Austrian sculptor, Anton Dominick Ritter von Fernkorn in 1873.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">After leaving the cathedral, we walked back through the Dolac market, along </span>Tkalčićeva
Street, which is the main pedestrian area packed with restaurants and
bars. We peaked into the St Francis of Assisi church and then found a park with a small playground for the kids.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9bFC0fb0QISLuPxVzHVzNJLAGwe09oaBkc66x8sV9Mrj4dH_2iuuyD5WvlHtwyGnV5pTmEVp7qbYhTUhxAlY2B_7LBfxZ58PlKchV0JG-_Ao6hepbyLr-QUvSi1CUPaVktbtuntLfJHf/s1600/church+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9bFC0fb0QISLuPxVzHVzNJLAGwe09oaBkc66x8sV9Mrj4dH_2iuuyD5WvlHtwyGnV5pTmEVp7qbYhTUhxAlY2B_7LBfxZ58PlKchV0JG-_Ao6hepbyLr-QUvSi1CUPaVktbtuntLfJHf/s1600/church+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Francis of Assisi Church was built in the 13th century as part of a Franciscan monastery. Internally, St. Francis is considered one of the most beautiful
Franciscan buildings in Central Europe. It is large, but has only one
nave. One of the very distinctive and very beautiful elements of the church is
the cross-ribbed arched ceiling in deep blue with gold accents. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmVIfa985PmzE4ZxPLq3uG_djlEGITWbRV5S9xU66Fyx4ysypHViai7q74bbNsiQdCbPG6hhnnmkFyF3pHPyi1yWqfHCHV9ldBX8xoeqbwi1AkDuqJLrIV10JKnyg7dNKGhschERcXF6_/s1600/church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmVIfa985PmzE4ZxPLq3uG_djlEGITWbRV5S9xU66Fyx4ysypHViai7q74bbNsiQdCbPG6hhnnmkFyF3pHPyi1yWqfHCHV9ldBX8xoeqbwi1AkDuqJLrIV10JKnyg7dNKGhschERcXF6_/s1600/church+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the beautiful ceiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOvxTFpkTWVoYVpkDcYZzxs9b9E5KEeN3FJGXgCnc_MTDC6o01MEN5vM6a0XsO40sZl1N8FjeSaZgsNeVreukIhdUo3OYAWg2Rp21d2epVid80C3XlVv66b-oODjmSjieB-7ioRcsOkQC/s1600/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOvxTFpkTWVoYVpkDcYZzxs9b9E5KEeN3FJGXgCnc_MTDC6o01MEN5vM6a0XsO40sZl1N8FjeSaZgsNeVreukIhdUo3OYAWg2Rp21d2epVid80C3XlVv66b-oODjmSjieB-7ioRcsOkQC/s1600/park.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Mother enjoyed catching up while Sarah tried out the saucer swing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After some time at the park, we then climbed close to 200 steps to reach the Musej Grada Zagreba
(City Museum).<b> </b>Many sources point to Zagreb's City Museum as one
of the best to visit. It covers the evolution of Zagreb from prehistory
to present day. The museum was updated in 1997 and holds many
interesting displays. Most aren't engaging enough for kids however; James and
Sarah sped through the museum at a fast past. There are some English
translations in each room and one can get a feel for the broad strokes
concerning how the city evolved and major influencing factors. At this
point in our trip, I'd been through many municipal museums and Musej
Grada Zagreba rated in the middle of the pack. If more information was
translated into English (and other languages) and more effort to appeal to kids, it would be
much better. Given it's current state, it wouldn't take a lot to make an
average museum into a great one for a larger reach of tourists.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVUVHFVuQm2JUKSyq08mXY5EdcglXttX48jJbefzNJjLQBaBYBQVCF0RLJwRCazmc27St0HBpLqQ3tZ344b4ZkorW2vcpaxWh2Mx7dCPuMm5K_FMD5k1mTWKfJEtu4eEBR_N2ui5QoC7R/s1600/zagreb+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVUVHFVuQm2JUKSyq08mXY5EdcglXttX48jJbefzNJjLQBaBYBQVCF0RLJwRCazmc27St0HBpLqQ3tZ344b4ZkorW2vcpaxWh2Mx7dCPuMm5K_FMD5k1mTWKfJEtu4eEBR_N2ui5QoC7R/s1600/zagreb+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out Mom. That lizard's going to get you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXVNMwYq1xPmNslpIFjsnAtN19VRPbI9lTFH7_LtLsIL9G3mwVOE8Zqdj3Z9DpCE6MT4MgewZHDZF8ZkwF9XTsoT6zBZM_8WeiTYh1lG768MHmbL4Dp8as22l-31NYBV9sWLsszdw-CRS/s1600/craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXVNMwYq1xPmNslpIFjsnAtN19VRPbI9lTFH7_LtLsIL9G3mwVOE8Zqdj3Z9DpCE6MT4MgewZHDZF8ZkwF9XTsoT6zBZM_8WeiTYh1lG768MHmbL4Dp8as22l-31NYBV9sWLsszdw-CRS/s1600/craft.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master craftsmen of Gradec and Kaptol tended to be migrants from various parts of Austria-Hungary. (Gradec and Kaptol were the medieval sections of Zagreb located on the hill of Gornji Grad.) Typical 18th century crafts tended to be the making of swords, spears, spurs, rifles and clocks (which flourished because of the growing importance of clocks in the household at that time). In the 19th century, goldsmiths and silversmiths emerged.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JPB497W-yrttzZVzf6mSH22PwmaQZoNrpO2oI2MSgp7wJ9cXhrEd1aTwPk_zV1swsVgfy_mkEANGF68WfSgVLhz42Yl9BI3HKn2lGS58KOfkvXgrufCn3d-u98wcha0_QcwvVmvNNvMg/s1600/room+map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JPB497W-yrttzZVzf6mSH22PwmaQZoNrpO2oI2MSgp7wJ9cXhrEd1aTwPk_zV1swsVgfy_mkEANGF68WfSgVLhz42Yl9BI3HKn2lGS58KOfkvXgrufCn3d-u98wcha0_QcwvVmvNNvMg/s1600/room+map.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful inlaid floor depicting a map of Zagreb in the 19th century section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f5CCePwhIjvtjIX8oBzFms_bEA3umOi96hKm_fRJCPozIER85iy5Xj_h97QBtJkPeU40U4QaqkQ4qW8eYETwlfCuwDd8XF2b3H0iXKWB42k-cNuM4PiOKjX_-e7VTpyIa4zvL4EO0yqx/s1600/targets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f5CCePwhIjvtjIX8oBzFms_bEA3umOi96hKm_fRJCPozIER85iy5Xj_h97QBtJkPeU40U4QaqkQ4qW8eYETwlfCuwDd8XF2b3H0iXKWB42k-cNuM4PiOKjX_-e7VTpyIa4zvL4EO0yqx/s1600/targets.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorfully painted shooting targets can also be found in the 19th century section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaCVkMABbVXc5P17ttAbLVPUtPOqMZAdrs9irPQdmg1BdpJxGywAA_bIqVuBx8cqLqsnvb3rAwjFqk8JAWr5gbxmW-YbeW6A36VoGB_RZ6dv8F2YhA627tuMSHmx24qHrCTTS0wR4wtkh/s1600/hair+perm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaCVkMABbVXc5P17ttAbLVPUtPOqMZAdrs9irPQdmg1BdpJxGywAA_bIqVuBx8cqLqsnvb3rAwjFqk8JAWr5gbxmW-YbeW6A36VoGB_RZ6dv8F2YhA627tuMSHmx24qHrCTTS0wR4wtkh/s1600/hair+perm.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we got closer to modern day, the scary 1930s era hair perm machine was on display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the City Museum, we walked down the Gornji Grad hill and gradually back to <span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">Trg bana Jelačića where we caught a taxi back to our Petros apartment.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTrTmr8C7jSMoGW9CZCatjhV7-fD-_1Dp4Gkpsw-JQIh1FyuGyY1Nuh26Gxo2xxF0J8QZwvJArE-14zx3kVpckUXwdHQrsO-iPD1r_-uhanwqgLHA4GsaDlm8Snv5UiCWR8JdSWJQ6y1G/s1600/stone+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTrTmr8C7jSMoGW9CZCatjhV7-fD-_1Dp4Gkpsw-JQIh1FyuGyY1Nuh26Gxo2xxF0J8QZwvJArE-14zx3kVpckUXwdHQrsO-iPD1r_-uhanwqgLHA4GsaDlm8Snv5UiCWR8JdSWJQ6y1G/s1600/stone+gate.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Mother walking through the Stone Gate: It is the eastern gate to the medieval Gradec section of Zagreb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_JnHYawY71evEYHasWWjGImxytt9R_8PSEQnSI17u3-VHX5PItSYb9hKVrigdEum5oJlQcFbHp9qXK8Ni3auPychtxvoizzbfXwUPmrxg-syMZohtJL_PPIYZZw04r732-2n5cyhZOIs/s1600/st+george.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_JnHYawY71evEYHasWWjGImxytt9R_8PSEQnSI17u3-VHX5PItSYb9hKVrigdEum5oJlQcFbHp9qXK8Ni3auPychtxvoizzbfXwUPmrxg-syMZohtJL_PPIYZZw04r732-2n5cyhZOIs/s1600/st+george.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St George and the dragon statue located by the Stone Gate: The original location of this statue was in Mallnitz, Austria, in front of Villa Liebermann and was given as a gift to Zagreb in 1937. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 5th</b>,
we woke up to rain and so no one was in a rush to get out of the
apartment. With this being our last full day in Zagreb, I thought we had
to do something. After lunch we caught a taxi back to </span><span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">Gornji
Grad and to the Museum of Broken Relationships; this museum was a
refreshing change to the myriad of historical sights we'd visited over
the past several months. The Museum of Broken Relationships hosts a
number of quirky artifacts, each with its own story of how a
relationship ended. The exhibits hit on a range of emotions, many
ultimately sad and some pretty funny. As we all have encountered
relationships that have gone south, it's a place where one can get drawn
in with their own memories. Here are a few sample displays that had brief descriptions and a touch
of humor:</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLKvYC23E_GNpUPY_HS3cvosWyd6WOQau-DrZg3Z-TVx2Q9iOlRfWmSr08Zxt5mBfw1cCkKthqVNC6U5DKBW7FY7ha6W71-TpYcPOAyBO_OWL3qNJKlG41sHqjnB9nZFi5bBHkoIGKaoW/s1600/broken+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLKvYC23E_GNpUPY_HS3cvosWyd6WOQau-DrZg3Z-TVx2Q9iOlRfWmSr08Zxt5mBfw1cCkKthqVNC6U5DKBW7FY7ha6W71-TpYcPOAyBO_OWL3qNJKlG41sHqjnB9nZFi5bBHkoIGKaoW/s1600/broken+1.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A hamburger toy (2011-12): His dog left more traces behind than he did."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ7xYX25fe-M9L6t6KTjLmsqFKJW-8A7IEP7nynxBAg2236faPYUYELqC4fP37YaSTvCTKiensamGLLY0ii5p_tgjBRBKgZWKjaDI2peYSnahyphenhyphen2gnlleTJWg0KdxbuRUL0JJBYnA09bw_/s1600/broken+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ7xYX25fe-M9L6t6KTjLmsqFKJW-8A7IEP7nynxBAg2236faPYUYELqC4fP37YaSTvCTKiensamGLLY0ii5p_tgjBRBKgZWKjaDI2peYSnahyphenhyphen2gnlleTJWg0KdxbuRUL0JJBYnA09bw_/s1600/broken+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A
wedding gown (2003-10): After big words and little action, he spent
more and more time talking and less and less time acting. I paid for it
all fair and square: both my wedding gown and his bank loan."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKu1DuuEAEt_JHODPbGVLrY_LkIedg7GKR5KXDYdK3gueOTaRzKO_3PzPOMnHaMuYWqxc_MoYWNPlhCnDuIJCxn-PfBI9BjITUSaMvr4drtwibvcj-4yMij773bRkbaMWbhNEDPRbKBep/s1600/broken+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKu1DuuEAEt_JHODPbGVLrY_LkIedg7GKR5KXDYdK3gueOTaRzKO_3PzPOMnHaMuYWqxc_MoYWNPlhCnDuIJCxn-PfBI9BjITUSaMvr4drtwibvcj-4yMij773bRkbaMWbhNEDPRbKBep/s1600/broken+3.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A
champagne cork: I was due to get married on 6th August, 2011, but
discovered 6 months ago that my fiance was cheating on me. This is the
cork from the champagne I used to celebrate my lucky escape."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">After
leaving the Museum of Broken Relationships, we strolled through the
upper town's charming cobble-stoned streets to see a few more of the
popular landmarks and made another pass at the park off </span></span>of Tkalčićeva Street with the playground. We then went back to <span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">Trg bana Jelačića, got a few groceries for dinner and caught a taxi back to Petros Apartments.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd85pa26WUmMRMQD9UHs8Dly-LVPBNmLLP5twbjyoneFtB2fDh7pNhqaPovZ5luJfwspM6yH5g3_E6pJt2pVpaR0spq70SNW1qiZf2ujMO9rSssC33waqW34LKZPuuYq-TzYlvos7Jr8a/s1600/zagreb+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd85pa26WUmMRMQD9UHs8Dly-LVPBNmLLP5twbjyoneFtB2fDh7pNhqaPovZ5luJfwspM6yH5g3_E6pJt2pVpaR0spq70SNW1qiZf2ujMO9rSssC33waqW34LKZPuuYq-TzYlvos7Jr8a/s1600/zagreb+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St
Mark's Church: It's colorful tiled roof, depicting the Croatian,
Dalmatian and Slavonian coats-of-arms and also the Zagreb city emblem,
makes this Gothic church one of Zagreb's most recognized buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMehWO5sMi1LSymYdRWdV0ipUagXEb_Ld-solvKOb18HirkW33_FhDuosSWT6ETT50ekSsEFMJE77XYd4vkEwegRHImM5cUNxGn69-wiaaKHfnHhsbQJSiB9SbS7JQAI1iR1ab60-XYEWY/s1600/zagreb+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMehWO5sMi1LSymYdRWdV0ipUagXEb_Ld-solvKOb18HirkW33_FhDuosSWT6ETT50ekSsEFMJE77XYd4vkEwegRHImM5cUNxGn69-wiaaKHfnHhsbQJSiB9SbS7JQAI1iR1ab60-XYEWY/s1600/zagreb+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zagreb
is another city where people are trying to launch the "love locks".
Here, overlooking Gornji Grad with the St Mary Church tower and the twin
spires of the <span lang="hr">Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the background.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXMriiYO_jypICfzGrCXxa_5KIe_aZ7enYrj_6WiMJmqU-8R3TLqi6iMxJw3DO4HYbWTOG-0etGYV3WPsJ9K0DrxbR4UL2-vK4pQhF-2Tv6J1j6iHO_KfvjgslgNKU0tFvUJ-M0L-mA8e/s1600/zagreb+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXMriiYO_jypICfzGrCXxa_5KIe_aZ7enYrj_6WiMJmqU-8R3TLqi6iMxJw3DO4HYbWTOG-0etGYV3WPsJ9K0DrxbR4UL2-vK4pQhF-2Tv6J1j6iHO_KfvjgslgNKU0tFvUJ-M0L-mA8e/s1600/zagreb+12.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tkalčićeva Street: This is where people go for nightlife in Zagreb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEkVw64vg4_WuyqVHoZAo-B0n6zM6zwWm232wZBQGTHh7Dr9DC5oMoHkDdCNBMSF6nnEjoigFw9WiEJqnJlG9exIeH7uMWJuSX4aoOiQ28qkrJxTAqdhNUXGcBC2Qv77FPkE1ehFrahm2/s1600/zagreb+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEkVw64vg4_WuyqVHoZAo-B0n6zM6zwWm232wZBQGTHh7Dr9DC5oMoHkDdCNBMSF6nnEjoigFw9WiEJqnJlG9exIeH7uMWJuSX4aoOiQ28qkrJxTAqdhNUXGcBC2Qv77FPkE1ehFrahm2/s1600/zagreb+11.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
very cool water display in front of a plumbing fixture shop on
Tkalčićeva Street. Not sure how many faucets they sell but I bet every
kid that walks by is fascinated by the running tap on display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr"><span lang="hr">On
<b>April 6th</b>, we checked out of our Petros apartments and headed for
Plitvice National Park. The weather forecast was "supposed" to be good.
We arrived however and saw threatening clouds which had opened up not
far from us. (When has one seen those and avoided getting wet?
Practically never.) I thought (hoped) maybe today would be different. We arrived at "entrance 1", parked and then headed over to the ticket
office. I decided to purchase 2-day tickets (only slightly more
expensive than 1-day tickets) so that we could take a slower pace since
Mother wouldn't be sprinting around the park. The ticket office
recommended that we take tour B which would take 3-4 hours and included
hiking, an electric boat ride on the lake and a train ride. The hiking, as it was
described, didn't seem too much: a 25 minute walk, a 5 minute walk and a
15 minute walk. About 15 minutes into the "25 minute walk", I began to
suspect the time estimates were based on quick walkers (even though the
ticket agent did specifically categorize these times as "at a slow pace"). </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlFydZSSPmGZEnCweaqc_sfexNEg6n0tvO8xwjZwtr7CzM_klB8yjfr5YHf7Uuipidi9R1S7GcWox_AqARVzoC5NGQeeNWaeAUXjAl8zgsGcJzqThdp2BF5fNQ3_9tpi8wew-zdhdRVSb/s1600/plit+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlFydZSSPmGZEnCweaqc_sfexNEg6n0tvO8xwjZwtr7CzM_klB8yjfr5YHf7Uuipidi9R1S7GcWox_AqARVzoC5NGQeeNWaeAUXjAl8zgsGcJzqThdp2BF5fNQ3_9tpi8wew-zdhdRVSb/s1600/plit+1.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route B started off with this view. We then took a switch-back path down the hill to the lower lakes below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWid5olq_0An29o7NahiZ9CEU1uymA3jMNcwNDEu8EAYtLlZ6a2ujMLpRLVifdffxb2gwIKvtHb8l9Bh4JV6D5dvJ8B7DNEIqwdLBo6wm3OAWjXY9bySdaq_0oKrgwYjrrOThXPvfGFSJ/s1600/plit+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWid5olq_0An29o7NahiZ9CEU1uymA3jMNcwNDEu8EAYtLlZ6a2ujMLpRLVifdffxb2gwIKvtHb8l9Bh4JV6D5dvJ8B7DNEIqwdLBo6wm3OAWjXY9bySdaq_0oKrgwYjrrOThXPvfGFSJ/s1600/plit+2.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The various routes through the park are well-marked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9n7oIf-njFO9FOUj26IKrKN-N0S4CnGa1cZ-DnWvbs37s8u0QgEHSv6osCrwvPRGdcoBw1hVBvrkTlXdqx9l5P5ugEgy3hRr2fxpgAqJKyPqw1VUcX-wCqfuZuMASdKdLmAnMpECO4Ec/s1600/plit+3.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4 class="tip-header media-header">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Veliki slap, the Great Waterfall.</span></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGKzcYetUGj5ZERhrU5Thy0SvC7zl30b-sm2jdQ8DcgOcNz0h1hPNs_DMqv7zj5vwx72e-m0x5oCD3GQDPAFfH8tNpauTU9tn309Ev6L8zAr-zLU03z4005BZym-0Hh3VoOKBhSDcMKbW/s1600/plit+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGKzcYetUGj5ZERhrU5Thy0SvC7zl30b-sm2jdQ8DcgOcNz0h1hPNs_DMqv7zj5vwx72e-m0x5oCD3GQDPAFfH8tNpauTU9tn309Ev6L8zAr-zLU03z4005BZym-0Hh3VoOKBhSDcMKbW/s1600/plit+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once
we reached the water, we walked through the limestone canyon. The gravel path changed to these wooden planked
walkways. Unlike the wooden walkways at Krka National Park, these were
often rounded and uneven. The challenge for Mother began. Molly was a
little freaked by the terrain and rushing water (which she hates) all
around her. Oh, and it started to rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ_dNLwSU24NAElK3-Rx-BI2oTQw3ahfeR4VzDkD6_fbwsb82RcV4IsflbMT46uTM68bFCe7iOYzIYxK9h2-0EkLCeS4AJMZgrncVPD6kyZKD1b-DtPx8tCoCojapFVQimfTBLBTW3Rw3/s1600/plit+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ_dNLwSU24NAElK3-Rx-BI2oTQw3ahfeR4VzDkD6_fbwsb82RcV4IsflbMT46uTM68bFCe7iOYzIYxK9h2-0EkLCeS4AJMZgrncVPD6kyZKD1b-DtPx8tCoCojapFVQimfTBLBTW3Rw3/s1600/plit+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a sunny day, we would have spent more time to pause to take in the beauty around us and the crystal clear water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWlx3pWoQvHbwN7pyoaM2to6K3j7jhiryA4kdNLSG70R4bwd3yQnEs3kcRlGS92CE-pZ0quRR3gwk8_zXfIODSOoQsnDgGig_XRcH3E9u37VkrxAfUM4Af3mOgzcr3ywEaJUUzwllpKdD/s1600/plit+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWlx3pWoQvHbwN7pyoaM2to6K3j7jhiryA4kdNLSG70R4bwd3yQnEs3kcRlGS92CE-pZ0quRR3gwk8_zXfIODSOoQsnDgGig_XRcH3E9u37VkrxAfUM4Af3mOgzcr3ywEaJUUzwllpKdD/s1600/plit+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was easy to spot fish when one wasn't focused on not tripping and staying upright.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0veg2hT65T0Y4Z5QfkeTDi4YSkGYlBMgEctXoeTDjdMX9AnYEDrXIMqWvzRAjqF9e5F-xWdY4QSe1fqdj449_DCfCy1iHByTxiTNSsw7ipYzciP6J5RDK3T03Qu7-w4TLjvar-pHAat8/s1600/plit+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0veg2hT65T0Y4Z5QfkeTDi4YSkGYlBMgEctXoeTDjdMX9AnYEDrXIMqWvzRAjqF9e5F-xWdY4QSe1fqdj449_DCfCy1iHByTxiTNSsw7ipYzciP6J5RDK3T03Qu7-w4TLjvar-pHAat8/s1600/plit+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plitvice National Park is famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. There are about 16 lakes which are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and
subterranean karst rivers. The lakes are all interconnected and follow
the water flow. They are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria.
The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other,
forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm
(0.4 in) per year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">After
about 45 minutes, we finally reached Jezero Kozjak (the largest of the Plitvice lakes) and the dock to
catch the boat across the lake. The rain we had experienced to this
point was nothing, mere showers. The skies opened up and the faucet was
turned on full. It poured as we waited for the boat to dock and then
embarked. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjPz9tXYk92uX62PqGo15yg0miHwWJjVtUUyzXGsDnaXyj_TmrQUcDQTPQZ1bqcfixlNrWe8FhETP5HdOdOibKFS-4xTfCJ9jco9YmUWB0svsogdX3_6FfkTlH5UVR2mR3dDYOZFVkAeJ/s1600/plit+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjPz9tXYk92uX62PqGo15yg0miHwWJjVtUUyzXGsDnaXyj_TmrQUcDQTPQZ1bqcfixlNrWe8FhETP5HdOdOibKFS-4xTfCJ9jco9YmUWB0svsogdX3_6FfkTlH5UVR2mR3dDYOZFVkAeJ/s1600/plit+8.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's
a shot one won't see in the Plitvice brochures and guide books. I could
imagine this being so pretty on a sunny day. It was beautiful in the
teaming rain. It was just difficult separating the enchanting
environment by the fact that we were all soaked and pretty miserable,
including Molly who was trembling. The experience was made worse knowing there was no fast path or ride back to our
car at entrance 1.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-zT1CMLy529JZOISmJO-uzqJQqpukIPP9kR0AAaj1mIu8u33KPK8xJj_1fIadqpkokTE1Ic5Kw1xH6VbCkp3oiDxV3P1AAptyC-imKwIis6Xh8Qhc8GzdlUGS8kmDM9Y7mCpBwBbPt3j/s1600/plit+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-zT1CMLy529JZOISmJO-uzqJQqpukIPP9kR0AAaj1mIu8u33KPK8xJj_1fIadqpkokTE1Ic5Kw1xH6VbCkp3oiDxV3P1AAptyC-imKwIis6Xh8Qhc8GzdlUGS8kmDM9Y7mCpBwBbPt3j/s1600/plit+9.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to the cloud burst, the lake was like a sheet of glass. Not anymore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
our boat docked, we made the "5 minute" walk to the "panorama train".
The 5 minutes was really 15 minutes and all uphill. The panorama train runs along the ridge back towards entrance 1 and supposedly provides
breathtaking views of the lakes below. We wouldn't know; the windows
were steamed up so much. When we were dropped off, I tried to ask the
driver if there was a way to get back to entrance 1 such that Mother
wouldn't have to walk any further. He refused to talk with me. Probably
so tired of stupid tourists and their stupid questions; maybe he should
find another job. Anyway, we surmised the last walk was mostly downhill
and fairly smooth terrain. I tried to get Mother to stay put and I'd get
the car and drive to pick her up but Mother wouldn't give up. She was
going to complete the circuit. And she did. No worse for wear. <span class="st">Well done!</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG2A_Hf93g_Vu5XGzH0ayhM5fHhEI3-nFvbh2q0jN7XHeP0CmE7U3nvUZZPkrMxEbPSMM5DUF6TzjYEczV8xUZra9n-a88o_88gVkWA1eg7x9MFOBTOILQtuzQ51Aj_RFU_cX8oVWYd6z/s1600/plit+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG2A_Hf93g_Vu5XGzH0ayhM5fHhEI3-nFvbh2q0jN7XHeP0CmE7U3nvUZZPkrMxEbPSMM5DUF6TzjYEczV8xUZra9n-a88o_88gVkWA1eg7x9MFOBTOILQtuzQ51Aj_RFU_cX8oVWYd6z/s1600/plit+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the ridge of the east side of the canyon, we were rewarded with this view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1BJhoyukp7LD23vVPj2u80kDAamVTraYbVjYF6ef8LW4G7TZ2nasIpb-jiwDKtEcVItrHzvFoLe457H2PRDBRda2WR3DW8tbPO7OwEGBu_Xkuyww5MZTNNok4DEU0gcC_GApyQNbJWr2/s1600/plit+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1BJhoyukp7LD23vVPj2u80kDAamVTraYbVjYF6ef8LW4G7TZ2nasIpb-jiwDKtEcVItrHzvFoLe457H2PRDBRda2WR3DW8tbPO7OwEGBu_Xkuyww5MZTNNok4DEU0gcC_GApyQNbJWr2/s1600/plit+11.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the final walk, one can see the wooden paths from the first segment of route B. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd-IwwFEKXQ2qJCxpYWYhervkH29ZMjZLyCsNEbZvnIxS1ALXlavBdzy40CIq40fOYLJDm7UeYqXGMHqRrfRV5tuI7J6qPzYQA41ZlajUvBSooZmuBje7nVkNAqwgySvG6e8XKr5_wshM/s1600/plit+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd-IwwFEKXQ2qJCxpYWYhervkH29ZMjZLyCsNEbZvnIxS1ALXlavBdzy40CIq40fOYLJDm7UeYqXGMHqRrfRV5tuI7J6qPzYQA41ZlajUvBSooZmuBje7nVkNAqwgySvG6e8XKr5_wshM/s1600/plit+12.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a last look at the coast-line along which we walked earlier in the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We checked into our Petra House (€47) apartment and proceeded to
get out of our soaking clothes. Everyone was quite happy to stay in and make
due food-wise with cereal, almonds and fruit. Everyone that is, except for Sarah.
So she and I went out hoping to purchase something simple to prepare at a food
store. We found one and it was closed. Ah yes, Sunday. So we headed to the
nearest restaurant. I told Sarah to order something quick and easy, such as
soup or salad. We ordered. I ordered vegetable soup. Sarah ordered trout.
(Huh?) Oh well. She ate it and enjoyed it. The soup was quite okay too. We
returned to the apartment to find that Mother and James had their own bit of
drama while we were gone. The host’s Doberman pup had broken in twice, overly
enthusiastic to play with Molly. Broken in? Not exactly. Scratched and jumped
at the apartment door enough to lower the door handle and open the door. Smart
dog. After the second attack, Mother and James matched wits and locked the door.<br />
<br />
<span lang="hr">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On <b>April 7<sup>th</sup></b>, we woke up to prospects of a much
improved day. One couldn’t be confident it wouldn’t rain but the odds looked
better than the previous day. I suggested that we go back to Plitvice and try
entrance 2 and see if we couldn’t figure out how to take a boat or train such
that there wouldn’t be so much walking involved. Mother was game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We packed up the car, locked the apartment and dropped the
key off in the host’s mailbox, as instructed. I then started the car and
reversed to notice that the rear camera wasn’t working. I shifted into drive
and noticed the central panel wasn’t showing any information. Checked the
climate button. Nothing. (That would be bad since I last left the temperature
at 75 degrees when I went to the restaurant with Sarah.) Checked the menu
button. Nothing. All the buttons around the console were dead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The upside was that the mileage and gas gauge screen was “live”
and the car was running. I needed to call a Toyota Service department. I
couldn’t get back into the apartment but at least I was close enough to still access
wifi. (At this point I realized I shouldn’t have let my laptop battery drain
close to empty.) I found a Toyota dealer in Zagreb and (thank goodness for
Skype) called them. Was there a service department in Split? Yes (Solin). I was
given the address and phone number and later learned from the Solin Toyota
service department that the car should be fine to drive and so we headed out.
Stressed about the car dying in the middle of nowhere, I opted out of stopping
at Plitvice. It just wasn’t meant to be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The upside was that the weather continued to improve and the
scenery was beautiful. Mother really enjoyed that part of it and possibly was
relieved that she didn’t have to “walk the plank” at the park. The downside was
we had no AC and the car was hot. With windows open, we couldn’t listen to any
of our favorite podcasts. But I couldn’t complain. I was just relieved to get
to Stobreč with the car still running. I dropped Mother off at her Pansion
Rajic (discovering the lady meeting us didn’t speak any English). Once Mother
and her bag were dropped off in a pleasant room, I left Sarah and Mother to
sort out the details and eventually make it over to Camping Split. Meanwhile,
James and I drove to the RV and we unloaded the rest of the luggage from the
car. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I then popped back into the car and drove to the
Toyota
service department in Solin, about 4 miles away. An hour and a half
later, they
reported that they couldn't solve the console problem and needed more
time. We discussed my dropping the car off next week, after my trip to
Dubrovnik. But when they tried to start the car to send me off, the
battery was dead. This was the third draining now. The battery was
really weak. I drove back to Camping Split and was at a loss of what to
do, not wanting to cancel the trip to Dubrovnik. With some consultation
with Vincent, I decided to rent a car and drop the Prius off at the
Toyota service the next morning, assuming the car started again that is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With
our plan set for the next day, we ate dinner at Camping Split's on-site
restaurant, Horus, and then retired for the night. It was a long day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the morning of <b>April 8th</b>,
I was very relieved to start the Prius and delivered it to the Toyota
Solin service department. A Toyota employee then drove me to Thrifty
Rent-a-Car in downtown Split, where I drove off in a second Renault Twingo. (The first
one had no power for the GPS, which was critical for navigation.) I picked Mother up at
Pansian Rajic and then James, Sarah and Molly at the RV. The Twingo (as the name kind of implies) was
tiny and we were packed in pretty tightly. By 12:30, we were off to
Dubrovnik. Once again, we drove on the A1 to save time. Despite being
Croatia's major highway, the scenery is outstanding as is the quality of
the road. The US and Canada could take a lesson or two from the Croatians on how to build a
great highway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We
made good time and arrived in Dubrovnik a little past 16:00. We got
settled into our Apartment White Rabbit and then walked two-thirds down
towards the old town to get dinner. I didn't want to make Mother walk
all the way down just for dinner. We had a mediocre meal and then made our
way back up to the apartment for the night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On <b>April 9th</b>,
we woke to rain. Bleh. We waited to see if it would clear up, but it
never did. We spent the whole day in the apartment. The kids and I ran
out a couple times to get food supplies and walk the dog but that was
about it. James and Sarah were thrilled to find American television
shows broadcasting and so they had zero drive to leave. Since we don't
even have cable tv at home, this was a big deal. And yes, I even started
to get drawn into <i>NCIS</i> and <i>The Mentalist</i> which, until now, I'd never seen. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5bJ0CLL0aG7FY3cgvVZ2Cxq0wGQrmW9woPtNxRmbOO0BLZv2Zww-P9LFuorTaybAP-RHzjnzQWriYTlUR7AD9ZijnOarjWxVNievpX5UjY8nZcSVINqbS8l2GEnFMiTVP693sQTQ-xOZ/s1600/dub2+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5bJ0CLL0aG7FY3cgvVZ2Cxq0wGQrmW9woPtNxRmbOO0BLZv2Zww-P9LFuorTaybAP-RHzjnzQWriYTlUR7AD9ZijnOarjWxVNievpX5UjY8nZcSVINqbS8l2GEnFMiTVP693sQTQ-xOZ/s1600/dub2+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking
to the Konzum for dinner supplies, I could see a break in the clouds at
sunset. I had big hopes for much better weather the next day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On <b>April 10th</b>,
we woke to a perfect sunny day. (Thank goodness!) We walked down to the
old city and, after exchanging some money, we walked the old town
walls. There were many more people doing the same, but not too many to
take away from the experience. Mother really enjoyed it as did the kids
and I on our second round. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrlL5FiGFo0FX91b_mvzJRXh-2wflgWOffOikBVI4v_NyHnWTApI8AiT3WYZm591dJrdIp7gGBXvZzkbDKvv87RdI0vyL-qGhYgJo6-1Z0VTryTLX1AGShIob1MtBP8qv9-1GegEXUg__/s1600/dub2+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrlL5FiGFo0FX91b_mvzJRXh-2wflgWOffOikBVI4v_NyHnWTApI8AiT3WYZm591dJrdIp7gGBXvZzkbDKvv87RdI0vyL-qGhYgJo6-1Z0VTryTLX1AGShIob1MtBP8qv9-1GegEXUg__/s1600/dub2+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's
a quite a walk down to the old town from the White Rabbit. Over 500
steps, at least. I thought Mother would be okay going down and we'd take
a taxi back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P4KyuUxgNl037h9iJkqAonUborRTd-df7Ei2sP0gaQURM-lxDUBCCT-KI4tORgCsU4hCop7wO9uH-Mc4RNBImj1JL0nNbSeNtOqsgeiiAte76MMebL7xLmMCytwDlMVTHEE2HyJ478n9/s1600/dub2+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P4KyuUxgNl037h9iJkqAonUborRTd-df7Ei2sP0gaQURM-lxDUBCCT-KI4tORgCsU4hCop7wO9uH-Mc4RNBImj1JL0nNbSeNtOqsgeiiAte76MMebL7xLmMCytwDlMVTHEE2HyJ478n9/s1600/dub2+3.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the abbreviation for the US, SAD. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEZj6oZlqntcfhkNV36TFtxaeyI_mDONE14tJc2bBZlk1uN2-IkGWOQKk2b8TMtYauEO6unJoOUWgiKjr35k2r4i8w8Mbw4G_dY6k51eK4qNNveccsZxDR4bg9k_wYfvp69Ukoh_33_u1/s1600/dub2+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEZj6oZlqntcfhkNV36TFtxaeyI_mDONE14tJc2bBZlk1uN2-IkGWOQKk2b8TMtYauEO6unJoOUWgiKjr35k2r4i8w8Mbw4G_dY6k51eK4qNNveccsZxDR4bg9k_wYfvp69Ukoh_33_u1/s1600/dub2+4.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We last walked these walls on February 7th. Two months later, they were still repairing the roof of the Franciscan Monastery, the same side no less!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0WxaUzsbQQZfy5p-S8UHYipCocH-RijoaQwraiii65026PvTTttc8i2tFiw20bYF4p4OiWt2F22YZHs2oSFspc5z1hCM64eUAXBOHsRGJBy2N6UUIBUufy2O6UE1vWi72T2EUFH_mbeU/s1600/dub2+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0WxaUzsbQQZfy5p-S8UHYipCocH-RijoaQwraiii65026PvTTttc8i2tFiw20bYF4p4OiWt2F22YZHs2oSFspc5z1hCM64eUAXBOHsRGJBy2N6UUIBUufy2O6UE1vWi72T2EUFH_mbeU/s1600/dub2+5.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
view looking back at Fort St Lawrence. This is the image on a beautiful
sunny day. To see the same shot on a cloudy day, refer back to the
previous blog covering Croatia found under February 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LaE1ydBjzfTk2wEwQbpdO9-L9r_tn2Tt457uimmSpFrP3IUffGlIFuPEtVXxUeWuTiM-PXhgP20cMrvd309bwioGCB33Z581fp6CM3RlBiK3bhIpaGyHUdx6fCk3egirSxdUTyNxIjZ/s1600/dub+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LaE1ydBjzfTk2wEwQbpdO9-L9r_tn2Tt457uimmSpFrP3IUffGlIFuPEtVXxUeWuTiM-PXhgP20cMrvd309bwioGCB33Z581fp6CM3RlBiK3bhIpaGyHUdx6fCk3egirSxdUTyNxIjZ/s1600/dub+school.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around the wall, one passes by the yard of a school. Lucky kids with the awesome location!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31hukZWX0iSwzjQh1OqIDM3phhQn0HkQOYgtYBpD7ql8_AdAHPCpvzaDc9uUb5ryn55IsnYDMjgSJsQoFawQV4YdWhgsj53ZfmvnAbmqKrhzaAfL3uhz2ugd81WDuCp4W038K0wqyHISq/s1600/dub2+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31hukZWX0iSwzjQh1OqIDM3phhQn0HkQOYgtYBpD7ql8_AdAHPCpvzaDc9uUb5ryn55IsnYDMjgSJsQoFawQV4YdWhgsj53ZfmvnAbmqKrhzaAfL3uhz2ugd81WDuCp4W038K0wqyHISq/s1600/dub2+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative use of a guillotine.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AXBCC0-J5blJXhNe5m4qJ-LOR77wW51uMI370o9ia45tS4-Zho14K0UaZIy-D6gKSMnNFdss2nCuKD_YH-jtW69336KAUwjFNq7L7PGvIGObkddw43-rDF7Di25YPEGZHOZC5xLayKPb/s1600/dub2+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AXBCC0-J5blJXhNe5m4qJ-LOR77wW51uMI370o9ia45tS4-Zho14K0UaZIy-D6gKSMnNFdss2nCuKD_YH-jtW69336KAUwjFNq7L7PGvIGObkddw43-rDF7Di25YPEGZHOZC5xLayKPb/s1600/dub2+8.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old town harbor: In posting this, I now notice the red submarine. We should have taken that instead of the open air boat trip we took the next day; we would have been a lot drier. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our walk around the old city walls, we went to lunch at a restaurant just outside of the Pile Gate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR6TEdfgfSOXRY4nFisrzxXYv55nCnPMt4SMptsClkG9bPx-ozYHiAo485MuXPKieaBZoxRlc_9i89cIHW2J5f6hRh9cFHVvN2KcyrPIwRhYLqSeCAAqPD-kK5NCNnrKO8mHJGXuYaiI8/s1600/dub2+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR6TEdfgfSOXRY4nFisrzxXYv55nCnPMt4SMptsClkG9bPx-ozYHiAo485MuXPKieaBZoxRlc_9i89cIHW2J5f6hRh9cFHVvN2KcyrPIwRhYLqSeCAAqPD-kK5NCNnrKO8mHJGXuYaiI8/s1600/dub2+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in a perfect spot with a lovely view at the Dubravka 1836 restaurant. We had a good lunch here on this day. The mussels were delicious. (The second time we came here it was the opposite experience; despite 3 reminders, the waiter neglected to bring James and Sarah their order for ~45 minutes. Meanwhile Mother and I had completely finished ours...and we are slow eaters.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, I told the kids that they could go back to the apartment while Mother and I wandered the streets of the old town.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8BdZ3dVflGkwFcWWlqWmVgyZD_PDeIXjcscNwninLw3cOGmnhe7moajMvN0tpjRmNjmWZYy_TsuCIS_MgW8Wo0BDP9pCZOCkC3Boxb7Goj1o3zEVW7QRue-kDTaFKLOAGZaa5LvjClo0/s1600/pharmacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8BdZ3dVflGkwFcWWlqWmVgyZD_PDeIXjcscNwninLw3cOGmnhe7moajMvN0tpjRmNjmWZYy_TsuCIS_MgW8Wo0BDP9pCZOCkC3Boxb7Goj1o3zEVW7QRue-kDTaFKLOAGZaa5LvjClo0/s1600/pharmacy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik is the home of Eastern Europe's third oldest pharmacy which dates back to 1317 and is still in operation today. We stopped in here and I made a purchase.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After wandering around the old town, Mother suggested we find the 5-star Bellevue Hotel which boasts a great beach and view, and perhaps have a drink there. It turned out that the hotel was just under a kilometer from the old town (but we didn't know that when we set out) but we eventually found it and it was worth the effort. The Bellevue is situated on a 30 meter cliff above Miramare Bay, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLcJO7uVrJCmZD91sRAtlmbJU2H_QVp8aSpyrACnq8ApgAuQAt-DX2WKCZDfNioGhR2JraP1C-jSGhN3BpY-1rLPuGkcZH4Y-j9A9zKq74TuVEYOUHTGXUvv-1BNKG3G6e5HeI8qpZTMc/s1600/dub2+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLcJO7uVrJCmZD91sRAtlmbJU2H_QVp8aSpyrACnq8ApgAuQAt-DX2WKCZDfNioGhR2JraP1C-jSGhN3BpY-1rLPuGkcZH4Y-j9A9zKq74TuVEYOUHTGXUvv-1BNKG3G6e5HeI8qpZTMc/s1600/dub2+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our walk towards the hotel, we encountered yet another one of these "love lock" displays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRp_QX1idXtMFpJnkrwOm4KJ-FXtla_kMei5LSsWQNVNB656PSKnnysD3xbc9c_CdRchNACMv_7N5QUgWu02W1llUpziGi9YAnB62j9hNrzp-TePTRxFvPfNZxYEG8VxPPCjGWg3Fhurj/s1600/dub2+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRp_QX1idXtMFpJnkrwOm4KJ-FXtla_kMei5LSsWQNVNB656PSKnnysD3xbc9c_CdRchNACMv_7N5QUgWu02W1llUpziGi9YAnB62j9hNrzp-TePTRxFvPfNZxYEG8VxPPCjGWg3Fhurj/s1600/dub2+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sat on the hotel terrace overlooking the Miramare Bay and this was our view. We had a drink and decided the atmosphere was so pleasant that we'd stay on for dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 11th</b>, it was another clear day. I looked into boat trips to a nearby island such as Lokrum, Lopud, Mljet or Korcula. There wasn't anything yet running short of 6 hour tours and I knew the kids wouldn't be up for that. The previous day, I did notice there were 1 hour boat tours that took people close to Lokrum island so that they could see old Dubrovnik from the water. Many of the boats advertised glass bottoms so one could theoretically see some sea life in the process. I asked James and Sarah if they wanted to to do this. James was keen. Sarah not so much. Mother, as usual was game for anything. With limited options for activities, I decided to go for it.<br />
<br />
We walked down to the old town and had lunch again at the Dubravka 1836
restaurant. As written above, the meal was a let-down. So many
restaurants in Dubrovnik (and Croatia as a whole) are a hit or miss. The
difference with Dubrovnik is that restaurants charge western European
prices due to the influx of cruise ships and tourists who expect (are willing) to pay
high prices. So paying high prices for a mediocre or bad experience is a
much bigger issue than the cheaper fare in other parts of the country. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNLk-Xm8VAFtw0FQNLWCej5W_0K9YBQHemADfrWgS_05EhB0Q5cKhuWieiO1X0SwXX4e9Rlps0FmL5fU2yBB8hEkJAVnXcyUx3nmKtlPiMf7aqZ7OPrAnBkFUkoxFLXl5Ih0eMgftY9Ps/s1600/dub2+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNLk-Xm8VAFtw0FQNLWCej5W_0K9YBQHemADfrWgS_05EhB0Q5cKhuWieiO1X0SwXX4e9Rlps0FmL5fU2yBB8hEkJAVnXcyUx3nmKtlPiMf7aqZ7OPrAnBkFUkoxFLXl5Ih0eMgftY9Ps/s1600/dub2+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were waiting (for what seemed like forever) for lunch, I took this photo of the town walls overlooking the Adriatic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we went to the harbor. Three companies were competing for
our business and I randomly chose one. It was quite windy and I was a
bit worried that it could be unpleasant when we left the protection of
the harbor. But off we went anyway.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFExuPicIKUs58IycnrQTIC4I1VlHGw9bworiY06UJJIFA22IPz5Muk6g5DkOGivRr2syGVNUS5ZB6v4kK6ZovvJTSjzCKsuWNznjT-LLSaDVSyAh8dROGR9a3T5EyZcCN3jKFRWnvTmK/s1600/dub2+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFExuPicIKUs58IycnrQTIC4I1VlHGw9bworiY06UJJIFA22IPz5Muk6g5DkOGivRr2syGVNUS5ZB6v4kK6ZovvJTSjzCKsuWNznjT-LLSaDVSyAh8dROGR9a3T5EyZcCN3jKFRWnvTmK/s1600/dub2+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we made our way down Dubrovnik's main street, Stradun, we could see that the first of the cruise ships had arrived. There were so many people that getting from A to B was a bit difficult. I realized that the best times to visit Dubrovnik would probably be March, April and September, October. During the high season, May-August, the old town would be packed and not a very pleasant experience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Fp3ALCFl8_2t294hK841uwkllGFqCwEEinKhvSjBirHdPSOBvonEiaK0EQqUK5h4xpiVMrCUyMkHIvHaUprvoRZNTrEFGwTafc_zxTDJB2pAhCvDvFliSeOhAmyE2XvPTPODX8-_jPs/s1600/boat+tour+1.jpg" height="301" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the protection of the harbor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4asgcTPbV2NlStVMam9c3ih1yhF7xg6JnDtziwytIN_L1wCxFAhL11_qyUdLBUcjX9idJU8gsbF6a8ygI_zY1FuPay6y6Es0E1K1Wom8hvb3misbyYCF_y3p06Ml9dyTcQ5SqJteN9s1/s1600/boat+tour+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4asgcTPbV2NlStVMam9c3ih1yhF7xg6JnDtziwytIN_L1wCxFAhL11_qyUdLBUcjX9idJU8gsbF6a8ygI_zY1FuPay6y6Es0E1K1Wom8hvb3misbyYCF_y3p06Ml9dyTcQ5SqJteN9s1/s1600/boat+tour+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bottom was segmented into about 18" x 24" windows. Unlike the Caribbean, there wasn't much to see short of rocks. James spotted a sunken boat and tire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwi6TWdxVSg-EJ_10WP_v7vjQ48_-wlurlh5p7aR_MTLtcNITcQhjL2rnsrwR5tOaqI_0ufJFoUF5pmrvqiG9RsHQNqeQoB50L9doQK-vdPL2vdK1mEYjZ8gg1i2rl_K7F-ri68dpNp42/s1600/boat+tour+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwi6TWdxVSg-EJ_10WP_v7vjQ48_-wlurlh5p7aR_MTLtcNITcQhjL2rnsrwR5tOaqI_0ufJFoUF5pmrvqiG9RsHQNqeQoB50L9doQK-vdPL2vdK1mEYjZ8gg1i2rl_K7F-ri68dpNp42/s1600/boat+tour+2.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was after this photo was taken that the wind picked up and the boat started getting tossed around. The end result is that Mother, sitting in the bow, got drenched. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we returned to the harbor, I told the kids that they could go back to the apartment if they wished and they took me up on it. Mother and I decided to do a bit of shopping in town and then we headed up to the cable car to go to the fortress. Unfortunately, as soon as we reached the cable car depot, it stopped due to high winds. So we went back to the old town and had a drink and then caught a taxi back to our apartment. I had promised Mother "taxis" and so I had to make good at least on this last day in Dubrovnik.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jlc9SGQjZphyphenhyphenYvrXTwwBUBhjhcXtq9zScNEgiTVGzuyCYmF7Rprl9o711bdjCNkIVpECqrIZOQO2nUp8KxnMowH-CelVeH2dZPT1YeHaD5slIG-8qIS1fLhnIxUFGi33UYrL_p8u2X4B/s1600/dub2+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jlc9SGQjZphyphenhyphenYvrXTwwBUBhjhcXtq9zScNEgiTVGzuyCYmF7Rprl9o711bdjCNkIVpECqrIZOQO2nUp8KxnMowH-CelVeH2dZPT1YeHaD5slIG-8qIS1fLhnIxUFGi33UYrL_p8u2X4B/s1600/dub2+6.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view while we had a drink before our ascent back up to our White Rabbit apartment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>April 12th</b>, we left Dubrovnik and headed north
back to Split.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of joining
the A1
toll road, I wanted to follow the super scenic D8 road that hugs the
coastline.
We were not disappointed. I highly recommend taking this route at least
once when driving between Split and Dubrovnik. It's of course slower
than taking the highway but mileage-wise, it is shorter so it ended up
being only about 30 minutes longer than taking the tollway.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTraTw8ciQmD6iRwCgFW3DJFXeBkNC1fLV4MVLhG5rL-L_3JEh__U4eWrlP3Bd1WYhI9Czj8vznTCXDYZGc4p0Ao9tyJmFc28ntM69g45K1sTYOQ9i1JTyU0kvSwoBvwEyI4BX3ejJCQJB/s1600/molly+drive+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTraTw8ciQmD6iRwCgFW3DJFXeBkNC1fLV4MVLhG5rL-L_3JEh__U4eWrlP3Bd1WYhI9Czj8vznTCXDYZGc4p0Ao9tyJmFc28ntM69g45K1sTYOQ9i1JTyU0kvSwoBvwEyI4BX3ejJCQJB/s1600/molly+drive+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During
Mother's visit, Molly worked her way into an even better travel
position, now on Mom's lap in the front passenger seat. Are you
comfortable yet Molly? Not quite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-bXXFs8_ejxd-aDW4nhQh5SPjfwXJkrj0D6PFq3-eB_SGgTOO2yMG8I4YNhFUgSvoEx4OjCqPZKRtvGujV4exktK2QgjvpqAQTvNVUXblwhyphenhyphen40Av-ac0ZbOpzKi11h3NIrURUPSmovQU/s1600/Molly+drive+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-bXXFs8_ejxd-aDW4nhQh5SPjfwXJkrj0D6PFq3-eB_SGgTOO2yMG8I4YNhFUgSvoEx4OjCqPZKRtvGujV4exktK2QgjvpqAQTvNVUXblwhyphenhyphen40Av-ac0ZbOpzKi11h3NIrURUPSmovQU/s1600/Molly+drive+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now she's comfortable. At least someone was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFZdxS7ktBvg75sHNiuQVbPOQM0HE-b_6t1SBPtnhgS9IDs3LCZHjG3ttjYf9DRNbV6obGqv0-j8HsmbpSMYYrDKQvm8HCvcX2_J1ATg33UmjaE3k7m0cYL2_X4pd78Kjw7s8qyopdGye/s1600/D8+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFZdxS7ktBvg75sHNiuQVbPOQM0HE-b_6t1SBPtnhgS9IDs3LCZHjG3ttjYf9DRNbV6obGqv0-j8HsmbpSMYYrDKQvm8HCvcX2_J1ATg33UmjaE3k7m0cYL2_X4pd78Kjw7s8qyopdGye/s1600/D8+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving
the D8 along the Dalmatian coast is a bit like driving the Amalfi coast
but without the graffiti and garbage along the way. Maybe it's not
quite as dramatic but it's pretty close.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobBxEAv5zMwAXyLDGQP_mpSxNqiM1XVxQuhf_z6rizNdJgjJ9sCWRndqJKGjlEs6M5I6zGWen0OBJzT7L9vECIex1MkhqxQbGqa2mWfo02O8lQ31Ljz0La4QXwG-bNeGbjfPi1Yypn_gv/s1600/D8+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobBxEAv5zMwAXyLDGQP_mpSxNqiM1XVxQuhf_z6rizNdJgjJ9sCWRndqJKGjlEs6M5I6zGWen0OBJzT7L9vECIex1MkhqxQbGqa2mWfo02O8lQ31Ljz0La4QXwG-bNeGbjfPi1Yypn_gv/s1600/D8+2.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along
the way, we stopped at Tucepi for a break. Here's a photo of the harbor
which was pretty typical of the towns we saw along the coast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP6BTvZtwRJ7tUZmk1dCjlYq3PIzVz7VFSA_hxa1FuPhMv5LuPPc_5F1Ud402cySnDgRHSEW6__1GL3e5qegCQmdwTWV4BN3rDtSfFQcLhLMplB_tGv6EJnchK2wEKRnthmB30jO6qFle/s1600/D8+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP6BTvZtwRJ7tUZmk1dCjlYq3PIzVz7VFSA_hxa1FuPhMv5LuPPc_5F1Ud402cySnDgRHSEW6__1GL3e5qegCQmdwTWV4BN3rDtSfFQcLhLMplB_tGv6EJnchK2wEKRnthmB30jO6qFle/s1600/D8+3.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I
pulled over at a couple view points along the way but never seemed to
stop at the ones that showed the really dramatic scenery. This is all
I've got to share which by many measures is still pretty spectacular.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 13th</b>,
Palm Sunday, we woke to a lovely sunny morning. I spent a little time
working on the blog at Horus restaurant, which was currently the only
place at Camping Split to get good wifi reception. I had gotten so far
behind on the blog. It had become a bit like the 4th year thesis project
in university. In fact, it would be bigger than my 4th year thesis
project, given a year in university lasted only 8 months, whereas this
trip would be 12 months. I had become a typical college student
procrastinator with respect to the blog, avoiding and dreading writing it. Our time in Serbia and
Bosnia-Herzegovina was left hanging and I'd be relying on photographs to
help jog my memory as to what we did back then. </span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">Anyway,
after spending an hour or so trying to at least catch up with the
blog's chapter on a return to Croatia, Mother and I drove into Split for
lunch. Like Dubrovnik, visiting Split in April vs January was a very
different experience. The promenade was busy and every cafe along the
waterfront was now open and bustling with business. I was beginning to think
that Croatia, like many European countries would not be great a
destination during the summer due to the crowds. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-srpKy1rS0hFarY_c3zxcIMN5DZnqSqwPyuhMTu_gYJJTDws2eMJSfVMgDkiLISVxlSDmXCKTev737a9qkdExnuNaePdwCWefIDQaqleg9KNje0nGla-B8wgl1Iqvb6vlsNxnNL-0UXY/s1600/split2+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-srpKy1rS0hFarY_c3zxcIMN5DZnqSqwPyuhMTu_gYJJTDws2eMJSfVMgDkiLISVxlSDmXCKTev737a9qkdExnuNaePdwCWefIDQaqleg9KNje0nGla-B8wgl1Iqvb6vlsNxnNL-0UXY/s1600/split2+1.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling the <i>Obala Hrvatskog Narodnog Preporoda</i> (which literally means <i>Ivory Croatian National Revival</i>) along the water. What a name!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">A
few minutes after taking the above photo, the weather changed and
clouds rolled in. Mother and I walked to the end of the Riva embankment
to the Trg Republike. At that point, the temperature dropped and so we
went to the Bajamonti restaurant (where Vincent and I had a drink on
January 18th) and had lunch. It was a good meal and enjoyable, at a slow
pace without the kids. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7-e-xq8_qqcZTDjQO17evZVSl8OJGXVcq29RxNVsoI6um19y1XShfEFL4ItSYP_B7_JtUMjL1K5zIuhyrNypHcjeyEUJVindpkER9REIS9LbnbKaWtrgpmPkGcL2hKSHuta2Gg9Boozp/s1600/split2+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7-e-xq8_qqcZTDjQO17evZVSl8OJGXVcq29RxNVsoI6um19y1XShfEFL4ItSYP_B7_JtUMjL1K5zIuhyrNypHcjeyEUJVindpkER9REIS9LbnbKaWtrgpmPkGcL2hKSHuta2Gg9Boozp/s1600/split2+2.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bajamonti is a good restaurant choice in Split.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">We
emerged back onto Trg Republike just in time for the rain to start.
While the weather was much improved over Mother's last visit with us in
the UK in November, we were still having more rain than either of us
wanted. We made a dash through the old town but I doubt Mother took in
much. With thunder and lightning added to the mix, I went to fetch the car and we drove
back to the campground. I then headed back to Horus to work on the blog a bit and then we all later reconvened at LandShark where Sarah had promised us dinner. She heated us up a can of cannelloni as a starter and a can of speghetti and meatballs as the main course. None of her "famous fruit salad" this time. Mom had a beer and I had a little wine, which can dress up almost any meal.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 14th</b>, I had to return the rental car and pick up the Prius at the Toyota Service in Solin. They replaced the battery and by doing so brought life back to the center console. They were a super shop with which to deal and I'd certainly recommend them.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">I then drove back to Camping Split and picked up Mother to drive to Trogir for lunch. It was a most perfect day and we had a lovely lunch on the Obala bana Berislavica overlooking the water.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKcABWsgJ6p-vR2nADA62PO2F13qY48XKLS1wSg1T-QLAjT9zxWYjn5ju5deOTezVimMerf1FZAB4Zc9sOGFTy0ssb8o_gPElULt7nv9S5L6zmkQ22N9Z-bE46M2-IJy_s21RVT7VglVm/s1600/trog2+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKcABWsgJ6p-vR2nADA62PO2F13qY48XKLS1wSg1T-QLAjT9zxWYjn5ju5deOTezVimMerf1FZAB4Zc9sOGFTy0ssb8o_gPElULt7nv9S5L6zmkQ22N9Z-bE46M2-IJy_s21RVT7VglVm/s1600/trog2+1.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pleasant lunch situation on the Obala bana Berislavia in Trogir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshMuLi4Mr3HLPpWTJW876Qa2yArr54WyxFh4v2hQTIxBC7CGlNhHKaCJnrHeiqiLFuuzCvOujU74uhPgmYZc7q1xADvOBeT89sFyGkHAN53QU7aI6o-xd0Jm_HSLqAjeFo23_maAhIoRt/s1600/palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshMuLi4Mr3HLPpWTJW876Qa2yArr54WyxFh4v2hQTIxBC7CGlNhHKaCJnrHeiqiLFuuzCvOujU74uhPgmYZc7q1xADvOBeT89sFyGkHAN53QU7aI6o-xd0Jm_HSLqAjeFo23_maAhIoRt/s1600/palm.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lined along the Obala bana Berislavia were these date palm trees. At first I thought they were blooming but after doing research, I learned that the pink flowers were orchids that <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">grow epiphytically (</span><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span class="st">depend on the tree for mechanical support but not for nutrients</span>)<i></i></span><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we walked through the narrow streets of the old town and then headed back to Stobrec.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGmNP1Gn1Hssmm7F5thkLDj8G-Fun1pbEICn5NhwqMQtCapZTDwAMuTGeU9yA6Cs-YXxabAuOgr8RFbcM0fsVOw5Vts02UtgoJAGACtBHPOH4sJB-TXrMgsOJq6gH8AI3Y-GR9XLQCTI5/s1600/trog2+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGmNP1Gn1Hssmm7F5thkLDj8G-Fun1pbEICn5NhwqMQtCapZTDwAMuTGeU9yA6Cs-YXxabAuOgr8RFbcM0fsVOw5Vts02UtgoJAGACtBHPOH4sJB-TXrMgsOJq6gH8AI3Y-GR9XLQCTI5/s1600/trog2+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike when we were last in Trogir in January, many shops, restaurants and sobes were open for business.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">Later that evening, James, Sarah and I went to a dentist, Dr Hecimovic, in Stobrec to have our teeth checked and cleaned. This was the same dentist who checked my tooth the previous week. It was about 10 months since our last check-up in the US and was well overdue. Since we would be on the go for the next/last 90 days of our sabbatical, this would be our best chance to get this maintenance done. Dr Hecimovic seemed pretty interested in the kids' teeth. It was amusing to see he and his staff hover over James's and Sarah's mouths looking at their teeth, perhaps looking for evidence of foreign American dental work. (We did learn back in November that the orthodontic technology used in the UK was different than what our orthodontist used in California.) Dr Hecimovic gave us all a visual exam, polished James's teeth, cleaned and polished mine (how was it that my teeth needed the most work?) and said Sarah's teeth looked good as they were. The cost? 200 kuna, or about $38. Many Croatian dentists have developed quite a business attracting foreigners here for dental work. One can find a number of dentists on-line who have web sites translated into English and other languages. It is possible to get significant dental work done at the fraction of the cost charged by North American and other EU country dentists. Good to know.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7_ERdrFYnqy26W4zmPJRvcSSBOhG-h8yFgsjzdI_1fAMqwoH0LgkCkD5OlVhxy25UmjlbPUFdMUzJgdVzJI0Omm5OTyYFWKADZl7m4axjXjlTF8h1PdizvbtkmUDipaHuQyyhV9hZt_b/s1600/dentist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7_ERdrFYnqy26W4zmPJRvcSSBOhG-h8yFgsjzdI_1fAMqwoH0LgkCkD5OlVhxy25UmjlbPUFdMUzJgdVzJI0Omm5OTyYFWKADZl7m4axjXjlTF8h1PdizvbtkmUDipaHuQyyhV9hZt_b/s1600/dentist.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah required the least amount of attention of all of us. Baffling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 15th</b>, it was time to leave Camping Split (again) and drive back to Zagreb to both drop off Mother at the airport and pick Vincent and Paul up on the 16th. It was another beautiful day and once again we marveled at how good the Croatian highway (and roads in general) were. Smooth surfaces with no potholes. Lots of slick tunnels through mountains and streamlined bridges. Sound barriers were constructed out of the rock obtained via construction of the roads and had a deliberate design themselves. The Croatians have made significant investments into their roadway systems. During all of these drives, I never spotted a scrap of garbage or noticed any graffiti. Croatia was the cleanest country we had visited thus far in all of Europe. The toll cost between Split and Zagreb was a little pricey at 181 kuna (~$33) but clearly we could see the benefits of the fees. I'd been on a number of other toll roads in other countries where we paid the tolls but repairs were pretty patchy at best and rarely ever completed.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">We arrived to our Petros apartment (this time $77 and €10 for parking...same apartment and parking spot, different prices) and checked in. We later walked over to Cro, that pretty good neighborhood restaurant, near the Hotel Panorama, and then retired for the night.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 16th</b>, I dropped Mother off at Zagreb International and, later in the day, collected Vincent and Paul. The rest of the day was spent working on the travel blog which was increasingly becoming my nemesis.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 17th</b>, we left Petros Apartments and drove back the familiar 4 hour drive to Camping Split.</span><br />
<span lang="hr"><br /></span>
<span lang="hr">On <b>April 18th</b>, it was time to leave Camping Split. Having stayed there off and on since January 18th it felt a bit like leaving home. I really liked the campground, the location and the staff there. Everyone was friendly and helpful. As we left, they were still making major improvements to the landscaping. While already beautiful, it will be a true 4-star location a few months down the line. This was one place to where I'd like to return. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13rSITXkdZ7VWOqUvLgZt34552QzItsSR9Fi8BYeiAkQTHrnLumfyj4YD6g7OVI-CMFBq7vZZoMO71sIXr1LdVEQkLpKlhDc33LwLjRIOnBb7FB8iZ_KZ06mhO0VRon9UjigPcuDojUFu/s1600/camping+spot+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13rSITXkdZ7VWOqUvLgZt34552QzItsSR9Fi8BYeiAkQTHrnLumfyj4YD6g7OVI-CMFBq7vZZoMO71sIXr1LdVEQkLpKlhDc33LwLjRIOnBb7FB8iZ_KZ06mhO0VRon9UjigPcuDojUFu/s1600/camping+spot+4.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last shot of our peaceful campground bay before leaving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG3PcbuU0L_a3c5nDhfHLPohu7vl4alJyBiQEieKhEl9-HlSL85Z6GpyHn0rR5agYZZnCVrX3r9uIprIoB2PPgc1GkFVbo64fi4-lqy6LvRNyjR_Lj-tuNOxymHSCVpPtzFcx9K_x-Xgx/s1600/camping+spot+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG3PcbuU0L_a3c5nDhfHLPohu7vl4alJyBiQEieKhEl9-HlSL85Z6GpyHn0rR5agYZZnCVrX3r9uIprIoB2PPgc1GkFVbo64fi4-lqy6LvRNyjR_Lj-tuNOxymHSCVpPtzFcx9K_x-Xgx/s1600/camping+spot+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final dumping of tanks before departure: Paul always seemed to be in the "managerial" role while James got the lousy end of the job.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgUpCC0YXWlWFN-u1iQzVB3CnxBV5v3-ObbgtYlCDfGRoSr_rEbxpz5fszKHHT5V2auuoLDezenTZgaE8pCCmswT3UufC_yzQ7miR63oePB7xKE299fDmGPLtgpRzwIahwG0700n4N0O0/s1600/camping+spot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgUpCC0YXWlWFN-u1iQzVB3CnxBV5v3-ObbgtYlCDfGRoSr_rEbxpz5fszKHHT5V2auuoLDezenTZgaE8pCCmswT3UufC_yzQ7miR63oePB7xKE299fDmGPLtgpRzwIahwG0700n4N0O0/s1600/camping+spot+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll miss our wonderful spot that overlooked the sea in one direction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDazr01AlaoqAva9F4u2-O6mL7YlYP5F4w6nZjMSnfpy3O4cVTAIgiGbJv6nhyEEiWTBkvNn8e-_2DdyBWFcs0MvdkeaOoWBD9SdI_88KabKNCoPrP4Pd6u_EImIdeCPcsNmOYglOZlp6/s1600/camping+spot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDazr01AlaoqAva9F4u2-O6mL7YlYP5F4w6nZjMSnfpy3O4cVTAIgiGbJv6nhyEEiWTBkvNn8e-_2DdyBWFcs0MvdkeaOoWBD9SdI_88KabKNCoPrP4Pd6u_EImIdeCPcsNmOYglOZlp6/s1600/camping+spot+2.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and looked up to the mountains in another direction.</td></tr>
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<span lang="hr">Once on the road, our goal for the day was to drive to Zagreb (again). We stayed at the Hotel Plitvice campground which was filled only to about 5% capacity. We had dinner at the on-site Plitvice restaurant and I finally completed the blog covering Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The next day we would be entering Hungary and looking forward to a few days in Budapest.</span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-53504007950613999502014-04-18T12:41:00.000-07:002014-04-18T12:41:30.454-07:00Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>March 22nd</b>, we left Timișoara, Romania and made our way to Belgrade, Serbia.<b> </b>It was a beautiful spring-like day and we made the trip in about 4 hours. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGODPpRvZ1tPU2FJU-okQWr-nT4mGWyE-WRIYJY3UcWxNPtRrilz42ZzKfSYdfIvDqgSaZ_HbgQsCLOXY87N9o-cfpnEzVtVAFriBax6H-9xxksaSwdVgDW6zwvwv7v-2oj8vFVl2Szwj/s1600/romania+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGODPpRvZ1tPU2FJU-okQWr-nT4mGWyE-WRIYJY3UcWxNPtRrilz42ZzKfSYdfIvDqgSaZ_HbgQsCLOXY87N9o-cfpnEzVtVAFriBax6H-9xxksaSwdVgDW6zwvwv7v-2oj8vFVl2Szwj/s1600/romania+2.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving along we could see the leaves bursting open on the trees. It's my favorite time of year with spring and summer still ahead.</td></tr>
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Our apartment in Belgrade was located on Gavrila Principa 10 and was well situated to see many of the highlights of the city on foot. The free parking however turned out to be a special interpretation. We could park on the street and would get parking tickets; the "free" part was that we could just ignore the tickets. Huh? (I could see that system working well until our car gets impounded somewhere down the line for outstanding fees.)<br />
<br />
Once we were settled, we set out to see a bit of the city and find some dinner. Walking around, it was pretty clear Belgrade has been through a lot. With so much history, there should have been more evidence of its various stages of history, but communism and 20th century wars took care of wiping out many historical landmarks. Many of the buildings were pretty run down. Settlements around Belgrade date back to the Vinča culture (circa 5000 BC); Belgrade was later inhabited by the Celts, Romans, Slavs, Byzantine Empire, Bulgarian Empire, Kingdom of Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Habsburg rule and it was the capital of Yugoslavia from 1918 to its final dissolution in 2006. Most of the times that power changed hands, war and destruction took its toll.<b><br /></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkMhSLVb9nVclWnfF6LyIt5Pxkc7hLVGJf6oQwOSg98dlf38Ut5uFKEedYybo4s6VPlg9nUDahskG5_5vGdK2NLBQI55scFTvvCmSZiMSCe4Ahx5p7xFOfisuABfo3x76Ym6ERXi6gSuj/s1600/belgrade.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nicest areas are around the pedestrian streets at the center of the old town. This is Knez Mihailova (Prince Mihailo Street<b>) </b>where lots of people were out enjoying the spring weather.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We walked to the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park which are the core historical sights in the city. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMgMSXsRuZngpUcMYEyfno_C-PAspMlOOjd5rz8up7wv2bF4no28FIEXiiqPPXKBfBifwj_FFHljHGBJClf1nABnF1h6EtLSerZHY0EGpWhZ9j-y2VhKMXliPFpmGFaW3oqMuGxpv7uhy/s1600/belgrade+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMgMSXsRuZngpUcMYEyfno_C-PAspMlOOjd5rz8up7wv2bF4no28FIEXiiqPPXKBfBifwj_FFHljHGBJClf1nABnF1h6EtLSerZHY0EGpWhZ9j-y2VhKMXliPFpmGFaW3oqMuGxpv7uhy/s1600/belgrade+12.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgrade fortress originates from the first century AD, when a Roman
military fort was located in this place. The fortress is located where
the Sava and Danube rivers meet and it was frequently the objective
of permanent occupation and wars throughout the years.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PfcQVaIT64_-oK2jzV1jMYymGXNx91uRY5gQdvSWzmyuYMHsXrXtZ1-ezcxv8jwVqAMs4j7XRrbDJtDYTGNsJkCZBwqPRdMdgv9KlQkrSts5-ysLVUsvaePL8YZtQRn5U6amSYqe-3bL/s1600/belgrade+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PfcQVaIT64_-oK2jzV1jMYymGXNx91uRY5gQdvSWzmyuYMHsXrXtZ1-ezcxv8jwVqAMs4j7XRrbDJtDYTGNsJkCZBwqPRdMdgv9KlQkrSts5-ysLVUsvaePL8YZtQRn5U6amSYqe-3bL/s1600/belgrade+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the best modern-day use of an old moat that I'd seen yet: Tennis courts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTjDBt62CkNV0P_T5TCRjoLlPCYHF66Hpr9hf4vshBGpyOd_d8pgAxoHZKk5yQBuvpP5eNEUBVVYIzCZoa_kg61HeK-oE7hQK-PCJzpjVq1W59Fq5fdK7_X-CZq62uVwJbBi63Vm1-im7/s1600/belgrade+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTjDBt62CkNV0P_T5TCRjoLlPCYHF66Hpr9hf4vshBGpyOd_d8pgAxoHZKk5yQBuvpP5eNEUBVVYIzCZoa_kg61HeK-oE7hQK-PCJzpjVq1W59Fq5fdK7_X-CZq62uVwJbBi63Vm1-im7/s1600/belgrade+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Inner Stambol Gate of the Fortress.</td></tr>
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Belgrade Fortress is at the center of the oldest section of the urban area
of Belgrade and for centuries the city population was concentrated only
within the walls of the fortress. Interestingly, "Belgrade" means a "white town" or a "white fortress".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz5Rdt82GtrSZMyjoYbWdPb7MTzInT2OnNRBYqopJgb8_kBB32UM3bas-8LWLQ3xlWPzkPevKYxfNXeVHc-OG1i-RVpaYmdyDJHNyXa88cxvcsz4afN6K9p_lTOhKpPnviGSvtUqmuB8Y/s1600/belgrade+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz5Rdt82GtrSZMyjoYbWdPb7MTzInT2OnNRBYqopJgb8_kBB32UM3bas-8LWLQ3xlWPzkPevKYxfNXeVHc-OG1i-RVpaYmdyDJHNyXa88cxvcsz4afN6K9p_lTOhKpPnviGSvtUqmuB8Y/s1600/belgrade+3.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down, from the fortress high ground, at the Danube and Sava rivers.</td></tr>
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After walking around the grounds of the fortress, we walked back along Knez Mihailova to find dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCH9uKQmNn0ir5RveXqdAPDCpoEBxvKZJSoqglxhFUkQodYrMuXIHoFrqEMQKBWA_ex-qSYy5WJ4ukVvlz8XRute3yL5W297V4tJyMIs3KV4-Fxk5bjczjaAZ7_zlLA0ulHxrBxAW8J7z/s1600/belgrade+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCH9uKQmNn0ir5RveXqdAPDCpoEBxvKZJSoqglxhFUkQodYrMuXIHoFrqEMQKBWA_ex-qSYy5WJ4ukVvlz8XRute3yL5W297V4tJyMIs3KV4-Fxk5bjczjaAZ7_zlLA0ulHxrBxAW8J7z/s1600/belgrade+4.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every city has its share of performance artists. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4skcF0LWZGxI7ot3sw2XP_VdKs9J2_rThudyz_JXMRYtslnBnbAx_1T1U_j5n_AdRCFZPJEnqP_5fcmA3hyphenhyphenTW0B2pzyi88eGMEbsUkifv0JnoZeVSGYKunkmnoql-4cbAfuXIe9If4Kx/s1600/belgrade+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4skcF0LWZGxI7ot3sw2XP_VdKs9J2_rThudyz_JXMRYtslnBnbAx_1T1U_j5n_AdRCFZPJEnqP_5fcmA3hyphenhyphenTW0B2pzyi88eGMEbsUkifv0JnoZeVSGYKunkmnoql-4cbAfuXIe9If4Kx/s1600/belgrade+5.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Prince Mihailo (Michael) Obrenović III in the Trg Republike: Prince Mihailo was the Prince of Serbia from 1839 to 1842 and again from 1860 to 1868. His first reign ended when he was deposed in 1842 and his second when he was assassinated in 1868. Prince Mihailo's greatest achievement was in persuading the Turkish
garrisons to leave Serbia in 1862 (when the Ottoman Army left the
fortresses of Užice and Soko Grad) and in 1867 (when the Turks left their
fortifications in Belgrade, Šabac, Smederevo and Kladovo). This was done
with major diplomatic support from Russia and Austria. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIUMobC4tD4WIXS076NFYgy3oPsgB0mPlnAC4vaFjBtwcRjBpr5gLG3-KkjQT1wZEpYv0YhNIB__Zk6k2fpI018zkMkc_6ZbEjGw5pCpiDJIKmxz3AzQhDuG5OCW3d71420u8yL_KjKAW/s1600/belgrade+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIUMobC4tD4WIXS076NFYgy3oPsgB0mPlnAC4vaFjBtwcRjBpr5gLG3-KkjQT1wZEpYv0YhNIB__Zk6k2fpI018zkMkc_6ZbEjGw5pCpiDJIKmxz3AzQhDuG5OCW3d71420u8yL_KjKAW/s1600/belgrade+19.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> This building, located near the Trg Republike, was at one time the Jugoeksport building; Jugoeksport was a Serbian fashion house that went bankrupt and the building was auctioned off in 2007. I included the photo because I liked the details on the building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>March 23rd</b>, we had plans to see a couple museums as the next day would be Monday, and all museums are closed that day in Belgrade. We first headed to the Nikola Tesla Museum and arrived just in time for the English tour. That was a real win because it was one of the best tours we had taken in a long time. It was very educational and engaging for both kids and adults.<br />
<br />
Nikola Tesla was one of the world's most brilliant scientists in the fields of
physics and electrical and radio engineering. If one could
identify the largest of Tesla's discoveries that has affected our lives the
most, then it would probably be the three-phase electricity induction engine and
polyphase (the <span class="st">distribution of alternating-current electrical power</span>) system in general. Before the invention of polyphase,
electrical energy was produced near consumers, just a few hundred meters
away. After the construction of the Niagara Falls power plant, energy was produced in one place
and could be distributed to consumers as needed. Capturing the power of Niagara Falls with his alternating current system, made it possible to transmit electricity all over America (and through the construction of similar plants, the
rest of the world).<br />
<br />
Tesla's legacy can be seen in everything from remote controls to neon and
fluorescent lighting, to xrays, to guided missiles. He also patented the technology for wireless
communication that is used in radio and television broadcasting. He was a technological
visionary whose contributions often get overlooked in history. Thomas Edison
and Guglielmo Marconi get credited for inventing the electric light bulb and the radio, respectively, but their work was actually based on the discoveries of Nikola Tesla.
George Westinghouse is well-known for creating the Westinghouse
Electric Company but the products produced were based on Tesla's patents.
Nicholas Tesla is overlooked because he didn't invent to earn wealth; he
invented to make the world a better place and make people's lives a
little easier. Those who capitalized on Tesla's research, and made
millions, are the people that tend to get remembered. Tesla didn't protect his commercial interests and, in the end, he wound up more or less penniless and forgotten.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kr_bDfT19F1zMSZI5GzBDEgn8JVkPR-HwsxewnhM1hnodivCuayPLfh_1CvxoZWO-qlNyQHfsSDm3je4fAMR08YDXQ62IRerVOG6ZcEh9qxEqDyCWFmp_wHIcv8MG_qhtdi7Wc1eE-NL/s1600/tesla+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kr_bDfT19F1zMSZI5GzBDEgn8JVkPR-HwsxewnhM1hnodivCuayPLfh_1CvxoZWO-qlNyQHfsSDm3je4fAMR08YDXQ62IRerVOG6ZcEh9qxEqDyCWFmp_wHIcv8MG_qhtdi7Wc1eE-NL/s1600/tesla+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nikola Tesla museum is housed in a
beautiful building in Vračar, in the center of Belgrade. It is a small
museum with only one floor but it's definitely worth a visit. The museum shows a film about Tesla's life and
contains models of some of Tesla's inventions, some of which are
demonstrated if you are fortunate enough to be on a tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUtAuTAGdj7S758t3rtXoDXXbeg0cSqooOK-Ps9pfJDzq-_64_jtVOt5BURlP6gI7o0YPtbwa7n4xGJkJykXqSKrztIDhb3CiiBy0iJG2cYrwGGZg3ozhjIprwj9k2UGd_d9LWBiNOL-u/s1600/tesla+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUtAuTAGdj7S758t3rtXoDXXbeg0cSqooOK-Ps9pfJDzq-_64_jtVOt5BURlP6gI7o0YPtbwa7n4xGJkJykXqSKrztIDhb3CiiBy0iJG2cYrwGGZg3ozhjIprwj9k2UGd_d9LWBiNOL-u/s1600/tesla+2.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A copy of the induction motor (two phase), with short circuit rotor, from 1887.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YKOYr66W-M3Gc3ngSxn2ogDTIgmjfokXmPnbEsC_A45zU75YiL-hp5Nf62kE6-X8q1VrZuWsKezM6c2MLo4e5XyaIdIHoE3O61FKYVBqAj4L82nEputlW6bANQb4l9xXvXvaN4D034j5/s1600/tesla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YKOYr66W-M3Gc3ngSxn2ogDTIgmjfokXmPnbEsC_A45zU75YiL-hp5Nf62kE6-X8q1VrZuWsKezM6c2MLo4e5XyaIdIHoE3O61FKYVBqAj4L82nEputlW6bANQb4l9xXvXvaN4D034j5/s1600/tesla.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small-scale
model of the hydro-energetic system. During the demonstration, water was pumped into the polyphase system generator, the current travels across the wires and a light was lit at the end. The faster water was pumped into the generator, the brighter the light. This model demonstrated Tesla's contributions to the hydroelectric dam at Niagara Falls (1895). (We had learned about that when we visited the Krka Hydro Dam in Croatia which was opened just two days after the hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XyUnI3kvgecX9GO9-Mib_VY6TXkb9wNGdI0QJGlA2rJtKp0SNbEXhmiPXk2FRHZJTs72Ogi0FCZcGInHDSKyyZjIX9khCHIHW7kCdGujvfuIzYET0m-02ALwHDsYkiqiLRPuYq07rrpI/s1600/tesla+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XyUnI3kvgecX9GO9-Mib_VY6TXkb9wNGdI0QJGlA2rJtKp0SNbEXhmiPXk2FRHZJTs72Ogi0FCZcGInHDSKyyZjIX9khCHIHW7kCdGujvfuIzYET0m-02ALwHDsYkiqiLRPuYq07rrpI/s1600/tesla+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and James had the chance to participate in an experiment with the Tesla coil. Tesla invented the coil around 1891. <span>It is used to produce high-voltage, low-current, high frequency alternating-current electricity.</span><span></span> It generates high voltage sparks into the air and creates a powerful electrical field that will wirelessly light up fluorescent lights, as seen by the volunteers holding the now lit bulbs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbm49TLUziYq1LJZru92NOExQL2pcvuUv2on0TJW7qRuUXoTIyeunX_j9aMa5MCoNdsGqyLknIYICBxI7FH5JodYPue-UAljxGJcrAfXN_2hZ_47NXId7Vn50Yoz4IRJZzNXwxP1kIfiB/s1600/tesla+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbm49TLUziYq1LJZru92NOExQL2pcvuUv2on0TJW7qRuUXoTIyeunX_j9aMa5MCoNdsGqyLknIYICBxI7FH5JodYPue-UAljxGJcrAfXN_2hZ_47NXId7Vn50Yoz4IRJZzNXwxP1kIfiB/s1600/tesla+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah then got to participate in a similar experiment with electricity conducted through air. This was followed by volunteers holding hands and the person at the end holding a fluorescent bulb that was lit up, showing how voltage travels across our bodies. It was an experiment not to be repeated at home. The key here was that the experiment involved low voltage. Messing with 120V or 220V would not result in the same safe, painless result.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the museum we scouted for lunch. We buckled again and succumbed to the lure of fast-food, rationalizing that we were hitting a historical landmark however.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjZLl7EQm461CllnRgTIplASezFL35s6XjY64y57znLZ-Io0S0uA3TR-bJPdz_YaRPV7yklkrvnsEBQSVvyJ_ELGnUJDlUSl9X8UtJb94SyzEHyGN-J5nmGL21jrEsdFZrTxrGy0Rpeai/s1600/mcdonalds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjZLl7EQm461CllnRgTIplASezFL35s6XjY64y57znLZ-Io0S0uA3TR-bJPdz_YaRPV7yklkrvnsEBQSVvyJ_ELGnUJDlUSl9X8UtJb94SyzEHyGN-J5nmGL21jrEsdFZrTxrGy0Rpeai/s1600/mcdonalds.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the first McDonalds to open in Belgrade. Kind of stretching it in terms of historical interest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch we continued on to the St Sava Temple (Hram Svetog Save), located on the Vračar plateau. It is<span> a Serbian Orthodox church and claims to be </span><span>the largest Orthodox church in the world, ranking amongst the ten largest church buildings in the world. (Not for long if Bucharest continues with its plans.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4_KUzt_kQCV5iwR08bC6M8hcioMHhJTmuj-q-P2bcvKvCpQhuuc4x2ETj3nFJZ905sCfXTZdx8T-VW_X4IzZFNLoicoOg0sT2paSMUcGiOffne4ynpjTp0lx_RNoN1vNQriwtq79VMkJ/s1600/st+marks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4_KUzt_kQCV5iwR08bC6M8hcioMHhJTmuj-q-P2bcvKvCpQhuuc4x2ETj3nFJZ905sCfXTZdx8T-VW_X4IzZFNLoicoOg0sT2paSMUcGiOffne4ynpjTp0lx_RNoN1vNQriwtq79VMkJ/s1600/st+marks.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Sava Temple has taken a long time in the making. It was built where the relics of St Sava were publicly incinerated by the Ottomans on a pyre, and the ashes scattered, on April 27, 1595. The idea to build the church at this location came 300 years later in 1895. The breakout of the first Balkan war in 1912 stopped construction of the church. Construction then resumed in 1935 and work lasted until the Second World War Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941. It wasn't until 1985 when construction once again got underway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFcyanhyAfJ94NcdkJmoYaRbFd4YAmW05OsgGloTDiN8KIAsypK96NcsDf4LMROlzf6gjBOYuCgcoDJdU55KqE6Klv6P_0WK0SUbhMVOMN-Cb9UT9Ewbe4Qgfl8eHbKef3kGHsSOfh2t6/s1600/st+sava+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFcyanhyAfJ94NcdkJmoYaRbFd4YAmW05OsgGloTDiN8KIAsypK96NcsDf4LMROlzf6gjBOYuCgcoDJdU55KqE6Klv6P_0WK0SUbhMVOMN-Cb9UT9Ewbe4Qgfl8eHbKef3kGHsSOfh2t6/s1600/st+sava+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the shell of the church was mostly completed by 2009, much of the interior is still incomplete. The building of the church is being financed exclusively by donations so it may take several years yet to complete. With so many other buildings needing attention in Belgrade, I would think it would be hard to find the money to keep the project moving forward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving St Sava Temple, we then started walking back towards the fortress where the Military Museum was housed. Here are a sample of photos I took as we walked across the city.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z-LElG368U8JovKogxcurf2U5z_TzWdxuEKbl8Ma6VoBoNcsJI6gxi_aLlGcS-NULYhqjrZ29yL-FbBOBwLqTUW3ABP5W0u8bpumBU1NImIY1JAd29KkXO5F3Q1mBDXm2dyBGW59JgjW/s1600/belgrade+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z-LElG368U8JovKogxcurf2U5z_TzWdxuEKbl8Ma6VoBoNcsJI6gxi_aLlGcS-NULYhqjrZ29yL-FbBOBwLqTUW3ABP5W0u8bpumBU1NImIY1JAd29KkXO5F3Q1mBDXm2dyBGW59JgjW/s1600/belgrade+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at a city playground to let the kids run around for a bit. This was a playground whose planners had the parents in mind; it's equipped with mobile device chargers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9SnKJzSqyN8Dbb2aP8N41M_rqJuh_TJEN9wUbNQi8s7NanSr-w0UldLD5b5rhMGkdeyVRIu6JOvslVdOM15LS8r7LQMt_TOk-C-LMBZSuV29Cv1L9uIYTdWwx23faAC9y6uToizJ4EU-/s1600/belgrade+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9SnKJzSqyN8Dbb2aP8N41M_rqJuh_TJEN9wUbNQi8s7NanSr-w0UldLD5b5rhMGkdeyVRIu6JOvslVdOM15LS8r7LQMt_TOk-C-LMBZSuV29Cv1L9uIYTdWwx23faAC9y6uToizJ4EU-/s1600/belgrade+8.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along Kralja Milana which is a main shopping street with international and local brands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHP03kyERSrTP-ENuh6LRf3l8PmZKN9pTI2aG6nb1I7tubJgE2nanFkbivkvblQ-ZPq7kLY4EkaLkGXFQzUPkUCxGxpE8RH-L5fEdcfnq_08-T5x8D8pOjontBNFzswIXEP_RnSwPvRzI/s1600/belgrade+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHP03kyERSrTP-ENuh6LRf3l8PmZKN9pTI2aG6nb1I7tubJgE2nanFkbivkvblQ-ZPq7kLY4EkaLkGXFQzUPkUCxGxpE8RH-L5fEdcfnq_08-T5x8D8pOjontBNFzswIXEP_RnSwPvRzI/s1600/belgrade+9.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>Stari Dvor (Old Palace): B</span><span><span>uilt in 1884, i</span>t was the royal residence of the Obrenović dynasty. Today it houses the City Assembly of Belgrade.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEaFUqEGe7l1QTvIBiJiaQ5vebFI0dGbqvJANZAazFZ9MYPcXBkOxerqxGpR_-kY7jgDpx3OE5uN9doE68NtKpF51E1nOYIO-qO_mr38D0kqfA33lu17d5-s4iJCe3GdXhwDpE9v2Bd7r/s1600/belgrade+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEaFUqEGe7l1QTvIBiJiaQ5vebFI0dGbqvJANZAazFZ9MYPcXBkOxerqxGpR_-kY7jgDpx3OE5uN9doE68NtKpF51E1nOYIO-qO_mr38D0kqfA33lu17d5-s4iJCe3GdXhwDpE9v2Bd7r/s1600/belgrade+10.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peek at the Narodna Skupstina (National Assembly building) across Pironirski Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDxC1wLZPX6cys3LnKe0Vz52Xa7Y2ejXyS6uQDzzhyIxPQTHXMt6dMEqUwPHwA9H0KojgaKkp8ccxWBpdfewCiS6-qS_pXDA6e7WcfC7L9BHBin1iH3p2XLIS2IioKJ9-06x2vWuN66uc/s1600/belgrade+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDxC1wLZPX6cys3LnKe0Vz52Xa7Y2ejXyS6uQDzzhyIxPQTHXMt6dMEqUwPHwA9H0KojgaKkp8ccxWBpdfewCiS6-qS_pXDA6e7WcfC7L9BHBin1iH3p2XLIS2IioKJ9-06x2vWuN66uc/s1600/belgrade+11.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While many buildings are still in disrepair, there are some gems remaining in the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After about a 2 kilometer walk, we finally reached the Military Museum. The museum starts with information about the prehistoric Balkans and takes the visitor to the NATO bombing of
1999, passing through Roman and Slavic times, medieval Serbia, the
Turkish and Austrian era, modern Serbian history and Yugoslavia. Displays include captured Kosovo Liberation Army weapons, bombs and
missiles (courtesy of NATO), rare guns, clothes and equipment, models of boats and
fortresses, photos and illustrations, maps, info-graphics and
texts about the military and bits of the American stealth
fighter that was shot down in 1999. For the English tourist, there are some pieces of information translated into English but more is needed. Also it is very "old school" with most items behind glass cases with small placards providing descriptions.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk-tL_2zCM71o-KeUv0mA4IIFjtY7lILAjsUu4j6-Tf-H9Gmd1wY7ZWgeZ-_Cg6-dw6gZcR9pgO2WgOYNw3BmNdMzZIA50yVnxSm8H0PWOeHZWSOXOdSj6aMRENdy8YywLJAg0oSuoQII/s1600/belgrade+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk-tL_2zCM71o-KeUv0mA4IIFjtY7lILAjsUu4j6-Tf-H9Gmd1wY7ZWgeZ-_Cg6-dw6gZcR9pgO2WgOYNw3BmNdMzZIA50yVnxSm8H0PWOeHZWSOXOdSj6aMRENdy8YywLJAg0oSuoQII/s1600/belgrade+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Military Museum was founded in 1878 and has been in this location at the fortress since 1956.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7IoZXqBYQjabLssRB5NWM4DAIbVkV5t8-iMM7F92Egvhvzlo934g3ddbbcLIjYEb7WouqcmJhNr8LoVvF3KMpePiHOUr2quAieB-dyl7lAMyTgymxgYtxbe0IEOxJkeH3noyAydAov5w/s1600/military+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7IoZXqBYQjabLssRB5NWM4DAIbVkV5t8-iMM7F92Egvhvzlo934g3ddbbcLIjYEb7WouqcmJhNr8LoVvF3KMpePiHOUr2quAieB-dyl7lAMyTgymxgYtxbe0IEOxJkeH3noyAydAov5w/s1600/military+museum.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the fore-ground is a muzzle-loading Austrian regimental gun, made in 1655 in Vienna. As the photo shows, the museum did little to capture the attention of Paul or James; they chatted with each other through most of it. It was a non-starter with Sarah. With such a turbulent past, this could/should be a gripping museum. The curator(s) need to visit the War/Military museums in London and Paris to get some ideas on how to better convey the information across to visitors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-DlPJVgv1S70Bk7tD4G8hJ-nwLnFfb93ZXrfPJqSYyFchfmJ6UtjSpuPNcub3hlwcTVqCgAIyC55teNA9rLJXlwmGlB17_6aGdmhf56LKyr40_-Zh8YP1Bjvz-1EoXaLfmfHWpLVS3QH/s1600/belgrade+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-DlPJVgv1S70Bk7tD4G8hJ-nwLnFfb93ZXrfPJqSYyFchfmJ6UtjSpuPNcub3hlwcTVqCgAIyC55teNA9rLJXlwmGlB17_6aGdmhf56LKyr40_-Zh8YP1Bjvz-1EoXaLfmfHWpLVS3QH/s1600/belgrade+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were several cannons, tanks and armed vehicles on display outside of the museum. This is a close-up of rifling inside an 8cm breech-loading Leichte Feldkanone M 76 Krupp cannon. Rifling imparts a spin to a projectile around its long axis and the spin serves to gyroscopically stabilize the projectile, improving its aerodynamic stability and accuracy. As rifling became commonplace, the accuracy and destructive power of the cannon improved significantly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Before
we left the fortress grounds, we stopped in at Crno Bello (Black and
White), the gallery of the Natural History Museum showing the history
and importance of chocolate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADqZ3mBwh0DjDJyXVO22wAolCqYuaK_ctZ-J5wIUf-RI0zI74vv4FzQb3rw45hOsfgaW2o8PcgRC2ijoJClZwhWnIT0HwRNrZGs7MTczLAwjFsIBWf0vlxpLGaumOiOu9Y7ibe5PvmIPz/s1600/belgrade+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADqZ3mBwh0DjDJyXVO22wAolCqYuaK_ctZ-J5wIUf-RI0zI74vv4FzQb3rw45hOsfgaW2o8PcgRC2ijoJClZwhWnIT0HwRNrZGs7MTczLAwjFsIBWf0vlxpLGaumOiOu9Y7ibe5PvmIPz/s1600/belgrade+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this should be a no-brainer,
money-maker; outline the history of chocolate with a few multi-media
displays in a few key languages and SELL chocolate products. Do they do
this? No. Information was only presented in Serbian and they didn't sell
anything. Man, major lost opportunity. If they sold chocolate products,
50% of the tired tourists would certainly buy something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAh9k8OFMsgmMtS1MLy2rvjE77p5_0eMQCRvltPqde0oyExO1BJ5qLd21P31o98V127IBPPTBubyO_SKMBRRTcfes3uSSixz3G8yIDKGhVL5D-QIBVXbT2A6LR3-eGMV-VYJiy392WUeX/s1600/belgrade+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAh9k8OFMsgmMtS1MLy2rvjE77p5_0eMQCRvltPqde0oyExO1BJ5qLd21P31o98V127IBPPTBubyO_SKMBRRTcfes3uSSixz3G8yIDKGhVL5D-QIBVXbT2A6LR3-eGMV-VYJiy392WUeX/s1600/belgrade+15.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With "military" on the brain while strolling through <span class="st">Kalemegdan Park</span>, the kids all got these crocheted medieval-styled helmets/hats. Hilarious. I can't wait to see them wear these on a snow day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the fortress grounds, we walked down the Knez Milailova to find some dinner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0tvLy2EyT-Y6Cu4GmkJ9rs7I42BqaW1M8HZAc3yADTj7IDJzpE0aSa4GUlEyoCp3Wx7Q5IvWaa44M54-EywjtiEjpKl-lCdUD0_BkBaC_ftYZZgyDRcbieCMNlQtxzks3tTztfMZ-oL/s1600/belgrade+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0tvLy2EyT-Y6Cu4GmkJ9rs7I42BqaW1M8HZAc3yADTj7IDJzpE0aSa4GUlEyoCp3Wx7Q5IvWaa44M54-EywjtiEjpKl-lCdUD0_BkBaC_ftYZZgyDRcbieCMNlQtxzks3tTztfMZ-oL/s1600/belgrade+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah standing by the pyramid on Knez Mihailova that shows coordinates of Belgrade. It sits in front of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NxfHtkpQNFKC3GxNKVd6NeYNl12cnrjE1YCC5YbCJj-JiDWbVC593mtw27_O1_68IoppOyCy_KlFRcy_OepzwZhFCV1lU7UQkDD_sN5rOcsBv2xIqCoRJ2M9332x2Y4XtR_O9D4-UXOO/s1600/belgrade+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NxfHtkpQNFKC3GxNKVd6NeYNl12cnrjE1YCC5YbCJj-JiDWbVC593mtw27_O1_68IoppOyCy_KlFRcy_OepzwZhFCV1lU7UQkDD_sN5rOcsBv2xIqCoRJ2M9332x2Y4XtR_O9D4-UXOO/s1600/belgrade+18.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Moskva (Moscow) located on the Terazije Square: It is a 4-star hotel and is one of the oldest hotels currently operating in Serbia. Sadly, we didn't stay here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 24th</b>, our streak of good weather ran out and we woke up to rain. Rain in an already gray Belgrade is a depressing thing. We were all running out of steam to continue on and see more museums, monasteries and other historical sights. But this would be our last full day in Serbia and so we had to get out and see something. The tourist agent we spoke to the previous day suggested we go to Novi Sad, about 80 km away. Novi Sad is the second most populous city in Serbia (~342,000) and has a beautiful old town with multiple monasteries surrounding it. To come up with a plan I did what I usually do; I went to the internet and typed in "top attractions Novi Sad". The top attraction out of 35 was "Fruska Gora Monasteries". The second ranked attraction was "Room Escape". What was that? I clicked to their web site and read the tag lines: "<i>Are you ready to push The Red Button? Will you be the one holding the
faith of the World in your hand? If you aren’t scared of being locked up
in a vault - maybe forever - then this is the right place for you!</i>" They were offering a “get-out-in-time” live team game experience. Man, that sounded so much more fun than going to a monastery. So with more enthusiasm than I'd seen in a long time, the family quickly got ready and we were out of the apartment and into the car.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6prF30UPd37WsAWsoDndORad1Sm7SVeW2DfxUC1CwYAkgVFSemvl85y3KYsWvcePxwgBBiQcY6gtLea4Lt70dEjoWqLAHyZHq-b5OeBEY0ai3546_sseK9tot0jOJo6nuI9zVXv2gePnf/s1600/parking+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6prF30UPd37WsAWsoDndORad1Sm7SVeW2DfxUC1CwYAkgVFSemvl85y3KYsWvcePxwgBBiQcY6gtLea4Lt70dEjoWqLAHyZHq-b5OeBEY0ai3546_sseK9tot0jOJo6nuI9zVXv2gePnf/s1600/parking+.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parking ticket used in Novi Sad: Go to a Tabac and buy one or more of these, each for 55 dinar (about $0.65). Each ticket is worth one hour of parking. Scratch the date and time that your car is parked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERP-iudl2rxeS4d3m_tG8hW5BxbHwM3BPMcRylt-5BAupSwNw4tF9EmHs3gughw6hR7IeytzGWZ2sWwWiMSr40sJZCGV7B4zhTw2eNQXzoUU7rTXbgLIhaUPZkQITGVmkhAPQirldOXYp/s1600/novi+sad+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERP-iudl2rxeS4d3m_tG8hW5BxbHwM3BPMcRylt-5BAupSwNw4tF9EmHs3gughw6hR7IeytzGWZ2sWwWiMSr40sJZCGV7B4zhTw2eNQXzoUU7rTXbgLIhaUPZkQITGVmkhAPQirldOXYp/s1600/novi+sad+3.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="sr">A view of Zmaj Jovina Street: Saborni hram Svetog velikomučenika Georgija (St George's Cathedral) is to the left in the background; it is</span> the seat of the Serbian Orthodox territory of Backa. In the foreground is a statue of Jovan Jovanović Zmaj (1833-1904) who was a physician and one of the best known Serbian poets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-vpK0Gqsht8mAnw6L8_SXvcr9dPpIZgm5wryOYbwc_w2BQCogQAI8jOjtthEMVeU5mdgBS4y4km58-LZV2S17iLC5Clq3JTUVFLjceZq_9xokd2sN77Fo4oZs-jHxE0CBk27AEdyAHN/s1600/novi+sad+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-vpK0Gqsht8mAnw6L8_SXvcr9dPpIZgm5wryOYbwc_w2BQCogQAI8jOjtthEMVeU5mdgBS4y4km58-LZV2S17iLC5Clq3JTUVFLjceZq_9xokd2sN77Fo4oZs-jHxE0CBk27AEdyAHN/s1600/novi+sad+4.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of<span lang="sr"> Zmaj Jovina Street, part of the pedestrian zone.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had a difficult time finding Room Escape. We had the address but there was no signage, short of a tiny postage stamp-sized "Room Escape" label next to a door bell. That was the first part of the experience; team work in order to find the place. We went up to the second level to what was, at one time, an old apartment. We were met by Boban and his wife who own and run the business. Since we were their only customers at that time, we had the choice of whether to stop a nuclear bomb from exploding or to rob a bank vault. We had initially signed up for the bank job but Boban advised us to start with the nuclear bunker since it was slightly easier to solve (ie. one solves the problems in more of a linear pattern). The games are recommended for people 16 years and older but working as a family, with younger members, will often work out. Sarah was their youngest participant to date at 8 years old.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd41aaUSDrhEOtf-hK2KgwT3TG2_hl7yqosXH9O7VheAghQ2c0FoW9aMoiWBzGolof2DcPGLmLQ7zkCvJvvigvaePEm15ozLE9_zgFXwFOE1tp01wN68tIH9WLiqTBY5GQvYj_I2fOpdb/s1600/room+escape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd41aaUSDrhEOtf-hK2KgwT3TG2_hl7yqosXH9O7VheAghQ2c0FoW9aMoiWBzGolof2DcPGLmLQ7zkCvJvvigvaePEm15ozLE9_zgFXwFOE1tp01wN68tIH9WLiqTBY5GQvYj_I2fOpdb/s1600/room+escape.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before we began, Boban went over the rules and the tips for a accomplishing our mission.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took Boban's advice and decided to try to solve dismantling the bomb. We had one hour to do so. We were placed in a room that was once the office of "Mr Pig" who was a spy during the Cold War. The cruel world of espionage was too much for Mr Pig so he had committed suicide and wanted to take the rest of the world with him; in doing so, he initiated a nuclear bomb which would detonate in just under one hour. We had to comb the room for clues to solve some puzzles, find keys that would unlock cabinets to find more puzzles and keys to unlock other cabinets, all which were needed to dismantle the bomb. Everyone contributed, including Sarah. With just a few minutes to spare before our hour was up, we dismantled the bomb. It was fun. Everyone loved the activity and really wanted to move on to the bank.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyU-C1iLCEi6cjg0YDH_h_lCaLluD50sIWZbW3x4uP6ziZDoer9pe99aR7Sr-Lpncmc8mz5aigzJ3U_-Tr7hPeOoNMshpy7GQVq_iTPM5V8bO2EGvthgcLk61Xu0liu7gcdleR178cSPZ/s1600/bunker+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyU-C1iLCEi6cjg0YDH_h_lCaLluD50sIWZbW3x4uP6ziZDoer9pe99aR7Sr-Lpncmc8mz5aigzJ3U_-Tr7hPeOoNMshpy7GQVq_iTPM5V8bO2EGvthgcLk61Xu0liu7gcdleR178cSPZ/s1600/bunker+3.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the game, our Game Master allowed me to take a couple photos. Here, Paul and Sarah are listening to clues on the rotary phones provided, while James reads Mr Pig's suicide note.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikHCGaab_6fJwruRpC2qMBD7aYe3g7PlNcStx-IhIUCNUyNDld-UX9D-egHqqOxlumBgT3-3mm46JwQV1ubvgNVTic2JbjVIvc_Epk94zoiScBlMpV867MRgdF6h6eeq9SpWlykBSzAO-/s1600/bunker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikHCGaab_6fJwruRpC2qMBD7aYe3g7PlNcStx-IhIUCNUyNDld-UX9D-egHqqOxlumBgT3-3mm46JwQV1ubvgNVTic2JbjVIvc_Epk94zoiScBlMpV867MRgdF6h6eeq9SpWlykBSzAO-/s1600/bunker.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressing the red button to dismantle the bomb. Success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll_w7CoLZr4FSg09B_1d8DGdTewVPonm6eaZD09eU_j_qxAb-JXP-BujhKdcMkVEJcfnHSLExxneHNHHAjQe7Vb4PtxQoHpROn7DX3Y6LtbP0h3shLqZA5Y5IvKBfB_OZRC5jMmx4hcz0/s1600/pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll_w7CoLZr4FSg09B_1d8DGdTewVPonm6eaZD09eU_j_qxAb-JXP-BujhKdcMkVEJcfnHSLExxneHNHHAjQe7Vb4PtxQoHpROn7DX3Y6LtbP0h3shLqZA5Y5IvKBfB_OZRC5jMmx4hcz0/s1600/pig.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey it's Mr Pig!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a 20 minute refreshment break, we went ahead and played the second game, successfully robbing the bank. We all had a blast at Room Escape. It's a great activity for families, friends and of course a corporate team-building exercise.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmJvXvLOAtQ7mZCwxAKjKW3f4RWACoRwuKaD8-GM4ZLZxrtmojUk_cg-Uoi52j91tvU-qxIf1fGwv9nQcCcZR6SkXl2_cAcmZK_Ut1fJtVrWVSATnLhyMF-mx4Xog-qKP49BDHFdK3bl2/s1600/novi+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmJvXvLOAtQ7mZCwxAKjKW3f4RWACoRwuKaD8-GM4ZLZxrtmojUk_cg-Uoi52j91tvU-qxIf1fGwv9nQcCcZR6SkXl2_cAcmZK_Ut1fJtVrWVSATnLhyMF-mx4Xog-qKP49BDHFdK3bl2/s1600/novi+sad.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Mary Cathedral on Trg Slobode (Liberty Square).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHQ_Zji4ZJsv8_68rJu_48PoKI33uMT_94xdDHaFgq0by2WC-l-JIOK_nSR0c9ptLFd9TqZnuBhzAoF0lzS2UtAm9T685AbovZd0HFNzKc9jWzFzb2V289xxLfIAN_dUXUZWUeCPmE33-/s1600/novi+sad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHQ_Zji4ZJsv8_68rJu_48PoKI33uMT_94xdDHaFgq0by2WC-l-JIOK_nSR0c9ptLFd9TqZnuBhzAoF0lzS2UtAm9T685AbovZd0HFNzKc9jWzFzb2V289xxLfIAN_dUXUZWUeCPmE33-/s1600/novi+sad+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City Hall on Liberty Square built in 1895: It is one of the most magnificent buildings, built in a neo-renaissance style, in Novi Sad. Both the City Hall and the Holy Mary Cathedral, at the opposite end of the square, were planned by Georg Molnar. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 25th</b>, we left our apartment in Belgrade (with our second parking ticket) and drove to Sarajevo which is the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIynlQ2Bk1YQxMWmk23rOVwCSux8_JKJgaYtOCTQpw2u-HrXpRo_SNEDTRxCpBLELje_BLvvjHJrs3JUvtM9IteWjZAmv84mgM4TzDPvdwjAqej_9t-jvRwmM3Nn42-cWKfVsOctmo4ys/s1600/serbia+countryside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIynlQ2Bk1YQxMWmk23rOVwCSux8_JKJgaYtOCTQpw2u-HrXpRo_SNEDTRxCpBLELje_BLvvjHJrs3JUvtM9IteWjZAmv84mgM4TzDPvdwjAqej_9t-jvRwmM3Nn42-cWKfVsOctmo4ys/s1600/serbia+countryside.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The countryside along the way was somewhat mountainous and mostly rural farmland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1RTSXRCDwPtRZGrLWMoY1RaGfcFHBAu4yTzSyumKMTIJGg9oqJdwikt73PACp-W2tBcxiAed4a3tkvrFCz_Psqwa7TK0RVtMokGifP223OiiOFIhrbpfZ9mS4XIaUqzIfCzPpmCbde8Q/s1600/serbia+countryside+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1RTSXRCDwPtRZGrLWMoY1RaGfcFHBAu4yTzSyumKMTIJGg9oqJdwikt73PACp-W2tBcxiAed4a3tkvrFCz_Psqwa7TK0RVtMokGifP223OiiOFIhrbpfZ9mS4XIaUqzIfCzPpmCbde8Q/s1600/serbia+countryside+2.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we got closer to the Serbia/Bosnia-Herzegovina border our elevation got higher and we once again saw snow. There was so much snow at the border that we actually got stuck trying to drive by border control. In the end, Vincent had to reverse and drive through the truck lane in order to successfully reach Bosnia-Herzegovina. </td></tr>
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After a slow drive taking about 5 hours, we arrived in Sarajevo and found our apartment. The apartment was quite nice, central and rather homey as it actually was the host's mother's apartment so it felt a bit different than the standard apartment rental. At this point in the trip, any sense of home (even if it wasn't our own) was appreciated.<br />
<br />
On <b>March 26th</b>, we arranged to have a walking tour with the daughter of our apartment host. We thought this would be a good way to see the highlights of the city and know to where we'd want to return over the next 36 hours.<br />
<br />
Sarajevo is one of the most historically interesting and varied cities in Europe. It is a place where the western & eastern Roman empires split and where the people of the Roman Catholic (west), Eastern Orthodox (east) and
the Ottoman (south), met, lived and warred. The city is historically known for its traditional religious diversity,
with adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism coexisting here for centuries.<br />
<br />
Mary met us at 10:30 and we first stopped off at Svrzo's House, which was built by the wealthy Glođo family in the 18th century. It is viewed as a traditional muslim, Bosnian house; this was the best example of a dwelling built during the Ottoman rule that we had seen on our trip. It helped to illustrate the lifestyle of a muslim family from the late 18th century throughout the 19th century. It was built by the upper-class Glodo family but when the family failed to produce a male heir, it was passed through by marriage to another old Sarajevo family, the Svrzos, who were merchants. The house consists of the selamluk or public areas, commonly known as the men's quarters, and the haremluk, or private family areas, also known as the women's quarters. Normal family life took place in the haremluk while the selamluk was used by the male family members to receive guests and conduct business.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi_L6wueLo-BbSEstiZUqbO_5g-HwCEIwp7IS_RhJxgbjITHb5PUz3eIKthBw-5UC_kxMusHf9N-l5lPHEmIN8gaFtjmyUNzKpqcv7p5hSNuXD6esX944-yCr978k1COHJRWqIItDphC0/s1600/svrzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi_L6wueLo-BbSEstiZUqbO_5g-HwCEIwp7IS_RhJxgbjITHb5PUz3eIKthBw-5UC_kxMusHf9N-l5lPHEmIN8gaFtjmyUNzKpqcv7p5hSNuXD6esX944-yCr978k1COHJRWqIItDphC0/s1600/svrzo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main courtyard: River rocks, a material that the wealthy used, line the courtyard. The home was fortified with iron doors on the lower levels and heavy floor doors which could block access to the second level.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsxUoLTRfCBCLBNWPgeQs4VfaUsYffI69nC6TioTeF_3Kc3jtWtjOlhymuZv8nsoxEK8FmF11XrOo-8Zno212Bqp4HKYQlMaUIBfR1pL75EI9ryHcI-1-Umql8OOHI2ukc81cgVRRxfaC/s1600/svrzo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsxUoLTRfCBCLBNWPgeQs4VfaUsYffI69nC6TioTeF_3Kc3jtWtjOlhymuZv8nsoxEK8FmF11XrOo-8Zno212Bqp4HKYQlMaUIBfR1pL75EI9ryHcI-1-Umql8OOHI2ukc81cgVRRxfaC/s1600/svrzo+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large halvat: The Glodo and Svrzo families, both of high social standing in Sarajevo in their time, needed a separate room where they could entertain family and friends during the Eid festivals (festival of the sacrifice and festival of breaking the fast) and for iftar (breaking of the fast during Ramadan), weddings and mevluds (religious ceremonies celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad), or simply to get together for a chat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfXt0k0aXq5IhWoiyh131OhKGO7QpW9UhBsaC1bS2XwWl3NQIfnxw3YZAZcizt5NKyaC_1uhU-MvXejDMHHNw2S4VX4ExhKX3YqgNxhkJ7mEQUMXB9a9cdfsGF9ZdmfMQVuQ27FcCGfFQ/s1600/svrzo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfXt0k0aXq5IhWoiyh131OhKGO7QpW9UhBsaC1bS2XwWl3NQIfnxw3YZAZcizt5NKyaC_1uhU-MvXejDMHHNw2S4VX4ExhKX3YqgNxhkJ7mEQUMXB9a9cdfsGF9ZdmfMQVuQ27FcCGfFQ/s1600/svrzo+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vince pointing out the iron shutters on the windows to the large halvat on the second floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91HYQMXLo09KAmMcMzq0AdYGXwIJiefeTWBs8tLRNmwJ8vkbPgfUcOhkMl0KIhjU_vnugr6u_QWgJq9DDtfeYOWxr8xTj9yjvvCCv_zQs7yRkCRifZg0j4YQ09mJD3TOraykPW23sXE19/s1600/svrzo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91HYQMXLo09KAmMcMzq0AdYGXwIJiefeTWBs8tLRNmwJ8vkbPgfUcOhkMl0KIhjU_vnugr6u_QWgJq9DDtfeYOWxr8xTj9yjvvCCv_zQs7yRkCRifZg0j4YQ09mJD3TOraykPW23sXE19/s1600/svrzo+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the doors and cabinets had fine wooden inlay detail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9itOcQ4GE3SCosGdPIfAIsb3a4zU77U8EkiKuPAeCWifbkwzkI39iwbbZVoQSNmIvtWtu4_zSiBkUZHg0X5A5jwHaAgWY10FniJvsfvBFl_yO98YiRJRCB0ddYxju41XeLVC0TwVVbXBH/s1600/svrzo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9itOcQ4GE3SCosGdPIfAIsb3a4zU77U8EkiKuPAeCWifbkwzkI39iwbbZVoQSNmIvtWtu4_zSiBkUZHg0X5A5jwHaAgWY10FniJvsfvBFl_yO98YiRJRCB0ddYxju41XeLVC0TwVVbXBH/s1600/svrzo+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bedroom: People slept on the floor on a woolen mattress known as a dusek with hand-embroidered bed linen and quilts, as was the custom in those days. The windows are fitted with wooden latticework known as musebak, to prevent people from looking in from outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWzJUDv5UZ_lNKrIBQbB7h0Hh26EQSKBgExmgV9sUYut64ZP0XKo-wbpTmRfZlZ4-r-d1ixq2SCt2naTiMkJ1dGEizL5dvpcvtpTZhRrS2NKxBxVzd3_6FRInUmDhy65TvvaE-odBUln/s1600/svrzo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWzJUDv5UZ_lNKrIBQbB7h0Hh26EQSKBgExmgV9sUYut64ZP0XKo-wbpTmRfZlZ4-r-d1ixq2SCt2naTiMkJ1dGEizL5dvpcvtpTZhRrS2NKxBxVzd3_6FRInUmDhy65TvvaE-odBUln/s1600/svrzo+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireplace: This fireplace was located in the bedroom but most rooms had one like it. It was built for radiating heat. The fireplace had a small opening in which to place wood and start the fire. The warm air would rise and heat the ceramic discs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHFkBZX6Q8_N7FcYLWt7lysrcF2zahWynSa4n8lRraAgMeNLqLOAoNAqHjL_30S1SW4o_-e5LqvasUb6Q57QpYsnu2oRcHREOr7_mSg182QpShQWCtmrE7L7plMtytXscIdTmrAEHXYYa/s1600/svrzo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHFkBZX6Q8_N7FcYLWt7lysrcF2zahWynSa4n8lRraAgMeNLqLOAoNAqHjL_30S1SW4o_-e5LqvasUb6Q57QpYsnu2oRcHREOr7_mSg182QpShQWCtmrE7L7plMtytXscIdTmrAEHXYYa/s1600/svrzo+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the rooms had an en suite privy like this one. (Too) many washrooms that we'd seen during our travels haven't progressed from this hole in the floor concept.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sDT1AEuKuiJB9gonBxm1-lTMqkP3-v7y0aBfPmMPQI9upjDMKlf6aQjastFr0tFJ3kwoD1lUXEzCDLV6xQv1wIWgwYbNfwVtn9eQcpaDB9BTXtz8kwYW58QxSZi6MRYZJ_mBAL7f0and/s1600/svrzo+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sDT1AEuKuiJB9gonBxm1-lTMqkP3-v7y0aBfPmMPQI9upjDMKlf6aQjastFr0tFJ3kwoD1lUXEzCDLV6xQv1wIWgwYbNfwVtn9eQcpaDB9BTXtz8kwYW58QxSZi6MRYZJ_mBAL7f0and/s1600/svrzo+7.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house had a shower. This is the first shower we'd seen in an Ottoman house. A fire would be set in the fireplace seen on the right. The tubular feature on the left side of the fireplace would be filled with water, which would heat up. The hanging ladle then would be used to scoop out the water for washing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZXYHiksPha3SfRXqXdeDmuPWTWrCz2GPPovL79g1_47U7Ro9R98SsoQAvAQKd_Vb3-YlIflr6jVVe5Dp2cnpfWAikJNOGXMmU3tZ4Dwjh9snR9V63JfA-j_kQT23cJiyAUytQSr05OJe/s1600/svrzo+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZXYHiksPha3SfRXqXdeDmuPWTWrCz2GPPovL79g1_47U7Ro9R98SsoQAvAQKd_Vb3-YlIflr6jVVe5Dp2cnpfWAikJNOGXMmU3tZ4Dwjh9snR9V63JfA-j_kQT23cJiyAUytQSr05OJe/s1600/svrzo+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room contained a sofra (table) consisting of a large round tray known as a demirlija, around which people sat to eat. Beside the sofra are an ewer and basin for washing one's hands before and after eating</td></tr>
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After leaving the Svrzo House, we walked further down the hill towards the old part of town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5RmISMAKJc_7ehymho8RGpyQ6Y6n-QWegpms4SU1rns5fGQDnafeJMfrA_Vv-cn7D7hOZ-Paza_sUupCCLohU0_n8jXl8-uLJwX4U_uBZ-R63s1a5iDnvW6kWA11IK0-f6e_JhkAKrJM/s1600/saraj+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5RmISMAKJc_7ehymho8RGpyQ6Y6n-QWegpms4SU1rns5fGQDnafeJMfrA_Vv-cn7D7hOZ-Paza_sUupCCLohU0_n8jXl8-uLJwX4U_uBZ-R63s1a5iDnvW6kWA11IK0-f6e_JhkAKrJM/s1600/saraj+21.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sebilj (fountain) located in the center of Baščaršija square (frequently called “the pigeon square”). It was built by Mehmed-pasha Kukavica in 1753. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebilj#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The Baščaršija (Sarajevo's
old bazaar) was the historical and cultural center of the city and was built in the 15th century when Isa-Beg Isakovic founded the town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHCRCd1sUt258GKPLWKYFlFquhiGLMv2oxmT14FY3-nj7A7VmjJB1WjcI1_LjBKwhs5n8N72gKIepcgLcuhH3Zq33tikta4csFOGqoMrAP2oR96SS5NTDcjmk4GvsrLbdlfth3zR_Uq6W/s1600/saraj+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHCRCd1sUt258GKPLWKYFlFquhiGLMv2oxmT14FY3-nj7A7VmjJB1WjcI1_LjBKwhs5n8N72gKIepcgLcuhH3Zq33tikta4csFOGqoMrAP2oR96SS5NTDcjmk4GvsrLbdlfth3zR_Uq6W/s1600/saraj+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Town Hall (Gradska Vijeænica): The original (which opened in 1896) was destroyed during the 90s war and has just been restored. It<b> </b>is the most beautiful and the most representative building from the Austro-Hungarian period, built in a pseudo-Moorish style. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwOpVRB75CeYCXn_J3-Rdwf0qUaFNyJJGH0oqoWaBQycSgpuIWqgeT8Dcydldn4HjcD0SE3SYE8XhsJ10tCJsjT19Or1a_m0mQMWBvWIEF0xm9HxTW-tIUjWSZ-d6uoA6O9AwHmJr30IP/s1600/saraj+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwOpVRB75CeYCXn_J3-Rdwf0qUaFNyJJGH0oqoWaBQycSgpuIWqgeT8Dcydldn4HjcD0SE3SYE8XhsJ10tCJsjT19Or1a_m0mQMWBvWIEF0xm9HxTW-tIUjWSZ-d6uoA6O9AwHmJr30IP/s1600/saraj+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inat Kuca (The Spite House): In order to build the Town Hall (previous photo), it was necessary to destroy two Turkish baths and
one privately-owned house. The Turkish baths were destroyed, while the
house owner requested, as reimbursement, a purse of
ducats plus that the house be moved, one by one
brick, to the other bank of the Miljacka river, opposite to the Town
Hall. The demands were met and because of the perceived spite of the owner, the house
was named the "Spite House". Today, the Inat Kuca serves as a restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe9sI6Q0yz44bdrVP4I4RuufnEWDt1B97hd-KtED0HSxZczOg4lzH9gGd2znYV5qmCpy1mPi9u-8QVYNDTdX0kLOADjLJg66IjL6nPnlPqOCXIXr3wpCzW4cwdMwdWel_oS1hBuosu2CP/s1600/saraj+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe9sI6Q0yz44bdrVP4I4RuufnEWDt1B97hd-KtED0HSxZczOg4lzH9gGd2znYV5qmCpy1mPi9u-8QVYNDTdX0kLOADjLJg66IjL6nPnlPqOCXIXr3wpCzW4cwdMwdWel_oS1hBuosu2CP/s1600/saraj+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sarajevska Pivara brewery: It opened in 1864 as the first local industry and shortly became one of
leading producers in Bosnia, with considerable exports to Montenegro, Dalmatia and Albania. The brewery played an important role during the siege of Sarajevo, as it was one of
the few reliable sources for citizens to get drinking water when all
resources were cut off from the city. People were killed by snipers just trying to access drinking water here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL0-4QNh2iFV7qNfim1ZRb-Jd7IAhNmhVn2s7BzvyQ-HlcP3-lEGYofQtvh0MV_xBkT40UWTLEptvN1PQaNJ2GSIzNsgkJ8UyNXiDeApSwOEZQ5bfcfjZR8_P0YzVJzBHGcCaXg4Axx2l/s1600/saraj+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL0-4QNh2iFV7qNfim1ZRb-Jd7IAhNmhVn2s7BzvyQ-HlcP3-lEGYofQtvh0MV_xBkT40UWTLEptvN1PQaNJ2GSIzNsgkJ8UyNXiDeApSwOEZQ5bfcfjZR8_P0YzVJzBHGcCaXg4Axx2l/s1600/saraj+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Franciscan Monastery and Church of Saint Anthony of Padua: Located across the street from the </span>Sarajevska Pivara brewery, the <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Church of Saint Anthony of Padua </span>is a Roman Catholic church that was consecrated in 1914. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDumlBoTjwLgtAaXvG4s1D0Oojl6QVuNyWyQ9KbovzGm1-uiOAPnZ_O_wUsOcvdhw2-NcbDqmhV_A3XsZ8ZDEkRUgqMnbEm8dApQItXkT_eIONAzowttIZk6gKcRgGmCS7H8Wh3IT-oxhS/s1600/saraj+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDumlBoTjwLgtAaXvG4s1D0Oojl6QVuNyWyQ9KbovzGm1-uiOAPnZ_O_wUsOcvdhw2-NcbDqmhV_A3XsZ8ZDEkRUgqMnbEm8dApQItXkT_eIONAzowttIZk6gKcRgGmCS7H8Wh3IT-oxhS/s1600/saraj+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Church of Saint Anthony of Padua: </span>The monastery and church were seriously damaged in the 1992/95 war but have since been reconstructed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wrEfDrRcFDGOEMhyphenhyphenSirHDXdXGI0IbckSWrdzuti_y030ZXvYwN2m5vFyvKqIqCuwlnVLTQZ4pWGGGILqLMHXVz_t65OCBsABzTwIalDMFuy_JLuFLCu6kwIQaDxs4BJwmvHNkhJLipi/s1600/sara6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wrEfDrRcFDGOEMhyphenhyphenSirHDXdXGI0IbckSWrdzuti_y030ZXvYwN2m5vFyvKqIqCuwlnVLTQZ4pWGGGILqLMHXVz_t65OCBsABzTwIalDMFuy_JLuFLCu6kwIQaDxs4BJwmvHNkhJLipi/s1600/sara6.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Miljacka river flows through the city westwardly where it eventually meets up with the Bosna river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3eUwe5KAbgJNwK28-b_PkYC-jUjf0ciY1I3nQJ81rs3Ya3dFs6M2NbjL-14zJc9mL278Azv7KYEYWrZR36Oe3R0z9sRhbJV3gHiCQospryR-7fR3FDI-zkvTSIGfWR-LTV9RUF1EQWmc/s1600/saraj+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3eUwe5KAbgJNwK28-b_PkYC-jUjf0ciY1I3nQJ81rs3Ya3dFs6M2NbjL-14zJc9mL278Azv7KYEYWrZR36Oe3R0z9sRhbJV3gHiCQospryR-7fR3FDI-zkvTSIGfWR-LTV9RUF1EQWmc/s1600/saraj+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6kdkUlIcKEBcvH4Ww2MyFbOJHIkxVDREHJ0X3pJkmvzpE6F3ll9ccfTVe35a99UEm1Ve-nWee-rTzzkQL5QBcPje9hGl_iteIATxYiDe16q9KnRNTiEYogRUYysi4YlmGis4UyYpLGgt/s1600/saraj+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6kdkUlIcKEBcvH4Ww2MyFbOJHIkxVDREHJ0X3pJkmvzpE6F3ll9ccfTVe35a99UEm1Ve-nWee-rTzzkQL5QBcPje9hGl_iteIATxYiDe16q9KnRNTiEYogRUYysi4YlmGis4UyYpLGgt/s1600/saraj+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of a Taslihan built between 1540-1543: Its purpose was to provide accommodation for merchants, their wares and their horses. <span class="notranslate" style="background-color: #e6ecf9;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Db7t74X0S4EtmziiuLFciiZiK81ZvUdhYG2hiZTbW3_Vegedb6qH5pkwFi3U5WiBdcQexEoaL1mNyDktEeaPmOYJPzN_icfedc8LhZPFY42oL3oGrBGm8DPXrLuInfHU0UmUbpu2FEVw/s1600/saraj+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Db7t74X0S4EtmziiuLFciiZiK81ZvUdhYG2hiZTbW3_Vegedb6qH5pkwFi3U5WiBdcQexEoaL1mNyDktEeaPmOYJPzN_icfedc8LhZPFY42oL3oGrBGm8DPXrLuInfHU0UmUbpu2FEVw/s1600/saraj+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos: It was<b> </b>erected between 1863 and 1868.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8HUksdStpwsKDDQkP8V6x7qQoRKBK38GoZ8Br6c8bxVuco_PDuG5JGKgP0lmEhMdfWQPzVZLlYGbQY1BUiRvENVakJiPpy5pP1mHhZjMUIX5hn5joUxwgAOKVyhzuLdNBqAz8JYFLVl1/s1600/saraj+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8HUksdStpwsKDDQkP8V6x7qQoRKBK38GoZ8Br6c8bxVuco_PDuG5JGKgP0lmEhMdfWQPzVZLlYGbQY1BUiRvENVakJiPpy5pP1mHhZjMUIX5hn5joUxwgAOKVyhzuLdNBqAz8JYFLVl1/s1600/saraj+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos: It is constructed as a three-section basilica with a cross-shaped plan and five domes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5aIJir5JfxhlPI7A8DADME8unOyqibW4ePSaOoydGJTyGRAE1fDvGn3uWdJTug-_2mw2d6ez95J2OVcsoJBFloiUyPfsyUETctxHI__1u8fvJtUAKsoffX3gmEPoyUhu16JEXEC-ZyEt/s1600/saraj+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5aIJir5JfxhlPI7A8DADME8unOyqibW4ePSaOoydGJTyGRAE1fDvGn3uWdJTug-_2mw2d6ez95J2OVcsoJBFloiUyPfsyUETctxHI__1u8fvJtUAKsoffX3gmEPoyUhu16JEXEC-ZyEt/s1600/saraj+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1889).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsGET2qEaKotX7vgTTa9mkhGS4lN__o3K8_ZYDoHjo3qvlOy4S41STSFR3-8eE4-Vh-iuArNM0VF2Y2s2N_xS4wkynfuJvl2NbowChmFOhtiDiNwc4LqkDs87YQVsbxi8NaS8IsB2LLam/s1600/saraj+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsGET2qEaKotX7vgTTa9mkhGS4lN__o3K8_ZYDoHjo3qvlOy4S41STSFR3-8eE4-Vh-iuArNM0VF2Y2s2N_xS4wkynfuJvl2NbowChmFOhtiDiNwc4LqkDs87YQVsbxi8NaS8IsB2LLam/s1600/saraj+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque:<b> </b>Completed in 1531, it is considered the most important Islamic structure in Bosnia-Herzegovina and one of the world's finest examples of Ottoman architecture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our tour through the highlights of Sarajevo, we had lunch and then set out to circle back and see a couple of museums.<br />
<br />
We first visited a tiny photo gallery outlining the siege of Sarajevo. It was on the second floor of the Insider travel agency located next to the Latin Bridge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDksXTKP_R7MGy-onG0mEfiPZd2Am-eYotnPRXuu-qBlcWzw6wOd6eaPRdmZ1bTqXEE6VqhyFqzOnRMboNCwLAkvgDdN-9D3-W_fSgFhI9LsgApj8ijvYQtDiujrVYRz1cm6OrZG8ltwZK/s1600/saraj+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDksXTKP_R7MGy-onG0mEfiPZd2Am-eYotnPRXuu-qBlcWzw6wOd6eaPRdmZ1bTqXEE6VqhyFqzOnRMboNCwLAkvgDdN-9D3-W_fSgFhI9LsgApj8ijvYQtDiujrVYRz1cm6OrZG8ltwZK/s1600/saraj+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Insider's 1992-96 War Gallery showed a video consisting of a montage of photos covering the siege and consisted of two rooms with photographs and news
clippings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The siege of Sarajevo began on April 6th, 1992 and lasted almost four years (1,425 days). It brought enormous suffering and misery to some 400,000
inhabitants of the Bosnian capital who were more or less trapped in a concentration camp-like setting. Locals were constantly shelled and
sniped and people were cut off from food, medicine, water and electricity.
There were stories of people killed just trying to obtain drinking water at the local brewery, which had the only reliable source of water. Thousands of civilians were killed and wounded and were witness to every conceivable human rights
violation or abuse ranging from ethnic cleansing and rape to mass executions and starvation. The UN was literally referred to as "United for Nothing", viewed as doing practically nothing during the siege. The length of and casualties of the siege pointed to the really lousy location of Sarajevo. It had been settled by the neolithic Butmir culture, the Illyrians, the Romans, the Slavs, the Ottomans, the Austro-Hungarian empire and then the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Somewhere along the way one of these dominant powers should have wisened up to the extremely weak strategic location of the city; it is essentially in a valley surrounded by mountains which, during the siege, were held by the Serbs who relentlessly kept the Bosnians under fire.<br />
<br />
One of the things that saved the trapped inhabitants is that they built a tunnel from the city to the Bosnian-held territory on the other side of the Sarajevo airport, an area controlled by the UN. The tunnel allowed food, war supplies, and humanitarian aid to come into the city, and people to get out. The tunnel was one of the major ways of bypassing the international arms embargo and provided the city defenders with weaponry.<br />
<br />
Passing through Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, we'd been exposed to a number of accounts of the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Of course it was interesting to to read the local views of events from each country. The turbulent demise of Yugoslavia left an estimated 200,000 people killed and some 2.7
million refugees displaced <span class="arial">–</span> the largest displacement in Europe since the Second World War.<br />
<br />
After leaving the 1992-96 Siege Gallery, we then walked across the street and visited the Muzej Sarajevo, or one branch of the museum. (We visited a second branch of the museum in another part of the old town the next day.) The museum, located next to the Latin Bridge, told a bit about Sarajevo during the period of 1878-1918. The chronological exhibition began with an outline of events preceding the Berlin Congress, when Austria-Hungary was given a mandate to administer Bosnia and Herzegovina, and concluded with WWI and the part played in it by the First Bosnian Regiment. The museum also covered the assassination of the heir assumptive, Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoCQIa2jaKPhOV2Fvz2t4NRYVtwnEj6EcUFiIa2_xHc906Rx4larMxiCmkd8DuUq171Xj8zx2lLYWL2Xx404Uybfli9AQG8VuPftiusGbhOiGU6W4H-__w5UnwCoLnrBTlwYsAOFb9lR/s1600/saraj+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoCQIa2jaKPhOV2Fvz2t4NRYVtwnEj6EcUFiIa2_xHc906Rx4larMxiCmkd8DuUq171Xj8zx2lLYWL2Xx404Uybfli9AQG8VuPftiusGbhOiGU6W4H-__w5UnwCoLnrBTlwYsAOFb9lR/s1600/saraj+12.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part about the Musej Sarajevo was this map and the man who was running the museum who spent over 10 minutes explaining to Vincent and me what was going on in Europe at the time of Franz Ferdinand's assassination. The museum manager outlined the tensions over territory in the Balkans, how Austria-Hungary competed with Serbia and Russia for territory and influence in the region and how other powers were pulled into the conflict through various
alliances and treaties. It was a great history lesson and made visiting the museum worthwhile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR2HeMTlH_T587A4NeaiCzmrRPvXkolzPy3SevbYxDuFanhh4AdMiqmFKIzI9Uo39SdijOJMJfXSlz_Uekwwu73U8X2s8EbsNpOeXj4vL8952qgyew_YK20rjdKjSptG8479Zc1u9TQJQ/s1600/saraj+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR2HeMTlH_T587A4NeaiCzmrRPvXkolzPy3SevbYxDuFanhh4AdMiqmFKIzI9Uo39SdijOJMJfXSlz_Uekwwu73U8X2s8EbsNpOeXj4vL8952qgyew_YK20rjdKjSptG8479Zc1u9TQJQ/s1600/saraj+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sarajevo Museum, next to the Latin Bridge, showed a short film re-enacting the assassination and included these mannequins depicting the Archduke and his wife. The Archduke and his wife were killed during the second assassination attempt. The first attempt was a bomb thrown at their car when they were en route to the city hall; the bomb was deflected and while several people were injured, no one was killed. The Archduke attended a meeting at the city hall and then proceeded in a motorcade afterwards. (He really should have clued in that someone wanted to kill him.) The second trip, he wasn't so lucky when Gavrilo Princip shot him and Sofia (who was pregnant at the time).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On <b>March 27th</b>, we set out to see a couple more museums that we had walked by on our walking tour the previous day. We visited the second Sarajevo Museum building, Brusa Bezistan, which covers archeological material dating back to prehistoric times through to the middle ages.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9UnEmrEaFI-dCcZKJXrW_drY4F5ekKfz4ff-twcRtycOFQKqBnPzp-4_zHW55eL9z8d8etE1NaDmhMZOGjR0ZDiN8ltdsx8W0BcWhzZ4G2i4O_i7KOPgCgbok8VlP16z_HOy_MfYy573/s1600/saraj+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9UnEmrEaFI-dCcZKJXrW_drY4F5ekKfz4ff-twcRtycOFQKqBnPzp-4_zHW55eL9z8d8etE1NaDmhMZOGjR0ZDiN8ltdsx8W0BcWhzZ4G2i4O_i7KOPgCgbok8VlP16z_HOy_MfYy573/s1600/saraj+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Displays were static and not very engaging and therefore not very
interesting for the kids nor me. Vincent spent more time working his way
around and therefore may have gotten more out of it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4R6t_K0ID6zomskcMPN0VPFjdMuDMvnwX3NOgwQ1EvNsVauaZTjsH3sgVywBHORSP16_1vizLk_SZ6FQyIn8XszFYVZYEk2CLk0LAcblXuE8BsBzdKNtpDEai5g5TvcMqHJCdfN6XrzC/s1600/saraj+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4R6t_K0ID6zomskcMPN0VPFjdMuDMvnwX3NOgwQ1EvNsVauaZTjsH3sgVywBHORSP16_1vizLk_SZ6FQyIn8XszFYVZYEk2CLk0LAcblXuE8BsBzdKNtpDEai5g5TvcMqHJCdfN6XrzC/s1600/saraj+15.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Sarah undertaking the impossible task of chasing the pigeons away in Baščaršija square. Definitely more fun than Sarajevo museums.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We later went to the old Jewish Synagogue Museum.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgEJ9IG7Ng-AR4OA_qXnfgbG1mEQWKtFS-oem5ff40ZB0NP3hAU6dTHzZBLHnhMDrzGv6yFk0BoP5oR5g13iyzyVgpyWwENA4adThPeBvB-Bi4r61LJAhyphenhyphen_O059cbLqfob43BpY6SzDvJ/s1600/saraj+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgEJ9IG7Ng-AR4OA_qXnfgbG1mEQWKtFS-oem5ff40ZB0NP3hAU6dTHzZBLHnhMDrzGv6yFk0BoP5oR5g13iyzyVgpyWwENA4adThPeBvB-Bi4r61LJAhyphenhyphen_O059cbLqfob43BpY6SzDvJ/s1600/saraj+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jewish Synagogue Museum is housed in the oldest synagogue in Bosnia-Herzegovina, built in 1851. As the picture illustrates, it
contains very little; there are some documents about notable Jewish intellectuals in
Sarajevo, with biographical notes, and a small photo exhibition of the
Holocaust. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
After leaving the Jewish museum, we wandered a bit more around the city before returning to our apartment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMK67ieGMWA651nOkFnWbiKVywzZuAQjevDCH3vWzyNDOZpWZ5DCWCr9uSXH4_e-m-2a_eqit0WmxVJwH5V5mjbpazHzPayDzCJLHnm2yqLp87CXlnCE3phSsVHUs83L2G7_fVLFMO6uf/s1600/saraj+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMK67ieGMWA651nOkFnWbiKVywzZuAQjevDCH3vWzyNDOZpWZ5DCWCr9uSXH4_e-m-2a_eqit0WmxVJwH5V5mjbpazHzPayDzCJLHnm2yqLp87CXlnCE3phSsVHUs83L2G7_fVLFMO6uf/s1600/saraj+18.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarajevo's tram system looks particularly retro. Most of Sarajevo's trams are donations from the Czech Republic (delivered in the 1970s & 80s) and in 2008, Amsterdam donated 16 old trams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjNIEWGbZK8rLA-bahZCkdtk0WdZN7dnHnd3xv2S5qx-PQ6abOwxdQlDD4gg-y9HizHMCDLGiOzOOIzhG_BmF_OMxBjYVRIFGiZIDi1CDN4Y9mSjHzLjaaH2Tj8Ca1Nn2Vo8LMdFbpZEX/s1600/saraj+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjNIEWGbZK8rLA-bahZCkdtk0WdZN7dnHnd3xv2S5qx-PQ6abOwxdQlDD4gg-y9HizHMCDLGiOzOOIzhG_BmF_OMxBjYVRIFGiZIDi1CDN4Y9mSjHzLjaaH2Tj8Ca1Nn2Vo8LMdFbpZEX/s1600/saraj+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many buildings still show the signs of war and are in need of some TLC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNbyFQewgEZm1GznxZEx1viuaNDzbOaudIH1Ws6mBZHmLWC1ffQE1zpFTn_jT31rbOXqwAynPpoEdb94o9Wi0GE-IfmL8-CLY6SQb_wMnqYTEk6DjcEDtFy-ggjgnQsuoOin2ByYrdYIp/s1600/saraj+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNbyFQewgEZm1GznxZEx1viuaNDzbOaudIH1Ws6mBZHmLWC1ffQE1zpFTn_jT31rbOXqwAynPpoEdb94o9Wi0GE-IfmL8-CLY6SQb_wMnqYTEk6DjcEDtFy-ggjgnQsuoOin2ByYrdYIp/s1600/saraj+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In
several locations across Sarajevo, one can find these splotches of red
paint. They are referred to as Sarajevo roses which mark the location
where people were killed during 1992-96 by mortar explosions. This rose
is found just in front of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 28th</b>, we left Sarajevo for Mostar which is one of the must-sees in Bosnia-Herzegovina. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOM7jWZDY89QS1s8KvgB6DJ05WUwNxZM0Fhg-HiZgBZdnJbT5dDVBwuXzsnejOzcyXUeklQKS8b1RKYxOTdhQqeaRReLv5_RhYBuKQCv5sH4gbP-TiHrMpj2E67tD-J3Iz6nwRyIch9Nt/s1600/bosnia+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOM7jWZDY89QS1s8KvgB6DJ05WUwNxZM0Fhg-HiZgBZdnJbT5dDVBwuXzsnejOzcyXUeklQKS8b1RKYxOTdhQqeaRReLv5_RhYBuKQCv5sH4gbP-TiHrMpj2E67tD-J3Iz6nwRyIch9Nt/s1600/bosnia+5.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly has finally won. Through dogged persistence over the past several weeks, she's managed to move herself from the floor of the front passenger seat and has landed herself the primo spot on Paul's pillow on Paul's lap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_v6L3spCbUkRAQh8KH2wDO27HmUXjZBLHM-9ircDDKm5O9q8KZU9vRc6fI3fD1WBVAnfaiHzj64_dj_awbL2vkU3leQP54Md8qt98YchSw0WT9N8JAjb3ru_fh-FI2Vuut15g1szHfxU/s1600/bosnia+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_v6L3spCbUkRAQh8KH2wDO27HmUXjZBLHM-9ircDDKm5O9q8KZU9vRc6fI3fD1WBVAnfaiHzj64_dj_awbL2vkU3leQP54Md8qt98YchSw0WT9N8JAjb3ru_fh-FI2Vuut15g1szHfxU/s1600/bosnia+3.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our lunch-stop restaurant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqgX708BmKw2ikS3duEMazeK0zvFgotarex1hiWaDUOwrxjkhtEGN7Cqs6sjCFPWXZwTbOnCOlmbPI1-lZjsIMJIH7q7bgujr2IaOmyyji1HxwUu8RlxJxi882b2Bo0c2JzE7i7vpLC5v/s1600/ketchup+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqgX708BmKw2ikS3duEMazeK0zvFgotarex1hiWaDUOwrxjkhtEGN7Cqs6sjCFPWXZwTbOnCOlmbPI1-lZjsIMJIH7q7bgujr2IaOmyyji1HxwUu8RlxJxi882b2Bo0c2JzE7i7vpLC5v/s1600/ketchup+pizza.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and James ordered a tuna pizza with ketchup. So often the English translations are off and we correctly interpreted ketchup to mean tomato-based pizza sauce. In this case, they really did mean "ketchup". Probably the worst pizza of the trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZxqFMUKNSyPjedRXdBnjz569wi0RUP16ME2jq1i_y7q07_YAVDCgWng_XHFCO3ObIPnf21mf561-iHJCMPz4I0DzE0ALIzW8GS7IlH3G4wA-zKWtaHWZ9eK67UFoWy79JiLyTu9TgXxI/s1600/bosnia+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZxqFMUKNSyPjedRXdBnjz569wi0RUP16ME2jq1i_y7q07_YAVDCgWng_XHFCO3ObIPnf21mf561-iHJCMPz4I0DzE0ALIzW8GS7IlH3G4wA-zKWtaHWZ9eK67UFoWy79JiLyTu9TgXxI/s1600/bosnia+4.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving along, what I believe to be, the Neretva River towards Mostar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mostar is a small city of about 115,000 people and is the cultural
capital of the Herzegovina region. It also has heavy stakes in the
aluminum and metal industries and the banking and telecommunications
sectors. In the middle ages, Mostar began to develop because it was on
the trade route between the Adriatic and the mineral-rich regions of
what is now central Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 1468, Mostar came under
Ottoman rule and one can see architectural influences reflected from
that period. The Austro-Hungarian empire absorbed Mostar in 1878 and it
ruled there until the aftermath of WWI in 1918. Between 1992 and 1993,
after Bosnia-Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia, the town
was subjected to an 18 month siege, during which time several important
historical landmarks were destroyed. Much of what is seen in the old
town today has been reconstructed after the greater war ended in 1995. <br />
<br />
We arrived in Mostar about 15:30 and got settled into our accommodations, Pansion Anja (which was great by the way). We then walked to the old town to explore a bit and find something for dinner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FOELWDMGrCly_7gThTXaOzGwCX2kK_D9Oe63y5Ay4i-SR2WL8ugCfUQ-9GFEj7407GOf7jaVMopa2nMzq5hdibCw8YZHCuaZhUK8fjzblcgs1FKOOOvBP3cfbM0wF3DhTcuvacggIO0Z/s1600/mostar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FOELWDMGrCly_7gThTXaOzGwCX2kK_D9Oe63y5Ay4i-SR2WL8ugCfUQ-9GFEj7407GOf7jaVMopa2nMzq5hdibCw8YZHCuaZhUK8fjzblcgs1FKOOOvBP3cfbM0wF3DhTcuvacggIO0Z/s1600/mostar+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stari Most (Old Bridge).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t4M4yUHrPQl0Q5UKmOfqKfo850m-4JlPTFGhyf-D_X01AqjhYXEh6Maj7ucmihObEB5jkrFksG1PZUpKpfF4jpiRxuE40u-Lx_aL-h8CBX0kEEoNNpPgg-uRL91BTocukLzbSKYtUalS/s1600/mostar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t4M4yUHrPQl0Q5UKmOfqKfo850m-4JlPTFGhyf-D_X01AqjhYXEh6Maj7ucmihObEB5jkrFksG1PZUpKpfF4jpiRxuE40u-Lx_aL-h8CBX0kEEoNNpPgg-uRL91BTocukLzbSKYtUalS/s1600/mostar+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the Stari Most looking down stream towards Lucki Most (Port Bridge).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXo7wTggxNE1Bn9GdrtErlXB9AGe6Ui_4rBBmRD6EGFRgPepd2o7hOz_L5a19qysL8bxALqmRjm7JwlQaxuMT263LezKIQZ_cAvQJyTSa5WJvCpdEESb9EmbXQBXqa1smBnWRvHI5vmFW/s1600/mostar+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXo7wTggxNE1Bn9GdrtErlXB9AGe6Ui_4rBBmRD6EGFRgPepd2o7hOz_L5a19qysL8bxALqmRjm7JwlQaxuMT263LezKIQZ_cAvQJyTSa5WJvCpdEESb9EmbXQBXqa1smBnWRvHI5vmFW/s1600/mostar+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the Stari Most looking up stream with the old town on the right. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u68G1D_BneCRIZgrVzZgUOqgBeS4PhYKhrejuquHYBQEq8rg6o20YUn2SxtBCxxsfv_uz1ibMkUdKV5466t-2hcYv6yMbZtaZOx4CtFKHyzhrXM_wl_isLjSD0b7eTyqhALAPPZf_Nwl/s1600/mostar+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u68G1D_BneCRIZgrVzZgUOqgBeS4PhYKhrejuquHYBQEq8rg6o20YUn2SxtBCxxsfv_uz1ibMkUdKV5466t-2hcYv6yMbZtaZOx4CtFKHyzhrXM_wl_isLjSD0b7eTyqhALAPPZf_Nwl/s1600/mostar+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While eating dinner, we watched this metalsmith working away. Looks like he needs to slow down his production a bit until his rate of sales catches up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDO0Wb9tM0f7MT0HQDPmUBC_929RKTKoAGfW9Xo67YQK3bsicfmMSdQ6RXrZwAngPn1G5NBdLAopK9065sS2ol3xHxs6ddYHtgOJT09iqatMnc3YOOwo4Ve7-WuE6jx4DZZRtA5hQIis7/s1600/mostar+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDO0Wb9tM0f7MT0HQDPmUBC_929RKTKoAGfW9Xo67YQK3bsicfmMSdQ6RXrZwAngPn1G5NBdLAopK9065sS2ol3xHxs6ddYHtgOJT09iqatMnc3YOOwo4Ve7-WuE6jx4DZZRtA5hQIis7/s1600/mostar+5.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stone sat at one end of Stari Most. The bridge stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9 November 1993 during the war. Newspapers reported that more than 60 shells hit the bridge before it collapsed and a spokesman for the Croats admitted that they deliberately destroyed it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 29th</b>, I was awoken a little after 5:00am with the neighboring mosque's call to morning prayer (adhan). I wasn't able to go back to sleep so got up around 7am to get on with the day. We had a relaxing pace wandering around Mostar. We spent most of our time either shopping or eating. Other than Istanbul, this was the only place we actually bought anything. We bought a hand-made glass plate where the woman was so glad to make the sale that she threw in a necklace for Sarah and a couple pair of woolen slippers. (Guess we should have negotiated the price on the plate.) Sarah also got a new pair of sneakers and socks. Yes, a major spree for us. We didn't go into any mosques or museums; we just walked by a number of places and enjoyed the gorgeous day. Here are a few snap shots of our day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsbpaa2wIY2j1c_EcddGtrTpDAJ7KnpzGk7dMg2LOWgusJ-ZDffkJ-4qIFQTHUoinANuFk1RcEctfJq3gwhzzzO76ntK0KOlsegVpCIvNr7Dr2TorKwlbVgRzkbMTMJY62wrcgcRZwPWy/s1600/mostar+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsbpaa2wIY2j1c_EcddGtrTpDAJ7KnpzGk7dMg2LOWgusJ-ZDffkJ-4qIFQTHUoinANuFk1RcEctfJq3gwhzzzO76ntK0KOlsegVpCIvNr7Dr2TorKwlbVgRzkbMTMJY62wrcgcRZwPWy/s1600/mostar+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town is small and quaint. I imagine in the peak tourist season it would be packed and not the same pleasant experience as it was for us in March.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyK3HnMi5QBKepWAFI_rACJb_pZ_d0JWPBJRTXJaDbFlovvBsw_yogLp8QXIXCak3a2jIxXCA6d33qNTWrRkCQLkokdbVQgInOyucyuAHXp5ge14N35A-iEmG_1LHZmeXJrIxsW7Ayn2R/s1600/mostar+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyK3HnMi5QBKepWAFI_rACJb_pZ_d0JWPBJRTXJaDbFlovvBsw_yogLp8QXIXCak3a2jIxXCA6d33qNTWrRkCQLkokdbVQgInOyucyuAHXp5ge14N35A-iEmG_1LHZmeXJrIxsW7Ayn2R/s1600/mostar+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Neretva River runs through Mostar. While not readily apparent here, the river is usually a striking shade of green, like so many rivers in the Dinaric Alps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR9KRASoTpYv9lD4ngIOkEYu5rPJPhqd0Y7fEehlic35DN__AAhRFKSaJS7AtpOIlKUnfPdiThJFzyJprgVSz3v1Dlp37QjZgulF-J4nEUa0xUJqNT6mIuKByMReER3eDNuk9S48qilpG/s1600/mostar+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR9KRASoTpYv9lD4ngIOkEYu5rPJPhqd0Y7fEehlic35DN__AAhRFKSaJS7AtpOIlKUnfPdiThJFzyJprgVSz3v1Dlp37QjZgulF-J4nEUa0xUJqNT6mIuKByMReER3eDNuk9S48qilpG/s1600/mostar+9.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: Completed in 1618, this mosque is the second biggest in Mostar. The Karadjoz-bey Mosque is the largest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKzM08J8ZkyVF4TKitcRN28B9dItjfrJmOTRANtFYU6pfxo5gpljtBPEpT8NUqTN1dWjHLOt53L5TDCOk4BoUvdui_JIaYv1iV9uib-Q7g-kl5cFANg_djbByXOF8W3f7RkYNZT2_24Jy/s1600/mostar+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKzM08J8ZkyVF4TKitcRN28B9dItjfrJmOTRANtFYU6pfxo5gpljtBPEpT8NUqTN1dWjHLOt53L5TDCOk4BoUvdui_JIaYv1iV9uib-Q7g-kl5cFANg_djbByXOF8W3f7RkYNZT2_24Jy/s1600/mostar+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq-TiJuihwc319ogAa5mJBjzKPQxqzqt9eQfxitkMsuK1BubQTX7U7mizQK9ks-XnZEL0jsVogm2uy77pm6jDbUDvWbY5p665rBqDCzURkNChzooeY3m3eK_ldvFrl9uAV72QCFxzeWAo/s1600/mostar+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq-TiJuihwc319ogAa5mJBjzKPQxqzqt9eQfxitkMsuK1BubQTX7U7mizQK9ks-XnZEL0jsVogm2uy77pm6jDbUDvWbY5p665rBqDCzURkNChzooeY3m3eK_ldvFrl9uAV72QCFxzeWAo/s1600/mostar+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely river rock-lined streets in which to stroll and shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 30th</b>, I was woken again a little after 5:00am by the neighboring mosque and, like the previous day, was unable to go back to sleep. I was beginning to feel pretty exhausted. The upside was that we'd be checking out and moving back to Camping Split so hopefully there would be the likelihood of a good night's rest at the end of the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5LjBX7bH8xd2jj-JVRWpwCWcXWBmMeluRpeCbxCYBV9vqYnb-VxVDwrbedPa5T9azWX0trOJIHbPIchZsWJCBn7TnqZjz0EnFvQvdc2Z-pZMSuHmTh_tP_mV4Hw6tPtU2eUSduwq026I/s1600/mostar+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5LjBX7bH8xd2jj-JVRWpwCWcXWBmMeluRpeCbxCYBV9vqYnb-VxVDwrbedPa5T9azWX0trOJIHbPIchZsWJCBn7TnqZjz0EnFvQvdc2Z-pZMSuHmTh_tP_mV4Hw6tPtU2eUSduwq026I/s1600/mostar+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that loud speaker posted on the minaret? That was pointed directly at our bedroom window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After checking out of Pansion Anja, Vincent had a couple of detours planned. The first was to drive to Medjugorje which has become a huge tourist draw in the region, following reports of apparitions of Mary, mother of Jesus, back in 1981. Apparently, even today, one of the visionaries continues to receive a message from Mary on the 25th of every month where a second visionary receives a message from Mary on the 2nd of every month. Sounded kind of hokey to me. (Even the Catholic church doesn't support the claims.) When word got out about the Marian apparitions in late 1981, the Yugoslav state authorities began to get involved to block the pilgrimage. (The communists ruled and generally did not tolerate any religious practices.) Pilgrims' donations were seized by the police and access to what was called the "Apparition Hill" was largely blocked. At the time of the break up of Yugoslavia (early 1990s), people were no longer blocked from pursuing their quest for their own Mary visions. Since then, the town of Medjugorje has built a thriving tourist trade out of this apparition business. Today, Medjugorje is Europe's third most important apparition site, where each year more than 1 million people visit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyiTn7GS_Ii3UH5vkiwlAH8CIm3yUbvRR0RJij0YuOF87t_i1ZEx_5UQS39y5QS7EggL58dEOZ1gJY11LSZZTBKr-MdjOHoacEjruwlFL76ag4Kdy0mB_nDEtY8VJg8kF9Q2fDnrrb029/s1600/medj+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyiTn7GS_Ii3UH5vkiwlAH8CIm3yUbvRR0RJij0YuOF87t_i1ZEx_5UQS39y5QS7EggL58dEOZ1gJY11LSZZTBKr-MdjOHoacEjruwlFL76ag4Kdy0mB_nDEtY8VJg8kF9Q2fDnrrb029/s1600/medj+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No shortage of rosary beads here, or anything else to do with the image of Mary or <i>Medjugorje</i> written on it, including those airline neck pillows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQkHhkii3oK6qhJDF2gKss_PuDjSMywRW0zqQKpo4R5VR-NCGznwt0OOxS_KPhOm9CZrDaHxkD_53EJNgywEQqQ4Sm0nU6F4JZQjVjHHZjt50bzz8lYFfaNn-eF6Gae5QgvnL_2T6nTOY/s1600/medj+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQkHhkii3oK6qhJDF2gKss_PuDjSMywRW0zqQKpo4R5VR-NCGznwt0OOxS_KPhOm9CZrDaHxkD_53EJNgywEQqQ4Sm0nU6F4JZQjVjHHZjt50bzz8lYFfaNn-eF6Gae5QgvnL_2T6nTOY/s1600/medj+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would Mary really support "no dogs" on the grounds? Paul sat with Molly while the rest of us walked around. In the background, is the St James Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaWxLt4vvZjvrkJv_Sz7rluGlHXdrDKtTsOlLQpj9YICmeiKfYdhpW9ofpRs0d-0RJrYrxz9i-grNUdbNtHWDwGEsFdNZ0gs8ERNLrLsqacEKwEKDWZrBqZrNHKHVA01DRvjljoEtUQUc/s1600/medj+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaWxLt4vvZjvrkJv_Sz7rluGlHXdrDKtTsOlLQpj9YICmeiKfYdhpW9ofpRs0d-0RJrYrxz9i-grNUdbNtHWDwGEsFdNZ0gs8ERNLrLsqacEKwEKDWZrBqZrNHKHVA01DRvjljoEtUQUc/s1600/medj+4.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the grounds of St James Church is a huge outdoor theatre; this is the site of enormous congregations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw that there's a 1.5 km path to Crnica hill, aka "Apparition Hill" as well as a 2.5 km path up to a cross on a nearby hill that overlooks Medjugorje. We opted not to take these hikes but to move on to our next destination instead. Since we didn't go to Crnica hill, we didn't actually take the opportunity to receive a message from Mary. Perhaps we really missed something. We'll never know.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL1g_CUWcC-l17YnATdYJeU2FfWItRCOhpqDg7TapiX20va5NCxwAC1LIVT_mcZYPUn1nB9rlVzE4uYxSHdEwOfSWa7Iarw6zQAbjZxUG68wkXXX9grv4q1k_Ed_NlMkndUNQB91aEQ2H/s1600/medj+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL1g_CUWcC-l17YnATdYJeU2FfWItRCOhpqDg7TapiX20va5NCxwAC1LIVT_mcZYPUn1nB9rlVzE4uYxSHdEwOfSWa7Iarw6zQAbjZxUG68wkXXX9grv4q1k_Ed_NlMkndUNQB91aEQ2H/s1600/medj+1.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking the water, so to speak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then drove to Kravice Falls which was ranked #3 of things to do in the Mostar area. It's located about 40 kilometers south of Mostar on the Trebižat River.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADs1k35aqxX04XZxUY3JrrueOpm22vMd5HrLIjC4sP86gerLqYgh7yhHRjBCVi2M7MVGC72nmDxxneyZFvxN6jK45hw0SGQNVTmROMhCiVTvx1VJysfvauxK0s1UUagRAS9iUXV9wwSqz/s1600/kravice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADs1k35aqxX04XZxUY3JrrueOpm22vMd5HrLIjC4sP86gerLqYgh7yhHRjBCVi2M7MVGC72nmDxxneyZFvxN6jK45hw0SGQNVTmROMhCiVTvx1VJysfvauxK0s1UUagRAS9iUXV9wwSqz/s1600/kravice+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The falls are about 25 meters high.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AuAKdCbukQUiFXlhpzSZ4Popl-EjzDiRqLYnf2ojscvGNyPLYDT1uapy5Ikk6b6MZyjGSEUHGNCpKwEToB4uiN82J3nTUVlcDvExuZXPweQWJa1R5vguV55OAgKAekqfSDyY4sUh2eAI/s1600/kravice+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AuAKdCbukQUiFXlhpzSZ4Popl-EjzDiRqLYnf2ojscvGNyPLYDT1uapy5Ikk6b6MZyjGSEUHGNCpKwEToB4uiN82J3nTUVlcDvExuZXPweQWJa1R5vguV55OAgKAekqfSDyY4sUh2eAI/s1600/kravice+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRXdZO7y1JPhgoBzK0oyqEGdUnZA1Wm2pI3d0GlVhp-UuWkUSvA6ChBgtlpdcbsj4Vomvyvb0miOOMZfQM-F-MUfDEq3cG7dCumN_r4IArSzkwkXs1Z8gEdU7ipb-tNykxbsl6O_1NYlV/s1600/kravice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRXdZO7y1JPhgoBzK0oyqEGdUnZA1Wm2pI3d0GlVhp-UuWkUSvA6ChBgtlpdcbsj4Vomvyvb0miOOMZfQM-F-MUfDEq3cG7dCumN_r4IArSzkwkXs1Z8gEdU7ipb-tNykxbsl6O_1NYlV/s1600/kravice+2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The diameter of the lake at the base of the waterfalls is about 120 metres.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting our fill of sunshine, waterfall mist and fresh air, we climbed back in the car and headed towards Split. Crossing the border went smoothly. We had been on the road for 53 days and had visited parts of 8 countries that were all new to us. It was a pretty intensive tourism marathon. (And we thought we were on one prior to this Prius road trip!) It would be good to be back at Camping Split for two whole days with no agenda or sights to visit. It would be a couple days of much needed rest and catching up, plus some serious planning for our return to the Schengen zone in a couple weeks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm3V6BZQM5kGkRiq-7m4IJcp2xek484TtYHltGRL3d3yi2fP09eeevHcjwSNdFy9pL3YsK45i_Nha7ko9Gbe7Zyk-eK_eTWCT_Fv3hpAD51MY2rOA97GG1g8OCyC9Q8tQVWWsioEfU5jL/s1600/split+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm3V6BZQM5kGkRiq-7m4IJcp2xek484TtYHltGRL3d3yi2fP09eeevHcjwSNdFy9pL3YsK45i_Nha7ko9Gbe7Zyk-eK_eTWCT_Fv3hpAD51MY2rOA97GG1g8OCyC9Q8tQVWWsioEfU5jL/s1600/split+.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vince and his best girl, happy to be back at our home away from home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-76713261883526990192014-03-23T12:32:00.000-07:002014-03-23T12:32:52.556-07:00Romania: Bucharest, Brașov and TimișoaraOn <b>March 14th</b>, we left Nessebar and started the 240 mile drive
towards Bucharest, Romania. The first 25 miles were really slow going
on roads that were reminiscent of Albania. Driving 20 miles on the
pothole-ridden tertiary road added an extra hour to our drive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoXauzkz64drT5J5mZlFUumCPzzUkwyWpVI67gRdYX4uOBS8edpihGYZyJmnlTNTYR938FaBDcmXjPVsbgsEI49zoWzlGXLaIiS-HRwcwxcjOjQnX2j3gAFhxLhGDX7RqYsAJjzLVTwXi/s1600/roads.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoXauzkz64drT5J5mZlFUumCPzzUkwyWpVI67gRdYX4uOBS8edpihGYZyJmnlTNTYR938FaBDcmXjPVsbgsEI49zoWzlGXLaIiS-HRwcwxcjOjQnX2j3gAFhxLhGDX7RqYsAJjzLVTwXi/s1600/roads.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample of the potholes we had to navigate on our drive towards the Bulgaria-Romania border.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeM-YseVWpsAIOmR0_XuVC9x5xzWczoF48b-8B13UQVGEJEqtXSHD-VDurKy5kl4XVZxYyZZIGGXHNf1ktJbBHKSjVengJ70XLk4OS4DhGmj3_y-XnSwVl7aUAUn9uzqN7hwYm1LacSY/s1600/bulgarian+countryside.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeM-YseVWpsAIOmR0_XuVC9x5xzWczoF48b-8B13UQVGEJEqtXSHD-VDurKy5kl4XVZxYyZZIGGXHNf1ktJbBHKSjVengJ70XLk4OS4DhGmj3_y-XnSwVl7aUAUn9uzqN7hwYm1LacSY/s1600/bulgarian+countryside.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snapshot of the countryside driving towards Romania. Lots of green fields, farmland and not much else.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31GtLEgGrR029JQXZFyW3LasoJ-jOQFbRT-GK5UX8d1I2GMaccrdwz0T8eMM_kD7dLjfZNRzJksYSYd0jXM7mokL5fQahNJD34ZMOSZailSh8ErhIvdI_Yb7GctI35ZC-rTrv40k8lK3H/s1600/bulgarian+countryside+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31GtLEgGrR029JQXZFyW3LasoJ-jOQFbRT-GK5UX8d1I2GMaccrdwz0T8eMM_kD7dLjfZNRzJksYSYd0jXM7mokL5fQahNJD34ZMOSZailSh8ErhIvdI_Yb7GctI35ZC-rTrv40k8lK3H/s1600/bulgarian+countryside+2.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horse-drawn cart is still a popular mode of transport.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_jvftoFSBFuPRExYYb1umhU_BmcK7qQLCwKKW4tmSYdydrgfMs9XEy8KDjK8tt0zzie4MlDgAuwBa1Hv9ynXsBUzDBjtNNVKDtkddkKSZTf-dUSlkJErJQTz8mfH9hcHPwnjy46-w6Vv/s1600/bulgarian+countryside+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_jvftoFSBFuPRExYYb1umhU_BmcK7qQLCwKKW4tmSYdydrgfMs9XEy8KDjK8tt0zzie4MlDgAuwBa1Hv9ynXsBUzDBjtNNVKDtkddkKSZTf-dUSlkJErJQTz8mfH9hcHPwnjy46-w6Vv/s1600/bulgarian+countryside+3.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more green fields.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We eventually reached the <span class="fn org">Giurgiu–Ruse Bridge</span>
aka the Danube Bridge or Friendship Bridge (the name during Soviet
times), which we needed to cross in order to reach the Romanian border.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fv3WBGEdQZlcTGzQh5IHN1QmkS575On0OAtOOAAPtWI96EH9FXyN-4fei9ALhC5WZKWMHYrquR6Pl5-ETwQcvgV7PCOumt4QiGePkhTm6NmjWD0eo55sMSjRHQXuntpknDOQrjaE8jWA/s1600/danube+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fv3WBGEdQZlcTGzQh5IHN1QmkS575On0OAtOOAAPtWI96EH9FXyN-4fei9ALhC5WZKWMHYrquR6Pl5-ETwQcvgV7PCOumt4QiGePkhTm6NmjWD0eo55sMSjRHQXuntpknDOQrjaE8jWA/s1600/danube+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to cross the bridge and go through the Romanian border control.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKaoGz9IilTd3SVYs42N2XuuiLcRBxyjG71h4qpNindto-koaYtbyIJosrvj02hF7IsUX9avLrHqGmF75_y3HSLCiE3HcTX5kfcjR5E107DO8J8i77hPVY691rNEbb5_Ksx6QHMDNgPRI/s1600/danube+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKaoGz9IilTd3SVYs42N2XuuiLcRBxyjG71h4qpNindto-koaYtbyIJosrvj02hF7IsUX9avLrHqGmF75_y3HSLCiE3HcTX5kfcjR5E107DO8J8i77hPVY691rNEbb5_Ksx6QHMDNgPRI/s1600/danube+3.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A detail of
the Danube Bridge: It was designed by Soviet engineers V. Andreev and N.
Rudomazin and opened in 1954. The star of Russia is a prominent feature
on the lights. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyGVltdcjgg1zeSV_wZr6rw8BU9tjxrLJB4MWk_i42nEyYGim3jhWWAOfzHywmow5xcb30_G4yoqXrox6T8a3GqCA7lkXKICVXkdy2Kf-CABExlo7EiqhhncuJCpStLVieoTmzVr8dew5/s1600/danube+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyGVltdcjgg1zeSV_wZr6rw8BU9tjxrLJB4MWk_i42nEyYGim3jhWWAOfzHywmow5xcb30_G4yoqXrox6T8a3GqCA7lkXKICVXkdy2Kf-CABExlo7EiqhhncuJCpStLVieoTmzVr8dew5/s1600/danube+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We crossed the
Danube River which is the EU's longest river. It originates at the town
of Donaueschingen (Black Forest in Germany) and travels 2,872 km,
emptying into the Black Sea via the Danube Delta in Romania and Ukraine.
The river passes through or touches the borders of ten countries:
Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Austria, Germany, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia,
Ukraine and Moldova. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChf2Ndbyrq1GZtbY_svCjyEIaF-5AMgxlqst1BSf-7IbT5nW8Ugt9_YcnDKzGWlr2aznvPioG5lAGfcab8235K0ctP8tFI4ra3Y253S6N4GjIlmRfT6c7nEbCGU1SCNX2kKLlsOtiLS4p/s1600/danube+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChf2Ndbyrq1GZtbY_svCjyEIaF-5AMgxlqst1BSf-7IbT5nW8Ugt9_YcnDKzGWlr2aznvPioG5lAGfcab8235K0ctP8tFI4ra3Y253S6N4GjIlmRfT6c7nEbCGU1SCNX2kKLlsOtiLS4p/s1600/danube+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once
Bulgaria and Romania are accepted into the Schengen Treaty, there won't
be anymore border control. We were glad the countries hadn't been
accepted yet otherwise we'd never have visited Romania.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Driving
into Romania we saw a number of buildings in disrepair and my first
impressions of Bucharest were of disappointment. With Romania on the
edge of being accepted into the Schengen Treaty, I was expecting to see
buildings and infrastructure in better shape. We found our apartment and
it was probably the worst shape of any apartment we'd stayed in on this
trip. It really was like a hostel only we rented the whole hostel to
ourselves. (It was the priciest hostel I'd resided in at $110/night.) On
further thought, it reminded me of a train station (similar tile work)
with comparable cleanliness. The
bedroom doors had locks but there was no lock on the door to the
apartment itself. We would just have to go to bed that night in good
faith that all would be
well.<br />
<br />
Once settled, we set out to find an ATM and
some food. Walking along the streets, I noticed many of the buildings
were just crumbling and I don't think any building had been washed,
ever. I was grateful that it wasn't raining because that would bring
this environment to a whole new level of "depressing".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKrakdhscDXise2dVbPqgGIvBixJeIUkIKM8oy2joPWP6Ts_1mulv0FmcZV4VADcR0sZEJDVH9lvTceox9nNvxjeYTS6_XVtpGqmIZFaUaes0v7Nn_awxyw1jxBH-CPTXnCX1WwTcahY_/s1600/bucharest+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKrakdhscDXise2dVbPqgGIvBixJeIUkIKM8oy2joPWP6Ts_1mulv0FmcZV4VADcR0sZEJDVH9lvTceox9nNvxjeYTS6_XVtpGqmIZFaUaes0v7Nn_awxyw1jxBH-CPTXnCX1WwTcahY_/s1600/bucharest+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking
towards the center of town, Sarah almost walked right into this hole. Of
all the potential walking hazards in Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia,
Bulgaria and Turkey, this one in Bucharest was the grandaddy of them
all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjr9c9nfw3nlTfX-b9hGr7gq0WiJckTxAEy8EHLlNmKpm998srZyarr3RzxvBSBuQHILPKOumcDzwQszPZlBEzQ2rW8BZ7gwOSGIJzR-l0oF-8EjbBTkA14lP8ySRSVA-7M0Xz0713G2I/s1600/bucharest+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjr9c9nfw3nlTfX-b9hGr7gq0WiJckTxAEy8EHLlNmKpm998srZyarr3RzxvBSBuQHILPKOumcDzwQszPZlBEzQ2rW8BZ7gwOSGIJzR-l0oF-8EjbBTkA14lP8ySRSVA-7M0Xz0713G2I/s1600/bucharest+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look what was parked right near the hole Sarah encountered? A hearse with a url posted on it that one can easily contact. Handy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked blocks
without finding a bank or restaurant. Eventually we came to the main
train station (reminded me of our apartment) and Vince found an ATM that successfully gave us some
cash. Paul spotted a <i>Subway</i> restaurant at the train station and suggested we
just eat there, so that's what we did. We weren't off to a great start
eating at a train station but it kind of fit with our hostel-like
accommodations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MBmt48ueR3oyFyo3kXyVNjsn4F1ZtOknFd2SFBT0N41GPXK1TPWueBHtnGT_zpDbXE4yBOXujbjd7vbqtIy5bJgjKbaVT9cdvRX0Qfs_r2OghGyh-8-Ejvg8InJjH7j2Xc3pX4Ksf3iE/s1600/train+stn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MBmt48ueR3oyFyo3kXyVNjsn4F1ZtOknFd2SFBT0N41GPXK1TPWueBHtnGT_zpDbXE4yBOXujbjd7vbqtIy5bJgjKbaVT9cdvRX0Qfs_r2OghGyh-8-Ejvg8InJjH7j2Xc3pX4Ksf3iE/s1600/train+stn.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At
the train station, I noticed this woman mopping the entrance walkway. I
thought, "Man, this effort was like a drop in the ocean of what needed
to be done."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our <i>Subway</i> dinner, which was fine
(the upside was we knew what we were getting), we walked back to our
apartment. That's when I noticed the street on which the apartment was located.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj320EH_aArlhgpDhZ7w6aQ1LJq6ZhvekGmtC1xzU2hhM5d4zYyjIXrkmcGXl-gikv8caQj-BljPadX_HsmJuOLWbQJbmWqmkvFEd4hFXSJ8PgV6LmD5ix-Lrp6WTn9KEqzC1Al25xFyVqx/s1600/bucharest+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj320EH_aArlhgpDhZ7w6aQ1LJq6ZhvekGmtC1xzU2hhM5d4zYyjIXrkmcGXl-gikv8caQj-BljPadX_HsmJuOLWbQJbmWqmkvFEd4hFXSJ8PgV6LmD5ix-Lrp6WTn9KEqzC1Al25xFyVqx/s1600/bucharest+1.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were on Transylvania Street. Perfect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 15th</b>,
we thankfully woke to a sunny day. I probably would have suggested we
pack up and leave if it was raining; my first impressions of Bucharest
were that depressing. But we were in luck weather-wise and I was ready to find
some of the highlights of this capital city and learn a bit more about
its history.<br />
<br />
Our host recommended that we see the
Palace of Parliament and so that's to where we headed first. We soon had
the impression that Bucharest is a bit like Washington, DC in the sense
that one walks miles in order to get from A to B; the buildings and
many of the newer avenues are on such a grand scale, it can be a mile just to walk a couple blocks.<br />
<br />
Our Transylvania Street apartment was just north of the Cișmigiu Gardens
which we had to walk through in order to reach the Palace of
Parliament. The park contained a couple of playgrounds that were just
packed with kids and of course our own children had to try out the
equipment.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTRUwP6FA5kaZK-BOHeRKhyHIyMi1bMAeITrfiN637EUa1XsHAZuJxZbdVsw2FRmDXfbK7cWZ7n_UnXMuwcE43lAxnU1SE0Msx8nr-8H-nu0PM46uckIOtxuLG2gKNsMy1XERmEtP9w28/s1600/cismigiu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTRUwP6FA5kaZK-BOHeRKhyHIyMi1bMAeITrfiN637EUa1XsHAZuJxZbdVsw2FRmDXfbK7cWZ7n_UnXMuwcE43lAxnU1SE0Msx8nr-8H-nu0PM46uckIOtxuLG2gKNsMy1XERmEtP9w28/s1600/cismigiu.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cișmigiu
Gardens was first developed in 1847 and is the oldest public garden in
Bucharest. Highlights of the 17 hectare garden include the Roman Garden,
laid out
in the style of ancient Rome, busts of Romania's most
famous writers, the lake, which can be explored by rowing a boat in
summer
or skating upon during the winter, and Ion Jalea's French Memorial
which commemorates those French troops killed on
Romanian territory during World War I.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
eventually pulled the kids away from the park and proceeded toward the
Palace of Parliament, stopping for some of the worst fast-food we've
ever had.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9svm26S-ycVsemR9kHI5_4mAzKyJwnT6zgtKYXlwqfIYaW-Bou92hLHzU5rfuU3eTNF-Uz5-eFaNgAqir3Yd4qsWIqnIymddP_eo4juz6-kXNthc5SIBA9z9C73nSIWMRiOu-HTphEHk/s1600/bucharest+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9svm26S-ycVsemR9kHI5_4mAzKyJwnT6zgtKYXlwqfIYaW-Bou92hLHzU5rfuU3eTNF-Uz5-eFaNgAqir3Yd4qsWIqnIymddP_eo4juz6-kXNthc5SIBA9z9C73nSIWMRiOu-HTphEHk/s1600/bucharest+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over the Dâmbovița River.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIE9vlIeSgnmPFB4W3XxpAh4GW-Y6xl-r433kVBBbbN7EdJw7gYI0pJOkYKd0tAVS0NXZmkmeLwpnzh7T7UUAs8aKd9iV0y4Q6m-gtIylFeRKt_AQNBlJUXdTvar03cSpUGs1x9TbtlF/s1600/haggs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIE9vlIeSgnmPFB4W3XxpAh4GW-Y6xl-r433kVBBbbN7EdJw7gYI0pJOkYKd0tAVS0NXZmkmeLwpnzh7T7UUAs8aKd9iV0y4Q6m-gtIylFeRKt_AQNBlJUXdTvar03cSpUGs1x9TbtlF/s1600/haggs.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We
stopped at this enormous play structure (fitting size next to the
Palace of Parliament) to finish our dreadful lunch while the kids played
for a bit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally reached the
visitor's entrance to the Palace of Parliament where I spoke with a
woman at the information desk. She informed us that we need to have our
passports with us in order to join a tour. We had left those back at the
apartment and offered up our driver's licenses. Those weren't good
enough. I guess the Parliament figures people might walk away from their
driver's license but not their passports. I left a little annoyed at
this policy because it meant we'd have to return the next day.<br />
<br />
We left the Palace of Parliament
visitor's center and started walking around the outer walls of the
Palace of Parliament in order to reach the Museum of Contemporary Art,
which is located in a section of the Palace of Parliament. We walked for
miles, literally. One area that we walked by had an enormous
construction project underway. I since learned it is for the Cathedral
for the Salvation of Romanian People which is intended to be the largest
Orthodox church in the world, and amongst the largest church buildings
in the world. My thoughts on this? Stop it Bucharest. Just stop it. You
can't maintain what you've got. Buildings are crumbling and have never
been washed since construction. Entrances to key buildings are in
disrepair. First impressions are bad impressions. Get a grip and reign
in these projects!<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge fan of contemporary art;
mostly because I don't think the same effort goes into contemporary
works today as what went into an impressionist painting or a Van Dyck
painting or a Rodin sculpture, for example. But I still occasionally
give contemporary art a try because one out of every hundred pieces I
see, does hit it out of the park. On the ground floor were a number of
exhibits by Mircea Cantor and one of those fit into the home run
category. He had painstakingly created numerous small military jets out
of metal cans (soda cans or oil cans?), each with it's own fish hook
attached. They were all hung as if they were flying, or swimming, below a
fish net that was set like it was about to trap the tiny planes. Vince
and I thought the message related to how we are all lured and trapped by
both militarism and consumerism. It was thought-provoking and
meaningful. This was our reaction; maybe the artist didn't intend this
interpretation at all. I think the point is, it engaged us. Mircea
Cantor is a Romanian-born artist who employs readymade objects; his choice of media is diverse, in that he has employed video, animation, sculpture, drawing, painting and installation art in his work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4kFn9qqs9BKavCjgff1MC_JVKEoPkYU2Qcac0lCr9nNJLyxOiZFjOEAr1VNV6Njd2rFxb4Ny8zXr1KSZqizPWM8xCU2visX9L71b28l2RgNht7_IPmcWAexcZReZIU7FcUYubnW8ev1U/s1600/art+museum+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4kFn9qqs9BKavCjgff1MC_JVKEoPkYU2Qcac0lCr9nNJLyxOiZFjOEAr1VNV6Njd2rFxb4Ny8zXr1KSZqizPWM8xCU2visX9L71b28l2RgNht7_IPmcWAexcZReZIU7FcUYubnW8ev1U/s1600/art+museum+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crumbling driveway and broken marble steps leading up to the museum doesn't give a good first impression.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgi0XmB35PBhNV5YhAF88rPWJK9hC8FNt2D4IzcxQrIz1Ndr6RU9TXp7wBS1scW8XWcKeGXPAalMwY9gzJ2YHaalI6WE6LwSNcLYTrgjEUT74-3M6K90PY8sJp4v9jbrwpEDfAQVzvWFI/s1600/art+museum+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgi0XmB35PBhNV5YhAF88rPWJK9hC8FNt2D4IzcxQrIz1Ndr6RU9TXp7wBS1scW8XWcKeGXPAalMwY9gzJ2YHaalI6WE6LwSNcLYTrgjEUT74-3M6K90PY8sJp4v9jbrwpEDfAQVzvWFI/s1600/art+museum+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Museum of Contemporary Art: The museum here was inaugurated in 2004.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaWQOPdhlrmHb9AKJ7noCnVP1oj70cMDGPa3BfMtCSoi8a2_iVEr0kgJ3xaWluhoiByL0LQOngI-6ZDz94bHGWnw213r6-Y0u5j7c-NV58sZdcl83NswIhobQ1_2SdM-b-dFD8ZLn_wJL/s1600/art+museum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaWQOPdhlrmHb9AKJ7noCnVP1oj70cMDGPa3BfMtCSoi8a2_iVEr0kgJ3xaWluhoiByL0LQOngI-6ZDz94bHGWnw213r6-Y0u5j7c-NV58sZdcl83NswIhobQ1_2SdM-b-dFD8ZLn_wJL/s1600/art+museum.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
best part of the National Museum of Contemporary Art was this rooftop
terrace. Having a drink here, overlooking the city, on a beautiful day was sweet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the National Museum of Contemporary Art, we walked up the Boulevard Unirii towards the old town.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHgGoO5t-H7imd8UUollGB1getkr08Q9bVyiE16XaW4GuMKgKL3qG9mFXcPmbPaMwy3M_bFOLFHdP154x5SgW-A6KHwWffxNlszKjpDzvSSboQ_pNeYQjwsG236ERhTyUEyOk0R9wm97b/s1600/bucharest+17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHgGoO5t-H7imd8UUollGB1getkr08Q9bVyiE16XaW4GuMKgKL3qG9mFXcPmbPaMwy3M_bFOLFHdP154x5SgW-A6KHwWffxNlszKjpDzvSSboQ_pNeYQjwsG236ERhTyUEyOk0R9wm97b/s1600/bucharest+17.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the walkway around the outer walls of the Palace of Parliament. We encountered another walking hazard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UGA6VS1LoX0RuPMPgYe4XiX7n4Lb09IwjSDq42qGu4TeRoReoRwM09ZsGyowIyEvAjy-r3dV8jzl8zabaOsETOpw5AWjg9B_258C1dPK1bQeoGCSW2clnUMhELURs2lE6BhYf3FLlH4q/s1600/bucharest+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UGA6VS1LoX0RuPMPgYe4XiX7n4Lb09IwjSDq42qGu4TeRoReoRwM09ZsGyowIyEvAjy-r3dV8jzl8zabaOsETOpw5AWjg9B_258C1dPK1bQeoGCSW2clnUMhELURs2lE6BhYf3FLlH4q/s1600/bucharest+8.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
look down the grand Boulevard Unirii: This was Communist Romania's
answer to Paris's Avenue des Champs-Elysees. It has a length of 3,500
meters and is half a meter wider than the Champs-Elysees (Take that
France.) Bucharest really could take some notes from the Istanbul (and
Paris) parks management and spruce up these boulevards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-fnKIqXvjxx0bgHzGvqnxqSmX4ArEsE28FGtIxTp-7cso8yaj9jNwDfRUvoWFvJSAzFCm4f4eDFwnQdXUK153NNE6BMfIcSVGvH10U03IRHTSFMbWLPed_k9-tLi78lix8Payqqnojdu/s1600/bucharest+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-fnKIqXvjxx0bgHzGvqnxqSmX4ArEsE28FGtIxTp-7cso8yaj9jNwDfRUvoWFvJSAzFCm4f4eDFwnQdXUK153NNE6BMfIcSVGvH10U03IRHTSFMbWLPed_k9-tLi78lix8Payqqnojdu/s1600/bucharest+14.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building from the early 20th century sadly crumbling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkppYbB5AXU_g2cocIA2q7Um7FQmYK7R0dsQkPXGRNbT0TkPwxd1xZYSWooSYaW4NGEC8thO4DjuQiaXolSGcPe5isT4B_SZiPJhN2NgN5zdgSIvw8J9guXWNoERh3aIsaskmmXNmh3nG/s1600/bucharest+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkppYbB5AXU_g2cocIA2q7Um7FQmYK7R0dsQkPXGRNbT0TkPwxd1xZYSWooSYaW4NGEC8thO4DjuQiaXolSGcPe5isT4B_SZiPJhN2NgN5zdgSIvw8J9guXWNoERh3aIsaskmmXNmh3nG/s1600/bucharest+12.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old town pedestrian area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFWQOPeOAIfbXG8APUSlYUuA-HTgmlBR1_Fqn2-ZZcMLkpe9Sptw3QlFpJkUpKmSKm8bctKhGMnPUnTw8es_Ui3Eyzho7z-a-_ZOp0cTw_WTkk1R0uhVvWqarPtycpdn3hagvUepROrTj/s1600/bucharest+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFWQOPeOAIfbXG8APUSlYUuA-HTgmlBR1_Fqn2-ZZcMLkpe9Sptw3QlFpJkUpKmSKm8bctKhGMnPUnTw8es_Ui3Eyzho7z-a-_ZOp0cTw_WTkk1R0uhVvWqarPtycpdn3hagvUepROrTj/s1600/bucharest+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town is filled with restaurants, pubs and bars, some of which have their own catchy slogans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWROoC3qkCYROOYbEfCtzGvXJDhwVBDG_00FmTrOl5X7fRs6QMkg7c6nbe87S-frc5OY9vQumJW17WvCXEqf_RtpL107L87gVHfe_zGDi9vJtcz36HmW1ojXK3bK5A22oXW1WbyFH8m4B/s1600/bucharest+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWROoC3qkCYROOYbEfCtzGvXJDhwVBDG_00FmTrOl5X7fRs6QMkg7c6nbe87S-frc5OY9vQumJW17WvCXEqf_RtpL107L87gVHfe_zGDi9vJtcz36HmW1ojXK3bK5A22oXW1WbyFH8m4B/s1600/bucharest+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are still some architectural gems in old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnFfinE_kGvREhPtJv5lwF9dy_NLpagUmZqvjUXDaju_1SsvDarhcZ7sSfrGtAjEQF9IBRq9REfs0HL4kppoZtrR-37GlHcxN7M22-ligC7p_7kFGrFExt-jgAPlvQTUVQhrXLUaeYx55/s1600/bucharest+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnFfinE_kGvREhPtJv5lwF9dy_NLpagUmZqvjUXDaju_1SsvDarhcZ7sSfrGtAjEQF9IBRq9REfs0HL4kppoZtrR-37GlHcxN7M22-ligC7p_7kFGrFExt-jgAPlvQTUVQhrXLUaeYx55/s1600/bucharest+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Museum of Romanian History.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gXovSAadC1vtb0_mIZLr1ifnMel17tdGoehKOtUqln630DqHC3MaMV2M8k0b4vA1VAoVEvhcY5DhWRBivu9yf2Xpuoh9pI_t3TycXbt5nTJAh891BZ8bsGW-gerpU0nslzoHG1nHFWd8/s1600/bucharest+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gXovSAadC1vtb0_mIZLr1ifnMel17tdGoehKOtUqln630DqHC3MaMV2M8k0b4vA1VAoVEvhcY5DhWRBivu9yf2Xpuoh9pI_t3TycXbt5nTJAh891BZ8bsGW-gerpU0nslzoHG1nHFWd8/s1600/bucharest+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cafe that reflects the aspirations of the country. Lucky for us, Romania hadn't been accepted into the Schengen Treaty yet. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLU5RjMDPbwsQG8r-eNV0_WQ6JYHZxdG-24RDTZAaw1CSLUh55rPvFVh0m96NVDDwmbt4bGWdWQrAxmJAZ31gP2U3WtZe1GfmqD9DWc3tsH8RGQabjHRwc3FiahsRj5kn6uO_hY9vNvTO/s1600/k+church.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLU5RjMDPbwsQG8r-eNV0_WQ6JYHZxdG-24RDTZAaw1CSLUh55rPvFVh0m96NVDDwmbt4bGWdWQrAxmJAZ31gP2U3WtZe1GfmqD9DWc3tsH8RGQabjHRwc3FiahsRj5kn6uO_hY9vNvTO/s1600/k+church.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kretzulescu Church: The church was commissioned in 1720–1722 by the boyar Iordache Crețulescu and his wife Safta, a daughter of Wallachian ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu. In the early days of the Communist regime, Kretzulescu Church was slated for demolition, but was saved due to
efforts of architects such as Henriette Delavrancea-Gibory. Some churches in the city were actually moved in order to save them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening, as we walked back through the
Cișmigiu Gardens and the kids hit the playgrounds again, we decided to
eat at the park restaurant. It was quite okay and was a pleasant setting
to end the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6bmnVahf5QTheOL4xgvbviEo3USgc99y6hIDjJVyuGqfMpcnHfsdokX3wOM40ODMJZOhUDWNdntc2ixUVOwZ_eU65srRB1goBy-BSoyCEpHgj241GKstDILpUdm1CH-xVfIcXxGzbPAa/s1600/c+park+dinner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6bmnVahf5QTheOL4xgvbviEo3USgc99y6hIDjJVyuGqfMpcnHfsdokX3wOM40ODMJZOhUDWNdntc2ixUVOwZ_eU65srRB1goBy-BSoyCEpHgj241GKstDILpUdm1CH-xVfIcXxGzbPAa/s1600/c+park+dinner.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our table of James and Sarah in the empty lake that surrounds the restaurant. In the summer months, this lake is filled with water and would make a very pretty view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 15th</b>,
we woke up to another beautiful day and decided to try to take the Free
City (walking) Tour that was recommended by our apartment host. I
estimated that it would take about 30 minutes to walk to the starting
point on Piata Unirii so we all had to be out the door at 10:25. Despite
several warnings of "gotta leave in 20 minutes," "gotta leave in 12
minutes", etc. We didn't manage getting out of the door until 10:35.
Despite walking as fast as we could, at about 10:50 we realized we
wouldn't make it.<br />
<br />
So we had to turn to "plan b" which was
to continue on to the Palace of Parliament and hopefully take a tour. I
had our passports and so we were prepared. When we arrived we spoke to
the man at the information desk who said the next tour was booked up and
they wouldn't have an opening for another hour or so. He asked if we'd
like to reserve 5 spots in an afternoon tour. "We could reserve a tour?"
(Why didn't the woman at the information desk tell me that yesterday?)
We decided not to wait around today but to book a tour for 15:00 the
next day and left. So far, two strikes on our Palace of Parliament
efforts.When descending down the steps from the entrance, little Sarah
managed to dislodge and break one of the marble tiles merely by stepping
on it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUcqudvDYB76yTBZCNk8EiRNNFZMO33L6br_arYxIYKBP4Bza1UElM63H7tCipIAodg-spPCiu9GtrXUhCKVfvu1Pj_LJ200vqaedjhgbupv-HSzCexYvwCUoNfTIOVuugJ7iPAq66nNk/s1600/step+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUcqudvDYB76yTBZCNk8EiRNNFZMO33L6br_arYxIYKBP4Bza1UElM63H7tCipIAodg-spPCiu9GtrXUhCKVfvu1Pj_LJ200vqaedjhgbupv-HSzCexYvwCUoNfTIOVuugJ7iPAq66nNk/s1600/step+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmzTrx2oSwrvu3-ww6K4At48aIJLXke154x1c6zbDhEKk90i4HGjDnooRlFpsMLSavdkj2iKophc_Pj91FTV2-n9SNz5dQL8snFguu4J-UQpMBo5BN5aUPOZj6lcFXxR2-Xl7x-JcYD5H/s1600/step+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmzTrx2oSwrvu3-ww6K4At48aIJLXke154x1c6zbDhEKk90i4HGjDnooRlFpsMLSavdkj2iKophc_Pj91FTV2-n9SNz5dQL8snFguu4J-UQpMBo5BN5aUPOZj6lcFXxR2-Xl7x-JcYD5H/s1600/step+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good as new. Well, not really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So
we then had to turn to "plan c" which was to take the metro up to the
Village Museum which was pretty highly recommended on TripAdvisor. The
Village Museum features a collection of 50 buildings representing the
history
and design of Romania's rural architecture. Steep-roofed peasant
homes, thatched barns, log cabins, churches and watermills from all
regions of the country were taken apart, shipped to the
museum and rebuilt in order to recreate the village setting. With its
start in 1936, this is the largest outdoor museum in Europe and covers
some 30 acres on the shores of Lake Herastrau in Herestrau Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2z1VtFekmwsuiYx-UCvXPvVRTTaD7M6584ABjvbQMTwOptHavdxzTmjHBalhGIPDX8F-EE3naXwu-yv8opkm8uepyz4FwEMoYSHoEXl3v7IT2El0Jeki0qRKBx60G-7VCN4CCtt6S047/s1600/village+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2z1VtFekmwsuiYx-UCvXPvVRTTaD7M6584ABjvbQMTwOptHavdxzTmjHBalhGIPDX8F-EE3naXwu-yv8opkm8uepyz4FwEMoYSHoEXl3v7IT2El0Jeki0qRKBx60G-7VCN4CCtt6S047/s1600/village+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House built in 1815 from the Salciua de Jos village which is located in the Apuseni Mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w5bMhWaE9X4Q2h9Nf3x8ZfEiWf3Lmwwd_DWhI64nAdYieyIV-bxgF02b6m7-JGWTloJYjvZ4z6eFRkUaB-5uwYbBGsV24AjpI8kwd_vzFeB3qts6driHPUyOM8VNh-CloVoXxsrMirsc/s1600/village+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w5bMhWaE9X4Q2h9Nf3x8ZfEiWf3Lmwwd_DWhI64nAdYieyIV-bxgF02b6m7-JGWTloJYjvZ4z6eFRkUaB-5uwYbBGsV24AjpI8kwd_vzFeB3qts6driHPUyOM8VNh-CloVoXxsrMirsc/s1600/village+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Salciua house with typical furnishings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLzQF5FEpeVkiX0iGVPQIdhjBmzBCwQuC9SqKJaNxpG9K_nwwSmBrO2nnXNWHSLMrubK4GG_KAwi2x7ANN33_mMS_OAayUgRVwJfiJUE0RjuDz0vAn2RyVziqxJgVBtcSdqT5rDkC1a-K/s1600/village+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLzQF5FEpeVkiX0iGVPQIdhjBmzBCwQuC9SqKJaNxpG9K_nwwSmBrO2nnXNWHSLMrubK4GG_KAwi2x7ANN33_mMS_OAayUgRVwJfiJUE0RjuDz0vAn2RyVziqxJgVBtcSdqT5rDkC1a-K/s1600/village+3.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical "high building" of rich peasants from the north part of Gorj county (circa 1800). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While visiting the Village Museum, Vincent's allergies became overwhelming and he had to leave us. So the kids and I continued on our own.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldLb1aDW7XWGIgvqdCjZrQOU0VcsFEPFgi02gXIGXYAA7TpYMk6f28P38J9wK6f7DtIVclk5anKJS1RtItn8JafOHHFvXOukiV2W8-yKJ1T48z7EsgET_zi164jBxPdQAYxd-KYU_f8Jc/s1600/village+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldLb1aDW7XWGIgvqdCjZrQOU0VcsFEPFgi02gXIGXYAA7TpYMk6f28P38J9wK6f7DtIVclk5anKJS1RtItn8JafOHHFvXOukiV2W8-yKJ1T48z7EsgET_zi164jBxPdQAYxd-KYU_f8Jc/s1600/village+4.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
Draghiceni half-buried house (circa 1900): This type of housing was
used up through the mid-20th century in southern Oltenia mainly due to
local climate conditions but also to economic and historical ones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IgPPtOQ62KzVTz9AICKXbQN0XzBNX_cQkeBFwgbEYlwxT4Mb9c56aFDRqRqUjVXMY9j_CY7PgNTRvy4sSRAmLwX6-UlGELqNQVzq6cevt5UmCtr-bB2Ry4CekAe2xbJC-DNhDDZvzEPc/s1600/village+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IgPPtOQ62KzVTz9AICKXbQN0XzBNX_cQkeBFwgbEYlwxT4Mb9c56aFDRqRqUjVXMY9j_CY7PgNTRvy4sSRAmLwX6-UlGELqNQVzq6cevt5UmCtr-bB2Ry4CekAe2xbJC-DNhDDZvzEPc/s1600/village+5.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early
19th-century windmill used for grinding grain. It was brought to the
museum from the Sarichioi village which is situated on the Razelm
lakeside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Village
Museum, the kids and I walked back to Herestrau Park, as I promised a
bit of time at one of the many playgrounds there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FWgxmaZx0LFFr2o4EgRPKO_RErYu72tvjT7RFhww4mLpRz2HZReivYFa69qj_fe0z5UwMiMdPk19e8XhSYJdvzQQkdGgsgO5HeaFWEfRV3NIamws5BoYCvhySvl8ioWz22nrey_2ROJN/s1600/arc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FWgxmaZx0LFFr2o4EgRPKO_RErYu72tvjT7RFhww4mLpRz2HZReivYFa69qj_fe0z5UwMiMdPk19e8XhSYJdvzQQkdGgsgO5HeaFWEfRV3NIamws5BoYCvhySvl8ioWz22nrey_2ROJN/s1600/arc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by Bucharest's has own Arc de
Triomphe (Arcul de Triumf). Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian
soldiers who fought in World War I, the arc was finished in Deva granite in 1936. It was designed by the
architect Petre Antonescu. The arc is in the middle size-wise of its Paris inspirations; it stands 85 feet high whereas the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is 164 feet high and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is 63 feet high. An interior
staircase allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of
the city. The sculptures decorating the structure were created by
leading Romanian artists, including Ion Jalea, Constantin Medrea and
Constantin Baraschi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU5nn7F4jyFoqBZyQpynfPU9yyUq-ckx-LW05iL6xY8kXHvn49fbLASyRQBiu4ebY19LXEDYseLRbKx2atXreMO2r24yq3N0HxnbkFN-O88zVskzNOWaXNxzCOlGVxVz1zh1ycypq0wWn/s1600/h+park+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU5nn7F4jyFoqBZyQpynfPU9yyUq-ckx-LW05iL6xY8kXHvn49fbLASyRQBiu4ebY19LXEDYseLRbKx2atXreMO2r24yq3N0HxnbkFN-O88zVskzNOWaXNxzCOlGVxVz1zh1ycypq0wWn/s1600/h+park+3.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
pendulum swing was hands-down one of the best pieces of playground
equipment the kids had ever seen. It worked like a teeter-totter but
could swing 360 degrees. It was fun; even I gave it a try.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRtdtUDGwpwJlMYH1PWxrniDjQWg-YMkLwcIBaNLe8cxkqkbMf5mMfsmywxrYZrr7i66VXuwXdKH-ATq8Z6dBkdC7uywv35nblOdBETH6gEOuQPE9tKHsz1UfzesWjulNij7ShHbnnbOa/s1600/h+park+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRtdtUDGwpwJlMYH1PWxrniDjQWg-YMkLwcIBaNLe8cxkqkbMf5mMfsmywxrYZrr7i66VXuwXdKH-ATq8Z6dBkdC7uywv35nblOdBETH6gEOuQPE9tKHsz1UfzesWjulNij7ShHbnnbOa/s1600/h+park+2.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
was another neat structure; it was a swing set arranged in a circle
which allowed for more interactive swinging. And yes, the kids confirmed
that if one timed it right one could kick the feet of others swinging
into the center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYeMtpKAVKrj78fuGvZQkO3Cuqjr5fzPKSPViLUe3ZcAMrDyrssuczoOP4cL3iGW-R4fIUF5Abxy_sVwL-NT1MHS9D9DHBmsMZdbP8j_HkRhquwy_uWMP-IHweyqmJi_KzYJ-H0afpQiC/s1600/h+park+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYeMtpKAVKrj78fuGvZQkO3Cuqjr5fzPKSPViLUe3ZcAMrDyrssuczoOP4cL3iGW-R4fIUF5Abxy_sVwL-NT1MHS9D9DHBmsMZdbP8j_HkRhquwy_uWMP-IHweyqmJi_KzYJ-H0afpQiC/s1600/h+park+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing and validating the hypothesis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving
Herestrau Park, we needed to march on and get to the Museum of the
Romanian Peasant before it closed. We walked down Bulevardul Aviatorilor
which is really "embassy row". En route we noticed a big crowd and I
was initially concerned that it might be a demonstration concerning
Crimea. But getting closer we saw a lot of balloons and I concluded it
couldn't be a serious demonstration with balloons in play.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCUMFQ53V-Y80BjTGw0P6d-JDdyqAhDgRIguBivm7oARHqRJ6CAIDzobT2TpdO2ztgTIWFOCR8ITf9N1iQKpoSzrnXsWDiHkEkuuL0UDodGkRVol8r6R3pSLqAEVGkxHPIZQ9pWPM_Y9E/s1600/parade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCUMFQ53V-Y80BjTGw0P6d-JDdyqAhDgRIguBivm7oARHqRJ6CAIDzobT2TpdO2ztgTIWFOCR8ITf9N1iQKpoSzrnXsWDiHkEkuuL0UDodGkRVol8r6R3pSLqAEVGkxHPIZQ9pWPM_Y9E/s1600/parade.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We discovered that the Irish in Romania celebrate St Patrick's Day in the similar off-beat ways as their ex-pat colleagues in North America.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
reached the museum and went in. There was some information available in
English but it really didn't catch the kids' interest and I was
hard-pressed to spend too much time there. The museum contains a collection of textiles (especially costumes), icons, ceramics, and other artifacts of Romanian peasant
life. Items are laid out or on display in a traditional sense and, with
the help of a laminated information card, one can garner a few details.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-feROmZVsP2MPIVbsTKssDpQGQrPHFATr7jMaES_fhzhy-Z9WlpATbXLNH6ci1djWj-gdTCz2REoyz2SIfZHhuObGbzxp-NSJSwAsRUeFsvZQGevb7xEooqLe_lYAiTN59S85_QPHmuF/s1600/wooden+church.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-feROmZVsP2MPIVbsTKssDpQGQrPHFATr7jMaES_fhzhy-Z9WlpATbXLNH6ci1djWj-gdTCz2REoyz2SIfZHhuObGbzxp-NSJSwAsRUeFsvZQGevb7xEooqLe_lYAiTN59S85_QPHmuF/s1600/wooden+church.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wooden church from the Mintia village in Transylvania.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
leaving the museum, we returned to our apartment and collected Vincent
for dinner. I'd spotted a pub which I thought would be a good dinner
place given the Irish in Bucharest were celebrating St Patrick's Day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1dByyVCd_AC2McBDwdHWknik9J9qoYxP6hAfg1RVi1ibY1Jm2otcSeFHxyH0HwCwUsn52ddVPoC3U2eMfFuxWkYs_VioARfzlA3fNUZUf20t-8bfpKffJoRo27LmHwelTMn39DuOQ6fN/s1600/st+patricks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1dByyVCd_AC2McBDwdHWknik9J9qoYxP6hAfg1RVi1ibY1Jm2otcSeFHxyH0HwCwUsn52ddVPoC3U2eMfFuxWkYs_VioARfzlA3fNUZUf20t-8bfpKffJoRo27LmHwelTMn39DuOQ6fN/s1600/st+patricks.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
pub handed the kids these fun Guinness hats. They weren't drinking any
Guinness that night but got into the spirit of the occasion anyway. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 17th</b>,
we were determined to make it to the Free City Tour that started at 11am.
We left the apartment at 10:15 and took the metro to Plata Unirii (Union
Square). We arrived out of the metro at about 12 minutes before 11:00 but
couldn't find a cross walk to get to the Unirii Park in the center of
the square. It was another strike against the city planners.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zNIhdoqBbviMA1XNrMgoNFmnQnwKEHK5jV79DSPKJJACy936sWVeTulSkuVqIM-XhyRrdtpbH3wOTemE3NWe_WV7_TgzBmlrruvv5AXBsFdj3E9ePYEOIb8aAgRjE05NhgHq8iOW9-Co/s1600/plata+romana.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zNIhdoqBbviMA1XNrMgoNFmnQnwKEHK5jV79DSPKJJACy936sWVeTulSkuVqIM-XhyRrdtpbH3wOTemE3NWe_WV7_TgzBmlrruvv5AXBsFdj3E9ePYEOIb8aAgRjE05NhgHq8iOW9-Co/s1600/plata+romana.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
platform at Plata Romana was only just over a meter wide. Clearly the
architects didn't think anyone much would use this metro stop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXOSd-h0ck0i6yavKRhHkJLKrPMDqjg7IKAyiiNoU85UNt296c0OOInDncxpdoK5tPQq-Q7_-ueHqxeyiSqgvEvEENHE1pRSrbKR2afpCO_x2wNKTH6ZAGEs0AgY6MKJtqGK_D6C_oZn6/s1600/tour+1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXOSd-h0ck0i6yavKRhHkJLKrPMDqjg7IKAyiiNoU85UNt296c0OOInDncxpdoK5tPQq-Q7_-ueHqxeyiSqgvEvEENHE1pRSrbKR2afpCO_x2wNKTH6ZAGEs0AgY6MKJtqGK_D6C_oZn6/s1600/tour+1.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unirii
Park where the tour began: The enormous fountains have been drained for
winter but will be refilled sometime during the spring. Many fountain
tiles were broken and scattered around. The Palace of Parliament is way
off in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then walked through what remains of Bucharest's old town. <span class="style_1">The old town developed through the gathering of
guilds or merchants dealing certain types of products on certain
streets, hence the names of these streets include: Lipscani (merchants coming
from Leipzig), Gabroveni (merchants coming from Gabrovo, with their own
inn), Șelari (merchants trading horse saddles), Șepcari (hat makers),
Căldărari (bucket makers) and Zarafi (bankers, cash dealers).</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmfpjW8_czsGC6aPGJEKXSefJoaSucbZ_A2p32mKDyPhCD_qDzRemzPPOJlxVN5HUs4w_GOdBv5wfhXqzPqXzp7BRd3LZRUv8VmkjLngQGKcu_4qGaQbUthp57E91jC6Zyx22DfQiSiP/s1600/tour+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmfpjW8_czsGC6aPGJEKXSefJoaSucbZ_A2p32mKDyPhCD_qDzRemzPPOJlxVN5HUs4w_GOdBv5wfhXqzPqXzp7BRd3LZRUv8VmkjLngQGKcu_4qGaQbUthp57E91jC6Zyx22DfQiSiP/s1600/tour+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Curtea Veche Church, built in 1559, is Bucharest’s oldest church. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywB8BviCEDZA8Nf3Y-ObWGQZuEip9tkTFXecE0LMn4tUbx4q8oW8C0q8DK2iMVlytypSZcvRpzHhqdirMy5rrMtB3n9oLBf_nqD3vLGD5UI4AQZ7k8KL7MyC32H80zQhExFX_a55u6Cgx/s1600/tour+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywB8BviCEDZA8Nf3Y-ObWGQZuEip9tkTFXecE0LMn4tUbx4q8oW8C0q8DK2iMVlytypSZcvRpzHhqdirMy5rrMtB3n9oLBf_nqD3vLGD5UI4AQZ7k8KL7MyC32H80zQhExFX_a55u6Cgx/s1600/tour+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inerior
of the Curtea Veche Church: Nothing remains of the original building.
The church deteriorated over the years due to Turkish raids and fires.
Restoration works however in 1928 and 1935 brought it back close to its
former self.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PUruVH-KV1Iifw77dQiOV9IZV5yHT5yMwfxTigAGKMBLvBRQx9rN4_oL3eYm7xovy77nQy2Ducbon2dhsLxACItQzAdHaNPFYpXseJAWpHGlQeoJ5wFD7M1eYLfMTPcdQKXQu0iifL1l/s1600/tour+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PUruVH-KV1Iifw77dQiOV9IZV5yHT5yMwfxTigAGKMBLvBRQx9rN4_oL3eYm7xovy77nQy2Ducbon2dhsLxACItQzAdHaNPFYpXseJAWpHGlQeoJ5wFD7M1eYLfMTPcdQKXQu0iifL1l/s1600/tour+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="style_7" style="line-height: 16px;">The historic Manuc Inn that was built in 1808. Great efforts have been taken to restore this hotel and two on-site restaurants.</span><span class="style_7" style="line-height: 16px;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQLKjOMvKUOrsE61p2FLZpX0D79AcyydIj8GCe-JLFoRgMmogkxy87QTshBqj50p1D6nDrA0dirWkJO3CERoBXASbuICjF-9i7nkOtqseEq2iAxYBXJ5xUez1SQRTHxrixEbM8bpJ7kNz/s1600/bucharest+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQLKjOMvKUOrsE61p2FLZpX0D79AcyydIj8GCe-JLFoRgMmogkxy87QTshBqj50p1D6nDrA0dirWkJO3CERoBXASbuICjF-9i7nkOtqseEq2iAxYBXJ5xUez1SQRTHxrixEbM8bpJ7kNz/s1600/bucharest+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="style_1"><span class="style_1">Curtea Veche (The Old Court): </span>In this area archaeological diggings have uncovered the existence of some 6th – 7th century cottages, as well as
remains of a 14th century fortress. The fortress was about 160 sq. m.
wide and also had a tower. In the times of Vlad the Impaler a new
fortress was built, in a rectangular shape and of over 600 sq. meters in
shape, with many cellars. In the end of the 15th century, the fortress
was almost 1000 sq. meters wide, with the followers of Vlad the Impaler
continuing his work (</span><span class="style_1">Basarab IV cel Tânăr (aka<b> </b>"Basarab the Young" or the "Little Imapler") and Mircea the Shepherd); the whole
structure was further developed during the rule of Matei Basarab
(1632-1654) and Constantin Brâncoveanu (1688-1714).</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwsBJHmXheogeAnWvyy9dzhsyf9ib5reJqFunLEedGbuvfMHr2IHG3eJc69guSs-rMSiwG5Z0Xmcffya92nUbrfzp33R241IH6CZTDWdbbtdbSRKuHtcBKud_fuDyHNLP7_JIU2fFFhGP/s1600/tour+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwsBJHmXheogeAnWvyy9dzhsyf9ib5reJqFunLEedGbuvfMHr2IHG3eJc69guSs-rMSiwG5Z0Xmcffya92nUbrfzp33R241IH6CZTDWdbbtdbSRKuHtcBKud_fuDyHNLP7_JIU2fFFhGP/s1600/tour+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
is Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia (1431–1476/77). The statue sits in
front of the Curtea Veche (the Old Princely Court). Vlad III is revered
as somewhat of a folk hero in Romania as well as other parts of Europe
for his protection of the Romanian population from the Ottomans north
and south of the Danube. He was posthumously dubbed Vlad the Impaler for
his<b> </b>practice of impaling
his enemies. As the tales go, he was very good at impaling someone
without hitting any vital organs and the challenge/fun was that they'd
live 48 hours or longer. Vlad III together with his father, Vlad II
Dracul (Vlad the Dragon), were the inspiration to Bram Stoker's
vampire, Count Dracula.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzuQI6UeuW_VGHGJZoZy-MgKYdXZL0Ca3-wmfcL4-DUEx3rDWUcLqTVA1kx10SBjIFdm4wPe3uORHy-yodcGc4avnS1CrDcTnKCRZiSv83Bcl7ewNQT4dAnFrtCm9rp8IQfoL71Ry-ggy/s1600/tour+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzuQI6UeuW_VGHGJZoZy-MgKYdXZL0Ca3-wmfcL4-DUEx3rDWUcLqTVA1kx10SBjIFdm4wPe3uORHy-yodcGc4avnS1CrDcTnKCRZiSv83Bcl7ewNQT4dAnFrtCm9rp8IQfoL71Ry-ggy/s1600/tour+6.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Bucharest coat of arms was added to these new man-hole covers until the
orthodox church got wind of it. On the breast of the eagle is an image
of the image of Saint Dimitrie Basarabov. The leaders of the church
were horrified that people could be walking over the Saint (not to
mention adorning manhole covers that enclose the sewer system). As a
result, there aren't many of these around. Perhaps uncertain of their
judgment, the city management haven't added the Bucharest coat of arms
on much else in the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWlSrIDm9gz1uONqptJezG-wORUNoJRc2QbVxKQRFf4k4I2eCxw409931Sx2KXtq-TUQE-Tf9noe5v9xfmENaCx7pS6SbsNAuxU9hJxGxeISHpzPj0P71WUi2ByrQ1qrb8pJw6fqY-LhB/s1600/tour+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWlSrIDm9gz1uONqptJezG-wORUNoJRc2QbVxKQRFf4k4I2eCxw409931Sx2KXtq-TUQE-Tf9noe5v9xfmENaCx7pS6SbsNAuxU9hJxGxeISHpzPj0P71WUi2ByrQ1qrb8pJw6fqY-LhB/s1600/tour+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stavropoleos
Monastery: The eastern orthodox church was built in 1724 at the
insistence of a Greek monk, Ioanikie
Stratonikeas. It is now a monastery run by seven nuns. It was built in
the Brâncovenesc style which is a synthesis between the Byzantine,
Ottoman, late Renaissance and Baroque architecture styles.
The courtyard
outside (peaceful and beautiful on a sunny afternoon) has a collection
of
tombstones and other church pieces, dating from the 18th century, which
were rescued and saved after the communists destroyed so many religious
sites.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFBhhbah7VcBsHjfgYxPNFuLYC3-LjSVuuQdP5xVmFYvdNjMnylwHVVyIxjnJYr9U6eACPBY9MYNye3cEUxyO2JictX4kV-v7NGjukwuTTcFOlKc9F9q5kxHqC3pGTriJM5z97DGiHSbE/s1600/tour+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFBhhbah7VcBsHjfgYxPNFuLYC3-LjSVuuQdP5xVmFYvdNjMnylwHVVyIxjnJYr9U6eACPBY9MYNye3cEUxyO2JictX4kV-v7NGjukwuTTcFOlKc9F9q5kxHqC3pGTriJM5z97DGiHSbE/s1600/tour+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painted domes were restored at the beginning of the 20th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the old town, we walked up the Calea Victoriei (Victoria Avenue).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoBwbj82YQzIO1fBTc-qDDe3wFUSj6bPIkxCdtJzJ3SS8kLO_wwAWqzJUjg64-qswqVfYa8KGDhOAsiOzynFxKN_DO5i6eRDSPPv8Q1MSPDUndavo_MrI9J8XNoVNiV3MWAFLY-kUjLQA/s1600/tour+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoBwbj82YQzIO1fBTc-qDDe3wFUSj6bPIkxCdtJzJ3SS8kLO_wwAWqzJUjg64-qswqVfYa8KGDhOAsiOzynFxKN_DO5i6eRDSPPv8Q1MSPDUndavo_MrI9J8XNoVNiV3MWAFLY-kUjLQA/s1600/tour+10.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CEC (Romanian state-owned bank) Palace opened as the bank's headquarters in 1900.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38AnMaCurzaKjR8orlyElc55Dz6HxkgtYMxHBKKdjIDkXeBWAEEgrKo-vy7oXhkqZ8k7U85h39WrKj-OhQbE9CP84Jx8Kzu5iFPrpPiXFPiKzNVDXzWvrM2fv349fH2LAkSt2wC9ENpUk/s1600/tour+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38AnMaCurzaKjR8orlyElc55Dz6HxkgtYMxHBKKdjIDkXeBWAEEgrKo-vy7oXhkqZ8k7U85h39WrKj-OhQbE9CP84Jx8Kzu5iFPrpPiXFPiKzNVDXzWvrM2fv349fH2LAkSt2wC9ENpUk/s1600/tour+11.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
National Museum of Romanian History is located on Calea Victoriei. It
contains Romanian historical artifacts from prehistoric to modern times.
Permanent displays include a plaster cast of the entire Trajan's Column
(the original is located in Rome), the Romanian Crown Jewels and the
Pietroasele treasure (late fourth-century gold Gothic treasure). Here,
Sarah is standing by the statue of a naked Trajan and the She-wolf. The
statue has received much criticism from the public. In hindsight, we
should have brought Molly and photographed her being held in the same
manner as the she-wolf. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd0U2NLI_ZX7N9RLhA6vigud8SxCzNb8e2_tks_2HrmvSgCNu_GaURfD3bf9dl-W1eT1CoC3YG7uOzDb7SQkuACJ-HBD2sNAe0GUs84Zrz7o-zbzzMAs3DnRFYyBa8ilDV8j3q8i_ibk2/s1600/tour+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd0U2NLI_ZX7N9RLhA6vigud8SxCzNb8e2_tks_2HrmvSgCNu_GaURfD3bf9dl-W1eT1CoC3YG7uOzDb7SQkuACJ-HBD2sNAe0GUs84Zrz7o-zbzzMAs3DnRFYyBa8ilDV8j3q8i_ibk2/s1600/tour+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently this is the best spot in Bucharest to smoke a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah" target="_blank">hookah</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniVpjMfu6qp7x9vcFMaOlIlFmueKDXXvEIBQt1BD2b7AOSkG9lzT1bt09lUNfxI3ThtS1gV1IGxNja6rNboAR0_CPwm6YzjTzUAd-CmqhZdgY7mE7oxobMcSt-PdI96c2M6jnYYI-qYmf/s1600/tour+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniVpjMfu6qp7x9vcFMaOlIlFmueKDXXvEIBQt1BD2b7AOSkG9lzT1bt09lUNfxI3ThtS1gV1IGxNja6rNboAR0_CPwm6YzjTzUAd-CmqhZdgY7mE7oxobMcSt-PdI96c2M6jnYYI-qYmf/s1600/tour+13.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Military Palace was officially inaugurated in 1923.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxh-w0SQG6PH7NPCKJZfYqhvv_9zfCC8EgZMtZf75fuV1mWdjnGmCivJdSQxMuEORaCQHf7rRg7zC3jw09swV2Jg0-0Um58_SjbUZnRvSAnsSS6BNQxKvoVfogKsIBl1bc64fI4N868Vp/s1600/tour+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxh-w0SQG6PH7NPCKJZfYqhvv_9zfCC8EgZMtZf75fuV1mWdjnGmCivJdSQxMuEORaCQHf7rRg7zC3jw09swV2Jg0-0Um58_SjbUZnRvSAnsSS6BNQxKvoVfogKsIBl1bc64fI4N868Vp/s1600/tour+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucharest's
National Theatre stood next to the city's telecommunications building.
In WWII, the Germans missed the telecommunications building and bombed
the theatre instead. Later, the front facade of the National Theatre was
reconstructed as a reminder of what once stood there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tour ended at the Revolutionary Square. In August 1968 and December 1989, the square was the site of two mass
meetings which represented the highest and lowest points of Ceaușescu's
regime. Ceausescu's speech of August 21, 1968 marked the peak of Ceaușescu's popularity, when he openly condemned the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union and started pursuing a policy of independence from the Kremlin. Ceausescu's final speech in 1989 was meant to emulate the 1968 assembly and was presented by the official
media as a "spontaneous movement of support for Ceaușescu", but erupted in
the popular revolt that led to the end of the Ceaușescu's regime.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPIHwKKOrnftd5rHfLSh4I_Vay8BFr5Y1tj3ycputw98HpqsoUnIqEzCnbEgMZrOQSQwoI4P_Np8ulOYv6YLe7jZ0l_xCIMaHSxdH-O3LuI059okOeVEqbfJoqglx72vZfFw1XOgnS-GP/s1600/tour+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPIHwKKOrnftd5rHfLSh4I_Vay8BFr5Y1tj3ycputw98HpqsoUnIqEzCnbEgMZrOQSQwoI4P_Np8ulOYv6YLe7jZ0l_xCIMaHSxdH-O3LuI059okOeVEqbfJoqglx72vZfFw1XOgnS-GP/s1600/tour+15.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
balcony of the Central Committee Building where Nicolae Ceaușescu was
giving a speech on December 21, 1989.
Eight minutes into his speech, sudden movements from the outskirts of
the massed assembly, combined with the sound of fireworks or guns,
caused the assembly to break into chaos. Bullhorns then began to spread
the news that the Securitate was firing on the crowd and that a
"revolution" was unfolding. Ceaușescu and his wife were rushed off in a
panic. Four days later, Ceaușescu and his wife were tried and convicted
for genocide and other crimes and were sentenced to death by firing
squad which occurred that same day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikQoJBKWHR0rspeR19m6YHg1SCkS1byKlWJvpQIsTIG7rpsR1usqeyM38vjLbQ5vh30Zt1MAMIcz5vsmRpw3Swi9l93MvWgYeZTvWPY0b7YFC6bYRHdSKFGlib7DsSGcmy2gyyKG1IwQN/s1600/tour+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikQoJBKWHR0rspeR19m6YHg1SCkS1byKlWJvpQIsTIG7rpsR1usqeyM38vjLbQ5vh30Zt1MAMIcz5vsmRpw3Swi9l93MvWgYeZTvWPY0b7YFC6bYRHdSKFGlib7DsSGcmy2gyyKG1IwQN/s1600/tour+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue
of King Carol, the first king of modern Romania: The communists melted
down the original statue but after the fall of the communist regime, the
people wanted to reinstate the statue. Born Karl Eitel Friedrich
Zephyrinus Ludwig of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
in Sigmaringen in southern Germany in 1839, Karl was an officer in the
Prussian army until being invited by the Romanian politician Ion
Bratianu in 1866 to become Romania’s king. Romania’s own royal, the
authoritarian Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, had been exiled after falling
out with the country’s politicians and most powerful families earlier in
1866. Carol reigned for 48 years until his death in 1916.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuD3jycNR4p4u-T1IHsGq7ImnBDU68saheipcRT4CIOy0qFyfozJKbiq_Xwkojvaice07BgggyquKwxezieQ1K0SnWjLWmdAfdw7iLPyOh_NNBaOQXxAMsBKpQkLREITLZoev0cQMUt_u/s1600/tour+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuD3jycNR4p4u-T1IHsGq7ImnBDU68saheipcRT4CIOy0qFyfozJKbiq_Xwkojvaice07BgggyquKwxezieQ1K0SnWjLWmdAfdw7iLPyOh_NNBaOQXxAMsBKpQkLREITLZoev0cQMUt_u/s1600/tour+19.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Romanian Athenaeum: Opened in 1888, the building serves as a concert hall.<b> </b>If
you happen to be in Bucharest during an event at the Athenaeum, it
would be worth your while to attend to see the interior. The combined
visual and musical experience may well be the highlight of your visit.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving our tour group, we rushed over to <i>La Mama</i> restaurant for a quick bite. We then had to run to the metro to get Palace of Parliament before 15:00 and our tour.<br />
<br />
Nicolae Ceausescu built the Palace of Parliament, naming it the
People's House (Casa Poporului). Ceausescu chose 28 year old, Anca
Petrescu as the chief architect and she led a team of 700 architects and
20,000 builders who worked 3 shifts, 24/7, to build it. The building
was more or less completed in 1997 but, in my opinion, there's a whole
lot of maintenance which now needs attention.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Parliament#cite_note-4"><span></span></a>
Entire neighborhoods were destroyed to make way for the building,
equating to the area the size of Venice. Among that which was lost were
churches, synagogues and valuable historic constructions. (Bucharest was
at one time referred to as "Little Paris".) 40,000 people were
displaced and forced to move to newly constructed communist blocks of
flats of a poor quality.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_vpedH_OUcxWeeX-JJ1PbLzm6AVGYcRdmXZPvEehEh6wIHW-yM2NmMVyKPjARxGS1g-CDu8ghjgkGVtm4FlHF3GLq-Y3cUbZt6WZNA23uHln2z9xBbeCqv_NR5CQaBc6jolLMinR2hLD/s1600/Parliament+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_vpedH_OUcxWeeX-JJ1PbLzm6AVGYcRdmXZPvEehEh6wIHW-yM2NmMVyKPjARxGS1g-CDu8ghjgkGVtm4FlHF3GLq-Y3cUbZt6WZNA23uHln2z9xBbeCqv_NR5CQaBc6jolLMinR2hLD/s1600/Parliament+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The Palace of the Parliament measures
270 m by 240 m, 86 m high, and 92 m under ground. It has 1,100
rooms and is 12 stories tall, with four additional underground
levels currently available and in use, with another four in
different stages of completion. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The
building has a floor area of 360,000 square meters, setting the world
record for the largest administrative building (for
civilian use*); it's the second largest, compared to the Pentagon. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The underground parking has enough space for 20,000
cars. The
Palace of Parliament is also the world's heaviest
building and was the most expensive administrative building in the world
to build, costing an </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">estimated 4 billion USD (2006).</span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tickets
for the "standard tour" were 25 lei. It cost 30 lei for the privilege
of taking photos of the interior so I passed but, in retrospective, I
wish I had. I added the link to <a href="http://blog.quintinlake.com/2011/12/12/photos-ceausescus-palace-of-the-parliament-bucharest/" target="_blank">another visitor's photos</a>
of the interior of the Palace posted on the internet to give readers a
glimpse, if interested; we only saw 4% of the building and the rooms
were absolutely
massive...and grand. It was actually pretty appalling, given the poor
standard of living most Romanians faced while so much money was spent on
what was essentially a monument to
Ceaușescu. Of course there have been many rulers who've done similar
things and changed the face of cities, rather than improving the life of
their average citizen/subject. Ceaușescu's work is only 30 years old so
the sting is still there. It's also harder to admire because the powers
that be don't seem to be able to maintain what they've now got. These
newer buildings are starting to fall a part. There's graffiti that needs
to be cleaned up. The buildings themselves need to be cleaned.
Landscaping is almost non-existent.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z-ck3EWbyEdH7Y32FSRLTbtdvMbJxEPqJi2pfTpjMu8N_Xqbm15ZHY90m8j0t0orHBWIpLPExof_aQWAWiGq_pJ-r0JWbyumoEvsjumN4wuG3cweBDVzz-NDNJw7CONSqjzqTw2gmZLs/s1600/parliament.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z-ck3EWbyEdH7Y32FSRLTbtdvMbJxEPqJi2pfTpjMu8N_Xqbm15ZHY90m8j0t0orHBWIpLPExof_aQWAWiGq_pJ-r0JWbyumoEvsjumN4wuG3cweBDVzz-NDNJw7CONSqjzqTw2gmZLs/s1600/parliament.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
view off one of the balconies at the Palace of the Parliament: Directly
ahead is Piața Constituției (Constitution Square). Beyond that one can
see Boulevard Unirii (Bucharest's version of the <span class="st">Champs-Élysées) plus the buildings that line it built under </span>Ceaușescu.
Not all of these apartment and office buildings were completed however.
In some cases, just the facades facing the Boulevard Unirii were
finished but there's nothing built behind them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr0xE2ORhD4f_b_UCvJMA5-43COK-JStCoGUPLL8ZPzZIa_9VKryRgoZS_uvPSrzVwnvOfDZ3JdJJf7axbvpgkL26_EoU10QBBWIf1SgCnXPGecQMandmL0_kB5IL79iUdrrbiuqC9x11/s1600/parliament+view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr0xE2ORhD4f_b_UCvJMA5-43COK-JStCoGUPLL8ZPzZIa_9VKryRgoZS_uvPSrzVwnvOfDZ3JdJJf7axbvpgkL26_EoU10QBBWIf1SgCnXPGecQMandmL0_kB5IL79iUdrrbiuqC9x11/s1600/parliament+view.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Boulevard Libertății (Liberty)<b>.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
we finished the tour, we spent some time at the playground at Izvor
Park. The kids had weathered 3.5 hours of walking tours and needed time
to run around.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4ERVXfW6smusf778_vJQiPTOGIjVfVHrL_794KT7UEzqy6S7l587ors__Q37wEeE47UqaMi8cXLNz1m3QZVKKkTf9HhRHu9vHaOPCuZJCfqW12dm5v02NblIbvn5qEDeBP4iV8gsQALS/s1600/playground.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4ERVXfW6smusf778_vJQiPTOGIjVfVHrL_794KT7UEzqy6S7l587ors__Q37wEeE47UqaMi8cXLNz1m3QZVKKkTf9HhRHu9vHaOPCuZJCfqW12dm5v02NblIbvn5qEDeBP4iV8gsQALS/s1600/playground.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing battles. Good times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
some time at the playground, we decided to walk to the old town for
dinner at the Hanul Hanuc restaurant. We thought it would be nice to have our
last meal at a restaurant with some historical charm.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT02mmBN85T2a13v2joFzSzdrlyIf6pXsSeLpvYXKL4MQ-EZ0hXNmisAQP4rh7aWQPqCrcVDROZbqpBefuxs-f3j3AtYePpJl_7eB20O7m6QHeSjBShMZymL_vMlS27djrobhJIc8hfCk/s1600/bucharest+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT02mmBN85T2a13v2joFzSzdrlyIf6pXsSeLpvYXKL4MQ-EZ0hXNmisAQP4rh7aWQPqCrcVDROZbqpBefuxs-f3j3AtYePpJl_7eB20O7m6QHeSjBShMZymL_vMlS27djrobhJIc8hfCk/s1600/bucharest+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look through the grime and there are some buildings with beautiful detail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZHlpylQhv71Zl3p6AVhHoFOm_vM1gyMWd1bailsrtZ2xv6CErx2GNd3cXoq4xLnHxaP_Ng3_pQYuAtXFQ_26HtZQ4pwaMs1YiLR-kfSlrMT7_0JvGETsUu1duZhEfWDGBqBz-OoOOKPx/s1600/bucharest+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZHlpylQhv71Zl3p6AVhHoFOm_vM1gyMWd1bailsrtZ2xv6CErx2GNd3cXoq4xLnHxaP_Ng3_pQYuAtXFQ_26HtZQ4pwaMs1YiLR-kfSlrMT7_0JvGETsUu1duZhEfWDGBqBz-OoOOKPx/s1600/bucharest+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the old town, there are more buildings with unique detail but which need some TLC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3ewn9mxp65fpMWW4NDopjgftEVxFP3vyA_T66QcnujTpMEu32fAzYPB5yd7mfe1LNmHOA_A0EqnzipGwShH1OV5AhUtSrcIGvkbEbdHoESJSZ1QQcttbI77qFxIwVUg2CWDtep2FlqsH/s1600/bucharest+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3ewn9mxp65fpMWW4NDopjgftEVxFP3vyA_T66QcnujTpMEu32fAzYPB5yd7mfe1LNmHOA_A0EqnzipGwShH1OV5AhUtSrcIGvkbEbdHoESJSZ1QQcttbI77qFxIwVUg2CWDtep2FlqsH/s1600/bucharest+6.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ending the Bucharest stay with some local fare: Sarmale (cabbage rolls) with polenta. Good ol' comfort food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 18th</b>, we left Bucharest and drove 191 km north to Brașov, Romania.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifDki196fIhkChvzPsl-r217npgU2i4OKNFEie6qWkMqBfr9OrmCMPx2s9YmLvL2zaaeltF4tZ-BQCiVQoD3jBZlgydJt6d20cNXiEELlYdKg2HSOkF9eLpOUT7U690HXdDbpXjcsDOKT/s1600/romania.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifDki196fIhkChvzPsl-r217npgU2i4OKNFEie6qWkMqBfr9OrmCMPx2s9YmLvL2zaaeltF4tZ-BQCiVQoD3jBZlgydJt6d20cNXiEELlYdKg2HSOkF9eLpOUT7U690HXdDbpXjcsDOKT/s1600/romania.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snap of the countryside en route to Brașov. The
Carpathian mountains can be seen in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
stopped along the way at a roadside restaurant and had traditional
Romanian/Balkan fare. Most of us had beef soup, laced with cabbage of
course. Before continuing on our drive, we had to use the facilities,
where we observed this most comprehensive set of instructions for
washing hands.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8oChSFijbSijJWgpmlKKgIRIrghpp4JYYfvbCCXc9SR3yETzGqQh52CNyJjCIzj4DKppw_ESc3o8zLfaEPPf8vg6ir6UwFbB5wXUBXZuy3N61GM2dDmxh_-FY88DBAQLlwBZ6NM2j7P8/s1600/romania+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8oChSFijbSijJWgpmlKKgIRIrghpp4JYYfvbCCXc9SR3yETzGqQh52CNyJjCIzj4DKppw_ESc3o8zLfaEPPf8vg6ir6UwFbB5wXUBXZuy3N61GM2dDmxh_-FY88DBAQLlwBZ6NM2j7P8/s1600/romania+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you've ever wondered while washing your hands if you are doing it correctly, here's the visual aid for you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
reached Brașov and our next apartment during mid-afternoon. Brașov has a
population of just over 253,000 and is Romania's 7th largest city.
Records of Brașov go back as far as 1235 AD, when it was under the name,
Corona (meaning Crown) but<b> </b>the
oldest traces of human activity and settlements in Brașov date back to
the Neolithic age (about 9500 BC). From 1950 to 1960, during part of the
Communist period, the city was called Orașul Stalin (Stalin City) after
the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. Thank goodness, the Communists didn't
get around to demolishing Brașov's old town; the details on many of the
buildings are lovely.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDoIcg-h8I36aITlcZLq9N9SFfoIGPthqnpz5HAoEjag2VpOrC2uphAxmY8tX4wPGbHaTIY4sj-WgBDmxwEjeKRk93XxZVDUAKeHDlJ9Zig9vCkGtfltWfXRlJUyjtJ8JfRKGhgiDZVMN/s1600/brasov.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDoIcg-h8I36aITlcZLq9N9SFfoIGPthqnpz5HAoEjag2VpOrC2uphAxmY8tX4wPGbHaTIY4sj-WgBDmxwEjeKRk93XxZVDUAKeHDlJ9Zig9vCkGtfltWfXRlJUyjtJ8JfRKGhgiDZVMN/s1600/brasov.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to walk through the Schei Gate: The gate seen today was built in 1827 and replaced the old Schei
Gate which was heavily damaged from fires. During the Saxon rule of the 13th to 17th century,
Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the fortress walls
and so they settled outside the walls in the neighborhood named Schei.
Romanians could only enter the town at certain times and had to pay a
toll at the gate for the privilege of selling their produce inside the citadel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLtsEwzNmWyxDwSCCMaAn4mYmb2HEOdiltxeYzgtEeHiCyQUohDBlSaXUnIJ476XKnv8lwzOxpq3b1opIUm4bZ24aUKcyC_34jSWmFD0w9ZZW61nhlqokhBoTGzRjMXVNR_Fc0O2c1hcB/s1600/brasov+2.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brasov Synagogue was built in 1901.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVWdy1LweKw-zUeXEjMXKxybFh0OkrAf4LELrAAF0EpNr0DOZHwsyqmwzQC_EUjOLazFbyIq-mp91f0Q1yp7933dzBbpgV3ezuDfClsR-S9cUy7RWIHiR9kwUlSCMLDFdUotXEq-T7i1G/s1600/brasov+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVWdy1LweKw-zUeXEjMXKxybFh0OkrAf4LELrAAF0EpNr0DOZHwsyqmwzQC_EUjOLazFbyIq-mp91f0Q1yp7933dzBbpgV3ezuDfClsR-S9cUy7RWIHiR9kwUlSCMLDFdUotXEq-T7i1G/s1600/brasov+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome
refurbished buildings surround the Council Square (Piata Sfatului)
which is the heart of the old
medieval Brașov. What a contrast to Bucharest. The imposing structure
behind the colorful buildings is The Black Church; it is Brașov's most
prominent landmark and
is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in
Romania.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotxafTO9XaYgx7j0ilSl6SOpSatcR54TuXdkQ_TZyheVPkRFjLGM9KlqdyK3c-NKtuXDm82M2ZF3IwJMklLzjZ8k4As_gw1nbOu-1WNOwrkIdWdSTJ_XT31MfUw76Cqx7g3dZvda9VYRI/s1600/brasov+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotxafTO9XaYgx7j0ilSl6SOpSatcR54TuXdkQ_TZyheVPkRFjLGM9KlqdyK3c-NKtuXDm82M2ZF3IwJMklLzjZ8k4As_gw1nbOu-1WNOwrkIdWdSTJ_XT31MfUw76Cqx7g3dZvda9VYRI/s1600/brasov+1.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the center of the Council Square lies the Council
House, built in 1420. The building used to serve as Brașov's city hall; today it
houses Brașov's Historical Museum. The exhibits tell the history of the Saxon guilds,
who dominated Brașov during medieval times. On top of the building sits the
Trumpeter's Tower which was once a watchtower for approaching barbarians. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhFyDCxYMSFX31jDk68xVcMxBuNUKG-qknVcVZ2oeLvTwNe-lLn0_fFvw6JcudUcOZsJxxL4M78qlakJgi-CqNjVRwu2-TB8ObQ7-ymIKGfARjZoshhh8zwd5iya-Z1KtWf-RLdYlxbOd/s1600/brasov+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhFyDCxYMSFX31jDk68xVcMxBuNUKG-qknVcVZ2oeLvTwNe-lLn0_fFvw6JcudUcOZsJxxL4M78qlakJgi-CqNjVRwu2-TB8ObQ7-ymIKGfARjZoshhh8zwd5iya-Z1KtWf-RLdYlxbOd/s1600/brasov+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautifully detailed shops sit along Strada Republicii which is Brașov's main pedestrian thoroughfare, leading
away from the Council Square towards Bulevardul Eroilor. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GPy7zsH0yAm4dUTL4J2nWH5BFbywVQKragQuiCiXTEGB72nOiz02sQj6YY0mkv_IclEwYcfsUAITlzn4qskKfSqXKPh0_HNu6-eqOg1nyRuhDwTFhyphenhyphenwT37IDJ_ClLgcEsSA2q8B2yK6w/s1600/brasov+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GPy7zsH0yAm4dUTL4J2nWH5BFbywVQKragQuiCiXTEGB72nOiz02sQj6YY0mkv_IclEwYcfsUAITlzn4qskKfSqXKPh0_HNu6-eqOg1nyRuhDwTFhyphenhyphenwT37IDJ_ClLgcEsSA2q8B2yK6w/s1600/brasov+6.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of Strada Republicii. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 19th</b>,
we had a lot of ground to cover as we were only staying one full day in
the area. We decided to take a quick look at the Black Church, which
was closed when we went by the previous evening. We then wanted to drive
to see Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, the Sinaia Monastery and, if we
had time, drive to Bran Castle.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_QYM2gnZVy47buYk3lS9fCVr3xdiSs3LyWQtaLiZkbhdnXCo_oCWMLck1JU6w-UpBVSH6Z2okv4Jame59icNW18k5gN3xVnYV6lDzuyao6QYtROEgdPrY_fXgk325yplHVEC3Ur6UYH3/s1600/black+church.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_QYM2gnZVy47buYk3lS9fCVr3xdiSs3LyWQtaLiZkbhdnXCo_oCWMLck1JU6w-UpBVSH6Z2okv4Jame59icNW18k5gN3xVnYV6lDzuyao6QYtROEgdPrY_fXgk325yplHVEC3Ur6UYH3/s1600/black+church.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true center of
Transylvanian Protestantism, the Black Church was built between 1383 and 1477.
In
1689 the church was nearly destroyed by a great fire caused by the
Austrian army
that occupied Brașov. It was then that the church was named the Black
Church
from its blackened walls. The church has a beautiful collection of
Turkish
rugs from the 17th and 18th centuries. They were received as gifts from local merchants who returned
from trips to the Ottoman lands. Another impressive feature is the
church's
organ, built by Buchholz of Berlin in 1839. If we were here during the
summer, we could have attended one of the many organ concerts held here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0chd4tUoLXzTjrhPdYlONGC9Cc0mqVEvGRbRR0fD1DGVl6p6ULVuAKdM6G97aSJCtHfa00CY_d-wW7ADI4WnzPl7cqL0fs7VWEaIshyphenhyphenZEU87vETeZiQe466ChMux-gsFobZzmJD1jfW6A/s1600/rose+street.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0chd4tUoLXzTjrhPdYlONGC9Cc0mqVEvGRbRR0fD1DGVl6p6ULVuAKdM6G97aSJCtHfa00CY_d-wW7ADI4WnzPl7cqL0fs7VWEaIshyphenhyphenZEU87vETeZiQe466ChMux-gsFobZzmJD1jfW6A/s1600/rose+street.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys hanging out in Strada Sforii<b> (</b>Rope
Street) which claims to be "one of the narrowest" streets in Europe.
Having traveled extensively, we know it's not the narrowest as it can't
beat Pusti Me Da Prodjem (Let Me Pass
street) in Split, Croatia which we knew first hand was narrower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then got in the Prius and started the drive to Peleș Castle in Sinaia.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PDBGzis7vtHi2KJUOLx3IEzsHB2rOPfUYB3qwk9nl_CpYjEA4bTmOuIhYKQYi64JnBMc2__loASTOM_vc1k7s2ZaE37Oi_0AFQgtb9TlMPR7P8PmN98GByLwa3Uc_YHSLMXLaAkSt8Z1/s1600/mountains.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PDBGzis7vtHi2KJUOLx3IEzsHB2rOPfUYB3qwk9nl_CpYjEA4bTmOuIhYKQYi64JnBMc2__loASTOM_vc1k7s2ZaE37Oi_0AFQgtb9TlMPR7P8PmN98GByLwa3Uc_YHSLMXLaAkSt8Z1/s1600/mountains.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving south to Sinaia with the Bucegi Mountains in the distance.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Peleș
Castle was built by King Carol I who, we learned back in Bucharest, was
invited in 1866 to become Romania’s king after Prince Alexandru Ioan
Cuza had been exiled. As a quick history lesson, King Carol and his
wife, Queen Elizabeth, had only one child who died at age 4. So in 1889,
King Carol's nephew, Ferdinand Viktor Albert Meinrad of<b> </b>Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
(later shortened simply to Hohenzollern) became the heir-presumptive to
the throne. Ferdinand married Princess Marie of Edinburgh and they had 6
children. Ferdinand succeeded Carol I, when he died in 1914, and was
King until his own death in 1927. Ferdinand was succeeded by his
grandson, Michael I. In 1944, Michael initiated a coup d'etat against
Ion Antonescu (Romanian Prime Minister/dictator) which resulted in
quickly switching alliances with Germany to aligning with the Allies.
Some historians believe this helped shorted WWII by 6 months, saving
hundreds of thousands of lives. In December 1947, the Communists forced
Michael to abdicate and they announced permanent abolition of the
monarchy. The Communists later stripped Michael of his Romanian
citizenship. It wasn't until 1997, after Iliescu's defeat by Emil
Constantinescu, that the Romanian government restored Michael's citizenship and again allowed him to visit the country.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoZxfXQ5uxmUXTQQPXFF1_iX_fPPvHAnpL0RZrU8515aSH7t1VT3mSXwdTNGRmlwTGhJk6oZU3UFW8IXtk2OYrSws4sXf-dUW-j2PE70fzdAypIPAngNXDVnUXTCpHYOtV9iTdAjObmed/s1600/peles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoZxfXQ5uxmUXTQQPXFF1_iX_fPPvHAnpL0RZrU8515aSH7t1VT3mSXwdTNGRmlwTGhJk6oZU3UFW8IXtk2OYrSws4sXf-dUW-j2PE70fzdAypIPAngNXDVnUXTCpHYOtV9iTdAjObmed/s1600/peles.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
foundation was laid for Peleș Castle on 22 August 1873 and the castle
was officially inaugurated in October 1883. Several
auxiliary buildings were built simultaneously with the castle: The
guards' chambers, the Economat Building, the Foişor hunting lodge, the
royal stables, and a power plant. Peleș became the world's first castle
fully powered by locally produced electricity. The king wanted a grand
palatial alpine villa combining different features of classic
European styles, mostly following Italian elegance and German aesthetics
along Renaissance lines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwqkfFmdDfnYV1-bXqkRWZMqrjEW9Igj4ZYcIORil_dE64F1ubVi6_HFLjIFlppuv3epgTAdcfEAmADIcwDkOr8R1MKcibbFmKQ5-u48vqc-UPBcd2eBeEs8Zz3jtIHOcdpMhDvgrBXBW/s1600/peles+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwqkfFmdDfnYV1-bXqkRWZMqrjEW9Igj4ZYcIORil_dE64F1ubVi6_HFLjIFlppuv3epgTAdcfEAmADIcwDkOr8R1MKcibbFmKQ5-u48vqc-UPBcd2eBeEs8Zz3jtIHOcdpMhDvgrBXBW/s1600/peles+1.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After King Michael's forced abdication in 1947, the Communist regime seized all royal property, including the Peleș Estate. The castle was
opened as a tourist attraction for a short time. It also served as a
recreation and resting place for Romanian cultural personalities. The
castle was declared a museum in 1953. Nicolae Ceausescu closed the
entire estate between 1975 and 1990, during the last years
of the Communist regime. The area was declared a "State Protocol
Interest Area", and the only persons permitted on the property were
maintenance and military personnel. Ceauşescu did not like the castle
very much and rarely visited. After the December 1989 Revolution, Peleş and Pelişor Castle were re-established as heritage sites and opened to the public. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
opted not to pay for the privilege of taking photographs of the
interior (30 lei) but I would say that if you are one who wants to know
whether it's worth it, I would say it is. The interior of Peles Castle
is one of the most beautiful and intricately detailed historic buildings
I'd visited, and I've been to many a castle. To get a glimpse, check
out the virtual tour at <a href="http://visit.peles.ro/">http://visit.peles.ro/</a>.<br />
<br />
We had lunch at the charming on-site restaurant and then walked about 150 meters to the Pelisor Castle. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIjf3vpQ31Z3q-BPRwj1nne2UrF1KvVHqWCJTOgsSd-9ZhihRYkqX46GQ5rGts0XZbPX850_WFZTlRuwxTlaOtLJK36Qu14hjp1Fm_kH0QUgBpdczBaPUoY3ko6NcybTglT8RGDjlhSKr/s1600/peles+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIjf3vpQ31Z3q-BPRwj1nne2UrF1KvVHqWCJTOgsSd-9ZhihRYkqX46GQ5rGts0XZbPX850_WFZTlRuwxTlaOtLJK36Qu14hjp1Fm_kH0QUgBpdczBaPUoY3ko6NcybTglT8RGDjlhSKr/s1600/peles+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelisor
Castle was built in 1899–1902 by order of King Carol I, as the
residence for his nephew and heir, Ferdinand (son of Carol's brother
Leopold von Hohenzollern) and Ferdinand's consort Marie of Edinburgh.
While Michael I has sold the Peles Castle back to Romania, he has
decided to keep Pelisor Castle for the Royal Family; neverthesless,
Pelisor Castle is today mostly used as a museum and is open to the
public. Pelisor is interesting architecturally because it is a blend of
art nouveau with byzantine and celtic elements. Additional photos of the
castle can be found <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/adriana-victoria/pelisor-castle-romania" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To complete our agenda in Sinaia, we visited the Sinaia Monastery.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdpHb2ceKxZOwkZHZgfFmcQR9L0mOIfU2xyeBehAmd8PgkrrwQ0byKRs9Ckf1XUR8gQVmz0rLbXI6Y2iHYCfamQkx7GSlZbtVShtxISOftnagjrwJpog_NmcBMIVfX5HISkgSGZVw7OqD/s1600/sinaia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdpHb2ceKxZOwkZHZgfFmcQR9L0mOIfU2xyeBehAmd8PgkrrwQ0byKRs9Ckf1XUR8gQVmz0rLbXI6Y2iHYCfamQkx7GSlZbtVShtxISOftnagjrwJpog_NmcBMIVfX5HISkgSGZVw7OqD/s1600/sinaia.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Great Church at Sinaia Monastery: It was founded by Prince Mihail
Cantacuzino in 1695 and named after the monastery on Mount Sinai in
Egypt. It was designed to serve both as a monastery as well as a
fortified stronghold on the route from Brasnov to Bucharest. The town,
Sinaia, in which it resides, was named after the monastery. Today it is
inhabited by Christian Orthodox monks and is part of the Bucharest
archdiocese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8rfMuSCKceZ7Z91QJBnGD5CujnSpPh7qF5eV-mTFDxO6cXNAA68DtfQx37r0DtgfSAcfFbJUhZbTwrBPDic_e2oogSVdramDL7K1DQGPaT-a2jjrsg5epWLTIhNY_wuglyTP1pQS7EvT/s1600/sinai+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8rfMuSCKceZ7Z91QJBnGD5CujnSpPh7qF5eV-mTFDxO6cXNAA68DtfQx37r0DtgfSAcfFbJUhZbTwrBPDic_e2oogSVdramDL7K1DQGPaT-a2jjrsg5epWLTIhNY_wuglyTP1pQS7EvT/s1600/sinai+2.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior
of the Great Church: Construction of The Great Church began in 1842 and
was completed in 1846. The altar screen, the furniture of the nave and
the two thrones are gold plated. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S3YLo5jLszodV2j7b4QSBT5JRI-ltuu4gHdapUzfAyU19WPnMLbptKlLA5cBeCXeRzRjUXh_2_rtAeG6ij7evgd3lV4R-mrHoDLIaABxRBM5H7fm_3dBUnyfLsq37XHKJg342EIQHjmE/s1600/sinaia+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S3YLo5jLszodV2j7b4QSBT5JRI-ltuu4gHdapUzfAyU19WPnMLbptKlLA5cBeCXeRzRjUXh_2_rtAeG6ij7evgd3lV4R-mrHoDLIaABxRBM5H7fm_3dBUnyfLsq37XHKJg342EIQHjmE/s1600/sinaia+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to King Carol I this was the first church in Romania to be lit by electricity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once
we left the Sinaia Monastery, it was close to 16:00 and we knew we
wouldn't have time to get to Bran Castle, about 45 minutes away. This
just meant that we'd have to come back one day. Another thing we didn't
cover, which I really wanted to do, was to drive along the
Transfăgărășan highway, also sometimes referred to as "Ceausescu's
Folly"; it's 90 km of twists and turns and runs
north to south across the tallest sections of the southern Carpathians,
between the highest peak in the country, Moldoveanu, and the second
highest, Negoiu. Ceausescu built it as a strategic military route in
response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union.
Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access
across the mountains in the event the Soviets attempted a similar move
into Romania.<b> </b>We were in Romania at the wrong time of the year
however to drive the length of the highway. Because of snow, one can
only count on it being open June through September. Perhaps we'll do a
combined Hungary-Romania trip one day since it would be unlikely that
we'd see anything of Hungary, including Budapest, this trip either.<br />
<br />
On <b>March 20th</b>,
we left Brasov and drove to Timișoara, Romania. We chose Timișoara as a
stop-over because our next focus destination was Belgrade, Serbia and
the drive between Brasnov and Belgrade was too far to complete in a
single day. Even with the break, it was a long drive and we were pulled
over once by traffic police who caught us speeding in a 50 km zone; it
was a 100 km highway with a 300 meter drop to 50 km passing an
intersection. A lucrative speed trap. Fortunately, Vincent got off with a
warning. But the woman officer said, "If I ever pull you over again,
you'll have to tell me that Sibiu is the best place in Romania." (And
theoretically, she'll let him off again???)<br />
<br />
We found our
hotel without much trouble, unloaded the car and then went into the city
for dinner. We didn't know much about Timisoara before we arrived
other than it is where the 1989 Romanian Revolution began. It is now a
city of about 320,000 people. Records of first settlements go back to
the 13th century. The area was ruled by Ottomans from the mid-16th
century through the early 18th century and Timisoara was the first
mainland European city to be lit by electric street lamps, in 1884.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn_7ggkRKxl1yikYGZ2wnpM3f7REO1an82oV2MPoZ2z1D9eemiqg4sUTfsMCUQvIcb-NftiHHTV1oDRM1Q2oIhbbcwngXryI2Bf2SmIJuF8tF5ccRulvzmaia9ZzfOlyrurgZJkT-OGY4/s1600/timi+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn_7ggkRKxl1yikYGZ2wnpM3f7REO1an82oV2MPoZ2z1D9eemiqg4sUTfsMCUQvIcb-NftiHHTV1oDRM1Q2oIhbbcwngXryI2Bf2SmIJuF8tF5ccRulvzmaia9ZzfOlyrurgZJkT-OGY4/s1600/timi+14.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piata
Unirii (Union Square) and the surrounding streets were completely torn
up. (The town doesn't seem to believe in doing things in stages.) When
complete, it likely will be fabulous. The buildings around the square
are architectural gems; they largely date from the Austrian Empire
(1804-67) era.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 21st</b> we woke
to a most perfect spring day. There wasn't really a great deal to do in
Timișoara museum-wise; the Banat Museum was closed for renovations and
the Art Museum would be a non-starter for the kids. When I saw that
Timișoara had a children's park (Parcul Copiilor Ion Creanga), I decided
we'd make this a kids day and spend it at the park. Paul decided it
would also be a Molly day and she'd come to the park too.<br />
<br />
While
I may have made a number of criticisms about certain things in Romania,
I must give the country full marks for the playgrounds we'd seen. Both
in Bucharest and in Timișoara, we encountered a number of parks that had
multiple play areas. The Parcul Copiilor was exceptional and was one of
the best children's parks we had ever visited in any country.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TEbwhiwTeCqkXqOokWL54T3Z_8L7bB3oWa0suWa8kp8zXU08q9GGMzPaMcjSgn-Ld-uer41MYnPoHxK_J1iMHN9iqn-KJ8stMm4tPKQvMtf2edMbQEh5nHijg4bou-lVN5aIAAWGdjNu/s1600/timi+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TEbwhiwTeCqkXqOokWL54T3Z_8L7bB3oWa0suWa8kp8zXU08q9GGMzPaMcjSgn-Ld-uer41MYnPoHxK_J1iMHN9iqn-KJ8stMm4tPKQvMtf2edMbQEh5nHijg4bou-lVN5aIAAWGdjNu/s1600/timi+1.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Bega River to the Parcul Copiilor. The Decebal Bridge can be seen in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc-0dQVsJnMv1w2reKQpeiD_aHM68S8NYSOnU7SHx5lsPBWjOM1lUKkoJVf3MxCe8LAAwCFWT7LyNJoVMQVy-OPPD0DDz1MXI2KmfgaVf2TeRTKuRbx7P2NyMP3wgQqYyebLRJLhYPhAn/s1600/timi+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc-0dQVsJnMv1w2reKQpeiD_aHM68S8NYSOnU7SHx5lsPBWjOM1lUKkoJVf3MxCe8LAAwCFWT7LyNJoVMQVy-OPPD0DDz1MXI2KmfgaVf2TeRTKuRbx7P2NyMP3wgQqYyebLRJLhYPhAn/s1600/timi+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">None of us had ever seen a rope swing like this before. It was a blast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHIonXJq4lqY_RWf-eY7PZ7ur-0YRivgf4QtUG7uCJpEdAVi9D4LY5b4qxVdQONCGbwgELNNJbnDJRKNjizuhKdPDY2JpDlIacP4OYLIfIrBaOkl4dkNfOIzBJGIVli9Yo8VgA6j8Lsdr/s1600/timi+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHIonXJq4lqY_RWf-eY7PZ7ur-0YRivgf4QtUG7uCJpEdAVi9D4LY5b4qxVdQONCGbwgELNNJbnDJRKNjizuhKdPDY2JpDlIacP4OYLIfIrBaOkl4dkNfOIzBJGIVli9Yo8VgA6j8Lsdr/s1600/timi+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our three buccanneers took over the pirate ship.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn1GeGRX10JsMIpKgE3CvQ_9D9RjiZhBhLoRyf8dfXPgcK1UV0Vt8aDv1XrCqkjf1Yq4aguW3sXTEo_atml8tOk0yfAtNAY4MGb5_LMqFufBBmrCrvF3dymymCEUqfBX87dhnOf8_r1YF/s1600/timi+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn1GeGRX10JsMIpKgE3CvQ_9D9RjiZhBhLoRyf8dfXPgcK1UV0Vt8aDv1XrCqkjf1Yq4aguW3sXTEo_atml8tOk0yfAtNAY4MGb5_LMqFufBBmrCrvF3dymymCEUqfBX87dhnOf8_r1YF/s1600/timi+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rented peddle-carts for the kids and they loved those.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEX00FAZQWGTql8BYwnX7wDvD38kftLxPT5k-N3TCWi4donF1TE6p1Zv5XH9lEZWYudX4f5Gf6Y0ke9rWIT8t_hUuGSH8wLc-Ve0QeV0Q0fo-ynuVJ3GuFIRYHc6G-5Oc35dS5AOyYaxs/s1600/timi+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEX00FAZQWGTql8BYwnX7wDvD38kftLxPT5k-N3TCWi4donF1TE6p1Zv5XH9lEZWYudX4f5Gf6Y0ke9rWIT8t_hUuGSH8wLc-Ve0QeV0Q0fo-ynuVJ3GuFIRYHc6G-5Oc35dS5AOyYaxs/s1600/timi+6.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were off for an hour or so while Vince, Molly and I relaxed on a park bench.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtJQbiDCkMoiO8ttafx7g__uJoNRdPDtyPUC38lwCe4M7tIDVTJZWkJSu2BNdfb5_W09ppaPm5Et0PYYQn00G7pPV1FwygMLZMfzWvm7PuoKToW59Yty27chRmq-W-VGhHOJgjzGFJRYK/s1600/timi+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtJQbiDCkMoiO8ttafx7g__uJoNRdPDtyPUC38lwCe4M7tIDVTJZWkJSu2BNdfb5_W09ppaPm5Et0PYYQn00G7pPV1FwygMLZMfzWvm7PuoKToW59Yty27chRmq-W-VGhHOJgjzGFJRYK/s1600/timi+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In
the summer, this green canal is filled with water and the park has
canoes going around that children aged 1-7 can ride. Meanwhile kids can
play on the island in the wigwams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IBVMOyNf8YKZ_VrcByjHfnR_1Dd6nW0Sjkr0Jr6MMvJ45YekdrYFEjSxTJlW05HLMqI-TLSc54W-iebMhY9zv5-qFsh49qt_0F3vdbItxbRaBAk4_t7fUthL7c69cUcMN8VvMKVAeN6I/s1600/timi+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IBVMOyNf8YKZ_VrcByjHfnR_1Dd6nW0Sjkr0Jr6MMvJ45YekdrYFEjSxTJlW05HLMqI-TLSc54W-iebMhY9zv5-qFsh49qt_0F3vdbItxbRaBAk4_t7fUthL7c69cUcMN8VvMKVAeN6I/s1600/timi+9.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The in-ground tramplines were a big hit too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fjPRF7j_5G6k11kUI5TPQ947ai-lcXdzjqOojvSAbgSB7beAhB3iqgVn4XHX0KdNRlGoFIVopSdVhdhdLCsjSsGIO_l4hxOQA7tTe4bFe4IZlsdzmoC-JpffmOu1f8UDv6HmKBg_S2ET/s1600/timi+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fjPRF7j_5G6k11kUI5TPQ947ai-lcXdzjqOojvSAbgSB7beAhB3iqgVn4XHX0KdNRlGoFIVopSdVhdhdLCsjSsGIO_l4hxOQA7tTe4bFe4IZlsdzmoC-JpffmOu1f8UDv6HmKBg_S2ET/s1600/timi+10.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse slide was another great find as we were about to exit Copiilor Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leaving the Copiilor Park, we next walked through the Parcul Rozelor (Park of Roses).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip01eY4M4qrEq3ZKZ5ns9zh5ovCrZxPVWSTrbI7Q89rODFqzQnwFJycpVlVKfMVJ_dpUWLZHKDhZnVfLxGqTWTfHH8STtu3SxdFI_-kjLy0cLVWWfoh4xRqtpNZuEKHHoByXLMrE9Co6z/s1600/timi+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip01eY4M4qrEq3ZKZ5ns9zh5ovCrZxPVWSTrbI7Q89rODFqzQnwFJycpVlVKfMVJ_dpUWLZHKDhZnVfLxGqTWTfHH8STtu3SxdFI_-kjLy0cLVWWfoh4xRqtpNZuEKHHoByXLMrE9Co6z/s1600/timi+12.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's
the wrong time of year to see the Parcul Rozelor at it's best.
Apparently June and August are prime blooming months. Nevertheless, it
was clear this is a beautiful and well-manicured garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
then walked through the Parcul Justitiei (Justice Park), passed by the
Banatul State Philharmonic Orchestra concert building and ultimately
reached the<b> </b>Timișoara Orthodox Cathedral.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWPCcvPWjzn9-Uno8kRtfrXdjaxFIfIKu3Y6grZYIWlBmkdpFeeFf4u8Cpe5nu2JOQ0BqELO-lpQbZb6CZe2c4OjiqwS91CQUGtp2QTrqjNA6INUKkTbXfEhXpc2c6-Q_NkBK_GK24C-u/s1600/timi+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWPCcvPWjzn9-Uno8kRtfrXdjaxFIfIKu3Y6grZYIWlBmkdpFeeFf4u8Cpe5nu2JOQ0BqELO-lpQbZb6CZe2c4OjiqwS91CQUGtp2QTrqjNA6INUKkTbXfEhXpc2c6-Q_NkBK_GK24C-u/s1600/timi+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In
front of the Philharmonic Orchestra concert building was this star for
George Enescu. George Enescu's name was used on a number of streets and
landmarks we'd seen in Romania. He was a Romanian composer, violinist,
pianist, conductor and teacher.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F4xQFRRJqEsXe5FATIrMQbOcaDyPUsAe5JGH_Kjff3d4V_6CSCpPdTY02PmfT8MtHD2xzCiTOkxSBRa3jUMz3uY0e1CfYnkaWsQCAcp3dxJ5YIx41BPBIdDQzt2oobjqwpIXu9V8bkdr/s1600/mitro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F4xQFRRJqEsXe5FATIrMQbOcaDyPUsAe5JGH_Kjff3d4V_6CSCpPdTY02PmfT8MtHD2xzCiTOkxSBRa3jUMz3uY0e1CfYnkaWsQCAcp3dxJ5YIx41BPBIdDQzt2oobjqwpIXu9V8bkdr/s1600/mitro.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ro">Catedrala Mitropolitană din Timișoara</span>
(Timișoara Orthodox Cathedral): The cathedral was built between 1936
and 1941. It's ranked as one of the top sights to see in Timisoara.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo3leN7n9ZWGYRB4E3EQB8OWRq3XyvRRn7CuvEO82uniSgWCKmU68Yz_gXW9ilmMApqyQ03giYFSFp9eDVSHWOfx5d3Nx5rzXMKR3ndgQ3YGdFiTHw3bbwG4rVkUf_gHvRRnq__H6YcP7/s1600/mitro+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo3leN7n9ZWGYRB4E3EQB8OWRq3XyvRRn7CuvEO82uniSgWCKmU68Yz_gXW9ilmMApqyQ03giYFSFp9eDVSHWOfx5d3Nx5rzXMKR3ndgQ3YGdFiTHw3bbwG4rVkUf_gHvRRnq__H6YcP7/s1600/mitro+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
building's architecture style is a mix of Neo-Moldavian, late
Renaissance, Ottoman and Byzantine elements. Buildings of a
Neo-Moldavian style tend to have an elongated figure as seen in the
previous photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After visiting the Cathedral, everyone was rather parched and so we stopped for refreshments on Piata Victoriei.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uxPWnsK6Gf0GfvTmZtInoK6rFwrcO79GR3BhmRf4xrvM_hD8bhLgZc4D_lRp17uQhlsqb40k19CbTr-dv251cb7WjgEy7AfxmSK7GZiEN-lJDt9rNukhsq_WDVaR2c_h1btWIjP9CFA8/s1600/timi+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uxPWnsK6Gf0GfvTmZtInoK6rFwrcO79GR3BhmRf4xrvM_hD8bhLgZc4D_lRp17uQhlsqb40k19CbTr-dv251cb7WjgEy7AfxmSK7GZiEN-lJDt9rNukhsq_WDVaR2c_h1btWIjP9CFA8/s1600/timi+11.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Vincent and I finished our drinks, the kids, and especially Molly, had a grand time chasing pigeons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
then walked further down Piata Victoriei and had dinner. There was a
lot more chasing of pigeons that evening. It was a good day and probably
one that the kids and Molly enjoyed the most in a long time. <br />
<br />
While Bucharest had its shortcomings, we really enjoyed Brasov and Timisoara. We had identified other places we'd like to visit, such as Bran Castle and the Transfăgărășan highway. Clearly Romania has its prized locations and we only scratched the surface. Maybe one day we'll be lucky enough to pick up again where we left off.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-85904328979763620602014-03-17T01:03:00.000-07:002016-01-23T10:34:43.620-08:00Turkey and a Return to Bulgaria, along the Black SeaOn <b>March 5th</b>, we packed up the Prius once again for our trip
to Istanbul. We should have left by 9:00am because it was a 465 km drive
that would take at least 6 hours. Crossing the Bulgaria-Turkey border
took much longer than any of the other border crossings thus far; it
took about 45 minutes and we only had 3 cars ahead of us. There were
about 50+ transport trucks lined up and fortunately we quickly realized
we didn't have to sit in the same queue as the trucks; otherwise I'd
guess we'd still be waiting 3 days later.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXlGfipweabVNqJiWTwvepVD5yXtnwlSCoPAJdDITNABAQTYYsF9Ameuf7X3CZ2GoSszfVczIo_IZ9NzBRd_BmzlU44w1EubeHfNDv-jo0gJAkdaBMDEIdCtcVUoIu2fwc4S2qwG1HdET/s1600/turkey+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXlGfipweabVNqJiWTwvepVD5yXtnwlSCoPAJdDITNABAQTYYsF9Ameuf7X3CZ2GoSszfVczIo_IZ9NzBRd_BmzlU44w1EubeHfNDv-jo0gJAkdaBMDEIdCtcVUoIu2fwc4S2qwG1HdET/s1600/turkey+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor kids were
packed in the back seat like sardines during these road trips. I tried
keeping Molly on the floor of the front passenger seat with me, but she
was much happier in the back with the kids. Can't beat the love sitting
on Paul's lap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we left the Bulgarian check point, the Turkish
control points seemed to be much grander than any others we'd
encountered in the Balkans. There was also a large modern building
selling duty-free and housing ATMs (which in hindsight we should have
used) between the checkpoints.<br />
<br />
Vincent and the kids
needed visas going into Turkey, but fortunately Vincent was able to sort
those out back in Sofia at a cost of €10 per visa instead of paying
more at the border (which as of April 10, 2014 will no longer be
possible).<br />
<br />
Once we entered Turkey, the first city we
came to was Edirne and Vincent made a detour to find a bank. Edirne was
fairly big and contemporary with a number of mosques scattered
throughout the city. After trying 4 ATMs, Vince got lucky with the 5th
and we had Turkish lira in hand. It was a good thing because a few
kilometers down the road, we came across the Turkish toll system which
doesn't involve paying cash or buying a vignette; it requires buying a
radio-frequency, readable, pre-paid HGS sticker that is placed on the
back of the rear view mirror where each time one drives through a
highway toll point, money is deducted off the pre-paid value of the HGS
sticker. It's a slick system and Turkey almost gets full marks for it,
except for the fact that the office to buy the sticker is situated on
the side of the highway where cars <i>leave</i> Turkey, as opposed to logically placing it on the side of the road where cars are entering Turkey.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRyRAyhOJBWxNjuvC_hrYtOk6EJlbibrfsZvl_I9hUYEgC3E5kLau3nl25Uz5IcflP8fS7jdyCuP-Bs8Xx-oTpBkDc-_JhaNR6QR-kRKetjCj9ZY131VocRbnzQdnGaOVYqSL_EG6n_yw/s1600/turkey+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRyRAyhOJBWxNjuvC_hrYtOk6EJlbibrfsZvl_I9hUYEgC3E5kLau3nl25Uz5IcflP8fS7jdyCuP-Bs8Xx-oTpBkDc-_JhaNR6QR-kRKetjCj9ZY131VocRbnzQdnGaOVYqSL_EG6n_yw/s1600/turkey+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent crossing the highway after successfully securing an HGS toll card.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting all set with the HGS sticker, we
continued on with our drive along the E80. The roads, by the way, were
great. However along the way, we detected the Prius sunroof was making
more noise than it normally does and it wasn't closing fully. We noticed
rain beginning to fall so Vincent pulled over under an underpass to
take a look. It turned out the glass of the sunroof was beginning to
separate from the rubber seal. So "Vincent the engineer" pulled out the
first aid kit from the trunk and proceeded to place half the bandaids
around the sunroof for a quick fix.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlOeNXH9vgSVHmDx1eIVn_spxKfUSjl0R5cdqpJWcVpyU6XgujGr5Q78_bG72niQmMQrL8uDC9k6-rG78NboyTX96ZWjBzTui5bJnD-VGTskP9qntJGXDvpu5AxwKTpaWTXGfd7hIrXBd/s1600/turkey+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlOeNXH9vgSVHmDx1eIVn_spxKfUSjl0R5cdqpJWcVpyU6XgujGr5Q78_bG72niQmMQrL8uDC9k6-rG78NboyTX96ZWjBzTui5bJnD-VGTskP9qntJGXDvpu5AxwKTpaWTXGfd7hIrXBd/s1600/turkey+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looked
ridiculous but it kind of worked. What we needed however were sports
bandages that could handle the rain. By the time we stopped for the
night, we'd lost half our impromptu seal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 16:00, Vincent was getting tired and,
eventhough I was willing to take over the driving, Vincent absolutely
did not want to enter Istanbul after sunset. So as we approached
Luleburgaz, he started looking up hotels on the GPS. Vincent turned off
at Luleburgaz and headed towards what we hoped would be a hotel. The
neighborhoods as we approached the city looked pretty sketchy and the
roads were narrow, windy and congested. I really had a bad feeling about
this decision but not being clairvoyant I couldn't claim continuing on
the highway would be a better alternative. We had no luck finding the
couple hotels Vincent had identified via the GPS and were just starting
to crawl out of the city in bumper to bumper traffic when I spotted a
"hotel" sign a block ahead. We made our way there and miraculously found
a place to park in a place where there were probably twice as many cars
as the city could handle. Vince went into the <i>Mavi Hotel</i> and
emerged triumphant having booked 3 rooms at €100 total. The manager at
the front desk couldn't speak English well but an Italian guest, who'd
been staying at the hotel a month, helped to translate. The hotel
allowed us to park right at the front door, which was great.<br />
<br />
After
loading the necessities out of the trunk for our one night, we set out
to find something to eat. We ended up eating in a trendy cafe/restaurant
and noticed we were getting a lot of attention. There were about 4
servers tending us over the course of the meal. The tip off that we were
"special" customers occurred when we ordered our second round of
sparkling water; the servers wanted to clear our first round glasses and
give us clean glasses for the second round. I had never had that happen
before. At the end of the meal, the manager shook Vincent's hand as we
left the restaurant; seems we were their first customers from
California.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B1ispTIDLwbt2u79Q4Ra-BwX2hHdjGE9sk7yRem2qCXKKt7f13HshiRrsIC8eGr-jlP1RrCgtLxDGa2vYQk71hgxJj9Bgh_G9TiwFKJ-nh2XzLKiwLarblZcP2Uci8r2PlPnx0vzZW9j/s1600/turkey+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B1ispTIDLwbt2u79Q4Ra-BwX2hHdjGE9sk7yRem2qCXKKt7f13HshiRrsIC8eGr-jlP1RrCgtLxDGa2vYQk71hgxJj9Bgh_G9TiwFKJ-nh2XzLKiwLarblZcP2Uci8r2PlPnx0vzZW9j/s1600/turkey+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the
smallest individual bottle of sparkling water we'd ever seen: 200 ml!
Which made getting new glasses for a second bottle seem that much more
over the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 6th</b>, we started our day with
continental breakfast down in the hotel lobby. It's always interesting
to see what's on the menu in a different country. Here, we had 2 types
of olives, yellow cheese, a bright red sausage style meat that was
sliced, cucumbers, tomatoes, boiled eggs and bread with butter, cherry
jam, chocolate spread and honey. The only drinks were tea, hot water and
Nescafe.<br />
<br />
After breakfast we loaded up the car and then
I went out to see if I could find some stronger tape to help protect
the sunroof seal or, at a minimum, some more band-aides.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8TQCM-Vt1Hyss8RGq5Gyyd00OBe5xJuaI8BIj-iERAgIJ8Zl3e3Ppec21Y1ubwPMoB6zDtJFDpIL54e69RwEom8NxUOvwfpzlegH034Iz_bxQ54sWyHLt-GPq0Kvz-xmnBUEZmedDhKs/s1600/turkey+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8TQCM-Vt1Hyss8RGq5Gyyd00OBe5xJuaI8BIj-iERAgIJ8Zl3e3Ppec21Y1ubwPMoB6zDtJFDpIL54e69RwEom8NxUOvwfpzlegH034Iz_bxQ54sWyHLt-GPq0Kvz-xmnBUEZmedDhKs/s1600/turkey+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing the Prius may look a bit random but everything had it's place in order to close the trunk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went in several shops and no one spoke a word of
English; I wasn't prepared enough to be armed with a phrase book or at
least a band-aide to point to what I was looking for. After 15 minutes
or so, I returned back to the car to meet Vince who had his own story to
tell. Apparently when he handed his credit card to the hotel manager,
the manager refused to accept payment and communicated in broken English
that we were his first customers from California and the first to
actually drive in their car from California and it was an honor for him
to host us. Vincent didn't quite comprehend what the manager was saying.
When does a hotel ever refuse payment? So Vincent handed him another
card, which the manager refused. Then the manager hugged Vincent and
gave him a kiss on both cheeks, gave Vincent a gift of a very nice key
chain and thanked him again for staying at the hotel. Wow, what a
generous gesture!<br />
<br />
After another 2 hour drive, we entered Istanbul which seemed surprisingly modern on the outer edges.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9a7ilKldDGRxibdkMjbsMkoOkJ0CNNvxzt7hsIM1jCSRHbNuxoLwPwY6Losj-T3NBN2SRGWp0DWTA3cCrTr9VYAcy7bnShLxN-cAiHhBNrwpM9-nhUCFTksAPawtkE4GA61bF8e8iTsd/s1600/turkey+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9a7ilKldDGRxibdkMjbsMkoOkJ0CNNvxzt7hsIM1jCSRHbNuxoLwPwY6Losj-T3NBN2SRGWp0DWTA3cCrTr9VYAcy7bnShLxN-cAiHhBNrwpM9-nhUCFTksAPawtkE4GA61bF8e8iTsd/s1600/turkey+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were lots of well-kept apartment complexes like these on the outskirts of Istanbul.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaivTpMy0ijl4MMs6NcCn2QU0ebrwH4_1XEaCe-vqI3kzE5XkPHsuCHWf8zLCmuSA2Gjj93snhpyJV5YEIlvdFkBpQh5wDUPPuow_1BXPkfkqhPWa0yyGnhLb8tCo4aVeDvVxj9zl-YvS/s1600/turkey+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaivTpMy0ijl4MMs6NcCn2QU0ebrwH4_1XEaCe-vqI3kzE5XkPHsuCHWf8zLCmuSA2Gjj93snhpyJV5YEIlvdFkBpQh5wDUPPuow_1BXPkfkqhPWa0yyGnhLb8tCo4aVeDvVxj9zl-YvS/s1600/turkey+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to
Istanbul: That's the Sea of Marmara on the southern side of the highway.
The Black Sea is about 25 km to the north of the highway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhDYNI5_8qYgtonQDtg2LJmtvzvy42-pDozyz7oZTxfQ53WwbJnkaAftiD4HbHYa8eihnkfRKTJnlXbmvpn0IwSrma-SUWpUsX-oITz7a2Y9jLlZJ_1IH6mTRIB9dJo_FoGGpUkISAoVF/s1600/turkey+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhDYNI5_8qYgtonQDtg2LJmtvzvy42-pDozyz7oZTxfQ53WwbJnkaAftiD4HbHYa8eihnkfRKTJnlXbmvpn0IwSrma-SUWpUsX-oITz7a2Y9jLlZJ_1IH6mTRIB9dJo_FoGGpUkISAoVF/s1600/turkey+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was struck by how pretty the flower beds were on the boulevards while entering the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vincent and I were very glad that we didn't try
getting to our apartment the previous evening because the streets
reaching our accommodations were so narrow, it was next to impossible
for Vincent to manoeuver in the streets, turn around and park long
enough to check in. I wasn't even driving and I was so stressed out; I
could hardly watch what was happening. Eventually, some onlookers took
interest in our plight (and probably noticed our foreign license plates)
and a man offered to help park. So Vincent got out of the car and the
man sat in the driver's seat; he'd never seen the inside of a Prius
before so I had to change gears for him but he did manage it and parked
our car in a very tight space. All the while, Molly was going nuts with a
stranger in the front seat; the kids had to do all they could to
restrain her. Vincent then ran off and met our apartment host, who
directed us to longer term parking and got us settled into our
apartment.<br />
<br />
The apartment was extremely well situated such that we could walk to most of the major sights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL4N8wWzHud3rISt9RvheMU7ESX8MY9yiBcvhj4-npbmsQxnTmX6BgT3ECCOHABVHmpoaQd9NvQw9bdk32FjfqPCy_LI02GLJvAd-7NIvSQHm1JMsiEYi73C8PFEA0vYUZeXv1tRjpvyK/s1600/istanbul+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL4N8wWzHud3rISt9RvheMU7ESX8MY9yiBcvhj4-npbmsQxnTmX6BgT3ECCOHABVHmpoaQd9NvQw9bdk32FjfqPCy_LI02GLJvAd-7NIvSQHm1JMsiEYi73C8PFEA0vYUZeXv1tRjpvyK/s1600/istanbul+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a view of the Blue Mosque (and a whole lot of other buildings) from our apartment terrace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEneY6qvEiYrsiiuX1WacivaGU8dinw-5HVKB4IFB0CBPkqTydCLxnoiukmFvpM3K9ElN4KAtGlAatHrOoa3xfKhuxzA1HX6Aadm2XMBYgyhzN0JIX80zTaT5zpCp72SxUwaz17x05fIdM/s1600/istanbul+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEneY6qvEiYrsiiuX1WacivaGU8dinw-5HVKB4IFB0CBPkqTydCLxnoiukmFvpM3K9ElN4KAtGlAatHrOoa3xfKhuxzA1HX6Aadm2XMBYgyhzN0JIX80zTaT5zpCp72SxUwaz17x05fIdM/s1600/istanbul+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could also see the Sea of Marmara from our terrace (along with satellite dishes and laundry).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The apartment itself was located just off of Çap Ariz
Sokak which is on the southern side of Istanbul's historic peninsula,
just north of Kennedy Ave in a pedestrian district packed with
restaurants. The first thing we did was find a place to eat. We were
about 50 feet away from the entrance to our building when the aggressive
sales tactics launched as <span class="selflink">restaurateurs</span>
tried to lure us to eat at their particular restaurant. One restaurant
manager led with, "Don't break my heart; please choose my wonderful
restaurant." Another restaurant manager put his arm around Vincent and
said, "Your wife has already said she wants to eat here." These tactics
would take a while for me to get used to. We eventually chose a place
and ate a mostly seafood meal, which is the thing to order and it was
very good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcv2SDsPhnlObtN-xfwz4P_TVAs6CLOXhCwpNRUw2pXSVOWg_AWI3_XYIPJ8v41uzUZBAdWQRia-1agJ7eBZ9i7OzLfg3O75AtmXyuKQUrnFBzndCCglpwuOoFY1GHipnLTYcslM1TM_Zm/s1600/turkey+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcv2SDsPhnlObtN-xfwz4P_TVAs6CLOXhCwpNRUw2pXSVOWg_AWI3_XYIPJ8v41uzUZBAdWQRia-1agJ7eBZ9i7OzLfg3O75AtmXyuKQUrnFBzndCCglpwuOoFY1GHipnLTYcslM1TM_Zm/s1600/turkey+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snapshot of the restaurants on Çap Ariz Sokak around the corner from our apartment building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5cYONa__fVL6To6RRI1DE_W71P5ZI9_qg4ttkQKk_TFIQybKUOshnsByGqidquGc-IZ_L3sf5Y7FCM60tx8MK-8BFj49y-XgB1o6SDPCIJm_Tr0Rs0FZYUk2tFXZSmp0nw_APbN1rsL/s1600/istanbul+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5cYONa__fVL6To6RRI1DE_W71P5ZI9_qg4ttkQKk_TFIQybKUOshnsByGqidquGc-IZ_L3sf5Y7FCM60tx8MK-8BFj49y-XgB1o6SDPCIJm_Tr0Rs0FZYUk2tFXZSmp0nw_APbN1rsL/s1600/istanbul+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We chose a table nicely situated in the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mDGdlprEObMPiQxYH3agL0VyB3lUy9zLKhjtYx0g99I35SPxliI29epE74g_XJkgnE1TTwQqdZSCehzfY9oz321d-aqIVqIdW_FAXvYpW3Sc-uk1q5EILurLbeLSvaD-juVIoCjpv6Br/s1600/istanbul+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mDGdlprEObMPiQxYH3agL0VyB3lUy9zLKhjtYx0g99I35SPxliI29epE74g_XJkgnE1TTwQqdZSCehzfY9oz321d-aqIVqIdW_FAXvYpW3Sc-uk1q5EILurLbeLSvaD-juVIoCjpv6Br/s1600/istanbul+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Vincent
selected the restaurant he negotiated 5 lire off the menu prices plus
dessert, coffee and tea thrown in. Dessert consisted of sliced fresh
fruit (oranges, kiwi, apples, mandarins) and a yummy mixture of sliced
bananas with thick slices of cream and crushed almonds all dripping in
honey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we walked towards the Blue Mosque. En
route we walked through the Arasta Bazaar, which is much smaller than
the Grand Bazaar (as that name implies). I'm not much of a shopper but
the breadth and quality of products really caught my eye.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nD92U2FNf1gXndnMHewvzm9xwAAqDmOK4yykXGjyr1tfHkz4qKGjWfzxZZq9upsMnqdVYilKbO6fnVyz1xw4XzRN1sQHG8zyMvhZ-PtcLNR6FGhlK5EVvKbLXd45RGQFdS5R7n77eQuE/s1600/istanbul+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nD92U2FNf1gXndnMHewvzm9xwAAqDmOK4yykXGjyr1tfHkz4qKGjWfzxZZq9upsMnqdVYilKbO6fnVyz1xw4XzRN1sQHG8zyMvhZ-PtcLNR6FGhlK5EVvKbLXd45RGQFdS5R7n77eQuE/s1600/istanbul+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arasta
Bazaar has an amazing range of goods: Silk scarves, pashminas, exquisite
ceramics, jewelry, handbags, clothing and much more. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiLpzmZMxFB2jfl8CbomvGOjQ6NSprGqCsfPmBm0y2GDGoHkGe-r6e6upRO9o2asHXNuKsc9dG0Z_SV-oIE-f5kK1wDyGsHefCf5C4x_QXADfaF4ko9PJSMke2VJshfWbdKoNqyd1V0kX/s1600/istanbul+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiLpzmZMxFB2jfl8CbomvGOjQ6NSprGqCsfPmBm0y2GDGoHkGe-r6e6upRO9o2asHXNuKsc9dG0Z_SV-oIE-f5kK1wDyGsHefCf5C4x_QXADfaF4ko9PJSMke2VJshfWbdKoNqyd1V0kX/s1600/istanbul+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a wide
range of chess sets. Given all the history we've studied this year, it
would be hard not to walk away from one of these. Here's just a sample:
Ottomans vs Crusaders and Roosevelt vs Hitler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk4n9olMmJiQqCz87uRPCpLdtshcEX4IXpJX9kOcv4uw_AtXQQqZri5OHFv0Ws_c7LrzJAQ7emDEATx3bTxOddYjOon4Ld-ygBLK4w_WmfOVDmjupOWjcZHm__CojE6NK-6FtofgPnmSc/s1600/istanbul+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk4n9olMmJiQqCz87uRPCpLdtshcEX4IXpJX9kOcv4uw_AtXQQqZri5OHFv0Ws_c7LrzJAQ7emDEATx3bTxOddYjOon4Ld-ygBLK4w_WmfOVDmjupOWjcZHm__CojE6NK-6FtofgPnmSc/s1600/istanbul+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, spices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Blue Mosque is formerly called the Sultan Ahmed
Mosque. It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I, who
was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 until his death in 1617. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v29XNVLKuw3bG8oJS4SeapjOSTfwAtDAO0398_6gRqVldOXIdS41WYnZKMcQt4JI5xy_Wgy7gj_RZXGfrca5Aux8AsoYjUn-cqPJkbpJfBAuqAUnovGrwJpK0pTruK_ksuwmTOT8NIKt/s1600/blue+mosque+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v29XNVLKuw3bG8oJS4SeapjOSTfwAtDAO0398_6gRqVldOXIdS41WYnZKMcQt4JI5xy_Wgy7gj_RZXGfrca5Aux8AsoYjUn-cqPJkbpJfBAuqAUnovGrwJpK0pTruK_ksuwmTOT8NIKt/s1600/blue+mosque+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a
mosque set up for tourists. Plastic bags are provided in which to put
your shoes. They also offer head scarves for women who have no head
covering and larger wraps for women or men whose clothes are too
revealing. The courtyard (shown) is about as large as the mosque itself
and is surrounded by a continuous vaulted arcade<i> </i>with ablution facilities on both sides. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT9tH1wAyYw6G4h51BR13IsU5pkGRyK_U9h843AIRpq9bzIroUcTpCHfz-dIGf4t7Kd97UCVGVmqQFGzaasdaM0GdORKvPl5sMzBN35EuSpq_na9jIWJFavq4kj8abIkOPIXL9dYuA9UR/s1600/blue+mosque+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT9tH1wAyYw6G4h51BR13IsU5pkGRyK_U9h843AIRpq9bzIroUcTpCHfz-dIGf4t7Kd97UCVGVmqQFGzaasdaM0GdORKvPl5sMzBN35EuSpq_na9jIWJFavq4kj8abIkOPIXL9dYuA9UR/s1600/blue+mosque+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosque is
popularly known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles adorning
the walls of its interior. The mosque has one main dome, six minarets
and eight secondary domes. The design incorporates some Byzantine
elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic
architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the
classical period of Ottoman architecture (1437-1703). At its lower
levels, and at every pier, the interior of the mosque is
lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, made at Iznik
(historically known as Nicaea located in the province of Bursa, Turkey)
in more than fifty different tulip designs. The
tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while at gallery level
their design becomes flamboyant with representations of flowers, fruit
and cypresses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8T2uHecmY1sDkz-pro_d8eJ_Evv2DOb6RGgfSdC1AtCak5Kqe1JGImmwVvMfAL5QpoQkm28CWHWWvooEc-pYtgqJTB7ZL_AJx4aTIq04ovR5NqPoz7VXPr4_R9meAc9byjWcij9cHZAt/s1600/blue+mosque+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8T2uHecmY1sDkz-pro_d8eJ_Evv2DOb6RGgfSdC1AtCak5Kqe1JGImmwVvMfAL5QpoQkm28CWHWWvooEc-pYtgqJTB7ZL_AJx4aTIq04ovR5NqPoz7VXPr4_R9meAc9byjWcij9cHZAt/s1600/blue+mosque+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper
levels of the interior are dominated by blue paint. More than
200 stained glass windows with intricate designs admit natural light,
today assisted by chandeliers. Some sources reported that some of the
chandeliers had ostrich eggs which were placed there to help repel
spiders and therefore avoid the accumulation of cobwebs. The decorations
include verses from the Qur'an and many of them were made by Seyyid
Kasim Gubari who was considered the greatest calligrapher of his time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHpkN2UpLcKfMuidZ470AKTjWvZ_f_obB9Vcwk8l0gZDvTuAhXIg0gSyc6k0o6P84DpQZ2mxUYHxxDyyZYpdlzNABRkUkw2BZKkVTP366pj6cL9OL__nGkLGMBlfpiP3Faa0AHWX5CBw/s1600/blue+mosque+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHpkN2UpLcKfMuidZ470AKTjWvZ_f_obB9Vcwk8l0gZDvTuAhXIg0gSyc6k0o6P84DpQZ2mxUYHxxDyyZYpdlzNABRkUkw2BZKkVTP366pj6cL9OL__nGkLGMBlfpiP3Faa0AHWX5CBw/s1600/blue+mosque+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main dome has 28 windows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46jQBL4zq0CwcHZnALU3QscRZKJ3ihtgAxumyWu5ZeiUvrTeF_O4wTU_fRAe3u79n1tf7RiQNKO2GEXLBsIVO7LOohrCOtnYetBq8PB-gy7_T5flApoAGHqiVo7b1Yd16fNygJaiFl5WB/s1600/blue+mosque+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46jQBL4zq0CwcHZnALU3QscRZKJ3ihtgAxumyWu5ZeiUvrTeF_O4wTU_fRAe3u79n1tf7RiQNKO2GEXLBsIVO7LOohrCOtnYetBq8PB-gy7_T5flApoAGHqiVo7b1Yd16fNygJaiFl5WB/s1600/blue+mosque+6.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I wouldn't win any style points for our head coverings, but the Scottish woolen scarves worked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmICXojT1xfka4OItIL3QeaSWfHxfMs2AihQc2672yh25429eL_p1TUFK2PEoq99CQVkiCLErCHZ_kvpcL1Evwko3vuiMdBUp6Kjg-nYRceF-qcGhoMRFJyClafFi44MRfzs04WJRdmYa0/s1600/blue+mosque+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmICXojT1xfka4OItIL3QeaSWfHxfMs2AihQc2672yh25429eL_p1TUFK2PEoq99CQVkiCLErCHZ_kvpcL1Evwko3vuiMdBUp6Kjg-nYRceF-qcGhoMRFJyClafFi44MRfzs04WJRdmYa0/s1600/blue+mosque+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is free of charge to visit the Blue Mosque. Upon entering, one can find pamphlets explaining Islam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Blue Mosque, we then walked towards
the Hagia Sophia to see if we could take a look there, but found that
it was closed for the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbJ3YgfTyBo6L1JwAWwVIvsE0sxm2fX91KwlivJRV5n-VHUXBbk-aR3jQJ5gFFdkzWM58liVLYkpBgWpxOk4Baz77SiU8vGX6bpDbdZucssmjpl6haW9VrWLPvIGqsexB0J7tS3SCVKZe/s1600/istanbul+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbJ3YgfTyBo6L1JwAWwVIvsE0sxm2fX91KwlivJRV5n-VHUXBbk-aR3jQJ5gFFdkzWM58liVLYkpBgWpxOk4Baz77SiU8vGX6bpDbdZucssmjpl6haW9VrWLPvIGqsexB0J7tS3SCVKZe/s1600/istanbul+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking across Sultanahmet Park towards the Hagia Sophia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we started back towards our apartment, we walked
by the Basilica Cistern and found it still open so we had a look. The
Basilica Cistern was named as such because it because it lay underneath
the Stoa Basilica. It was built by<b> </b>Emperor Justinian I in 532 and
provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of
Constantinople and other nearby buildings; it continued to provide water
to the Topaki Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern
times.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyYFhsZc8IAPBl40pkZxHhH8oHJD9s-kSQ6BbbxozSBXFArrKkMeb272wNbvTN39iikRdhAje2CvEN9edBce0mKrNfomUQ4AHcOicu1FqdQTkK4dBIQg8wnuB0qAzc4nbtlBcN6WjYLMc/s1600/cistern+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyYFhsZc8IAPBl40pkZxHhH8oHJD9s-kSQ6BbbxozSBXFArrKkMeb272wNbvTN39iikRdhAje2CvEN9edBce0mKrNfomUQ4AHcOicu1FqdQTkK4dBIQg8wnuB0qAzc4nbtlBcN6WjYLMc/s1600/cistern+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
cathedral-sized cistern is about 9,800 square metres in area and is
capable of holding about 100,000 tonnes of water. The ceiling is
supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 metres high, arranged in 12 rows
of 28 columns each and spaced 4.9 metres apart. The capitals of the
columns are mainly Ionic and Corinthian styles, with the exception of a
few Doric style with no engravings. Historical texts indicate that about
7,000 slaves were used to build the cistern. The cistern is surrounded
by a firebrick
wall that is 4 metres thick and is coated with a
waterproofing mortar. The water came from the
Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center in the Belgrade Forest,
which lies 19 kilometres north of the city. The water traveled through
the 971 metres-long Valens (Bozdoğan) Aqueduct, and the
115.45 metres-long Mağlova Aqueduct, which were built by
Emperor Justinian.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptNX_Oi9Hz-bvnfNk8hPgg44JS8083t040AchMHHsABRUyLgw5A2atmQqMhD8SSvhvzx0EffnP0N40QX8krcOvJbZzYgd1Dfkh-kod3uvVYjIC9n3CFm7P_gHp19vcLk8Ok6xVx0B4sPJ/s1600/cistern+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptNX_Oi9Hz-bvnfNk8hPgg44JS8083t040AchMHHsABRUyLgw5A2atmQqMhD8SSvhvzx0EffnP0N40QX8krcOvJbZzYgd1Dfkh-kod3uvVYjIC9n3CFm7P_gHp19vcLk8Ok6xVx0B4sPJ/s1600/cistern+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul pointing
out one of the two Medusa column bases. The origin of the two heads is
unknown, though it is thought that the
heads were brought to the cistern after being removed from a building of
the late Roman period. Folklore has it that the Medusa heads are
oriented sideways and inverted, respectively, in order to negate the
power of the Gorgons' gaze,<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;"><i> </i></sup>however it is more likely that one head was placed sideways only to be
the proper size to support the column. The upside down Medusa was placed
that way because she would be the same height right side
up but not cause any potential mischief.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way back to the apartment, Vincent got hit
with the shoeshine scam. A shoeshine man was walking on the street ahead
of us and dropped his brush. Vincent picked it up as a reaction that
most people would do when they were in the right place to do so. Well,
the shoeshine man was so grateful that he offered to shine Vince's shoes
"as a token of thanks". At first Vince declined but the man was so
persistent that Vince relented. When the man was done, Vince was going
to pay him a couple lira for the trouble but the man said, he wanted 18
lira. And then Vincent realized he'd been duped. It was particularly
annoying because we'd been talking about scams off and on over the
months. (We watched a number of swindlers, particularly in Paris.)
Anyway, after some haggling back and forth, Vince gave him what little
loose change he had and walked away. Then the next hour or so, we all
talked about the various scams we knew about. It was a good lesson for
all of us to be on our guard. The sad reality is that when these
friendly strangers approach you, you pretty much have to be blunt and
shut them down immediately so as not to get sucked into anything.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISgiZvUo9w4sPy81sB-5I4CrZ7Tp9FEXZqhUugqNJRmZwxp-KDzJildUFl4x8YjfvEOrglwWSHBb-B-YfyAPz36ftBsHfwtkD9NhOZXGltSbEt2hIwo5E5xJ9Oq1tYamh7Nmqx2tUEJHO/s1600/istanbul+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISgiZvUo9w4sPy81sB-5I4CrZ7Tp9FEXZqhUugqNJRmZwxp-KDzJildUFl4x8YjfvEOrglwWSHBb-B-YfyAPz36ftBsHfwtkD9NhOZXGltSbEt2hIwo5E5xJ9Oq1tYamh7Nmqx2tUEJHO/s1600/istanbul+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If anyone
drops anything nearby you, don't pick it up for them. You'll save
yourself a world of trouble. The big scam in Paris that we noticed, were
men claiming they just found a gold ring; "Is it yours?" We saw a
number of people caught up with that one. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the refresher on swindlers, grifters, con artists and the like, we felt we were prepared to walk through the Grand Bazaar.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CCmVlXrlfcng3C4xwHQ0dNVYMqysVUd9qsGQjxVjb1NJH0mP8m8h9GCiyYVFhv9lKYbEwlaMEpDZMl58tOvs2eeOK9HfRTHF6O0RUfAh4bagIWXTHZFB0MbEOOX9A0xkdsiCaAmV6WYC/s1600/istanbul+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CCmVlXrlfcng3C4xwHQ0dNVYMqysVUd9qsGQjxVjb1NJH0mP8m8h9GCiyYVFhv9lKYbEwlaMEpDZMl58tOvs2eeOK9HfRTHF6O0RUfAh4bagIWXTHZFB0MbEOOX9A0xkdsiCaAmV6WYC/s1600/istanbul+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Bazaar is packed with so many fabulous goods and deals to be had, it'll make your head spin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIVbgby0_IEhncKRTg3KPK-haffqQAO9v5nj7ANXFjKeNjd8boMc1bBE1wfWoeoMrVSWaHWNGgXIDg-FZvRX5YTe3FR8GktOv3g2auWMhXNtzRLW5JOS3iB_-BYqjaXHYf8QbqVVJQZ_B/s1600/istanbul+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIVbgby0_IEhncKRTg3KPK-haffqQAO9v5nj7ANXFjKeNjd8boMc1bBE1wfWoeoMrVSWaHWNGgXIDg-FZvRX5YTe3FR8GktOv3g2auWMhXNtzRLW5JOS3iB_-BYqjaXHYf8QbqVVJQZ_B/s1600/istanbul+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bazaar is apparently visited by 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 7th</b>, we decided to take a boat cruise
on the Bosphorous Strait (which connects the Black Sea to the Marmara
Sea) as the weather forecasts indicated this would be our last sunny
day; the next several days were expected to be rainy. There were a
number of cruise options ranging from 90 minute trips to 6 hour trips.
On-line recommendations pointed to the Turyol line which only costs 10
lire per person and lasts about 90 minutes. Given the kids would only
want to be on the boat for about that amount of time, the Turyol option
is what we chose. It went from Eminonu to Bogazturu and departed every
hour on the hour.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wb77JfJR8FQOqwJO8URUKztNwMLJerChqvoQWrNayI4cw35PsgY5u7R0x7NYo5KGMtOSq6VL_XHxgJUo4PZa2KGV0TVtqyVM7Nbj1oADROeSQbsf5xz7GuafhaKHpsZg8VCxkzUqxEzO/s1600/istanbul+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wb77JfJR8FQOqwJO8URUKztNwMLJerChqvoQWrNayI4cw35PsgY5u7R0x7NYo5KGMtOSq6VL_XHxgJUo4PZa2KGV0TVtqyVM7Nbj1oADROeSQbsf5xz7GuafhaKHpsZg8VCxkzUqxEzO/s1600/istanbul+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we waited for our Turyol boat to arrive, we each had a fish (mackerel) sandwich prepared by this floating kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm9pYUZzPLElGLYwr4dn1m_9fgqeJ407V3ycHMJy-Y_ocuVDgZfCK8cz9f0WfKYxGYslA4XcK3ifZASsZ-_-2Hqn1TknrywXhVwAxrkntlTTYOXiwtFaD18c50tlFwsj5hPdYujy2GKMx/s1600/istanbul+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm9pYUZzPLElGLYwr4dn1m_9fgqeJ407V3ycHMJy-Y_ocuVDgZfCK8cz9f0WfKYxGYslA4XcK3ifZASsZ-_-2Hqn1TknrywXhVwAxrkntlTTYOXiwtFaD18c50tlFwsj5hPdYujy2GKMx/s1600/istanbul+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the port with a view of the Blue Mosque in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrE_JCv28mpCf36JMjXl5boNiFThALDdqnn_4-7q-z0uEztkWZVuwrRCIoy237tBA-1e1qb_NYm-GN01u-EcFlH3iJrGhcVTq7y9gHbr-_rpDHWZR09wRUgHWeMenshN8DUjlApMpbHwv/s1600/istanbul+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrE_JCv28mpCf36JMjXl5boNiFThALDdqnn_4-7q-z0uEztkWZVuwrRCIoy237tBA-1e1qb_NYm-GN01u-EcFlH3iJrGhcVTq7y9gHbr-_rpDHWZR09wRUgHWeMenshN8DUjlApMpbHwv/s1600/istanbul+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over to "Asia".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZW_6Gam8Et4hGQM2uQIwTs7xkrqdKqccV1TN7LWRk7oW1ZkI56izdN7QoCwD7YEF5gY_qEuAQb_2NsRYXoDPJboPZS-NqwoRWrR0ofz3GI0AHEzSwW4NOHcMrYYY9paYf-DwT7gvZX3R/s1600/istanbul+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZW_6Gam8Et4hGQM2uQIwTs7xkrqdKqccV1TN7LWRk7oW1ZkI56izdN7QoCwD7YEF5gY_qEuAQb_2NsRYXoDPJboPZS-NqwoRWrR0ofz3GI0AHEzSwW4NOHcMrYYY9paYf-DwT7gvZX3R/s1600/istanbul+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing by the Istanbul Modern Museum which is located on the Asia side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFBhPEana3rRjJ6p5AKfzqotlThG_8WioXyYdSMyop7BjMIUbdxZgrXYA_KosIESoYsguE7UDbO_mLnoHScHK0Cph5K-31N8nDYiBnFRvdX4ewSQKNDpiQwJmZSqLFj-bfKws_kjtJS1i/s1600/istanbul+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFBhPEana3rRjJ6p5AKfzqotlThG_8WioXyYdSMyop7BjMIUbdxZgrXYA_KosIESoYsguE7UDbO_mLnoHScHK0Cph5K-31N8nDYiBnFRvdX4ewSQKNDpiQwJmZSqLFj-bfKws_kjtJS1i/s1600/istanbul+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolmabahçe
Palace: It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman
Empire from 1856 to 1922 (with the exception of a 22-year interval
(1887–1909) when Yildiz Palace was used).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEROzeyNL-znRoViypPtQiN_jEnM6wsESzWgahSTNpDrJS_XszKx2HMnQfKe11i5mmoIeTOrTFHk1pY1yvyFlX1sAxINfOsF-0_2LshZUShnAkt0uRujycjoUYHCMMGnHV3Q5RbTEAAw2/s1600/istanbul+17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEROzeyNL-znRoViypPtQiN_jEnM6wsESzWgahSTNpDrJS_XszKx2HMnQfKe11i5mmoIeTOrTFHk1pY1yvyFlX1sAxINfOsF-0_2LshZUShnAkt0uRujycjoUYHCMMGnHV3Q5RbTEAAw2/s1600/istanbul+17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolmabahce Mosque:<b> </b>It was commissioned by queen mother Bezmiâlem Sultan who was the second consort to Sultan Mahmud II (<span dir="ltr">1789 – 1839) </span>and was mother of Sultan Abdulmecid I (1823 – 1861) of the Ottoman Empire. It was finally completed in 1855.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the tour, we wanted to direct ourselves over to
the Hagia Sofia to try to see it before it closed. En route we made
some stops.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCQI1jx6ZcbRMVjC_aDsKSvY2j8iGWjN9Nx5cGpcdYE1WaotrD9c2GHNSZKiJkCUmPfPKPVqEvOL8DypH5FsK_TvspsRzE2lNK1ZF1xFTIdkY9QpifAPJNrFHffNc9NMhWgapwomt7lt_/s1600/istanbul+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCQI1jx6ZcbRMVjC_aDsKSvY2j8iGWjN9Nx5cGpcdYE1WaotrD9c2GHNSZKiJkCUmPfPKPVqEvOL8DypH5FsK_TvspsRzE2lNK1ZF1xFTIdkY9QpifAPJNrFHffNc9NMhWgapwomt7lt_/s1600/istanbul+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly needed
dog food but pet shops were not to be found in our area in Istanbul. The
last couple days, Vincent had been making her eggs on toast. We had to
find the "pet market", which we did after the cruise. We picked
something out that Molly was quite happy with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLFpl9dyhIB0Q-rvb34RsU-lSKmRXCAIRpM6T1GmkEi3mVPXNrZf8qz1-NdGUKIL-E-R86MFaLBIK9yq-MKRMk-SDtTTflb6G9EEC0GrAK-A8X8f_m99llfpJqu6fm9sM4NenJ9-QcrWH/s1600/istanbul+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLFpl9dyhIB0Q-rvb34RsU-lSKmRXCAIRpM6T1GmkEi3mVPXNrZf8qz1-NdGUKIL-E-R86MFaLBIK9yq-MKRMk-SDtTTflb6G9EEC0GrAK-A8X8f_m99llfpJqu6fm9sM4NenJ9-QcrWH/s1600/istanbul+19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Sirkeci
Terminal, Istanbul's central train station known by many as the final
stop on the luxurious Orient Express: James Bond fans will also
recognize it from the movie, "From Russia with Love".<b> </b>Those who
can afford it can still take the Orient Express which runs the full
distance Paris to Istanbul once a year. The Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express train also operates shorter runs through western
Europe during the spring, summer and fall.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ggZmHn6cYzWP4ee820kk4zVL-sdE_szIv7G0xvXp8j7X7KTi8fMBUNu6h65kNprKOE19oibH38n-akk5hVu7nsV9CpulSGXW9cf46vX_BDpq-TNHYJRwBs-UQ1RiJyf6rP0HZ_q0SbSS/s1600/istanbul+20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ggZmHn6cYzWP4ee820kk4zVL-sdE_szIv7G0xvXp8j7X7KTi8fMBUNu6h65kNprKOE19oibH38n-akk5hVu7nsV9CpulSGXW9cf46vX_BDpq-TNHYJRwBs-UQ1RiJyf6rP0HZ_q0SbSS/s1600/istanbul+20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In its early glory years, the Sirkeci Terminal was visited by famous people like Agatha
Christie (who wrote a novel about it: "Murder In The Orient Express"),
King George V of England, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary,
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and Czar Nicholas II of Russia and many Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN4kmfbKYzQ0FdWFfyz0CWN1BfJHXsg5ex27i5Pj0UrogMrXAcq-ZuxG-kWGL4QQhHktrHQ5FuwxLnh-_6TJI2Ga_MyQm1LH3qrWV4qIePsv8oApO7hi72B546xOXhMT8gXDBvf3k_mbQ/s1600/istanbul+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN4kmfbKYzQ0FdWFfyz0CWN1BfJHXsg5ex27i5Pj0UrogMrXAcq-ZuxG-kWGL4QQhHktrHQ5FuwxLnh-_6TJI2Ga_MyQm1LH3qrWV4qIePsv8oApO7hi72B546xOXhMT8gXDBvf3k_mbQ/s1600/istanbul+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terminus officially opened on November 3, 1890 and was one of the most famous examples of European Orientalism.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUvyd7gzAQMhPSe9m22EcJuYeIoutjyh1t_0tLTJpNeXbLuLvxFFSlvdrcb4JOoOIIUVob-m884z0SWEXSgE8aJlGpAxmWEQjvB5stwD52IHjEd_BaFwAD2bX3Lpwm7cmhUDs1whWJVz6/s1600/istanbul+22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUvyd7gzAQMhPSe9m22EcJuYeIoutjyh1t_0tLTJpNeXbLuLvxFFSlvdrcb4JOoOIIUVob-m884z0SWEXSgE8aJlGpAxmWEQjvB5stwD52IHjEd_BaFwAD2bX3Lpwm7cmhUDs1whWJVz6/s1600/istanbul+22.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sublime Porte
(the "Great Gate") was built early in the 18th century during the reign
of Sultan Abdulmecit. It gave access to the block of buildings in
Istanbul that housed the principal state departments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuPR4IluCnMchpDFMn-nKyfRbZM30peG1_wRGDs1WvibFn_-WwPITn488403SkiD1lthlSreARcYpS0OV-UcS3EoI2G7K5HdrFR-eXRpfAKcEyz2krdlP6EFTHDbSfceNNuNqYg2UE_gB/s1600/istanbul+29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuPR4IluCnMchpDFMn-nKyfRbZM30peG1_wRGDs1WvibFn_-WwPITn488403SkiD1lthlSreARcYpS0OV-UcS3EoI2G7K5HdrFR-eXRpfAKcEyz2krdlP6EFTHDbSfceNNuNqYg2UE_gB/s1600/istanbul+29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortified wall surrounding Gülhane Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnjIIZ85tcwCbkk-rTk7FJDptrQ0uoeLKChiizZaSoz6tD0jNyL0Ou03mKDffUhU2FDGKo7dn_uCl6InRvMMUooC_AXTuDV0gXTrz_NU6REnQis4xnKqQfykZXzJVTya6Mc32_-IOfRUT/s1600/istanbul+23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnjIIZ85tcwCbkk-rTk7FJDptrQ0uoeLKChiizZaSoz6tD0jNyL0Ou03mKDffUhU2FDGKo7dn_uCl6InRvMMUooC_AXTuDV0gXTrz_NU6REnQis4xnKqQfykZXzJVTya6Mc32_-IOfRUT/s1600/istanbul+23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gülhane Park
(Rosehouse Park), located adjacent to and on the grounds of the Topkapi
Palace: There is a major project underway to rearrange the palace’s
gardens to more closely resemble the way they were during the Ottoman
period.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuJ59eEK2suj_RFenO4LrO1nidY-6B3iw6tDBDhyBy3u8pszulq_TeMfHJK6LBQRsRIcaDdy4VkSxp0q6t7TlpDkXD35DKDy-wSgQMrN77Yt8F3j9U8cVHB4VpwXIml5OGrXJC9YHbnQn/s1600/istanbul+24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuJ59eEK2suj_RFenO4LrO1nidY-6B3iw6tDBDhyBy3u8pszulq_TeMfHJK6LBQRsRIcaDdy4VkSxp0q6t7TlpDkXD35DKDy-wSgQMrN77Yt8F3j9U8cVHB4VpwXIml5OGrXJC9YHbnQn/s1600/istanbul+24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah loved
getting her photo taken with the lion statues. As stated previously, the
gardens in Istanbul are truly lovely. In my opinion, the best time to
go to Istanbul and see the spring flowers at their peak would be the
last week of March and first week of April. The gardens behind Sarah are
filled with pansies and tulips. The pansies are so tightly packed
together, they must have been planted by seed. The green stems of the
tulips are up but we need another week plus to see them all in bloom.
Tulips had a significant place in the Ottoman era and were frequently
used in ornamentation, ceramics and the art of calligraphy. Apparently
about 15-16 million tulips blossom in Istanbul in the spring. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_46XUcN6YM0Af3SgpsFIOhT0d2jVuLld8wrCtJRA4xmfJQAXLVMV9jfQuSe6h_tyW_TXWbK_Db6JA05IK6AXKBesZkD2xNop6jIL8s49xuNy6SvK4arpwz5SaevRr84NaiIUvvvnTYhlh/s1600/istanbul+26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_46XUcN6YM0Af3SgpsFIOhT0d2jVuLld8wrCtJRA4xmfJQAXLVMV9jfQuSe6h_tyW_TXWbK_Db6JA05IK6AXKBesZkD2xNop6jIL8s49xuNy6SvK4arpwz5SaevRr84NaiIUvvvnTYhlh/s1600/istanbul+26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by
this restaurant to see women in the front window making giant ravioli.
What a great advertisement! If it had been close to a meal time, we
would have stopped in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuZxJRNWQlw2Cni1Pz78ar0etaXPjDnNP3O-JfuN15plQ1d9fKQtIgH3RYd-wK_aIPett2pVgfC-DeSg1wDOfwXi6jcqWUyDkf7GLgswdxdCsTaBlwtahpgqPG_bNwjvpKMgefzaM4Wn4/s1600/istanbul+27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuZxJRNWQlw2Cni1Pz78ar0etaXPjDnNP3O-JfuN15plQ1d9fKQtIgH3RYd-wK_aIPett2pVgfC-DeSg1wDOfwXi6jcqWUyDkf7GLgswdxdCsTaBlwtahpgqPG_bNwjvpKMgefzaM4Wn4/s1600/istanbul+27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw delicious displays of baklava all over the city. Love the tiny "birds' nests".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally reached Hagia Sophia and stood in line for
tickets. The entrance fee was 25 lira so Vincent opted to purchase the
72 hour Istanbul Museum Pass at 85 lira each which gives entry to the
Chora Museum, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace Museum and Harem
Apartments, İstanbul Archaeological Museums, İstanbul Mosaic Museum,
Museum of Turkish and İslamic Arts, Galata Mevlevi House Museum,
Yıldız Palace Museum and Museum for the History of Science and
Technology
in Islam. In hindsight, we should not have purchased the Museum Pass
because we did not get our money's worth out of it. If you are in
Istanbul and are considering the Museum Pass, do your homework first;
don't buy the 72 hour pass on a Saturday, like we did. Most applicable
sights are closed on Mondays so, when we bought the pass about 15:30 on
Saturday, we only had about 25 hours to use the pass.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdQIqIzUieT8RvUeXoCpT6Pkq8QOc0i3dsGoz-g6noM2MckbvT3e8XYGLeyJqf7TFgi2FR7IotB-dBXfk275M7KK-xBeHsqSqsxsDOwrrL3ts2BX70QMBJAMQSYtsUrU-XmMmrwXH5f9r/s1600/hagia+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdQIqIzUieT8RvUeXoCpT6Pkq8QOc0i3dsGoz-g6noM2MckbvT3e8XYGLeyJqf7TFgi2FR7IotB-dBXfk275M7KK-xBeHsqSqsxsDOwrrL3ts2BX70QMBJAMQSYtsUrU-XmMmrwXH5f9r/s1600/hagia+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We do however
recommend getting the audioguides at Hagia Sophia. While there is some
minimal information available that is translated into English, one won't
get much out of seeing the Hagia Sophia without an audioguide or some
sort of guidebook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTgbLWt5CpTHkzUWGH6qLFGFIDkBt3gr6_VxiGJJEBfzKBhderK_YI9bKNuOYGro_7ql9vzAdqTjE5bEQO8Lp7g9QqPRw5Y0Cq08KUg1ZpEGUaBwZ6wWWJDFbccYFmV22ZdoSkFpA6gse/s1600/hagia+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTgbLWt5CpTHkzUWGH6qLFGFIDkBt3gr6_VxiGJJEBfzKBhderK_YI9bKNuOYGro_7ql9vzAdqTjE5bEQO8Lp7g9QqPRw5Y0Cq08KUg1ZpEGUaBwZ6wWWJDFbccYFmV22ZdoSkFpA6gse/s1600/hagia+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hagia Sophia
was built by Emperor Justinian in 537 and served as the center of
Orthodox Christianity until 1453, (except between 1204 and 1261 when it
was a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire), when the city of
Constantinople was concurred by
Ottomans under Sultan Mehmed II. For the next 500 years, it then became a
jewel for the Muslim world and was the grand mosque of the sultans. It
is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and was the world's
largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until the Seville
Cathedral was completed in 1520.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt13BNAaWFT3cQPeCf5m4pt94KywfsE2PFkPSEY4MvjFB8EAM9ArWhxWBbcVStRBmUSHttPmVssN8UKJ0zkipeIw2ROnz90XI6AK63tylRr4Z-2Y22Kp9jxebSbEfAbZADig63tXui3_js/s1600/hagia+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt13BNAaWFT3cQPeCf5m4pt94KywfsE2PFkPSEY4MvjFB8EAM9ArWhxWBbcVStRBmUSHttPmVssN8UKJ0zkipeIw2ROnz90XI6AK63tylRr4Z-2Y22Kp9jxebSbEfAbZADig63tXui3_js/s1600/hagia+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hagia
Sophia, built in 537, was the 3rd building of worship on this site. The
first church was completed in 360 and the second was completed in 415.
Both the first and second were destroyed by fires started during
rioting. Those gigantic circular-framed medallions were added during the
renovations of 1847-49; they're inscribed with the names of Allah, the
Prophet Muhammad, the first four caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali,
and the two grandchildren of Mohammed: Hussan and Hussain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_85qKPqU60nvXFCeKYQA7jIdDlNN1_Ena-grGVdH35JAa-wtPxacWVllSFt12pEKdfjeFwHJGGAKx9dkz7MGrjW1nkFh2aAg9Fa0ngDQRl8hYklPR9Zc3NhAJ8d8dr0p-G7ZF64Wyt4WU/s1600/hagia+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_85qKPqU60nvXFCeKYQA7jIdDlNN1_Ena-grGVdH35JAa-wtPxacWVllSFt12pEKdfjeFwHJGGAKx9dkz7MGrjW1nkFh2aAg9Fa0ngDQRl8hYklPR9Zc3NhAJ8d8dr0p-G7ZF64Wyt4WU/s1600/hagia+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gallery
above the ground floor that wraps around the perimeter of the building,
ending at the apse: Several mosaics are preserved in the upper gallery,
which was an area traditionally reserved for the empress and her court.
The
best-preserved mosaics are located in the southern part of the gallery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC82q7H1NnivfM1LiBAoiwrXsdptzpUc9unRktxoCtLwyEx367NSZ0FdNTOR-6GH5wE3_EvHSaL75-2IwDeyRL3j2sqd5UBg0azFjPgMa5ti4_k80LqUTNatw4SiOp9LaTCLlvrul2-K2m/s1600/hagia+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC82q7H1NnivfM1LiBAoiwrXsdptzpUc9unRktxoCtLwyEx367NSZ0FdNTOR-6GH5wE3_EvHSaL75-2IwDeyRL3j2sqd5UBg0azFjPgMa5ti4_k80LqUTNatw4SiOp9LaTCLlvrul2-K2m/s1600/hagia+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 13th century
mosaic panel depicting Christ (left) and John the Baptist. In this
mosaic, the Virgin Mary (not shown) and John the Baptist are requesting
Christ's intercession for humanity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSnBUMp5kf7EXRmyv1crs5pNW4RBk1ygX0xoZBRX_5VrXM72RCHaJ5L26wigIsRgJNw7eS6sfrNipuNsupJ2KfyfG_kLwYqi4KEj5g6ga7ewMs_ncXUtIIOY-rflSfI83P5kT36tPN_wv/s1600/hagia+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSnBUMp5kf7EXRmyv1crs5pNW4RBk1ygX0xoZBRX_5VrXM72RCHaJ5L26wigIsRgJNw7eS6sfrNipuNsupJ2KfyfG_kLwYqi4KEj5g6ga7ewMs_ncXUtIIOY-rflSfI83P5kT36tPN_wv/s1600/hagia+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 12th century mosaic panel of Emperor John II Komnenos (Emperor from 1118 to 1143) and his wife donating money to Hagia Sofia. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUkFFUr6bKZ7h5w49BPCSl60_ME1XtrSdig8yQboF4xEAsAyPb1UTjjKYht_jQ0C1Gv09DK_hTwLoyychoDfbEREK45pemWJUqnDVjp5v3orqPF4QdAXMyaMbWhi19pV1rlIP3cY5zS4-/s1600/hagia+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUkFFUr6bKZ7h5w49BPCSl60_ME1XtrSdig8yQboF4xEAsAyPb1UTjjKYht_jQ0C1Gv09DK_hTwLoyychoDfbEREK45pemWJUqnDVjp5v3orqPF4QdAXMyaMbWhi19pV1rlIP3cY5zS4-/s1600/hagia+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the
Ottoman Turks took over Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed ordered that
church be converted to a mosque. So the bells, altar, iconostasis,
sacrificial vessels and other relics were removed and the mosaics
depicting Jesus, his Mother Mary, Christian saints and angels were also
removed or plastered over. Islamic features such as the mihrab (center),
minbar (right), and four minarets were added. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRskrOMAu637tclnAYWue60r4jzHYAsVKGVfkbF3QEpL6OhW8x5AzkfU3w2mxQIMvNYhsV46_7hCaOfKrQa1j0fr4MFxVjnMAx68Qht-5uk24Vnnz-uc6VAcbFDQD_0vCNJYsXPKQupkX3/s1600/hagia+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRskrOMAu637tclnAYWue60r4jzHYAsVKGVfkbF3QEpL6OhW8x5AzkfU3w2mxQIMvNYhsV46_7hCaOfKrQa1j0fr4MFxVjnMAx68Qht-5uk24Vnnz-uc6VAcbFDQD_0vCNJYsXPKQupkX3/s1600/hagia+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most
photographed item in the Hagia Sophia that afternoon was this cat. The
cat sat in the Muezzin Gallery, which was used by the Muezzin to call
believers to prayer during the period of Sultan Murad III (1574-95).
Every time, someone would try to take a photo, the cat would turn its
head away so it became some sort of competition to see who could capture
a photo of the cat's face. After many tries, Paul captured this one.
Mission accomplished.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTT7j26af6b2AvYEKUl_VmB98QXbCKB7weZpppAY1qP7-MVJ7b5jA22q7xxaqcn-ofBYJCvPCKYMaOBPHr9NVLRQIPJLyATPHgMMDVn3WssiaBuaq-HXEVutBGvGBwdQoAsysk5t6UBmM/s1600/hagia+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTT7j26af6b2AvYEKUl_VmB98QXbCKB7weZpppAY1qP7-MVJ7b5jA22q7xxaqcn-ofBYJCvPCKYMaOBPHr9NVLRQIPJLyATPHgMMDVn3WssiaBuaq-HXEVutBGvGBwdQoAsysk5t6UBmM/s1600/hagia+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From its
initial conversion to a mosque in 1453 until the construction of the
nearby larger Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in 1616, the Hagia
Sophia was the principal mosque of Istanbul. It remained a mosque until
1931, when it was closed and then re-opened in February 1935 as a
museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTrRU7uwpD8YumXPBLEX6dpUBUnOrBY6HIrdWj_EziL3EW7vrPaKyf8WC9IVjg_2x2ptIWwFFbuhG09-SIhkTlr6Y3Z4zRQEIdEo0bo5CYbRTkY_bixC9j5S8v8BzSulOhFub9UOfz0_s/s1600/hagia+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTrRU7uwpD8YumXPBLEX6dpUBUnOrBY6HIrdWj_EziL3EW7vrPaKyf8WC9IVjg_2x2ptIWwFFbuhG09-SIhkTlr6Y3Z4zRQEIdEo0bo5CYbRTkY_bixC9j5S8v8BzSulOhFub9UOfz0_s/s1600/hagia+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful marble fountain, used for ablutions, built in 1740 during the period of Sultan Mahmud I.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at a grocery store to get a few supplies for breakfast the next day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgtczo4rJsmDqUbzRwE56ImpC56IXDq4qpz12Tud80aECto09xUldIjRtKn6B6kGGLrBbIOQXvgh2Q6Vy3o1JX-FD45RpuENeqTyPr1RtqEeQpfDREinxKFtvEQt74Ku_4-mzlAn0VTfP/s1600/istanbul+28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgtczo4rJsmDqUbzRwE56ImpC56IXDq4qpz12Tud80aECto09xUldIjRtKn6B6kGGLrBbIOQXvgh2Q6Vy3o1JX-FD45RpuENeqTyPr1RtqEeQpfDREinxKFtvEQt74Ku_4-mzlAn0VTfP/s1600/istanbul+28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent had to buy a couple of these. There would be no question who this chocolate belonged to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 8th</b>, we woke to the anticipated rain
but needed to press on and use that Museum Pass. We first headed to the
Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam located in the
Gülhane Park, along the old palace wall, on the former
stables of the Sultan's Has Ahirlar.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR8rH-7-IRU4kD2BLOgsTJZ5Y2OkGTr8FgZkXlEhupSSswu54fI6K-WRd45LhpIA3dS5bwxsnDWdhYxcDKTNF7SmV-eTOdfv6v4-HDvjomCXXMsqGWT-3NjJCWbE5nZFJkFJlrhrrQL9S/s1600/science+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR8rH-7-IRU4kD2BLOgsTJZ5Y2OkGTr8FgZkXlEhupSSswu54fI6K-WRd45LhpIA3dS5bwxsnDWdhYxcDKTNF7SmV-eTOdfv6v4-HDvjomCXXMsqGWT-3NjJCWbE5nZFJkFJlrhrrQL9S/s1600/science+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Museum was
opened in May 2008 and covers over 3500 square meters. The mission of
the museum is to highlight the contributions to the sciences and
technology made by people of the Islamic faith. The museum points out
that Europeans often gained credit for discovering or inventing a range
of things that had already been worked on by their Islamic predecessors.
The museum provides detailed recreations of discoveries made during the
ninth through the seventeenth centuries. There's a systematic
presentation of objects covering astronomy, geography, nautics, time
measurement, geometry, optics,
medicine, chemistry, mineralogy, physics, technics, architecture and
military applications. The museum also shows how some of the discoveries
were transmitted in different ways to Europe, where
they were adopted, assimilated, and altered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-er_JFmjcI-PnT9F2QgAxGDQgeYOYCS9MvoY4YOzknnkotnE6Xv21bI-DnkC-0DGq34kJn7NXB3rkrVBTUSWJLwuUpl0kEj2hVJbQAcDeN3blz-qVgk2Q5ueG3DJH9jNfGm4CqClA-Jw/s1600/science+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-er_JFmjcI-PnT9F2QgAxGDQgeYOYCS9MvoY4YOzknnkotnE6Xv21bI-DnkC-0DGq34kJn7NXB3rkrVBTUSWJLwuUpl0kEj2hVJbQAcDeN3blz-qVgk2Q5ueG3DJH9jNfGm4CqClA-Jw/s1600/science+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronomy and
navigation: The instruments and objects on display here and other rooms
of the museum were reconstructed by the Institute for the History of
Arabic-Islamic Science at the Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University,
Frankfurt, Germany and were based on illustrations and descriptions
found in original sources and, to a lesser degree, on surviving
originals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fyODO8hOjL6_xu6uPSeNBX5tbJQDLikgh9z6zxi7m-sQUlr-YSHFhx99ywuTe4WDKvv6LprOQW5XmsEt4f_v1-YnzeWZIX8EaBrLgNL1NB_u1nBvx6E66E-moIKsI2TNokfxNjYs0KIG/s1600/science+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fyODO8hOjL6_xu6uPSeNBX5tbJQDLikgh9z6zxi7m-sQUlr-YSHFhx99ywuTe4WDKvv6LprOQW5XmsEt4f_v1-YnzeWZIX8EaBrLgNL1NB_u1nBvx6E66E-moIKsI2TNokfxNjYs0KIG/s1600/science+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mechanical sun and moon calendars following designs created by Al-Buruni (973-1048).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HhSjNMTKbAcARdLbT93vznvQIjwtCGx63YcGoI1JD3QJROqkas6mimlIViWwMLZQHHWt__L3W57O2aaOXm7kNK6oph-QFAPPIL-sudCYa544sxnLWtlp8CEcNlM__51Hw6EDRBMGD9nK/s1600/science+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HhSjNMTKbAcARdLbT93vznvQIjwtCGx63YcGoI1JD3QJROqkas6mimlIViWwMLZQHHWt__L3W57O2aaOXm7kNK6oph-QFAPPIL-sudCYa544sxnLWtlp8CEcNlM__51Hw6EDRBMGD9nK/s1600/science+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of the oldest water clock known in the world: This replica is modeled after the water clock which was
constructed in 1362 in the Qarawiyyin mosque in Fes (Morocco), and which
has been restored recently by the Institute of History of
Arabic-Islamic Science in Frankfurt. The falling float of water
provides the power and regulation of the clock through an ingenious
mechanism; the 24 doors in the upper gallery close one by one in regular
intervals of precisely one hour. Every four minutes a small metal ball
drops into a metal bowl and produces a tone. The dial on the left
displays the actual position of the stars and the ecliptic in the sky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfzBTXR1nb68pVrL8ALlOMlX8ByFyGw2Bxy8zqXsZUyIib75ENW37Pnpnuvz0gNJ9UQsUfsNq3v29Uel9PshcGVIcYBzxoOL2O2Lo6O4zs1bfEmkAtYulsk-fVF6lJUwMe0VZz6z6AVU2/s1600/science+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfzBTXR1nb68pVrL8ALlOMlX8ByFyGw2Bxy8zqXsZUyIib75ENW37Pnpnuvz0gNJ9UQsUfsNq3v29Uel9PshcGVIcYBzxoOL2O2Lo6O4zs1bfEmkAtYulsk-fVF6lJUwMe0VZz6z6AVU2/s1600/science+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica of a
chandelier clock, originally designed by the astronomer Ali B Yunus
(died 1009). Each of the 12 bottles was filled with enough oil to burn 1
hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and so on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHofKL2i0fA76d1cBk7f1VBU_6xmXcy4cKJDDzHHqWqerv8DD7pPM6Iu3duNKcKZjnuxWXI3oeVvYa3I8eqUNpP0p87KL-mI0JMp_ydN_3hYCeSWvZ6LflKQN1A4BsOs3ApBM3Wt2etrh/s1600/science+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHofKL2i0fA76d1cBk7f1VBU_6xmXcy4cKJDDzHHqWqerv8DD7pPM6Iu3duNKcKZjnuxWXI3oeVvYa3I8eqUNpP0p87KL-mI0JMp_ydN_3hYCeSWvZ6LflKQN1A4BsOs3ApBM3Wt2etrh/s1600/science+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An "Entertainment Machine": This was reconstructed according to a book on automation by Al-Muradi (11th century).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch at a neighboring restaurant, we proceeded
to the Topkapi Palace. The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of
Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their
624-year reign. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and
many smaller
buildings. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people.
It contained mosques, a hospital, bakeries, and a mint. Construction
began in 1459, ordered by Sultan Mehmed II who conquered the Byzantine
Constantinople. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGCU8rcQEkNqIiqPm_6BphpX1WsnQWF83VheH2YMkXC4ojZ2Bj-MBuO_hWfhKO9et5SN3SAXKXwnYl26VeCgtU5XC-c3tn-bGPqyR0jyY3LYaL_U4AP8CHgIKYQlUIaChoI_HS0WyQLHn/s1600/topkari+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys in front of the Gate of Salutation. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-FJRAN6I7HqTbHBeEZgwr-C-2YBJsljk1Kz0e_3No8HBySZOcotqUkMamDCkV0MXT3697YWc1YYADvIEntSjV_osTHXj-r9mNaNznO20B4vN62EzI-l_U0iYoL7YjjkLl3oxq6ZRH2fp/s1600/topkari+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-FJRAN6I7HqTbHBeEZgwr-C-2YBJsljk1Kz0e_3No8HBySZOcotqUkMamDCkV0MXT3697YWc1YYADvIEntSjV_osTHXj-r9mNaNznO20B4vN62EzI-l_U0iYoL7YjjkLl3oxq6ZRH2fp/s1600/topkari+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our
audioguides in hand, we first visited the Imperial Harem which occupied
one of the sections of the private apartments of the sultan. It
contained more than 400 rooms and was home to the sultan's mother (the
Valide Sultan), the concubines and wives of the sultan and the rest of
his family, including children and their servants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuKJDsiKtmzGOcw5c6HFY8bfroQJSfblnVfb6vJG3m-gNMYLtFRR4xBjAy-1kF5zGE1TzHn7sORwIJHp495uAQWH6kcLlVWly0kKovOsldh6Plo0GAs3txgfSmFC4c1C012EHDip8U6NM/s1600/topkari+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuKJDsiKtmzGOcw5c6HFY8bfroQJSfblnVfb6vJG3m-gNMYLtFRR4xBjAy-1kF5zGE1TzHn7sORwIJHp495uAQWH6kcLlVWly0kKovOsldh6Plo0GAs3txgfSmFC4c1C012EHDip8U6NM/s1600/topkari+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harem wing was added at the end of the 16th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu6nZ5zGrJUZTYcJH3Cw1-p6k65uxMz8w91fN9WHSC9YE_xs05Na3LbX8vlTXXhArzpV81CB26wImhXcbnEPFbXtNh8ryrX93zeYybJFcoOCFJ0dW4yGU5S-6HEM2DF2Q_WUlXO7TITOw/s1600/topkari+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu6nZ5zGrJUZTYcJH3Cw1-p6k65uxMz8w91fN9WHSC9YE_xs05Na3LbX8vlTXXhArzpV81CB26wImhXcbnEPFbXtNh8ryrX93zeYybJFcoOCFJ0dW4yGU5S-6HEM2DF2Q_WUlXO7TITOw/s1600/topkari+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The court of the concubines and the Sultan's consorts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p0EVYZ7-GcmwBN6ELqjmUAYE3XwvOfYntfyXN_ILi1xjElwmYhL9Rg1T_WBJLQFgpdLVDtHLFV3ej7jAaK_QI6nnWcR1wJujl4EZqwRDPj6TvP2b3MLcXHBYciqJbews8AND9mF7dyEb/s1600/topkari+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p0EVYZ7-GcmwBN6ELqjmUAYE3XwvOfYntfyXN_ILi1xjElwmYhL9Rg1T_WBJLQFgpdLVDtHLFV3ej7jAaK_QI6nnWcR1wJujl4EZqwRDPj6TvP2b3MLcXHBYciqJbews8AND9mF7dyEb/s1600/topkari+5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A room from the apartments of the Queen Mother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeoFff_2Xm4oe2HKy-U00Rh1EslwLB7QVZ2lkdna8EmPNBboydG-W3wsm_BteyNmcQBMmD1mo-QngbwTgfV6GYxbsLbmcLA4uAGUU5YD_R8EbWmNrJYRhgk6pv0rtLn5Ol1uKvOjfi00d/s1600/topkari+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeoFff_2Xm4oe2HKy-U00Rh1EslwLB7QVZ2lkdna8EmPNBboydG-W3wsm_BteyNmcQBMmD1mo-QngbwTgfV6GYxbsLbmcLA4uAGUU5YD_R8EbWmNrJYRhgk6pv0rtLn5Ol1uKvOjfi00d/s1600/topkari+6.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hall with a
Fountain: This is the vestibule where the princes and consorts of the
Sultan waited before entering the Imperial Hall. The walls are faced
with 17th-century Kutahya tiles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsSVaJ1MnfFXgFjCo13P0svyro1ndzNkmZ1ZLJYH7j0Vm2WP0yIHlYnJD5ISRFvMlgIS0JdUCRAQlvALlOB2e-0Jt7J_D6ThE6oSk02VQstpsk97zltznxrHb4KA9wEpu_TICVYnKFarL/s1600/topkari+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsSVaJ1MnfFXgFjCo13P0svyro1ndzNkmZ1ZLJYH7j0Vm2WP0yIHlYnJD5ISRFvMlgIS0JdUCRAQlvALlOB2e-0Jt7J_D6ThE6oSk02VQstpsk97zltznxrHb4KA9wEpu_TICVYnKFarL/s1600/topkari+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupboard and
shelves in the privy chamber (built in 1608) of Sultan Ahmed I. The
cabinet doors are decorated with nacre and ivory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATPuifdaZHnmAsSbRwJuSagiVfOpBG9GCl9rXbqI1-jIuAvUoOV5THpByPP8nDLihhj6YoaV2m8bEVcf5WrprbwU96qHe_7Bzdcw9myvP7Wl-0ea2zE678XdCzGPNMR1R3SA3yqmo6vnY/s1600/topkari+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATPuifdaZHnmAsSbRwJuSagiVfOpBG9GCl9rXbqI1-jIuAvUoOV5THpByPP8nDLihhj6YoaV2m8bEVcf5WrprbwU96qHe_7Bzdcw9myvP7Wl-0ea2zE678XdCzGPNMR1R3SA3yqmo6vnY/s1600/topkari+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the grand courtyards. Fragrant purple and pink hyacinths were beginning to bloom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MR3uDTMs9y9kMuj483ZSNbeJRhh4VfhHVzYiqo4hSCrjH7g0bwyS9Gm33BFkhB7Wms23Sds_3xClDldABiEoreXKjJpbzjP2rWk7tJjzfJqabP0LWH6F6_fLJNgSsF1cZ1kOQe-VMJil/s1600/topkari+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MR3uDTMs9y9kMuj483ZSNbeJRhh4VfhHVzYiqo4hSCrjH7g0bwyS9Gm33BFkhB7Wms23Sds_3xClDldABiEoreXKjJpbzjP2rWk7tJjzfJqabP0LWH6F6_fLJNgSsF1cZ1kOQe-VMJil/s1600/topkari+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ottoman
sultans and their entourage had fantastic views over the Bosphorous. We
took a refreshment break to warm up at this onsite restaurant. A piece
of cake cost 20 lira (~$10). Our 2 pieces of cake, small plate of
baklava, hot chocolate and two teas cost more than our lunch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWGN3MJ_PUjQ8Yce7MP3qb3LPX17sVcdb4YC11fXl2uQ5CfeDYtoWTuZCK4iMC_3Q37V16oDhXIGIr9yRxNroQlABg_B2huDC8WGdtlU-5R7AU3y4VIObmKYOgxZrJgUlqJsQFWQhONN2/s1600/topkari+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWGN3MJ_PUjQ8Yce7MP3qb3LPX17sVcdb4YC11fXl2uQ5CfeDYtoWTuZCK4iMC_3Q37V16oDhXIGIr9yRxNroQlABg_B2huDC8WGdtlU-5R7AU3y4VIObmKYOgxZrJgUlqJsQFWQhONN2/s1600/topkari+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another photo of the Palace gardens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Lu1ivp0yfX-HeMeITqfcgdriDnKJ9nN07-MziEvg4uGq6Z-MZfOkkNWHhnjQm9z0YWQawVY9szeT1A-y0g8-QRleMzzICdQMrpQp9yJYpcl-KvpgbaAtM7WErSCxAh8_snqinTKtdgh3/s1600/topkari+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Lu1ivp0yfX-HeMeITqfcgdriDnKJ9nN07-MziEvg4uGq6Z-MZfOkkNWHhnjQm9z0YWQawVY9szeT1A-y0g8-QRleMzzICdQMrpQp9yJYpcl-KvpgbaAtM7WErSCxAh8_snqinTKtdgh3/s1600/topkari+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baghdad Kiosk is situated on the right
section of the Marble Terrace. It was built in 1639 to commemorate the
Baghdad campaign of Sultan Murat IV (1623 – 1640).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuduzXV0WxQM7ufI4elag4lcK7R9F2F1Dj90NKZpY2y74OTWY7lGLaVXZbUZCsaRIa_xKUeAB_fq6HtY2Bc2RpsrIM2dyZwnupLZm78CNTroUwGvckiUsZyKzf2bjp9fMUuGtKsBVgy2vX/s1600/topkari+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuduzXV0WxQM7ufI4elag4lcK7R9F2F1Dj90NKZpY2y74OTWY7lGLaVXZbUZCsaRIa_xKUeAB_fq6HtY2Bc2RpsrIM2dyZwnupLZm78CNTroUwGvckiUsZyKzf2bjp9fMUuGtKsBVgy2vX/s1600/topkari+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the
Conqueror's Pavillon which houses the Imperial Treasury. It was built ~
1460 under Sultan Mehmed II and is one of the oldest buildings inside
the palace. The Imperial Treasury is a vast collection of works of art,
jewelry,
heirlooms and money belonging to the Ottoman
dynasty. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHaYUhzttGHMrk_W-yw8HriqZ3zpmXAWqPPZ59I0e4UNaxkvOWic_HKRmLwSmkJ3Js24dOUUvNWiiHSljyYkicfzHzYLBr9fERUAaop2zzCzHcksIuA08yo8lUp6AYpExq0xOm5gRsc9I/s1600/topkari+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHaYUhzttGHMrk_W-yw8HriqZ3zpmXAWqPPZ59I0e4UNaxkvOWic_HKRmLwSmkJ3Js24dOUUvNWiiHSljyYkicfzHzYLBr9fERUAaop2zzCzHcksIuA08yo8lUp6AYpExq0xOm5gRsc9I/s1600/topkari+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the
Endurun courtyard and Endurun Institution which functioned as the
principal Ottoman establishment devoted to educating future candidates
of bureaucratic and managerial positions. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier in the day, we had ambitions of also covering
the Archeology Museum that afternoon as well as the Topkapi Palace, but
we ran out of time. The Topkapi Palace Museum takes a few hours and,
after covering two museums that day, folks had had enough. So we started
walking back to the apartment.<br />
<br />
That evening we decided
to eat at the Topoz Restaurant by our apartment where our apartment
host guaranteed that we'd receive a special 20% off deal. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-y-7WW6Y5lg0bMmBc-93z6l25kjQBbxqximkkUu6PM2saObqhOUHS7gkEVNQjwAowOseR94NyvQyK6xAl0hYXgXt3DdFf4H_rgYUNrrCdeKfaVv_pcVHgM8Getqow1qVZkwumZCcM6f6/s1600/topaz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-y-7WW6Y5lg0bMmBc-93z6l25kjQBbxqximkkUu6PM2saObqhOUHS7gkEVNQjwAowOseR94NyvQyK6xAl0hYXgXt3DdFf4H_rgYUNrrCdeKfaVv_pcVHgM8Getqow1qVZkwumZCcM6f6/s1600/topaz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a very good fish meal and enjoyed some lively musical entertainment so it was a good way to end the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 9th</b>, we woke to more rain. Realizing
we were in for several soggy days, I decided to make an effort to keep
my feet dry. I wore a layer of socks, then put a plastic bag on each
foot and covered those with another pair of socks (to cover up the bags)
before putting on my sneakers. There's nothing worse than 8+ hours of
cold, wet feet so I was able to solve that problem. I encouraged
everyone else to do the same. I shouldn't have been surprised that not
everyone did. Anyway, I was much happier with dry feet.<br />
<br />
We
decided to do something more kid-friendly and so aimed to go to the
Rahmi M. Koç Museum which is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, in
the suburb of Haskoy. The journey meant crossing the Bosphorous Strait.
Vincent figured out how to get there via public transport which involved
taking a street car to the port and then taking a ferry across to the
museum. Unfortunately, the machines that sell tickets to the streetcar
were not working and so we had to walk to the port which meant we took
longer than expected and missed the ferry ride that only operates once
per hour. We decided to have lunch and bought fish sandwiches again at
the same kiosk where we ate on March 7th.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBf8JoRawzS0KH038B_rqyfiYtXkWIe_uxfSuhz9_jbOqMlacY5nKXUHpPhPp76kASngpgiIHt1yc0lIz5_brhz0GRGEcYnVa_lhYRM54IoyvvryJs3isWD5qRICpNSuoUR5AE7RM15k1/s1600/ferry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBf8JoRawzS0KH038B_rqyfiYtXkWIe_uxfSuhz9_jbOqMlacY5nKXUHpPhPp76kASngpgiIHt1yc0lIz5_brhz0GRGEcYnVa_lhYRM54IoyvvryJs3isWD5qRICpNSuoUR5AE7RM15k1/s1600/ferry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
ferries are a nice way to travel (once one figures out their schedule).
On board, a server will come to your seat and offer to bring you a
coffee, tea or other refreshment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually
we arrived at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum which is advertised as the
closest thing Istanbul has to a children's museum. At first glance, one
can't help but be impressed. Everything is in immaculate condition. The
museum covers the broad topics of transportation, communications,
machines and scientific instruments. A subset of items on display
include: Sports cars (between 1953 and 1986), salon/coupe and
convertible cars (1898–1994), utility vehicles (1911–1963), commercial
vehicles (1908–2002), motorcycles (1908–2003), an old Istanbul tram
(1934), a Sultan's carriage (1867), a steam engine locomotive (1913), a
narrow-gauge steam locomotive (1930), an Istanbul tunnel carriage
(1876), a Henschel steam locomotive (1918), a ferry boat steam engine
(1911), an olive oil factory, a rotary dial telephone (1920) (<i>hey, we have a 1950s version in our house</i>), a phonograph (1903), a Thomas Edison telegraph patent model (1876), a A marine chronometer, a Wimshurst machine and much, much more. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ek7XqOUAiGCZrVxEk6mt5Of0Qutex2mOCe1HcU0r3D-w7DuKKfJP-oRYto7XkKSEBti9Zi63ZREydcFfTb1PYXLa7e0sI3CxmjY-1a8C9xhnkVzRibJ1TjgonaUgep2BYHVE0kUZNXy5/s1600/koc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ek7XqOUAiGCZrVxEk6mt5Of0Qutex2mOCe1HcU0r3D-w7DuKKfJP-oRYto7XkKSEBti9Zi63ZREydcFfTb1PYXLa7e0sI3CxmjY-1a8C9xhnkVzRibJ1TjgonaUgep2BYHVE0kUZNXy5/s1600/koc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the
best things for kids at the museum is the display showing how everyday
appliances work. Push a button and one can see how a washing machine,
dishwasher, dryer, refrigerator, gas or electrical stove and vacuum
cleaner work. Video-based explanations (also in English) are provided.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDgDXzzjM2Ez4c38P8NxM-UGTIHHvWct5DJrla9oBOufEMewcDA3MZ9Wf62PnPq3U6pfbDfz9VcGQ0Kho4D1n6ZnQ87kqUHfD6LnOd9V7gNtCOB8X6S2BHOJGSA0t6rbzpFzVhyphenhyphenOHaVg-/s1600/koc+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDgDXzzjM2Ez4c38P8NxM-UGTIHHvWct5DJrla9oBOufEMewcDA3MZ9Wf62PnPq3U6pfbDfz9VcGQ0Kho4D1n6ZnQ87kqUHfD6LnOd9V7gNtCOB8X6S2BHOJGSA0t6rbzpFzVhyphenhyphenOHaVg-/s1600/koc+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left is a 1955 Messerschmitt Micro-Car. To the right is a Ford Anglia 105E Deluxe that was used in the movie, <i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUNyoOlQTBMLihlFv8V2_jAaT1XWVJhyphenhyphen7IQ2Td06jITtuuA4ry0gEDUyyONFUq6thcqXWsT_upTIFo2a5onuhl8gMCbu9yLfK5pbRwXDkvl4SdlyCY0XLpriHb-wejYdZI_rtjog-Btq9/s1600/koc+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUNyoOlQTBMLihlFv8V2_jAaT1XWVJhyphenhyphen7IQ2Td06jITtuuA4ry0gEDUyyONFUq6thcqXWsT_upTIFo2a5onuhl8gMCbu9yLfK5pbRwXDkvl4SdlyCY0XLpriHb-wejYdZI_rtjog-Btq9/s1600/koc+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also on display is <i>Kismet</i>,
a 10.5 metre sailboat in which Sadun Boro, his wife Oda and their cat
Mico circumnavigated the globe, ending in 1965. They were the first
Turkish citizens to do so. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRATCn_GgZYKnwwVoOydWDK6tGWG97iVMK8Zc-sbSKHIlXtGvefN0F8yvqh5eIO8F6zNSPlCHYGOSARvn2h902JtrB9xz1kg545PtbycNnuX8DwX54QZLbwh-76SNViePlfCTCJMFxqJK/s1600/koc+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRATCn_GgZYKnwwVoOydWDK6tGWG97iVMK8Zc-sbSKHIlXtGvefN0F8yvqh5eIO8F6zNSPlCHYGOSARvn2h902JtrB9xz1kg545PtbycNnuX8DwX54QZLbwh-76SNViePlfCTCJMFxqJK/s1600/koc+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Sarah in a ship's bridge reconstructed from the '<i>John McKay</i>' which was built in England in
1922. It was stocked with functioning equipment and communication
devices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmRGCp9b1kZZhCRevwuHuday7i6CHlJhXXkckeDJSbcIeuJkDfff1-IVoSFO8eaJovlY3tkJVI22T8jQLdq5FNGcPt17Rm3MeUcvfk-gqe4RbbsyIrMvTxJ2dFyG5XpQ2mfSu2Ml4B0Zh/s1600/koc+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmRGCp9b1kZZhCRevwuHuday7i6CHlJhXXkckeDJSbcIeuJkDfff1-IVoSFO8eaJovlY3tkJVI22T8jQLdq5FNGcPt17Rm3MeUcvfk-gqe4RbbsyIrMvTxJ2dFyG5XpQ2mfSu2Ml4B0Zh/s1600/koc+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a tour of the TCG Uluçalireis submarine. The TCG Uluçalireis was formerly a US submarine named the USS <i>Thornback</i> (SS-418) which was launched on July 7, 1944. The submarine was turned over to the Turkish Navy on July 1, 1971.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After receiving a certificate commemorating our
submarine tour, we left the museum to rush over to the Galata Mevlevi
House Museum (also part of our museum pass) in hopes of seeing that
museum as well as to get tickets to the Whirling Dervish who perform on
Saturday evenings at 17:30. The Mevlevi House has a semahane
(whirling-dervish hall) that was erected in 1491 and therefore a good
historic setting to see the whirling ritual.<br />
<br />
The
Whirling Dervish or Mevlevi Order have a unique way of practicing Islam.
They are followers of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi, a 13th century
Persian poet, Islamic jurist and theologian.The order was founded in
Konya, a city in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. If one has never
seen the Whirling Dervish, it is a must do when visiting Turkey.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdY1R8jDJy0X8a19ecfvCnJJvjoE4AH71thlFmby382rP2jtJcSYmlTd4jDeORNhUttAfUKtRNhsDpkuysvVy8cKZVKvQ_q1eekGOTmPd1Tf6nFsB-qCZikBAXYZIdu9tJQbzI4vmODT2/s1600/tower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdY1R8jDJy0X8a19ecfvCnJJvjoE4AH71thlFmby382rP2jtJcSYmlTd4jDeORNhUttAfUKtRNhsDpkuysvVy8cKZVKvQ_q1eekGOTmPd1Tf6nFsB-qCZikBAXYZIdu9tJQbzI4vmODT2/s1600/tower.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to take
another ferry and then walk up a steep hill past the Galata Tower
(shown) in the Beyoğlu district. The Galata Tower was built in 1348. In a
footnote to
aviation history, it was from this tower that Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi flew
across the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia in 1638, thus inaugurating the
first ever intercontinental flight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached the Galata Mevlevi House Museum at 16:15
to be told we could not go in. The museum supposedly closed at 17:00 so
why were they denying entry 45 minutes before closure? I then asked
about tickets to the Whirling Dervish and was told, "No more tickets."
It was a colossal two strikes. I was annoyed, wet, cold and ready to
give up. Vincent tried to lighten the mood by suggesting we get
milkshakes at a nearby "Shake Shack". I was thinking I needed something
stronger but that was enough to rally the kids so that's where we headed
to regroup.<br />
<br />
During our milkshake pick-me-up, Vincent
proposed that he and I visit the Cemberlitas Hamami turkish bath that
evening for a spa treatment. The kids could stay at the apartment with
extra computer time. It would be a win-win. I was sold.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP35rjT8pHlcQUMJ5MBdxBK57oI9pFYZRS-lRJ6lqzGxN5-GhvDGkFoFZWPNi1gCL9sztJz0U2SZ71NMnt1c98x18ATbRcYR4_9yge43hOO17cc7orPMEZhayIVRNNiuOzsz70mMz_scRP/s1600/tunel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP35rjT8pHlcQUMJ5MBdxBK57oI9pFYZRS-lRJ6lqzGxN5-GhvDGkFoFZWPNi1gCL9sztJz0U2SZ71NMnt1c98x18ATbRcYR4_9yge43hOO17cc7orPMEZhayIVRNNiuOzsz70mMz_scRP/s1600/tunel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of our transport back, we rode on Istanbul's historical funicular railway line, <i>Tunnel</i>,
which is the world's second oldest underground railway after the London
Underground. It was completed in 1874, whereas London's Underground has
been running since 1863.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way back to our apartment, we stopped at an
excellent restaurant for döner, which is like a shawarma or gyros. A
döner is a Turkish wrap based on meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie,
usually lamb but also could be a mixture of veal or beef or even
chicken. They baked the thin wrap bread on the spot for the order and we
were presented with dishes of cucumbers and tomatoes, peppers and
onions so that we could do our own wraps the way we wanted them. They
were delicious.<br />
<br />
After dropping off the kids, Vincent
and I walked to the historical Cemberlitas Hamami turkish bath that was
built by the renown Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, in 1584. If one is
to experience the Turkish bath in Istanbul, the Cemberlitas Hamami is
often recommended. The building was commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan, wife
of Selim II (Sultan of the Ottoman empire 1566 until his death in 1574)
and
mother of Murat III (Sultan of the Ottoman empire 1574 until his death
in 1595). Vincent signed us each up for a traditional bath and 30 minute
oil massage at a cost of €51 each. We each were handed a little package
and were told the two treatments would take about 90 minutes. Having
never been to a Turkish bath, I had no idea what the process was and was
a bit lost. Since the majority of customers at this spa are tourists,
my biggest recommendation for the management would be to put up signs
with pictures (as they're dealing with customers with a range of
languages) that depict the order in which guests visit the various
stations. I found a locker and opened my package; it contained a pair of
black underwear plus a cotton pouch for which I had no idea what use it
had. I took off my clothes, put on the black panties and wrapped myself
in a red and white cloth that was provided. I then went downstairs and
into the massage waiting room. After standing there a few minutes and
watching others I went into the bath chamber. It was a circular, domed
room with huge marble
sıcaklık (circular marble heat platform) in the center. There were women
arranged on it like a pinwheel. About 8 or 9 women arranged around the
center of the wheel and then about 14 women lying on the outer edges of
the wheel who were being washed by women wearing black panties and black
bras. The only difference between the customers and the working staff
was the the staff were wearing bras. If one isn't comfortable hanging
around with a lot of naked women, one is going to feel a bit
uncomfortable initially. After a few mixed messages of where to get
started, I eventually was directed to lie down in the center of the
marble wheel for about 15 minutes. I put my red and white checkered
cloth down and lay down looking at the domed ceiling; it was dotted with
glass
apertures which might be pretty in the day time, but we were here at
night so they were black. I lay there watching the water drips fall and
thinking to myself, "Am I enjoying this yet?" After 10 minutes or so, I
was splashed with water so I looked up and a woman was signaling me to
come over to her at the edge of the marble platform. I took my red and
white towel and lay face down next to her. She then indicated she wanted
that cotton pouch; oh, now I understood the purpose of the pouch. It
was my personal scrubber. I had left it upstairs so she used some other
cloth that all the other first-timers who don't have a clue share. So I
got scrubbed down with the abrasive cloth on all sides, which was
followed by mounds of bubbles being poured on me (which was the point
where this started to get enjoyable) and then followed by less intense
scrubbing. The treatment ended with the woman washing my hair (also
really enjoyable) and having tubs of water poured over me to rinse off
all the soap. I was then directed to the jacuzzi which really wasn't a
jacuzzi but was a deep soaking tub which had a temperature of 36 degrees
celcius, one degree below normal body temperature, which was probably
deliberately set so no one sticks around too long. After about 5-10
minutes in the tub, I left the bath chamber and went back to the massage
waiting room. I had about 6 women ahead of me so had to wait about 45
minutes to be called. My oil massage was just that, oily; it was like a
light Swedish massage and was very pleasant. I took a shower afterwards,
dried my hair and then met Vincent in the lobby. The whole process took
just over 2 hours. Vincent bought me a glass of fresh squeezed orange
juice which was a nice cap to the experience.<br />
<br />
On Monday, <b>March 10th</b>
we woke up to still more rain. I looked up the Museum Pass on-line to
see if anything was open on a Monday to find that just the Chora Museum
and the Yildiz Palace Museum were. Both were in far reaching places that
required forms of public transport, taxi or car (which we didn't want
to use) so in a sense we just "gave up" trying to force the Istanbul
experience. I concluded that we needed to return one day to spend more
time in Istanbul and see other parts of the country like Ephesus,
Cappadocia, Konya and Side, plus perhaps Ankora and some of the popular
coastal destinations. Turkey deserves some serious attention and our
time here now was more or less the "teaser" to a bigger reach one day.<br />
<br />
Vincent
was anxious to get the Prius sunroof fixed so he looked up a car repair
shop on the Istanbul's on-line version of the Yellow Pages to try and
get it fixed. In order to do so, he typed out 4 or 5 key statements
outlining what needed to be done and used Google Translate to translate
them into Turkish. With translations in hand, he set out.<br />
<br />
My
"non-shopper" self, decided that Istanbul had too much to offer to
ignore and so decided to go back to the Grand Bazaar for 90 minutes or
so and price out things like scarves and ceramics to see if we could
possibly leave with some sort of souvenir in hand. The kids were very
happy to be left in the apartment and not dragged through the rain. I
told them I'd be back around 13:00 and if Vincent hadn't arrived back by
then, we'd go out and do something in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
The
thing about the Grand Bazaar, like most bazaars, is that there are no
prices listed. You have to ask and the stall/storekeeper will give you a
price, but that isn't the price you pay. The price you pay depends on
your negotiating skills. I found that the longer I stayed in a kiosk the
better the deal I'd get when I started to walk away. However, every
vendor was different and had his (most always a man) threshold for how
eager he was to sell.<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozxU-Iba_2K1qEkRIag4uSKjc4U6pq31Cy7j16CqJ7IFZ3IwT86JIX1rAKrX-UlkPQRSj9A6_jcDX56HH_vgwb_ScIyLNVeqTGML_Ah7IAdkRKCdSkKGJUQB0Kpj4nO7qb-aoItbrapZd/s1600/bazaar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozxU-Iba_2K1qEkRIag4uSKjc4U6pq31Cy7j16CqJ7IFZ3IwT86JIX1rAKrX-UlkPQRSj9A6_jcDX56HH_vgwb_ScIyLNVeqTGML_Ah7IAdkRKCdSkKGJUQB0Kpj4nO7qb-aoItbrapZd/s1600/bazaar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istanbul's
Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the
world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops. So it wasn't
surprising that I got pretty disoriented in there and, once I emerged on
the streets, it took me a while to get my bearings and find my way back
to the apartment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WD6dBv8crsxiivQLZoepSznd_N6kcYl-QgEZ-uTfjJSXHNF70zEup-zhmboEAfRtryqoXA62onu_daKBFUwRHBluGN00bcjN3j4QcaTqY7JUmNSFQVp77T0EA-AegqRnrbco80caY-a7/s1600/bazaar+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WD6dBv8crsxiivQLZoepSznd_N6kcYl-QgEZ-uTfjJSXHNF70zEup-zhmboEAfRtryqoXA62onu_daKBFUwRHBluGN00bcjN3j4QcaTqY7JUmNSFQVp77T0EA-AegqRnrbco80caY-a7/s1600/bazaar+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings
of the Grand Bazaar's core were constructed during the winter of
1455-56, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantiople. At the
beginning of the 17th century the Grand Bazaar had
achieved its final shape. The enormous extent of the Ottoman Empire in
three continents, and the total control of road communication between
Asia and Europe, rendered the Bazaar
the hub of the Mediterranean trade. According to several European
travelers, at that time and until the first half of the 19th century,
the market was unrivaled in Europe with regards to the abundance,
variety and quality of the goods on sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 13:30, I arrived back to the apartment and Vincent returned
shortly thereafter having successfully got the Prius's sunroof fixed.
The two of us then went back to the Grand Bazaar and bought some scarves
for ourselves, and as gifts. Making a call on ceramics proved to be too
much though and we we decided to leave satisfied with our textiles.<br />
We
went back to the apartment and collected the kids to go to the Sirkeci
Terminal and hopefully see these illusive Whirling Dervish. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj-bIHbmKbsLPqZ4UgStLApF97CHzeR-BBhSQqxzCLXEZuEOs1R713j6jktf0htkDerIBI2SzP1cBUTxHsea9Uf03m8Lhv0l5EEI6eCp8P5nshJC-UJuspILr7f-KUCezphwk9zPlcEr2/s1600/dervish+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj-bIHbmKbsLPqZ4UgStLApF97CHzeR-BBhSQqxzCLXEZuEOs1R713j6jktf0htkDerIBI2SzP1cBUTxHsea9Uf03m8Lhv0l5EEI6eCp8P5nshJC-UJuspILr7f-KUCezphwk9zPlcEr2/s1600/dervish+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurray, we had
front row seats to see the Whirling Dervish. They later had to wipe up
the water left from our (and others') umbrellas so that the Dervish
would spin without wiping out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESp5ooVBEDUwbySEYbnDO7TyLujmVQ66rVVKZ3UEei8EZkUFoCs5ILLMsV8t6jWhKw-XYIhXgpJMDrv4Kb_0aT9ZDzcNk7OAekeOlFS4G4NGUJiU1BCCfCSBBF5FAePpQMjI99_BPFnm8/s1600/dervish+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESp5ooVBEDUwbySEYbnDO7TyLujmVQ66rVVKZ3UEei8EZkUFoCs5ILLMsV8t6jWhKw-XYIhXgpJMDrv4Kb_0aT9ZDzcNk7OAekeOlFS4G4NGUJiU1BCCfCSBBF5FAePpQMjI99_BPFnm8/s1600/dervish+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
German architect and engineer, August Jachmund, was commissioned by
Sultan
Abdülhamit II to begin construction of the train station in 1888, and
it opened in 1890. Jachmund felt that the most important statement that
the architecture of
the building should convey was that this site was where the West ended
and the East began. As a result, the
design had to incorporate an oriental style. His plans included bands of
bricks for the facade, windows with peaked arcs, stained glass and a
wide entrance door, reminiscent of the stone portals from the Seljuk
period. The foundation of the building was granite and the facade was
built with marble and stones from Marseille. The
terminal was further decorated with several great clock towers. The
resulting mix of European and oriental styles was much admired and
influenced the
designs of other architects for railway stations throughout Central
Europe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOtA85-r8h_YT5QKKDvas_Pev33di9WEaLW4Fvz2HzwW4YSg0zhNWCIkdg1DcIc6IVV2iy0EazXRBVJq9kXMrlb3ktA7dyG8G0qm47QSoxWZHHT6Eo7DQIBBP7A321SzmS1Vx3tMHbsjN/s1600/Dervish+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOtA85-r8h_YT5QKKDvas_Pev33di9WEaLW4Fvz2HzwW4YSg0zhNWCIkdg1DcIc6IVV2iy0EazXRBVJq9kXMrlb3ktA7dyG8G0qm47QSoxWZHHT6Eo7DQIBBP7A321SzmS1Vx3tMHbsjN/s1600/Dervish+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire
Whirling Dervish performance or ceremony was about an hour long. It
began with these five musicians playing for about 20 minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtGpGSgsZRrE_bj-wzLX2qPYX71ErJSWZ9rylkBK01rcFVyHZZoUHacfjUWEbrykCoP7Lewx9eJUIqBqhAK-FqIMmjZ749tcw98NYIWk4QrrkGNKuIF4T91kmrNwhf4pJ5VM4kYRHPM0K/s1600/dervish+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtGpGSgsZRrE_bj-wzLX2qPYX71ErJSWZ9rylkBK01rcFVyHZZoUHacfjUWEbrykCoP7Lewx9eJUIqBqhAK-FqIMmjZ749tcw98NYIWk4QrrkGNKuIF4T91kmrNwhf4pJ5VM4kYRHPM0K/s1600/dervish+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The musicians left and then returned wearing these black cloaks and conical pressed woolen hats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7CgBevhcDKCvxtJViEiRUm4A2_vYmSw44x1swnKvJzS-vo0y2yd4GQmNQKEpQdPEIRPkbmP4SqynvlJv7rORIvLsl88AiC4KuT6nLGscnVcKzJNg-slOzRW7CvA5Licb8K8lI7xmJpJ/s1600/dervish+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7CgBevhcDKCvxtJViEiRUm4A2_vYmSw44x1swnKvJzS-vo0y2yd4GQmNQKEpQdPEIRPkbmP4SqynvlJv7rORIvLsl88AiC4KuT6nLGscnVcKzJNg-slOzRW7CvA5Licb8K8lI7xmJpJ/s1600/dervish+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Sufi Dervishes (Semazens) then emerged and began the Sema, or worship ceremony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c1OE6snMSiul1kt0Quk3BetQI-jY9dnsgV5NlMFKdk2SoyEbHDbrh-q2GiiGLcI_gEL5G2TgfGq2g28ZIriC6mRKUZjdeTovUhA-s-DoVvJGhcloAxTLAIIjsD4PbfJc_XcSRwArn79H/s1600/dervish+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c1OE6snMSiul1kt0Quk3BetQI-jY9dnsgV5NlMFKdk2SoyEbHDbrh-q2GiiGLcI_gEL5G2TgfGq2g28ZIriC6mRKUZjdeTovUhA-s-DoVvJGhcloAxTLAIIjsD4PbfJc_XcSRwArn79H/s1600/dervish+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The objective
of the ceremony is to reach the source of all
perfection, or kemal. This is sought through abandoning one's self, ego,
or soul by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one's
body in repetitive circles, which has been seen as a symbolic imitation
of planets in the solar system orbiting the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm42ypQYKEIL1QbqvOvIf5BG__D_WPHmDdoQeAm5KIwqsGcOnmIQ1QJLVYjouoktUSUbi9I_ivcbLhrC6UlPNggKElGWPPd3ulSvHren6MxmI4TK9R6z_8K8NzVGdwKhiz9KiEw20cs3B/s1600/dervish+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm42ypQYKEIL1QbqvOvIf5BG__D_WPHmDdoQeAm5KIwqsGcOnmIQ1QJLVYjouoktUSUbi9I_ivcbLhrC6UlPNggKElGWPPd3ulSvHren6MxmI4TK9R6z_8K8NzVGdwKhiz9KiEw20cs3B/s1600/dervish+7.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the
symbolism of the Sema ritual, the Dervish's camel's hair hat
(sikke) represents the tombstone of the ego; his wide, white skirt
(tennure) represents the ego's shroud. By removing his black cloak
(hırka),
he is spiritually reborn to the truth. At the beginning of the Sema, by
holding his arms crosswise, the Dervish appears to represent the number
one, thus testifying to God's unity. While whirling, his arms are open.
His right arm is directed to the sky, ready to receive God's
beneficence; his left hand, upon which his eyes are fastened, is turned
toward the earth. The Dervish conveys God's spiritual gift to those who
are witnessing the Sema. Revolving from right to left around the heart,
the Dervish embraces all humanity with love. The human being has been
created with love in order to love. (Thanks to <i>Wikipedia</i> for this explanation.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 11th</b>, it was time to leave Istanbul.
We definitely did not spend enough time there. That being said, there
were other places Vincent and I wanted to visit in Turkey so it would
just mean that we'd have to return one day for more of a dedicated
Turkey trip. <br />
<br />
We were out of the apartment and on the
road by 9:30. Our drive to Bulgaria was pretty straightforward with the
exception of going through Bulgaria's border control. We were back in
snow country and we got stuck in the snow trying to cross the actual
border. Fortunately there wasn't any traffic so Vincent could back up
the Prius and go through the truck route. Otherwise we would have had to
empty our trunk and dig out the chains which, of course, were located
underneath the floor of the trunk.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxpwLX5pht78nUQIExs8tWE09HI6uvDNGCNKtzdNAL1FIfGVqyOhTZ1vDHcCMKbh5xMD6u16UxHCQ0XjTtgHJ_5EuOvvTcAZxnL8DiQeIFV8utu71k0Q7oMlkGxObcKezuBnddE2t8aad/s1600/istanbul+30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxpwLX5pht78nUQIExs8tWE09HI6uvDNGCNKtzdNAL1FIfGVqyOhTZ1vDHcCMKbh5xMD6u16UxHCQ0XjTtgHJ_5EuOvvTcAZxnL8DiQeIFV8utu71k0Q7oMlkGxObcKezuBnddE2t8aad/s1600/istanbul+30.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last snapshot of Istanbul's beautiful boulevards along the highway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived at our apartment in Nessebar, Bulgaria, along the Black Sea in good time. It was another good find via Booking.com.<br />
<br />
After we got settled, we walked to the old town for dinner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9-svsztb9-PZ84hvxe6iYl7ROFhXuhJOcmvkxJlVl-uBzhRaGpK0tr8YoNIm0CiOqN-Yiz_RxbkjUTzHwVUTwgja18sKOo-3ChV56B1BlBGWteZQ4DplHKRdTQKl3Cofu0yoe4PvjSgW/s1600/nessebar+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9-svsztb9-PZ84hvxe6iYl7ROFhXuhJOcmvkxJlVl-uBzhRaGpK0tr8YoNIm0CiOqN-Yiz_RxbkjUTzHwVUTwgja18sKOo-3ChV56B1BlBGWteZQ4DplHKRdTQKl3Cofu0yoe4PvjSgW/s1600/nessebar+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussels with wine and cream plus a few rounds of Uno was a good way to end the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 12th</b>, we decided to hang around
Nessebar and see the old town. Nessebar is the only town in the area
that has any historical charm. I read somewhere that Nessebar is
"Bulgaria's Dubrovnik"; that is an enormous stretch. Nessebar may be the
highlight of the towns along Bulgaria's portion of the Black Sea but it
is no Dubrovnik. Nevertheless, the local powers that be are doing a lot
to make Nessebar shine. There was evidence of great efforts underway to
restore Nessebar's
historic sights. About a third of the churches or ruins were actively
being worked on. Here are some photos taken during the afternoon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdMX3OhgXwQMtzhylKTqyZI3nO4G4Z-jVwdwiA_tqT0m1l_4tVPZGWROxDRMxSFP0mEmYWWxl4-59jfuDmFyBvClKq15-y-VuQFhP4kea-hvpHyAYXZaCpsjhJvI6b-BXyZGcl5P2-XpX/s1600/nessebar+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdMX3OhgXwQMtzhylKTqyZI3nO4G4Z-jVwdwiA_tqT0m1l_4tVPZGWROxDRMxSFP0mEmYWWxl4-59jfuDmFyBvClKq15-y-VuQFhP4kea-hvpHyAYXZaCpsjhJvI6b-BXyZGcl5P2-XpX/s1600/nessebar+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ancient
part of the Nessebar is situated on a peninsula (previously an island)
which is connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made isthmus. It was
occupied by a number of different
civilizations (starting as a Greek colony in the 6th century BC) over
the centuries and is included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhdxaXGclvHJ0a_1fHkv3u_8JADJyJz2q9pIuQa2kqJKHR1c-YfhNxya3C09u4HPPF0RR17QBOSXLigObk4opnf6GSj7zIQlZzZ3f3If-mPXpwUUT3OyiJxBCC-3hBj_tNtCSM4KSRmHK/s1600/nessebar+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhdxaXGclvHJ0a_1fHkv3u_8JADJyJz2q9pIuQa2kqJKHR1c-YfhNxya3C09u4HPPF0RR17QBOSXLigObk4opnf6GSj7zIQlZzZ3f3If-mPXpwUUT3OyiJxBCC-3hBj_tNtCSM4KSRmHK/s1600/nessebar+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nessebar's
western fortress wall which was built in the early Byzantine period
(5th-6th century): After the capturing of Nessebar by the Turks (1453),
the fortress walls gradually lost their importance and fell into ruins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLDihiFy2liEOPdLgPj6EbPMsqZ4hH-LmMQZ89NOStI8DCvueYOHFHFQljQo56l4tblntn6AbyI_Ud4l3pBMgjqogCTRt1npIHsskL-5bcSajkM_3UGo7ymV5yK18N20MFue4hQSboIlh/s1600/nessebar+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLDihiFy2liEOPdLgPj6EbPMsqZ4hH-LmMQZ89NOStI8DCvueYOHFHFQljQo56l4tblntn6AbyI_Ud4l3pBMgjqogCTRt1npIHsskL-5bcSajkM_3UGo7ymV5yK18N20MFue4hQSboIlh/s1600/nessebar+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw a couple instances of these red and white dolls (martenitsas). They are named Pizho and Penda. <br />
Pizho
is the male doll and is usually in white. Penda is the female doll,
usually in red and is distinguished by her skirt. They are displayed
during March to celebrate the holiday <i>Baba Marta</i>, which is a
Bulgarian tradition related to welcoming the upcoming spring. The red
and white colors symbolize the wish for good health; white symbolizes
purity and red symbolizes life and passion. Behind the martenitsas is a
cruxiform dome church built in the 14th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqPUHaP_DgfTd8mMmeAk-E2byd08A2JqcNr0TwE_AJXQjXb4MaDzk4CqiVRBK5BkmW7nOWxXYeqMaNat6NecoSOIk2VWGjBw1vpV3juXqNe_vu-ZUn1FfHFAyktZwobq_DhagQFq0GjWC/s1600/nessebar+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqPUHaP_DgfTd8mMmeAk-E2byd08A2JqcNr0TwE_AJXQjXb4MaDzk4CqiVRBK5BkmW7nOWxXYeqMaNat6NecoSOIk2VWGjBw1vpV3juXqNe_vu-ZUn1FfHFAyktZwobq_DhagQFq0GjWC/s1600/nessebar+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At lunch, we found a perfect spot overlooking the Black Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsKTrLH3Mq2MEP3XOXmH7lsrJW7ekV5QaP6AIigRn7Zxk2XQE0m_2VW0nJLepiHiLHsj7Bzxb556NpPrdmozjTIS5A4n-MQPAeY8IgnSldEs4Km6cHa3GokNlVxPsqg5_fJ2elYqtWue/s1600/nessebar+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsKTrLH3Mq2MEP3XOXmH7lsrJW7ekV5QaP6AIigRn7Zxk2XQE0m_2VW0nJLepiHiLHsj7Bzxb556NpPrdmozjTIS5A4n-MQPAeY8IgnSldEs4Km6cHa3GokNlVxPsqg5_fJ2elYqtWue/s1600/nessebar+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried the
Bulgarian tarator soup. It's a cold cucumber and yogurt-based soup. It
needed a bit of garlic and salt or something to jazz it up a bit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIP_CYC1iLTx5eyNCR3HFp-ST1nzgmIxJQ6yZ33NM7CCpR0YbIPQHmAUmLQPUR8MutCJASAtmjPiWW_9jOrjXleuYDr32USt-TIDM9FupUnNHBbuCh05Ufn9hyLOszEKohyphenhyphenfDHr7mnxjn/s1600/nessebar+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIP_CYC1iLTx5eyNCR3HFp-ST1nzgmIxJQ6yZ33NM7CCpR0YbIPQHmAUmLQPUR8MutCJASAtmjPiWW_9jOrjXleuYDr32USt-TIDM9FupUnNHBbuCh05Ufn9hyLOszEKohyphenhyphenfDHr7mnxjn/s1600/nessebar+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cantilevered rooms were typical of Ottoman architecture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeLlyuftDtlJz6c5WVIt7HFnccldqFpDGaKEbdBIL8gO_cPx-Iq9oVNGzsa0Ca4qeWk0wHBepNbOTR7TUguA5UUDytl_9SbUYPi4iRBv2h41HbmkzsNV7_24wwewOwqk-qp9RzKNfUoBB/s1600/nessebar+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeLlyuftDtlJz6c5WVIt7HFnccldqFpDGaKEbdBIL8gO_cPx-Iq9oVNGzsa0Ca4qeWk0wHBepNbOTR7TUguA5UUDytl_9SbUYPi4iRBv2h41HbmkzsNV7_24wwewOwqk-qp9RzKNfUoBB/s1600/nessebar+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small one-nave church built in the 13th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT8cSJYvvUUSmTuIbaPXtkowvhiA5a9MyEq1ZMgxwBgCp3PSyDJH9Vrzt_OLtNGfXjv76p-ulSkzq94WeIJPWP01T7FHUK9AccrwH2D0m9lSx_YJuz4jGRpx5iKu1c3iniiFpXf_UTvaG/s1600/nessebar+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT8cSJYvvUUSmTuIbaPXtkowvhiA5a9MyEq1ZMgxwBgCp3PSyDJH9Vrzt_OLtNGfXjv76p-ulSkzq94WeIJPWP01T7FHUK9AccrwH2D0m9lSx_YJuz4jGRpx5iKu1c3iniiFpXf_UTvaG/s1600/nessebar+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directly across the Black Sea to the west is Sochi, Russia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY5akkXkVBO7Jkag1xKyxhPiO9fEzNIfTKL10fgJGmvMkW1m1cBjrj864kvdnz5l0DrCHS2qJC0qc7xkqUJ2T-yhbuNgIsXXYLREmdBUxGL_acinZJjP5P98Bzr4LFIgs3Y0WMv-UuNRF/s1600/nessebar+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY5akkXkVBO7Jkag1xKyxhPiO9fEzNIfTKL10fgJGmvMkW1m1cBjrj864kvdnz5l0DrCHS2qJC0qc7xkqUJ2T-yhbuNgIsXXYLREmdBUxGL_acinZJjP5P98Bzr4LFIgs3Y0WMv-UuNRF/s1600/nessebar+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of the Basilica "Virgin Merciful" built in the 6th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5k1g-8ixjv1uxmWJR8CyFbT62fyuKCw0fg6rv-i9nMVHW3jdITJ05TF618ft9RpN_SH5vbN5uCTFq1fbIuXXMzEr2PNPGiUQV3m5oUGuQJqiIui9UTzKsC5YWxYUWmzsMeWjHJVJlpoJ/s1600/nessebar+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5k1g-8ixjv1uxmWJR8CyFbT62fyuKCw0fg6rv-i9nMVHW3jdITJ05TF618ft9RpN_SH5vbN5uCTFq1fbIuXXMzEr2PNPGiUQV3m5oUGuQJqiIui9UTzKsC5YWxYUWmzsMeWjHJVJlpoJ/s1600/nessebar+15.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window of the St Paraskeva Church that was constructed in the 13th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 13th</b>, we woke to another sunny day.
Once the kids spent some time on homework, Vincent booked flights back
to the US for he and Paul and I made some blog updates, we were set to
head out to Vargas. I was surprised to find the car open but got in and
waited for the kids. When they arrived they tried to open the back door
but the "unlock" button wouldn't work. Hmmm, that wasn't good. Vincent
got in to drive and pressed the start button. Nothing. I instinctively
looked at the ceiling in the back of the car and saw the light was left
in the "on" position. We had a totally drained, dead battery on our
hands. I guess the remarkable thing was that we made it all the way to
the Black Sea without yet encountering the "somebody left the lights on"
problem. We contacted our apartment host and she sent her husband to
help us.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O_PJC6DXoSvY4BduaSsfzmejA6VZrrq_9EXx-6ohcrZDJNh486vU6WwuOYvoW6TFE3WSmeh54Dd7371PUEgVeFiQ3n45gIBwEeD2Cbm_zxyII8dSsGuUjGgeNmCw7sHC6nFRw4HDgkib/s1600/jump.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O_PJC6DXoSvY4BduaSsfzmejA6VZrrq_9EXx-6ohcrZDJNh486vU6WwuOYvoW6TFE3WSmeh54Dd7371PUEgVeFiQ3n45gIBwEeD2Cbm_zxyII8dSsGuUjGgeNmCw7sHC6nFRw4HDgkib/s1600/jump.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When
jump-starting a hybrid one has to let the connected cables sit for 5
minutes before trying to start up the dead hybrid. That was the only
difference from jump-starting a standard gas-powered car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vincent was a bit concerned that now that the battery
had been drained, we'd need to get a new one, which is the advice car
service people generally give. I wondered whether it was really
necessary or just another means whereby the car industry keeps the money
flowing their way. Ever since we learned that Toyota dealers in the UK
only suggest Prius service every 10,000 miles (whereas their US
counterparts recommend every 5,000 miles), I've been wary of these
recommendations that spell out spending money. But because we were where
we were and who knows how many Toyota service departments would be in
our reach, we thought we should err on the cautious side. We were a bit
surprised to find there was a Toyota dealer in Burgas, just 15 miles
away, but it turned out they didn't have any of our battery type in
stock. So I suggested we just get on with our day and drive which would
be the best thing for the battery anyway.<br />
<br />
When Vincent
typed in Vargas in the GPS, it indicated that it would be a 90 minute
drive to Vargas. As it was now 13:30, we paused and asked do we really
want to spend 3 hours driving to visit an archeological museum? It was a
quick, "No". So we decided to drive to Sunny Beach and see what all the
fuss was about concerning this resort town.<br />
<br />
We drove
by masses of hotels and condos, spelling out thousands of rooms.
Apparently, Sunny Beach is home to over 800 hotels with more than
300,000 beds, most of which were empty this time of year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8fxqEvDlFz-RCAvABtXnppRYNNB_Jgt1QEv6HchiqW63XJSz92w50UMFrdM82m3GzG1qQ6atcU6swfz1UvLNKH0HIW-Hah-0BkVRpRsNAp4AzpHPsfWrsbKKioHH3oIUL_daa3C2Fw5m/s1600/sunny+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8fxqEvDlFz-RCAvABtXnppRYNNB_Jgt1QEv6HchiqW63XJSz92w50UMFrdM82m3GzG1qQ6atcU6swfz1UvLNKH0HIW-Hah-0BkVRpRsNAp4AzpHPsfWrsbKKioHH3oIUL_daa3C2Fw5m/s1600/sunny+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Beach: The kids immediately found a minimal playground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4So_qQoG5tQwENPh63-3CatlYVdmbAjenD-7FSRJw-jwO4tEB6uVb7GGmkavxOuaMto7YcpGWcoafaufjTQTNk32aZn7yh0gZCD3Yng7Zvt_KqTMHDQb_u_2e5zZnlRDeeQSeoGlBchtx/s1600/sunny+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4So_qQoG5tQwENPh63-3CatlYVdmbAjenD-7FSRJw-jwO4tEB6uVb7GGmkavxOuaMto7YcpGWcoafaufjTQTNk32aZn7yh0gZCD3Yng7Zvt_KqTMHDQb_u_2e5zZnlRDeeQSeoGlBchtx/s1600/sunny+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But quickly realized roughhousing would be more engaging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj5VJJuadg7vAbf4LtAKbOSIHr9yfAs-nM6Q37Ny0sEQO9cTHH29HUvUL7y2oPxyisGPkSCDQPPq63a_1y1uyrPD9H5hY6_VXMFZf1Zm7wQzGSIWY3_tXkfdMQPO-WaDYnJu2BjEQzWvs/s1600/sunny+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj5VJJuadg7vAbf4LtAKbOSIHr9yfAs-nM6Q37Ny0sEQO9cTHH29HUvUL7y2oPxyisGPkSCDQPPq63a_1y1uyrPD9H5hY6_VXMFZf1Zm7wQzGSIWY3_tXkfdMQPO-WaDYnJu2BjEQzWvs/s1600/sunny+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Beach is
the biggest and supposedly the "liveliest" of all the seaside resorts
on Bulgaria's Black
Sea coast. (You'd never know that here on March 13th.) The beach
stretches for over 8 km and from May through September it is packed with
rows of sunbeds and parasols. It's definitely for the swinging crowd;
other than the beach and a mini-golf course, there isn't much to do
other than visit the discos and night clubs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIcdule4sPvq34n89oor89qFOk4rEQZqmJKtZUsMX9TVC_81KIhBJZsNmMWPpREQl7MwzHqXkJtnkuMNdRxLcJepB1IhL02ZDPTYO8kXyQe9jUhYHlTbsdRcb4yOGSi_PvdU4J2W4w1BH/s1600/sunny+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIcdule4sPvq34n89oor89qFOk4rEQZqmJKtZUsMX9TVC_81KIhBJZsNmMWPpREQl7MwzHqXkJtnkuMNdRxLcJepB1IhL02ZDPTYO8kXyQe9jUhYHlTbsdRcb4yOGSi_PvdU4J2W4w1BH/s1600/sunny+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a gradual slope into the water and it's a good spot for shell collecting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdih-ZW9PAsREYATxd3knoaTvCm_Y6jK8rDWmlJjUv87SoRtPWKfks_Eyr_moG2Os-0ETin7cq6NwnrSzyeZiQIzJLbO5tQhjqTVghHLVN4MJOkkLj2kLrnNpuPRI2b42Z0wom6UKoow2/s1600/sunny+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdih-ZW9PAsREYATxd3knoaTvCm_Y6jK8rDWmlJjUv87SoRtPWKfks_Eyr_moG2Os-0ETin7cq6NwnrSzyeZiQIzJLbO5tQhjqTVghHLVN4MJOkkLj2kLrnNpuPRI2b42Z0wom6UKoow2/s1600/sunny+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swing was so much better with Dad pushing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving Sunny Beach, we dropped the boys back
at the apartment and Vincent, Sarah and I continued our walk towards
Nessebar's old town.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Csdy2I3SYPeFwluaqyAv9MOrr0rToAmj6qr83ACeQgH4XERNyOSmkCTKha-5NSBOb0Xj4sLblXk12Ojab0qQx7qW4_J6eb2qyzqT4AEr42ccJHc-sM9ZtjmZMRUtqSFKQ0jjrt9urXDd/s1600/sunny+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Csdy2I3SYPeFwluaqyAv9MOrr0rToAmj6qr83ACeQgH4XERNyOSmkCTKha-5NSBOb0Xj4sLblXk12Ojab0qQx7qW4_J6eb2qyzqT4AEr42ccJHc-sM9ZtjmZMRUtqSFKQ0jjrt9urXDd/s1600/sunny+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made one
detour past this Pirates of Caribbean water park/hotel. It just captured
the feeling of this resort area along the coast. I did have to wonder
though, if the owners had approval from Disney? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BwgJFbbRY704LAOOAs96BoxsrqC6whcXQGk1-yfsEpnAZMiYjy6Wed1uT0uToQJl6urRKYSU6VUgSoBtegkjDVp1fLDEnN_jSbUS9ov3uW63YSn52uohiwGwrfyNjBzJOjBNC1jy4Evf/s1600/nessebar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BwgJFbbRY704LAOOAs96BoxsrqC6whcXQGk1-yfsEpnAZMiYjy6Wed1uT0uToQJl6urRKYSU6VUgSoBtegkjDVp1fLDEnN_jSbUS9ov3uW63YSn52uohiwGwrfyNjBzJOjBNC1jy4Evf/s1600/nessebar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by
this German WWII bunker along the promenade to Nessebar's old town. I
could understand why the locals would want to keep the bunker, as it's a
reminder of their history. But why go out of their way to make it such
an eye sore? As seen in the photo, a modern apartment building is under
construction just next to the bunker. Why couldn't the powers that be do
something with the landscaping around the bunker to keep it as a
reminder but not scream "ulginess"? Make it part of a playground or
climbing structure, perhaps. I don't mean to single out Bulgaria; we'd
seen many of these abandoned bunkers in other countries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVpxk_toRmILb0d5unGAvR9Cy4JY8VT-dkiJJ954-PWp00HkThDR_Glzm75g3gse8HmwaW4kCwPcT0CxAYzWaWmLTEbluIR2IQtlhkIqisoYQHOVoITZjdTQYcTKKHLU0-Pp29Nb0SOxi/s1600/nessebar+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVpxk_toRmILb0d5unGAvR9Cy4JY8VT-dkiJJ954-PWp00HkThDR_Glzm75g3gse8HmwaW4kCwPcT0CxAYzWaWmLTEbluIR2IQtlhkIqisoYQHOVoITZjdTQYcTKKHLU0-Pp29Nb0SOxi/s1600/nessebar+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking by the wooden windmill on the causeway to the Nessebar's old town. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhD3uEGOBICuL4MplIzlEyJPhNghbEsoWC8YwkkSrIfLqga6hyphenhyphenvbxVpJWSndEbQEL6nfm1ZkdMiuX70HX6EyeV9SYvZDk9aspO-dHDyojcaaeZbSoh6See2SSwQPjPs1zALhjuFY5NOoj/s1600/nessebar+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhD3uEGOBICuL4MplIzlEyJPhNghbEsoWC8YwkkSrIfLqga6hyphenhyphenvbxVpJWSndEbQEL6nfm1ZkdMiuX70HX6EyeV9SYvZDk9aspO-dHDyojcaaeZbSoh6See2SSwQPjPs1zALhjuFY5NOoj/s1600/nessebar+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Statue of Saint Nicholas.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEM2Ye5g1IEWPRB9zTvIaR-7Enh_1xiVnHhYL6WYxxZA5yKhJV06G31pWJtfbdOg0vFY6V-yn3dS5ce2x0OM61aPcrm9bYYskgap0d4DNF1E54Cmykb8wf2Fy1wro5ldzUNnDAnEl5lZb/s1600/nessebar+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEM2Ye5g1IEWPRB9zTvIaR-7Enh_1xiVnHhYL6WYxxZA5yKhJV06G31pWJtfbdOg0vFY6V-yn3dS5ce2x0OM61aPcrm9bYYskgap0d4DNF1E54Cmykb8wf2Fy1wro5ldzUNnDAnEl5lZb/s1600/nessebar+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were lots of fishing boats just waiting for the season to begin. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDg76anbQ8ma7gHXeYxJOSE2DKA58I9jVtbKAeYUiYEjSmBW7APTOFcqzyQubgDJagwpDOGf9zE7unW6LWvJtQ_NonNYVhVd7JzB4HDzH-QoJ2Uhhmvr5prShws_cTlTY8WrAfnrfjkMO/s1600/nessebar+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDg76anbQ8ma7gHXeYxJOSE2DKA58I9jVtbKAeYUiYEjSmBW7APTOFcqzyQubgDJagwpDOGf9zE7unW6LWvJtQ_NonNYVhVd7JzB4HDzH-QoJ2Uhhmvr5prShws_cTlTY8WrAfnrfjkMO/s1600/nessebar+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, we had to stop for refreshments, at another <i>Flagman</i> restaurant. Can't beat hot chocolate and french fries. And maybe something a little stronger for Dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDRUkKV40Q2EO2ENGTOoZuGPp8DvV5Dum7Ug-yueK5HMykMCH6mdNz1j3SVZMfMiBMvK5X0JU6M8BP5dEFSrxILYlpO9LB8udR42ieHuddGiF9CLaqXqxJuNpEiqLB0MljOGLoCuCl_RW/s1600/nessebar+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDRUkKV40Q2EO2ENGTOoZuGPp8DvV5Dum7Ug-yueK5HMykMCH6mdNz1j3SVZMfMiBMvK5X0JU6M8BP5dEFSrxILYlpO9LB8udR42ieHuddGiF9CLaqXqxJuNpEiqLB0MljOGLoCuCl_RW/s1600/nessebar+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across at Sveti Vlas, another resort town along the Black Sea coastline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening, we returned to the first <i>Flagman</i>
restaurant where we ate at on March 11th for another round of mussles
and a few hands of Uno. The next day we would be heading on to Romania. I
was glad we visited three different areas in Bulgaria: Sofia, Pamporovo
and Nessebar. It helped give a better feel for Bulgaria. Once out of Sofia, Bulgaria had more of a western feel and lost those former communist undertones.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-67500440673843427012014-03-08T00:37:00.000-08:002014-03-08T00:37:13.315-08:00Macedonia and Bulgaria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On<b> February 19th</b>, we woke up at our Villa Ohrid apartment to the gift of lovely weather for our first day in Ohrid, Macedonia.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIOJgJT-gj03tsDChEsDTtocnf2U4lJ5HSkGSMdy4aobxHeIocXnZv8XtE60c6cCWGzEfbwiubu4UqJvR75G8H2deee_HLyQ-kkKeKsDIUKdF6kf2QmphpGZhLcc0LA56tlz7fEjnMWTK/s1600/ohrid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIOJgJT-gj03tsDChEsDTtocnf2U4lJ5HSkGSMdy4aobxHeIocXnZv8XtE60c6cCWGzEfbwiubu4UqJvR75G8H2deee_HLyQ-kkKeKsDIUKdF6kf2QmphpGZhLcc0LA56tlz7fEjnMWTK/s1600/ohrid.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our apartment terrace. That haze along the center of the photo is smoke from wood burning fires across the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
some homework in the morning, we walked down to the city center and
walked along the stretch of the lake promenade looking for a place for
lunch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsioDx6TriypKiCUAW3S7w5AthW4xq1MoCV-KjxHvDgtJUiLsMWlZtAz0nJBvzcwimrV0Km-VvizVk1WreGMJpe0PG6AWGH105sZOqEQW4xIhmxI_9AKjebxcRvBfaE5pu_s0-58tfdCvz/s1600/ohrid+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsioDx6TriypKiCUAW3S7w5AthW4xq1MoCV-KjxHvDgtJUiLsMWlZtAz0nJBvzcwimrV0Km-VvizVk1WreGMJpe0PG6AWGH105sZOqEQW4xIhmxI_9AKjebxcRvBfaE5pu_s0-58tfdCvz/s1600/ohrid+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by this shop selling traditional Bulgarian costumes and crafts. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along
the way, we met a couple of boat owners who offered 30 minute and 60
minute tours of Lake Ohrid; we priced those and then found a restaurant.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucAwMsZgagDf-1NACyOyBASpFIscTbTYLD9chU_IjEhYDgKAX46mGKUSCq6CX-cQUxRhqnHERZzrSpx7NrAGYHDX6xBPSyu4dGjlLImBgk24ZICedG-HqW1kPfgYAobmDDJ_FM43CU86a/s1600/ohrid+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucAwMsZgagDf-1NACyOyBASpFIscTbTYLD9chU_IjEhYDgKAX46mGKUSCq6CX-cQUxRhqnHERZzrSpx7NrAGYHDX6xBPSyu4dGjlLImBgk24ZICedG-HqW1kPfgYAobmDDJ_FM43CU86a/s1600/ohrid+1.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
view of Ohrid's old town from the promenade. With a population of about
60,000, Ohrid is the 8th largest city in Macedonia. It has been called
the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" having at one time 365 churches in the city, one for each day of the year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGIORFRu3US8PNRBY4SnUSKJ8ekU-ms8ya1lFYKH7o6qfvQuvPcAymeCLBCOZDAG9JGwGX9ynE-8Ir-X6fPrb9wS0pVtKeCoJ-FIgc0DPrGSvoR-Aap7nr-_pTH4q43YRtHMWY1LK0uBM/s1600/ohrid+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGIORFRu3US8PNRBY4SnUSKJ8ekU-ms8ya1lFYKH7o6qfvQuvPcAymeCLBCOZDAG9JGwGX9ynE-8Ir-X6fPrb9wS0pVtKeCoJ-FIgc0DPrGSvoR-Aap7nr-_pTH4q43YRtHMWY1LK0uBM/s1600/ohrid+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortress
Samuel can be seen situated on the hill above Ohrid. For a short time
in the early 11th century, Ohrid was the capital of a
Slavic empire ruled by Car Samuil, who built this fortress. It was once
one of the most impregnable
strongholds in the Balkans, with walls 3 km long and 16 m high. Today,
18 towers and four gates still remain from the original
structure. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we
decided to take one of these boats out on the lake. Some of us didn't
have jackets or trousers on so we headed back to the apartment to get
some warmer clothes. Once in the apartment, Vince realized he couldn't
do the boat tour and get back in time for his conference call, but asked
that the kids and I go anyway to give him some peace during his call.<br />
<br />
We
took a 60 minute tour (1800 denar) with Dimitar, who spoke English
quite well. We went out at a perfect time. There wasn't a cloud in the
sky and no breeze at all. The lake was as smooth as glass. It was one of
those truly idealic experiences. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57AMuifpWEM5BP9JiRwBHSFjtMcHO6rYVnXGBK6vtPtF7hWym1UG2Ar9EU2YISngcS87RJeP9vy4L0-azxbDrUsq5nESGzx3UvWx782wmsdezyMw9uikaLRjocP94nnLYWoV30YOHfI40/s1600/ohrid+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57AMuifpWEM5BP9JiRwBHSFjtMcHO6rYVnXGBK6vtPtF7hWym1UG2Ar9EU2YISngcS87RJeP9vy4L0-azxbDrUsq5nESGzx3UvWx782wmsdezyMw9uikaLRjocP94nnLYWoV30YOHfI40/s1600/ohrid+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul quickly settled in and got comfortable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpoxBXFaXNwBS1tHITvsgFMqmFSLnE2oOTh9PxiqisAFFFlbMrKaICJMb93sxhCYe1q-eHH9bOCL5u_P8RrtByGmP2qldJG3PpD9COXpBrEv2lCrMxC3cUjLqXjokinujaNeX_a38gNJ6/s1600/ohrid+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpoxBXFaXNwBS1tHITvsgFMqmFSLnE2oOTh9PxiqisAFFFlbMrKaICJMb93sxhCYe1q-eHH9bOCL5u_P8RrtByGmP2qldJG3PpD9COXpBrEv2lCrMxC3cUjLqXjokinujaNeX_a38gNJ6/s1600/ohrid+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohrid is a
town that goes back to the time of King Phillip II of Macedon (359-336
BC; father of Alexander the Great and Phillip III).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnKX6t1tDRtgSGaiKx4k_mr6pxdGv614qnIbt2dCAlutePsgpg6FovH6MuQzvFmkoqrflHyVOH8WbKHqyx92XOci9o1NX5LjEBT8NUUjsEz3lhs6pIG3jQpdqn58s_NWdJR6Sfv9-wCqA/s1600/ohrid+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnKX6t1tDRtgSGaiKx4k_mr6pxdGv614qnIbt2dCAlutePsgpg6FovH6MuQzvFmkoqrflHyVOH8WbKHqyx92XOci9o1NX5LjEBT8NUUjsEz3lhs6pIG3jQpdqn58s_NWdJR6Sfv9-wCqA/s1600/ohrid+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Occasionally James would look up from his Kindle book and admire the view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The
tour went by the former residence of Yugoslavian President Josip Broz
Tito and the current Macedonian President's summer residence and then
towards the church of St Jovan Kaneo and finally back towards Ohrid's old
town pier.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEA3C9JUIIScs6isardlPR0GvG_75I_7oj1ycYLWJzU1SMomcA0lAxGBglnSKj6SJc9bI0G7dDkdc2tm6QA1YhvXOj85qIrq1WyA-_BzRihxd0d1kvdaO9IVjzxKERzchLzKrw1EQkenw/s1600/ohrid+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEA3C9JUIIScs6isardlPR0GvG_75I_7oj1ycYLWJzU1SMomcA0lAxGBglnSKj6SJc9bI0G7dDkdc2tm6QA1YhvXOj85qIrq1WyA-_BzRihxd0d1kvdaO9IVjzxKERzchLzKrw1EQkenw/s1600/ohrid+5.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St
Jovan Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on the cliff over
Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid. The church is attributed to John the
Theologian, author of the <i>Book of Revelation</i>. It is a combination of Byzantine and Armenian architectural styles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdwcvkk9L-pAqM6qsKQx3ei2iT1Cdp06KC173_rVpiHUqk-yX4qZ1LqzyAaH7h2siKe2oBXl-gPWtL-nGZa9BohzLX1nEE-Qt1WjrUrKCVMmVovPDQblZSnI3vdBklk0FbG1_jjyLmge/s1600/ohrid+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdwcvkk9L-pAqM6qsKQx3ei2iT1Cdp06KC173_rVpiHUqk-yX4qZ1LqzyAaH7h2siKe2oBXl-gPWtL-nGZa9BohzLX1nEE-Qt1WjrUrKCVMmVovPDQblZSnI3vdBklk0FbG1_jjyLmge/s1600/ohrid+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of St Clement's Monastery Church.
St Clement was buried at the church in 916 AD. The church fell into
ruins during the medieval period and was replaced by a mosque during the
Ottoman period.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckpsu6aQcMWeqSqjw6BRW1QYWV8JIyfAVJHzU-6W7huXK7A7aJwidpQL71B2JyDVfqawGwCpOvbi4WhePbKBmC84Im_M-kHOddsQBirFBJig-0nPV3zsSZ4OyjDUaZ5354m6e0FJBQPjJ/s1600/ohrid+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckpsu6aQcMWeqSqjw6BRW1QYWV8JIyfAVJHzU-6W7huXK7A7aJwidpQL71B2JyDVfqawGwCpOvbi4WhePbKBmC84Im_M-kHOddsQBirFBJig-0nPV3zsSZ4OyjDUaZ5354m6e0FJBQPjJ/s1600/ohrid+9.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Samuil Fortress. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
our boat trip, we still had a good hour to put in before Vincent wanted
us back at the apartment so I suggested we go see the St Jovan Kaneo
church which, after Lake Ohrid, is the most popular sight in Ohrid. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_kb6s3ZlENcZx0ZXmlmeaBkX2UZGlKKgP1gu2C-As5zX3gFTOLDKy1DwP4CUjbfV0TtvODOBwC3piqJ4lXRrTjJnq5uxIUNtnK2COvnb6JKprSNOTl8S5cmYYJThnkOykGks0AZQGZKa/s1600/ohrid+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_kb6s3ZlENcZx0ZXmlmeaBkX2UZGlKKgP1gu2C-As5zX3gFTOLDKy1DwP4CUjbfV0TtvODOBwC3piqJ4lXRrTjJnq5uxIUNtnK2COvnb6JKprSNOTl8S5cmYYJThnkOykGks0AZQGZKa/s1600/ohrid+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On
the way to St Jovan Kaneo, the kids befriended this dog. (Didn't they
learn anything from my dog attack experience 48 hours ago?!) A few
scratches behind the dog's ears and it wanted to join our pack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1idAeFGuhcVZtH2c66tFJlX8Kp4RS-rUrowfaBt7irVOetXB1ncT3yc_V1wP9dzQuS7j7wOPSH-s7IobO2y6cMF6u_EBiD3H27CGTwjgBX4feZiXVicAst-yY-9FIVm7bzS0SZeiYyGRJ/s1600/ohrid+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1idAeFGuhcVZtH2c66tFJlX8Kp4RS-rUrowfaBt7irVOetXB1ncT3yc_V1wP9dzQuS7j7wOPSH-s7IobO2y6cMF6u_EBiD3H27CGTwjgBX4feZiXVicAst-yY-9FIVm7bzS0SZeiYyGRJ/s1600/ohrid+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking
through the gate to St Jovan Kaneo: Archaeologists believe that the
church was constructed some time before the rise of the Ottoman empire, very likely in the 13th century. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9X9t-IxsHDJgnIpPldjrKrQROC2QS3JME92pTVrVkeTppI2rMqCmmSeI5OuZGNSOhNSNlC0q4mJQcjDR58p7d53P-pCZywpc1zNBxkwdESfjP9rNEEbst4Ir3tBpzKaa6WoeYwjJHwKBg/s1600/ohrid+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9X9t-IxsHDJgnIpPldjrKrQROC2QS3JME92pTVrVkeTppI2rMqCmmSeI5OuZGNSOhNSNlC0q4mJQcjDR58p7d53P-pCZywpc1zNBxkwdESfjP9rNEEbst4Ir3tBpzKaa6WoeYwjJHwKBg/s1600/ohrid+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the grounds of St Jovan Kaneo with Lake Ohrid in the background: Our new four-legged friend was still with us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgGesN0UwTGt5_MjnhdYqhxcR9z5Y3MbLitYI9i1fUhgEw2Rpp_2JBfTrDrJlZ_VWTSGIS_fN6RcnBmOtirIlAeky2Efy7KHOKptPK2f7k4EVacclXCUwDvYj5jC6o8qnl_cnB_ccKOcN/s1600/ohrid+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgGesN0UwTGt5_MjnhdYqhxcR9z5Y3MbLitYI9i1fUhgEw2Rpp_2JBfTrDrJlZ_VWTSGIS_fN6RcnBmOtirIlAeky2Efy7KHOKptPK2f7k4EVacclXCUwDvYj5jC6o8qnl_cnB_ccKOcN/s1600/ohrid+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Jovan Kaneo overlooking Lake Ohrid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRSh1cS1wjvo0TgDhoB8uMM1sEIxUflUtM_OdBOkg9LX2tq2P5Eo6mvEjOU6sjgH1-ybHEYchOBdcIx-B4j3aBoPZdETaMbENJ4QRO4zcNJaS9ma85PZtwZg7wjKfsQOrn6WvVpJZONab/s1600/ohrid+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRSh1cS1wjvo0TgDhoB8uMM1sEIxUflUtM_OdBOkg9LX2tq2P5Eo6mvEjOU6sjgH1-ybHEYchOBdcIx-B4j3aBoPZdETaMbENJ4QRO4zcNJaS9ma85PZtwZg7wjKfsQOrn6WvVpJZONab/s1600/ohrid+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After leaving St Jovan Kaneo, we hiked up to the walls of the Samuil Fortress to find that it was closed. At this point,
James was trying to discourage our dog friend from sticking with us but
the pup continued to follow, now however at a distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg869Ry8OFigIponkz1qk97nNJlVmV2cZml-p-3KbPKCcpjKqA40e1K3ycW_KKfkl6E7nKIrSI17jaTZ444d2THC0tZlA_uLg8wQ8eoiTXk0jY4R6eC9-kCjwoqF1zmix3-oICSPqu1eD/s1600/ohrid+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg869Ry8OFigIponkz1qk97nNJlVmV2cZml-p-3KbPKCcpjKqA40e1K3ycW_KKfkl6E7nKIrSI17jaTZ444d2THC0tZlA_uLg8wQ8eoiTXk0jY4R6eC9-kCjwoqF1zmix3-oICSPqu1eD/s1600/ohrid+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In
the end, the dog stalked us in the tall grass. This is a
zoomed in shot of the dog watching us as we continued along the path. It
was so cute but we knew the friendship had to end. Our dog, Molly,
would have no part of another animal on the scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening we walked to Ohrid's main shopping
district. It has jewelry shops galore. If one is in the market for
pearls, this is the place in Macedonia to purchase them. Unfortunately I couldn't
really justify another pearl necklace or set of earrings and I find it
too hard to shop with 4 stragglers waiting for me, so I didn't spend
much time even window shopping. We focused instead on finding a restaurant and we found a fairly decent one broadcasting the Olympics, which was an added bonus.<br />
<br />
On <b>February 20th</b>,
we wanted to visit a couple key sites around the lake. We first headed
out to Bay of Bones (Museum on Water) which shows two reconstructions
from earlier periods. The first is a platform with about 20 houses on
it representing a settlement from the Bronze and Iron ages, 1200 – 700
BC. The second consists of walls of a castrum (Roman military fortification)
which were conserved and accentuated through restoration. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEi8mQRBbLtzoXVOEbS1ge1do5N-7gG7ihbCr2HamsSvqxBJvU1Ny79rbdvRlTBonL4h_bodXApBVJOP5e0lMKUOqpjoV7NWrm88UZ3xvOxEwB4MS0OUXcuZPyFSFmenFDI0L410nh9Y-/s1600/bay+of+bones.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEi8mQRBbLtzoXVOEbS1ge1do5N-7gG7ihbCr2HamsSvqxBJvU1Ny79rbdvRlTBonL4h_bodXApBVJOP5e0lMKUOqpjoV7NWrm88UZ3xvOxEwB4MS0OUXcuZPyFSFmenFDI0L410nh9Y-/s1600/bay+of+bones.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
open air museum, representing the settlement on water, is a replica of a
nearby underwater archaeological site, Plocha Michov Grad. It has an
area of 8,500 square metres and dates to 1200 – 700 BC. During this
period, the Bryges people left to Asia Minor and founded Phrygia in
Anatolia. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFID89Hx-OWm7Us6u9TKYF2V7Gnk_b7YihRfPoAtLZSjyLXZplB8S_UxEfVyyBN_tvEQiDOaZPJFhlpYKjNz6wCzkX9N8WXljXlnH57Y8Zy3U3zFL0OW2aQymgYB92myOiEHRQEnlbBCy/s1600/bay+of+bones+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFID89Hx-OWm7Us6u9TKYF2V7Gnk_b7YihRfPoAtLZSjyLXZplB8S_UxEfVyyBN_tvEQiDOaZPJFhlpYKjNz6wCzkX9N8WXljXlnH57Y8Zy3U3zFL0OW2aQymgYB92myOiEHRQEnlbBCy/s1600/bay+of+bones+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Plocha Michov Grad has been excavated underwater since 1997. Many
artifacts were discovered including pottery sherds and some complete
vessels, stone<span class="qtip-link"></span> and flint<span class="qtip-link"></span>
objects, a few bronze artifacts and many fragments of animal bones some of
which were used as tools. A small museum house presents a subset of the findings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUXEB33ILgFX1Wxh-TAJYDQmwXTFpEX3EAr2MyomSSyWgKnUmDtoqS1HLKRe1O-mkKud0VUmYSuECktOM9shwVzuU3t37N03TA-DToWQaZrJjA4MIqtXECnntyRAKN4BSm0xX60JcCp34/s1600/bay+of+bones+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUXEB33ILgFX1Wxh-TAJYDQmwXTFpEX3EAr2MyomSSyWgKnUmDtoqS1HLKRe1O-mkKud0VUmYSuECktOM9shwVzuU3t37N03TA-DToWQaZrJjA4MIqtXECnntyRAKN4BSm0xX60JcCp34/s1600/bay+of+bones+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
platform on which the museum houses are built is about 15-20 meters
away from the shore at a level of about 1.5 metres above water level.
There are circular, square and rectangular shaped houses. This really is
an outstanding replica of a pile-dwelling prehistoric settlement. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLesSdw66842ctDR_iS7wsN4yL4GQ8MH0GylW11Aj95X39okSzjUmWhXA3lIyLx-L62-Pc4b68w1abzGAFWwVx6__WaC1yLPRE01VsWoBiRrcsu_sLfUij3LWqwVvbO-E0m-MXXRBMin6/s1600/bay+of+bones+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLesSdw66842ctDR_iS7wsN4yL4GQ8MH0GylW11Aj95X39okSzjUmWhXA3lIyLx-L62-Pc4b68w1abzGAFWwVx6__WaC1yLPRE01VsWoBiRrcsu_sLfUij3LWqwVvbO-E0m-MXXRBMin6/s1600/bay+of+bones+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The houses are built on wooden supports with "wattel and daub"
walls. A woven lattice of wooden strips called "wattle" is "daubed"
with a sticky material usually made of some combination of wet soil,
clay, sand, animal dung and straw. This building technique has been
used for at least 6000 years. The roofs were made out of
wooden beams
and thinner branches which were then covered with straw or reed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh072FICO2eZnPTpNMe2Vk5a7ToOjIbMIBwty52PPPT5s_YRG_k18E1Ms4CDboWJLPhmpXvUR5TRWq0qvE1ypr3dpF9uGeNz_m0QEpfpGsi3gzTyfLyZQBmiwI4NPgTZHCYFAftgPCwVZ6M/s1600/bay+of+bones+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh072FICO2eZnPTpNMe2Vk5a7ToOjIbMIBwty52PPPT5s_YRG_k18E1Ms4CDboWJLPhmpXvUR5TRWq0qvE1ypr3dpF9uGeNz_m0QEpfpGsi3gzTyfLyZQBmiwI4NPgTZHCYFAftgPCwVZ6M/s1600/bay+of+bones+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interiors of some of the houses are shown with typical furnishing of the Bronze/Iron age periods: Beds cushioned with animal skins, clay stoves, looms used to make the woven matts, and tools and other objects similar to the original
artifacts discovered in the underwater archaeological
investigations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNumWHZlavh6iq7RTcAvRcEkrl0m8h05sKaNeSQEdiWvFGGbf6-mTWPPokU-8kdisC6dedL9gWDFjo_N5SVyWQ7f4HvJ5zkcvvSqMIZChsCeHu2Dpd5D6g5-PQsVUa7UQrt9iDJhxM8uQ/s1600/bay+of+bones+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNumWHZlavh6iq7RTcAvRcEkrl0m8h05sKaNeSQEdiWvFGGbf6-mTWPPokU-8kdisC6dedL9gWDFjo_N5SVyWQ7f4HvJ5zkcvvSqMIZChsCeHu2Dpd5D6g5-PQsVUa7UQrt9iDJhxM8uQ/s1600/bay+of+bones+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Roman site is called Gradishte, named after the nearby village. The
walls of the original fortification that once protected the Roman Empire
from its enemies may date back as far as the end of the 3rd and the
beginning of the 2nd century BC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving
the Bay of Bones, we continued south along the lake to the Sveti Naum
Monastery. The monastery was established in 905 AD (when the area was
still part of the Bulgarian Empire) by the monk who bore the same name
(now St Naum) and who is also buried in the church.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_NR1QVi1gqT0pljFpV_BFsuyNgP2zWKtdL-DVIS5xGI7Z5KM3T8_A5I65HayRHffX0mKBJDhQuLdUPlpR-rkJhyN40W7mX2JoT_0cN4VSymvySZDDE08bFhgnH6JtaKz9_jezMSv5AcO/s1600/ohrid+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_NR1QVi1gqT0pljFpV_BFsuyNgP2zWKtdL-DVIS5xGI7Z5KM3T8_A5I65HayRHffX0mKBJDhQuLdUPlpR-rkJhyN40W7mX2JoT_0cN4VSymvySZDDE08bFhgnH6JtaKz9_jezMSv5AcO/s1600/ohrid+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its
location; it's on a high, rocky outcropping at the edge of the lake, above
forests and the springs of the river Crn Drim. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPOYOfzdsEfYs77m2xW9DvIcoHcN4SX_u8O9gZNeXpS2Sshxd4m_GGujfLeMrAywCdMWj4DNpBl7q0RmdWICzeN6zHCi0SjBhyBBejFGkoKFaINXY0Xj8__DRk2H85Ac-M_l3oFgjjAWg/s1600/ohrid+17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPOYOfzdsEfYs77m2xW9DvIcoHcN4SX_u8O9gZNeXpS2Sshxd4m_GGujfLeMrAywCdMWj4DNpBl7q0RmdWICzeN6zHCi0SjBhyBBejFGkoKFaINXY0Xj8__DRk2H85Ac-M_l3oFgjjAWg/s1600/ohrid+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Most of the church's <span class="st">iconostases</span>
and frescoes date from the 16th and 17th
century, however the monastery also shows earlier etchings in the
Byzantine Greek style.
Apparently, Macedonians believe one can still hear St Naum’s heartbeat
by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. We didn't try it so cannot report if there's any truth to that rumor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdVAvANp_WskFKR_irA2bIBDsE37kPPrYsGgWWWBDYK6rGNMWH61_WXQGV1Re0YHa8Cy4re58o1COQ6AF5IaDHfif3gp8h9Gr2hWIE6TnpbEYZL7ViOUF0hqhgfzDOQ0kAC3JQ2VJrUAL/s1600/ohrid+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdVAvANp_WskFKR_irA2bIBDsE37kPPrYsGgWWWBDYK6rGNMWH61_WXQGV1Re0YHa8Cy4re58o1COQ6AF5IaDHfif3gp8h9Gr2hWIE6TnpbEYZL7ViOUF0hqhgfzDOQ0kAC3JQ2VJrUAL/s1600/ohrid+18.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We observed that money was left all over the <span class="st">iconostases.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuzsn6dc86HZwnP4IVNt8X-BUUaLF5O3cHH-z0CcdtfShLyvJGezJyby3_NVvPTYRIEHC5R5HTOs0AEyM3ERPdOfmzdTJdhlg4BzFkIaqr8sU6Notz7315rCclgVyzBiE1ldoYHBfOFkT/s1600/ohrid+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuzsn6dc86HZwnP4IVNt8X-BUUaLF5O3cHH-z0CcdtfShLyvJGezJyby3_NVvPTYRIEHC5R5HTOs0AEyM3ERPdOfmzdTJdhlg4BzFkIaqr8sU6Notz7315rCclgVyzBiE1ldoYHBfOFkT/s1600/ohrid+19.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highlight
for the kids here was seeing all the peacocks milling about. There must
have been twenty or more on the grounds surrounding the monastery. There
were posted warnings that the peacocks would bite so I kept my distance.
(No more surprise attacks for me!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 21st</b>, it was time to
leave Ohrid and head to the capital of Macedonia, Skopje. Since our
drive would be less than 3 hours, we didn't leave Ohrid until a little
after 11am. The 2-lane highway was pretty good, not completely smooth
but it had no major pot holes. Road tolls were collected along the way
so the Macedonians seem to have figured out how to fund the maintenance
of their major routes. It was fairly foggy or smokey (or both) along the
way so there didn't seem to be any great photo opportunities. The
landscape remained mountainous but not as grand as back in Albania. The
housing appeared to be more complete and of better construction. We were
surprised to find so few restaurants along the way and wondered where
Macedonians eat. We stopped at two rare restaurants but they were so
dense with cigarette smoke that the kids waved them off, despite being
very hungry. Finally we found a sandwich stop and we ate there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWILuw3fKPQtdxondzz57UFjfh9-IrZrEwyNG50iXCbimqAovngcTFqSPaRv0SiSuDAWe3NqMfXbFMq9OXaAADpUQ13bK8sD9WVBGBDU10nv4HZ4E-0Ekf4198EkYTINTELJLlzNqS5pRe/s1600/maced.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWILuw3fKPQtdxondzz57UFjfh9-IrZrEwyNG50iXCbimqAovngcTFqSPaRv0SiSuDAWe3NqMfXbFMq9OXaAADpUQ13bK8sD9WVBGBDU10nv4HZ4E-0Ekf4198EkYTINTELJLlzNqS5pRe/s1600/maced.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the
only photo I took en route to Skopje. Not great but it shows the
improved housing construction, the lower mountains and the "okay" paved
road on which we traveled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived in Skopje around 15:00 and made our way to
where Vincent thought the apartment he booked was located. Navigation
and general language interpretation is tricky in Macedonia because they
often use the Cyrillic alphabet so when the GPS got us within 100 ft of
our target destination, we still had trouble figuring out whether we
were at or near the right address. Thankfully, Vincent found a woman who
was willing to call the apartment host for us and he came to meet us.<br />
<br />
Our
host was hands down the most enthusiastic, helpful lodging manager we'd
ever met. He helped carry our luggage in, insisting on carrying most of
it. When we asked about whether or not there was a washing machine in
the apartment, he told us there wasn't but he'd have the laundry done
for us. We asked about what he recommended we do and see, given the kids,
and he had glowing suggestions for a number of things and then left us
for about 15 minutes and returned with a handful of maps and tourist
information pamphlets. When we drove into Skopje, Vincent and I were
thinking maybe our 3 days here would be too much but after meeting our
host, Peter, we began to think maybe it wouldn't be long enough.<br />
<br />
After
the unexpected thrill of finding and watching the US-Canada Olympic
hockey game on Macedonian tv, we set out to find some dinner. Skopje's
main city center square was just a few minutes walk from the apartment. I
don't know if I've ever been blown away with seeing a new city for the first
time like I was when I saw Skopje's center. After reading about
Podgorica, Montenegro and seeing Tirana, Albania, I wasn't really
expecting much with Skopje, Macedonia, particularly since the country's
population is just over 2 million. But, wow, Skopje at night was grand
and beautiful. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lCQTj4GOaZt5mi2QgQevp_zr35sAedHQ3b-97k0GO_WNgAhT6H9W1MECLvvj6v4stIaH2GFmBzPJHiPa3DFRt0kxKXbhMFgDN7rau2u0UQom7Uqw57sW2COHxCl7Lex4vcmA1uadMvyL/s1600/skopje.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lCQTj4GOaZt5mi2QgQevp_zr35sAedHQ3b-97k0GO_WNgAhT6H9W1MECLvvj6v4stIaH2GFmBzPJHiPa3DFRt0kxKXbhMFgDN7rau2u0UQom7Uqw57sW2COHxCl7Lex4vcmA1uadMvyL/s1600/skopje.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porta
Macedonia: The arch was built by Valentina Stefanovska and was
completed in 2012. It stands at 21 meters high and cost €4.4 million.
Part of the Skopje 2014 project, it is dedicated to 20 years of
Macedonian independence; its outer surface is covered in 193 m<sup>2</sup>
of reliefs carved in marble, depicting scenes from the history of
Macedonia. Apparently, the the Greek Foreign Ministry has lodged an
official complaint to authorities in the
Republic of Macedonia due to using images of Alexander the Great; it's
historically misleading because Alexander the Great did not come from
Macedonia, as it's borders are defined today. He was born in the Kingdom
of Macedonia which was located in what now is the northern region of
Greece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1HMJeFv2et03hGPH5pOniV_P6EX1J24XvdkmpydrhqyCA3ytm5yoa5xTqha05hSL_2bGnQrflrz74Mx0E0NiroMO_xRy2lai0b-gKd4bGGRCYv05NYTybZEnP-ZIeTwnuLsv9pMuMJFO/s1600/skopje+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1HMJeFv2et03hGPH5pOniV_P6EX1J24XvdkmpydrhqyCA3ytm5yoa5xTqha05hSL_2bGnQrflrz74Mx0E0NiroMO_xRy2lai0b-gKd4bGGRCYv05NYTybZEnP-ZIeTwnuLsv9pMuMJFO/s1600/skopje+1.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum
of Archeology: The building primarily serves as a museum; it also houses
the
Constitutional Court and the National Archive of the Republic of
Macedonia. The river running in front of the museum is the Vardar; it's
the longest (388 km) and is the major river in Macedonia and is also a major
river of Greece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 22nd</b>,
we decided to spend some time walking around Skopje's city center. We
headed out to the old bazaar which is the largest bazaar in the
Balkans, outside Istanbul, and is situated on the eastern bank of the
Vardar
River. I took a number of photos but found the lighting really tough for
creating a well defined image. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJrXrYhNtEa_dBTF-2wQUKeUNYVwSEwLbCQBat-Sb0Lx-Zi-yi7W3sp3rVbP1sn3MLzgsBfNpY4WqQ5xuffieFLyluvz7ly_38FG89J2SDX98bBob36JhPo81vKv1aVY0_5b1Ake7zl1/s1600/skopje+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJrXrYhNtEa_dBTF-2wQUKeUNYVwSEwLbCQBat-Sb0Lx-Zi-yi7W3sp3rVbP1sn3MLzgsBfNpY4WqQ5xuffieFLyluvz7ly_38FG89J2SDX98bBob36JhPo81vKv1aVY0_5b1Ake7zl1/s1600/skopje+6.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At
each end of the bridge section of the Boulevard Goce Delchev are a set
of two grand lion statues. This more classical lions stand on the
western side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklk3xLkfDnND_rjRHTU3xDlom-MqwAFXrZBNS4mXJNOB3_V4iWl2dmqY2iKxKceNQYGhvaDslH06S62RQtZi1kYwguXodpAHOCZj70Q3BAA3miNN3cJkV9rZAKTcM7xyC0sdVsCcnnwtS/s1600/skopje+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklk3xLkfDnND_rjRHTU3xDlom-MqwAFXrZBNS4mXJNOB3_V4iWl2dmqY2iKxKceNQYGhvaDslH06S62RQtZi1kYwguXodpAHOCZj70Q3BAA3miNN3cJkV9rZAKTcM7xyC0sdVsCcnnwtS/s1600/skopje+7.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While more contemporary lions stand at the eastern end of the bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
found a restaurant in the old bazaar zone for lunch. It was one of the
best lunches we had from a restaurant with the term "turist" in its
name.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyw0nVoIUI1VE-FGMBll5yhjNeqdv0yUnUKWnT7vE4KkPU-Wr4x8X7duDkaIuSPUPVUvWu9gJULjXm4IR0WXfO8F2lCCQjOTeSB7V_Y7LynRMPVhWPcI25xKD1pEFWTDhK9hUVZ2Z0jwM/s1600/skopje+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyw0nVoIUI1VE-FGMBll5yhjNeqdv0yUnUKWnT7vE4KkPU-Wr4x8X7duDkaIuSPUPVUvWu9gJULjXm4IR0WXfO8F2lCCQjOTeSB7V_Y7LynRMPVhWPcI25xKD1pEFWTDhK9hUVZ2Z0jwM/s1600/skopje+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had just finished this delicious mix of salads, grilled peppers and bread...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvnJlwT2_aECGj5g9dKDZMaNvQphyphenhypheniwtNZx3qgPGqayz1ZdEq4D6eH1qDLXssgx5-sH848_YO35SFo8Bvg2-l048ZBDjDyvcdQJj7VVXVYPWxqbvpAA7huo8vTgSm157_vckXrRYmsjLI/s1600/skopje+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvnJlwT2_aECGj5g9dKDZMaNvQphyphenhypheniwtNZx3qgPGqayz1ZdEq4D6eH1qDLXssgx5-sH848_YO35SFo8Bvg2-l048ZBDjDyvcdQJj7VVXVYPWxqbvpAA7huo8vTgSm157_vckXrRYmsjLI/s1600/skopje+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When this
platter of mixed grilled meat arrived. We hardly made a dent in it and
took most of it with us for dinner the next night (to eat during the
Canada-Sweden Olympic hockey game).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we strolled around the old bazaar area. The outer rim consisted of narrow pedestrian streets with rows of
small shops, while the inner area was a city of densely arranged tents
and stalls.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMpQoORDaYGN5Yzz0WAoNpb75PDxFFsIvw3hnORvM5NxELj8oyLq4IEqU1FjUkG2n3cDVPRC6yCzIrMglJn6y3PSB5upzcMSa5Ms8P95e8j7Qbpskioz6FTqNgz-hbNWc8pbmBUjKOPSA/s1600/skopje+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMpQoORDaYGN5Yzz0WAoNpb75PDxFFsIvw3hnORvM5NxELj8oyLq4IEqU1FjUkG2n3cDVPRC6yCzIrMglJn6y3PSB5upzcMSa5Ms8P95e8j7Qbpskioz6FTqNgz-hbNWc8pbmBUjKOPSA/s1600/skopje+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical street in the old bazaar: The old bazaar lies on the eastern bank of the Vardar River, stretching
from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar and from the Skopje Fortress to
the Serava river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The
boys had been keen to get their hair cut the last several days and they
decided today was the day to get it done. We found a hole in the wall
barber shop and the boys felt confident that a hair cut here would work out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDC59vVFtgJu3xw3loICdLooS75OwUoO2XPxohyphenhyphenCSSqzREi6YdPjEtrDVF8psZStNXNkRmv9dTKtEw-tlk3KdHlam9kXNmqU8Di7KD4edQ0WRb7k9lyhXs3Vcj_diBPKhbJL41zPA65ei/s1600/skopje+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDC59vVFtgJu3xw3loICdLooS75OwUoO2XPxohyphenhyphenCSSqzREi6YdPjEtrDVF8psZStNXNkRmv9dTKtEw-tlk3KdHlam9kXNmqU8Di7KD4edQ0WRb7k9lyhXs3Vcj_diBPKhbJL41zPA65ei/s1600/skopje+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James
getting his hair cut: The barber shop was heated by this stove on the
right. Water was warmed in the kettle and was used when customers came
in for a shave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DBFmXCdDgVzU1yz0kx8-sh-cDZN-izGqTiql4DSvEgVM_RQYS0NbozFgJ9WkDXo5ypVOu8FnoeS3Uihi-TDWk7o2k_qbmkZAjUZLLjdGvg8HZWltkzfAihCxGM5OyARxIOULK2_daP4z/s1600/skopje+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DBFmXCdDgVzU1yz0kx8-sh-cDZN-izGqTiql4DSvEgVM_RQYS0NbozFgJ9WkDXo5ypVOu8FnoeS3Uihi-TDWk7o2k_qbmkZAjUZLLjdGvg8HZWltkzfAihCxGM5OyARxIOULK2_daP4z/s1600/skopje+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barber (center) who
cut Paul's hair was quite keen that I took a picture of Vince,
Paul and him. James is still being worked on in the background. Two
haircuts for 200 denar = about $4.00. Can't beat it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After two successful haircuts, we set out to explore some more of the old bazaar area.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUPZlM_gCs5RhLeub4oc6uM_oi66_PHRVj4JO4BXt96dzWC2qFcAfEf83KGybwrH5CXt9w9P9g18JB7bZtlNYMMpMkqb5rjhyphenhyphen0TJQzdoOuRbkC39Oj61TDu0uEn8Y1TwgXaEhsptUV3sd/s1600/skopje+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUPZlM_gCs5RhLeub4oc6uM_oi66_PHRVj4JO4BXt96dzWC2qFcAfEf83KGybwrH5CXt9w9P9g18JB7bZtlNYMMpMkqb5rjhyphenhyphen0TJQzdoOuRbkC39Oj61TDu0uEn8Y1TwgXaEhsptUV3sd/s1600/skopje+9.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came by the Mustafa Pasha Mosque which stands above the old bazaar and is one of the most beautiful Ottoman monuments in the republic of Macedonia. It was built in 1492 by Mustafa Pasha, vizier (political advisor) on the court of Selim I (who was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1512 to 1520).
The mosque is spacious, simple and lovely inside, painted white with blue embellishments. No additions have been made
through the years. As someone was praying inside, I did not take any photos of the interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h1Ofa7S0q_BPqjMmYkIj46LOSWPtRRtyfRIYEYtLwWQL5Ss0_Jgx3LK2OusedhIejPFatKfwULp0s-qmeJ_fuwumJ10F4m2rKoEGn8NP1ahyphenhyphena2WHOcaXs_MD_Crjz_cShuBhVYMCVkif/s1600/skopje+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h1Ofa7S0q_BPqjMmYkIj46LOSWPtRRtyfRIYEYtLwWQL5Ss0_Jgx3LK2OusedhIejPFatKfwULp0s-qmeJ_fuwumJ10F4m2rKoEGn8NP1ahyphenhyphena2WHOcaXs_MD_Crjz_cShuBhVYMCVkif/s1600/skopje+10.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
was the first mosque where I had noticed facilities to perform "wudu"
(ablution) (washing parts of the body) before praying. "Wudu" is a
sacred wash that symbolizes spiritual cleansing and purity
in readiness for coming before God.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4IZ9m0iqxdTYbKAg13QX7MfMPTHiR9VSop-hDddUba5cPw_q6QDE3jh8GMntoHz8A2en9YPfnX3ozS98AkoKYR6nVCxCZ2aBGBK24gAFs9kPegVGgVbKimyG6MolarvBloFT_Hbfxc4t/s1600/skopje+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4IZ9m0iqxdTYbKAg13QX7MfMPTHiR9VSop-hDddUba5cPw_q6QDE3jh8GMntoHz8A2en9YPfnX3ozS98AkoKYR6nVCxCZ2aBGBK24gAFs9kPegVGgVbKimyG6MolarvBloFT_Hbfxc4t/s1600/skopje+11.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No
one is safe from falling down a rabbit hole in Skopje (similar to Montenegro and Albania). I noticed
a number of examples of uncovered holes in or near several pedestrian
areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_QwZFkQlqayintPq1OW-SywasFEwlhWJ2c-eRYXGxBZ3N0l1RiuHpEFn2030V0XImYfxs8yqKnLNzOTjtjxwdFLeqfCyTr1T-ZoBdNRPFr3EE6BvPcBFrgWvRAWfEVM12YrHiDUqHd9X/s1600/skopje+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_QwZFkQlqayintPq1OW-SywasFEwlhWJ2c-eRYXGxBZ3N0l1RiuHpEFn2030V0XImYfxs8yqKnLNzOTjtjxwdFLeqfCyTr1T-ZoBdNRPFr3EE6BvPcBFrgWvRAWfEVM12YrHiDUqHd9X/s1600/skopje+12.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole animal carcasses available to serve a crowd. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-Kol3jtm2gsldQKK9nKEe6mi3Pk4AUFqIEXkRQL54fHdDm0SHgxBQ4Q8IZlSjUt6XvYU0qabhTfkZjdl16_7qUlDNF2cDMDLx3opcUeHNxelA1p5wBzAhdSrHSpNFJ4EXDtLOpZCHxKc/s1600/skopje+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-Kol3jtm2gsldQKK9nKEe6mi3Pk4AUFqIEXkRQL54fHdDm0SHgxBQ4Q8IZlSjUt6XvYU0qabhTfkZjdl16_7qUlDNF2cDMDLx3opcUeHNxelA1p5wBzAhdSrHSpNFJ4EXDtLOpZCHxKc/s1600/skopje+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots
of jewelry shops. We bought 9 silver charms for Sarah's and my charm
bracelets (~$10 each), representing the Balkan countries we had visited;
it was sort of cheating to not get each one from the respective country
but we were aiming for efficiency. At ~$10 each, we probably didn't bargain enough but compared to spending ~$30 for charms in the UK or France,
we felt it was a good deal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZHYLPhIgGhEFik0pK69-x_niw46hGYNgKCtrH1iO0auwUGBW3UKy5WotcD6NbSM4WJST91ofgcq1VJUOJGMT-CPDX76RGiF9gfPp2KYEiG281JXm3b-yp_fhlfTLpH32GdoThRKwzN5f/s1600/skopje+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZHYLPhIgGhEFik0pK69-x_niw46hGYNgKCtrH1iO0auwUGBW3UKy5WotcD6NbSM4WJST91ofgcq1VJUOJGMT-CPDX76RGiF9gfPp2KYEiG281JXm3b-yp_fhlfTLpH32GdoThRKwzN5f/s1600/skopje+14.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There
were several fancy dress shops. I know where to go for Sarah's prom
dress. Skopje gals must have quite the social calendars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmU5m3I3RFaT3T4Pk5aeKrT5y_3HZ7H-W9GRvRv4xwTHS-lh5FhXH-h7Ged5CooyZaCfHggdhVYSxRFh382J3lbuXi3r_IjTdeVapFOlo548xSISqXeEenyNWYYP1DjZBDaMw4jbHwxOA/s1600/skopje+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmU5m3I3RFaT3T4Pk5aeKrT5y_3HZ7H-W9GRvRv4xwTHS-lh5FhXH-h7Ged5CooyZaCfHggdhVYSxRFh382J3lbuXi3r_IjTdeVapFOlo548xSISqXeEenyNWYYP1DjZBDaMw4jbHwxOA/s1600/skopje+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of fresh produce and beautiful flowers for sale. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtPU2vCw-TQW4apOQzY2EhRG7OSkDhtNLJC6S4lwQ8md5Ozf4lmqDHChWg-dsrVENxXc9JRL3CkZsemTo4esX8rCkvwvJxLos2uRtoG39o9-TwpAoZYscP689PDuENrZsbf2O8Cp0aDIp/s1600/skopje+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtPU2vCw-TQW4apOQzY2EhRG7OSkDhtNLJC6S4lwQ8md5Ozf4lmqDHChWg-dsrVENxXc9JRL3CkZsemTo4esX8rCkvwvJxLos2uRtoG39o9-TwpAoZYscP689PDuENrZsbf2O8Cp0aDIp/s1600/skopje+15.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need a cradle or pizza pan? This was the section to visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_ZNO_N2g8njnGecQdvMCKaJ5TC9O1HJcePeyYxA5vWBp1LR3Fi9v0KlioJqizcTj9V1W7-khiuTYepj5iccPXDFEzW2oe3EPY8Bp8POvIgAt9DhHwM47yUYPkhqz06N7TtzOk_cpLjq0/s1600/skopje+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_ZNO_N2g8njnGecQdvMCKaJ5TC9O1HJcePeyYxA5vWBp1LR3Fi9v0KlioJqizcTj9V1W7-khiuTYepj5iccPXDFEzW2oe3EPY8Bp8POvIgAt9DhHwM47yUYPkhqz06N7TtzOk_cpLjq0/s1600/skopje+19.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice and beans sold by bulk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ0849AUNBN61iJOWWyPaEgrimMHl8Ke1FEZEITSPM1kP9qWSX5uUIx5_WuiuiKODSGhDK-bYNc5cRRhMKg8ktd57KmSpCkqA1tNyrMkxL3T-EiNX2AiWn932PvoWKVOZysTTV_IwrL4F/s1600/skopje+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ0849AUNBN61iJOWWyPaEgrimMHl8Ke1FEZEITSPM1kP9qWSX5uUIx5_WuiuiKODSGhDK-bYNc5cRRhMKg8ktd57KmSpCkqA1tNyrMkxL3T-EiNX2AiWn932PvoWKVOZysTTV_IwrL4F/s1600/skopje+16.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need a pinch of chili powder?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHjdmTjC-CGUA-wS68B1lu8I82HDggcjmYX1lcVmL8JuL4sk2jayLlu6fSCMeZ24waw89Yt64GczFdoIs4MlBoDgeP_2jsRvJo1NbK0inJO9VU7OF2pPeRvlCUgm7WtvHHSFfVZakr3Dr/s1600/skopje+17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHjdmTjC-CGUA-wS68B1lu8I82HDggcjmYX1lcVmL8JuL4sk2jayLlu6fSCMeZ24waw89Yt64GczFdoIs4MlBoDgeP_2jsRvJo1NbK0inJO9VU7OF2pPeRvlCUgm7WtvHHSFfVZakr3Dr/s1600/skopje+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably should have bought Paul's new boots here instead of Kotor; bet they would have been half the price.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After thoroughly checking out the bazaar, we walked towards the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. En route we passed a number of statues, many of which had obviously been recently constructed (and part of the Skopje 2014 project). Walking
around Skopje, I was struck by how larger than life the
statues were, and there were so many. Reading about the city, someone
commented that it was a bit Disney-esque and, yes, that description
clicked. Vincent also observed Skopje construction reminded him of Las
Vegas which I think is even a more accurate comparison.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8HGunFa2M6CjTwJfzZQmyTMNBE_lvnH0sxc12ASrsgzXldJC8VUy2dcPG9C6CAPgKbZl1aPMBsZZ5zoH7mFK9iC5NdYhFRkK5M42fA_zo1HS-SAYupUjj09c1kZtKSokRzqiASbWBiZ/s1600/skopje+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8HGunFa2M6CjTwJfzZQmyTMNBE_lvnH0sxc12ASrsgzXldJC8VUy2dcPG9C6CAPgKbZl1aPMBsZZ5zoH7mFK9iC5NdYhFRkK5M42fA_zo1HS-SAYupUjj09c1kZtKSokRzqiASbWBiZ/s1600/skopje+21.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip
II of Macedon: This 29 meter tall statue faces Alexander the Great
(Philip's son) on the other side of Skopje's stone bridge. The statue is
formally called “Warrior with accompanying elements”, a rather vague
description apparently designed to avoid further
upsetting opinion in neighboring Greece, which claims Philip and
Alexander are Greek (not Macedonian) heroes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJQsHdHLXDUDCsnc95r1iZDvGBntqH9Z3jnq79msZ6J8wMc-v1iz_TMExr5uoMGFkrEzgL0cMvid2P-Pff33LuBlD18LIki65GjjW897F2GWbmjsrhUY9yJxinohXuhdrCGEp5GYtg56N/s1600/skopje+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJQsHdHLXDUDCsnc95r1iZDvGBntqH9Z3jnq79msZ6J8wMc-v1iz_TMExr5uoMGFkrEzgL0cMvid2P-Pff33LuBlD18LIki65GjjW897F2GWbmjsrhUY9yJxinohXuhdrCGEp5GYtg56N/s1600/skopje+42.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The statue of Alexander is formally entitled "an equestrian warrior". Greece
has blocked Macedonia’s EU aspirations since 2008, insisting
that the name "Macedonia" implies territorial claims over its own
northern province of the same name. The
statues, albeit with inoffensive titles, are unlikely to help
Macedonia's efforts to settle the name dispute with Greece. Last year,
Athens sent a protest note after the Alexander statue was unveiled,
characterizing the government-funded sculpture as a provocation. <br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgu_v0Imo4KsK2UyYgOIo50ga2Xek32-Tq9gLO83vkBqbYrpo158_ULg8Fp7RpOqIu2-k7GxSqZPXwE4B36zz9W-NFGaq-nzkYoRWTnLZy6scfJoUF0C9pVZTiwMesbhOgpL-dQlC-kEk/s1600/skopje+20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgu_v0Imo4KsK2UyYgOIo50ga2Xek32-Tq9gLO83vkBqbYrpo158_ULg8Fp7RpOqIu2-k7GxSqZPXwE4B36zz9W-NFGaq-nzkYoRWTnLZy6scfJoUF0C9pVZTiwMesbhOgpL-dQlC-kEk/s1600/skopje+20.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain
of the Mothers of Macedonia: Located on Karpoš Rebellion Square, this
is another structure which is part of the Skopje 2014 project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8YNNsoN0SuRz6dlfvKW-R_DoOlgK1JAkLPeEOl-0_jdPa9nejnFeh59EgWJpWHTLrL5Imudu6nH44qVi_IW61ZlJigkYtjhhbmBxYC0zam_NdSxG2u_mfaoZt4txo4RnN3sMbXl7Nvb/s1600/skopje+22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8YNNsoN0SuRz6dlfvKW-R_DoOlgK1JAkLPeEOl-0_jdPa9nejnFeh59EgWJpWHTLrL5Imudu6nH44qVi_IW61ZlJigkYtjhhbmBxYC0zam_NdSxG2u_mfaoZt4txo4RnN3sMbXl7Nvb/s1600/skopje+22.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saints Cyril and Methodius Statue: Saints Cyril and Methodius were 9th-century Byzantine Greek brothers born in Thessalonica, Greek Macedonia, in the Byzantine Empire. They were the principal Christian missionaries among the Slavic people, introducing Orthodox Christianity and writing to the hitherto illiterate, pagan Slav migrants in parts of Macedonia and elsewhere in the Balkans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3xlDYoy7mRsu1CVDeJK_0cvJlV6F4x9OaNYWau3Wgu96vgxNkktkf9e_s9DG3dPggwnsXD190W4EMby8vA5q55HwiKayyV9kQLOwFQTydcCVXE172yZ9MlIr3BTgvwvCX6qDZihom6ht/s1600/skopje+26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3xlDYoy7mRsu1CVDeJK_0cvJlV6F4x9OaNYWau3Wgu96vgxNkktkf9e_s9DG3dPggwnsXD190W4EMby8vA5q55HwiKayyV9kQLOwFQTydcCVXE172yZ9MlIr3BTgvwvCX6qDZihom6ht/s1600/skopje+26.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Lions Statue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We generally enjoyed our visit to the Museum
of the Macedonian Struggle. Visually, the museum is one of the best
and most creative and polished we'd seen anywhere. With about 50 wax
figures, and ingenuitive displays, the planners made great strides in
making the history come alive. Visitors however can only go through the
museum with a guide and that's where the problem lies. Our guide's accent was so strong
and she spoke so quickly that much of the details were lost "in
translation"; all that complicated information could not be understood. It was a shame really. They either need to hire people whose accents more closely match the language they are speaking or perhaps they should provide audioguides so that visitors can go through at their own speed. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5cfV8-y4TUeIrt-KjobpNx84etERLoc6kPUHMMDIBlGBEXhyphenhyphenxEfQMs9fOnZ5Qx6-Fg9fmuc4NSQ7BgjW4GbGIyfa718mnMiMzDcFvl5beUyV1UJA1BCWrXmTLxhtaPqaK43H1024hnu-/s1600/skopje+23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5cfV8-y4TUeIrt-KjobpNx84etERLoc6kPUHMMDIBlGBEXhyphenhyphenxEfQMs9fOnZ5Qx6-Fg9fmuc4NSQ7BgjW4GbGIyfa718mnMiMzDcFvl5beUyV1UJA1BCWrXmTLxhtaPqaK43H1024hnu-/s1600/skopje+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum
of the Macedonian Struggle: The museum was opened to the public on
September 8, 2011, the 20th anniversary of the declaration of
independence. The exhibit covers the fight for Macedonian statehood and
independence from the days of the Hajduks against the Turkish occupation
during the Ottoman Empire until the declaration of independence from
Yugoslavia on September 8, 2011. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwNqE2jlU4rotmAqeaoZORK4kJPCzGe2WBMEFUvTq3ihSmq2ZxsxPrGofcDYjNXBmGRiktCQ8ax2wymKRoBc9NZZzXypNrmDm-s7PO-Lqfkt6x-FzvjZ-_u4SYRbs_k73tbnp4mp-xxHg/s1600/skopje+24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwNqE2jlU4rotmAqeaoZORK4kJPCzGe2WBMEFUvTq3ihSmq2ZxsxPrGofcDYjNXBmGRiktCQ8ax2wymKRoBc9NZZzXypNrmDm-s7PO-Lqfkt6x-FzvjZ-_u4SYRbs_k73tbnp4mp-xxHg/s1600/skopje+24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In
the entrance lobby sits the the original copy of the 1991 Declaration
of Independence. Taking of photos was prohibited in the rest of the
museum so I couldn't show anything of the well done interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjzBAJGl7uYhJgmWTsE4m7_BYTvAhsP1FfYWCgFlahI8s660lyZJuOZx_8MOl93FookiUevsQvcuWNihKJf97-CQ8-hoNXJzncyH-35Fo2yCZ8KJUEWZ6XM7EHz8KgX6dgKsyPSwtw5go/s1600/skopje+25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjzBAJGl7uYhJgmWTsE4m7_BYTvAhsP1FfYWCgFlahI8s660lyZJuOZx_8MOl93FookiUevsQvcuWNihKJf97-CQ8-hoNXJzncyH-35Fo2yCZ8KJUEWZ6XM7EHz8KgX6dgKsyPSwtw5go/s1600/skopje+25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful domed ceiling, that includes ~16,000 pieces of glass, located in the museum lobby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
we left the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, we were a bit at odds of
what to do. The Holocaust Museum was just across the street and I had
read that it was free so thought it worthwhile to take a look, considering it
was rated as one of the better museums in Skopje. I couldn't rally any
enthusiasm however. Given the subject matter, I wasn't surprised. We
walked around the center a bit more, looking for an ATM and ultimately
decided to sit down, have a drink and perhaps watch some Olympics, if we
found the right cafe.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o6Zfxm3y_I0Wszm75xLoud32DGcsMvkABb8G3Df0UOLYtGCWIU7drKCF3X2bSWqc7-IcNY8SJbT2rgbgifhyphenhyphenVFmDWbe-wFFtRzRPNnqmscFJw6oVc7xaylRQFfDicVmibUZnn_fC1dlF/s1600/skopje+30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o6Zfxm3y_I0Wszm75xLoud32DGcsMvkABb8G3Df0UOLYtGCWIU7drKCF3X2bSWqc7-IcNY8SJbT2rgbgifhyphenhyphenVFmDWbe-wFFtRzRPNnqmscFJw6oVc7xaylRQFfDicVmibUZnn_fC1dlF/s1600/skopje+30.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lone carousel was operating next to the Stone Bridge and the kids all wanted a ride. 90 denar for the 3 of them (~$1.80).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13QpV9EdQ4xGySzP5JwBcUpeAr4-2WlS-YO6zB1C_HqQavpARU8Tdznq8UcUU3WXGHb1Kjfl0xIjlNjiULxhTg4H72ZSFR1WSdnitL7k_Psjg061uGxpKREifkcCgec9znu40l28QzUZ/s1600/skopje+27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13QpV9EdQ4xGySzP5JwBcUpeAr4-2WlS-YO6zB1C_HqQavpARU8Tdznq8UcUU3WXGHb1Kjfl0xIjlNjiULxhTg4H72ZSFR1WSdnitL7k_Psjg061uGxpKREifkcCgec9znu40l28QzUZ/s1600/skopje+27.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boatmen
of Thessaloníki monument: This was a Bulgarian anarchist group, active
between 1900 - 1903. From April 28 until May 1, 1903 the group launched a
campaign of terror bombing in Thessaloniki which was referred to as
the "Thessaloniki bombings of 1903". <sup> </sup>Their
aim was to attract the attention of the Great Powers to Ottoman
oppression in Macedonia and Thrace. Despite the objective of the
destruction, I found it odd that this group was glorified by a a monument
given their methods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy801K04b6-jGkZO_vyqfoVm0SyRDtS2FlPO82Kdbw2Ka-oi0ZL5Xuk6XzA3yYuIC8wfwt4lLr2ironkqgYqN1CiUA0RpHH7gRchT8ATkYpZ2mF_G6orcuJ_wBZ3uiTjVhLuk9yMD2Ytp/s1600/skopje+32.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy801K04b6-jGkZO_vyqfoVm0SyRDtS2FlPO82Kdbw2Ka-oi0ZL5Xuk6XzA3yYuIC8wfwt4lLr2ironkqgYqN1CiUA0RpHH7gRchT8ATkYpZ2mF_G6orcuJ_wBZ3uiTjVhLuk9yMD2Ytp/s1600/skopje+32.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An evening view of the Museum
of Archeology: The Stone Bridge is lit with a rotating rainbow of colors. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening, we returned to the Chinese restaurant where we had eaten the previous evening which was the best strategy for getting vegetables into Paul.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3rVDenjwyQj464bJeWQpEd1IdChieTMMbARtRJmlRy_V3EWhA0spbMOrjlWfNESz6z4VzrXtWKy0uyX2hKtqmBHRLYi10USL6fl4pZRTUUvNue3le1lfMEWbvUel6i6V7bqb_4pQKtoH/s1600/skopje+31.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3rVDenjwyQj464bJeWQpEd1IdChieTMMbARtRJmlRy_V3EWhA0spbMOrjlWfNESz6z4VzrXtWKy0uyX2hKtqmBHRLYi10USL6fl4pZRTUUvNue3le1lfMEWbvUel6i6V7bqb_4pQKtoH/s1600/skopje+31.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James taught Sarah how to hold and use chop sticks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 23rd</b>,
Vincent, Sarah, James and I drove to the Matka Canyon. Paul wanted to
stay behind to work on algebra. When we drove by Tresca Lake and reached
Matka Canyon, we stopped at the first restaurant we saw for lunch. We then stopped by the Monastery of the Holy Mother of God, which had been recommended to visit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Zjoc-pglwKBzLoSdSVooXiBXKZt1lDh9a5G4Vh7xEHFVQBX2qGNcR6J1gChUYHnvMyok-ZUhj9ZBbH3Ks8VGIWXPPV65T-DupwNTIVQleQN87FaldNI4PF7dUElPqQsL_9zeY_R3AVoe/s1600/matka+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Zjoc-pglwKBzLoSdSVooXiBXKZt1lDh9a5G4Vh7xEHFVQBX2qGNcR6J1gChUYHnvMyok-ZUhj9ZBbH3Ks8VGIWXPPV65T-DupwNTIVQleQN87FaldNI4PF7dUElPqQsL_9zeY_R3AVoe/s1600/matka+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monastery of the Holy Mother of God built in the 13th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH0whRaGuGFZ6oN-NGUbvanuCvZKjNuFw-qntiCk9DFczm_qFvP5wYB4bhs_2iMGI0wp1POOC6DJYSAo7ij1wbVC1mj7Zez4ZRSxSFIuPQMxik7A475i920cNb7V6x5yLgIRdkB6ttUlm/s1600/matka+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH0whRaGuGFZ6oN-NGUbvanuCvZKjNuFw-qntiCk9DFczm_qFvP5wYB4bhs_2iMGI0wp1POOC6DJYSAo7ij1wbVC1mj7Zez4ZRSxSFIuPQMxik7A475i920cNb7V6x5yLgIRdkB6ttUlm/s1600/matka+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Holy Mother of God church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyzS4YsenF91xh-XRJWZBzNyPZLowlNUGnPzFKcyMtntPnLnJIKbxjiXj2hXDy9jO17U5n08kJUh_AAoNA-Kau3KwE2qAsChT62PkT_7GlrexXs1NcHM8jZHx1TSzNe35Vsf1u5okGqOd/s1600/matka+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyzS4YsenF91xh-XRJWZBzNyPZLowlNUGnPzFKcyMtntPnLnJIKbxjiXj2hXDy9jO17U5n08kJUh_AAoNA-Kau3KwE2qAsChT62PkT_7GlrexXs1NcHM8jZHx1TSzNe35Vsf1u5okGqOd/s1600/matka+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
frescoes date from the end of the 15th century and feature
characteristics of the fresco painting of the (Ottoman) Turks. Macedonia
was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years, from 1392 to 1912.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Afterwards, James, Sarah and I went for a hike along Treska River while
Vince took a power nap in the car; intensive tourism was taking its toll
on all of us. I had seen photos of "Matka Canyon" in the brochure that
our apartment host had given us and where we were didn't match the
photos so I felt we needed to go further. We went back
to the car and rallied Vince to drive a bit further along the river
where we parked and continued to walk along the river. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGRo__Jy52BrsrKnQO6WVH6zBh2lLy5QzYfludFaP9hIpzdO6bNsb0f_F8-eOdtUrrynoAFhe7sfW9ZXyWtlo3QIzF-RGpRpLn0OvFzP-8aUkQnoVRdbrnMQ5vl4zFWSqc8qwbIsWYnXM/s1600/matka+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGRo__Jy52BrsrKnQO6WVH6zBh2lLy5QzYfludFaP9hIpzdO6bNsb0f_F8-eOdtUrrynoAFhe7sfW9ZXyWtlo3QIzF-RGpRpLn0OvFzP-8aUkQnoVRdbrnMQ5vl4zFWSqc8qwbIsWYnXM/s1600/matka+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the Treska River just as we came to the Matka dam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
reached a restaurant and noticed one could hire a boat to go to a cave (Vrelo Cave).
This is where we had a lesson in the value of prepositions. Because a
boat would take us to a cave we interpreted the trip as "in" a cave.
Having been to the Blue Grotto in Capri, this is what we expected. (But
the trip was indeed "to" a cave.) I mentioned the idea of taking a boat
trip to see a cave and Sarah and
James were very keen. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbsHd-_4Ofnph4onIMVc3ydj9wug9z6o_WcEzHZFS4sTciZwAHwfyYG5v7liRf4q6DepdZ37Sqf_AsvJ62Y5xwOgI22jMKGZG-eH7_hjHyHJnMddAuDT4Pdg0nNoqrUsDbuCmAjzZ2RMT/s1600/matka+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbsHd-_4Ofnph4onIMVc3ydj9wug9z6o_WcEzHZFS4sTciZwAHwfyYG5v7liRf4q6DepdZ37Sqf_AsvJ62Y5xwOgI22jMKGZG-eH7_hjHyHJnMddAuDT4Pdg0nNoqrUsDbuCmAjzZ2RMT/s1600/matka+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant and boat house where one can hire someone to take them to the Vrelo Cave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRf1HpJlgerlQogB9SctIc7QIpJJFZrXwmJutL-emXNsoHooDMgsbdQ5-OfS6lvWOs1bOK1kZ1Ke6zkJIPLESRoCWVPrv5jZxznWEO1I2A2F4K33QKNEGgA47JJRW9ARfe06wbl01WUT_/s1600/matka+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRf1HpJlgerlQogB9SctIc7QIpJJFZrXwmJutL-emXNsoHooDMgsbdQ5-OfS6lvWOs1bOK1kZ1Ke6zkJIPLESRoCWVPrv5jZxznWEO1I2A2F4K33QKNEGgA47JJRW9ARfe06wbl01WUT_/s1600/matka+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The journey took about an hour and cost 1600 denar (about $32) for the 4 of us. We traveled about 4 km down the river, landed and then had to hike part way up to the mouth of the cave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrjpmkKB5BtfQoDfjG312fVF-FaTqEqgbIwWoed_PbMML1oguEtsUgU9UbHiKwp4C1DGQ0LQzunEv4yLHAXG_tZVeRIkjbpjRz0Br_RZUk1w5BDEHNP1_kzi45p2I9RfwIyYqjEmy_zbN/s1600/matka+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrjpmkKB5BtfQoDfjG312fVF-FaTqEqgbIwWoed_PbMML1oguEtsUgU9UbHiKwp4C1DGQ0LQzunEv4yLHAXG_tZVeRIkjbpjRz0Br_RZUk1w5BDEHNP1_kzi45p2I9RfwIyYqjEmy_zbN/s1600/matka+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matka Lake (formed by the dam) is a exquisite turquoise color. It is so clean, one can see 15 or more feet below the surface.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj4D43JVq5VBsQEQd_dC5Q5gJp_WJJ4mJPoDv4lEWAMpDXNp1qWdSr0W7dK5m9LHLYBzbdL6D_DqYs1fjahxf7F1AwESuI2ZsAcEBOZEKY4DJnU5PNCyEd9fp940sWOP7NtcW1N1Sf9j1/s1600/matka+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj4D43JVq5VBsQEQd_dC5Q5gJp_WJJ4mJPoDv4lEWAMpDXNp1qWdSr0W7dK5m9LHLYBzbdL6D_DqYs1fjahxf7F1AwESuI2ZsAcEBOZEKY4DJnU5PNCyEd9fp940sWOP7NtcW1N1Sf9j1/s1600/matka+7.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw some creative river dwellings along the way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_jkSahb0coQ6auNf3d9pyo_IY7e_1VZcOfS0yL6huHH9Q7dKBXc0L3SbAxiMCaZxJx1cPAZsDBdvKvU9AXtR11RLOt7PMm_AeP8YKx6TbEyB2SEgtaSd25Xncs8Qk-OogKmVuWEJNLUt/s1600/matka+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_jkSahb0coQ6auNf3d9pyo_IY7e_1VZcOfS0yL6huHH9Q7dKBXc0L3SbAxiMCaZxJx1cPAZsDBdvKvU9AXtR11RLOt7PMm_AeP8YKx6TbEyB2SEgtaSd25Xncs8Qk-OogKmVuWEJNLUt/s1600/matka+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vrelo
Cave was suggested as one of the top 77 natural sites in the world in the
"New7Wonders of Nature" project that was launched in 2007. (It didn't
make the final cut of "winners" list.) There are two lakes in the cave.
Tthe smaller lake is 8 metres at its longest length
and 15 metres in depth at its deepest point. The larger lake
is 35 metres at its longest length, and 18 metres (59
feet) at its deepest point. We only saw what I think was the smaller
lake and this is a photo of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxsqbAjuWZtOr0YGDMadRaJdpC2McdLpUFs6j_IwKaUsfGt7xaAaf23qr2bBPKA2aV5FmckRtc9eXX_lBOkY7JqHuSaqUisxE4tRrJAlREmmvy4AO-i2rnoFkuPRPuoQN1WOykCsoJxBO/s1600/matka+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxsqbAjuWZtOr0YGDMadRaJdpC2McdLpUFs6j_IwKaUsfGt7xaAaf23qr2bBPKA2aV5FmckRtc9eXX_lBOkY7JqHuSaqUisxE4tRrJAlREmmvy4AO-i2rnoFkuPRPuoQN1WOykCsoJxBO/s1600/matka+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vrelo Cave has many stalactites and stalagmites which are lit up dramatically through the use of a generator power system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
our boat trip, we returned back to our apartment to see if we could
catch the Olympic gold-medal hockey game and the closing ceremonies.
Thankfully Macedonia was one Balkan country that paid enough of the
Olympic licensing privileges that we actually saw some coverage while we
were in the country. <br />
<br />
On <b>February 24th</b>,
we decided to give the kids a break with historical sights and
suggested we go to the zoo. I hadn't completed the word "zoo" yet and
already Sarah exclaimed she wanted to go.<br />
The zoo is in walking
distance of the city center so we were able to make our way there on
foot. Entrance to the zoo was only 250 denar (about $5.00 for the five
of us) and, at first glance, I thought they should be charging a bit
more and putting some investment into it. It looked like it could use a
little TLC. Some animals seemed to have a lot of space to roam around
while others appeared too caged in. Many of the signs were so faded,
they were impossible to read (albeit very little was in English). The zoo had
a surprising variety of animals and I don't think I've been to a zoo
where many of the animals were so active. We had fun watching the bears
wrestle with each other and the monkeys were a hoot.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefh9sJDrZp_2VgekCsArHBnA9tArkBOPab1ct8HgA5yav5U-GUQBvuajLsV8CR26zAzMjsAMZZWpUZSUjecRsCORi_nZ5vwOY_FCPfQI4-gfq7xZZswrlaLvbUfOj8Pt_xV2YkqZj32Ln/s1600/zoo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefh9sJDrZp_2VgekCsArHBnA9tArkBOPab1ct8HgA5yav5U-GUQBvuajLsV8CR26zAzMjsAMZZWpUZSUjecRsCORi_nZ5vwOY_FCPfQI4-gfq7xZZswrlaLvbUfOj8Pt_xV2YkqZj32Ln/s1600/zoo+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Sarah at the entrance to the Skopje zoo with a map of the layout above them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwErlGKdsQwx2H4R32nbFef0VcquNJcNkaY7GacVn5eN_zNzXnAd26AFNhs-Q3tOIinB6mJj_u7FTrdkEQBPDLtwGNO11BQnEVtLHIr-MQu_2QgqK1NIv9Tb-vuzv3CFxR8gwyy_cJyA6o/s1600/zoo1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwErlGKdsQwx2H4R32nbFef0VcquNJcNkaY7GacVn5eN_zNzXnAd26AFNhs-Q3tOIinB6mJj_u7FTrdkEQBPDLtwGNO11BQnEVtLHIr-MQu_2QgqK1NIv9Tb-vuzv3CFxR8gwyy_cJyA6o/s1600/zoo1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ostrich kept stretching his neck to check out his buffalo neighbor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX292XzR7Co-qdEuR5OXB7a_rLfgNaGTUtFffl75Z5EDxa05jGp9JYmJx1zCWMT8IhZETqvFWF7gLQmhVzjjXg5TSvWtIY9Beg-5YnhX8ZCo866uqP9UgL_3HkZ8k_ilz2HcysJG9VpcPk/s1600/zoo+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX292XzR7Co-qdEuR5OXB7a_rLfgNaGTUtFffl75Z5EDxa05jGp9JYmJx1zCWMT8IhZETqvFWF7gLQmhVzjjXg5TSvWtIY9Beg-5YnhX8ZCo866uqP9UgL_3HkZ8k_ilz2HcysJG9VpcPk/s1600/zoo+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There
were several varieties of monkeys and 3 baby monkeys (that we noticed)
who were a few days to a few weeks old. This little guy was just trying
to figure out how to climb onto that branch. It was hard to tell which
monkey was the baby's mother because they all seemed to be looking out
for the baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiPsk5kisxK6zlhEJFJs7ebiaPDGjAvkM70x2jPns88KEKcSTvswYGzLC_rmvlhq0YRNLgHhgOnmmZo0D53ZSu-7IliJYPM8QYbQd7VJbkvFv0mc5ODQDHrpUbVrNU3SniFr331L6MgID/s1600/zoo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiPsk5kisxK6zlhEJFJs7ebiaPDGjAvkM70x2jPns88KEKcSTvswYGzLC_rmvlhq0YRNLgHhgOnmmZo0D53ZSu-7IliJYPM8QYbQd7VJbkvFv0mc5ODQDHrpUbVrNU3SniFr331L6MgID/s1600/zoo+4.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Eye of the Tiger": Makes one think of that 1982 Survivor song.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the zoo, we walked along the Vardar towards the city center and then up to the Fortress Kale. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCB7XkhfmPOkdViG5gGYNtoiY3DRPGrwDP8iM2GIQ-HWh3Tk4udQSzOqaqvyTHtTubw0loj4xuS2QxeZGtx0N_DS-tD4FL86sRB2uxl98lVaK0GG5UFxiQCl7HI4meLPIzFzPcsItNhIR/s1600/skopje+41.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCB7XkhfmPOkdViG5gGYNtoiY3DRPGrwDP8iM2GIQ-HWh3Tk4udQSzOqaqvyTHtTubw0loj4xuS2QxeZGtx0N_DS-tD4FL86sRB2uxl98lVaK0GG5UFxiQCl7HI4meLPIzFzPcsItNhIR/s1600/skopje+41.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by more statues. This is of Emperor Justinian I. The Stone Bridge can be seen in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KCDgiQCb9yZlIlvtJWlcCKR_fgrIO0Bx5TbAdPvuESHAsWSRivoChmRor24ieIjTS9TuJIPU5GXXyoWnVZXDr8tmyg1vuGJUz_FTAv05KrswUStDFjxt0CV3oe06MqTr92cl7nDkmiqv/s1600/skopje+33.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KCDgiQCb9yZlIlvtJWlcCKR_fgrIO0Bx5TbAdPvuESHAsWSRivoChmRor24ieIjTS9TuJIPU5GXXyoWnVZXDr8tmyg1vuGJUz_FTAv05KrswUStDFjxt0CV3oe06MqTr92cl7nDkmiqv/s1600/skopje+33.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karpoš Statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTWSBeKpTUObwqpZKe2_3dHzVdAqhy2ZXMfHOAvCIGfIL0XXQiydbcUEqrXAn3CdhSkJQhLpcc_pFEsXulVvhCCkMjr8iMJuGdDAvaE6AqmiiD4UAS__qI7oJ9e4JYHQSl9dj-KcufCtu/s1600/skopje+34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTWSBeKpTUObwqpZKe2_3dHzVdAqhy2ZXMfHOAvCIGfIL0XXQiydbcUEqrXAn3CdhSkJQhLpcc_pFEsXulVvhCCkMjr8iMJuGdDAvaE6AqmiiD4UAS__qI7oJ9e4JYHQSl9dj-KcufCtu/s1600/skopje+34.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Sculpture of lovers in the new gazebo on the main square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e-BjbElJuY9JOGa1305OpgGc1kgteVVK5dejVGyZJvYyvxS-vc-X4aQUEHxQNG3b12JNtxAEK9TxwOLmwvXgmtevct96XgfeEyk-f0w33RzsoLCYKeGbFLwTRH4qO93-Caj40JEgt_hU/s1600/skopje+35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e-BjbElJuY9JOGa1305OpgGc1kgteVVK5dejVGyZJvYyvxS-vc-X4aQUEHxQNG3b12JNtxAEK9TxwOLmwvXgmtevct96XgfeEyk-f0w33RzsoLCYKeGbFLwTRH4qO93-Caj40JEgt_hU/s1600/skopje+35.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument of Dame Gruev: Damyan Yovanov Gruev (1871-1906) was a Bulgarian and Macedonian revolutionary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfrhe33bgrBCXK_07840-A_-SQr6Eh6MJ8rbCJGXeHrn4VAjbXKzNwDEmH4X3lYSbqKYIieVFaICICAL0dh6r8Ct-LghbudKJQ2A6p9W7bGBJaJx2EsjIabaz0VAr7iMbkScGwe6FfMiL/s1600/skopje+37.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfrhe33bgrBCXK_07840-A_-SQr6Eh6MJ8rbCJGXeHrn4VAjbXKzNwDEmH4X3lYSbqKYIieVFaICICAL0dh6r8Ct-LghbudKJQ2A6p9W7bGBJaJx2EsjIabaz0VAr7iMbkScGwe6FfMiL/s1600/skopje+37.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thespian statues in front of the theatre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8AhR7TebLzTdUWxwhxkIz5lSvhUMqbGjOWT1oJ8WyGRE7loOHBUBFzakA9HgTIAs75zDWGd-i6xcVE3fqxvaZ1g6mATro16eX5UcgfICiWIWODupbGFIm2f6M1-fZutMFGqQUkt0dMDL/s1600/skopje+28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8AhR7TebLzTdUWxwhxkIz5lSvhUMqbGjOWT1oJ8WyGRE7loOHBUBFzakA9HgTIAs75zDWGd-i6xcVE3fqxvaZ1g6mATro16eX5UcgfICiWIWODupbGFIm2f6M1-fZutMFGqQUkt0dMDL/s1600/skopje+28.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortress Kale: The first fortress was built in 6th century AD on land that was inhabited during the Neolithic and Bronze ages (roughly 4000 BC onwards). Over the years, it had been destroyed through earthquakes and battles and then rebuilt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we reached the entrance to Kale, we found that it was closed, so I took a couple photos of the view.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclXKNDNMD70wBW1VzbcjNNAf2TcD6PgJK9WrxJL41zJMH1jYuJ5QlAP2oshohzO9Dp188qMO1LhYXWoJNJCpRVnmCw6QI1iXmrIzixWy1qSTwYTMy96LECPeec_0YKfrSP8mCEUnEs0AI/s1600/skopje+38.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclXKNDNMD70wBW1VzbcjNNAf2TcD6PgJK9WrxJL41zJMH1jYuJ5QlAP2oshohzO9Dp188qMO1LhYXWoJNJCpRVnmCw6QI1iXmrIzixWy1qSTwYTMy96LECPeec_0YKfrSP8mCEUnEs0AI/s1600/skopje+38.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center from the Fortress Kale.<b> </b>The center was opened in 2008 and was named<b> </b>after the former President, Boris Trajkovski who died in a plane crash in 2004.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHkNSbL1aeLisWkxOXHCdRmkgfWS7xnHjr8Zk5cJNr_UjJ8mRgahlZ5s37RBQ0I0W1BdLiB7TBb8D-p6BgzRjVEYYLV7V-OXP_2tN44FywDjFJCQzQDRB3OZfRGp9SVicrgZNWxj-_a33/s1600/skopje+39.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHkNSbL1aeLisWkxOXHCdRmkgfWS7xnHjr8Zk5cJNr_UjJ8mRgahlZ5s37RBQ0I0W1BdLiB7TBb8D-p6BgzRjVEYYLV7V-OXP_2tN44FywDjFJCQzQDRB3OZfRGp9SVicrgZNWxj-_a33/s1600/skopje+39.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Skopje's city center from Fortress Kale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then walked down to the city center and looked for dinner. Our apartment host recommended the Pelister restaurant located on the main square and we had an excellent meal there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJovgJ2ELZdmuJKyVQLoVJskbT1SjB3IETmPscgwIxDxjwJAS8yED0jZaAwAemwLEbSjTbk4SDYUKfiiHYc8Q5zZ8uPrnERMudE71ox28bjic0R3PR4RIMiiXY4EjjbqV0h-hF5EEpfQB/s1600/skopje+40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJovgJ2ELZdmuJKyVQLoVJskbT1SjB3IETmPscgwIxDxjwJAS8yED0jZaAwAemwLEbSjTbk4SDYUKfiiHYc8Q5zZ8uPrnERMudE71ox28bjic0R3PR4RIMiiXY4EjjbqV0h-hF5EEpfQB/s1600/skopje+40.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah finally found some chic gals to hang out with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>February 25th</b>, we left Skopje and drove to Sofia, Bulgaria. It was a
2-laned highway/road and with tolls every 10 or 15 miles (or so it
seemed), we found the roads were in reasonable shape. We arrived in
Sofia before dark. We had to first buy a SIM card (6 lev = about $4) for
the cell phone so that Vince could call our apartment host and inform him we
were arriving. We then had to drive through the center in order to
reach our apartment which was about 4.5 km from the city center and so
it was not as nicely situated as the apartments we had occupied
previously. While the area looked a bit gray and tattered, the apartment
itself (€45) was quite modern and clean and quite alright. That
evening, when looking for a restaurant we found a Chinese restaurant
around the corner; it was the best Chinese restaurant we had encountered
yet on this trip.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AXIC1PHoobeDgW99rUIVDc1IDC8jTBvX1Tt0-omUUt8bwOOoenEbLNA_5iPY2ggMxJxkINo6MSarbz3EPHJuCphda3p5fURpXkJBm6HOR3oHosdxgeqN33v-41uS_CgvU-oEvUslypvf/s1600/sofia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AXIC1PHoobeDgW99rUIVDc1IDC8jTBvX1Tt0-omUUt8bwOOoenEbLNA_5iPY2ggMxJxkINo6MSarbz3EPHJuCphda3p5fURpXkJBm6HOR3oHosdxgeqN33v-41uS_CgvU-oEvUslypvf/s1600/sofia.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Largo building: Seat of the unicameral Bulgarian Parliament (National Assembly of
Bulgaria). Example of Socialist Classicism architecture.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 26th</b>,
the kids did homework in the morning and then we set out to find bus #9
that would take us to the city center. The bus was a bargain 1
lev/ticket (~$0.70). We quickly observed that there was very little
signage to help out the tourist. The bus stop had no information
regarding what bus # stopped at it or any information about the route.
Coming towards the city, the bus didn't announce coming stops and most
of the bus stops along the way were not labeled. It was as if commuters
were just "expected to know" where they were. We knew we wanted to
disembark at the St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University stop where I had
researched there was a tourist information center there. The St Kliment
University stop wasn't obvious but I know it shared a metro station in
the same location, so that's where just having the "special feeling"
that we were in the right place came in handy and we surprisingly
actually got off at the right stop.<br />
<br />
After looking at
two different entrances to the metro, the third entrance was the charm
and we found the tourist bureau. There were two women in there who were
very enthusiastic and helpful; had we not encountered them, I would have
been writing Sofia off in my mind by that point. They gave us a map,
pointed out several landmarks and highlighted the Sofia Theatre and
National Opera and Ballet House which were highlighted as places we should go.<br />
<br />
After
leaving the tourist office, we walked across the corridor to McDonald's
which, as much as Vincent hated to go there, Sarah and the boys were
thrilled to have some familiar fast food.<br />
<br />
After lunch,
we walked to the Stefan Makedonski Music Theatre where we knew "My Fair
Lady" was playing. When we talked to the box office we found that the
play was in Bulgarian (which really should have been a bit obvious) and
so we didn't buy any tickets. We then proceeded on to the National Opera
House. When Vincent and I were talking to the woman in the opera house
ticket booth, Paul and James were sitting on the stairs about 12 feet
away from us talking quietly. Along came an older man who motioned to
Paul and James that they should get out of the building. With a
quizzical look on their faces they left the building and then stood
outside the theatre doors waiting for us. About 3 minutes later, the
same older man walked by Vincent and me and exited the building
proceeding to tell Paul and James (in Bulgarian) to leave the area.
There's international body language for "scram", "beat it", "get lost
kids". I went out and asked the man "what's the problem?" in English (of
course) and then another man who was waiting in the ticket line came to
assist us, telling the man the the two boys were with me. Paul and
James weren't doing anything but chatting quietly with each other. I
couldn't understand what the problem was. And I'd be the first to
recognize any of my children being out of line. The lasting impression I
had from this encounter was that Bulgarians have zero tolerance for
kids that look a little out of place. (How's that for a massively unfair generalization?) Perhaps
there's a significant problem with troubled youth in Sofia, that I
hadn't yet read about or issues with vandalism at the opera house? There
was something that the old man didn't like about Paul and James and the
only thing I could come up with is that they were "teenagers". <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu9LNmpMXG466hhy37wlX-HSnQOn0IW2AyG9kbTzBUd2u8i3zbrx8Jja97O_XQE_TYAbA7a8yoCzIOEshuLACGfa-XIz6zbidOYOqU3Eq_ch96XsMixeY_WDYEmyHMj0hr0hqDy2LpVjT/s1600/sofia+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu9LNmpMXG466hhy37wlX-HSnQOn0IW2AyG9kbTzBUd2u8i3zbrx8Jja97O_XQE_TYAbA7a8yoCzIOEshuLACGfa-XIz6zbidOYOqU3Eq_ch96XsMixeY_WDYEmyHMj0hr0hqDy2LpVjT/s1600/sofia+1.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah next to the <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aleksandar Stamboliyski monument located in front of the Sofia National Opera House. </span><br />
<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aleksandar Stamboliyski </span>was
the Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 1919 until 1923. During his term in
office, Stamboliyski made a concerted effort to
improve relations with the rest of Europe. This resulted in Bulgaria
becoming the first of the WW I defeated states to join the League of
Nations in 1920. Though popular with the peasants, many considered him
to be a virtual dictator or a peasant
thug and he was ousted from power in a military coup on June 9, 1923. He
attempted to raise a rebellion against the new government, but was
captured by the IMRO (Bulgarian National Movement), who detested him for
renouncing Bulgarian claims on the territory of Macedonia, was brutally
tortured, and killed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYJhLsAuaBLuJx5EUFSh5WKa3E-rKcHFnCrMQxl-19w5O98Na7T91WyUBOUpcWguuHabvYvlaZWZCL9lXxOp9wydwg4oomfYdgS6taMzsZlhgX942YUz0Pk-kCD9snoyHYcb9hkeqEYZ-/s1600/sofia+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYJhLsAuaBLuJx5EUFSh5WKa3E-rKcHFnCrMQxl-19w5O98Na7T91WyUBOUpcWguuHabvYvlaZWZCL9lXxOp9wydwg4oomfYdgS6taMzsZlhgX942YUz0Pk-kCD9snoyHYcb9hkeqEYZ-/s1600/sofia+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofia National Opera House: The building opened in 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left the Opera House with tickets to the ballet for the next evening (Leo Delibes's <i>Coppelia</i>) at 15 lev/ticket. The boys were thrilled. (Yes, that was sarcasm.) We also got 3 tickets to a children's opera, <i>The Grumpy Goat</i>
by Yuli Damyanov for Friday morning at 8 lev/ticket. I had read that
Bulgaria promotes some operas and classical music performances to children to help get them interested at an early age, so we
thought we should do that while we were here. Vincent figured he and
Sarah would go to <i>The Grumpy Goat</i> with perhaps one of the boys or me, depending who was up for it Friday morning. <i>The Grumpy Goat </i>would
be about an hour long, sung in Bulgarian, and I rationalized that it's
hard to understand opera when it's sung in English so hopefully would be
just enough but not too much. Both Vincent and Sarah are mad about
musicals.<br />
<br />
With our plans for Bulgarian culture all set, we started walking about Sofia to see some of the main sights. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieQwltFLAoW70JFqen6Lp9ZwVXzUThNrZap9q1rhUxYmhpnVvXH25rwTeWQP3gf9QM8yyeZmgmeSMSvCcxbrUNL6N8958NvTdhQvOZcSg-X3ul5mfJKs0ZO6XlN1hod0870_9CzJyiODQ/s1600/sofia+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieQwltFLAoW70JFqen6Lp9ZwVXzUThNrZap9q1rhUxYmhpnVvXH25rwTeWQP3gf9QM8yyeZmgmeSMSvCcxbrUNL6N8958NvTdhQvOZcSg-X3ul5mfJKs0ZO6XlN1hod0870_9CzJyiODQ/s1600/sofia+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Sofia Church: Dating back to the 6th century, the St Sofia Church is the second oldest church in Sofia. It is now one of the most valuable pieces of early Christian architecture in southeastern Europe. The church stands in the middle of an ancient necropolis and
many tombs have been unearthed both under and near the church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg-yvr8smpsLIcuudAuixlx8JrqrfgbipYDZJuutzm275uCN0tkLu4HwIEi4cBIwoYp9TzsAZTDaPzd13lbsEY7rsekn82oTeInN7DfYSgELyFTNdEOmjfFluGvSLluFUP_MQhhLsrPuq/s1600/sofia+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg-yvr8smpsLIcuudAuixlx8JrqrfgbipYDZJuutzm275uCN0tkLu4HwIEi4cBIwoYp9TzsAZTDaPzd13lbsEY7rsekn82oTeInN7DfYSgELyFTNdEOmjfFluGvSLluFUP_MQhhLsrPuq/s1600/sofia+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The present building is a cross basilica with three altars. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHwBMWnK9QfqxHAvY3wXSlNjEktuzILK0sIhX4dL-LbTf2jbY1VVcYYK1Ezhjfg4_3oGKCSZvou8U4W8zeR99g7R1fuXXl8MU0MmR1xrgBu-wW21z4lWzVacQvrSJxWaiLbxF0fAgJC33/s1600/sofia+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHwBMWnK9QfqxHAvY3wXSlNjEktuzILK0sIhX4dL-LbTf2jbY1VVcYYK1Ezhjfg4_3oGKCSZvou8U4W8zeR99g7R1fuXXl8MU0MmR1xrgBu-wW21z4lWzVacQvrSJxWaiLbxF0fAgJC33/s1600/sofia+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because Saint Sophia represents "the Divine Wisdom" along with a historical saint, Sophia the Martyr, icons within the church depict Sophia as Christ Emmanuel, a young
figure of Christ seated on a rainbow. The church also displays icons of
historical saints, including St. George and St Vladimir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUwp0camA-jwfSi8iaAjS_xsF-1LbOXOgJVCTKOjgwUKY5Qn67H-fIVF_bDhLMKIGebD7evdz8X7lBqQU4nvffUKwYmvZ-bYubX6wgT9HxCFkBB5U7th66auF87sXkMxsft8vQHdghLcs/s1600/sofia+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUwp0camA-jwfSi8iaAjS_xsF-1LbOXOgJVCTKOjgwUKY5Qn67H-fIVF_bDhLMKIGebD7evdz8X7lBqQU4nvffUKwYmvZ-bYubX6wgT9HxCFkBB5U7th66auF87sXkMxsft8vQHdghLcs/s1600/sofia+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah loved this lion which can be found just next to the St Sofia Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFENT510ujtLWkN3z5g1xLh-U7JM_4aJEA1vy7wZtXRxHDZ65wlCpqiJAxhu1H2pxwnr-YljwZWJBJFK7mHbNs0NTfi47ih1VdJirZkD-CGYI4GdVaj3Vp5HnHzTdHFT9nGCagWBhReRU/s1600/sofia+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFENT510ujtLWkN3z5g1xLh-U7JM_4aJEA1vy7wZtXRxHDZ65wlCpqiJAxhu1H2pxwnr-YljwZWJBJFK7mHbNs0NTfi47ih1VdJirZkD-CGYI4GdVaj3Vp5HnHzTdHFT9nGCagWBhReRU/s1600/sofia+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monument to an Unknown Soldier is situated next to the church. The monument commemorates the hundreds of thousands of Bulgarian soldiers who died in wars defending their homeland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNpQiSjMZ1h_ydek8yeAZxNixAkZlzPEmvhxMMkQycHc_g9cm6cdFNU0yBo4rLbeMaa62_VKzWpPvLajU67KIT1BNuh4tcqpcSerm-tRPC23Oe6Q4hfnolqLwtPQ5NtKEX6rdNt6ScRQt/s1600/sofia+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNpQiSjMZ1h_ydek8yeAZxNixAkZlzPEmvhxMMkQycHc_g9cm6cdFNU0yBo4rLbeMaa62_VKzWpPvLajU67KIT1BNuh4tcqpcSerm-tRPC23Oe6Q4hfnolqLwtPQ5NtKEX6rdNt6ScRQt/s1600/sofia+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: It was completed in 1912 and was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, which resulted in Bugaria being liberated from Ottoman rule. The cathedral is built in the neo-Byzantine style and is named after Saint Alexander Nevsky who was a Russian prince (1220-1263). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGNMmnELJnUa4C4hfzxg8PTAZRNdR34J8PyddEoTz6ViWlHXwgu8rjd9mOxW70STK0KhCLdSUFtRPme987_LiJ9N4A72rQfm-jU77lGzsFoRRA4SLtPZma4uPgLec20KZMxmqn_KxZcrg/s1600/sofia+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGNMmnELJnUa4C4hfzxg8PTAZRNdR34J8PyddEoTz6ViWlHXwgu8rjd9mOxW70STK0KhCLdSUFtRPme987_LiJ9N4A72rQfm-jU77lGzsFoRRA4SLtPZma4uPgLec20KZMxmqn_KxZcrg/s1600/sofia+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left of the altar is a case displaying relics of Alexander Nevsky, given by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Construction and decoration of the cathedral were a pan-European effort,
completed by a team of Bulgarian, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and other European artists, architects and workers. After taking this photo, I was told photography was not allowed so do not have anything further of the interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnvqK_mIJvX5YShJWMiqJ0Ghd9KSZeR8CAMQFdbtoYYucM6t9vHe5b2yZQ3ZszEroemj8x4YxHNq5LwzPUAJu9NYh4RC84xzOAv49AKt9Y0BwiOVin6RbCzYZLoK9XEu8au9JC70MttyL/s1600/sofia+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnvqK_mIJvX5YShJWMiqJ0Ghd9KSZeR8CAMQFdbtoYYucM6t9vHe5b2yZQ3ZszEroemj8x4YxHNq5LwzPUAJu9NYh4RC84xzOAv49AKt9Y0BwiOVin6RbCzYZLoK9XEu8au9JC70MttyL/s1600/sofia+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a lot of street vendors out selling their wares. Religious icons anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVM4p6Zv98oS9n8v6_ccLUIAbRZ9hcLPDKZH6UssUMO-PlY7ocjNM-K7h4E_vebz5ImpaQDiDnFb5ew2LRmBen63P-QqJjVqHZWV3hymEagHtAk1-J-EdfQ34_m9l-L5_2pWyyPtq3xQX/s1600/sofia+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVM4p6Zv98oS9n8v6_ccLUIAbRZ9hcLPDKZH6UssUMO-PlY7ocjNM-K7h4E_vebz5ImpaQDiDnFb5ew2LRmBen63P-QqJjVqHZWV3hymEagHtAk1-J-EdfQ34_m9l-L5_2pWyyPtq3xQX/s1600/sofia+12.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Russian Church: Built in 1912, it is dedicated to St Nicholas, the miracle worker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then came to the Sofia National Art Gallery which was ranked high as a place to visit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEAKWo7ql9R1t4CugFFRexe2d7VxmE_NYhRKaOsWzeh-VaTzkm3pNcIp6v3FDH8oKfgvHx1Ien5KxSnLrVUkq8w03Ud1lXqqTRuCuIQ-bnHoTG6ncmua2UWnvg_lqIIvvk5zf9k6wjHnK/s1600/sofia+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEAKWo7ql9R1t4CugFFRexe2d7VxmE_NYhRKaOsWzeh-VaTzkm3pNcIp6v3FDH8oKfgvHx1Ien5KxSnLrVUkq8w03Ud1lXqqTRuCuIQ-bnHoTG6ncmua2UWnvg_lqIIvvk5zf9k6wjHnK/s1600/sofia+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Art Gallery was at one time the former royal palace of Bulgaria. It was built shortly after Bulgaria’s proclamation of independence from the Ottoman Empire (1878). The building itself is worth seeing, alongside the art collection which is extremely light compared to other "national galleries". I asked if I could take photos and was told it was allowed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl24Zje7j6rcrIGI45LfjXy0_tyLNQOIP2tRnqlgqC-vLZ_zVYvWws-7WDRrI9x4895WV7seBOujE9Uiwbem2XQUBi5aTYCrC83-U2ZCw-um0uQL0rmjO7tavb_RCXVMlUODzcGT_nR6C/s1600/art+gallery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl24Zje7j6rcrIGI45LfjXy0_tyLNQOIP2tRnqlgqC-vLZ_zVYvWws-7WDRrI9x4895WV7seBOujE9Uiwbem2XQUBi5aTYCrC83-U2ZCw-um0uQL0rmjO7tavb_RCXVMlUODzcGT_nR6C/s1600/art+gallery+1.jpg" height="357" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Old Plovdiv</i> by Tzanko Lavrenov (1896-1978), who was a Bulgarian painter and writer. He was one of the most important artists in Bulgaria in the 20th
century, achieving renown for his unique style of painting and for his
decorative, brightly colored scenes of legends and fairy tales.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42IJ2tGhqWoQXwd9BvY92ZrViPeqC4EdiDzCzrFayTorErARDvCMnKRXURFW4ujRmQhJAne1NAzfdShdjlrdP1UdxlRWD8KodX_Uhu4zbR8d9vb-4gWpPMc32WRpOE0OrEoOdTEkBrBs6/s1600/art+gallery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42IJ2tGhqWoQXwd9BvY92ZrViPeqC4EdiDzCzrFayTorErARDvCMnKRXURFW4ujRmQhJAne1NAzfdShdjlrdP1UdxlRWD8KodX_Uhu4zbR8d9vb-4gWpPMc32WRpOE0OrEoOdTEkBrBs6/s1600/art+gallery+2.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shepherds from Brazovo</i> (1941)by Zlatyu Boyadjiev (1903-76): In 1932, Boyadjiev graduated from the Academy of Art, Sofia, having studied
under Tzeno Todorov (1877-1953). In 1939 he went to Italy, where he
studied painting. On his return to Bulgaria, he was a founder of the
'Baratzite' group, along with his fellow artists Vasil Barakov (1902-91) and David Peretz (1906-82). One of the unique aspects of Boyadjiev is in 1951, due to a serious illness, his right hand and part of his body
became paralyzed. After two years he began to paint again, this time
using his left hand. As a result, his style changed drastically. His
paintings became expressive and dramatic and he paid special attention
to folkloric and mythical motifs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZmk9l6IjDNldPSK7W_yPCWjA3YV2ijcDgkn7q2UeNPLto8-74_URN_tqWeVvoVQ4cuD5bM3azHsO6xG8JF0ZDIPx-SOGXfACodvZul2TIYpDns3ZbOZM1p8PPNyOBb9-lc1Kw0BGA2Z0/s1600/art+gallery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZmk9l6IjDNldPSK7W_yPCWjA3YV2ijcDgkn7q2UeNPLto8-74_URN_tqWeVvoVQ4cuD5bM3azHsO6xG8JF0ZDIPx-SOGXfACodvZul2TIYpDns3ZbOZM1p8PPNyOBb9-lc1Kw0BGA2Z0/s1600/art+gallery+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Art Gallery gift shop was packed with Bulgarian crafts. When I took this photo, I was told "no photographs". Huh? It was okay to take photos in the gallery but not in the gift shop? That was a policy I'd never encountered anywhere else.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the National Art Museum, we found ourselves walking past the Natural History Museum and decided to take a look. Turns out the Natural History Museum is a homeschooler's mecca, in addition to being a pretty fascinating place for anyone to explore. Founded in 1889, the Natural History Museum is Bulgaria's oldest museum. The museum's collection includes over 400 stuffed mammals, over 1,200
species of birds, hundreds of thousands of insects and other
invertebrata, as well as samples of about one quarter of the world's
mineral species.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YCsLbR7g82vmxfuTYTYAyaxgZxSSaqHInfS-XHPtZrGyK94-OX8XJ3FfXlL5SeqAMtBUi1dtmQoYdP53BrRMlMgLAjhWGJOjg44tC7y4HJ2dzeZhinfjYO0tZihj4jF91OD-C91citEH/s1600/nat+hist+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YCsLbR7g82vmxfuTYTYAyaxgZxSSaqHInfS-XHPtZrGyK94-OX8XJ3FfXlL5SeqAMtBUi1dtmQoYdP53BrRMlMgLAjhWGJOjg44tC7y4HJ2dzeZhinfjYO0tZihj4jF91OD-C91citEH/s1600/nat+hist+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mineralogy: About 1300 mineral samples are exhibited in this one hall in fifteen
vertical glass-cases. They are arranged in systematic order: Native elements, sulphides and sulphosalts, oxides and hydroxides, halogenides, silicates, borates, phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, sulphates and carbonates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM825UK_VUq6H2FtL3N2JghcpLsw7kOgcOj56cgJnd1vRfEYev2ZhjINOyCc8Z4XpNQ4nqAaxSnqxfFTmD-ApCT7HBKFWQgRmhypvRts8I61ehrk5_26OBnGPG7EZyYp_wapa7DVkleKK/s1600/nat+his+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM825UK_VUq6H2FtL3N2JghcpLsw7kOgcOj56cgJnd1vRfEYev2ZhjINOyCc8Z4XpNQ4nqAaxSnqxfFTmD-ApCT7HBKFWQgRmhypvRts8I61ehrk5_26OBnGPG7EZyYp_wapa7DVkleKK/s1600/nat+his+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the amphibians and reptiles hall, one can find all 52 species of the Bulgarian herpetofauna. Here one also finds a detailed crosss-section of a snake's head. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle6Dyea3O-d03ST_Y9BGr3eN821lTYcSsKtFf6HlSoZnO_H764iqu8MBfHxOVLtL2GgyZ7s31ddQ7fvbWkZjB6JcYbazR3EEbqksQ9KhGNrx5CBclNYrz0Qqxbw8Z-3Xl0ig2c5KpvYzl/s1600/nat+his+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle6Dyea3O-d03ST_Y9BGr3eN821lTYcSsKtFf6HlSoZnO_H764iqu8MBfHxOVLtL2GgyZ7s31ddQ7fvbWkZjB6JcYbazR3EEbqksQ9KhGNrx5CBclNYrz0Qqxbw8Z-3Xl0ig2c5KpvYzl/s1600/nat+his+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The insects exhibition on the fourth floor shows 728 boxes of insect species that have been painstakingly pinned to display boards and categorized. Want to learn more about wasps? This is the place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3zZOmWpBeHaygCua8XEDbJ5MW0YadTrdzd848GMUslyee8he5y4o0Q9Wp4wsrZ-i6cawvjDKErEAs0hvKFiydvog-Z40hlJvXYTLfinigMGHZLdi5Pdggi85VFjE6LCHylQ01ZnTFYbu/s1600/nat+his+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3zZOmWpBeHaygCua8XEDbJ5MW0YadTrdzd848GMUslyee8he5y4o0Q9Wp4wsrZ-i6cawvjDKErEAs0hvKFiydvog-Z40hlJvXYTLfinigMGHZLdi5Pdggi85VFjE6LCHylQ01ZnTFYbu/s1600/nat+his+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It must have taken a real OCD individual to mount and categorize each of these insects.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 27th</b>, we drove just outside of Sofia to the foot of Vitosha mountain where we took a cable car up to the skiing base. This is one of the best features of Sofia; skiing (in winter) and hiking (in summer) are only 10 kilometers away.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErbkfSuDZ4qF-VwpW1U5HY4j0RXFFOIK9vI16q4bsoZDybhrcGygd7nLOEioqDIadkDttHZsIg6QmwxhLevreOKKU8a7CfbBBBwjUxTwt3g322NHWG9d98_HyQxP9bGLCZifeEyWVASzv/s1600/sofia+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErbkfSuDZ4qF-VwpW1U5HY4j0RXFFOIK9vI16q4bsoZDybhrcGygd7nLOEioqDIadkDttHZsIg6QmwxhLevreOKKU8a7CfbBBBwjUxTwt3g322NHWG9d98_HyQxP9bGLCZifeEyWVASzv/s1600/sofia+24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the drive to the cable car depot, we passed by this advertisement. James commented, "Hey look, it's a minaret for beer!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkSXAdVNtcLXpO0QOub65YJPLtf7V9oc_aAZ4RCgLLLyogJ3UA8JraSURoRJWQxUkkTrGLliBp_HQlNMc63RfNEpgMOT4v91J0swyRBeiPktkGGC0Z7lY5r9xF-J7XjqSDigH80-cxWwX/s1600/sofia+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkSXAdVNtcLXpO0QOub65YJPLtf7V9oc_aAZ4RCgLLLyogJ3UA8JraSURoRJWQxUkkTrGLliBp_HQlNMc63RfNEpgMOT4v91J0swyRBeiPktkGGC0Z7lY5r9xF-J7XjqSDigH80-cxWwX/s1600/sofia+25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cable car ride each way was 6 kilometers, taking 30 minutes. It provided a spectacular view, but ugh that smog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzCfaq_J8Fuh-fAS0FJdCUF7fZKypt-XxJOdZabheDF-oWGOd_d-cRAtziSlj-YKrV6RUqRSeATzjRMpxYFkh1wYkg-tQlIFAGKu4aq61AC7Ap4rM-YyesOLqTrJWUuCcSDC-Pm02I8sn/s1600/sofia+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzCfaq_J8Fuh-fAS0FJdCUF7fZKypt-XxJOdZabheDF-oWGOd_d-cRAtziSlj-YKrV6RUqRSeATzjRMpxYFkh1wYkg-tQlIFAGKu4aq61AC7Ap4rM-YyesOLqTrJWUuCcSDC-Pm02I8sn/s1600/sofia+26.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofia below: It may not be surprising that in 2009, Sofia was ranked the 29th of "30 Greenest Cities in Europe" in a survey conducted by Seimens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
having lunch, we descended back down the mountain and made the call to
go to the zoo. Having just been to the zoo in Skopje, some of us weren't
ready to repeat the experience but Sarah really wanted to go and we
thought it a better option than going through a museum given in the
evening, the kids would be "stuck" at the ballet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNx0kBkg11NpQSMwzs1eNHrsjReMykrBV1Iq9_J57pxxJ27n5sQdffLLmxBF-XtyME30WVE-_fgAgw9FuDfWT4cU0M23O_wiPsh-BJp6xh5RQ2fRdD0hDSeqdEgkW1KTY8paZHU2xiolU/s1600/zoo+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNx0kBkg11NpQSMwzs1eNHrsjReMykrBV1Iq9_J57pxxJ27n5sQdffLLmxBF-XtyME30WVE-_fgAgw9FuDfWT4cU0M23O_wiPsh-BJp6xh5RQ2fRdD0hDSeqdEgkW1KTY8paZHU2xiolU/s1600/zoo+.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Vincent at the Sofia Zoo entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
found parts of the Sofia zoo to be pretty depressing. Some animals
didn't seem to have enough space to move around, while others had
fairly good conditions. The white rhino didn't have enough space to roam around with just a small circle in which to pace and the single elephant seemed
lonely. The lions had lots of space and so did the ducks and swans with their big pond.
(Ducks and swans always seem to have the best circumstances; they must have the best negotiating skills.) I read that some animals are "sponsored" by businesses
or individuals and those ones have the better situations. Paul
repeatedly grumbled about zoos in general and the caging of animals which raised a good discussion or debate about the ethical nature of zoos. When, and in what circumstances, is okay to contain animals so that humans have an opportunity to see them and learn about them?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoC0cnYgfoOgt47newIsM8ojQqVa4VUKaRHJ3t3qnVwegejdZhVykbG_IjfsiF4l0fAeZaklVGmG18nYOvEOJG0dnrck5cOa6vX42LdCrDEvLaAnpymoVxAD5I6yVF7IdJNuT-94PKd_U/s1600/zoo+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoC0cnYgfoOgt47newIsM8ojQqVa4VUKaRHJ3t3qnVwegejdZhVykbG_IjfsiF4l0fAeZaklVGmG18nYOvEOJG0dnrck5cOa6vX42LdCrDEvLaAnpymoVxAD5I6yVF7IdJNuT-94PKd_U/s1600/zoo+1.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"That bear's habitat looks like a US embassy," commented James.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDGtDAAw_t_s28OyUaabbSBtPenl1EVFxYv_3LRxPk3RIYQHKG4VvbJ4baJ8X6hb2Kwkww8WqrgctZrffYP6i6pJ1w2ScEHGRBRAl6qN9OdTX1GJ8RXR6AkMqnsrkSMjcFRaLlrjK9t1r/s1600/zoo+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDGtDAAw_t_s28OyUaabbSBtPenl1EVFxYv_3LRxPk3RIYQHKG4VvbJ4baJ8X6hb2Kwkww8WqrgctZrffYP6i6pJ1w2ScEHGRBRAl6qN9OdTX1GJ8RXR6AkMqnsrkSMjcFRaLlrjK9t1r/s1600/zoo+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sofia Zoo has a number of playgrounds and I think that is what the kids liked best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later that day, it was time to go to see the ballet, <i>Coppelia</i>. We didn't know anything about it prior to reading the Wikipedia
synopsis and thought it was a plus, where the kids are concerned, to learn that it was a comedy. Who knew a ballet could be
categorized as a comedy? The boys repeatedly asked why they didn't have an option to avoid the ballet, but in the end they said it was "okay", which was a pretty good outcome given we're dealing with 14 year old boys. Sarah loved it and wanted to try another ballet in the future. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7p1WpNu0_th3Zn4IAYszfcv9OhfdlGs5tqnoxctsYQNsKkzmH2TQpkrX71V5TSjkTlPiXHyOkfrqMJPoTgdWVOkHBdwfR48IjS6QigoTXaslKJALbuA2bXv-JuytJ6DBxbW4agjyeafR/s1600/ballet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7p1WpNu0_th3Zn4IAYszfcv9OhfdlGs5tqnoxctsYQNsKkzmH2TQpkrX71V5TSjkTlPiXHyOkfrqMJPoTgdWVOkHBdwfR48IjS6QigoTXaslKJALbuA2bXv-JuytJ6DBxbW4agjyeafR/s1600/ballet.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After
taking this photo and one of the Opera House ceiling, I was told no
cameras were allowed "at all" in the theatre. Of course I could
understand the reason for no photography during the performance, but
photos of the building? What's the reason for that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With
only a few days to get any impressions of the country, I garnered
that there are strict protocals for certain things, theatre etiquette
being one of them. During the ballet (and the next day's <i>Grumpy Goat</i>)
there seemed to be an inordinate number of ushers who were ready to
pounce if anyone in the audience was falling out of line. If anyone
pulled out a smart phone or camera, they were on it in a heart beat
(even during non performance periods with the curtains down). If there
was any talking they rushed over to motion "shhh". Part of me was
annoyed by this policing but another part of me appreciated the strict
adherence to behavior protocol, as everyone in the audience benefits.
<br />
<br />
On <b>February 28th</b>, we were out
early to see <i>The Grumpy Goat</i>. James asked to stay behind and work on
homework so we consented. We only had 3 tickets as it was. Paul came
with us as we wanted to give James the chance of some alone time. The <i>
Grumpy Goat</i> was targeted as a children's opera and the dress circle of
the Opera House was pretty full with 5-8 year olds, their teachers and
parents, and us. It was not unlike a children's play we'd see in
California on a school trip except that the music was opera, there was a
full orchestra and it was in Bulgarian. For British readers, I'd
categorize it as the Bulgarian version of the "panto" (with a fair bit of
audience participation). The performance lasted about 45 minutes which
seemed a long 45 minutes to me (given the Bulgarian language barrier) but Sarah still enjoyed it and got more
out of it than I expected. Paul was okay with it too. It's not something
we'd repeat, unless done in English, but it was interesting to see what
Bulgarian kids are exposed to.<br />
<br />
At the end of the show,
we got in the car and returned to the apartment. We had lunch at a hole
in a wall restaurant below our unit and then headed for the National
Museum of Military History. The museum was founded in 1916 and was
recently relocated and updated with new displays. The permanent collection
traces the history of
the Bulgarian military from the First Bulgarian Empire to the
present day. There are displays of Bulgarian military uniforms during
the Middle
Ages, collections dedicated to the struggle for
national independence, the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1888, and the
Balkan Wars (1912-1913). There
are also dioramas of Bulgarian military participation in the First and
Second World Wars and in other military campaigns up to the present day.<br />
<br />
If one is a military
buff and well-versed in Bulgarian history, this is the museum for you.
We thought the boys might like it because the military museum in Paris
was such a hit. Many of the displays have English translations (although
some signs are blocked by display items so maybe they really didn't
expect English speakers to actually go to the museum). While there are a
few sound effects, the design of the museum is old-school with hundreds
of uniforms, medals, weapons, documents and other historical artifacts
enclosed behind glass cases. If one isn't well informed on Bulgarian
history, one quickly gets overwhelmed with all the details. The museum
would be so much better if they offered audioguides or if one of the many
staff gave tours. With the exception
of about 5 others and a school trip, we were the only visitors in the
4-storey building. There were an inordinate number of museum
overseers/room monitors and I felt we were practically matched 1:1.
Sometimes there were 3 monitors hovering around watching us. While
Bulgaria's unemployment rate hovers around 13%, the unemployment in
Sofia is closer to 2-5% (depending on the source). I'm not surprised
given how many "assistants" are hired in theaters and museums; that
really helps keep the unemployment numbers down.<br />
<br />
The
outdoor exhibition area has more than 230 examples of military artillery,
aviation equipment and marine equipment.
Photography was not allowed in the museum so I've included a few shots
of the equipment on display outside.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHXNVljQ2PwtRsb1UgXVVzQPbLH9oq8l3CEXFTWY3WZ-eeWdL3TbXpLrt0ww_KIZF-kBTAzZJF_r8rHohvMGkXL62bhOXpdU8cgsjvm3RQItSSSQUOLPSvgEtPkLixIkLIqmB5fHCxF0h/s1600/sofia+22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHXNVljQ2PwtRsb1UgXVVzQPbLH9oq8l3CEXFTWY3WZ-eeWdL3TbXpLrt0ww_KIZF-kBTAzZJF_r8rHohvMGkXL62bhOXpdU8cgsjvm3RQItSSSQUOLPSvgEtPkLixIkLIqmB5fHCxF0h/s1600/sofia+22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23-mm
ZU-23-2 Anti-aircraft Gun: It was produced in USSR and has been in service with the
Bulgarian Army since 1961. What is it with boys and guns? They just have
to try them out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElQY06M8iynYCv9ZDl1JcxqwigKL5Z5rZCjxwlIf_1w3OKqmq_Il3dC6kpQeXPFeQP2DoQmbk6wmh_Gojp-OC2d4wthyphenhyphen_yv6aWZrygcO-eIWArPPhOt69d2fE_-DLYTbU0ECpfQ51-MlQ/s1600/sofia+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElQY06M8iynYCv9ZDl1JcxqwigKL5Z5rZCjxwlIf_1w3OKqmq_Il3dC6kpQeXPFeQP2DoQmbk6wmh_Gojp-OC2d4wthyphenhyphen_yv6aWZrygcO-eIWArPPhOt69d2fE_-DLYTbU0ECpfQ51-MlQ/s1600/sofia+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tactile Ballistic Missile Complex 9K72
SS-1 "SCUD B": Minimum range, 50 km. Maximum range, 300 km. Striking
area, 10,000 m2. Produced in USSR. In service with the Bulgarian Army
1965-2002.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1ElaSU4B52x1KQgk-2CHj000gA-OKD9x0XUv8i56S4blTYYDwuWronLJlOTcOyzLs15hES4AcIbIXvDAiwU45Q8bAs8DrZcrp2ogNjYCYUviyMO4knaFAm4D4ZS5HlbZCl8O5FcRSt9g/s1600/sofia+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1ElaSU4B52x1KQgk-2CHj000gA-OKD9x0XUv8i56S4blTYYDwuWronLJlOTcOyzLs15hES4AcIbIXvDAiwU45Q8bAs8DrZcrp2ogNjYCYUviyMO4knaFAm4D4ZS5HlbZCl8O5FcRSt9g/s1600/sofia+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A PMZ-4 Mine Layer for high-speed (5 km/hr) mine laying above or below ground. Produced in the USSR and in service with the Bulgarian Army since 1962.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving
the museum, we drove the car to our apartment and parked it. We then
walked over to the SkyCity shopping mall that was situated about a half
mile away. We wanted to find some hats, scarves and gloves that would
help keep us warm during our skiing adventure the next few days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXxqpiT_iukHvrkZL1Diy1tErfD5Ma316rv1s_sIw-2uFO6ZQPAdtjQMa2IbIkntZ5MPWdTmeLunSCgYODWT_xVf1nStALKJgkKsvWIhZRZwl0WVPyubcd3xqemZNty5DYtb-1mAxwXp/s1600/sofia+20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXxqpiT_iukHvrkZL1Diy1tErfD5Ma316rv1s_sIw-2uFO6ZQPAdtjQMa2IbIkntZ5MPWdTmeLunSCgYODWT_xVf1nStALKJgkKsvWIhZRZwl0WVPyubcd3xqemZNty5DYtb-1mAxwXp/s1600/sofia+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At
the entrance to the shopping center, we saw this sign indicating "no
photos" in the mall. Seriously? What's the point of that? I can assure you there was nothing special about the interior of the mall that it had to be protected.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
found a subset of our items and then went to the bowling alley up on
the 4th floor. We signed up for 2 games and this was the first bowling
alley that I had been to where we could have the bumpers up for Sarah's
turn but the gutters exposed for the rest of us. I wondered how
long it would be before one of us got reprimanded for doing something
out of line. It only took to the second frame when Sarah was told by one of the staff to not step past the foul line. (At this point I was definitely feeling some of
the former communist undertones. And reading about Bulgaria, it may not
have been entirely my imagination because Bulgaria has taken a lot
longer to embrace the freedom (and gain the benefits) of democracy than
any of its neighbors. To quote one source, "Bulgaria has been slow to slough off its communist past".)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9TKyvShE4dgxq_WfUACOcQ2K1K4UGLSLQX-p4a8x8Q5ImjpNORVJKxBLZMgikCJhQGM65Uv60p1UyEQtxhbOHFWsIq-QuliEm5IT0kodrD9UOYUTYhWUWsOfMNmU7xq7b0pmnapyhoq7/s1600/sofia+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9TKyvShE4dgxq_WfUACOcQ2K1K4UGLSLQX-p4a8x8Q5ImjpNORVJKxBLZMgikCJhQGM65Uv60p1UyEQtxhbOHFWsIq-QuliEm5IT0kodrD9UOYUTYhWUWsOfMNmU7xq7b0pmnapyhoq7/s1600/sofia+21.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James demonstrating his bowling style: He's actually pretty good. With more frequent practice, he could be very good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 1st</b>,
we left Sofia and drove to our next destination, the Village Amampuri
near Pamporovo where we'd have a three day skiing vacation. While
Vincent and I had skied a few times in our lives, neither of us had been
on skis for over 15 years and the kids had never been on skis so
Vincent booked us all into skiing lessons for the 3 days.<br />
<br />
Once we
exited Sofia and got on Bulgaria's so-called highway, a traffic control
officer motioned for us to pull over. We'd been pulled over a number of
times, particularly in Albania where people were being checked that they
had paid their registration and license fees; but as soon as the officer
recognized that we were driving a US-registered car, they always waved
us off. So we didn't think much of being pulled over this time. The
officer asked for our insurance, then Vincent's driver's license and
then he asked for our passports. The passport request seemed odd. He
then walked off with our documents. After a minute or so, Vincent got
out of the car and walked back to the officer. It turned out this was
some kind of a "shake down". Because the officer only spoke Bulgarian,
Vincent thought this was the gist of the message; he was going to write
Vincent a ticket for not having a vignette and it would cost €150. (I've
since researched that tickets for not driving with a vignette can be as
much as €60.) Vincent would have to go back to Sofia to buy the
vignette which would cost 10 lev. As soon as Vincent heard the €150
cost, he knew this was not on the up and up. Vincent repeatedly said,
"Okay, please give me the ticket for the €150 and when do I get my
documents back?" The officer started to write out a ticket but then tore
it up. A second officer was getting frustrated with the officer who was
trying to scam Vincent and finally grabbed our documents out of the
first officer's hands and gave them to Vincent. The second officer then
instructed Vincent to drive 2 km down the road to the next petrol
station and buy the vignette there. As I looked in the car's side
mirror, I saw Vincent shake the second officer's hand and at that point
the officer said, "Good luck." We
had read about the need for vignettes in other countries, such as
Austria, but somehow Bulgaria didn't hit our radar. I would have thought
we would have been instructed to buy one as soon as we crossed the
Bulgarian border or had seen signage to do so. Vignettes are actually a
pretty good system; they seem a lot more "driver friendly" as they are
an alternative to toll booths.<br />
<br />
We drove a couple
kilometers and then pulled over to buy the vignette. There was a huge
queue so we weren't the only ones in arrears. Then after driving another
40-50 kilometers, we saw signs for Burger King and McDonalds. The kids
wanted McDonalds so that's where we went. You know Vincent has truly
given up on a country when he willingly goes to a McDonalds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEMQozyMGBzRCpIOLv1SG8vkNUTrzAKx-VotmWZ2PJrpMRM606pigETeaorpt6sIugDf3jwkyUPm3wUD2mTEr0hwkAdwvJPrEYI8e2o1nbdeeM1hat1SNaBT7CB8xiD8nuzrRsvGTB4PK/s1600/sofia+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEMQozyMGBzRCpIOLv1SG8vkNUTrzAKx-VotmWZ2PJrpMRM606pigETeaorpt6sIugDf3jwkyUPm3wUD2mTEr0hwkAdwvJPrEYI8e2o1nbdeeM1hat1SNaBT7CB8xiD8nuzrRsvGTB4PK/s1600/sofia+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another boost to Bulgarian employment is the use of manual railroad/level crossings. En route to Pampolova, we had to wait for a train to pass and watched this station man raise and then lower and the barrier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived at Village Amampuri before dark and got checked in to our house.
Other than it being very cold (and took about 20 hours to heat up with
individual heaters in each room), it was fine with a lovely view. It was
too foggy to take a good photo so hopefully will get one before we
leave.<br />
<br />
<b>March 2nd</b> was our first day of family
skiing. We woke up to rain (with forecasts of rain for the next 3 days)
and we thought that this could either be really good or really bad.
There's no middle ground for precipitation. Our apartment host was very
kind and offered to take us to Pamporovo, the place where Vincent had
pre-ordered ski rental equipment and ski lessons. The Pamporovo ski resort is in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain and claims to be Bulgaria's sunniest ski resort; you'd never guess that given the day's weather. At 9:00am we set off
and were at the rental shop by 9:25. Fortunately, the change in
elevation turned that rain into snow. We were all outfitted with boots,
skis, poles and lift passes in no time and instructed to join the
beginners group. Both Vincent and I had skied before but it had been
decades ago so we stuck with the beginners. Paul, James and Sarah had
never skied and so we were all together. In hindsight, Vincent and I
should have joined the intermediate group because by lunch time we were
both bored but we had fun cheering on the kids when they each mastered a
technique. I had a fun moment talking with a man from Bristol, England who asked me how we got to Pamporovo (wondering did we buy a charter package or organize our own flights). I responded, "We drove." The baffled expression on his face was priceless. I then had to explain, "Yes, we drove from California...and our car with California plates is in the resort parking lot." <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiHUxs7ULwOvMyCEfEt5RBwleEOx2oK7PBBQVr1G0TR9O_lU3597tqyAwL3FcvX06_1zZ2ZTb2ZTrABnnyQE2txoldu-RXszvM-HNvrwhyphenhyphenAGhDsa_zqXVtNbU0EbXRPpmMaMPRL7HAfxg/s1600/ski+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiHUxs7ULwOvMyCEfEt5RBwleEOx2oK7PBBQVr1G0TR9O_lU3597tqyAwL3FcvX06_1zZ2ZTb2ZTrABnnyQE2txoldu-RXszvM-HNvrwhyphenhyphenAGhDsa_zqXVtNbU0EbXRPpmMaMPRL7HAfxg/s1600/ski+1.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James, starting to get the hang of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUy1qlbbQAbN_4IiT5E-AihoWKNuqyofXO7ZKSu_oISAA5DdSVVi60bv880ICAyVuF1EEG2WceES8ooa5w-y8kHfmk5_5AnljsJQBmQr2V7QNM8lKZGfKRdQ6koTXSiJry5R1BGK2Ikeu/s1600/ski+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUy1qlbbQAbN_4IiT5E-AihoWKNuqyofXO7ZKSu_oISAA5DdSVVi60bv880ICAyVuF1EEG2WceES8ooa5w-y8kHfmk5_5AnljsJQBmQr2V7QNM8lKZGfKRdQ6koTXSiJry5R1BGK2Ikeu/s1600/ski+2.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah getting the hang of it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M4UXGXKwEl4_Q3EAzLkz-4hDxtWIyIi6KGKtWNRw3wBP1d7laCFj98aD06xTcbQ7-irPXkzwXG9pHIZot2aX5xpTfh_cG_kGUOfc5YNcqd8CuDv1Oda1QAR_sRPpC1VMMUoXXpniynn6/s1600/ski+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M4UXGXKwEl4_Q3EAzLkz-4hDxtWIyIi6KGKtWNRw3wBP1d7laCFj98aD06xTcbQ7-irPXkzwXG9pHIZot2aX5xpTfh_cG_kGUOfc5YNcqd8CuDv1Oda1QAR_sRPpC1VMMUoXXpniynn6/s1600/ski+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, not quite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>March 3rd</b>, we woke up to a brief break in precipitation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYicO6zg4Cw_Zg77KaSlGsFCP912C5Uos4lR9hdrMYgGFFFWTptsBVQ5TIN5UuQsaVhHPwMCbkdi6sR1dx3qkmuw8AeEX3VQ1VJbRUQSJZRakTuHF0MEdz2bFU6JdvTm3TK8b-_mzZMVvT/s1600/ski+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYicO6zg4Cw_Zg77KaSlGsFCP912C5Uos4lR9hdrMYgGFFFWTptsBVQ5TIN5UuQsaVhHPwMCbkdi6sR1dx3qkmuw8AeEX3VQ1VJbRUQSJZRakTuHF0MEdz2bFU6JdvTm3TK8b-_mzZMVvT/s1600/ski+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimmer of sun! But it wasn't to last. By the time we left for our Pamporovo, it was snowing heavily. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left our house at 9:30 for what should have been a 20 minute drive. The snow on the roads (and ice underneath) spelled perilous conditions and we had a tough time of it getting to the main road. Surprisingly, there seemed to be several other motorists out there who were stuck and unable to manoeuver. ("Surprisingly" because I'd expect most motorists up here to be used to the conditions, but maybe they were tourists like us.) Fortunately, Vince brought chains so, while a pain to put on, we did have the means to get traction and make our way to Pamporovo. Unfortunately we arrived about 90 minutes later and missed our ski school start time so had to muddle along on our own for about 40 minutes until we crossed paths with our ski instructor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuEy49WEGmqzBSLu4NObMBrODPPQvVJSVBGa46bK7N5H2dUszzPJA9kmDFHdxPbMPkrCBAsiewekeWxtpDNgZ-_jP_8XSgaWnIVTBuJc8CnyP3k6vs80vP4Ubj1PanMkA_GteMZ2jgCI7/s1600/ski+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuEy49WEGmqzBSLu4NObMBrODPPQvVJSVBGa46bK7N5H2dUszzPJA9kmDFHdxPbMPkrCBAsiewekeWxtpDNgZ-_jP_8XSgaWnIVTBuJc8CnyP3k6vs80vP4Ubj1PanMkA_GteMZ2jgCI7/s1600/ski+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to get the chains out. Brilliant Vincent thought to bring 2 sets of chains; as it turned out, one chain wasn't working properly so we could break out one from the reserve set.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK60SVIx1tF1p7Qb3rC8yQdEgILHhwtNq7gkqfJPFU7xLrxJ9J31jdPfbWxoJ4OiZ9xheES0xCCam9pNGIJGh6beBFfM0zx5JweB7HZy09NyHutE4voOrc5nb5d6gGqRQ2sItreFvh0kv/s1600/ski+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK60SVIx1tF1p7Qb3rC8yQdEgILHhwtNq7gkqfJPFU7xLrxJ9J31jdPfbWxoJ4OiZ9xheES0xCCam9pNGIJGh6beBFfM0zx5JweB7HZy09NyHutE4voOrc5nb5d6gGqRQ2sItreFvh0kv/s1600/ski+17.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Sarah continued on the beginner's hill for the rest of the morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDqGLai_YFpBD95to1gKowbhzoEkSwwLK1VJeJdJdJtBv_RjgKSmqjzJlbzJgLawq-IPLKuVImcJJ2roOFSsPjvtTA6gCV-z3wHG5g29IVrPZVX9zPQJTYN2DV1qQbGVBTQEkm7Joitjq/s1600/ski+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDqGLai_YFpBD95to1gKowbhzoEkSwwLK1VJeJdJdJtBv_RjgKSmqjzJlbzJgLawq-IPLKuVImcJJ2roOFSsPjvtTA6gCV-z3wHG5g29IVrPZVX9zPQJTYN2DV1qQbGVBTQEkm7Joitjq/s1600/ski+4.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, Vincent and I moved the the next level of hill to work on our turns. This is Paul; he'd mastered turning left but turning right was still troublesome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQle96IB7WkGPTMYyHvCeAT2FCaZN6MNqJVvR9CLHeqJ8PlNHwlno_HGE1pMT6mWFk6A3qhsV1jlQ6dOHGzU6WDo1Hd2DwzF5U8TIByVLTt486GB5ksN34MeVbWbwc1DuuoTdeWpHZcYU/s1600/ski+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQle96IB7WkGPTMYyHvCeAT2FCaZN6MNqJVvR9CLHeqJ8PlNHwlno_HGE1pMT6mWFk6A3qhsV1jlQ6dOHGzU6WDo1Hd2DwzF5U8TIByVLTt486GB5ksN34MeVbWbwc1DuuoTdeWpHZcYU/s1600/ski+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view through the front windshield on the drive home. Glad we had the chains on. So many motorists didn't and it was chaos getting out of the ski resort to the main road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aXzCfkIXsQXZFsFQ-5CcSXi4Yq-lb8RFfP88KOHWWU7n87PPooVW6pILpn01pAw6z7j4rrugj7FhZUCXco7N2Til50nm8H6RbqfJ6NtmNEQ9emrCs2xrTmO64QDPQUX8SANO8qgL-77h/s1600/ski+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aXzCfkIXsQXZFsFQ-5CcSXi4Yq-lb8RFfP88KOHWWU7n87PPooVW6pILpn01pAw6z7j4rrugj7FhZUCXco7N2Til50nm8H6RbqfJ6NtmNEQ9emrCs2xrTmO64QDPQUX8SANO8qgL-77h/s1600/ski+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safely back at our house after a long day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiQlZ7sM_ux7YTGaoSFhV5WbK4lH323mF7ZkGfZtv_48RTar7-j46z_7UlWXD6qfgLFvhW5gNyzwZ9SaGc3FyV3RlaGekqZEJfYpfh8xhDpOD7NosCgCPJPdhuZT_G8a0KM-pYZHPX95E/s1600/ski+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiQlZ7sM_ux7YTGaoSFhV5WbK4lH323mF7ZkGfZtv_48RTar7-j46z_7UlWXD6qfgLFvhW5gNyzwZ9SaGc3FyV3RlaGekqZEJfYpfh8xhDpOD7NosCgCPJPdhuZT_G8a0KM-pYZHPX95E/s1600/ski+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from our terrace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy76sGNYPawx7Je3LFp01H12I8Gkf7mlCDQbbr1EHDmwAXTtcrRXySQzkRER4oOspb11yKE1OBb4TNFcR6AvmSMbmWEUI1FCZUQ5xGOGThiPH8o4uM5la6kqL96H-v5ukpIDfI9FIchY_/s1600/ski+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy76sGNYPawx7Je3LFp01H12I8Gkf7mlCDQbbr1EHDmwAXTtcrRXySQzkRER4oOspb11yKE1OBb4TNFcR6AvmSMbmWEUI1FCZUQ5xGOGThiPH8o4uM5la6kqL96H-v5ukpIDfI9FIchY_/s1600/ski+11.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from our terrace as Paul takes aim at moi.</td></tr>
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<b>March 4th</b> was our third and last day of ski school and our last day at the Pamporovo ski resort. Our instructor was going to take us to the top of the mountain and to use her words, "hopefully we would be ready to make it down". Fortunately that morning, Sarah seemed willing to go up in the chair lift with the class and I told her that if a section of the slope was too steep, we'd just take our skis off and walk down. She could deal with that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_kyxpSjc1BwXmatjLigrdbm5t8rZn9YLgIBRYfE_PBHXvoNPOnjG7u7OeHWt9bK9cogon-EKg6O4g05TK7zXS9HR2AJg-QBPHbVtAeIjiZk8e9Eq-ThUlr79TYZIMcu7DlDTn3_ABSfr/s1600/ski+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_kyxpSjc1BwXmatjLigrdbm5t8rZn9YLgIBRYfE_PBHXvoNPOnjG7u7OeHWt9bK9cogon-EKg6O4g05TK7zXS9HR2AJg-QBPHbVtAeIjiZk8e9Eq-ThUlr79TYZIMcu7DlDTn3_ABSfr/s1600/ski+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the triple chair lift to the top: It was a snowy, foggy, cold 15+ minute ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpwO-dVrmmu8kHth3RZrx9-VMilvdugqCutTiskFgjpjUgOVK7FCdtMfY4riRzxsrL1xFwesfxgqu2PQzIkUc1PW9VnL2B0n7A0fDgxcwT6V5TMosjJN0_zfTyWIjgYKQFMOSWqzuGioE/s1600/ski+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpwO-dVrmmu8kHth3RZrx9-VMilvdugqCutTiskFgjpjUgOVK7FCdtMfY4riRzxsrL1xFwesfxgqu2PQzIkUc1PW9VnL2B0n7A0fDgxcwT6V5TMosjJN0_zfTyWIjgYKQFMOSWqzuGioE/s1600/ski+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the summit, we broke through the clouds and were met with some brilliant sun.</td></tr>
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After reaching the top, we spent some time "practicing" our turns on a very mild slope and after about 5 runs, our instructor said we were ready to take the green slope half way down the mountain. Having an instructor lead me down the slopes made a big difference. I think this was my fifth time "learning how to ski" and the first time I had an instructor take me down the mountain. Without her, it would have been another stressful experience with the end of the day being a huge relief that I didn't break something or die (which was my typical feeling); this time, I actually enjoyed it more than dreaded it and at the end of the day I opted to take a last run with Paul and Sarah rather than rush off to the rental hut and hand over my equipment with a deluge of "Thanks be to God" for sparing me once again. Meanwhile during the day, both Paul and Sarah turned a corner and ended up quite controlled, able to go much faster than "Mom", and just loving downhill skiing. James however hurt his knee and quit after lunch. Vincent progressed to the advanced class and went down a number of blue runs and a red run, so he was another one hooked on the skiing experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3I66DaoqyJQ_DQHn4ZXkyDWqT6L2f1bQhICMuRC3IACtRRsYL3gJnFfBULAbVUD2_OZmywm4WrrLoop5U7wzbJGWzNJ_BwapxP26Y2sihw4zkXJcTybrPJEkOrICOX_hLlA8woeOi5Iq/s1600/ski+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3I66DaoqyJQ_DQHn4ZXkyDWqT6L2f1bQhICMuRC3IACtRRsYL3gJnFfBULAbVUD2_OZmywm4WrrLoop5U7wzbJGWzNJ_BwapxP26Y2sihw4zkXJcTybrPJEkOrICOX_hLlA8woeOi5Iq/s1600/ski+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovin' the skiing and looking forward to one more run. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN4OcIFp9dHCkaw3eLVE4tulrKaaefztdXHIyiLpe1B9B27zpQ7zjM5kYI8bzW0vME0I3JSY1N2rFbY1fIp8iIy_-hltDhcb1ad951K_0VZaISYq8X3r641HWT0yC5TtcOH-ymOwHIjsJ/s1600/ski+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN4OcIFp9dHCkaw3eLVE4tulrKaaefztdXHIyiLpe1B9B27zpQ7zjM5kYI8bzW0vME0I3JSY1N2rFbY1fIp8iIy_-hltDhcb1ad951K_0VZaISYq8X3r641HWT0yC5TtcOH-ymOwHIjsJ/s1600/ski+13.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look back at the base camp as we start our ascent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO6xFc2ZYhOOud7i1YkBn6mOQlWM1wJo4qeyJ5K4O5kylEJCNoAEJcFHAm1c1c1Rode3uEW2g6xhSmISzI9zguzgtEUDRcGHpJ_zCIEahvTCJkJkZmEu0PaBlF2BhSVM_Csks54cvZNuN/s1600/ski+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO6xFc2ZYhOOud7i1YkBn6mOQlWM1wJo4qeyJ5K4O5kylEJCNoAEJcFHAm1c1c1Rode3uEW2g6xhSmISzI9zguzgtEUDRcGHpJ_zCIEahvTCJkJkZmEu0PaBlF2BhSVM_Csks54cvZNuN/s1600/ski+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last trip up to the summit.</td></tr>
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That evening we had to start packing up again for our next destination, Istanbul Turkey. There were many aspects of our brief stay in Bulgaria that we really enjoyed, particularly the skiing and people we met at Pamporovo. But given Bulgaria is part of the EU and on the edge of being accepted into the Schengen Treaty, I assumed it would be culturally more like western European countries. It is quite different, which points to the value of traveling and experiencing different cultures first hand, if one has to opportunity to do so.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-10425627504631078062014-02-21T09:44:00.000-08:002014-02-21T14:38:34.743-08:00Montenegro and AlbaniaOn <b>February 9th</b>, we checked out of our "Rock Palace Apartment White Rabbit" in Dubrovnik and started our journey to Montenegro. We were treated to more stunning scenery, however somewhat dampened by the heavy rains. When we reached the Croatia-Montenego border, we had to exit Croatia with a document check and then drive 50 ft to go through the Montenegro border control. Having Molly's pet passport has made her crossings thus far pretty straightforward; we just hand her passport along with the other passports for a cursory look. Like other times, the border control agent asked for our green insurance card; additionally, for the first time since we imported the Prius into England, the agent also asked to see the title of the car. We had that with us but had to dig it out of my bag (of course located underneath all the other bags in the back of the car). The immigration officer was satisfied everything was in order and so we were waved through. The customs agents weren't interested in us and so we continued into Montenegro. The whole journey took about 2.5 hours and we arrived in Kotor about 14:00. Our GPS was still functioning with correct maps and it took us right to the apartment. I had to go into a nearby restaurant, <i>Fortuna</i>, in order for the owner to call our apartment host who was ready for us and immediately came to greet me. Once again, our airbnb apartment was just as advertised and we were very pleased with our lodging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIyDlV_OfewoQb2aY79YSN5B3JvWUmEL2y-ukJHZ72zjNiHFIiHUiEAri4-kn4kdtZF47o0tzQ-vgb61sSKzbZv7nRNYcRAY6w6GEQLqKKXjmoJQigQxp-KwI5nVelx51vZ62XRR_bE_Z/s1600/Kotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIyDlV_OfewoQb2aY79YSN5B3JvWUmEL2y-ukJHZ72zjNiHFIiHUiEAri4-kn4kdtZF47o0tzQ-vgb61sSKzbZv7nRNYcRAY6w6GEQLqKKXjmoJQigQxp-KwI5nVelx51vZ62XRR_bE_Z/s1600/Kotor.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from our apartment balcony (taken the next day with the sun out): The river Skurda runs by and out to the Bay of Kotor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglfsxlSK69IV29HRi43Z6Lq1a1sRwVpuGnRrh9zDcFW2223jswO-tcwuIMb4ISLB1By09-1paJ-bnFRuDWftCAqU7m5BN0xZ-riPlkEoRUfEJdWkgbtFFQwJ31eQ0M47s3J2q4lGeWETX/s1600/Kotor+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglfsxlSK69IV29HRi43Z6Lq1a1sRwVpuGnRrh9zDcFW2223jswO-tcwuIMb4ISLB1By09-1paJ-bnFRuDWftCAqU7m5BN0xZ-riPlkEoRUfEJdWkgbtFFQwJ31eQ0M47s3J2q4lGeWETX/s1600/Kotor+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking inland at the river Skurda coming from the mountains</td></tr>
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As it was pouring rain, the rest of the day we just stayed in. I tried, with little success, to find a tv channel that was broadcasting the Olympics but only managed to find a couple hours of alpine skiing. No skating, snowboarding, nothing else. We managed to get to a grocery store and bought supplies for dinner and breakfast and then retired hoping for better weather the next day.<br />
<br />
On <b>February 10th</b>, we woke up to partially cloudy skies and it looked like we might get through most of the day without rain. We were expecting more rain the next day so we knew we needed to make the most out of the dry break. I had researched things to do in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, but recommended attractions were pretty weak and so Vincent made the call that he didn't want to drive the expected four hours to do so. Instead, we decided to go to Cetinje which had at one time been the capital of Montenegro. It is still considered the historical and the secondary capital of Montenegro and the official residence of the President is there.<br />
<br />
On-line travelers recommended that one reach Cetinje via the Lovcen National Park and Njeguši, which guarantees a most scenic mountain route. The guidance did not disappoint view-wise but it was a bit of a hairy drive loaded with hairpin turns. The initial part was on a crumbly steep narrow road that I don't think would have allowed us to turn back even if we wanted to. Fortunately, the disintegrating road eventually intersected with a paved road, albeit quite narrow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz8YeiNNs7Q0juZNsd8klSvbhSFHla5rW1aKqT4jazw1sz3j2RHBgIUhePi4yQtxTSLRvADsjcyNxlTU-53nOnIdPd_fvzhQeJHT3k8HHjHL9HjERDqlo5NP3-Y9gGoFy1-ZONcn2QvGT/s1600/kotor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz8YeiNNs7Q0juZNsd8klSvbhSFHla5rW1aKqT4jazw1sz3j2RHBgIUhePi4yQtxTSLRvADsjcyNxlTU-53nOnIdPd_fvzhQeJHT3k8HHjHL9HjERDqlo5NP3-Y9gGoFy1-ZONcn2QvGT/s1600/kotor+2.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way up the mountain with Kotor below: Kotor settlements were first recorded around 168 BC; it was established during ancient Roman times and was part of the Roman province of Dalmatia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1dgRQwmAftYclNu9RcxIYnMZpdQ8iRqh46yRMIANAqxOCsn0BP0k5zagacakpLshw5Y9usbhZh9GM1_qMJyrIq5WbTq5QMd9j2SUR3CgGaqAvXYzTACqPVBJ7JrkUlO5YRoa1iRyHMev/s1600/kotor+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1dgRQwmAftYclNu9RcxIYnMZpdQ8iRqh46yRMIANAqxOCsn0BP0k5zagacakpLshw5Y9usbhZh9GM1_qMJyrIq5WbTq5QMd9j2SUR3CgGaqAvXYzTACqPVBJ7JrkUlO5YRoa1iRyHMev/s1600/kotor+3.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We happened upon a random free-roaming cow on our journey up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA3vcDkyao8mWDMElODOt1wAcSCIMZ77rKJVYlIgytmbdXB20VEpiBoSinkNKjMXsjEYxBPgQdvuvpKzeXw_ozdYezV1I0QWa6xKoK97EQXAObKJ8L5Iz6L58GEMbOJrzH-IQfn2cO6yD/s1600/kotor+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA3vcDkyao8mWDMElODOt1wAcSCIMZ77rKJVYlIgytmbdXB20VEpiBoSinkNKjMXsjEYxBPgQdvuvpKzeXw_ozdYezV1I0QWa6xKoK97EQXAObKJ8L5Iz6L58GEMbOJrzH-IQfn2cO6yD/s1600/kotor+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view further the way up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLavRq4w_opqoSn4cVdlaBjEhN7EAY56KT4IHG3oxj2oGO2q8eofbDuKAfQi8ILFYKGD2FN9HvggLpJ7P92hq_qzuiOIVGWZsYycmRO8LMFFW2SmqGfB0S90H3B4cnozS70d4RPHY7RFsK/s1600/kotor+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLavRq4w_opqoSn4cVdlaBjEhN7EAY56KT4IHG3oxj2oGO2q8eofbDuKAfQi8ILFYKGD2FN9HvggLpJ7P92hq_qzuiOIVGWZsYycmRO8LMFFW2SmqGfB0S90H3B4cnozS70d4RPHY7RFsK/s1600/kotor+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And still further the way up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We eventually arrived in Cetinje, most of us feeling a bit queesy, after the windy drive. We parked the car and then set out to investigate the main pedestrian street and find some lunch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrGj_v_RmVFLr2ZUMZ_-IvVqDa2odgYmYmA2fL9uzZuFeFG9laiZXeiU7M-70yp-hx2tXbBKpcJrKjwewMZQxD9fUSGzjeKlyScAzyo2Rw7KXp3pSM34bufKtmDfT4ZPVZ0dynOv-B_JT/s1600/cetinje+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrGj_v_RmVFLr2ZUMZ_-IvVqDa2odgYmYmA2fL9uzZuFeFG9laiZXeiU7M-70yp-hx2tXbBKpcJrKjwewMZQxD9fUSGzjeKlyScAzyo2Rw7KXp3pSM34bufKtmDfT4ZPVZ0dynOv-B_JT/s1600/cetinje+2.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main pedestrian street, Njegoševa, in Cetinje: Apparently, in the '90s cars used to go down this street despite it being designated for pedestrians only and the police weren't able to stop this behavior. Along came the Cetinje comedy troop, TBOK (whose name translates to "The Books of Books"), who organized that one day ALL streets in Cetinje would be pedestrian streets. Drivers got the message and thereafter never drove down this street again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgyxgqT5RbImo771MpX34TObPgCBJNyCZeuj724c5LxareLa9OmHOXVATJx1fzxJ3wJQRpYwpYLj4vWqbrfMSHn5UXaRx011EUW4d6_iSGhA6kZpTynpsr4YLSD4QM73Y7l8XKx-iMel_/s1600/cetinje+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgyxgqT5RbImo771MpX34TObPgCBJNyCZeuj724c5LxareLa9OmHOXVATJx1fzxJ3wJQRpYwpYLj4vWqbrfMSHn5UXaRx011EUW4d6_iSGhA6kZpTynpsr4YLSD4QM73Y7l8XKx-iMel_/s1600/cetinje+8.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ministry of Culture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgfDsoCnk5G1VXqlxbEuZVg1LqVxliCuCvCuFGze2sZL6XSpXiO6uWOToRrMsMlrcfNXCcMD2t4MLGA_tUs4fmc2QHagsaJ_-mrD_PseRMb7n7wulBlBZp_j8FwUaE2_c6hGzNB5xNn0U/s1600/cetinje+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgfDsoCnk5G1VXqlxbEuZVg1LqVxliCuCvCuFGze2sZL6XSpXiO6uWOToRrMsMlrcfNXCcMD2t4MLGA_tUs4fmc2QHagsaJ_-mrD_PseRMb7n7wulBlBZp_j8FwUaE2_c6hGzNB5xNn0U/s1600/cetinje+9.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It didn't take long for the kids to spot the remaining snow and shift into snowball attack mode. Being California kids, even this ridiculously small sampling of snow brought some excitement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4rN7_VhWzCug773b5AyiFCfV3V-G-ncNLKAmewMbaRNDfx1iJmoII7W4X4LUGNbuC_Scd8DeD0hsNYNeGawLaoHSEXLvp7HcnmrB_q-2RWl3yLAzN2NcwHEBvu16Yfs-Ka1VTfRkFyb-/s1600/cetinje+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4rN7_VhWzCug773b5AyiFCfV3V-G-ncNLKAmewMbaRNDfx1iJmoII7W4X4LUGNbuC_Scd8DeD0hsNYNeGawLaoHSEXLvp7HcnmrB_q-2RWl3yLAzN2NcwHEBvu16Yfs-Ka1VTfRkFyb-/s1600/cetinje+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the buildings along Njegoševa were at one time very grand but today look tired and in need of some TLC.</td></tr>
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Despite a number of buildings looking like they've seen better days, there have been recent efforts to make investments to improve the city and to bring more people to the area. Apparently there are plans to build a cable-car from Kotor to Cetinje where the project will start in 2014; if executed, it will be the longest tourist cable-car in the world and would indeed be a fantastic experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo5cxMfPqrGs6hD6TCViPz8v00jiL9HQlX5hphEruJcivcNvr7YO_EV3psMFV6aFeaZal5gnlmL0MeYkWdooZZlMIEtrOGhom2-fHTwwbYGL2O1U1jLB68TVQ967NqWoRpmV-bofIsyLD/s1600/cetinje+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo5cxMfPqrGs6hD6TCViPz8v00jiL9HQlX5hphEruJcivcNvr7YO_EV3psMFV6aFeaZal5gnlmL0MeYkWdooZZlMIEtrOGhom2-fHTwwbYGL2O1U1jLB68TVQ967NqWoRpmV-bofIsyLD/s1600/cetinje+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The former British Embassy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS7BCKZG4mGB1zjGaMuMefcpjwlcapptFeIeQ6-0tMD8z5HP-6SLDeuuBdLQlotQRcFmqyAA_nrb_-osqNmSRUCWUoSDZTNx1bK4SPitE5z8B3ncZLaTfNbAkKPqz0rFBUl-nPCds_v7V/s1600/cetinje+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS7BCKZG4mGB1zjGaMuMefcpjwlcapptFeIeQ6-0tMD8z5HP-6SLDeuuBdLQlotQRcFmqyAA_nrb_-osqNmSRUCWUoSDZTNx1bK4SPitE5z8B3ncZLaTfNbAkKPqz0rFBUl-nPCds_v7V/s1600/cetinje+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official residence of Montenegro's President.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBbQgtwWI2nsYNTm1fS_duw7PySg-QACll4uMUFzf3SUAUddCfG7IHEHOISfqXOfEIZc107WFqOXgGsgii1BVevzQPt2psfg0dW2zxM5PIURJQ75uQIK6HR0cgOFkm68GD3yAr3omDyNP/s1600/cetinje+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBbQgtwWI2nsYNTm1fS_duw7PySg-QACll4uMUFzf3SUAUddCfG7IHEHOISfqXOfEIZc107WFqOXgGsgii1BVevzQPt2psfg0dW2zxM5PIURJQ75uQIK6HR0cgOFkm68GD3yAr3omDyNP/s1600/cetinje+3.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two guards stood at the front entrance. With the door open wide all day long, the heating bill must be huge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4mdevin4VbOs9_qmW8bMXCkApn-n6lhhK1aCy0Z5mXXB1PbSAKfSLsrfT-ZMoDqZJFLEvAxLPeCQHNdYKRBxM6mP9NL4wEhJKzLEI2MkjCEiqWfaouwLjjbtrVZisWG5RBE8ocEaTLb1/s1600/cetinje+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4mdevin4VbOs9_qmW8bMXCkApn-n6lhhK1aCy0Z5mXXB1PbSAKfSLsrfT-ZMoDqZJFLEvAxLPeCQHNdYKRBxM6mP9NL4wEhJKzLEI2MkjCEiqWfaouwLjjbtrVZisWG5RBE8ocEaTLb1/s1600/cetinje+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One really needs to watch where one steps while walking in Cetinje (make that Montenegro). We saw several holes that were not covered or inadequately covered. Just an accident waiting to happen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We drove back to Kotor but on a different (and easier) route, via Budva on the coast. Budva is known for its sandy beaches (called the Budvanska Rivijera) and is a major tourist draw in the warmer months. The skies were threatening with rain and so we didn't stop; we just saw the beaches from the car.<br />
<br />
When we returned to Kotor, I wanted to go into the old town and walk the walls before the rain started. We were expecting heavy rains the next day and so I wanted to see as much as we could that day. Unfortunately, just as Paul, James and I were leaving, it started raining but we headed out anyway. We bought a couple umbrellas and walked on top of the town wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxApTgKo4DHD0VdFgD-p7i1E_I8u_iJM9ezBcD6B-zz5SebC8nicXI3AsJmIwM-y-AHrS1VjP4Aft-Fd8yrodI-mnyoNGdEqgEpuw00YYU3xP4_tf5aMblgtbyUHzNR0DqB53UdPOsyiDd/s1600/kotor+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxApTgKo4DHD0VdFgD-p7i1E_I8u_iJM9ezBcD6B-zz5SebC8nicXI3AsJmIwM-y-AHrS1VjP4Aft-Fd8yrodI-mnyoNGdEqgEpuw00YYU3xP4_tf5aMblgtbyUHzNR0DqB53UdPOsyiDd/s1600/kotor+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay of Kotor looking north. Some call the Bay of Kotor the southern-most fjord in Europe, but it is a ria, a submerged river canyon.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBZKrBJTc0Vsp36nmJOG3MGDGAQsrbR2OlvoVBFRXCjCg3Ueepij3J1A9hnKvYR0jxZF6wvfbOOa7x2Dkr7sgOVv3etODQZk1spJ382oH4ULZswR5XScwZuDovG2z9ZE2F0ByMP1IiIvn/s1600/kotor+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBZKrBJTc0Vsp36nmJOG3MGDGAQsrbR2OlvoVBFRXCjCg3Ueepij3J1A9hnKvYR0jxZF6wvfbOOa7x2Dkr7sgOVv3etODQZk1spJ382oH4ULZswR5XScwZuDovG2z9ZE2F0ByMP1IiIvn/s1600/kotor+25.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the bay from atop of the town wall. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7zyzHiJhQaTHenQRSAZI2TMUi7TnHQNt0y7xLs8zvGnPcQZhgBsQpmLhOm-NyCZcrjLQxoTFVmPXpY-I5GyzrbmcJpi0C99JXwvXgzad9xuPH2MBhGXOVtldTZnbNiMBX0ofeohScESc/s1600/kotor+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7zyzHiJhQaTHenQRSAZI2TMUi7TnHQNt0y7xLs8zvGnPcQZhgBsQpmLhOm-NyCZcrjLQxoTFVmPXpY-I5GyzrbmcJpi0C99JXwvXgzad9xuPH2MBhGXOVtldTZnbNiMBX0ofeohScESc/s1600/kotor+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay of Kotor looking south.</td></tr>
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Once reaching the southern end of the town wall, the wall seemed to end so we climbed down and walked back through the cobbled streets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMlfj8WcS746UbxfvGs8Uc1jmUtVEu4LJJtLbVYELb7nY4snqel0aGiOzbO809GT2gkGrLGvlz_1qfDGzF-VORChd8omnkwQr_nDB_XfxwU-B4NdTwpoZGNXsOIrqXWdOCjzk59wzD0ZD/s1600/kotor+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMlfj8WcS746UbxfvGs8Uc1jmUtVEu4LJJtLbVYELb7nY4snqel0aGiOzbO809GT2gkGrLGvlz_1qfDGzF-VORChd8omnkwQr_nDB_XfxwU-B4NdTwpoZGNXsOIrqXWdOCjzk59wzD0ZD/s1600/kotor+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Nicholas Church: It is an Orthodox church located in St Luke's Square and dates from the early 20th century. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWsP4LAVFWIlsZ4knaZ2km-r8EQGunR3N5kc3RWVU6a15QzdJ0p41lZOxncaHylGbF7v-yk3bXXySfQN68ipbsF5QeCrQR1hKRM_f8TX45A_NkFnf4UyG6Vezm7S-Ujxvm1TH_rnn3Lxs/s1600/kotor+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWsP4LAVFWIlsZ4knaZ2km-r8EQGunR3N5kc3RWVU6a15QzdJ0p41lZOxncaHylGbF7v-yk3bXXySfQN68ipbsF5QeCrQR1hKRM_f8TX45A_NkFnf4UyG6Vezm7S-Ujxvm1TH_rnn3Lxs/s1600/kotor+9.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hadn't planned it at the time, but the next day we'd hike up that mountain (St John) to the fortress above. The fortifications surrounding Kotor were built during the Venetian period. The ancient walls stretch for 4.5 km directly above the city.</td></tr>
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On <b>February 11th</b>, we were surprised to wake up to partially blue skies; we received the unexpected gift of a dry day. We therefore decided we'd explore Kotor's old town, find a restaurant for lunch and then climb the mountain at the foot of Kotor to the fortress above.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9eLGPgb4LqvVROLqeunf26Po_Ha2Cwtz6XS6QLyO7xIt8ZEcaLcTEjND7eOTCpm0eGPOokjOcYnVKdnrT-hsSia0pi_YYP94HTDF6627dPyXPn42Ns7qeY9ZWRrXJPMWcuBzA3P9bRe4/s1600/kotor+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9eLGPgb4LqvVROLqeunf26Po_Ha2Cwtz6XS6QLyO7xIt8ZEcaLcTEjND7eOTCpm0eGPOokjOcYnVKdnrT-hsSia0pi_YYP94HTDF6627dPyXPn42Ns7qeY9ZWRrXJPMWcuBzA3P9bRe4/s1600/kotor+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the northern gate to the old town. This currently ranks #8 of 17 things to do in Kotor, as rated by TripAdvisor, which is a tip off that there isn't a lot to do in Kotor, particularly in winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiPm8lqbtrprPJT5K6mdkZuIy-ayF42zkvNMbx71AOLktUVZAXMb4B39fPQpVU7lo8iT8FkIm-E1dTWVc0X7C-vG1ZR0MV9Sd6KuTAwXZ3nmZAZgO2E1AIiFD_5Nqb_W_h13uTPnk9y-0/s1600/kotor+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiPm8lqbtrprPJT5K6mdkZuIy-ayF42zkvNMbx71AOLktUVZAXMb4B39fPQpVU7lo8iT8FkIm-E1dTWVc0X7C-vG1ZR0MV9Sd6KuTAwXZ3nmZAZgO2E1AIiFD_5Nqb_W_h13uTPnk9y-0/s1600/kotor+12.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a number of hotels within the old town walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q_mlnLtXz0tMwFHph_ND6EQ2NzP6FMKByjCzzbJmfkngyJf1SB-rcSqIxdyYF3kARBkwtOGfDYKvRBDFGwM7DTgkqNXkeydQX_UN-jv9dy-6CQUCzq8LIaJjBrUsWlody_AhdyYe5WxO/s1600/kotor+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q_mlnLtXz0tMwFHph_ND6EQ2NzP6FMKByjCzzbJmfkngyJf1SB-rcSqIxdyYF3kARBkwtOGfDYKvRBDFGwM7DTgkqNXkeydQX_UN-jv9dy-6CQUCzq8LIaJjBrUsWlody_AhdyYe5WxO/s1600/kotor+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An anchor collection near the Maritime Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3s-JXypkbc5WOYzAifBFqm-q2o-11KP0kJMv2kpLMpZDkHXa74UmusiVSxIIblPV1U12a_YPPGgOnZ5bocPyA25aPtglmyZTDzdWbxsKDeMxYgBT0K9WNo5AEW8yzSERelBme3-enYSQ/s1600/kotor+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3s-JXypkbc5WOYzAifBFqm-q2o-11KP0kJMv2kpLMpZDkHXa74UmusiVSxIIblPV1U12a_YPPGgOnZ5bocPyA25aPtglmyZTDzdWbxsKDeMxYgBT0K9WNo5AEW8yzSERelBme3-enYSQ/s1600/kotor+26.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maritime Museum: Opened to the public in 1900, it was once the Grgurin Palace. Located on
Museum Square near the Karampana Fountain, it offers a look into the
area's naval history. Its exhibitions include information about
Montenagran maritime developments and artifacts from past eras.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7xZeRLDlzz49xyw_9rYtnwLNwJakQqb_GAH1m3bIEC92_YvsLgLueoLkQc1a072Ep7Gj17x9RUz2KhAqJMzNCeGmc7jUer2MCA2JrCDg5gRFUfFyZ8T70ch_5ME5ASSGinldm7uu158m/s1600/kotor+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7xZeRLDlzz49xyw_9rYtnwLNwJakQqb_GAH1m3bIEC92_YvsLgLueoLkQc1a072Ep7Gj17x9RUz2KhAqJMzNCeGmc7jUer2MCA2JrCDg5gRFUfFyZ8T70ch_5ME5ASSGinldm7uu158m/s1600/kotor+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St Tryphon: Consecrated in 1166, it is the largest and, some perceive, the most beautiful building in Kotor. The cathedral was seriously damaged and rebuilt after the earthquake of
1667, but there were not enough funds for its complete reconstruction which why its two towers differ from one another. Another massive earthquake occurred in April 1979 and so it had to be restored yet again. They were asking a fee of €2.50/person to go in and take a look. With the 5 of us, that would be €12.50; peeking through the door, I didn't think it worth the price. It didn't look like there were any others interested enough to go in. I left thinking that might not be the best approach for maximizing donations for the cathedral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRWA8cFHHQQdmcfUJos605Bx0TxBkj1jR16_w_MpmqAabU6vAdi3s4DEHKP2uxP8f_6ZEd22sI5IEph_ICJb90DB06H_TFpBa9XaxTulapeBrJ9HBxRAMrk1MDn9nL3yMGoHIWm5BrugX/s1600/kotor+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRWA8cFHHQQdmcfUJos605Bx0TxBkj1jR16_w_MpmqAabU6vAdi3s4DEHKP2uxP8f_6ZEd22sI5IEph_ICJb90DB06H_TFpBa9XaxTulapeBrJ9HBxRAMrk1MDn9nL3yMGoHIWm5BrugX/s1600/kotor+14.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town is entirely a pedestrian zone filled with narrow streets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sxNNYQ8L6K_nEphT6fnq3S2kePQSo9k-W3W8EIYyIj1hMS_N9sl_6X7QiN-pOEgqv28Bi6C7JcsumjeCjWYoCkgselH2zpxshG3EXCgDYe9ZUTBXZwQFyPJAMMOo7aIgjr16c8F1fWh8/s1600/Kotor+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sxNNYQ8L6K_nEphT6fnq3S2kePQSo9k-W3W8EIYyIj1hMS_N9sl_6X7QiN-pOEgqv28Bi6C7JcsumjeCjWYoCkgselH2zpxshG3EXCgDYe9ZUTBXZwQFyPJAMMOo7aIgjr16c8F1fWh8/s1600/Kotor+15.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was formerly a palace built after the 1667 earthquake and was inhabited by the Pima family. (I have no information on who this Pima family was unfortunately.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4uN-8Nts4PeMJWO5oe8EXZ6aDGbwTE_KatG8XsK9o6v-QMpSg1fkFotJjI5pB8vez0t4nXj6DqKWanWsMRNgUy9EeeYy2ikEndemmhcZ0sf28RhDnu8eV6wgzbgXvFsJI2bDZDzVrbDP/s1600/kotor+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4uN-8Nts4PeMJWO5oe8EXZ6aDGbwTE_KatG8XsK9o6v-QMpSg1fkFotJjI5pB8vez0t4nXj6DqKWanWsMRNgUy9EeeYy2ikEndemmhcZ0sf28RhDnu8eV6wgzbgXvFsJI2bDZDzVrbDP/s1600/kotor+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a Chinese restaurant in the old town! We didn't need to negotiate whether or not to eat here. After months of pasta and pizza, we were all game for something different. As you'd expect, it didn't really measure up to qualify as a great Chinese meal, but it was just right here in Montenegro. And yes, we were the only customers in the restaurant at the time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once satisfied with our Montenagran interpretation of a Chinese meal, we set out on our journey up St John mountain to the Tvrđave Kotora or Castle of San Giovanni (St John fortress).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiON4Yg_lxndFpFaPFq1QlE6KpJXdY7hMFevi_jn35NGbanA7HpOF3pFJgk3brpf9p4VFh5nqmM13SoHl0qkeUKUGuKL1bFBd1gwLISBsLP-RIfWN3BrG4ZPH7jErCGNKKgR6FB-GXNcv_/s1600/Kotor+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiON4Yg_lxndFpFaPFq1QlE6KpJXdY7hMFevi_jn35NGbanA7HpOF3pFJgk3brpf9p4VFh5nqmM13SoHl0qkeUKUGuKL1bFBd1gwLISBsLP-RIfWN3BrG4ZPH7jErCGNKKgR6FB-GXNcv_/s1600/Kotor+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bay of Kotor is about 28 km long from the open sea to the harbor of the city
of Kotor. It is surrounded by the mountains of Orjen on the west and Lovcen on the east.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB3Buw9nxk4ylYKnEgGCMuj4Y-DWzoslvFkmMfhswFOhjE8INB6yd6-JSFN4Fa7Gb09uut8GpgS5i79kHEEV_t-dbnmtqsDjp8AG5FeodloW2LyG9GuvX8iK1Ln2oMI0Zr72HCAv__UAf/s1600/kotor+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB3Buw9nxk4ylYKnEgGCMuj4Y-DWzoslvFkmMfhswFOhjE8INB6yd6-JSFN4Fa7Gb09uut8GpgS5i79kHEEV_t-dbnmtqsDjp8AG5FeodloW2LyG9GuvX8iK1Ln2oMI0Zr72HCAv__UAf/s1600/kotor+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I read somewhere that the climb up to the fortress/castle is more like a “huff ’n’ puff” hike because one ascends approximately 1,350 stairs to a height of 1,200 metres. I'd say the description was pretty accurate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmHva8N6FjaqMKlt-Md2lf8_mtHcI90kW44w66YI8s3X6rRW60gAmUKZk6dHwYuz9b68IEsZgfDeeK9Bb4Os2EF0LuCtUPYJMlyvjeF4MOPhOCHNmH6dgPC1HgILiwbgVeXx4mBxXclyi/s1600/kotor+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmHva8N6FjaqMKlt-Md2lf8_mtHcI90kW44w66YI8s3X6rRW60gAmUKZk6dHwYuz9b68IEsZgfDeeK9Bb4Os2EF0LuCtUPYJMlyvjeF4MOPhOCHNmH6dgPC1HgILiwbgVeXx4mBxXclyi/s1600/kotor+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break part way up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBdtYjvUDNa0kVMnPka1ftMy2OvahwII9uT6nFVbZv3w-SY1wPmW747tFy4Kl3VmG5bdK5oJTn3-F2LMcLTsc9mFAbMLM82cah8nh5II90SyUtaeUabh4GvCMHIo4utMTdE9efkAtbHMg/s1600/kotor+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBdtYjvUDNa0kVMnPka1ftMy2OvahwII9uT6nFVbZv3w-SY1wPmW747tFy4Kl3VmG5bdK5oJTn3-F2LMcLTsc9mFAbMLM82cah8nh5II90SyUtaeUabh4GvCMHIo4utMTdE9efkAtbHMg/s1600/kotor+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up, there were different paths from which to choose catagorized as "relatively safe paths", "paths of increased risk" and "high risk zone". We tried to keep to the "relatively safe" route.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT17-QZ4T6g2p9mcoZMqdr1A2bbYQmJv6fBNS0y6YqZHzBf_oWOaT3lkynpaWQ7yICvtgzZA0pjJhyg0Fl98q7VyRFfYcNLZxMsWScFE0f5GOTMlEw5wrDnBv6LGBhznucb1I_lWIImKJu/s1600/kotor+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT17-QZ4T6g2p9mcoZMqdr1A2bbYQmJv6fBNS0y6YqZHzBf_oWOaT3lkynpaWQ7yICvtgzZA0pjJhyg0Fl98q7VyRFfYcNLZxMsWScFE0f5GOTMlEw5wrDnBv6LGBhznucb1I_lWIImKJu/s1600/kotor+21.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a third the way up, Sarah was questioning the wisdom of our plan to reach the top. Just a little over half way up, she went on strike. She was done and wasn't going to go a step further.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCCNA21M7qGXRF0pa8GK9jVdH6YWga6tF1G4-IRQaMq3RpB2y1pBoayZqj8ig-5HNhc_xe7PGJKck6YCV5h1XWYivCO1gOhP_gyzTLfNtvvPaDw5qMVkXFc8yAm71ZSoJaxYB5hEF4kMF/s1600/kotor+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCCNA21M7qGXRF0pa8GK9jVdH6YWga6tF1G4-IRQaMq3RpB2y1pBoayZqj8ig-5HNhc_xe7PGJKck6YCV5h1XWYivCO1gOhP_gyzTLfNtvvPaDw5qMVkXFc8yAm71ZSoJaxYB5hEF4kMF/s1600/kotor+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look up at the St John fortifications. The formidable fortress walls date back to medieval times, built on and off
between the 9th and 19th centuries, and built by everyone from the
Byzantines to the Venetians.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeIN-3_5i9B3bzHVlB9EdupeDI-_znCybPbyi7t9Z7Eq_jzdDUgd-X_Ifeo-it2voHoADmdh_Ug6r56zvY9Dhoo9AN0K1OZe_MXUAhkG-e-z_rNnyYrbsPXPuaw2gZaS6S9CCx8jWjvTJ/s1600/kotor+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeIN-3_5i9B3bzHVlB9EdupeDI-_znCybPbyi7t9Z7Eq_jzdDUgd-X_Ifeo-it2voHoADmdh_Ug6r56zvY9Dhoo9AN0K1OZe_MXUAhkG-e-z_rNnyYrbsPXPuaw2gZaS6S9CCx8jWjvTJ/s1600/kotor+24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made mention of <i>Fantas</i> for those who make it to the top, so Sarah was back climbing, but complaining every step of the way and having her photograph taken wasn't part of the deal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjTB7WsWs1fVwZ_UBpx55XihDZVTGL9dny_mT2YciFroxBVZ3SLa44kH9OkS87GTduvg9yapY_EE2OnVxZXAYrJUCdA3mEWkMddKBAoRpD-RXDZJlcH8AtKvDaqosC7Zh-HElBCfm5WGC/s1600/kotor+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjTB7WsWs1fVwZ_UBpx55XihDZVTGL9dny_mT2YciFroxBVZ3SLa44kH9OkS87GTduvg9yapY_EE2OnVxZXAYrJUCdA3mEWkMddKBAoRpD-RXDZJlcH8AtKvDaqosC7Zh-HElBCfm5WGC/s1600/kotor+22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A zoomed in shot of the two branches of the Skurda river and the edge of the old town at the bottom of the photo. Our 3-story gray apartment building can be seen next to the upper branch of the river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr8Hqww6-WT0REldQAVxjPZJ2xjP1OghDiKW8_oOeiVXZ3w64rnjAlC-8GjoY3O8gLex8Q0ZeczDTS8APuaNKi2dEHd0gK8HeeEY1ctouoDKoLkcG2mqzb5CsSfDHksnH-ANXiMCb9vRH/s1600/kotor+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr8Hqww6-WT0REldQAVxjPZJ2xjP1OghDiKW8_oOeiVXZ3w64rnjAlC-8GjoY3O8gLex8Q0ZeczDTS8APuaNKi2dEHd0gK8HeeEY1ctouoDKoLkcG2mqzb5CsSfDHksnH-ANXiMCb9vRH/s1600/kotor+27.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great feeling of accomplishment: We made it to the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe5gB1Woaokh-gJP9lhFPWk-MU3b4TaSq-UEgoIIluaRMGf34N6F0zrMU78SgbyO5LQORkzrprGbYwO1XxLwOQQ7ioerxHTJ6vYEsVeU6WXzvskCDnGl1BKZApZcKj4AEhuxlpD6HUd5r/s1600/kotor+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe5gB1Woaokh-gJP9lhFPWk-MU3b4TaSq-UEgoIIluaRMGf34N6F0zrMU78SgbyO5LQORkzrprGbYwO1XxLwOQQ7ioerxHTJ6vYEsVeU6WXzvskCDnGl1BKZApZcKj4AEhuxlpD6HUd5r/s1600/kotor+28.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of building remains looking down St John mountain away from the Bay of Kotor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_db6RwHTXSi-5xj9J1TBe_oyoy1mFoKeFWK36FK_uFCiXJf61FujyL225rnSGFcZBESqyDjd6c95MWNT_l12WSk4OjETobrvPe45C_D5JLyQSYx6yxY957IuJd9mRcBQfg0ZBbuYIDMF/s1600/kotor+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_db6RwHTXSi-5xj9J1TBe_oyoy1mFoKeFWK36FK_uFCiXJf61FujyL225rnSGFcZBESqyDjd6c95MWNT_l12WSk4OjETobrvPe45C_D5JLyQSYx6yxY957IuJd9mRcBQfg0ZBbuYIDMF/s1600/kotor+29.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way down.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJD7gmYx7vtqoHCcw39QRhvrboA-ZtsLa4587KYeAhXi2agmaCKFGyZxvUWaw-YvEiBFmJgItBvwEnxvxNe6BY2Kr0fsI771c8Hmyyu0335sRX1wFsfUkFwRRn4IQ1iMkKHZus0y8FFnK/s1600/kotor+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJD7gmYx7vtqoHCcw39QRhvrboA-ZtsLa4587KYeAhXi2agmaCKFGyZxvUWaw-YvEiBFmJgItBvwEnxvxNe6BY2Kr0fsI771c8Hmyyu0335sRX1wFsfUkFwRRn4IQ1iMkKHZus0y8FFnK/s1600/kotor+30.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking past the Church of Our Lady of Health which was built in the 15th century following numerous plague epidemics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we returned<b> </b>back to the old town, we wandered around the streets a bit more, found those promised <i>Fantas</i> and went shoe shopping for Paul.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tz6w35ruOtoq-Hx0bljt7VWeQg4jwC1iXtM-_N-mSD-4_xoJXe3odcNVRKY15t_9oIyz3P3iv6AgrT6S6g4fWEDH3ZZm8WhgD7f3v2ow3gQVEHkZ7mnB_hswEs1nATlO2LqIAVFthyphenhyphenmn/s1600/kotor+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tz6w35ruOtoq-Hx0bljt7VWeQg4jwC1iXtM-_N-mSD-4_xoJXe3odcNVRKY15t_9oIyz3P3iv6AgrT6S6g4fWEDH3ZZm8WhgD7f3v2ow3gQVEHkZ7mnB_hswEs1nATlO2LqIAVFthyphenhyphenmn/s1600/kotor+31.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Monastery of St Clare which dates back to the 18th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-DbKhAJwZdhc81TnFE_JZ19Uw5hnhC_ZkLhuFKTMaWvvxg1fCaiYeMnJiVRq0kSwWfVT8TqIfvX7h5uXN5yJvunl4tTjXy03q20_QNd1kH7sRjM2P1oJKWrKYHsO9G5QATOSa_DstDfQ/s1600/kotor+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-DbKhAJwZdhc81TnFE_JZ19Uw5hnhC_ZkLhuFKTMaWvvxg1fCaiYeMnJiVRq0kSwWfVT8TqIfvX7h5uXN5yJvunl4tTjXy03q20_QNd1kH7sRjM2P1oJKWrKYHsO9G5QATOSa_DstDfQ/s1600/kotor+32.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Church of the Monastery of St Clare.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyxc6wiDXL5n98-8b2Ba7DupbMpFTqPGcHItSWUk2-zxv6IiIRuxTfKU8i2a8LD8lN0CgWL_a_0gNY3zESkVmjr_LzVxAsFAeU2OpEAaLKjVNxorIrHMLd8t1qxG9c7s8uhGhwEMc0jV4/s1600/kotor+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyxc6wiDXL5n98-8b2Ba7DupbMpFTqPGcHItSWUk2-zxv6IiIRuxTfKU8i2a8LD8lN0CgWL_a_0gNY3zESkVmjr_LzVxAsFAeU2OpEAaLKjVNxorIrHMLd8t1qxG9c7s8uhGhwEMc0jV4/s1600/kotor+33.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kotor certainly wasn't the place to bargain shop. Wow, €45 for a pair of toddler sneakers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>February 12th</b> was our day to move again. Our next stop was Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania.
(Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet.) The scenery again was beautiful for much of the journey. Our border crossing again went smoothly, first exiting Montenegro and then, a few yards further forward, dealing with the Albanian border patrol. At this point, we have all necessary documents together, handing the officer 6 passports, title to the car, green card (proof of insurance) and front license plate (which we keep off the Prius so that it is not stolen).<br />
<br />
Once we entered into Albania, we noticed a significant decrease in the quality of the roads and housing construction. Also, random animals seemed to appear with increasing frequency along the roads.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy60jJnLv9vTUsCJDBG92Y6j-0cRPd1RL-3xxlLJbuEIiTah-8L5NWh-q-KTDlSSPhYn4lmcOPmtkwWXchQOFUUkmNO4N9z-Ds4rDQYxh24b5pegKHIbaUune7MH6CocDscNhmjj6sTDd1/s1600/albania+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy60jJnLv9vTUsCJDBG92Y6j-0cRPd1RL-3xxlLJbuEIiTah-8L5NWh-q-KTDlSSPhYn4lmcOPmtkwWXchQOFUUkmNO4N9z-Ds4rDQYxh24b5pegKHIbaUune7MH6CocDscNhmjj6sTDd1/s1600/albania+1.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's this cow going? To the corner store for bread?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We made the mistake of not stopping for lunch in Montenegro because once we got to Albania, we couldn't find an (open) restaurant that took credit cards. We didn't have any of the local currency yet (leke). Finally, we found a restaurant that would take euros. The lady serving us was so friendly and welcoming and she especially took an interest in Sarah. Maybe it was the blond hair and blue eyes. She showed us photos of her girls on her smart phone. (And I was thinking this waitress in Albania has a smart phone and I don't even have one. Could I be any further behind in technology?!) She later gave Sarah a hug and kiss good-bye. I'd never seen such personable service!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJMmFY53EuFAp_GfCu8MfqIUYe6bbcMzHVs_XVtPQjNgHCwyQNfsJpsOAWOjJvjnnzV1k7kGANIHD4KiDht3wuUiSy9rSYQGIH-4ho3dy3KZZeZawUXCxQd3z66jsnpMgw5S-OFoUdFs9/s1600/Albania+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJMmFY53EuFAp_GfCu8MfqIUYe6bbcMzHVs_XVtPQjNgHCwyQNfsJpsOAWOjJvjnnzV1k7kGANIHD4KiDht3wuUiSy9rSYQGIH-4ho3dy3KZZeZawUXCxQd3z66jsnpMgw5S-OFoUdFs9/s1600/Albania+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids spotted a swing set next to the restaurant and so blew off some steam before getting packed up back into the car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived into Tirana and our airbnb apartment ($65/nt) a little after 17:00. Our apartment host, Ray, was there to meet us and got us smoothly checked in to our accommodation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56Ob0UJ2ndZbPvPM5Rb8260uZV5PL_O5dmNT3VIId_kjs7Trx0gDpT16KQ6gaTUSFKL52Iui0gIrpzhKVa_paNUjjX-B4CL4FTYTkj9w_0xKm894NO7ge1A10KkQPN6TdwqIRC-aYU3Pe/s1600/albania+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56Ob0UJ2ndZbPvPM5Rb8260uZV5PL_O5dmNT3VIId_kjs7Trx0gDpT16KQ6gaTUSFKL52Iui0gIrpzhKVa_paNUjjX-B4CL4FTYTkj9w_0xKm894NO7ge1A10KkQPN6TdwqIRC-aYU3Pe/s1600/albania+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our 6th floor apartment balcony. Clearly, Tirana wasn't anything close to London, Paris or Rome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 13th</b>, we woke up to rain but fortunately it tapered off during the late morning. We headed out towards Skanderbeg Square where most of Tirana's main attractions are located. I had read that the best (and the country's largest) museum to visit was the National Historical Museum. Unfortunately most of the information presented there is in Albanian; I read that if one is to see it, one needs to hire an English speaking guide. When we reached the museum, it looked pretty empty and there was one
women at the front desk. We asked about whether there were any English
speaking guides who could take us through the museum and she looked at
us with a blank expression, clearly not being able to speak any English,
but managed to point us to the tourist office located on the street
behind the museum. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHMLYR1ARAMoHDxzGsPZ2gMkonFFIlS6AyXMxzIzq44xUqM9xgg3kGJA8dV0KO8EkIj7q9JyYAHWO0foSpQTplSlsjjoUM8QqIMGVnNt_IwITZEDmw3K6sESqb2O-aylVoifbg34Cm8kr/s1600/albania+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHMLYR1ARAMoHDxzGsPZ2gMkonFFIlS6AyXMxzIzq44xUqM9xgg3kGJA8dV0KO8EkIj7q9JyYAHWO0foSpQTplSlsjjoUM8QqIMGVnNt_IwITZEDmw3K6sESqb2O-aylVoifbg34Cm8kr/s1600/albania+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National History Museum: Each hall in the museum covers a period of the development of Albania. Themes include finds from archaeological sites across the
country, the resistance movement during the Second World War, the 'Pavilion of Communist Terror', and an
exhibition about Albania's prison and labor camp system and
the thousands of men and women who were swallowed by it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4dRZ5vJObeb2H_1VijzyKFZTBwrKTAIafwKzMWtiOF-4nFo8zWKw9YukBwLgTrdYouJN_NgjhsssMITJLHQu3Q5Kt0jLDYJhGnkmUloeOnV3dEHVBNqjeU3pJgkxmQCfy9i3rK_PCggW/s1600/albania+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4dRZ5vJObeb2H_1VijzyKFZTBwrKTAIafwKzMWtiOF-4nFo8zWKw9YukBwLgTrdYouJN_NgjhsssMITJLHQu3Q5Kt0jLDYJhGnkmUloeOnV3dEHVBNqjeU3pJgkxmQCfy9i3rK_PCggW/s1600/albania+5.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mosaic above the entrance to the National Historical Museum is called "The Albanians". It is the collective result of five Albanian artists – Vilson
Kilica, Anastas Kostandini, Agim Nebiu, Justin Droboniku, Aleksander
Filipi – and was completed in 1980. It tells the story of how Albanians have fought against invasion and occupation throughout the centuries. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked over to the tourist bureau and spoke to the one woman managing that office. She was the most unenthusiastic tourist agent I'd ever met. I asked about English-speaking guides and she asked, "For what?" I replied, "For anything in Tirana." She informed us there were no guides, at all. Given it was February 13th, I could somewhat understand that there might not be guides (but this is the capital city). Then I asked what we should see where we wouldn't need a guide. I saw in the tourist brochure that there's a zoo in/near Tirana and (as I stood with the 3 kids beside me) asked, "What about the zoo? "No, don't go there," she replied. She finally circled the Et'hem Bey Mosque, clock tower, Art Gallery and a couple other landmarks and gave us a couple restaurant recommendations (for which we had to ask). Some people clearly aren't the right fit for their job and this woman was one of them.<br />
<br />
We had lunch at one of the recommended restaurants and then walked over to the clock tower and Et'hem Bey Mosque; both which were closed. We then continued to the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral which was also on our list to see. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXu8BGYxlwaXDttQmnjGr1lEa6aO9tKDwH6Pb0WsUbRcd2oNgAmTH1gJonKrQHE96OptyKEuXjLyMoLh6bGbYX4kNJb2kocTbuLsZ9UUTeDQuVCme7V8Zlrgq8E0tR6v2yPuDbedyMgUc/s1600/albania+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXu8BGYxlwaXDttQmnjGr1lEa6aO9tKDwH6Pb0WsUbRcd2oNgAmTH1gJonKrQHE96OptyKEuXjLyMoLh6bGbYX4kNJb2kocTbuLsZ9UUTeDQuVCme7V8Zlrgq8E0tR6v2yPuDbedyMgUc/s1600/albania+6.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet: Founded in 1953, it's located on Skanderbeg Square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKLc772K3q16CWl_3iH6rMhB6ph568LXHDgVNxnedLqlI1_SmXnOkG2ebg7uYqzMCj4n4W4e1rVNwv0PonI_xlSGJAjpSTnP7_DN4x7g9QMqfwXihLpDpLjmjsKA05lNWDWLO4biSLjQg/s1600/albania+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKLc772K3q16CWl_3iH6rMhB6ph568LXHDgVNxnedLqlI1_SmXnOkG2ebg7uYqzMCj4n4W4e1rVNwv0PonI_xlSGJAjpSTnP7_DN4x7g9QMqfwXihLpDpLjmjsKA05lNWDWLO4biSLjQg/s1600/albania+9.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skanderbeg Monument located on Skanderbeg Square (of course): It was inaugurated in 1968 on the 500th anniversary of the death of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg (1405-68). Skanderbeg was considered by many in western Europe to be a model of Christian
resistance against the Ottoman Muslims and he is Albania's most
important national hero. In 1423, Sultan Murad II took him hostage and he served the Ottoman Empire during the
next twenty years. In 1443, he deserted the Ottomans during the Battle of Nis and became the ruler of Kruje, Svetigrad and Modric. In 1444, he organized the League of Lezhe, which proclaimed him <i>Chief of the League of the Albanian people</i>, and defended the region of Albania against the Ottoman Empire for more than two decades. Together with Venetians, he fought against the Ottomans during the Ottoman-Venetian War (1463-79) until his death in 1468. Prior to the fall of communism (1991), a statue of Joseph Stalin stood in this location.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Wkih9hity1dJBHiDgxuOdFXBEKtWX3k6SWvtGRTovFcRcJiLop2tzwpnzV7PEcZFcv2JqBdXELe5sB4OjCmCfVKtBJAgnQN3MaHJ4-dZ54PsnbjDBdt2UcFImB6frEajS3wyCLbyWbt/s1600/albania+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Wkih9hity1dJBHiDgxuOdFXBEKtWX3k6SWvtGRTovFcRcJiLop2tzwpnzV7PEcZFcv2JqBdXELe5sB4OjCmCfVKtBJAgnQN3MaHJ4-dZ54PsnbjDBdt2UcFImB6frEajS3wyCLbyWbt/s1600/albania+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clock tower and Et'hem Bey Mosque: The clock tower dates from 1822. It was extended to 35 meters in 1928,
when a German-made clock was also installed. For a long time, the clock
tower was the highest building in Tirana.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBu92UI23nUIX-vS77fwFygt1hSUv-WChbHmpQ8DCv7M_4dERWGqhgkb5e3IoeUj912aBfFPBPUAYcHPYbXk8bkI204JdK91jYZG1WqevX3SGufhZViMf-d3AJyx-4jmaGckDrUaiv229/s1600/albania+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBu92UI23nUIX-vS77fwFygt1hSUv-WChbHmpQ8DCv7M_4dERWGqhgkb5e3IoeUj912aBfFPBPUAYcHPYbXk8bkI204JdK91jYZG1WqevX3SGufhZViMf-d3AJyx-4jmaGckDrUaiv229/s1600/albania+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The phone booth is still alive and well in Tirana. Some considerate person chained a chair to the booth so one can sit and chat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsJU0HjfsC71dEvTrSJ8k0Hqw6l4XFkU8T8bhZOxSZrFvpuhrRnD6PCKtUGXEvXr9vJj_vQu3aZfb4KOePTE08UxoleuRBWGuSjAG6s19d0HyPaPMY0m9CtZAbDVEWlt5jreaK5Ci4Rjf/s1600/albania+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsJU0HjfsC71dEvTrSJ8k0Hqw6l4XFkU8T8bhZOxSZrFvpuhrRnD6PCKtUGXEvXr9vJj_vQu3aZfb4KOePTE08UxoleuRBWGuSjAG6s19d0HyPaPMY0m9CtZAbDVEWlt5jreaK5Ci4Rjf/s1600/albania+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral of Tirana: It was opened in June 2012 and cost millions of euros. It’s the third largest Orthodox church in Europe and took 8 years to construct. During communist rule, the cathedral was shut down altogether. Given that the population of Tirana is a little over 421,000 (2011) and just under 7% of the population are Orthodox Christians, many feel this was a crazy amount to spend on the Cathedral (particularly looking at the appearance of much of the city).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJIPDD_4xlu8oap3K90C_B589DMKMOgsjMzlGyDKwKQa1aS5-WB9Fk1kL15ZcpYqVaJ_Cs-Tx3ieFvIYckDWaOfxi9qAkBo7E7QXoL7ew42-rCpoEUhSxVRbEeMMRAz03G9lhUOk9IV3-/s1600/albania+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJIPDD_4xlu8oap3K90C_B589DMKMOgsjMzlGyDKwKQa1aS5-WB9Fk1kL15ZcpYqVaJ_Cs-Tx3ieFvIYckDWaOfxi9qAkBo7E7QXoL7ew42-rCpoEUhSxVRbEeMMRAz03G9lhUOk9IV3-/s1600/albania+11.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="lblArticleCopy">Interior of the cathedral: The cathedral complex includes a cultural and conference center, an
amphitheater and library.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotPFIUoBTncMpiyauJgMXes1ljr5KsETFHK-Vuv_ukBDaq2g0-1jOjTZL_LdFzc94yHsDw62AT3CW6L_PYLUJo4I5dhOyN5FitATmTsgpfXj52PFC8i1OeKRbOd6f_e4pD1wjcbQlKE0l/s1600/albania+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotPFIUoBTncMpiyauJgMXes1ljr5KsETFHK-Vuv_ukBDaq2g0-1jOjTZL_LdFzc94yHsDw62AT3CW6L_PYLUJo4I5dhOyN5FitATmTsgpfXj52PFC8i1OeKRbOd6f_e4pD1wjcbQlKE0l/s1600/albania+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As in most orthodox churches, the cathedral dome has an icon of Christ. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not being confident in the state of public washrooms, we briefly went back to the apartment building to freshen up with the plan to set out again to Tirana's National Gallery of Arts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkaHwYuu1PoezOlvGWZMjqjUPZy39-UxtYuIWC6fIfFyuxvbCOBdX7zvKK9WQMi_ayrhS6gjaQEeb9-iOwh7lG-PvnU_dtGMGd0qF6MwKxMoS_KsKvN30-ZRuzgykarsLBB6FzgIhJe7f/s1600/albania+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkaHwYuu1PoezOlvGWZMjqjUPZy39-UxtYuIWC6fIfFyuxvbCOBdX7zvKK9WQMi_ayrhS6gjaQEeb9-iOwh7lG-PvnU_dtGMGd0qF6MwKxMoS_KsKvN30-ZRuzgykarsLBB6FzgIhJe7f/s1600/albania+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While our apartment itself was fine, the entrance to the building was a little "unfinished". This turned out to be the norm across Albania. There's a lot of unfinished construction pretty much everywhere one looks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLj6EmCinuQrSw_0HjwtYBm-M0PEcAqoT4236FASnSkiyHOSzRImy_p-1CJKho5Yx-HAREi2l7ShgQMUwtdbNhkR80HjA3qvKYMwGMXkK4LU0NRLrjFSHMduRbz2D5yhYoA6kUzvMA7mV/s1600/albania+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLj6EmCinuQrSw_0HjwtYBm-M0PEcAqoT4236FASnSkiyHOSzRImy_p-1CJKho5Yx-HAREi2l7ShgQMUwtdbNhkR80HjA3qvKYMwGMXkK4LU0NRLrjFSHMduRbz2D5yhYoA6kUzvMA7mV/s1600/albania+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now with the clouds breaking we could see from our balcony the mountains that shoulder Tirana.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our break, we walked to the National Gallery of Arts which we thought might be engaging (enough) even if there was no English translation of anything. When we arrived, we were the only patrons and the lady at the front desk seemed particularly happy to see us. She told us the upper floors were closed off due to some meeting but we were welcome to visit the ground floor and there would be no charge to do so. One area of the ground floor was showing a temporary exhibit, "Posters and Ideas", from the Hungarian poster artist Péter Pócs; Pócs was inspired mostly by the history of Hungary, and particularly by its
politics during the 20th century. The other section on the ground floor showed Albanian paintings from the period 1883–1930.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIIQspgsWtSGZN5_Xh9pj9uuheCXyr0mBr2P3iVhWM2XiijP9zDkBoDHop3ogf4xKDuQd-hxa4mYUUABkvUgMRfQ_yuekte8H-Appj66mNhas7cRucgAdTrG01gyoSjsMyy8FegYk-Qu8/s1600/albania+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIIQspgsWtSGZN5_Xh9pj9uuheCXyr0mBr2P3iVhWM2XiijP9zDkBoDHop3ogf4xKDuQd-hxa4mYUUABkvUgMRfQ_yuekte8H-Appj66mNhas7cRucgAdTrG01gyoSjsMyy8FegYk-Qu8/s1600/albania+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Gallery of Arts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3qBp8eE-UNQ0Jb6sYeTPWDErQ3vs16obFNnRZoy7p6GWkhrX5IReYni8cfQ3_huSHxkkwfDa5O8K_W9cpWnlS_ZhyphenhyphenwvzhboYg-TlRtHInnnVzyoPkI4zl_w1dfSkUf3uROe68c9STFZz/s1600/albania+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3qBp8eE-UNQ0Jb6sYeTPWDErQ3vs16obFNnRZoy7p6GWkhrX5IReYni8cfQ3_huSHxkkwfDa5O8K_W9cpWnlS_ZhyphenhyphenwvzhboYg-TlRtHInnnVzyoPkI4zl_w1dfSkUf3uROe68c9STFZz/s1600/albania+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys clearly weren't swept away with the National Gallery of Arts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLNIKrNw7ZCVm5oCDrd4BS4DKwfJNfu5bFp3sDq4RA8p_JGbAN6PnStpRnJD9_47831DQEQ4n0UO5AVfN4PQSO1Ad1JnkIUMsC-KScqBUKnl5G9bdGyJYXYvo8exoOLd_9APQi8kXmdx0/s1600/albania+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLNIKrNw7ZCVm5oCDrd4BS4DKwfJNfu5bFp3sDq4RA8p_JGbAN6PnStpRnJD9_47831DQEQ4n0UO5AVfN4PQSO1Ad1JnkIUMsC-KScqBUKnl5G9bdGyJYXYvo8exoOLd_9APQi8kXmdx0/s1600/albania+18.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shkodra Wedding Ceremony by Kol Idromeno: This painting was hanging in the permanent collection which covers the beginning of secular painting in Albania. Other works in the collection were by Pjetër Marubi, Simon Rrota, Zef Kolombi, Vangjel Zengo and Spiro Xega.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3tc_i-Pns9IThcKfHKsnsQDH0ix1cV3PojBIJXGu_4qLdcc8_FXGl6lRKgpPyrWPR5QoeM520N_V3cOiSfBfc7-Bwh3WRSj36DtqgR_mD7HZ_cVVR2ojlFWuz7TC1_o4uMInt4nIwfgR/s1600/albania+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3tc_i-Pns9IThcKfHKsnsQDH0ix1cV3PojBIJXGu_4qLdcc8_FXGl6lRKgpPyrWPR5QoeM520N_V3cOiSfBfc7-Bwh3WRSj36DtqgR_mD7HZ_cVVR2ojlFWuz7TC1_o4uMInt4nIwfgR/s1600/albania+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the pedestrian street Shetitorja Murat Toptani: Clearly, there's work to be done to spruce up this street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpdo1AQ-uod-Z7K23jjemvSx8IFVB_YMpXW9aJPP2qo0kdn6UZoQ0-CYCNaJP3qtWmQHLgs4CqHgZhzo7kKi3Muu66kkHutJzrpOuiUVQEZmNp9meFu0RC77OMqPZzjOP90L7IcbkXppc/s1600/albania+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpdo1AQ-uod-Z7K23jjemvSx8IFVB_YMpXW9aJPP2qo0kdn6UZoQ0-CYCNaJP3qtWmQHLgs4CqHgZhzo7kKi3Muu66kkHutJzrpOuiUVQEZmNp9meFu0RC77OMqPZzjOP90L7IcbkXppc/s1600/albania+25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And despite being a pedestrian street, there were tiles and lights missing so one always had to be watching where one was stepping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaFKo8LbevSoXHHAV5y-Ah6itQdlm8TTpx2DOwzpopU8URLNaRtlbTYeFqy9mZKa-CZth1Ig9FVDF_Mgr-JAeobXJ_zJMNcSpEf_J_uriYeO2uKxgG0FpBLofuvr92n4kL-PgymK0zl0b/s1600/albania+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaFKo8LbevSoXHHAV5y-Ah6itQdlm8TTpx2DOwzpopU8URLNaRtlbTYeFqy9mZKa-CZth1Ig9FVDF_Mgr-JAeobXJ_zJMNcSpEf_J_uriYeO2uKxgG0FpBLofuvr92n4kL-PgymK0zl0b/s1600/albania+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President George W Bush visited Tirana in 2007. Being the first US President to visit Albania, he got a street named after him for making the trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVVApM3XnEM7NHKNtDJM8zXzM9HE2i7CRfiOe1NGmOtzscc5codBoUqNG34tUKCP3N2Pz55FWRMGmkLhgUU9JXOCU16zmflRz3hiNoId0wuOo6fXYpznUgqdoR9JqEvmeEtEmFNwxHDdm/s1600/albania+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVVApM3XnEM7NHKNtDJM8zXzM9HE2i7CRfiOe1NGmOtzscc5codBoUqNG34tUKCP3N2Pz55FWRMGmkLhgUU9JXOCU16zmflRz3hiNoId0wuOo6fXYpznUgqdoR9JqEvmeEtEmFNwxHDdm/s1600/albania+21.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Shetitorja Murat Toptani, there was a sign advertising a "Children's Cultural Center". We think this playground was it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAz-BB8v1ICwLLMwoFKR4-S97BlJLd0iMlABsqgiEkZJid67uYjpC7bKUWhI8akQO8sgViGz9KbW-Ydm25i1X8d26x3sZmTE0TExFsm0Ki57OPDHHesBRxkWCAAhYxra-nUObJl6eeKFn/s1600/albania+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAz-BB8v1ICwLLMwoFKR4-S97BlJLd0iMlABsqgiEkZJid67uYjpC7bKUWhI8akQO8sgViGz9KbW-Ydm25i1X8d26x3sZmTE0TExFsm0Ki57OPDHHesBRxkWCAAhYxra-nUObJl6eeKFn/s1600/albania+26.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral beautifully lit up at night. In 1967, religious practices were officially banned in Albania, making the country the first and only constitutionally atheist state to ever exist.<b> </b>After the fall of communism, in 1991, religious activities were free to resume.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
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February 14th</b> was Valentine's Day and we thought we finally found a country outside of Hallmark's reach. No sign of the holiday here except for a couple florist shops that seemed to be brimming with flowers, somewhat heavy on the red roses. <br />
<br />
Vincent and I set out to see the Et'hem Bey Mosque which closed to tourists at 11am. I think this was my first visit to a mosque. We were greeted at the entrance with a kind man who spoke English and we were told to remove our shoes before entering the building, which I could see would be a bit tricky in the rain. I was also reminded to put a scarf over my head. My Scottish purple woolen scarf would serve the purpose. There was an outer room and an inner room to the mosque. Just outside the inner room was an electrical board showing the times the five required daily prayers would be held. It looked like the times varied each day, depending on the sun. There's the dawn prayer, 2 hours before sunrise. Then the noon prayer when the sun is just declining from its highest point. Then the afternoon prayer which is 3-4 hours before sunset. This is followed by the sunset prayer, just after sunset. Finally, there's the night prayer which is held after the twilight leaves the sky.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3HaevOjzgZf07IsEbOAI5-VjrwzNZ3MijTuBLGvf9pVUKP1e9fTV3D1uzkB8mkS0TZLk5Ek7aKIWuHsX1Sh-rhUxF9QBIdCzJyBP49eXo1dgOE6nVw5SqeBb0Qx4zAquemNg7Td4CIam/s1600/albania+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3HaevOjzgZf07IsEbOAI5-VjrwzNZ3MijTuBLGvf9pVUKP1e9fTV3D1uzkB8mkS0TZLk5Ek7aKIWuHsX1Sh-rhUxF9QBIdCzJyBP49eXo1dgOE6nVw5SqeBb0Qx4zAquemNg7Td4CIam/s1600/albania+22.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prayer hall: The prayer hall, also known as the "musallah", rarely has furniture.<br />
Opposite the entrance to the prayer hall is the "qiblah wall<i>" </i>(shown here), a "visually emphasized area". The qiblah
wall should be set perpendicular to a
line leading to Mecca. Usually in the center of the qiblah wall is the "mihrab", a niche or depression indicating the direction of
Mecca (also shown here). The mihrab is normally not occupied by furniture. A raised "minbar" or pulpit is located to the side of the mihrab for a khatib or some other speaker to offer a sermon (khutbah). The mihrab serves as the location where the "imam" (worship leader) directs the five daily prayers on a regular basis. During active prayers, congregants pray in rows parallel to the qiblah wall and thus arrange
themselves so they face Mecca. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX5OMKLSvmpqpjG7zp0HlqTtM7GChlt5QWtP9ztJMzN7NE9u1he5uS9Dp3DZGQYaY1l84mAc5rLhCnHYjCWPKt8DMCA81WWU53mIzJ4gzZepbJAWJabUVdBQBUd22dPPSOzxGQIVhKy3M/s1600/albania+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX5OMKLSvmpqpjG7zp0HlqTtM7GChlt5QWtP9ztJMzN7NE9u1he5uS9Dp3DZGQYaY1l84mAc5rLhCnHYjCWPKt8DMCA81WWU53mIzJ4gzZepbJAWJabUVdBQBUd22dPPSOzxGQIVhKy3M/s1600/albania+23.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction of the mosque began in 1789 by Molla Bey and was finished in 1823 by his son, Haxhi Ethem Bey. Closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship
in 1991, without permission from the authorities; about 10,000
people dared to attend and remarkably the police did not interfere. The
event was viewed as a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJGL45tHJevH4hSv0sC49O69V38HdbtqcCC0MFKbQXskNAOig0wEfPzxCX1KzwRWcN6kfTvuCNODAV7oMuRZ8Re1L5A-m-y9ztSp_4uR871EOVJ5Zvrrkwhr5wuT5Ma3C6ycwzFzQ0XJX/s1600/albania+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJGL45tHJevH4hSv0sC49O69V38HdbtqcCC0MFKbQXskNAOig0wEfPzxCX1KzwRWcN6kfTvuCNODAV7oMuRZ8Re1L5A-m-y9ztSp_4uR871EOVJ5Zvrrkwhr5wuT5Ma3C6ycwzFzQ0XJX/s1600/albania+24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detailed frescoes cover the interior of the mosque. There's a balcony which can be used for worship. Even though women can technically worship with men, I suspect women may congregate up in the balcony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODWvF7b86T8btJJxNgAkffD5mKmqdfvdXkE5S2O_l7vNekvyHIwit8eP7M3vg3kLlE_n4jBWqMqwmwacmexfnE7d5XdWBHfQpoj2f_uvUKmQ_F7UiW1cSbHEcnoJfdZl81b3nTn2Kzi4M/s1600/ethem+mosque+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODWvF7b86T8btJJxNgAkffD5mKmqdfvdXkE5S2O_l7vNekvyHIwit8eP7M3vg3kLlE_n4jBWqMqwmwacmexfnE7d5XdWBHfQpoj2f_uvUKmQ_F7UiW1cSbHEcnoJfdZl81b3nTn2Kzi4M/s1600/ethem+mosque+1.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was 10:59 when I took this photo. The next prayer time would be held at 12:02.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After visiting the Et'hem Bey Mosque, Vincent and I returned to the apartment. The rain continued to pour down through the day and none of us were inspired to go outside and explore. I eventually took a nap; it was that kind of day. Vincent did some research and found that the <i>Lego Movie</i> was playing at 17:00. Given it was animated, I gave it about a 10 percent chance of being shown in English but those were good enough odds that both Paul and Sarah were on board with making the 30 minute walk to the cinema. James chose to stay behind in the apartment. On the way there I finally did see a sign of Valentine's Day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-cPccFXQlv2_Zgwi8ykWnL-1xv4z-G0tvHX6NGVU2ZimkR9VEkDiVbigD9QqbKwHruXFh_gvNqp1vXYhiOSxqLrbXqiv_ZqyMos5gEPqK3Fc-EtDzA-7TlR-0eoI_WbWPkFdmOwBIbYK/s1600/Tirana+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-cPccFXQlv2_Zgwi8ykWnL-1xv4z-G0tvHX6NGVU2ZimkR9VEkDiVbigD9QqbKwHruXFh_gvNqp1vXYhiOSxqLrbXqiv_ZqyMos5gEPqK3Fc-EtDzA-7TlR-0eoI_WbWPkFdmOwBIbYK/s1600/Tirana+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The western commercial Valentine's Day is indeed creeping into Albania. I saw a couple shops selling these "lovable" stuffed animals, plus a number of florists that seemed to have extra shipments of flowers.</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the cinema, we had a total win as the movie was in English. It's interesting visiting cinemas of different countries. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoFgkJGnROHBkeuzWDy0NU_igDPI7t9cdKO45gfkenfQ14WTS4GCOOquQx9aG69n0MEwOUeVo_j-sVE7JHOD9GB6hkeyrwcvQ55RFAPpoHT3WJy5kme8hUvdwA-M4KergMi2_IbdDfIB9/s1600/Tirana+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoFgkJGnROHBkeuzWDy0NU_igDPI7t9cdKO45gfkenfQ14WTS4GCOOquQx9aG69n0MEwOUeVo_j-sVE7JHOD9GB6hkeyrwcvQ55RFAPpoHT3WJy5kme8hUvdwA-M4KergMi2_IbdDfIB9/s1600/Tirana+4.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We asked for the biggest popcorn they had and this is what they gave us. So we ordered 4 of them. On the bright side, they sold beer and whiskey so that's an improvement that North American cinemas could adopt.</td></tr>
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On <b>February 15th</b>, we left our apartment in Tirana and made the drive to Sarande located in the south of Albania on the coast. The GPS indicated it would be a 4 1/2 hour drive, but given road conditions it ended up being more of a 6 hour drive. We stopped for lunch along the way and the kids encountered their first WC with no toilet; just a porcelain hole in the ground. I expected we'd find more of those as we progressed towards Turkey. Sarah also noticed a man bringing two cows heads into the restaurant kitchen, dripping blood on the way in; we could follow the blood trail as we exited the restaurant. I was beginning to think a good tag line for Albania would be "expect the unexpected".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpr3UMi0lSNfZYPLRvChtmg9fL5ReOJUuJ3ueYIeeLgRi2S_ZmG4zApAgc8FyMb_XWOLpn_87-B1CxeR6gru60OyV0Bq0wGWRCooVCMeMphJtc9H_hu0G0oTsgOpzwvbIpeHYJw0PS-U8/s1600/Tirana+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpr3UMi0lSNfZYPLRvChtmg9fL5ReOJUuJ3ueYIeeLgRi2S_ZmG4zApAgc8FyMb_XWOLpn_87-B1CxeR6gru60OyV0Bq0wGWRCooVCMeMphJtc9H_hu0G0oTsgOpzwvbIpeHYJw0PS-U8/s1600/Tirana+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving along the Albanian roads was an adventure. Pot holes galore and, at times, the pavement would end for 50-100 yards for no apparent reason.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpydiTuL0xtHXuZmINb-LubGMaF2tMxv0o4WviRhesluGzkFBb66EUyJcO055GYXpgokZXv0UUxpXOvJJFEb9q4ceLlzLoTvgmDYCCGkpOp9dNcdGotULY4DCInw6N7EgyeEt5T_s6NqN/s1600/Tirana+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpydiTuL0xtHXuZmINb-LubGMaF2tMxv0o4WviRhesluGzkFBb66EUyJcO055GYXpgokZXv0UUxpXOvJJFEb9q4ceLlzLoTvgmDYCCGkpOp9dNcdGotULY4DCInw6N7EgyeEt5T_s6NqN/s1600/Tirana+8.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No sleeping at the wheel: There were many sharp hairpin turns with no barrier between the road and the cliffs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt_WhJwPxOJfG8CXZcF78i9pD_hd-VNAXMbfycxS3npP6FmbrHtxmDXFErSr42xKydIb-d_RZBYotZsLsjY-DaBBefelvhvJCfx47KBwqXRtDOhN-SJ8qFbMduRARRVKk6aONiCdHa3PY/s1600/Tirana+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt_WhJwPxOJfG8CXZcF78i9pD_hd-VNAXMbfycxS3npP6FmbrHtxmDXFErSr42xKydIb-d_RZBYotZsLsjY-DaBBefelvhvJCfx47KBwqXRtDOhN-SJ8qFbMduRARRVKk6aONiCdHa3PY/s1600/Tirana+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kastrati Group operates gas stations across Albania. <span style="color: #444444; size: 14pt;"><i>Kastrati</i> is an
Albanian surname and</span><span style="color: #444444; size: 14pt;"> is derived from the name of a tribe of the Malësi e
Madhe district in northern Albania. However, every time we drove by one of these, we couldn't ignore the similar term "Castrati", which refers to male singers who had beautifully high singing voices due to being castrated at an early age.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB1NvtwwNAjgE7nhIzMA4vtwu2mQj9jYxnmekHs6Ni9KtQHKH88YqF840rSJLGKYJbeuq8R-BQk_E7NZTbRhiLdHrskV-aO_-ILaUg7oOPdP6kHMryfgBG9Yd2ydVgDFhdf9D5hZbAXUA/s1600/albania+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB1NvtwwNAjgE7nhIzMA4vtwu2mQj9jYxnmekHs6Ni9KtQHKH88YqF840rSJLGKYJbeuq8R-BQk_E7NZTbRhiLdHrskV-aO_-ILaUg7oOPdP6kHMryfgBG9Yd2ydVgDFhdf9D5hZbAXUA/s1600/albania+27.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We again encountered the hazard of livestock on the roads. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzc2rIpteLyTQx1yofCLXP6GNRLrwSPWwnX-Z_js_aPDk8uZxQ2XNeYEsgOC2dCugdgBiuK2JFd9D3jSOZHRKsPTznrkUVRYPdBw-SYBgoY1nIaWGZyO3i9XaglujPvnGFkElIQwF6WAQ/s1600/albania+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzc2rIpteLyTQx1yofCLXP6GNRLrwSPWwnX-Z_js_aPDk8uZxQ2XNeYEsgOC2dCugdgBiuK2JFd9D3jSOZHRKsPTznrkUVRYPdBw-SYBgoY1nIaWGZyO3i9XaglujPvnGFkElIQwF6WAQ/s1600/albania+29.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More congested traffic en route: We noticed that the career of "shepherd" is still alive and well in Albania.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnRrbHX4EeVzeRwdquvUW4lso3-UrEq7KB5RuPv5vCKG59YCIQxTMYsmamaDnG0KupHgNNCBYwoQXSuvoesjq1KSxt2hggO7Dv8AE9UvHUAxZ4jRxeffZenbm76ebvVZcPSDb3FUPgydH/s1600/albania+28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnRrbHX4EeVzeRwdquvUW4lso3-UrEq7KB5RuPv5vCKG59YCIQxTMYsmamaDnG0KupHgNNCBYwoQXSuvoesjq1KSxt2hggO7Dv8AE9UvHUAxZ4jRxeffZenbm76ebvVZcPSDb3FUPgydH/s1600/albania+28.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once we got away from the shoddy buildings of Tirana and some of the villages en route, we could really appreciate the Albanian landscape which was
very mountainous and beautiful, especially along the coastal drive.</td></tr>
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It was about 18:00 when we finally reached our Hotel Olympic (€45) in Sarande. Since we arrived after sunset, we so appreciated that our GPS was still providing accurate maps. <br />
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On <b>February 16th</b>, we woke to one of the best days we've had since leaving London. Yes, it was that good. Clear blue skies with temperatures in the high teens and a breathtaking view of the Adriatic/Ionian Sea (Sarande's right on the border of the two seas).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWeDB9JTZZT9hMUMcfvseLzZrMMrY2ELxe5K2xEnMyVWWJRqsn2PcryhVDRy7xRqFVW8AlLf7mgMsd5eDu-r8m27q1GRmpm1_8Lwfgd334P_z_QL_HAeiXiF4JkyxLoxjoNsINZOgr43m/s1600/sarande+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWeDB9JTZZT9hMUMcfvseLzZrMMrY2ELxe5K2xEnMyVWWJRqsn2PcryhVDRy7xRqFVW8AlLf7mgMsd5eDu-r8m27q1GRmpm1_8Lwfgd334P_z_QL_HAeiXiF4JkyxLoxjoNsINZOgr43m/s1600/sarande+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were greeted by this view on our balcony that morning. That's Corfu in the distance. No going to Greece this trip; it's in the Schengen zone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7cBl4Aciy0AcLQZCPwXe1eXoqtEFXTVgL4FCe4xVpsJ7ryMCRuj15fG55WN4mlPKm3erR7uIdplO8DHXP-d2sGBUt5rbc8DHpRqUKJxSRd-1dVcRpxDk7xB_kmq-nS1-nxX6GoVhWOVT/s1600/Sarande+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7cBl4Aciy0AcLQZCPwXe1eXoqtEFXTVgL4FCe4xVpsJ7ryMCRuj15fG55WN4mlPKm3erR7uIdplO8DHXP-d2sGBUt5rbc8DHpRqUKJxSRd-1dVcRpxDk7xB_kmq-nS1-nxX6GoVhWOVT/s1600/Sarande+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Albanian breakfast: We each were presented with a cup of coffee, a mug of tea, bread, hard-boiled egg, creamed cheese, butter, a stewed fruit (black cherries perhaps) and fig juice.</td></tr>
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We decided to drive to Butrint (Bouthroton), an archeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site which is ranked the #1 sight to see when visiting Sarande. There is evidence of inhabitants dating back to the 12th century BC. Butrint was in a strategically important position due its access to the Straits
of Corfu. By the 4th century BC it had grown in importance and included a
theatre, a sanctuary to Asclepius and an agora (gathering place). Around 380 BC, the settlement was fortified with a 870 metres long wall, with five gates enclosing an area of four hectares. In 31 BC, Emperor Augustus, fresh from his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, started the plan to make Butrint a veterans' colony. This was a year before Augustus's death and thereafter his son Julius Caesar completed the plans. The construction included an aqueduct, a Roman bath, houses, a forum complex, and a nymphaeum. During that era the size of the town was doubled.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I forgot the memory card to my camera when visiting Butrint; I took a few photos directly onto my camera's memory and when I find a cord that will allow me to download those pictures, I'll update the blog with them.<br />
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When we returned to Sarande, we parked the car and walked down to the promenade and beach and found a restaurant on the waterfront for lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEZu5Xu3VxzjhXdfzEMfzCm9MvkO5qG3b4MLPkWPlfo9o5zawCyz9Lf-qY5phwBypdD5EBXIoNAjKSjTypSX3pNcG46MgI7w3DufG5vbKfQgIpcUI1XhtrI8AdxEQW-ivxoMy7nB5SHCb/s1600/Sarande+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEZu5Xu3VxzjhXdfzEMfzCm9MvkO5qG3b4MLPkWPlfo9o5zawCyz9Lf-qY5phwBypdD5EBXIoNAjKSjTypSX3pNcG46MgI7w3DufG5vbKfQgIpcUI1XhtrI8AdxEQW-ivxoMy7nB5SHCb/s1600/Sarande+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bar Restaurant Limoni, where we had lunch.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEOOnPyroa1kXYbZTedycrrPqzw6hQxE9SklzV1CAW6_RTrxje7IprXVdTO3Fc8sUIV1GVzzIBj49lOLiLyLPB8R1JkiC-AGI1ek-ai_Ao3cshmFNpKoGQ-aHg_KxUxyWx3y-d__S53nq/s1600/Sarande+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEOOnPyroa1kXYbZTedycrrPqzw6hQxE9SklzV1CAW6_RTrxje7IprXVdTO3Fc8sUIV1GVzzIBj49lOLiLyLPB8R1JkiC-AGI1ek-ai_Ao3cshmFNpKoGQ-aHg_KxUxyWx3y-d__S53nq/s1600/Sarande+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiter, waiter! There's a langoustine in my soup!</td></tr>
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After lunch we walked along the promenade and found a playground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo94xx5k6esbNjLQASoIUjRhvFoCg3ZDtDHjXd9z1F1bsLbw1MgSFsD52hY8c6JwVdZHzfZvOk5yAm8ah9JVycB4w7kLvO9XfNUj643Iug5yVgJSkCupeUbSj6xqaeWRd8Lauz_nzBBeZ/s1600/Sarande+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo94xx5k6esbNjLQASoIUjRhvFoCg3ZDtDHjXd9z1F1bsLbw1MgSFsD52hY8c6JwVdZHzfZvOk5yAm8ah9JVycB4w7kLvO9XfNUj643Iug5yVgJSkCupeUbSj6xqaeWRd8Lauz_nzBBeZ/s1600/Sarande+4.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expect the unexpected in Albania: Just next to the restaurant, on the beach, this man caught an eel and was just starting the process of gutting it.</td></tr>
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We walked a bit further but there wasn't much to look at in terms of shops. Just a couple of tourist shops selling trinkets. Noticing the sun beginning to set, we walked back to the hotel in order to watch the sunset on our balcony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggljnFNBYZYXzHk71zDR8v3anw9CxbuL3rNfr-ZKzy5oVCk-2Ypc_OCPYKiVdcS2OWMlNxQ11DrPox0KYcy9UTwCCzv0sL4-YS0zN-tX50XZ3YXsE1wTn6uc3NfgBUXrqtFEs9TByC8puA/s1600/sarande+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggljnFNBYZYXzHk71zDR8v3anw9CxbuL3rNfr-ZKzy5oVCk-2Ypc_OCPYKiVdcS2OWMlNxQ11DrPox0KYcy9UTwCCzv0sL4-YS0zN-tX50XZ3YXsE1wTn6uc3NfgBUXrqtFEs9TByC8puA/s1600/sarande+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent enjoying the sunset while Sarah does homework.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr06ArE7_iRwVFpz8jFU2CwMUfYjAjM0wzKKS-RUCgUJqGqAw4fVdUIZCcEbsakdngvG-WRTzBmgukkOUDEEPGfBvcQ0670LVNyTarp1MMj_4D7dcz60-j-0cyW-7ZqI3UCOGfQhO63TrT/s1600/Sarande+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr06ArE7_iRwVFpz8jFU2CwMUfYjAjM0wzKKS-RUCgUJqGqAw4fVdUIZCcEbsakdngvG-WRTzBmgukkOUDEEPGfBvcQ0670LVNyTarp1MMj_4D7dcz60-j-0cyW-7ZqI3UCOGfQhO63TrT/s1600/Sarande+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With no cloud coverage, capturing a good sunset was difficult with my Fujifilm camera, but anyway here it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3mqR26YD-g_z7zu400FdwgyFHxQ4lKtE3ueKYbb22HdlnczI8Ey6qf7gNWV5Jz3vsvw6ziM4Lcmiu5bEO56SlvMP1p89guRQOwfIT_BHcbVyofyLQ6uvURcSq80URiysC_4hmS0BRsIF/s1600/Sarande+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3mqR26YD-g_z7zu400FdwgyFHxQ4lKtE3ueKYbb22HdlnczI8Ey6qf7gNWV5Jz3vsvw6ziM4Lcmiu5bEO56SlvMP1p89guRQOwfIT_BHcbVyofyLQ6uvURcSq80URiysC_4hmS0BRsIF/s1600/Sarande+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony looking south.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 17th</b>, we woke to another perfect sunny day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ-6gL8T0sU7oAxc4rTCPBdcrS_JcvT7_xC5z3oAw1AqgTUuwEzck5tKOXxK5w6OqNT9aIu-RyiBSad4FcaQ45ujKqCQXTBe4otQLoTFMNzm5ITYwGgdvK-GPbDrNj4LcegUNxf8-6yZf/s1600/albania+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ-6gL8T0sU7oAxc4rTCPBdcrS_JcvT7_xC5z3oAw1AqgTUuwEzck5tKOXxK5w6OqNT9aIu-RyiBSad4FcaQ45ujKqCQXTBe4otQLoTFMNzm5ITYwGgdvK-GPbDrNj4LcegUNxf8-6yZf/s1600/albania+30.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our balcony, we noticed that our neighbor was raising bees on his roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to visit Gjirokastra which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few examples of an
Ottoman merchant town surviving in the
Balkans. Once we arrived and parked we decided to first fortify ourselves with lunch so that we could make the climbs to various sights (as we so often do).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxceOJAEVAkGa4UaWgSTnyWLG2xeOSDlIh47VOm7ku6xBbP-B6Hvoze5PEgEkxngNhSs2kfKSzOjbIMguU7mVtdr8EEgcIV31IUBvq_QncpSLW76qDTxSDnK1AlDqC9LQ5U0Rq-nOTuohj/s1600/gjiro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxceOJAEVAkGa4UaWgSTnyWLG2xeOSDlIh47VOm7ku6xBbP-B6Hvoze5PEgEkxngNhSs2kfKSzOjbIMguU7mVtdr8EEgcIV31IUBvq_QncpSLW76qDTxSDnK1AlDqC9LQ5U0Rq-nOTuohj/s1600/gjiro.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping center of Gjirokastra's old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif49Dz9MBijoUdG0QgikdEpJbWOneFA-CCC1UyvVcZsSOgUGpCenuI9n4yZ8XI7k5oWb9I1slRZVbRKUTYTg2ar0SvmUYVc3hN3oH_MPdugYHv7jBBNTLKhh0hKgE742We_Df3xeGDZb81/s1600/gjiro+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif49Dz9MBijoUdG0QgikdEpJbWOneFA-CCC1UyvVcZsSOgUGpCenuI9n4yZ8XI7k5oWb9I1slRZVbRKUTYTg2ar0SvmUYVc3hN3oH_MPdugYHv7jBBNTLKhh0hKgE742We_Df3xeGDZb81/s1600/gjiro+1.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by Gjirokastra's cold war tunnel which inspired a few defensive moves from Paul. Not sure what James is plotting; maybe keeping warm over an imaginary fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefqHIEK2foy7uE8BAcknUHEXKSKsZ53u9EZ55WA0fEcipCA63g5c-54IJ1QTftHAUW2nLKWspM7lDQgSy6Nm70fGM_76SaPJkLNSi79oGDtvXx05bR_4uWhDp3oAXhq2g5QqAxOyF9SpV/s1600/gjiro+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefqHIEK2foy7uE8BAcknUHEXKSKsZ53u9EZ55WA0fEcipCA63g5c-54IJ1QTftHAUW2nLKWspM7lDQgSy6Nm70fGM_76SaPJkLNSi79oGDtvXx05bR_4uWhDp3oAXhq2g5QqAxOyF9SpV/s1600/gjiro+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local sculptor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After another so-so meal, we started walking to the Zecate House (200 leke/person) which is viewed as the best surviving example of an Ottaman Tower House in the area.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOp5ClJyobo3GZNX5K4tSI05K6o-nteB5wOuUSk9k99oWXn13VqK3DFVENXxAwk94PT2ZAHH3A9bBBuXBFHldZ4d7hHwl-Z-sIccBCb_d8L45GTeRNOR3reEXEH1igByAZdfLnA3YOnkO/s1600/zekate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOp5ClJyobo3GZNX5K4tSI05K6o-nteB5wOuUSk9k99oWXn13VqK3DFVENXxAwk94PT2ZAHH3A9bBBuXBFHldZ4d7hHwl-Z-sIccBCb_d8L45GTeRNOR3reEXEH1igByAZdfLnA3YOnkO/s1600/zekate.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house, built in 1811-12, follows a typical fortified tower house (<i>kullë) </i>layout; it has a secure stone lower storey and is topped by a
wooden gallery where the principal rooms for an extended family are
located. Embrasures are set in the walls to help defend against
attacking enemies. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Zekate House has three floors; the ground floor contains storage rooms, a kitchen and the cistern. There is a central staircase which
winds upwards through the building. The first floor has two rooms that
were used as living quarters for branches of the family, while the second floor has a grand reception room and two other smaller rooms. The wooden floors in the upper levels don't seem very solid so tread carefully. One day, someone is going to fall through. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFYrdgm2Q8KghHKxV-Yyhh4Fcx-vvOGatUixtmamNZhZ6RxdTX3cpiaqS3rTHIygMSjvR7eUC9WCYFT35iI-R8ZPRulNaTqwyGZmNyJ_C-gJWg774bsZYuo4U5YPwJU26YeiWB-AyGxt4/s1600/zekate+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFYrdgm2Q8KghHKxV-Yyhh4Fcx-vvOGatUixtmamNZhZ6RxdTX3cpiaqS3rTHIygMSjvR7eUC9WCYFT35iI-R8ZPRulNaTqwyGZmNyJ_C-gJWg774bsZYuo4U5YPwJU26YeiWB-AyGxt4/s1600/zekate+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the living quarter rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ha4PfOAH_HO6mw7jPKZCQO01gtp2gR7araOl3Tfx46-bxxMAigjjSACObybd3TjENOSP2nJWW70CIHkUYbNiGb7xqif7M_eoW71pACjCSZDL65CLvnLqlA37S_c9fe2Us23AY0FhODZs/s1600/zekate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ha4PfOAH_HO6mw7jPKZCQO01gtp2gR7araOl3Tfx46-bxxMAigjjSACObybd3TjENOSP2nJWW70CIHkUYbNiGb7xqif7M_eoW71pACjCSZDL65CLvnLqlA37S_c9fe2Us23AY0FhODZs/s1600/zekate+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grand reception room on the second floor: This principal room is very typical with frescoed walls, a carved ceiling and an ornate fireplace. This
level would have been shared by the whole family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjftXyC7EwABwWpRwzSRjXf9WbmtKVfNq2tsWoPGxps21oSbS9gnuFN9J3dxANeAjCa-FgCDXzC-vJxOpHZ3wcmq-TJ0ZPyj9hbc5wdeHXEfRnwQkXKaJpEsz2xI5mTR6QZBf0lr3722Lk/s1600/zekate+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjftXyC7EwABwWpRwzSRjXf9WbmtKVfNq2tsWoPGxps21oSbS9gnuFN9J3dxANeAjCa-FgCDXzC-vJxOpHZ3wcmq-TJ0ZPyj9hbc5wdeHXEfRnwQkXKaJpEsz2xI5mTR6QZBf0lr3722Lk/s1600/zekate+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the wooden balcony overlooking Gjirokaster.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Zekate House, we walked back down to the old town and then up again over to the Gjirokastra Castle.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuMLXy5R7p7LMwVIaMADpo3Fdhda2pIHm4DcFyCDFdUUbOcbHjua-bOoAkh1oQdE8ChYj0NpLVEr9KvZ0Ch64vop-izKFAg2TY0QI9ph9WjOmLMneA_Aqrl4QsjQ8qan4f0sM_vqaIPDr/s1600/gjiro+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuMLXy5R7p7LMwVIaMADpo3Fdhda2pIHm4DcFyCDFdUUbOcbHjua-bOoAkh1oQdE8ChYj0NpLVEr9KvZ0Ch64vop-izKFAg2TY0QI9ph9WjOmLMneA_Aqrl4QsjQ8qan4f0sM_vqaIPDr/s1600/gjiro+castle.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle sits on a rocky bluff with the city stretching out around it. It
offers spectacular views of the Drino valley and surrounding mountains. Signs of the first fortress here are from the 5th or 6th century AD. Major fortifications were then built under the Despots of Epirus
in the 12th and 13th centuries. After the Ottoman conquest of the late
14th century, the most extensive improvements were made around 1490 by
Sultan Beyazid II.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QkPIVYcEXFbkEkPSFT7uj-rDxhg4a26zZR6sWkEIKZHhDNcKv3HbfP-fOpLw5XgTEq6dBesiP3bok1-3fytvuoldh31Plbd8kaHYuS3ttpHhkauMspETMi409P9eDJj_jWn_t0PDB_fw/s1600/gjiro+castle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QkPIVYcEXFbkEkPSFT7uj-rDxhg4a26zZR6sWkEIKZHhDNcKv3HbfP-fOpLw5XgTEq6dBesiP3bok1-3fytvuoldh31Plbd8kaHYuS3ttpHhkauMspETMi409P9eDJj_jWn_t0PDB_fw/s1600/gjiro+castle+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first area you see when you enter the castle is the Great Gallery; it housed the magazines, storerooms, bakeries and accommodation for the castle garrison. The gallery now houses artillery that was captured from occupying forces during WWII. There are German and Italian guns and mortars alongside examples from the Royal Albanian Army. A number of the "Italian" armaments are actually Austro-Hungarian pieces that were delivered to the Italians as reparations following WWI and an Italian "light tank" built by Fiat in ~1941-43.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycXfryynSRTkgdqXVLsEL127r3HdLn0KlXEcrGAfF65NJc4ZJDCj226NBnu_DZi7QvGcypH0UkwG-E5iVDTlWhLFMTefJn4sMIUTOn7G5BqsqvJvOHwPsjVAVrHk0qg_iPMZTtgPu_Ejk/s1600/gjiro+castle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycXfryynSRTkgdqXVLsEL127r3HdLn0KlXEcrGAfF65NJc4ZJDCj226NBnu_DZi7QvGcypH0UkwG-E5iVDTlWhLFMTefJn4sMIUTOn7G5BqsqvJvOHwPsjVAVrHk0qg_iPMZTtgPu_Ejk/s1600/gjiro+castle+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are remains of a US Air Force two-seater Lockheet T-33 "Shooting Star" Jet Trainer on the castle grounds. This plane was forced to land near Tirana in December 1957 after developing technical problems and running off course. The plane was exhibited in the National Museum of Armaments as an example of a "spy plane" and was made an example of the external threat against communism during the Cold War.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXyrSNAHmWxtaEDkMjipjAPshvV9Ei73ov2dOx__SWkMxFryQSFN6MWNnJtBAgpofn0vfyRlAmFrhekOIqUAMFBUqrenUIsk7XNpG-ckrLMVfSm8Rc5KiNdqoTkNiDGcS02EIpI9dq8l/s1600/gjiro+castle+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXyrSNAHmWxtaEDkMjipjAPshvV9Ei73ov2dOx__SWkMxFryQSFN6MWNnJtBAgpofn0vfyRlAmFrhekOIqUAMFBUqrenUIsk7XNpG-ckrLMVfSm8Rc5KiNdqoTkNiDGcS02EIpI9dq8l/s1600/gjiro+castle+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From 1811, the Ottoman governor, Ali Pasha of Tepelena, added many
elements to the castle including this clock tower on the eastern side. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmuqZxIKw1S-rHQPUK04vz6iBv_ZjIIhF9b3lKbE35liZkyyRmj84gFblMKjdYX5RncmOkiKEo097bwudXsGliMxcknXuKCGf4-kexRS63oHOOd83zAtM45fxAks5WK8yM8jvWbTuNDBL/s1600/gjiro+castle+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmuqZxIKw1S-rHQPUK04vz6iBv_ZjIIhF9b3lKbE35liZkyyRmj84gFblMKjdYX5RncmOkiKEo097bwudXsGliMxcknXuKCGf4-kexRS63oHOOd83zAtM45fxAks5WK8yM8jvWbTuNDBL/s1600/gjiro+castle+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali Pasha
completed fortifying the full area of the bluff. He also built
an aqueduct to bring water to the castle from a distance of over 10 km
from the surrounding mountains. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the castle, we got in the car again to drive to Syri i Kaltër (the Blue Eye) which is a clear blue water spring found on the main road between Sarande and Gjirokastra. It is the initial water source of the Bistrice River that ends in the Ionian Sea south of Sarande. The spring is at least 50 meters deep (that is as far as divers have descended) and the color of the water is an exquisite turquoise.<br />
<br />
When we parked the car, Vincent and the boys headed off toward the Blue Eye while I was held back by Sarah who didn't want to walk anywhere to "just see blue water". Frustrated, I told Sarah to stay back at the car and proceeded to walk on my own to the bridge (by a hotel) that one
crosses in order to see the Blue Eye. As I neared the hotel, two dogs
sheepishly approached me. I looked at them and kept walking at a steady
pace. One of the dogs, quickly circled behind me and bit me hard on the calf of
my left leg. Fortunately I was wearing jeans, but even at that the bite
of the 4 canine teeth pierced my skin through the denim. It hurt! This was a dog that
lives/hangs out at the hotel. One of
the men at the hotel poured vodka on the wound and gave me a glass of
water. (I would have preferred a shot of vodka.) He told me the dog was "vaccinated". (Man, I hope he's telling
the truth.) Albania: Expect the unexpected.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuEwKqrgMDo3mXpj5M9Z4Leifqi0EijJgpyNfKTb-QlYpBT1e7VtKb9sls9KXHGEYtBZGMQeGWDzoyttICgPxR-XfDEzjO1ZFZP1aq9EmrAD8emza13dh1ha39GP0_IASN8OyKubxdeq6/s1600/blue+eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuEwKqrgMDo3mXpj5M9Z4Leifqi0EijJgpyNfKTb-QlYpBT1e7VtKb9sls9KXHGEYtBZGMQeGWDzoyttICgPxR-XfDEzjO1ZFZP1aq9EmrAD8emza13dh1ha39GP0_IASN8OyKubxdeq6/s1600/blue+eye.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I asked Vincent to take these photos of the Blue Eye while I limped back to make sure Sarah was safely in the car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOicVAJZsjcHCLsR4tKbjzxDQXBtW2Oc4cm8Oc0s7hYqJD2LT2flANDtOzcbkV4f0YUJ1nrZ9e4i24_zQUbD8YuLCN3mOhDENcPmkCH6Ir_Cfv9uW8V8vOpYxOlkN5vNsu5jgFzB2X9ss0/s1600/blue+eye+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOicVAJZsjcHCLsR4tKbjzxDQXBtW2Oc4cm8Oc0s7hYqJD2LT2flANDtOzcbkV4f0YUJ1nrZ9e4i24_zQUbD8YuLCN3mOhDENcPmkCH6Ir_Cfv9uW8V8vOpYxOlkN5vNsu5jgFzB2X9ss0/s1600/blue+eye+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely. Vincent also took a video of the water so it was almost like being there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we returned to the Hotel Olympia, Vincent and I both researched "rabies in Albania" and were relieved that there didn't seem to be reports of dogs having rabies. Nevertheless, we decided I should go to the hospital for, at a minimum, a tetanus shot and, if the doctor advised me to do so, a rabies shot (which would lead to a series of shots). The man who helps to run the hotel volunteered to go with us to help translate, which was extremely kind.<br />
<br />
The Sarande hospital was an experience. While I didn't relish going to a hospital and facing shot(s), I was interested in seeing a bit of the Albanian health care system. The hospital was certainly sparsely equipped. When I arrived, I was seen right away. A number of people, both staff and just lay people (seeming to be hanging out at the hospital) briefly discussed my injury. A doctor then came forward who could speak some English and reiterated that he knew no incidence of rabies in the area in the last 10 years since he'd been working at the hospital. He advised I get a tetanus shot, which is what I did. The hospital didn't have a rabies vaccine anyway which hopefully was a positive sign that they aren't needed. During this visit, there was no discussion of cost or credit checks or request for payment. Forty-five minutes later we were on our way back to the hotel. Hopefully I won't turn out to be the "first on record" to contract rabies in Albania. I guess if I finish this blog and our year long trip, the reader can ascertain that it all worked out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKbHgotDXJHg6gQKGDz1qjJdcJurW4b6nGUb8r7dxr-YFBiKV3OZ4-0aR5D8aKP11HQ7CUXdyvf3ticAYrkfSZdCSXv7d3jbLkHgZLrnxHCA-938gemPuG6kZMszEw2QayKv9LwoKRAAj/s1600/hospital+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKbHgotDXJHg6gQKGDz1qjJdcJurW4b6nGUb8r7dxr-YFBiKV3OZ4-0aR5D8aKP11HQ7CUXdyvf3ticAYrkfSZdCSXv7d3jbLkHgZLrnxHCA-938gemPuG6kZMszEw2QayKv9LwoKRAAj/s1600/hospital+.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarande hospital waiting area: We had to wait about 30 minutes after my tetanus shot to ensure there was no adverse reaction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 18th</b>, we packed up our car again and left the Hotel Olympia. Despite the dog attack, I was sorry to leave. The hotel staff were extremely personable and helpful and I enjoyed the area. We had a long drive ahead of us through most of Albania.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7C1NDTZs1m9gu5QxtE_I90Lag0gYsWjM70lpriK2VtcoAhaWA05gLLpRp-iRqLVEZA_TwztQTMinRScpt4FAgtWQHcNsD6arGjQinnZm7Cy92i21CJI_8N0epq2fA_uz3LdG2zfyvnR/s1600/albania+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7C1NDTZs1m9gu5QxtE_I90Lag0gYsWjM70lpriK2VtcoAhaWA05gLLpRp-iRqLVEZA_TwztQTMinRScpt4FAgtWQHcNsD6arGjQinnZm7Cy92i21CJI_8N0epq2fA_uz3LdG2zfyvnR/s1600/albania+32.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving along, we saw lots of examples of unfinished buildings. Is this a staircase leading to heaven?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6dSUU5wyqRg4UsZFgXnqwslGfgbnK8D8HkF-tbxWij2zgUjvU7r2ylW79bph4XZ94DuVwJTU1r3rhcxsScXaJw7_59ZHZ_H16VaH7rv344MIyFAEEpapitliUn6ymLcOKiYb9q9ApYBP/s1600/albania+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6dSUU5wyqRg4UsZFgXnqwslGfgbnK8D8HkF-tbxWij2zgUjvU7r2ylW79bph4XZ94DuVwJTU1r3rhcxsScXaJw7_59ZHZ_H16VaH7rv344MIyFAEEpapitliUn6ymLcOKiYb9q9ApYBP/s1600/albania+33.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another building where they've finished the lower two floors with thoughts of adding upper floors at some point: We saw a few buildings that had fallen down due to poor construction; unfortunately I didn't have my camera ready when we drove by those.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAD6jTIJWmamkKoTyQ02bAQPxyx0MW7d-f_s4gnNfMtiWXww1qKfCSs3QXwjVzhG2QlmOkVSchR1Fwv01aGJHPMOoeSEZoaYATJpCc-d8xQmpKiGywOorXRYddT_iK5oT6J2O70gN_ObN/s1600/albania+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAD6jTIJWmamkKoTyQ02bAQPxyx0MW7d-f_s4gnNfMtiWXww1qKfCSs3QXwjVzhG2QlmOkVSchR1Fwv01aGJHPMOoeSEZoaYATJpCc-d8xQmpKiGywOorXRYddT_iK5oT6J2O70gN_ObN/s1600/albania+34.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albania constructed roughly 750,000 bunkers (nearly one to every four citizens) during dictator Enver Hoxha's 40-year reign in an effort to fend off a threat that never materialized. Many of these bunkers still litter the countryside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlLIQ5S2QFVbMm40Y0XmCD1L_s51z3Ub_DcN7xH8bea2FgE-D4Sp9DHoEv8Hbb6h32cqQISxXLKtPdLjG9nFpYRJgf5ril_5rP0wCOBoBWRGLwWumiXyNxyyJJ9G2mShtpeiVKoMDkpIw/s1600/albania+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlLIQ5S2QFVbMm40Y0XmCD1L_s51z3Ub_DcN7xH8bea2FgE-D4Sp9DHoEv8Hbb6h32cqQISxXLKtPdLjG9nFpYRJgf5ril_5rP0wCOBoBWRGLwWumiXyNxyyJJ9G2mShtpeiVKoMDkpIw/s1600/albania+35.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And speaking of litter, I gather Albania has substandard garbage collection (and maybe hasn't quite come to value the importance of a healthy environment) because we often found garbage dumped along the roadsides and even along the rivers and streams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While traversing Albania, the GPS sent us on a "secondary road" which was so poor and filled with pot holes that the kids, dog and I had to get out and walk so as not to damage the undercarriage of the car. We ended up walking about 3-4 miles. I felt transported back in time to about 1940.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k9roONXAxNLdP0mogS0Y6UcXiOilzMJxi21bFGUS2CfweTVLM1nnDSQpKEu0rj_l236nlXhz82cu6QF5rdFUVD46Y6ba0ieu9D4hI2fiZbW5jiMLNgqxnK_oeI-JiLUf1jwxMUJ-sCz9/s1600/albania+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k9roONXAxNLdP0mogS0Y6UcXiOilzMJxi21bFGUS2CfweTVLM1nnDSQpKEu0rj_l236nlXhz82cu6QF5rdFUVD46Y6ba0ieu9D4hI2fiZbW5jiMLNgqxnK_oeI-JiLUf1jwxMUJ-sCz9/s1600/albania+36.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trek on foot across Albania: Sarah was hot and felt compelled to do the topless thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ckF_e7rEYizU-xFYUHa9c0COEEUd-qKNymezpMMlvArSpqmdJWszVtY6qDZcSBzoFxLCS-0SL-l5NA30YvopPApv9Lq0bq5D5BNunP8EqXzjMZazSExuuBg5JFQVMt3Tl6Tlhcy6p8YS/s1600/albania+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ckF_e7rEYizU-xFYUHa9c0COEEUd-qKNymezpMMlvArSpqmdJWszVtY6qDZcSBzoFxLCS-0SL-l5NA30YvopPApv9Lq0bq5D5BNunP8EqXzjMZazSExuuBg5JFQVMt3Tl6Tlhcy6p8YS/s1600/albania+37.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Vincent had the stress of not destroying the Prius, the kids and I got to take in Albania's stunning scenery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN60OUaOM72bEmweOHthEZ4O1u9r3iW_GXGGkGjdQm-m2df_JWyD21zxphEm5rL8cPHmVzkL3ZG7NwSBTuJqq73IRjlQLynkdLs_PmsWyyrlCXxgTj3H-VOpy8Ayn03XWeMjkeKq9awLI/s1600/albania+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN60OUaOM72bEmweOHthEZ4O1u9r3iW_GXGGkGjdQm-m2df_JWyD21zxphEm5rL8cPHmVzkL3ZG7NwSBTuJqq73IRjlQLynkdLs_PmsWyyrlCXxgTj3H-VOpy8Ayn03XWeMjkeKq9awLI/s1600/albania+39.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the poor construction and sightings of garbage and there's no doubt the Albanian countryside is really spectacular.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsrWjLukVQbmtQaFy5YKqiIlWLqJr8jFieu3bcECnAge9Widacz0yLmbbAPRFG2FGxw2MUgzGKcEVtQwJDoHuh-uNOMaSt4SL3XyGa-kkeopc9tu3PqhQXASKqlOTqNGF6bXWJc4gLOja/s1600/albania+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsrWjLukVQbmtQaFy5YKqiIlWLqJr8jFieu3bcECnAge9Widacz0yLmbbAPRFG2FGxw2MUgzGKcEVtQwJDoHuh-uNOMaSt4SL3XyGa-kkeopc9tu3PqhQXASKqlOTqNGF6bXWJc4gLOja/s1600/albania+40.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, Vincent had his own challenges trying not to get stuck in the mud (glad we got those new winter tires) or rolling off the side of a hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We eventually reached the Albanian-Macedonian border more or less in tact and onto our next destination in Ohrid. I was glad we visited Albania. While I might not return to Tirana again, I thought Albania's coastal region was worth visiting. And the Albanian countryside is stunning. I think in another 30 years or so with some serious investment in infrastructure, Albania will get some real tourist attention.<br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-HodgesBowden2004_9-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buthrotum#cite_note-HodgesBowden2004-9"></a></sup> Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-38052632319964186452014-02-10T10:28:00.000-08:002014-02-11T07:22:53.769-08:00Croatia: The Dalmatian CoastOn <b>January 17th</b>, we left Roma Camping Village and drove across Italy to Ancona where we caught Croatia's state-owned Jadrolinje's, <i>Marko Polo</i>.
It would be another overnight journey, departing at 21:00 and arriving
in Split, Croatia at 07:00 the next day. This was another mostly empty
ferry boat and so we felt we had much of the ship to ourselves. Because
of the relatively short journey, Molly would be able to stay in the RV
and not have to face a kennel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOcZ2oYzamZ0WWsuT1eCQYMv0mn4VSnoC5z-eapR1q6rb2o87SVBN1vQgoPuCmvv0l_zSXbIyw75jhLbwOSyzNxp0xdYgOiwZO2BEdONNb2SvBhY0WdR6xx96DRoR8V5aho-5n-XWJUox/s1600/Marko+Polo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOcZ2oYzamZ0WWsuT1eCQYMv0mn4VSnoC5z-eapR1q6rb2o87SVBN1vQgoPuCmvv0l_zSXbIyw75jhLbwOSyzNxp0xdYgOiwZO2BEdONNb2SvBhY0WdR6xx96DRoR8V5aho-5n-XWJUox/s1600/Marko+Polo.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LandShark and the Prius (tucked behind) waiting to roll onto the Marko Polo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwunXBXecY_CtKZ1zCjyjuyYBlVLcEFXo1B3xURvNKdvozv4TWi80_y9B4D4xV01YE8wzn4QFjCM-dbpr-5upKTYbaZQ_bkzBNkDAh1KL71x5F2tuXwmhiE72A_k6XkpDWFniqB4tzknJn/s1600/Marko+Polo+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwunXBXecY_CtKZ1zCjyjuyYBlVLcEFXo1B3xURvNKdvozv4TWi80_y9B4D4xV01YE8wzn4QFjCM-dbpr-5upKTYbaZQ_bkzBNkDAh1KL71x5F2tuXwmhiE72A_k6XkpDWFniqB4tzknJn/s1600/Marko+Polo+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent had to
back LandShark onto the ferry. Not much clearance given with the slope
of the ramp and LandShark's tail. I remembered earlier in the trip when
Vince ruled out ferries because one had to "back on"; well here he was
doing it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7lrOhJGJskEUmNIHPJ2h1JDI_7Sfr2-aL5zU-ktY0Ij7t5hogNw3yFSkg1KMETWRs1s7GpRMbOTEGuj3vPJd6OMTkoHnBNqeZY3QGCenOCpF-iGz7hXKuiEx4_IU5X-t-3UGmixKm4_W/s1600/Marko+Polo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7lrOhJGJskEUmNIHPJ2h1JDI_7Sfr2-aL5zU-ktY0Ij7t5hogNw3yFSkg1KMETWRs1s7GpRMbOTEGuj3vPJd6OMTkoHnBNqeZY3QGCenOCpF-iGz7hXKuiEx4_IU5X-t-3UGmixKm4_W/s1600/Marko+Polo+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Vincent reverses LandShark perfectly into a very narrow spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we found our cabins, we went to the restaurant
for a bite to eat. Once served, it was clear we weren't in Italy
anymore. Gone were those amazing pastas. But the upside was that maybe
the weight gain would subside or, better yet, reverse.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9DJfLnKjdHRhaNWkiFH55j-XL_s6VfOfsNnR72Ynu7Knk1Oa5Vua1mDJk5T-QUMeH3mSTGTrMvFYd0YoYyovS47LtVkK_eGFYbIyycvRQcryFT7KrhF0cwnf6UuXXWFjVe4A6QF71h2n/s1600/Marko+Polo+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9DJfLnKjdHRhaNWkiFH55j-XL_s6VfOfsNnR72Ynu7Knk1Oa5Vua1mDJk5T-QUMeH3mSTGTrMvFYd0YoYyovS47LtVkK_eGFYbIyycvRQcryFT7KrhF0cwnf6UuXXWFjVe4A6QF71h2n/s1600/Marko+Polo+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you notice the happy expression of relief on Vincent's face, that he's no longer behind the wheel in LandShark?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 18th</b>, we arrived in
Split on schedule and disembarkation occurred without a hitch. And
"yay", Vincent and the kids got their passports stamped so they had
documentation of their exit from the Schengen zone.<br />
<br />
Our
destination, Camping Split (~€23/nt, with the winter long-term discount), turned out to be only a few kilometers from
the port and so we arrived before 08:00 and before the office even
opened. (The campground is not actually in Split, but is in <span class="st">Stobreč</span>,
a small town just on the southern edge of Split.) Vincent and I walked
around the campground and found it to be very nice. The owners were
undergoing many improvements and, when done, would be outstanding. The
campground itself sits right on the beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea
and so I could imagine it being extremely popular in the spring, summer
and fall. But here we were in winter and there was only one other
motorhome at the campground, which had over 200 pitches. The main reason
Vincent picked Camping Split was because they advertised "water,
electricity and chemical waste deposit at the pitch". When we looked
around however, none of the pitches had on-site waste disposal. There
must be a problem with English translation because we faced the same
issue at Roma Camping Village. Nevertheless, with further search, we did
find one pitch which would be big enough for LandShark where we could
reach the chemical waste deposit with an extension added to our waste
hose. The office manager thought we were a little odd in our choice
since it was the furthest pitch from the restaurant and showers but we
found a solution where I wouldn't have to deal with taking in slides and
moving LandShark to dump tanks while Vince and Paul were away. <br />
<br />
That afternoon, Vincent and I drove into Split to
look around. Our main mission was to find a bookstore and find a
Croatian phrase book/dictionary. I didn't know a word of Croatian and I
couldn't assume I'd get by speaking English. Vincent had ordered some
language material that he'd pick up when he and Paul went back to
California but for the next couple weeks, I had nothing. I noticed on-line that Split is the home to the third oldest
book store in Europe so we set the GPS to that location and off we went.
The kids all decided to stay in LandShark; Paul and James would study
and Sarah was happy playing at the various playgrounds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRA7DYVA15DxNEoX2UlVjkZRPSXpQFpcef8k-phvFvduqi9zP1bnEAR2gWsLcExb7g59_1o7RLbm7drFAEsOaGcXLxpi06td9zenEJ_6J5Auvqh_lteGIxBYsKLt8MMGSy4h5bNB95pId/s1600/Split+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRA7DYVA15DxNEoX2UlVjkZRPSXpQFpcef8k-phvFvduqi9zP1bnEAR2gWsLcExb7g59_1o7RLbm7drFAEsOaGcXLxpi06td9zenEJ_6J5Auvqh_lteGIxBYsKLt8MMGSy4h5bNB95pId/s1600/Split+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archaeological
research suggests that Split dates back to the 4th century BC when it
was the Greek colony of Aspálathos. The "old town" of Split today is
absolutely lovely. Palm trees line the promenade that overlooks the
Adriatic Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aOSr3MPrPYqsezgPvAMqCut8LfUt5qOaeUr0E1krI8lz1x6CXn3tlR6ZVkfyjqZ-ZIw_5vLxj4xYerkC-lHa-3kcl-nfSUR-Ex5vhXk0ScfTnB8ckHkTlj4jBDMUEtqQPQrEwyEVWpoG/s1600/Split+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aOSr3MPrPYqsezgPvAMqCut8LfUt5qOaeUr0E1krI8lz1x6CXn3tlR6ZVkfyjqZ-ZIw_5vLxj4xYerkC-lHa-3kcl-nfSUR-Ex5vhXk0ScfTnB8ckHkTlj4jBDMUEtqQPQrEwyEVWpoG/s1600/Split+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through a Diocletian Palace wall passageway out to the sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzjLuWhHnxiKBBE4qFECCfs30C5Y9rg2U7qYNmEoeaMCy2VQmbIZ44suDcx0vMDh1y92QlbWTsOI24B66BNpeIuNIbChYZz7nMJ_5mKiK_vU1T1gv9kiONyZKXuPWil-zeWqse-YAAH9X/s1600/Split+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzjLuWhHnxiKBBE4qFECCfs30C5Y9rg2U7qYNmEoeaMCy2VQmbIZ44suDcx0vMDh1y92QlbWTsOI24B66BNpeIuNIbChYZz7nMJ_5mKiK_vU1T1gv9kiONyZKXuPWil-zeWqse-YAAH9X/s1600/Split+5.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founded
in 1860, the Morpurgo bookstore is the 3rd oldest bookstore, still in
its original location, in Europe. By the time we reached the store, it
had closed. We found that stores generally close between 13:00-14:00 on
Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4BjP4g6vzx6989vwOGtYFTwxgmEoQmTf_0VnwXEAoMwPbGLrZNQ62q3YAtQQVzHOrej968F7WKUX3ExsqghZaLcf9JzXytStAfamph4fVnHBglC-D9qMGSWjdemLy1r6YU4e1_tbT2O7/s1600/Split+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4BjP4g6vzx6989vwOGtYFTwxgmEoQmTf_0VnwXEAoMwPbGLrZNQ62q3YAtQQVzHOrej968F7WKUX3ExsqghZaLcf9JzXytStAfamph4fVnHBglC-D9qMGSWjdemLy1r6YU4e1_tbT2O7/s1600/Split+7.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue
of Marko Marulić (1450-1524) who was a nobleman and Croatian national
poet: Because of his law practice and serving as a judge, he became the
most distinguished person of the humanist circle in Split.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJtmZ_ES4grqcRsSDM_wIGk2CCeNqM1OAhlSi3i_FIJXNtlS8KpR2OJuZFU6Y0wm1ttN-cMWuZcAhmTeln7qZ7HxURsgDPmrHi9vSadO7nU5W2BgCf8ncqy1Jscf5Iy_DmiyxWmwyyU4K/s1600/Split+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJtmZ_ES4grqcRsSDM_wIGk2CCeNqM1OAhlSi3i_FIJXNtlS8KpR2OJuZFU6Y0wm1ttN-cMWuZcAhmTeln7qZ7HxURsgDPmrHi9vSadO7nU5W2BgCf8ncqy1Jscf5Iy_DmiyxWmwyyU4K/s1600/Split+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St Domnius.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGl-ZKh-bEbTArqBYG5A-l_GVPCa6fZp2gUBtlm3K9mHn-8s4dN5ZIrEiP6fUab7NBJ7NCXnbz5BFzGeEHp9NROwx_mxtdPIMp0yaOVdup6GQdzvtvF4vmyzuLGhcqpf8HIuSFXmyAWUj/s1600/Split+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGl-ZKh-bEbTArqBYG5A-l_GVPCa6fZp2gUBtlm3K9mHn-8s4dN5ZIrEiP6fUab7NBJ7NCXnbz5BFzGeEHp9NROwx_mxtdPIMp0yaOVdup6GQdzvtvF4vmyzuLGhcqpf8HIuSFXmyAWUj/s1600/Split+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town pedestrian walkways are beautiful, all lined in travertine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieztK3wxMaNnTB1jNaRf7-2yHfpSwCzrgtTS3oCAZKrtvfOI6vg0PoSch91vI7KBWHzAimjZLcFWoF7ITDYr38eHI91WZ84A_7t6NKTAY8NSawe-ZtScWP-V51e3fPw-3NmSemS5NzWWtv/s1600/Split+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieztK3wxMaNnTB1jNaRf7-2yHfpSwCzrgtTS3oCAZKrtvfOI6vg0PoSch91vI7KBWHzAimjZLcFWoF7ITDYr38eHI91WZ84A_7t6NKTAY8NSawe-ZtScWP-V51e3fPw-3NmSemS5NzWWtv/s1600/Split+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here,
we took a break at the Trg Republike to enjoy a bit of the afternoon
sun. The sea can (barely) be seen at the end of the piazza.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
we returned back to Camping Split, we arrived just in time to catch a
glimpse at the lovely sunset. We were optimistic that this was going to
be a super place to spend the next few weeks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExEbGIsG69xDgbC6mkdP2CaJuaogJEIhA9AvEfYp-FxjVVHPV_W-UeIOkrNyc6jtz8y5FS8bctANnDSIoxcNgDOXbEiROPriGBhfCVjL-4lwVeMZzvh_JelEkHlkBeKlD1ny7bqI38KKa/s1600/Camping+split+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExEbGIsG69xDgbC6mkdP2CaJuaogJEIhA9AvEfYp-FxjVVHPV_W-UeIOkrNyc6jtz8y5FS8bctANnDSIoxcNgDOXbEiROPriGBhfCVjL-4lwVeMZzvh_JelEkHlkBeKlD1ny7bqI38KKa/s1600/Camping+split+3.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the campground diving platform.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>January 19th</b>
was spent at Camping Split. Vincent finalized everything he needed to
do to prepare for his and Paul's trip to the US. Paul focused on
practice tests while James and Sarah did some school work and spent time
playing around the campground. We had dinner at the onsite restaurant, <i>Horas</i>,
which was okay, but not as good as <i>Ciao Bella</i> back at Camping Village Roma. <br />
<br />
On <b>January 20th</b>,
Vincent and Paul finished packing and then Vincent drove LandShark to a
nearby petrol station to fill up the LPG. With the warmer weather I was
hopeful that we could get through the 12 days on one tank. At 13:30, I
drove Vincent and Paul to the Split airport. It had a new, modern
terminal building which seemed rather large for the 7 flights that
depart each day. I expect there are a lot more flights coming through in
the summer and perhaps, with Croatia just joining the EU in 2013, the
airport planners were anticipating higher a volume of traffic in the coming years.<br />
<br />
On the return drive, I noticed signage for a Cineplex and so took a detour and followed signs to Split's "City Center One"
mall. I parked and went inside to find a very modern shopping mall that
included a Cineplex theater. As luck would have it, foreign movies in
Croatia are shown in the original language with Croatian subtitles. (But
animated movies are dubbed because children generally can't read as
fast as the dialogue is projected, so Sarah would be out of luck.) I
took a look at what was playing and made plans to return that evening
and catch a film.<br />
<br />
On <b>January 21st</b>, James,
Sarah and I went into Split. We walked around the old town, looked at a
couple book stores and walked along the harbor. We also tried some
pastries at a couple of bakeries. Being off-season, there really isn't a
lot to do. There is only one children's museum in all of Croatia and it
just opened in October 2013 in Rijeka which is about 400 km from Split.
I suspect any museum we do get into will be low tech with little
English translation so probably won't be a crowd-pleaser for kids. <br />
<br />
On <b>January 22nd</b>,
Sarah, James and I drove to the Krka National Park which was just about
an hour's drive from Split. While the various boat trips at the park
wouldn't be running, there was a walking trail that had good reviews.
Off season my entrance fee was only 20 kunar (10 kunar for children)
whereas in high season entry would be 90 kunar. I'm so glad we went
because the educational trail was on a wooden walkway, much of it
over rapids. I'd never been on a path like it. It was fabulous. Someone
on-line wrote, "Be prepared to take lots of photographs". They were
right. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_hGzPc49fXwb7efFKnMoYcDDwmy_0fHYZUHdB3lBie8K4yPZtpPpy_OT7WwlSa0bEcSaKkx_IZNYd3jUaEM8gXqeCvteBrmw6P2SzLeE6PvI5tqKgB_v4wGWbZ37sAxkOX8Iq2nhL_FJ/s1600/krka+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_hGzPc49fXwb7efFKnMoYcDDwmy_0fHYZUHdB3lBie8K4yPZtpPpy_OT7WwlSa0bEcSaKkx_IZNYd3jUaEM8gXqeCvteBrmw6P2SzLeE6PvI5tqKgB_v4wGWbZ37sAxkOX8Iq2nhL_FJ/s1600/krka+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving down to the Skradinski Buk trail, one is treated to breathtaking views of the Krka River. It is 73 km (45 mi) long and its source is near the Croatia/Bosnia and Herzegovina border at the foot of the Dinara mountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoRIQ3L4UfnNgCnlVajUmEoSnThv6kq2Ehs4PpiD7XFCkkt9uH7fqLGUoA5lRVALI-qBOCCFbHU1lXENyYBZGXQIAuUNRIhVol_FuZNRSIOE3E_0_k7-yi_Y1uHW-ArtoTzdEoHZSZUzl/s1600/krka+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoRIQ3L4UfnNgCnlVajUmEoSnThv6kq2Ehs4PpiD7XFCkkt9uH7fqLGUoA5lRVALI-qBOCCFbHU1lXENyYBZGXQIAuUNRIhVol_FuZNRSIOE3E_0_k7-yi_Y1uHW-ArtoTzdEoHZSZUzl/s1600/krka+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the trail: Who is going to push whom into the water?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoBftmf7fE7bcjO0F_lZkqywztNZpfIbzUAC3aP_Gxc3LgRcZJm12w30ls55SmYYqAZusuZ1UdKBZG2hFvlemwDqyPt0iEM4Inpz12q0zLOraQnBRoR3yFsDmm9toIZaj4EQhplHLT9-P/s1600/krka+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoBftmf7fE7bcjO0F_lZkqywztNZpfIbzUAC3aP_Gxc3LgRcZJm12w30ls55SmYYqAZusuZ1UdKBZG2hFvlemwDqyPt0iEM4Inpz12q0zLOraQnBRoR3yFsDmm9toIZaj4EQhplHLT9-P/s1600/krka+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail around Skradinski Buk is just under 2 km long.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhahXPdCwc_VPS9cqmQhFo1lpK-iRKmQxocD8HEo23cHJYjvbkvg4y63TdYFgzxRjUA12x7Z4m4FcXaX3G1X7qlXqxW2aYQsJugXWuYFZihAE1IvYMylhN5ie5tW61usz0FsUvVrGjt4R/s1600/krka+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhahXPdCwc_VPS9cqmQhFo1lpK-iRKmQxocD8HEo23cHJYjvbkvg4y63TdYFgzxRjUA12x7Z4m4FcXaX3G1X7qlXqxW2aYQsJugXWuYFZihAE1IvYMylhN5ie5tW61usz0FsUvVrGjt4R/s1600/krka+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It must have been challenging constructing this walkway over the rapids and falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIf0cnaf7v5jLavHJTX3ZMMl315wQEU3PcBbd6RmY10M4BF3vdunHg5i3Y6H6SqHP9XZk4q9TcE6xmxs_ugqTRA8sX7GRUny3db5doJFDZNff5mPlwBuJ6Ycdzwhq2RO0qogiYQRIomjY/s1600/krka+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIf0cnaf7v5jLavHJTX3ZMMl315wQEU3PcBbd6RmY10M4BF3vdunHg5i3Y6H6SqHP9XZk4q9TcE6xmxs_ugqTRA8sX7GRUny3db5doJFDZNff5mPlwBuJ6Ycdzwhq2RO0qogiYQRIomjY/s1600/krka+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfalls were created by travertine barriers, islands and lakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nlHo4YC7SolUmdOShlURQkxgl0voEdzcS0BNAU3xRk7DYNBV8FVSXc15-Dv18XBsrr2UBBem91Hl-Zd-Jfzwk77pPn3fWRpaIjIzVunepmltDi6UoFVqMQlRKtVFrlx-UO2w3Pie2uSk/s1600/krka+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nlHo4YC7SolUmdOShlURQkxgl0voEdzcS0BNAU3xRk7DYNBV8FVSXc15-Dv18XBsrr2UBBem91Hl-Zd-Jfzwk77pPn3fWRpaIjIzVunepmltDi6UoFVqMQlRKtVFrlx-UO2w3Pie2uSk/s1600/krka+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice boards are placed around the trail describing the wildlife that
frequents this area. Many amphibians can be found in the lake and
wetland sections of the river; reptiles inhabit the thickets and rocky
areas while the river is habitat for many endemic fish species.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf_dN_gmvvA6NXKHvcAEHhAJcFawFmXQPQijbBnqNG6MSlhSfRl2c4PUdg3AKTWZoHrQYXO_ZBnCe4B1jh8JJvL1Y3X8I09LmFJrHfmt8CLv98pavXPpxDnMmMbzoMbN66euELemTOn2t/s1600/krka+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf_dN_gmvvA6NXKHvcAEHhAJcFawFmXQPQijbBnqNG6MSlhSfRl2c4PUdg3AKTWZoHrQYXO_ZBnCe4B1jh8JJvL1Y3X8I09LmFJrHfmt8CLv98pavXPpxDnMmMbzoMbN66euELemTOn2t/s1600/krka+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krka
National Park stands out for its exceptional wealth of flora and fauna.
To date, 860 plant species and subspecies have been identified in the
park area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJaSgA-L0Z-prP4i6RkViLy-t8aka2gzTOD2DyxurqpJ-CoG5XazjSay4ac91-UmROR85fe7x-0vaoe4gnby9CMc85bIy3eIC-FMQxmXHHfYUpGCXsI4Sd1w4LSe3X6x0uYeM0oGEQUqF/s1600/krka+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJaSgA-L0Z-prP4i6RkViLy-t8aka2gzTOD2DyxurqpJ-CoG5XazjSay4ac91-UmROR85fe7x-0vaoe4gnby9CMc85bIy3eIC-FMQxmXHHfYUpGCXsI4Sd1w4LSe3X6x0uYeM0oGEQUqF/s1600/krka+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Krka River is important for the spring and autumn bird migrations. Due
to the number of species found here, this is one of Europe's foremost
ornithological areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW7pvnjAyqBQBhnk1JI-RBTrH52_dG_Z_Ubho2ZZxommx2n1W2cMJ5okzg2pEfX0G-CCvDng_UIA5fIJiiXmC5__u1YYhsiV_W6dTlbw9thB6p5sGdqo_NM9fW-lV_lHd8_njM-5Dr8hI/s1600/krka+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW7pvnjAyqBQBhnk1JI-RBTrH52_dG_Z_Ubho2ZZxommx2n1W2cMJ5okzg2pEfX0G-CCvDng_UIA5fIJiiXmC5__u1YYhsiV_W6dTlbw9thB6p5sGdqo_NM9fW-lV_lHd8_njM-5Dr8hI/s1600/krka+9.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along
the river is the Krka Hydro Dam. This was the place of Croatia's first
hydroelectric dam and the second of its kind in the world. It was beat
out just by two days by the opening of the hydroelectric dam at Niagara
Falls, built by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse. The American dam
was put into operation on August 26, 1895 whereas the Croatian dam was
initiated on August 28, 1895. The Americans kind of cheated in order to
get the "first in the world" title; the transmission lines leading from
the Niagara power plant weren't completed until early 1896 so cities
weren't receiving power until then. The Krka dam however was sending
power to Šibenik in 1895.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we returned back to the campground, we arrived just in time to be treated to another incredible sunset.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNekTt_CU1IAwAS26ZJBvhyOgJAPajJ3RINSwcvmroOGmwKpe12Jv5mthqQ_rIo31fcfbH3j1_MZKBr2EnxP3LLvvdCqE-ucafsorubgLVgip1nSMpcYUjiUtsqlrO-jxPqPwGazXdxhF6/s1600/Camping+Split.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNekTt_CU1IAwAS26ZJBvhyOgJAPajJ3RINSwcvmroOGmwKpe12Jv5mthqQ_rIo31fcfbH3j1_MZKBr2EnxP3LLvvdCqE-ucafsorubgLVgip1nSMpcYUjiUtsqlrO-jxPqPwGazXdxhF6/s1600/Camping+Split.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beach front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5ueYlgBf0O2qXwx3QjWOuMicVjOmnDibSEXgWCvF2q67En5_QTqLM7YG1PPKOjzt2tANvqH0RaNcipaf2Q3nOd_RT_eyBtnl24TXZUCmR5leObuZ_tRBqsCCJx9iCQRWStPCwGBDaSsG/s1600/Camping+Split+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5ueYlgBf0O2qXwx3QjWOuMicVjOmnDibSEXgWCvF2q67En5_QTqLM7YG1PPKOjzt2tANvqH0RaNcipaf2Q3nOd_RT_eyBtnl24TXZUCmR5leObuZ_tRBqsCCJx9iCQRWStPCwGBDaSsG/s1600/Camping+Split+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2x9NAUyRvXnFavGsr_lxUIg3px2H_jqcZIgBVp0e0liG3ID44D02ucTDu913roJ4T8Jr157rkFHcry-Oc2pqlu5_aBHWpVYsCbgsqffbwiRzUdt3cRvXL0GFY1RGeF1TbFrchDeAzUs7/s1600/Camping+Split+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2x9NAUyRvXnFavGsr_lxUIg3px2H_jqcZIgBVp0e0liG3ID44D02ucTDu913roJ4T8Jr157rkFHcry-Oc2pqlu5_aBHWpVYsCbgsqffbwiRzUdt3cRvXL0GFY1RGeF1TbFrchDeAzUs7/s1600/Camping+Split+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking in every direction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 23rd</b>,
James, Sarah and I stayed at the campground in the morning. I was
determined to finish the "Roman Holiday Part 2" segment of the blog as
now "Croatia" was building up. The kids did school work and read and no
one was really in a rush to go anywhere. After lunch, it looked like the
expected rain would hold off so I decided that we should go to see the
fortress at Klis. The next few days were promising rain and Klis (and
the views) required a clear day.<br />
<br />
The Klis fortress is one
of the more significant fortifications in Croatia, due to its strategic
defense location. The Klis fortress was used for the last time for
military purposes during WWII from April 1941 to 1944 as a stronghold of
Italian and German occupation forces. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLMQwNJBB1CRSPouBSRIfcP2UK8x_NyJ-dkiZ2xjrijPbhRYR_TEJNsCSc8640gXkyCfn8EDnC-rYskaPgRly7QSj8fNlGayly2w0_RW6CzVrLQy59NACODfIXrs9-f6bCL7uItzJZnA9/s1600/Klis+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLMQwNJBB1CRSPouBSRIfcP2UK8x_NyJ-dkiZ2xjrijPbhRYR_TEJNsCSc8640gXkyCfn8EDnC-rYskaPgRly7QSj8fNlGayly2w0_RW6CzVrLQy59NACODfIXrs9-f6bCL7uItzJZnA9/s1600/Klis+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big attraction to the Klis Fortress is the view it affords. In this direction, Solin is down below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9W2iqtL6m7f-1G0PBnj3YkVfI9HeVoma4ovK22G0nr_4A7XeGOtTANlSIEz3vzdoXoOhdcJ0bLXWX2x4TG7Nn6sRDuwhLhm7fAics2bnjO5iJt9ISgl6dMSmqGVkiEHk9VUaDnVI58QY/s1600/Klis+2.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Fortress is mainly ruins now. There's a modest entry fee of 20 kuna for
adults and 10 kuna for children. The earliest records of the Fortress
are from the 10th century and state that the Fortress was held by the
Romans who were employing it to fend off the Avars and Slavs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sD6OoSRBf4ePr2fHh7yXrrNjyptyYHhLAlg4fT4QH37uCkyF5aFdJOyYWXX_rKOJ1SlkTS9VvDq0tH_11dAwNZvVejW34bQW2aazp9HpRXpHY9o6nx2X_O-X7Q4hAD8jv3KtQld8SIT_/s1600/klis+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sD6OoSRBf4ePr2fHh7yXrrNjyptyYHhLAlg4fT4QH37uCkyF5aFdJOyYWXX_rKOJ1SlkTS9VvDq0tH_11dAwNZvVejW34bQW2aazp9HpRXpHY9o6nx2X_O-X7Q4hAD8jv3KtQld8SIT_/s1600/klis+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At
the end of the 11th century, Klis fell under the rule of the
Hungaro-Croatian kings. One of them, Bela IV and his family used the
fortress as shelter during the Tatar siege in 1242. The most turbulent
time of the fortress's history was the beginning of the 16th century
during the great Turkish invasion to this area. The Turks were held off
for two and a half decades but when the leader of the defense, Petar
Kruzic, died in 1537, Klis fell under Turkish rule. In 1648, the
Venetian army managed to oust the Turks; Klis remained under the flag of
Venice until 1797 when it was then taken over by the Austrians. With
the exception of brief control by the French in 1805-13, the Austrians
controled Klis until 1918 when it, and all of Croatia became a part of
the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (which became the Kingdom of
Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and then Yugoslavia). </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi6Cvc_ik-a4UbrNLiR-SsMWE17dDbT9tGSAcGXkP6PfUmVoK5VPF4s_n-6jGpWzD5ZAnmRTxp9vRD74fwCrdBgEvN-wFIdhRo7EcdpMCpf2EGcb3CxaGHeMpJryoC-dvw2daS3eNYIu6/s1600/Klis+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi6Cvc_ik-a4UbrNLiR-SsMWE17dDbT9tGSAcGXkP6PfUmVoK5VPF4s_n-6jGpWzD5ZAnmRTxp9vRD74fwCrdBgEvN-wFIdhRo7EcdpMCpf2EGcb3CxaGHeMpJryoC-dvw2daS3eNYIu6/s1600/Klis+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One needs to tread carefully here: Uneven surfaces and no guard rails. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7P_jOd6LbsPJQnSZRTkcVzaRqdBCbFTzTpT-wnOyi8n2hXWb15Ru7eDhkr5spDf896cXcXeuRSExXRHZjGIsp7lD-5Y4B6SpCO4KHlbwjWbJG0-Qea26I7wnc3887ReKiGpt-DC7cq3H/s1600/Klis+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7P_jOd6LbsPJQnSZRTkcVzaRqdBCbFTzTpT-wnOyi8n2hXWb15Ru7eDhkr5spDf896cXcXeuRSExXRHZjGIsp7lD-5Y4B6SpCO4KHlbwjWbJG0-Qea26I7wnc3887ReKiGpt-DC7cq3H/s1600/Klis+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of St Vid which was built sometime before the Turks invaded Klis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F2mPoAquliYn0E1x8af_IcQyMLjIXDqc1wTGbe4AB8782Qot82V0_nJSmvQ0i-cUCOF1PKEuEJ6rTidV93ENxW5y7HjlxarVIiniAfTBJUrWrmU0D8YQUnX05s6v3oe7NjhK9jU3B5HB/s1600/klis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F2mPoAquliYn0E1x8af_IcQyMLjIXDqc1wTGbe4AB8782Qot82V0_nJSmvQ0i-cUCOF1PKEuEJ6rTidV93ENxW5y7HjlxarVIiniAfTBJUrWrmU0D8YQUnX05s6v3oe7NjhK9jU3B5HB/s1600/klis.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Split below. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlkYl8R7lbVM_UDsxyYF0grzhV2d9yEZAp1ZgCnkCnjevEMSvj3S4p91A4su3f1sNF5lS2Gs3o8lPCn5kT2E3tT669Py5Jn9Ub26-Hy4WcQjibLisHq0QphL3yEIGbbWzgwBOJCEcj5R/s1600/Klis+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlkYl8R7lbVM_UDsxyYF0grzhV2d9yEZAp1ZgCnkCnjevEMSvj3S4p91A4su3f1sNF5lS2Gs3o8lPCn5kT2E3tT669Py5Jn9Ub26-Hy4WcQjibLisHq0QphL3yEIGbbWzgwBOJCEcj5R/s1600/Klis+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
is not the place to have children running around unsupervised. Look at
this edge and the sheer drop below. No guard rail, nothing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 24th</b>,
we woke to rain and so no one was very motivated to "get out there". In
addition to doing homework, we made it a maintenance day, where we all
took showers and James and I emptied the black and gray water tanks.
Later in the afternoon, Sarah and I went to the main Split shopping mall
to look around and have dinner, while James was quite content to stay
back in LandShark. Split's "City Center One" shopping mall is very nice
and not unlike a North American mall. The one difference is lack of
a major food court. The mall had one restaurant, with about 15 tables, to serve the entire 3-story building.
Unlike North American malls that expect shoppers to eat every 30
minutes, the Croatian malls have very little focus on food. No wonder
everyone is thin. It's tough to find anyone overweight, let alone obese.
A major attraction to the City Center One is that it offers a child
care service, called <i>Kids' Jungle</i>, free of charge. Parents can drop off
their kids aged 3-12 for up to 2 hours so that they can go shopping.
I'd seen this service offered in Stockholm (Kista) but never anywhere
else. Sarah was keen to try it so I dropped her off for 45 minutes. When
I picked her up, she had a great time (even though she couldn't
communicate with the other kids) and was very vocal that she wanted to
go back there again.<br />
<br />
On <b>January 25th</b>, we drove to Omiš
which is about 25 km south of Split. We drove right along the coastline
and what spectacular views. The color of the water was that gorgeous
aqua hue and I envied the owners of the sailboats we saw moored along
the way. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnUMcSUK3ilibeKfk46nW5Yq8DqulAtwY7urMlt2vvFWBL195LGMG3ethKqy6or1_ke939cfn0ljCf1wV0bpqtUSQ79PSsjzNZHJMoIUZXtECyffDdIF0uzxbIMpmyRwsTtRHwfkMckAI/s1600/Drive+to+Omis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnUMcSUK3ilibeKfk46nW5Yq8DqulAtwY7urMlt2vvFWBL195LGMG3ethKqy6or1_ke939cfn0ljCf1wV0bpqtUSQ79PSsjzNZHJMoIUZXtECyffDdIF0uzxbIMpmyRwsTtRHwfkMckAI/s1600/Drive+to+Omis.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastline on the drive towards Omiš.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had no real objective at Omiš other than to find lunch and hopefully
climb to reach one of the fortresses there. The two main ones above the
town are Fortress
Mirabella and Fortress Starigrad. Then there is Fortress Visuc a couple
kilometers from Omiš. After lunch we set out to find a road or path up
to Fortress Starigrad. We drove along the emerald-green Cetina River,
which cuts right through Omiš to reach the Adriatic Sea,
hoping to see a sign and ended driving up the mountain complete with
hairpin turns. James was a bit nervous and finally appreciated the
purpose of those handles placed inside the car, just above the car door.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8Eyd__I2Cq9ij2bbKtmEfYSvUwmmEa_IaFQyroSCCt4uNDbXMa_UDporgtv5g-ElkvfP8Ele_Vc8Ihy0vYjWy8_AzE2u3eJ1BbZ1u7z5k7mwAwKZhyphenhyphen0Qdh7IQbR1u2_X30_GBPU60aDl/s1600/omis+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8Eyd__I2Cq9ij2bbKtmEfYSvUwmmEa_IaFQyroSCCt4uNDbXMa_UDporgtv5g-ElkvfP8Ele_Vc8Ihy0vYjWy8_AzE2u3eJ1BbZ1u7z5k7mwAwKZhyphenhyphen0Qdh7IQbR1u2_X30_GBPU60aDl/s1600/omis+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cetina River: It's source is in the northwestern slopes of the mountain Dinara and it flows a distance of 105 km to the Adriatic Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaFj_Ifnj-LcDZMgh0AL8d_DoNB5ROpNlTkSf73WROD8f4XDSBuTHQfeJfmE72Rbw1fxY4VPGBEo2EUVZc_tBNlX9z6IjjA916Ds0StqcMWLEFoEXkTLCKpbblNlw0wsm5OfjK3dwL6pi/s1600/omis+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaFj_Ifnj-LcDZMgh0AL8d_DoNB5ROpNlTkSf73WROD8f4XDSBuTHQfeJfmE72Rbw1fxY4VPGBEo2EUVZc_tBNlX9z6IjjA916Ds0StqcMWLEFoEXkTLCKpbblNlw0wsm5OfjK3dwL6pi/s1600/omis+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the ascent up the mountain to find a fortress. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a6K_vRpQTCEHgCk71MvXdOPtnv5s25EoYmXR10LLj6L4WOVt_SLhCfEkNRZjV3LYRXoN6d7-ROnJkBFe8uE521enEsgCNnjv7_5ESIRWU-VqJjX9gkQ6rNRuBfeqTPOQQhk-Li4Rcduf/s1600/omis+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a6K_vRpQTCEHgCk71MvXdOPtnv5s25EoYmXR10LLj6L4WOVt_SLhCfEkNRZjV3LYRXoN6d7-ROnJkBFe8uE521enEsgCNnjv7_5ESIRWU-VqJjX9gkQ6rNRuBfeqTPOQQhk-Li4Rcduf/s1600/omis+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We
drove up past the village of Podaspilje. It would be tough "running out
of milk" up here; a trip to the grocery store is kind of a big deal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemRrfXRAG2UiGJNoQVaFRxLj1X3FYcO8Nqo8r9GuJ_vcOwmpNTiFZiSc4_rX5QB7kOOTOWnGTLiH-r8ThOl0Xer3p7xLkAIQ7slBR8JcdI2IaKJEd-ca5HLZ1wnJ-8ns2IjdRbSzzuUcV/s1600/omis+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemRrfXRAG2UiGJNoQVaFRxLj1X3FYcO8Nqo8r9GuJ_vcOwmpNTiFZiSc4_rX5QB7kOOTOWnGTLiH-r8ThOl0Xer3p7xLkAIQ7slBR8JcdI2IaKJEd-ca5HLZ1wnJ-8ns2IjdRbSzzuUcV/s1600/omis+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We drove up the mountain on the opposite side of Omiš
hoping to come across a fortress. This was a "white knuckle" drive for
James. We did apparently drive by the Visuc Fortress (or a sign for it)
but didn't see anything.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJTiexdcFlrDDujdUx8jHDaV35FFAtrUyT3krCbpbY5BBvu1nCtylGVUuul2eqrMv010Nt-MHylOuyy4VU44M7E7JyyeG-mIl9PcirrQKEy2k3W51nG6mb8HfRpFSkiJfGxfBaSAA2ifa/s1600/omis+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJTiexdcFlrDDujdUx8jHDaV35FFAtrUyT3krCbpbY5BBvu1nCtylGVUuul2eqrMv010Nt-MHylOuyy4VU44M7E7JyyeG-mIl9PcirrQKEy2k3W51nG6mb8HfRpFSkiJfGxfBaSAA2ifa/s1600/omis+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortress Mirabella: It can be seen from the center of town but we just couldn't find a way up there either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With
the sun setting, we decided to return to our campground. Sarah wanted
to return to the City Center One shopping mall; she wanted to ride one
of the faux ponies (see photo below) and wanted to see if she could get
into the kids <i>Kids' Jungle</i> center. James was fine with Sarah's agenda so
we headed off to the mall. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAnQiYC1s1Qc5Smm33y2224n2UNHHmO9dqh_RAnApdUwzM8zVIeGvLAGwZIhaHDGu5pOOENrX3L1vMyPyqq-FZ9CaVSDCiopkKyEqz1Gmd9JyAf5mc0bYEMOXPE2t2wi_b6qJl3N8h-WU/s1600/omis+sunset+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAnQiYC1s1Qc5Smm33y2224n2UNHHmO9dqh_RAnApdUwzM8zVIeGvLAGwZIhaHDGu5pOOENrX3L1vMyPyqq-FZ9CaVSDCiopkKyEqz1Gmd9JyAf5mc0bYEMOXPE2t2wi_b6qJl3N8h-WU/s1600/omis+sunset+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving north back to <span class="st">Stobreč</span>, I had to pull over and try to catch this moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had success finding a free pony to ride (lots to choose from) but the <i>Kids' Jungle</i> center was booked solid. It was Saturday night and so
obviously a lot of other parents had similar notions of dropping off
their kids. With an ice cream and a brief turn around the mall, we
headed back to LandShark. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwdpF_ewQOc0vSUsFRun6JptVlVUiXIOH94lq7eNYGkNpVz0LZyrkY0TuyRXQc2PeyP2oMf0f6_BAkgj22DtaiFthN-t8juOrXE2ZxHNisUTL5qM42Ai8TKT5evZwDFDe-WA2hGuyB1J_/s1600/Sarah+pony.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwdpF_ewQOc0vSUsFRun6JptVlVUiXIOH94lq7eNYGkNpVz0LZyrkY0TuyRXQc2PeyP2oMf0f6_BAkgj22DtaiFthN-t8juOrXE2ZxHNisUTL5qM42Ai8TKT5evZwDFDe-WA2hGuyB1J_/s1600/Sarah+pony.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's
silly, but Sarah liked it. Essentially, one bounces up and down, like
riding a horse, and the pony scoots forward. It was even possible to
steer. Don't know why I hadn't seen these in North America.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 26th</b>,
it was another fine sunny day and so we set off to Trogir, which some
consider to be one of the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in
Central Europe. The historical core of Trogir is listed as a UNESCO
world heritage site. Indeed, Trogir is definitely worth a visit. This
time of year is a much different experience than in the spring, summer
and autumn months; most things are closed including the few attractions
like seeing the Fortress, St Lawrence Cathedral or climbing the bell
tower. The old town is lined with B&Bs, hotels, restaurants and
shops (much of them closed in January). We did manage to have lunch,
wandered around the streets and found a playground for Sarah so it was a
good way to put in the day at any rate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGB69J3J-_0zdQHdEBWSfesVhuJxcG8pbXlUtNJSGCeDZPwo6iFqc57BmBHOZbIWeZV5A5-jEvB8rroknmzVlrVTAGuUC6F_QqIGtk0l-oszwQo2x_0F4mx6z_wkZ8atyOusAFB5YoM3B/s1600/Trogir.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGB69J3J-_0zdQHdEBWSfesVhuJxcG8pbXlUtNJSGCeDZPwo6iFqc57BmBHOZbIWeZV5A5-jEvB8rroknmzVlrVTAGuUC6F_QqIGtk0l-oszwQo2x_0F4mx6z_wkZ8atyOusAFB5YoM3B/s1600/Trogir.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the Obala Bana Berislavica (loosely translated Berislavica Quay).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ztp3q0Zt2tO8dBHJF2nAGAmrE0Bu_ZbOvYmU2VjC4eLI0POIDrRd_RVXUCY8XXLSRqwUmDl_GlPDC9th1dF0aMh8Harilh75VhNVN71MzVppdQDPWmcmY20fVwzn5uUpwX0uej_ARofS/s1600/Trogir+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ztp3q0Zt2tO8dBHJF2nAGAmrE0Bu_ZbOvYmU2VjC4eLI0POIDrRd_RVXUCY8XXLSRqwUmDl_GlPDC9th1dF0aMh8Harilh75VhNVN71MzVppdQDPWmcmY20fVwzn5uUpwX0uej_ARofS/s1600/Trogir+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of St Dominic dates from the 15th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9QO0KP1xM3wacuZj3wXS19apoHzM_h4UYymsgrbxxpTjwLF3rdNGH0CaeVTxSvZ0i9pVyF17rseX3aXL2c9SE6zimEvbXpfXrwkpHjuGfTROMKiAOfNIjgM5hrVEhKP4FhdZ2vcc_pWB/s1600/Trogir+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9QO0KP1xM3wacuZj3wXS19apoHzM_h4UYymsgrbxxpTjwLF3rdNGH0CaeVTxSvZ0i9pVyF17rseX3aXL2c9SE6zimEvbXpfXrwkpHjuGfTROMKiAOfNIjgM5hrVEhKP4FhdZ2vcc_pWB/s1600/Trogir+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Kamerengo Fortress: It was erected soon after 1420, when Trogir became
part of the Republic of Venice, in order to protect the sea channel and
the port of Trogir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qfDKYapmZDgSku0ZiwljT4FOk3axTkKS5_LJy2fN4B7iY_37Sb8mk41PJkyRBm2C3jCQIC-A9cQ1IBk5Idynk7ABheM3u9YXxSLPxjsKHWn1HDd55fRfk7nWf4Q3AoRLx1YjlxoMwTeM/s1600/Trogir+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qfDKYapmZDgSku0ZiwljT4FOk3axTkKS5_LJy2fN4B7iY_37Sb8mk41PJkyRBm2C3jCQIC-A9cQ1IBk5Idynk7ABheM3u9YXxSLPxjsKHWn1HDd55fRfk7nWf4Q3AoRLx1YjlxoMwTeM/s1600/Trogir+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street in the old town, currently completely empty. I imagine it's packed in the summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgAKX9v8TTub56Sze1Y_asZtLdSaVNXFpJdlKkiB4GNUc2KcyVhpJiNHwO_M0_sa_YouEGYOdX9qh827wf6hqvQ-hCSLQgvpHD_ny5Jb3TeCybHaW5QxQMLOwKyW9xZBCBToyokcXdprJ/s1600/Trogir+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgAKX9v8TTub56Sze1Y_asZtLdSaVNXFpJdlKkiB4GNUc2KcyVhpJiNHwO_M0_sa_YouEGYOdX9qh827wf6hqvQ-hCSLQgvpHD_ny5Jb3TeCybHaW5QxQMLOwKyW9xZBCBToyokcXdprJ/s1600/Trogir+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral
of St Lawrence: While there are several churches in Trogir, the
Cathedral of St Lawrence is the main attraction. It is a triple-naved
basilica and the current building was begun in 1213 and finally finished
in the 17th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRx8D21KwKZHZhn2cDigc85U4PXm51h7v60OmYIgsdFVbklGyZnx2RKHsUJnDgjtzkOrDQG1INdTu8SSytPGrtcWo0gEi-mtfOwYOgUIBaust7J0VLK1MOnT9TehdKXORNnC1cvt3L2OD/s1600/Trogir+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRx8D21KwKZHZhn2cDigc85U4PXm51h7v60OmYIgsdFVbklGyZnx2RKHsUJnDgjtzkOrDQG1INdTu8SSytPGrtcWo0gEi-mtfOwYOgUIBaust7J0VLK1MOnT9TehdKXORNnC1cvt3L2OD/s1600/Trogir+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James
at the Trg Ivana Pavla II (John Paul II Square) with the Cathedral of
St Lawrence on the left and the clock tower from the church of St
Sebastian in the background. The clock tower is all what remains of the
church of Saint Sebastian, which was built in 1476 to thank Saint
Sebastian for allegedly protecting the city from the plague (however
~2,000 local inhabitants did die from the plague).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 27th</b>,
we decided to take Molly with us and hike in nearby Podstrana. The
campground office had a map of nearby trails and so we took an easy
route along the Zrnovnica River which empties into the Adriatic.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkgBKT-rQ3eJ5HJ1fR_LyNOi39L3yKikpv64cnNOzVcnaa6Tsfbn9seVNPECkb3hfh6ocmjvFns-SwEL6cfq8fJa6qVzNHQS1kGkx_3tW4-uJocODW7WD4iY2f3qTwS5720C-TFDL3LPz/s1600/Podstrana.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
trail alongside the Zrnovnica River is walking distance from Camping
Split and makes for a nice outing; it's flat so is good for joggers and
(non-ambitious) walkers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufbMl5zeB5G4FNSTT7MxRbEYVWMU8BK3YGHOsenFghWuozmSGHbCG_WtyOAZb23oPjAwrWfqodnR_5JY6HHbEEr0A9L-4z2tlgGC2P_c3SyD6Kh5KTE9cEunL2n2v8ITI7JGnLxGgUUow/s1600/Podstrana+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufbMl5zeB5G4FNSTT7MxRbEYVWMU8BK3YGHOsenFghWuozmSGHbCG_WtyOAZb23oPjAwrWfqodnR_5JY6HHbEEr0A9L-4z2tlgGC2P_c3SyD6Kh5KTE9cEunL2n2v8ITI7JGnLxGgUUow/s1600/Podstrana+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
river is about the same width for a couple miles inland (and perhaps
beyond) and underwent some man-made development at some point in its
history.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OkIDQy-fyD_H29wXJr5aR9L6Ha0iOPwa4UnuxOLnxC-KA4A0eBsBjV2jUl3_DMggDb_MB133nHFOVScV74S0EEW7HUNbXLoTcDseFnS3X8LdrfXOOp654iow_wd1asCfZChEk4zhAFr2/s1600/Podstrana+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OkIDQy-fyD_H29wXJr5aR9L6Ha0iOPwa4UnuxOLnxC-KA4A0eBsBjV2jUl3_DMggDb_MB133nHFOVScV74S0EEW7HUNbXLoTcDseFnS3X8LdrfXOOp654iow_wd1asCfZChEk4zhAFr2/s1600/Podstrana+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James
trying to convince Molly to go on the bridge for the photo op, but
Molly just wasn't going to have anything to do with being suspended over
water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 28th</b>,
we woke up to the forecasted rain. Our LPG level was now less than 1/4
of a tank and I made the decision to move us to a cabin for the next
couple nights so that we'd still have about one night's worth of gas
when Vince and Paul returned. We got a winter discount and our cabin was
only €40/night. The upside would be that we'd have heat in
the evening and no longer would have to endure 52 degrees at night,
which we were doing in order to stretch the LPG.<br />
<br />
In
case I missed anything in my searches online, I asked the woman at the
front office if there was anything for kids to do in rainy weather. She
did some research for me and concluded there wasn't much, short of a
photography exhibit in Split. So I decided to make use of the day and do
laundry while the kids finished homework and then started watching
movies. When the laundry was done, we moved into our cabin and had the
luxury of being able to turn the heat up to 30 degrees C. We had access
to cable television but only had news channels in English. Nevertheless,
it was nice to catch up on some current happenings.<br />
<br />
<b>January 29th</b>
was expected to be the one dry day before a number of rainy days so I
decided that we should take a ferry to the nearest island, <span class="st">Brač</span>.
The Jadrolinje ferry goes back and forth between Split and Supetar (the
main town on <span class="st">Brač</span>, with population of about 3,350) about 5 times a day
in the winter and the trip takes about 50 minutes. It's a very
picturesque journey and I could imagine it being very popular in the
summer. But on January 30th, there were only about 30 of us traveling
over (and about 50 returning later that day).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2hTAv-DTEBPzXIR81RatCrHinQ2_DLjl4Ca-SomOB6O1JRxzV17FsU0m2Aqo43OSm3GU2JGEeOFxNlDFPrxkhyST82B23WXRZANUWRFSik8L12hyrxXj5_feaXs-_vpPnDOJwpvjy65r/s1600/split+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2hTAv-DTEBPzXIR81RatCrHinQ2_DLjl4Ca-SomOB6O1JRxzV17FsU0m2Aqo43OSm3GU2JGEeOFxNlDFPrxkhyST82B23WXRZANUWRFSik8L12hyrxXj5_feaXs-_vpPnDOJwpvjy65r/s1600/split+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Split harbor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The town of
Supetar began developing in the 16th century when inhabitants of the
inland settlement of Nerežišča began to use the coastal area for its
harbor. The quarries on the island of <span class="st">Brač</span> have been a source of stone
for building decorative stonework for centuries. The Romans valued its quality and used the stone found here to build cities,
amphitheaters, temples, palaces and graves all over Dalmatia. The stone was used in the construction of the White House in Washington, DC and the Palace of Diocletian in Split, to name a few notable recipients.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3AJ69Y1hl6xEHZHZPHTFNovukfBVc6BenU8Huy1JdL9REfE74XuFabLI48YJUZnA7aUmtJy-rrcywNhfBKaeRldAcHS1oUQEamvHjJ-0CSRx6yL-VOa7NZtnuZmCsJ5KCN4hPycTkbvB/s1600/Supetar+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3AJ69Y1hl6xEHZHZPHTFNovukfBVc6BenU8Huy1JdL9REfE74XuFabLI48YJUZnA7aUmtJy-rrcywNhfBKaeRldAcHS1oUQEamvHjJ-0CSRx6yL-VOa7NZtnuZmCsJ5KCN4hPycTkbvB/s1600/Supetar+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Supetar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once
we arrived in Supetar, it was a little after 13:00 and we set out to
explore the old town a bit and look for a restaurant for lunch. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4Lmc07iPozjy0CfFWAIvfcwBIq2-emy2hMrnp-cwBdy2myjjMNmlctchQ7AyqkXVVmMhQKazjy7_rflAUo-AZzTfOqcENpmHX59dAiANwUAGcw5RpBIlI64__crXm4GzkIoZEytncIAM/s1600/Supetar+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4Lmc07iPozjy0CfFWAIvfcwBIq2-emy2hMrnp-cwBdy2myjjMNmlctchQ7AyqkXVVmMhQKazjy7_rflAUo-AZzTfOqcENpmHX59dAiANwUAGcw5RpBIlI64__crXm4GzkIoZEytncIAM/s1600/Supetar+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Annunciation: The present church was built in 1887 but
other churches have resided on this location. The first was the
Basilica of St Peter, (the English translation for Supetar), that dates
back to at least the 6th century.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktAJeaQPmvZwn2c6smInUNFupR5xrzPmEjYTqOvLj7VBp8hAbPa7yffk04FCKr6btlqHvJR2i-S56O_z2_4746aZIYuoxwec0s3C1wjW_IIMi4W9hKT4pCkAfP7OWrGxEbmNKVTQy3c46/s1600/Supetar+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktAJeaQPmvZwn2c6smInUNFupR5xrzPmEjYTqOvLj7VBp8hAbPa7yffk04FCKr6btlqHvJR2i-S56O_z2_4746aZIYuoxwec0s3C1wjW_IIMi4W9hKT4pCkAfP7OWrGxEbmNKVTQy3c46/s1600/Supetar+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
6th century mosaics found on this wall outside of the Church of the
Annunciation are the only things that remain from the earlier Basilica of
St Peter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFTh2otJWi7eTMa6Q6PR7KFMFtEo7JJTv0vKl75ueBhp-1qXfHvDuMAc4cYKz1cTYrEqbYrnUvFvb-KK3Lgouc4v-ILtOWKuWhnWJmkW4_ryapsmIYXiubPm9cxEESDTHuh4qrB44EgbY/s1600/Supetar+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFTh2otJWi7eTMa6Q6PR7KFMFtEo7JJTv0vKl75ueBhp-1qXfHvDuMAc4cYKz1cTYrEqbYrnUvFvb-KK3Lgouc4v-ILtOWKuWhnWJmkW4_ryapsmIYXiubPm9cxEESDTHuh4qrB44EgbY/s1600/Supetar+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Church of the Annunciation, which is advertised as the "main attraction" of Supetar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUVjdKYSYK-eKKBS__nsWSyBJlyAZu6bbnw3VJJ7RrXeKt50IzilumX6MORGRYuBH0UQ_obBe8OJY2tTFyaOWjxj8FnjVY8-66LKwBDr67KPfwuo7Yo1J2XUM5XIis5npp3_-U9y371b2/s1600/Supetar+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUVjdKYSYK-eKKBS__nsWSyBJlyAZu6bbnw3VJJ7RrXeKt50IzilumX6MORGRYuBH0UQ_obBe8OJY2tTFyaOWjxj8FnjVY8-66LKwBDr67KPfwuo7Yo1J2XUM5XIis5npp3_-U9y371b2/s1600/Supetar+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Annunciation altar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the
exception of a couple cafe/bars, everything was closed. We did find one
restaurant at the port that was empty but open and so we had lunch
there. They couldn't serve half of what was listed on the menu but in
the end we all found something.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we walked
along the waterfront towards the cemetery, St Nicholas Church and
Petrinovic Mausoleum (all located together), which are described as the
second highlights of Supetar.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZtmTjhKoPZCwyxvKzWp0xdenI1NHq70LtrZSGH_RVZPARE_1hLSumzg0_63KF9f5QSDii2Um68HuIPDGBd94SEZbmwQgZfv5q_YBw9h5keua_ERL9QlILkYrJw4YmLfUz6HuCoiYD_iF/s1600/Supetar+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZtmTjhKoPZCwyxvKzWp0xdenI1NHq70LtrZSGH_RVZPARE_1hLSumzg0_63KF9f5QSDii2Um68HuIPDGBd94SEZbmwQgZfv5q_YBw9h5keua_ERL9QlILkYrJw4YmLfUz6HuCoiYD_iF/s1600/Supetar+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of mainland Croatia over the <span class="st">Brač</span> Channel. Notice the beautiful snow-capped mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscTczIU2z1v3LHdz0OwNghqSFPhjpfpqxXQxS5-rBNzf8K1LBRR7VjNBeJT_f1ZnZoFortP6PLQdT2G9wZ2_tiKpPQ8h06h616I6iaDtworbiexiEZhhOHC55VHnaR-Ikkjq62SUmaH_Y/s1600/Supetar+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscTczIU2z1v3LHdz0OwNghqSFPhjpfpqxXQxS5-rBNzf8K1LBRR7VjNBeJT_f1ZnZoFortP6PLQdT2G9wZ2_tiKpPQ8h06h616I6iaDtworbiexiEZhhOHC55VHnaR-Ikkjq62SUmaH_Y/s1600/Supetar+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petrinovic Mausoleum: It was created by the Croatian artist Toma
Rosandic (after Ivan Rendić was fired from the job) in the neobyzantine style. Its white domed roof is topped by an
angel. It was built for the family of the local shipowner, Francisco
Petrinovic, who emigrated to Chile and then returned back a very rich man. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhChJUMx0AUyMNh3oijPoBZiN4c5-ybHCLPzzFzL4wj-PfnWhppmCTJnopeel8QFlHunmxeNx2yuTjZ5Lb-y6Zl43QE9BWHh6f0nKKrN_oKdFLm5HG1h-KYNhxD93NWklx79DUQVETm0u/s1600/Supetar+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhChJUMx0AUyMNh3oijPoBZiN4c5-ybHCLPzzFzL4wj-PfnWhppmCTJnopeel8QFlHunmxeNx2yuTjZ5Lb-y6Zl43QE9BWHh6f0nKKrN_oKdFLm5HG1h-KYNhxD93NWklx79DUQVETm0u/s1600/Supetar+7.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the entrance to the mausoleum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjR8XrxxUwRjp6cu_l0vXFXdA1MMsyVU6V44N75unpZTZ0-uLp0V8ic_UK9pPrYmhBfmEwGq9sFeMj_FMZPA9wVmkXSnUFZP3WkbxKd2o-MHXn7kST3IVf1PAgelGeBMvQ_K9TrFIVABM/s1600/Supetar+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjR8XrxxUwRjp6cu_l0vXFXdA1MMsyVU6V44N75unpZTZ0-uLp0V8ic_UK9pPrYmhBfmEwGq9sFeMj_FMZPA9wVmkXSnUFZP3WkbxKd2o-MHXn7kST3IVf1PAgelGeBMvQ_K9TrFIVABM/s1600/Supetar+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many
of the grave markers and tombstones in the cemetery were created by the
Croatian sculptor Ivan Rendić (1849-1932). Ivan Rendić, himself, is
also buried here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgk_edkKzJYGMlQ95AHUma8dJxHLTIvTHbt8bvR8qUf4yK4uDHzyeEou59YCGBGN-rHKaAws33sscLG7a2k4g0KyxjAA-hF1qq_WZB14YXUlb1Gr0y0ORwAN5a2xU1T6W8cwOf1i7IgxO/s1600/Supetar+11.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="367" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond the cemetery can be seen a Jadrolinje ferry coming into port; that would be our ride back to Split.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
leaving the cemetery, we felt we saw all we could of Supetar so decided
to take the 15:30 ferry back to Split, rather than wait until the 18:00 ferry.
It was clear the islands were pretty dead in the winter. If we were to
return again, we'd bring the car to have the advantage of driving around
the island to see more of it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLfqvUTXo7mCxWfUZWTyYh62G_YbApzCx_ZPAWrFXWex9rLjFv_NHcvpUoy1Sv6rDczHDgQ_VZXuzNNcQZXPliotEHUU7RwfYQm2xqm2vkRLI5rd5vWh1cXyfGCrup4v3mtn3HXiumD-P/s1600/Split+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLfqvUTXo7mCxWfUZWTyYh62G_YbApzCx_ZPAWrFXWex9rLjFv_NHcvpUoy1Sv6rDczHDgQ_VZXuzNNcQZXPliotEHUU7RwfYQm2xqm2vkRLI5rd5vWh1cXyfGCrup4v3mtn3HXiumD-P/s1600/Split+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning to Split, this time with the sun shinning on the old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
the way back to Camping Split, we stopped for groceries. We needed
breakfast cereal, a few other staples and something for dinner. It's
always interesting to note what is big food-wise when visiting a country
and after looking at 3 or 4 supermarkets, it seemed pretty clear
Croatians aren't big on breakfast cereal. The dominating cereal was corn
flakes. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAWBEYZLIi5trp7CbRxJJZubpoLD5ydtRJHWti5A7FW058C_fOCZhSXCrJECkhklNl8jI9DyObCf5O_S_SkiffYpGe3nW8_Aipw2Fp_jJ1PxovW62wSZhaNTrTfjz_975gZie3vg4sfQt/s1600/Corn+flakes+galore.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAWBEYZLIi5trp7CbRxJJZubpoLD5ydtRJHWti5A7FW058C_fOCZhSXCrJECkhklNl8jI9DyObCf5O_S_SkiffYpGe3nW8_Aipw2Fp_jJ1PxovW62wSZhaNTrTfjz_975gZie3vg4sfQt/s1600/Corn+flakes+galore.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Croatians must love their corn flakes. Ten or so different brands? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>January 30th and 31st</b>,
were rainy days and so, knowing most tourist sights would be closed, we
stayed put in our cabin on the campground. I took advantage of the time
to sketch out a travel route for the next 80 days or so in the
non-Schengen area and then a second travel itinerary for when we could
return to western Europe. I wanted to have a proposal ready for Vince
and I to discuss when he returned on the 31st.<br />
<br />
On the
evening of January 31st, I picked Vincent and Paul up at the Split
airport. With 2 layovers, it was a very long trip. They flew through
Dusseldorf and then via Rome. When they landed in Dusseldorf and were
going through the Immigration check, the officer challenged Vince on
re-entering Europe, observing that Vincent and Paul had recently already
been in the Schengen zone for close to 60 days. This was just a good
reminder that it's important to know your rights because the border
control agent one's up against might not have all the facts. Vincent was asked how long
he was staying in Europe and he said for another 5 months but added that
he'd be leaving the Schengen zone later today. The agent asked to where
he was going and Vincent replied, "Croatia". The agent then replied
that, "Croatia is part of the EU" to which Vincent replied, "Yes it is,
but it is not part of the Schengen treaty". The agent was caught
off-guard by this fact and asked another agent to verify who replied
that Vincent was correct. In the end, Vince and Paul were let through. <br />
<br />
<b>February 1st</b>,
was a rainy day and so we generally spent it at the campground. Paul
and Vincent had to unpack and stow their luggage. James and I had to
dump tanks and then we had to close up the slides so that Vincent could
drive LandShark to refill the LPG. I also spent some more time
fine-tuning a plan for the next 5 months. <br />
<br />
On <b>February 2nd</b>,
I needed to escape the campground and so I talked Vince, Sarah and
James into driving into Split for lunch. Paul was still suffering from
jetlag. It was overcast and misty but the rain was holding off. We
parked at our usual place down by the harbor and walked into the old
town. With the exception of the odd cafe/bar, everything was closed.
I have to comment here that the Croatians love their cafe/bars; it seems there are about 4 cafe/bars for every restaurant and none of these cafe/bars sell food. (Just another reason why it's tough to find anyone overweight in this country.) Within the town walls, we did find one restaurant, <i>De Belly</i>, which was
open and so we went in. It was surprisingly good and we thought we should
return back there instead of the campground restaurant, when we could.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we wandered around the old town and then along the water front. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCgGajYzBTX4ZHeKB8NewNzPzn9WfctWOrG2FZJCQimuQZlKro6uqXGvt47QlzZLdiFeoFzyOYUZjwWFDUMq5QXgwk-oeuUlnDG1f-aFTyH2MsRojyrAv1_L1MnYrTkENYK8MGnA2Qwav/s1600/Split+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCgGajYzBTX4ZHeKB8NewNzPzn9WfctWOrG2FZJCQimuQZlKro6uqXGvt47QlzZLdiFeoFzyOYUZjwWFDUMq5QXgwk-oeuUlnDG1f-aFTyH2MsRojyrAv1_L1MnYrTkENYK8MGnA2Qwav/s1600/Split+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We
found Split's narrowest street, Pusti Me Da Prodjem (Let Me Pass
street), located adjacent to the Temple of Jupiter. Incidentally it is
supposedly the narrowest street in all of Europe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Lz5ahdG_utUGMrzF9rZhRNDajGL0CsxlJ_CHo5On6mgWidSwrO8ROb2fOnbnm2WUZY0s6NNOh-mYiSMu01RahFr_4Hmhn0hGSPZjsztQ40Hnm07C5NKm4XxCZ1sB7v1MgQZdqexRZ8p/s1600/Split+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Lz5ahdG_utUGMrzF9rZhRNDajGL0CsxlJ_CHo5On6mgWidSwrO8ROb2fOnbnm2WUZY0s6NNOh-mYiSMu01RahFr_4Hmhn0hGSPZjsztQ40Hnm07C5NKm4XxCZ1sB7v1MgQZdqexRZ8p/s1600/Split+13.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temple of Jupiter: It was built around the 3<sup>rd</sup> century, about
the same time as the Diocletian Palace. Jupiter was the name of
Diocletian’s father and was also the highest Roman god, the god of the
sky and the god of thunder. This god was highly worshipped during the
Imperial era until the Roman Empire came under Christian rule. Emperor
Diocletian believed he was a reincarnation of Jupiter and thus
positioned this temple directly adjacent to his mausoleum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZgy8WAx9zV78qCs_RRmyODsNZCy6X1JY-NyvCroTJE_DV4rFYElexHBOSffFkAOvYJhvIOXQw0WXSwdD2SZCHWVPVtsPHuY8qpZFE1rhAeFvmotIRS_p30t7DRtYKbGc1T00v5wGfcSt/s1600/Split+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZgy8WAx9zV78qCs_RRmyODsNZCy6X1JY-NyvCroTJE_DV4rFYElexHBOSffFkAOvYJhvIOXQw0WXSwdD2SZCHWVPVtsPHuY8qpZFE1rhAeFvmotIRS_p30t7DRtYKbGc1T00v5wGfcSt/s1600/Split+14.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Diocletian Mausoleum: It was built at the beginning of the 4th century
as one of the four temples of the Imperial Palace. In the 7th century,
Bishop John of Ravenna converted the mausoleum into a cathedral which
became the Cathedral of St Dujam. (Bishop Dujam was martyred with seven other christians in the persecutions by Emperor Diocletianus.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMwoVm8ra6hgpR5ES9gojRFEVdeghY-JUwa52rVQq7lWEpL-ggMbVKdslr_x5k056XUfP-U9xT2Cl0Nud_CoPt4LCuAwbuAsufMjZ_icuUpZRgiHLBumHEuMTh0t7Vj4MqakFz9sQBfRT/s1600/Split+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMwoVm8ra6hgpR5ES9gojRFEVdeghY-JUwa52rVQq7lWEpL-ggMbVKdslr_x5k056XUfP-U9xT2Cl0Nud_CoPt4LCuAwbuAsufMjZ_icuUpZRgiHLBumHEuMTh0t7Vj4MqakFz9sQBfRT/s1600/Split+15.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nun opening the gates to the Diocletian Mausoleum/St Dujam Cathedral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMGuFKi6Zvhwn6T8TZDzrHWJXL9lzAKOQaBIS5iC2HPLqHonmMPHG8BhgtAjHZMRA1B1wy3ne_IQ02-RhVL5_HLWiIKZmbnZIqAY5eSfw41almBWKMf9fhxeMnXCeJAzk0bxwK6_fYumz/s1600/Split+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMGuFKi6Zvhwn6T8TZDzrHWJXL9lzAKOQaBIS5iC2HPLqHonmMPHG8BhgtAjHZMRA1B1wy3ne_IQ02-RhVL5_HLWiIKZmbnZIqAY5eSfw41almBWKMf9fhxeMnXCeJAzk0bxwK6_fYumz/s1600/Split+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of St Dujam is the smallest cathedral in the world and claims to also be the oldest one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 3rd</b>,
we woke to a perfect sunny day (finally). It was time to get moving and
show Vincent and Paul the highlights of the area as we probably would
be leaving for an intensive Eastern European tour in a few days. I
thought we should drive along the coast and so I chose Šibenik as our destination, which was north of Trogir but not as far as Zadar. The scenery along the coastline was breathtaking (sorry did not stop for photos) but when we arrived to
Šibenik, the GPS was indicating that we needed to catch a ferry to get
there, which just didn't seem right from my recollection of looking at
Google Maps. Nevertheless, it was clear we were not where we wanted to
be, with no signs of an "old town" or a commercial center in the
vicinity. At this point, everyone was pretty hungry and
I didn't have much of a grace period for trial and error. I noticed
that we were only 10 miles from Krka National Park, which was my
favorite site thus far and so I rerouted us there. Along the way we
found a roadside restaurant that was open and we had a Croatian version
of fast food, not unlike an American fast food meal: Hamburgers and
french fries. But the Croatian hamburgers were flat and had a diameter
of about 9 inches. Satisfied after a good lunch, we set out for Krka National Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrbT-Sd5pF3MNEyX7N8AGK5IAkH-Ay3JztyBDHGAmJ1g-YY4ZwmFaw8kteqNgltCB31ZhcAsFJu9Q7JvQzDEgitr3JD6CmsfyO4GhHzjb_YFyyQaukSqhLPZJtVklLIigptdSvSXexFZD/s1600/Krka+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrbT-Sd5pF3MNEyX7N8AGK5IAkH-Ay3JztyBDHGAmJ1g-YY4ZwmFaw8kteqNgltCB31ZhcAsFJu9Q7JvQzDEgitr3JD6CmsfyO4GhHzjb_YFyyQaukSqhLPZJtVklLIigptdSvSXexFZD/s1600/Krka+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are again at the trail starting point. James described the Krka walk to Paul and Vincent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWtjGGC4pxmpgh5GEEaCmZ2RXn6U69x_8EE_brD2VngSwsyCaTMvYLcdHBUJojLtXtGi3bPfYJm-3ab3THz3W_k5p2N69vm-9iL3WV5dXGuYHSci3jaWXjC7f074Dd78YGMNsHttbRiD/s1600/krka+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWtjGGC4pxmpgh5GEEaCmZ2RXn6U69x_8EE_brD2VngSwsyCaTMvYLcdHBUJojLtXtGi3bPfYJm-3ab3THz3W_k5p2N69vm-9iL3WV5dXGuYHSci3jaWXjC7f074Dd78YGMNsHttbRiD/s1600/krka+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Paul both really enjoyed the trail.
Vincent was really slow as he was taking lots of photos with his new
camera. Now I know what it's like sightseeing with me; I'm always the
one dragging behind trying to get a good shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOV1T07LzyuD3cK2FlXSmBdWYtDUJYCttto_K6nvErmYJNyVFlEncW9Th9FLJscLc2i_ZW3vytyE8IkQPAUkmgKcRgAS7JfnpY4Sir88lY5l3l4m5k6kfFkXGW3c3dEpfYpr2Yi2cf6Kn/s1600/Krka+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOV1T07LzyuD3cK2FlXSmBdWYtDUJYCttto_K6nvErmYJNyVFlEncW9Th9FLJscLc2i_ZW3vytyE8IkQPAUkmgKcRgAS7JfnpY4Sir88lY5l3l4m5k6kfFkXGW3c3dEpfYpr2Yi2cf6Kn/s1600/Krka+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking above the Skradinski Buk. The water moves at an average flow of 55 cubic meters of water per second. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0eGtNj5g0ouwbT3NjeeO6NW0oClUR3TDxn1db6JuCfFO7680AizmeCf7_-jxDpL_XyqT44AcGuMfjTdmZxPqwKY1Zz0BJA8eq2UL17hyphenhyphenIUdIY363r1etO-iDI5bTXRz_3C4B2BuKXWw7/s1600/Krka+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0eGtNj5g0ouwbT3NjeeO6NW0oClUR3TDxn1db6JuCfFO7680AizmeCf7_-jxDpL_XyqT44AcGuMfjTdmZxPqwKY1Zz0BJA8eq2UL17hyphenhyphenIUdIY363r1etO-iDI5bTXRz_3C4B2BuKXWw7/s1600/Krka+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's James down on the bridge at the foot of the Skradinski Buk. He wanted to get back to the car and his new Kindle that Vincent brought back to him from the US.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpJd4h1bSV6OweEh5stbMnU8C6al144Ok1lYrXoGY6p5WB7cawNdLaU578i2n6EIorKMakJNUBAjt-Gm1n3sQQVIHurEoyGOkvSpDRdI2pwHAgBkVG2wJm9kN1UvIe2ugMvbojmM-0UJ4/s1600/krka+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpJd4h1bSV6OweEh5stbMnU8C6al144Ok1lYrXoGY6p5WB7cawNdLaU578i2n6EIorKMakJNUBAjt-Gm1n3sQQVIHurEoyGOkvSpDRdI2pwHAgBkVG2wJm9kN1UvIe2ugMvbojmM-0UJ4/s1600/krka+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Paul at the foot of the Skradinski Buk, which is the longest waterfall on the Krka River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaHK8f9K8JlX5_stSuiMrJxclMyYcvb5Y98MPJRwDJ4YEYAyqNtGMqgXGUHS3REtyeSG3ZIhPL7_Qv5aORLabeqPZx6cZUawrjwa60gFhMnGCi1pTKyeVpP6qOCdJj8c3NBrL7eLAFc48/s1600/Krka+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaHK8f9K8JlX5_stSuiMrJxclMyYcvb5Y98MPJRwDJ4YEYAyqNtGMqgXGUHS3REtyeSG3ZIhPL7_Qv5aORLabeqPZx6cZUawrjwa60gFhMnGCi1pTKyeVpP6qOCdJj8c3NBrL7eLAFc48/s1600/Krka+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we left the Park, I took a last look at the Krka River. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 4th</b>,
we got the go ahead from Camping Split that we could leave LandShark
there for ~6 weeks (@ €6.70/day) while we traveled through parts of
Eastern Europe. It was a rainy day so the boys focused on homework,
while I started packing and making a list of the essentials we'd need on
the road. Sarah did her best to avoid doing homework and, as each day
passed, I continued to appreciate the merits of sending kids to school. I
also had to look into where we could stay along the way which wouldn't
break the bank. I looked at airbnb, VRBO and Roomerama and, at this
point, found airbnb to best meet our search needs for short term stays. I
found a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in Dubrovnik, about a half
kilometer outside the old town for €30/night which I thought a great
price.<br />
<br />
On <b>February 5th</b>, everyone was getting
pretty cranky. Not having a strict agenda the last several days was
taking its toll. I though everyone needed to get some exercise so we
opted to take a hike in the hills/mountains above Podstrana, the town south of <span class="st">Stobreč</span>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOFP7CzMQ5S4ekKRXfbA1B_AaYUsHUMG9hMm5JBApJtivLwuZR37qoeAKAOOaJfd0407ZIpjKNcRkwstlkdXTcn6jQgGcGr57aByXgC1Ast2ZU43cHRLlw1dz17IIZEc9eBJYwSGnqq7u/s1600/Podstrana+hike+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOFP7CzMQ5S4ekKRXfbA1B_AaYUsHUMG9hMm5JBApJtivLwuZR37qoeAKAOOaJfd0407ZIpjKNcRkwstlkdXTcn6jQgGcGr57aByXgC1Ast2ZU43cHRLlw1dz17IIZEc9eBJYwSGnqq7u/s1600/Podstrana+hike+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We
started our hike/climb in G. Podstrana (a settlement in the hills above Podstrana). The buildings were mostly constructed of white limestone from the
hills. This is a photo of the Parrish Church of our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception in G. Podstrana.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRGvU-fxeU_CU6jfhPPT6itPOk3qKnHk2R8OIPRWRbXbdFMW_AWbolwPJ-pv_sePBApbDNC_FQIYiEqbE-9Rn2HBqQNPlQPOgx7sHTW6ra_iMwMhyphenhyphenjhRcQamsKHKF7yTWWQfu96ICmZgB/s1600/podstrana+hike+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRGvU-fxeU_CU6jfhPPT6itPOk3qKnHk2R8OIPRWRbXbdFMW_AWbolwPJ-pv_sePBApbDNC_FQIYiEqbE-9Rn2HBqQNPlQPOgx7sHTW6ra_iMwMhyphenhyphenjhRcQamsKHKF7yTWWQfu96ICmZgB/s1600/podstrana+hike+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting our ascent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0mjcOk6c3wQ-yujL0R4_QYr0Hz4sy5uDQwTlOsmQkga3yh1JNrvi441YyVIYjMfJPNm7Pe3f52mEgBmfaD7Z6qw_hlDqaW6Yo3scV6mMSc7MKtrM_mWM2qOqM_WrMEF0eZBw72qdMlEb/s1600/podstrana+hike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0mjcOk6c3wQ-yujL0R4_QYr0Hz4sy5uDQwTlOsmQkga3yh1JNrvi441YyVIYjMfJPNm7Pe3f52mEgBmfaD7Z6qw_hlDqaW6Yo3scV6mMSc7MKtrM_mWM2qOqM_WrMEF0eZBw72qdMlEb/s1600/podstrana+hike.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic view of Podstrana, <span class="st">Stobreč</span> and Split below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCqkdq3XDjPVBki6Ort0Jt3X4-3ktY6YACUZF_39kUqCSuoMv9IxQLzLkuRSl1yJg3QugoBLklfJ7oYp1EiNu19TBBFmMbx1hdHfTmyNiiCkZ5eiKPhk5KLN4oXAzKzfp_P1l92ugqeY/s1600/Podstrana+hike+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCqkdq3XDjPVBki6Ort0Jt3X4-3ktY6YACUZF_39kUqCSuoMv9IxQLzLkuRSl1yJg3QugoBLklfJ7oYp1EiNu19TBBFmMbx1hdHfTmyNiiCkZ5eiKPhk5KLN4oXAzKzfp_P1l92ugqeY/s1600/Podstrana+hike+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a good trail for novice hikers and, while the steep climb was tough, the views were rewarding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPLcXAe4mOXfYXbNPf2m-CGhW_mRb5rZerzUvDnBjgEf3d1DIIEdCG75y3WJoyvujVP27owvIKSCLa2jTKwDMHSus_pxwCSSuH-E7oTf0bAyPmv7w9aI-c6cT17Pedys6ghmz3hwbdChJ/s1600/podstrana+hike+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPLcXAe4mOXfYXbNPf2m-CGhW_mRb5rZerzUvDnBjgEf3d1DIIEdCG75y3WJoyvujVP27owvIKSCLa2jTKwDMHSus_pxwCSSuH-E7oTf0bAyPmv7w9aI-c6cT17Pedys6ghmz3hwbdChJ/s1600/podstrana+hike+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys made it to the summit. A small chapel and altar, made out of stone, were at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJUYgrUz0ytg2Hy6edGrsSwzSazKogVlr4Z6WaJz-sY9Xpuw9vNm-W4oDjq7Cgoc4qGpT57oL7tSu8cKR_XvHYU3VA8EtKeDxT3_TMLsKZfw2XKPjyfgOwM3XFnYzKxjiowLszqE8NW-N/s1600/podstrana+hike+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJUYgrUz0ytg2Hy6edGrsSwzSazKogVlr4Z6WaJz-sY9Xpuw9vNm-W4oDjq7Cgoc4qGpT57oL7tSu8cKR_XvHYU3VA8EtKeDxT3_TMLsKZfw2XKPjyfgOwM3XFnYzKxjiowLszqE8NW-N/s1600/podstrana+hike+5.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzy_tJlk2ynCE4FrzOXdcdxTTZxu22rOfF-oHZa4sLTLXsQcZsmrjIiU-FW83Bz-oIaMveKZzN2JDME0ThaRXJZmlMWLQpgxjw6m8WN3iJiuFHofmpryKm2n_4obFA2YQv9GsczX-PLQuu/s1600/podstrana+hike+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzy_tJlk2ynCE4FrzOXdcdxTTZxu22rOfF-oHZa4sLTLXsQcZsmrjIiU-FW83Bz-oIaMveKZzN2JDME0ThaRXJZmlMWLQpgxjw6m8WN3iJiuFHofmpryKm2n_4obFA2YQv9GsczX-PLQuu/s1600/podstrana+hike+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And turning 180 degrees, this was the view at the summit looking inland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
we returned back to Camping Split, it looked like the clouds were
breaking up and it might be a great final sunset here. So I walked over
to the coast bordering <span class="st">Stobreč</span> to see what I could capture.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DXiGOBEUQwphN1WbrHsjI36UybdqydhxlYvPcFrv3wx5AEwWF1vQelFPhXAQgVHfiNeKSMWx3OBeWlFWz4bnvww7aF9mXyvho8FyfXXPyRjO-tBHMCgcPNpaf93j6HQK705hbGFHPpT/s1600/stobrec+sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DXiGOBEUQwphN1WbrHsjI36UybdqydhxlYvPcFrv3wx5AEwWF1vQelFPhXAQgVHfiNeKSMWx3OBeWlFWz4bnvww7aF9mXyvho8FyfXXPyRjO-tBHMCgcPNpaf93j6HQK705hbGFHPpT/s1600/stobrec+sunset.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It never developed into one of those spectacular sunsets so I had to settle for this.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That
evening, we decided to return to the <i>De Belly</i> restaurant in Split for
hopefully a final good meal. Vincent ordered the mixed grill, which
we've noticed is commonly on the menu in Croatia.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibnGw09QWW7ZdiGuem5ikjYdMMec8zuDVL8STeQWe8N56ANdTSqfmlUMiduttv2pEcBq5vcg8mPVrx5TfOU8lv2Hyno1ZAUkXTpOxrfU-jrqWMY-r_QUuMPLWF-wasuWf4ddSYJX_ZDRq/s1600/De+Belly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibnGw09QWW7ZdiGuem5ikjYdMMec8zuDVL8STeQWe8N56ANdTSqfmlUMiduttv2pEcBq5vcg8mPVrx5TfOU8lv2Hyno1ZAUkXTpOxrfU-jrqWMY-r_QUuMPLWF-wasuWf4ddSYJX_ZDRq/s1600/De+Belly.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent assured me there was salad under that heap of grilled meat and fries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>February 6th</b>,
it was time to leave. It was 14:30 by the time we had the Prius loaded
up, and the RV cleaned out and moved to its new spot for while we were away.
I had told our Dubrovnik apartment host to expect us at 17:00 and there was no
way we'd make it in time. Originally, I had planned that we'd drive the
coast but we were obligated to take the A1 highway as far as we could in order to make good
time and arrive in Dubrovnik before dark.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIUkqNFILi2qHDNupSjOSgCbVxO33p17h6iacUytzkiYUse10q3i2TsJirWfYalF_KOIdqkivaBnwvrvoA9WdqBQhTfbCqEiLYFUSHGLbKhtxMYqzSyA6qs9UJp9K8ZvSJiDomKhYHKZI/s1600/camping+split+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIUkqNFILi2qHDNupSjOSgCbVxO33p17h6iacUytzkiYUse10q3i2TsJirWfYalF_KOIdqkivaBnwvrvoA9WdqBQhTfbCqEiLYFUSHGLbKhtxMYqzSyA6qs9UJp9K8ZvSJiDomKhYHKZI/s1600/camping+split+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James
helping to load up the Prius. I sure hoped it could handle the weight of
the 5 of us plus luggage and the demands of mountainous terrain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite taking the highway,
the scenery was sensational. We did get part of the drive along the
coastline and we were all struck by how beautiful the seascape was.
Vince was driving and I did not want to slow us down by stopping to take
photos so hopefully I will be able to get a few of the coastline when
in Dubrovnik and Montenegro (our next stop). Interesting, en route one has to go through Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has a 5 km slice of the coast, in order to get to Dubrovnik from Split. So one goes through border control and customs at the Croatia-BiH border and then 5 km later one again goes through border control and customs at the BiH-Croatia border.<br />
<br />
Our
first airbnb apartment was just as advertised and the very nice host
gave us a map of the city plus recommended sights to see. Once we were
settled, we set out to walk to the old town, about a half kilometer
away. It was all downhill walking there, which meant the return home
would be all uphill. It looked like we'd be getting some much needed
exercise here. We were all struck by how beautiful the old part of
Dubrovnik is. It's clearly the crown jewel of Croatia and some coin it as the pearl of the Adriatic.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8HWKeW8fUj23l7XuQIUD7Xn3D7KIfdTxZJlOP07n4yAuO4DQzww5ncm_vEc2bB7fd5PiTUcMSszErCk2Gkyfh-PH1J3_nyLlnuOa8qD1eo9cT2JcE4c-7iVK9_F4ofFT141LwTQed6oI/s1600/Dubrovnik.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8HWKeW8fUj23l7XuQIUD7Xn3D7KIfdTxZJlOP07n4yAuO4DQzww5ncm_vEc2bB7fd5PiTUcMSszErCk2Gkyfh-PH1J3_nyLlnuOa8qD1eo9cT2JcE4c-7iVK9_F4ofFT141LwTQed6oI/s1600/Dubrovnik.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by the Minceta tower on our way down into the old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jb2He9u2qc6BNHy7v3x1gQFYT4fxiysyd_P84M68W4IacXvZ9-KXkt4ZPo5C4LvBisjfwRluaNvBZTFwAj1hqSQORUlAefI5rK4q01ivYBYZbRBwzV5kH5se5iO7PrC5rsl4MM_epv6_/s1600/Dubrovnik+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jb2He9u2qc6BNHy7v3x1gQFYT4fxiysyd_P84M68W4IacXvZ9-KXkt4ZPo5C4LvBisjfwRluaNvBZTFwAj1hqSQORUlAefI5rK4q01ivYBYZbRBwzV5kH5se5iO7PrC5rsl4MM_epv6_/s1600/Dubrovnik+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once we walked through the city walls, we were treated to this enchanting view of the old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There weren't
many restaurants open, given it's the slow season. We did eventually
find one where the price seemed a bit high, but alright, and the menu
items (few) all looked extremely good. I have to say the food was
delicious but the dishes small. Vince half jokingly suggested we
should pick up a pizza on the way home. This was the smallest staffed
restaurant I had been to yet. There were two men who were both the wait
staff AND chefs and they were covering for TWO restaurants. They kept
leaving our restaurant and going up the street with dishes and drinks.
It was a bit much particularly since they forgot some of our ordered
items. If they brought drinks and the bottle of wine (that was
forgotten) which we ordered early on, we might have been more forgiving
but in the end we left very unsatisfied given the price and poor
service. I would have liked to provide the name of the restaurant here; it started with the letter "J", but I can't find a listing anywhere on the internet to validate the correct name.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
On <b>February 7th</b>, we woke to clear skies and so it was a good day to go out and explore Dubrovnik. We set out for the old town.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcibDwkMqX67NDlvzeWPlmL28h3-Nj2zo3lMsyX000FUlcOex9crxuLH4zpGbKF1GaSHPQwjJqcs93Pz62pyOF5tHPKn1lLF1wqaQaxudRabigqB40xJ9B1WNhJINVaPXTMRGh6FQtxNp/s1600/Dubrovnik+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcibDwkMqX67NDlvzeWPlmL28h3-Nj2zo3lMsyX000FUlcOex9crxuLH4zpGbKF1GaSHPQwjJqcs93Pz62pyOF5tHPKn1lLF1wqaQaxudRabigqB40xJ9B1WNhJINVaPXTMRGh6FQtxNp/s1600/Dubrovnik+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the Pile Gate: A statue of St Blaise sits above the entrance. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik and one can see several statues of the saint around the city. We just missed his annual feast, which is celebrated on February 3rd, when relics
of the saint, his head, a bit of bone from his throat, his right hand
and his left, are paraded in reliquaries around the city. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once
inside the walls of the old town, we had to find lunch. Paul didn't
have any breakfast and so was very hungry. We were hoping to find
something less expensive than our dinner the previous night so stopped
in at a pizzeria. Even with just a pizzeria, the single serving pizzas
ranged from ~$10-$12. It was clear we were no longer in Split anymore. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since cruise
ships stop here.<br />
<br />
After lunch we went to walk along the
city walls, which is the #1 thing to do when visiting Dubrovnik. It cost
100 kuna (~$20) for adults and 30 kuna (~$6) for kids to walk the wall.
Pretty pricey to walk a 2 km wall. There's that cruise ship influence
again.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H6UJKZPhyphenhyphen_U3NyhOk-fpb9476azQs1mZxaLLQrWSZ8EQP8LSnB2XP2gonxVSx_dHpJlb0GVbdflftXGgNmzNph37Kq0K7mGme7GQ8OtemLfL5ZIZ1gKkIUEGzpwwoPEvM6m1lJFW9B1v/s1600/Dubrovnik+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H6UJKZPhyphenhyphen_U3NyhOk-fpb9476azQs1mZxaLLQrWSZ8EQP8LSnB2XP2gonxVSx_dHpJlb0GVbdflftXGgNmzNph37Kq0K7mGme7GQ8OtemLfL5ZIZ1gKkIUEGzpwwoPEvM6m1lJFW9B1v/s1600/Dubrovnik+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking down the main street, the Stradun (also known as the Placa).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlL6sZ06ykotymU0n2TCD9lB47hvZBz5dhpof_cAK0GFSlU_ICd4XfMtfmSAmnSrqBnxTlVAhRYagGjyZlTiZJYd2bpf767dnYAVc22iXV7AO9pfQk0WgrkBMXrWE3b1TJqjbcpApCELj/s1600/Dubrovnik+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlL6sZ06ykotymU0n2TCD9lB47hvZBz5dhpof_cAK0GFSlU_ICd4XfMtfmSAmnSrqBnxTlVAhRYagGjyZlTiZJYd2bpf767dnYAVc22iXV7AO9pfQk0WgrkBMXrWE3b1TJqjbcpApCELj/s1600/Dubrovnik+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serbian Orthodox Church, built between 1865 - 1877.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5QxQ6eNB7UPYC0uqUXfyx8WCUSr3FOo1127BbnjztGP4PbFfcDdpjHeblp4szQg63vALZ8IRBvoykxWXmmvBM0qpDFkxb3kdflIm6D3PfO9EUu-O7A2jMFcTH4zA9eWC7PubWOYi98Ab/s1600/Dubrovnik+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5QxQ6eNB7UPYC0uqUXfyx8WCUSr3FOo1127BbnjztGP4PbFfcDdpjHeblp4szQg63vALZ8IRBvoykxWXmmvBM0qpDFkxb3kdflIm6D3PfO9EUu-O7A2jMFcTH4zA9eWC7PubWOYi98Ab/s1600/Dubrovnik+5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rector's Palace: It used to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa (which is now Dubrovnik) between the 14th century and 1808. Over the years, the palace was destroyed or heavily damaged
by either fires, gunpowder explosions or earthquakes and required a total or partial reconstruction or repair
of the building. So today it is a "harmonious" mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpSzNix01AsehyphenhyphenaiHCrhW2A706GqC3dfPuMKN2YZy1hxDMZtkJVClUlxwGulrA1_7iehbTrCVSkrxCSFiDWxl4Ypx2u3C3-ydbPR2ht2CeZmRFdmXxPkGs8rtJx5CQ1mCbyAtHvAv20B/s1600/Dubrovnik+29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpSzNix01AsehyphenhyphenaiHCrhW2A706GqC3dfPuMKN2YZy1hxDMZtkJVClUlxwGulrA1_7iehbTrCVSkrxCSFiDWxl4Ypx2u3C3-ydbPR2ht2CeZmRFdmXxPkGs8rtJx5CQ1mCbyAtHvAv20B/s1600/Dubrovnik+29.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the arch detail at the Rector's Palace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQvyJEICtdkAlHFu-u8anNqweKBYkk-q-rugyv0zEQyHh9nKDeWDsihWPBDPaXt1fndD_v9nHhxr15PDzxeti6L5rWFjW0ZnY0L4DYYhdMClgc1pSS5-JkV1Swski7Pa261j6vS3MH0hg/s1600/Dubrovnik+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQvyJEICtdkAlHFu-u8anNqweKBYkk-q-rugyv0zEQyHh9nKDeWDsihWPBDPaXt1fndD_v9nHhxr15PDzxeti6L5rWFjW0ZnY0L4DYYhdMClgc1pSS5-JkV1Swski7Pa261j6vS3MH0hg/s1600/Dubrovnik+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of Annunciation of St. Mary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxGd5Ea4JjlXcksbrFY5EOwkgeI-n0bHpMQGVGkOI7X2iL89MBTGOJlNa7BHPplc7Kg5L0ZVwWIWFQqppCfiZ2rHyP2XO1o2Zi_oCKmkYLpxJ0md8L9NE5h84-EPikKYUWDv4uDw_MVL0/s1600/Dubrovnik+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxGd5Ea4JjlXcksbrFY5EOwkgeI-n0bHpMQGVGkOI7X2iL89MBTGOJlNa7BHPplc7Kg5L0ZVwWIWFQqppCfiZ2rHyP2XO1o2Zi_oCKmkYLpxJ0md8L9NE5h84-EPikKYUWDv4uDw_MVL0/s1600/Dubrovnik+7.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A more understated entrance to the old town with a statue of St Blaise above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pCF8juSCdVOwBgy5i3-k1N_TM-ziXRyoXeLnKIzaZCu48o4RdTt34NcWDpDtTNAGhfep-ewL2dAuIqaXuIUEWzXH3on_nwxIQRMBMkEpXF9bPdk45a45gFmomPYJGweIkv574q5M68dj/s1600/Dubrovnik+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pCF8juSCdVOwBgy5i3-k1N_TM-ziXRyoXeLnKIzaZCu48o4RdTt34NcWDpDtTNAGhfep-ewL2dAuIqaXuIUEWzXH3on_nwxIQRMBMkEpXF9bPdk45a45gFmomPYJGweIkv574q5M68dj/s1600/Dubrovnik+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the old harbor from the city walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB89_MMWYEBFQ6fhw2jQ4VGgkGYW37AvSVOpxP7Rk1KTwGyyNkfST5doh6IpU0_bwXnFJMhyphenhyphen701JzpgYRPNxBspv08h8LKUEz5ZYqVlvzt3deBEUyLS6XDQKmSeGiyZ_MW72T5f0oKvY4q/s1600/Dubrovnik+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB89_MMWYEBFQ6fhw2jQ4VGgkGYW37AvSVOpxP7Rk1KTwGyyNkfST5doh6IpU0_bwXnFJMhyphenhyphen701JzpgYRPNxBspv08h8LKUEz5ZYqVlvzt3deBEUyLS6XDQKmSeGiyZ_MW72T5f0oKvY4q/s1600/Dubrovnik+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the exception of about 5 or six others, we were the only people walking along the walls. In the summer, when 2 or 3 cruise ships arrive, I understand it is packed and people are advised to visit the wall at 8:00am when the ticket office opens. At 100 kuna/adult, this venue is a big money maker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMpC89MWPF9MRBCDHJMiKH2PBHWziswITkfgEnXdW7_lj4wXc5c7xbWn4HgkbedsvRX6d1wPF1cdMFTIHWHKdwByrM9SBtW6dgiAIkiOnBHnbiCVVTPkjFOsN5vkxPFKpVeeaCMsYM5T2/s1600/Dubrovnik+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMpC89MWPF9MRBCDHJMiKH2PBHWziswITkfgEnXdW7_lj4wXc5c7xbWn4HgkbedsvRX6d1wPF1cdMFTIHWHKdwByrM9SBtW6dgiAIkiOnBHnbiCVVTPkjFOsN5vkxPFKpVeeaCMsYM5T2/s1600/Dubrovnik+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the walls, one edges around the perimeter of the old town below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjvSzOFrObNsicOPvLsZYHpuPSQxOK5i9OZKd5kzVw7kPVQYPC6fVMyl46V2T2U2PnTsp6UI3NqIAzV78A2q5pKI2xiVWM8GkZto-QtNa_s-fkJvU3MFFC351XJpDdvRlioiK6BX6QgV_/s1600/Dubrovnik+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjvSzOFrObNsicOPvLsZYHpuPSQxOK5i9OZKd5kzVw7kPVQYPC6fVMyl46V2T2U2PnTsp6UI3NqIAzV78A2q5pKI2xiVWM8GkZto-QtNa_s-fkJvU3MFFC351XJpDdvRlioiK6BX6QgV_/s1600/Dubrovnik+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the main promenade, the Stradum (Paca).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg7hl8Hzsre2y7CbeWe-AZi8htRsHIXzTKg3_w_IZQB8FeOdnAAkreGlbOX2rf465Qiwpzfy5PdPX9geJPTJ_lUWt-ia_1UxRbqy5ogbicI-bgSDTCE4N010kc6IdrTDtkaESOG2K7OQp/s1600/Dubrovnik+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg7hl8Hzsre2y7CbeWe-AZi8htRsHIXzTKg3_w_IZQB8FeOdnAAkreGlbOX2rf465Qiwpzfy5PdPX9geJPTJ_lUWt-ia_1UxRbqy5ogbicI-bgSDTCE4N010kc6IdrTDtkaESOG2K7OQp/s1600/Dubrovnik+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort St Lawrence: A fort has stood here since early in the 11th century. It also serves as a theatre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnUUFqgle4sdSnk-mXodHXAXl9eBqlKde9t-dPOmPNIIC4T5D2KpeuG6YIK0OSiXVK-Kvd7WoxArp_oQ5E2sTgqvcgqEGFdhwaLjXoAiw_-uYDYj3bRBKDIFsavslRY4Y8NQYmmapldls/s1600/Dubrovnik+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnUUFqgle4sdSnk-mXodHXAXl9eBqlKde9t-dPOmPNIIC4T5D2KpeuG6YIK0OSiXVK-Kvd7WoxArp_oQ5E2sTgqvcgqEGFdhwaLjXoAiw_-uYDYj3bRBKDIFsavslRY4Y8NQYmmapldls/s1600/Dubrovnik+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the view of Fort St Lawrence behind you, this is the view of the wall against the Adriatic Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwYQLFwOrp3E59XS1wzAgyQCENFsR2lWJbBv208bWgFCOFQmDUYfR4XA6mYRSdT8kDH__3XpTKrS5Jpkfr-4fbPsNmua6Vy3TZBiG0JTR4nRHzZKi1SEBaRpVC63NVEUt2MyY5bJQ2hNa/s1600/Dubrovnik+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwYQLFwOrp3E59XS1wzAgyQCENFsR2lWJbBv208bWgFCOFQmDUYfR4XA6mYRSdT8kDH__3XpTKrS5Jpkfr-4fbPsNmua6Vy3TZBiG0JTR4nRHzZKi1SEBaRpVC63NVEUt2MyY5bJQ2hNa/s1600/Dubrovnik+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching
the outer-most point where the wall extends towards the sea, this a
view looking back at Fort St Lawrence and part of the town outside of
the walls. Notice the color of the water on a dark overcast day. On a
sunny day the waters and views would be nothing less than breathtaking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUqMSAPmHQGFZ9Hz9N545agQulDVaVV-ox3n3Il09UYiK1cNcL7NQG90gURg8wyvzW97iNFT9tJXeQmBQ50114uObXb08QeBY3LnseU-Hhqfz-HXL6cg4wh2WYO2kpP9Tg05lwiItiehd/s1600/Dubrovnik+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUqMSAPmHQGFZ9Hz9N545agQulDVaVV-ox3n3Il09UYiK1cNcL7NQG90gURg8wyvzW97iNFT9tJXeQmBQ50114uObXb08QeBY3LnseU-Hhqfz-HXL6cg4wh2WYO2kpP9Tg05lwiItiehd/s1600/Dubrovnik+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a date tree to the left, this view shows the island of Lokrum to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wzs5XFlOp5UFKV4uU4ZYV-_1Gu9QFsl13MJ2R3FWwPewFw2qzdcfgKNZKSCwpLIOSamQXdEMfxmb33MLEOp20yc5I8UEXB-c6AsDSNCgE0EeMgdpU-5yKXaP4anxFyHuagT0aqrd1SMY/s1600/Dubrovnik+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wzs5XFlOp5UFKV4uU4ZYV-_1Gu9QFsl13MJ2R3FWwPewFw2qzdcfgKNZKSCwpLIOSamQXdEMfxmb33MLEOp20yc5I8UEXB-c6AsDSNCgE0EeMgdpU-5yKXaP4anxFyHuagT0aqrd1SMY/s1600/Dubrovnik+16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most locals dry their laundry on lines outside their windows. This resident has also found it a good way to dry dishes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhEhwWXbnVdMCcNDUr6ZR8QyQ0ISXtUgZ_tMISEhnrivLsI2wxozVUvxYbsHycNyg0gmhflE-xLUKQQDhYvqO-JgmU5IRFrg6lTt6GFd9dxYu66TVc4h3EG3Ww3CtjIgpZEXPn87MzGOc/s1600/Dubrovnik+17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhEhwWXbnVdMCcNDUr6ZR8QyQ0ISXtUgZ_tMISEhnrivLsI2wxozVUvxYbsHycNyg0gmhflE-xLUKQQDhYvqO-JgmU5IRFrg6lTt6GFd9dxYu66TVc4h3EG3Ww3CtjIgpZEXPn87MzGOc/s1600/Dubrovnik+17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing
the end of our walk around the wall: In general, with the exception of
some uneven and steep steps, it's a pretty easy 2 km.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtURwrXbwm64ruWWxrxQEHLgzaTgofjviz5RsjkbDxynRiUqbzTjt3GRUjJVIA_F7UdagM1hqT6hBLNdoxQ0DOr0kCMhOXb05EPPly2xsi-wGAg6oYULIFxTBNbaarh2mu5bCotk9iPP83/s1600/Dubrovnik+18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtURwrXbwm64ruWWxrxQEHLgzaTgofjviz5RsjkbDxynRiUqbzTjt3GRUjJVIA_F7UdagM1hqT6hBLNdoxQ0DOr0kCMhOXb05EPPly2xsi-wGAg6oYULIFxTBNbaarh2mu5bCotk9iPP83/s1600/Dubrovnik+18.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of minute details can be found on the builds around the old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-1sQcikPGZCJecknpDKddNfRq9iezto-Uz_gSRgPM62Wt4dD-wdFBLNwy4Cjf_RVoROhgRn_hXm3FfPQ3OThNyFkaYDrHlAcFfO_5WIXDZviAur085VesvgtVo-ACMFd9gF5cJ8N6mzS/s1600/Dubrovnik+19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-1sQcikPGZCJecknpDKddNfRq9iezto-Uz_gSRgPM62Wt4dD-wdFBLNwy4Cjf_RVoROhgRn_hXm3FfPQ3OThNyFkaYDrHlAcFfO_5WIXDZviAur085VesvgtVo-ACMFd9gF5cJ8N6mzS/s1600/Dubrovnik+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ploce Gate: Notice the beautiful stone detail on the bridge. Another statue of St Blaise sits above the entrance. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then walked over to the cable car that would take us up Mount Srd to
Fort Imperial that was built by Napoleon after he added Dubrovnik to his
holdings (~1810). This fort turned out to be very strategic in the 1990s
when war broke out with Yugoslavia. This was the high ground that the locals were able to hold and helped them to defend Dubrovnik below.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7Sle26592_JXDfSzcx16zHx6_j6V2HLLfe2Q6fxQIn0Oe9CQvgW1lHxD8NLhyphenhyphenp6YheHW_uFhKvHXwvHsj1nH4jCvOUHaUMltCi3_RulERMsE8ijZTmd5urt-Iw4WUexgLJczW90GwCj5/s1600/Dubrovnik+20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7Sle26592_JXDfSzcx16zHx6_j6V2HLLfe2Q6fxQIn0Oe9CQvgW1lHxD8NLhyphenhyphenp6YheHW_uFhKvHXwvHsj1nH4jCvOUHaUMltCi3_RulERMsE8ijZTmd5urt-Iw4WUexgLJczW90GwCj5/s1600/Dubrovnik+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad we took the cable car up, rather than walked. Incredible views.
The cable car was just rebuilt in 2010 (first one destroyed in the
1991-95 war) after the landmines were removed at the top of Mount Srd. Locals are not certain whether or not all the landmines were discovered, so tourists are advised to keep to established paths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYTtVE3Lv_4WquRkFphg3MllhIs39ZdIemML8_7tOCjsvzWeuxxU1BP8CEVb7faV0zKEMACu4kpvn5ylDhnMjsISJIuN7cc3IlGQCWVOpI5IbD0n0TrqY4V-lR7o55boTWT1tTZZrMha3/s1600/Dubrovnik+21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYTtVE3Lv_4WquRkFphg3MllhIs39ZdIemML8_7tOCjsvzWeuxxU1BP8CEVb7faV0zKEMACu4kpvn5ylDhnMjsISJIuN7cc3IlGQCWVOpI5IbD0n0TrqY4V-lR7o55boTWT1tTZZrMha3/s1600/Dubrovnik+21.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views on top of Mount Srd (412 meters above sea level) are nothing less than stunning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Inside
the fort is a "Dubrovnik during the Homeland War (1991-95)" museum that
we wanted to see. I was interested because this war occurred during my
lifetime and I remembered reports of it. The museum is pretty basic, using photos,
artifacts and documents to describe the Serbian and Montenegrin
aggression. There are English translations which are very poor; English
speakers do have to work in order to follow the translation. I have to
think that if one is setting up a museum and wants to translate
information for English tourists, couldn't they find native English
speakers to fine-tune the translations? We're not hard to find; there
are millions of us out there.<br />
<br />
The best part of the museum
was the series of tv news clips covering the initial attacks on
Dubrovnik in September 1991 through December 6, 1991. Despite the
information provided being very one sided, it was just another reminder
of the senselessness of war. And it was painful watching the Yugoslavian
Federalist army bombing and destroying beautiful old Dubrovnik, a
UNESCO world heritage site, while the international community did very little to intervene.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5nLMijOk9_3LZGbySwQBsIoO0tj_1JnADgO1f1d_kcTJfRV8vnOlqWI81UDQ01tFFGHzdGSt8yx5E9WajqgRUdL43L1H1RJ2O15rGGm6Da3j7nBkED2IHtGxnugZz4sy3KZpVgvu6RAQ/s1600/Dubrovnik+22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5nLMijOk9_3LZGbySwQBsIoO0tj_1JnADgO1f1d_kcTJfRV8vnOlqWI81UDQ01tFFGHzdGSt8yx5E9WajqgRUdL43L1H1RJ2O15rGGm6Da3j7nBkED2IHtGxnugZz4sy3KZpVgvu6RAQ/s1600/Dubrovnik+22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo captures what most of the museum is like. The interior of the fort is cave-like including dripping ceilings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV1F2bIncT6N_vIfqHCa2UPUOCR4-R3r_2kbeGJOEm48UGaxd8UPcT6iL4FErKgBQZ3QNINhSfmnFRvKmFCB-5ScnisKPwpmmS08iTxO0cG_r_VY0ol_W_xrix-eaDZwHs8i_yAPq8iHl/s1600/Dubrovnik+23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV1F2bIncT6N_vIfqHCa2UPUOCR4-R3r_2kbeGJOEm48UGaxd8UPcT6iL4FErKgBQZ3QNINhSfmnFRvKmFCB-5ScnisKPwpmmS08iTxO0cG_r_VY0ol_W_xrix-eaDZwHs8i_yAPq8iHl/s1600/Dubrovnik+23.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rooftop of the fort provides more outstanding views. The small island in the middle of the photo is the uninhabited Daksa. Beyond that are the Elaphite islands,
which include Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep; these are tourist destinations
in the summer but this time a year there are no ferries operating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPf78Ux6itIa9c2hpmeCYbZj2B8rqGQLSu4pGPbvOucgT2TTtaCcEY-3usziG2YOpV2Lfj4KyfnS0JD3zETR9-q2WANRGpO8tFTCezpd6FNx524AFRu_eQTLYplmSBuh-h9eexcIw4oxM/s1600/Dubrovnik+26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPf78Ux6itIa9c2hpmeCYbZj2B8rqGQLSu4pGPbvOucgT2TTtaCcEY-3usziG2YOpV2Lfj4KyfnS0JD3zETR9-q2WANRGpO8tFTCezpd6FNx524AFRu_eQTLYplmSBuh-h9eexcIw4oxM/s1600/Dubrovnik+26.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After treating ourselves to the cable car ride up Mount Srd, we felt we should walk down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUGixUA6oa3u_oLSI5qs3cDOrMpjcQvdXWSUnENKSBsL5cJ6eUrh7fwZN_6lKD3xLRVdCLbB2bsXqLHG48Ckm3LFR32Fr9JCQuOnD5jUy0Vy-RG_t_LUfXfiD8eFYp9JRy6MHChRZIwPm/s1600/Dubrovnik+25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUGixUA6oa3u_oLSI5qs3cDOrMpjcQvdXWSUnENKSBsL5cJ6eUrh7fwZN_6lKD3xLRVdCLbB2bsXqLHG48Ckm3LFR32Fr9JCQuOnD5jUy0Vy-RG_t_LUfXfiD8eFYp9JRy6MHChRZIwPm/s1600/Dubrovnik+25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we walked down Mount Srd, I turned back to take this photo of Fort Imperial.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S54yAGwBpqJs2TM9qujkyqjBnpNq3-V_X8l3-r12DwZy-LLEGRTHrJjyy8c6Q-Ffg0go8FINUxiWLL0NkBWcRg4UomK99DXBodi5GOkRSkz9lcMjFZEUM2zvL31pzkwMgbGY5OYpVk-J/s1600/Dubrovnik+24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S54yAGwBpqJs2TM9qujkyqjBnpNq3-V_X8l3-r12DwZy-LLEGRTHrJjyy8c6Q-Ffg0go8FINUxiWLL0NkBWcRg4UomK99DXBodi5GOkRSkz9lcMjFZEUM2zvL31pzkwMgbGY5OYpVk-J/s1600/Dubrovnik+24.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking down, we were treated to another dazzling sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>February 8th</b>, we woke to pouring rain and no one was motivated to go
outside, including Molly who wanted nothing to do with water. I
researched what we could do on a rainy day but there wasn't much. There
are a few museums in Dubrovnik's old town but I knew they wouldn't
appeal to the kids. There's a cave under one of the airport's runways
but that was closed. There are some islands that are popular in the
summer, the closest being Lokrum, however ferries weren't running this
time of year. Hunger eventually forced us out and so we walked towards
the old town and the Ploce Gate, where we found a pizzeria. Our feet and
legs were soaked at this point so we went in to have lunch and watched
the weather switch from teaming rain to hard rain.<br />
<br />
After
lunch, Vince and the boys were done with being wet and so returned back
to the apartment. As this was our last day in Dubrovnik, I wasn't ready
to call it quits yet and so Sarah joined me to return to the old town.
Sarah and I hadn't walked for long before I was questioning my decision.
Since Dubrovnik is paved in limestone, there was no where for the water
to flow; we found ourselves walking in impromptu rivers and, when
walking down/up stairs, those rivers became water falls. Our feet were
drenched. Nevertheless we made the best of it and Sarah was very happy
chatting away about all her plans for when she returns to California.
We stopped in a souvenir shop where Sarah bought gifts for two of her
cousins and then wandered the streets, taking any street that we hadn't
yet explored. Sarah likened the experience to navigating a real life
maze, which I think is a good description of the old town (less the
hedges).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeRW_3_oRPK8ODE-TF8ViOPwcb0jNANCrKtH0HE0tg2JMY113DCV1laBu0ztwKuYT1T7pAHNwlQUF3KR0u0xqhkhzsOftMsZfIVVbnsx3qPF4QvaDH-jlcMNmhTNg0FCqe7-NXvAF9-a0/s1600/Dubrovnik+27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeRW_3_oRPK8ODE-TF8ViOPwcb0jNANCrKtH0HE0tg2JMY113DCV1laBu0ztwKuYT1T7pAHNwlQUF3KR0u0xqhkhzsOftMsZfIVVbnsx3qPF4QvaDH-jlcMNmhTNg0FCqe7-NXvAF9-a0/s1600/Dubrovnik+27.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main altar in the Dubrovnik Cathedral (Cathedral of Annunciation of St. Mary):
I guess we were lucky to be able to go in; at times, I gather there is
an admission fee. A cathedral has stood here as far back as the 7th
century. The current cathedral was completed in 1713. Apparently, the
treasury of the cathedral holds the reliquaries of the head and the arm
of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, St. Blaise. It also contains a
number of valuable paintings. Note the polyptich above the pictured altar; it's the work of Titian Vecelli and his workshop. The name
of the work is "Annunciation of Mary" and it befits the Cathedral
perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PTgS0PL5ivJmnX2KgeQ4iQREd4TSFH1iccXafTLSvzugDm2bUatfnJp9YidA4Bf-RCWyuMwGVl9DrOaNny8cSIIPkw-s6evOGR8k9b3-NsBJ5Et_Z2GQV8RvRbo5cyF87KriJsvPiWED/s1600/Dubrovnik+28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PTgS0PL5ivJmnX2KgeQ4iQREd4TSFH1iccXafTLSvzugDm2bUatfnJp9YidA4Bf-RCWyuMwGVl9DrOaNny8cSIIPkw-s6evOGR8k9b3-NsBJ5Et_Z2GQV8RvRbo5cyF87KriJsvPiWED/s1600/Dubrovnik+28.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Onofrio fountain, built by Onofrio della Cava. It was erected as a celebration of the completion of a new water system
in 1438, which thus supplied the city with water from the Dubrovnik
River, 12 kilometres away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl2AH1Q8qllhVmo-ggZ38XjSLQA5rEHwu8D74AglYDES6NctfCo8yJBrDCQkADxOTdB8TUeKFtDDu6UYEBx6CGgCfOeRANWTPaj1Q9dgA9mK6km1EeM0J60JikMyycTTdoKjHwAjVbf6G/s1600/Dubrovnik+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl2AH1Q8qllhVmo-ggZ38XjSLQA5rEHwu8D74AglYDES6NctfCo8yJBrDCQkADxOTdB8TUeKFtDDu6UYEBx6CGgCfOeRANWTPaj1Q9dgA9mK6km1EeM0J60JikMyycTTdoKjHwAjVbf6G/s1600/Dubrovnik+30.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, the Palace Sponza, Bell Tower and City Hall and Theatre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEyFwcLersOeO0ISHQie-_3-KzcRHwUIA-QKE3Jgt4ByCWrkSBt7-C5m6vvVcYSOTU52WPhn5SBPhCQ9PDArr2_fZvRpGQFtrFzDhaiPcOJosU0E3ZoBuGW_TLkwYcj4n3hnpjwGvCWT1/s1600/Dubrovnik+31.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEyFwcLersOeO0ISHQie-_3-KzcRHwUIA-QKE3Jgt4ByCWrkSBt7-C5m6vvVcYSOTU52WPhn5SBPhCQ9PDArr2_fZvRpGQFtrFzDhaiPcOJosU0E3ZoBuGW_TLkwYcj4n3hnpjwGvCWT1/s1600/Dubrovnik+31.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Small Onofrio fountain located next to the Bell Tower, completed in 1442: It's purpose was to supply the market on the Luza
square with water. Sculpting work on the fountain was done by
Petar Martinov from Milano, while the mechanism was the work of Onofrio
della Cava. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Due to the heavy rain, we "ordered in" food from the restaurant from where we had lunch. At this time of year, two days was about right for Dubrovnik. However, if I was to return in the late spring, summer or early autumn (which we hope to do one day), I would recommend staying five days or more and make sure to take a couple boat trips to some of the neighboring islands, maybe visit the caves under the airport runway, and soak up the sun and the atmosphere at the many bar/cafes in the old town (which would have outdoor seating in warmer/dryer temperatures).<br />
<br />
The next day we would be packing up and moving to Kotor, Montenegro. We read that the scenery along the coast would continue to reward so I was just hoping that the rain would miraculously go away (and maybe come back another day).Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-3278460843143271862014-01-23T11:35:00.000-08:002014-01-23T14:36:06.477-08:00Roman Holiday Part 2<span class="st">On <b>January 8th</b>, we woke up to a lovely sunny
day so decided to postpone our plan of seeing the Vatican Museums and
instead visit the Colosseum. (Yes, already we were adjusting "the plan"
and hadn't yet even left the RV!) </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW45sl0Btll9BotoZXV078Ws07Wt111XoB65Z7HBoEKneFa4EUp9jGbNsAvmWI1XfU7YJ3AFoYQYo2kGVkhObWPMcWoCDIqSCfI5WfVOii2Mlsdyi5paFhAifZruI-ZsUDEFadrSo2rJ5/s1600/Colosseum+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW45sl0Btll9BotoZXV078Ws07Wt111XoB65Z7HBoEKneFa4EUp9jGbNsAvmWI1XfU7YJ3AFoYQYo2kGVkhObWPMcWoCDIqSCfI5WfVOii2Mlsdyi5paFhAifZruI-ZsUDEFadrSo2rJ5/s1600/Colosseum+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the
Colosseum: Also known as the
Amphitheatrum Flavium, this elliptically shaped arena was ordered built
by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his heir and
successor, Titus. In the foreground of this photo is flooring that was
added to a third of the ground space to show the size and position of
the original flooring which, back in the day, was wooden and covered by
sand. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jSGzSN9iGDBFkK-i5FdDiH9pQ-TstURpnaqtNMC5wFel095HUUko47p59nYzhdZ3mhii7UZx4YKfD3Z4IUihpfo-_W_v92y7nhkbOdgYgxVRcc0Jqc7_NYy313s5BvKTOZWiSgPLD6xI/s1600/Colosseum+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jSGzSN9iGDBFkK-i5FdDiH9pQ-TstURpnaqtNMC5wFel095HUUko47p59nYzhdZ3mhii7UZx4YKfD3Z4IUihpfo-_W_v92y7nhkbOdgYgxVRcc0Jqc7_NYy313s5BvKTOZWiSgPLD6xI/s1600/Colosseum+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another
view of the Colosseum from the opposite side. It is estimated that the
Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used
for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles
such as animal hunts, executions, mock sea battles (the Colosseum floor
could be flooded which probably was a good "cleaning" step after the animal hunts and
executions), re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on
Classical mythology.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IKxYKJ2zB5rtWy8Z25R6Kyw9fgPvWRnZJQmmuDvv6JtiYRYLiRCDbKFSevZZ798a1SdXr9pP8I-brQOhrKrNsi_s8FOtdi_NbbIv17tvJcwvAi3fbXLp6bGiQBiGvQ9mH1jN-apbIPyn/s1600/Colossseum+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IKxYKJ2zB5rtWy8Z25R6Kyw9fgPvWRnZJQmmuDvv6JtiYRYLiRCDbKFSevZZ798a1SdXr9pP8I-brQOhrKrNsi_s8FOtdi_NbbIv17tvJcwvAi3fbXLp6bGiQBiGvQ9mH1jN-apbIPyn/s1600/Colossseum+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colosseum
seating was in a tiered arrangement that rigidly reflected the
stratified nature of Roman society. This photo shows a section of
seating reserved for senators. The names of some 5th century senators
can still be seen carved into the stonework, presumably reserving areas
for their use.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCK-FXOzUwk582kJvbTrB15zUe56XIa5wOGS-6_lLaDCKpGL4fSgBlOQaiTPQ10u0DwCvXMuto43UT8HirnflM3R6_MDYppNE9_7ZM_f97Ku-7bw7SFHpZoxor_gXCOkxh-tL2Nv1B32b/s1600/colosseum+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCK-FXOzUwk582kJvbTrB15zUe56XIa5wOGS-6_lLaDCKpGL4fSgBlOQaiTPQ10u0DwCvXMuto43UT8HirnflM3R6_MDYppNE9_7ZM_f97Ku-7bw7SFHpZoxor_gXCOkxh-tL2Nv1B32b/s1600/colosseum+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Forum from the Colosseum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1d5xodBPaGD1Q2UWsHqb7V6je3LtsDWwB0CMtXaaafxvnmNubfxy6eElU-qW6nESclMoNWBEeHIdwD7CMcZZUTLCdYhqRuF1kiQ4X7sL-ujr7FNjhmogKG8hoHkoZblGQova3XkHZdnc/s1600/Colosseum+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1d5xodBPaGD1Q2UWsHqb7V6je3LtsDWwB0CMtXaaafxvnmNubfxy6eElU-qW6nESclMoNWBEeHIdwD7CMcZZUTLCdYhqRuF1kiQ4X7sL-ujr7FNjhmogKG8hoHkoZblGQova3XkHZdnc/s1600/Colosseum+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basement (hypogeum) of the colosseum consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages
beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests
began. Eighty vertical shafts provided access to the arena for
caged animals and scenery pieces concealed underneath and larger hinged
platforms, called hegmata, provided access for elephants and bigger scenery/prop items.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYpzeEUNfm2YBNVG_b9fxYtpLzatYJA3WV6Z5IIxu7RBm7Cqa64UkBwdcFWosTtJ-TIQTKuTa1l_hxsfrllcfwFEGYQ0lcALYicZdQA_hQH-QDmEQT6pu5xc2fzROxHubw1f8EbNQlVdi/s1600/Colosseum+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYpzeEUNfm2YBNVG_b9fxYtpLzatYJA3WV6Z5IIxu7RBm7Cqa64UkBwdcFWosTtJ-TIQTKuTa1l_hxsfrllcfwFEGYQ0lcALYicZdQA_hQH-QDmEQT6pu5xc2fzROxHubw1f8EbNQlVdi/s1600/Colosseum+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah helping to put the massive size of the top of a corinthian pillar into perspective.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Colosseum, we had lunch at a nearby
trattoria, Taverna dei Quaranta, that made very good pasta dishes.
After lunch we set out to visit 3 churches that were on our list as
"must sees".<br />
<br />
The
first was the Basilica di San Clemente which is promoted as "one of the
more interesting churches in Rome" so maybe I just missed something.
Having been spoiled seeing so many other churches/basilicas in Rome, I
was underwhelmed with the San Clemente. The church did not allow
photography so I cannot add any visuals here to the blog. The church is
on the small side (all relative when comparing basilicas in Rome) and I
didn't observe any feature that was outstanding (to the untrained eye).
It is old however, and that is always something when these buildings
survive a thousand or more years. It was almost buried in ruins
when the Normans set fire to it in 1084 and was rebuilt in the 12th
century. For the art historians out there, San Clemente remains a rare
example of a paleo-Christian basilica, so may be worth a visit.<br />
<br />
We
then continued on to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano which
even the average person walking off the street can appreciate.
Apparently the Catholic Church has named it "The Mother of All
Churches". <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx7qhVeYubITuaoZsozB0QDdhHWdBQ0FNDqWoCn-nrduUuS4r8Ka3CygBwESKGlpMtKH8YkjBJ70FSafGhizptCsuQUgrdzq8CHYfIr1h_SacRzovjlLS0fmcQxsHge7CR2lTxAorWzRZ/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx7qhVeYubITuaoZsozB0QDdhHWdBQ0FNDqWoCn-nrduUuS4r8Ka3CygBwESKGlpMtKH8YkjBJ70FSafGhizptCsuQUgrdzq8CHYfIr1h_SacRzovjlLS0fmcQxsHge7CR2lTxAorWzRZ/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica
di San Giovanni in Laterano is the Cathedral of Rome and was founded by
Constantine as the Basilica of the Savior during the papacy of St
Sylvester (314-335 AD). Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the
Evangelist, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the first among
the four major basilicas of Rome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc_DMg_z8V5jMxlfD44u98DIiPbn71JADIIDn8oQBJqUV15HRe7UEhyphenhyphenxe_uQq_uwSXdK0GWlZoinRzv6viZfH70JW49hiZ1Bski3WWwUWvij2qOv9fzk8sS56gpNSzSICVVGY1OfWwKOh/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc_DMg_z8V5jMxlfD44u98DIiPbn71JADIIDn8oQBJqUV15HRe7UEhyphenhyphenxe_uQq_uwSXdK0GWlZoinRzv6viZfH70JW49hiZ1Bski3WWwUWvij2qOv9fzk8sS56gpNSzSICVVGY1OfWwKOh/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current
Basilica dates to the 17th century but despite many alterations over the
centuries, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano still retains its
original plan: A nave flanked by two aisles and ending in a semi-circular apse to the
west. Unusually, the basilica is oriented to the west instead of the
east; this is because it was built before the tradition of
east-orientation had taken hold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BkUBEF7hU40Un13bwC10dPAeDRqUGp-pg1EwWyL1VkSaSN57q33FsDADLgeL4EevTyDgF1baUQ6ctXYGnKOV-RnvOa281Jj2hAI33rHa1kqidjgt1wtPkiBri_ca2lYcH1sCEFB5iWIe/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BkUBEF7hU40Un13bwC10dPAeDRqUGp-pg1EwWyL1VkSaSN57q33FsDADLgeL4EevTyDgF1baUQ6ctXYGnKOV-RnvOa281Jj2hAI33rHa1kqidjgt1wtPkiBri_ca2lYcH1sCEFB5iWIe/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The High Altar was made in 1367 under Pope Urban V and is reserved for the Pope; only he can celebrate mass from this pulpit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawe2AO3sDUhYU234oyra_U4fy-_koLCIhVxH4o9GsN3Q9J8LjzD3dUQH-iUxdIRd6XNbvbypLDWWvgx5ky4oEGNLryIKgk8aXK_SfO8nv6rVekcwwZbRB0la8exdF3GlKNAy9ApdzH_J8/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawe2AO3sDUhYU234oyra_U4fy-_koLCIhVxH4o9GsN3Q9J8LjzD3dUQH-iUxdIRd6XNbvbypLDWWvgx5ky4oEGNLryIKgk8aXK_SfO8nv6rVekcwwZbRB0la8exdF3GlKNAy9ApdzH_J8/s1600/Basilica+S+G+L+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
cosmatesque (derived from the name of a family of marble workers, the
Cosmati, who
worked in and around Rome in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries)
floor, characterized by geometric motifs formed using cut pieces of
marble and other stones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpkpdAdAyupycqDutag9lNorLE97n-rMKGA_h_W_aANur_0nSfGoH_vvuNGBuxpT4lIWMI1tku7my14sTjaZAIF3fApMzMYNJRWD_MOtdewZfbPRetbvz1RQiySMGTCmxNHzgqUJQIfX0/s1600/Lateran+Obelisk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpkpdAdAyupycqDutag9lNorLE97n-rMKGA_h_W_aANur_0nSfGoH_vvuNGBuxpT4lIWMI1tku7my14sTjaZAIF3fApMzMYNJRWD_MOtdewZfbPRetbvz1RQiySMGTCmxNHzgqUJQIfX0/s1600/Lateran+Obelisk.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in front
of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the Laterno Obelisk which
is the tallest of the obelisks standing in various piazzas across Rome.
It is also the largest standing ancient Egyptian obelisk in the world.
It was made in 1449 BC and brought to Rome in the 4th century where it
was erected on the Circus Maximus. It was moved to the Piazza San
Giovanni in Laterano in 1588.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXnIvk0nTuG9SUQCBvD6v5T5QJOTME0P61yaZIoz-YA9T-UI12fFBypCCbMScpM2KOBgffJ9TcmAyoEgi1NpCTsEa12Zh5mZO3sa2UL_G-FnAhENK1fRc1ozgJjadg2GimQLUQXa-hKqC/s1600/Lateran+obelisk+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXnIvk0nTuG9SUQCBvD6v5T5QJOTME0P61yaZIoz-YA9T-UI12fFBypCCbMScpM2KOBgffJ9TcmAyoEgi1NpCTsEa12Zh5mZO3sa2UL_G-FnAhENK1fRc1ozgJjadg2GimQLUQXa-hKqC/s1600/Lateran+obelisk+2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the hieroglyphs on the obelisk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our third religious destination was the Basilica di
Santa Maria Maggiore which is the largest Catholic Marian Church
(dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary) in Rome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYN_5XqunMlJYC2vJ71tl8Zm3WBffKSxd25sPbW992yY_VwKaYcPRkRA65e0BfrI19RqzyJe2I0c3ZbaZEk33HFMlUZcwPIq61x0HidoOOFqA14MZ49qImQpCjygJ-2ofebR85aLf-6gO/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYN_5XqunMlJYC2vJ71tl8Zm3WBffKSxd25sPbW992yY_VwKaYcPRkRA65e0BfrI19RqzyJe2I0c3ZbaZEk33HFMlUZcwPIq61x0HidoOOFqA14MZ49qImQpCjygJ-2ofebR85aLf-6gO/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria
Maggiore was built under Pope Sixtus III (432-440). It was one of the
first churches built in honor of the
Virgin Mary and was erected in the immediate aftermath of the Council of
Ephesus of 431 which proclaimed "Mary, Mother of God". Pope Sixtus III
built it to commemorate this decision.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Je0LCacDkLigOa7SqsRbHJzqbPP-ESjACsXrR5l7lrmh2DXmffvoU51lPN1fgKK7E__O0q-R5SyPC_hqJLN7khIqbw0txYkDJWjLEn9SFcaJFcTPPfiZ1xLnTic1XImUI4qccJPH_dBR/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Je0LCacDkLigOa7SqsRbHJzqbPP-ESjACsXrR5l7lrmh2DXmffvoU51lPN1fgKK7E__O0q-R5SyPC_hqJLN7khIqbw0txYkDJWjLEn9SFcaJFcTPPfiZ1xLnTic1XImUI4qccJPH_dBR/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of
the Basilica was very dark and so it was difficult to photograph.
Similar to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the canopied high
altar in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is used only by the Pope
(with the exception of a few priests, including the archpriest).
Pope Francis began his first full day as Pontiff with a visit to the
basilica on March 14, 2013. Somewhere at this altar is supposedly
remnants of the manger that Jesus was laid in at Bethlehem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVEk9tAdoXNPqDWfiUwmkfIJ0IdhtNKe3l51hhMg8OmeQwHwJqb2VtE-6VwQ7RV9zW58-85mPH4rJNRlJMnsSWlP-xOwgzK4rDAQ-WS3b2Nq8JGSJnscsEjrHYz5zovpSdljfQVzNAga2/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVEk9tAdoXNPqDWfiUwmkfIJ0IdhtNKe3l51hhMg8OmeQwHwJqb2VtE-6VwQ7RV9zW58-85mPH4rJNRlJMnsSWlP-xOwgzK4rDAQ-WS3b2Nq8JGSJnscsEjrHYz5zovpSdljfQVzNAga2/s1600/Maria+Maggiore+3.jpg" height="640" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting of Mary and Jesus located behind the high altar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That
evening Sarah invited me to dinner at McDonald's which was located just
across the road from our campground; she insisted that dinner be her
treat using money that she was given at Christmas. It was a very sweet
invitation and we had fun, just the two of us spending some girl
time together.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvIhSf3BccI9jiEDOJ7G2NaIvOQhFt0T8iojFZG47AZQF2gOU8Iv9wfeY2JJxxCC0AiRE4nrf8Fz87g2zE_0lzU9Q7H3VmEYD4qCeMmDXEIRRbGABaWFkNPvKx9QcIwUNCCnpzuh6nbzl/s1600/Sarah+McDonalds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvIhSf3BccI9jiEDOJ7G2NaIvOQhFt0T8iojFZG47AZQF2gOU8Iv9wfeY2JJxxCC0AiRE4nrf8Fz87g2zE_0lzU9Q7H3VmEYD4qCeMmDXEIRRbGABaWFkNPvKx9QcIwUNCCnpzuh6nbzl/s1600/Sarah+McDonalds.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Italian McDonald's <i>Happy Meal</i> included a yogurt drink in addition to the chicken nuggets and fries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>January 9th</b>, we visited the Forum and Palatine Hill. I believe
this was my third trip to Rome and this was the first visit to the Forum
for me.
It's essential to get the audioguide in order to really get something
meaningful out of a visit, which is what we did. One could easily spend
about 3+ hours meandering around the Forum, Palatine Hill and surrounding
building remains.<br />
<br />
For those who don't know much about
the Roman Forum, it was the center of the civic and economic life in the
Republican era (~509 BC - approx 44 BC) and maintained an important
role also in the Imperial period (~27 BC - approx 550 AD). Particularly
through the Republican era, the Forum valley filled with public
buildings which almost always originally had a timber frame and brick
facing. Over the years, they were reconstructed following fires or civil
strife. It is because of the unplanned continuity of building over time
that the Forum lacks a unitary plan. At the beginning of the Imperial
period and the first Emperor, Augustus, the Forum took on a different
role, more of a monumental center and place of religious worship, while
public life moved to the nearby Imperial Forum. The area began to
decline in the 4th century AD, with the Imperial court's move to Ravenna
and the closure of some temples, and then in the 5th century
following the Visigoth and Vandal invasions.<br />
<br />
Here are a subset of photographs taken while wandering around listening to the audioguide.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5W6htVy4AxPQjEpMoyM4cSNAFb8WItx9JOjHolcOP9mw5-Z1Ff58TF4v47YKNVeg_Jd1CKGhxaR6vBoQN4e-ozckd0dca5EF1YxG9I3xugogzBKJa40PFX8H9I7Zlf1qj1cq5iMD0pnb/s1600/DSCF3418.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5W6htVy4AxPQjEpMoyM4cSNAFb8WItx9JOjHolcOP9mw5-Z1Ff58TF4v47YKNVeg_Jd1CKGhxaR6vBoQN4e-ozckd0dca5EF1YxG9I3xugogzBKJa40PFX8H9I7Zlf1qj1cq5iMD0pnb/s1600/DSCF3418.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arch of Constantine (under renovation) and the Colosseum behind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFnCx9ejGBPz_7czvvccqpH4neWYPJNvkeni3e8vXCiyVK-ZWanp5Ob86cfTN8vH3od-Di3FPf02mjicfcUwrI47R3TmmQok4Q6xBFGoK5SFO5ECBdFlH7Zw9JO3LKf1BpbKtVj_b9ZU/s1600/Forum+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFnCx9ejGBPz_7czvvccqpH4neWYPJNvkeni3e8vXCiyVK-ZWanp5Ob86cfTN8vH3od-Di3FPf02mjicfcUwrI47R3TmmQok4Q6xBFGoK5SFO5ECBdFlH7Zw9JO3LKf1BpbKtVj_b9ZU/s1600/Forum+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the
remaining foundation of the Basilica Julia; it was built by Julius
Caesar in the 1st century BC. It was an enormous building with 5 naves.
The 3 columns to the left are the remains of the Temple of Castor and
Pollux; it was built in 484 BC to commemorate the victory of Aulus
Postumius over the Latins in the battle of Lake Regillus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqwe7GuLs77H4BgsBoZ2p8akiD8i9N5IRgkaPmZ3tVFyTZ3UqhlZAI31BlpwajxBa1lZDitWN_7CPSmylqzZrFT0bMva63TeuP_uERBUGUlGyV0Vn4jILyFC0UrDCEHIt_M8V_ofhq30G/s1600/Forum+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqwe7GuLs77H4BgsBoZ2p8akiD8i9N5IRgkaPmZ3tVFyTZ3UqhlZAI31BlpwajxBa1lZDitWN_7CPSmylqzZrFT0bMva63TeuP_uERBUGUlGyV0Vn4jILyFC0UrDCEHIt_M8V_ofhq30G/s1600/Forum+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glued to the
audioguide: This photo provides a good overview of how large the Forum
valley is. (That extraordinarily high column in the center of the photo
is the Column of Phocas; it was last dedicated to the Eastern Roman
Emperor, Phocas, in 608 and was the last addition made to the Roman
Forum.) To the right, one walks up the Palatine Hill which provides
about the same area of ground to cover.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT4zTxA2pKVHSmvM9A6vp5qpEHIfmpbRhc1yHCiG-6U8dbaOqfi_e_DjeTg3OMPxsTBW_XlY3-uYa7KmqN0kqB6SnDLe2IQvtlFYWN8GT6933tB2y43F14VLdmuwSYtbch6h0I5rr99AR/s1600/Forum+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT4zTxA2pKVHSmvM9A6vp5qpEHIfmpbRhc1yHCiG-6U8dbaOqfi_e_DjeTg3OMPxsTBW_XlY3-uYa7KmqN0kqB6SnDLe2IQvtlFYWN8GT6933tB2y43F14VLdmuwSYtbch6h0I5rr99AR/s1600/Forum+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temple of
Antoninus and Faustina was dedicated by the Senate to Faustina in 141 AD
and, then to the Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD), when he died.
Pope Urban V reused construction materials from within the temple to
renovate the Lateran Palace (at one time the residence of Popes).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4muYkHQHtUm5H5Zt7VMYICrf5yvQFZXtTiGfWNsbzwc52x8f9SONZhKGxkFUHopJrC49sUNtQehKVe9JtrjVI2wPa7Zl73dIifubhqmtSRuxXN74g5A_lkfB5HbMScbK2Yp21gWMx3UPS/s1600/Forum+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4muYkHQHtUm5H5Zt7VMYICrf5yvQFZXtTiGfWNsbzwc52x8f9SONZhKGxkFUHopJrC49sUNtQehKVe9JtrjVI2wPa7Zl73dIifubhqmtSRuxXN74g5A_lkfB5HbMScbK2Yp21gWMx3UPS/s1600/Forum+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arch of
Septimius Severus: It had been erected in honor of Septimius (who
reigned from 193-211) and his sons, Caracalla and Geta. (But later
Caracalla killed Geta and had his brother's name removed from the
monument.) The columns in the left background are the remains of the
Temple of Saturn at the foot of the Capitoline Hill; it was a temple
dedicated to the god Saturn in ~498BC and is the oldest sacred
place in Rome, after the Temples of Vesta and Jupiter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEbqQQiNIFqvj0W3i1ySKwlrY6WGspiy_30qqbz7Z8NnPhZmtWXfC0tq5Q-h36coDQFgOBL2o_SjABoLJn95_fpDQKbuF4QUPBol60kG_sFilBZK8qqlJpM6slnUDtJujHwkgy-cU3t3W/s1600/Forum+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEbqQQiNIFqvj0W3i1ySKwlrY6WGspiy_30qqbz7Z8NnPhZmtWXfC0tq5Q-h36coDQFgOBL2o_SjABoLJn95_fpDQKbuF4QUPBol60kG_sFilBZK8qqlJpM6slnUDtJujHwkgy-cU3t3W/s1600/Forum+5.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of
Vesta: The temple is linked to one of Rome's most ancient cults. Here
the Vestal Virgins tended the sacred fire which was to burn perpetually
as a symbol of the city's life force.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tzrTpxQPfG-2fGu_Mqs0LwFGTaGXJQfYtVCJUsJGPURNDSEmb09cTnS_V8wbsIM7P-AdasOQ42EOB7C1cG4eRoxNbq8aAeQgl2jIvrSZ9FJ41lhXWSWo_DSwPJDPnSVZ4cCBU_RtI7WV/s1600/Forum+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tzrTpxQPfG-2fGu_Mqs0LwFGTaGXJQfYtVCJUsJGPURNDSEmb09cTnS_V8wbsIM7P-AdasOQ42EOB7C1cG4eRoxNbq8aAeQgl2jIvrSZ9FJ41lhXWSWo_DSwPJDPnSVZ4cCBU_RtI7WV/s1600/Forum+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statues at the House of the Vestal Virgins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqot_z7tJkLrSQcJqs9DGvF8gcOUMVidRMYV8wRCrcC6G78BhS1P_MbDuTJZpwBect-pWRkvWyXh-7DxOtABE5FJ403-DDctJJN08UJbZZQv6qD6mY14R-kHgwrQsqsg2pHNVtOJLoU-T4/s1600/Forum+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqot_z7tJkLrSQcJqs9DGvF8gcOUMVidRMYV8wRCrcC6G78BhS1P_MbDuTJZpwBect-pWRkvWyXh-7DxOtABE5FJ403-DDctJJN08UJbZZQv6qD6mY14R-kHgwrQsqsg2pHNVtOJLoU-T4/s1600/Forum+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of
the Arch of Titus: It was built by the Senate after Emperor Titus's
death in memory of his conquest of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The bas-relief
shown here represents the Emperor on his triumphal chariot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Forum valley, we walked up the Palatine Hill to the Farnese Gardens.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD0wQKdqryc2XwyCWUoqmiWh9Y3GM3ruW4FKt8IaSHqpB_FpLVWHeHoWN9jryvJDRJ2AWnrY09RfsaC-wTLXB6Ukp4t4hzzidFqNbqqdlR_D_qgp0mvVJF4k_VEj3cKxLz7Vph4md71sw/s1600/Forum+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD0wQKdqryc2XwyCWUoqmiWh9Y3GM3ruW4FKt8IaSHqpB_FpLVWHeHoWN9jryvJDRJ2AWnrY09RfsaC-wTLXB6Ukp4t4hzzidFqNbqqdlR_D_qgp0mvVJF4k_VEj3cKxLz7Vph4md71sw/s1600/Forum+1.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farnese
Gardens: The landscape of Forum ruins fascinated Cardinal Alessandro
Farnese
who, in 1542, began to purchase land on the Palatine Hill and in 1565
began to lay out a garden with lodges, nymphaeums and suspended
walkways, in which to organize hunts and open-air picnics. The gardens
were finished between 1627 and 1635 by Duke Odoardo Farnese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDtYR1vvWT30T6qAthyphenhyphencJVN9jrERGZY1GH7gD8Qk26JQU-T7Qb7BIGPZ5QL276pVICS74VVFofRo8QoZ5betTMLtuD3lW1hERAZIxTAAVkxck3pzjKixcVX6ywWhzG9p-GY_FVED4-492/s1600/Forum+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDtYR1vvWT30T6qAthyphenhyphencJVN9jrERGZY1GH7gD8Qk26JQU-T7Qb7BIGPZ5QL276pVICS74VVFofRo8QoZ5betTMLtuD3lW1hERAZIxTAAVkxck3pzjKixcVX6ywWhzG9p-GY_FVED4-492/s1600/Forum+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Rome from the Palatine Hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoe5TTJuP4S66D_4NRGiePdhesYty5vltq33MF0gSCoomwlZPixN1cPmn6yIoIh4cZBQxk9Oj9PASstrVtkqayNAw4TlQf67WhPKBaGcDykZtE8FlQUWRHDMfJtoXFm21KIzDO4cgva9a/s1600/Forum+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoe5TTJuP4S66D_4NRGiePdhesYty5vltq33MF0gSCoomwlZPixN1cPmn6yIoIh4cZBQxk9Oj9PASstrVtkqayNAw4TlQf67WhPKBaGcDykZtE8FlQUWRHDMfJtoXFm21KIzDO4cgva9a/s1600/Forum+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the
Stadium of Domitian and the Severan complex. The Stadium was 160x48 meters
and was surrounded by fragments of porticoes, statues, fountains and, on
one side, the large niche of the Imperial loggia. It was commissioned
around 80 AD by the Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus as a gift to the
people of Rome, and was used mostly for athletic contests.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hrdZ6TzzKUOSOoBj-ryPR_IOv3JqTWYWQnFhgNprS3bgmpzNxfRhkjQIv_hZgoONKwb8kmmVgItJ3qj51SMiTqvyC4U7OESIInKFKIAzmUCqCzikS4TPwPFLtVBF_Y7lp6qRaAhG8VTz/s1600/Forum+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hrdZ6TzzKUOSOoBj-ryPR_IOv3JqTWYWQnFhgNprS3bgmpzNxfRhkjQIv_hZgoONKwb8kmmVgItJ3qj51SMiTqvyC4U7OESIInKFKIAzmUCqCzikS4TPwPFLtVBF_Y7lp6qRaAhG8VTz/s1600/Forum+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aqua Claudia:
The Palatine Hill and its Imperial palaces were served by the Aqua
Claudia aqueduct, which was begun by Caligula (38-41 AD), inaugurated by
Claudius (41-54 AD) and enlarged by Nero and the Flavian Emperors
(64-96 AD). The aqueduct was fed by a spring in the upper Aniene valley,
supplied the Caelian Hill, before reaching the Palatine where it flowed
into collection tanks connected to a wide-reaching distribution of lead
pipes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the Forum, we had lunch at the same
Taverna dei Quaranta where we ate the previous day. (Their pastas were
very good.) After lunch, we moved the car and parked it next to the
Circus Maximus. To say the Circus Maximus is huge is almost an
understatement; it's 664x123 meters and runs along the base of the
Palatine Hill, almost entirely filling the space between the Palatine
and Aventine Hills. In the time of Augustus, the Circus Maximus held
150,000 and, with additions by Trajan, it's said to have held 250,000.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF-812TQ5xGl1y419Y0PY7yCYiQ5ksIA9tuB-7OwlXFPyrpqrZnRtIPlKQbbPFRsc1b6_drEDkAtHl5IFbpl5zg4tXXByCq9EVPZwAW6yT3q-biz6QLWlQywozWJvYmHOieS_80VRao64/s1600/Circus+Max+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF-812TQ5xGl1y419Y0PY7yCYiQ5ksIA9tuB-7OwlXFPyrpqrZnRtIPlKQbbPFRsc1b6_drEDkAtHl5IFbpl5zg4tXXByCq9EVPZwAW6yT3q-biz6QLWlQywozWJvYmHOieS_80VRao64/s1600/Circus+Max+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids gearing up for their epic battle in the Circus Maximus. Videos were taken but we won't subject our readers to those.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then walked over to the
Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin to take a look at the Bocca della
Verita (Mouth of Truth), which is something recommended for "kids in Rome". Anyone who has seen the movie "Roman Holiday"
will recognize it. Starting from the Middle Ages, it was believed that
if one told a lie with one's hand in the mouth of
the sculpture, it would be bitten off. The piece was placed in the
portico of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin in the 17th century.
Of course, we each had to get our photo taken with our hand in the
"Bocca". <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSDriiP-EJx4pZq9QLzZmLZaIB5pM5F58ioBHzAiES7ev2IDd0gbY2G7eHrYYw5aV3Gap-b6iIqn6xsYIOCqLuQcogoUE89W7aRKV87oyB_M9mBKHTzLJZb0BTmZF4zyqFX8i9GFtQQzy/s1600/Truth+manhole+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSDriiP-EJx4pZq9QLzZmLZaIB5pM5F58ioBHzAiES7ev2IDd0gbY2G7eHrYYw5aV3Gap-b6iIqn6xsYIOCqLuQcogoUE89W7aRKV87oyB_M9mBKHTzLJZb0BTmZF4zyqFX8i9GFtQQzy/s1600/Truth+manhole+.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only thing going through my mind at this point was getting that antibacterial spray out of my purse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting our hands bit off by the Bocca della
Verita, we of course had to go inside the Basilica of Saint Mary to take
a look. Inside, there was advertisement of Hadrian's Crypt and someone
was charging €5 to go down and see it. I'm not sure what we were
thinking (we obviously weren't) but Vincent paid for two of us (€10) to
go down. All of us ended up going down anyway (so we were at a cost of
€2/person) and it was such a disappointment. It's just a small altar in a
tiny undercroft which is not unlike the basement of an old brick
mid-western house.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSOlDgpIvNJBODU9824djHtLYh2Oc3V-qVoyMNw-ICQjGBPA1DJEpjpb3-iGxTbu2j9sExuRM3mcsGTgWd2_R_uRK92IfifpTX6hu1Q0f5upeQ7GFBq_MYPx3ofNMS6AFVdn0YkktGlWr/s1600/Pope+Hadrians+tomb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSOlDgpIvNJBODU9824djHtLYh2Oc3V-qVoyMNw-ICQjGBPA1DJEpjpb3-iGxTbu2j9sExuRM3mcsGTgWd2_R_uRK92IfifpTX6hu1Q0f5upeQ7GFBq_MYPx3ofNMS6AFVdn0YkktGlWr/s1600/Pope+Hadrians+tomb.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't do it! Don't visit (Pope) Hadrian's tomb! (Unless it is free.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 10th</b>, Vincent had another spa gift
scheduled at 11am. Paul, Sarah and I drove into Rome with him and
decided to explore Rome with the plan to meet Vincent for lunch at the
Piazza Farnese at 14:00. I had previously looked up on-line "things to do with
kids in Rome" and the options were pretty limited compared with
what other capital cities had to offer. Fodor's Travel recommended the
Bocca della Verita which we saw the previous day. They also recommended
trying to get a drink of water out of Rome's<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131"> public
water fountains which, while creative, was kind of scraping at the bottom of the barrel for activities. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJShjcKfPlnepktDEWoRufIxr3j_GiYABGRQipaTI8AEyIxC_lt5jrh3Qq6mxvoLfN5pBDG7ABkuHUMRb_RYTUysoyaie3jrZBe94x-FqP1gqhlLnYOQXSVgdTSuQEpb73Egm608SYWkih/s1600/Rome+fountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJShjcKfPlnepktDEWoRufIxr3j_GiYABGRQipaTI8AEyIxC_lt5jrh3Qq6mxvoLfN5pBDG7ABkuHUMRb_RYTUysoyaie3jrZBe94x-FqP1gqhlLnYOQXSVgdTSuQEpb73Egm608SYWkih/s1600/Rome+fountain.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul was game to try every "kids activity" on the list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another activity on the list was to visit the Largo di Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. <span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">The Largo di
Torre Argentina is the former home of four Roman temples and Pompey's
Theater, now in ruins. Hordes of Rome's stray cats have been
living there since the site was uncovered by archaeologists in 1929.
It's been coined as the "kitty lover's Graceland". En route, we bought a couple bags of cat food to give as a donation. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjSJ59Y3xGXq-J6HgQYoXlqqSpNJSYWyB_50VdWdgb05Xwugu_KVp3vj5KVK3OaQTRv3cDe5ZsOu-FUc2agQZSCzeqq01wnnl330A5j8D3KLqcnOev3eqJd1Qeogn4o1xuEahkqt9IteF/s1600/Cat+sanctuary+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjSJ59Y3xGXq-J6HgQYoXlqqSpNJSYWyB_50VdWdgb05Xwugu_KVp3vj5KVK3OaQTRv3cDe5ZsOu-FUc2agQZSCzeqq01wnnl330A5j8D3KLqcnOev3eqJd1Qeogn4o1xuEahkqt9IteF/s1600/Cat+sanctuary+1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon arrival to Largo di Torre Argentina, we were all expecting to see masses of cats but at first glance we only saw one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDFjToNVfZcJnaFGlfaojAJTx4edpDPE27obHOl1Ipw0kkhzSAuSCZtY74QrUuN0oe9P202UnIGzvTgNcQisPhE1dKI0Qb_aBz-43mlDhgKcbwi5hiSVdq4rf4RtJMitTwByo2DrgaM6b/s1600/Torre+Argentina.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDFjToNVfZcJnaFGlfaojAJTx4edpDPE27obHOl1Ipw0kkhzSAuSCZtY74QrUuN0oe9P202UnIGzvTgNcQisPhE1dKI0Qb_aBz-43mlDhgKcbwi5hiSVdq4rf4RtJMitTwByo2DrgaM6b/s1600/Torre+Argentina.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for cats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9dX-dW3iKBwHepMb5lmJgfwkjPxCYpuGbkTWY-YOhvnDUk7QZpkevxZg0V28jcZ3A6mW4OvVVKOy7lkKjd8O0FeZ1hLRIdHNu8hsNfm2NK1jZbZYMZZ1qmF9shk1zyMPFcFg09qoakIi/s1600/Torre+Argentina+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9dX-dW3iKBwHepMb5lmJgfwkjPxCYpuGbkTWY-YOhvnDUk7QZpkevxZg0V28jcZ3A6mW4OvVVKOy7lkKjd8O0FeZ1hLRIdHNu8hsNfm2NK1jZbZYMZZ1qmF9shk1zyMPFcFg09qoakIi/s1600/Torre+Argentina+2.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a cat...that promptly hissed at Paul after this photo was taken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNkJd3E9m1GfLythirMwwJBbJOkWmF9prDSs-rx8fvEkwb7VRUOmDQtoi-g43CxHxGbBLKe8KA2fD6yjyVmRxm3VVk02Yd0djJXpAe3huikz4uZXNmWYxxNvOHK_TPf5si1OTeSS5TfZt/s1600/Torre+Argentina+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNkJd3E9m1GfLythirMwwJBbJOkWmF9prDSs-rx8fvEkwb7VRUOmDQtoi-g43CxHxGbBLKe8KA2fD6yjyVmRxm3VVk02Yd0djJXpAe3huikz4uZXNmWYxxNvOHK_TPf5si1OTeSS5TfZt/s1600/Torre+Argentina+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">After
dropping off our cat food donation and watching the cats among the
ruins for about 30 minutes, we set off to explore more of Rome and put in
the other 90 minutes we had left before we were to meet Vincent. I
decided we should walk over to the Isola Tiberina, the one island on the
Tiber in Rome. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMs0a2KSv_4HF1boEuvDtVoM341I2wRRydR3J8Ly6tlglBxia1DPx2niNtJBgXOpftyNCP_jYnabXiLCvKTWOI1ohZTBVlFhgKmdnhwQBZtUhtLCcCaxLphI32D8ceoEfmQEpob2HIqFV/s1600/Isola+Tiberina+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMs0a2KSv_4HF1boEuvDtVoM341I2wRRydR3J8Ly6tlglBxia1DPx2niNtJBgXOpftyNCP_jYnabXiLCvKTWOI1ohZTBVlFhgKmdnhwQBZtUhtLCcCaxLphI32D8ceoEfmQEpob2HIqFV/s1600/Isola+Tiberina+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul
and Sarah on the Ponte Fabricio walking towards the Isola Tiberina.
Built in 62 BC, the Ponte Fabricio is the oldest Roman bridge still
existing in its original state. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">We
walked across the Isola Tiberina and took a closer look at the Tiber.
While there, we saw a spirited demonstration against the use of animals
for testing.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTTTkm8kt48IYwZg3z2CSekEiUl7SJzCSEOHp9DebBdMlQw6xTVMM4myMkF6EpMNw48cdQ4tUDISAuRgPXEnPxK2osri8Dl_34WKq29Q0xcXpO4ztBqDDxasnMzieEr7UpOY6nkfwioHv/s1600/Tiber+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTTTkm8kt48IYwZg3z2CSekEiUl7SJzCSEOHp9DebBdMlQw6xTVMM4myMkF6EpMNw48cdQ4tUDISAuRgPXEnPxK2osri8Dl_34WKq29Q0xcXpO4ztBqDDxasnMzieEr7UpOY6nkfwioHv/s1600/Tiber+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical brotherly fun: Let's toss my sister into the Tiber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkLcPBQOFnMh65UJB1Yr7cLhndgxM77Ottg1BivBvvPE-Fs98A3WSt-XAeFpWOvGH954Chj-WiDpmnpJQsS3uDHmzuTHvsny5a9da5aLONguMkawGGaKcGyRkd1oG6vi7AZ1mOJSpdC6k/s1600/Fountain+near+ponte+garibaldi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkLcPBQOFnMh65UJB1Yr7cLhndgxM77Ottg1BivBvvPE-Fs98A3WSt-XAeFpWOvGH954Chj-WiDpmnpJQsS3uDHmzuTHvsny5a9da5aLONguMkawGGaKcGyRkd1oG6vi7AZ1mOJSpdC6k/s1600/Fountain+near+ponte+garibaldi.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone had a sense of humor with this fountain near the Ponte Garibaldi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDE2rfObqfJtjRlF-Xt8k2IGH8nu5n3kIXSzxF0soFVqQC_pP9JNKWM8sAlbNu_97CN4T4YXqQiCpj08IbgxctuBGdcr6RCPPIh-zSjP-VTGQukLK0JksT7BI4AJeFFa1MXmjc1zRYs3T/s1600/isola+tiberina+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDE2rfObqfJtjRlF-Xt8k2IGH8nu5n3kIXSzxF0soFVqQC_pP9JNKWM8sAlbNu_97CN4T4YXqQiCpj08IbgxctuBGdcr6RCPPIh-zSjP-VTGQukLK0JksT7BI4AJeFFa1MXmjc1zRYs3T/s1600/isola+tiberina+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Isola Tiberina from the Ponte Garibaldi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">After
wandering through the Isola Tiberina and the outer edges of Trastevere,
Sarah asked to go back to the cat sanctuary as she thought we could go
in and pet the cats. Paul was willing and so that's what we did. Sure
enough, one can enter the sanctuary from Vittorio Emanuele II and visit
with the cats. There is a separate section for disabled cats and people
can also go in there to spend time with cats, that likely will never be adopted. The sanctuary offers a
valuable service; they feed, immunize, treat for fleas and spade/neuter
the cats and try to find them homes. One can even "virtually" adopt a
cat and pay so much a month, if one doesn't want to actually take the
cat home with them. When we were there, we were told they were caring for
about 224 cats. If you are a fan of cats, this is a
great place to take kids. Most children (and adults) get tired of
museums, galleries and ruins, which makes this cat sanctuary a really
great outing and break from the tourism grind.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVhsIh2fpMyOTQ0BQIeaBnj6KEJIum79p0eLF9UnAtmTYuK7zSvur-dyR5cHGnIMh32YFA32bgjfTtju12oKgz4UzucVxkKaUQQ83SyLeA1E0tVmFCY_stRKnl3pB0Blkg1ztMQ3ZTT6a/s1600/cat+sanctuary+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVhsIh2fpMyOTQ0BQIeaBnj6KEJIum79p0eLF9UnAtmTYuK7zSvur-dyR5cHGnIMh32YFA32bgjfTtju12oKgz4UzucVxkKaUQQ83SyLeA1E0tVmFCY_stRKnl3pB0Blkg1ztMQ3ZTT6a/s1600/cat+sanctuary+2.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the sanctuary, the cats will approach you two or three at a time. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">After
our extensive cat experience, we met Vincent for lunch at the Piazza
Farnese and then we walked to the Castel Sant' Angelo, which we planned
to visit. (Back to that tourism thing again.)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">We
walked through Piazza Navona and I decided to take a picture of the
third fountain located there. (The other two are in the "All Roads Lead
to Rome" blog).</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEzyHiMFNXJrYXd3_B2Vl7OG1-aWeHN0Ku66bo5vzqrKrt96iwIVjcFtznxdACKs3dj18pmZdEhHR7ve6ikqJk3CGMQWYWaY5R1dhspMd2cA9Rsmkpd0ra3PZwkvwXjDD4ZSOaYvXVIbG/s1600/Piazza+Navona+fountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEzyHiMFNXJrYXd3_B2Vl7OG1-aWeHN0Ku66bo5vzqrKrt96iwIVjcFtznxdACKs3dj18pmZdEhHR7ve6ikqJk3CGMQWYWaY5R1dhspMd2cA9Rsmkpd0ra3PZwkvwXjDD4ZSOaYvXVIbG/s1600/Piazza+Navona+fountain.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain
of Neptune: The basin part of the fountain was designed in 1574 by
Giacomo Della Porta, who also designed the Moor Fountain at the other
side of the square. It was sponsored by Pope Gregory XIII. It wasn't
until 300 years later when the sculptures were added. The fountain as it
exists today was finally completed in 1878 by Antonio della Bitta, who
added the central sculpture of "Neptune fighting with an octopus" and
Gregorio Zappala, who created the other sculptures, based on the
mythological theme of the "Nereids with cupids and walruses".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131">When we
arrived at the Castel Sant' Angelo, we again rented the audioguides
which is really important in order to make a visit worthwhile. (In lieu
of the audioguide, a guide book would also work. Signage is minimal so
one won't garner much by just walking in and looking around.) The Castel
Sant' Angelo makes a good outing and I'd recommend seeing it during
late afternoon. There is a cafe on the upper level and it's possible to
get a coffee or glass of wine and it would be very pleasant sitting out
on the terrace watching the sunset. </span><span class="blog-text" id="yui_3_10_1_1_1389467426378_131"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnEwncX4VqM8o6hy4DdSzsIyrIsqMOeqreIIqY11YeUg-WPZaFMtH2m3Vj2BsEZSb3uOnRmW5CDZ4c2H18KdznsIKaHQ3XybmxwgfKBmhsc028-z_X2TX5evjofDLO8QwfioyfhtwtAvP/s1600/Sant+Angelo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnEwncX4VqM8o6hy4DdSzsIyrIsqMOeqreIIqY11YeUg-WPZaFMtH2m3Vj2BsEZSb3uOnRmW5CDZ4c2H18KdznsIKaHQ3XybmxwgfKBmhsc028-z_X2TX5evjofDLO8QwfioyfhtwtAvP/s1600/Sant+Angelo+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castel
Sant' Angelo was built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, and his
successors, between 123-139 AD. It has also been a prison and a papal
residence.
It was used by former Popes who absconded there for protection in times
of danger. It still connects to the Vatican via a covered passageway,
called the Passetto di Borgo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EZUc4GL9dWFhlqGKZimDzGCwcGnmjg-YWd2p83AiRIXEK5S4nRFcrKWmIPmcZRJnOVEF4nKXalPabHrky5oiEQq1jxQwxpEO9d19cLrMXliL6m_22SN2feGaTFWHQLxGVgTfKCgufwFN/s1600/Sant+Angelo+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EZUc4GL9dWFhlqGKZimDzGCwcGnmjg-YWd2p83AiRIXEK5S4nRFcrKWmIPmcZRJnOVEF4nKXalPabHrky5oiEQq1jxQwxpEO9d19cLrMXliL6m_22SN2feGaTFWHQLxGVgTfKCgufwFN/s1600/Sant+Angelo+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hadrian's
ashes were placed here a year after his death in 138 AD, together with
those of his wife Sabina, and his first adopted son, Lucius Aelius, who
also died in 138 AD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRg5oEsXbwMAyanWDtQFJNn1QYZ4iB8NXWo__ySPjj2iKqWtnKdhzdzDltHVKBw9wesjk2fasPma6zstrHTEpU7aGcZTI5N6aEOu7TZSSEGUaDCR2zm7RGX98Y2N7jdiPYvI-hEoHaTmF/s1600/Sant+Angelo+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRg5oEsXbwMAyanWDtQFJNn1QYZ4iB8NXWo__ySPjj2iKqWtnKdhzdzDltHVKBw9wesjk2fasPma6zstrHTEpU7aGcZTI5N6aEOu7TZSSEGUaDCR2zm7RGX98Y2N7jdiPYvI-hEoHaTmF/s1600/Sant+Angelo+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bust of Emperor Hadrian designed by Michelangelo, but then changed by Montelupo, and restored in the early
1900's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD_0kSQrLit_y-qjQsWUrzV8ey1fvFSdqvtv3xwVEtnezkoMY2D7GvE3jtzhxp7fFLok5kw9HdechGSWvuavgXngFThpYJo2UaspFNBUxJu7kVAYTnl31RSa3VRhoumf6E3f2CXAyxOEt/s1600/Sant+Angelo+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD_0kSQrLit_y-qjQsWUrzV8ey1fvFSdqvtv3xwVEtnezkoMY2D7GvE3jtzhxp7fFLok5kw9HdechGSWvuavgXngFThpYJo2UaspFNBUxJu7kVAYTnl31RSa3VRhoumf6E3f2CXAyxOEt/s1600/Sant+Angelo+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trebuchet which may not authentically belong here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxtUxAEVXWpkRKb0-WZkbCDzNKaJ4xXM3MEhbutwCno6Rd5O0jk1fa-92rUGudJlkWAOJ_EoPDTpv_eK7f6iGfsgLG9n5cLfvOGmFvzqXChUM15joTLgfZhq6_If3tPsKpFExai9_9iGI/s1600/Sant+Angelo+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxtUxAEVXWpkRKb0-WZkbCDzNKaJ4xXM3MEhbutwCno6Rd5O0jk1fa-92rUGudJlkWAOJ_EoPDTpv_eK7f6iGfsgLG9n5cLfvOGmFvzqXChUM15joTLgfZhq6_If3tPsKpFExai9_9iGI/s1600/Sant+Angelo+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The papal apartments were started by Pope Julius II, then Leo X, but Paul III redecorated everything, so his
painting style is what is seen. Pope Paul III lived here for 13 years. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg27XEN6SegsaJ1gupplJBjycJFcyZRGPI6ZQOz1H2wRPfsEfzC5dW3j3YoiU2KK6HRJ11P7vAZPNT2yL1-4HM661Y2Z46S62V_vFGZ2ssAk4gi9K6fO1cxtIOpZU63C4TOveTHvoo3CVq/s1600/Pauline+Chamber.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg27XEN6SegsaJ1gupplJBjycJFcyZRGPI6ZQOz1H2wRPfsEfzC5dW3j3YoiU2KK6HRJ11P7vAZPNT2yL1-4HM661Y2Z46S62V_vFGZ2ssAk4gi9K6fO1cxtIOpZU63C4TOveTHvoo3CVq/s1600/Pauline+Chamber.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pauline Chamber: This is the room where Paul III received delegations during his
residence here. It was decorated by a student of Raphael
named Perin del Vaga,
and his assistants, from June 1545 to September 1547.<br />
Paintings are allegories of what Paul III thought of himself. Let's just say, he thought a great deal about himself. In
Greek, on the ceiling, it says, "Paul III, Pope, has transformed the
tomb of the Great Hadrian into a mighty and sacred abode." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDWaRBxWJWhM9j0cx86EmH62itXAIgQpkfcAzhGRcBnFPLgc8iGJWIHDo2YOG670FPNLSDltmKeaE_3Iutb6t7noaNx-BsnLLmLToQYq-88RS87yFy-OLX2ANZTAL_GlWePAv1tuaRDwB/s1600/Sant+Angelo+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDWaRBxWJWhM9j0cx86EmH62itXAIgQpkfcAzhGRcBnFPLgc8iGJWIHDo2YOG670FPNLSDltmKeaE_3Iutb6t7noaNx-BsnLLmLToQYq-88RS87yFy-OLX2ANZTAL_GlWePAv1tuaRDwB/s1600/Sant+Angelo+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The treasury room, linked to the papal apartments, was used as a safe for Rome during the Renaissance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuQ5dNMxJeq3SzNirNyWgWG4-IP5IZMqh3sVbwUzg1cH6cfyDF51pRr6bhMr4yVzKOFj6EU2c-6MAMeJFUpun8jmb1fTKGXRN_ET8H_Ppas2K00CdvB6SxS0wAScTEWUmkaZa2QS6W8UD/s1600/Sant+Angelo+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuQ5dNMxJeq3SzNirNyWgWG4-IP5IZMqh3sVbwUzg1cH6cfyDF51pRr6bhMr4yVzKOFj6EU2c-6MAMeJFUpun8jmb1fTKGXRN_ET8H_Ppas2K00CdvB6SxS0wAScTEWUmkaZa2QS6W8UD/s1600/Sant+Angelo+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Tiber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8davra3mJK8cOTYxgzxtc02IXPfdaQwQwD7LVXecR0zOR8MVpEEwSKCAL1zEHXuq0SD2-7J0M6CQd6mPieg_5zf1P11Z5GL1ZerGRa06PbZhNHXfKK2WrBxPRCctF3Z6TphpbHh3sTgnD/s1600/Sant+Angelo+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8davra3mJK8cOTYxgzxtc02IXPfdaQwQwD7LVXecR0zOR8MVpEEwSKCAL1zEHXuq0SD2-7J0M6CQd6mPieg_5zf1P11Z5GL1ZerGRa06PbZhNHXfKK2WrBxPRCctF3Z6TphpbHh3sTgnD/s1600/Sant+Angelo+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At
the top of Castel Sant' Angelo, overlooking the panoramic terrace, is a
statue of the archangel Michael, built by the 18th century Flemish
sculptor Pieter Verschaffelt.
(There were other previous versions of Michael here but each one was
destroyed, most often by lightning.) According to legend, Michael
appeared on top of the fortress in the year 590 and
miraculously ended the severe plague that had infested the city of
Rome. After the purported event, the building was renamed Castel
Sant'Angelo in honor of
the archangel. Fans of the opera Tosca will enjoy walking on the
terrace, particularly if one has the audioguide. Music from the opera is
played and one can imagine those final moments in Act III when Tosca
cries, ""O Scarpia, Avanti a Dio!" and then hurls herself over the edge
of the terrace to her death.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 11th</b>, we drove to Ostia Antica which was a settlement
that is believed to have been founded as far back as the 7th century BC
(but evidence supports the 4th century BC) near the mouth of the Tiber
River and was at one time an important port for Rome. Originally a
fortified citadel controlling access to Rome by river, Ostia grew over
five centuries. Unlike ancient Pompei which died due to the consequences
of Mt Vesuvius erupting, Ostia was gradually abandoned due to a number
of factors: Political chaos in Rome, the growing importance of Portus
over Ostia as a commercial hub, increased Tiber floodings and, at the end
of the 5th century, the Ostian aqueduct ceasing to function. Ostia
gradually became ruins. From the 11th to the 14th century, much of the
marble facing the buildings was taken and reused elsewhere in Italy.<br />
<br />
Most of the buildings that have been excavated were built in the first
half of the second century, when such notable emperors such as Trajan and
Hadrian ruled. Due to the addition of a harbor district, Ostia was rich
and prosperous until the Severan period in the early 3rd century.
During this time, Ostia’s population was roughly 50,000 people,
including 17,000 slaves. This was twice the size of Pompei and, as a result, the span of the city ruins is much broader.<br />
<br />
Ostia
is certainly worth a visit. Make sure you bring a guidebook or find
some information on-line to bring with you. Ostia maps are available for
sale at the entrance but they give very little information. Here are a
few of the photos I took.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcoq7iod6HCFXArpOAHSVZuZHYoDZLagHHu_lPWSt6uKulyvs2WP0rMRrr2rt0kOH99wcO5QJBmf5GRmqGTuRGoJcXhRce34Obllk8Xyy-Hff_8Jb4_iQg-raiJlnFRQSoh6j7o0Cfofo/s1600/Ostia+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcoq7iod6HCFXArpOAHSVZuZHYoDZLagHHu_lPWSt6uKulyvs2WP0rMRrr2rt0kOH99wcO5QJBmf5GRmqGTuRGoJcXhRce34Obllk8Xyy-Hff_8Jb4_iQg-raiJlnFRQSoh6j7o0Cfofo/s1600/Ostia+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It
was customary to bury the dead outside the city walls. So the first
thing visitors walk by when entering Ostia is the necropolis which means
"city of the dead".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM415l67YCk9N1QuzjAkl9swLzr0U_2ALsYPmZg7TDyRAyKYO1cJj7RQ8YIXTi2PM1gd1vL_JikFJBw61oO2pk4ECuhc2gU_IVIug2H_ImvMg1hY1ip9gMGQpTsfhkQYB-dg6zfCpq4799/s1600/Ostia+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM415l67YCk9N1QuzjAkl9swLzr0U_2ALsYPmZg7TDyRAyKYO1cJj7RQ8YIXTi2PM1gd1vL_JikFJBw61oO2pk4ECuhc2gU_IVIug2H_ImvMg1hY1ip9gMGQpTsfhkQYB-dg6zfCpq4799/s1600/Ostia+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along Via Ostiense (and through the necropolis) towards the Porta Romana. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs4McmuzTaVvJ6xG2G_dpwgE3pk8OOwMVQa6hICmMcpA2mPuh9tpGSc4n-3V6kbgirg9BuCoahEoVa2uRfL6IOVBTUL48evnyI3ewiuequdY6YTMjtSlFkxTVdXD6qLk_ic7wowutCheF/s1600/Ostia+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs4McmuzTaVvJ6xG2G_dpwgE3pk8OOwMVQa6hICmMcpA2mPuh9tpGSc4n-3V6kbgirg9BuCoahEoVa2uRfL6IOVBTUL48evnyI3ewiuequdY6YTMjtSlFkxTVdXD6qLk_ic7wowutCheF/s1600/Ostia+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains
of a long covered passageway on the main road (Decumanus Maximus)
through Ostia: Ostia was supplied in the Imperial period with monumental
porticoed zones that offered protection from inclement weather and
shelter for commercial activities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJUfilx5HwBmnD3fO7o2FcaUXp1MygXSVAzSsDN5xVs_MYe7bByb8odZSyNM6PYxX8459kWoKMlhUwLIOpRqTtunEVWqZncmhivZnq07IbyufapSP20O3LSOWBRnGrhdEk-E4fZ7g4Trb/s1600/Ostia+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJUfilx5HwBmnD3fO7o2FcaUXp1MygXSVAzSsDN5xVs_MYe7bByb8odZSyNM6PYxX8459kWoKMlhUwLIOpRqTtunEVWqZncmhivZnq07IbyufapSP20O3LSOWBRnGrhdEk-E4fZ7g4Trb/s1600/Ostia+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between
the 4th century and 1st century BC, drinking water was provided from
rain and from the ground water, which was drawn on by means of wells. In
the Julio-Claudian period, the city was supplied with an aqueduct. Then
it is also believed that Emperor Vespasian supplied another aqueduct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz4nifebv8zBcYCyOK-dM2HBn3x-OSJOHyeX1LSdFho0FtjCGr7k5aGQHVHvJa3hCvVyqSRNy6MPPbsHLZa0le0V7iqIFGJkeIMDz-2kfZfaQd4_uApsIWYAjdxjXtoBAFXEfR6C1iF6/s1600/Ostia+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz4nifebv8zBcYCyOK-dM2HBn3x-OSJOHyeX1LSdFho0FtjCGr7k5aGQHVHvJa3hCvVyqSRNy6MPPbsHLZa0le0V7iqIFGJkeIMDz-2kfZfaQd4_uApsIWYAjdxjXtoBAFXEfR6C1iF6/s1600/Ostia+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic
floor in the Neptune Baths: Through the centuries, the mosaics had
undergone significant alteration caused by usage, weather and
intervention by man. Ever since ancient times, the continued use of the
baths had meant ongoing maintenance to keep piping and drainage systems
below functional but with little attention to the condition of the mosaics.
Note the repair in the bottom left part of the floor; it looks like a
repair was made underneath the floor and no one bothered to replace the
mosaic on the surface. It still seems there is insufficient regard with
what little is left of the mosaics, looking at this exposed floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDIAcPxs9JfXu8vzHCBZtjCOUlS8lCAk5IR2L3qntQrP-R0M0FAgbpx-PeYAuJna8hKCzFYNi4pu82s2dcuhvuOsiZuPTxCR2KM83fT9U86Yj7Y9rxDac0OJtDCWeKiu_9wTVa8m_I9bs/s1600/Ostia+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDIAcPxs9JfXu8vzHCBZtjCOUlS8lCAk5IR2L3qntQrP-R0M0FAgbpx-PeYAuJna8hKCzFYNi4pu82s2dcuhvuOsiZuPTxCR2KM83fT9U86Yj7Y9rxDac0OJtDCWeKiu_9wTVa8m_I9bs/s1600/Ostia+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a bauletto fountain. Fountains like these were added after the 1st century AD when the aqueduct was added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA91YuL31ifdlDEzRBxHGzYY9D3WkRz8dpAe_NL-T1DtT1Mn-HqCvQWax8B9xRU2gFMYdR7-9__t597nkeyvPDnPr8NE5S5YG-CnAUqssHUwLOX9RhB1iqR_G9f_Jwye_v9i3yoH0Ez6L/s1600/Ostia+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA91YuL31ifdlDEzRBxHGzYY9D3WkRz8dpAe_NL-T1DtT1Mn-HqCvQWax8B9xRU2gFMYdR7-9__t597nkeyvPDnPr8NE5S5YG-CnAUqssHUwLOX9RhB1iqR_G9f_Jwye_v9i3yoH0Ez6L/s1600/Ostia+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One
of the semi-circular nymphea (monument dedicated to the nymphs that
(often) supplied water), bordered by four columns, which was built in
the Imperial period. Entrance to the theater can be seen behind it, to the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytHRQJ9GQqsrVCVztlc8KQ30TZ-RW19-S5RpAgRXz0TEDWsLXuvKPl6QejAaJBOMLrWpmUPNeFgB7IY1Z4-5udSJnqg-fJytF7zzsijWf5J2vZyrtHDc8GjrPfw31VJFUU7Z5g7Xn92aL/s1600/Ostia+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytHRQJ9GQqsrVCVztlc8KQ30TZ-RW19-S5RpAgRXz0TEDWsLXuvKPl6QejAaJBOMLrWpmUPNeFgB7IY1Z4-5udSJnqg-fJytF7zzsijWf5J2vZyrtHDc8GjrPfw31VJFUU7Z5g7Xn92aL/s1600/Ostia+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
theatre was built by Agrippa and then remodeled by Septimius Severus
in the 2nd century AD. It's located at the north side of the main road,
Decumanus Maximus. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4k126ocDxEgM_UWySVtxGOaXVd-IG8C0OYM1X5_2Z2CHaqAtSX_G8x7mFpN7U3BUhXWnmRVDW8guTmQDEQ17yffXKcNZ-NRt6ZtGum7PFisCksddKnSMeGEugB8haQI4H1mgRWCBBC-q/s1600/Ostia+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4k126ocDxEgM_UWySVtxGOaXVd-IG8C0OYM1X5_2Z2CHaqAtSX_G8x7mFpN7U3BUhXWnmRVDW8guTmQDEQ17yffXKcNZ-NRt6ZtGum7PFisCksddKnSMeGEugB8haQI4H1mgRWCBBC-q/s1600/Ostia+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple dedicated to Ceres who was the goddess of agriculture (appropriate for a town dealing in grain imports). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGpF9tzmGehbhylAoFzQ-QtClfL2hk843vxgEII1SNKTHqcTO9q1rKKnfxfZGwiZjvdsMY2nuD1Bfh0IBVIrxGTO7XT6bIYXsflKkEVtHW__F0rSfu4xXtOxX-gWbxRuC6KvKsRcm2Vus/s1600/Ostia+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGpF9tzmGehbhylAoFzQ-QtClfL2hk843vxgEII1SNKTHqcTO9q1rKKnfxfZGwiZjvdsMY2nuD1Bfh0IBVIrxGTO7XT6bIYXsflKkEVtHW__F0rSfu4xXtOxX-gWbxRuC6KvKsRcm2Vus/s1600/Ostia+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
market building of about 120 AD: A little shrine on the back wall was
decorated in red and yellow brick and probably housed the household god
(Lares) who watched over the community of merchants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJw4vJhDoMkqJ9qkAK9rj8Hlb7HN8wbYSCQUKcBjFy00K8M-6_CLsZyS3WNBIkXgBZkSso8xcHSGHtejnv9ix11t9uhpyecpLaQOQWTP5_Plm0BJA8PgYOxMzi12ixeMxZe0ET7BGBJ2/s1600/Ostia+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJw4vJhDoMkqJ9qkAK9rj8Hlb7HN8wbYSCQUKcBjFy00K8M-6_CLsZyS3WNBIkXgBZkSso8xcHSGHtejnv9ix11t9uhpyecpLaQOQWTP5_Plm0BJA8PgYOxMzi12ixeMxZe0ET7BGBJ2/s1600/Ostia+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forum Capitolium (temple dedicated to the main Roman deities (Jupiter, Juno and Minerva)), built during Hadrian's reign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLUre6823i-8_dqx27-kUc2Yp6U4oByfnfNQB1u8F_EYws2e3LCMRB8RjcV34eOOxORGL3qipY63G-ZwgBdI_XMya_rGpP3zOQhFZPVp5uH3bZ-VXwhAFsJOUA-OjKvQL0aovtTb8_df_/s1600/Ostia+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLUre6823i-8_dqx27-kUc2Yp6U4oByfnfNQB1u8F_EYws2e3LCMRB8RjcV34eOOxORGL3qipY63G-ZwgBdI_XMya_rGpP3zOQhFZPVp5uH3bZ-VXwhAFsJOUA-OjKvQL0aovtTb8_df_/s1600/Ostia+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fountain is somewhat exceptional in that it hasn't been completely stripped of its marble facing and details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IWFLwbk5zMRO5O8W93BRSvV-0YsNLQjFZtFP2-hYzjLJFkaNkUDl7hNHokOv4s0uE2kVsHXLnj8bHTni8E_1EFwvexr-fcXPJJOazDDhD6t0JsLoplBBGiJXqqsk-zIEdRbABAVwgsrH/s1600/Ostia+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IWFLwbk5zMRO5O8W93BRSvV-0YsNLQjFZtFP2-hYzjLJFkaNkUDl7hNHokOv4s0uE2kVsHXLnj8bHTni8E_1EFwvexr-fcXPJJOazDDhD6t0JsLoplBBGiJXqqsk-zIEdRbABAVwgsrH/s1600/Ostia+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terme
del Foro: This was the largest and probably the most important public
baths in Ostia (due to its proximity to the Forum). They were built in
the Antonine period (mid 2nd century AD). The cold rooms on the north
side were isolated from the hot rooms on the south side. An extensive
restoration in the 4th/5th century AD replaced all the marble (which
since, like most everything else, has been stripped away). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7lSTtNoTNQChhImrIl9QbR0RXL7HDMepCAh2-diwvCxGKlKpQl2N9YmFXzzFYsHav9KnhJQMNlXM4AVCYVzMu1g67dl_gO23UGUKSfM5_V9qEZEIzF25ENrj_AxUYxuUeJNLSkvf13U0/s1600/Ostia+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7lSTtNoTNQChhImrIl9QbR0RXL7HDMepCAh2-diwvCxGKlKpQl2N9YmFXzzFYsHav9KnhJQMNlXM4AVCYVzMu1g67dl_gO23UGUKSfM5_V9qEZEIzF25ENrj_AxUYxuUeJNLSkvf13U0/s1600/Ostia+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-section
of a wall in one of the hot rooms in the Terme del Foro: Ongoing fires
would heat up the air piped through the walls of these rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdnFfDrLCy12RTmEoqzwRkV-VCtlTCRxjIZrYGEUOltbRCduCNXuidjID2GRc4LpITISechZRN5xaxe42D-kqWSpGHx96YYXLUBmyiX8iMFSYtnZtzKmTyOSjIz0oSVhirP0sCOZG7j_x/s1600/Ostia+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdnFfDrLCy12RTmEoqzwRkV-VCtlTCRxjIZrYGEUOltbRCduCNXuidjID2GRc4LpITISechZRN5xaxe42D-kqWSpGHx96YYXLUBmyiX8iMFSYtnZtzKmTyOSjIz0oSVhirP0sCOZG7j_x/s1600/Ostia+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
most intact communal latrine that I'd seen, complete with (cold, hard)
marble seats. It was believed that these were built in the 4th century
AD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>January 12th</b> was our final Sunday in Italy and perhaps the last time we might have access to a
church with an English service for a while. We decided to go to St
Paul's Within the Walls. As it was the Sunday after Epiphany, there was a
baptism (Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist
and if there's a baby available for baptism, this is often the Sunday
chosen for the ritual.) All in all, it was a good service but long. No
short cuts like sometimes found with some Catholic churches. Even the
"peace be with you" ritual was the most extensive and thorough I've
witnessed <u>ever</u>. Every member of the clergy said the "peace" with every
member of the congregation. Many members of the congregation, including
the parents of the baby who was baptized, walked up and down the aisles
and spoke with every member of the congregation, including us. When the
"peace" ritual was introduced into the Christian service, I think this
is how it was intended rather than the cursory wave to your neighbor
that 99% of people now do. But if you're like me, where the "peace" is
your least favorite part of a service, St Paul's Within the Walls might
not be the church for you.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZh_Ta-n8n9JeO_BsgFVdU8PE7bES5taY0byn0GQ3XTgnP_CcsmIStpBU7P-ezeaHvZv7F75nPbPwOuxmQ-ZKLms87f8Dqc0qmPopFwryT0YDp3Unj0fK3pQwl8FbWbYH2qMmLV9FbuLY/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZh_Ta-n8n9JeO_BsgFVdU8PE7bES5taY0byn0GQ3XTgnP_CcsmIStpBU7P-ezeaHvZv7F75nPbPwOuxmQ-ZKLms87f8Dqc0qmPopFwryT0YDp3Unj0fK3pQwl8FbWbYH2qMmLV9FbuLY/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Paul's Within the Walls was the first non-catholic church built in Rome. The Church was designed by George Edmund Street and was built between 1873 and 1876. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L13rEp4XFj2eTJdFSx3iHa6Z9hsdBMwIGAYyP9qk1DfbeWovoYupuNdXyeycX1a5UqOHOEkiUqB2k9SDYAOmPHRt9hgaprALOzfaYv_y3jgcJYNqUD5gKH0IS2mY8jLSbGO1ppmdI6Mx/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L13rEp4XFj2eTJdFSx3iHa6Z9hsdBMwIGAYyP9qk1DfbeWovoYupuNdXyeycX1a5UqOHOEkiUqB2k9SDYAOmPHRt9hgaprALOzfaYv_y3jgcJYNqUD5gKH0IS2mY8jLSbGO1ppmdI6Mx/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+2.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
mosaic apses, designed by Burne-Jones, are designated a National
Monument by the Italian Government. Here, the main apse behind the
altar, represents "Christ the Lord in glory". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXwOnJPeQzF80XwPipZ_diU3bGWQoZM2uP6NHU_YDE2pnIrzdnvfFn5pU8wEeaGCb6Wt4Z-qYYFHiGH4_8SCqkm4zVeaGTXGG4kojpMY_e23GnxnEDWc-lpXXaABax0f-TvWFBXKwTXBL/s1600/St+Pauls+within+walls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXwOnJPeQzF80XwPipZ_diU3bGWQoZM2uP6NHU_YDE2pnIrzdnvfFn5pU8wEeaGCb6Wt4Z-qYYFHiGH4_8SCqkm4zVeaGTXGG4kojpMY_e23GnxnEDWc-lpXXaABax0f-TvWFBXKwTXBL/s1600/St+Pauls+within+walls.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the main apse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd3l1hkqlH2T8HUeX35coiRMqmVeU4qZw3K0qt0W23ROlqSqZoYSJqi9AGuiX1XQxJ-lBKtZNa18Al09iII7FWL4uoTUTwi1AqllQI5MArn6YCkGIA290WI5MtymJBGgLYsEx7W6DtUqA/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd3l1hkqlH2T8HUeX35coiRMqmVeU4qZw3K0qt0W23ROlqSqZoYSJqi9AGuiX1XQxJ-lBKtZNa18Al09iII7FWL4uoTUTwi1AqllQI5MArn6YCkGIA290WI5MtymJBGgLYsEx7W6DtUqA/s1600/St+Pauls+Within+Walls+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the windows in the church tell some story relating to Paul. This photo shows the great rose window high up on the west end of the church. It represents Christ the King surrounded by eight Roman martyrs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
leaving St Paul's Within The Walls, we started walking over to the
Piazza San Pietro in order to see if we could get tickets for the coming
Wednesday's Papal audience. En route, we had lunch and I took a few
more photos of fountains.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFevS9WS-GjKuVfVLHRsoSw7kBFEM61K4MJ0Mrp9tbbX4zKWRg_Tzn-c97NGMA_NC4CcYa1kJ0tAe9s7YVDmWlPMfSk1mM7h9zDLpFohQKj24wWlk02r0vlkkyRdCA2S3Ll1hJL3_Nsrt/s1600/Fountain+Piazza+Barberini.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFevS9WS-GjKuVfVLHRsoSw7kBFEM61K4MJ0Mrp9tbbX4zKWRg_Tzn-c97NGMA_NC4CcYa1kJ0tAe9s7YVDmWlPMfSk1mM7h9zDLpFohQKj24wWlk02r0vlkkyRdCA2S3Ll1hJL3_Nsrt/s1600/Fountain+Piazza+Barberini.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fontana del Tritone (Triton fountain) located in the Piazza Barberini: The fountain was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and designed by the baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Berini in 1642–43. The Tritone was erected to provide water from the Acqua Felice aqueduct which Urban had restored.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthSwzWxEQx6SF6wiQsQ5q1bgVzuKAv4gm-XmFUWnb-VeBZxuMlrFO9PyFuJdPwA5FgkO4M2Hm6eWltDKuEFkeLB2f3Yy4dK64PDLunO-kc0NQIAGhqHDe7amKGwlhWNV9YBkNlvTDcjIN/s1600/Papal+visit+tickets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthSwzWxEQx6SF6wiQsQ5q1bgVzuKAv4gm-XmFUWnb-VeBZxuMlrFO9PyFuJdPwA5FgkO4M2Hm6eWltDKuEFkeLB2f3Yy4dK64PDLunO-kc0NQIAGhqHDe7amKGwlhWNV9YBkNlvTDcjIN/s1600/Papal+visit+tickets.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papal Audiences are held on Wednesdays if the Pope is in Rome, giving
pilgrims and visitors the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal
Blessing or Apostolic Blessing from the successor of the Apostle, Peter.
In order to access tickets for a Papal audience, one goes to St Peter's 3
days before (ie Sunday); after clearing security, one then approaches
the guard(s) at the big brass door to make the request.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGND0497tj1l2xyAlSYRZ5PUgEvhBYEqPqciHMM0kKEweNbUAzXeQOPZlDUenXyBq0EqvsuOAb9tRep68H37aGdFofQSZcYUI7dSBnaO2eS5xgVkYReSpECEcHfUyOEshIfPLWuPo_MMLT/s1600/Papal+Audience.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGND0497tj1l2xyAlSYRZ5PUgEvhBYEqPqciHMM0kKEweNbUAzXeQOPZlDUenXyBq0EqvsuOAb9tRep68H37aGdFofQSZcYUI7dSBnaO2eS5xgVkYReSpECEcHfUyOEshIfPLWuPo_MMLT/s1600/Papal+Audience.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were booked for Wednesday at 10:30am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With 5 Papal Audience tickets in our possession, we continued on to climb to the dome of St Peter's.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQuJl6JFmLqPkPiwtYZUW_2_keTbBSpsgc_wtDePmicuOgxYxxik3qu96D4HhWSm_0w9wGHyFEv_Mgdxph36SDt78uJ2SLbDrrIXRIixKa95NvEuZZP4GLTpprzEnqzYbxKMWZ2q99rmT/s1600/St+Peters+dome+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQuJl6JFmLqPkPiwtYZUW_2_keTbBSpsgc_wtDePmicuOgxYxxik3qu96D4HhWSm_0w9wGHyFEv_Mgdxph36SDt78uJ2SLbDrrIXRIixKa95NvEuZZP4GLTpprzEnqzYbxKMWZ2q99rmT/s1600/St+Peters+dome+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching
the entrance to the stairs leading up to the dome: It costs €5 for the
priviledge of walking up the entire way or €7 if you want to take an elevator up the
first 320 stairs. There are about 551 stairs in total. Of course, we were all about the stairs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
the first 320 steps, we reached the base of the dome. I wish I took
more photos. Not many of the few I took turned out very well. Also,
being very close to the dome, it was difficult to take a photo that
really captured what we were seeing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgCmMA9jYxvCK_NikNlK-HCAwG3DB9NhRuoq2QOMC-4jBbtkEcqhC2cNpwNEwmpyxYE3fkEfn2bS-QQLM7v33Awm_PHpG423W70mHx7M1VLIICo8UoM5yAhqFwwHooxn8dE_zNDJzljXl/s1600/St+Peters+dome+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgCmMA9jYxvCK_NikNlK-HCAwG3DB9NhRuoq2QOMC-4jBbtkEcqhC2cNpwNEwmpyxYE3fkEfn2bS-QQLM7v33Awm_PHpG423W70mHx7M1VLIICo8UoM5yAhqFwwHooxn8dE_zNDJzljXl/s1600/St+Peters+dome+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were so close to the dome that it was difficult to photograph it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKZkqhnY594noYTTUf8UxfCBecEHWhCUPZ6wgCkUmeD2w6qnY-rL6ybKlCQ5t0Ycgpck7ySbdMdc3xcFdHOCtM4hr4kB0rtDuvq7wtj-xmD57QgzNwHZseB81yDGwgox3P8Nnp2SI6gH4/s1600/St+Peters+dome+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKZkqhnY594noYTTUf8UxfCBecEHWhCUPZ6wgCkUmeD2w6qnY-rL6ybKlCQ5t0Ycgpck7ySbdMdc3xcFdHOCtM4hr4kB0rtDuvq7wtj-xmD57QgzNwHZseB81yDGwgox3P8Nnp2SI6gH4/s1600/St+Peters+dome+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From
the floor of St Peter's one can't even see these mosaic medallions at
the base of the dome and if one could, they would appear very small.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8IrsRXln_MGX37Rvdn223R1PCJRX5INTnn0yCLwvTtbloAtr8Cxaauw03hX2a1Fz0DnuyGptic2U0jff6PvnEqZKZ6axy9benxG2Z22J682Dpgc9WFh0y56wh2-BtOsSdd1n5wxczOCi/s1600/St+Peters+dome+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8IrsRXln_MGX37Rvdn223R1PCJRX5INTnn0yCLwvTtbloAtr8Cxaauw03hX2a1Fz0DnuyGptic2U0jff6PvnEqZKZ6axy9benxG2Z22J682Dpgc9WFh0y56wh2-BtOsSdd1n5wxczOCi/s1600/St+Peters+dome+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From below,
these pictures look like paintings but up close you realize they are
brilliantly executed detailed mosaics. It's a treat to see these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumggze6AToF5rY3uQ8GfLxsVSQZ3UzIcXCsx30w07Ao6niPb8SRv_36pPkDZu6MPUiDe7vvq_tYtj1ujKrI4xP0cVO3-7YENtwqCNrsw8sqxnNKhA-Y8RTFFfgwigKZlynN_ufV_Mn15N/s1600/St+Peters+dome+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumggze6AToF5rY3uQ8GfLxsVSQZ3UzIcXCsx30w07Ao6niPb8SRv_36pPkDZu6MPUiDe7vvq_tYtj1ujKrI4xP0cVO3-7YENtwqCNrsw8sqxnNKhA-Y8RTFFfgwigKZlynN_ufV_Mn15N/s1600/St+Peters+dome+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During
the last 231 stairs, one walks through a narrow walkway which is slanted.
This is the space between the dome and the outer roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrVPjhS49UBNUUrnr2td40z0lJwe5R2SlV18tp4Kv4839wd08VRj951OFUitBVM7uHJzAZYVVxmsxl4OyaO_-NyBz2pujuSv4axSG9c19j9ULGN-zXX_qPa5qOkMHzhm7veGL5CiBRK7Z/s1600/St+Peters+dome+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrVPjhS49UBNUUrnr2td40z0lJwe5R2SlV18tp4Kv4839wd08VRj951OFUitBVM7uHJzAZYVVxmsxl4OyaO_-NyBz2pujuSv4axSG9c19j9ULGN-zXX_qPa5qOkMHzhm7veGL5CiBRK7Z/s1600/St+Peters+dome+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice
the rusted candle holders on the roof. Years ago, candles were lit for
special occasions by men scaling down the dome, using ropes. Scary job.
And how often would they have to go back out there to relight candles
that were blown out by the wind?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75OxIihyphenhyphendiQTNxXKj1E0iJWxmyltFMOOJn19RZ22DhhjKBBagXJIjNIRccUNain1LpasguUBc4WLN2uNYvRW66VE5bS0-_BB_kTEWbEJPs7hjCnesjUk7lKoKul4r11V4uMr50oRaeuDR/s1600/st+peters+dome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75OxIihyphenhyphendiQTNxXKj1E0iJWxmyltFMOOJn19RZ22DhhjKBBagXJIjNIRccUNain1LpasguUBc4WLN2uNYvRW66VE5bS0-_BB_kTEWbEJPs7hjCnesjUk7lKoKul4r11V4uMr50oRaeuDR/s1600/st+peters+dome.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">View of the Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State and the gardens behind.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SKg2uV4GdmXvQxI6O7mAT6lqPLr9-Wq-zmvbiWO-dVlARD5mhaEusAT8R3naTCQ5kDUoYcn-cKORMLrk3Jjkfcp14TbLZpO5nphs60uk4y60kXMkvKPo8CvavHhopdDMIoXxGZARmzmn/s1600/St+Peters+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SKg2uV4GdmXvQxI6O7mAT6lqPLr9-Wq-zmvbiWO-dVlARD5mhaEusAT8R3naTCQ5kDUoYcn-cKORMLrk3Jjkfcp14TbLZpO5nphs60uk4y60kXMkvKPo8CvavHhopdDMIoXxGZARmzmn/s1600/St+Peters+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Peter's Basilica was designed
principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian
Lorenzo Bernini. It is probably the most renowned work of Renaissance
architecture and is one of the largest churches in the world.
The basilica is the burial site of its namesake, St Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession (ie Pope #1). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b> January 13th</b>, we went to visit the Basilica di San Paolo Fiori le Mura
(St Paul's Outside the Walls). It was the last of the four main
basilicas that we had yet to see in Rome. (Others were St Peter's, St
John in the Lateran and St Maria Maggiore). The basilica was built
around the 4th century over the tomb of St Paul, who was known as the
"apostle of the people". It is exquisite both inside and out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3at2a1ebo6jAX3Ben4RULBOrWB1ra1SArHu2WW_JA0K0NBFIN2iP0nnElFBt00NWVGiGu5SEs15amL5k1l-jREx1Hg4GkJDVXDTIzR_xKMbvFZVMLexjNVx0h_C3G601RF7el6oxa6Bnk/s1600/St+Pauls+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3at2a1ebo6jAX3Ben4RULBOrWB1ra1SArHu2WW_JA0K0NBFIN2iP0nnElFBt00NWVGiGu5SEs15amL5k1l-jREx1Hg4GkJDVXDTIzR_xKMbvFZVMLexjNVx0h_C3G601RF7el6oxa6Bnk/s1600/St+Pauls+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4-sided portico consists of 150 columns and a statue of St Paul in the center. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30SALnr8b0lCqi1v139hYv-u77rbD6BrJaextT8v2y3py5uU8azf4e4TYrIfILhvBMoBnkcHKTW-9zMBARZah6iERfLOeA9uEkOYmMG6SNpfKwTGJjz0o-tqLaB0vfkEPK32e0Kia4gLm/s1600/St+Pauls+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30SALnr8b0lCqi1v139hYv-u77rbD6BrJaextT8v2y3py5uU8azf4e4TYrIfILhvBMoBnkcHKTW-9zMBARZah6iERfLOeA9uEkOYmMG6SNpfKwTGJjz0o-tqLaB0vfkEPK32e0Kia4gLm/s1600/St+Pauls+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of
the basilica is split into 5 naves. The basilica was destroyed by fire
in 1823 but Pope Pius IX rebuilt it in 1854 on the same foundations
following the original design.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp4b_YdXaifJTRQQSYR5X-dHToF7ltmr4x2vEJFyXWCpBsv_UC1SryK_xEdBDzU_u53e75RS0awxfw1VrBVHoc12dLhAGByd8hc2UGje9CPrT6NPXCUlWaguJJF16jklOfcNNmVdLyhsz/s1600/St+Pauls+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp4b_YdXaifJTRQQSYR5X-dHToF7ltmr4x2vEJFyXWCpBsv_UC1SryK_xEdBDzU_u53e75RS0awxfw1VrBVHoc12dLhAGByd8hc2UGje9CPrT6NPXCUlWaguJJF16jklOfcNNmVdLyhsz/s1600/St+Pauls+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between the windows and columns are a series of medallions portraying all the popes from St Peter (30-67 AD) to Francis (2013-).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p9iF5ZD36O8MX314X01sCijEaU_BWkYQelwOvLMFOicpsZlfCvh1TzhJ_rfASoG8xv6JoAoCr2o_eggJzrZejVqhZ7OUHpEkITIgPI9KP8GEV0FdEyxgw71VrdNySo-BkoLH8jejjNPa/s1600/St+Pauls+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p9iF5ZD36O8MX314X01sCijEaU_BWkYQelwOvLMFOicpsZlfCvh1TzhJ_rfASoG8xv6JoAoCr2o_eggJzrZejVqhZ7OUHpEkITIgPI9KP8GEV0FdEyxgw71VrdNySo-BkoLH8jejjNPa/s1600/St+Pauls+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, Sarah is down by St Paul's remains writing a prayer, "Dear god. Bless evry one on erth. Love Sarah"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving St Paul's Outside the Walls, we headed
to Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli. It was a lovely day and so perfect weather
for the outing. Hadrian was the Emporer of Rome, following Emporer
Trajan, from 117-138 AD. This is another destination worth a visit,
particularly if one gets the audioguide.<br />
<br />
Hadrian's
Villa, a complex of over 30 buildings, was built as a retreat from Rome.
Hadrian was said to dislike the palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome
and during the later years of
his reign, he actually governed the empire from the villa. A large court
therefore lived there permanently. A direct postal service between Rome
and the Villa was set up to keep inhabitants of the Villa in
contact with Rome 29 km away. The complex included palaces, several
thermae, a theatre, temples, libraries, state rooms, and quarters for
courtiers, praetorians and slaves. Here are a few photos from our couple
hours wandering around. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOI0_Vp7yNXGq4anwRG9gre46_a4KhtSxCkLJCxPkWEuQbLTwgZ7QUNxi53wnlm6PI1xxc1pWf1-bikHwFtILYyVMnon3WudmAN4sRbnJf7Jzzkx1HxIYkQqp2FoszLJYGGnmToD9EASo/s1600/Hadrians+V+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOI0_Vp7yNXGq4anwRG9gre46_a4KhtSxCkLJCxPkWEuQbLTwgZ7QUNxi53wnlm6PI1xxc1pWf1-bikHwFtILYyVMnon3WudmAN4sRbnJf7Jzzkx1HxIYkQqp2FoszLJYGGnmToD9EASo/s1600/Hadrians+V+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the first moment, one is made aware of how grand the Villa complex was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUhAJCgrCMnozIUp-RHR3Ws55dA5aSRtbEIwd8Ag3OcTnHe-vw2ObMsLCkDoRG48zDMMgjiyygkKOVbMTPHjuc3rtJMncI2xPQtNYcTxSTsBM9SDsb_NQDW1u6iO-V-b8ViVeL3RfcVIN/s1600/Hadrians+V+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUhAJCgrCMnozIUp-RHR3Ws55dA5aSRtbEIwd8Ag3OcTnHe-vw2ObMsLCkDoRG48zDMMgjiyygkKOVbMTPHjuc3rtJMncI2xPQtNYcTxSTsBM9SDsb_NQDW1u6iO-V-b8ViVeL3RfcVIN/s1600/Hadrians+V+12.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Canopus:
It was a pool representing a branch of the Nile, set in the center of a
narrow, artificial valley. It was constructed approximately 123-124 AD. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx7G5JgENAI7yHDpm2p8QNoiKvp9ijFEqEZat26y4b5el2HU0_Iio4oz6igqUVQ0-jDl2zyieAUoV4qNOfi7EgWK3JpSTCHCdM1FBAMaH0ZJaT13GAxRF8xBLx9u3kbuC8MVvo4ogIBFu/s1600/Hadrians+V+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx7G5JgENAI7yHDpm2p8QNoiKvp9ijFEqEZat26y4b5el2HU0_Iio4oz6igqUVQ0-jDl2zyieAUoV4qNOfi7EgWK3JpSTCHCdM1FBAMaH0ZJaT13GAxRF8xBLx9u3kbuC8MVvo4ogIBFu/s1600/Hadrians+V+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Praetorium (officers' quarters). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV-41-MI3G2XZi8TeQ89y22nkiQs5eoi8egSVTHkJTSyeXQIyJBVJuFtE0jRUQehHcN0GZ2RBjDofwtO8iOckVR9ZXd-dhSQHHLQDIgFURCElaQs8qrphoMCg5SWOoG10AidStOut_WhA/s1600/Hadrians+V+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV-41-MI3G2XZi8TeQ89y22nkiQs5eoi8egSVTHkJTSyeXQIyJBVJuFtE0jRUQehHcN0GZ2RBjDofwtO8iOckVR9ZXd-dhSQHHLQDIgFURCElaQs8qrphoMCg5SWOoG10AidStOut_WhA/s1600/Hadrians+V+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandi
Terme/the Great Baths: What is left of the cross arched ceiling almost
looks like it is floating over the the Great Baths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb35oUVBCk3uhcMd6xeDBS6F7C6tEwt84SMn9LTuei6n1nKrbvmoiF8rbraas3tC2EA8eDv-mCHhyphenhyphen-k5S5yCWSgvpqERCSdWzC_MJeYUeB-TwoKuWVSh1XS_GE2u_KWISiGG5bv4MMAq8x/s1600/Hadrians+V+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb35oUVBCk3uhcMd6xeDBS6F7C6tEwt84SMn9LTuei6n1nKrbvmoiF8rbraas3tC2EA8eDv-mCHhyphenhyphen-k5S5yCWSgvpqERCSdWzC_MJeYUeB-TwoKuWVSh1XS_GE2u_KWISiGG5bv4MMAq8x/s1600/Hadrians+V+10.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was thought to be the gymnasium next to the Great Baths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUPFhaZdR5dq6yqs-sejQ4SAWsFdyoqwlf_AaWcJjv4mi2xy9niZyUp1LL_fi2obsIyAdtveyWwCJnu4XVOU8Ps-8jK2b4FyogUnuX9omCWsjRlcbZ8NG7v6DOcCgG5cSXuV9lsm3nQu8/s1600/Hadrians+V+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUPFhaZdR5dq6yqs-sejQ4SAWsFdyoqwlf_AaWcJjv4mi2xy9niZyUp1LL_fi2obsIyAdtveyWwCJnu4XVOU8Ps-8jK2b4FyogUnuX9omCWsjRlcbZ8NG7v6DOcCgG5cSXuV9lsm3nQu8/s1600/Hadrians+V+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peristyle (columns surrounding) pool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kfdsB0gIB3IqJitM2gQYNiUc8e01SGyRWbF0FbpZeol1-8iJPb2QCAhnRRPcV4hnILaO83FqVl9GhyphenhyphenG6Cm3B0mFGCNYDwp149ZdG_asRpcbsOi8E12Igdv55_PoYKY_o5AByG__Adolg/s1600/Hadrians+V+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kfdsB0gIB3IqJitM2gQYNiUc8e01SGyRWbF0FbpZeol1-8iJPb2QCAhnRRPcV4hnILaO83FqVl9GhyphenhyphenG6Cm3B0mFGCNYDwp149ZdG_asRpcbsOi8E12Igdv55_PoYKY_o5AByG__Adolg/s1600/Hadrians+V+6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is left of the Piazza d'Oro (Golden Square): It was a vast building
with a rectangular open court filled with flower-beds and water basins.
The name of the building came from the lavish ornaments and the
wealth of the works of art found inside. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQnJKkAF8fVu4Hx40RrZFUOJLdm9FNJb618Z4l4DjuyS8ndfFtEoiNqrAjPaeASsleUbl9BPrb3WXJGcSiI_X506e-eNjmjBnGp9QGV5VxUD0ILa9bY7g1cJW9rh_GS33bMhIDP2_x7la/s1600/Hadrians+V+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQnJKkAF8fVu4Hx40RrZFUOJLdm9FNJb618Z4l4DjuyS8ndfFtEoiNqrAjPaeASsleUbl9BPrb3WXJGcSiI_X506e-eNjmjBnGp9QGV5VxUD0ILa9bY7g1cJW9rh_GS33bMhIDP2_x7la/s1600/Hadrians+V+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Piazza d'Oro.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHFW-w6HMIqyvls2AmOX_Vo4XEoxPgKUqw-ZyD6oOFF69Gzhn8q7hTjRXeFzCMvU13FNjFOXYMyX0jnIiAY2nFHSqjKWy76KKKvfmUWik6GlVzZlVPrOYU1_HsnPAqVXaqhesS1SZjEFH/s1600/Hadrians+V+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHFW-w6HMIqyvls2AmOX_Vo4XEoxPgKUqw-ZyD6oOFF69Gzhn8q7hTjRXeFzCMvU13FNjFOXYMyX0jnIiAY2nFHSqjKWy76KKKvfmUWik6GlVzZlVPrOYU1_HsnPAqVXaqhesS1SZjEFH/s1600/Hadrians+V+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through a passageway to the Piazza d'Oro.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQGpZLsrRauXv6q01ufpee_MbSTxV_ttmHYu0PoJshHd2UUW1N40wAUHheO9X5IyGKpUyWEpr6RSYndrGerKajMfIKBsVVOeUOBIA2TyGgpbXVH41TNPH-Xbaat9o5vyDBl1-cLLI4fZs/s1600/Hadrians+V+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQGpZLsrRauXv6q01ufpee_MbSTxV_ttmHYu0PoJshHd2UUW1N40wAUHheO9X5IyGKpUyWEpr6RSYndrGerKajMfIKBsVVOeUOBIA2TyGgpbXVH41TNPH-Xbaat9o5vyDBl1-cLLI4fZs/s1600/Hadrians+V+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doric pillars in or near the Imperial Palace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OYGE-vu8-DgajJX08afv16H49RQSlb7hBzrNvpY4ER99M4JrYL7kHYEE2iOJ-_92ofrTYnpmTweXqK5Yj43BcDzbNdhh1pDu4py2G59mcJR8NIZkut6D8OZ4qFNVXqt0W8x1627Hc7GY/s1600/Hadrians+V+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OYGE-vu8-DgajJX08afv16H49RQSlb7hBzrNvpY4ER99M4JrYL7kHYEE2iOJ-_92ofrTYnpmTweXqK5Yj43BcDzbNdhh1pDu4py2G59mcJR8NIZkut6D8OZ4qFNVXqt0W8x1627Hc7GY/s1600/Hadrians+V+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of what
once was the library courtyard. Beyond that one can see the view of the
surrounding hills that inhabitants of the villa enjoyed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4CDEmIF_qmdNuccmE7R1OALC9kumO8g1V2gxgpPaIq2R0pdmqxDGJx4UehOqTxiULj9ZcNeJTyuwNF8ohBCxgWHYafVVU4j7AyLYcKql4ysFNkN1mjIBO9B0zdDH1ufnHHrFa9pX1PE-/s1600/Hadrians+V+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4CDEmIF_qmdNuccmE7R1OALC9kumO8g1V2gxgpPaIq2R0pdmqxDGJx4UehOqTxiULj9ZcNeJTyuwNF8ohBCxgWHYafVVU4j7AyLYcKql4ysFNkN1mjIBO9B0zdDH1ufnHHrFa9pX1PE-/s1600/Hadrians+V+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hospitalia
was a 2-story building with 10 guest rooms on the first floor off a
wide central hallway (seen here). Nothing remains of the second floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftwcgfhM-lMhQ5NP1BqqWkzOKqRh4t8JtKJSr9p13gn_vU-vikWk546WigmK8siGnMdC0ZDn7juePlmEtUJOSfcbnBbcRcC5cllbYz3z6KABdZ8jc94S9LXaaBsPA09DsFOcYkW0TqC3L/s1600/Hadrians+V+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftwcgfhM-lMhQ5NP1BqqWkzOKqRh4t8JtKJSr9p13gn_vU-vikWk546WigmK8siGnMdC0ZDn7juePlmEtUJOSfcbnBbcRcC5cllbYz3z6KABdZ8jc94S9LXaaBsPA09DsFOcYkW0TqC3L/s1600/Hadrians+V+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maritime
Theatre: It consisted of a round portico with a barrel vault
supported by pillars. Inside the portico was a ring-shaped pool with a
central island. During the ancient times, the island was connected to
the portico by two drawbridges. On the island sits a small house
complete with an atrium, a library, a triclinium and small baths. It's
believed that the area was used by the emperor as a retreat from the
busy life at the court.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wRP1f58IjG5-BgOljFOjc49UdgTpN6oZvjVLE3_QkXHO1cjXGrth2dKqIdXQ18syqbry2V0cqdvN4nls7qSOgHYP0HNo7WOKddMQGFFaMsPy1SaccRJdWlosBt56u9bxvouSs-rKhd71/s1600/Hadrians+V+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wRP1f58IjG5-BgOljFOjc49UdgTpN6oZvjVLE3_QkXHO1cjXGrth2dKqIdXQ18syqbry2V0cqdvN4nls7qSOgHYP0HNo7WOKddMQGFFaMsPy1SaccRJdWlosBt56u9bxvouSs-rKhd71/s1600/Hadrians+V+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I should start carrying around a Sharpie to correct the English on some of the signage I've seen around Italy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
leaving Hadrian's Villa, everyone was pretty hungry so we drove into
Tivoli for dinner. We had pizza near the main piazza and then went to a
pastry shop for cannoli. Paul discovered yet another food that he
loved.<br />
<br />
On <b>January 14th</b>, we finally went to the Vatican
Museums. It was a rainy day and the perfect time to be indoors. Vincent
and I did some research on how to get the most out of the Vatican
Museums, looking at various tours, but in the end we decided to just
pre-book tickets (to avoid having to stand in lines) and get the
audioguides. I found online that the Vatican Museum offers a "family"
audioguide which was targeted towards kids Sarah's age. She and Vincent
went out in the morning to buy a pair of headsets that would be
comfortable so she wouldn't have to hold the audioguide to her ear.
(Doing what we could to make it a pleasant experience.)<br />
<br />
When
we arrived at the museums, I offered to go with Sarah while Vincent and
the boys would try to stick together. Sarah was very happy and fully
engaged with her tour. The only complaint that I had was that her tour
focused on the first part of the museum and then completely skipped over
the paintings and Borgia apartments in the center of the the museum.
Also, oddly, the children's program focused on some items that the adult
audio tour did not; this made it difficult to discuss certain works
with Sarah along the way. The museums' administration really needs to
tighten this up; they're on the right track introducing the family tour
but it still needs work.<br />
<br />
Here are a subset of the photos I took throughout the Vatican museums. There are no photos of the Sistene Chapel, as photography in there is strictly forbidden.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGQ84uP2n0vuhGJ8OZkmlG6pGQPWRubDKBiGvJxCkF1NMWjBCbGauAxOkL2IUNvs0IktJoPrhLxpsw4xX5GX9oYg0IBbDRP732a1qsskg2a2h07SflHStfeogAjbyizIT6AHBDdaKvAxO/s1600/Vatican+M+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGQ84uP2n0vuhGJ8OZkmlG6pGQPWRubDKBiGvJxCkF1NMWjBCbGauAxOkL2IUNvs0IktJoPrhLxpsw4xX5GX9oYg0IBbDRP732a1qsskg2a2h07SflHStfeogAjbyizIT6AHBDdaKvAxO/s1600/Vatican+M+2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Osiris Antinous:
Antinous is believed to have had a close relationship with Emporer
Hadrian. The statue was found at Hadrian's Villa around the Canopus. I
included a photo of it here as we had just visited Hadrian's Villa the
previous day plus this statue was on Sarah's "family tour".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDfI4-LkBXuhaFZvmnmBRfEWbECpv3sXSGOAeTOTAOtKwYWzv-rMMgz1nMv-2WOzTft1SAIldSoT5oSRVacHadwSWyMfvHAF6TBKjIdBfY2_jlbz0llPOy_Euw5l0MURy41_0caT0QxxA/s1600/Vatican+M+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDfI4-LkBXuhaFZvmnmBRfEWbECpv3sXSGOAeTOTAOtKwYWzv-rMMgz1nMv-2WOzTft1SAIldSoT5oSRVacHadwSWyMfvHAF6TBKjIdBfY2_jlbz0llPOy_Euw5l0MURy41_0caT0QxxA/s1600/Vatican+M+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of the god Anubis (1st-2nd century AD):
Anubis was associated with the mummification and protection of the dead
for their journey into the afterlife. (This was also highlighted on
Sarah's "family" tour.) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYIWKmFs-faPfSSVycUZWLSF1YvYdFshQcVO1CKBETsEdjHYa8oN7pDp2Jr5GRWPhPTXx7f2_NHEDNy8eVWG79YgnP8dB62V4Owcf6_AsW4FAt4mHXhPYmZg1iunGVt-PXzBKq9o5HTZ0/s1600/Vatican+M+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYIWKmFs-faPfSSVycUZWLSF1YvYdFshQcVO1CKBETsEdjHYa8oN7pDp2Jr5GRWPhPTXx7f2_NHEDNy8eVWG79YgnP8dB62V4Owcf6_AsW4FAt4mHXhPYmZg1iunGVt-PXzBKq9o5HTZ0/s1600/Vatican+M+4.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in the Museo Egizio learning about <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Queen Tuya.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ba67CGkdw5_bECizDpVEkzFP2GYuTDtNm9cwlOUtZOfjRyUMeM7wOrxGTQeyKB5BfXVS_J1zrO9508fao0EbrgZIax311Gg1LpAuK64UzDWEpFtSi8vS_mbrLm_ltXm9vSwVXEgFW71c/s1600/Vatican+M+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ba67CGkdw5_bECizDpVEkzFP2GYuTDtNm9cwlOUtZOfjRyUMeM7wOrxGTQeyKB5BfXVS_J1zrO9508fao0EbrgZIax311Gg1LpAuK64UzDWEpFtSi8vS_mbrLm_ltXm9vSwVXEgFW71c/s1600/Vatican+M+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Braccio Nuovo Gallery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7vCyDCG8SomKJjwqE9WauI0YFtfvG3hlWZBb0mmEPnRwhIKwNgduz9XVDSfXIJH7PCYO88tiUHwxakUiHzREyubE4XlwDaZvlBCW2IL7Qnw9wKwnp-lG27LcITD3RNmopiNA2GRTrTj/s1600/Vatican+m+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7vCyDCG8SomKJjwqE9WauI0YFtfvG3hlWZBb0mmEPnRwhIKwNgduz9XVDSfXIJH7PCYO88tiUHwxakUiHzREyubE4XlwDaZvlBCW2IL7Qnw9wKwnp-lG27LcITD3RNmopiNA2GRTrTj/s1600/Vatican+m+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While
in the Museo Pio Clementino, walking between rooms, I looked up and saw
this head above a doorway. It must have been the inspiration for at
least one horror movie involving dolls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeaMCVril7moPl32YOOZWPAb4MNmDXRY8r14OxN0fyFFphwfhdPoxMM5GQaFS5Cp6NyaJkcCLCi0QGFiFTyXoVvhDNjtyx206EF-tWebju6eO2Ga317I8K7lsqPfeIVl9H2_vxQPx4KbT/s1600/Vatican+M+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeaMCVril7moPl32YOOZWPAb4MNmDXRY8r14OxN0fyFFphwfhdPoxMM5GQaFS5Cp6NyaJkcCLCi0QGFiFTyXoVvhDNjtyx206EF-tWebju6eO2Ga317I8K7lsqPfeIVl9H2_vxQPx4KbT/s1600/Vatican+M+6.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sala Rotonda in the Museo Pio Clementino: One of my favorite rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDtAXJyVZqoz2Izyd6ieqDw3ALxN88e1YhST_6BGVW_hX9A-p_CVac0Q0f84v_90OIuxjrOayeQukrFlYtlXSUmpoEi7-7_q4Db1Bmf5rqGlVEOLABqGxOtgI640XyZB-YdqDvih2g_yO/s1600/Vatican+M+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDtAXJyVZqoz2Izyd6ieqDw3ALxN88e1YhST_6BGVW_hX9A-p_CVac0Q0f84v_90OIuxjrOayeQukrFlYtlXSUmpoEi7-7_q4Db1Bmf5rqGlVEOLABqGxOtgI640XyZB-YdqDvih2g_yO/s1600/Vatican+M+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sala a Croce Greca.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLKG0v6tzj9IPc3tA2TiYvjNHPqY903qN5EJ8lcRA2XVn_TeFIDCRilVjn0uSiCjR-lhEna7WsmDfxKCux01y3vbA8CGmBXR7p-q_T5JmqUaHQulnPrTUp2lOCFq3SnMIJYmWYzSQlPz5/s1600/Vatican+M+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLKG0v6tzj9IPc3tA2TiYvjNHPqY903qN5EJ8lcRA2XVn_TeFIDCRilVjn0uSiCjR-lhEna7WsmDfxKCux01y3vbA8CGmBXR7p-q_T5JmqUaHQulnPrTUp2lOCFq3SnMIJYmWYzSQlPz5/s1600/Vatican+M+8.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galleria
delle Carte Geografiche: The Gallery of Maps is 120 meters long and was
commissioned in 1581 by Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni who called upon the
famous cosmographer, geographer and mathematician, Egnazio Danti, to
direct the ambitious project of representing the whole Italian peninsula
on the gallery walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTHERdeW7oHOU0dXvA5xvvDR4s0pCAqim-4s7WQRUSAagS9RCSfAuXA_Lbvc6ntbHj7MSlSpgSTIOpIeuuIvjoXOk8uMK1-WH6k7ViYBjCx5N0VyL7SLVUEb6d6fdS1f1EB-x9K5WqvaM/s1600/Vatican+M+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTHERdeW7oHOU0dXvA5xvvDR4s0pCAqim-4s7WQRUSAagS9RCSfAuXA_Lbvc6ntbHj7MSlSpgSTIOpIeuuIvjoXOk8uMK1-WH6k7ViYBjCx5N0VyL7SLVUEb6d6fdS1f1EB-x9K5WqvaM/s1600/Vatican+M+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small section of the exquisite Gallery of Maps ceiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH93QG_sa4FyXiFCgDT-AiQyMFvOg_qsrbwiYZTS6n_UjhkLlhJRO05PgLY7xQvkNjPoicE__GKqdcxaRcR7FuD__oyyVXOVCH6R0eUYmEf2I6FIGfJvzGbQMFWsl5Jc9sMNwfOucT1khB/s1600/Vatican+M+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH93QG_sa4FyXiFCgDT-AiQyMFvOg_qsrbwiYZTS6n_UjhkLlhJRO05PgLY7xQvkNjPoicE__GKqdcxaRcR7FuD__oyyVXOVCH6R0eUYmEf2I6FIGfJvzGbQMFWsl5Jc9sMNwfOucT1khB/s1600/Vatican+M+11.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following
the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius
IX in 1854, the Pontiff decided to celebrate the event with a series of
frescoes. The works were commissioned from the Ancona artist, Francesco
Podesti; he worked on the project from 1856 to 1865. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9wxWESO1yNoz1dHyNY_prsK6ARwSjubVqHeSPbQp33NtJUQvHnnRsBxRPgwezPwk6tlvNQftX5y0EZh1OMphfY_3lmkeCP5KTc-4DVmwjJI1zKcLwe7VmMpvaaEetEhvWBnU8p2ZA8cj/s1600/Vatican+M+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9wxWESO1yNoz1dHyNY_prsK6ARwSjubVqHeSPbQp33NtJUQvHnnRsBxRPgwezPwk6tlvNQftX5y0EZh1OMphfY_3lmkeCP5KTc-4DVmwjJI1zKcLwe7VmMpvaaEetEhvWBnU8p2ZA8cj/s1600/Vatican+M+13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Raffaello in the Sala di Costantino.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z72SzJ6dWB5iDpY5KmT4hXQiAo2WJCZ3f0yZxnkPCJn0KrqW-0XKzo-k7HQw_ADGFi64MspBxlD0_L3QU9P7mkGryyN03POZ1YtxREunPwRmUX06M0Ftv3j4s7_w40rcd665LFfwkVrd/s1600/Vatican+M+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z72SzJ6dWB5iDpY5KmT4hXQiAo2WJCZ3f0yZxnkPCJn0KrqW-0XKzo-k7HQw_ADGFi64MspBxlD0_L3QU9P7mkGryyN03POZ1YtxREunPwRmUX06M0Ftv3j4s7_w40rcd665LFfwkVrd/s1600/Vatican+M+12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Raffaello in the Stanza della Segnatura.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDC8YYomAHU0RFyPSNyX8p3kj0HUYjv3Na_IIAP7Q4WIVTQ2pPlihwLNusRBCgGyIMHOZ60fwDLM8WpJMJhOIF_kE2-AprI2mwVTrVGO9gRVvncmmOg15M39ui5cpqEi17XI6yFno-rPC/s1600/Vatican+M+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDC8YYomAHU0RFyPSNyX8p3kj0HUYjv3Na_IIAP7Q4WIVTQ2pPlihwLNusRBCgGyIMHOZ60fwDLM8WpJMJhOIF_kE2-AprI2mwVTrVGO9gRVvncmmOg15M39ui5cpqEi17XI6yFno-rPC/s1600/Vatican+M+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Raffaello in the Stanza dell'Incendio di Borgo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1WwzX9CSnjZ1B8ZHXkpErk4xFeiekH5TCeNqn3qmXnwiv6-5GMKfqybfy52btyAV7yDv_TxVCFNtTptW47jFQQKCDGygGLA3St6014UcEIAceCE1HNUFgVMqpk4L5DGX9H16nOTn_nd0/s1600/Vatican+M+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1WwzX9CSnjZ1B8ZHXkpErk4xFeiekH5TCeNqn3qmXnwiv6-5GMKfqybfy52btyAV7yDv_TxVCFNtTptW47jFQQKCDGygGLA3St6014UcEIAceCE1HNUFgVMqpk4L5DGX9H16nOTn_nd0/s1600/Vatican+M+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling
from a room just following the Sistine Chapel; I don't have any
information on it but included it because that trumpeting angel spoke to
me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 15th</b>, alarms
were set for 6:30 in order to get up and out early to the Papal
Audience. We planned to be out by 7:30 and we were actually on our way
at 7:55 which was pretty good for us. We found good street parking
behind the Vatican Museums and started walking around the walls to St
Peter's Square. At that point we saw hundreds of people, many wearing
orange caps, going in the same direction and we knew we weren't the only
ones with the idea of getting there early. Looking on the
papalaudience.org site, we were led to believe the event would be
indoors with a limit of 6,300 seats, but when we rounded the corner to St
Peter's Square we could see the event was set up to take place outside
in St Peter's Square (which would allow more people). I wish they'd
update the website; we would have worn warmer clothes; at this point it
was 8:15 and we would be outside now for 4+ hours. Sarah didn't even wear
a coat. Fortunately, it was a lovely sunny morning, albeit crisp (mid
40s when we left LandShark.)<br />
<br />
We worked our way through
crowds and then security and then more crowds and amazingly found seats
in one of the front sections, just right of the stage. At this point it
was 8:30 and I thought, hmm, having to wait 2 hours before a 2 hour
event, I should find a washroom, so off I went. I arrived and found a
very lengthy queue. Imagine, 10,000 people and one set of washroom
facilities. I decided to stand in line and at 9:30 finally emerged from
the loo to find that the Pope arrived early! Security had closed all
routes back to where my family was sitting, as the Pope was making his
rounds around the piazza in the popemobile. He spent about 40 minutes
circling around, kissing countless babies, waving and having brief
exchanges with people. Fortunately, I still was in a good spot with a
good view but just frustrated that I was separated from the family. The
Pope was driven by me twice but each time my overzealous neighbors
wacked my camera with their waving arms so I couldn't any sort of a
photo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzg9YJMji7Zj8XDq-dfiunkozXZW6YqSZcYDDLp5uAyBGSUVOIPVDJYheD_r7mL-hi8vrpuQODV3dF_Fwjk8tNwFDd0gce9IqqZSdC_fLlie9sVWf6jlZwJeNEJBpNddU5IP3PtgsnvrI/s1600/Papal+Aud+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzg9YJMji7Zj8XDq-dfiunkozXZW6YqSZcYDDLp5uAyBGSUVOIPVDJYheD_r7mL-hi8vrpuQODV3dF_Fwjk8tNwFDd0gce9IqqZSdC_fLlie9sVWf6jlZwJeNEJBpNddU5IP3PtgsnvrI/s1600/Papal+Aud+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging from
the WC, I found the Pope had arrived and all routes back to my family
were closed off. Here is a view of the security detail and crowds. The
Pope is making his way up the road to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dQGEKLjFSKX2JSvfgHhPDx0fRqgZ6ioZ4YX1s-f6wsLwEpMILpibEHEvbJ2Q9vGL_bukBfTFYh-smqhT6qCSiuqjwwVeFrr94A1m9J0OXIeitRxeUcBpB43oStev3LKUl2ZCPaP37iI/s1600/Papal+Aud+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dQGEKLjFSKX2JSvfgHhPDx0fRqgZ6ioZ4YX1s-f6wsLwEpMILpibEHEvbJ2Q9vGL_bukBfTFYh-smqhT6qCSiuqjwwVeFrr94A1m9J0OXIeitRxeUcBpB43oStev3LKUl2ZCPaP37iI/s1600/Papal+Aud+10.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once
the Pope passed by and my frantic neighbors calmed down, I was able to
get this photo. While I cannot comment on the popularity of previous
Popes, it's clear Pope Francis is very well liked. He seemed to really
enjoy interacting with the people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-8rBhZ2kGkxpJniS6tLKRwqrdjfRRWf_QY8nfrqA0c-ZrPjgPFRMkuaNp0-0PS3PZshZEpKjMjimFHGo110SoVUGzigGqUUTOyXhsyEqZK82PDdMwBiMbniQQLerqS-nZP1VL4s32v1a/s1600/Papal+Aud+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-8rBhZ2kGkxpJniS6tLKRwqrdjfRRWf_QY8nfrqA0c-ZrPjgPFRMkuaNp0-0PS3PZshZEpKjMjimFHGo110SoVUGzigGqUUTOyXhsyEqZK82PDdMwBiMbniQQLerqS-nZP1VL4s32v1a/s1600/Papal+Aud+4.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the Pope finished
greeting the crowds, he was taken to a platform set up at the front of
St Peter's Basilica and began an abbreviated service. Two lessons were
read, one in English. Then Pope Francis gave a message (in Italian)
followed by a number of Cardinals repeating a condensed version of Pope
Francis's message in a number of different languages. The service ended
by the whole congregation reciting the Lord's Prayer in Latin, which was
printed on the back of the Papal Audience ticket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTuIn_3Ffh7ObpqpxmpvphVchmAX_n56O4N_JkE5LIZXMO3cb_vY2OBeTqTLQkTberFtwu8mIfP0cPtFFgPsn8Ldw51OD2Q_eGYKfxypILM9ydb6uNqTZ5Unbgb0ljEX49tK1TZ4y_9h-/s1600/Papal+audience+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTuIn_3Ffh7ObpqpxmpvphVchmAX_n56O4N_JkE5LIZXMO3cb_vY2OBeTqTLQkTberFtwu8mIfP0cPtFFgPsn8Ldw51OD2Q_eGYKfxypILM9ydb6uNqTZ5Unbgb0ljEX49tK1TZ4y_9h-/s1600/Papal+audience+8.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While
sitting by myself listening to the same messages repeated in various
languages, I took some photos of the surroundings. I liked this one of
some of statues on the roof-line of the Basilica. From left to right,
the statues represent St James the Elder, St John the Baptist, Christ
the Redeemer (center), St Andrew and St John the Evangelist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwW2SPS4UOC3OTtc8NblmR3NCRbm0Qer5Ndbw3GNgk27WE7rpZfdFtpCf4JVvl3A2mIG605oROR0w3Oz0GwU6ggbtOrARkpd2toE89IXqUUinDZUAf9rIP4woUPkuAlEMbd-Zd2dBMpj4/s1600/Papal+Aud+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwW2SPS4UOC3OTtc8NblmR3NCRbm0Qer5Ndbw3GNgk27WE7rpZfdFtpCf4JVvl3A2mIG605oROR0w3Oz0GwU6ggbtOrARkpd2toE89IXqUUinDZUAf9rIP4woUPkuAlEMbd-Zd2dBMpj4/s1600/Papal+Aud+5.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following
the service, the Cardinals lined up to greet the Pope. This was
followed by the Pope stepping down off the platform to bless a number of
people with ailments and disabilities. I saw one boy in a wheelchair
who was given the Pope's white cap (zucchetto). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There
were a couple hundred "special guests" who the Pope more or less
greeted personally. During this time, most of the crowd in the square
dispersed, all but the diehards, and us. It was at this point that my
family and I finally found each other.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmcnF7LbYRttxj10dPeM8l9r471ivUUARFgSu7tnlxYefU2vJZx3nGqz5NQCErUb4jQBbSfaxZrlYDieoaoQcxEWlvWb_J6NRgIacjkeMFRGWms8ZVfPT-6A84IxO1X0nm7qlGjh1aJsk/s1600/Papal+Audience+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmcnF7LbYRttxj10dPeM8l9r471ivUUARFgSu7tnlxYefU2vJZx3nGqz5NQCErUb4jQBbSfaxZrlYDieoaoQcxEWlvWb_J6NRgIacjkeMFRGWms8ZVfPT-6A84IxO1X0nm7qlGjh1aJsk/s1600/Papal+Audience+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A zoomed-in photo of Vince and the kids finally seeing me from across the aisle after our 3 hour separation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, Pope Francis stepped into the popemobile and drove by with a final wave.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GeCqZfUtqARpSX3S_-4o_HYhHUI8TGe_Srt5eNxhAG3ueBi4AESAAuZJS2D7kbySDcgBO5TWmhyphenhyphenuynEa9Gs4cQpVFGj7a6AWaLF5UiV2lLCi2abq4xRevkohbYyXYhTjMjIVlfXemQdF/s1600/Papal+Aud+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GeCqZfUtqARpSX3S_-4o_HYhHUI8TGe_Srt5eNxhAG3ueBi4AESAAuZJS2D7kbySDcgBO5TWmhyphenhyphenuynEa9Gs4cQpVFGj7a6AWaLF5UiV2lLCi2abq4xRevkohbYyXYhTjMjIVlfXemQdF/s1600/Papal+Aud+8.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pope Francis departing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At about 12:30, we left St Peter's Square in search of a restaurant, as we were all very hungry.
We found one a few streets away and had a good lunch. We then started
discussing what we'd do the rest of the afternoon. I had promised Sarah
that I'd take her to the children's museum in Rome (Explora: Il Museo
dei Bambini di Roma) a few days ago, as a carrot to get her through the
St Paul's Within the Walls church service plus the historical sights
afterwards. It's located just north of the Piazza del Popolo so we took
the car and drove to that neighborhood. Vince suggested that he and the
boys go to the Etruscan Museum, while Sarah and I went to the children's museum but James said he'd rather go to the children's museum. Once
Paul saw the children's museum, he also wanted to stay, so Vince was
left to do his own thing for a couple hours. Both Paul and James were
really too old for the Explora, but they had had enough of the ruins.
When I told the ticket lady this, she burst out laughing saying, "We in
Rome also get tired of the ruins!"<br />
<br />
I have to say,
Rome's Explora was fabulous. We've obviously been to a lot of museums
for children and have seen many of the same imaginary play set-ups but
the Explora takes some of them to the next level. They've employed
technology to give children a more true to life experience. Three of my
favorite areas were the grocery store, the bank, and the area set up to
show one how to make money and spend money.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lregXzB-A6M2LRjgQ9wyrNib1kprHprSiunGKPJoUzJRyhes6tib1RlCBnQk_Y0j7OKJKUAg41jGUn1FQ6Zz9BCsdVL4IRYmVLQ8_EyofNZscdnKgc98gYSJT83PExGgTzK-9MtebrIv/s1600/Explora+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lregXzB-A6M2LRjgQ9wyrNib1kprHprSiunGKPJoUzJRyhes6tib1RlCBnQk_Y0j7OKJKUAg41jGUn1FQ6Zz9BCsdVL4IRYmVLQ8_EyofNZscdnKgc98gYSJT83PExGgTzK-9MtebrIv/s1600/Explora+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like
other "pretend" grocery stores, kids could pick out their produce. This
store however has a weigh scale where you place your produce and then
press the picture that matches the produce to the left of the scale. A
weight and price tag sticker then is produced that one sticks onto the
item. (This is just as it was done in the grocery stores in France and
Italy where we had shopped.) This barcode sticker can then be read at
the check out counter when the child goes to purchase the goods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9qxgmtLB37EG8D0VYRSYhPFoESfwMV9tR99G01C2_q0bDy9jV0Jw_j4-b21M86RGUrmCUx9RWUwYt-ILTbcvfNiLRnwUG92Nyy3TNVY43L2DYid1P70hOhYDOZlOUfWHRZ5xlUxyfq_W/s1600/Explora+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9qxgmtLB37EG8D0VYRSYhPFoESfwMV9tR99G01C2_q0bDy9jV0Jw_j4-b21M86RGUrmCUx9RWUwYt-ILTbcvfNiLRnwUG92Nyy3TNVY43L2DYid1P70hOhYDOZlOUfWHRZ5xlUxyfq_W/s1600/Explora+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All
my kids loved the cashier station at the grocery store. The conveyor
belt worked (which Paul is just figuring out in this photo) and kids
could scan the prices either using the hand-held device that James is
holding or by running the barcode by the barcode window/reader to the
right of the conveyor belt. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgPS8iSlrV-IlrJVg8-JexgnhOJQawjJ3hqP4HONgXNhm3h5cLo4pK5JKJh930uwUCGwbs1NoZKAs6ckj8slAINUdnUIbFS-EIZMxGyd8Pc0-_ocYvtgB62o8OUEm_5E7Pe7ztugEikVO/s1600/Explora+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgPS8iSlrV-IlrJVg8-JexgnhOJQawjJ3hqP4HONgXNhm3h5cLo4pK5JKJh930uwUCGwbs1NoZKAs6ckj8slAINUdnUIbFS-EIZMxGyd8Pc0-_ocYvtgB62o8OUEm_5E7Pe7ztugEikVO/s1600/Explora+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the entrance to the bank is an ATM that works! You can get an ATM/chip and pin debit card from a museum attendant.
Kids can then make cash withdrawals using the same steps as in real
machines. The ATM will print out money (faux) and a provide a receipt of
the withdrawal. Really neat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9VpK-zq49w0Ftiv_UO3x31oJSIY3sRoc1qMpwfgP7Arg1O10zx-VdmMAlV0-8jJx70Dh_VUI9FMI8k58CO7dP4PcKIlAAd_r21LyYQYDiIKWUkhchWlMZ5bUMhpk-xObjTVSvPoa4YFP/s1600/Explora+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9VpK-zq49w0Ftiv_UO3x31oJSIY3sRoc1qMpwfgP7Arg1O10zx-VdmMAlV0-8jJx70Dh_VUI9FMI8k58CO7dP4PcKIlAAd_r21LyYQYDiIKWUkhchWlMZ5bUMhpk-xObjTVSvPoa4YFP/s1600/Explora+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside
the bank, there are two teller terminals where one can set up a bank
account using name and date of birth. The bank will give you €100 for
opening an account. You can then make deposits, withdrawals, apply for a
loan, buy and sell stocks and make donations to a charity. The bank
computer keeps track of all the transactions made. Here, I've bought a
bike which costs €100 and I've borrowed the money to do so. 3% interest
will be charged and I have to decide between a one or two year payment
plan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk66ZCx7fyZZ6rnoah9i313KGWl3kliYnILxWy81VqVmQcGGbg8vTfYnXBdEuhWoQIVJZblJVKncPEM_VBr-kG0g2xrT8cjiNIyG-Fc8xkq-iCAHOOsdd3QGA6kTgnJ8_8fCCf3VYC7IwN/s1600/Explora+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk66ZCx7fyZZ6rnoah9i313KGWl3kliYnILxWy81VqVmQcGGbg8vTfYnXBdEuhWoQIVJZblJVKncPEM_VBr-kG0g2xrT8cjiNIyG-Fc8xkq-iCAHOOsdd3QGA6kTgnJ8_8fCCf3VYC7IwN/s1600/Explora+8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the earning, spending and saving money section, Sarah took a job as a courier. She had 60 in which to deliver a package.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTAqar4wJrivIPwH9PUegm8h8VVk4ns0EQrp9d-12eoW-6mc069sGxOvcO1vQxzRy80YPAnlOS2UxAF9u4coHl9O37C-XtDNCPxuf-99DIW3bLcRd7j5skPhQmN3i3dtTcBNYCEzOSDut/s1600/Explora+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTAqar4wJrivIPwH9PUegm8h8VVk4ns0EQrp9d-12eoW-6mc069sGxOvcO1vQxzRy80YPAnlOS2UxAF9u4coHl9O37C-XtDNCPxuf-99DIW3bLcRd7j5skPhQmN3i3dtTcBNYCEzOSDut/s1600/Explora+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah
earned €14.69 for her courier delivery but €1.46 was deducted off her
paycheck as a community contribution. Socialism ideals already at play.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFMNIGTWWd-l7xzSlukU_vyJxx80VIfNuRNM0ewlToyHuJ5dJn5-XefgfX42a500qL-muX6eTLaj-uK6KUbdjCd204WTcxKW_yD2EybRKIfuJKufMIgy4AruaQaoDRxEyXhfkF-VrbHx6/s1600/Explora+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFMNIGTWWd-l7xzSlukU_vyJxx80VIfNuRNM0ewlToyHuJ5dJn5-XefgfX42a500qL-muX6eTLaj-uK6KUbdjCd204WTcxKW_yD2EybRKIfuJKufMIgy4AruaQaoDRxEyXhfkF-VrbHx6/s1600/Explora+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had
to love the on-site cafe at the Explora. In addition to the range of
sandwiches and sweets, the cafe offered wine and spirits for the adults.
If you've ever spent long (seemingly endless) days at a children's
museum, you'll probably recognize how appealing this is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 16th</b>,
Sarah was very firm that she wanted to return to the Explora museum.
Paul wanted to stay back in LandShark to prepare for the entry exam of
the private school to which he was applying and James was keen to stay
behind and focus on school work. I wanted a couple hours to myself to
shop in Rome "solo" so Vince, Sarah and I drove into Rome, walked around
together and then separated for a couple hours. Vince took Sarah to the
Explora and I headed south to window shop.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlOuGoT7lHP7mFuouJoRHE8bHCoJ0gamUR0yl4fyb_5Rq1kAnh6wjOt9JpPSpxWizSLDnx-hHKt4la03LebxQTt2BDR_Kg04Oy0kaOkMt4nkS3_Czwcnc2idhrkS4TfCwwZ8JP3Upy7YU/s1600/Spanish+steps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlOuGoT7lHP7mFuouJoRHE8bHCoJ0gamUR0yl4fyb_5Rq1kAnh6wjOt9JpPSpxWizSLDnx-hHKt4la03LebxQTt2BDR_Kg04Oy0kaOkMt4nkS3_Czwcnc2idhrkS4TfCwwZ8JP3Upy7YU/s1600/Spanish+steps.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We
finally walked up the Spanish Steps. The Steps were built between
1723-1726 and link the Church of Trinita dei Monti on the Pincian Hill
with the Piazza di Spangna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That
evening we had our final meal at the campground restaurant, <i>Ciao Bella</i>.
The next day we would be packing up and making our way to Croatia.
While I had visited all of our traveled countries (England, Scotland,
Wales, France, Spain and Italy) several times, Croatia would be new
territory. We were all a bit anxious about the unknown but we were all looking forward to exploring Croatia, which had just joined the EU in
2013. Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-28384097884281746092014-01-11T00:45:00.002-08:002014-01-19T03:01:36.513-08:00Bitritto and Pompei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>December 31st</b> we drove to Bitritto which is a town with a population of about 10,000
in southern Italy near Bari. It's where a number of Vincent's distant cousins resided and most of the relatives didn't
speak any English. Vincent was the only one of us that spoke any
Italian, which was surprisingly functional after 20+ years of non-use. So the 5 hours drive south was
spent listening to Italian lessons. We got through 8 lessons and by the
time we arrived I was equipped with: Io non parlo l'Italiano (<i>I don't speak Italian</i>); Io capisco un po l'Italiano (<i>I understand a little Italian</i>); Non lo so (<i>I don't know</i>) and; Io vorrei bere del vino (<i>I would like to drink some wine</i>...which
would be the honest truth after the heavy lift of engaging in
conversation for a few hours with only 30 words to work with!)<br />
<br />
We
arrived in good time in Bitritto and checked into our Bed and
Breakfast, La Dimora del Re. We were invited to a relative's home for dinner and we
weren't really sure whose house we were going to. (Kind of a shakey
start.) The B&B owner drove us to our destination; we
were introduced to eleven people when we arrived, covering 3 generations. Their English and my Italian were evenly
matched. Vincent was in the front lines doing most of the talking.
Fortunately a twelfth person arrived who had spent over 40 years in
Toronto and therefore was able to help both sides communicate. Our hosts
were so welcoming and gracious and served an incredible meal involving 8
courses: (1) Mozzarella with ham, paper thin beef and prosciutto; (2)
tortellini cooked in beef broth; (3) stewed beef; (4) sausages grilled
over a wood fire (fantastica!); (5) salad and fennel; (6) mixed nuts (walnuts,
pistachios, peanuts, almonds); (7) fruit (melon, grapes oranges, banana)
and (8) assorted Italian cookies.<br />
<br />
The dinner lasted
about 3 hours and we were all pretty tired given the long drive earlier
in the day plus the mental exertion of trying to communicate with
limited language tools. But we were told we had to stay to see the fireworks at
midnight and besides, we shouldn't be on the streets between 23:00 to
01:00 because people would be lighting fireworks and "bombs" during that
time and it wouldn't be safe. I gather every year there are reports of
people losing an eye or finger, or getting burned due to fireworks
accidents. <br />
<br />
At midnight we went to the rooftop to see
the fireworks. Even being in a small town like Bitritto, it was quite
something to see because there were several private citizens setting off
their own fireworks displays. On our rooftop, we could witness 360 degrees of explosions. Italians love their fireworks. It was fabulous.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSqcup1Cobr06G48zW3epY6i6fnlmT7Qcf34r2ltrF7KmXi1mlvReJaZcX5FIi62xAMsFWq8qOzNxCa9BrBfw9321k5fEWMZXx_DPKz0HkMUtc0oTvD7k10v3j88pN3MNfwU1nfuy7Tiy/s1600/NYE+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSqcup1Cobr06G48zW3epY6i6fnlmT7Qcf34r2ltrF7KmXi1mlvReJaZcX5FIi62xAMsFWq8qOzNxCa9BrBfw9321k5fEWMZXx_DPKz0HkMUtc0oTvD7k10v3j88pN3MNfwU1nfuy7Tiy/s400/NYE+4.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different fireworks exploding simultaneously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdpqLGOPMu1IBgfeqXH3GkUzvamOt5sR-fQewapJygfJu6PEoXGMOGlI6xAezbYwTRdX42zje17V-u4K1faC5TYx13Cx-zwuubg3VPp3f74wef8Y0o2NB5KwdyK0drsfgFM6kWWbI9RoB/s1600/NYE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdpqLGOPMu1IBgfeqXH3GkUzvamOt5sR-fQewapJygfJu6PEoXGMOGlI6xAezbYwTRdX42zje17V-u4K1faC5TYx13Cx-zwuubg3VPp3f74wef8Y0o2NB5KwdyK0drsfgFM6kWWbI9RoB/s400/NYE+1.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Competing neighbors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmfQsDJDc4T4E079w0c5QUizyLli2CJoAi56aSQ1jEIKpX0F8Sb7MTS3jd6NoWWmufM6HtBhV7UOE2lUX0OHflRK3RecXHE7yIpSTdGaF02rOBqSNU0s-wwIz6nE5VbkhIYAptRltADKh/s1600/NYE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmfQsDJDc4T4E079w0c5QUizyLli2CJoAi56aSQ1jEIKpX0F8Sb7MTS3jd6NoWWmufM6HtBhV7UOE2lUX0OHflRK3RecXHE7yIpSTdGaF02rOBqSNU0s-wwIz6nE5VbkhIYAptRltADKh/s400/NYE+2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, a few degrees to the west, these were alight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jBP20-KIviT_7MoXkVkX8JDs1Nz2gcOmsRFvssDerjZ_9wlSX7sSvUA1ELJ-PTp084VAB5TCTiHMFwNdZdIVXzk04TI9o1jHW0oE7noAp5dtTtvOweqcMRjg4s6dRXJ8pJXUWnf5LaK/s1600/NYE+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jBP20-KIviT_7MoXkVkX8JDs1Nz2gcOmsRFvssDerjZ_9wlSX7sSvUA1ELJ-PTp084VAB5TCTiHMFwNdZdIVXzk04TI9o1jHW0oE7noAp5dtTtvOweqcMRjg4s6dRXJ8pJXUWnf5LaK/s400/NYE+3.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of bombs exploding too down in the streets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
about 30 minutes, the majority of displays had ended and so we went
downstairs to find panettone and champagne/asti spumante waiting for us.
We toasted each other and then it was time to say goodnight, as by that
time all of us were exhausted.<br />
<br />
On <b>January 1st</b>,
we went to mass at the main church in Bitritto, Maria SS. di
Costantinopoli. I gave the boys a lot of credit because we didn't ask
them or expect them to go, given the Italian immersion but they wanted
to attend. The downside meant that Sarah also had to go and she hadn't
yet come to terms with sitting through a church service in a foreign
language. The ~25 person choir was very impressive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcjbIS3DJXZb2fr23cZF8iQ4WExVhWZI_ySwkoGIcIdLpqoWJk_9S3Skhpf48sFwDe07_pF83RP73836-jIkxjDHM7tzSK6nHTKSJ0mynyarKFv10XkM21YA92Z_0nPYEp68xNCsBfy2t/s1600/Bitritto+church+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcjbIS3DJXZb2fr23cZF8iQ4WExVhWZI_ySwkoGIcIdLpqoWJk_9S3Skhpf48sFwDe07_pF83RP73836-jIkxjDHM7tzSK6nHTKSJ0mynyarKFv10XkM21YA92Z_0nPYEp68xNCsBfy2t/s400/Bitritto+church+3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like so many
churches in Italy, the Maria SS. di Costantinopoli doesn't look like
much from the exterior but it's an entirely different world when you
enter the building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX944Oplb36sZEnS5nsQVsBUkQ2exSRlc9snNKKhyphenhyphenmd0uhYxYZA4VrpV06tGq-pBBtXGehygyD48bGC0XXMB8p3KgeCJvQQ4cZ3jXAICXUqTyTu4VTbeRpRQrjxMUvq5dkXFpSuv4ozJG/s1600/Bitittro+church+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX944Oplb36sZEnS5nsQVsBUkQ2exSRlc9snNKKhyphenhyphenmd0uhYxYZA4VrpV06tGq-pBBtXGehygyD48bGC0XXMB8p3KgeCJvQQ4cZ3jXAICXUqTyTu4VTbeRpRQrjxMUvq5dkXFpSuv4ozJG/s400/Bitittro+church+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I
wanted to take a photo of the alter while it was illuminated but as
soon as the choir sang the last note of the recessional hymn, the lights
were cut. The priests hadn't even departed the alter! It seemed like
extreme measures to save electricity...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0iFpS0MKdyLggdQdt2nfoCVaSVz5izytwOgUU6d6JtRH06GyoFX1_KLWTksqJtuYoMvmC27KHXjDzYPCD_5jZcVeEYZJaUo4yZiJCy4XwcDoou1yv8eGO3IwH278Bwqdghl9D_b9_Kw/s1600/Bitittro+church.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0iFpS0MKdyLggdQdt2nfoCVaSVz5izytwOgUU6d6JtRH06GyoFX1_KLWTksqJtuYoMvmC27KHXjDzYPCD_5jZcVeEYZJaUo4yZiJCy4XwcDoou1yv8eGO3IwH278Bwqdghl9D_b9_Kw/s400/Bitittro+church.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The manger scene inside the Maria SS. di Costantinopoli.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
the service, we met two cousins who walked us through the old town and
pointed out buildings where various family members had previously lived.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkP0qvfBA2rIXT19T-VWvgU4hKQ9UD543AiJgbkNIPzThddvUQQ7SzHvfoDFxitK_hp0L4bBr9I0EVSXDLvr5qQenFPoPs0kq0v88u5NhoRCgOSHwM7ih_xzOLJnVBCV0a6g7ihxUfGrY/s1600/Narrow+bitritto+streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkP0qvfBA2rIXT19T-VWvgU4hKQ9UD543AiJgbkNIPzThddvUQQ7SzHvfoDFxitK_hp0L4bBr9I0EVSXDLvr5qQenFPoPs0kq0v88u5NhoRCgOSHwM7ih_xzOLJnVBCV0a6g7ihxUfGrY/s400/Narrow+bitritto+streets.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Access/alleys to the old town were very narrow making the town easier to defend hundreds of years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At
13:30, we were invited to lunch at the same cousin's home where we had
dinner the previous night. It was a bigger party, at least 20 of us, and
a bigger meal which took 4 1/2 hours to work through. I've never been
treated to such an extensive meal, ever. This time, I had to take a photo of each course.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HGFRc3RYkCiZIMXuNi4Ww5f9Ha4s9BTn_WXQGZhoVPJUz7oJneiWuuEkxLZLPf5diIACPeIgXtbWt1eJoP5G4C8m2vz0EdsVrO79APiDj-Vec9l3gKvaItEbWKVg6GXw7vStv8-k-JPh/s1600/nyd+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HGFRc3RYkCiZIMXuNi4Ww5f9Ha4s9BTn_WXQGZhoVPJUz7oJneiWuuEkxLZLPf5diIACPeIgXtbWt1eJoP5G4C8m2vz0EdsVrO79APiDj-Vec9l3gKvaItEbWKVg6GXw7vStv8-k-JPh/s400/nyd+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 1: Mozzarella (excellent) with ham, prosciutto and emmental.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Cergx2mv9zzq-KjCd0rvicSXkJYMlhjQxNmGeghyDhhdKStW66-k6hAcwbLIUUGKcp1NYUmNT_V9sFTOO3jSYfj1PnRHpIcJFPax7t92z677ZxDxyj0Mm0hIsCvyC8MB7tNvFjCi0p6k/s1600/nyd+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Cergx2mv9zzq-KjCd0rvicSXkJYMlhjQxNmGeghyDhhdKStW66-k6hAcwbLIUUGKcp1NYUmNT_V9sFTOO3jSYfj1PnRHpIcJFPax7t92z677ZxDxyj0Mm0hIsCvyC8MB7tNvFjCi0p6k/s400/nyd+2.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Served with calzone-like sandwich triangles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmYVellHQXi3dgc4Kd64V9jiJ5A5z_VjJAynnkJ3k0s85VXn77JUBSmMbsDLB4oDcf4C2oroLP85FiPA4mC7KXS8FIHYZrN1-0VPrt0RCqkw2Lqwss2VurL4BvJF9oeZwC0onhhekt2KK/s1600/nyd+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmYVellHQXi3dgc4Kd64V9jiJ5A5z_VjJAynnkJ3k0s85VXn77JUBSmMbsDLB4oDcf4C2oroLP85FiPA4mC7KXS8FIHYZrN1-0VPrt0RCqkw2Lqwss2VurL4BvJF9oeZwC0onhhekt2KK/s400/nyd+3.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Served with paper-thin sliced beef.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpegxxozY2O-JHufNdsE6MTZiDw3Sr3eQ53JjoZn14QUGtPyjmTDpLef5qn9bzaqBVid4_n1rX3E-aRmnx5lmQ3lPWbm9eObKbv0gXHG8fgq6LSGch1mceQo0ZFvUCCUhzqejE3hHgfta/s1600/nyd+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpegxxozY2O-JHufNdsE6MTZiDw3Sr3eQ53JjoZn14QUGtPyjmTDpLef5qn9bzaqBVid4_n1rX3E-aRmnx5lmQ3lPWbm9eObKbv0gXHG8fgq6LSGch1mceQo0ZFvUCCUhzqejE3hHgfta/s400/nyd+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 2: Lasagne made with home-made noodles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioScrRmcw9xnE-zIoTyHJN817T682-zE-ZiKQEtjR4lAukGAncn77d5YQ3EJkriSQRQIX2bzPNU7QHCQq0gccQ7iZXGxaOqOZ-LcEEQbeGFzJpAZgTvqO56PffDzlcimDn52BtOvB1hEek/s1600/nyd+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioScrRmcw9xnE-zIoTyHJN817T682-zE-ZiKQEtjR4lAukGAncn77d5YQ3EJkriSQRQIX2bzPNU7QHCQq0gccQ7iZXGxaOqOZ-LcEEQbeGFzJpAZgTvqO56PffDzlcimDn52BtOvB1hEek/s400/nyd+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 3: Stewed beef and beef braciole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPaXgalJBqFGxbToNZTfCK-G7eyWFQtsxQz9oKxyodHrHP2dXVP5Yi76MysOiJ7WCiAGznp8BAuEteom8L_aWDmQLMsYhf8aH99d-6ATCbBO9xZfvP83C9ljLB3S864SoG849n8M8UA8-/s1600/nyd+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPaXgalJBqFGxbToNZTfCK-G7eyWFQtsxQz9oKxyodHrHP2dXVP5Yi76MysOiJ7WCiAGznp8BAuEteom8L_aWDmQLMsYhf8aH99d-6ATCbBO9xZfvP83C9ljLB3S864SoG849n8M8UA8-/s400/nyd+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 4: Lamb with french fries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94K1LydAF0wMYRqfbSOZQfdP1yH48EyiMfJrBAsRixcIzBXtvz2LEpaW_n1gR5ZWIcz8_fzMDgea7KdtUd0qApEme7yiyVS9tGt6m7Vk0FXDLOZpkhOVrHDopw_3OmwtD8RF0f3BnNHL3/s1600/nyd+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94K1LydAF0wMYRqfbSOZQfdP1yH48EyiMfJrBAsRixcIzBXtvz2LEpaW_n1gR5ZWIcz8_fzMDgea7KdtUd0qApEme7yiyVS9tGt6m7Vk0FXDLOZpkhOVrHDopw_3OmwtD8RF0f3BnNHL3/s400/nyd+7.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 5: Salad and wood-grilled sausages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogeNOQnSnBIL0RORplU-WOHLeOeIlTaiCJvi6fmXknl9ZTkKHkkSUIO7IPEJyaWg6TIARZPLRkjdCROuOILFtGuk80ftt0i_vj5VR4LkNlUMctXEcHQj2DT3v4dg-OGh-Mvcfk1kc7TSo/s1600/nyd+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogeNOQnSnBIL0RORplU-WOHLeOeIlTaiCJvi6fmXknl9ZTkKHkkSUIO7IPEJyaWg6TIARZPLRkjdCROuOILFtGuk80ftt0i_vj5VR4LkNlUMctXEcHQj2DT3v4dg-OGh-Mvcfk1kc7TSo/s400/nyd+8.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 6: Mixed nuts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8jZPOlw-1GZgUEtfGVb-RS47rlUlmmXUppPqs2ci9rH8YGGJ9imP1Q1Uwd_vmKTQ6IdcloZTBdBA7tbxygGYTd-7lqpF5u0wNTpuwbZ3ZcRonxzNK3tqydu6PP88WD9XiSmleNLuNGvz/s1600/nyd+9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8jZPOlw-1GZgUEtfGVb-RS47rlUlmmXUppPqs2ci9rH8YGGJ9imP1Q1Uwd_vmKTQ6IdcloZTBdBA7tbxygGYTd-7lqpF5u0wNTpuwbZ3ZcRonxzNK3tqydu6PP88WD9XiSmleNLuNGvz/s400/nyd+9.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 7: Melon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr0fRUi3DeTjsICPIUfSLQ2MYb-N-lJ8TqAdgmVGbtvwUr_JlCKheX7QwQXSG66QUgy-Kgua9i2sk_SEjbcmxkdWO-UGypOyx5gcq7W1LHauRPY5zG27EancX9gxhezAPpB5eBnCcTXmp/s1600/nyd+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr0fRUi3DeTjsICPIUfSLQ2MYb-N-lJ8TqAdgmVGbtvwUr_JlCKheX7QwQXSG66QUgy-Kgua9i2sk_SEjbcmxkdWO-UGypOyx5gcq7W1LHauRPY5zG27EancX9gxhezAPpB5eBnCcTXmp/s400/nyd+10.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And assorted fruit, if the melon wasn't enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANbrAkTu8t-FBzTaB-y6MQCjPe8X8ICDz70GDbIIUTt4q_KORCU4cUYiLTh32fTHBJNrZBqluuXtHSFalxk5zRVA7Kk4k8y97V9e5mQvVgwPuE0yWGhyphenhyphennA-zCDiHCnne01Rg4MwOJOvQl/s1600/nyd+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANbrAkTu8t-FBzTaB-y6MQCjPe8X8ICDz70GDbIIUTt4q_KORCU4cUYiLTh32fTHBJNrZBqluuXtHSFalxk5zRVA7Kk4k8y97V9e5mQvVgwPuE0yWGhyphenhyphennA-zCDiHCnne01Rg4MwOJOvQl/s400/nyd+11.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 8: Cookies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenNySq17KkLzONaswDD6CXyNA7KTfXIFnK1mzWVMUZnc0lnozx5m5XVQuPeZHtEf8kwQCY7QOZqNITjh3Gh0erXuZOZdvL1pNGQ_my8yL7JGzipS0XZ7Vb7fHmLLXMFflzO88VEEyFnKV/s1600/nyd+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenNySq17KkLzONaswDD6CXyNA7KTfXIFnK1mzWVMUZnc0lnozx5m5XVQuPeZHtEf8kwQCY7QOZqNITjh3Gh0erXuZOZdvL1pNGQ_my8yL7JGzipS0XZ7Vb7fHmLLXMFflzO88VEEyFnKV/s400/nyd+12.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 9: The course 8 cookies were just a teaser. The main attraction for dessert was tiramisu and flan. We were given a piece of each.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnXb5DdhWT-INtbNJT0ceObyk741eytcXg03u7M18AWqmCsVzfLTlv1wva-NnE6UN59R3BQLEHKyFWZG_LWs84mIxhxLPfClS1V9Bhh7kElUJOmW_9ELNuOYAoXOqDfFinyFTA0iuGqS9/s1600/nyd+13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnXb5DdhWT-INtbNJT0ceObyk741eytcXg03u7M18AWqmCsVzfLTlv1wva-NnE6UN59R3BQLEHKyFWZG_LWs84mIxhxLPfClS1V9Bhh7kElUJOmW_9ELNuOYAoXOqDfFinyFTA0iuGqS9/s400/nyd+13.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home-made
limoncello and limoncello with cream (absolutely yummy; everyone must try this before they die!) were served
with dessert. During the meal, home-made wine and sparkling wine (which
we brought) were served.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKHD32JyBWnzJDRLq_95ihGWS7dcu883QUL7u_RroZa1qAteL9Z5YmkCO-xe4lheddSyf-LcrDEFbVXTYyTYLuzbaE-oYWCLdUiiguiCCaVSdh2dcW7WyGCgPR4ZUGeyFpFQZyOJTSM1f/s1600/nyd+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKHD32JyBWnzJDRLq_95ihGWS7dcu883QUL7u_RroZa1qAteL9Z5YmkCO-xe4lheddSyf-LcrDEFbVXTYyTYLuzbaE-oYWCLdUiiguiCCaVSdh2dcW7WyGCgPR4ZUGeyFpFQZyOJTSM1f/s400/nyd+14.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course 10: For those still hungry, panettone. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
dinner, we went to visit yet another cousin of Vincent's father and
then we were taken to a live nativity exhibit in Binetto, a village near
Bitritto. I had heard of these live nativity scenes but had never seen
one. It was extensive and well done. Much of Binetto's old town was participating; we walked by about 20 or more "scenes" depicting various occupations. Here are a few sample shots:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUIb-aEdteSkMDqJefmDsSBZWhW-iqDk855jgCxHpIFmJ6Mw7S7XKeRE3hO8qLmdRQxVp0RTQTPZ0brl3MtIUrfWq5bmgEWfbR1g1Ds9wcvtvswM9dTU_b0VgenQMykxkTvVHRkt2HFNZ/s1600/Binetto+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUIb-aEdteSkMDqJefmDsSBZWhW-iqDk855jgCxHpIFmJ6Mw7S7XKeRE3hO8qLmdRQxVp0RTQTPZ0brl3MtIUrfWq5bmgEWfbR1g1Ds9wcvtvswM9dTU_b0VgenQMykxkTvVHRkt2HFNZ/s400/Binetto+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Living Nativity: Welcome": Groups of about 20 people were admitted in intervals to the old town so that the narrow streets wouldn't get too crowded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrVr_3Qr957Id1lZDxLxDh9btf7wTMo6XLeGDOWWrMXyuWjZ-nI70MYJR4qOtElMcA_apJz5ttlvfHPPR-XqyZTqtPxiN7I0bR92E-1kcBLo8AgAqxxtd3M97qlpwUQlmdjxSQcV56PhY/s1600/Binetto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrVr_3Qr957Id1lZDxLxDh9btf7wTMo6XLeGDOWWrMXyuWjZ-nI70MYJR4qOtElMcA_apJz5ttlvfHPPR-XqyZTqtPxiN7I0bR92E-1kcBLo8AgAqxxtd3M97qlpwUQlmdjxSQcV56PhY/s1600/Binetto.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked down narrow streets like this one. A number of doors to homes were open so that passers by could see the enactment of various activities. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuV70f4g6ysK7uqK5ENcpiQsMGlXwp5NFRIf3_R4Oiw0HuIF3zbYnYNpgfxeYByZj57p3iE8KiZjy8ktiO_vJA45I32_TcEt1eqM1mOvCsDkCLsbqQwQsPoInJFux1yp0I5lwMmJUtZ3H/s1600/Binetto+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuV70f4g6ysK7uqK5ENcpiQsMGlXwp5NFRIf3_R4Oiw0HuIF3zbYnYNpgfxeYByZj57p3iE8KiZjy8ktiO_vJA45I32_TcEt1eqM1mOvCsDkCLsbqQwQsPoInJFux1yp0I5lwMmJUtZ3H/s400/Binetto+1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A man and his son making and mending shoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL-kdAPHivyR0-3EI6PhZcUo0ZHzmoLbOXaYomP2SX1LePsRAMxUO6H_Bz9WmJ-6dXUqDfsPWztE0d8CYHoDZo1n9-uRtagJXzcW_CNfc8tsPDFqxS-d9kNbMEneD_SY3bt7K8OqyKVOY/s1600/Binetto+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL-kdAPHivyR0-3EI6PhZcUo0ZHzmoLbOXaYomP2SX1LePsRAMxUO6H_Bz9WmJ-6dXUqDfsPWztE0d8CYHoDZo1n9-uRtagJXzcW_CNfc8tsPDFqxS-d9kNbMEneD_SY3bt7K8OqyKVOY/s400/Binetto+2.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men hammering horseshoes. A live horse is standing to the right, just outside of this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIpoyzH-YxxidsaklLWhFQn_DMhTwBB-fw5jZ5cd_-Y2I2lyMrs5Wo-aFktXtKJ9cnzo5oiJIJec9hUDfc1my1Jwdd4ro6GJmj9nK90alkq8UhgnA74DzBa6LA3Assb2YcI7OQvy_k0UD/s1600/Binetto+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIpoyzH-YxxidsaklLWhFQn_DMhTwBB-fw5jZ5cd_-Y2I2lyMrs5Wo-aFktXtKJ9cnzo5oiJIJec9hUDfc1my1Jwdd4ro6GJmj9nK90alkq8UhgnA74DzBa6LA3Assb2YcI7OQvy_k0UD/s400/Binetto+3.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women embroidering linen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJng1U7dDLc2O0RAiC4xp13xS7fkw80lhTtMlkDyBloZG3xAe2wU-eck5a-BLHSzeyanWlhEyqJCScZ9lIC0fxO0EP6Vf60MQ-humEhnnTKtCN-MxC4Q8aC-xZY60LpFlb9lZBQJQQSXy1/s1600/Binetto+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJng1U7dDLc2O0RAiC4xp13xS7fkw80lhTtMlkDyBloZG3xAe2wU-eck5a-BLHSzeyanWlhEyqJCScZ9lIC0fxO0EP6Vf60MQ-humEhnnTKtCN-MxC4Q8aC-xZY60LpFlb9lZBQJQQSXy1/s400/Binetto+4.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women shaping pasta. (Casarecce and orecchietti, I believe.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFx1BX_yWA7hFirt4vynLaLCCx_lrVN-rGBvDk4aAfUb2gZ42nUzaAb60_VbjquqyjRSX2LyX1agKUQxhKz5U5SsRgjm01g3eNhPtzrLDrGHGmqovEcKwrCq_O-idabNhysqe80dWOdf_/s1600/Binetto+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFx1BX_yWA7hFirt4vynLaLCCx_lrVN-rGBvDk4aAfUb2gZ42nUzaAb60_VbjquqyjRSX2LyX1agKUQxhKz5U5SsRgjm01g3eNhPtzrLDrGHGmqovEcKwrCq_O-idabNhysqe80dWOdf_/s400/Binetto+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the supporting cast in the manger. In the pen to the right were live donkeys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>January 2nd</b>, a couple of cousins offered to take us to the Bitritto cemetery to view a number of graves of Vincent's family. This outing turned out to be more interesting than the obvious learning about family connections. We learned about how many Italian cemeteries are managed, which is somewhat different from what is the norm in North America.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Obr0JBxwiFU_qOyUHf1JwCysvEmxdvnk1fjfCosOKc2YAs2TyyW6dCX5DC0RmWFtePdHAjQa5jLd-KDAEGhI7RqRKEIVDDfcJBWQw6Zovgu7hBIvwxYnn67MAbzb59TIrjSR_Kfuhu8S/s1600/Cemetery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Obr0JBxwiFU_qOyUHf1JwCysvEmxdvnk1fjfCosOKc2YAs2TyyW6dCX5DC0RmWFtePdHAjQa5jLd-KDAEGhI7RqRKEIVDDfcJBWQw6Zovgu7hBIvwxYnn67MAbzb59TIrjSR_Kfuhu8S/s400/Cemetery+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When someone dies, that person can be buried in a plot for 10 years. Not many people take this option.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF2sdNiV7yUwZld0mntUDKfGLMyvxlA79xvVFxd01hwedAOdx6PFGBmof5UE2tzdycFErXdyvU8eaoBcS7jXbBsAjSruqZinE_qn6Oy1dBdYlrRzY1A-_dKK34_BRwbv8bWCqkmsRckCI/s1600/Cemetery+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF2sdNiV7yUwZld0mntUDKfGLMyvxlA79xvVFxd01hwedAOdx6PFGBmof5UE2tzdycFErXdyvU8eaoBcS7jXbBsAjSruqZinE_qn6Oy1dBdYlrRzY1A-_dKK34_BRwbv8bWCqkmsRckCI/s400/Cemetery+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most people, who are buried at all, lease an interment space like those shown in this photo. The lease is normally for 99 years. Just the body (no casket) is placed in these encasements.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNHvntrhMt9-__wHPhncTewpLfGwLQVotmFOnIZNseVLPG_vlunAGjleUkV1d7ryTzhqR-uyyB5dAku1kuLg5JcrxYcXLa4MtFdEUvEJhsF6LJQ0AO6tF3PIjd6esJ6E0BhbUdfDBOVvF/s1600/Cemetery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNHvntrhMt9-__wHPhncTewpLfGwLQVotmFOnIZNseVLPG_vlunAGjleUkV1d7ryTzhqR-uyyB5dAku1kuLg5JcrxYcXLa4MtFdEUvEJhsF6LJQ0AO6tF3PIjd6esJ6E0BhbUdfDBOVvF/s400/Cemetery+2.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When a lease is up after 99 years, the bones are removed from the interment space. If the family wishes, the remaining bones can be placed in a simple box like this one. We saw a few of these just lying around; it was easy to open and view the contents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xhniBJoephY3ORRnGwUyypVVn0Q8QnZDPZCeOkZqst1GdeAH0dCUIXqR_ZG8ugb9lUuf3WAb5ewpmK4dzUJzWvqsRYN04htvbvd_kIAtGU__-vE7ICooCSma7PRKZ165bqL69j4LoOkN/s1600/cemetery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xhniBJoephY3ORRnGwUyypVVn0Q8QnZDPZCeOkZqst1GdeAH0dCUIXqR_ZG8ugb9lUuf3WAb5ewpmK4dzUJzWvqsRYN04htvbvd_kIAtGU__-vE7ICooCSma7PRKZ165bqL69j4LoOkN/s400/cemetery+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most people don't take that intermediate step and buy a metal box for their deceased family member; when the 99-year lease is up, most bones get moved to the basement of the housing mausoleum. The limb bones are lined up and the skulls neatly arranged. At this point, all the bodies are mixed up with one another. They are just resting there for anyone to see. The Italians make no bones about death. There it is...the reality...placed before you.</td></tr>
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After leaving the cemetery, we were invited to another relative's home for another delicious meal. We were treated to one of the best risottos I'd ever had. The Italians sure know how to look after (and feed) their guests!<br />
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That evening, Vincent and I took Sarah out to find something to eat. (Kind of crazy given all the food we were offered the last couple of days but unlike Vincent and me, our kids only eat until they are no longer hungry, not everything placed before them/on their plate.) While we were walking about we found a bakery and were able to order a birthday cake for Paul and James for the next day. <br />
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<b>January 3rd</b> was Paul and James's 14th birthday. Vincent and Sarah collected the cake at about 8:30 and brought it to the breakfast room before breakfast. The boys were truly surprised (as they surely didn't think we'd be so organized)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qk9WWMjAbVz7j1OU6u1-GKA7iLZbuG3fLuRjDYkElfDHfPTnncu3PKP9Nl9IZyOvML6ROiOkE8k_KneFOQHcjbImpyaUWwPPtvftxUWDtlkHfGoFlLoCybgQRdPigwdr7VvFlNoWmyea/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qk9WWMjAbVz7j1OU6u1-GKA7iLZbuG3fLuRjDYkElfDHfPTnncu3PKP9Nl9IZyOvML6ROiOkE8k_KneFOQHcjbImpyaUWwPPtvftxUWDtlkHfGoFlLoCybgQRdPigwdr7VvFlNoWmyea/s1600/cake.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a beautiful vanilla layered cake with chocolate cream filling, all covered in whipped cream.</td></tr>
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After breakfast we checked out of the La Dimora del Re B&B and drove to our hotel in Pompei, the Hotel Vittoria. It was located literally next to the gates of the Pompei ruins. Vincent then continued on to Rome to pick up some supplies that we needed. In the meantime, the kids and I had lunch at the hotel. It had the requisite table cloths for special events and since it served seafood for James and pizza for Paul, the boys were happy.<br />
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After lunch I told the boys they could do anything they wanted. Many readers might be astonished that all the boys wanted to do was to play games on the computer. Having a 1-hour time limit for the kids throughout the year makes creating a "special event" easy; just unblock the computer and you've got a really happy adolescent. <br />
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Vincent didn't return to Pompei until late so we decided to postpone the birthday dinner for the next day. As birthday's go, I've got to think this one was kind of lame, but both boys were pretty happy with the unlocked laptop and the Fanta and chips I brought in. Anyway, I guess we'll get the feedback a few years down the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u0B573bXzAg79FnwYAz5DInxNNU8w_wcDX7I71vhnAv8jsfawdk3XQeh8HOad7vYt9B80TdrAEBXwCnxzlnXDAfgqAASwj3HBugqjaTQuXJQD_Ur3WzJ5rgnic7GPdtu5Tygk6wiZ04Q/s1600/Harry+Potter+latin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u0B573bXzAg79FnwYAz5DInxNNU8w_wcDX7I71vhnAv8jsfawdk3XQeh8HOad7vYt9B80TdrAEBXwCnxzlnXDAfgqAASwj3HBugqjaTQuXJQD_Ur3WzJ5rgnic7GPdtu5Tygk6wiZ04Q/s1600/Harry+Potter+latin.jpg" height="338" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just what a 14-year old wants: Harry Potter written in Latin. Actually, Paul was thrilled; he's very keen to start studying Latin.</td></tr>
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That evening I had another poor night sleep so with about 3 or 4 poor nights I was shattered in the morning. So on <b>January 4th</b>, when I went down to breakfast I asked for the biggest coffee they could give me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrLu0yNsdpJsqO40sBWPi02RM5dJptFEfDcD0rSQjkldTSA9_nELhMTPV7hTdtWCym2sDjqGWty14klCJOynWDcDBKG-GH6tCwHclVWjn0stbEO2guogWTVsQvlWRi4ABnvvr29VHmtj0/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrLu0yNsdpJsqO40sBWPi02RM5dJptFEfDcD0rSQjkldTSA9_nELhMTPV7hTdtWCym2sDjqGWty14klCJOynWDcDBKG-GH6tCwHclVWjn0stbEO2guogWTVsQvlWRi4ABnvvr29VHmtj0/s320/coffee.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was expecting to receive a mug of coffee but clearly the waiter took one look at me and thought I needed a <u>jug</u> of coffee and milk!</td></tr>
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I had to rally because we had the ruins of Pompei ahead of us. For those that don't know the background on Pompei, here is a very lightweight overview: On the morning of August 24, 79 AD a sudden tremor abruptly interrupted the daily routine of the inhabitants of Pompei. This was followed shortly afterwards by a tremendous blast signalling the beginning of a violent eruption with a column of lapillus rising over 20,000 meters into the sky. Carried by the wind, this cloud of lapillus hailed down upon Pompei submerging the city in just a few hours in some 3 meters of material. The roofs of many houses caved in due to the weight, often crushing and killing those who had taken refuge within. At dawn the following day, the first pyroclastic flow, comprised of hot gas and fine ash, hit Pompei and sealed the fate of every person and animal it encountered. The burning ash clogged lungs and caused death by suffocation. Shortly thereafter, when already no living thing was left in the city, a second flow much more powerful than the first fell upon the walls of the town toppling or sweeping away their upper portions. It has been calculated that this second pyroclastic flow was traveling at speeds of 65-80 kilometers/hour. Other surges hit Pompei in waves after the city had already been destroyed. In the end, Pompei was left buried under 5-6 meters of ash and lapillus.<br />
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We bought 3-day passes but were not given a map or any information. Thankfully some other kind American tourists gave us one of their maps and a brief guide so we were better equipped. Here's a few snaps of what we saw.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvbgTnGZXdAkwuDtQQjv2Pxr8hvnA-16HOuJ1V4Td_ec-QQTCC0fwFatKfP6udUhdNUkfUAqd3nXtKwfIVc6puMSB86msZTTPodHi94hADJhNdso3hXJGhCwxzOlLvvd2yKm7q15gbVK1/s1600/pompei+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvbgTnGZXdAkwuDtQQjv2Pxr8hvnA-16HOuJ1V4Td_ec-QQTCC0fwFatKfP6udUhdNUkfUAqd3nXtKwfIVc6puMSB86msZTTPodHi94hADJhNdso3hXJGhCwxzOlLvvd2yKm7q15gbVK1/s400/pompei+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were raised walkways to cross the roads. Notice the grooves in the roads. How many centuries would it take chariot or wagon wheels to create those grooves?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hOvwJkIaBIWF6ZyvjtAsazqCQPh0hRZ3cOTr7DWWf5uRLKFWPQsQORmhSXx3UK8SDldbs8Y_wiiUwv0T7WxsKTRZaff1OBi61v68OsdBUAT-IjL1Cv3GrBx-aoiHrKtRFqz0LACHJPeq/s1600/Pompei+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hOvwJkIaBIWF6ZyvjtAsazqCQPh0hRZ3cOTr7DWWf5uRLKFWPQsQORmhSXx3UK8SDldbs8Y_wiiUwv0T7WxsKTRZaff1OBi61v68OsdBUAT-IjL1Cv3GrBx-aoiHrKtRFqz0LACHJPeq/s1600/Pompei+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the footpaths at the sides of the roads were at one time beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk774h9_MlGhG3xb949HzeKkVHwtkTlshiZ8uuiDUROtkUK0zcfBYPWHVDPSlgdBBPXgS9Q9noWxZ7kvKoz5CkyzKGk6ArdIohjUPguLkF1seN3Z2ji-HV1TAzA5bCPITod_9vAqF-BWxr/s1600/Pompei+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk774h9_MlGhG3xb949HzeKkVHwtkTlshiZ8uuiDUROtkUK0zcfBYPWHVDPSlgdBBPXgS9Q9noWxZ7kvKoz5CkyzKGk6ArdIohjUPguLkF1seN3Z2ji-HV1TAzA5bCPITod_9vAqF-BWxr/s400/Pompei+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think this mosaic of the dog at the house entrance is a message to "beware of the dog"? Can you imagine creating these floors with the tiny 3mm x 3mm tiles?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLFO06jToFvaNkVMiyBh5Dn8G_Pp9b0AhmED3clNUSsiBHO_AKsZtxX6LkfO5sqNdgzdCffFDXkOlWomiZW1DOUVxLmxPPmAlST83YcUpzFYjJOI_7oqCP5PuAsuMYRzgifF2TyR3ot2w/s1600/Pompei+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLFO06jToFvaNkVMiyBh5Dn8G_Pp9b0AhmED3clNUSsiBHO_AKsZtxX6LkfO5sqNdgzdCffFDXkOlWomiZW1DOUVxLmxPPmAlST83YcUpzFYjJOI_7oqCP5PuAsuMYRzgifF2TyR3ot2w/s400/Pompei+3.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and James messing around in the Amphitheater which is appropriate since it was used for gladiator battles. Built in ~70AD, this is one of the oldest and best preserved amphitheaters in existence and held over 20,000 spectators.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY9SMqzYn6YijFf4oPjyyGJGwwFAbhK_3eKdpOB02Zpb7vu_4ERa9rNkGISqKazwh_SiaI7lPdQF7UP8_s1FylhKW2stN0TzUto03jyf10HTJiBr5HtfYjsRU2m66k0D5dvaaD13OHwnG/s1600/Pompei+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY9SMqzYn6YijFf4oPjyyGJGwwFAbhK_3eKdpOB02Zpb7vu_4ERa9rNkGISqKazwh_SiaI7lPdQF7UP8_s1FylhKW2stN0TzUto03jyf10HTJiBr5HtfYjsRU2m66k0D5dvaaD13OHwnG/s400/Pompei+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quadriporticus of the Theatres: This was a foyer, porticoed on 4 sides where the spectators of 2 nearby theatres could stroll during intermissions between shows or take shelter during rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdGlqURjbgN5F1o4YZXkl5zbp8HQpnhOtD32DIm06Wm39saivfzdky4peoICoDuoYKhTiXqw7GlN8wdDGWXRWpeg0yxef_DZHlT-Ga8H8D0ROfCV2uv0b8KkxJ6x26oxws7olNHrMRWRB/s1600/Pompei+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdGlqURjbgN5F1o4YZXkl5zbp8HQpnhOtD32DIm06Wm39saivfzdky4peoICoDuoYKhTiXqw7GlN8wdDGWXRWpeg0yxef_DZHlT-Ga8H8D0ROfCV2uv0b8KkxJ6x26oxws7olNHrMRWRB/s400/Pompei+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of raised frescoes in the Quadriporticus of the Theatres.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWVcX3fHexrL-7EdBbDj1AUpT950lIciRvLqhrs6Mb1HiRhPMMky7ur6Ux9Gaek2fZB65FA1pmuY44SHvY3ELmHK9j3xWB8-btQ47ju-g_-e9qlxeLNTkWvJUvZTCbPrBwPCMdciFcVfN/s1600/Pompei+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWVcX3fHexrL-7EdBbDj1AUpT950lIciRvLqhrs6Mb1HiRhPMMky7ur6Ux9Gaek2fZB65FA1pmuY44SHvY3ELmHK9j3xWB8-btQ47ju-g_-e9qlxeLNTkWvJUvZTCbPrBwPCMdciFcVfN/s1600/Pompei+12.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cast of a dog that was caught in Mt Vesuvius's destruction, today found in the Forum Granary (produce market).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5OjMOSxGhrtS3WTww-VMUjgUyifQDKCuU0cf4DNoDccJla1YBiuDFjPv2znIODBhoMmRTF-F_VGMYa4iHBgiCRVcry1xy4X9nZBOgEP-BpCTTifoseYaSFQM3RwtLr2FmAUV3_I9Y-IQ/s1600/Pompei+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5OjMOSxGhrtS3WTww-VMUjgUyifQDKCuU0cf4DNoDccJla1YBiuDFjPv2znIODBhoMmRTF-F_VGMYa4iHBgiCRVcry1xy4X9nZBOgEP-BpCTTifoseYaSFQM3RwtLr2FmAUV3_I9Y-IQ/s1600/Pompei+7.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Forum, dating back to 2nd century BC, which was the city's main square. It was surrounded on all sides by political, religious and business buildings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5-4KQpfthzgfMFIt3jUarvMBakr4BPgHxUa1XLb3XGLKTi9XGM9gHOyv4_MDN6ll6GmBeYNjn0cnrRjY-C7BZNwzFqwhIj16qOdqA1MzXlQT1WpBCZuubfxpE7FaVGEBuTkBuYpeZmk6/s1600/Pompei+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5-4KQpfthzgfMFIt3jUarvMBakr4BPgHxUa1XLb3XGLKTi9XGM9gHOyv4_MDN6ll6GmBeYNjn0cnrRjY-C7BZNwzFqwhIj16qOdqA1MzXlQT1WpBCZuubfxpE7FaVGEBuTkBuYpeZmk6/s1600/Pompei+6.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the column featured construction. Notice the trapezoidal masonry (no use of mortar or metal ties) used to keep the layers between levels together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCzYJuNf8Pl8hxi9xkwzIvD1UMZojJIAA2fNOS73svO2pjgjKVKzGQiZgbrN6tY_HQjtqhRt82uCn0xPlD_yqqlhz0DEGzuGE6JVmPAP7yX1hSdsK9PqxHJoXyo40Khd4KgWv-KASDavO/s1600/Marble+lined+pillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCzYJuNf8Pl8hxi9xkwzIvD1UMZojJIAA2fNOS73svO2pjgjKVKzGQiZgbrN6tY_HQjtqhRt82uCn0xPlD_yqqlhz0DEGzuGE6JVmPAP7yX1hSdsK9PqxHJoXyo40Khd4KgWv-KASDavO/s1600/Marble+lined+pillar.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A column with it's marble facade still in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SQr2_V-VZk9ThFWipmt6bAeidjQBknkMqIfIgzwgJTMiN8Dg_OnFG9IEfZywxIi3x6oQPui4tbBlHZrE9YsFZWtjp1-OrCXzqMastznaC-Op31BBQOmVALMv5O2WhzyVyWzIHRBvBdVq/s1600/Pompei+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SQr2_V-VZk9ThFWipmt6bAeidjQBknkMqIfIgzwgJTMiN8Dg_OnFG9IEfZywxIi3x6oQPui4tbBlHZrE9YsFZWtjp1-OrCXzqMastznaC-Op31BBQOmVALMv5O2WhzyVyWzIHRBvBdVq/s1600/Pompei+19.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street view leaving the Forum area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNaNwp7LeurLUJ2YEtoL2P3hPLkAN0ACSbKSaLZx3Ld36yLwO8X77-CDk_qikUTWaRFEWQb3isG-vEb1g85d5LW5ULtfF2wxIvAw0ol4nHkf5EsVw_NVlD6gRrYvn3E4YM8tmRjDfhcq6/s1600/Pompei+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNaNwp7LeurLUJ2YEtoL2P3hPLkAN0ACSbKSaLZx3Ld36yLwO8X77-CDk_qikUTWaRFEWQb3isG-vEb1g85d5LW5ULtfF2wxIvAw0ol4nHkf5EsVw_NVlD6gRrYvn3E4YM8tmRjDfhcq6/s1600/Pompei+8.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inscription of "P. Cascus Longus" at the top of each lion head identifies this table base as belonging to Cascus Longus who was the first to strike Caesar in the Senate in 44 BC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYa2dG-nRlGzxL0uPCVkXNxr_kxugPoS_ZgJ6XcK-X61pDfy5QCyuYs5croEFJZOkaAPoTwdPFGxm1TflyX2mFViUpAdZ-ydBqssu-a_3WW3AiYZPxVmSoNI-CN9tbGBf-8lrK0rAKHk5/s1600/Pompei+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYa2dG-nRlGzxL0uPCVkXNxr_kxugPoS_ZgJ6XcK-X61pDfy5QCyuYs5croEFJZOkaAPoTwdPFGxm1TflyX2mFViUpAdZ-ydBqssu-a_3WW3AiYZPxVmSoNI-CN9tbGBf-8lrK0rAKHk5/s1600/Pompei+9.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample theatrical fresco from the "Quadretti Teatrali" house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG1bXaQjNeP_mh-YIg3MYb64UwqXN3dXyVhyphenhyphenfInZ9EeoA-F4tEX-UFOsvCwVbwDXDut5zLdBD4q_IxqoYUDNT7Sg_nByfG6UCN8KGk0D_pB8IrbZsLyFRaXWmYaP36-aJ8GngnMb3Ibz_/s1600/Pompei+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG1bXaQjNeP_mh-YIg3MYb64UwqXN3dXyVhyphenhyphenfInZ9EeoA-F4tEX-UFOsvCwVbwDXDut5zLdBD4q_IxqoYUDNT7Sg_nByfG6UCN8KGk0D_pB8IrbZsLyFRaXWmYaP36-aJ8GngnMb3Ibz_/s1600/Pompei+11.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Apollo: Along with the Doric temple, the Temple of Apollo is the most ancient sanctuary in Pompei. Architectural decoration suggests it dates back to 575-550 BC, although the current layout is from the 2nd century BC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HOcIZZtkiMo9cHymw9uB1pBNpx0Py31e92_LuL20sHDXbszUUq9SH5oRFNup1L1TM7To_ZQB3Ts8jainPd4aoVf4qmWXvCLo5nqoeW6RnwD0w79_r6WYgyPj8YZCbf8FpHMUGJhFBiOx/s1600/Pompei+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HOcIZZtkiMo9cHymw9uB1pBNpx0Py31e92_LuL20sHDXbszUUq9SH5oRFNup1L1TM7To_ZQB3Ts8jainPd4aoVf4qmWXvCLo5nqoeW6RnwD0w79_r6WYgyPj8YZCbf8FpHMUGJhFBiOx/s1600/Pompei+13.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An oven still pretty much in tact found at the House of the Baker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9mDVdG8QlgtxOpYyMosTg5QVnILJmPiOhepQdBw2FFgNwINbdKEhL7a21ZX5MVY_OrdcdmUPdih0v5lXWJxojnQSc22XZ-PZcHBYa6AFvkshGMMefpAF5qcMd_NIZcYV8xYLC2PFQUrR/s1600/Pompei+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9mDVdG8QlgtxOpYyMosTg5QVnILJmPiOhepQdBw2FFgNwINbdKEhL7a21ZX5MVY_OrdcdmUPdih0v5lXWJxojnQSc22XZ-PZcHBYa6AFvkshGMMefpAF5qcMd_NIZcYV8xYLC2PFQUrR/s1600/Pompei+14.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking tub inside the Stabian Baths.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWmlMygPY30ZemCSiyoZ1qacbhGIvNmTkImGtGn8w-0cJaMrqONwBoisej3Yn3dpjJ3UaA2_KkjtEK-ByPJM-T48MOgI5AlUwHooMdVi1DnYWg_KrGjVXe-eIfNO5l5cO8ZiQptFiJ6bM/s1600/Pompei+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWmlMygPY30ZemCSiyoZ1qacbhGIvNmTkImGtGn8w-0cJaMrqONwBoisej3Yn3dpjJ3UaA2_KkjtEK-ByPJM-T48MOgI5AlUwHooMdVi1DnYWg_KrGjVXe-eIfNO5l5cO8ZiQptFiJ6bM/s1600/Pompei+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze statue of the "faun" found in the (surprise) House of the Faun, which was the largest house in Pompei.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kdB-psaJbVONYQaQusOV66yJX0A44an2o9kvVNN9Ht5uMrNG7JYoD4u2fk2bdeQcus5On2SZhYSWF6OREU8jei-iLTMoKnAGVePXZ0qoTCRyIxKI2hkqLEJOZdyDadMNJb8pqZLaycNO/s1600/Pompei+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kdB-psaJbVONYQaQusOV66yJX0A44an2o9kvVNN9Ht5uMrNG7JYoD4u2fk2bdeQcus5On2SZhYSWF6OREU8jei-iLTMoKnAGVePXZ0qoTCRyIxKI2hkqLEJOZdyDadMNJb8pqZLaycNO/s1600/Pompei+16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some fine detailed mosaics can still be found.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCMUJjaWmuwM73dB334UJTBAgwGyuf06KK_OZ0AVTmiUjPwOgI8K2VtsYv6zbWRRLKE9yNRlwPAuAlmAURu1Hvui6otxuWdDm9pDd51wMk9fGZPJp3F2FzLLvctUTbAeP5U5thOy1hiLl/s1600/Pompei+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCMUJjaWmuwM73dB334UJTBAgwGyuf06KK_OZ0AVTmiUjPwOgI8K2VtsYv6zbWRRLKE9yNRlwPAuAlmAURu1Hvui6otxuWdDm9pDd51wMk9fGZPJp3F2FzLLvctUTbAeP5U5thOy1hiLl/s1600/Pompei+18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A room inside the Villa of the Mysteries which was built in the 2nd century BC on a slope overlooking the sea. It was fashionable for the upper classes to have an out of town getaway (some things never change) where they could recreate an environment suffused in Greek culture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRefTdgx4yDxKAm11MJY7WK7E3EAdf9URtpaS_TMgMIW0i0KTbXBFnCU_-ghne4rjLSj_qhyphenhyphenlQBbswtdFOXug7cna0YghoZmhGKWp7tu6eV5FzFKbbXouzPvjxvrBCR2uHHWLYnlYEhrc/s1600/Pompei+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRefTdgx4yDxKAm11MJY7WK7E3EAdf9URtpaS_TMgMIW0i0KTbXBFnCU_-ghne4rjLSj_qhyphenhyphenlQBbswtdFOXug7cna0YghoZmhGKWp7tu6eV5FzFKbbXouzPvjxvrBCR2uHHWLYnlYEhrc/s1600/Pompei+17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of frolicking figures on a fresco in the Villa of the Mysteries.</td></tr>
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After a long day wandering the streets of ancient Pompei, we celebrated Paul and James's birthday properly at a very good restaurant in modern Pompei, La Bettola del Gusto. Seafood lovers would enjoy this restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS5X5uRvrQBKHKUVSbGEH02zXd-ROJ2crWdj49Dgux8kv662vaQakKX-UUB7MsN4SvrhKhnzz3ENQqdU9QUmzErfT-shBgWv5QH1q4MFyomMYCYU-Yh87SYpotkQhQ26b3Qdxq3G2OGYb/s1600/La+Bellato+del+Gusto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS5X5uRvrQBKHKUVSbGEH02zXd-ROJ2crWdj49Dgux8kv662vaQakKX-UUB7MsN4SvrhKhnzz3ENQqdU9QUmzErfT-shBgWv5QH1q4MFyomMYCYU-Yh87SYpotkQhQ26b3Qdxq3G2OGYb/s1600/La+Bellato+del+Gusto.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Paul getting ready to sample the seafood starter. They were seriously focused on getting their share.</td></tr>
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On <b>January 5th</b>, we went to Torre Annunziata to see the Villa Poppaea (also known as the Villa Oplontis) which was first discovered in 1839 but was not really escavated until the 1960s. It is believed to be the villa of the second wife of Emperor Nero, where she stayed when she wasn't in Rome. The staff at the Hotel Vittoria advised us to take the train as, "Torre Annunziate was not safe like Pompei and our car would likely get vandalized". (And I thought Pompei was sketchy.) Sure enough, looking at the cars in Torre Annunziata, <i>every</i> <i>one</i> had dents or scratches. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFYwSLoCg57Jy4Dw1pQMaP8u_B2epU9SdjZWP7cUSHIfaG9WhDlDwG46qPdP9cOmqEPFak-5Q-qjRFiLX30GM3m0IgDTEUsOGY_Gu1Fa9LZoB3nVRkVdGexFcW-5DEky_jDsGlYFhqXfG/s1600/Pompei+train+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFYwSLoCg57Jy4Dw1pQMaP8u_B2epU9SdjZWP7cUSHIfaG9WhDlDwG46qPdP9cOmqEPFak-5Q-qjRFiLX30GM3m0IgDTEUsOGY_Gu1Fa9LZoB3nVRkVdGexFcW-5DEky_jDsGlYFhqXfG/s400/Pompei+train+station.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With lunch to go, we boarded the train for Torre Annunziata (return trip €2/ticket).</td></tr>
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With the exception of 3 other people, we were the only people visiting the Villa Poppaea. It is much more in tact than anything at Pompei. Tourist information however was almost nonexistent which I thought pretty lame; you'd think the powers that be could rally some archeology students to create placards for each room providing a little information. Thanks to one of the three other people who was taking the other two around, I was able to garner a little information listening in to him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREdmobIgVu7KrMQn_WJchHU-2XqQWzA3mhjIYKQLPIuXkM80xQWk8bK5GJnr_40653JZwV76oVFKImUe_vz4nANU_cXTFwcEuu5D2kgBsJ_zuK1_Gi4R86RCBp7lPaLePwihAcCdPCLgA/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREdmobIgVu7KrMQn_WJchHU-2XqQWzA3mhjIYKQLPIuXkM80xQWk8bK5GJnr_40653JZwV76oVFKImUe_vz4nANU_cXTFwcEuu5D2kgBsJ_zuK1_Gi4R86RCBp7lPaLePwihAcCdPCLgA/s400/Villa+Poppaea+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the villa: We were met by a couple of stray dogs. (There were lots of stray dogs also in ancient Pompei.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVAWj7PsVctBgbf947YW-yW-xQfHFrSWBdYlEkybgojdLFnSH2tSPKIYPL8oEPaj0I7blI4KKE1uv2-_rn2r9FWo1J78mP9Bg7X71qHc8KIM_HBKSe0tfe8oACEu2dCUsFQkQBM3JspkY/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVAWj7PsVctBgbf947YW-yW-xQfHFrSWBdYlEkybgojdLFnSH2tSPKIYPL8oEPaj0I7blI4KKE1uv2-_rn2r9FWo1J78mP9Bg7X71qHc8KIM_HBKSe0tfe8oACEu2dCUsFQkQBM3JspkY/s400/Villa+Poppaea+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the frescoes were still in pretty good shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsj67pqMSERSF_LriLddt-iVbMloV6ZqYJG8JeXlTcniKGAjrRE_K727o4C3rx6CCWiEOM1KNwmduWYi60C3ioVCBiH-wt6Mq8phzwnvkjnfITx5UFpCAX8P7NSKy_f90tQiMMoQXgxy9/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsj67pqMSERSF_LriLddt-iVbMloV6ZqYJG8JeXlTcniKGAjrRE_K727o4C3rx6CCWiEOM1KNwmduWYi60C3ioVCBiH-wt6Mq8phzwnvkjnfITx5UFpCAX8P7NSKy_f90tQiMMoQXgxy9/s400/Villa+Poppaea+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of a communal latrine: A U-shaped bench would have been built over these trenches (where water would have been channeled).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lgxlSVaL635zAESEXqwMm1JPM7WreUjrS9fkURfzUHoJdMbwe53CWafStg18Vg-4qlHepJ6odSAHZ_Pp9691wjBlmVvlVm7y5y3oNA_qrPQdXinpAbvhiPGX2lGMTkfFtoqhJ6X2d19U/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lgxlSVaL635zAESEXqwMm1JPM7WreUjrS9fkURfzUHoJdMbwe53CWafStg18Vg-4qlHepJ6odSAHZ_Pp9691wjBlmVvlVm7y5y3oNA_qrPQdXinpAbvhiPGX2lGMTkfFtoqhJ6X2d19U/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+5.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was at one time a very large swimming pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMB7iI4FDeBJYuao3sq8NdUZzdP9I4GK3v2swavNoE3WSWoODDWxOknAc7_WNCsnRZMiaqXC44zInQ1ZE9nvJRNRxllWXfZ_Wjx9JqqjOKvyq_zRslWOtTngus_Q8dZ4memPTQPADXOt5/s1600/Villa+Poppaea+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMB7iI4FDeBJYuao3sq8NdUZzdP9I4GK3v2swavNoE3WSWoODDWxOknAc7_WNCsnRZMiaqXC44zInQ1ZE9nvJRNRxllWXfZ_Wjx9JqqjOKvyq_zRslWOtTngus_Q8dZ4memPTQPADXOt5/s400/Villa+Poppaea+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard: It was speculated that the pots held plants which would have grown up each column.</td></tr>
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When we returned back to Pompei, I suggested we take a drive along the Amalfi coast, at least to Sorrento. That was by far the prettiest part of the area in which we were staying and we could easily miss it if we didn't make a special effort. We drove from Pompei past Sorrento to almost the tip of the peninsula and then turned back. It was a total of about 60 km but took 2 hours to drive. The roads were so narrow and poor. Four times during the drive, Vince was sure we were going to collide with another vehicle but somehow we escaped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7kfM4B0g0KG8FwJW2-ZDO01tZjYIb0XceDiCYM5uADv8XJ6o4fl04iRCwLsFPm3QEFQIfEjcWD8knJ0BR_z18xJOOUOKOVYx7IChqmjGzO2MDgHi_pwN5FalhAmdqcPE_kJBumFggPyc/s1600/Amalfi+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7kfM4B0g0KG8FwJW2-ZDO01tZjYIb0XceDiCYM5uADv8XJ6o4fl04iRCwLsFPm3QEFQIfEjcWD8knJ0BR_z18xJOOUOKOVYx7IChqmjGzO2MDgHi_pwN5FalhAmdqcPE_kJBumFggPyc/s1600/Amalfi+coast.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Amalfi coast en route to Sorrento.</td></tr>
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On <b>January 6th</b>, we went to Herculaneum. Herculaneum was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, but in a different way to Pompei. Volcanic material and gases traveled down the volcano and hit the ancient city at high speeds and at very high temperatures. The city was covered by meters of volcanic material and this sealed and preserved it so that even organic materials survived. Here are a few photos from exploring the site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlSzkQZYp0ko5GA1DJmAmu-7HH0zQhXvYirTkG5LmDqomp72NM3AtxSm_683NgAYtU_wQ-_nDelBDOKH2Ue1iZOOizFbraEk3jK13NNVO7RHOIaFk_Nu2jt-6MrfdD-zYv7QFDNvPUEkQ/s1600/Hercul+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlSzkQZYp0ko5GA1DJmAmu-7HH0zQhXvYirTkG5LmDqomp72NM3AtxSm_683NgAYtU_wQ-_nDelBDOKH2Ue1iZOOizFbraEk3jK13NNVO7RHOIaFk_Nu2jt-6MrfdD-zYv7QFDNvPUEkQ/s1600/Hercul+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of Herculaneum: The arches in the foreground used to be part of the port.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrigOIsxGOmTCTWQrkD8Y1AOwL5F6_IBIyMnTE-LKNOZdjDdwWxTgpo1JbvSGujVzF4Uio3RuMhKvjT3PB3YtWb0AeWOs-XyNQrJDblbKFadWzRrnDbHqvabuOlwmNCb9eNF_8C-C8LY_/s1600/Hercul+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrigOIsxGOmTCTWQrkD8Y1AOwL5F6_IBIyMnTE-LKNOZdjDdwWxTgpo1JbvSGujVzF4Uio3RuMhKvjT3PB3YtWb0AeWOs-XyNQrJDblbKFadWzRrnDbHqvabuOlwmNCb9eNF_8C-C8LY_/s1600/Hercul+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thermopolium: This was a public establishment that served hot food and drinks. People would normally have their mid-day meal at a thermopolium as it was not customary to have lunch at home. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9GgwI8KuMgyzFetjJMuQkpjOSIShfswgCZZXIebb4ThyJ9dTt358rlGkayoK4xj0YIv3TJyjd-pX2Ql9Uv-E9zkOUZJ7UscBwmXO7danAgs82UK3GvqBG-HCsmfJmkKKGe-p-DMROmJN/s1600/Hercul+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9GgwI8KuMgyzFetjJMuQkpjOSIShfswgCZZXIebb4ThyJ9dTt358rlGkayoK4xj0YIv3TJyjd-pX2Ql9Uv-E9zkOUZJ7UscBwmXO7danAgs82UK3GvqBG-HCsmfJmkKKGe-p-DMROmJN/s1600/Hercul+9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of frescoes in the Hall of Augustals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT414xZQzZQwPSHLbWuQEweM4pgVU7UqPcll3DNeEswaT0gvKIpFjts9hO3QHre2r3eSWwJezRVKuZZk1_ZH7i7eyffFMr8G1MEwotRk0emJJfjooTHI_bcppNvb1a0zU4g2hyphenhyphen_M8vmFZ0/s1600/Hercul+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT414xZQzZQwPSHLbWuQEweM4pgVU7UqPcll3DNeEswaT0gvKIpFjts9hO3QHre2r3eSWwJezRVKuZZk1_ZH7i7eyffFMr8G1MEwotRk0emJJfjooTHI_bcppNvb1a0zU4g2hyphenhyphen_M8vmFZ0/s1600/Hercul+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entryway to the House of the Mosaic Atrium.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SUpRYkMk-3eYsHhwbWzJgC92nQfBgNoe9kp1x4s59QRfQFcGT0ERR_n4-u06oAwdzYA5IWCsdLOTjd5X42sCxUzNmlg3rvPVxJfc_PsFe7CBaeqw3ydTgpftqpsvPX7Qf797-5QEvHdE/s1600/Hercul+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SUpRYkMk-3eYsHhwbWzJgC92nQfBgNoe9kp1x4s59QRfQFcGT0ERR_n4-u06oAwdzYA5IWCsdLOTjd5X42sCxUzNmlg3rvPVxJfc_PsFe7CBaeqw3ydTgpftqpsvPX7Qf797-5QEvHdE/s1600/Hercul+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and James playing hosts at another thermopolium.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ2MAm2MZLyE-y6ab4oGDmpgfsQHPiHJHiDgQpMEu0ct0hp5zWL9vqr6c2gSUVqHRzi0UnyqWz4lPM5RUw5G_Y7ti7hzis_gWPv4mqV-o2jPYh0VbY8vGi-EjSgvZS287pwZkvPT_FAHH/s1600/Hercul+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ2MAm2MZLyE-y6ab4oGDmpgfsQHPiHJHiDgQpMEu0ct0hp5zWL9vqr6c2gSUVqHRzi0UnyqWz4lPM5RUw5G_Y7ti7hzis_gWPv4mqV-o2jPYh0VbY8vGi-EjSgvZS287pwZkvPT_FAHH/s1600/Hercul+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the House of the Black Room: Notice that the entrance still has part of its frame in the form of carbonized wood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGObU8nzy6X08NNUjH4wkQ79q4niQoMQ_JsLyDorfJh8xL5qLBjJF7QgAVXqNg1jrWiVZih6Io-zjbvfqmPTOFm0h5NMvMtP-k8sv-Nfwp7BDuAwDlJb0JJcuZVUh4RpTYV4kf61kI_jt/s1600/Hercul+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGObU8nzy6X08NNUjH4wkQ79q4niQoMQ_JsLyDorfJh8xL5qLBjJF7QgAVXqNg1jrWiVZih6Io-zjbvfqmPTOFm0h5NMvMtP-k8sv-Nfwp7BDuAwDlJb0JJcuZVUh4RpTYV4kf61kI_jt/s1600/Hercul+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black mosaic floor of the House of the Black Room. The floor and the columns were arranged so that the garden could be seen from the rooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCA-VlSqXOu1J8Gh_fVq_jTDt3BckM8L6AtDHSfixG2KsmNjJ-rCVGk7sIWCm1SDboIA6j4wSCNypZzCJnFdP_LYPti_fFTCYH6vi7WNUweS0qaobbQAtETno1hP8P-3DoX4jBmpDBnNx/s1600/Hercul+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCA-VlSqXOu1J8Gh_fVq_jTDt3BckM8L6AtDHSfixG2KsmNjJ-rCVGk7sIWCm1SDboIA6j4wSCNypZzCJnFdP_LYPti_fFTCYH6vi7WNUweS0qaobbQAtETno1hP8P-3DoX4jBmpDBnNx/s1600/Hercul+7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic floor depicting Triton, among dolphins and other sea creatures, found in the men's bath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDhwV_LMAXskk9RPj1TksLwhfe-UaThBsKnMZ1t44YxZt4PP8pEySutLvVFZt3jDz6ZsW216GMbKMRPSril1HhQ6n7OedBxA5UGxdZ-0kbLo4k_TJkTiYsE3YHW-r6nccTADZZPXEmcng/s1600/Hercul+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDhwV_LMAXskk9RPj1TksLwhfe-UaThBsKnMZ1t44YxZt4PP8pEySutLvVFZt3jDz6ZsW216GMbKMRPSril1HhQ6n7OedBxA5UGxdZ-0kbLo4k_TJkTiYsE3YHW-r6nccTADZZPXEmcng/s1600/Hercul+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A room in the women's section of the central baths: A marble lined tub is shown to the left and an intact marble bench next to it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgUHOKWdQ4zo9xEn4KtEOHPOPr7QSL3IYVoOa4ygbumUJDyyLzLXzjmgujb9Rt3scOAuZbSG3R_lRDekjcFrOxcRgPftWsXtlY9J-N9tLsHzV67kgVFZJnp9c9jcdmNcmrFHLFKnG_z0M/s1600/Hercul+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgUHOKWdQ4zo9xEn4KtEOHPOPr7QSL3IYVoOa4ygbumUJDyyLzLXzjmgujb9Rt3scOAuZbSG3R_lRDekjcFrOxcRgPftWsXtlY9J-N9tLsHzV67kgVFZJnp9c9jcdmNcmrFHLFKnG_z0M/s1600/Hercul+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaborate mosaic floor in the women's section of the central baths.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-SVV2oT0U5FnH4f5GL_qE_Dq-G3fQN969dBoAHzD-c83VpgbCuZxq1Wid_lvv10pOc8Zwxq8A1d1d-ijjdB0IWzqUbH0vLl_EVWepbTmo_1GzBFRgFgmdr_of_V8ujcs6KxcqrkkgZtH/s1600/Hercul+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-SVV2oT0U5FnH4f5GL_qE_Dq-G3fQN969dBoAHzD-c83VpgbCuZxq1Wid_lvv10pOc8Zwxq8A1d1d-ijjdB0IWzqUbH0vLl_EVWepbTmo_1GzBFRgFgmdr_of_V8ujcs6KxcqrkkgZtH/s1600/Hercul+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another overview of Herculaneum.</td></tr>
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After leaving Herculaneum, we wanted to get some lunch but we were running out of cash. We'd noticed the last few days that many places (restaurants, tourist ticket offices, parking fees) were cash only. We went to 6 different banks and all of the cash machines were empty. Since it was Epiphany, the banks were all closed. While we weren't yet in the third world, we were definitely in the second world and this was a good reminder that we needed to be prepared with cash when we went to Croatia and beyond.<br />
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The other thing we noticed driving around the past few days was that there was a lot of ugliness in Naples and the surrounding areas. Most tourists just drive along the Amalfi coast and sort of ignore the run down buildings; the majestic coastline makes up for a lot. But when one doesn't have the coastal diversion, the blight and garbage and general apathy of its inhabitants is everywhere. It's hard to understand; here is an area that has so much to work with but lacks the money, initiative and/or interest in realizing some of its potential. A little investment would bring more money to the area which is what this area needs. Just cleaning up the graffiti and picking up the piles of garbage off the highway would help. The area seems so strapped for cash that most of the traffic lights aren't even operational!<br />
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Given no cash, we went back to our Hotel Vittoria for lunch; we could at least charge our meal to the hotel bill. After our late lunch, Sarah and I wanted to do something and it didn't look like anyone else was anxious to explore so we decided to go for a walk. We walked to the town center of Pompei which is about a mile from the hotel. While we were there we took a peek at the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario which is ranked #2 on TripAdvisor's "Things to do in Pompei". The interior is spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlGdcsL6_Wy6gbePtxyxwYgWBd3RhxdAXLsgHlChgvoTdHgWt8mCUUjZQORqJIaQPt-rQoB4fdxAhpWJysPlOoIBLtws-c48BhLZsidOJO9fysdBS55LvldbXBaK_eDYucsL0I240YKdb/s1600/Santuario+Rosario+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlGdcsL6_Wy6gbePtxyxwYgWBd3RhxdAXLsgHlChgvoTdHgWt8mCUUjZQORqJIaQPt-rQoB4fdxAhpWJysPlOoIBLtws-c48BhLZsidOJO9fysdBS55LvldbXBaK_eDYucsL0I240YKdb/s1600/Santuario+Rosario+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario is located on the Piazza Bartolo Longo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNVik732poYMwGYSQ1PqRVq1hdvsmhqA-GM9bA3OzltrikNqRNWzzJkaLuzO2yoZmt5P3GXanaSUTCDglwunBL2YIbVPZceTwlrFp47NuiaMaMfpiX5yFNMDy6rSMkpu1OWuf5ZvQ6Av/s1600/Santuario+Rosario+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNVik732poYMwGYSQ1PqRVq1hdvsmhqA-GM9bA3OzltrikNqRNWzzJkaLuzO2yoZmt5P3GXanaSUTCDglwunBL2YIbVPZceTwlrFp47NuiaMaMfpiX5yFNMDy6rSMkpu1OWuf5ZvQ6Av/s1600/Santuario+Rosario+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior was completed in the late 19th century. The Sanctuary was designed by the architect Antonio Cua and in 1901 became a papal Basilica by order of Pope Leon XIII.<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></td></tr>
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That evening, we went back to the Pompei town center. I wish I'd brought my camera. Sarah talked Vincent into treating her and the boys to a couple of rides at the Eden amusement center. The rides were really for younger kids but the boys fit into the bumper cars (one car was labeled Department of Finance (Italian IRS)) and on the small motor bikes that went around the track. They had such fun.<br />
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On <b>January 7th</b>, we left the Vittoria Hotel and made our way back to Rome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2G3OMBeeFLmq_9jaFObKM1ybcs1NLewHHH8JYyTAtCMGdBeAtiZgjZHAVq4M8v57wf4a-aVtVhfAFRxb07_LDdr4yNFM_kC5tNKCNQCzSLdJ8FgzIkRDS6-x2XZ9pu-gw8AaIi7q3AtG/s1600/Hotel+Vittoria+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2G3OMBeeFLmq_9jaFObKM1ybcs1NLewHHH8JYyTAtCMGdBeAtiZgjZHAVq4M8v57wf4a-aVtVhfAFRxb07_LDdr4yNFM_kC5tNKCNQCzSLdJ8FgzIkRDS6-x2XZ9pu-gw8AaIi7q3AtG/s1600/Hotel+Vittoria+breakfast.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at the Hotel Vittoria looks pretty good here but that's bicarbonate soda, not sugar, sprinkled on the cornetto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We drove via a funicolar depot in Montesanto with the hope of traveling up a mountain and getting a view of Mount Vesuvius, the surrounding area and the Tyrrhenian Sea, but when we arrived at the station it was closed. Typical. (Incidently, there used to be a funicolar that went up Mount Vesuvius (1880-1944) which inspired the song <span class="st">"Funiculì, Funiculà". I always wondered from where that song was inspired.)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">When we arrived back at Roma Camping Village, Vincent did a couple loads of laundry while I cooked dinner and worked on the blog. We outlined an agenda for our next week in Rome so that we would make better use of our time than we did the last time we were in Rome. Now that we were leaving the Schengen zone, we needed to make the most of our remaining days in Italy.</span><br />
<span class="st"></span> Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-27283090095689390572014-01-07T12:23:00.000-08:002014-01-09T00:15:31.781-08:00All Roads Lead to Rome<b>December 19th and 20th</b> were maintenance days. We woke up on
the 19th to a lovely sunny, "spring-like" day at Roma Camping Village
(~€23/day with a month+ long-term booking). Vincent and I weren't sure
however that we'd stay at this campground because it turned out that
there was neither water nor dumping capabilities at the pitch. So every
5 days or so, we'd have to pack up LandShark, close the slides and make
our way down the windy driveway to the single campground service point.
The upsides to the campground however were many. The public restrooms
and showers were very nice (showers with heated floors). There was even a
children's restroom with tiny toilets and short showers (cute). There
were ample laundry facilities on-site. (With no ready access to water or
dumping, we wouldn't be able to use our washing machine.) Wifi access
seemed pretty good (at least with no one much at the campground) and there was a restaurant on-site. There was a
grocery store within walking distance, the ability to take a bus into
the center of Rome (and we were only 3 miles away from St Peter's). Roma
Camping Village also had bungalows and chalets for rent so that if my
Mother, or anyone else, came to visit there would be accommodations
nearby.<br />
<br />
After wandering around the campground to see if
there was someway we could find a spot where we could reach the service
point with long hoses (there weren't) we decided that the upsides
outweighed the downsides and we'd stay put. The rest of the day, I
caught up on the blog (part 1 of France) and Vincent worked on a variety
of on-line research projects. We had dinner at the on-site restaurant, <i>Ciao Bella</i>, and discovered it was quite good and reasonably priced.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 20th</b>,
we woke up to rain. I finished part 2 of the blog covering France and
Vincent and I put together documents we might need when registering for
residency in the area. We then set out to find the community anagrafe
(registration office) only to discover it was already closed for the
day. The sign at the main gate said it closed at 13:00, while the sign
at the office said it closed at noon. I would have been surprised if we
actually had success on the first try but the signs describing different closing times would be an indication of the conflicting information describing the required process. Anyway, we would return on
Monday morning and see if we would make any better progress.<br />
<br />
We then
tried to do some Christmas shopping for the kids (with little success)
and returned to the campground. That evening, we had dinner at the onsite restaurant again and then retired for the night.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 21st</b>, it was time to test out driving Landshark down the windy, narrow driveway to the service point. The curves in the driveway were tight, but we got down and back up without incident.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq5FtkDjLnlMNTZJDCCq_7M-svkJW2f-r5NQSwHdz5hxcoBmaf9DJhwKoqA2mPlSrsfzGoB_NwhXtDvOCPitUuKoHKcWMEkZBumIysoOUIt-exm9rNk80LzT5Sjl-m9v72ncWhG97tD7q/s1600/Paul+dumping.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq5FtkDjLnlMNTZJDCCq_7M-svkJW2f-r5NQSwHdz5hxcoBmaf9DJhwKoqA2mPlSrsfzGoB_NwhXtDvOCPitUuKoHKcWMEkZBumIysoOUIt-exm9rNk80LzT5Sjl-m9v72ncWhG97tD7q/s400/Paul+dumping.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul was still in charge of dumping tanks and filling up with fresh
water. Here, he's dumping black (or grey); the process was to dump black
first then flush the black tank with gray water a few times and then
dump the remaining gray. Meanwhile, there were several onlookers that
were very interested in LandShark telling Vincent that it was <i>bellissimo</i>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By noon, we finally left the campground and headed into the center of Rome.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day; the temperature was 58 degrees F when
we left LandShark. I was dubious about driving into Rome with the Prius
(how long would it last without getting dinged?) and parking securely.
We did find a great underground parking lot however at Piazza Cavour
near Castel Sant' Angelo.<br />
<br />
From there, we set out to walk to the Piazza Navona which reportedly hosts the biggest Christmas market in Rome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS4thtQkfboPttVimQsTgG0mx0SV6kmjB3EPHZb17hr0Eco6QTIa0-vUXGEcf8GHQCB4qlbn-Eptr6bo__u583ZtzESorS7sgdXk0TzIwtU9fJG7t99R3jzgeg4uYGA1HltkRsjan9y_q/s1600/St+Peters+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS4thtQkfboPttVimQsTgG0mx0SV6kmjB3EPHZb17hr0Eco6QTIa0-vUXGEcf8GHQCB4qlbn-Eptr6bo__u583ZtzESorS7sgdXk0TzIwtU9fJG7t99R3jzgeg4uYGA1HltkRsjan9y_q/s400/St+Peters+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of St Peters (likely the first of many) taken from Ponte Umberto I. The bridge in the foreground is Ponte Sant Angelo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Piazza
Navona's Christmas market didn't match what the Champs-Elysees in
Paris had to offer but of course it was fun to see and to find out what
sort of things the Italians were peddling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj91s3mHzkKGPVc7ewimxMQur_VBSSv-_DOeKuevAem6Uk2IChPmxpwsSsyl6bogJUyB_85ihY1EqHiUIcpWBZge38eEA2z5Be_ZfrCtaq15zDu8dxyS6MeHMD1LpmUr5_OaTEDndWhoaT/s1600/Narvona+mkt+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj91s3mHzkKGPVc7ewimxMQur_VBSSv-_DOeKuevAem6Uk2IChPmxpwsSsyl6bogJUyB_85ihY1EqHiUIcpWBZge38eEA2z5Be_ZfrCtaq15zDu8dxyS6MeHMD1LpmUr5_OaTEDndWhoaT/s400/Narvona+mkt+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were lots of sweets for sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshNb4x7A_AbieWfe0wkzP40fh41BaoCfzo4rEMWGsXc9fkfH8FcD6abCNVdw7jIXbAyhdYG_5vexb1TvoH_K9dJpOEY86SK93yiaYoJD8kciskvYLnElNxIk8CuHHjAmKowjk_wfM3tCl/s1600/Narvona+mkt+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshNb4x7A_AbieWfe0wkzP40fh41BaoCfzo4rEMWGsXc9fkfH8FcD6abCNVdw7jIXbAyhdYG_5vexb1TvoH_K9dJpOEY86SK93yiaYoJD8kciskvYLnElNxIk8CuHHjAmKowjk_wfM3tCl/s400/Narvona+mkt+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And oodles of figures to build a crib/manger/presepeo scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FUs7KELW1oZzpNkK21ICU9m_JYyhQkL2PZ9McfpvEyndXBMNqDLRJSqmb92wyi6AAmLbJA5J7Tf7CyJoXaFt1PMq9mVqDIQw1t9QqvOetFPtNn1edoaZz0xvZ4n84-h6xD9TkdoQOQkm/s1600/Narvona+mkt+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FUs7KELW1oZzpNkK21ICU9m_JYyhQkL2PZ9McfpvEyndXBMNqDLRJSqmb92wyi6AAmLbJA5J7Tf7CyJoXaFt1PMq9mVqDIQw1t9QqvOetFPtNn1edoaZz0xvZ4n84-h6xD9TkdoQOQkm/s400/Narvona+mkt+4.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One
could even purchase creche paraphernalia that is powered by electricity
such as fountains, windmills, roaring fires and moving figures. With time and money,
one could have a lot of fun creating sprawling nativity scenes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQfy_E5qnVesykuu7nQKL5syonMzVcq8eV7ExLj0DV4qpaP6fYVw1MBzvc829lT0F_lR97zhOy817sYDJ9VyjFxG_wV-lR6DSd1nDBErvLWZBoJV24d_jmEl2-9NhqTvbXlZg2YdEWAek/s1600/Narvona+mkt+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQfy_E5qnVesykuu7nQKL5syonMzVcq8eV7ExLj0DV4qpaP6fYVw1MBzvc829lT0F_lR97zhOy817sYDJ9VyjFxG_wV-lR6DSd1nDBErvLWZBoJV24d_jmEl2-9NhqTvbXlZg2YdEWAek/s400/Narvona+mkt+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus thousands of ornaments including "la Befana", the witch that delivers presents to children throughout Italy much like Santa Claus or St Nicholas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Piazza Navona has 3 beautiful fountains, which can almost get overlooked with the street vendors, musicians, carousel and crowds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqg6uvUYzrBFAO0xK59oUGO0Y8GhPOnqr_7bG-a9ik9eqTBvea_6iyPc6mIhBYVvPdasPS1sBy7_6JjfVCNLWqlPgG-kR4smjwrMrQ_vkPqUc_UdxMBpMpE2s74Yv5z8S4motIIYpMkt3/s1600/Fountain+of+four+rivers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqg6uvUYzrBFAO0xK59oUGO0Y8GhPOnqr_7bG-a9ik9eqTBvea_6iyPc6mIhBYVvPdasPS1sBy7_6JjfVCNLWqlPgG-kR4smjwrMrQ_vkPqUc_UdxMBpMpE2s74Yv5z8S4motIIYpMkt3/s400/Fountain+of+four+rivers.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1651), located in the center of the Piazza del Navona: The fountain depicts gods of the four great rivers in
the four continents, as then recognized by the Renaissance geographers: The Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe and the Río
de la Plata in America.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBdQiworQD2cf2hPTXq9-Pdq1AWU-DvXYLfq_uNIgY_dX0aXMNILfO30P1iV66o6MOCX-7sFJfI_Sa9ZK3OjG39OCXEabbU5M_2Zjxuj1n8eZZFV5_DFJLEQC-RB_oquRP6e2_rf7yUeu/s1600/Fontana+del+Moro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBdQiworQD2cf2hPTXq9-Pdq1AWU-DvXYLfq_uNIgY_dX0aXMNILfO30P1iV66o6MOCX-7sFJfI_Sa9ZK3OjG39OCXEabbU5M_2Zjxuj1n8eZZFV5_DFJLEQC-RB_oquRP6e2_rf7yUeu/s400/Fontana+del+Moro.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Vincent in front of the Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain), located at the southern end of the Piazza Navona. It was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 with the dolphin and four Tritons. In 1653, the statue of the Moor, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, was added. The fountain now shows a Moor standing in a conch shell, wrestling with a dolphin, surrounded by four Titons. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYKyfbQqC2Pkz1i7t-KMZ9Qtq0LbHuype9x19xbEuflWVbB10l_uRLYoHs0Rdnb_7zcMLQdFGyKB7SxLjtOrgLpP3HexX0rYdZZ7xHcC_Wsm5Y3Fwlit8o3C8oUY1Il47Oql9TdQt6s7/s1600/Musician+piazza+narvona.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYKyfbQqC2Pkz1i7t-KMZ9Qtq0LbHuype9x19xbEuflWVbB10l_uRLYoHs0Rdnb_7zcMLQdFGyKB7SxLjtOrgLpP3HexX0rYdZZ7xHcC_Wsm5Y3Fwlit8o3C8oUY1Il47Oql9TdQt6s7/s400/Musician+piazza+narvona.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live entertainment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving Piazza Navona, we walked to the Pantheon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-xDrH4S-AOCsvUqlx6fJvUKvCBjc2bXpwcjVZHJa8YzIomb35IVL1nCVeldTq4Tedg0fcMohDUuboV-pc7JY5-osYaDpWJjiua-EDWV7cdnOZqwyTVnfLN4GpU5WEDkhhbCCZviYHYHE/s1600/Pantheon+family.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-xDrH4S-AOCsvUqlx6fJvUKvCBjc2bXpwcjVZHJa8YzIomb35IVL1nCVeldTq4Tedg0fcMohDUuboV-pc7JY5-osYaDpWJjiua-EDWV7cdnOZqwyTVnfLN4GpU5WEDkhhbCCZviYHYHE/s400/Pantheon+family.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of
all the ancient buildings in Rome, only the Pantheon remains in tact.
It is 142 ft wide and 142 ft high and the walls are 25 ft thick. It was
originally built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa and then was later
reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the first half of the 2nd century
AD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJK7C2veIlexJOYUAmTEH4JYARZTBwYBXKYtf05fndgkby4UcEfA3kaNqp8Bm6vmtYXYBNt5y1jIiFUFdWBOEw184G3IvdPVx6gD2DM3AeEHL8p9GAmfmMl21x-kHkNIbR_0zPAVXWsFl/s1600/Pantheon+dome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJK7C2veIlexJOYUAmTEH4JYARZTBwYBXKYtf05fndgkby4UcEfA3kaNqp8Bm6vmtYXYBNt5y1jIiFUFdWBOEw184G3IvdPVx6gD2DM3AeEHL8p9GAmfmMl21x-kHkNIbR_0zPAVXWsFl/s400/Pantheon+dome.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
remarkable domed ceiling: The opening in the center is 27 feet in
diameter. In the "early days", when animals were sacrificed and burned,
the hole in the ceiling would allow the smoke to rise out of the
building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpnTh9HgoQZgXVPymA60l42GaCGgQB0MC85olRigjCnYNaVsxO0H6d8CsGsbTZcecM_pFkHM8AsL1dA4R47PCaK4Cln8ruZUOfVXv4xnEb4uuC_o5PFE7dur9mnFIiWmo6ZyZoxMNScOF/s1600/Pantheon+interior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpnTh9HgoQZgXVPymA60l42GaCGgQB0MC85olRigjCnYNaVsxO0H6d8CsGsbTZcecM_pFkHM8AsL1dA4R47PCaK4Cln8ruZUOfVXv4xnEb4uuC_o5PFE7dur9mnFIiWmo6ZyZoxMNScOF/s400/Pantheon+interior.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
Pantheon was converted to a church in the early 7th century. The tomb
of Raphael is here as well as that of King Victor Emmanuel II.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
then continued walking and came across the church of Sant' Ignazio; it
is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola who was the founder of the Jesuit
order and who played a crucial role in the
counter-reformation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQX0M1fsIf5HGGxTlqbz1STBZs0y_pVxbbGWLvVv49TteZ15bUTA50wv8IDkuUmbnAh4-40PSznUr4l7AL3bSo_MuaMm1X821V3t6xeXPjCpAttJCrvritQhHr-J2DPANVlkdrkasg7RF/s1600/St+Ignacious+crech.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQX0M1fsIf5HGGxTlqbz1STBZs0y_pVxbbGWLvVv49TteZ15bUTA50wv8IDkuUmbnAh4-40PSznUr4l7AL3bSo_MuaMm1X821V3t6xeXPjCpAttJCrvritQhHr-J2DPANVlkdrkasg7RF/s400/St+Ignacious+crech.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The presepeo scene inside the church of Sant' Ignazio: It had waterfalls, streams and turning windmills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPlqKeoQcK-kpaeMEAHJmIswh7hFMzqAY2XNFAmxG5Vg-sbXOoNFV5aLn0fiMmsuZGHW0kXwGyLQ6u7d55snq6gTGP7AZU70W8H2l24o3qkpk6NKtho_COodLBk2N8z8J2krip2m7WBse/s1600/St+Ignatius+alter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPlqKeoQcK-kpaeMEAHJmIswh7hFMzqAY2XNFAmxG5Vg-sbXOoNFV5aLn0fiMmsuZGHW0kXwGyLQ6u7d55snq6gTGP7AZU70W8H2l24o3qkpk6NKtho_COodLBk2N8z8J2krip2m7WBse/s400/St+Ignatius+alter.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior is spacious and, in true Jesuit tradition, richly decorated
with marble, stucco, gilded ornaments and magnificent frescoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkqMxdd-NYgD5oWZR69awGi4RqolFsuGnzc1ellTGr0CxVi-_vjHPipJ5YYx3-mksPYbx8JBnEhAmazlW1ZnPGzEz7Sag6RAMThlcQ-n-GRbyt4FqnZnXJ_ZrhLKbqYZeg2N8MqCQZo04/s1600/St+Ignatius+ceiling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkqMxdd-NYgD5oWZR69awGi4RqolFsuGnzc1ellTGr0CxVi-_vjHPipJ5YYx3-mksPYbx8JBnEhAmazlW1ZnPGzEz7Sag6RAMThlcQ-n-GRbyt4FqnZnXJ_ZrhLKbqYZeg2N8MqCQZo04/s400/St+Ignatius+ceiling.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
more complete view of the ceiling which covers the whole length of the
nave: The ceiling painting depicts the entry of Ignatius into paradise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpGBRBxewqxz3dsLTJEnclPxx8tAAtcw9bbFtepeQ1YvyH_HODnnm1KJ9Mlii8-sUOQziC6Zone2ve47CVM5XA6-cES3Usm5w8kdm9LPvB6cAA_ksFmcAJlKVxTimet_hPLFa4C0bZuDL/s1600/St+Ignatius+candles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpGBRBxewqxz3dsLTJEnclPxx8tAAtcw9bbFtepeQ1YvyH_HODnnm1KJ9Mlii8-sUOQziC6Zone2ve47CVM5XA6-cES3Usm5w8kdm9LPvB6cAA_ksFmcAJlKVxTimet_hPLFa4C0bZuDL/s400/St+Ignatius+candles.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Sarah both lit candles. At the time, Paul was applying to a private high school, with the Jesuit philosophy, so I expect he had something related to pray about.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next landmark we came across was the Trevi Fountain. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgxt7aUS5fCk1TyIShz3DfBpIucf81M9hhkCYaDstZ592S6ded9oSM0hKZuKzquuX3OLAfmLbObhI-h7apzI6m2-ORWkDWyxEFO8gDibJaRYpLTMhEqoIuYkoGE67dxHdiPtXdUWs5fD2/s1600/Trevi+fountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgxt7aUS5fCk1TyIShz3DfBpIucf81M9hhkCYaDstZ592S6ded9oSM0hKZuKzquuX3OLAfmLbObhI-h7apzI6m2-ORWkDWyxEFO8gDibJaRYpLTMhEqoIuYkoGE67dxHdiPtXdUWs5fD2/s400/Trevi+fountain.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place
a coin in your right hand and throw it over your shoulder into the
fountain and the spirit of the fountain will see to it that you return
to Rome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After seeing the Trevi
Fountain, Vincent wanted to show the kids the Monumento a Vittorio
Emanuele II so we continued on in that direction.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-SyksVNo1Ojd-EeDGgCPWBfiFibR0dDkpsjMODII2-wuCS87OgGZIPmcqGLF-fHo3Dg-b1LRD9kUOrJgC7CNj4jBvR-vlGzsLp5f08u1q_VtJzvU18SY8mC8WoQDv2bruRRgNzeXprWu/s1600/Vittorio+Emmanuel+II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-SyksVNo1Ojd-EeDGgCPWBfiFibR0dDkpsjMODII2-wuCS87OgGZIPmcqGLF-fHo3Dg-b1LRD9kUOrJgC7CNj4jBvR-vlGzsLp5f08u1q_VtJzvU18SY8mC8WoQDv2bruRRgNzeXprWu/s400/Vittorio+Emmanuel+II.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II: Construction of the monument started in 1885 from a design by Giuseppe
Sacconi, winner of an architectural contest. The northern slope of the Capitoline Hill
was cleared to make way for the monument. Roman ruins and medieval
churches were destroyed in the process. The monument was finally
inaugurated in 1911 and is sometimes referred to as "The Altar of the
Nation". At the center of the monument is the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel, the "Father of the Nation". At the foot of the statue is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, inaugurated in 1921.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once past the Monument, I knew we were fairly close to the Colosseum and I thought there was a skating rink nearby. So we continued on, passing Trajan's Forum.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AB-_qDNVcrWuRgl8Af-42YVxraPvMGxvR7ENlr-YOnm36ovf0ID0-xW2zoi7tbr5huSWIu36_Rk9Q01ttjyhIXMaktf9gLRZbR63WiTZ2Z6-o6C7X1A1zDjpyPImR9RkZsF2QUCdVfnE/s1600/Foro+Tralano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AB-_qDNVcrWuRgl8Af-42YVxraPvMGxvR7ENlr-YOnm36ovf0ID0-xW2zoi7tbr5huSWIu36_Rk9Q01ttjyhIXMaktf9gLRZbR63WiTZ2Z6-o6C7X1A1zDjpyPImR9RkZsF2QUCdVfnE/s400/Foro+Tralano.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Foro Traiano (Trajan's Forum): This was the last of the Imperial Forums to be built in ancient Rome. It was built on the order of the emperor Trajan and paid for with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which ended in 106. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-roth_1-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trajan%27s_Forum#cite_note-roth-1"></a></sup>The Forum was inaugurated in 112 and Trajan's Column (center background) was erected and then inaugurated in 113.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfAYN6vnrsHwWurAHiQepRiZLoFDXTrXxb_uiz2iDefIhACtDd9UfN8ZYut2kpGlngGQxyClb7Uxx6DTB4ubh_KfSIMhqR2iOjlTKY45knUW-SFTE7GxdrkkgjvqZcSy2fluAjEGNJqEW/s1600/Trajans+column.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfAYN6vnrsHwWurAHiQepRiZLoFDXTrXxb_uiz2iDefIhACtDd9UfN8ZYut2kpGlngGQxyClb7Uxx6DTB4ubh_KfSIMhqR2iOjlTKY45knUW-SFTE7GxdrkkgjvqZcSy2fluAjEGNJqEW/s320/Trajans+column.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of the detailed bas relief on Trajan's Column. It depicts epic wars between the Romans and Dacians (101–102 and 105–106). Its design has apparently inspired numerous victory columns, both ancient and modern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOmocjDWvvLNT4D2lBuNnHNDdEF9l04Wb1CbqCZ7-GX1A2FSb71dpTVTJBGOcNQgDWTOqVL0PakFRR8VMp9gTOarA2dU0o9NeAcBJ0HVUIY_ZCCqYBOSQbM4HRIQGo5NtXeQDSFrJKmz3/s1600/Paul+Foro+Traiano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOmocjDWvvLNT4D2lBuNnHNDdEF9l04Wb1CbqCZ7-GX1A2FSb71dpTVTJBGOcNQgDWTOqVL0PakFRR8VMp9gTOarA2dU0o9NeAcBJ0HVUIY_ZCCqYBOSQbM4HRIQGo5NtXeQDSFrJKmz3/s400/Paul+Foro+Traiano.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul with Trajan's Forum in the midground and the Vittoria Emmanuel II Monument in the background. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
continued along the Via dei Fori Imperiali with the Colosseum in sight
and came across a tourist information office. I asked about a skating
rink nearby and was told there wasn't one. The skating rink was next to
Castel Sant' Angelo which was quite far away. (I misstook a picture of a
round-shaped building next to the skating rink as being the Colosseum
rather than Castel Sant' Angelo.) Oh well. We decided to leave visiting
the Colosseum for another day and started walking towards Castel Sant'
Angelo. Before turning back however, we went into the Basilica Sant'
Cosma E Damiano to see if there was a manger scene. Sure enough, there
was. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTIo05SlBrfw3qH716AdmVNnRXEf_q04WtOgDij88RObeQGNxehwvQHaHh6dHvRPD5mJQyr_Skr62tQsB-4nMncCZMHTlVF2Wl6lfduTEGk_lZEWmJf-rNWsUJ0N2pBPDlNwdRum4iP_V/s1600/Basilica+Cosmo+e+Daimano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTIo05SlBrfw3qH716AdmVNnRXEf_q04WtOgDij88RObeQGNxehwvQHaHh6dHvRPD5mJQyr_Skr62tQsB-4nMncCZMHTlVF2Wl6lfduTEGk_lZEWmJf-rNWsUJ0N2pBPDlNwdRum4iP_V/s400/Basilica+Cosmo+e+Daimano.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The manger scene in Basilica Sant'
Cosma E Damiano. I decided to photograph as many of these as we could find.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI47I4wtYLnH6LgAtlSnZZRDvkbxap5TDacoM8tM0QYKtLGJPGitF3hBa1z5KFe9hLBkSsfiyTuMEM3Fqwus6Mmd9x7XWykI5ITa9XbabVtD9pr5Uiv4k6wICdY3DGXxG-8Rto18osd7W/s1600/Santa+buskers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI47I4wtYLnH6LgAtlSnZZRDvkbxap5TDacoM8tM0QYKtLGJPGitF3hBa1z5KFe9hLBkSsfiyTuMEM3Fqwus6Mmd9x7XWykI5ITa9XbabVtD9pr5Uiv4k6wICdY3DGXxG-8Rto18osd7W/s400/Santa+buskers.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There
are all sorts of street performers in Rome; while walking along Via dei
Fori Imperiali, we saw these gentlemen who were channeling the
Christmas spirit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jJVYjfefI4lBYSpZk4JEQ4pYyGtNY7dUT0QsAgIVybDMe1PMiVaO_Dy6bPfv1-99WyaybPXfPeEN5G_Bl9JeOImGIg4QdvSW0q7Uq2H62VDb0oX1zlusf14jShxMd0EJecYPxEpi88XA/s1600/Carrot+sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jJVYjfefI4lBYSpZk4JEQ4pYyGtNY7dUT0QsAgIVybDMe1PMiVaO_Dy6bPfv1-99WyaybPXfPeEN5G_Bl9JeOImGIg4QdvSW0q7Uq2H62VDb0oX1zlusf14jShxMd0EJecYPxEpi88XA/s1600/Carrot+sculptures.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the more random art forms were these sculptures made out of carrots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After miles of
walking, I thought we should stop for a rest and bite to eat before
lacing up skates. We had some debate as to whether we should have a
gelato or meal; we ended up having the most mediocre meal imaginable at a
restaurant just opposite to the Pantheon. Most of the food on the menu
was highlighted as being "previously frozen" (all except the ice cream
oddly enough). Despite this, Vincent was very happy with the view of the
Pantheon and the random street vendors and performers, while I tried to
ignore missing the opportunity of a good meal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73aEm890eCfXiKyTLIrUQ78EDLlibr1Q2jS0zMjWt2EYcm03zdzTT3AoD6TigxSpLf6BOSpKXpKC_rmKxkul0NrSw5Qck0bAzq0D4lOk_ElVbjoGujml0DfTxTRKHoToDF6_RfjAXELW2/s1600/Dinner+pantheon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73aEm890eCfXiKyTLIrUQ78EDLlibr1Q2jS0zMjWt2EYcm03zdzTT3AoD6TigxSpLf6BOSpKXpKC_rmKxkul0NrSw5Qck0bAzq0D4lOk_ElVbjoGujml0DfTxTRKHoToDF6_RfjAXELW2/s400/Dinner+pantheon.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out like tourists.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After dinner, we continued towards Castel Sant' Angelo and walked through Piazza Navona again. We eventually did find the skating rink and all of us participated except for James, who was pretty tired at that point.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW3bO_nfBA3Tm6uTxJsSVHw8yez_pi68KmNgDYICdFyGcQxXtDpXi-LQBLJeohEQNlBkeokZyAwlx9XpY-0C1_FQPJABN0UtwGEO9b8ZwxsOs5KR634P9-B888eQMVC2xwFOzg5J2Ge1E/s1600/fountain+narvona+night.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW3bO_nfBA3Tm6uTxJsSVHw8yez_pi68KmNgDYICdFyGcQxXtDpXi-LQBLJeohEQNlBkeokZyAwlx9XpY-0C1_FQPJABN0UtwGEO9b8ZwxsOs5KR634P9-B888eQMVC2xwFOzg5J2Ge1E/s400/fountain+narvona+night.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (like many fountains) is illuminated at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz1ruWIFlWW3gHqnrkd-vXia4sg64EG0jTqPhSbdg3IVz28gVjB95b34HU-gHbp9r1g5v7p0jN8_DoJ8fnuw4C0zyVhOnYtlFxCzAHnv6Rzh0H021cS8q46iwoEogmVe0Faap0kTq4XB3/s1600/Booth+Narvona.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz1ruWIFlWW3gHqnrkd-vXia4sg64EG0jTqPhSbdg3IVz28gVjB95b34HU-gHbp9r1g5v7p0jN8_DoJ8fnuw4C0zyVhOnYtlFxCzAHnv6Rzh0H021cS8q46iwoEogmVe0Faap0kTq4XB3/s400/Booth+Narvona.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy galore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gqbWdhh_Ty-liaL40mcVs8nC83n0BuEss3Vy0MqkOdO8RpRK6lhk-rwnOpJQtCSDKQuoqZx0BFJ12XPkqWLksDtrPdnNqtcsoSsBajpGWtZ6bLXodMKFbBiaUlZnlTywtiAFFln_PE2X/s1600/Narvona+booth+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gqbWdhh_Ty-liaL40mcVs8nC83n0BuEss3Vy0MqkOdO8RpRK6lhk-rwnOpJQtCSDKQuoqZx0BFJ12XPkqWLksDtrPdnNqtcsoSsBajpGWtZ6bLXodMKFbBiaUlZnlTywtiAFFln_PE2X/s400/Narvona+booth+2.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At night, the Piazza Navona Christmas market was still bustling with activity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZTkEE-eLE67RbSRPMR4k8h90BljB8O9m3J5-w1jaRe_3nqFYozsjK3IyHwF92UM58rSldK_I817j71BPI1hSO5uzO5bANzn9iNGQqgBBVFy_Ap-SlJt7BszBVrx-HEEZc74hz8AObs2o/s1600/Manger+scene+Narvona.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZTkEE-eLE67RbSRPMR4k8h90BljB8O9m3J5-w1jaRe_3nqFYozsjK3IyHwF92UM58rSldK_I817j71BPI1hSO5uzO5bANzn9iNGQqgBBVFy_Ap-SlJt7BszBVrx-HEEZc74hz8AObs2o/s400/Manger+scene+Narvona.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The presepeo in Piazza Navona.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 22nd</b>,
we got a late start and didn't leave the campground until about 13:00.
We drove to the Piazza Cavour, where we parked, and then Vincent and the
kids set off to visit St Peter's while I went to begin and finalize
Christmas shopping. Our plan was to meet at the Spanish Steps at 16:30,
have a bite to eat and then attend the 9 Lessons and Carol service at
the All Saints Church on Via del Babuino at 18:00. Unlike Paris, Rome
didn't have a lot of Christmas decorations on display.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb2-5iAIHd6hT5FBvzxJYvlbVGU4gyf14KtzJVbdBifV1bZ_cNOpCSkI322mmnAPYK2j4s_LDkyFUC86uLUGx4T6tX-izI-dEIt8yWURD4j9D3A1MBEenbVX3MgBhDbGhLk93DuSULmYZ/s1600/Street+performers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb2-5iAIHd6hT5FBvzxJYvlbVGU4gyf14KtzJVbdBifV1bZ_cNOpCSkI322mmnAPYK2j4s_LDkyFUC86uLUGx4T6tX-izI-dEIt8yWURD4j9D3A1MBEenbVX3MgBhDbGhLk93DuSULmYZ/s400/Street+performers.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were more random street performers than there were Christmas decorations. One saw several versions of this stunt across the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHteteBDJE87YFnl_J1WRx_ZaPuCBmYhaCuINPTbCKpDRjUx3xHV5ik_zrmsH1qOPrXCgS7rmDlSNpVTCtHlvUHmpUUeImvPoHyHapX-6ZFKOPPn-SxuiVv6O7hvoyMKVgfaGTe5GAHdEP/s1600/Hotel+Ingleterre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHteteBDJE87YFnl_J1WRx_ZaPuCBmYhaCuINPTbCKpDRjUx3xHV5ik_zrmsH1qOPrXCgS7rmDlSNpVTCtHlvUHmpUUeImvPoHyHapX-6ZFKOPPn-SxuiVv6O7hvoyMKVgfaGTe5GAHdEP/s400/Hotel+Ingleterre.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the 5-star Hotel d'Inghilterra on <span class="street-address" itemprop="streetAddress">Via Bocca di Leone was decorated for the season. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm3EVSf5VPXee2L4Ja0oWnQA2yAFXVxXyjn2BHyLE4eJhC6TpGcUPVexHWk91ldU_0xy9ZXFGph7lcaj5kk_UGTVrAyxio26qMEmFW5ODz9fQ_VLUrH9fbX6ZLQscyrUglfjm3roYLAEo/s1600/Red+carpet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm3EVSf5VPXee2L4Ja0oWnQA2yAFXVxXyjn2BHyLE4eJhC6TpGcUPVexHWk91ldU_0xy9ZXFGph7lcaj5kk_UGTVrAyxio26qMEmFW5ODz9fQ_VLUrH9fbX6ZLQscyrUglfjm3roYLAEo/s400/Red+carpet.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red carpet welcome in the exclusive shopping area west of the Spanish Steps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhBWB9ByXRsQfLu5GKTyc6xXJqIU2f0owIPmyD4EIpOnBQvyNf3Ad7yRg6-rcB6zGkb_35s-ZLGwA7kkgyBPv6AAGzDr4WMmhJCGvBCQQQ5DO1VF3QJIctDW4zMK7xNI0y1uSWOFWDRgn/s1600/Hotel+w+lights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhBWB9ByXRsQfLu5GKTyc6xXJqIU2f0owIPmyD4EIpOnBQvyNf3Ad7yRg6-rcB6zGkb_35s-ZLGwA7kkgyBPv6AAGzDr4WMmhJCGvBCQQQ5DO1VF3QJIctDW4zMK7xNI0y1uSWOFWDRgn/s400/Hotel+w+lights.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't note the name of this restaurant but I photographed it because of the lights. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_2ToACr__OgihbW_aLQwtBYwsoYtnOSE5FtTqhDmu5D_Dt2QdWm42EwGbhNjEjtDZPm4AD6MJwVqO1YpvVSWouCuI4mdxTQ5PtdOZKKe-NLGhkb7CPrYpeKqDWMeOFddOxVhC60GhD90/s1600/Spanish+steps+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_2ToACr__OgihbW_aLQwtBYwsoYtnOSE5FtTqhDmu5D_Dt2QdWm42EwGbhNjEjtDZPm4AD6MJwVqO1YpvVSWouCuI4mdxTQ5PtdOZKKe-NLGhkb7CPrYpeKqDWMeOFddOxVhC60GhD90/s1600/Spanish+steps+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish Steps in off-season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before going into the All Saints Church, we looked into the Chiesa dei Santi Nomi di Gesù e Maria (Church of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary). Often these churches don't look like much from the street but just enter and you discover an ornate Baroque interior.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLmPNlTLFdapky5X28Km_8Da5R-lTsGCn-xpwSmAbpz9U-vPCahJ9VdcRYkwxtU28yRH30-dNhEFkrisp_FR-Mym4CaKWTOvwlTnX3LyFY3wcVrTDHjKp6z8GMYVDGvO7jk4zjFyy1_fg/s1600/Church+on+Via+del+Corso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLmPNlTLFdapky5X28Km_8Da5R-lTsGCn-xpwSmAbpz9U-vPCahJ9VdcRYkwxtU28yRH30-dNhEFkrisp_FR-Mym4CaKWTOvwlTnX3LyFY3wcVrTDHjKp6z8GMYVDGvO7jk4zjFyy1_fg/s400/Church+on+Via+del+Corso.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chiesa dei Santi Nomi di Gesù e Maria was completed in 1635.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 9 Lessons and Carol service at
the All Saints Church was packed, standing room only. A kind gentleman offered to rotate his seat with another woman and myself so I got a chance to sit down for a couple lessons. Afterwards, members of the church were selling mincemeat tarts. About 500 tarts were sold out in a matter of about 3 minutes. I got the last 6 tarts. What a score to have our traditional Christmas Eve dessert!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxzBrrv8mDuMuYbV3SO61i98eIIk87iSE5RUdSGZ3RB5kLoHOQgSf2lk5AzBVtwEVw4mKSV4hAYiSHWGYnDwEdhsQGnaZMBjYP23X0YUED4MxM0Obx1vyR2gZnGfyuCJCoWh15eJuM6gw/s1600/All+Saints+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxzBrrv8mDuMuYbV3SO61i98eIIk87iSE5RUdSGZ3RB5kLoHOQgSf2lk5AzBVtwEVw4mKSV4hAYiSHWGYnDwEdhsQGnaZMBjYP23X0YUED4MxM0Obx1vyR2gZnGfyuCJCoWh15eJuM6gw/s1600/All+Saints+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The All Saints Church choir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 23rd</b>,Vincent
and I set out to the anagrafe (residency registration). We got as far
as inside the front door and to the reception window. We found out that
the office deals with EU citizens seeking residence on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays only. Today was Monday. So Vincent and I left with the plan
to return the next morning. In the meantime, we stopped by a pasticceria
to pick up some cornetto and Italian cookies. We then went to the
alimentari for some other breakfast supplies for the next couple days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFrMiah_eScoGqlL1kc6HXyak8xr7qN6Kc8TJKHt9n_5lFLXdgCTby-IqrnhplvpwlZSFJKvH55tAEIVH7RREusbVgtuhcjRQwSOdlRaxSSSB93B0CosGzc61RXkmNL8_qkKZAOgKWRJ/s1600/Panetone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFrMiah_eScoGqlL1kc6HXyak8xr7qN6Kc8TJKHt9n_5lFLXdgCTby-IqrnhplvpwlZSFJKvH55tAEIVH7RREusbVgtuhcjRQwSOdlRaxSSSB93B0CosGzc61RXkmNL8_qkKZAOgKWRJ/s400/Panetone.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panettone
and pandoro are main staples at Christmas so the cake section was huge.
This photo shows only one brand, but there were several on sale of both
panettone and pandoro.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fEpzc41R3BwxXYvVkMoIKK_Xg-Nob_F8nj4JcbL-Ee-mmYlfqKu1nzGZPd_4NdIDcQEtbnAmqaKVGkGzh7tW7XN5DEYuqobiQX24jlL6UIWDeikv-YnOpmhzamWXCk8zr1ovVdeFTqDS/s1600/Fish+for+sale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fEpzc41R3BwxXYvVkMoIKK_Xg-Nob_F8nj4JcbL-Ee-mmYlfqKu1nzGZPd_4NdIDcQEtbnAmqaKVGkGzh7tW7XN5DEYuqobiQX24jlL6UIWDeikv-YnOpmhzamWXCk8zr1ovVdeFTqDS/s400/Fish+for+sale.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For many Italians, a tradition is to serve 7 types of fish on Christmas Eve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
we returned to LandShark, Vincent and I researched restaurants for
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while the kids did homework. We all
took showers at the campground facilities and all felt that these were the best showers that we'd encountered on this trip. (The exception being the showers on the Grimaldi Lines' <i>Barcelona</i> which had water spray jets set to massage every part of your body; that was great.)<br />
<br />
On <b>December 24th</b>,
we had cornetto (Italian version of the croissant) for breakfast. They
are sweeter than the croissant. I prefer the French version but of
course it was fun to try what the Italians like best.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvl5FUA1p1-LXFwWwq0B0Tb_948IO415wRS-z_wIvOvw4_sEn_BfRWCQT5oPfRxjDioI3FihoLw2uTQx8lEI5tCIpC-G6SWk-f8v2vy-qhFiwaO8pDeYGrqaldSvQSWPAI5U9YqlyWSJJ/s1600/Cornetto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvl5FUA1p1-LXFwWwq0B0Tb_948IO415wRS-z_wIvOvw4_sEn_BfRWCQT5oPfRxjDioI3FihoLw2uTQx8lEI5tCIpC-G6SWk-f8v2vy-qhFiwaO8pDeYGrqaldSvQSWPAI5U9YqlyWSJJ/s400/Cornetto.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plate of 11 cornetto: 3 Nuttella filled, 2 cream filled, 3 honey filled and 2 plain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
breakfast, Vincent and I headed back to the anagrafe office again. This
time we were given a number and spoke with a woman who, when she
understood I held an EU passport, took us to a lower floor office where
we were given registration instructions and I was given an appointment
for February in the event there were questions/problems. Then there was
the realization from the officials that Vincent and the kids were not EU
citizens. It was a misunderstanding on their part. Vincent was doing
all of the talking in limited broken Italian. (I was very frustrated not
speaking any Italian; I can function in French or Spanish but clearly I
was in the wrong country to rely on those languages.) So we ended back
upstairs and our woman was giving us different instructions. Then she
took another look at our (campground) address. Oops, we werre applying in the wrong
office. An hour plus later, we left the building not much further ahead than
when we started. It was 11:30 and the other office would likely be closing
soon. Nevertheless, we decided to continue on to find out where these
potential points of registration actually were and to find out their
hours of operation. (No office was open 8:30-17:30 Monday to Friday, like
in North America; government offices here seemed to have random hours
like 8:30-12:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday or only open Tuesday and
Wednesday 8:30-13:00 or only open Wednesday and Thursday 8:30-11:00 and
14:00-16:00. Perhaps all these government officials had second jobs.)<br />
<br />
Our
next stop, was the post office to pick up forms that Vincent and the
kids would need to fill in and submit for residency. A man at the post office told us that
Vincent and the kids could either submit these forms or they could go to
the questura, which is a police headquarters, and pursue the process there.<br />
<br />
We then drove to the second
anagrafe office address that was given to us and found out that office would
not be open until December 30th. (This was where I would have to register.) We
then drove to the questura and found out it would be open on December
27th, so Vincent and I left the questura deciding we would return on the 27th and see
if we could make any progress then.<br />
<br />
We returned to our
campground at 14:00, had a bit of lunch, changed clothes and headed into
Rome to the All Saints' Church for the 17:00 crib service (children's
service). While we waited for the service to begin, the kids (and I) got to make paper snow flakes and decorate the church Christmas tree with them. It was a nice service that Sarah and the boys particularly enjoyed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sSysCSI8-dnzOYJjxRVogjo9p0ZlZNz78dfdcN-H60a4Bo6T7FcSlDNe1OpGMjgC9l_O9CsbgcRG7PvhgIP16sDgeamztd0Fij2RtehpIvwR_2J16G4L4i4ihGnDoU-7OrZnDIVVji3Y/s1600/Decorating+all+saints+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sSysCSI8-dnzOYJjxRVogjo9p0ZlZNz78dfdcN-H60a4Bo6T7FcSlDNe1OpGMjgC9l_O9CsbgcRG7PvhgIP16sDgeamztd0Fij2RtehpIvwR_2J16G4L4i4ihGnDoU-7OrZnDIVVji3Y/s1600/Decorating+all+saints+tree.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was fun to decorate the tree with other children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the service, we walked to the
restaurant Alla Cancelleria on Vicolo della Cancelleria. My requirement
for restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was that the
restaurant menu couldn't lead with pizza and I wanted a proper table cloth on
the table. Alla Cancelleria was ranked #485 of 7,360 restaurants in Rome and our meal
was very good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPNEffxX5bFMqcE8mFU0arsY4VuZuUldh1xTEXwzw2XLcQPAKir82IlCpdFA50F9eY6ISWFveQoa4iZU90O4xNJpfehhf2QBvwumocK6n0STJEb87REx1W7pctsRZhP8AY1X2uLMR1DbX/s1600/Via+del+Corso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPNEffxX5bFMqcE8mFU0arsY4VuZuUldh1xTEXwzw2XLcQPAKir82IlCpdFA50F9eY6ISWFveQoa4iZU90O4xNJpfehhf2QBvwumocK6n0STJEb87REx1W7pctsRZhP8AY1X2uLMR1DbX/s1600/Via+del+Corso.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Alla Cancelleria, we saw the striking lights down Via del Corso.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we left Alla Cancelleria, it was
21:00 and we realized we could pass by St Peter's square and make
mid-night mass (which is actually held at 21:30). If one is organized,
tickets (free) are available for attending the service inside the
Basilica but one has to request those months in advance. (We didn't fit
in that category.) Those without tickets can stand in St Peter's square
and watch the service on huge screens. There is also a life-sized manger
scene that is unveiled in the square by the gigantic Christmas tree
that is fun to see. Having seen, excerpts of the service on television
over the years, it was a great experience to actually be there with
thousands of other people.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTlh9K4On0pupiB2UF8yQfP88pJFX1Lndny1gOx-QMGIf9ApY7SKKTCnyof5wn1jBAC1uVh1FvFuIYq3wnNH2V1IhVx6-Zk8ot4I7a48IMtDIxrHkFRZfECU4hEbR1R-5ISiaBiFh4n7/s1600/Christmas+Eve+St+Peters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTlh9K4On0pupiB2UF8yQfP88pJFX1Lndny1gOx-QMGIf9ApY7SKKTCnyof5wn1jBAC1uVh1FvFuIYq3wnNH2V1IhVx6-Zk8ot4I7a48IMtDIxrHkFRZfECU4hEbR1R-5ISiaBiFh4n7/s1600/Christmas+Eve+St+Peters.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Christmas Eve service to begin. During the service, the bells in the top left and right windows of St Peters were pealing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCJ-ZYsLh47n5G59gUBGgOOlxPyI-yHOebvrRb7Ju5xGfEHXIaj5GXwYH3mgRuuFAaaQXvhbUJaWtqi2LEhPoB2rAHQag1yCtcFYPHt7IPe3EID0IdhReNhzL8OilYlzATG9FqWJf4vly/s1600/Christmas+Eve+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCJ-ZYsLh47n5G59gUBGgOOlxPyI-yHOebvrRb7Ju5xGfEHXIaj5GXwYH3mgRuuFAaaQXvhbUJaWtqi2LEhPoB2rAHQag1yCtcFYPHt7IPe3EID0IdhReNhzL8OilYlzATG9FqWJf4vly/s1600/Christmas+Eve+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The masses gathering for Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFbsI6D8HlUnPvcK3G8_VgMg-W7QAaGzG8snaLefRPDtFx83q6gwjQYnVGysEqpxNYHR6sJCbO2YNVexYNBcvQm4TBLUM4TBi8aG3XxunvScFzGiUHLW15XOJfO5IJq9ISMNwe6-Cu-RT/s1600/St+Peters+square+creche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFbsI6D8HlUnPvcK3G8_VgMg-W7QAaGzG8snaLefRPDtFx83q6gwjQYnVGysEqpxNYHR6sJCbO2YNVexYNBcvQm4TBLUM4TBi8aG3XxunvScFzGiUHLW15XOJfO5IJq9ISMNwe6-Cu-RT/s1600/St+Peters+square+creche.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Christmas Eve, the creche in St Peter's Square is unveiled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwNuzcbVeQuZV5KQSrqYXHX83iCbTAIzqKGZMWPBD7xlTEF8f7p-cIEHjz8eVzxyuDb06m9mSwVHn6j2i_9H3ZxkEBwGRl92V3hPVhvY7hf4-mOtUGZVH-B9ysiIgRx51dJla9YSZDmsI/s1600/Pope+and+Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwNuzcbVeQuZV5KQSrqYXHX83iCbTAIzqKGZMWPBD7xlTEF8f7p-cIEHjz8eVzxyuDb06m9mSwVHn6j2i_9H3ZxkEBwGRl92V3hPVhvY7hf4-mOtUGZVH-B9ysiIgRx51dJla9YSZDmsI/s1600/Pope+and+Jesus.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of the service, Pope Francis placed Jesus in the manger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 25th</b>,
James was up before 6am and Paul got up around 7am. To help get the rest
of us moving, Paul started playing our Christmas CD on high volume at
7:30. We were happy to see that Santa did in fact stop by last night. It
was a lighter Christmas in the gift department but everyone was quite
happy with what they received.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3GHFdWpFApeedwtCucOZu5qIMENr5kmhd5nxkW6RUL8SOx_6AxKHu-XauVOlLweghH04HYtCxGWgbE63blG4LuxL95ROETO3qUGGaR0IwaH9Mp4N-_sb_nmE17hDAsr-LUx_Y82JMINP/s1600/Christmas+tree+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3GHFdWpFApeedwtCucOZu5qIMENr5kmhd5nxkW6RUL8SOx_6AxKHu-XauVOlLweghH04HYtCxGWgbE63blG4LuxL95ROETO3qUGGaR0IwaH9Mp4N-_sb_nmE17hDAsr-LUx_Y82JMINP/s400/Christmas+tree+1.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa did stop by last night! (Too bad, he didn't have time to fix our lower cupboard door.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had a good breakfast with chocolate panettone, scrambled eggs and
sausages and then set out to return to St Peter's Square again to
witness Pope Francis's Christmas message.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH0SekfYH3HgiHPZnzI17RnEnZte3ihYhOxn_b0IrAydXYDkaFcrTe095gFplq4JfOfBGLgWXG3MTLXPJhLtKMmfNbmNI9yNMtwXUR_1FXoHwE8vlZ11C6OgIMzIfTzyaT6AC1R58d_vr/s1600/Family+at+St+Peters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH0SekfYH3HgiHPZnzI17RnEnZte3ihYhOxn_b0IrAydXYDkaFcrTe095gFplq4JfOfBGLgWXG3MTLXPJhLtKMmfNbmNI9yNMtwXUR_1FXoHwE8vlZ11C6OgIMzIfTzyaT6AC1R58d_vr/s400/Family+at+St+Peters.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fellow spectator took a photo of us all while we were waiting for the Pope to appear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr43Jj-8cO6K-aHRkiNlhtF4jzdHmLlIgLplWXjdJMADbg-j4ppjtOWS05fgR3hq-qWhE82UKSbIdcYURqX-pUSk8hzjt2uh9a_q_ZRgvTNQ42N8-cXwVhVwlGooHuBNHQB_lRcM7dhBQ/s1600/Pope+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr43Jj-8cO6K-aHRkiNlhtF4jzdHmLlIgLplWXjdJMADbg-j4ppjtOWS05fgR3hq-qWhE82UKSbIdcYURqX-pUSk8hzjt2uh9a_q_ZRgvTNQ42N8-cXwVhVwlGooHuBNHQB_lRcM7dhBQ/s400/Pope+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Pope Francis on
the balcony as well as some of the crowd and one of the television
screens providing close up visuals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPrImxQRLqzq5-NHRo5XEou7F2PrYA8L7wqL-YQlcqNSylA7I5DppxQsPuYRR7Y-MKrQdsfK3JWM2MFHk_FxhyjMYTwrr_dRNpaKGFuSd9PhZ47iKzoIuGPVPAUZMdV60gIJ2uZgDmsUb/s1600/Pope+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPrImxQRLqzq5-NHRo5XEou7F2PrYA8L7wqL-YQlcqNSylA7I5DppxQsPuYRR7Y-MKrQdsfK3JWM2MFHk_FxhyjMYTwrr_dRNpaKGFuSd9PhZ47iKzoIuGPVPAUZMdV60gIJ2uZgDmsUb/s400/Pope+3.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent's
steady hand was able to get a clear zoomed-in photo of Pope Francis on
the balcony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6oTB3pW7tYeXscjepjsW6RKXFwklkpovPZN6kEqk9gATHbZDevowKcQFZZrdoWgTB0UJdEsehyphenhyphenHqbNapczqPL1CrEVxCTuDG7Ks_FyVPabSIM5vDQbv4Gjpxl4_USJHDj9SN6lUuq0pI/s1600/Pope+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6oTB3pW7tYeXscjepjsW6RKXFwklkpovPZN6kEqk9gATHbZDevowKcQFZZrdoWgTB0UJdEsehyphenhyphenHqbNapczqPL1CrEVxCTuDG7Ks_FyVPabSIM5vDQbv4Gjpxl4_USJHDj9SN6lUuq0pI/s400/Pope+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
is a more accurate shot from where we stood. There were thousands of
people. Having watched this scene on television over the years, it was
fun to actually be there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving St Peter's Square we walked to the Divin Peccato restaurant on <span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address">Via
di Sant' Onofrio where we had reservations for lunch. On the way, we
stopped in at Santo Spirito in Sassia, a 12th century titular (assigned
to a Cardinal priest) church. The church has a single nave and 5 chapels
along each side. Many churches in Rome have a similar design and so I
found that after visiting 6 or 7, it became more difficult to
differentiate one from another.</span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNy07htDLaWRfxNoDDCR0ZZLqmAYgDCzm-vQgQTkM3b4V3w5jvhPQ5xq0mc72Jj_HCACEA82ENGYisjsbuiaAb9LpiTJdBIwd1fOlSlZCuklBphme4_k-u7tdvp81jDUCTUBHxms1wSKG/s1600/Santo+Spirito+in+Sassia+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNy07htDLaWRfxNoDDCR0ZZLqmAYgDCzm-vQgQTkM3b4V3w5jvhPQ5xq0mc72Jj_HCACEA82ENGYisjsbuiaAb9LpiTJdBIwd1fOlSlZCuklBphme4_k-u7tdvp81jDUCTUBHxms1wSKG/s400/Santo+Spirito+in+Sassia+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior was restored in the mid-16th century after the Sack of Rome (1527).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh9MgTEGlAznXnJoutHlD_HeiuNB_lgyPOcDv5Mr3tihGSkSvL8TlW_X6bBHp0OINCpkeQ1BJN6YSClWs3698wXDgFCOzbiHz2s5RanTGtWFbAvfwDsENhkShRySXVYMyKfgx9S8KfUl3/s1600/Santo+Spirito+in+Sassia+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh9MgTEGlAznXnJoutHlD_HeiuNB_lgyPOcDv5Mr3tihGSkSvL8TlW_X6bBHp0OINCpkeQ1BJN6YSClWs3698wXDgFCOzbiHz2s5RanTGtWFbAvfwDsENhkShRySXVYMyKfgx9S8KfUl3/s400/Santo+Spirito+in+Sassia+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another manger scene (of course).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address">When we arrived at </span></span></span><span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address">the Divin Peccato restaurant, we
were sat on the first floor, which was quite charming with a painted
ceiling. There was one waitress who was literally run off her feet
running up and down those stairs. Vince's entrecote was very good
whereas the lamb that Paul and I ordered was overcooked. It was an
"okay" meal. Wine was good though, which can make up for some
shortcomings. We lingered for 2 1/2 hours, which must be some sort of
record for our immediate family. </span></span></span><br />
<span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address"><br /></span></span></span>
<span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address">After
lunch, and deciding we probably wouldn't need to eat again for about 36
hours, we walked to the ice skating rink next to Castel Sant' Angelo
and rented skates. This time all of us skated. Christmas music was
playing and it was a fun activity for all of us to do. </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhFXaxcbF6vuz366zzn1RxvmaxeZ25e6Go2vNUGWjmVNkowvf94gfHs84wNt7isZEgNnFHQfDqIDoPOvUNQx5w5FRsCuEVp1vd6yjlBM4kW22_pegVR9H7goEMCjspjT98FQaqn52Tk-v/s1600/Christmas+skating.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhFXaxcbF6vuz366zzn1RxvmaxeZ25e6Go2vNUGWjmVNkowvf94gfHs84wNt7isZEgNnFHQfDqIDoPOvUNQx5w5FRsCuEVp1vd6yjlBM4kW22_pegVR9H7goEMCjspjT98FQaqn52Tk-v/s400/Christmas+skating.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family all on skates with Castel Sant' Angelo in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="extended-address">When we finished skating, we returned to LandShark to watch a couple episodes of my Christmas present: Season 4 of <i>Downton Abbey</i>
and then make Skype calls to family back in North America. The night
ended with the kids setting off sparklers, running through the
campground.</span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFEXwzESCMWEM3HBusf4KQPbmc6Hy0Z_Nd_4ChlObJbSGjbWClV2vAbHF9C3-24RvrS83XGIkZsFDCTM5EARRsjy9-L6fxHRtsbQXx09jcYvosDHC3o4CoO0LJn_JhxRpncwrvBAn11dz/s1600/Paul+sparklers+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFEXwzESCMWEM3HBusf4KQPbmc6Hy0Z_Nd_4ChlObJbSGjbWClV2vAbHF9C3-24RvrS83XGIkZsFDCTM5EARRsjy9-L6fxHRtsbQXx09jcYvosDHC3o4CoO0LJn_JhxRpncwrvBAn11dz/s400/Paul+sparklers+2.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that Zeus?! Oh wait, it's just Paul running in his World of Warcraft robe with a couple of sparklers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 27th</b>, we set out for Rome's questura (police headquarters). It wasn't my first time as an immigrant
so I knew this outing would involve some queuing and probably a lot of
waiting. The experience met expectations and we learned about a few more
hurdles. The process to establish residency was gradually becoming
clearer. I would need to establish residency first (which we already knew) and then Vincent and the boys would have to complete forms
which needed to have stamps adhered that came from a tobacconist shop.
The big hurdle however was that our marriage certificate plus the kids'
birth certificates would have to be translated and apostilled (deemed "legal") by the
Italian consulate of the issuing countries. That would be a real pain. <br />
<br />
Afterwards,
Vincent and I drove into Rome (leaving the kids back in LandShark). I couldn't spend another afternoon in
the campground; I felt like we weren't making good use of our time. We
parked at our usual Piazza Cavour and walked over the Ponte Cavour and
came to a modern building housing the Ara Pacis Augustae. The Ara Pacis is an altar dedicated to Peace, the Roman goddess; it was commissioned by the Roman Senate on 4 July 13 B.C. to honour the return of Augustus to Rome after his three years in Hispania and Gaul, and
consecrated on 30 January 9 BC by the Senate in celebration of the
peace brought to the Roman Empire by Augustus' military victories. There
was an audio guide to rent which I'd really recommend getting as there
was very little signage provided to enlighten the visitor. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjh635OuPLiaMYE0fwnFng9KjcIty2OEBGCf1Av80YsYtxqECWcQdv6CAN1kN0xuyYUEEzHuls6OoSAmO_p4AuUccHppNot_qKHBNsT909nAcv4YK-gjeH3al3sKVkOUpHfsGW4FTocDm/s1600/Ara+Pacis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjh635OuPLiaMYE0fwnFng9KjcIty2OEBGCf1Av80YsYtxqECWcQdv6CAN1kN0xuyYUEEzHuls6OoSAmO_p4AuUccHppNot_qKHBNsT909nAcv4YK-gjeH3al3sKVkOUpHfsGW4FTocDm/s400/Ara+Pacis.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the altar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW8PZDHAnt2mag6G_DEdqFAKtyyKXBl0dcXJRJPaESvGJ7jUvAtQv4A0gWn9LW-cJ6WDvo6kz1do07jqm56mEkgW7-eoxvw1dQcARntCw-4uWHS3UaRaOhdRQB2AM7NQyzC3OTTcQQql8/s1600/Ara+Pacis+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW8PZDHAnt2mag6G_DEdqFAKtyyKXBl0dcXJRJPaESvGJ7jUvAtQv4A0gWn9LW-cJ6WDvo6kz1do07jqm56mEkgW7-eoxvw1dQcARntCw-4uWHS3UaRaOhdRQB2AM7NQyzC3OTTcQQql8/s400/Ara+Pacis+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South facing wall: Processional frieze showing members of the Imperial household.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G2nXc44EKrB78lNsIKQWJAsposHsFtY7v_y4BeNZoFPRGMpDZCtXufDbEjZlfznmxbimryNDQL9UorN1wg5tTHCeY-qYER6ZFP8RAzGRNQyNa_T7rEbIaiSjz3deZ2cREmXozx6C6vPl/s1600/Ara+Pacis+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G2nXc44EKrB78lNsIKQWJAsposHsFtY7v_y4BeNZoFPRGMpDZCtXufDbEjZlfznmxbimryNDQL9UorN1wg5tTHCeY-qYER6ZFP8RAzGRNQyNa_T7rEbIaiSjz3deZ2cREmXozx6C6vPl/s400/Ara+Pacis+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A goddess sits amid a scene of fertility and prosperity with twins on
her lap. There is some debate over who the central character is; scholars have variously suggested that the goddess is Italia,
Tellus (Earth), Venus or Peace. Due
to the widespread depiction around the sculpture of scenes of peace,
and because the Altar is named "peace", the favoured conclusion is that
the goddess is Pax.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhFAEDHz7tbaYNAiQpY0WwM7qsqdJm6tMHGICeB6P06t_os1MannZqzAP04fr6HUUQ_H4CsGDcqJlBi3BZTygFuu6YCt18jrbYE2JBoMh-3HNG3-OuIWPh2nGVThzaw4b97V0AqnxdnJZ/s1600/Ara+Pacis+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhFAEDHz7tbaYNAiQpY0WwM7qsqdJm6tMHGICeB6P06t_os1MannZqzAP04fr6HUUQ_H4CsGDcqJlBi3BZTygFuu6YCt18jrbYE2JBoMh-3HNG3-OuIWPh2nGVThzaw4b97V0AqnxdnJZ/s400/Ara+Pacis+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The building housing the Ara Pacis is mostly glass and so the light is lovely, particularly at sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
the lower level, there was a temporary Impressionist exhibit showing
that came from the Museum of Modern Art in Washington, DC.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYBivoHpUTf52vF1j22Uv9xiP66AGC1z51cvsC-lW_5faRwXiJA-jrQ7b9QHZFditaDTilYIeYDZ5pwSmGgS7xWkADlozwmJCEoM-6WQATFRu8hngfrS7zb90DoqeDVk8ndDeHrEKiPda/s1600/Auguste+Renoir.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYBivoHpUTf52vF1j22Uv9xiP66AGC1z51cvsC-lW_5faRwXiJA-jrQ7b9QHZFditaDTilYIeYDZ5pwSmGgS7xWkADlozwmJCEoM-6WQATFRu8hngfrS7zb90DoqeDVk8ndDeHrEKiPda/s400/Auguste+Renoir.jpg" height="400" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Henriot by Auguste Renoir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZklYmO60i2kXG8vhHEnnldyhbOlhJpBBpzkJ-FrtOewziWuUPunKtvRMeBXyf2j_ZxIVkEV7F1LIvmQSJtw-fEqphCu6xGi4pqWTB2cLf8UVjL_VcWEE2ZEBmpjHLAcjY6XMGC7d2cYSm/s1600/E+Boudin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZklYmO60i2kXG8vhHEnnldyhbOlhJpBBpzkJ-FrtOewziWuUPunKtvRMeBXyf2j_ZxIVkEV7F1LIvmQSJtw-fEqphCu6xGi4pqWTB2cLf8UVjL_VcWEE2ZEBmpjHLAcjY6XMGC7d2cYSm/s320/E+Boudin.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Eugène Boudin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a good time to visit this museum because I don't think it would
have really engaged the children and the cost was pretty steep for what it was.
(€8 for the main part of the Ara Pacis and another €8 for the
temporary exhibit plus €6 for the audio guide.)<br />
<br />
On the way back to the car we stepped into the Church of St Girolamo dei Croati which was just across the road from the Ara Pacis.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmU4dppOkVOXr4WvoEaT2FGvSd5XxE5BycPw6xsMHi16fxKiC7FtxGmt8uQYCWtsQD-JAzQOXUwjI-EplchynjANEBNFi7jyALXE_LrM2KEp4DAZPLi5IuUx8yrE1D0cuxl7ShRZBsq18/s1600/St+Gioramo+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmU4dppOkVOXr4WvoEaT2FGvSd5XxE5BycPw6xsMHi16fxKiC7FtxGmt8uQYCWtsQD-JAzQOXUwjI-EplchynjANEBNFi7jyALXE_LrM2KEp4DAZPLi5IuUx8yrE1D0cuxl7ShRZBsq18/s400/St+Gioramo+Church.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The altar of the Church of St Girolamo dei Croati.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v61T_rQ_HJoj3IPwI9j-CXIsVKXBFrRzlfql_REtV5Nqc1PX0h-DUL0g-xuLKx8W85jNYhYN6HbY3NCXgI-bqGSPYESq4VOVfWMk6Gt0lyAFsmkM_f4csJ423zpQYRiwHKZ_IqobsgSO/s1600/Girolamo+creche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v61T_rQ_HJoj3IPwI9j-CXIsVKXBFrRzlfql_REtV5Nqc1PX0h-DUL0g-xuLKx8W85jNYhYN6HbY3NCXgI-bqGSPYESq4VOVfWMk6Gt0lyAFsmkM_f4csJ423zpQYRiwHKZ_IqobsgSO/s400/Girolamo+creche.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course the presepeo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>December 28th</b>, we decided to drive outside of Rome to Tivoli. We went to
the Villa d'Este which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in
the mid-16th century by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este after a failed bid
for the papacy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_6XbuA_sL7H2HNHIRsGdE20H_mI7GFi0RdtYks9CnlAJqxRiiaWIydsPsLskDu8qE8C6k4i02vC58DvXinQXK8WqcXcBA7DBo4mIyvFE2_AHN7oz8SUQrxodmrMXCjCaRnkkstIaR5y_/s1600/Second+Tiburtine+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_6XbuA_sL7H2HNHIRsGdE20H_mI7GFi0RdtYks9CnlAJqxRiiaWIydsPsLskDu8qE8C6k4i02vC58DvXinQXK8WqcXcBA7DBo4mIyvFE2_AHN7oz8SUQrxodmrMXCjCaRnkkstIaR5y_/s400/Second+Tiburtine+Room.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling of the Second Tiburtine Room: Painted ~1569.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The renaissance villa is perhaps not worth the drive
from Rome (given the all the sights competing for the tourist's
attention) but the gardens certainly are. There are several fountains
and one of the highlights is the hydraulic organ fountain designed by
Claude Veanard. A few times during the day, it briefly plays a few
notes. Apparently, there are some five hundred jets in fountains, pools and water troughs throughout the gardens. Everywhere you turn, there seems to be another fountain. The water is supplied by the Aniene, which is partly diverted through the town (a distance of a kilometer) and, originally, by the Rivellese spring.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQMZiccE3q1nWaoeO_OzqpYI-uFxD2o8EzuF01nz3A1gbJzQtTBWjwf7j0QMz1I3LNSJ6zZsNWqmPI0CDVl4_9h-LW4Y3TKJYspMHDmaQOrjeLNYM5EW2FnG8zTF_IydWeS4ePLnILBbH/s1600/Este+fountain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQMZiccE3q1nWaoeO_OzqpYI-uFxD2o8EzuF01nz3A1gbJzQtTBWjwf7j0QMz1I3LNSJ6zZsNWqmPI0CDVl4_9h-LW4Y3TKJYspMHDmaQOrjeLNYM5EW2FnG8zTF_IydWeS4ePLnILBbH/s400/Este+fountain+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys in front of the Fontana del l'Ovato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMT78Hk3w2aCZY-JEK7JZhgWupRYhb6N2c6mGI5s_Y7psRpUAuowTzvengGeODub1tN-2oJOwjiy97G1LhUHjW64pYs_KeCNsseitcL47SgVBgkgD39RSDGEDisxLv2IEzG464Q0p_9xE/s1600/Este+fountain+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMT78Hk3w2aCZY-JEK7JZhgWupRYhb6N2c6mGI5s_Y7psRpUAuowTzvengGeODub1tN-2oJOwjiy97G1LhUHjW64pYs_KeCNsseitcL47SgVBgkgD39RSDGEDisxLv2IEzG464Q0p_9xE/s400/Este+fountain+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in front of the Cento Fontane (hundred fountains)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRlndZdAsj4U0i0OoX8lPHBmEx8x0zmPL-fAXGUB7l0nADNL2E8hxjKKaETbvBfQ066evFu56gY8HD20j4swzTh0EpIqk_QKwFNGH4IHHivpL1xfwwy-Hb1kGNAWpUd_t9fXVZ7DUNs96/s1600/Este+fountain+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRlndZdAsj4U0i0OoX8lPHBmEx8x0zmPL-fAXGUB7l0nADNL2E8hxjKKaETbvBfQ066evFu56gY8HD20j4swzTh0EpIqk_QKwFNGH4IHHivpL1xfwwy-Hb1kGNAWpUd_t9fXVZ7DUNs96/s400/Este+fountain+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing ponds seen from Fontana del Nettuno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHbKTIBu6Qq6_Gn5kcoD9dLVMLrWCW77084gd8NrgRtxXu4ev5An2jA4ZtfhDkdA77m7SHgQWTgp6R0PnPueQA-g54h5V_bKF0OmpFksnuPfMkz6a8jN_dQsUrkeyna4eA9TMIKflHmyE/s1600/Este+fountain+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHbKTIBu6Qq6_Gn5kcoD9dLVMLrWCW77084gd8NrgRtxXu4ev5An2jA4ZtfhDkdA77m7SHgQWTgp6R0PnPueQA-g54h5V_bKF0OmpFksnuPfMkz6a8jN_dQsUrkeyna4eA9TMIKflHmyE/s400/Este+fountain+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fontana del Nettuno and above it the Fontana del l'Organo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEH6BsFnd4EhVuCWAU52BiYaPC05h71C0pL8sqNGiuwr3tbME3JXuZmMJggFzK04C8sRF5yNr557YkyQwXM2c-dA6rSZzZ8zzSbwEynpS_UurvnBZq5-Wo77mMN3Q8lYF-8a2bIM_EDk1/s400/Este+fountain+4.jpg" height="302" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragons fountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa_PJL5JXGMQjRMPsGL_MeZ1DBDQ1A2ZhyPDfWxWjs-iN97WQxgK7PW_YKH-iG5XtQNjQlWdbwaZZBgtdJUEhtLZEF8nbMFxhGUadMvWVGlN2zttS4REFBoRp2IMEc6p0E0m3uFQdF-nK/s1600/Este+fountain+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa_PJL5JXGMQjRMPsGL_MeZ1DBDQ1A2ZhyPDfWxWjs-iN97WQxgK7PW_YKH-iG5XtQNjQlWdbwaZZBgtdJUEhtLZEF8nbMFxhGUadMvWVGlN2zttS4REFBoRp2IMEc6p0E0m3uFQdF-nK/s400/Este+fountain+5.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know who these handsome gents are but wanted to include them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
the return back to the campground, Vincent wanted to scout out petrol
stations that sold LPG and were candidates for us to refill LandShark.
Finding a station that sold LPG was only part of the solution; we had to
make sure that Vince could drive LandShark safely to and from a target
station. It was turning into one of these petrol stations, where the
inevitable happened. Yup, the first car accident. Just 11 days in Italy
and there it was. Vincent was on a one-way street, turning left into a
station when a young man on a motorcycle tried to pass on the left and <i>wham</i>,
he ran into the back of the Prius on the driver's side. The young man
(only 17) was thrown off his bike but thankfully not seriously or
significantly hurt. Both his bike and my car however suffered damage. A
witness to the accident pulled over and happened to have an accident
report template that they offered to us to complete for insurance purposes.
With Vincent's limited Italian (mine was non-existent) and the other
party's limited English, it was hard communicating but having that
accident template document helped a lot. The police were called several
times but they <i>never answered the phone! </i>Vincent tried calling
our insurance provider but got a message that their office was closed
until January 2nd. (Ah, those European vacations.) I'm not sure how this
will all play out but we drove away very relieved that the young man
was okay.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrexajman4xKDzP0ZnsDfn5leA_om2KnTXneafzL7EZQl0YIGBy-GkVOiYOjqyFCwszBEOZ7X_NqZd67e0GeXCNZ7_FD0CXotESZsu7CRpVrSdzAD1OHRi2xIg-c9EO0qmfJeMFmNv28t/s1600/Damaged+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrexajman4xKDzP0ZnsDfn5leA_om2KnTXneafzL7EZQl0YIGBy-GkVOiYOjqyFCwszBEOZ7X_NqZd67e0GeXCNZ7_FD0CXotESZsu7CRpVrSdzAD1OHRi2xIg-c9EO0qmfJeMFmNv28t/s1600/Damaged+car.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prius was starting to fit in nicely with the rest of Italy's vehicles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 29th</b>, we woke up to rain
so no one was very motivated to get going anywhere. Paul spent the
morning doing practice tests for entry exams to a private high school to
which he had applied. James and Sarah worked on homework and Vincent
and I worked on our various on-line projects.<br />
<br />
That
afternoon, Vincent had a spa treatment lined up at Templus Salutis
(Christmas present). When he left, it was pouring rain and so I just
didn't have any motivation to get dropped off anywhere. Instead, we all
stayed at the campground and worked on various projects.<br />
<br />
Dinner was spent at the campground restaurant, <i>Ciao Bella</i>, playing several rounds of <i>Uno</i>. Overall it was a pretty uneventful day. <br />
<br />
On <b>December 30th</b>,
we woke up to more rain and the need to get our propane tank filled; we
were running on fumes and probably wouldn't make it another day. So the
morning was spent on the LPG project. Vincent went out in the injured
Prius and scouted out candidate stations while the kids and I cleaned up
LandShark and pulled in the slides. When Vincent arrived with a target
destination, he took LandShark out to get filled and then upon his
return he dumped tanks again and topped off the fresh water. (Might as
well go to the trouble while the RV is already mobile.) It was about
12:30 when all this was finished and I was feeling frustrated with our
lack of momentum in Rome. We just weren't covering any real ground and
it was hard to get excited about seeing anything. <br />
<br />
Among the things bogging us down, the biggest issue was the residency
project. Having to secure translated and apostilled marriage and birth
certificate documents from the Italian consulates in San Francisco and
Toronto (with unknown turn around times) and get these back to us here
in Rome would guarantee that we'd be at this campground for at least 6
weeks. Then once we had documents in order, we'd have to turn them in
and wait for (hopefully) approval. And how long would this deliberation
period be? Perhaps no more than another couple of weeks but this would bring us to 2
months sitting in Rome. By this time, Vincent and the kids' 90 day
grace period in the Schengen zone would be finished and it was unclear
about under what circumstances they could stay on beyond the 90 days
while waiting for approval for a long-term stay. We both could see the
value in pursuing this project if we really intended to stay beyond
mid-2014 but our time was limited and we both felt we should be
traveling and seeing as much as we could.<br />
<br />
So the
realization that we should halt the pursuit of residency made us
re-evaluate our future travel plans. We should resume a more aggressive travel itinerary and figure out what countries were options outside of the Schengen zone. Vincent suggested Argentina and
Chile but that would be a seriously hard return trip for Molly. I went
back to proposing the non-Schengen countries I was looking at back in February and
March. We were looking at Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Romania,
Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, Turkey, Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania
and Montenegro. I could have thrown in Georgia, Russia and some North African
countries too but we had to draw a line somewhere. A few things would influence (or limit) our short list; firstly, the dog needed to easily cross the
border and be able to come back to the EU without a lot of fanfare.
Secondly, our car insurance would have to cover any country we entered.
(Clearly we weren't immune to the possibility of accidents.) Active warfare was right out too, which ruled out Syria. With the
exception of Croatia, we'd likely leave LandShark behind and just travel with
the Prius, staying in hotels/apartments to keep a lower profile. We were
cautiously optimistic that visiting these "less traveled" countries
might be a surprise highlight of the trip. <br />
<br />
With the
agreement of a new plan, Vincent suggested we just get out of Rome for a
few days and get moving somewhere. He had family in Bitritto (near Bari) and
suggested we drive there tomorrow for a couple days and then return via
Pompei. We'd leave LandShark at Roma Camping Village, as we had prepaid
a month, making the switch to a hotel for a few days which would be a
welcome break for everyone. Within about 10 minutes, Vincent had booked
hotels and we were off in the Prius to see something in Rome. It was
still raining and so we didn't want to walk around much but I felt
compelled to do something. I had read that the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere was one of the many churches worth visiting, so that's were we headed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3PkZawmZDSjPa5uVu7jpkFC46CmPv0Gsk7XgNxCWfkOSFNdtjVX0ihY1gf-a3Ye_PEfFzl-7jyLvCdPepueV2XYxYWfJA_eyuXLKyT9BNMBTIjS6TWEipw5XkF03RgEh0-r_WyUUdOVV/s1600/Travestere+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3PkZawmZDSjPa5uVu7jpkFC46CmPv0Gsk7XgNxCWfkOSFNdtjVX0ihY1gf-a3Ye_PEfFzl-7jyLvCdPepueV2XYxYWfJA_eyuXLKyT9BNMBTIjS6TWEipw5XkF03RgEh0-r_WyUUdOVV/s400/Travestere+church.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Some believe that it was the first church in Rome where mass was openly celebrated. The basic floor plan and wall structure date back to the 340s. The first sanctuary was built in 221 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I in 227.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere#cite_note-1"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Y98OhDz5grqXzIaw92Sb-Xfun_EXzkAXjHGVcf7rTlPNxe_eYU5XnI2uUrYDBrQmYShgvyazFIAcgGK79SGqbLddlEBHXxvbdwmI1vIjPfaVx5Oqo9-5taRffWJlDbAyrwUIqOADipg/s1600/Travestere+church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Y98OhDz5grqXzIaw92Sb-Xfun_EXzkAXjHGVcf7rTlPNxe_eYU5XnI2uUrYDBrQmYShgvyazFIAcgGK79SGqbLddlEBHXxvbdwmI1vIjPfaVx5Oqo9-5taRffWJlDbAyrwUIqOADipg/s400/Travestere+church+2.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the the gilded wooden ceiling, beautifully decorated with a painting of the
'Assumption of the Virgin', created in 1616 by Domenichino (<span class="st">Domenico Zampieri)</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYXe1Hi3qPPRXLrNDG5Iq8yzto54meVlLUVs8D56C709NtVakovJnrgRVPPgOJwEK6EpD-33xAnKqHPTMiaOqp0ydvfTAshWbUOmfcdbvYe5kOS1QvS5FbaRco7ihis1Ts3Xvnwpy5EH2/s1600/Travestere+church+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYXe1Hi3qPPRXLrNDG5Iq8yzto54meVlLUVs8D56C709NtVakovJnrgRVPPgOJwEK6EpD-33xAnKqHPTMiaOqp0ydvfTAshWbUOmfcdbvYe5kOS1QvS5FbaRco7ihis1Ts3Xvnwpy5EH2/s400/Travestere+church+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaics on the apse vault and the triumphal arch date from about 1140.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmLFp36zGBtaTt84-5whxdqp623v3TtUUK4UqKnBzfPXJ7klTATByg01OwuDBhuHVYzel-huIFOBDR0XEBat2BI0aX0dJcLwFLCofN5JKFhpHKyriapdKNL0GAIoH9hNoKreb8ojzXhQq/s1600/Travestere+church+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmLFp36zGBtaTt84-5whxdqp623v3TtUUK4UqKnBzfPXJ7klTATByg01OwuDBhuHVYzel-huIFOBDR0XEBat2BI0aX0dJcLwFLCofN5JKFhpHKyriapdKNL0GAIoH9hNoKreb8ojzXhQq/s400/Travestere+church+4.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of the church entrance was another nativity scene which I naturally had to photograph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After visiting the church, we stopped at the nearby Terre d'Acqua restaurant for refreshments (tea with biscotti, cannoli and gelato) and then headed back to the campground. We needed to pack for our vacation "from our vacation" down to Bitritto.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-56845050307456699572013-12-20T08:39:00.001-08:002013-12-20T08:44:25.849-08:00Speed Run Through France to Barcelona: Revel and CarcassonneOn <b>December 11th</b>, our weather station told us it was 24
degrees Fahrenheit outside. It was time to leave Paris and head south
(before our tanks froze). Our interim destination was Camping Les Boueix in the
village of Fleurat about 70km north east of Limoges.<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<br />
At
about 16:00 we pulled into Camping Les Boueix (€30/nt) which was
seriously overpriced for what it was. (No dumping point, no water at the
pitch (during winter), no laundry facilities; one shower in the office
building (but it turned out to be a great shower; lots of hot water and
you didn't have to keep pressing a button to keep the water going.))<br />
<br />
After
settling in, we drove to the nearest town, La Souterraine about 16 km
away, to get a 2GB top up for our mifi (pricey cost of €20, compared to
£25 for a top up of 7GB in the UK). For an apples to apples comparison,
that is $5.87/GB in the UK vs $13.80/GB in France. That's a serious
differential. What happened to the benefits of the EU collective market?<br />
<br />
We also had to do
laundry; we were in serious need of clean clothes. Our host at Camping
Les Boueix told us about a laverie in the town and we found it. We
decided on doing one large load of darks (at €9/load to wash and €3 for
30 min to dry) and hopefully we could do the balance on the weekend.
There was one pizzeria restaurant open, and fortunately it was located a
half block way from the laundromat and so we managed to get fed as
well. We played Scrabble while we waited for the machines to finish.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FbEdVFm18xAXoqUA94nwvp2j8RZv19JLt20TeSNTyKiZbgauEvmatKftGfn0fuyZLxIGIsk3jOVQEF8_EtS6I_zL5mc-xVxf_Q5Bny8Ysq3fYOO4Muz_us2bXP3rYaR3OaPSGEdns3AO/s1600/Fleurat+laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FbEdVFm18xAXoqUA94nwvp2j8RZv19JLt20TeSNTyKiZbgauEvmatKftGfn0fuyZLxIGIsk3jOVQEF8_EtS6I_zL5mc-xVxf_Q5Bny8Ysq3fYOO4Muz_us2bXP3rYaR3OaPSGEdns3AO/s400/Fleurat+laundry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five people generate a lot of dirty laundry quickly. But when you have five people folding, the job is completed in no time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 12th</b> we woke up to 37 degrees
F so at least we were above freezing temperatures. It was a lovely
clear morning.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQKTA89M-iBM13ZddIge2BRRpd2vi41cmUlBjtMBVtdWADLdvWyRcsyuEolWWaz_AUVWGRdUBlxtvMToFDuGJqYq_ooTGnpu_twEsaudculchMwh8jnAdQBURXfZi5zOwirwvqL25oOtB/s1600/Fleurat+camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQKTA89M-iBM13ZddIge2BRRpd2vi41cmUlBjtMBVtdWADLdvWyRcsyuEolWWaz_AUVWGRdUBlxtvMToFDuGJqYq_ooTGnpu_twEsaudculchMwh8jnAdQBURXfZi5zOwirwvqL25oOtB/s400/Fleurat+camping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Camping Les Boueix. We had the place to ourselves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The unfortunate part was that we were essentially in the
middle of nowhere. We were too far south to see any of the highlights of
the Loire Valley; we were too far north to see any sights in the
Dordogne area. We didn't have a full day to indulge ourselves and go to
Futuroscope. So Vincent, Sarah and I decided to drive to Limoges and try
to do some Christmas shopping. (Paul and James opted to stay behind and work on math and science.) It was the 12th of December and so far,
to my knowledge, we had nothing. We aimed to find Les Halles (covered
markets) but never came across them. Instead we ended up at a
mini-shopping plaza in Limoges that wasn't really anything noteworthy
but we did manage to find a few presents so it wasn't entirely a wasted
outing.<br />
<br />
What we saw of Limoges was pretty unremarkable. I had imagined a
more charming city scape. Apparently the old town has some handsome
buildings but we just couldn't find that section of town. France doesn't
seem to be big on using signage to promote places of interest. Most
signage is devoted to places of commerce, like hotels. If one is
interested in ceramics, the museum is worth visiting. But I was
traveling with 4 others who definitely weren't interested in ceramics
and porcelain so the museum was a miss. <br />
<br />
Anyway, we
returned back to La Souterraine and hit the Carrefour supermarche. Then
Vincent dropped me off to do more laundry so we wouldn't have to impose
on our friends with kilos of laundry this coming weekend; while Sarah and I
were taking care of the next 14 kilos of whites, Vincent drove back
to the campground to pick up the boys. We had dinner at the same
pizzeria a half block away from the laverie. It was a good choice because the kind proprietor, had
kept one of our Scrabble letters, "M", that we had left behind the previous evening.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 13th</b>,
it was time to head towards Revel, which is a small town in the Haute Garonne department of the Midi Pyrenees region. We were going to visit friends of
mine, Pamela Rose and Iain and their sons. Pamela Rose and I became
great friends way back in senior year at Miss Porters School. Pamela Rose and
Iain had kindly identified a great place for us to camp, Aire Moulin du
Roi (at a bargain price of €10/night), which was just a few blocks from
their home.<br />
<br />
The scenery on the drive to Revel was
lovely. It was a clear day and the low sun in the sky highlighted the
orange tones of the autumn foliage and the rustic farmland.
Unfortunately there weren't any good safe vantage points to pull over; I
would have really liked to get some photos.<br />
<br />
The windy
roads made it a pretty stressful drive for Vincent and part way through
he opted to go on the toll roads. I followed him much of the way but
after the last toll, we got separated. The French tolls don't seem to
take our Andrews chip and pin credit card. (One of the few chip and pin
cards one can get in the US and in our opinion is a total failure.) So
we had to use cash. The toll machine at which Vince arrived however
wouldn't take cash either so he was stuck for about 6 minutes until an
attendant rescued him. So I ended up ahead and decided to just continue
on to the Aire. Fortunately Pamela Rose and Iain provided a map of how
to get to the Aire, otherwise we would never have found it (that problem of scarce
signage again). Their son, James, spotted Vince going the "wrong
way" and he alerted Iain that we were in town. (LandShark is anything
but subtle.) So Iain came down to meet us, which was a good thing on a
practical level because our fine Andrews chip and pin card wouldn't work
in the campground registration machine. Within seconds of meeting Iain,
we had to borrow his credit card...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj2Gl_gsxwT98fJK_KamwAHTVON7xk-YscvIVilcBkRWoKFxJhwU-A9an0MTODt4zBemR-CemO9myvEBsgr4VToCSle9IJSLnxB-xrGwDZlM5AYKcOmXbAuFl6NLUE6VNu34Jw7SxE5h2/s1600/Aire+du+roi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj2Gl_gsxwT98fJK_KamwAHTVON7xk-YscvIVilcBkRWoKFxJhwU-A9an0MTODt4zBemR-CemO9myvEBsgr4VToCSle9IJSLnxB-xrGwDZlM5AYKcOmXbAuFl6NLUE6VNu34Jw7SxE5h2/s400/Aire+du+roi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our first time staying at an Aire. The Aire Moulin du Roi was just built about a year or so ago and offered electricity at the pitch. It only allowed stays of up to 3 nights. There were no other amenities, as is typical with Aires, with the exception of a dumping point and a single source access to water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we parked, Vincent started to open the driver's side main room slide. <i>Craacckk!</i> Another mishap. That pesky right hand lower cupboard door was ajar and
the slide forced the right side of the cupboard to separate from the
unit. Let's just say, Vincent was <i>really, really, really</i> unhappy. Lesson learned: Make sure all slide paths are clear when opening slides <i>as well as when closing slides</i>. <br />
<br />
We
went over to Pamela Rose and Iain's home and had a great visit and delicious dinner,
which was just what we needed after a rather stressful traveling day.<br />
<br />
On the morning of <b>December 14th</b>,
Pamela Rose appeared on our doorstep with fresh croissants and a
baguette. How wonderful! The croissants were the best I'd had in years; truly a buttery melt in your mouth treat. They must have just been made within an hour or so. We later walked over to collect
Iain, as he was going to take us to the Revel market which is one of
the best, authentic farmers' markets in France and has been running every Saturday for over 600 years. I don't know if I'd ever
seen so much fresh produce in one place in my life. I certainly had
never seen so much fois gras for sale, ever. This market had everything.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE1EdB421FMyGN_Hw3QofkYTYN2EfkrNjtOw6OupzsD1lFAxazrdTAANQoP6HUl1huU3HSTC6nL8hcsNAX2RrO4wke5-0fHlS5Uoi-VH9BHTKK3GxUe8ueyXZUKSUx3QHwHzlEkTHhrpV/s1600/Revel+mkt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE1EdB421FMyGN_Hw3QofkYTYN2EfkrNjtOw6OupzsD1lFAxazrdTAANQoP6HUl1huU3HSTC6nL8hcsNAX2RrO4wke5-0fHlS5Uoi-VH9BHTKK3GxUe8ueyXZUKSUx3QHwHzlEkTHhrpV/s400/Revel+mkt+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A seafood smorgasbord.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFUNU05PAgEwpew9D4iJTNKcn2OUPimKxigF05EbYvCuKCpssIS6BBKn2f2mN-_qHQBv9LtUErvN3zQsTIoCFmCE-zOIK6Afkb46H7NVsveD-BRu4O6Av-UJ3Ke0b5-K7kF4AL09J2qaG/s1600/Revel+mkt+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFUNU05PAgEwpew9D4iJTNKcn2OUPimKxigF05EbYvCuKCpssIS6BBKn2f2mN-_qHQBv9LtUErvN3zQsTIoCFmCE-zOIK6Afkb46H7NVsveD-BRu4O6Av-UJ3Ke0b5-K7kF4AL09J2qaG/s400/Revel+mkt+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was no shortage of oysters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXYpKBywPEPUNwrrbFUMZbLHCezr6QERutxATkTO31-oOfvyqJfM7lTyFr-jejPPdvLLbjjh7OXy6GxysO_0kQWJhuo5ow78odoMRRLJfUfOd5xosemo0yDqxU-RYCp8-Bh31BiKOkT5u/s1600/Revel+mkt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXYpKBywPEPUNwrrbFUMZbLHCezr6QERutxATkTO31-oOfvyqJfM7lTyFr-jejPPdvLLbjjh7OXy6GxysO_0kQWJhuo5ow78odoMRRLJfUfOd5xosemo0yDqxU-RYCp8-Bh31BiKOkT5u/s400/Revel+mkt+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could this cheese vendor be anymore French?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdCB_7OSN0dYThmzfNvrBnAXrlc248uNCUaOTIDt-OzO2VMcbz1GqBQ5vjdqoQCKro1gxkJ5ec-hAn1akRt4_MLua5znXECe3Dw8eN-IvzGIpwWUTymjUR2VbMaOtlwg5Ten0LyX4VySr/s1600/Revel+mkt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdCB_7OSN0dYThmzfNvrBnAXrlc248uNCUaOTIDt-OzO2VMcbz1GqBQ5vjdqoQCKro1gxkJ5ec-hAn1akRt4_MLua5znXECe3Dw8eN-IvzGIpwWUTymjUR2VbMaOtlwg5Ten0LyX4VySr/s400/Revel+mkt+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent purchased our eggs for the week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzdRDHpZartIjelycp0dwwO8jJxZriH-GUttrByqfrDDY9eiKInV7XKVAbRWS4LPRp9Wkz6SUh_MSgHWxV-IkC4gvBTxfyS5CRIH3nyWtZQdLpnOVhiBxI8i3ZMR9Ht6i1PqCnkcTri6m/s1600/Revel+mkt+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzdRDHpZartIjelycp0dwwO8jJxZriH-GUttrByqfrDDY9eiKInV7XKVAbRWS4LPRp9Wkz6SUh_MSgHWxV-IkC4gvBTxfyS5CRIH3nyWtZQdLpnOVhiBxI8i3ZMR9Ht6i1PqCnkcTri6m/s400/Revel+mkt+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olives or dried fruit anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Iain
also took us by the antiques shop that sells his paintings. I love his
work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5vAlMmu6osS1oRVlhMbPzE2gUR6AT_qEabjZHR6G1MTnT6iFiwRcakr6mkVgmTNpH2-qfSBclJfXCWV-9q3ppd4MXZ00ivpJ8_BJwnMUOrMiVU4EXxDVHDoliyfMJK8E9MBsDaKtWPLx/s1600/Revel+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5vAlMmu6osS1oRVlhMbPzE2gUR6AT_qEabjZHR6G1MTnT6iFiwRcakr6mkVgmTNpH2-qfSBclJfXCWV-9q3ppd4MXZ00ivpJ8_BJwnMUOrMiVU4EXxDVHDoliyfMJK8E9MBsDaKtWPLx/s400/Revel+shop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An antiques dealer, right on the market square promotes Iain's work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3GPzXDjYTTt_5jwKE0RE1nwp4X_JzGzjOSUgAucLeadnvES_n-oFP5X_voGllLg8t0kclAtrysB4sq5S91PFoybd4WlNby4sKRgLwHotLwtzVtSCMrShshXAXwXo_2uGevGYKkwlS-eI/s1600/Painting+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3GPzXDjYTTt_5jwKE0RE1nwp4X_JzGzjOSUgAucLeadnvES_n-oFP5X_voGllLg8t0kclAtrysB4sq5S91PFoybd4WlNby4sKRgLwHotLwtzVtSCMrShshXAXwXo_2uGevGYKkwlS-eI/s400/Painting+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Iain Vellacott: A scene depicting Saturday market activity in Revel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg0QyW_Fec8TvkX6ua9FLu7UdJILb2xNyXf5wIz07Z2_Akoda6qUXyXJc2SnOokZCkiElDb0MhqRRS3YY5gKL86YtPwz7SaWjUn6IgvhGR0_Lz3wFOO4LJuF8QQSGwaJwwvFCJuO0ac3k/s1600/Painting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg0QyW_Fec8TvkX6ua9FLu7UdJILb2xNyXf5wIz07Z2_Akoda6qUXyXJc2SnOokZCkiElDb0MhqRRS3YY5gKL86YtPwz7SaWjUn6IgvhGR0_Lz3wFOO4LJuF8QQSGwaJwwvFCJuO0ac3k/s400/Painting+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another painting by Iain Vellacott: Not sure of the location of this scene. Looks a bit like around the Covent Garden area, London.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To find out more about Iain Vellacott's work, go to
http://www.inoils.com.<br />
<br />
That afternoon, James got his
hair cut at a local coiffeur. It was one of the best cuts he's had in a long time
and he was so thrilled exclaiming, "They even washed my hair <i>with shampoo</i>!" After James was finished at the coiffeur, I walked around Revel a bit and took a few more photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMq6u61pYdsJegKPYa8FFjdayzNdp6S2DlWzDvjNv7zoesOdHS1tPmRkpsbsJx2mUC2-pWYjxNUyN7ywIbGEcr3hblQtqR__Sqs7ldoDnoFXRKOmfbye1_1t19-Q5J4o8mEokSS3JPkLc/s1600/Revel+mkt+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMq6u61pYdsJegKPYa8FFjdayzNdp6S2DlWzDvjNv7zoesOdHS1tPmRkpsbsJx2mUC2-pWYjxNUyN7ywIbGEcr3hblQtqR__Sqs7ldoDnoFXRKOmfbye1_1t19-Q5J4o8mEokSS3JPkLc/s400/Revel+mkt+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the buildings that line Revel's central market plaza.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98oFP4sROKdZM-TLqUF_GzXJSoPC1hGQvDtjRA7EweUzHCSNRp5vMQi0TS_-oxSzctV8UXJ-oGYuQoChEs832dz008XlFQ-TfnbHo-xqLOneFy8-piYbUoR0izOCqF10cLoUeoYZmthdI/s1600/Revel+mkt+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98oFP4sROKdZM-TLqUF_GzXJSoPC1hGQvDtjRA7EweUzHCSNRp5vMQi0TS_-oxSzctV8UXJ-oGYuQoChEs832dz008XlFQ-TfnbHo-xqLOneFy8-piYbUoR0izOCqF10cLoUeoYZmthdI/s400/Revel+mkt+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the medieval market hall. On Saturday mornings it and the surrounding plaza are filled with local vendors. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrPiIQwi4M1gr5hgZWuwS4IusQ_5gpoIn7R3B3a37yvAbP9JAh6Wia-BPJS0FYJTxQRLo9Lkk92tZ_oJDb_d2uY_kJl3Zs-4ZCjuoqnVR_w3LIe3qEv2eDbWAshaykduYDF30xS_T0jOm/s1600/Revel+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrPiIQwi4M1gr5hgZWuwS4IusQ_5gpoIn7R3B3a37yvAbP9JAh6Wia-BPJS0FYJTxQRLo9Lkk92tZ_oJDb_d2uY_kJl3Zs-4ZCjuoqnVR_w3LIe3qEv2eDbWAshaykduYDF30xS_T0jOm/s400/Revel+church.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revel's Notre Dame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meanwhile, Iain took Vincent to a hardware store to find supplies that would enable him to fix the broken cabinet.<br />
<br />
That evening, Vincent and I cooked for the Vellacotts. We made Thai chicken which is one of our kids' favorites. It was a nice evening again catching up with friends.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 15th</b>,
we had intended on visiting Carcassonne but by the time Vincent
finished repairing the cabinet (short of installing the door which
needed new hinges), and dealt with the other chaotic things going on in
the RV which just comes from five people and a dog living in close
quarters, he decided he needed a day off.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0grYW0WUmaBaKPu5_0fnr_FsmWSNrSCQlBYEINSrlsC6fWBhRGqCeXcmJ8hsiNmEe2HyzWEvVmZGWHkisywM5AtPy0IG9-sK65XWZ1q51ckKBB7U3ubBdTL5LRpj8hS_59nBwWxBNkJEn/s1600/Vince+fixing+cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0grYW0WUmaBaKPu5_0fnr_FsmWSNrSCQlBYEINSrlsC6fWBhRGqCeXcmJ8hsiNmEe2HyzWEvVmZGWHkisywM5AtPy0IG9-sK65XWZ1q51ckKBB7U3ubBdTL5LRpj8hS_59nBwWxBNkJEn/s400/Vince+fixing+cabinet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent has a fantastic ability to repair things. At some point, I imagine he'll want to take on a real challenge like building a house...or bridge...or car from scratch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With Carcassonne on hold, Pamela Rose suggested that
we either visit some castle ruins in the area or go ice skating. James
and Sarah opted for the ice skating, which neither had done in at least a
couple of years. (Paul opted to stay in LandShark and work on algebra.)
The skating session started off a bit dodgy as Sarah held on to the entrance
gate with an iron fist refusing to go onto the ice. It took a lot of
convincing plus me prying Sarah off the gate with determined force to
get her on the ice. She then clutched on to the outer boards for dear
life and shuffled forward. Pamela Rose found a "penguin" support aid
that Sarah could use to hold onto and push around. With a little time,
she had the time to use the penguin and by the time we were about ready
to finish up, she was able to give up the penguin and skate away from
the boards with one hand holding onto my arm, the other arm free. This
was huge for her and she left quite eager to have another skating
session as soon as we could arrange it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1oZ7EblBBC1ggC0bnwMj3kqs6SiChNEnOm0k9kvpe9bPq78K71dBvBsBPTxiKYeCop1teXgiDUsMQRjIpyXUexpw132k4pGTy0TPDr2V-hERcfsHeYrb60wR8XSTFSsNW2dLKjr6ho-5/s1600/Sarah+skating+w+penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1oZ7EblBBC1ggC0bnwMj3kqs6SiChNEnOm0k9kvpe9bPq78K71dBvBsBPTxiKYeCop1teXgiDUsMQRjIpyXUexpw132k4pGTy0TPDr2V-hERcfsHeYrb60wR8XSTFSsNW2dLKjr6ho-5/s400/Sarah+skating+w+penguin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That penguin was a lifesaver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbF0AI14hb3kyfky5Zrg6r6ned80h3yiTqlBqfzPz2pPQFMvOFk4Feg7HMVrYMaQzQSFcfHj4EtVqjlU2wNf3P7VZKdxLaZFmSvkz4S5h1ckrsS3D4LnOZt1O2fpL8NTfCaD5adxxnCC7/s1600/Sarah+skating.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbF0AI14hb3kyfky5Zrg6r6ned80h3yiTqlBqfzPz2pPQFMvOFk4Feg7HMVrYMaQzQSFcfHj4EtVqjlU2wNf3P7VZKdxLaZFmSvkz4S5h1ckrsS3D4LnOZt1O2fpL8NTfCaD5adxxnCC7/s1600/Sarah+skating.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look Mom, no penguin!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTCbQ4dW9toxNHtcs7rRnKEQ_zu-IiLY8iT0KwC7UZAzqN4k2AkPlPWJcT2CzEwWLpXY0eiekrC4yVAPlbAJflLc8hz13Amg7keUVVREZTy4yFgUk17-VcCpuQUosetSqGsoZPydRAwzC/s1600/James+skating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTCbQ4dW9toxNHtcs7rRnKEQ_zu-IiLY8iT0KwC7UZAzqN4k2AkPlPWJcT2CzEwWLpXY0eiekrC4yVAPlbAJflLc8hz13Amg7keUVVREZTy4yFgUk17-VcCpuQUosetSqGsoZPydRAwzC/s400/James+skating.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James did pretty well too, for a California kid who never sees ice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
we returned to Revel, Sarah and I decided to go to the market square in
the center of town as a small holiday celebration was being held there: A
jump house, some wooden games, le Pere Noel and free mulled wine for the
adults. At 18:00, there was the added bonus of a fireworks display set
off from the top of the market building. The holiday fair was a means to
draw people to the center of town and, I think encourage them to do
some shopping to support local businesses, but not many stores were open
(being Sunday) and those that were open (like the toy store) were only
open for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Having lived in the US and being
subjected to 24/7 commercialism, my thought was that if the local
businesses want to take advantage of the sales potential of the
holidays, they should actually be open. Anyway, Sarah and I enjoyed the entertainment.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nUxfCPdw-uPt5KAyCtbkTQOF2cG17YzMRCCZLvEs83RygVdXUUqJSDOdGwSO6U0hLBedysC9Yo9yMwKc6pLaVTPb8Ka6PQ9PY80bY-yVjHj4JCHGLc5xR3wNkxuA-k8y8g2crQopNLkp/s1600/Revel+fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nUxfCPdw-uPt5KAyCtbkTQOF2cG17YzMRCCZLvEs83RygVdXUUqJSDOdGwSO6U0hLBedysC9Yo9yMwKc6pLaVTPb8Ka6PQ9PY80bY-yVjHj4JCHGLc5xR3wNkxuA-k8y8g2crQopNLkp/s400/Revel+fireworks.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks were set off from the roof of the medieval market building. They didn't seem to be too concerned about fire; at times the live embers were falling all over the roof!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That
evening, we had another wonderful meal at with the Vellacotts. Smoked
salmon, the best duck I've ever had, duck sausage. We were seriously
being spoiled.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 16th</b>, we headed to Carcassonne. Specifically, we went to the fortified old city, La Cite. Carcassonne has a second, larger (more) modern city called Ville Basse. (Ville Basse dates from the 13th century.)<br />
<br />
La Cite dates back to Roman times. It's massive walls are completely intact, run nearly two miles around and have 52 towers. Apparently, La Cite's "golden age" was the 1100s when independent rulers allowed Jews and Cathars to live and prosper within the walls while troubadours were permitted to freely write "poems of love". This focus on intellectual and romantic life led to La Cite's downfall; the Crusades overtook the city and in 1226 Carcassonne was annexed to the domain of the King of France.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kQWpL2rQn1otcVqYkvnOg3Dy3MsTAqeNiCoPgH_zur_WAMJlrFe7P1kiDLfqgnA8uw8PMI3HlXU-XBLPxM4aVeMcNhVnau2_q5wNe_ATsc3E5pEGiSNlwZ4oHQuVubF3BbPMrEeBy4Gl/s1600/Carcassonne+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kQWpL2rQn1otcVqYkvnOg3Dy3MsTAqeNiCoPgH_zur_WAMJlrFe7P1kiDLfqgnA8uw8PMI3HlXU-XBLPxM4aVeMcNhVnau2_q5wNe_ATsc3E5pEGiSNlwZ4oHQuVubF3BbPMrEeBy4Gl/s400/Carcassonne+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing between the outer walls and inner walls: We had just passed through the Narbonne Gate. I suggested a family photo but clearly no one was really interested.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfCMgtkRu4oMRdJbQLeluJ5eBKzVAfEl9xX2-3fZwYoK-xljwBvl8CS2PvYKzKXL1oHoF9rT52U1b_Suh1DYZKcGN-afyev1KWh3nlQxsV1v8_WbTICaTNX7_6-o-qTOn0o-ZCEwVgQvj/s1600/Carcassonne+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfCMgtkRu4oMRdJbQLeluJ5eBKzVAfEl9xX2-3fZwYoK-xljwBvl8CS2PvYKzKXL1oHoF9rT52U1b_Suh1DYZKcGN-afyev1KWh3nlQxsV1v8_WbTICaTNX7_6-o-qTOn0o-ZCEwVgQvj/s400/Carcassonne+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over a moat to go through an inner wall: I suggested to the kids, "Hey how about a photo?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gfwM2DmzsAqqbf3La9OknPMNUdWqg_LJC9BIlBy56IExj7M2cAVr7F5g6hhRZuUfAgzH1onr-5E-tcUCp8JEesjmAMvVSN-qW0tCSYJE_1rKnJ2DouHY8Lh9eTqYJD4MHayUzuVlET2D/s1600/Carcassonne+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gfwM2DmzsAqqbf3La9OknPMNUdWqg_LJC9BIlBy56IExj7M2cAVr7F5g6hhRZuUfAgzH1onr-5E-tcUCp8JEesjmAMvVSN-qW0tCSYJE_1rKnJ2DouHY8Lh9eTqYJD4MHayUzuVlET2D/s400/Carcassonne+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still waiting for the kids to stand still and pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJZ2QRkpffD097dfE1t7cmxPy6ayEALhrTKFNTOTcuylIGML0VVeIvt0hpUMb5Erw20W-fkEHAYrlajKayctgP5UmXoCUDIvv8fy3UKZdHkYximphRwj5bQpr8yRg5xV3DCv_Jwz2MQqV/s1600/Carcassonne+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJZ2QRkpffD097dfE1t7cmxPy6ayEALhrTKFNTOTcuylIGML0VVeIvt0hpUMb5Erw20W-fkEHAYrlajKayctgP5UmXoCUDIvv8fy3UKZdHkYximphRwj5bQpr8yRg5xV3DCv_Jwz2MQqV/s400/Carcassonne+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope. A nice photo of the kids wasn't going to happen. Typical.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
La Cite looks "better" than it might have; in the mid-19th century, a major reconstruction project took place, led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, which was part of a program to restore France's important monuments. The inner wall still has the same four gates it had in Roman times.<br />
<br />
We all went to the Chateau Comtal, which was La Cite's third layer of defense. It was originally built in 1125 but had been altered in later reconstructions. There isn't much in terms of signage so be sure to get the audioguides if you visit here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6_q0vThKhaW2hs2tO_OqRERDvUN9FAqr3AVhiovavLBkQij-V340wNsqPBOE7sDtVZ1Qtwfbk8PRkC843FPEB9h6dgpcrRi7GmtR28GV72qSsLAdzmjS5tcaefog42kPNaMNqBuORs5Y/s1600/Chateau+comtal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6_q0vThKhaW2hs2tO_OqRERDvUN9FAqr3AVhiovavLBkQij-V340wNsqPBOE7sDtVZ1Qtwfbk8PRkC843FPEB9h6dgpcrRi7GmtR28GV72qSsLAdzmjS5tcaefog42kPNaMNqBuORs5Y/s400/Chateau+comtal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main inner courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb0fpRc8vnNLxfPTfY6wkA6N1O9r1JaG1jrswU55e8-DwxoW5bWlbtHHbZaFe0rIFx3fLLE4yV7GJODLt1vbW-u-Be1CznpNJysmQWn3zDo2oJ5D6_kGLXZJRKzS_p0QZcbfiguOPqC9S/s1600/chateau+comtal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb0fpRc8vnNLxfPTfY6wkA6N1O9r1JaG1jrswU55e8-DwxoW5bWlbtHHbZaFe0rIFx3fLLE4yV7GJODLt1vbW-u-Be1CznpNJysmQWn3zDo2oJ5D6_kGLXZJRKzS_p0QZcbfiguOPqC9S/s400/chateau+comtal+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarah and I then split off from the boys to look around the rest of La Cite and see what the shops had to offer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu6LzuEC6-bRmUyknRlCr2gE6V_0EoP2bm5nnoyHEbgxjcfqSi6rVjUmyQhd2qMxZz4H2b7B1z6fwq0YD_jYGB_4bWl7Iad0Q1qsNUQViV4kzLXORp1fDutdeYl5jdjFmzj4mLGC4sc0T/s1600/St+Nazaire+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu6LzuEC6-bRmUyknRlCr2gE6V_0EoP2bm5nnoyHEbgxjcfqSi6rVjUmyQhd2qMxZz4H2b7B1z6fwq0YD_jYGB_4bWl7Iad0Q1qsNUQViV4kzLXORp1fDutdeYl5jdjFmzj4mLGC4sc0T/s400/St+Nazaire+church.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stepped into the St Nazaire Church to light a candle. St Nazaire was a cathedral until the 18th century, when the Bishop moved to the Ville Basse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leaving La Cite, I took a couple more photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C5UOYS_VTDhxEpviEMwy0YnrX51OzfHaFPEqPLDN5S7BdXb3x_vJ6sObaIK4Rn3MjvlSZxuHP6gWn03_b2TofToMS0XB71EqkPxN00AJR7Sy2Gijr28yY7yTwIed1zvM5ROCSfZV8ySp/s1600/Carcassonne+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C5UOYS_VTDhxEpviEMwy0YnrX51OzfHaFPEqPLDN5S7BdXb3x_vJ6sObaIK4Rn3MjvlSZxuHP6gWn03_b2TofToMS0XB71EqkPxN00AJR7Sy2Gijr28yY7yTwIed1zvM5ROCSfZV8ySp/s400/Carcassonne+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset reflecting on the outer walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq7dUvT0xVx_ID-VMGiyYYM_pYLmD7SHTqOZOEMU28xM4ppX2yCRvxkVwVcrorVijAQ-8P-KFMC6uaRyE8BbKCkDJ55AdQX4Y8Gai8CPdCjChdELUMZ7IYUi42F3ekFkBa_D58zSKn9GF/s1600/carcassonne+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq7dUvT0xVx_ID-VMGiyYYM_pYLmD7SHTqOZOEMU28xM4ppX2yCRvxkVwVcrorVijAQ-8P-KFMC6uaRyE8BbKCkDJ55AdQX4Y8Gai8CPdCjChdELUMZ7IYUi42F3ekFkBa_D58zSKn9GF/s400/carcassonne+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last shot of the day and I finally had some willing participants. In the background is La Cite's main entrance, the Narbonne Gate. To the right of the gate is a bust of Madame Carcas. Legend has it that when Charlemagne's army was laying seige against (what is now called) Carcassonne, in a last ditched effort to convince the oppressors that the inhabitants of Carcassonne could hold them off for years and not run out of food, Madame Carcas had an idea. She took one of the last pigs in the town, fed it with what little wheat they still had on hand and threw the pig over the wall. Charlemagne's army thought that if they have the resources to waste a pig, they must be well fortified. When Charlemagne's army left, all the bells in the town were rung and Charlemagne's men exclaimed, "Carcas sonne!", and that is how the name of the city came to be. This tale may very well be fabricated, but it makes for a good story.</td></tr>
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We returned to Revel and had a final, fantastic meal with the Vellacotts. They truly spoiled us. What a nice couple of days in Revel we had.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 17th</b>, we drove from Revel to Barcelona to catch the Grimaldi Line's Barcelona. The plan was to sail from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) and avoid the €400+ tolls we'd have to pay crossing France. Of course driving along the Cotes d'Azur is no hardship but our goal was to sort out a long-term stay in the EC. If we managed to successfully gain residency in Italy, we'd be back to spend more time in France.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOcOSqv0Apa7jMqDn2M9YWo6erRMnrqTMXXlEdmkiNv2tcOZ5jqv4H-rG00ETMaOv1324lUmsOKCsZQRuwgxMNP2DRucs8EmiEUQYvT45x5QjrrOWuBNN_pD3nbHFPu5xt3WQXCbZ6s64/s1600/Grimaldi+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOcOSqv0Apa7jMqDn2M9YWo6erRMnrqTMXXlEdmkiNv2tcOZ5jqv4H-rG00ETMaOv1324lUmsOKCsZQRuwgxMNP2DRucs8EmiEUQYvT45x5QjrrOWuBNN_pD3nbHFPu5xt3WQXCbZ6s64/s400/Grimaldi+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I are checked in and waiting to board the <i>Barcelona</i>. The ship was set to depart at 22:30.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR2gW58AC68obmJm95eI7q6e_zMQphHbbsXZa1xckGahX4y4OC_CZQUvnTxiyaNPZtEvB074bMadiiDo8Gj0siV2WeTmsV9lgNeTRgrJfJzAdSm_E2DBTYdMNyzAnkUTmgJv2vY5_7mz1/s1600/Grimaldi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR2gW58AC68obmJm95eI7q6e_zMQphHbbsXZa1xckGahX4y4OC_CZQUvnTxiyaNPZtEvB074bMadiiDo8Gj0siV2WeTmsV9lgNeTRgrJfJzAdSm_E2DBTYdMNyzAnkUTmgJv2vY5_7mz1/s400/Grimaldi+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were waiting to "roll-on" the ship, Vincent climbed up to the top of LandShark to see if there was any damage from driving under the low bridge (back when entering Paris). Good news, everything was still in good shape!</td></tr>
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On <b>December 18th</b>, we woke to a beautiful sunny day. Perfect for crossing the Mediterranean. Thankfully we all had a good night's sleep; the only one who didn't sleep well was poor Molly who had to spend the night in the kennel on the 11th deck. She was very unhappy when we left her at night.<br />
<br />
Vincent and I were awake a little after 8am; the kids were still asleep, so we went to breakfast on our own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPqy9L0E0pxvEvOIuvCg3ekoqSBcRM-uHr2zH0KFzOqcyfbq_7ixNMpcZ3kOEduGEus82sC3afaFqF7pQQNfWu3GEkCZX6yEan5IYxhbYVr5qz8VP16y4aZtxDNO4rFx1u11jqifcpRfE/s1600/Grimaldi+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPqy9L0E0pxvEvOIuvCg3ekoqSBcRM-uHr2zH0KFzOqcyfbq_7ixNMpcZ3kOEduGEus82sC3afaFqF7pQQNfWu3GEkCZX6yEan5IYxhbYVr5qz8VP16y4aZtxDNO4rFx1u11jqifcpRfE/s400/Grimaldi+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent pre-ordered us all a standard breakfast and lunch. The breakfast was pretty light with a croissant au chocolat and small coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi3Ejdh8YOmNNNszYyk2ZNE7uwXuWY0H2gDoWSP5Rccc9rOC9uQffek-h14roHcsY-PRSDmbrMoxvx_Fck1kXceWygyoLhsqMiDkWZw-eqbxi3arL_zBjBlQIp50sLT4zjLzFKvuFSwY9/s1600/Grimaldi+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi3Ejdh8YOmNNNszYyk2ZNE7uwXuWY0H2gDoWSP5Rccc9rOC9uQffek-h14roHcsY-PRSDmbrMoxvx_Fck1kXceWygyoLhsqMiDkWZw-eqbxi3arL_zBjBlQIp50sLT4zjLzFKvuFSwY9/s400/Grimaldi+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 8:45, Vincent and I were the <i>only</i> customers in the restaurant. We learned that the main business of this ferry line is to transport trucks and goods between Barcelona and Civitavecchia. Any holiday travelers are just gravy, so in the off season people like us can have much of the ship to ourselves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfG3V6ZLTVyejLzSfzlPY784nD7J7g1EynfAmPA-fsuygLLCsyTqiaUl-xpJVWkoL7UgBDDFmuwxw9o2-PsETKcRNW2DUl92DNtnT80hSWyve-Zhi2_G_3cjZhS6_79ELYU6TVxftHqCr/s1600/Grimaldi+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfG3V6ZLTVyejLzSfzlPY784nD7J7g1EynfAmPA-fsuygLLCsyTqiaUl-xpJVWkoL7UgBDDFmuwxw9o2-PsETKcRNW2DUl92DNtnT80hSWyve-Zhi2_G_3cjZhS6_79ELYU6TVxftHqCr/s400/Grimaldi+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what island this is but there were some lovely views from the ship during the course of the day.</td></tr>
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The trip from Barcelona to Civitavecchia would take about 20 hours so we had the whole day on board the ferry. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-CbR8mlu66MWpVEOm5QYQzBe5j8yssL8jPwlKF6d2oznLb9HGrbtM2hTM4-9BSUuSFXIwMsIhigKqm3LMoW-VUUbM3QjtD-UEm97kOKcjlooT9VnjQzw7mNaq6V_NX_3Qp1bmB0IurRr/s1600/Grimaldi+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-CbR8mlu66MWpVEOm5QYQzBe5j8yssL8jPwlKF6d2oznLb9HGrbtM2hTM4-9BSUuSFXIwMsIhigKqm3LMoW-VUUbM3QjtD-UEm97kOKcjlooT9VnjQzw7mNaq6V_NX_3Qp1bmB0IurRr/s400/Grimaldi+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul giving Molly a walk on the deck. She was <i>so happy</i> to get out of that kennel.</td></tr>
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At 18:45, the <i>Barcelona</i> pulled into Civitavecchia. When we disembarked I was asked where my front license plate was. (I removed it so it wouldn't get stolen and kept it in my glove compartment. I kept a photocopy of the license plate in my front window to be "technically" legal, having a license plate both on the front and back.) Other than when we boarded the ferry to cross the English Channel, this was the first time I had been asked about the missing license plate. I was then asked to show my driver's license. I presented my California driver's license and that seemed sufficient. So far, I've found no reason to get an "international driver's license".<br />
<br />
It took about an hour to drive to our next campground, Roma Camping Village, just on the outskirts of Rome. We were driving in the dark, which is something Vince really wanted to avoid with LandShark. Nevertheless, we made it without major issue (yes, a few wrong turns) and were happy to arrive and finally get safely parked. We were all looking forward to our time in Italy.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-30111517381194082182013-12-19T07:20:00.000-08:002013-12-21T00:30:38.927-08:00Bienvenue en France: Normandie et Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>November 29th</b>, was Sarah's 8th birthday and our first day in France. Most of us didn't sleep very well on the Bretagne (hard pillows, engine noise, etc) but we arrive in Roscoff and disembarked without a hitch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrfOSLu6NnBG_NnkduIv3ANgylE5c5SPXM3mgXhln2dgirsS08C98EQ-Zj24rwXjxbH830pRk85fR9qZPC1b6NaLCBytD_5c0-PN0hEG0ve6cRo1Cul3gOagyWpvRI0Q_PRXhGq7Du-eB/s1600/Sarah+bday+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrfOSLu6NnBG_NnkduIv3ANgylE5c5SPXM3mgXhln2dgirsS08C98EQ-Zj24rwXjxbH830pRk85fR9qZPC1b6NaLCBytD_5c0-PN0hEG0ve6cRo1Cul3gOagyWpvRI0Q_PRXhGq7Du-eB/s400/Sarah+bday+breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While waiting to disembark, we had the birthday breakfast: Donuts from M&S. The upside with not having treats very often was that those donuts were appreciated. (I wish I found some balloons or something to jazz up the RV.)</td></tr>
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Our first destination in France was Camping Le Picard (€30/nt) in Tournieres, Normandy. (Apologies, I cannot do the correct French characters with this American keyboard.) It was about a 3 hour drive and was tough going having not slept well and having succumbed to the cold that the kids had. James was my co-pilot and we found the campground without difficulty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRquk_C9Jmnci4z4FoXArXfMzaWdNVzBGiiAe9SjKUAVZCQ4NTdixbm0xtTJ4ayw1-UZYFASnfmjVIItVrPVCJIiiAj95KbLIxmBeYApQ887fuxcZp3LPagQtwFOXBxlN2StMY2vEwdWx/s1600/Sarah+at+Picard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRquk_C9Jmnci4z4FoXArXfMzaWdNVzBGiiAe9SjKUAVZCQ4NTdixbm0xtTJ4ayw1-UZYFASnfmjVIItVrPVCJIiiAj95KbLIxmBeYApQ887fuxcZp3LPagQtwFOXBxlN2StMY2vEwdWx/s400/Sarah+at+Picard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campground had a pond which probably could spell a whole lot of fun for three bored kids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbH8GGkbel-3qhAbQFZd7xReFHn4CZ-9WFy_Fn6ThvZthJRCp9MFUYAesXuKxflAAI390RfhguPad6PUb4E6EXWG6Tx3Nqg13BjEPiwsaaYDIKgD6n2AykLbLSUKVYgVH5vly4guEuoC-/s1600/Sarah+presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbH8GGkbel-3qhAbQFZd7xReFHn4CZ-9WFy_Fn6ThvZthJRCp9MFUYAesXuKxflAAI390RfhguPad6PUb4E6EXWG6Tx3Nqg13BjEPiwsaaYDIKgD6n2AykLbLSUKVYgVH5vly4guEuoC-/s400/Sarah+presents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once we got settled at Le Picard, Sarah wanted to open presents and so we did. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXU-py6CO7jIhnYfokF78XlpIK51ktU7SlzQQtiHuFE-jo_qSgbvoPUSWgBkyA5v94aX3C-2vck3IZieOB3WTQMzK7nFmQheas-3OZcL1-L8UukGQFPZX2QGTxQF-Zts9rVS1orakeKqc/s1600/sarah+owl+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXU-py6CO7jIhnYfokF78XlpIK51ktU7SlzQQtiHuFE-jo_qSgbvoPUSWgBkyA5v94aX3C-2vck3IZieOB3WTQMzK7nFmQheas-3OZcL1-L8UukGQFPZX2QGTxQF-Zts9rVS1orakeKqc/s400/sarah+owl+sweater.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She'll be fashionable for travel in Northern Europe's wintery wet weather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL9pR244LZSxYN1qHSA9eFhPR7umME5bo12FgsQ-97RG_fPi1Fbs_x858iRb1R8Zb5pIGe2VFTJDZgianW5qtfwFnjyNPK1G4Pz6ubm416KxP9ZFIFycwO69dWr_MzgjRQO021SljKXva/s1600/Sarah+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL9pR244LZSxYN1qHSA9eFhPR7umME5bo12FgsQ-97RG_fPi1Fbs_x858iRb1R8Zb5pIGe2VFTJDZgianW5qtfwFnjyNPK1G4Pz6ubm416KxP9ZFIFycwO69dWr_MzgjRQO021SljKXva/s400/Sarah+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We then sang happy birthday and had the cake Sarah picked out at M&S back in England.</td></tr>
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That evening, Sarah wanted to go out to a "fancy" French restaurant for her birthday dinner. We drove to Bayeux and found a nice place on Rue de Cuisinieres, right by the Bayeux Cathedral. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtgRmhN4nHrWb20f2NIhb6UY_i3ZAPP7Xs3e_iBz2ESYQBaU2PaxRpac8x3S-8jNJLHmDwEtacY2ntBfzR9RxZ5-wPS_g0gsHZZ0FnTavyxV_N_7zVCkGgoS3DmjS2NX7qUej3YMQwZOu/s1600/Sarahs+bday+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtgRmhN4nHrWb20f2NIhb6UY_i3ZAPP7Xs3e_iBz2ESYQBaU2PaxRpac8x3S-8jNJLHmDwEtacY2ntBfzR9RxZ5-wPS_g0gsHZZ0FnTavyxV_N_7zVCkGgoS3DmjS2NX7qUej3YMQwZOu/s400/Sarahs+bday+dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and Sarah worked through the menu for <i>les enfants</i>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVvEpF0vBM9IE74gEU3Hy7lHhaL0XfvoPYGBuiI_mL1Hs5r8Lv9SI4azTpFWmTZZCmnjRaDbqSadawfDttQ-JlD4mMhCZRvwsedgc4GH8vaNdLwcJqvZSoRMFQRaBW8TvH0zPtHG_MglJ/s1600/Paul+anchovies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVvEpF0vBM9IE74gEU3Hy7lHhaL0XfvoPYGBuiI_mL1Hs5r8Lv9SI4azTpFWmTZZCmnjRaDbqSadawfDttQ-JlD4mMhCZRvwsedgc4GH8vaNdLwcJqvZSoRMFQRaBW8TvH0zPtHG_MglJ/s400/Paul+anchovies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul made the surprise order: Pizza with olives and anchovies. Who is this boy?</td></tr>
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On <b>November 30th</b>, we went to the American Cemetery which covers 172 acres and is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach. The cemetery includes a Visitor Center which depicts the significance and meaning of Operation Overlord. The exhibitions are based upon three universal themes: Competence,
Courage and Sacrifice. Exhibits go beyond the United States' involvement and also tell the story of the Allies, the French Resistance and the
civilians.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BvffyzwtV4VrkR3PGFRbDG-vWgSREgMXZSR1igaACnTIQbJ1Lk3mupZsmw7jITHWEaJQqrVvM-fT37VBhFQU-oImBCkAXI0wKBSi2mEe_9NCMpi1kh8xYEuZ8Y8yA_sntghHui3ePWVD/s1600/American+cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BvffyzwtV4VrkR3PGFRbDG-vWgSREgMXZSR1igaACnTIQbJ1Lk3mupZsmw7jITHWEaJQqrVvM-fT37VBhFQU-oImBCkAXI0wKBSi2mEe_9NCMpi1kh8xYEuZ8Y8yA_sntghHui3ePWVD/s400/American+cemetery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The servicemen and women lie beneath precisely aligned headstones of white Lasa marble crosses and Stars of David. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_UW_ThT1x3Bm7mBGfqU6p7RTGKAeserlWR_Ayqg3rHNgTPm9ZKroQAxDW6cQtX6JDqhXmMErQ-IRKGG5T-8M9ZJXMzzc2sRq4e7lOiT22T3qzBrt_nyBvYEkbxiquvrnteQD81OPtsXI/s1600/American+cemetery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_UW_ThT1x3Bm7mBGfqU6p7RTGKAeserlWR_Ayqg3rHNgTPm9ZKroQAxDW6cQtX6JDqhXmMErQ-IRKGG5T-8M9ZJXMzzc2sRq4e7lOiT22T3qzBrt_nyBvYEkbxiquvrnteQD81OPtsXI/s400/American+cemetery+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a total of 9,387 headstones: 9,238 are Latin crosses. 149 are Stars of David.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QpqOeLFzEQpb1JPiJ8-E7-xmtfFU85sMN2IcApjeIYpeRfuuRefMr_9WJt2P7fVBTPy5j0oJs9BXFtiqCWxeOEukX9KrqzSYQyoQous6RsLZ1oyz5-1TDzArrEc5dbyhOo2EVxJ7UYkW/s1600/American+cemetery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QpqOeLFzEQpb1JPiJ8-E7-xmtfFU85sMN2IcApjeIYpeRfuuRefMr_9WJt2P7fVBTPy5j0oJs9BXFtiqCWxeOEukX9KrqzSYQyoQous6RsLZ1oyz5-1TDzArrEc5dbyhOo2EVxJ7UYkW/s400/American+cemetery+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view towards the memorial that features a 22-foot statue, "The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY1MemMpKQNj8U5D-dhq-CP4dpyvq2d4M-Vh5KZtogkxVyMN2ZlDsP3BxJU8DDHmja0bPFkhSxG0tHhJ1_MkqBroKZuzYhyphenhyphengkMK7rIm5sQ5tTcZPjY4-7_sUX6c-GM5FNvPdoQhdR5tIE/s1600/James+in+Garden+of+Missing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY1MemMpKQNj8U5D-dhq-CP4dpyvq2d4M-Vh5KZtogkxVyMN2ZlDsP3BxJU8DDHmja0bPFkhSxG0tHhJ1_MkqBroKZuzYhyphenhyphengkMK7rIm5sQ5tTcZPjY4-7_sUX6c-GM5FNvPdoQhdR5tIE/s400/James+in+Garden+of+Missing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James in the Garden of the Missing: Engraved tablets honor the missing in action who gave their lives in this region of France.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkfZ8vh6U2Q9GxTV10rKO_7vHiGuA7_4W76o0q68rjd63IkfmvSNyeDv3koQm123WnX_vm60RE4I_mJz9Ahij-mJ36EbCN8wFyYMR-BPUWJ2taNsmHwARDxblXFiI1O3CIrRvkGveRjbI/s1600/Omaha+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkfZ8vh6U2Q9GxTV10rKO_7vHiGuA7_4W76o0q68rjd63IkfmvSNyeDv3koQm123WnX_vm60RE4I_mJz9Ahij-mJ36EbCN8wFyYMR-BPUWJ2taNsmHwARDxblXFiI1O3CIrRvkGveRjbI/s400/Omaha+Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panorama of Omaha Beach, below the cemetery. This is the beach where the 175th Combat Team of the 29th US Infantry Division, comprising some 7,500
men, landed on June 6, 1944. They embarked from the beach at Trebah that we visited while staying in Cornwall. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY3-BtzBB8-xxXYjxqwjD7rywN5oF2PAwsBuw8MzWEjaxLMSF3rhghwMTioxYG-Pbm-kIpLiz19Yn1WMsQ5zlvXmzPxDYCspBKWlQwuIDRS56nHyLidgLXTB3tQ4YcTe-riByp7TY3ZYu/s1600/Taps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY3-BtzBB8-xxXYjxqwjD7rywN5oF2PAwsBuw8MzWEjaxLMSF3rhghwMTioxYG-Pbm-kIpLiz19Yn1WMsQ5zlvXmzPxDYCspBKWlQwuIDRS56nHyLidgLXTB3tQ4YcTe-riByp7TY3ZYu/s400/Taps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To add to the somber experience, it's worth visiting the cemetery in late afternoon because at the end of the day, about 16:30 in early December, the two American flags are lowered to Taps. The flags are then folded and taken away until the next day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon leaving the cemetery and returning to our car we found the following note held under the windshield wipers. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9W4AOvpmT5O9eqpbeLyE1xwOylhJF43i8MX2J-r5kjgVARzcy3dVTdT-PzIs17Y3S1Ua1BMTL8_ka7bPCwTddbWfEOx7pyFGHYSgq71Vcq387xxNqnUkjj7HXWp3YxuQc6u7OQT5XvhM/s1600/Thank+you+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9W4AOvpmT5O9eqpbeLyE1xwOylhJF43i8MX2J-r5kjgVARzcy3dVTdT-PzIs17Y3S1Ua1BMTL8_ka7bPCwTddbWfEOx7pyFGHYSgq71Vcq387xxNqnUkjj7HXWp3YxuQc6u7OQT5XvhM/s400/Thank+you+.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people who wrote this note saw our California license plate. Their message was really touching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we still had a bit of daylight, we headed to Point du Hoc which is a prominent 100 ft cliff overlooking the English Channel. It was the highest point between Utah Beach to the west and Omaha Beach to the east. The Germans fortified the area with concrete casements and gun pits. At one point, the Germans had six 155mm cannons here with a range of 25,000
yards. These cannons had a commanding view of both Omaha and
Utah beaches and the potential to cause much damage to any
invading force. On D-Day, the United States Army Ranger Assault Group successfully assaulted Point du Hoc by scaling the cliffs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDUO_wGZPJR-TcziuSqh8e2eYpYHbjF6yF_Q9IfnMbILsxjMWjDtdtLdI_JC8gUbYyQHqrvUQFHwev2jMrSYq0g7MunKmkJuAbps_mwWMPjNPdXgul3PonBgbYnOIWXC6FdEbmq_2WAiZ/s1600/Cliffs+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDUO_wGZPJR-TcziuSqh8e2eYpYHbjF6yF_Q9IfnMbILsxjMWjDtdtLdI_JC8gUbYyQHqrvUQFHwev2jMrSYq0g7MunKmkJuAbps_mwWMPjNPdXgul3PonBgbYnOIWXC6FdEbmq_2WAiZ/s400/Cliffs+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's incredible that many US soldiers actually succeeded in climbing these cliffs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSiHlphUvdwCy-iuTIfafGdkaLsXF2sjdsreP_XS5Zf8pmU-oxab1ciHfjc4A6IhSiY37xbsgPeDkzv95bQSvUAAj1qxUZYN7dG58KPovbjnMvZcbbjCsGO4QdYSwMF0or8eYWyVDY8XN/s1600/Crater+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSiHlphUvdwCy-iuTIfafGdkaLsXF2sjdsreP_XS5Zf8pmU-oxab1ciHfjc4A6IhSiY37xbsgPeDkzv95bQSvUAAj1qxUZYN7dG58KPovbjnMvZcbbjCsGO4QdYSwMF0or8eYWyVDY8XN/s400/Crater+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still present are the huge craters from bombs fired off shore by the Allied destroyers as well as from bombing done in April 1944.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uZPCZSvNbUoQws6l2pKuVCaVk5OPM6b38TucK8ShohyphenhyphenfQA9HhACuczjo6G2L4tFpPxjiL6tKYi8Nkc9X5yijlIS8IIK735NjlnjnKruCY7tXNKU97wqI4pG6T1q7rMHFOtTOH-8BoEoP/s1600/Paul+bunker+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uZPCZSvNbUoQws6l2pKuVCaVk5OPM6b38TucK8ShohyphenhyphenfQA9HhACuczjo6G2L4tFpPxjiL6tKYi8Nkc9X5yijlIS8IIK735NjlnjnKruCY7tXNKU97wqI4pG6T1q7rMHFOtTOH-8BoEoP/s400/Paul+bunker+Point+du+Hoc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul inside the remains of an enclosed concrete casement built by the Germans to improve their defensive capabilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lNzBVnJGntt3bIzIhR0mMfb4jI8_ErAnADQDejrDrTAmjWxs3Y-M3lKOk8ep8HtOq9F6_goog_aemtIoNRxusW3L4F2GK_3SFNcb1WCBdzuWtTiAhx3DD3QlWQGyom_-QgeQgOCXS7ON/s1600/Point+du+Hoc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lNzBVnJGntt3bIzIhR0mMfb4jI8_ErAnADQDejrDrTAmjWxs3Y-M3lKOk8ep8HtOq9F6_goog_aemtIoNRxusW3L4F2GK_3SFNcb1WCBdzuWtTiAhx3DD3QlWQGyom_-QgeQgOCXS7ON/s400/Point+du+Hoc+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of the German fortifications interlaced with tunnels,
trenches, and machine-gun positions, all accented by shell craters. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>December 1st</b>, was the first Sunday in Advent and so the kids opened their Advent calendars which Vince and Paul carted back all the way from Trader Joe's in California. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbQnSMGyUkT_TIIMnxRSJJxIfITjZVGRjq-rn8P3EL6-7euCL9zX5RZn8S2FZNCi75uPZ8K9jtV7ClNBEigL1NmMUh5OI1LVLQCW6QbmJMZYvM8H9fmRwY986h-b9Y4ETmOS91AVRUlfg/s1600/Molly+advent+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbQnSMGyUkT_TIIMnxRSJJxIfITjZVGRjq-rn8P3EL6-7euCL9zX5RZn8S2FZNCi75uPZ8K9jtV7ClNBEigL1NmMUh5OI1LVLQCW6QbmJMZYvM8H9fmRwY986h-b9Y4ETmOS91AVRUlfg/s400/Molly+advent+calendar.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly wasn't left without an Advent calendar; we found one for her in the UK. She loved her treat each morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About mid-day, we went to the Canadian museum of the D-Day beaches, <i>The Juno Beach Center</i>. It was opened in 2003 and is definitely worth a visit. The museum takes visitors through a description of what Canada was like in the 1930s and Canada's reaction to the events taking place in Europe. Focus is given to the three branches of the Canadian military and a variety of short films and interactive displays are placed throughout the museum to give life to the information. The final film that one sees in a small theatre near the end of the museum is particularly well done, telling stories from the point of view of soldiers who volunteered for the D-Day mission. The very last part of the museum provides information about Canada today and some of the current issues Canada is grappling with, such as the declining fishing industry. I really liked the museum and would recommend it to anyone interested in the D-Day subject, whether Canadian or not.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIHTuRc0jpQzBCuek4uP13b_Hb0RSvgCily50tY-8SqcKqtH9i7RS5bcR_vmkA2otvdNMI0gxsWdB7jeE8B208j1ilv-tLc47Y5t3-FyIcw18TLFQXUkqgsEcbWJ-T5BTLHJnm3TBg3xE/s1600/Sarah+Juno+Centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIHTuRc0jpQzBCuek4uP13b_Hb0RSvgCily50tY-8SqcKqtH9i7RS5bcR_vmkA2otvdNMI0gxsWdB7jeE8B208j1ilv-tLc47Y5t3-FyIcw18TLFQXUkqgsEcbWJ-T5BTLHJnm3TBg3xE/s400/Sarah+Juno+Centre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at the entrance to the Juno Beach Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GLqtd5IyfFBYeQXk9FEq3SX5ko0EqHLjjx5OeQW1fl6ODs34jvQkJfgV8a1EH8wuEfh124B1vJLCK7_Axgf2Kvv3ZSgjZQWXmRHa2xRrzZ7UVHDS3nAY9fXFYrbmyibNaW-KzK0gpqZw/s1600/Attack+on+all+fronts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GLqtd5IyfFBYeQXk9FEq3SX5ko0EqHLjjx5OeQW1fl6ODs34jvQkJfgV8a1EH8wuEfh124B1vJLCK7_Axgf2Kvv3ZSgjZQWXmRHa2xRrzZ7UVHDS3nAY9fXFYrbmyibNaW-KzK0gpqZw/s400/Attack+on+all+fronts+2.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A number of war posters were on display. This one was one of our favorites.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g7NsOZL2-H_4eFu9RJA3suZ7BZr0xOhd-EZIfKI6VV1_z23LejXaco9AxiTi_PQqkX-iykO3gaPT5ea7HH9QF89VVVgQ9VtiXLPT79opfM8BI-OxfmS6Az0aWWxxUPbHXhRVDa6W9GA-/s1600/Keep+your+mouth+shut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g7NsOZL2-H_4eFu9RJA3suZ7BZr0xOhd-EZIfKI6VV1_z23LejXaco9AxiTi_PQqkX-iykO3gaPT5ea7HH9QF89VVVgQ9VtiXLPT79opfM8BI-OxfmS6Az0aWWxxUPbHXhRVDa6W9GA-/s400/Keep+your+mouth+shut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadians were reminded via a number of methods not to talk about war plans or to communicate where servicemen were located or what they were doing. There was a fair chance letters or phone calls could be intercepted by the Germans, the result of course being strategic attacks being foiled and unnecessary losses. <i>Keep Your Mouth Shut</i> was a film produced by the National Film Board of Canada and was very blunt that everyone had to keep their mouths shut.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10OOaVFRKRnSvArONpVZKwv50i-zdLIgT6Gliptr29DXDTELevQgD1yOao9TEN-4-mSBhDxj3yD5KSCdZWtG5J1_0NBiKu8_lALvQvx3WIfM_uTXvdqpzEZ0AqRkNTfHHHQNzDZWGFKtp/s1600/Juno+last+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10OOaVFRKRnSvArONpVZKwv50i-zdLIgT6Gliptr29DXDTELevQgD1yOao9TEN-4-mSBhDxj3yD5KSCdZWtG5J1_0NBiKu8_lALvQvx3WIfM_uTXvdqpzEZ0AqRkNTfHHHQNzDZWGFKtp/s400/Juno+last+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last room in the museum provided information on Canada today plus many people's perspectives on Canada.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o3vn0zs7dSm1_7ZdtS3sCdmkovqMq2wfC6wxaomAWAQqowAnxqQ2uvl-pmPMgEGy95TxiPoLwfXVVul1sbi6wNRdWBimznXZDw67_wzt9R26TZdvJhBlNC9RktRDPnZBZqBqlpSuhei6/s1600/Boys+on+Juno+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o3vn0zs7dSm1_7ZdtS3sCdmkovqMq2wfC6wxaomAWAQqowAnxqQ2uvl-pmPMgEGy95TxiPoLwfXVVul1sbi6wNRdWBimznXZDw67_wzt9R26TZdvJhBlNC9RktRDPnZBZqBqlpSuhei6/s400/Boys+on+Juno+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys on Juno Beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon leaving Juno, we headed towards Bayeux to do some food shopping. The Carrefour was closed. It was Sunday, late afternoon. We realized that living in France would require some planning, unlike living in the US where there is always some store open 24/7. So with no food for dinner, we continued on into Bayeux to look for a restaurant. Finding an open restaurant didn't prove to be much easier. We went back to the Rue de Cuisinieres and all the restaurants were closed. We continued on to the Bayeux Cathedral and walked around it and found a take out pizza place operating and a bar/restaurant open. We chose the bar/restaurant, Le Conquerant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2MePHko8aCmffgMj5yAsOFOybXz7JcKzXV8AtZfq9WoDZ8auplAdSCDwuvHcqaoxxcdYOn4-NJd5AxFduG9SjefKpnFHLb5rtGJHhs9MVUTLAXVH5g9weVeXIWcBLg1TlT5lrXbK06Qj/s1600/Cidre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2MePHko8aCmffgMj5yAsOFOybXz7JcKzXV8AtZfq9WoDZ8auplAdSCDwuvHcqaoxxcdYOn4-NJd5AxFduG9SjefKpnFHLb5rtGJHhs9MVUTLAXVH5g9weVeXIWcBLg1TlT5lrXbK06Qj/s400/Cidre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normandy is
one of the few French regions that doesn't have a thriving wine
industry. Cidre is the local drink, so Vincent and I tried a bottle of
cidre rose. It's pretty much just like sparkling apple juice with a
light 3% alcoholic content. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way back to our car, we stopped to take a better look at the Bayeux Cathedral. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cBx6_B3tc6H4tVTOIipi8y1JXyAzQ5ZcFbBL90lsMWRvDakEb_WCN1iw8HFvHhnX1cPi08Vwv9_x-jRZHwuS6o0-dYT3y-vkNzaAuISwwSQksFBIe3KDjBYagqSBMqS2rffI6fw4kGop/s1600/Cathedral+Bayeux+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cBx6_B3tc6H4tVTOIipi8y1JXyAzQ5ZcFbBL90lsMWRvDakEb_WCN1iw8HFvHhnX1cPi08Vwv9_x-jRZHwuS6o0-dYT3y-vkNzaAuISwwSQksFBIe3KDjBYagqSBMqS2rffI6fw4kGop/s400/Cathedral+Bayeux+outside.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayeux Cathedral: Beautiful detail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WlOpl5AvYrnkcOVVqXkKdK23Q3bF_X_Y6UsOjarDyYCmOnSp7wMPONcuyaIqOWihLhLV6QRSoyDEOexTMsESuwybkZB8aS0JHIBG-41vNbwmAzdk0WBLRgOyBo_AcuDRx9I1c94ZSVxc/s1600/Bayeux+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WlOpl5AvYrnkcOVVqXkKdK23Q3bF_X_Y6UsOjarDyYCmOnSp7wMPONcuyaIqOWihLhLV6QRSoyDEOexTMsESuwybkZB8aS0JHIBG-41vNbwmAzdk0WBLRgOyBo_AcuDRx9I1c94ZSVxc/s400/Bayeux+Cathedral.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the nave of Bayeux Cathedral.</td></tr>
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On <b>December 2nd</b>, Vincent and the kids went to Mont Saint Michel. Sadly, for me my head was bothering me immensely and so I regrettably had to stay behind. Darn head. I had been to Mont St Michel about 25 years ago but I still hated to miss it. I gave Vincent my camera and so he took the following pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv5tTI5N3whAkqFXI-RF6rAXyNxOaQ3b574Lll_3HtyB7R8sc3wJrF2473BfO2Euj2Hv_059eMOQ_BAeawBmvusZpQ_pnJixrJlqGC_h7o3w99R1feCIzJ-f0nyUK5qnthJ5-eF0hQGp6/s1600/Mont+St+Michel+Approach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv5tTI5N3whAkqFXI-RF6rAXyNxOaQ3b574Lll_3HtyB7R8sc3wJrF2473BfO2Euj2Hv_059eMOQ_BAeawBmvusZpQ_pnJixrJlqGC_h7o3w99R1feCIzJ-f0nyUK5qnthJ5-eF0hQGp6/s400/Mont+St+Michel+Approach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids talked Vincent into taking the horse drawn wagon up to Mont Saint Michel, as long as they walked the way back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK48R9FdUbR1yrJsHTD6QQNhn-B-MqA7tMJBF2spvIUsB9764wMt6iY2L4YAKg2JeG2us4MkZXGF8piivI4ug8CSRajsMw2374QWaHGgSN7Bzj3bPKcIBHGh-4RDhFK8JsMX30D-Dqe0tT/s1600/Mont+St+Michel+Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK48R9FdUbR1yrJsHTD6QQNhn-B-MqA7tMJBF2spvIUsB9764wMt6iY2L4YAKg2JeG2us4MkZXGF8piivI4ug8CSRajsMw2374QWaHGgSN7Bzj3bPKcIBHGh-4RDhFK8JsMX30D-Dqe0tT/s400/Mont+St+Michel+Abbey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at the Abbey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-My7sBgdmL002FVQ9zO2M5SibqrdnqpoOJrP3BxJl7H4GPrwYE2kcyOtVArgrNr4HsQqMsUPqcCUdnY7erhKMGBSIdKa6pRwZ8Qjnhyu5jRfONXpvbyp8poUy46TgAMppDJPvOsopElQ/s1600/Mont+St+Michel+Cloister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-My7sBgdmL002FVQ9zO2M5SibqrdnqpoOJrP3BxJl7H4GPrwYE2kcyOtVArgrNr4HsQqMsUPqcCUdnY7erhKMGBSIdKa6pRwZ8Qjnhyu5jRfONXpvbyp8poUy46TgAMppDJPvOsopElQ/s400/Mont+St+Michel+Cloister.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloister.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzS6p-oqvSDVXwitahBHxUHnRjP3CAvQ8JZhgMe6Wfx24eH2P7Vs9xMW2mdMytJXIFojrLNWeaT9Et6_3gyavRYc0Nldp9C_KWGBNMlcsABZFNdOrh5IsgloqVGpvyVuSkqfZfY6XfXVu/s1600/Mont+St+Michel+View+from+Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzS6p-oqvSDVXwitahBHxUHnRjP3CAvQ8JZhgMe6Wfx24eH2P7Vs9xMW2mdMytJXIFojrLNWeaT9Et6_3gyavRYc0Nldp9C_KWGBNMlcsABZFNdOrh5IsgloqVGpvyVuSkqfZfY6XfXVu/s400/Mont+St+Michel+View+from+Abbey.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of an Abbey garden and the sea further below, which mostly surrounds the island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXv9WNh3-f4q5RuUF42OEoaZDPFD4ClzBsgeRFiQ886CVYvT5NnWj5YM2O8T0RsM6WcBDiJqHO0rI5mTTVps3hyErkTOcrlrCM4KQ4t28MthRQlj62JSm10JKIMx3mi4j0T6PCdFiTlDJ/s1600/Mont+St+Michel+streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXv9WNh3-f4q5RuUF42OEoaZDPFD4ClzBsgeRFiQ886CVYvT5NnWj5YM2O8T0RsM6WcBDiJqHO0rI5mTTVps3hyErkTOcrlrCM4KQ4t28MthRQlj62JSm10JKIMx3mi4j0T6PCdFiTlDJ/s400/Mont+St+Michel+streets.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Saint Michel streets can be quite crowded, even in the off season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>December 3rd</b>, we stayed at the campground to do some research. I still wasn't feeling 100% and Vincent and I wanted to finally formalize a concrete plan for obtaining him and the kids long term visas so they could stay in the Schengen zone longer than 90 days within a 180 day period. So many countries had joined the Schengen Treaty that it is now very difficult to manage a long term stay in Europe, if you aren't fortunate, like me, to hold an EU passport. The upside was that because I am an EU citizen it was theoretically possible for my family members to get permission, but each way of doing it required a number of hurdles. By the afternoon, we found the French Consulate in London that we thought would be willing to issue Vincent and the kids the visas but would require us to return to London to do so. I spent the afternoon filling out the visa forms, figuring out our itinerary such that we could get the visas before Vincent and Paul had to return to the US the end of January, and deciding on an appointment time. Plus all the other bits such as on which ferry to return, what campgrounds were available near London and what campground could we visit in Paris before we left France so as to have a little bit of a French Christmas experience. Meanwhile, Vincent contacted the Italian consulate again, both in San Francisco and in London. His contacts seemed to comply that we could successfully seek residency in Italy once we arrived in Italy; this was the more attractive option, not having to backtrack to London, with the added bonus of continuing south. At the end of the day, the only thing we had decided on was to go to Paris the next day and at least spend a week there and immerse ourselves in a little French culture and see how the French celebrate the holidays.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuZ11B4pRJLxCey1GHnpjafRDW1TWlgtYYDKq6BVMDXgt8CMXIUYcXEvWGedoUYKyj_D1KKxiAuUH7W6F89lEKSBbLhS2fFfmDflgwnLlqLDZDTUG06KJxDRIf77XixTFnYUUvl6G54Tf/s1600/Le+Picard+Pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuZ11B4pRJLxCey1GHnpjafRDW1TWlgtYYDKq6BVMDXgt8CMXIUYcXEvWGedoUYKyj_D1KKxiAuUH7W6F89lEKSBbLhS2fFfmDflgwnLlqLDZDTUG06KJxDRIf77XixTFnYUUvl6G54Tf/s400/Le+Picard+Pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was time to leave Le Picard. The kids had discovered a boat and were off on their own adventures. Initially, it was an excellent diversion but some imaginations shifted to piracy and hostage taking and, not surprisingly, some members of the crew were very unhappy being subjected to the slave trade.</td></tr>
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On <b>December 4th</b>, we left Le Picard and headed towards Paris. Our destination was Camping Paris Bois de Boulogne (€47.50), right within the city limits. Sarah was my co-pilot during this trip. My head still wasn't feeling well so my focus was just on making the drive successfully. It was about a 170 mile trip but, because we were aiming to avoid tolls, it was really slow going. Because I wasn't feeling well, I decided to just follow Vincent which made the trip even longer. The plan worked until just entering Paris and we got separated by traffic. At that point, Vince wanted to make a further detour to avoid a foreseen u-turn but I just wanted to get to the campground. The net of it was that we ended up arriving in Paris after the sun set. We saw the Eiffel Tower lit up beautifully entering the city; they must add extra lighting at Christmas because it looked just like a Christmas tree...very pretty. The downside from splitting off from Vince was that I missed the campground turn off twice before entering. That was nothing compared to poor Vince; he somehow managed to go under a bridge that was too low and scraped the top of LandShark. Oh, man, what a nightmare! The bridge height posting stated 3.4 meters while Vince's measurements of LandShark were 3.8 meters. (Lesson learned: <i>Never turn off the trucker's GPS!</i>)<br />
<br />
When we got settled at the campground, Vince made a cursory look at the top of LandShark (from the ground) and the air conditioning units (the tallest items) were still there so fingers crossed that there wasn't any serious damage. Maybe the bridge height was a little generous and maybe Vincent's measurements were a little exaggerated; the difference saved the top of LandShark.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 5th</b>, we woke to a sunny but crisp day. Great conditions for our first day in Paris. After some research, and remembering that we had kids to consider, we decided to purchase a 3-day L'OpenTour bus pass (akin to Hop-on-Hop-off) (pay for 2 days and get the third day free). After the good experience with busses in London, we thought this would be a better way to go than to principally rely on the Metro. (We'd just have to make sure we received tickets for 3 days, not 1 day as was our unfortunate reality with this concept in London.)<br />
<br />
It took us a while to get mobilized with homework and Paris research (slow going with a crawling campground internet connection) and it was 12:30 before we caught the shuttle bus from the campground to Place de la Porte Maillot, where we then had to walk down the Avenue de la Grande Armee to L'Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile and the closest L'OpenTour stop on Avenue des Champs Elysees. While we were standing at the L'OpenTour stop, everyone declared they were hungry so we opted to go into a nearby ESX fast food restaurant. (Excellent. Not your typical quick lunch fare.) Just as we were finishing, we watched 2 OpenTour buses drive by. Of course. That meant we'd be waiting another 30 minutes or so for the next bus and it was already 14:30. As buses stopped at 18:30, we decided to postpone our first day on the bus and so we decided to walk.<br />
<br />
We walked down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees towards the Louvre. Once we reached the Rond Point des Champs-Elysees, extensive rows of Christmas booths were set up together with a few rides and amusements. Sarah definitely got excited about this section of Paris.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkMr0AynRWEwLFpYMlRRvJBo7X2xZol85XRR0RxtkyxDlbG94GtuH_rTdRX5iptXfAJ5GYbVs-Vfj0WtAxNcsgv-5DMi8Kibl5CpCGHJAZZkYir4favZOe194z7kGwPZqDBFFPWD5uoB-/s1600/Paris+Santa+in+Snow+Globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkMr0AynRWEwLFpYMlRRvJBo7X2xZol85XRR0RxtkyxDlbG94GtuH_rTdRX5iptXfAJ5GYbVs-Vfj0WtAxNcsgv-5DMi8Kibl5CpCGHJAZZkYir4favZOe194z7kGwPZqDBFFPWD5uoB-/s320/Paris+Santa+in+Snow+Globe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by Santa hanging out in a giant snow globe.</td></tr>
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We walked to the Roue de Paris (giant ferris wheel) on the Place de la Concorde and I suggested we wait and ride it after the sun set to be able to see the city all lit up. So we continued on to the Jardin de Tuileries. Vincent and I remembered taking Paul and James there when they were three years old and I took some photos of them in the same places where we took photos a decade ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLDY6QeDCmjGOqpWID2bdQ5bxw_0bLJ9YlhTonvKWpacNkpiMkQuY2JW6KXNFx4B405eWogHAgFcvXsAwQ6Cv_2a48pZsIG-YEiQfn4ACDoQNq3u0jcGIaARt2fSU7YgAHJ32yKNwzqSc/s1600/Paris+P+J+Tuileries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLDY6QeDCmjGOqpWID2bdQ5bxw_0bLJ9YlhTonvKWpacNkpiMkQuY2JW6KXNFx4B405eWogHAgFcvXsAwQ6Cv_2a48pZsIG-YEiQfn4ACDoQNq3u0jcGIaARt2fSU7YgAHJ32yKNwzqSc/s400/Paris+P+J+Tuileries.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last time the boys sat here, they were 3 years old and were wearing turtle neck shirts. Same hair cuts but Paul didn't yet have glasses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qdx3G3hFO2kQL7p0Nfs_UTYZCUSysG9yy9iiUdZMbsJHqCym-Z8snCZJMWQtEwkIku0tnPxyVqlr0-1TWKTCo6pKuwt-oDPBQ8QRKcZbou-JLA41uYixOKMR9bg2ResnB1Za2bemBYJ0/s1600/Paris+carasel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qdx3G3hFO2kQL7p0Nfs_UTYZCUSysG9yy9iiUdZMbsJHqCym-Z8snCZJMWQtEwkIku0tnPxyVqlr0-1TWKTCo6pKuwt-oDPBQ8QRKcZbou-JLA41uYixOKMR9bg2ResnB1Za2bemBYJ0/s400/Paris+carasel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids in the same carrousel that James and Paul rode 10 years ago. Here, Paul rode the "<i>Rogue Tea Cup</i>", as he called it; he spun continuously for two rides. I got nauseous just watching.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DuCnG9ZfZARzZ5Nrd6-nEaT8F7mZR8jmJqOmI1l52039Fp0UIyEF97fo_gHUjHESdIqODmigp1fBUbsuXzsjGj8IlGB3Mnq0QhzfVmBcMo6gpxChpl7y31eqqPayrwReMrk19nPv3fPQ/s1600/Paris+last+man+standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DuCnG9ZfZARzZ5Nrd6-nEaT8F7mZR8jmJqOmI1l52039Fp0UIyEF97fo_gHUjHESdIqODmigp1fBUbsuXzsjGj8IlGB3Mnq0QhzfVmBcMo6gpxChpl7y31eqqPayrwReMrk19nPv3fPQ/s400/Paris+last+man+standing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who will be the last man standing on the lily pad?</td></tr>
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We then continued on to the Louvre. The signage didn't give any indication about discounted prices. I thought there were days when one could go late in the day and get a discounted ticket so we decided to do some online research later in the day and we continued on. (I later learned there's free entry on the first Sunday of the month and people 18 and under are free.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjoByvHNzcXtTEDVkq8FmbCkdjHlnPtLrQEnTqUY1mAQcZFLJ0e7qyP6vSS0QW-Lty1N5JsggmcO2Ei4UlC-NWZyCT8PGDZWxJEjvvKqkPSMbdt4Ps1gMS2Phdxzgi6BuOePfPcfO5e3y/s1600/Paris+face+palm+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjoByvHNzcXtTEDVkq8FmbCkdjHlnPtLrQEnTqUY1mAQcZFLJ0e7qyP6vSS0QW-Lty1N5JsggmcO2Ei4UlC-NWZyCT8PGDZWxJEjvvKqkPSMbdt4Ps1gMS2Phdxzgi6BuOePfPcfO5e3y/s400/Paris+face+palm+statue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En route to the Louvre, we walked by this statue. With my history of headaches (and a headache in fact that day), did it ever speak to me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgR3UvKUKQuDVYJ5yWcbBs2ounvv-9Q2p9iKZ319dx_745sM_wOSXw7CDlj02qftFXByPqU_UwxVh9GOyc8u1RGTy4dji609cnXiROcmPjvdUdFLnFdtycp9IfeBp_R-kq2hoVj7ODz9n/s1600/Paris+Arc+de+Triomphe+du+Carrousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgR3UvKUKQuDVYJ5yWcbBs2ounvv-9Q2p9iKZ319dx_745sM_wOSXw7CDlj02qftFXByPqU_UwxVh9GOyc8u1RGTy4dji609cnXiROcmPjvdUdFLnFdtycp9IfeBp_R-kq2hoVj7ODz9n/s400/Paris+Arc+de+Triomphe+du+Carrousel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys in front of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (about half the size of the Arc de Triomphe de'Etoile).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked along the Avenue de L'Opera towards the Place de l'Opera and stunning Opera Garnier, which was built for Napoleon III and finished in 1875.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXGfZlHUs1EKj0XdYMRe6j48MtHzR-IdKFmzw61TMoETCThI2g0a3qL_18f0zVa3atpOzfa-7OlOTgW7EPa1-txmhv7UT81FFB_hpPcQ3ieek2Ig4Ld925Jjdrc8QOta_AXlEeyVbmuxI/s1600/Paris+Vince+kids+opera+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXGfZlHUs1EKj0XdYMRe6j48MtHzR-IdKFmzw61TMoETCThI2g0a3qL_18f0zVa3atpOzfa-7OlOTgW7EPa1-txmhv7UT81FFB_hpPcQ3ieek2Ig4Ld925Jjdrc8QOta_AXlEeyVbmuxI/s400/Paris+Vince+kids+opera+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent would love to attend an opera here. But how to do it with this crowd?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we continued on to Les Galleries Lafayettes, that is situated behind Opera Garnier. Les Gallaries Lafayettes were advertised as having the best Christmas window displays and they were certainly worth the 3+ mile walk. There were twelve windows, each with a clock overhead set to a specific hour, telling a story over time. It was very cute and the kids all enjoyed seeing them.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufT0sYMAe7szELIsnpwclxJIdNmQr8rBEInTG2NmXUntcNdh4viDGa_5bvsHjMfjvwTJElznlQhcvMCj-iZb0z26WSbsbjcYNhQtpvLKxayMdedoMqsqqNvBQz8Q0gi13d7heEYJyumER/s1600/Galleries+Lafayettes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufT0sYMAe7szELIsnpwclxJIdNmQr8rBEInTG2NmXUntcNdh4viDGa_5bvsHjMfjvwTJElznlQhcvMCj-iZb0z26WSbsbjcYNhQtpvLKxayMdedoMqsqqNvBQz8Q0gi13d7heEYJyumER/s400/Galleries+Lafayettes+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windows were sponsored by Swatch, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary. The theme was <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFi1y1gRZEmePw5-B7-FL7tfjgHp0utfPLe-yVsnvghmCx5Aai4HDai1OSMMzBxu0Vxil8Wgchd0GFv7s8-cLwCcuD5qzVf_unCnUtSdB42DhyphenhyphenD4hcPMzzTkN_jLqWGuIYVPaNo5VWLPl/s1600/Galleries+Lafayettes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFi1y1gRZEmePw5-B7-FL7tfjgHp0utfPLe-yVsnvghmCx5Aai4HDai1OSMMzBxu0Vxil8Wgchd0GFv7s8-cLwCcuD5qzVf_unCnUtSdB42DhyphenhyphenD4hcPMzzTkN_jLqWGuIYVPaNo5VWLPl/s400/Galleries+Lafayettes+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl with the red hair and the teddy bear appeared in each window. I gather the red-haired girl was "Beauty" and the bear, "The Beast".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5VxuOQMihCeXBKoNlnwMUtevj-FtcC-eps_C6y9koVK1kcRY1593Lu8T2SXVe17uDeTV5x0P2YOpLdjQvFr6uTV5Conq4GhkrZ3huwyWEqPRmnwwql0zx1O7FOyWxf0BD9jrEiCR4vh-/s1600/Galleries+Lafayettes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5VxuOQMihCeXBKoNlnwMUtevj-FtcC-eps_C6y9koVK1kcRY1593Lu8T2SXVe17uDeTV5x0P2YOpLdjQvFr6uTV5Conq4GhkrZ3huwyWEqPRmnwwql0zx1O7FOyWxf0BD9jrEiCR4vh-/s400/Galleries+Lafayettes+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah loved the window displays with all the moving parts. The store was prepared for lots of kids because platforms were set up in front of the windows so that small children could see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After seeing the last window display, we all felt we needed a rest and refreshment. I knew that any place in this neighborhood would be expensive so our best bet probably would be a cafe in Les Galleries Lafayettes, which turned out to be on the 6th floor. This was an excellent random decision because we then saw the gorgeous Christmas tree on display in the center of the store plus the store's exquisite glass dome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvvueuOrvq4l4VKMBsuf9k2c1B51VP_nhx-bvwA6pRQXnwIx4QUTQDzk0ApK7ODu-3vbgrC-RG50DGJaiIRh5jb7SemVBXEhghxHKdJbrJYPN2SGyPgJoGVlbwph6rJB9l2mu-cURjyvI/s1600/Galleries+Lafayettes+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvvueuOrvq4l4VKMBsuf9k2c1B51VP_nhx-bvwA6pRQXnwIx4QUTQDzk0ApK7ODu-3vbgrC-RG50DGJaiIRh5jb7SemVBXEhghxHKdJbrJYPN2SGyPgJoGVlbwph6rJB9l2mu-cURjyvI/s400/Galleries+Lafayettes+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 4 metre Christmas tree was on display in the great atrium under the dome. The tree
comes to animated life on the hour, revealing the daily goings on of a
peaceful village. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK-hUAijR_mzaFqWv1mjo9OP5YWUDFctnuk-Artzq7os2_1Kdi8weio7a8gbmPagBLE-afI_LOi8hoB8fZvS12v_MNM6fu0plekrDXau3qmWZUvA8SQmKyP-kfhOsKcDELEabm7I5odB4/s1600/Eiffel+Tower+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK-hUAijR_mzaFqWv1mjo9OP5YWUDFctnuk-Artzq7os2_1Kdi8weio7a8gbmPagBLE-afI_LOi8hoB8fZvS12v_MNM6fu0plekrDXau3qmWZUvA8SQmKyP-kfhOsKcDELEabm7I5odB4/s400/Eiffel+Tower+3.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the 6th floor cafeteria, we had a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our break, the sun had set and so we headed back to the Roue de Paris for our ride.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrtdxiUWVFW7qwkxCG0TwMeODkMivE-1mAk3luFxilNiEzB45XslWl2TL5rvKBH4paeA0bGpJlJR9hKSVNbjJ4sLVQE_4MrDobA_ikJvXB44ryzM09zFsXkiZSlQyRilji1K0Q4WCgM3L/s1600/Paris+Christmas+tree+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrtdxiUWVFW7qwkxCG0TwMeODkMivE-1mAk3luFxilNiEzB45XslWl2TL5rvKBH4paeA0bGpJlJR9hKSVNbjJ4sLVQE_4MrDobA_ikJvXB44ryzM09zFsXkiZSlQyRilji1K0Q4WCgM3L/s1600/Paris+Christmas+tree+family.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family mugging for a shot in front of the many Christmas trees on display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2sAUxl3XWA6fxLOgmFm4CKkSWqPcoY_myMid5V0s2Yh5yDrc04S-igqUzatDq_m_dujVcLRUy9jopbjnEFu5Kv7u7p1Qum0fEEoUymnJc4hsQE2t-d65NsbN8fXPNYzf9_KDdd-ebrNa/s1600/Paris+hanging+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2sAUxl3XWA6fxLOgmFm4CKkSWqPcoY_myMid5V0s2Yh5yDrc04S-igqUzatDq_m_dujVcLRUy9jopbjnEFu5Kv7u7p1Qum0fEEoUymnJc4hsQE2t-d65NsbN8fXPNYzf9_KDdd-ebrNa/s400/Paris+hanging+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city of Paris doesn't cut corners with street decorations; here one finds real trees hanging above the roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9aOCSafGOvMrAVfsJ2kzc3VyrxJws9fy2ZaXRgFyE9vhHiR49RJ2bWZHPx3qF_kIOwAO-LFhQ3JriExWO0BKUfZbitpWgyE8fgpKRPQ5LS3XhhjjYVFm-OW4nKeBcZcKboL_L6-AqST-/s1600/Roue+de+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9aOCSafGOvMrAVfsJ2kzc3VyrxJws9fy2ZaXRgFyE9vhHiR49RJ2bWZHPx3qF_kIOwAO-LFhQ3JriExWO0BKUfZbitpWgyE8fgpKRPQ5LS3XhhjjYVFm-OW4nKeBcZcKboL_L6-AqST-/s400/Roue+de+Paris.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a cost of €10 for adults and €5 for children, the Roue de Paris is pretty dear for just two cycles around but it provided a great view of the Christmas lights on display below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrogy3YWoWFYczTVXdt0imTb7Y_AKVkT_xhhVzo17hTBFJUpFR5vF92o1hsgqHyG5s9A1fdfO-kxQItElTrMYHv-6B5AbsA_5rfoYkXQsbCBxUQf_1ayLeiU5TOttM5XScv59LYVZErqG/s1600/Paris+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrogy3YWoWFYczTVXdt0imTb7Y_AKVkT_xhhVzo17hTBFJUpFR5vF92o1hsgqHyG5s9A1fdfO-kxQItElTrMYHv-6B5AbsA_5rfoYkXQsbCBxUQf_1ayLeiU5TOttM5XScv59LYVZErqG/s400/Paris+Night.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snapshot of the Champs-Elysees taken from the Roue de Paris.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Disembarking from the Roue de Paris, we then continued back down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees (opposite side of street) to get something else to eat and see the Christmas displays lit up. The kids ordered some churros and the man behind the counter made them from scratch. How often does that happen? (Never for us so far in the US.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-6-gawQtBQXbqcDDWafbOwoQB6ulD6zbJo48BV3q1yMOOHNY-hJDhU9azmqnhyphenhyphen1j1uvPviQAfMHjUuz7lfMse33S3ZYIbeyBDC4osmS83AhBWDjNcu03Tj2nHE6xMOdhUOWZJPn3oZWC/s1600/Churros+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-6-gawQtBQXbqcDDWafbOwoQB6ulD6zbJo48BV3q1yMOOHNY-hJDhU9azmqnhyphenhyphen1j1uvPviQAfMHjUuz7lfMse33S3ZYIbeyBDC4osmS83AhBWDjNcu03Tj2nHE6xMOdhUOWZJPn3oZWC/s400/Churros+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man blended all the ingredients in an electric mixer and then kneaded the dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT_xhcAdLvUzz73t-QvREOwO5ZpjFNR6D2NhC0Fa5Nyq2CjD2wo5byX1YSOWCTpyQJYqG66wM-GuXwDiOqaAsjBckav9IMFuY7-znM50FHeCiCbSxD1xX2Eau3EBebHzj33Dfe6khBn9F/s1600/Churros+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT_xhcAdLvUzz73t-QvREOwO5ZpjFNR6D2NhC0Fa5Nyq2CjD2wo5byX1YSOWCTpyQJYqG66wM-GuXwDiOqaAsjBckav9IMFuY7-znM50FHeCiCbSxD1xX2Eau3EBebHzj33Dfe6khBn9F/s400/Churros+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He then pushed the dough into a cylindrical vessel and placed this over the hot oil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OcCFiJ2bKXa6dwJE3gC3DJLdpISsisHVHtsgaqkfxTYmbU9KN9_KlBtfWlmEWz-eR2tMVXhVYDCrF85eGZjl4_r4EkINGjIDaPfZW_ZsJdXEdXwG2ZXHCw9-w3flSxm3GR9eBjykXrlw/s1600/Churros+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OcCFiJ2bKXa6dwJE3gC3DJLdpISsisHVHtsgaqkfxTYmbU9KN9_KlBtfWlmEWz-eR2tMVXhVYDCrF85eGZjl4_r4EkINGjIDaPfZW_ZsJdXEdXwG2ZXHCw9-w3flSxm3GR9eBjykXrlw/s400/Churros+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a lever, he squeezed out the dough and cut off pieces which dropped into the scalding oil. It's just like working with <i>Play Dough</i>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaAhNtyCaxGhvU1WqXwW95eYIXc570QBH6R3rkAi4y4fPf2o8W9XrfWtB-MymtVScI8Ir5U2az_-dikHms0xUCBs86aZWZk_GKcl-2b6PfZPV7-lYU0EjFJYTqhQXyoql4DbCKcTleNE1/s1600/Churros+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaAhNtyCaxGhvU1WqXwW95eYIXc570QBH6R3rkAi4y4fPf2o8W9XrfWtB-MymtVScI8Ir5U2az_-dikHms0xUCBs86aZWZk_GKcl-2b6PfZPV7-lYU0EjFJYTqhQXyoql4DbCKcTleNE1/s400/Churros+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After pouring about a half cup of sugar on top, we were presented with a box of heart healthy goodness. (Not.) Best churros we've ever had.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxysmyLXAJQjMIvsfSgWRH_jQxvTiCycZ9rgSbPjiDiisoglYqXBOSOvLnCMRzxJ3AvnXXs2RnFE29SMcxY9985_0FZFs8pzHiPhlX1gFz9RqtKrHwgPZh6bU8omJkXScFejk3L0b7-zXd/s1600/Paris+light+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxysmyLXAJQjMIvsfSgWRH_jQxvTiCycZ9rgSbPjiDiisoglYqXBOSOvLnCMRzxJ3AvnXXs2RnFE29SMcxY9985_0FZFs8pzHiPhlX1gFz9RqtKrHwgPZh6bU8omJkXScFejk3L0b7-zXd/s400/Paris+light+display.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light displays at the Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLHKsduXZqYbGRk__oaSkOJxp4vRYocfAoOi9mSakRcFw9DCWF3SXURiaZl2L1rq0KHMdng-ABOQWTH-gjNMjKTpdeSgIg7d66ElNFxSPNQtXQAWwrOtFH8qXKobYuCx1YVUPGVl5PvsO/s1600/Paris+Champs+d%27Elysees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLHKsduXZqYbGRk__oaSkOJxp4vRYocfAoOi9mSakRcFw9DCWF3SXURiaZl2L1rq0KHMdng-ABOQWTH-gjNMjKTpdeSgIg7d66ElNFxSPNQtXQAWwrOtFH8qXKobYuCx1YVUPGVl5PvsO/s400/Paris+Champs+d%27Elysees.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys walking down the Champs-Elysees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin24YmZMklpm8yly4Mu8lKmQLiq9T_W9WLZ-h7cFeFUzSW7PPvQ1ngpe56OZwt5vg3-DN0r1ZqmueLW6uIWbISIZWbNUW5KO37_8c1pEohwMx7idwG6a0FBn99iVYFSVF1f42x4Onn-Ovz/s1600/Paris+Fouquets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin24YmZMklpm8yly4Mu8lKmQLiq9T_W9WLZ-h7cFeFUzSW7PPvQ1ngpe56OZwt5vg3-DN0r1ZqmueLW6uIWbISIZWbNUW5KO37_8c1pEohwMx7idwG6a0FBn99iVYFSVF1f42x4Onn-Ovz/s400/Paris+Fouquets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed Fouquet's on our trek along the Champs-Elysees. It's apparently a popular spot among French celebrities and one can probably purchase the most expensive cup of coffee in Paris. It originally gained fame as the hangout of France's WWI biplane fighter pilots. It also served as James Joyce's dining room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy8U45nG9qfeRiIRrZP6Ydshg4f6Dv_RLtHqs7DnIpVWzJU5Xp9b6DGMThRZ5t2gvBCrLbc6Gr57f7Kn4Hi9G4tbkOoB9FTbBDUbxrj_qjTfpMmudV5GHAZJh2A2kCV9zokj0vrpWJ7Xa/s1600/Paris+Arc+de+Triomphe+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy8U45nG9qfeRiIRrZP6Ydshg4f6Dv_RLtHqs7DnIpVWzJU5Xp9b6DGMThRZ5t2gvBCrLbc6Gr57f7Kn4Hi9G4tbkOoB9FTbBDUbxrj_qjTfpMmudV5GHAZJh2A2kCV9zokj0vrpWJ7Xa/s400/Paris+Arc+de+Triomphe+night.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grand view of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile at night.</td></tr>
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Once we reached the Arc de Triomphe, we were all getting very tired and so we headed back to where the campground shuttle bus would pick us up. I was exhausted and it wasn't without reason; according to Vincent's fitbit, we walked over 25,000 steps that day.<br />
<br />
On <b>December 6th</b>, I woke up still tired. (We had to start using that bus pass!) We caught our L'OpenTour bus just off the Place Charles de Gaulle on Avenue Kleber and took it to the Eiffel Tour, where we disembarked. We decided to climb up the first two levels of the tower. There was quite a bit of whining on the part of Sarah who really didn't want any part of this climbing business while I realized my fear of heights was still with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-JpHM3KALB-xDIoOnHIVihyphenhyphenBYpR5zabHGOMG2Gb8ykRPxFNP61dvIAdYXw7rEwVHG0fRtrRZIygPjo6pBBMH_WiS82pXgvqdgpkcC4obRYWJxXrQf1DLQFkAjZukz-E8RdEs2h-fNTG3/s1600/Eiffel+tower+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-JpHM3KALB-xDIoOnHIVihyphenhyphenBYpR5zabHGOMG2Gb8ykRPxFNP61dvIAdYXw7rEwVHG0fRtrRZIygPjo6pBBMH_WiS82pXgvqdgpkcC4obRYWJxXrQf1DLQFkAjZukz-E8RdEs2h-fNTG3/s400/Eiffel+tower+view+1.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view looking down at the Parc du Champ de Mars. At the end of the Parc, in the distance, is the Ecole Militaire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK-cAtQOJ1lLA5EvGrCDM3nGuQ0b_1pFkkMVBlKhwQd34cF8dWN5jaxM_hJv992e8am-g5ethAjpUE__ve1FlrGMe-KNFJyGafamyF9sydqnbBMGO7llGKCkDghNZFV63J68FQYet5lo-/s1600/Eiffel+Tour+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK-cAtQOJ1lLA5EvGrCDM3nGuQ0b_1pFkkMVBlKhwQd34cF8dWN5jaxM_hJv992e8am-g5ethAjpUE__ve1FlrGMe-KNFJyGafamyF9sydqnbBMGO7llGKCkDghNZFV63J68FQYet5lo-/s400/Eiffel+Tour+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the Jardins du Trocadero. The main water feature is called the Fountain of Warsaw. The buildings behind the Jardins are the Palais de Chaillot; it was built for the World's Fair of 1937 and houses several museums (Navel Museum, Museum of Man, Museum of French Monuments and Museum of Architecture) and an aquarium.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLna-AXB5xFSlIdq034449k9y_YCz8OguNTXQWbil6sY-m90dZJh2oQdyt9RhQW7Q7kHlRea8MDxebHUxP0HY3P0iZxyb-UtTg1YPtnF-0fQGotPiBX1pm70n7MgMUsWydAVW63BOxlE-V/s1600/Eiffel+Tour+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLna-AXB5xFSlIdq034449k9y_YCz8OguNTXQWbil6sY-m90dZJh2oQdyt9RhQW7Q7kHlRea8MDxebHUxP0HY3P0iZxyb-UtTg1YPtnF-0fQGotPiBX1pm70n7MgMUsWydAVW63BOxlE-V/s400/Eiffel+Tour+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking westward down the Seine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_-k8Nsc3fi0GNQZhyvzEA58zTB0_I8AWKHCo3DtfoXdVhP-IUrweZovpKzY_ONBTLYTnddcA4h0PjM-u77mA06oh0efcZB05ax7WMIE7lwfgSg6FE689aurTCP4Bi-QF7D1sMLn-qSzG/s1600/Eiffel+tower+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_-k8Nsc3fi0GNQZhyvzEA58zTB0_I8AWKHCo3DtfoXdVhP-IUrweZovpKzY_ONBTLYTnddcA4h0PjM-u77mA06oh0efcZB05ax7WMIE7lwfgSg6FE689aurTCP4Bi-QF7D1sMLn-qSzG/s400/Eiffel+tower+view+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A zoomed-in shot of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre.</td></tr>
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After taking in the views on the second level, Vincent thought we should go all the way to the top (which I had never done before). Fortunately, the only way to proceed further up, was to take an elevator. It was a lovely clear day (albeit cold and windy) so the views were fantastic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1sI2-lNQUrdqF31wUKLvienbfznPDFJ1P1lsR_LLoYHm5ReJ7yoLj70czoF4VGvEZVV2ZmXpvmGSJkKQ33vGyGl8NZwJ1PqwC3dTvHghNDmHcIP4mvNgEqqOQjXYguVNTHrTL9WsjWxO/s1600/Eiffel+Tower+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1sI2-lNQUrdqF31wUKLvienbfznPDFJ1P1lsR_LLoYHm5ReJ7yoLj70czoF4VGvEZVV2ZmXpvmGSJkKQ33vGyGl8NZwJ1PqwC3dTvHghNDmHcIP4mvNgEqqOQjXYguVNTHrTL9WsjWxO/s400/Eiffel+Tower+view+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the "selfie" while having a sip of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ258VoWX4KG0B9WZLH3hm9RsWbHhiGTzVdaicfKfalpD6zlvKfq5Hi_gFOVl_aEpz8C8oQ1dMaXB1bw1dFiZHYYzbGPURsA4VVWYq5jVeoC7VMgjg7t9BVIwTMX3Kq1mmInHFZbwFEM8_/s1600/Eiffel+Tour+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ258VoWX4KG0B9WZLH3hm9RsWbHhiGTzVdaicfKfalpD6zlvKfq5Hi_gFOVl_aEpz8C8oQ1dMaXB1bw1dFiZHYYzbGPURsA4VVWYq5jVeoC7VMgjg7t9BVIwTMX3Kq1mmInHFZbwFEM8_/s400/Eiffel+Tour+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of La Tour Eiffel by Paul. (Paul's favorite photo.)</td></tr>
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On the way back down, on the second floor, Vincent suggested we get an acrylic sculpture done of the five of us as <i>the ultimate souvenir</i>. Photos of each of us were taken and uploaded into a machine and then a laser reproduced our images into a block of acrylic. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSpl4FRIi_UZkLJHX3mRyNpXPXxms0SeTEPUovQUlZw5iOzg6hZU8Sff1Lchyk48Pt1ZNZpPNCSoB9_w1fPRzxMi27x6bdNRCxN-_bM3NsjxwWX1GWPUn3ca5rGfGRnfy-Qh5kRofWem3/s1600/Landshark+souvenir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSpl4FRIi_UZkLJHX3mRyNpXPXxms0SeTEPUovQUlZw5iOzg6hZU8Sff1Lchyk48Pt1ZNZpPNCSoB9_w1fPRzxMi27x6bdNRCxN-_bM3NsjxwWX1GWPUn3ca5rGfGRnfy-Qh5kRofWem3/s400/Landshark+souvenir.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of cheesy, but fun to have us all "frozen in time" nonetheless.</td></tr>
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When we finally descended from the tower, we hit a hick-up in that all traffic was stopped or rerouted for some sort of dignitary procession so it was about 40 minutes before our next bus arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdl6dFYTsNcmYurGQecOELDspo0fl6ju7TzGqkRzG6ty7aYZRQ6igwwBZHwqBqWGu3o9l8a0Ldp4ydWzkzPwlN9WguC6fQS1vbh63c8i5FSHFa1Hil6ocD-W7-4LC5_htdMwKCjZmYjaZ/s1600/Eiffel+tower+view+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdl6dFYTsNcmYurGQecOELDspo0fl6ju7TzGqkRzG6ty7aYZRQ6igwwBZHwqBqWGu3o9l8a0Ldp4ydWzkzPwlN9WguC6fQS1vbh63c8i5FSHFa1Hil6ocD-W7-4LC5_htdMwKCjZmYjaZ/s320/Eiffel+tower+view+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Eiffel Tower taken while waiting for our bus.</td></tr>
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When we boarded, we were told the bus would only take us as far as the Opera House.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgMF_U0M41CWEZR7Ta7pJLLbSWXRYvFligm9ensz43e3b0hyqM63ophlqaKUP2IbtNLDOW9maZWgroKYf-NuqGMuxUmvaZa2re8UHJo86nvTuN1Ku8Gv4SeCVV1i669-rU2FIBDjo_-D-/s1600/Paris+bus+tour+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgMF_U0M41CWEZR7Ta7pJLLbSWXRYvFligm9ensz43e3b0hyqM63ophlqaKUP2IbtNLDOW9maZWgroKYf-NuqGMuxUmvaZa2re8UHJo86nvTuN1Ku8Gv4SeCVV1i669-rU2FIBDjo_-D-/s400/Paris+bus+tour+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was difficult taking photos on a moving bus. This is Les Invalides which contains museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France (including the Musee de l'Armee), as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans (the building's original purpose).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cO5fxr2Lr6IAcJezSwRvUWqukFRD35T1J6019b9-bM_Z00Gx8OvB_JplFWEncZVC4sMbVUbSs0I5X8NZRtLQsANQpvWZl1b9aVJ91JD6PwE1YG1aaXXwPG9cK4RdFt0_9PpbxAqUitt0/s1600/Paris+bus+tour+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cO5fxr2Lr6IAcJezSwRvUWqukFRD35T1J6019b9-bM_Z00Gx8OvB_JplFWEncZVC4sMbVUbSs0I5X8NZRtLQsANQpvWZl1b9aVJ91JD6PwE1YG1aaXXwPG9cK4RdFt0_9PpbxAqUitt0/s400/Paris+bus+tour+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Palais was built for the World's Fair of 1900 and houses a science museum, an art exposition hall and an event hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOmnYMhrycRteS_m_K7Ae4RQa3sgyKFnvxCBS5Y5DYbbo5nnLZkvjIs7pOKmugNpL8orQUftPswn2A8x8CB0CAGt9x4RhON2ARgWJgdNVge-adxTjs7F1CbTI_qiQ8senO0dqftWZbqtX/s1600/Paris+rue+royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOmnYMhrycRteS_m_K7Ae4RQa3sgyKFnvxCBS5Y5DYbbo5nnLZkvjIs7pOKmugNpL8orQUftPswn2A8x8CB0CAGt9x4RhON2ARgWJgdNVge-adxTjs7F1CbTI_qiQ8senO0dqftWZbqtX/s400/Paris+rue+royale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving down La Rue Royal towards L'Eglise de la Madeleine. To the left, just outside of this photo, is Maxim's.</td></tr>
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As the bus dropped us off at the Opera Garnier, we found ourselves in the expensive shopping district with the large department stores again. The upside was that we spotted the Printemps store window displays; like Les Gallaries Lafayettes, many had scenes with moving parts. Top designers and stylists are invited to participate in the creation of
the set design and the figures, outdoing each other year after year. This year, all the Printemps' windows were sponsored by Prada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgGi3juKR97GhhUbIHMlqNmQ5yL9tOkUrhpU2poAXY_0oL5XxvKDTSFHfMzT0s1zs6NlEgduetKPKiZtfn-VOsyvuQSoYOF2uL_dERK1RbeilwQgJpCZI3PZInsl9rMsDiv5xSU4MCLhY/s1600/Printemps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgGi3juKR97GhhUbIHMlqNmQ5yL9tOkUrhpU2poAXY_0oL5XxvKDTSFHfMzT0s1zs6NlEgduetKPKiZtfn-VOsyvuQSoYOF2uL_dERK1RbeilwQgJpCZI3PZInsl9rMsDiv5xSU4MCLhY/s400/Printemps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Printemps department store all decked up for the holidays.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb9Z9BuBPw4xd_hY_oWwmlbnAxGJ5QXytzgw5I-xfFkOoYpLZT_LqU7oTB6ZKQI2cZ5041EfNSmSNVpZLehivvNSs4HGJrTmLPp_P1Gt1Xhp2KjMUVlgvOkhbjuW5CtxJqx7s8c4rTE3T/s1600/Printemps+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb9Z9BuBPw4xd_hY_oWwmlbnAxGJ5QXytzgw5I-xfFkOoYpLZT_LqU7oTB6ZKQI2cZ5041EfNSmSNVpZLehivvNSs4HGJrTmLPp_P1Gt1Xhp2KjMUVlgvOkhbjuW5CtxJqx7s8c4rTE3T/s400/Printemps+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A number of Prada bears are having a grand time skiing and playing in the snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNvr-pWd8QyjLkpmuQ8hiOXkQmBriDG3RsicyIgYE42_7K_J6QUydEoEugqNgODTQbTOBLf8sXaNymXJfy20z-OP2u2J_BxVEv16pBjpMU8mProe88jh2EX7mXq-OozApufYhjAdbyzMY/s1600/Printemps+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNvr-pWd8QyjLkpmuQ8hiOXkQmBriDG3RsicyIgYE42_7K_J6QUydEoEugqNgODTQbTOBLf8sXaNymXJfy20z-OP2u2J_BxVEv16pBjpMU8mProe88jh2EX7mXq-OozApufYhjAdbyzMY/s400/Printemps+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prada bears all dress to the nines, sewing and dancing with candy canes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVquhiwlEIiiqajw0s30HEOawSFNL8fAePWmnO5vBdbyUf7nxA65wpVxo5P0HoR0dJf_oBJJHk73nWxapzHWAtnOs7_FZFyOr9mnZGiTP7TZ9eeHnjC9CJZjz98-QLxIK-TmX47qcaUxnC/s1600/Printemps+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVquhiwlEIiiqajw0s30HEOawSFNL8fAePWmnO5vBdbyUf7nxA65wpVxo5P0HoR0dJf_oBJJHk73nWxapzHWAtnOs7_FZFyOr9mnZGiTP7TZ9eeHnjC9CJZjz98-QLxIK-TmX47qcaUxnC/s400/Printemps+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prada bears are putting together a very chic dress for this model.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-y1xx4UDXHLO_ZowIWgBrDOsfjODuVF8Dp-uEDeY6J9WC5IVXDd2xc1TwtS_2H8JmidgW4YJW0KDQK35xsginstil5xP6yJ9jDyeRZ_d_AK82gfUKbzV9LOC-QRFQQ96emxd8tgyLdRD/s1600/Printemps+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-y1xx4UDXHLO_ZowIWgBrDOsfjODuVF8Dp-uEDeY6J9WC5IVXDd2xc1TwtS_2H8JmidgW4YJW0KDQK35xsginstil5xP6yJ9jDyeRZ_d_AK82gfUKbzV9LOC-QRFQQ96emxd8tgyLdRD/s400/Printemps+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those adorable bears just make you want one of those Prada handbags.</td></tr>
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We had dinner nearby and then walked back along the Champs-Élysées, past all the Christmas booths. We were in the right place at the right time because looking overhead it was Santa in his sleigh! A couple times during the evening, Santa flies along the Champs-Élysées and then wishes everyone below a Joyeux Noel. Outstanding!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiez0Wz1U9u-r5mOvUFXCn7aeR4nzWoqWiKkiSmcSCDwkGSCKtzs8J8_paapDDt5c55cJFkMWwh_gxmaQwysWmTUE7hjPL8DJXc7SyqicLh8a6g7irp4LkcKD5LudTmBQoun5Asj9sktEQz/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiez0Wz1U9u-r5mOvUFXCn7aeR4nzWoqWiKkiSmcSCDwkGSCKtzs8J8_paapDDt5c55cJFkMWwh_gxmaQwysWmTUE7hjPL8DJXc7SyqicLh8a6g7irp4LkcKD5LudTmBQoun5Asj9sktEQz/s320/Santa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow this Pere Noel knew all of us below had been good this year.</td></tr>
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On <b>December 7th</b>, we decided we'd better try to focus on using our bus pass to take advantage of it before it expired. We walked as usual down the Avenue de la Grande Armee to the Arc de Triomphe where Vince suggested that we all climb to the top. At only 284 steps to the roof, it was a piece of cake compared to the Eiffel Tower. As it was again a clear day, we had great views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFczJgFZe86FbEIHJv8cPJeNjcHEc1F2UMh3FMqtEKUmSsqaO5YOAh5_91Xi8Wm8rEd1mMlIz27WYSrUls_Rjl2_Lzdse509HpkCyVNOngps8fsv0lXXYY2MYT9k02lB8ZOg_juKC-2YD/s1600/Champs+Elysees+daytime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFczJgFZe86FbEIHJv8cPJeNjcHEc1F2UMh3FMqtEKUmSsqaO5YOAh5_91Xi8Wm8rEd1mMlIz27WYSrUls_Rjl2_Lzdse509HpkCyVNOngps8fsv0lXXYY2MYT9k02lB8ZOg_juKC-2YD/s400/Champs+Elysees+daytime.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Champs-Elysees towards the Roue de Paris.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx69hOgD4wHfBTe1QRNJj3av8pczEeFdkK5ZaWCuFu5GPvIwBbizhZKFLYPQgtlXuHSqXsEQBy3hzAzvlXBIMwWvYs6dnWnKIq9kq8lNPu6v2vhHTM7yGCQ_vlyEjlyM-SrQt_Q3ppdVc/s1600/View+from+Arc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx69hOgD4wHfBTe1QRNJj3av8pczEeFdkK5ZaWCuFu5GPvIwBbizhZKFLYPQgtlXuHSqXsEQBy3hzAzvlXBIMwWvYs6dnWnKIq9kq8lNPu6v2vhHTM7yGCQ_vlyEjlyM-SrQt_Q3ppdVc/s400/View+from+Arc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards La Defense, Europe's largest purpose-built business district. The square structure is La Grande Arche de la Defense; it's a 20th century version of L'Arc de Triomphe but is meant to be a monument to humanitarian ideals rather than to military victories.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-f_QaQZwF66JS3K4AFH4XXzkOlw8P_R1koQwUpD1-6J70gtMx4k2QjaFPCiJfZo8sOUGOb34BccMtmJ9S-1qCu2hsZAwLSRD8B_EXcpWMtpdeIFTnyGFRJFWzmDmbtqPiS7X_GeUTIV4/s1600/Arc+unknown+soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-f_QaQZwF66JS3K4AFH4XXzkOlw8P_R1koQwUpD1-6J70gtMx4k2QjaFPCiJfZo8sOUGOb34BccMtmJ9S-1qCu2hsZAwLSRD8B_EXcpWMtpdeIFTnyGFRJFWzmDmbtqPiS7X_GeUTIV4/s400/Arc+unknown+soldier.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French have their own version of a monument to the "Unknown soldier" and it pays tribute to the unknown soldiers who gave their lives during WWI.</td></tr>
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Since we didn't want to repeat the same bus route that we traveled the previous day, we decided to walk back to the Opera House and pick up the bus where we left off. We started with a loop that took us around Montmartre, an area where Vincent, the boys and I stayed when we were last in Paris in 2003. It was difficult taking photos in the moving bus so I don't have any to offer here.<br />
<br />
After completing that route, we got on another bus that took us through highlights east of Notre Dame. During this last bus route, the air got too cold to be on the upper deck and so we traveled down below. It's hard to get a good view on the lower level so I have to admit, I don't think anyone got much out of that route.<br />
<br />
When the bus dropped us off near Notre Dame, we decided to look for a restaurant for dinner before going to the Saturday evening mass at Notre Dame. We found La Rue Huchette, just off Place St. Michel directly over the river from The Notre Dame. There were a lot of restaurants there that seemed to cater to the tourist looking for a meal at a moderate price. We found Le Chat Qui Peche and had a surprisingly good meal there (€12 menu).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQveutZ_HDuhJVVyzDwZrW3DlmxIjZmmzlycF2oT5UOvuCCA3-DjXwhaJ26DXiDE8khsz4ROh1mUH3Tfys2R3Lc5LjudMhzNMhXZ2HNuhky6UKrsuEB0tzIe2SgrDF68E7j1N0K-v4oe/s1600/Notre+Dame+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQveutZ_HDuhJVVyzDwZrW3DlmxIjZmmzlycF2oT5UOvuCCA3-DjXwhaJ26DXiDE8khsz4ROh1mUH3Tfys2R3Lc5LjudMhzNMhXZ2HNuhky6UKrsuEB0tzIe2SgrDF68E7j1N0K-v4oe/s1600/Notre+Dame+night.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame is definitely a beautiful sight at night.</td></tr>
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Vincent and I both thought the Notre Dame service just didn't measure up to any of the services we'd attended in the UK. There were only three priests and no music or choir much to speak of. It was a little surprising given Notre Dame is one of <i>the</i> churches in Paris, not to mention France. The kids were troupers, not understanding much of anything. Because the acoustics were poor, I found it difficult to follow the sermon. Not sure I would have comprehended much more if it were in English. Anyway, we did it and can check a service at Notre Dame off our lists.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H7tqo-F7PrQx4IHquFmhmJY6rQ_SLlWOynZASEBq4J-ms3MRjYVlNPWnvOxI2JzjZD240rlNMD6tPj1IW6i6ddEyw_eI95ZuVJvCgxqND62RL3Vd8vNi281-AGjWU-PQ9GmPe_ns7sSB/s1600/mandela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H7tqo-F7PrQx4IHquFmhmJY6rQ_SLlWOynZASEBq4J-ms3MRjYVlNPWnvOxI2JzjZD240rlNMD6tPj1IW6i6ddEyw_eI95ZuVJvCgxqND62RL3Vd8vNi281-AGjWU-PQ9GmPe_ns7sSB/s400/mandela.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking to the Metro on our way back to the campground, we passed the <span class="st">Hôtel de Ville</span> which had this picture of Nelson Mandela (who recently died) projected on it.</td></tr>
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On <b>December 8th</b>, (the last day of our L'OpenTour passes) we headed out to catch the Batobus and see the city from the Seine. We walked from Porte Maillot to the base of the Eiffel Tower where we caught the boat from the most westward point and then traveled east. It was sunny and beautiful while on the boat and the views were great since the boat was pretty much just encased in glass. We went as far as the Zoo and Museum of Natural History and then got off when the boat returned to Notre Dame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlovQTWa3xj1x5xErEk-aEoUBjQKSUa9msROSZmX0TmteDc4mjrN7kVH6D0S_wmbBgIzixXfix-G6vrddKAQB6NEeMtMiv9T4l1QMjlCsFa7bXUCZVK4Eqfdp1K-lnPG-EfC4nzNyz8klh/s1600/Paul+batobus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlovQTWa3xj1x5xErEk-aEoUBjQKSUa9msROSZmX0TmteDc4mjrN7kVH6D0S_wmbBgIzixXfix-G6vrddKAQB6NEeMtMiv9T4l1QMjlCsFa7bXUCZVK4Eqfdp1K-lnPG-EfC4nzNyz8klh/s400/Paul+batobus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul was the only one willing to give me a pose for the Batobus. It was great having lunch on board watching lovely Paris pass by.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWjAemrT151ucn_Hzh_iU226Qepl8ThzyBqNN-RhYE3sx0R2xSyISqOUDwaz1kk8V2orEXZFnCIHE5OgbN2Q5_4gAa2Xr75myxmrYNr-Tmip-ORJ1d4DHVPb8tP7aNKaeVd8XyZoiBsfo/s1600/Paris+Etienne+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWjAemrT151ucn_Hzh_iU226Qepl8ThzyBqNN-RhYE3sx0R2xSyISqOUDwaz1kk8V2orEXZFnCIHE5OgbN2Q5_4gAa2Xr75myxmrYNr-Tmip-ORJ1d4DHVPb8tP7aNKaeVd8XyZoiBsfo/s400/Paris+Etienne+statue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Etienne Marcel in front of L'Hotel de Ville. Etienne Marcel (~1302-1358) was provost of the merchants of Paris under King John II, and was called John the Good (Jean le Bon). He distinguished himself in the defense of the small craftsmen and guildsmen who made up most of the city population.</td></tr>
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Once off the boat, we went back into Notre Dame, this time to see the stained glass windows in the day time. In my opinion, the stained glass windows and the exterior details are the most interesting parts of the cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtuc_sbXJK9TCvSWrhemyQlSxXZ6kWMNb983vkv1xGYtLJ8JzwF1RHvcAREz6Baa9hFV5C_wRtMXHHdTYCptO3DW9qIchEWC9tDjSHvbGNeLEZOxyqP6lp-dTh06IodD0TN-31irWhF2q/s1600/Notre+dame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtuc_sbXJK9TCvSWrhemyQlSxXZ6kWMNb983vkv1xGYtLJ8JzwF1RHvcAREz6Baa9hFV5C_wRtMXHHdTYCptO3DW9qIchEWC9tDjSHvbGNeLEZOxyqP6lp-dTh06IodD0TN-31irWhF2q/s400/Notre+dame+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the nave of the Notre Dame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OzIiJaKixx8keSU0oMnIMlrna7lSDZq61CcoZWMR8MeKbiR8jMVdH4os5txOOTHBD8qtxw6dkf2qndUMW-7hjN7AbP8hZQdc64uQgSDmaZuSJFcdf0IZBlz940hqH4s7lFT57TgJRnYx/s1600/Notre+Dame+windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OzIiJaKixx8keSU0oMnIMlrna7lSDZq61CcoZWMR8MeKbiR8jMVdH4os5txOOTHBD8qtxw6dkf2qndUMW-7hjN7AbP8hZQdc64uQgSDmaZuSJFcdf0IZBlz940hqH4s7lFT57TgJRnYx/s400/Notre+Dame+windows.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely stained glass windows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Z7Xw3kZkzwbiEPoHkm2DVUGM9IoY985ShZ1zkuFsSOKhfKu3-AM91jwofWUwcgDPWylN9T0nL7Z_Y-dZmknNVAEkBnZVhXSm2tx3vOOk14btFlrWEtuyzhVUDwa66_FIaOWnOybSx4qg/s1600/Notre+dame+window+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Z7Xw3kZkzwbiEPoHkm2DVUGM9IoY985ShZ1zkuFsSOKhfKu3-AM91jwofWUwcgDPWylN9T0nL7Z_Y-dZmknNVAEkBnZVhXSm2tx3vOOk14btFlrWEtuyzhVUDwa66_FIaOWnOybSx4qg/s400/Notre+dame+window+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Either the South Rose window or North Rose window. These windows are nearly 13 meters across and were made in 1260AD. They mostly still have the original glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Co4u_mtAoHN2eY2e9mEFAdgt8VR5rQMuzSQSllxGqQNPcVCR-OAWFaBxw0XcM6p29cslBJy1c2U6rp5yXLhd2kiLvPBJ9HOpFiYdoToPJKajQMDP6G5ZRrkpbT6_b0HJvN5gPc9bHkf/s1600/Notre+dame+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Co4u_mtAoHN2eY2e9mEFAdgt8VR5rQMuzSQSllxGqQNPcVCR-OAWFaBxw0XcM6p29cslBJy1c2U6rp5yXLhd2kiLvPBJ9HOpFiYdoToPJKajQMDP6G5ZRrkpbT6_b0HJvN5gPc9bHkf/s400/Notre+dame+exterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample of the sculptures at the entrance to Notre Dame. Fantastic detail all over the exterior of the cathedral.</td></tr>
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After leaving the cathedral, we got back on the Seine and traveled west to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais where we disembarked and then walked towards the American Cathedral on Avenue George V. Our plan was to attend the Handel's Messiah Sing-a-Long held there at 15:00. The church was very full and the solists were super. I'd never done the Messiah Sing-a-Long before but it was quite fun and a good way to get into the Christmas spirit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GM_AyXQYu5wKewnFGlfxW0E2IZJ2BvSs13OYlIqSqKpQfw1rWs9grVE0dtpAdiBwXLBNAc4sp1Ft-VAwxex2OdDObDWmI58WhI-9XyCDOBwDyFEAunjx7Ao5AFk2vRoL4_gpSrcJ2beW/s1600/American+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GM_AyXQYu5wKewnFGlfxW0E2IZJ2BvSs13OYlIqSqKpQfw1rWs9grVE0dtpAdiBwXLBNAc4sp1Ft-VAwxex2OdDObDWmI58WhI-9XyCDOBwDyFEAunjx7Ao5AFk2vRoL4_gpSrcJ2beW/s400/American+Cathedral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the American Cathedral.</td></tr>
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When we left the American Cathedral, Paul didn't want to do anymore walking and wanted to head back to the campground. All the kids were pretty tired, so Vincent and I put them on the shuttle bus with the keys to LandShark while we set out to find a restaurant. We headed back to La Rue Huchette just across the Seine, from the Notre Dame, as we knew there were lots of restaurants there. We settled on a place that offered fondue because we thought this would be something the kids wouldn't like. Then during the meal, I thought fondue might be a hit with the kids; not necessarily the cheese fondue, but a meat fondue with the opportunity to compete with long forks might have an appeal.<br />
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After leaving the restaurant and walking towards the Metro, we came across a procession celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I learned another interesting detail about the Catholic Church dogma; in 1854, Pope Pius IX declared that Mary herself was conceived without sin and all Catholics are to accept that. <br />
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On <b>December 9th</b>, Vincent, Paul and Sarah wanted to visit the Musee de l'Armee at the Hôtel National des Invalides. I would have liked to go as well but James had been asking to go to the Louvre, just with me, the past few days, so he and I headed there. (Hey, when your son wants to spend the day with you, you grab the chance.)<br />
<br />
It was probably about the 3rd or 4th time I had visited the Louvre over the course of my life. The new feature this time was the audio tour with GPS feature. It was a bit difficult to use but essentially it has the capability to track where you are in the museum and give you an overview of the art or artifacts in the room you are visiting. In most rooms, there is a detailed commentary on certain works of art; over time, I'd expect that the museum will increase the numbers of these. The result is that the average person can get much more out of the museum than they could 20 years ago. It was truly interesting and of course an afternoon just isn't enough to do the Louvre justice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnIjMRypxijQPMenjZqneoRaUYiGiFKlnRjn8lZzhuzLyjCJIpHbd-K77q3Vo27qMmoV1kyy2I3WSuGZdfuCOCwEPwet8_25-uukGL2_l-ZwUYpNiBF367E6-ZRw0og3W_yRSYgFoA_5t/s1600/Louvre+James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnIjMRypxijQPMenjZqneoRaUYiGiFKlnRjn8lZzhuzLyjCJIpHbd-K77q3Vo27qMmoV1kyy2I3WSuGZdfuCOCwEPwet8_25-uukGL2_l-ZwUYpNiBF367E6-ZRw0og3W_yRSYgFoA_5t/s400/Louvre+James.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had taken a photo of James and Paul in this exact spot when they were 3 years old. At that time, they were more interested in climbing on the stone pyramid, which James here is more or less blocking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqYVoaxvA4lLLttZGvMyUbPQzKm3NcOdd5D_JZYgV10rMdiy7MpyhhyRlEmwUjfRY748b__Xxh-2myLaaQMqU87Eg46Zr5ItJaEEZo2gaV3OiAvVtdG2vtHJk0HAg6abFju5hwRz42nEP/s1600/Louvre+Venus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqYVoaxvA4lLLttZGvMyUbPQzKm3NcOdd5D_JZYgV10rMdiy7MpyhhyRlEmwUjfRY748b__Xxh-2myLaaQMqU87Eg46Zr5ItJaEEZo2gaV3OiAvVtdG2vtHJk0HAg6abFju5hwRz42nEP/s400/Louvre+Venus.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While making our way to the sections covering Italian painting, we walked through Greek Antiquities and saw Venus de Milo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRq68_TBSHZiDoOQAXYPazZgsh8InW8kIZ2ilXbj3JlfQHXyheRZPRuCQ2ztFCxlQUrPkpdkXPL2wjtdkLVmVWJa_W-kliwgZ2ZJCNwjUalKeoQs6xaoA6atuh60csBlQHibTbweKbSFH/s1600/Louvre+Apollo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRq68_TBSHZiDoOQAXYPazZgsh8InW8kIZ2ilXbj3JlfQHXyheRZPRuCQ2ztFCxlQUrPkpdkXPL2wjtdkLVmVWJa_W-kliwgZ2ZJCNwjUalKeoQs6xaoA6atuh60csBlQHibTbweKbSFH/s400/Louvre+Apollo.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apollo Gallery: It's impossible to capture this entire spectacular room. It was designed by over 20 artists. Sadly, much of it was destroyed from a fire in 1661 so then had to be painstakingly restored. A major restoration effort was completed in 2004 and now the visitor can really take in the room as it was intended.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5Lb7U0RBzfk9UmOGM2wZh1XY4rMybBAYtbRmvdG70tOqL9Vb83cLVokHMIGL0adhAMYunscx4k7HbYs14Iw11jjJ3QUrbpaXKtmXPkLp9obnTsZUqlseqlCswqmG8tSQrnSWYzi1YIxd/s1600/Louvre+Mona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5Lb7U0RBzfk9UmOGM2wZh1XY4rMybBAYtbRmvdG70tOqL9Vb83cLVokHMIGL0adhAMYunscx4k7HbYs14Iw11jjJ3QUrbpaXKtmXPkLp9obnTsZUqlseqlCswqmG8tSQrnSWYzi1YIxd/s400/Louvre+Mona.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, we couldn't leave the Louvre without seeing this young lady.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qrXvZlsq6CAD1oVpEJIu7wzppfFPAV7MBZJuLxT_Ku0lF12ZNbsV-07k5yM0ztX_Q11HHS1hLcP_zvkykZLMkWi1YYHuVdlTfu4JBAS5KRYXkHIdpXnxw2HMe6JYw3GNzF0GwusNqtYh/s1600/Louvre+James+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qrXvZlsq6CAD1oVpEJIu7wzppfFPAV7MBZJuLxT_Ku0lF12ZNbsV-07k5yM0ztX_Q11HHS1hLcP_zvkykZLMkWi1YYHuVdlTfu4JBAS5KRYXkHIdpXnxw2HMe6JYw3GNzF0GwusNqtYh/s400/Louvre+James+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a break, spending quality time with James. (Sort of.) The audio devices were packed with information; there was no time for idle chit chat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBuw9isBcLhyJvo0pJB-c5PWJYsbdRuy4A-ukjb5aSyW4XFlm0exHwCG7o2tCOupYIh1D340uIBHUMFGYm2NOIvz5q1w8kmV9jOeM7n_tnk1EtTiaskSdCvUNuoz9_tVL9nXFEmQP8Yk-/s1600/Louvre+Napoleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBuw9isBcLhyJvo0pJB-c5PWJYsbdRuy4A-ukjb5aSyW4XFlm0exHwCG7o2tCOupYIh1D340uIBHUMFGYm2NOIvz5q1w8kmV9jOeM7n_tnk1EtTiaskSdCvUNuoz9_tVL9nXFEmQP8Yk-/s400/Louvre+Napoleon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked through the apartments of Napoleon III. Ornate is an understatement. This is the Grand Salon, the large drawing room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncdk-6thApdl-flwhiIKx0QUdw3P7wz-_BCIeqkIdKJu4EIzkGEHUHMY6dId-ox-Ovg8uGc-T2xmGiYnJv2rAdCQtgeD2H6DsflyvGelIwkuszLGBp-nGWTtPiiuJ8CSO2Gj9F4CIOZ5e/s1600/Louvre+Napoleon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncdk-6thApdl-flwhiIKx0QUdw3P7wz-_BCIeqkIdKJu4EIzkGEHUHMY6dId-ox-Ovg8uGc-T2xmGiYnJv2rAdCQtgeD2H6DsflyvGelIwkuszLGBp-nGWTtPiiuJ8CSO2Gj9F4CIOZ5e/s400/Louvre+Napoleon+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the ceiling of the Grand Salon.<span class="txtContent"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8ghIHHMIB3TBPjo5bRNSS3mL7_d0hiQYs5nZqrpjHau9gmJpya02fOd3Cg_vddsnGRukBoNRtLzkkEU9g4RJ13bHiBmDOS9Wa5QGPU4Mce5PNG7iBr5Vled7nMpUWSA3KUtvXMzFJvRl/s1600/Louvre+James+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8ghIHHMIB3TBPjo5bRNSS3mL7_d0hiQYs5nZqrpjHau9gmJpya02fOd3Cg_vddsnGRukBoNRtLzkkEU9g4RJ13bHiBmDOS9Wa5QGPU4Mce5PNG7iBr5Vled7nMpUWSA3KUtvXMzFJvRl/s400/Louvre+James+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many tourists take this exact same picture that there are blocks in place for people to stand on in order to get a "good shot".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meanwhile, the boys thoroughly enjoyed the Army Museum. Paul said it was his second favorite museum thus far following Culloden in Scotland. The Army Museum contains some of the world's most prestigious collections, including old weapons and armour (the 3rd biggest in the world), small artillery models (unique in the world) and<b> </b>items relating to Louis XIV to Napoleon III. It also contains comprehensive exhibits covering WWI and WWII.<br />
<br />
After our respective museum visits, we met up in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral and headed out to to find a restaurant.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JE50aH5zXWcs_DS01ztlt5p5rSG8WVB2ZRSjcEqF1vPToZZMYWiGtaZL-O3hKM_dO363AEz2JwZ9ITJYxBI6I4zcAqfCT_hzEETG2Wai5Odcb1tFAybZBIS22ekAljhyphenhyphensskDnEtpX4f/s1600/Paris+bridge+w+locks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JE50aH5zXWcs_DS01ztlt5p5rSG8WVB2ZRSjcEqF1vPToZZMYWiGtaZL-O3hKM_dO363AEz2JwZ9ITJYxBI6I4zcAqfCT_hzEETG2Wai5Odcb1tFAybZBIS22ekAljhyphenhyphensskDnEtpX4f/s400/Paris+bridge+w+locks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking from the Louvre to Notre Dame, James and I passed the Pont de l'Archevêché with the thousands of love locks attached. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the restaurant, we ordered fondue and while the kids were initially dubious of this new food choice, by the end they were fighting over fondue pot real estate and fully engaged in the cooking process, like we thought they would be.<br />
<br />
After dinner, the kids and I returned to the campground while Vincent went off on his own to see if he could get tickets to the opera. <i>La Clemenza di Titto</i>, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was playing. It was sung in Italian with French subtitles (naturellement). Vincent enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to see the inside of the Opera Garnier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmSPg5jooicD58wlVLO6hu-dxcv4mEj9Dmg9h6tpm2s61XKRQELfVTTVlSFjs6dQso4ERXLlzRS4UH4hi4n22DtRFrk8OwiIrqJFu8AvnE74mvNAbXerA2G2x4f6w3BFLK_hAM8ouC9W/s1600/Paris+Opera+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmSPg5jooicD58wlVLO6hu-dxcv4mEj9Dmg9h6tpm2s61XKRQELfVTTVlSFjs6dQso4ERXLlzRS4UH4hi4n22DtRFrk8OwiIrqJFu8AvnE74mvNAbXerA2G2x4f6w3BFLK_hAM8ouC9W/s400/Paris+Opera+ceiling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Opera Garnier was commissioned by Napoleon III and was built between 1862 and 1875 by Charles Garnier. This is the beautiful ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964.<a href="http://www.parisdigest.com/photos/opera_garnier_garnier.jpg"> </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv3NDT-mIA4zTih6Rts6pGcBZzP2m-kcta9rN5AN5fgmTHn2N-FZ0vUiYO5xc1eaE6itLw7Nmw0OY2y8M7mojq0DRQ2P3eRKQjfLtlBRSNdpqFUpcZfHsUgUH7IJhIcKioxxk7GxTJsEI/s1600/Paris+Opera+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv3NDT-mIA4zTih6Rts6pGcBZzP2m-kcta9rN5AN5fgmTHn2N-FZ0vUiYO5xc1eaE6itLw7Nmw0OY2y8M7mojq0DRQ2P3eRKQjfLtlBRSNdpqFUpcZfHsUgUH7IJhIcKioxxk7GxTJsEI/s400/Paris+Opera+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Opera House holds 1,979 seats; with the exception of the orchestra seats, most are in private boxes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>December 10th</b> was our last day in Paris. We decided to go to the Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie. I would have much preferred to go to the Musee d'Orsay or many other places but we were doing Paris <i>avec les enfants</i>. We learned back in Washington and London that we'd have to do things differently in order to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Sarah had been a trouper through much of Paris thus far and so we went here more or less for her sake. The boys got tickets to the video game expo and they absolutely loved it. In hindsight, we should have gotten tickets to the Cite des Enfants for Sarah but didn't; we went thru the main museum instead. Sarah found a number of interactive displays that were quite engaging and interesting. Many stations had English translations, which was great. Overall, it was a good museum however I'd only recommend it during off periods such as during the week when school is in session. Most of the interactive displays are for one or two people; I could imagine it being very frustrating during a packed weekend and don't think it would be a good experience at all, particularly for non-native French speakers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTj5WeKg81Q5qi3R3jK0SRNmi8BqnJtjzpnkmdt85gxFe2xyWJI3oBtSQYo3wzXyKNCZn_1eNkl7ZU-W91Q8b8TQRjKJyLoivq4xtBBOR2s0j9Mu9xqfFynv1d5ig-hQtPco-nhAGONgV/s1600/Paris+science+center+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTj5WeKg81Q5qi3R3jK0SRNmi8BqnJtjzpnkmdt85gxFe2xyWJI3oBtSQYo3wzXyKNCZn_1eNkl7ZU-W91Q8b8TQRjKJyLoivq4xtBBOR2s0j9Mu9xqfFynv1d5ig-hQtPco-nhAGONgV/s400/Paris+science+center+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry to the Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2COZfEvaMIeT-b-Hx4oB02DNoftmiE-NDQfdgGX8IDJUdyxbdkEQs_2W3LtZm4xIQcoI7cwTu1trZ06-fK9vqKj4jKXOCIOcfQMmJNPPESC5ZbH6gVI-jmH-Xd50E4Nj1dXp9bsRi13W/s1600/Paris+science+center+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2COZfEvaMIeT-b-Hx4oB02DNoftmiE-NDQfdgGX8IDJUdyxbdkEQs_2W3LtZm4xIQcoI7cwTu1trZ06-fK9vqKj4jKXOCIOcfQMmJNPPESC5ZbH6gVI-jmH-Xd50E4Nj1dXp9bsRi13W/s400/Paris+science+center+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a version of the Ariane 5 launcher.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGDvF6xQf5dySBSS4RP1EgXHK-c5WGkfbL5P9FO6TZDHrthRStSD2vFRMVHnPAx6SZoKpKXfyGFD_rVSG8eYI902IQf7X7w19xbpBWEFVoQod424jAjxIU-6eRZ0s-B-tT9eRTxC8AH9z/s1600/Paris+science+center+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGDvF6xQf5dySBSS4RP1EgXHK-c5WGkfbL5P9FO6TZDHrthRStSD2vFRMVHnPAx6SZoKpKXfyGFD_rVSG8eYI902IQf7X7w19xbpBWEFVoQod424jAjxIU-6eRZ0s-B-tT9eRTxC8AH9z/s400/Paris+science+center+3.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever wonder what 1 Billion Euros looks like? This is it. It is a stack of 2,000 brickettes, each made of 1,000 €500 euro banknotes, all shredded up and compressed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ate dinner at a restaurant near the science museum and then headed back to LandShark to pack up. We had decided to quickly drive south to Barcelona and then take a ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, where we would look into establishing residency for a while. We needed to sort out legally staying beyond 90 days, for Vincent and the kids, in order to put this issue aside and be able to plan the remainder of our European trip.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-31534626394183211052013-12-02T08:13:00.000-08:002013-12-02T08:13:01.287-08:00CornwallOn <b>November 22nd</b>, we left Somerset for Cornwall. Our next
campground would be the Carvynick Country Club (£22/nt) in Summercourt. While Vincent
drove LandShark directly to our new location, James (my co-pilot) and I made a stop in
Tavistock, Devon to see a former Stockholm Players alumna, Rose Marie.
During my time with The Stockholm Players, I was involved in 23
productions and I believe Rose Marie was also involved in most of those
so we had worked on a lot of projects together. She taught me a great
deal about theatre and became a good friend along the way. It was a wonderful visit and simply a joy to reconnect with her.<br />
<br />
By the time James and I reached the Carvynick Country Club, it was past 19:30. We ate what was left of dinner and we all retired for the night.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 23rd</b>, we woke up to a simply gorgeous day. It was cold (38 degrees F in the morning and mid 40s by the afternoon) but it was sunny. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83WO_6R-O5LFwKkmzasEoLB-Tx6F9jNqIrUg1Se75UU9OsIWappRkb1bX0Wv5phor3N9wJZ1ohbf9HL9ZZxWK0_QtImByKY163GeBTbJpVS8W1RhaQWGxJOxiEMJeDk1k9V0eZUAoAS3A/s1600/View+from+Carnyvick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83WO_6R-O5LFwKkmzasEoLB-Tx6F9jNqIrUg1Se75UU9OsIWappRkb1bX0Wv5phor3N9wJZ1ohbf9HL9ZZxWK0_QtImByKY163GeBTbJpVS8W1RhaQWGxJOxiEMJeDk1k9V0eZUAoAS3A/s400/View+from+Carnyvick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from LandShark's pitch was absolutely lovely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That
morning the kids wanted to try out the Country Club facilities. They rented some badminton rackets and birdies and
played some badminton on the inside court. They then had a swim in the heated pool. (Warm enough that I might even try it out.) Meanwhile, I did some more
research on my rights as an EU citizen and my family's rights based on
my status. The EC seems to be more supportive of citizen's rights and
that of non-citizen family members than one would find in the US; at least the
language used gives that impression. The outcome of this research would help us decide how much time we could spend in the Schengen treaty zone verses outside of it over the next 7 months. Since most European countries are a part of the Schengen zone (except Ireland, UK and Norway), we wanted to spent as much time in the Schengen as we legally could.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AbPJkD1rnhLZRvWuEl6KqDi5ixU3cJq7Ck3JHUnVqItmPSOC2lsO5Qv9817GvEOx9Vk0WUxFoXI_yH6GzY2a2s7FDkQI2XSiT3I934kj_yfbuXTWmbk6aI5ncgVMIXQh53dznvNRgOZI/s1600/Typical+morning+ritual.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AbPJkD1rnhLZRvWuEl6KqDi5ixU3cJq7Ck3JHUnVqItmPSOC2lsO5Qv9817GvEOx9Vk0WUxFoXI_yH6GzY2a2s7FDkQI2XSiT3I934kj_yfbuXTWmbk6aI5ncgVMIXQh53dznvNRgOZI/s400/Typical+morning+ritual.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here
are the kids during their typical morning ritual. Here, Paul is playing
on the computer for his hour, while James half reads, half watches and
Sarah messes with the dog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefSmJUMSdD1ndL8jmv8fxbGD80to_52kcQUGMN6HCMW4gHF5as4a1LAKlGMOYUaMvZF2zDccEy1mYz9O_1CyFc40ac3FaGZck_jTyqzTthz2YGgRW3oPKqCoYF7PC5xyfouuy9X6w1Zy5/s1600/Molly+on+dash+board.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefSmJUMSdD1ndL8jmv8fxbGD80to_52kcQUGMN6HCMW4gHF5as4a1LAKlGMOYUaMvZF2zDccEy1mYz9O_1CyFc40ac3FaGZck_jTyqzTthz2YGgRW3oPKqCoYF7PC5xyfouuy9X6w1Zy5/s400/Molly+on+dash+board.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly has a way of enjoying the rare sunny moments. Here, she's looking at me thinking, "You aren't going to make me move, are you?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the afternoon, Vincent, James, Sarah and I decided to try out the
Holiday Park's 5-hole golf course. It was free (included in the price of
staying at the Park) and we could rent a set of clubs for £3. It was
really lovely out there and the scenery just beautiful. I could imagine
this Carvynick Country Club being packed in the peak season but today we
more or less had the place to ourselves.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HFVkpL4K8d6sm9ouDaWd-MWjuQyBj59IEvb9vgLxLf2qCyJjvgQnR6EfZ8-r3i0FGcdykruqelczUV0-_GZf9DTY2BeMDDxXNRJSyfm9t4dNeKX06Am4O3iqIy7xMlZgsqaYnkhHFtxd/s1600/first+fairway+carnyvick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HFVkpL4K8d6sm9ouDaWd-MWjuQyBj59IEvb9vgLxLf2qCyJjvgQnR6EfZ8-r3i0FGcdykruqelczUV0-_GZf9DTY2BeMDDxXNRJSyfm9t4dNeKX06Am4O3iqIy7xMlZgsqaYnkhHFtxd/s400/first+fairway+carnyvick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at the 1st hole tee off area. It's a straight par 3.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc7MEJLIxUvEWySOm7z2zFwuuzsT7bqDP8BJoVbsc4zYPwrSNoB34X8sSC_fhaX-yeIS5Zjq9rB3_SKvDPcsfNXyI5jwNFCxenOE-66UJXa_raZd1YvSYRygNwQG12t0lBLteheWT2BKG/s1600/third+fairway+carnyvick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc7MEJLIxUvEWySOm7z2zFwuuzsT7bqDP8BJoVbsc4zYPwrSNoB34X8sSC_fhaX-yeIS5Zjq9rB3_SKvDPcsfNXyI5jwNFCxenOE-66UJXa_raZd1YvSYRygNwQG12t0lBLteheWT2BKG/s400/third+fairway+carnyvick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the second hole fairway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf42vFLlzubbb4qUwmoqW4b69Lun9WIvQraYardpu-FjwXfAiHikb8esH6KsUD2TtTx0QWiIn66xFnRusBFV6h-sr3bhhEjAHvyHdCIXLydlwUQ4iCX6xZ6JHObMA83gUeJfCSjNNa4x_n/s1600/fifth+hole+carnyvick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf42vFLlzubbb4qUwmoqW4b69Lun9WIvQraYardpu-FjwXfAiHikb8esH6KsUD2TtTx0QWiIn66xFnRusBFV6h-sr3bhhEjAHvyHdCIXLydlwUQ4iCX6xZ6JHObMA83gUeJfCSjNNa4x_n/s400/fifth+hole+carnyvick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View
from the fifth hole green: The course was in pretty good shape. The
grass on the greens was a bit long (and a bit mossy) and there weren't many bunkers to
speak of but it was quite alright for the price.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later that afternoon, I wanted to get in the car and explore a bit of Cornwall so Vince, James, Sarah and I drove to Newquay. We had no particular agenda in mind, just wanted to see the town, see if there were any charity shops (James's goal) and maybe get a glimpse of the coast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ3NJ0qgropKA1C0IVogKxBu5-6ClwFB5Q8LMjNHfdyfxbzXk9w5Y5oR-r2HsDHJFymUtU6kh-g6B5ziePFCdtcnt-5Md-4Ao1-ORThwpAfG86guvDmOzJcQ78NOxrFd0_oUssts0S5G7/s1600/Newquay+sunset+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ3NJ0qgropKA1C0IVogKxBu5-6ClwFB5Q8LMjNHfdyfxbzXk9w5Y5oR-r2HsDHJFymUtU6kh-g6B5ziePFCdtcnt-5Md-4Ao1-ORThwpAfG86guvDmOzJcQ78NOxrFd0_oUssts0S5G7/s400/Newquay+sunset+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sunset over Newquay Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKREcGcpFw60Q7QM-RTMlUbiChWJ0mYXp-ZlmqC5d1T3iZUlR09mdRc1ufASAnSjkAkLpl6TQCm66e_0HO9fl740ky5fQmJjvkKA2Q3yw9qD8X4JzT_6Fvc-2gz26bVyjJsjRFvS5BBFXk/s1600/Happy+Christmas+Newquay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKREcGcpFw60Q7QM-RTMlUbiChWJ0mYXp-ZlmqC5d1T3iZUlR09mdRc1ufASAnSjkAkLpl6TQCm66e_0HO9fl740ky5fQmJjvkKA2Q3yw9qD8X4JzT_6Fvc-2gz26bVyjJsjRFvS5BBFXk/s400/Happy+Christmas+Newquay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newquay is a town where it's still alright to say <i>Happy Christmas</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
<b>November 24th</b>, since a cathedral was within reach, we went to the Sung
Eucharist service at Truro Cathedral. It was one of the longer services
we'd been to thus far; it seemed to include everything. Fortunately for
Sarah, "children's church" was offered in the crypt and so she happily
participated in that. It was the last Sunday of the church year and the
celebration of Christ the King so the children made crowns. Just
following the presentation of the offering at the alter, the children
(another girl and Sarah) were marched up to the alter in their crowns.
Sarah was completely unprepared for this and cowered from "embarrassing
herself in front of hundreds of people". Of course, Vincent and I just
got a big kick out of it. After the service, refreshments were offered in
the church, literally stationed between the congregation and the exit
and so it would be hard to avoid it if one didn't want to partake. In
addition to coffee and tea, they also offered two types of sherry. Many
members of the congregation were very welcoming and friendly, freely
walking up to Vince and me and asking questions. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAChAtvNbrXp1VAIsekTybhpuIqZgK2CRJS_-ph_gWLyB33HI0G_4HMqLyBAYrXcejnKPrjBENNYL-LoDtOhNknt2vb95N3KAmwyW2PAqLdyGs2xhLijq3YIHFgJy3ns31O6J8ATxZuY7l/s1600/Truro+Cathedral.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAChAtvNbrXp1VAIsekTybhpuIqZgK2CRJS_-ph_gWLyB33HI0G_4HMqLyBAYrXcejnKPrjBENNYL-LoDtOhNknt2vb95N3KAmwyW2PAqLdyGs2xhLijq3YIHFgJy3ns31O6J8ATxZuY7l/s400/Truro+Cathedral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truro Cathedral: In 1877, after a gap of almost 800 years, the Cornish Diocese
was re-established and thereafter a cathedral built at Truro. The Diocese of Truro covers the whole of
Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly plus two parishes in Devon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfyg3106DvESsY9Ohd-uSSgFSG2i3V-lQJ4llUW-81SUaYjB50gsxzaep0hiTUkQWaqPGI4MrmwJYFEbU6EraeM0L5j8auL7Kf5DmDr6voFzJODgixQlhlFJ08VC-LGgP-bQuY53Ggere/s1600/Truro+Cathedral+altar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfyg3106DvESsY9Ohd-uSSgFSG2i3V-lQJ4llUW-81SUaYjB50gsxzaep0hiTUkQWaqPGI4MrmwJYFEbU6EraeM0L5j8auL7Kf5DmDr6voFzJODgixQlhlFJ08VC-LGgP-bQuY53Ggere/s400/Truro+Cathedral+altar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Truro Cathedral choir was one of the best we'd heard thus far in the UK.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
leaving Truro Cathedral, we walked over to the Hall for Cornwall to see
if we could get tickets for the Nutcracker which was being performed by
the Moscow City Ballet company. Unfortunately the box office was closed
on Sunday and so, a bit disappointed, we returned to the car and drove
to Newquay for lunch. We went to The Fort restaurant; we noticed the
previous day that it offered a carvery Sunday lunch, with decent
reviews, and had a lovely view over the bay.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9urEsGyTY5Oe5PAyoz4YBXWQuEjRg9u3xhpvpQFc6t8Lu6HnMZCDIA2xHfRpJ5STsqGRzHgA6yjCfAspKykW-kV-XZU94EQAysd-jNkdwOdIFYhmY63iHzYwdFafjL0n6uGwBVDfVZimi/s1600/the+fort+restaurant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9urEsGyTY5Oe5PAyoz4YBXWQuEjRg9u3xhpvpQFc6t8Lu6HnMZCDIA2xHfRpJ5STsqGRzHgA6yjCfAspKykW-kV-XZU94EQAysd-jNkdwOdIFYhmY63iHzYwdFafjL0n6uGwBVDfVZimi/s400/the+fort+restaurant.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent and I both chose the carvery meal (last chance in the UK) while the kids chose something off the a la carte menu. The upside (at the time) of the restaurant was an indoor play area for kids; the play area also turned out to be the downside because I think this may have been the point from which the kids started to get sick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterwards, we drove to Perranporth Beach, which TripAdvisor ranked #4 of 377 places to visit in Cornwall, for some kite flying.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSijzAQ-7MCMslkGrE5e4tr8ikBlcu3ceVrOy6apSHhNV8h-eN_BBwAzfxpzPpHPQT_6AXZK3cFPlHD87QNpRhYd61tz5iTOOHvVvr0MAsIJf0Ny7_CBLk00siBnl4_VdiG1H2Nq41_cUn/s1600/Parranporth+Beach+sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSijzAQ-7MCMslkGrE5e4tr8ikBlcu3ceVrOy6apSHhNV8h-eN_BBwAzfxpzPpHPQT_6AXZK3cFPlHD87QNpRhYd61tz5iTOOHvVvr0MAsIJf0Ny7_CBLk00siBnl4_VdiG1H2Nq41_cUn/s400/Parranporth+Beach+sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a lovely sunset. It was difficult deciding which were the best moments at dusk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIX8PJ5dayp-Rb2I3ez9rtz2xuc6yO-jWNu49p1T-EQF0_KoEmo_ir-d2XvZS5APij1zNtilLSQ2MoEJ8MVlXUJyZmnQZ7NC9X5-C3NTSkce1zaJpIQLjnYO1BkLr_2iDDF-m5kCsfMI2/s1600/Perranporth+sarah+flying+kite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIX8PJ5dayp-Rb2I3ez9rtz2xuc6yO-jWNu49p1T-EQF0_KoEmo_ir-d2XvZS5APij1zNtilLSQ2MoEJ8MVlXUJyZmnQZ7NC9X5-C3NTSkce1zaJpIQLjnYO1BkLr_2iDDF-m5kCsfMI2/s400/Perranporth+sarah+flying+kite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was very little breeze but Sarah managed to get the kite up and keep it going for quite a while.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuoPu2zgWaPS24T9wc79cjJEemkuN7CjjzasCX7P9y27YWlxhGTigmYwGmxZ3PeYyxNWd7hGTwaksIdRGr_JebDyDJLRSkq9pYaW5r7v9N_aDQPBRjyg8PrEv5BemGZI73sdcDnbKwcPJ/s1600/Molly+on+Perranporth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuoPu2zgWaPS24T9wc79cjJEemkuN7CjjzasCX7P9y27YWlxhGTigmYwGmxZ3PeYyxNWd7hGTwaksIdRGr_JebDyDJLRSkq9pYaW5r7v9N_aDQPBRjyg8PrEv5BemGZI73sdcDnbKwcPJ/s400/Molly+on+Perranporth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly had a grand time fetching a tennis ball on the beach...until she lost it somewhere in the sand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFlGwRNjCx9Ffwh_pHu_CvRK7sbtiASBJaY2cN7pGRiAXniuYwipx5W2Qqv4cq6Odbsbz0t_kRLIoUk0-9Wue2JBVOlXFyn5OZXPhK_KCpfunR9ax-XWfPmn8CAr5YTG171FhjVEvXL5n/s1600/Perranporth+beach+sunset+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFlGwRNjCx9Ffwh_pHu_CvRK7sbtiASBJaY2cN7pGRiAXniuYwipx5W2Qqv4cq6Odbsbz0t_kRLIoUk0-9Wue2JBVOlXFyn5OZXPhK_KCpfunR9ax-XWfPmn8CAr5YTG171FhjVEvXL5n/s400/Perranporth+beach+sunset+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to capture the sky reflected in the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 25th</b>, we drove to Lizard peninsula which is the most southern point in Britain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAhuKA6JhuMTY0sYJY72AqyBb7eTG-vHlaQHnM30TRi4fCKqngDKftHVMv7krvfUF4gTTdEMsSpTm7orimGt134QEJfRqYclVM2FflgrAF94QMrU7DWWTU-_W4IVA0LSw2t6jLvnJ5z9W/s1600/paul+james+molly+lizard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAhuKA6JhuMTY0sYJY72AqyBb7eTG-vHlaQHnM30TRi4fCKqngDKftHVMv7krvfUF4gTTdEMsSpTm7orimGt134QEJfRqYclVM2FflgrAF94QMrU7DWWTU-_W4IVA0LSw2t6jLvnJ5z9W/s400/paul+james+molly+lizard+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After parking the car, we took the coastal path towards the Lizard Lighthouse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-rek6tl7BHJ05efe3XouYEqgZiEnQ4pIDzBQOcvt32GuJeeKAfBw8Op0Ndx5XhQcLE_ObrNBfsu3CKU47BWiX3QFOrdK18ezeVVir4t690xxetARKQKe_wO0CA5JyeXCWDRhQix9XSnq/s1600/Lizard+lighthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-rek6tl7BHJ05efe3XouYEqgZiEnQ4pIDzBQOcvt32GuJeeKAfBw8Op0Ndx5XhQcLE_ObrNBfsu3CKU47BWiX3QFOrdK18ezeVVir4t690xxetARKQKe_wO0CA5JyeXCWDRhQix9XSnq/s400/Lizard+lighthouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first Lizard Lighthouse was completed in 1619 by Sir John Killigrew, a philanthropic Cornishman. The
shipowners who benefited from it however offered nothing for its upkeep,
and the mounting costs of maintenance bankrupted Killigrew so the tower
was demolished. It wasn't until 1751, when Thomas Fonnereau erected a new lighthouse. The lighthouse was finally automated in 1998. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0crK80m1o4H749r8XeskurO9oph1GUO4u6FDSF0ES1GIjYH82r33w_eMt3jCagC2MtAtCYzpp0CteCBbxCpOQZ39spCqgKcZxAy7G047BYc4SqGq23PCw9vvr_o6_zqVQVe_n4xAvIbS/s400/Most+southernly+point.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The land to the left of the small buildings below is the most southerly point in England.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Later, we drove to Kynance Cove, which is considered, by some, as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVpHQIoP-W-9L1RyfOYXqcHMaKX92xGa_Y9IkBy9hIoBG7JYFrABgWpBFQDfRdlWVJMbMtj7Nyf2cd0GA4uVWFs1RLC6g1ly1n6OyEtpmZc1FPmxBnxQZuR7ai8_7kLlb6_NA-vbQmWdO/s1600/Kynance+cove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVpHQIoP-W-9L1RyfOYXqcHMaKX92xGa_Y9IkBy9hIoBG7JYFrABgWpBFQDfRdlWVJMbMtj7Nyf2cd0GA4uVWFs1RLC6g1ly1n6OyEtpmZc1FPmxBnxQZuR7ai8_7kLlb6_NA-vbQmWdO/s400/Kynance+cove+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Located on the west side of the Lizard, Kynance Cove is one of the most
photographed and painted locations in Cornwall. It has a clean white sandy beach which is contrasted by the dark red and green serpentine rock. When the light is right, it is breathtaking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSkot1rb36PUtd9gW8xerDDqWe7VugXLvU1wlc_dxSERsyuKsSkl6h6kySADYa1Pvmd_A6m-EKY_Y4BZ-bd1KBWmXY1Oy8ffCRB9bF5Q4UIPlePuFVSQ4G4jsZbYgxzIFfPPqxJhZJotT/s1600/paul+sarah+kite+kynance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSkot1rb36PUtd9gW8xerDDqWe7VugXLvU1wlc_dxSERsyuKsSkl6h6kySADYa1Pvmd_A6m-EKY_Y4BZ-bd1KBWmXY1Oy8ffCRB9bF5Q4UIPlePuFVSQ4G4jsZbYgxzIFfPPqxJhZJotT/s400/paul+sarah+kite+kynance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With so little breeze, it was definitely a team effort to keep that kite up in the air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxz4c1HOXo4cjqH6sEYEw3fN_-uj9_sb7c9mIwHJXqmcQ1Fgi43pEua42zaZxth_FzJ4srukZNbROogHhxZtBbScUAt9fn-PVPmePXmaYkfqhzyD34TwM-SBaR1tPCbxpYEonKh5w1PwL/s1600/Kynance+cove+kite+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxz4c1HOXo4cjqH6sEYEw3fN_-uj9_sb7c9mIwHJXqmcQ1Fgi43pEua42zaZxth_FzJ4srukZNbROogHhxZtBbScUAt9fn-PVPmePXmaYkfqhzyD34TwM-SBaR1tPCbxpYEonKh5w1PwL/s400/Kynance+cove+kite+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As
a last ditched effort to get the kite far enough up in the air, Paul
scaled a rock and let the kite go from up there, while James ran. The
kite stayed up for a while but the kids soon tired of the arduous task.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinpj-ohdTTJc088A6CT-96dLXbKKVeLEZneAUjnVqcE3GSzwVdTTqbSAxY-vNhPwaFk5rO0CwmJEkvies_qU8DGmFDpDyys2g9tEyaqiswG0ZIQnpzYbXzVbNNXY1f2IXcbfdKgH00vHk/s1600/Kynance+cove.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinpj-ohdTTJc088A6CT-96dLXbKKVeLEZneAUjnVqcE3GSzwVdTTqbSAxY-vNhPwaFk5rO0CwmJEkvies_qU8DGmFDpDyys2g9tEyaqiswG0ZIQnpzYbXzVbNNXY1f2IXcbfdKgH00vHk/s400/Kynance+cove.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the entire beach to ourselves. Definitely an upside to visiting in November.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAaeuZD9Euv5h7SXYwJBHNoN7BPwbC8RjyWk5cGh5OXVqWsHZSe1aNAVDFDKwVesvGGWXhhBqsmHSdp9biAdrcNk89Z5JgeC-F5KmKPW-7lFzCHklmVxQv10vrnnrpHS0TgCovWv5iVu3/s1600/Muscles+Kynance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAaeuZD9Euv5h7SXYwJBHNoN7BPwbC8RjyWk5cGh5OXVqWsHZSe1aNAVDFDKwVesvGGWXhhBqsmHSdp9biAdrcNk89Z5JgeC-F5KmKPW-7lFzCHklmVxQv10vrnnrpHS0TgCovWv5iVu3/s400/Muscles+Kynance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of muscles were attached to the exposed rocks when the tide was out. Really made me crave moules <span class="st">marinières.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaafDk1SjQpBiradGU2MtoukELmlzNNjxPYA0OD8dtmT6rcAIQXMHhWYfDZPCcui7Yf2NpuggObvcLlkm6QVeGFLWaEGrSG4rlwUGIVVF7vpBZN09DNvKXjtNwe9zXimwCUEOeIOorLmd/s1600/Kynance+cove+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaafDk1SjQpBiradGU2MtoukELmlzNNjxPYA0OD8dtmT6rcAIQXMHhWYfDZPCcui7Yf2NpuggObvcLlkm6QVeGFLWaEGrSG4rlwUGIVVF7vpBZN09DNvKXjtNwe9zXimwCUEOeIOorLmd/s400/Kynance+cove+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cornish coastline is really beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCb5zB0dgKzF-hQLxIHYB0Ikaj3WhREqTW3Is4MaFiSsRiDAIY2naRL3Fu6SVh85m2oAQyPAisMSWHPMFmgbHfvU9OQkbu-GNqJmi63d7fyFfZtrozjCwKueQ4RaboRQwAm2ghJqeRT-R/s1600/Molly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCb5zB0dgKzF-hQLxIHYB0Ikaj3WhREqTW3Is4MaFiSsRiDAIY2naRL3Fu6SVh85m2oAQyPAisMSWHPMFmgbHfvU9OQkbu-GNqJmi63d7fyFfZtrozjCwKueQ4RaboRQwAm2ghJqeRT-R/s400/Molly.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would be a good photo for Molly's pet passport.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6Zra1rtZmO7kWhxUgJblM6zYRgcR69TjzExaiRyzCtg5Z-H8Vu-jXZB9TkaakmPWua5yYol6tcm1QwdIEEjsPOO4JOxOrhrnw47PdFUhRt4VLf0a9zFvngreHxZhQ6H6VTJspRQMP-PD/s1600/Polly+Molly+return+Kynance+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6Zra1rtZmO7kWhxUgJblM6zYRgcR69TjzExaiRyzCtg5Z-H8Vu-jXZB9TkaakmPWua5yYol6tcm1QwdIEEjsPOO4JOxOrhrnw47PdFUhRt4VLf0a9zFvngreHxZhQ6H6VTJspRQMP-PD/s400/Polly+Molly+return+Kynance+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning from Kynance Cove. Paul trained Molly to carry her tennis ball (most of the way) back to the car. This photo was taken moments before poor Molly lost her ball down a fox hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 26th</b>,
James and Paul both woke up feeling ill. (Murphy's Law hits every time;
moments before greeting the boys in the morning, I was thinking to
myself how great it was that no one had gotten sick thus far...) When it
looked like Vincent's big shipment of blinds wasn't going to arrive
today, he decided to join Sarah and me on an outing. This time of year,
there aren't a lot of things open and if the weather is decent we want
to be outside. So I picked the Trebah Garden, near Falmouth because it
boasted a lovely tropical garden plus a beach where hopefully Sarah
could fly her kite.<br />
<br />The Trebah Garden is the cumulative result
of almost 200 years of horticultural endeavours. The Garden was at its
peak at the beginning of WWII but because of the war, maintenance was
reduced to the bare minimum.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEjgjnxHtZHi813o2t3stzNXEzIkWr-wnPrsVekY2nbY7QEXukoPhgH3o4xPX8NAfVFojfrwzv-LscMVa2RkMRwJVVa0oy8gj9uIrXDphOFU4m5Z0_dffwPt_5Av3Yds7HGniXzZcZeMo/s1600/Sarah+by+leaf+trebah+garden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEjgjnxHtZHi813o2t3stzNXEzIkWr-wnPrsVekY2nbY7QEXukoPhgH3o4xPX8NAfVFojfrwzv-LscMVa2RkMRwJVVa0oy8gj9uIrXDphOFU4m5Z0_dffwPt_5Av3Yds7HGniXzZcZeMo/s400/Sarah+by+leaf+trebah+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts of Trebah Garden were like visiting Jurassic Park. That leaf next to Sarah was bigger than she was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoeMbE5Z3eBcbcy4qh7rdyDBrHsWpNNw_IlSAbQvxSVbT3qpwGry4HfTx9y0OpuP3ls8B_sQmdxl2RgPugZpfKrvV-DqNrHLKAyt_PDGGkKvs-gMc_nFGWsyeMhbsVduq6hyphenhyphenXFa90eB7h/s1600/Trebah+bridge+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoeMbE5Z3eBcbcy4qh7rdyDBrHsWpNNw_IlSAbQvxSVbT3qpwGry4HfTx9y0OpuP3ls8B_sQmdxl2RgPugZpfKrvV-DqNrHLKAyt_PDGGkKvs-gMc_nFGWsyeMhbsVduq6hyphenhyphenXFa90eB7h/s400/Trebah+bridge+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While parts of the garden were dormant (see foreground), many plants like the hydrangeas were still in fine form.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoEOl-_bLuS7NdgGA9IhaLP9pnbbgd9DyG9RQXKgLanUfrN-P_JNk03sJcHghnE73GHK0gxa0IQOjdZKWKM35kxWMVMSH1-OKWJx0r_JZvOrgf7YTKxEIt5ZabEbHhkuu3KatYpkSs6E2/s1600/Trebah+beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoEOl-_bLuS7NdgGA9IhaLP9pnbbgd9DyG9RQXKgLanUfrN-P_JNk03sJcHghnE73GHK0gxa0IQOjdZKWKM35kxWMVMSH1-OKWJx0r_JZvOrgf7YTKxEIt5ZabEbHhkuu3KatYpkSs6E2/s400/Trebah+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
is the beach at the base of the Trebah Gardens. It was used in WWII by
the 175th Combat Team of the 29th US Infantry Division, comprising some 7,500
men. They embarked from the beach at Trebah on June 1st, 1944 in Landing Ship
Tanks to take part in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach Normandy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just
as we were returning to Carvynick, we were met by the owner of the property who invited us over to the onsite restaurant,
Stiltskins. Their new chef was putting on a free buffet dinner and
everyone at the Country Club was invited. Well, they didn't have to ask
me twice. Sadly, James and Paul were still under the weather but
Vincent, Sarah and I happily partook. It was lovely and a welcome
respite from the camping environment.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34rZ0nnoVI9FsEfW5bqDdYPW1QAERkd86eM_wRq-C7xc_PqB-wIg2QmKQ4-ZzI_o88eQXse7TrrTfyef9y8xaY6-7gPEZis2I1ORusooFnfe4cyxywzUw58sFMaftiI9Kuf8eVdP_Rl5C/s1600/Sarah+Stilskins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34rZ0nnoVI9FsEfW5bqDdYPW1QAERkd86eM_wRq-C7xc_PqB-wIg2QmKQ4-ZzI_o88eQXse7TrrTfyef9y8xaY6-7gPEZis2I1ORusooFnfe4cyxywzUw58sFMaftiI9Kuf8eVdP_Rl5C/s400/Sarah+Stilskins.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah enjoying the hot fires outside of the Stiltskins Restaurant. She also enjoyed getting dressed up and going to a (fancier) restaurant with her parents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>November 27th</b>
was to be a maintenance day. The 12 new blinds that Vince ordered to
replace our faulty accordian-style blinds, had arrived and needed to get
installed. LandShark was suffering from weeks of housekeeping
maintenance neglect and so, I decided to do some serious cleaning. The
boys were still feeling under the weather and Sarah was starting to go
south. It was Wednesday and the kids still hadn't done any homework for
the week. And it looked like it would be a gray, rainy day. This all
meant that we wouldn't be going anywhere today.<br />
<br />
The day
progressed slowly with quite a bit of swearing as Vincent struggled with
installing the blinds; the first one was about 1/2 cm too long to fit
in the box valance. I was really hoping this wasn't going to be the
situation for all 12 blinds. Fortunately, the following 4 Vince managed
to hang, were measured correctly but they still were all difficult to
hang and each warranted a special few swear words in the installation
process. The end result was wonderful though. What a difference. We may think twice about selling LandShark at the end of this trip...<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I stripped all the beds and did 3 loads
of laundry. I also pulled the bunk mattresses and discovered dampness
underneath (one of the problems with camping in the cold weather) and so
wiped the bunk platforms down. I cleaned our bathroom and reorganized
several clothing drawers. Then while laundry was drying, I helped Sarah
with some homework.<br />
<br />
The day slowly crept by and when
5pm came along, I decided to make use of the Carvynick indoor swimming
pool (very warm water) and hot tub. The kids came along with me and it
was a welcome diversion during a clearly non-exciting day. When we
returned I made dinner. At this point, all of us were coming down with
some sort of cold (the downside of close living quarters) and so went to
bed hoping we'd all be feeling better the next morning.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 28th</b>, it was time to leave the UK, but not before taking Paul to Well Dental in Truro for an emergency braces repair; one of the brackets came free from a tooth and so we wanted to see if we could get it fixed while we were still in the land of a common language. Unfortunately, Paul's braces were different enough that the orthodontist did not have the right tools to take the archwire off to glue the bracket back on. It wasn't a wasted trip however because he instructed Paul on how to clean the tooth with the loose bracket and provided fluoride rinse to help minimize the risk of decay before Paul would return to the US (end of January). Dr Jones was very kind and didn't charge a pence for seeing us.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH-8Cz7Bz09CurmCmDpwq5PaBheVU6rRH9la8GoDiEUfnrJee08pNB-GStDolbgBIgTijwzG1Z_JY-2Li7G6Lc9TO5aL96n2bKnO78wnMQdQaksUaQTAhMu56eTRtRkVzK0ForrsfUnt0/s1600/Paul+Well+Dental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH-8Cz7Bz09CurmCmDpwq5PaBheVU6rRH9la8GoDiEUfnrJee08pNB-GStDolbgBIgTijwzG1Z_JY-2Li7G6Lc9TO5aL96n2bKnO78wnMQdQaksUaQTAhMu56eTRtRkVzK0ForrsfUnt0/s400/Paul+Well+Dental.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Dr Jones really wanted to fix Paul's bracket, he was facing a different style of braces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving Well Dental, Paul, Sarah and I went to look for a telescopic ladder so that Vince could fix LandShark's window screens (decided the benefit didn't justify the steep cost) and then onto Marks & Spencer so that Sarah could pick out her birthday cake. She'd be turning 8 the next day. <br />
<br />
Later that afternoon, we drove to Plymouth to take a Brittany Ferry to Roscoff, France. Ironically, it was American Thanksgiving and we were leaving from Plymouth, just like the pilgrims did in 1620. I can say the ship facilities had vastly improved over what the Mayflower offered. The ferry left at 20:45 and would arrive at 8:00 France time the next day. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ANV27djlNNN7USuA9-Ex6c_gkAp7CJlKFvW7K0u5jygdpC1mI82lL_0cPCpcRYC32ooTjmZIV7RAR2Y6S4se-kwbRWx0NjMiLRhoOWH5pD6zpCJSC4pGr6T-122ifwhv3lhPZViwjoZ/s1600/Landshark+on+Brittany+Ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ANV27djlNNN7USuA9-Ex6c_gkAp7CJlKFvW7K0u5jygdpC1mI82lL_0cPCpcRYC32ooTjmZIV7RAR2Y6S4se-kwbRWx0NjMiLRhoOWH5pD6zpCJSC4pGr6T-122ifwhv3lhPZViwjoZ/s400/Landshark+on+Brittany+Ferry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LandShark tucked away snuggly on the <i>Bretagne</i>. The Prius was on an upper level.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjrJXLQUg59R5RIi0MCTTqbmA73BwwaIzfuDOIO4svkU0drpWhnsr-VRj820e7f7z52HxNKHdDJQxe-93c4ZIFMPkWiJs-7mMNKvUsH1FzKyI_KAqXHICqr6k0lx06b2LebbdS4L4DYx/s1600/Kids+on+Bretagne+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjrJXLQUg59R5RIi0MCTTqbmA73BwwaIzfuDOIO4svkU0drpWhnsr-VRj820e7f7z52HxNKHdDJQxe-93c4ZIFMPkWiJs-7mMNKvUsH1FzKyI_KAqXHICqr6k0lx06b2LebbdS4L4DYx/s400/Kids+on+Bretagne+ferry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, the kids quickly settled into their bunks and made the most of the wifi before we sailed too far off shore. Internet access in France would be a new project yet to be solved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We all thoroughly enjoyed the UK. Because of Schengen restrictions, we might be back sooner than we hope but ultimately that would be okay. There were many sights we missed (Stonehenge, Stratford and Cambridge to name a few) so we could happily address those on a future pass.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-76399746619899333232013-11-22T05:02:00.001-08:002013-11-23T04:28:14.041-08:00The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and Bath Redux, Then Researching Geneology in SomersetOn <b>November 11th</b>, I took Mother back to Heathrow where I picked up Paul and Vincent who were returning from Los Angeles. When we arrived back at the Briarsfield Campground, Vincent and Paul proceeded to unpack and get settled. One of the gifts that Vincent brought back was a new camera for me so hopefully the quality of the photos in the blog, particularly the night shots, will improve somewhat.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 12th</b>, Vincent asked me to take him to some of the highlights that I had visited when my Mother was visiting. So I decided to drive to the Cotwolds, but not explore exactly the same villages; I wanted some variation for James, Sarah and myself. We headed to Chipping Campden (Chipping=market or market place; Campden=a valley with fields or enclosures of cultivated land). I had first planned to visit the Hidcote Manor Gardens which were created by the American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston, and is a "must see" in the area. Unfortunately it was closed that day (only open on Sunday this time of year) so we'll just have to add it to the list for "next time".<br />
<br />
With the Hidcote Manor Gardens a bust, Vincent and Paul were beginning to feel the effects of jetlag and so we decided to go into the village centre for tea. We went to the Badgers Hall which has a charming historic atmosphere. Some of us had a traditional cream tea, while those that haven't embraced the scones (Paul and James) had ice cream and lemon drizzle cake (a new favourite).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmsWZ2lSRx-YzbOmQQRYy6eP3fJkN5l4KqFmosEn2_hOpNLPCUYfxs42PwyY5j-D2ktLi5HNNmnOUEwd7CsXp_rVg8xFfZO8khGRO0hH8tzfoxMdQ9A535kBBTxai2tud3chazR60nDYz/s1600/DSCF0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmsWZ2lSRx-YzbOmQQRYy6eP3fJkN5l4KqFmosEn2_hOpNLPCUYfxs42PwyY5j-D2ktLi5HNNmnOUEwd7CsXp_rVg8xFfZO8khGRO0hH8tzfoxMdQ9A535kBBTxai2tud3chazR60nDYz/s400/DSCF0034.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Badgers Hall, overlooking the old market square, offers a traditional English tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the boost from our tea, we wandered up and down High Street.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1PxmOqRXZMA1K8eN9TUyBBJksYpyE-Es2VLdIlmBEfxksgK_E3x8f0_lSV6M6zRnSIYJyUlFz1_HtsIHq4lAd06oM_Ha0EFIXTJ3jmiCLm8SdHFfZjscWvo_iQBVvuH2wlT7UDkVZdBz/s1600/DSCF0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1PxmOqRXZMA1K8eN9TUyBBJksYpyE-Es2VLdIlmBEfxksgK_E3x8f0_lSV6M6zRnSIYJyUlFz1_HtsIHq4lAd06oM_Ha0EFIXTJ3jmiCLm8SdHFfZjscWvo_iQBVvuH2wlT7UDkVZdBz/s400/DSCF0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the WWI memorial (erected 1929), is the old Market Hall, built in 1627 at a cost of
£90.00. It was for the purpose of giving shelter to the local merchants selling cheese, butter and poultry. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFw0C-fGjeY8tUXvrAr58CU7R7oYi6iQqpGynHENeX9_VxCCdvI4Ymclf8s573_JaSwMw5wHHJL4LemtVztVe7nJyzbjCRKm397dLXIWP2mX1BGnJUXMgvz05-V-0jrGYlYNWNDO2baS9/s1600/DSCF0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFw0C-fGjeY8tUXvrAr58CU7R7oYi6iQqpGynHENeX9_VxCCdvI4Ymclf8s573_JaSwMw5wHHJL4LemtVztVe7nJyzbjCRKm397dLXIWP2mX1BGnJUXMgvz05-V-0jrGYlYNWNDO2baS9/s400/DSCF0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chipping Campden High Street is long and broad, and is flanked on either
side by an almost unbroken single terrace, made up of many different
architectural styles. The English Historian, G.M. Trevelyan, has called Chipping Campden's High Street "the most beautiful village street now left on the island". While I agree it's charming, I personally think this statement is a bit of a stretch with stiff competition from other villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving Chipping Campden we drove to Bourton-on-the-Water which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. At this point, it was getting dark and so we then proceeded back to the Briarfields Campground.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 13th</b>, we woke up to frost. There was lots of condensation on LandShark's windows and we started to worry about the possibility of mold growing with all this dampness. It was time to make concrete plans to move further south.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5PwTzmuGD2CXmYY4EA9ZXzwYka01wEfUmO1AdxyadSr1i5VWbexiPZzI3FXhjER39TiKKmxD8iYRDe57aQEPsc8UA7V206xB7_IHgd7qnNMLu7qEevok96ffveP5usMHsDc-oe1-1xDq/s1600/Frost+on+car+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5PwTzmuGD2CXmYY4EA9ZXzwYka01wEfUmO1AdxyadSr1i5VWbexiPZzI3FXhjER39TiKKmxD8iYRDe57aQEPsc8UA7V206xB7_IHgd7qnNMLu7qEevok96ffveP5usMHsDc-oe1-1xDq/s400/Frost+on+car+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Frost visited last night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having invested in a Blenheim Palace family membership pass, I decided to take Paul and Vincent to see Blenheim Palace. Sarah joined us while James opted to stay back with Molly and do a few loads of laundry. God bless that boy!<br />
<br />
On this second visit to Blenheim Palace, the weather was much improved. Sunny, and in the low 50s. Paul was in an odd mood when we arrived and decided he did not want to see the Palace and chose to sit in the car while the rest of us went. (That boy makes some curious decisions at times.) So, Vincent, Sarah and I all did the Palace tour (Sarah and I, for the second time). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLyKpndzr_qdEaLYgqk2m0Cly3o1pMvEiF-GdH-26F653AgVEIf41jHAjIpmg5LjwlNMwPy4h78Bvkosb8gK2-tpE8lgRvaSW9Yv8nBnqVFbn8YUR2WqtgXEF5OGdp7QYHk1nS4skfO6l/s1600/DSCF0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLyKpndzr_qdEaLYgqk2m0Cly3o1pMvEiF-GdH-26F653AgVEIf41jHAjIpmg5LjwlNMwPy4h78Bvkosb8gK2-tpE8lgRvaSW9Yv8nBnqVFbn8YUR2WqtgXEF5OGdp7QYHk1nS4skfO6l/s400/DSCF0051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the tour, several tapestries are on display. The one captured in this photo depicts the battle of Blenheim. It shows Marshall Tallard,
escorted by two British officers, in the act of surrender to Marlborough
(in the red coat on a white horse). A Grenadier Guardsman can be seen
furling a captured French standard on the left of the image. There are
burning water mills on the banks of the river; the town in the
background is Hooghstet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYBG1LE1nTnN22ELDwvd36B37vVO-aNbhVsKpSdYzU_IcrT8I5iB59MSWY7OvBH9Z2D9ztYLXif_6clRh4mw7QOXqePIGyVc2-Bqrk-1963rKeWMwFVSzK7s6no03yyNlGPPjC4aTGu9t/s1600/DSCF0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYBG1LE1nTnN22ELDwvd36B37vVO-aNbhVsKpSdYzU_IcrT8I5iB59MSWY7OvBH9Z2D9ztYLXif_6clRh4mw7QOXqePIGyVc2-Bqrk-1963rKeWMwFVSzK7s6no03yyNlGPPjC4aTGu9t/s400/DSCF0054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The state dining room: The Marlborough family eats in here just once a year on Christmas Day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9Dod2cKUZv1lZkVotYEpVsUmPT9x1oiMyKIwLm8k-0xQWIEZerVvK0KkhOxTD24sVW9tiPpqkpB61HcfuBLhuckO3qUjknCsfGnrWtgqqp7CCcE-oHeUjM1BUfmHQT6u4-Z5vAdXjkmW/s1600/Blenheim+Dining+Ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9Dod2cKUZv1lZkVotYEpVsUmPT9x1oiMyKIwLm8k-0xQWIEZerVvK0KkhOxTD24sVW9tiPpqkpB61HcfuBLhuckO3qUjknCsfGnrWtgqqp7CCcE-oHeUjM1BUfmHQT6u4-Z5vAdXjkmW/s400/Blenheim+Dining+Ceiling.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificent state dining room ceiling was painted by Louis Laguerre. It depicts the 1st Duke
in "victorious progress but stayed by the hand of peace". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiBxTrRfEqcKUmAVGqpUuehWc8a9a5AbR8F40XndDL0TRRv14oMtSZpQYuEvKH0HZrmdQf7xlSpnNUINrUrKv42ARATawaL2ZZeXT7J5RGlW6sk-OuEN41rT6oPbJuJCBymGVdfBkavJT/s1600/DSCF0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiBxTrRfEqcKUmAVGqpUuehWc8a9a5AbR8F40XndDL0TRRv14oMtSZpQYuEvKH0HZrmdQf7xlSpnNUINrUrKv42ARATawaL2ZZeXT7J5RGlW6sk-OuEN41rT6oPbJuJCBymGVdfBkavJT/s400/DSCF0056.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In order that the Duke of Marlborough can continue living in Blenheim Palace, he must pay rent. In lieu of paying £s, he delivers a new Quit Rent Standard to the sovereign on every anniversary of the Battle of
Blenheim. The Standard on display in one of the Palace's state rooms is that from 1946. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterwards, Vincent stayed on to spend time in the Churchill exhibition. It's
well worth the time to read the many letters on display that Churchill
wrote. Churchill was not a model student and seemed to be a very
interesting character. Meanwhile, Sarah and I went out to explore the grounds, which we had missed when we visited Blenheim with Mother. We first visited the Formal Gardens. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPTdxvdorrKHQIu9WN2ngWfNIG1PODUiYNzElGrgECYOXLhdpxFdEhQYFSRmtebaLDPk_inQ1MqPkBJX24Y22tuaZrK8Mbwes2dClA6rhMs2StgwRzqswO7CQvnQvn8UVkDNH-G62m2ig/s1600/DSCF0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPTdxvdorrKHQIu9WN2ngWfNIG1PODUiYNzElGrgECYOXLhdpxFdEhQYFSRmtebaLDPk_inQ1MqPkBJX24Y22tuaZrK8Mbwes2dClA6rhMs2StgwRzqswO7CQvnQvn8UVkDNH-G62m2ig/s400/DSCF0063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of the exquisite formal gardens. The Formal Gardens were the idea of the 9th Duke of Marlborough who, in the
1920s, hired the help of the French landscape architect Achille Duchêne to provide the Palace with a formal majestic
setting much like, but on a smaller scale than, at Versailles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we took the narrow-gauge railway to the Pleasure Gardens which have a number of children's play areas and the Marlborough Maze.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7kyvYfDiG3kc5k9YLsgWFlupe-bPo7Nha-A9Cr2i3fUq5vxrkjKtE1NRg3eVJAkqlROZIuGiRbKAwrfvb8UNSIaGNldcTFWEwJkdTWfQYOe0z3EaLkyxzFj1jAcsw7BheY9jJzsdPX2E/s1600/DSCF0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7kyvYfDiG3kc5k9YLsgWFlupe-bPo7Nha-A9Cr2i3fUq5vxrkjKtE1NRg3eVJAkqlROZIuGiRbKAwrfvb8UNSIaGNldcTFWEwJkdTWfQYOe0z3EaLkyxzFj1jAcsw7BheY9jJzsdPX2E/s400/DSCF0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a miniature replica of the town of Woodstock where Blenheim is located.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2b1LeuwgX80GdO8XTfOKjf9g1EOqdh2MF4ZyO3Blw2MBs0mGhKrrYSEpZit994xKH2i9gws32UA6p47E7Llj0gLvV8uf1HRXYm-1WnWVCywcJybzidPhrPvn-5moIv4EO_um4di9RLcP/s1600/DSCF0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2b1LeuwgX80GdO8XTfOKjf9g1EOqdh2MF4ZyO3Blw2MBs0mGhKrrYSEpZit994xKH2i9gws32UA6p47E7Llj0gLvV8uf1HRXYm-1WnWVCywcJybzidPhrPvn-5moIv4EO_um4di9RLcP/s400/DSCF0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marlborough Maze is the world's second largest symbolic hedge maze and
covers an area of just over an acre. Fortunately, it has two
wooden bridges which provide vantage points; otherwise Sarah and I might still be wandering in there today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We then met up with Vincent and Paul (who emerged from the car), had some refreshments and walked the grounds further.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_XvLs8L6LejoCpKVMdY0BhHteKPd1Meq9Uy3NZqC6YGUF-FwdXhIYIWeIupXg-pMELK2qSJz3Ch_Ndj14MXSEdy0pXAhZfjh69tTMNnaK790AoQYJwUxPp_xex6jpdlGMNTNszxp9WBR/s1600/DSCF0094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_XvLs8L6LejoCpKVMdY0BhHteKPd1Meq9Uy3NZqC6YGUF-FwdXhIYIWeIupXg-pMELK2qSJz3Ch_Ndj14MXSEdy0pXAhZfjh69tTMNnaK790AoQYJwUxPp_xex6jpdlGMNTNszxp9WBR/s400/DSCF0094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blenheim
Palace is considered one of ten of the most magnificent palaces and
English castles in Britain. In it's company are Leeds Castle, Woburn
Abbey, Hatfield House and Castle Howard, to name a subset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikHGqV2CmMnjx6N09l001gX_7sMJ1t3cMmZkswyXPbXoTm-QVBnN7OH9EAQi9qRAsNJ8VpOBqY7DNEvQBTeE3nf8qoxGVN783scK0HyWZ11JwWYU4q-uJrg07ghn35z3pYi5XNQHr7H5B/s1600/Blenheim+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikHGqV2CmMnjx6N09l001gX_7sMJ1t3cMmZkswyXPbXoTm-QVBnN7OH9EAQi9qRAsNJ8VpOBqY7DNEvQBTeE3nf8qoxGVN783scK0HyWZ11JwWYU4q-uJrg07ghn35z3pYi5XNQHr7H5B/s400/Blenheim+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Bridge in Blenheim Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePW9UYSSotMvp8_rsh_skEWDre09LaF3BHWCAJzkHOGjZAA5JrC0f0ge5pw6AXb99FsXiQIMYITHkl_Eyde63bXgZmlpyoL3zLXLgcy_AK1ojleSF7lk5cdeIRXRD1ul5ylXMbpB9N5yP/s1600/DSCF0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePW9UYSSotMvp8_rsh_skEWDre09LaF3BHWCAJzkHOGjZAA5JrC0f0ge5pw6AXb99FsXiQIMYITHkl_Eyde63bXgZmlpyoL3zLXLgcy_AK1ojleSF7lk5cdeIRXRD1ul5ylXMbpB9N5yP/s400/DSCF0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Column of Victory stands 40 meters tall. The sheep seem oblivious to it all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnTAs9iMGIcdFWm4xzWQeKQJZIMyk_NtHzMRG9s2jcKVAS6Aionqp7pAFVHsH9p11EXLvm7h78yWWSPUkqDfqbxqWfXmGKN8H880YF3jqkzNWomoD5GfHAcEWdKAhicptoYlXriBFd2X5/s1600/DSCF0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnTAs9iMGIcdFWm4xzWQeKQJZIMyk_NtHzMRG9s2jcKVAS6Aionqp7pAFVHsH9p11EXLvm7h78yWWSPUkqDfqbxqWfXmGKN8H880YF3jqkzNWomoD5GfHAcEWdKAhicptoYlXriBFd2X5/s400/DSCF0096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful colors on the grounds as the sun sets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 14th</b>, Vince wanted to do some work on LandShark and so I took James and Sarah to Gloucester. We had intended to go to the Folk Museum but it was closed for renovations, and would only be open on the weekends. So after window shopping for a bit and having tea, we came across the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery. Since we "tried" to go to the Folk Museum, the person at the desk charged me as if we had sought the "two museum discount". So our entrance fee was only £3 for the three of us. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhR3_pe2LFuCXcXWf3WKQFfp2f_PzEXz2I52MbWm48KJPt0w1q8o3UwJX1RBmOJNMocPiSOv3_E1WfbWO7rs0LONyO8f8LfTwL4YQgjjQz42bPhj4sYa1MGXloo1LIgcY-W_UmUbY1hyphenhyphenV/s1600/DSCF0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhR3_pe2LFuCXcXWf3WKQFfp2f_PzEXz2I52MbWm48KJPt0w1q8o3UwJX1RBmOJNMocPiSOv3_E1WfbWO7rs0LONyO8f8LfTwL4YQgjjQz42bPhj4sYa1MGXloo1LIgcY-W_UmUbY1hyphenhyphenV/s400/DSCF0124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery.</td></tr>
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The ground floor looks like it has recently been renovated with the aim to be engaging for kids. It covers the history of Gloucester from the paleolithic period to present day. (This seems to be a pattern of city museums across the UK.) The first floor displays fine furniture from the last few centuries plus art from local artists. For £3, it was a good stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnJt0DPjIPawWfAx6osCMtEMR5GlvLmyhtYlMpjp_difC5fxIp8sbEg4_Vn5gfiJ7pFjJ0u7-FgXr3Lw5Vm5VmIi3eRRULaMRxa545DYe53gk0PugLbCpcQP0MbEQtdeb_UPbACfjRHKf/s1600/DSCF0117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnJt0DPjIPawWfAx6osCMtEMR5GlvLmyhtYlMpjp_difC5fxIp8sbEg4_Vn5gfiJ7pFjJ0u7-FgXr3Lw5Vm5VmIi3eRRULaMRxa545DYe53gk0PugLbCpcQP0MbEQtdeb_UPbACfjRHKf/s400/DSCF0117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Roman wall has been excavated about 2 yards below ground level inside the museum. Over the ~1800 years or so since the wall was built, sediment has built up raising the ground level and therefore over time the wall was covered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUxyaWYYJsN5BWOuleQG6g-UkE58qDbOKLzmGyMAEo8P7AsHOUvf1ivIR1sXsxQPWNC7OK1DlQx5n2zMWF5zYDAkaCZP0uwat50A1abg895gQeRsyNzcIO3xlYgoBI7k3px4AElSOlPGu/s1600/DSCF0115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUxyaWYYJsN5BWOuleQG6g-UkE58qDbOKLzmGyMAEo8P7AsHOUvf1ivIR1sXsxQPWNC7OK1DlQx5n2zMWF5zYDAkaCZP0uwat50A1abg895gQeRsyNzcIO3xlYgoBI7k3px4AElSOlPGu/s400/DSCF0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were several places for children to work on projects or build things on the ground floor. This is definitely a good place to bring children on a rainy day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterwards, we headed back to our car and to the campground to pack up for our move south the next day.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 15th</b>, we finally left the Briarfields Campsite and headed to the Cornish Farm Touring Park (£22.75/nt) in Taunton, Somerset. James was my co-pilot and it was a pretty uneventful few hours ride to Somerset. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxVOP7s1dqD70TNcyFe4gIaqELa_AhtrX0QpVQRuZbNv2uzzw7bniu4yWPGtP0plU1EH9GhbkH_fdhgPdrRQoJcnJWMtElqngob_TeTHPgCYeRZqC357vs2cWTA-HmoLfNVbBJAYIz0Qu/s1600/Cornish+Farm+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxVOP7s1dqD70TNcyFe4gIaqELa_AhtrX0QpVQRuZbNv2uzzw7bniu4yWPGtP0plU1EH9GhbkH_fdhgPdrRQoJcnJWMtElqngob_TeTHPgCYeRZqC357vs2cWTA-HmoLfNVbBJAYIz0Qu/s400/Cornish+Farm+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of our spot at the Cornish Farm Touring Park. This was a nice place to stay. The WC/shower facilities have music/radio piped in and the floors are heated. A rare find in the camping world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got settled in the campground (RV leveled, slides out, electricity hooked up and facilites scoped out), we had dinner and then watched the end of the 3rd season of Downton Abbey (another present from Vince and Paul from their trip to the US). <br />
<br />
On <b>November 16th</b>, we decided to visit the Museum of Somerset, located in Taunton, which was ranked by TripAdvisor as #9 of the 250 things to do in Somerset, and then continue on to the Wells Cathedral (#2 of 250). The Museum of Somerset (free) appears to have been recently refurbished
and it covers the history of Somerset in a variety of ways. It's definitely worth a visit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNhEtqCzAvoBl_n90wGKaojvYZ7Oca5-J4fUbSd-BQ5_ahD1H2VvyQfoEekp6ZzKpPErPhGGa_DDQKMT66otZIhyphenhyphendFs4QfH-5z5apG4Tl_VvYg9uqDohNURyLFNdgGqOgMT0ToaMdon1h/s1600/DSCF0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNhEtqCzAvoBl_n90wGKaojvYZ7Oca5-J4fUbSd-BQ5_ahD1H2VvyQfoEekp6ZzKpPErPhGGa_DDQKMT66otZIhyphenhyphendFs4QfH-5z5apG4Tl_VvYg9uqDohNURyLFNdgGqOgMT0ToaMdon1h/s400/DSCF0130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th century great hall of Taunton Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The museum hosts a collection of toys and dolls, sculpture, natural history, fossils, fine silver, pottery remains and a collection of archaeological items.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_xBh6LrcBN40b1Ocwme_H_EG1gnDan8vQiSIEE9dUW9O84g6K1yrCnOQA2RSVdc8xBwkJpMFOoXtMIrcrR9hrXWD11QQRh9CJUPcBYbivFuC7KMwbHyWCyl4lL0BNUYicdzTPzEHQgUo/s1600/DSCF0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_xBh6LrcBN40b1Ocwme_H_EG1gnDan8vQiSIEE9dUW9O84g6K1yrCnOQA2RSVdc8xBwkJpMFOoXtMIrcrR9hrXWD11QQRh9CJUPcBYbivFuC7KMwbHyWCyl4lL0BNUYicdzTPzEHQgUo/s400/DSCF0132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum holds the Low Ham mosaic which is regarded as one of the most famous objects surviving from Roman Britain. It tells the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas as told by the poet Virgil in about 25 BC. The mosaic contains about 120,000 coloured cubes made from local materials including Lias limestone and fired clay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7PJWvbBpVEgMP9ryYQfIu32el7O6bCUKVyI8vEtbWo0sCw0Z9ysedjJj5KwlVJEB9b-cqRmi-AOXHS8U0JegDcODgjLsofCPg_boOZVZcT2uwO-2R5bQMPeiqKI_F88nLTw3d6ilSY6/s1600/DSCF0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7PJWvbBpVEgMP9ryYQfIu32el7O6bCUKVyI8vEtbWo0sCw0Z9ysedjJj5KwlVJEB9b-cqRmi-AOXHS8U0JegDcODgjLsofCPg_boOZVZcT2uwO-2R5bQMPeiqKI_F88nLTw3d6ilSY6/s400/DSCF0141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Frome hoard: This is the largest hoard of coins ever discovered in Britain in a single container. It was found by a metal detectorist, Dave Crisp, in 2010 and contained 52,503 coins dating from 253-290AD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHno6NNvHfyBbRXCKozf-ZEyLG2FBI5CC1mGXUtHgDJ-6a1UshOosqUBB9gUKzV6MYSC6ImMhZIHo8rHk00vLb9CVEz-wPbMPp4dp0NOZjbfUCWqVD5S_3kJB19duOKAumiMtA7tutoasn/s1600/DSCF0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHno6NNvHfyBbRXCKozf-ZEyLG2FBI5CC1mGXUtHgDJ-6a1UshOosqUBB9gUKzV6MYSC6ImMhZIHo8rHk00vLb9CVEz-wPbMPp4dp0NOZjbfUCWqVD5S_3kJB19duOKAumiMtA7tutoasn/s400/DSCF0136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the Shapwick canoe: It is believed that canoes like this one would have been common 2,000 years ago. This canoe was found in 1906 preserved in peat. It was made from an oak tree felled approximately in 350 BC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the museum, Sarah had talked Vincent into letting her go on a carnival ride operating just outside of the museum. James opted to go on the Twister while Sarah and I went on a Green Hulk Jump themed ride. It was fun.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, we returned to the car and headed towards Wells. We wanted to see the Wells Cathedral and attend an evensong service which had been recommended. The present cathedral was begun about 1175; Bishop Reginald de Bohun brought the idea of a
revolutionary architectural style from France, and Wells was the first
English cathedral to be built entirely in this new Gothic style.<br />
<br />
When we arrive in Wells, it was practically dark and so I was not able to get a photo of the exterior of the cathedral. You'll just have to Google it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmlvlrYhUro0ihz6MACen7fRKQGNbQgTCqZRMKG4a2i1l1BE75UhoS_I0jawn4zXyNE4mAkYKc86TikNqh4hbEF5CAsDWYq9YUwU-wWz86p7JpkweGJpcUhyphenhyphenlZaMSMB12NPharBqPP743/s1600/DSCF0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmlvlrYhUro0ihz6MACen7fRKQGNbQgTCqZRMKG4a2i1l1BE75UhoS_I0jawn4zXyNE4mAkYKc86TikNqh4hbEF5CAsDWYq9YUwU-wWz86p7JpkweGJpcUhyphenhyphenlZaMSMB12NPharBqPP743/s400/DSCF0155.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the Wells Cathedral: Looking ahead are the scissor arches that were constructed from 1338-48 as an engineering solution to the problem that the lead covered tower was threatening to collapse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqtOmSQOFqDiEhTdcZ0xJkqwke__EGLGd5jCIRkpyhF6XkcRLFuo2zIJmy4J-zgyXDcIiIGdF8w-P-Gln5lm-5pytxkMVBYJuDB-ZdbZS0AnKVw-P5fGJ1EyHNrqmDEHYDpOHa9JHAGpR/s1600/DSCF0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqtOmSQOFqDiEhTdcZ0xJkqwke__EGLGd5jCIRkpyhF6XkcRLFuo2zIJmy4J-zgyXDcIiIGdF8w-P-Gln5lm-5pytxkMVBYJuDB-ZdbZS0AnKVw-P5fGJ1EyHNrqmDEHYDpOHa9JHAGpR/s400/DSCF0159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the pattern painted on the cathedral ceiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qK29y13g0L66ENoJTCcSyhorlffFvoE_zj18xHq0SWh0H0SlFmUwBY9qX2jG0lzzjjdHFm2khq2NEs4Fn5opZQf9DzwO-Fq391BPQfOJU7riGbn1mYRcemqxKbQteh7F96QIKk7NfOFK/s1600/Worlds+second+oldest+clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qK29y13g0L66ENoJTCcSyhorlffFvoE_zj18xHq0SWh0H0SlFmUwBY9qX2jG0lzzjjdHFm2khq2NEs4Fn5opZQf9DzwO-Fq391BPQfOJU7riGbn1mYRcemqxKbQteh7F96QIKk7NfOFK/s400/Worlds+second+oldest+clock.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clock inside the cathedral is considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in
Britain, and probably in the world, to survive in original condition and
still in use. The original works were made about 1390 and the clock face<br />
is the
oldest surviving original of its kind anywhere. When the clock strikes
every quarter, jousting knights rush round above the clock and the
Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Evensong was enjoyable and was sung by the cathedral boys' choir. The boys all looked between 6 to 11 years old. I really like just listening to the beautiful voices and getting lost in thought and reflection. Vincent however, I learned, prefers to be actively singing himself. So we seem to have a bit of a division in terms of the type of services we like to attend.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 17th</b>, it was a return visit to Bath. I didn't think Vincent should miss attending a service at Bath Abbey and thought he and Paul should see the Roman Baths. Paul, however, had other ideas; he was worried about further falling behind in the aggressive math schedule he'd outlined for himself and so decided to stay in LandShark and work. It was difficult for me to accept this decision knowing that he probably would regret it down the road. Choosing algebra over the Roman Baths wouldn't have been my choice but I couldn't fault Paul who, until recently, had no drive to advance or master a subject. Anyway, he theoretically has his whole life ahead of him to return to Bath so I decided not to dwell on it.<br />
<br />
So it was the four of us, Vincent, James, Sarah and me who headed into Bath. When we arrived and parked, Vincent, James and Sarah headed towards the Abbey while I made my way to the Thermae Bath Spa. I really have to say, this is a "must do". Because I only had about 90 minutes before I needed to meet back up with Vincent, James and Sarah, I went to the Cross Bath which essentially gives one the opportunity to soak in the mineral rich thermal waters just like the Romans and Celts did 2,000 years ago. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaGGWDKnLmGy24Xx8SM4m6eaGghuNXU9UYbhjGNSNrSIOWD079DC_JyRhdON8Bo31mAPvcPPZc8TLtHoU5_AMXL6zx-Gp7iHHisD5jb-Vm1V1vssdfkMQSgJRDywpfqO2x7lv8UvVM5_o/s1600/DSCF0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaGGWDKnLmGy24Xx8SM4m6eaGghuNXU9UYbhjGNSNrSIOWD079DC_JyRhdON8Bo31mAPvcPPZc8TLtHoU5_AMXL6zx-Gp7iHHisD5jb-Vm1V1vssdfkMQSgJRDywpfqO2x7lv8UvVM5_o/s400/DSCF0171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the Cross Bath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaX6U13lQs1n2gigGST5rGWoqjXq__C0yxC9y2hzz1AEnjH2-nVNqRlvKCt4qovoIzfExCNP6Lyt24QG867_MzzYct5Mk7J8T_6u4OCM1BrUaAnMuK3CZJ9l7OpZ9cCIIYTdiZW8flRJO/s1600/DSCF0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaX6U13lQs1n2gigGST5rGWoqjXq__C0yxC9y2hzz1AEnjH2-nVNqRlvKCt4qovoIzfExCNP6Lyt24QG867_MzzYct5Mk7J8T_6u4OCM1BrUaAnMuK3CZJ9l7OpZ9cCIIYTdiZW8flRJO/s400/DSCF0169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cross Bath is an intimate experience which only allows a maximum of 12 people to use it at a given time. I was the only person in the bath on Sunday morning and I had a dedicated life guard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxCdygAuPeEsCGpsQR7yKRSttUgSaDHz2L4J-LVYsS9DTzM9fwZVHwMuBr-uSIYxdooGrLiFHNs4ZEIz-d5gXdvilgYOX0euAQFwQDfYJL4G3s7yDnHkblUDkT6Vj4cs9REaz9PGWTLCl/s1600/DSCF0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxCdygAuPeEsCGpsQR7yKRSttUgSaDHz2L4J-LVYsS9DTzM9fwZVHwMuBr-uSIYxdooGrLiFHNs4ZEIz-d5gXdvilgYOX0euAQFwQDfYJL4G3s7yDnHkblUDkT6Vj4cs9REaz9PGWTLCl/s400/DSCF0178.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I finished with my soak, it was time for Vincent and James to have their turn. I took this photo of the Cross Bath when I came back to collect the boys. (I'd forgotten my camera when I was there.) It's open to the elements so one doesn't loiter on the deck for long this time of year.</td></tr>
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The next time I return to Bath I have a plan to upgrade my spa experience. I will put aside a day and book several hours at the Thermae Spa Royal Bath; here one can book 2 hours, 4 hours or a full day. In that time one has access to a rooftop pool, minerva mineral bath, steam rooms, a restaurant and one can also book massage or facial treatment sessions. Really seems like a perfect pampering day. Add that to my bucket list.<br />
<br />
When Vincent and James emerged from the Cross Bath, Vincent wanted to have a tour of the Roman Baths so I took James and Sarah (who'd seen the Roman Baths the prior week with Mother) and we did some shopping. James split off from us for a while (wasn't interested in the things we were interested in.) Sarah and I shopped a bit and then stopped for a refreshment at Garfunkel's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVh4D_DMvURL8gVQFMw7w2oUCBrt2V0NszxfPWR-NEHvOVGw7Hh3QBKQO7dnjFf7JnEd8Od_VBRDUxKt_QTF88U9n8JthztAAPYSgRLwZLPPpkQPoLDzv8Z3JL5Q3Hu3dLJhoQGqnlupA/s1600/DSCF0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVh4D_DMvURL8gVQFMw7w2oUCBrt2V0NszxfPWR-NEHvOVGw7Hh3QBKQO7dnjFf7JnEd8Od_VBRDUxKt_QTF88U9n8JthztAAPYSgRLwZLPPpkQPoLDzv8Z3JL5Q3Hu3dLJhoQGqnlupA/s400/DSCF0180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath has some wonderful pedestrian shopping areas and a wide variety of shops, both chain and independent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULc_fi4yl2EHQSQTKGfIJanwSuPsSMvVVooCavp6WmY3F5ErE4p5fAInHSw6t5JIfUrXy_Y_Pr5n3dpqWGXwEUFHB8JYpSAaCOSDQGtzXsrlVffUsfFCvGsaSuOFFxFeWOzkzGAlmHraY/s1600/DSCF0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULc_fi4yl2EHQSQTKGfIJanwSuPsSMvVVooCavp6WmY3F5ErE4p5fAInHSw6t5JIfUrXy_Y_Pr5n3dpqWGXwEUFHB8JYpSAaCOSDQGtzXsrlVffUsfFCvGsaSuOFFxFeWOzkzGAlmHraY/s400/DSCF0181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I crossed over the Pulteney Bridge (behind Sarah) and looked at the shops. There's an interesting shop that sells historic maps. If I had the room and wall space, I'd enjoy having a few of those.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX-QlotUimN81XLd25WEkY8ejuzQX92x-lSS0-ow1dvX3i1r5vvicWJxePjEqzKZzyXh5Id8uHqnkwor4YWKD66xhr0R-9-9KqSR0ykVw45_WRovHq1aBjV_6_QPItRkOOO6RGJnVZedH/s1600/Garfunkels+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX-QlotUimN81XLd25WEkY8ejuzQX92x-lSS0-ow1dvX3i1r5vvicWJxePjEqzKZzyXh5Id8uHqnkwor4YWKD66xhr0R-9-9KqSR0ykVw45_WRovHq1aBjV_6_QPItRkOOO6RGJnVZedH/s400/Garfunkels+Bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for "tea" today meant a chocolate milkshake.</td></tr>
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On <b>November 18th</b>, I set out to do some family research (Coles branch). I was looking up the home (Whitewick Farm) of my great great grandparents. They both died in 1882 and left 7 children behind. Their Whitewick Farm was sold after they died but it was something that seemed to get mentioned and remembered in the family archives. I spotted the address to Whitewick Farm on the internet and, since we were only about 20 miles away, I wanted to go see it. I also wanted to go to the church in a nearby village and find the graves of my great great grandparents. Mother had brought to me a few family trees, the Coles family being one, and I wanted to see if I could find out any additional information.<br />
<br />
About 15 years ago, I did some research on the Sterne side, trying to find the linkage between Laurence Sterne, the author, and me but I otherwise hadn't pursued geneology. Fortunately there have been a few family members on all sides of my family who have done the leg work and I've just enjoyed studying the existing family trees.<br />
<br />
To make a long story short, we did find Whitewick Farm and I did talk to the current owner. She knew the history from the 1920s and I was able to tell her about the late 1800s. Significant renovations and additions had been done to the buildings in the 1900s and I'm sure my great great grandparents wouldn't recognize it, if they were here. One interesting anticdote is that a Titanic bell hung at the front gate, intended for people to ring that they were there. The great nephew of my great great grandparents went down with the Titanic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-SIwOcfEW_6XP7aSocquOeNXeX6Tnmk46el2DxUo5sTxLNMKirOsx7sfQ4OnIlVMHoG4VoNc_Gg10dNHDKwjxfJySjXUCzA0IqrOjjS4OAYrtakJpLjfcHEPK60UdCLcolTMoE8qqcHI/s1600/Titanic+bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-SIwOcfEW_6XP7aSocquOeNXeX6Tnmk46el2DxUo5sTxLNMKirOsx7sfQ4OnIlVMHoG4VoNc_Gg10dNHDKwjxfJySjXUCzA0IqrOjjS4OAYrtakJpLjfcHEPK60UdCLcolTMoE8qqcHI/s400/Titanic+bell.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Titanic Bell at Whitewick Farm: Coincidence or not?</td></tr>
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After visiting Whitewick Farm, we set out to find a church in Stockland Bristol and hopefully, therein, the grave stones of some of the Coles family. With a few wrong turns, we eventually came across the Church of St Mary Magdalene. Lo and behold, we found 3 grave markers for members of the Coles family. One tomb stone may not have any direct connection, but two of them certainly did. At this point, it was pouring rain and very difficult to accurately read every inscription.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbhmtmP0rbyL-y-XbsUbV0poNXKEl1RW2MCLN76H5AohowWi0s7wD_2MgLDUfQkghLA8l24H5Q9-1Z_F10pv4b_l6bQKEqu0dtnlC2_RycfNsDO-h0xqzUYAGONyGdD6gEB2nz8f87Qgx/s1600/Coles+graves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbhmtmP0rbyL-y-XbsUbV0poNXKEl1RW2MCLN76H5AohowWi0s7wD_2MgLDUfQkghLA8l24H5Q9-1Z_F10pv4b_l6bQKEqu0dtnlC2_RycfNsDO-h0xqzUYAGONyGdD6gEB2nz8f87Qgx/s400/Coles+graves.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grave stones for several Coles family members: Not only were my great great grandparents (Clement Poole Coles and his wife, Phoebe) remembered here, but also my great great great grandparents, Clement Poole Coles and his wife, Mary, and two of their other sons (William and Edward).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I returned back to LandShark later in the day, I did some on-line research on Clement Poole Coles and found someone (Ian) who did extensive research in 2009. Within these on-line threads of inquiries, I discovered a previous generation beyond what we had. With some further cross referencing I deemed this information correct so I uncovered my great, great, great, great grandparents. That night I wrote an email to Ian to see if he had uncovered any more information about previous generations; his email dated back to 2009 and so I was doubtful I would get a reply, but I didn't think it would hurt to try.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 19th</b>, we woke to a crisp, sunny day. I wanted to return to the St Mary Magdalene churchyard and retrieve the information we couldn't make out the previous day in the pouring rain. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyAlo5eYToePv4V0UQR5-d0B6xTK1FwNsjIyocoZFt_a4R6mEJQ5szMUTSsJ66KLP9MAmG8tdZzhjzdIICuhLxPyC6-1aalSmq-Z0YkGEvS7dbg0LigEG1bxLw5NZJY_2CQxTAgAXk9hm/s1600/St+Mary+Magdalena+churchyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyAlo5eYToePv4V0UQR5-d0B6xTK1FwNsjIyocoZFt_a4R6mEJQ5szMUTSsJ66KLP9MAmG8tdZzhjzdIICuhLxPyC6-1aalSmq-Z0YkGEvS7dbg0LigEG1bxLw5NZJY_2CQxTAgAXk9hm/s400/St+Mary+Magdalena+churchyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Mary Magdalene churchyard. The two Coles graves are those with the flat markers in the lower left corner of the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After deciphering all missing data on three Coles grave stones, we left and headed to St Andrew Church in Lilstock, where baptisms had been registered for a number of Coles in the 1800s. I wanted to see if there were any Coles family members buried there and, if so, garner that information. Specifically, I was hoping to find the graves of my great great great grandparents that Ian had revealed. I did find one Coles grave but it was from the mid 1900s (not so exciting when you're in the mood for 1700s) and the occupants seemed unrelated to our branch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NMCxy4J1Sq-DSp-6p4uRxMQmPDjthTBfQn96dUWyyljtPvshMWbkYQo7YY-EnhIJ6_pY20x0iKZ9LF7pEXol3WlaySEjJasxH2qqBZD-qiYVImFiRIQrk0vRAHXfrkATXZwi8m5EmGv5/s1600/Lilstock+green+pastures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NMCxy4J1Sq-DSp-6p4uRxMQmPDjthTBfQn96dUWyyljtPvshMWbkYQo7YY-EnhIJ6_pY20x0iKZ9LF7pEXol3WlaySEjJasxH2qqBZD-qiYVImFiRIQrk0vRAHXfrkATXZwi8m5EmGv5/s400/Lilstock+green+pastures.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En route to St Andrew Church in Lilstock, I had to stop the car to try and capture these fantastic green rolling pastures against the blue sky.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtT03ol_yrkGdVMX-xJk8BivbH25GrG2jpzcxrfLW-MtVLqS34utpMo-onskEzXd9mDo1XCAOCeW3ezUYo8j4xLxySoN2fPVu6PXD1X_ija5PVzflmBusRVL15-dEGP9XImt6PVEu9YTg/s1600/Lilstock+green+pastures+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtT03ol_yrkGdVMX-xJk8BivbH25GrG2jpzcxrfLW-MtVLqS34utpMo-onskEzXd9mDo1XCAOCeW3ezUYo8j4xLxySoN2fPVu6PXD1X_ija5PVzflmBusRVL15-dEGP9XImt6PVEu9YTg/s400/Lilstock+green+pastures+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS8wMZ2BvyuClq8FsWXeA_lHp6eDEtnpnoxo3WkT5Uea8ehYSfmRFfjskyQxhAcAJW8EX8fZIAWBqX_tjGWM__HTwsxvY3kql_tWc0PHztdPaQcusPNcc8T_EunJr7wxDWMTMfHE_Ovh_/s1600/St+Andrew+Lilstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS8wMZ2BvyuClq8FsWXeA_lHp6eDEtnpnoxo3WkT5Uea8ehYSfmRFfjskyQxhAcAJW8EX8fZIAWBqX_tjGWM__HTwsxvY3kql_tWc0PHztdPaQcusPNcc8T_EunJr7wxDWMTMfHE_Ovh_/s400/St+Andrew+Lilstock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There has been a church on the site of St Andrew Church, Lilstock, since the 10th century. Today, the church is categorized as redundant and so it only holds one service per year.</td></tr>
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After visiting St Andrew in Lilstock, we came across the Church of St Andrew in Stogursey, which is also a place I believed some Coles information had been recorded. It was wandering around this second St Andrew's churchyard where I concluded I really wouldn't be able to find any more information from grave stones; by the time one gets to the early 1800's the inscriptions are so worn, it's impossible pretty much to discern any details. I would have to continue this research by going to specific parish registers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOvHh1I8CAgAzmIPsWGyxoTtm0j_WXL5zIuJ-O64pM-ni5JzoHNCgElqWntWfjGTWh7jDP59hqE1Kfix_zDl-A_a8ngCbvYAOlgppGx6_NMkok9aQgIjBih_MugRB9hPxOtmyx9Be1OFJ/s1600/St+Andrew+Stogursey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOvHh1I8CAgAzmIPsWGyxoTtm0j_WXL5zIuJ-O64pM-ni5JzoHNCgElqWntWfjGTWh7jDP59hqE1Kfix_zDl-A_a8ngCbvYAOlgppGx6_NMkok9aQgIjBih_MugRB9hPxOtmyx9Be1OFJ/s400/St+Andrew+Stogursey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Priory Church of St Andrew had a much bigger cemetery than the other churches. So many tomb stones were unreadable and I realized I'd have to use other methods to research distant generations.</td></tr>
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On <b>November 20th</b>, we woke to rain and promises of a storm. We decided to make this a day of preparation for a move to France. Also, since we'd be leaving the land of the anglophones, we should see a movie or two while we still could before we hit the land of dubbing.<br />
<br />
The kids all put some effort on school work, while Vincent and I made some calls. Vincent arranged to have a 5k service done on my Prius, while I made an appointment to get Molly a Pet Passport, both to be done the next day. Vincent booked our passage from Plymouth to Roscoff, France for November 28th; it would be an overnight ferry with cabins and so Vince positioned this as a birthday cruise for Sarah. We'll see if this matches expectations. Vince also spent about 30 minutes on a call to get our UK mifi unlocked so that we could use it in France (and hopefully beyond); these wifi/mifi companies sure don't make it easy.<br />
<br />
The later part of the day, we went to the cinema. Vince and Paul saw <i>The Butler</i>, Sarah saw <i>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2</i> and James and I saw <i>Gravity</i>.<br />
<br />
That evening, as I was just about to turn off the lights and retire for
the night, I checked my email and lo and behold, I received a reply from
Ian about the Coles family tree. For anyone interested in geneology, it
was a jackpot reply. Ian had uncovered, with certainty, four more generations with the oldest confirmed Coles going back to 1690. I could now trace back to by great (x7) grandparents. This meant that the Coles family tree would need to be completely redone (the one Mother and I had; Ian was several steps ahead of us).<br />
<br />
On <b>November 21st</b>, we executed on dealing with Molly's passport and getting the Prius maintained. A bonus was that the Toyota service department washed the car; the car hasn't looked so good in months, well, since Vincent got it detailed way back on July 19th in Los Gatos. Vincent also spent time constructing our weather station, which I must say is pretty neat. James spent a couple hours at the Taunton Library (a great place to spend time) and then he and I went to see <i>The Hunger Games: Catching Fire</i>. When we finished, Vincent and Paul went to see the movie. Sadly there were no G or PG movies running for Sarah so she was passed around while the rest of us enjoyed some escapism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tlBkCMJd-iTyLWkD7tnwiJWWqpLga1SsPyUzktQRWdLpr-IAXyOaWArCsqK5wraIvzRgOi-ArexpFgl01lTm8FHWmo08y0zNSMH6teBBUsv4udtEdh3CpMBgXWU2R2mYk6dPitJtHO4s/s1600/Passports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tlBkCMJd-iTyLWkD7tnwiJWWqpLga1SsPyUzktQRWdLpr-IAXyOaWArCsqK5wraIvzRgOi-ArexpFgl01lTm8FHWmo08y0zNSMH6teBBUsv4udtEdh3CpMBgXWU2R2mYk6dPitJtHO4s/s400/Passports.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The international family: Even Molly, the dog, has a UK passport.</td></tr>
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The next day we would be moving to Cornwall which would probably be our last stop before leaving England. Molly would soon be using her new passport.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8866846643539471716.post-21165117181059996242013-11-15T09:19:00.001-08:002013-11-16T00:54:42.065-08:00House Guests in Oxfordshire and Hosts in GloucestershireOn <b>October 26th</b>, we left Manorbier, Wales and headed towards Oakley, Oxfordshire. We were to stay with a friend of mine, Marcus, who I met during my first full time job with the IBM Nordic Lab in Stockholm. We hadn't seen each other for over 20 years but, thanks to Facebook, we were able to reconnect. Marcus assured us that we would be able to park LandShark on his property and we should stay for a few days in his house. He and his wife, Polly, had kindly let us use his home as our mailing address the past several weeks so we could have mail forwarded and other essential packages sent to us.<br />
<br />
With about 2 inches to spare on either side, Vince was able to get LandShark down their driveway and the kids were thrilled to meet Marcus's and Polly's three children. Given our so called "historic" 1922 home back in California, it was fun to live in what I would call a truly authentic historic house. Marcus's and Polly's home was built in the 17th century in a tudor style and has sloping floors and ceilings and several spots where one has to duck to get through a doorway. Their house has tons of personality and charm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYLG2QZ1FX-NW61QPTH672XNoBlqJ271ruewEK96WeLAjs3SeZ9x4AsGGA4cegYBMEcSThttTsdttFzV-lx5jsj3tZ7S7HdmZWe8VcYleuPIQD0rbrPdEkvZKwo3FHUo1NnIEly4LLDmO/s1600/DSCF4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYLG2QZ1FX-NW61QPTH672XNoBlqJ271ruewEK96WeLAjs3SeZ9x4AsGGA4cegYBMEcSThttTsdttFzV-lx5jsj3tZ7S7HdmZWe8VcYleuPIQD0rbrPdEkvZKwo3FHUo1NnIEly4LLDmO/s400/DSCF4045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Originally in the 1600s, these were 3 separate cottages and over time, one of the owners connected them into one dwelling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>October 26th and 27th</b> were spent just relaxing and enjoying the company at Marcus's and Polly's home. They have two pigs, that persistently escape, and a couple of rabbits and guinea pigs, and so Sarah, in particular, was greatly amused. Part of the day was spent battening down the hatches for a severe storm that was expected later that day. Fortunately, we escaped the brunt of it but the storm did cause much damage across the UK and parts of the continent.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxiPeTNNM_8hhb6yLeBogNwDRqQWBVse5EfoHbrrkkvUJ5vMUEnbVJIZsSykBambhEcB6iGVCzCEHHfMgu0nw-vVqT92BuqyI4bus0beXomjgFfEv9f2tmT5gYi_5ppMvxVP50AruCaby/s1600/DSCF4024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxiPeTNNM_8hhb6yLeBogNwDRqQWBVse5EfoHbrrkkvUJ5vMUEnbVJIZsSykBambhEcB6iGVCzCEHHfMgu0nw-vVqT92BuqyI4bus0beXomjgFfEv9f2tmT5gYi_5ppMvxVP50AruCaby/s400/DSCF4024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were the cutest pigs. And smart too. They seemed to be escaping every couple of hours and making their way into the house; they knew exactly where their food was stored.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplO-3zKxoPmH7LnhyphenhyphenBJggXeZt2FEJigDV4b9VBKwGuy3-9vkQ_iCFbrkN1z1kU6wOS9eKZ210erSfjP_ticLahqhdIPSGCe2Jc8H0Yitpht-S97xGfseLBrq796Gb_mIFdlf2TMyqhike/s1600/DSCF4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplO-3zKxoPmH7LnhyphenhyphenBJggXeZt2FEJigDV4b9VBKwGuy3-9vkQ_iCFbrkN1z1kU6wOS9eKZ210erSfjP_ticLahqhdIPSGCe2Jc8H0Yitpht-S97xGfseLBrq796Gb_mIFdlf2TMyqhike/s400/DSCF4023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah helping take down the bunny run before the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>October 28th</b>, Polly's parents invited everyone over for morning coffee. Polly's parents live near Bicester in an exquisite 17th century house which was, at one time, the vicarage of the village church. (I just love the character of these older homes.) It was a delightful visit enhanced by the employment of beautiful china and linen napkins. Everything just tastes better when the presentation is in top form.<br />
<br />
That afternoon, at the recommendation of Polly's parents, Vincent and I set out to check out Bicester Village which is an outside mall with exclusive stores. It's something akin to the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. There wasn't a parking spot to be had so we continued on to the town center of Bicester instead. We had lunch and then checked out a few shops. I bought another pair of charcoal gray jeans at a charity shop at a remarkable £3.30 and then bought a matching cashmere at the Edinburgh Woolen Shop for £55. Voila, I now had a new outfit.<br />
<br />
That evening, Vincent and I made dinner for everyone and then started packing up to leave the next day.<br />
<br />
On <b>October 29th</b>, it was time to depart and make our way to the Briarfields Motel and Touring Campsite (£26/nt) just outside of Cheltenham. We needed to get settled there because Paul and Vincent would be leaving on the 30th from Heathrow to San Francisco for 12 days while my Mother would be coming here. The Briarfields had a perfect set up; we could park LandShark for the whole stay and not have to move when the time came for James and I to dump tanks and replenish fresh water. It also had a motel on site where Mother could rent a room.<br />
<br />
We arrived a little after 3pm and spent the evening at the campground. Paul and Vincent focused on packing while I prepared homework for two weeks and tried catching up on the blog. <br />
<br />
On <b>October 30th</b>, we all drove to Heathrow to say goodbye to Vincent and Paul and hello to Mother. Vincent had some business to tend to back in the Bay Area and Paul had to get his braces adjusted. (Yes, a long way to see an othodontist; I'm sure they have them in Europe...) These two also cleverly timed the trip with BlizzCon, a 2-day event which is the hottest thing ever for those into World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo and the like. On-line tickets for this convention sold out in less than 2 seconds; I kid you not. Crazy.<br />
<br />
The drop-off and pick-up at Heathrow was executed without a hitch. The drive took about an hour and a half each way so it was about 2pm when we finally returned to Briarfields. That afternoon, Mother took some time to unpack and get settled while I took Sarah and James to Over Farm near Gloucester, which was holding some sort of a Halloween celebration during the week. I was concerned that Sarah and James would miss out on Halloween and be rather sad about that. (Or, to put it another way, I would have been sad about missing the opportunity to go trick or treating when I was young.) While the British have started celebrating Halloween in some ways over the last 15 or so years, their efforts are still a long way off from North America. Yes, you'll see Halloween candy in stores and Halloween decorations, cupcakes and cookies for sale, however the British still don't generally go trick or treating. If they do, there seems to be a heavy emphasis on the "trick" part and there are many people who board up their house in fear of hooligans messing with their property. Anyway, thanks to the Briarfields owner/manager, we found Over Farm. They offered inflatable slides and jump houses, a ferris wheel plus a few other kiddie rides, pumpkins for sale, a zombie paint ball run and some seriously scary activities for older teens and grown ups.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IX8utLpRXsxo-Wiv7HEj_P6N4J1a4MXqH5GY_k9iCRM7y8hrxVRqK9aWHYyZTHUv6REIZiESBzfsRfJNsicighmeDSnFC_No1bwatnx8e8ysw2Dv9KV6u6lqwcIH2hR2jJf0P-UGn64T/s1600/DSCF4062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IX8utLpRXsxo-Wiv7HEj_P6N4J1a4MXqH5GY_k9iCRM7y8hrxVRqK9aWHYyZTHUv6REIZiESBzfsRfJNsicighmeDSnFC_No1bwatnx8e8ysw2Dv9KV6u6lqwcIH2hR2jJf0P-UGn64T/s400/DSCF4062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferris wheel was the best ride. Sarah and James were the only two riding so the operator put them on and left them going around for at least 5 minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkLMmW_dhEKj4ISG7RFCmirTfsuQZmNFrGXUvQzgGFl193z5CM7ZbbIxAu8ulXYBhOM_kvYlWsfWiuKoVpeWrJiZk4FYC1l5tLAXQSYwMgNV-QPirxVtJxUo6lSlLa739PD0Xui-lL0li/s1600/DSCF4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkLMmW_dhEKj4ISG7RFCmirTfsuQZmNFrGXUvQzgGFl193z5CM7ZbbIxAu8ulXYBhOM_kvYlWsfWiuKoVpeWrJiZk4FYC1l5tLAXQSYwMgNV-QPirxVtJxUo6lSlLa739PD0Xui-lL0li/s400/DSCF4069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and James had a great time on the Noah's Ark obstacle course. Here again, they were the only two in there so played around for about a quarter of an hour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeUrSgnvqPNa530pTF3RLMIyQk6vYbfQ-r5SnOn94aR5noB-4xQRLo0_IDKJrgwi_sEFjkMY-t3-2eWswyjzyI_SrW0jFHC94z4gHt8HFGcltSYneyX0HfhyphenhyphenQopdCOnNQjqLtHENLkmGY/s1600/DSCF4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeUrSgnvqPNa530pTF3RLMIyQk6vYbfQ-r5SnOn94aR5noB-4xQRLo0_IDKJrgwi_sEFjkMY-t3-2eWswyjzyI_SrW0jFHC94z4gHt8HFGcltSYneyX0HfhyphenhyphenQopdCOnNQjqLtHENLkmGY/s400/DSCF4072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people manning the inflatables were great. Technically, kids were only supposed to play on a given inflatable for 10 minutes but there were so few kids, that one could stay until one got tired and wanted to move on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>October 31st</b>, we decided to go to Bourton-on-the-Water in the
Cotswolds for lunch and then to the Cotswold Motoring Museum. We had
lunch at the Duke of Wellington pub which is just off of High Street and
almost next door to the Motor Museum. I have to say that many British
pubs have largely lost their charm, even in places like
Bourton-on-the-Water which is oozing with quaintness. Of
course, one expects pubs to be old and quirky but can't they keep them
cleaner? And why do they all have to have flashing game machines which
pretty much swear at the ancient interior? <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVtamGz4MdUDMa4H5qkBLdwX_ww0LWyttE9c8zc8RCtkOOy3hMNRAYZS4_nOOp5rBbRUcsmEHJrHAtG6V2fXGY_KW0yDhPfcK8Tj-B3HanoNvIz9GbGSUOcFmL3EPWtBIMQw_yNmitcOL/s1600/DSCF4079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVtamGz4MdUDMa4H5qkBLdwX_ww0LWyttE9c8zc8RCtkOOy3hMNRAYZS4_nOOp5rBbRUcsmEHJrHAtG6V2fXGY_KW0yDhPfcK8Tj-B3HanoNvIz9GbGSUOcFmL3EPWtBIMQw_yNmitcOL/s400/DSCF4079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah enjoyed the hundreds of ducks congesting the waterways. Bourton-on-the-Water is sometimes referred to as "the Venice of the Cotswolds".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, Sarah, James and I went to the Motoring Museum while Mom opted to wander the village. The Motor Museum is really worth a visit. It is small but is packed with an impressive collection of vintage cars dating back to the early 1900s. There's even a replica of Ford's first car.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv9dMdiFWj9tp7hBN0VMKQi31dONnPNs3OwIB6BfDz6OULVeeRPBH7tOFUCWeqUwsldwt1GTSrIwiH8WGudvaZr5dPpyMMaDn0h0LJQZMgCFeQyToVseKcLD0nyA3a7kREegI3kt7TAht/s1600/DSCF4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv9dMdiFWj9tp7hBN0VMKQi31dONnPNs3OwIB6BfDz6OULVeeRPBH7tOFUCWeqUwsldwt1GTSrIwiH8WGudvaZr5dPpyMMaDn0h0LJQZMgCFeQyToVseKcLD0nyA3a7kREegI3kt7TAht/s400/DSCF4120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the kids out there, the Motoring Museum is home to Brum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWRw10sbC0I0dAYJ8RTvcE8ORTXjcTwMBxAeIAkaJjdVg-WGx38Z-IqXl-QLXDNGPfx8EkfeTKzB8lIFhOBJ5BYQKKY_pQOu0MZPq-xIlS4GltyphU0nTVC2ULUqYvX1BpLLyubq9vcfz/s1600/DSCF4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWRw10sbC0I0dAYJ8RTvcE8ORTXjcTwMBxAeIAkaJjdVg-WGx38Z-IqXl-QLXDNGPfx8EkfeTKzB8lIFhOBJ5BYQKKY_pQOu0MZPq-xIlS4GltyphU0nTVC2ULUqYvX1BpLLyubq9vcfz/s400/DSCF4083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to have the photo in the carriage at the entrance to the museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffVpFm-2lX-s1XtQYFset89Itg4ByhHlksFi1ynb590YeZnYg_O_dmfPXwACdefT1mkhlSO9JaHRxYtEz8epXHV3noznDNm__bJpgxAIG8-yyHVOukL93oOaRJy8H15bYTLxGYqz9rb4m/s1600/DSCF4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffVpFm-2lX-s1XtQYFset89Itg4ByhHlksFi1ynb590YeZnYg_O_dmfPXwACdefT1mkhlSO9JaHRxYtEz8epXHV3noznDNm__bJpgxAIG8-yyHVOukL93oOaRJy8H15bYTLxGYqz9rb4m/s400/DSCF4102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spiffy Jaguar XK140, 1956.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLQFN2DmU_gX7xqdJjGhaCZ_OQnFDlVJRDnr6nO7nHofn7KLFs_3P7KS-PjluzJGVYOls4y8VNtwK14QaiHM42A4V2poFbX1XiRDYfJyvSYiaR0a65YOPsSHUP9gyN5YTlkUDGvy7sj0F/s1600/Health+and+Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLQFN2DmU_gX7xqdJjGhaCZ_OQnFDlVJRDnr6nO7nHofn7KLFs_3P7KS-PjluzJGVYOls4y8VNtwK14QaiHM42A4V2poFbX1XiRDYfJyvSYiaR0a65YOPsSHUP9gyN5YTlkUDGvy7sj0F/s400/Health+and+Happiness.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we were living in an RV, I was interested in the evolution of the caravan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXPi8a3dFA1Jwcs2zld_tXVua5SZmnu5lYYNhcAvfzI1adIde0YzUpkDSCEaszi5p7yVwkEaGyu270obeLrO6cD-Eg_unU84aK1yzFUSKymCO-BnUFpInORCnx4xOrwivslgv0USN9P2d/s1600/DSCF4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXPi8a3dFA1Jwcs2zld_tXVua5SZmnu5lYYNhcAvfzI1adIde0YzUpkDSCEaszi5p7yVwkEaGyu270obeLrO6cD-Eg_unU84aK1yzFUSKymCO-BnUFpInORCnx4xOrwivslgv0USN9P2d/s400/DSCF4086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum had, I believe, 3 caravans. This is a peek into one from the 1920s.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLufBdIooODwgXLXLC6aRKSEC_D14fRsMQBSbEtJMRC-wxI4UX5GOz-4hq7vf2Eu8X3pl7RMdQIomHXr9R1zrAIawcJvQk8ihQne4CtJ7grpBpyxR72YpGQByb6BIldfL6_yYlOxv4SYG/s1600/DSCF4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLufBdIooODwgXLXLC6aRKSEC_D14fRsMQBSbEtJMRC-wxI4UX5GOz-4hq7vf2Eu8X3pl7RMdQIomHXr9R1zrAIawcJvQk8ihQne4CtJ7grpBpyxR72YpGQByb6BIldfL6_yYlOxv4SYG/s400/DSCF4094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Sarah attempting to mimic the smiling face in the car behind them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZpg6F9hh70-xVFxSqrbpnC1rBS4MDfTooK7cUS3V_OIqhOBlnthCVGcGBVD4pzV758Gqb-pCMCrnGuGvuiOq8IhG-po8iJRU25msfWb6tFdr8_NV_uCJCTUycx04gCzcAUCaemCR-Ccu/s1600/DSCF4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZpg6F9hh70-xVFxSqrbpnC1rBS4MDfTooK7cUS3V_OIqhOBlnthCVGcGBVD4pzV758Gqb-pCMCrnGuGvuiOq8IhG-po8iJRU25msfWb6tFdr8_NV_uCJCTUycx04gCzcAUCaemCR-Ccu/s320/DSCF4113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a replica of Henry Ford’s first car, the quadricycle. The original was built in 1896. It had a petrol driven, two cylinder engine and the ignition was powered by a
battery fitted in the front of the driver. It was steered using a
tiller and there were no brakes(!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu8YOw1CJL9nH_trz0A_Y3ScPUU61MCJB9TJtVAG5WHKzVD6QLWP2InDTVHAekE0sPVBKIkeoIC7fTHyRhu_nn9paaGPxWXiSTRPHnI6Yv9-O2AKbqnplFnss8f1obbXXyIL22PbRIrjn/s1600/DSCF4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu8YOw1CJL9nH_trz0A_Y3ScPUU61MCJB9TJtVAG5WHKzVD6QLWP2InDTVHAekE0sPVBKIkeoIC7fTHyRhu_nn9paaGPxWXiSTRPHnI6Yv9-O2AKbqnplFnss8f1obbXXyIL22PbRIrjn/s320/DSCF4110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James did a pretty good job of capturing the character.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiDo8swH7tMmDoSS650YsxmQfxEgu15X8VvUDioXu2ReGNGcqDJxUgM28askMoH66aLpRTi6N9oRvZlLPOcHzx7ZaKMKmbRa-mMDp_K1qGuXoBcn5fjMBH61IeJFSbKDLMf4GFiQzX1f9/s1600/Why+drive+on+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiDo8swH7tMmDoSS650YsxmQfxEgu15X8VvUDioXu2ReGNGcqDJxUgM28askMoH66aLpRTi6N9oRvZlLPOcHzx7ZaKMKmbRa-mMDp_K1qGuXoBcn5fjMBH61IeJFSbKDLMf4GFiQzX1f9/s400/Why+drive+on+left.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever wonder why the British drive on the left? Here's your answer. Now I just need to find out why so many countries switched to driving on the right-hand side of the road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening, Halloween, I took Sarah and James back to Over Farm. Fortunately it didn't rain in the evening but we were walking around in a lot of mud. (This was a farm, afterall.) The kids had a good time on the inflatable slides and the few rides. The best one was the ferris wheel, which they got me to ride; it's kind of scary at night, particularly if one is already afraid of heights. James also went on a paint ball safari; sitting in the back of a truck, the participants shot at wooden zombies in a darkened field. It had the potential to be great but, according to James, it needed some work in order to be really fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Zm2O29EzmNBAMH4ng1s-YRPNmLH8qpKblzEAMdETgvygmUnJ9MtZmeqyJfUhYTNsupzM8gTdJTbmItQpAy3bW2aTyeQPUZp8m2BPrmC-QTMoheAHGi31jRUc5pehnH-UXveYRX675pH/s1600/DSCF4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Zm2O29EzmNBAMH4ng1s-YRPNmLH8qpKblzEAMdETgvygmUnJ9MtZmeqyJfUhYTNsupzM8gTdJTbmItQpAy3bW2aTyeQPUZp8m2BPrmC-QTMoheAHGi31jRUc5pehnH-UXveYRX675pH/s400/DSCF4141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to pony up some serious sweets to make up for the lack of trick or treating.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbI7_Ku0FddaT5CODFKmg53JD7FDyTepOayjvN4I7qf247cQEFjm68oC-YFxBLA-aDu6THE78ZaR8Cz2d-IRKZrIlMHSyjzq183PDi4cbZgdlcl9OecKk5BRVM6P8I2qPFSY0ZDEvdvMb/s1600/DSCF4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbI7_Ku0FddaT5CODFKmg53JD7FDyTepOayjvN4I7qf247cQEFjm68oC-YFxBLA-aDu6THE78ZaR8Cz2d-IRKZrIlMHSyjzq183PDi4cbZgdlcl9OecKk5BRVM6P8I2qPFSY0ZDEvdvMb/s400/DSCF4143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At about 35 seconds long, the Ghostar Coastar had to be the world's lamest ride. Sarah wanted to do it a second time but I just couldn't shell out another £2/rider.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrGxObShSuLa83gNmItzj0y52xrQtRCdHWLSCBb7VSkPkdzvax_YwTZyavgt1zW95eyi2oXOC5oMcWvP30oU3Wb0gQiLl0pouylBkOpncAD0_BVZOxbnGdjCBFDwz0Q3FphdTtERp9fhv/s1600/DSCF4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrGxObShSuLa83gNmItzj0y52xrQtRCdHWLSCBb7VSkPkdzvax_YwTZyavgt1zW95eyi2oXOC5oMcWvP30oU3Wb0gQiLl0pouylBkOpncAD0_BVZOxbnGdjCBFDwz0Q3FphdTtERp9fhv/s400/DSCF4131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going down a steep slide in the dark adds a lot to the thrill factor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6tWpiL6hTtR34qbqzuM9Y19x4_Gly_sDSrQilTALDhq0TeR0tocQ74cidK4g5o1pRXsfA6H3J2fT0OSfhtiCSmKce-TEpTcF-I5F3g41WdfllWKedX-Yj1yk3gkxrLqIl-NtGqeM8_v9/s1600/bungee+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6tWpiL6hTtR34qbqzuM9Y19x4_Gly_sDSrQilTALDhq0TeR0tocQ74cidK4g5o1pRXsfA6H3J2fT0OSfhtiCSmKce-TEpTcF-I5F3g41WdfllWKedX-Yj1yk3gkxrLqIl-NtGqeM8_v9/s400/bungee+jumping.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both James and Sarah tried out the bungee trampoline. Apparently it "hurts" a lot. The experience probably satisfied their curiosity and they won't ask to try it again.</td></tr>
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On the morning of <b>November 1st</b>, I checked the propane levels and saw we were down to just over 1/2 a tank. How did we use up almost half a tank of propane in 3 days? (Vincent filled it on October 29th, the day before he and Paul left.) I was getting nervous; I did not want to move the RV and try to find an autogas station. While I was somewhat comfortable driving LandShark in the US with the wide roads (and room for driver error), I had not had any experience driving LandShark in the UK; I had always driven the Prius and Vince drove the RV. We were all set in our campground with water and dumping facilities within reach of the rig, but access to propane would be an issue.<br />
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With the propane problem simmering in the back of my head, I decided to take Mother and the kids to Avebury. It is a prehistoric open-air museum and dates to 2800 BC. It is described, by some, as bigger and better than Stonehenge (and six centuries older) but without the crowds and, for us, it was much closer than Stonehenge.<br />
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When we arrived, we started with lunch at the Red Lion (there's that popular name again), which is a rather grubby pub but is the only food option in the village. Our meals however were surprisingly better than expected given the look of the place and given the proprietor's monopoly on food service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyxdHEcgLgf6zwqtIWgrmhSuNQsi3GYld4sdh6HrzixFQ2QdU_9M4Pt0WDv6slP5vUlNtOeyvxB9_fZSCb_b034sDlm5hQqCFoQjNEqVpy-f9ZpFRORvRxOPdb8C617-gOtNJfq5JWd5S/s1600/DSCF4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyxdHEcgLgf6zwqtIWgrmhSuNQsi3GYld4sdh6HrzixFQ2QdU_9M4Pt0WDv6slP5vUlNtOeyvxB9_fZSCb_b034sDlm5hQqCFoQjNEqVpy-f9ZpFRORvRxOPdb8C617-gOtNJfq5JWd5S/s400/DSCF4182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Lion pub in Avebury.</td></tr>
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The weather was getting pretty blustery but Mother was a trooper, walking around the moorish landscape looking at rocks. She wouldn't allow me to include a photo of her in the blog so you'll just have to imagine a slimmer Queen Elizabeth-type figure walking about, with Burberry patterned scarf wrapped around her head and carrying a large black handbag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLegMdZkCg-dFCv1a1YYi2zjG8EArr3S5MO3uTMG-hW9l-Y8W9zqkqmTWkxs-oZsQjwK_gkFzxNANZsJKTPWvc216X5U_2LoMLrhM6x1dGYpvhhr0GQgOlIiqgPcaH0MxLEp9EetzD2ov/s1600/DSCF4205.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLegMdZkCg-dFCv1a1YYi2zjG8EArr3S5MO3uTMG-hW9l-Y8W9zqkqmTWkxs-oZsQjwK_gkFzxNANZsJKTPWvc216X5U_2LoMLrhM6x1dGYpvhhr0GQgOlIiqgPcaH0MxLEp9EetzD2ov/s400/DSCF4205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse at the 1,400 foot wide Avebury Stone Circle dating back to 2800 BC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO2yIY0lnL7Op7WPjPENl-9XSPCuHV-1mcVE4vtNEhSgkEPfUzgJviKqyo75PoiymseMeqtiUcFaPSWBWhWHQIRcL6QRY0D0g_50pVprTPf_Iq33dHZti7MkvTUjTc1P41Ow4PL2h3MoE/s1600/DSCF4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO2yIY0lnL7Op7WPjPENl-9XSPCuHV-1mcVE4vtNEhSgkEPfUzgJviKqyo75PoiymseMeqtiUcFaPSWBWhWHQIRcL6QRY0D0g_50pVprTPf_Iq33dHZti7MkvTUjTc1P41Ow4PL2h3MoE/s400/DSCF4191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Stone Circle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5H78jXAdTO6oE5UfIY8FeBwXlNsAdJ0hzQrxZFYHwHCP8GCiy3S6EuumGC9nzf8hJGDzOldMks_FdDkrVovOjupwpdv1jHCMwmJGpjkYQQpIUwnvkVklw6jpnIDPJE9Fi7Pt_TaN1PSh/s1600/IMGP0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5H78jXAdTO6oE5UfIY8FeBwXlNsAdJ0hzQrxZFYHwHCP8GCiy3S6EuumGC9nzf8hJGDzOldMks_FdDkrVovOjupwpdv1jHCMwmJGpjkYQQpIUwnvkVklw6jpnIDPJE9Fi7Pt_TaN1PSh/s400/IMGP0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother took this picture of Sarah and I walking along the Ritual Procession Way, a double line of stones leading to a long-gone wooden circle called the <i>Sanctuary</i>.</td></tr>
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On <b>November 2nd</b>, we drove to Cardiff, Wales to visit the Wales National Museum and Art Gallery. The drive took longer than initially forecast; it took close to 2 hours as to the projected 1 hr 20 minutes which I think was due to the GPS being programmed to avoid toll roads.<br />
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When we arrived, we went to the Oriel Restaurant, located on the lower level, for a bite to eat and then we all pretty much separated to see the sections in which we were interested. The museum has a nice collection of paintings on the upper floor covering artists from the 16th century to present day. It also includes paintings from Welsh artists depicting scenes of Wales. Sarah walked around with me and she stayed pretty much engaged throughout. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZwuD_eQyZR5W7Xr0oGHTTkNKIo_SRIXYz-eD3ELEmY26EWUJ3DRADQFje6n_vA1TmK7bM7UKUmhpzl204fduGGQhM4dSBEs4GfZPpHFfF5bDDLAgKFL8SYiDN7sUVEZYDgqwP-JmpGTy/s1600/DSCF4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZwuD_eQyZR5W7Xr0oGHTTkNKIo_SRIXYz-eD3ELEmY26EWUJ3DRADQFje6n_vA1TmK7bM7UKUmhpzl204fduGGQhM4dSBEs4GfZPpHFfF5bDDLAgKFL8SYiDN7sUVEZYDgqwP-JmpGTy/s400/DSCF4212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Welsh paintings section, one could build their own landscape scene.</td></tr>
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The museum's ground floor covers natural history, including origins of Wales. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkptepyIFhkOAZGWrACMLzOGkAD0kurOS3G-UOb49nicpKsHRYiubitjaV6dpfKvSlhm4-bC-9l0usfgRl84GiElz1c5u-LEErZrte204wPkmerlZU1Q8M5VNlG8qVfF0603TH2ve3Ijdv/s1600/DSCF4215.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkptepyIFhkOAZGWrACMLzOGkAD0kurOS3G-UOb49nicpKsHRYiubitjaV6dpfKvSlhm4-bC-9l0usfgRl84GiElz1c5u-LEErZrte204wPkmerlZU1Q8M5VNlG8qVfF0603TH2ve3Ijdv/s400/DSCF4215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was an interesting display in the natural history section explaining how North America and Europe are drifting apart. It included a counter showing how many millimeters the two continents have drifted apart since October 15, 1993 (535,941,488 as of November 2, 2013).</td></tr>
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At 17:00, the museum closed and the weather became stormy. We were in for some more gale storms that the Brits claim are unusual. (Ya, right.) Upon leaving the city, I drove by Cardiff Castle but there wasn't much to be seen given it was almost dark at that point. I wish we saw more of the city than we did but it was time for the long drive back. <br />
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That evening, when James and I were closing the front slide on the driver's side of LandShark, we heard a loud <i>craaackk</i>. Uh oh. Well, it wasn't the tv breaking; this time it was a lower cupboard door that was left slightly ajar. The door knob got caught and as a result we almost snapped the door in half. So later that evening I wrote Vince to bring back some crazy glue with him when he returned from the US...<br />
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On <b>November 3rd</b>, we went to the Sung Eucharist service at Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Cathedral was the most welcoming cathedral we had been to yet in the UK. The ushers were so welcoming and, at the back of the cathedral, they provided activities for children which Sarah embraced. The sermon was very good (not many Reverends would incorporate Yoda from Star Wars into a sermon covering All Saints Day) and the only complaint I could make is that the acoustics were poor, making it difficult to hear well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qf3HRHOQmxWti1WK3NU0uO-ytwh3ClnUgoh6b3i31oiPCFAh_t2kBWGhzcuhajeTTqZSlTA_-Sti8v8LalvqBadexE5VAhZU39OVfjLvSocJj552I9ZX5quJgicCppJZBejq9zD52e5N/s1600/DSCF4217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qf3HRHOQmxWti1WK3NU0uO-ytwh3ClnUgoh6b3i31oiPCFAh_t2kBWGhzcuhajeTTqZSlTA_-Sti8v8LalvqBadexE5VAhZU39OVfjLvSocJj552I9ZX5quJgicCppJZBejq9zD52e5N/s400/DSCF4217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloucester Cathedral.</td></tr>
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The site where Gloucester Cathedral resides has been a place of religious worship since 678-9 AD when Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince, founded a religious house here. Construction for the building that is seen today was started in 1089 by Serlo, a monk from Mont St Michel in Normandy who was appointed by King William I in 1072 to be its Abbot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG19-M6QrlYx8y1reTUQTWxEuMhQ2a4Y8x5bFgOWihcqcXwGnH4Y9Dgj1y7dSg535etlRoH9CN2qcCTu1QrUZ1823cQVSxXJ88ZaVVwFCDW1yVk8u5zreOwVcxes2sfhVILZKkQM9_o5S/s1600/Gloucester+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG19-M6QrlYx8y1reTUQTWxEuMhQ2a4Y8x5bFgOWihcqcXwGnH4Y9Dgj1y7dSg535etlRoH9CN2qcCTu1QrUZ1823cQVSxXJ88ZaVVwFCDW1yVk8u5zreOwVcxes2sfhVILZKkQM9_o5S/s400/Gloucester+window.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloucester Cathedral has a beautiful stained glass window on the western wall.</td></tr>
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After the service, the congregation were repeatedly encouraged to go to the Chapter House for refreshments and so we oblidged.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSSNnN_ap-p6dqf-akH-ondDbxG-hRVs3IMiN8GvRWGXnwaDMyI3RPed5vC30c1e79F3nfqLTH-T3ckwYwYf5IJPhxxjMal1mc7cZCFjVycsEXlGCzP6s4ZmAcf-pGak1deJyO4nPGQNa/s1600/Gloucester+cloister+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSSNnN_ap-p6dqf-akH-ondDbxG-hRVs3IMiN8GvRWGXnwaDMyI3RPed5vC30c1e79F3nfqLTH-T3ckwYwYf5IJPhxxjMal1mc7cZCFjVycsEXlGCzP6s4ZmAcf-pGak1deJyO4nPGQNa/s400/Gloucester+cloister+hall.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the most stunning features of Gloucester is the cloisters on the north side of the main cathedral. This photo illustrates one of the beautifully detailed hallways.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpukDW8MsFIhMXJhOcSGts6fXtTeT08MuTCYJ9qVmH9jGKkFsc6X6WXo8ipjyFkTRoD4-szFFnOsiocCEY4l946ZPTKhYJ4SgKYq3GupNHVHp1cN4puw8E7M9SmXS5dh90bBO0ywOnBVry/s1600/DSCF4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpukDW8MsFIhMXJhOcSGts6fXtTeT08MuTCYJ9qVmH9jGKkFsc6X6WXo8ipjyFkTRoD4-szFFnOsiocCEY4l946ZPTKhYJ4SgKYq3GupNHVHp1cN4puw8E7M9SmXS5dh90bBO0ywOnBVry/s400/DSCF4219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard within the cloisters is another lovely feature of the cathedral.</td></tr>
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We then went back into the cathedral to wander about and happened upon a docent who was most willing to provide information about the cathedral. A second docent encouraged us to join a tour of the crypt and so we did that with about 6 others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhYvfpfgVfnpeo_VKlQVR4Qfd7kiPYIAt6MYlOTPi0orqKSkiDOqp2iSGKfFuWeOtOXnnETG9czlTgd8o6afNs4o36ZpnDp2eEO80jezGlW7Lt9A_jKlfTCNogCw0o4opYMvwcWSiIdBW/s1600/DSCF4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhYvfpfgVfnpeo_VKlQVR4Qfd7kiPYIAt6MYlOTPi0orqKSkiDOqp2iSGKfFuWeOtOXnnETG9czlTgd8o6afNs4o36ZpnDp2eEO80jezGlW7Lt9A_jKlfTCNogCw0o4opYMvwcWSiIdBW/s400/DSCF4232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the crypt: That pillar in the foreground was placed about 1040.</td></tr>
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After leaving the cathedral, we walked up the main street, Westgate, towards Marks & Spencers which we were told had a cafe. We had lunch there and it was one of the better lunches we had since Mother joined us in England.<br />
<br />
We then did a little shopping and headed back to Briarfields as James and I had to face the task of refilling our water tank with fresh water and the less appealing job of emptying the gray and black water tanks. Up until this point, Vince or Paul had always done these jobs, Paul most recently as he's done it to earn extra cash.<br />
<br />
In life, any dream scenario, like traveling around Europe for a year, will have its downsides. And when you're camping, it's dumping tanks which, for us, needs to be done about every five days. James and I managed pretty well without a hitch. The most annoying aspect was that a neighbor took great interest in the fact that James and I were doing this RV maintenance (did we look like novices?) and hovered during the process, inserting his commentary about how we could improve upon our techniques.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggqTznTfEajUjl7tdqc6NzLTm_6AHcthkri9s3-CYUfYgmY3lz9_m07cH2n2UPXVFfGuWI_ky9YMa_U3MyRawZP8NrHzxbjb1wrQplxGySaAT625ZGsDvvVcUnPsjiAfY8N78RDqovAzf/s1600/DSCF4235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggqTznTfEajUjl7tdqc6NzLTm_6AHcthkri9s3-CYUfYgmY3lz9_m07cH2n2UPXVFfGuWI_ky9YMa_U3MyRawZP8NrHzxbjb1wrQplxGySaAT625ZGsDvvVcUnPsjiAfY8N78RDqovAzf/s400/DSCF4235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The (un)glamorous job of dumping tanks: We had to add an extra hose such that we could reach the chemical dumping drain by the hedge behind James. Because the diameter of the green hose was smaller than the black hose, James had to hold a connection tight while the macerator pump was running...otherwise there would be dire consequences. Adding to the unpleasantness is that it can take 25 minutes or so to empty the tanks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That evening, I made the decision to turn off the heat at night to try and stretch our propane for as many days as we could. I hoped that by wearing extra clothing and throwing jackets on Sarah's and my beds (James had Paul's comforter as well as his own) we'd get through the night warm enough.<br />
<br />
On <b>November 4th</b>, we woke to 50 degrees inside LandShark. It was glacial that previous night. I doubled my comforter but was still cold. I tried wearing a wool cap but it just became annoying as I'd turn my head but the cap would remain stationary. At 3am, Molly got up and piddled on the carpet in protest. Good fodder for a comedy but not so funny experiencing first hand in the wee hours. I tried to encourage Molly to snuggle up in Sarah's lower bunk, but she'd keep jumping out and returning to her bed, shivering all the while. Mother fortunately had an extra duvet cover to offer us later that morning for the coming nights to help us out. (She was nice and toasty in the Briarfields Motel.)<br />
<br />
That day, we headed to Bath where we met a cousin of
ours for lunch. Our cousin, Elizabeth, and my Mother are of the same
generation. I had stayed with her for a weekend way back in the early
1980s. We went to yet another Red Lion pub and had a good lunch. Elizabeth and Mother pulled out their respective family trees and spent a good hour or so discussing various branches of the family.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we dropped Elizabeth back at her home and we proceeded to the city center. At a minimum, I wanted to drive by some key landmarks. We first drove by the Royal Crescent and stopped to take a photo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa6NjkH9hshG7J_nss5TMdai5me8j8aalDLtunu-5lY9g8KUJ4vFCa1vHk9LIwBuDe6MrWnNHwqzoBI7bZpxnNsfi3f5hZ8ku7pmGVaeDTJRO9YFRk3VuVIox2LLGap73Vu-ZgHNSckr6/s1600/DSCF4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa6NjkH9hshG7J_nss5TMdai5me8j8aalDLtunu-5lY9g8KUJ4vFCa1vHk9LIwBuDe6MrWnNHwqzoBI7bZpxnNsfi3f5hZ8ku7pmGVaeDTJRO9YFRk3VuVIox2LLGap73Vu-ZgHNSckr6/s400/DSCF4240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1775 and has about 30 houses </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then drove around the circular street called The Circus and headed towards the Bath Abbey; I was lucky to find a parking lot nearby, just over the Avon River.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tQ9CXiCpMlIOXzkt00-50FUzUFAo1vpdGyQV0vbZXhRVHb6xNSm8a32GMOW1oh3MafPVN46X6A2btDZmp4XQHL_qfCbvVd4aZo_HeJf-vqgmxCznjucdQxbNa88RznC42cJ7J_aWyMdE/s1600/IMGP0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tQ9CXiCpMlIOXzkt00-50FUzUFAo1vpdGyQV0vbZXhRVHb6xNSm8a32GMOW1oh3MafPVN46X6A2btDZmp4XQHL_qfCbvVd4aZo_HeJf-vqgmxCznjucdQxbNa88RznC42cJ7J_aWyMdE/s400/IMGP0295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulteney Bridge can be seen down the Avon River. It has been compared to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence as one of the world's most beautiful bridges, with shops built into it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked over to the Abbey and wandered through it. Since 757 AD, three churches have occupied the site of the Abbey. The Abbey that is seen today was founded in 1499 and was the last medieval church to be built in England.<br />
<br />
The interior of the Abbey is the work of Sir George Gilbert Scott, who
from 1864 to 1874, completely transformed the inside of the Abbey to
conform with his vision of Victorian Gothic architecture. His most
significant contribution was the replacement of the ancient
wooden ceiling over the nave with a spectacular stone fan vaulting.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWucKMMB1B3EJh1vtItmuD3rLIIPCe8OAkppprI7XNXxgJHYaznO1jkRSOCoktJPgf8s9XJ41Mwhhgdx6fibfIFLOWpj_YAwMPbW3A6xXRq5WXY5whqvgoljMAdU3FJm6lPsKx4S7y1ySC/s1600/Inside+Bath+Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWucKMMB1B3EJh1vtItmuD3rLIIPCe8OAkppprI7XNXxgJHYaznO1jkRSOCoktJPgf8s9XJ41Mwhhgdx6fibfIFLOWpj_YAwMPbW3A6xXRq5WXY5whqvgoljMAdU3FJm6lPsKx4S7y1ySC/s400/Inside+Bath+Abbey.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the visitor, one of the most marvelous aspects of the Abbey is that it is heated by the hot springs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the abbey, I noticed the Roman Baths and Pump Room were right next door. We had just enough time to have tea at the Pump Room before it closed. It was a nice way to finish the day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bmV6JpuIQ7hZOFhBXGTxU3dURqynt1KhEVRU286CCqZJMHTKzoIPkM-McsjIDGsoNnC57-i3VRKgSSCllUdGxPX4wQ344w3UhaHlNf9cypNOUFyY6vvSR3m49ZOPZWS1hJHVYOM0rGoK/s1600/The+roman+baths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bmV6JpuIQ7hZOFhBXGTxU3dURqynt1KhEVRU286CCqZJMHTKzoIPkM-McsjIDGsoNnC57-i3VRKgSSCllUdGxPX4wQ344w3UhaHlNf9cypNOUFyY6vvSR3m49ZOPZWS1hJHVYOM0rGoK/s400/The+roman+baths.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Bath Abbey main entrance from the Roman Baths and Pump Room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 5th</b>, we woke to 56 degrees in LandShark (almost balmy compared to the previous night). There's a big difference between 56 degrees and 50 degrees. 56 was just high enough to make it bearable at night, given our supply of bedding.<br />
<br />
That day we decided to drive to Oxford to see some of the colleges. James opted to stay in an unheated Landshark, keep Molly company and do laundry. (The boy really didn't want to go to Oxford.)<br />
<br />
When Mother, Sarah and I arrived in Oxford, we had lunch at a wonderful French restaurant, the Pierre Victoire Bistrot. Mother and I both had been underwhelmed with the English pubs and the switch to French cuisine was welcomed. Even the French house wine was a huge improvement over what was available in pubs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTQ_fGEhCJaNVho1l_dbtnI32mjaIG2E_wAa1YEjxLrLI7zroe4hRrYoiQilf9J6uTDcqsaDTLAOndsLXVvGmS3zVIGljIKtQr1jOjYB4Xd1m0wmjnwpZJ8owwgcJ_ZrPm-mFp1IYmMnL/s1600/DSCF4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTQ_fGEhCJaNVho1l_dbtnI32mjaIG2E_wAa1YEjxLrLI7zroe4hRrYoiQilf9J6uTDcqsaDTLAOndsLXVvGmS3zVIGljIKtQr1jOjYB4Xd1m0wmjnwpZJ8owwgcJ_ZrPm-mFp1IYmMnL/s400/DSCF4279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious meal at the Pierre Victoire Bistrot. Sarah consumed an entire baguette on her own; the bread and butter were so tasty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we looked into a few shops and then returned to the car. I then drove around the city center and by a number of the university buildings.<br />
<br />
When we returned back to LandShark, James and Molly were snuggled reading in 60 degrees F. Not bad really, as far as chilliness goes. James had also completed 3 loads of laundry which was a big win for me. <br />
<br />
On <b>November 6th</b>, we woke again to 56 degrees inside LandShark. It was another day promising rain. How do the British stand this weather? Given Mother's limited time here, we had to press on with sightseeing and pretend it was all good. I wanted to attend the bonfire and fireworks hosted by the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh that evening (we had to see how the English celebrate Guy Fawkes Day) and so I decided we'd see more of the Cotswolds.<br />
<br />
We first set off to drive through Burford. We had driven through it the previous night and it looked lovely so I wanted to go back in the day time. It was raining heavily when we arrived so we more or less just drove through and went on to Stow-on-the-Wold which is described as an antique mecca.<br />
<br />
After visiting several shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, we stopped for tea at Huffkins Bakery and Coffee Lounge. The pasteries and baked goods were delicious. James had an apple cream turnover (scrumptious), Sarah had a chocolate eclair and Mother and I had warm scones with clotted cream and jam (the best scones I'd had in the Cotswolds). Huffkins had a number of books that children could read while waiting for their parents to finish up their tea; Sarah loved this and quietly immersed herself into several books while we were there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FYVfBddlZcwPF_2N3PDBkyxKMdhAmv8X-t5QEFZytcioQUcXrnD727FRyQSDGjhyphenhyphenLvhZS1SVUCE66EM1OBwNu3AactVgY8UEDNZ5NqgFlum4BSztNe-QJltT1BsxK2WfxSEqTiugdgV3/s1600/DSCF4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FYVfBddlZcwPF_2N3PDBkyxKMdhAmv8X-t5QEFZytcioQUcXrnD727FRyQSDGjhyphenhyphenLvhZS1SVUCE66EM1OBwNu3AactVgY8UEDNZ5NqgFlum4BSztNe-QJltT1BsxK2WfxSEqTiugdgV3/s400/DSCF4283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah couldn't finish her eclair. Too much whipped cream. Fortunately, Mother and I could step in and help her out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we finished our tea, we visited a few more shops and then returned to the car. I drove to Moreton-in-Marsh to the Fire Service College to see if the fireworks presentation was still going to take place (it was rainy and windy) and found that it was. We had an hour to put in before they opened their gates so I then drove to Broadway, where I knew there was a Edinburgh Woolen Mill store and perhaps Mother could buy a cashmere.<br />
<br />
Mother had success at the Edinburgh Woolen Mill store and walked out with a navy v-neck cashmere. (£55 and slightly better quality than what we can get in North America). I found Sarah a pair of slippers (early birthday present) and some Walkers shortbread cookies for the frequent famished passengers on our daily road trips.<br />
<br />
We arrived back at the Fire Service College just before 7pm and were able to park in a good spot where Mother could watch the bonfire and see the fireworks from the car. It was very windy with a heavy mist, certainly not weather that any sensible person would want to stand in for an hour and a half. The upside was that the air temperature was warmer, meaning in the 50s as to the 40s. I wandered around with Sarah and paid £2.50 for her to do a game with a guaranteed prize (Barbie doll) and then bought food for everyone. The bonfire started at 19:30 and was huge. At about 100 yards away, we could feel the heat and, with the strong
wind, hot ambers were flying over the spectators. Crazy Brits. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpVxXguvaerDdXKwDweBJ3B_-cGF_OlWHYZ6VkKu7iqeogwVaGYh0zkUEvfhbrgXbm4nn7pmZ0_MjOJ2cTeIhDS-7pL5zaw_44dfB79zt0PFu9fnkDAHeBM-u4_F89dncphnNnfx8xvrJ/s1600/DSCF4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpVxXguvaerDdXKwDweBJ3B_-cGF_OlWHYZ6VkKu7iqeogwVaGYh0zkUEvfhbrgXbm4nn7pmZ0_MjOJ2cTeIhDS-7pL5zaw_44dfB79zt0PFu9fnkDAHeBM-u4_F89dncphnNnfx8xvrJ/s400/DSCF4307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fire Service College built a serious bonfire. I had never seen one so big. The firemen used wooden pallets and some throw-away furniture as fuel. Prior to lighting the fire, several renditions of Guy Fawkes were judged and the winner was placed on a chair at the base of the fire. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxolV1nNKLvs5zmJ4erd_J4nvfA3jWl3FDpev6djX2zDmxaH9r01JWZxpe9eMWTK-q2Cxj0_MAr3GihywYpMstAONSOKKrd6_YITIGgJkxoAQpXqTZDg4zjLR7NK-MRRZnMtOz5TsjjPZ/s1600/DSCF4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxolV1nNKLvs5zmJ4erd_J4nvfA3jWl3FDpev6djX2zDmxaH9r01JWZxpe9eMWTK-q2Cxj0_MAr3GihywYpMstAONSOKKrd6_YITIGgJkxoAQpXqTZDg4zjLR7NK-MRRZnMtOz5TsjjPZ/s400/DSCF4319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the boys' underwater camera, I couldn't get a good shot of the fireworks (tho I tried a hundred times). In this snap, the bonfire can be seen still blazing in the bottom left corner while the fireworks are set off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 7th</b>, we woke to 54 degrees. Our propane tank was at 1/4 full. I figured we'd have about 3 days left of fuel/heat, if we kept to our sparing usage. Vincent and Paul would be returning on the 11th and I wanted to have enough propane so Vincent wouldn't have to move the RV the night he came back. This meant that the kids and I would have to stay in the Briarfields Motel for a night or two. Deep down we were all really looking forward to that.<br />
<br />
I decided not to drive too far that day and chose Cirencester as our destination. One of the women working in a Stow-on-the-Wold antiques shop the previous day recommended the Corinium Museum as worth visiting and engaging for children. Cirencester was formerly the ancient Roman city of Corinium almost 2000 years ago; it was the second largest city in the British Isles, after "Londinium" (London).<br />
<br />
Before visiting the Corinium Museum, we had lunch at Le Beaujolais, another French restaurant, on Castle Street. After a pleasant meal, we walked over to the museum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXocD9F3GkG6F4pDwN29oa9HqOM1tFpLr-k5wwCjiCtoRlqkCgzfBZPDgHbunGto1huOVgVfi-VV5FNZyNwGdOclBzBGWiKJiWiE2STMwOW92aU3MOMRKtGFi1QsP4MPFMJikJMvRaqYR/s1600/Corinium+Museum+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXocD9F3GkG6F4pDwN29oa9HqOM1tFpLr-k5wwCjiCtoRlqkCgzfBZPDgHbunGto1huOVgVfi-VV5FNZyNwGdOclBzBGWiKJiWiE2STMwOW92aU3MOMRKtGFi1QsP4MPFMJikJMvRaqYR/s400/Corinium+Museum+entrance.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Corinium Museum: Definitely worth a visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The museum does a good job of laying out the history of the Cotswold area and Corinium/Cirencester right from the Palaeolithic period to present day. The focus however is the Romano-British period (43 - 410 AD). Having visited the Roman Army Museum near Hadrian's Wall, I was familiar with much of the information given. One new piece of information, for me, was that the horses used by the Romans were much smaller than those that we have today; the horses were more the size of ponies. This left me with an amusing image of hundreds of men riding ponies, invading the surrounding areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxAUXvRIyZuHrlVSZczSJP2hzIt1LMXkYtseptWbnxPGqKP6Ito-PpsE7vIoxngcngEmynqmgnFQbbNyr5qfX590NbmOUB3YpUq3Ypab9vyz91qCtUrMRB58eGZj8yLLwZ2mn5Jsa2dX3/s1600/DSCF4369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxAUXvRIyZuHrlVSZczSJP2hzIt1LMXkYtseptWbnxPGqKP6Ito-PpsE7vIoxngcngEmynqmgnFQbbNyr5qfX590NbmOUB3YpUq3Ypab9vyz91qCtUrMRB58eGZj8yLLwZ2mn5Jsa2dX3/s400/DSCF4369.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum has several mosaics, that were excavated in the area, on display. This one is called the Kingscote Mosaic. It came from a Roman building at Kingscote, 18 kilometers from Cirencester. The site is believed to have been a small town or villa estate dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. The mosaic dates to the 4th century AD and has Venus, the goddess of love, as the centrepiece. It's suggested that Venus and the detailed centre would have been completed by a master mosaic craftsman, the outer border completed in a workshop and then transported in and the areas of repeated design done by less skilled craftsmen or apprentices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72jonowvsakTDMB8aOD8UomvQff32LT0cEQVgMlAyGSpJlVZ7VXh_4cwsev0Oi5axl2JUL-PLigrGn9jxXwPJZinVgqjJtZ91u5fakXTCtohWaSo2O9w0SQ6J9PjnhW6Ov3DZO6ZSU7X8/s1600/DSCF4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72jonowvsakTDMB8aOD8UomvQff32LT0cEQVgMlAyGSpJlVZ7VXh_4cwsev0Oi5axl2JUL-PLigrGn9jxXwPJZinVgqjJtZ91u5fakXTCtohWaSo2O9w0SQ6J9PjnhW6Ov3DZO6ZSU7X8/s400/DSCF4368.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Corinium Museum provides several interactive areas for children. Here, Sarah is designing a mosaic and getting a feel for how detailed and time consuming these were to make. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving the museum, we split up and shopped around for about 90 minutes. Sarah and James found a couple books and a computer game in charity shops. While in a kitchen wares store I spotted the following sign by the cash register. It prompted me to think how different the philosophy of access to weapons is in the UK vs the US.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBiZjT9gLbAwepDNm7gWa4CgJsDTbmxp8E305sgG16Z2clJCcMKWEkhZ20j-vt_C_dEWKJQJsXsU5JpvqU32IkWIozQzlvAMWt-iw5JDGXVi7-F-Of2dBVgA9PTiJ2AXPX3_FblMCzCaO/s1600/DSCF4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBiZjT9gLbAwepDNm7gWa4CgJsDTbmxp8E305sgG16Z2clJCcMKWEkhZ20j-vt_C_dEWKJQJsXsU5JpvqU32IkWIozQzlvAMWt-iw5JDGXVi7-F-Of2dBVgA9PTiJ2AXPX3_FblMCzCaO/s400/DSCF4377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflecting on this notice, I realized I hadn't heard any reports of shootings in the last 4+ weeks. The last shooting I did hear reported was that of a Washington incident on October 3rd that made the news on the BBC. Living in the US, shootings are headline news every single day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 8th</b>, we woke to 48 degrees. I was up several times that night ensuring Molly was double-wrapped in a bath towel. Poor dog still wasn't bright enough to climb into Sarah's bunk and snuggle. <br />
<br />
Despite the promise of more rain, I thought we should go to Blenheim Palace. Both Mother and I had been there at different times decades ago but I thought it would be a nice treat at the end of her trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiRMKlXepfCsnuIV_hyphenhyphenMOMeUVcxad2gVK9d8vxvVfTiaqCJcavDHKP19UnYWCGxOaiBPS2Q0md448-U_RKW9ArdyDerkto6aF_VDg-nrPFPOnMqo-jibpIh03ct0TmW_LAsbJo7ZYvPJo/s1600/DSCF4416.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiRMKlXepfCsnuIV_hyphenhyphenMOMeUVcxad2gVK9d8vxvVfTiaqCJcavDHKP19UnYWCGxOaiBPS2Q0md448-U_RKW9ArdyDerkto6aF_VDg-nrPFPOnMqo-jibpIh03ct0TmW_LAsbJo7ZYvPJo/s400/DSCF4416.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
only upside to the dark, miserable weather was that it helped to
highlight the Christmas lights and decorations around the Palace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q8R_rT0T4oQzPSjA1VYBDXh57W_IIn9k_pu0m8EQF3tD_1aiRfbB5X4g-EwWaIJ2sOkoes2tnnDl9t9gl4rt8XEjcu3vKflKDTncniwF2Ngtyu8_HLB_ZQdiLQcSiLEDEqX-fP0fG-MO/s1600/DSCF4412.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q8R_rT0T4oQzPSjA1VYBDXh57W_IIn9k_pu0m8EQF3tD_1aiRfbB5X4g-EwWaIJ2sOkoes2tnnDl9t9gl4rt8XEjcu3vKflKDTncniwF2Ngtyu8_HLB_ZQdiLQcSiLEDEqX-fP0fG-MO/s400/DSCF4412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As of November 9th, the Palace is already trimmed for Christmas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdjKt3hyX9bZUEph-jfReB-ewYermMbjtnh4PbPu6QIL6NOsXla1NN-OC46k032fcu2vhFurtmqdAGUeSmdykQKBGIviQROu1h0Np1n4uds49jm4ra6m-gOpDk74RwmHpTyn-QbyHyFJ9/s1600/DSCF4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdjKt3hyX9bZUEph-jfReB-ewYermMbjtnh4PbPu6QIL6NOsXla1NN-OC46k032fcu2vhFurtmqdAGUeSmdykQKBGIviQROu1h0Np1n4uds49jm4ra6m-gOpDk74RwmHpTyn-QbyHyFJ9/s400/DSCF4390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Mother walking to the entrance of Blenheim Palace. It was raining and cold and just miserable weather. Shown far in the distance is the Column of Victory (commemorating the 1st Duke of Marlborough's many battle victories), which was completed in 1730 at a cost of £3,000.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0J70R_Wy7i8ltght91TKoXdCHYJGhOkrpwH43-IM27SEJkfYmjwRaaRuTrJrHO25_QOo_eAZ1GWTMEsqaH6xjCUcaZa-l5vJv3d73Adp82FIPbqMQEH7ISR39dN4pgPsZVtMp6jg19kQ/s1600/DSCF4399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0J70R_Wy7i8ltght91TKoXdCHYJGhOkrpwH43-IM27SEJkfYmjwRaaRuTrJrHO25_QOo_eAZ1GWTMEsqaH6xjCUcaZa-l5vJv3d73Adp82FIPbqMQEH7ISR39dN4pgPsZVtMp6jg19kQ/s400/DSCF4399.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comely statue of Queen Anne (1665-1714) resides in the library. The land and (some of) the money to build Blenheim Palace was a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne in appreciation following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, during the War of Spanish Succession. At the end of the lengthy building project (1705 to ~1735 fraught with issues), John's second wife, Sarah Churchill, had this flattering statue of Queen Anne made to remind anyone who visits that the Palace and land were gifts from the Queen, and to commemorate their friendship (which ended badly).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwI7YxGTr8NL3yfGGm6ycGHeQh4fdQUf4QQ9TPm3p2AlSBl3zGjK6Vo_kMYITjFssvWWLvczRA4OntuWdt9SZFi_cn2UV37noc7gPx71bAmb3kvxay4MFITvlQ29NEw4UFfoWyH6IM1fS/s1600/DSCF0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwI7YxGTr8NL3yfGGm6ycGHeQh4fdQUf4QQ9TPm3p2AlSBl3zGjK6Vo_kMYITjFssvWWLvczRA4OntuWdt9SZFi_cn2UV37noc7gPx71bAmb3kvxay4MFITvlQ29NEw4UFfoWyH6IM1fS/s400/DSCF0059.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library, designed by Christopher Wren, as viewed from the statue of Queen Anne: It was originally intended as a portrait gallery. At the northern end of the library is Europe's largest pipe organ, in private ownership, built by Henry Willis & Sons. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Willis_%26_Sons" title="Henry Willis & Sons"> </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQ4eLilDrsZyk4vlWdt8MvrG_E6QgWbOiCX7vX_Vfy4VBMPOkDZg-CuoVSpye0wLk4vzwGdp1yKx6VBL1hjR0BqqNTySdTk-qYuX9TTka14u4tSZJDXeuaKPodo9E64WcCgu641W6nkML/s1600/DSCF4406.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQ4eLilDrsZyk4vlWdt8MvrG_E6QgWbOiCX7vX_Vfy4VBMPOkDZg-CuoVSpye0wLk4vzwGdp1yKx6VBL1hjR0BqqNTySdTk-qYuX9TTka14u4tSZJDXeuaKPodo9E64WcCgu641W6nkML/s400/DSCF4406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palace now includes a 35-minute (rather corny) tour called <i>The Untold Story</i>. One is led by Grace Ridley, ladies maid
to the 1st Duchess of Marlborough, through various rooms, each one
revealing what life was like at the
Palace at various stages over the past 300 years. The stories are told
via projected figures and life-like mannequins (that breathe). In this
photo, Sarah is watching Sarah Churchill, the 1st Duchess of Marlborough, talk about her life and failed friendship with Queen Anne. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 9th</b>, we woke up to more rain. I had been thinking about driving to Stratford but didn't think it would be very pleasant if we had to walk among the sites in wet weather. Before we did anything, I realized that James and I would need to refill our water tank and dump the gray and black tanks that morning, when we had daylight. (Whenever we did go out sightseeing, we returned when it was dark and for dumping tanks, I really wanted to see what we were doing.) <br />
<br />
While we couldn't get a tight fit screwing our drinking water hose to the campsite hose bib (US vs UK threading), filling the fresh water was pretty straightforward. I did however have a bit of a hick-up preparing to dump tanks; when uncapping the gray/black water hose, water (the contaminated kind) flew out of the hose directly into my left eye. Aach! So I had to scurry off and wash my eye out with soap and water and then flush it out with allergy eye drops (the only drops I had). Mother also gave me her eye drops. Blah. That was horrid. Once I regrouped, James and I proceeded with emptying the black tank and flushing it out w/ gray water. When doing a gray water flush, James claimed he should no longer need to hold the black hose together. I was just in the midst of telling him it didn't matter what we're flushing through the hoses; he had to hold the black hose together (the connected green hose had a narrower diameter which put pressure on the black hose connections), when the black hose burst apart and water (the contaminated kind) sprayed all over James. Did I mention James was wearing Vince's jacket and I was wearing Paul's jacket? It was a pretty unpleasant experience. Anyway, when we packed all the hoses back up, I got a washing and drying token from the main office and James proceeded to wash the jackets, jeans and a few other things. No good deed goes unpunished.<br />
<br />
The upside of the morning was that James, Sarah and I got to move into a room at the motel. We could look forward to two cozy nights and limitless hot showers or baths.<br />
<br />
That afternoon, Mother and I drove to the Burford Garden Centre while Sarah and James enjoyed the indulgence of watching television for the afternoon in our motel room. Mother and I found birthday presents for Sarah. I also found a pair of Wellibobs which would be ideal for wading around in the muck on these rainy days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XE9tgKaFxafyoDuGdrKRtPy2GKt2AmBlg3lv52RTHcEg7QPvyNKy5_A_y5KLEZpAPHLg4SswidHyfGGmAZ72xH4MdWD9IwUcnUqG_SyhZuy5MWyA3iWsKsUI1i4FbP4P68H9T5YYWnFZ/s1600/DSCF0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XE9tgKaFxafyoDuGdrKRtPy2GKt2AmBlg3lv52RTHcEg7QPvyNKy5_A_y5KLEZpAPHLg4SswidHyfGGmAZ72xH4MdWD9IwUcnUqG_SyhZuy5MWyA3iWsKsUI1i4FbP4P68H9T5YYWnFZ/s400/DSCF0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the practical Wellibobs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 10th</b>, we awoke in our cozy, warm motel room. Heaven. When James walked Molly and returned her to LandShark for the day, it was 43 degrees in there. Brrr. I went over and set the heat to 50 degrees and put one of the kid's down comforters on the sofa so Molly would hopefully settle in that and keep warm(er). Fortunately, it was forecasted to be a rare clear sunny morning and afternoon and so the RV would likely warm up a bit during the course of the day.<br />
<br />
Our outing that Sunday was back to Bath where we went to the Bath Abbey for their Remembrance Day service. During the drive to Bath, the GPS had a malfunction and so was only giving me a vague indication of what route to take. It was all fine until we got into the city and I had a hard time locating the Abbey. You'd think there'd be signs to the Abbey and/or Roman Baths (next door) but there was nothing. Anyway, after stopping to ask a taxi driver we found we were just 2 blocks away. I made a wrong turn into a bus stop (to let Mother and the kids out near the Abbey, as we were now late) and was told I'd probably get a £200 traffic violation ticket (recorded by a nearby camera). The day was starting out swell. Since my license plate was not registered in the UK, I rationalized that the authorities would have a hard time tracking me down to mail me the ticket. <br />
<br />
Once I found parking and made my way on foot back to the Abbey, the service was well underway and I ended up having to sit at the back of the Abbey on my own. I tried to put the frustrating GPS glitch and potential ticket out of my mind. The choir was outstanding and the light shining into the Abbey was simply beautiful. The sermon was also well done and poignant for Remembrance Day. The Bath Abbey was a highlight. I hope to return to another service one day.<br />
<br />
When the service was over, I met up with Mother, James and Sarah and we walked over to York Street to The Real Italian Pizza Company. It's worth a mention because it makes very good thin-crusted pizzas. The four of us shared two pizzas and that was ample. Our bill was less than £20 which I think was a pretty good deal for the area around the Roman Baths.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrm7tfVC8WS4cIJTaC-AH-o7LgWkK9RuDhZI64cFRHSTvVRc2s2L037UlY_euKIjTG5AzRzJAq7W2yrt-4j_3eGjXR9dySbzEE8BKn45a86EU79itNCiN-m2fXwFnjxF-lUEwt8lZzDUu/s1600/IMGP0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrm7tfVC8WS4cIJTaC-AH-o7LgWkK9RuDhZI64cFRHSTvVRc2s2L037UlY_euKIjTG5AzRzJAq7W2yrt-4j_3eGjXR9dySbzEE8BKn45a86EU79itNCiN-m2fXwFnjxF-lUEwt8lZzDUu/s400/IMGP0292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Real Italian Pizza Co. is a good option for an inexpensive meal near the Roman Baths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch we visited the Roman Baths.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjohiulQUSZIG9acM2fI1HlflHVsGY36bVIVkJkLw9giYjrx92kfJTqiHOT1lYfFMcA41CgS-3YbK7KfZ2QmR-SSbqYdNonoVhJVG4UWJtZa-3YXSY9OMXDcBFFKEyvXctSPb0bdnC1gww/s1600/IMGP0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjohiulQUSZIG9acM2fI1HlflHVsGY36bVIVkJkLw9giYjrx92kfJTqiHOT1lYfFMcA41CgS-3YbK7KfZ2QmR-SSbqYdNonoVhJVG4UWJtZa-3YXSY9OMXDcBFFKEyvXctSPb0bdnC1gww/s400/IMGP0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Abbey from the Great Bath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_nb5Rv8_w1DUnEE3cNtpaBKbM0vm6xqaA4_kvqufUxsi46AROHADc74yEIbf3pmGDHDgLiMDw8hRdIhHg0wvaDqMmar9Ao0rwzkXWcmsoJwHm0hJGLLCQu7Qe_MmaeVXBzNzmCMiU_P_/s1600/IMGP0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_nb5Rv8_w1DUnEE3cNtpaBKbM0vm6xqaA4_kvqufUxsi46AROHADc74yEIbf3pmGDHDgLiMDw8hRdIhHg0wvaDqMmar9Ao0rwzkXWcmsoJwHm0hJGLLCQu7Qe_MmaeVXBzNzmCMiU_P_/s400/IMGP0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the hot spring: The hot water in the spring rises at a rate of 1,170,000 liters per day at 46 degrees Celcius. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EYOBSRnsrKC2rdQq8UAdfQKl7HeNHScWasBM4n4B1EVWDYX0kcWLTCQL5iojfJed624pxnS4uwsb0OYBD4x8L2UwHIFaI_3FKptMt52j8kpOAD2T-ZmPKTDFOEQrR0ws5622hwtQ7jYh/s1600/IMGP0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EYOBSRnsrKC2rdQq8UAdfQKl7HeNHScWasBM4n4B1EVWDYX0kcWLTCQL5iojfJed624pxnS4uwsb0OYBD4x8L2UwHIFaI_3FKptMt52j8kpOAD2T-ZmPKTDFOEQrR0ws5622hwtQ7jYh/s400/IMGP0286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Mother had just permitted her photo to be taken with a Japanese tourist, I told her she had to let me take a photo of her and Sarah. They are standing in front of the Great (or King's) Bath. The Great Bath was built in the 12 century AD and was originally lined with 45 sheets of lead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>November 11th</b>, it was time to return to Heathrow. Mother was returning to Canada and Vincent and Paul were returning to England. It was a smooth transition; just as I was letting Mother off at Terminal 3 departures, Vincent called me and appeared with Paul. James, Sarah and I had a lovely visit with Mother and we look forward to her return, probably in January, at a place still to be determined but hopefully much dryer than our last two weeks in the UK.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335540646990706216noreply@blogger.com0