tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199349712024-03-06T02:38:31.554+13:00meowsqueak?It's a long story...meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-61392382835694189042011-06-08T15:44:00.002+12:002011-06-08T21:59:26.334+12:00Fix Exploded Folders on the iPhoneOne feature of the Apple iPhone that I really like is the ability to group apps into 'folders'. You can put any app in any folder and rename it to whatever you like. I use this to organise apps according to their main purpose, such as 'music', 'games', 'social media', etc. It's really handy and definitely helps to cut down the clutter. The down-side is that it takes quite a while to create and populate these folders, but it should only be a one-off job. Right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdfQpjJvQAZjiPuOhzUD6EeIGVRPahvIIUKR8paYIaT-aAAQ7i00x31PXag3xfVvwU4ugwQYN9f2iwSACfbGdDVpYIh15Rr-9rxwNCcNfPeBXTjTTYeSK-_oxDOBN41UI0FYi/s1600/IMG_0356.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdfQpjJvQAZjiPuOhzUD6EeIGVRPahvIIUKR8paYIaT-aAAQ7i00x31PXag3xfVvwU4ugwQYN9f2iwSACfbGdDVpYIh15Rr-9rxwNCcNfPeBXTjTTYeSK-_oxDOBN41UI0FYi/s320/IMG_0356.PNG" width="213" /></a><br />
However I've had a problem that, according to online forums, appears to affect many people yet nobody seems to have described a good approach to resolving it. It involves syncing the iPhone with iTunes. Specifically syncing of <b>Apps</b>. Now and again (more often than not), syncing apps would cause all my carefully organised folders to 'explode'. Essentially, the folders are emptied into the main icon area, and removed. <b>This is incredibly annoying.</b><br />
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There seem to be several different circumstances that lead to this 'explosion', but one circumstance is definitely reproducible - this is where you move your 'syncing' to a new computer. I just happened to have one, so I wanted to sync my iPhone with this computer, a perfectly natural thing to do. But as soon as I'd tick the 'sync apps' option, my folders would explode. Fortunately, <b>this time</b>, I observed that if I unticked the option immediately, my folders would be restored. If I click 'apply' or 'sync' I'm sure that would be the end of that.<br />
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Another situation involves adjusting folder contents on the device itself. The next time you sync with iTunes, there's a good chance you'll lose your folders.<br />
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So, to cut a long (8 hour) story short, this is what I did to enable app syncing and retain my beautiful folder structure.<br />
<ol><li>use iTunes to create a 'backup'.</li>
<li>iTunes only keeps the last backup, so we need to ensure we 'capture' this for use later.</li>
<ol><li>make a copy of the backup directory (on OSX it's in ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup) with a new timestamp. Something slightly different will be fine.</li>
<li>edit Info.plist to change the <b>Display Name</b> key to something easily recognisable.</li>
</ol><li>Now we can restore this backup via iTunes (using the name set above) if we need to get our folders back. Unfortunately this also undoes the 'sync app' setting, so if you use this backup you will be back to square one.</li>
<li>now we need to back up the Icon settings. There may be an easier and cheaper way to do this (such as using ssh to locate and scp to back up SpringBoard's IconState.plist file) but here's what I did:</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwUUMjWWNOzzVz88CIOgz6q9X6PZjPWu4XanasrjNJjg6dE3GF0g4V1l7WifX5F8dvVpWBmI7fGB7lK_MjVc1j9l1kW-ipO_3nBV5YFgm44tl9KcHli1rlGjHmgUK7TYbPUf/s1600/IMG_0357.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><ol><li>jail-broke my device (I used greenpois0n, on iOS 4.2.1) </li>
<li>use Cydia to purchase PKGBackup (US$8)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwUUMjWWNOzzVz88CIOgz6q9X6PZjPWu4XanasrjNJjg6dE3GF0g4V1l7WifX5F8dvVpWBmI7fGB7lK_MjVc1j9l1kW-ipO_3nBV5YFgm44tl9KcHli1rlGjHmgUK7TYbPUf/s1600/IMG_0357.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwUUMjWWNOzzVz88CIOgz6q9X6PZjPWu4XanasrjNJjg6dE3GF0g4V1l7WifX5F8dvVpWBmI7fGB7lK_MjVc1j9l1kW-ipO_3nBV5YFgm44tl9KcHli1rlGjHmgUK7TYbPUf/s320/IMG_0357.PNG" width="213" /></a></li>
<li>use PKGBackup to back up to Dropbox, specifically you want to back up the IconState.plist file<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwUUMjWWNOzzVz88CIOgz6q9X6PZjPWu4XanasrjNJjg6dE3GF0g4V1l7WifX5F8dvVpWBmI7fGB7lK_MjVc1j9l1kW-ipO_3nBV5YFgm44tl9KcHli1rlGjHmgUK7TYbPUf/s1600/IMG_0357.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></li>
</ol><li>Now I went back into iTunes and turned on 'sync apps'. Of course, my folders exploded, but I expected it this time. I synced and, yep, exploded folders. However now iTunes and the iPhone are talking to each other.</li>
<li>(iTunes will have performed another backup before this sync, overwriting the last, which is why we made a manual backup in step 2) </li>
<li>The last step is to use PKGBackup again to restore IconState.plist. This is the only file I restored (although a file called metadata insisted on coming along for the ride).</li>
<li> After the restore completed and the iPhone rebooted, I had all my folders back! Yay!</li>
</ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMhbWnKH-228XfskXxJJbP2oH1u-Y0ld2tdpDGT9D5CbKSPhaaBoGSinmPJ1sO7VEiw3YjCh7_2WlrXIO0qYbutkTo8_Hu4B_Z1HOy9IK_gjHzuCuo2yVaOazEe2m2uOeVvCv/s1600/IMG_0358.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMhbWnKH-228XfskXxJJbP2oH1u-Y0ld2tdpDGT9D5CbKSPhaaBoGSinmPJ1sO7VEiw3YjCh7_2WlrXIO0qYbutkTo8_Hu4B_Z1HOy9IK_gjHzuCuo2yVaOazEe2m2uOeVvCv/s320/IMG_0358.PNG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NJKr6jAEU6ivDfb2m8SZMoQh4MInyeQWXwxi2xI_uzHGNbEYRypTKQS0y9Nio9O10__S9qzdcjJ4amVs2shGUJfk5RAVt-5kQ9RFhdKEOUiOmrWTVn7exzFrErfvbcW4HmUn/s1600/IMG_0359.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NJKr6jAEU6ivDfb2m8SZMoQh4MInyeQWXwxi2xI_uzHGNbEYRypTKQS0y9Nio9O10__S9qzdcjJ4amVs2shGUJfk5RAVt-5kQ9RFhdKEOUiOmrWTVn7exzFrErfvbcW4HmUn/s320/IMG_0359.PNG" width="213" /></a><br />
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As a side-effect, I'm also using PKGBackup to back up everything else that the iTunes 'backup' omits - which is mostly everything. Useful program.<br />
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<a href="http://lifehacker.com/5790635/how-to-set-up-a-fully-automated-app-and-settings-backup-on-your-jailbroken-idevice">LifeHacker's guide to PKGBackup </a>meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-36335778974938305852009-03-24T09:18:00.005+13:002009-03-24T09:38:56.560+13:00The 42 TraverseLast week our company CEO visited from the USA. He's a keen cyclist so we invited him on a mountain-biking day trip to Tongariro National Park. After an early (6am) start and a long drive, we hit the trail around midday.<br /><br />The weather was fantastic. Not windy and not overly warm. There was late rain predicted but we didn't see a drop of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafruuKEEaja6mrU7qVlt0WJoQo7LXZSU2aEqJ6v_KxegiOu5ZV1wZkY9kk0LmhY-EYU_EsqvUkK5UGVsAF0x8vYDyBe_69Gbsvm84K948dv6RpUtjykVhyphenhyphentDNmZnZvCY7UIdS/s1600-h/SV400091.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafruuKEEaja6mrU7qVlt0WJoQo7LXZSU2aEqJ6v_KxegiOu5ZV1wZkY9kk0LmhY-EYU_EsqvUkK5UGVsAF0x8vYDyBe_69Gbsvm84K948dv6RpUtjykVhyphenhyphentDNmZnZvCY7UIdS/s400/SV400091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316482589121802994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The track is over 40 kilometres of mostly down hill 4WD track. You can view a profile on the embedded map below. It's not really technical at all, except for a few little places. Of the eight of us that made the trip, only five crashed. Interestingly the three least experienced cyclists (me included) were the ones that didn't!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZulmRg7qtTbnIuCgSSC9CJD4xWXMAFH33b3y_F9ymP5JJNzWIuc4b4XF23hoKWbC56MqKqQb1xkcZaRoTatCwWxcb1P7AEwbOqGrYLC0UEofNI-fh7l5zX5o6Osj0Z_7eHQUy/s1600-h/SV400093.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZulmRg7qtTbnIuCgSSC9CJD4xWXMAFH33b3y_F9ymP5JJNzWIuc4b4XF23hoKWbC56MqKqQb1xkcZaRoTatCwWxcb1P7AEwbOqGrYLC0UEofNI-fh7l5zX5o6Osj0Z_7eHQUy/s400/SV400093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316482597454054306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's a nice spot for lunch at the 13km mark.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfvKTEJ0Fb0sSDnQlurOTbcjV5e647MjqcgV8rL6gD_sR50mUZr5JTE-BVkW33nvz_r7KODrEjJJ8OVyDml_-_QuW0HOMWqapJWTU8iebhaW6Dq3VG4slKU3IIdUI2EEOF5R8/s1600-h/SV400100.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfvKTEJ0Fb0sSDnQlurOTbcjV5e647MjqcgV8rL6gD_sR50mUZr5JTE-BVkW33nvz_r7KODrEjJJ8OVyDml_-_QuW0HOMWqapJWTU8iebhaW6Dq3VG4slKU3IIdUI2EEOF5R8/s400/SV400100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316482605941337426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Riding down hills for 3+ hours is actually pretty stressful and tiring. The muscle pain doesn't show in the photographs...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsikLAkUzXcgEvfOWQAj4A85zOTsAfd2xZ1-LBJllBq5JZKhIwQu4H9vxdLie8uWbC3dXwhqK90Lq4Cf-i3p8aqbQHo5XwyZXSFIbGoXb7wePgHy4osna_9bnCMDdpwjTBvLi/s1600-h/SV400106.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsikLAkUzXcgEvfOWQAj4A85zOTsAfd2xZ1-LBJllBq5JZKhIwQu4H9vxdLie8uWbC3dXwhqK90Lq4Cf-i3p8aqbQHo5XwyZXSFIbGoXb7wePgHy4osna_9bnCMDdpwjTBvLi/s400/SV400106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316482615494269410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's an embedded map of the journey. Click "view elevation" to see the height profile.<br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=551ef6ef974f206114a102db40982b97&u=m&t=ride" width="100%" frameborder="0" height="700">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/route/new-zealand/national-park/125123783403870058"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;42 Traverse&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-route/new-zealand/national-park"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Mtn Bikings in National Park, New Zealand&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe><!-- MMF PARTNER TOOL --><br /><br />We all made it back to Wellington around 11pm, where it was raining.<br /><br />I would recommend this track to anyone who is reasonably fit and experienced on a mountain bike. The up-hills are not difficult but they can be a bit long. You'll need to keep the pace up on the down-hills in order to finish the track in reasonable time. Our total time on the track was about six hours, including a number of breaks.<br /><br />One thing to keep in mind - at times the track was very busy with quad bike and motorcycle traffic. This is unfortunate, because these vehicles are intimidating and rip up the trail. At one point on a big down hill, I caught up to a quad bike in front, and another appeared just a few metres behind me. Stuck in the middle. At this point, moving at around 40kph down hill on gravel, I couldn't slow or stop for fear of being taken out from behind. Fortunately, I hit a patch of mud and slid off to the side into the bushes, out of harm's way :)<br /><br />And there was a motorcyclist who deliberately gunned his throttle and sprayed stones over me on his way past. Thanks for that - you're a pretty special person.<br /><br />Apart from that, it was a great day out!meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-20982456075954163882009-02-27T17:47:00.004+13:002009-02-27T17:51:41.124+13:00Off-White NoiseOne of my interests is sound design & electronic music production. To give me somewhere to write about these sorts of things, I have created a new blog called <a href="http://offwhitenoise.blogspot.com">Off-White Noise</a>.<br /><br />If this sort of thing is interesting to you, please feel free to visit.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-90642590775691007372008-12-23T13:55:00.005+13:002008-12-23T14:09:41.885+13:00Green ApplesOn Apple's website for their new Macbook computers they state the following:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">The new MacBooks. The world's greenest family of notebooks.</span><p class="intro"><span style="font-size:85%;">The highly recyclable, even more energy-efficient MacBook family has been designed with the environment in mind.</span></p></blockquote><p class="intro"></p><br />And a bit further down:<br /><br /><h3></h3><blockquote><h3><span style="font-size:85%;">Reduced packaging.</span></h3> <span style="font-size:85%;"></span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The new MacBook packaging is up to 41 percent smaller than the previous generation. And smaller boxes are much better for the planet. Because smaller boxes mean we can fit more boxes on each shipping pallet — up to 25 percent more. Which means more products will fit on each boat and plane. Which means fewer boats and planes are used, resulting in fewer CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. It’s just one seemingly minor change. But it has a major positive impact on our environment.</span></p></blockquote><p></p><br />Interesting. It appears that a major selling point of the new Macbook is that it's "environmentally friendly", even before the customer purchases it.<br /><br />So you can imagine my surprise to learn from a nameless source (an official Apple retailer in New Zealand) that it's standard Apple policy to ship all unsold stock back to the USA when demand exceeds supply, even if there are customers lining up here.<br /><br />This is a bit troubling - I mean, the implications of this are rather unfortunate. It means that the cute little Macbook someone might buy in, say, Manhattan, thinking they are being environmentally friendly, has in fact traveled both <span style="font-weight: bold;">to</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">from</span> somewhere like New Zealand. Or further! Perhaps multiple times!<br /><br />Fewer CO2 emissions indeed...meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-7538204902814337272008-12-23T13:46:00.004+13:002008-12-23T13:54:54.535+13:00GST discounts and bad mathsOver the last few years, I've seen a few retailers host sales that proclaim "No GST" or "We'll pay your GST!" followed by a promise of a 12.5% discount (because, after all, GST is 12.5%, right...?).<br /><br />Hmmm...<br /><br />Hopefully most people will realise the problem here. If you add 12.5% of something to itself, then taking that bit off again is only an 11.1% discount. A 12.5% discount is more than the GST component.<br /><br />So what does this mean for the customer? Can we expect a full 12.5% discount? Or should we be happy with the retailer only paying the GST, an effective discount of only 11.1%? Advertising law suggests one could easily claim the full 12.5% discount in this case.<br /><br />This ambiguity led me to write to a major retailer (who shall remain nameless) who responded with the following:<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As you correctly point out, if we truly gave the customer just the GST component back, it would be 11.1%. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;">We give the higher amount to make the concept very simple for the majority of people who find the GST calculation difficult.</span></span> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;">We appreciate that you are not one of those people, but hope that you enjoy the extra 1.4% anyway.</span></span></blockquote>Amusing.<br /><br />Personally I'm still not happy with this. If a retailer wants to pay your GST as a promotion, that's fine, but I don't think it should be followed by a claim of a 12.5% discount. And if they really want to give you a 12.5% discount because they think there's something magical about that number, then don't mention GST, because it's irrelevant.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-31760012366925169012008-11-22T11:21:00.017+13:002008-11-22T16:13:31.586+13:00New York CityWe arrived at JFK Airport and took the Subway to our hotel in Queens.<br /><br />Our room had quite an interesting view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwntcACnq7MIdtRfHk3QmxqfalRaS2r32RAJGafXVbIglEgx90ju2ARgCi5ZHzx0edIIi24lJm04DvwD786c91huW7ZMjAmGuTnaDmg8MLLiC2-zEDiWe7a2PuAZ6llD22wn1B/s1600-h/s6300410_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwntcACnq7MIdtRfHk3QmxqfalRaS2r32RAJGafXVbIglEgx90ju2ARgCi5ZHzx0edIIi24lJm04DvwD786c91huW7ZMjAmGuTnaDmg8MLLiC2-zEDiWe7a2PuAZ6llD22wn1B/s400/s6300410_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252943374831298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Times Square.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCbsGAae7JV75iH_Hh8_BU0eHxVaCq0DjhySj5sDPN0GE3KSiFi1V6Ul2xENpDfNL3AhxDlcMv2E-8I5HyRgZbgtpZaxwDCofz8ro3jNzDEhPrRBppSVACL7IIjTTBEExfnOX/s1600-h/s6300421_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCbsGAae7JV75iH_Hh8_BU0eHxVaCq0DjhySj5sDPN0GE3KSiFi1V6Ul2xENpDfNL3AhxDlcMv2E-8I5HyRgZbgtpZaxwDCofz8ro3jNzDEhPrRBppSVACL7IIjTTBEExfnOX/s400/s6300421_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252939523573394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GyQGUMdVucsehovQxoMGYDCeZHIpBrFAlcRpd9M79Vqp083nsZie6vdWc_Fis7kqYa8G90RGlEZ4icOUlR2r_lVcOrq_3Bh4fjHCgu_Ixtis087d03AITfAYKZgKA5iSgtvf/s1600-h/s6300427_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GyQGUMdVucsehovQxoMGYDCeZHIpBrFAlcRpd9M79Vqp083nsZie6vdWc_Fis7kqYa8G90RGlEZ4icOUlR2r_lVcOrq_3Bh4fjHCgu_Ixtis087d03AITfAYKZgKA5iSgtvf/s400/s6300427_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252938256947074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Freaky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TzmtwC8xgKD8JvJeQHMtrD5DsgvRIrJwEjzLVLxAtMwZRiT0gRxpahBE57NRF32dKtsyHgqTr9yu4ocFlD05ieEJuD3ea5m2wdMcYBwnL39pj90Y2WWlUgBixYDarJN4POt/s1600-h/s6300437_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TzmtwC8xgKD8JvJeQHMtrD5DsgvRIrJwEjzLVLxAtMwZRiT0gRxpahBE57NRF32dKtsyHgqTr9yu4ocFlD05ieEJuD3ea5m2wdMcYBwnL39pj90Y2WWlUgBixYDarJN4POt/s400/s6300437_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252932521258978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of three giant banks of coloured M&Ms...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN3L5dv3nidfTmdZKDTwPr0ehQUz_rsfnxJa3YdQ4-ACM9n-BT5H1_1kGWVfz03hXc9Rn1W5L8B6yMSgj42VpMe1OIqaC_4AYIeWwnVW3LttzhMm6XFgy-6eg5UiFCbY5oA2G/s1600-h/s6300441_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN3L5dv3nidfTmdZKDTwPr0ehQUz_rsfnxJa3YdQ4-ACM9n-BT5H1_1kGWVfz03hXc9Rn1W5L8B6yMSgj42VpMe1OIqaC_4AYIeWwnVW3LttzhMm6XFgy-6eg5UiFCbY5oA2G/s400/s6300441_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252932049503426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The tallest building (NBC Tower?) in the Rockefeller Center.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mCvrapg4UOsaODQLIB5oPvu_pqQSPN6Eh9_lq9c99orCOpJKrwttuR0aR39igaOn1W_JC8IOg6p4pCqZ9FHSPpBbNocIGrqNOh4a2nGdWPlXYdJYVk6xifLsXh0H0o-xheT0/s1600-h/s6300445_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mCvrapg4UOsaODQLIB5oPvu_pqQSPN6Eh9_lq9c99orCOpJKrwttuR0aR39igaOn1W_JC8IOg6p4pCqZ9FHSPpBbNocIGrqNOh4a2nGdWPlXYdJYVk6xifLsXh0H0o-xheT0/s400/s6300445_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252661688377266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view north from the top of that building. Note Central Park and just how huge it is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_i19hkplFqTcR6pvWH9yO-OK530l5lVD20mv5I_wOyDIjBbWFJ2wj8R4RCjzYmXfW1tMMgR9OQqg8Fs_ptRSCS2SG8qjRkT6wRR5-LpMgH7awFlfakY3PIKD4Fl4ZqVeVEpM/s1600-h/s6300448_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_i19hkplFqTcR6pvWH9yO-OK530l5lVD20mv5I_wOyDIjBbWFJ2wj8R4RCjzYmXfW1tMMgR9OQqg8Fs_ptRSCS2SG8qjRkT6wRR5-LpMgH7awFlfakY3PIKD4Fl4ZqVeVEpM/s400/s6300448_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252662677905762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view south east towards the Brooklyn Bridge. You can just make out the Financial District on the far right. The Empire State Building stands alone and is of course the highest building in Manhattan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqGUKXhUNKqKLvZLMpr9Itjxi3m-a6vbgvv2nwugZ693L0rFLsbUKggNLdYyynZt4GFQccrDtR_7Eg6FdCqjaCLOUNlaXt_lA1AjGMxK5krL-gL32T_ArNZcS168Q5-1hYU8/s1600-h/s6300465_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqGUKXhUNKqKLvZLMpr9Itjxi3m-a6vbgvv2nwugZ693L0rFLsbUKggNLdYyynZt4GFQccrDtR_7Eg6FdCqjaCLOUNlaXt_lA1AjGMxK5krL-gL32T_ArNZcS168Q5-1hYU8/s400/s6300465_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252655248241058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Why not take a helicopter ride over the city?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuVXyynFryZ5rga-zyUY_SwsSRX4M_2B2VcZvbqUzp3hzxVTZXIvZ-oqAGLbs-5bXCGn96O_xwgdFRSMLOzy2zTMe1fnOhVUmVe1RSBxFV5WzZ0ms6U8LjaXXMPslldMu-GGE/s1600-h/s6300512_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuVXyynFryZ5rga-zyUY_SwsSRX4M_2B2VcZvbqUzp3hzxVTZXIvZ-oqAGLbs-5bXCGn96O_xwgdFRSMLOzy2zTMe1fnOhVUmVe1RSBxFV5WzZ0ms6U8LjaXXMPslldMu-GGE/s400/s6300512_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252653499676498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some great views from up here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWICpOYvjfLAESdrAwdMfAbn7jyhAm9ArZU8UcK2NNO75OJfvqSSqrMiEtzvFxjR8fH1-Q5lPdJ-7Rz4cLIduagSo6wGXsugcUrxNOXsMNpOUPCdfys84jUq9JfP2wm52yBrw/s1600-h/s6300520_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWICpOYvjfLAESdrAwdMfAbn7jyhAm9ArZU8UcK2NNO75OJfvqSSqrMiEtzvFxjR8fH1-Q5lPdJ-7Rz4cLIduagSo6wGXsugcUrxNOXsMNpOUPCdfys84jUq9JfP2wm52yBrw/s400/s6300520_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271252652357407202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looking down at the USS Intrepid and another carrier (which wasn't there the next day).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBs87ZDjcaLWK88VmH3vaZ0bEl8hVX3LICfMGJJATsYsBrKvhmod0w5Wx_74YtLi1hOnNUhBJ-wFMZqvdnn7sGLYb-sMuI9X3knw010W1KuIVDuSxY2ChjRynJnnr6DE0qog9/s1600-h/s6300538_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBs87ZDjcaLWK88VmH3vaZ0bEl8hVX3LICfMGJJATsYsBrKvhmod0w5Wx_74YtLi1hOnNUhBJ-wFMZqvdnn7sGLYb-sMuI9X3knw010W1KuIVDuSxY2ChjRynJnnr6DE0qog9/s400/s6300538_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251651535933122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Manhattan from the sky is amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyrqhdolnZRGmW6O9Dgp4ZIrKZc1FRV_7WROPYfDOtpvyFARp44psBjR7F1xi6a8knFXr5akMPgbjveHlCrWmSCqBVPa3bgWm4UB_P1eexUOx7XVnh5-SP27CumObGr9br6Ae/s1600-h/s6300547_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyrqhdolnZRGmW6O9Dgp4ZIrKZc1FRV_7WROPYfDOtpvyFARp44psBjR7F1xi6a8knFXr5akMPgbjveHlCrWmSCqBVPa3bgWm4UB_P1eexUOx7XVnh5-SP27CumObGr9br6Ae/s400/s6300547_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251643018722338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Liberty statue is much smaller than I imagined it would be. However, it's still impressive to see in person.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcKo370Xk_znPlEX16iX796LALWieirI5udYX5RZ4scLjVIGb6ziZOOX9viF01jFfz99d09O0weLGID5KvqBzebpZdfn5CShyphenhyphenLdWA7hQYpsZJuS4Z19UEI7r8ebR6HUbGd6OS/s1600-h/s6300554_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcKo370Xk_znPlEX16iX796LALWieirI5udYX5RZ4scLjVIGb6ziZOOX9viF01jFfz99d09O0weLGID5KvqBzebpZdfn5CShyphenhyphenLdWA7hQYpsZJuS4Z19UEI7r8ebR6HUbGd6OS/s400/s6300554_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251635687994530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Brooklyn Bridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg908hj_hxRU3gO3I3KIWk2W2BEf5ZsyjGH03vx2atiobIdRlzm7BNhKhy0d5h0C_diLCr3uTn2BrnOSSDtafkqcFNSWI9eDKd4kM25-mE1Op3ho5e_yzrq1okFDAZqTK4prJW7/s1600-h/s6300566_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg908hj_hxRU3gO3I3KIWk2W2BEf5ZsyjGH03vx2atiobIdRlzm7BNhKhy0d5h0C_diLCr3uTn2BrnOSSDtafkqcFNSWI9eDKd4kM25-mE1Op3ho5e_yzrq1okFDAZqTK4prJW7/s400/s6300566_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251631555236866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looking over the East River (which isn't a river) towards Brooklyn.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfxfd-SkxJDXnr5RKH8IgARfurfqOEVEWQG3pI4VpD84NwhSfzT1ehigbs_nm4VNAOmYW5BZTbxkqr_dsV-gDUQo_ux_TKdV1eQdTXSoK8AjuT46-r5__1xJXyl_pF_2XPQAV/s1600-h/s6300579_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfxfd-SkxJDXnr5RKH8IgARfurfqOEVEWQG3pI4VpD84NwhSfzT1ehigbs_nm4VNAOmYW5BZTbxkqr_dsV-gDUQo_ux_TKdV1eQdTXSoK8AjuT46-r5__1xJXyl_pF_2XPQAV/s400/s6300579_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251627252611586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Brooklyn Bridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM0jTCve10Cb3vD3xl6akzauzwBFQFwmknt98o_T9wCKSclwVsgwf34z5XWyTR6eLZZ8VrTfQD3gJ5-KMZHgtQLx0DiW2qo5vTlghjRlevnEbp-8baxmsIVedpTyIDt9gIiJj/s1600-h/s6300589_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM0jTCve10Cb3vD3xl6akzauzwBFQFwmknt98o_T9wCKSclwVsgwf34z5XWyTR6eLZZ8VrTfQD3gJ5-KMZHgtQLx0DiW2qo5vTlghjRlevnEbp-8baxmsIVedpTyIDt9gIiJj/s400/s6300589_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251402149895426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sunset from the centre of the bridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpjc0OqfLXq78LH960DUS3fHbqfB1X4ZFZZ8T_YtDShshxok1CJVeCe56Yo3HGgGR-NQ8q-sZXtqkqDUvIsSZ7jTMUDiL7-NtFa52sqmNC9_K4wKNZiM4lpE_afZfnLVm4ljs/s1600-h/s6300592_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpjc0OqfLXq78LH960DUS3fHbqfB1X4ZFZZ8T_YtDShshxok1CJVeCe56Yo3HGgGR-NQ8q-sZXtqkqDUvIsSZ7jTMUDiL7-NtFa52sqmNC9_K4wKNZiM4lpE_afZfnLVm4ljs/s400/s6300592_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251397975679426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day we went for a walk in Central Park. The weather was stunning as you can see.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdTO3zaHKVkU_vwd-VrPRDQrsD4npSSjqlE0I1Qn2X1WU4Tqi3E7CI3iFgdxFMK11kxlLp0vkotKKHbTWGgkSMl-jhcuH_aSEwr6Raw6S7-pJEr4EeERtQ3ir9qlOLu-7QI2B/s1600-h/s6300600_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdTO3zaHKVkU_vwd-VrPRDQrsD4npSSjqlE0I1Qn2X1WU4Tqi3E7CI3iFgdxFMK11kxlLp0vkotKKHbTWGgkSMl-jhcuH_aSEwr6Raw6S7-pJEr4EeERtQ3ir9qlOLu-7QI2B/s400/s6300600_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251392313691250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sjvKFS6f-V3JFhAyw6X93a7mXoIelm8zSD2o83JsegQXKqUFGnrc8sDnAvKw6BnpDXtQgs8mUfYYRGaeEZPxCg_cLatjoUdZtg3vsd9P9Vypi1wgDYdHRqvt9Ik90gEjZK53/s1600-h/s6300613_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sjvKFS6f-V3JFhAyw6X93a7mXoIelm8zSD2o83JsegQXKqUFGnrc8sDnAvKw6BnpDXtQgs8mUfYYRGaeEZPxCg_cLatjoUdZtg3vsd9P9Vypi1wgDYdHRqvt9Ik90gEjZK53/s400/s6300613_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251389700660178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The American Museum of Natural History and Rose Space Center. The giant ball inside is a planetarium. At night, this whole structure is lit up and supposedly looks amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpddv-uQQRwH4PnDiMILWGd3c68tCnizbjJknggiPHXT3_8p3SKwF7LH_96Z4ZO69-eijxg2Jwm7Z5C00sNBvH0obM1v0_zDncsvzOTUAFG1SDNnk4Q0asVni5ycbURIR3V777/s1600-h/s6300621_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpddv-uQQRwH4PnDiMILWGd3c68tCnizbjJknggiPHXT3_8p3SKwF7LH_96Z4ZO69-eijxg2Jwm7Z5C00sNBvH0obM1v0_zDncsvzOTUAFG1SDNnk4Q0asVni5ycbURIR3V777/s400/s6300621_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251382532004194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Run.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIdpaC-L18mlouE1eUnSLGKA_4Or5aCYqhhAiajAcOD9HSy8Pg7lgmeTbHLZ2rLm5OB3iGan8O6F-_p7vyPaUka6716ssc33WcC0xUG76WvBoJbgkxlLvm7FU9ba0jN9dD8V0/s1600-h/s6300622_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIdpaC-L18mlouE1eUnSLGKA_4Or5aCYqhhAiajAcOD9HSy8Pg7lgmeTbHLZ2rLm5OB3iGan8O6F-_p7vyPaUka6716ssc33WcC0xUG76WvBoJbgkxlLvm7FU9ba0jN9dD8V0/s400/s6300622_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251050615394466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br />The largest meteorite held in captivity. Called the Ahnighito fragment or Cape York meteorite, it weighs over 30 metric tons and is almost entirely iron.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyEdofkKIXmkpZ6yT8YyVP_2N92MCkd689mV-DQQnAUpM90sMl2N-Mu8ZDSpC8p-_4SsyCDyh-wbCN-5B13uV1kGXGJOF80laMpbPdn7bYDyDm-AETyLuHHoVWwl-hDIJluf6/s1600-h/s6300635_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyEdofkKIXmkpZ6yT8YyVP_2N92MCkd689mV-DQQnAUpM90sMl2N-Mu8ZDSpC8p-_4SsyCDyh-wbCN-5B13uV1kGXGJOF80laMpbPdn7bYDyDm-AETyLuHHoVWwl-hDIJluf6/s400/s6300635_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251039855394194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A beautiful night time view from the top of the Empire State Building. Note the Chrystler building on the right. It is a beautiful building.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLZi3grwjW1m_g3-VhDGq3MUUAVh7Rv9iKrnJ2g-VWVbOxJ8jnzBc7tw_Qq-wnhsJdEtAldYPyrIibo5bbfzDFv673di7mhDrE9ZmIR8rbVZ0SPwXR6H4e3hjvmIK7bwYQ8Z4/s1600-h/s6300660_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLZi3grwjW1m_g3-VhDGq3MUUAVh7Rv9iKrnJ2g-VWVbOxJ8jnzBc7tw_Qq-wnhsJdEtAldYPyrIibo5bbfzDFv673di7mhDrE9ZmIR8rbVZ0SPwXR6H4e3hjvmIK7bwYQ8Z4/s400/s6300660_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271251036416557010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We went to see a Broadway musical - "Hair Spray". Neither of us are big fans of musicals by any stretch, but we went to see one anyway. It was extremely good. Very entertaining and the production quality was amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHy2nZTGPMfqookLZMwsgWmzKFVBMSo3TkZI1aDkAQ3hq8vWl7p4Vq51tQCGnFlYNPt7JImXYGmUuJ5d2dEt5cdK8ShDXrHUy_4fTxizbM0dah_VUkR7naMswDpNU3KpwpJKP/s1600-h/s6300678_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHy2nZTGPMfqookLZMwsgWmzKFVBMSo3TkZI1aDkAQ3hq8vWl7p4Vq51tQCGnFlYNPt7JImXYGmUuJ5d2dEt5cdK8ShDXrHUy_4fTxizbM0dah_VUkR7naMswDpNU3KpwpJKP/s400/s6300678_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271250543234056018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />No photos allowed inside so we had to have a special photo shoot outside afterwards.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVb5GYORbCXEpLMT2Or6W0OBhvaz8iyfiyR7Uf7F4ev_ZKWVEAHzILC_-M_4x8Nxd063PtD5sxuJy0wWtuI3XunCIuYkvnVJHxZILoNZwgTsSgf9BPgn_7UtGD9ahIIdI_cjG/s1600-h/s6300689_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVb5GYORbCXEpLMT2Or6W0OBhvaz8iyfiyR7Uf7F4ev_ZKWVEAHzILC_-M_4x8Nxd063PtD5sxuJy0wWtuI3XunCIuYkvnVJHxZILoNZwgTsSgf9BPgn_7UtGD9ahIIdI_cjG/s400/s6300689_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271250538557179394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grand Central Station - see if you can find P.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIQ8Wsi_E2rPuYq7HK7prWp1QF6Pmf6hCG8ZO-5cI_HGxdPmLAmD67t5xd5JJAHc87yiz62stoGWg5gwP9U4o64CVN6eXArnS5WRsn_BQDGEz2vXQ8za7_p6ezXkIbA0KLB0i/s1600-h/s6300717_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIQ8Wsi_E2rPuYq7HK7prWp1QF6Pmf6hCG8ZO-5cI_HGxdPmLAmD67t5xd5JJAHc87yiz62stoGWg5gwP9U4o64CVN6eXArnS5WRsn_BQDGEz2vXQ8za7_p6ezXkIbA0KLB0i/s400/s6300717_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271250532613033986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A gloomy investor in front of The New York Stock Exchange.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TlJf4_LNxwqV3R8cJhWoS5z1LspwmBpGIn5i-qv6n2Ova5f6DPUETj9HQdAwpRa4FHrNzkwCO8j7pLII6OddakYqA9YRMxiV7zTG8B6FB5xSmFyKL_SZkV8ak4ivS94mEXBa/s1600-h/s6300730_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TlJf4_LNxwqV3R8cJhWoS5z1LspwmBpGIn5i-qv6n2Ova5f6DPUETj9HQdAwpRa4FHrNzkwCO8j7pLII6OddakYqA9YRMxiV7zTG8B6FB5xSmFyKL_SZkV8ak4ivS94mEXBa/s400/s6300730_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271250530152760546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ground Zero. The gap in the skyline is very dramatic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L6FSOtYBfExGpDnVCSVfM7Wc_5ehlGi4iJ_o4riGIKLnhO4ZWpY081tfShSd8xWzwJuCHnb0dF_rnBT5NnXM3s5vloNJDXf1ASnYa8tp628BVPm5_46hyphenhyphenER641eY0eBGw0nR/s1600-h/s6300744_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L6FSOtYBfExGpDnVCSVfM7Wc_5ehlGi4iJ_o4riGIKLnhO4ZWpY081tfShSd8xWzwJuCHnb0dF_rnBT5NnXM3s5vloNJDXf1ASnYa8tp628BVPm5_46hyphenhyphenER641eY0eBGw0nR/s400/s6300744_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271250522878313506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here I am standing in front of the USS Intrepid. A once-operational American aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific in the 1940s as well as in the 1960s as part of the Apollo recovery missions. It is now a floating naval aeronautical museum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4sTfI3jJSGqtmzuRvYgtDadNtBw_Sf87hfJrKZGqDEg8CH6y69-k7LRcDy6nLo00yrGkWrDT71NpNVat29PB_oBmoQK9vTBFrs8C6d7MKHvJFWkNKZ0-mt6LIs2OgkXjNHY/s1600-h/s6300748_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4sTfI3jJSGqtmzuRvYgtDadNtBw_Sf87hfJrKZGqDEg8CH6y69-k7LRcDy6nLo00yrGkWrDT71NpNVat29PB_oBmoQK9vTBFrs8C6d7MKHvJFWkNKZ0-mt6LIs2OgkXjNHY/s400/s6300748_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271243247049190786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The meatball - helps pilots land on the carrier by reminding them about dinner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9Ca0catwJyic8tsm3INn8OpyxYsJP9qIVnFzwqAwozle3VZTYVE3m_xgowDbglYnpswxjbWMprwZjWZwlJ14hFxUWae03WarIXDmFdfF42BYKqIUH0NdCzkqjrSQOQ86_DgK/s1600-h/s6300752_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9Ca0catwJyic8tsm3INn8OpyxYsJP9qIVnFzwqAwozle3VZTYVE3m_xgowDbglYnpswxjbWMprwZjWZwlJ14hFxUWae03WarIXDmFdfF42BYKqIUH0NdCzkqjrSQOQ86_DgK/s400/s6300752_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271243242764539554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is an F-16 Fighting Falcon. This is an impressive fighter, even parked on the flight deck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu9RfrAsEbVZErxrs-4JuiDj4qYnBCv_RB54B8zMcjY0ZuUvGcdyf6go645lZt7E1kmJ_aNq6RP-TOtzWIINFKA-2-AJEA-g7U8DzMtX3X5O8r__I6on0_VXwhOaPCr3y5uKv/s1600-h/s6300777_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu9RfrAsEbVZErxrs-4JuiDj4qYnBCv_RB54B8zMcjY0ZuUvGcdyf6go645lZt7E1kmJ_aNq6RP-TOtzWIINFKA-2-AJEA-g7U8DzMtX3X5O8r__I6on0_VXwhOaPCr3y5uKv/s400/s6300777_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271243242542823314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A British Harrier jump-jet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6FTgsGc__0axCb072T9Gmli1TW7oHURsFSphMXrjncsqyfqFlhN3Yzfa6ca3-q1kd-F0Ek3TZisH8CXxXm1kfNZd4DNVA8foQFDH6Rz4pnqz3qgzfSYHgnh6E2KHbvmeUX8f/s1600-h/s6300817_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6FTgsGc__0axCb072T9Gmli1TW7oHURsFSphMXrjncsqyfqFlhN3Yzfa6ca3-q1kd-F0Ek3TZisH8CXxXm1kfNZd4DNVA8foQFDH6Rz4pnqz3qgzfSYHgnh6E2KHbvmeUX8f/s400/s6300817_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271243238762665394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An American F-4 Phantom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnp6afxOU_lOwbtyljQsIU4_HE2YVhzvaX8fheCaPyLUdn5bei4N1jd4Us-7_P48NoGpd0GNbjROlPTNEQM66c7RwSkU32eGgrySGIFfLeuUjzd-TJNa8z7wrfjkXC1XhxvO9/s1600-h/s6300822_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnp6afxOU_lOwbtyljQsIU4_HE2YVhzvaX8fheCaPyLUdn5bei4N1jd4Us-7_P48NoGpd0GNbjROlPTNEQM66c7RwSkU32eGgrySGIFfLeuUjzd-TJNa8z7wrfjkXC1XhxvO9/s400/s6300822_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271241219114803170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, the flight deck of the carrier holds quite a few aircraft on display.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1lHymUrmbcdJzYBTRUuj9p99U3Zh9kZMxs9QH-5PPa-Le2Gq11AVntYEQf55cBJ49S8jxw8972Tyyg-EZiqe1rQO9wtYrBGeMy1tXOwcMGnHTwQtRdBuNpyszWBnwL9A_m__/s1600-h/s6300824_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1lHymUrmbcdJzYBTRUuj9p99U3Zh9kZMxs9QH-5PPa-Le2Gq11AVntYEQf55cBJ49S8jxw8972Tyyg-EZiqe1rQO9wtYrBGeMy1tXOwcMGnHTwQtRdBuNpyszWBnwL9A_m__/s400/s6300824_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271241216325822338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the wharf nearby is a Concorde.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDhHusHb2pCLrvD96AUjtUxIoqc5WV-S8jVL8QG1RRrgIrBF_AVt3fh2H1o6GzaaSrl5Cy6S4f4j-Aw132kNk3oqKbRRPPSuVYGLaN6xtKHZYmGn8InGAYxTxcQ3rhWyx09GN/s1600-h/s6300840_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDhHusHb2pCLrvD96AUjtUxIoqc5WV-S8jVL8QG1RRrgIrBF_AVt3fh2H1o6GzaaSrl5Cy6S4f4j-Aw132kNk3oqKbRRPPSuVYGLaN6xtKHZYmGn8InGAYxTxcQ3rhWyx09GN/s400/s6300840_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271241211592673938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Swish! Leather seats and plenty of leg room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1KJpBpg5fBXpPR9inmMyN-W3PEevUtbNUIyJYxLKOphoN8Fvk1OutsCZWUDWkGfzTtQwv-OIxx3qfAARr0-Q97TZmw-eK6FPlhAAONdb10eNCpJf9Ee3Z7I0Pp8tpONETDly/s1600-h/s6300843_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1KJpBpg5fBXpPR9inmMyN-W3PEevUtbNUIyJYxLKOphoN8Fvk1OutsCZWUDWkGfzTtQwv-OIxx3qfAARr0-Q97TZmw-eK6FPlhAAONdb10eNCpJf9Ee3Z7I0Pp8tpONETDly/s400/s6300843_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271241207163568210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Concorde cockpit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuP1dnhNZqibX0TgOj4CPO38FCopHoy5EA-pc1vplkT3NuExMfYPUpUmXzGWZXKGzyyN-3DjOdkyA4dqObmcoBuMMQRj15jE7x_rIQ-pHZimICWFTMVaCqS5r4ZYd0UZGC51F/s1600-h/s6300844_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuP1dnhNZqibX0TgOj4CPO38FCopHoy5EA-pc1vplkT3NuExMfYPUpUmXzGWZXKGzyyN-3DjOdkyA4dqObmcoBuMMQRj15jE7x_rIQ-pHZimICWFTMVaCqS5r4ZYd0UZGC51F/s400/s6300844_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271241205813392482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While I was onboard the Intrepid, P went to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) which she really enjoyed. Then we regrouped and jumped on a train for Baltimore.<br /><br />I have one last post to make, and that's our time in Baltimore and Washington D.C.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-35001275043011739932008-11-22T11:21:00.000+13:002008-11-22T11:21:26.437+13:00Erfurt & BerlinWell, we've been back in New Zealand now for a little under a week. Trying to settle back into work has been difficult for both of us, but I think we're getting there now the jet lag has subsided.<br /><br />Now there's a bit of time to post the last few blog entries for the last few destinations on our trip.<br /><br />Well, it turned out that the surprise location was Erfurt - a charming medieval town between Munich and Berlin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MFozGuKJQZdLQVp-3TdGPDVc5sQD2kh-kocwbS-M3clBFQK406h_u7nyTtnG4RqM-sxfp7OkONlkxFyuwzL2hpchZthBGXX-dT1obS-DAlqmBoIWriSw6WB_Osl94OCBDu6o/s1600-h/s6300055_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MFozGuKJQZdLQVp-3TdGPDVc5sQD2kh-kocwbS-M3clBFQK406h_u7nyTtnG4RqM-sxfp7OkONlkxFyuwzL2hpchZthBGXX-dT1obS-DAlqmBoIWriSw6WB_Osl94OCBDu6o/s400/s6300055_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233285444885906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is actually a bridge completely covered in shops and houses.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJBWOx03nOSSvnu8AEoy1em4FOpU78cBv3jRD-hiqSO0MEd30IGEIzrGY_Zb4go2v1Jq3q8JrIRHBlqFsMuWyftN4DDWxu2tKE0rH3iyFK-JD0BGfjfLQDP9eSVMjYkqcKAQG/s1600-h/s6300086_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJBWOx03nOSSvnu8AEoy1em4FOpU78cBv3jRD-hiqSO0MEd30IGEIzrGY_Zb4go2v1Jq3q8JrIRHBlqFsMuWyftN4DDWxu2tKE0rH3iyFK-JD0BGfjfLQDP9eSVMjYkqcKAQG/s400/s6300086_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233017268719458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A view along the bridge. There were some lovely craft shops.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MP4zpRXxSLcbmyIWbHuZ9BgromnPidMatzhwHoitaoU5BxlDqsPe-ImUea4ts01ZJzVqglIoDf5aq1WjjQKJiEAEuTKKxwo8ik-aO4PFjsr5o0kcBEYkJhyphenhyphenC9b1dan-YrZiy/s1600-h/s6300079_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MP4zpRXxSLcbmyIWbHuZ9BgromnPidMatzhwHoitaoU5BxlDqsPe-ImUea4ts01ZJzVqglIoDf5aq1WjjQKJiEAEuTKKxwo8ik-aO4PFjsr5o0kcBEYkJhyphenhyphenC9b1dan-YrZiy/s400/s6300079_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233010821679394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Erfurt is a small town, so when you finally stumble onto the main square, it's quite a shock to find two giant buildings forming the religious town centre. It was getting dark and the photo doesn't really do justice to the scene, but those buildings are massive.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlnrQ4i_Tg_WeVfcrMLpPV9yDHxOVzJ7iuqYXfjkB-jKkb9mly8-LMrNU89_B_pwyXcHWOn-cN8Z23pRgyeqHuqJVhQdjMLYmv9KtMZyUeF65sDHwmJfdQAvtJFQ3LTO7wygZ/s1600-h/s6300112_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlnrQ4i_Tg_WeVfcrMLpPV9yDHxOVzJ7iuqYXfjkB-jKkb9mly8-LMrNU89_B_pwyXcHWOn-cN8Z23pRgyeqHuqJVhQdjMLYmv9KtMZyUeF65sDHwmJfdQAvtJFQ3LTO7wygZ/s400/s6300112_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233027680946946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stayed overnight at a Augustiner monastery where Martin Luther was a monk for about seven years.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4agwcsb-MvWD2oMtp6gGJXlH0DBxUXRh74OH77ARBqw1IeKAE8AXSk5hGbsx79pJzQYG80tP0faQ947Y_r90Bl8eVDvX08VSONp0jM_c2j6oh1arUXEbi1IyHLW24VfNCc7S/s1600-h/s6300066_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4agwcsb-MvWD2oMtp6gGJXlH0DBxUXRh74OH77ARBqw1IeKAE8AXSk5hGbsx79pJzQYG80tP0faQ947Y_r90Bl8eVDvX08VSONp0jM_c2j6oh1arUXEbi1IyHLW24VfNCc7S/s400/s6300066_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233289344699762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The next day we travelled on to Berlin.<br /><br />The famous Brandenburg Gate. A Berlin icon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGLg7SErimHbPmKcCiKtn_JrsngEGWxYsBdhhZDiO2fJj9z_cwMpyEm6iD0zBK4uAHO5Ptintfgwas-7hIBojTC1I_zCzKZd8dnf0LT1HsnOSkrbf6FQxMclYxbcN0o-zwhrH/s1600-h/s6300138_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGLg7SErimHbPmKcCiKtn_JrsngEGWxYsBdhhZDiO2fJj9z_cwMpyEm6iD0zBK4uAHO5Ptintfgwas-7hIBojTC1I_zCzKZd8dnf0LT1HsnOSkrbf6FQxMclYxbcN0o-zwhrH/s400/s6300138_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233027199038242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was the royal family's private church. Not bad for a private chapel eh?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97rDpg6nU_2HBfwgmZ5DJtDlFKjSvYwwcmKsWgiZWv-KtiDKtxVp0TiNlf-nIBoMRV0gwKUQ9-WrEOuxLXVp0V_bc_wczutrO3-t-L_Ned1N_sGdSuHOj1pb9ZY4duqAYVIoY/s1600-h/s6300161_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97rDpg6nU_2HBfwgmZ5DJtDlFKjSvYwwcmKsWgiZWv-KtiDKtxVp0TiNlf-nIBoMRV0gwKUQ9-WrEOuxLXVp0V_bc_wczutrO3-t-L_Ned1N_sGdSuHOj1pb9ZY4duqAYVIoY/s400/s6300161_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271233032281598290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The controversial Jewish memorial. It consists of 2711 concrete blocks of various heights arranged in a grid. You can walk amongst them. One interpretation is that the blocks represent individual stones that are placed on a grave site during a Jewish funeral.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmOQN2nug6LgwZKEOb61lD7Pj8UeWK3mapN64CD2-KwAlEmviD6Ag8OZlvdTNfbhAs2JySt4vHm6xbfDKLSMJODxvyvXNjWSQIEfSRpmz8JH4HqwaGIsLmmZbhmW9gSsKt-bx/s1600-h/s6300234_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmOQN2nug6LgwZKEOb61lD7Pj8UeWK3mapN64CD2-KwAlEmviD6Ag8OZlvdTNfbhAs2JySt4vHm6xbfDKLSMJODxvyvXNjWSQIEfSRpmz8JH4HqwaGIsLmmZbhmW9gSsKt-bx/s400/s6300234_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232686319710882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's an impressive monument.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNJMf2hmIfjKEhDy7NaDe0dkfxNtJUcCaMYniAlPbHJKgLZqW2HOukLzoMxmfVeqRk1ygwz584OFelrYXaNTaupwobk-YV0R54kuIz8Z-b4cx0rX4ESdmo1g0gQ9UUnOv-rbT/s1600-h/s6300237_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNJMf2hmIfjKEhDy7NaDe0dkfxNtJUcCaMYniAlPbHJKgLZqW2HOukLzoMxmfVeqRk1ygwz584OFelrYXaNTaupwobk-YV0R54kuIz8Z-b4cx0rX4ESdmo1g0gQ9UUnOv-rbT/s400/s6300237_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232303155530194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Underneath there is a Jewish museum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw1r9A2052jaUrA3qv7ut4FORQ7LwN60GQ9nAKmeyb1deVc_0Bza6aOBaM_lALAKQTmo1PQelXM4icE9px7UKKj0mkQWXE6Az7Z-2YVJTgjyLykCBQ2zPcoPWbnbLe7nwKDu5/s1600-h/s6300333_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw1r9A2052jaUrA3qv7ut4FORQ7LwN60GQ9nAKmeyb1deVc_0Bza6aOBaM_lALAKQTmo1PQelXM4icE9px7UKKj0mkQWXE6Az7Z-2YVJTgjyLykCBQ2zPcoPWbnbLe7nwKDu5/s400/s6300333_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232010784083490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the square where the National Socialist Party (the Nazis) performed their infamous book-burning. As a memorial, there is a room built under the square with empty bookshelves, symbolising the empty space left by the books burned that day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscQ-mXtr0rywpsT_B0nbDB7pkrHW3NilG7Ga9jsRChD4I-qU7AEgzf6ZqGXftSkTkLchC-JIPeYlPfNufrx1yK6VwApJQJnQL_FDjM7MXQbdiz_9SG54pU-dL4fW9hO3vi3m8/s1600-h/s6300180_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscQ-mXtr0rywpsT_B0nbDB7pkrHW3NilG7Ga9jsRChD4I-qU7AEgzf6ZqGXftSkTkLchC-JIPeYlPfNufrx1yK6VwApJQJnQL_FDjM7MXQbdiz_9SG54pU-dL4fW9hO3vi3m8/s400/s6300180_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232682120799234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is all that remains of Hitler's bunker. It is now a carpark.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodKG7bOlbp8V-ydCkl3lahb5vLi4PAe8Cxl4Y_f3DpxV0LiD4xznwHfMIRMFzrmHUB4Y160knwT-JJ2N6-aZW7pq8dWnUPkgr0balwrDAsP1Lu6UVovAwVD-cD6RzHV8Y7L5I/s1600-h/s6300215_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodKG7bOlbp8V-ydCkl3lahb5vLi4PAe8Cxl4Y_f3DpxV0LiD4xznwHfMIRMFzrmHUB4Y160knwT-JJ2N6-aZW7pq8dWnUPkgr0balwrDAsP1Lu6UVovAwVD-cD6RzHV8Y7L5I/s400/s6300215_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232688191740610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the last remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhoumu67QCp0CHDXUo3z3D-wuZ0N0g7McKW8dhOiQ4dAXvNqrWpcAJQhVHh0mpoYA7oAc9dzg86HqVPJouoQ_g2abL1AJ2MBNMK-5WSbiwVo1GT0ylBpGX30N9sU00qt9xEDS/s1600-h/s6300203_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhoumu67QCp0CHDXUo3z3D-wuZ0N0g7McKW8dhOiQ4dAXvNqrWpcAJQhVHh0mpoYA7oAc9dzg86HqVPJouoQ_g2abL1AJ2MBNMK-5WSbiwVo1GT0ylBpGX30N9sU00qt9xEDS/s400/s6300203_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232688444355362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The other side of the wall. Beneath you can see an exhibition about the atrocities committed by the Gestapo, who used dungeons below this area to torture and murder people.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ3IPwvqa6QBn-W3oWWfDl6TjnYB727muQXXelYkUDK1nZINx7wBuv4Ynl3xt3nz4dyv2MhStqB8I7yKHYWtQ-Dv88KjQk480G-J1MFgukHRF_yCkOYlK_08PdUBNtquYaKzG/s1600-h/s6300199_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ3IPwvqa6QBn-W3oWWfDl6TjnYB727muQXXelYkUDK1nZINx7wBuv4Ynl3xt3nz4dyv2MhStqB8I7yKHYWtQ-Dv88KjQk480G-J1MFgukHRF_yCkOYlK_08PdUBNtquYaKzG/s400/s6300199_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232681559217714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The German Chancellor's building, affectionately nicknamed "The Washing Machine".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTdiInHL04g4AKJtwJPTCxh8NS_SSgQClUWcRPp1V1YWEu1bHmQSDHkdOyeXKEO31l9Kiz8ZodYQs_ZFxFogjWEO800L50yEh3MNF-fuit5yZ3CKyB6chv6PfWvBou0kQGW_p/s1600-h/s6300287_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTdiInHL04g4AKJtwJPTCxh8NS_SSgQClUWcRPp1V1YWEu1bHmQSDHkdOyeXKEO31l9Kiz8ZodYQs_ZFxFogjWEO800L50yEh3MNF-fuit5yZ3CKyB6chv6PfWvBou0kQGW_p/s400/s6300287_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232001140657058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Reichstag - the German Parliament.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQC-8GpKah5kFyB8Nfv6XXZh94wYqIYcoiVodMjXyzDjHqRxF83m7bF4T1rpjegF50N6TXl6tc87dc63KDbnFIboxU6ycVKKHepPvh1S3iK05AxqP8B6mMVcrGINlsM8WFZVr/s1600-h/s6300246_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQC-8GpKah5kFyB8Nfv6XXZh94wYqIYcoiVodMjXyzDjHqRxF83m7bF4T1rpjegF50N6TXl6tc87dc63KDbnFIboxU6ycVKKHepPvh1S3iK05AxqP8B6mMVcrGINlsM8WFZVr/s400/s6300246_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232311285701826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On top of the Reichstag is an impressive viewing dome made from glass and steel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ELChtVwD_7g0lbKht_lsZl4BDsfPUlgVFAnSBK5hiyqR9tNDY-Gw3VWjKJdguFF85a4KzcBe7rpIO-rcBI0ELGRnRCdDqn-ezr1MnXuEsTLJfe_UrPSC_tiDAOlKfudVn5A4/s1600-h/s6300283_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ELChtVwD_7g0lbKht_lsZl4BDsfPUlgVFAnSBK5hiyqR9tNDY-Gw3VWjKJdguFF85a4KzcBe7rpIO-rcBI0ELGRnRCdDqn-ezr1MnXuEsTLJfe_UrPSC_tiDAOlKfudVn5A4/s400/s6300283_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271231995924835234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is the main power reactor that supplies the entire country. It's protected by numerous turbo turrets and fighter patrols.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyWN-DXa-SboWsPXdU5bV-j-I__8xvqASiyRHLmtuGALO7MDoywgEQ4hRK2DYJPthZox-uOnm_8CvkO2W4bAYZah71P6ipTwGnNTuR2UWMCeWL3FB8drqtWJ-4LLZF-25VMsa/s1600-h/s6300267_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyWN-DXa-SboWsPXdU5bV-j-I__8xvqASiyRHLmtuGALO7MDoywgEQ4hRK2DYJPthZox-uOnm_8CvkO2W4bAYZah71P6ipTwGnNTuR2UWMCeWL3FB8drqtWJ-4LLZF-25VMsa/s400/s6300267_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232312834011906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Actually it's a mirrored column above viewing windows, through which you can observe the German parliament when in session.<br /><br />Two spiral walkways curve up and down from the viewing platform at the top of the dome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQO0fT5ZofmJMBVoEkuoadk9g25EmmfG8FZmJUDlR_HNR1NQTCfQ3J7vDsm-u4cX28ywr3SRdLuRBmLMOze4kYKWtsI2jtBLiK3ZDPD3f-igSGDO2UzPY3mbKw2Kc8t5_VT9X/s1600-h/s6300259_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQO0fT5ZofmJMBVoEkuoadk9g25EmmfG8FZmJUDlR_HNR1NQTCfQ3J7vDsm-u4cX28ywr3SRdLuRBmLMOze4kYKWtsI2jtBLiK3ZDPD3f-igSGDO2UzPY3mbKw2Kc8t5_VT9X/s400/s6300259_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232309249245586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We visited a Nuclear Fallout Shelter beneath the city. There are many such shelters, this one is designed to house 3,500 people for two weeks. If such a thing happened, with that many people in such a small space for so long, it would be a living hell.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH81WhXPS3qxpCWDkm6gHyeCHgKWtA4InY28hzpJI0Q5651RcqyMD9DLM1M7G2PiGOY3mgyuPwZsC72eob9UzF8x92oMc4NxWrrHU3_2yCPyib7haBt9GcMjWh730Tf-Hkuiwf/s1600-h/s6300300_1024x768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH81WhXPS3qxpCWDkm6gHyeCHgKWtA4InY28hzpJI0Q5651RcqyMD9DLM1M7G2PiGOY3mgyuPwZsC72eob9UzF8x92oMc4NxWrrHU3_2yCPyib7haBt9GcMjWh730Tf-Hkuiwf/s400/s6300300_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271232003470761218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And that concludes our European Experience!<br /><br />I have one more post lined up that covers our short stay in the United States.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-36263993872043019842008-11-15T01:35:00.001+13:002008-11-15T01:37:02.011+13:00On a plane today...It's 7:30am in Baltimore. We are flying out of Washington D.C. at 12:30pm today, then San Francisco to Auckland. Will be back in Wellington on Sunday morning. Have a good weekend!meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-67451889418433512782008-11-13T18:18:00.004+13:002008-11-13T18:23:26.134+13:00The final update will be delayed...Hi everyone.<br /><br />Unfortunately I don't have the time to update the blog before I return. I have some cool photos from Berlin and New York to share when I get back though so STAY TUNED.<br /><br />We are currently in Baltimore, USA, staying with our friends Aleksandar and Zvezdana. Tomorrow we visit Washington D.C. and then on Friday we depart for New Zealand.<br /><br />Then back to work on Monday...<br /><br />BTW the surprise destination was Erfurt, Germany, where we stayed a night at the same monastery where Martin Luther spent seven years as a monk. A nice, peaceful town with charm.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-39807908496359932782008-11-03T23:23:00.012+13:002008-11-04T05:55:55.784+13:00MünchenMünchen, or Munich as the English call it (which is actually the original name) is the main city of Bavaria in Southern Germany. Random fact - it is actually second to the Vatican in terms of Catholic importance and is allowed to fly the Vatican colours. Oh, yeah, and the current Pope comes from München. It has a lot of church-type buildings in the central area and this is because the area used to be covered in monasteries. In fact, the city name means something like "by the monks".<br /><br />We did a free walking tour around the city, run by New Munich tours. Free? Yeah. Rubbish? No. Payment is by tip only, and the guide gets no other income. So they have to do well, and ours did a brilliant job of highlighting important parts of the city and Nazi connections, and relating amusing little stories.<br /><br />This is the Neue Rathaus, or the New Town Hall. It was built because the Old Town Hall had a problem.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuOCInAJWKhS4zTCKpR8tjUgbRP5xe9hWyAvw2sBaEo7ZZEVkXR1usIx_DKXUxX3VVyfA_-dL7If265avMGx9cL9nwnuSOL89bO4tX9tt8HK0gkqib_QwokmUh2CUNruk6mzh/s1600-h/S6300611_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuOCInAJWKhS4zTCKpR8tjUgbRP5xe9hWyAvw2sBaEo7ZZEVkXR1usIx_DKXUxX3VVyfA_-dL7If265avMGx9cL9nwnuSOL89bO4tX9tt8HK0gkqib_QwokmUh2CUNruk6mzh/s400/S6300611_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264394146060429250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the Old Town Hall. It is actually newer than the New Town Hall because it burned down in 1945 and was rebuilt after the War.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-yCGktQD9k9PgR8HpTzd8jdJR5_B2707wwUUupFMIa1CR8ZaBaZvklPz7p0sGj53iX04U6cOrGzdCQSpXYjFmqplP1ikOULa0JOz0-WXw7W3Az_3GDRFOEOUY2uDd17Upcj3/s1600-h/S6300645_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-yCGktQD9k9PgR8HpTzd8jdJR5_B2707wwUUupFMIa1CR8ZaBaZvklPz7p0sGj53iX04U6cOrGzdCQSpXYjFmqplP1ikOULa0JOz0-WXw7W3Az_3GDRFOEOUY2uDd17Upcj3/s400/S6300645_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264393845164833106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In St. Mary's church there is this footprint. The story tells that it is the footprint of the Devil. Actually it is the footprint of the architect, but they still cover it up during services just-in-case...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpfnhHjJycctaQNCG8mVlD3q-RzH6evduK6-P0NjXQi8bVLsNS-M2fl3QQrsqn5KXNVxXu7b_aRHKJdzi0igo54NDnK9_DHtqAFoKqo8-0tVBqMwUH-FDFN_40-NqxjhoeDrU/s1600-h/S6300638_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpfnhHjJycctaQNCG8mVlD3q-RzH6evduK6-P0NjXQi8bVLsNS-M2fl3QQrsqn5KXNVxXu7b_aRHKJdzi0igo54NDnK9_DHtqAFoKqo8-0tVBqMwUH-FDFN_40-NqxjhoeDrU/s400/S6300638_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264393843375442066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view from the top of St. Peters church. That's St. Mary's church and the New Town Hall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3wj5fAfrUL77X-p3d8VRZ-jRkrXiOmfXfrV_MnA9_XwTRJjHrH_hzFihgn459BOmsUwBX_KMjM6RZx7ilMI2oduHwa9TSdzi8nRE9oWoQ5uKDLTAbpSHK_U9UR0GtkHu5jZ/s1600-h/S6300625_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3wj5fAfrUL77X-p3d8VRZ-jRkrXiOmfXfrV_MnA9_XwTRJjHrH_hzFihgn459BOmsUwBX_KMjM6RZx7ilMI2oduHwa9TSdzi8nRE9oWoQ5uKDLTAbpSHK_U9UR0GtkHu5jZ/s400/S6300625_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264393839519646642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Old Town Hall and another tower.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEbwecbYILBuSwja4jgCaDBuX9dYPoEzDGpXCtdGF6M3K89Y2e62fuYAqywnW3NcEB11wNWmU92LG2re1GQikLG7ku4rz1kstzuVGgvnCwSfev9-oM9jxvKlruIiapIK9_Cru/s1600-h/S6300623_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEbwecbYILBuSwja4jgCaDBuX9dYPoEzDGpXCtdGF6M3K89Y2e62fuYAqywnW3NcEB11wNWmU92LG2re1GQikLG7ku4rz1kstzuVGgvnCwSfev9-oM9jxvKlruIiapIK9_Cru/s400/S6300623_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264393842207806610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A column dedicated to Mary because of an amusing story. Ask me sometime and I'll see if I can remember it. One of the cherubs at the base is killing a chicken-snake creature that represents The Plague. At the time, these creatures were said to be invisible, so the townsfolk blamed the cats instead and killed them all. Of course this was great for the rats and even better for the fleas...<br /><br />As a result, most cats in München today are of Italian descent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplwE8p6pEVsa6rspg3yxJVYKKwig85Knmo7S0T4dwLvePk_hsTijs1VC7MZqzv-KFBphwWu1v3vVvFapEKes7ods48JtWz_1hzPidE3tKPAVl4ahCsI4S_fo1MvFqCFgt7tY9/s1600-h/S6300646_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplwE8p6pEVsa6rspg3yxJVYKKwig85Knmo7S0T4dwLvePk_hsTijs1VC7MZqzv-KFBphwWu1v3vVvFapEKes7ods48JtWz_1hzPidE3tKPAVl4ahCsI4S_fo1MvFqCFgt7tY9/s400/S6300646_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264392090585495938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The May Pole. Towns actually conspire to steal and ransom this for beer during construction. It's all part of the tradition.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT6IaDCG0zjYr1NSxxe1Z2yfD2VbDXWQo4s5r0FxgE8RS60xAjZpMWkxC1yHUuneNSEuhMroulthcWJ-FgRwt7sM3wghk1xjoha_Sw20lXYvZ2oFDk_k5NdGm43O2_pZPV2Ot/s1600-h/S6300617_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT6IaDCG0zjYr1NSxxe1Z2yfD2VbDXWQo4s5r0FxgE8RS60xAjZpMWkxC1yHUuneNSEuhMroulthcWJ-FgRwt7sM3wghk1xjoha_Sw20lXYvZ2oFDk_k5NdGm43O2_pZPV2Ot/s400/S6300617_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264393834676848834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Those bollards mark the approximate place where Hitler's bodyguard took eleven bullets from the Germany army during his failed revolution.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnHEMkO72CGr1oc67-J0ckyIq4YrPenEx_0FcOi6FdMYfMk1RR5C2XPSuaO3gNANNJ3LYFDl5wXh8zOACS7RmEVua3o69XC9Rh1VmTmnNqyd5L2kjijCeUZEijz4kGkMPATK9/s1600-h/S6300658_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnHEMkO72CGr1oc67-J0ckyIq4YrPenEx_0FcOi6FdMYfMk1RR5C2XPSuaO3gNANNJ3LYFDl5wXh8zOACS7RmEVua3o69XC9Rh1VmTmnNqyd5L2kjijCeUZEijz4kGkMPATK9/s400/S6300658_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264392098834516290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here hung a memorial that Nazi SS soldiers forced people to salute on passing. Many people avoided this street because of that, but many of those were tallied and caught.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1VDkMS8kLbejP4YKpbQBIItZM9qb0TgVQSw1bv47KdvafxVHUJYoOJKwU_qlNyupGbS3M_EAZ7fXbfJpdPddd561yPxKiWQBvQl28ExJUhhSZ4O2cz_uAEbg84MuBA6kSBCR/s1600-h/S6300659_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1VDkMS8kLbejP4YKpbQBIItZM9qb0TgVQSw1bv47KdvafxVHUJYoOJKwU_qlNyupGbS3M_EAZ7fXbfJpdPddd561yPxKiWQBvQl28ExJUhhSZ4O2cz_uAEbg84MuBA6kSBCR/s400/S6300659_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264392097600278850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The new Jewish Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. The design of the building is fascinating - the lower part is meant to look like the wailing wall in Jerusalem, and the upper part is glass with a Star-of-David pattern beneath it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOfgcsXJOBzraVStCDYJVXrCwsRJxG4UzEZLF4NMOD6NOsW9G8xtPxLyz1f3l_-EYDsOLxhaeyy0EaGztiTr6-b1pkt3lB2e4-2rncm2LwmrK8a9iCHJcdPL0bU2Oe6C4wcln/s1600-h/S6300652_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOfgcsXJOBzraVStCDYJVXrCwsRJxG4UzEZLF4NMOD6NOsW9G8xtPxLyz1f3l_-EYDsOLxhaeyy0EaGztiTr6-b1pkt3lB2e4-2rncm2LwmrK8a9iCHJcdPL0bU2Oe6C4wcln/s400/S6300652_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264392090652157698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Later that evening, P had the absolutely brilliant idea to go on a Beer Tour!<br /><br />The "eisbock" (ice beer) on the left is 12% alcohol. Without any food since lunchtime, one bottle of this made me pretty happy pretty quickly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RYum8kA11bjte03nGXYNrDsBUzESal7hbUDQqeMyxHgVUfhLZsh7FPd8Jpy19WGtP7RX2U5tYSoj666gJFEiTLMEmXKf8UfYDR7vsCHUB5468JHprSaYBnVejGyB6GRdFDvy/s1600-h/S6300664_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RYum8kA11bjte03nGXYNrDsBUzESal7hbUDQqeMyxHgVUfhLZsh7FPd8Jpy19WGtP7RX2U5tYSoj666gJFEiTLMEmXKf8UfYDR7vsCHUB5468JHprSaYBnVejGyB6GRdFDvy/s400/S6300664_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264392103895471442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here we are before we got comfortable and stuck into even more beer...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITym0jjE5u4oN-PcMoxNNqLbG6ujtRF89rpLJy03gmQGRhNWGWQ3NLz0Wk2ulJSwVBCmMzc4DBpfZrTsaAl66yN0wN-ALI1vxP3krLCXsdHLI6kh2iCvJQRLWYyK1cDgkqQ6U/s1600-h/S6300666_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITym0jjE5u4oN-PcMoxNNqLbG6ujtRF89rpLJy03gmQGRhNWGWQ3NLz0Wk2ulJSwVBCmMzc4DBpfZrTsaAl66yN0wN-ALI1vxP3krLCXsdHLI6kh2iCvJQRLWYyK1cDgkqQ6U/s400/S6300666_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391660023237826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Uh oh...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ulBl-KBDiw8ZTfeeE7dEnPn9IguJm4HCYXPIp9Rq2963sCed93Qv0E_MQ9HAK3bYohVIpi59_8JsAd-5krgtMWSzKM1afPH2HNdwNZ0sxuPZg_DbYaAnMw4Tb6_GbutPf9C_/s1600-h/S6300678_1024x768_cropped.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ulBl-KBDiw8ZTfeeE7dEnPn9IguJm4HCYXPIp9Rq2963sCed93Qv0E_MQ9HAK3bYohVIpi59_8JsAd-5krgtMWSzKM1afPH2HNdwNZ0sxuPZg_DbYaAnMw4Tb6_GbutPf9C_/s400/S6300678_1024x768_cropped.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391666847194082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yay...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX4PWW7f0mQQw3EaBI0CJmzc2KK6qSg_27f5t3aYL6hUyQBlWyXLAitom8iXKsbQ8AqNXWjJN0MIP11g_FvYbz4-fp7sFoUkEUg5dpQJ9dfRoEY2Eys4KPJiZ4DNf2PBot8FF/s1600-h/S6300687_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX4PWW7f0mQQw3EaBI0CJmzc2KK6qSg_27f5t3aYL6hUyQBlWyXLAitom8iXKsbQ8AqNXWjJN0MIP11g_FvYbz4-fp7sFoUkEUg5dpQJ9dfRoEY2Eys4KPJiZ4DNf2PBot8FF/s400/S6300687_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391678651748962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We made a few new friends that evening. Beer makes everyone so happy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tfJXq3iKcN0HFwOPJHYmqj0peieJdNib4BxuM46DvHYU2zlIoDSXxEE-Tmi6jDVYClWhGUK1YiMxrkGNaiTUeUiKXF0XKILeF5PjjPCfybYmxvx_TEnOfgyCGxmNSM3BKPu8/s1600-h/S6300680_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tfJXq3iKcN0HFwOPJHYmqj0peieJdNib4BxuM46DvHYU2zlIoDSXxEE-Tmi6jDVYClWhGUK1YiMxrkGNaiTUeUiKXF0XKILeF5PjjPCfybYmxvx_TEnOfgyCGxmNSM3BKPu8/s400/S6300680_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391675557556434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, yeah, and between beers we took a look around a micro-brewery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBNLmWBSGMEtLhJd01xPFEYbvc6c6THoKpW4b1LV2qpKFZd8Iw5JyASIi0FMZKyvpxVB9wb_2c5h8tJdBHB_gUVqNTHAkAIqSsLCwaDkfjqkU6-1-2-Qag-U674I9VRMFkxZT/s1600-h/S6300667_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBNLmWBSGMEtLhJd01xPFEYbvc6c6THoKpW4b1LV2qpKFZd8Iw5JyASIi0FMZKyvpxVB9wb_2c5h8tJdBHB_gUVqNTHAkAIqSsLCwaDkfjqkU6-1-2-Qag-U674I9VRMFkxZT/s400/S6300667_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391666528888146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The beer here is so good I will really miss it when I get back to NZ.<br /><br />The next day, after our headaches subsided enough to go outside, we visited the Deutches Museum. This is Germany's largest Science and Technology museum and it ranks as one of the World's best. It has 47,000 square metres of exhibition space in 50 'departments' including things such as astronomy, petroleum, geodesy, and mining. Truly an amazing museum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT0vXZcELQTBn4Y_H2rg2wdHBYWn9icleakcBihHitblGEsRdLIJ-d0YlSX_wOQOCONJ5e9Fz3J9vrk9P1P79wnoFTey1TqJQo-HzNY45n7zCNKetrhrF-cStndrfT99MtghJ/s1600-h/S6300048_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT0vXZcELQTBn4Y_H2rg2wdHBYWn9icleakcBihHitblGEsRdLIJ-d0YlSX_wOQOCONJ5e9Fz3J9vrk9P1P79wnoFTey1TqJQo-HzNY45n7zCNKetrhrF-cStndrfT99MtghJ/s400/S6300048_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264467980758637730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They have another museum just out of town dedicated to Flight, but there were plenty of old and new aircraft on display here too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2ZpFbf4kwVoS_4HRnUGs81iB7imHewEaOAntPMYOiuO1imiaRRXLoR5LlPTt9EeIN9vY17brENizChpDhe1RwSMxGNCgx8D7aYd3ZofrMOWj3eKIdyWSt9-Ad6Aj73HANtT/s1600-h/S6300713_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2ZpFbf4kwVoS_4HRnUGs81iB7imHewEaOAntPMYOiuO1imiaRRXLoR5LlPTt9EeIN9vY17brENizChpDhe1RwSMxGNCgx8D7aYd3ZofrMOWj3eKIdyWSt9-Ad6Aj73HANtT/s400/S6300713_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391200116766882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They have one of the largest model railways I have ever seen. Many of the trains have little remote cameras attached so you can see what they "see" as they zip around the track and through the tunnels. The explanation was all in German but it was fun to watch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TuTvxWqpC1X2pbxX6NXo-KF0aY_XEif9Fyi1Gz03Jn3xAfgG8BVEg63RpyTDq36l3omhi9ub6ZkS8HkUCUydxZ8ukKrI83ieLo7HKiW2MeRR9jT075pguxkaY0OaMMLidLOr/s1600-h/S6300697_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TuTvxWqpC1X2pbxX6NXo-KF0aY_XEif9Fyi1Gz03Jn3xAfgG8BVEg63RpyTDq36l3omhi9ub6ZkS8HkUCUydxZ8ukKrI83ieLo7HKiW2MeRR9jT075pguxkaY0OaMMLidLOr/s400/S6300697_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391191008222274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXgY170E6NqPVUs8fgnDx_MyMtMTfCo2qzbs1z4JncW-b-40EFLH3NBk5efkkG2LJg3LrJX2XcdWtvmqHW943t1lAyXfdterAav4b_LwWLqIvHJAsVGs1_wRxbUmkgUOzmt9D/s1600-h/S6300702_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXgY170E6NqPVUs8fgnDx_MyMtMTfCo2qzbs1z4JncW-b-40EFLH3NBk5efkkG2LJg3LrJX2XcdWtvmqHW943t1lAyXfdterAav4b_LwWLqIvHJAsVGs1_wRxbUmkgUOzmt9D/s400/S6300702_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391196512611794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So delightfully simple. The jet engine I mean, not my wife.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1wBGnz4GnoyaFs5dOHmYFiF3ygbFqmrK2Pxb3toxQcyIXjWMBPoQBF8JbiaMWzo3eMG-XgEJpQ5IoFR66nam4yXvvG0pZUaI-Qz24lns5pDrd9gmKdSwasOqSAqZydmYG8uR/s1600-h/S6300694_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1wBGnz4GnoyaFs5dOHmYFiF3ygbFqmrK2Pxb3toxQcyIXjWMBPoQBF8JbiaMWzo3eMG-XgEJpQ5IoFR66nam4yXvvG0pZUaI-Qz24lns5pDrd9gmKdSwasOqSAqZydmYG8uR/s400/S6300694_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391190434431202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the high voltage test cage. They fired this up later in the day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeKh4Wv0WFvm3auZnAPYnUnMvEN_hz5Pl4_WHHFOaAUaLMxjqnbW2gmHaxUAjl5ZmLMLYqfOSiE_Uk1WbdH3ftx4SlUzhtDRn-IurmiqpKilpDUUq8faBDDGF4lhowJoYy-vP/s1600-h/S6300689_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeKh4Wv0WFvm3auZnAPYnUnMvEN_hz5Pl4_WHHFOaAUaLMxjqnbW2gmHaxUAjl5ZmLMLYqfOSiE_Uk1WbdH3ftx4SlUzhtDRn-IurmiqpKilpDUUq8faBDDGF4lhowJoYy-vP/s400/S6300689_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264391186915797874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An entire floor of rocket engines! I think I died and went to heaven (in a rocket).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3tGDCSB0X1FS7DO8nA30n8HgtpJtHGlp2NNkmsMLxARdX_ZPZ_6qE5MsDAZ6viVlpqtH7vbCTVLWMXHE3JmZMS5eEGOgdJERaPFbB81fBFtDztk7wGp3OYF76lJEl1lxcajo/s1600-h/S6300022_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3tGDCSB0X1FS7DO8nA30n8HgtpJtHGlp2NNkmsMLxARdX_ZPZ_6qE5MsDAZ6viVlpqtH7vbCTVLWMXHE3JmZMS5eEGOgdJERaPFbB81fBFtDztk7wGp3OYF76lJEl1lxcajo/s400/S6300022_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264467947816600274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This woman has yet to learn the priceless lesson - "never turn your back on a helicopter"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZJzRBYqMcL7iT80u-WyzSdKujBINArJPhjhW8hhVYPUhmcf0GMQbbcekl7U5p1wYzrBAasNrx8Xc71OkCrC-Vgs8cYuC28rGG8jSdnFYEIWBzt4GQGPhpwwPdqdktCsXC7wN/s1600-h/S6300012_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZJzRBYqMcL7iT80u-WyzSdKujBINArJPhjhW8hhVYPUhmcf0GMQbbcekl7U5p1wYzrBAasNrx8Xc71OkCrC-Vgs8cYuC28rGG8jSdnFYEIWBzt4GQGPhpwwPdqdktCsXC7wN/s400/S6300012_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264468554505946034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Under the museum they have constructed a 700 metre long exhibit dedicated to mining. From the early days right up to the 21st century. Great stuff.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJolKl6vjzfd0a347UK3ftkVoaLBTmG6wr5_anwkPwAILr4rRhndjqLPRHMXpkUgbb2BSWAd8RQlJiiJ74m3ZqBMyzT1HRvXGUbq4VS5m8VNcBaYnqNjeluhJLvEMc4i9c3xb/s1600-h/S6300036_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJolKl6vjzfd0a347UK3ftkVoaLBTmG6wr5_anwkPwAILr4rRhndjqLPRHMXpkUgbb2BSWAd8RQlJiiJ74m3ZqBMyzT1HRvXGUbq4VS5m8VNcBaYnqNjeluhJLvEMc4i9c3xb/s400/S6300036_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264467978393654322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An Enigma cryptographic machine from WW2.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAep-2KtlZDDKY_6zklPuO0TpVAT28GETdW5ToGc6174oJE1h3iXlvIRb3qA7F26drWWJmABg9u-0edAMK1RseIVd6P_ase5COlHJRrUQi98qZozvndw40ea9tP8U4jfW3ZBDB/s1600-h/S6300033_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAep-2KtlZDDKY_6zklPuO0TpVAT28GETdW5ToGc6174oJE1h3iXlvIRb3qA7F26drWWJmABg9u-0edAMK1RseIVd6P_ase5COlHJRrUQi98qZozvndw40ea9tP8U4jfW3ZBDB/s400/S6300033_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264467964159246786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A Cray-1 supercomputer from the 1960's. Note the leather-covered seats and panelling!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR5gkMNX8e6PRm6NVNlvwGs6ZdQINIoAKgY3ZJ82TP49WnOaIGa-gv_MIkkCXEBDwC_ywrs2oo39P3B8RLthnWLVdzfDFNJN8R2maPd8cj2LLyDAgpO4GGRk1vdI2pXoVmjqu/s1600-h/S6300031_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR5gkMNX8e6PRm6NVNlvwGs6ZdQINIoAKgY3ZJ82TP49WnOaIGa-gv_MIkkCXEBDwC_ywrs2oo39P3B8RLthnWLVdzfDFNJN8R2maPd8cj2LLyDAgpO4GGRk1vdI2pXoVmjqu/s400/S6300031_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264467957106847138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Deutches Museum was so good I went back myself the next day and tried to see more stuff. They have everything. The bridge building and hydro engineering sections were probably my favourite, along with the rockets of course.<br /><br />The only downside is that many of the older exhibits have no English explanations. However, it appears that as they add new exhibits and update old ones, they are slowly adding sufficient English to make it worthwhile.<br /><br />Tonight, more beer I suspect. Then tomorrow we head to somewhere that is a surprise. It's a surprise because I don't know where it will be. P is deciding and I'll find out in a few minutes...meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-19781967837767430882008-11-03T23:17:00.010+13:002008-11-04T01:01:59.052+13:00Der SchwarzwaldTime to catch up on my blog.<br /><br />We wanted to take a cruise on the Rhein at some stage, but unfortunately we left it a little late and the cruise season had already ended. However, we took a very beautiful train journey from Koblenz to Mainz. The train travels alongside the river as it winds through deep valleys and underneath precariously positioned castles. I wasn't able to get many photos but here's one at least.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2JJ0ZmkUEYqvl1VFJNXMvPbgU4OVvG-gL6RJM13nPdlKA2V139ble-XgFHmdzz9Xru-UdLUXTK7BpxRx-ki8o6yn98zdzX2nB8GkQPiqIiTVuTm7yMWEhlSRLO2ytntwhbCV/s1600-h/S6300476_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2JJ0ZmkUEYqvl1VFJNXMvPbgU4OVvG-gL6RJM13nPdlKA2V139ble-XgFHmdzz9Xru-UdLUXTK7BpxRx-ki8o6yn98zdzX2nB8GkQPiqIiTVuTm7yMWEhlSRLO2ytntwhbCV/s400/S6300476_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389482527406082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mid afternoon we arrived in Freiburg, which is right on the western edge of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) near France and Switzerland.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBwWyJrZxS2-JI9p22RtwhIfHFmtJkBP3QN2DBnvylOjn3XjX9OKx2G84GyIhTj3ckONxXSvLP3VP4TUDo0GyqDI3XTAUiTCF8WYrlh4NMJcXsCeAiBPn992XAEEsUSXkUW4g/s1600-h/S6300485_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBwWyJrZxS2-JI9p22RtwhIfHFmtJkBP3QN2DBnvylOjn3XjX9OKx2G84GyIhTj3ckONxXSvLP3VP4TUDo0GyqDI3XTAUiTCF8WYrlh4NMJcXsCeAiBPn992XAEEsUSXkUW4g/s400/S6300485_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389146067640162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Trams and pedestrians share the same space. Very little motor traffic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaXIgohfw-z1Z37FYDFZD2xQ7lyk7tfoMx7c5QUb3b-9OG-2nT0WDfUWM12-0a_KEgPIJFcKhfLJ9kLYe0U4u_zkvUAJLUQ6Li6SM06MSYYwMOoaygjvdKSuEfPaVbbqN9cmP/s1600-h/S6300483_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaXIgohfw-z1Z37FYDFZD2xQ7lyk7tfoMx7c5QUb3b-9OG-2nT0WDfUWM12-0a_KEgPIJFcKhfLJ9kLYe0U4u_zkvUAJLUQ6Li6SM06MSYYwMOoaygjvdKSuEfPaVbbqN9cmP/s400/S6300483_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389140481713586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKJ1ybAXosULw5aIbUIt-YIujAQxdRMReiIf38xWwJyL40Pd3wPUjjN1JyAiLXtVbYSZBDIQvkpHO-5BLGhVAp1fOrF2zBRa3kohQk-29g1-Bb_7gOVvn0kgfXekmpCzyTKdF/s1600-h/S6300481_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKJ1ybAXosULw5aIbUIt-YIujAQxdRMReiIf38xWwJyL40Pd3wPUjjN1JyAiLXtVbYSZBDIQvkpHO-5BLGhVAp1fOrF2zBRa3kohQk-29g1-Bb_7gOVvn0kgfXekmpCzyTKdF/s400/S6300481_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389492817754786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGms5yzFKteBAgjwx57QgX3muHovgsADmHwmzC3e-WUxM3pHtF2l02rzcmkkF9zYknz3IyTiKvxFzwwRZreUOYwIGndAl0cwy7BJS0zC9EE1wusZfjvCjSPIv88xozHA97XFT/s1600-h/S6300482_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGms5yzFKteBAgjwx57QgX3muHovgsADmHwmzC3e-WUxM3pHtF2l02rzcmkkF9zYknz3IyTiKvxFzwwRZreUOYwIGndAl0cwy7BJS0zC9EE1wusZfjvCjSPIv88xozHA97XFT/s400/S6300482_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389143640957410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We thought we'd stay in a hostel to save a few euros. That strategy seemed to work OK but it was pretty noisy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp2XTsyJau-dGW0vzJSvjj3ukGaq9kOWY5pH27HXTr99rpLZw8Xiwstrh_WF7dNB0fZHVnFbkhEKaskMdLB_rO8Aom23TUQGc4T4Pll8YgMR8PsgVGiV_HZZlIN4bylc4OOut/s1600-h/S6300477_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp2XTsyJau-dGW0vzJSvjj3ukGaq9kOWY5pH27HXTr99rpLZw8Xiwstrh_WF7dNB0fZHVnFbkhEKaskMdLB_rO8Aom23TUQGc4T4Pll8YgMR8PsgVGiV_HZZlIN4bylc4OOut/s400/S6300477_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389486770564450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day we set off for a hike into the Black Forest. It was raining a little and very foggy, but still a beautiful way to spend the day. We didn't see a single other human being for almost five hours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX1_kWXGsHUkr612AE6Cb0aKB4I7i0SvNyZnQxyFfz5KOcy7ixZqR6bjF1Avr9XeJvW0la0OX_Xp9Y6x30wYtl_vb9fMne9JJWcU0Z-qm_Az63_ZXZlAytNvvfzm8SavkmyR9/s1600-h/S6300513_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX1_kWXGsHUkr612AE6Cb0aKB4I7i0SvNyZnQxyFfz5KOcy7ixZqR6bjF1Avr9XeJvW0la0OX_Xp9Y6x30wYtl_vb9fMne9JJWcU0Z-qm_Az63_ZXZlAytNvvfzm8SavkmyR9/s400/S6300513_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264387393558464706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0O-29dkrlOPItzxteF_qGV3CXI5SaZCcMDCDA7SN5_eT4TQu4wykxaT3SVcf3vBE4Ea9U8pspyepzZXuWwlobx2xyhT-QsQYwB0_ZHxLcNYJ_yc6m7CwmC5U6yrNH916N7J7/s1600-h/S6300554_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0O-29dkrlOPItzxteF_qGV3CXI5SaZCcMDCDA7SN5_eT4TQu4wykxaT3SVcf3vBE4Ea9U8pspyepzZXuWwlobx2xyhT-QsQYwB0_ZHxLcNYJ_yc6m7CwmC5U6yrNH916N7J7/s400/S6300554_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264387408888170802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P kept thinking she could see bears. If they were there, I never saw any...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP1jLfuLpeIrkhvZJ3dzYkcTt_LVfwYVsAoe0Vzl48OnIH6ZsJDsV9I2QG12le8XIR9SM9lIfXOeKrvG5Jyb27LN-VYq1Ixso8Qr82amZFoqxZD0zfHw2Jfg2d6dXqhXc0Ear/s1600-h/S6300502_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP1jLfuLpeIrkhvZJ3dzYkcTt_LVfwYVsAoe0Vzl48OnIH6ZsJDsV9I2QG12le8XIR9SM9lIfXOeKrvG5Jyb27LN-VYq1Ixso8Qr82amZFoqxZD0zfHw2Jfg2d6dXqhXc0Ear/s400/S6300502_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389150855563762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOcurLdNoA_tC4BfVCTJlKdXfv-faoXbKIVUNmsm2e5Z7h8nNNQPg9JuJ0_sgLozLMXNQxSA4E6DEVbSyJkOo6c52GqzWGffCI1dVHwt4khFpPuiwowaH5WfxCplABCkO4OEN/s1600-h/S6300547_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOcurLdNoA_tC4BfVCTJlKdXfv-faoXbKIVUNmsm2e5Z7h8nNNQPg9JuJ0_sgLozLMXNQxSA4E6DEVbSyJkOo6c52GqzWGffCI1dVHwt4khFpPuiwowaH5WfxCplABCkO4OEN/s400/S6300547_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264387403218737186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It got pretty foggy above 500 metres.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkL294fTDbQsMm9HfXrRlX03Io0V1UAInuGT4yNhax3v-_pGGMwhyphenhyphenIoAEGq1OHVsbLzvekUrPRL7Y6LuuehYB2vwppuji2LLgPRSY2xS5gF-AVNWyBh4HQfr_lsml9w-KBkmN/s1600-h/S6300517_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkL294fTDbQsMm9HfXrRlX03Io0V1UAInuGT4yNhax3v-_pGGMwhyphenhyphenIoAEGq1OHVsbLzvekUrPRL7Y6LuuehYB2vwppuji2LLgPRSY2xS5gF-AVNWyBh4HQfr_lsml9w-KBkmN/s400/S6300517_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264387401428143986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's where an alien crop-circle machine went nuts...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa-Yxwqi6IHbJrrgJwDbRFWHf58DJSKl_XLILUvfS8qsYO4ajT4l-eCJ24JUfjGnHhncZJ7TGObHVeB-3SpOW1T8m0g2Xyljw6hVssDmm8mghhBLrr23jCTBg-E6VyZrJxODY/s1600-h/S6300495_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa-Yxwqi6IHbJrrgJwDbRFWHf58DJSKl_XLILUvfS8qsYO4ajT4l-eCJ24JUfjGnHhncZJ7TGObHVeB-3SpOW1T8m0g2Xyljw6hVssDmm8mghhBLrr23jCTBg-E6VyZrJxODY/s400/S6300495_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264389147368846706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In Germany, local authorities seem willing to spend a little more on their signposts. This means they can afford cylindrical steel poles instead of square wooden posts as in New Zealand. This means they can aim their signs with scientific precision. This was a very welcome feature as some intersections had more than five different paths!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw33Ub8UaJu_sMT0NOu3uMfb90loWcqjvXhdh1jlxnGU8l8iEa_99LDXHj67ct77Z3rvLf55rhVbHan22A8flX06H568pg-oIrdZYSlANqG-NXrJ3KiUylfnA4UItL2kECCnQT/s1600-h/S6300562_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw33Ub8UaJu_sMT0NOu3uMfb90loWcqjvXhdh1jlxnGU8l8iEa_99LDXHj67ct77Z3rvLf55rhVbHan22A8flX06H568pg-oIrdZYSlANqG-NXrJ3KiUylfnA4UItL2kECCnQT/s400/S6300562_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264387411914280354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We emerged in a town called, ummm, I forget. It had a lot of vineyards.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs5EatsgW-Q7lEQBhZmXjJ_n4sCa40kW0Ja9IOiKhC1LWr53RMILRopWBlo9klVml5NgV8yuZ_rojS9wgx5LaAAWPRB8J4wH94fX4o6e8_wfFN6MgtmnzU4LBiTvttmODDDtU/s1600-h/S6300564_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs5EatsgW-Q7lEQBhZmXjJ_n4sCa40kW0Ja9IOiKhC1LWr53RMILRopWBlo9klVml5NgV8yuZ_rojS9wgx5LaAAWPRB8J4wH94fX4o6e8_wfFN6MgtmnzU4LBiTvttmODDDtU/s400/S6300564_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264386805698683650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day we decided to try something different and caught the bus out to Europa Park, about 30km north of Freiburg. This theme park is the second largest in Europe and it definitely feels like it. It's enormous. Each zone is themed like a part of Europe, so that one minute you are walking amongst Swiss chalets, and the next you are amongst the narrow streets of Greece. It is wonderfully themed and wasn't as cheesy as I had expected. They take very good care of this park.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and they seemed to be geared up for some sort of pagan festival...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAIahuVIqcruz0o8WzsT1P9IdmS5KzOwXYBR_hKznqktTycmlP02Lq0kaDzODUKKyE8BlDJZcCr2myB9-8qYxc6UU2Lqond7Nfy-5_GVrUzZNlW5tE22Xj1FLw1KCoNTJL3OW/s1600-h/S6300580_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAIahuVIqcruz0o8WzsT1P9IdmS5KzOwXYBR_hKznqktTycmlP02Lq0kaDzODUKKyE8BlDJZcCr2myB9-8qYxc6UU2Lqond7Nfy-5_GVrUzZNlW5tE22Xj1FLw1KCoNTJL3OW/s400/S6300580_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264386819504116994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So many pumpkins...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJO8a7pTOxOwvjkAHdaImpobcJ2Le2J78BB9xHlYAGAIxnMbPksH0vC5-UoSSVoxpTje_C1z1ZMJMJawTogni2UN_AfBCmH7jHzn8wYX5iwKDAtZYnDixr6pyrvjao61DX6xT/s1600-h/S6300575_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJO8a7pTOxOwvjkAHdaImpobcJ2Le2J78BB9xHlYAGAIxnMbPksH0vC5-UoSSVoxpTje_C1z1ZMJMJawTogni2UN_AfBCmH7jHzn8wYX5iwKDAtZYnDixr6pyrvjao61DX6xT/s400/S6300575_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264386813486414914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Err...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa06P3KqaFBzIQpn7LtavAzqlDbtoGcv1sDfn49OWzG7GVQ83_tZpWuJOq0pEd5rjeom-KoT-mOIaMbiPO87JpIFLhon0KWb057k79rXdP_Uy7-S29C3L5wrkNGqHohbc986V/s1600-h/S6300591_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa06P3KqaFBzIQpn7LtavAzqlDbtoGcv1sDfn49OWzG7GVQ83_tZpWuJOq0pEd5rjeom-KoT-mOIaMbiPO87JpIFLhon0KWb057k79rXdP_Uy7-S29C3L5wrkNGqHohbc986V/s400/S6300591_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264386818600312466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The rides at Europa Park are excellent. Well, the numerous rollercoasters are. Their main one is the Silver Star, which is very high and very fast. This one is "EuroMir" which is quite intense and the seats spin around... all good fun though. The less intense rides are better suited for young children and are a bit boring, but all are high quality and well maintained.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU42RXwwk79AMSzIqxg-pkWQsoq95JcX2EluOb-zR-kdXXQ6XZAXRRmBmJiMwcq8glcUl70V2GDBJZeWttcJFVyc58dtdaYjQhU-Gg3PW6xo2UfyMsyDgfNi8vsF-eZ7vzNUOe/s1600-h/S6300573_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU42RXwwk79AMSzIqxg-pkWQsoq95JcX2EluOb-zR-kdXXQ6XZAXRRmBmJiMwcq8glcUl70V2GDBJZeWttcJFVyc58dtdaYjQhU-Gg3PW6xo2UfyMsyDgfNi8vsF-eZ7vzNUOe/s400/S6300573_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264386804158275138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After spending the day on high adrenaline rides, the next day we were completely shattered.<br /><br />If you're ever in the area and want to do something different for a day, I think Europa Park is worth a look. We were going to give it a miss actually but at the last moment decided to go anyway. We are glad we did - it was a lot of fun.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-48717690014879609742008-10-30T11:11:00.002+13:002008-10-30T11:30:18.511+13:00Traveling With The Global Positioning SystemWe have been traveling for a fair number of weeks so far, and at all stages of the journey I've had my trusty GPS receiver turned on. Before I left, I loaded it with some <a href="http://openstreetmap.org/">free maps</a>.<br /><br />So has this been useful? You bet it has!<br /><ul><li>The OpenStreetMap maps contain useful points of interest, such as tourist attractions, railway stations and of course street names. The usefulness of this should be pretty obvious.</li><li>In a continent that relies so heavily on rail travel, it's absolutely critical that one knows when to get off a train. In fact if you have big heavy backpacks, you need to start getting ready to disembark several minutes before the train stops, otherwise you're in big trouble! Having the GPSr tell you that your railway station is only 2000 metres away is amazingly useful. Completely solves the 'Is This Our Stop?' question. In fact, this aspect alone has been worth carrying the GPSr around with us.</li><li>The 'estimated time to arrival' based on average velocity has proven to be a reasonably useful way to check the progress of a trip on trains and buses. It's not foolproof but it works well enough.</li><li>The ability to easily mark your current location is a great way to locate your hotel later that evening, especially as it wasn't dark when you left...</li><li>Barometric altimeter readings were useful today in deducing which track we were actually on in the Black Forest. It's also interesting to know you're eating a sandwich at 2,200 metres above sea level.</li><li>The GPSr remembers where you've been. It's like a really long ball of string - you can easily retrace your steps when necessary. This has been useful in big cities like Budapest and Rome.</li></ul><p>The downsides? Well, you still need to carry real maps (GPS enhances but does not replace conventional map use) and batteries can be a pain at times. Also, the OpenStreetMap maps are, to put it nicely, "under development". However in the main towns and cities they tend to be pretty good.</p><p>For the record, we have a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx - the high-sensitivity version. It can pick up a satellite lock indoors, on trains, under wet tree cover and even inside aircraft cabins. Don't bother with the older models as I doubt they'll work inside trains.</p><p>Other travelers we've met have been rather ambivalent towards the technology unfortunately. However those that took an active interest in our unit quickly realised the power of such a device. The rest of them will probably survive in happy ignorance, at least until they miss their next critical train stop :)</p>meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-58662455085118531802008-10-29T09:13:00.005+13:002008-10-29T09:35:38.075+13:00German Time Distortion TechnologyIn the famous movie "The Third Man", Orson Welles' character Harry Lime said:<br /><br />"In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed - they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love and five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock!"<br /><br />According to the Lonely Planet Germany 2007 edition, cuckoo clocks actually originated from the German Black Forest region. Not really very far from Switzerland actually. Anyway, Germany is well known for producing highly accurate instruments and time pieces.<br /><br />In fact they are so good that they are able to distort time itself, creating some really odd temporal effects for observers from <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> time zones.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6792ijvnj9yHqnr1ex4nbMmIFM2o7Oe9lL14z92XRGMiGt4997ez9GvhOw9RelvBCRt4T7B-NsNs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-29768386710917793452008-10-28T00:08:00.003+13:002008-10-28T00:12:48.243+13:00Dominion HypeFor anyone reading this that cares...<br /><br />I have heard that there is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">lot </span>of hype for <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/game/36218">Dominion</a>. I played this at Spiel. I think the hype is unjustified. The game is not boring but it is uninspiring and repetitive. It also becomes less interesting as the game goes on.<br /><br /><a href="http://gaming.powerblogs.com/posts/1224887246.shtml">This</a> pretty much sums it up, and although I have only played it once, I agree on most points.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-17238575295563494732008-10-27T05:05:00.009+13:002008-10-27T06:16:23.041+13:00Köln & TrierYesterday we left Essen for Trier. On the way we thought we might stop in Köln (Cologne) for a few hours to buy a German Rail Pass and check out the Dom (cathedral).<br /><br />Inside the Köln railway station there are these things - luggage teleporters. You put your luggage inside and it's beamed up to one of 17 orbiting storage stations. Later, you simply initiate a retrieval program and your luggage is beamed back down to you in 40 seconds or less. These Germans have everything sorted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgYSRFHq_HRsjOFQOyncVYzYsk5oHvPbTzIT4u2ZgaoIQnGWsRzsZC3MfIkGAmjymXQKfuobs5l8punUIri57bS_Q_8aHmXrHc5_JfgixxD0YYkFYAhi6ZAObeNrB7PVjJ9NI/s1600-h/S6300169_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgYSRFHq_HRsjOFQOyncVYzYsk5oHvPbTzIT4u2ZgaoIQnGWsRzsZC3MfIkGAmjymXQKfuobs5l8punUIri57bS_Q_8aHmXrHc5_JfgixxD0YYkFYAhi6ZAObeNrB7PVjJ9NI/s400/S6300169_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499695242828386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then it's literally outside to look at the cathedral. They started building this in 1248 and didn't finish it until 1880. Perhaps the latest building project in European history? The locals call it Dauerbaustelle which translates "the eternal construction site".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlegC4jfkduzQwL7oDyCe3uxPiMJnHcKz5QuPsZZGl2BK-uRcO-ewdoFl-iJNW5s3LhMMMC6RgjHw17fVALZFNiUaFG1wdqSNT-bxNWTDoeoizmRlxioPW-twMnnZyhnuayZUL/s1600-h/S6300159_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlegC4jfkduzQwL7oDyCe3uxPiMJnHcKz5QuPsZZGl2BK-uRcO-ewdoFl-iJNW5s3LhMMMC6RgjHw17fVALZFNiUaFG1wdqSNT-bxNWTDoeoizmRlxioPW-twMnnZyhnuayZUL/s400/S6300159_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499694136764018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's very gothic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwtecMfpS-CMxshbbRTQt5ZQO6rzSH403hciB8QPb80Yb2QrJxnB5SgTDQmrwPAb-_0Kwk5kpR4nUQfXOmKjdkbBSd592e7pQuepKKC4cV0H_63duy-3vTnjYXsLSeLrxe6P/s1600-h/S6300187_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwtecMfpS-CMxshbbRTQt5ZQO6rzSH403hciB8QPb80Yb2QrJxnB5SgTDQmrwPAb-_0Kwk5kpR4nUQfXOmKjdkbBSd592e7pQuepKKC4cV0H_63duy-3vTnjYXsLSeLrxe6P/s400/S6300187_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499713470938018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Inside it has a very welcoming atmosphere and some lovely stained glass windows.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBXaFnK5oZrf02wX3PSEP5LA3tDgLrQPqPvZKTFB6NwNzEhBxxD0XKVMO47mcxo1QbofCOE6Y32ROoE_b1esa2dGebYgdVAwRrwqO4dB6Tm6h8dnE5XcNAmFio3ERqy1snU98/s1600-h/S6300197_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBXaFnK5oZrf02wX3PSEP5LA3tDgLrQPqPvZKTFB6NwNzEhBxxD0XKVMO47mcxo1QbofCOE6Y32ROoE_b1esa2dGebYgdVAwRrwqO4dB6Tm6h8dnE5XcNAmFio3ERqy1snU98/s400/S6300197_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499519228736818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oops - we appear to have a decoding error...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Ny3yXquRKU4JWLZTdXBEgfPjvoM6f6P8P8l9-M-5Zr75gR36Xyhd8PWbyANLDRaBGjczML3_xo7MWSoFj53BazSoP84P2Lu7XWEC3f3zQjsd_L3CTYOrSe7uCOIdB4uCygO/s1600-h/S6300188_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Ny3yXquRKU4JWLZTdXBEgfPjvoM6f6P8P8l9-M-5Zr75gR36Xyhd8PWbyANLDRaBGjczML3_xo7MWSoFj53BazSoP84P2Lu7XWEC3f3zQjsd_L3CTYOrSe7uCOIdB4uCygO/s400/S6300188_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499714461395874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P and I firmly believe that one ought to climb things. Although we were only in Köln for a few hours, we knew we wouldn't feel complete until we'd climbed the tower. On the way we met St. Peter's Bell, the largest free-swinging bell in the known Universe. It weighs over 24 tons!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hO-Oi-C4MnNNm1sMmC9oJ63bx7_7NiOLLdxEpr5zp_cH90kZVZxovalYDrnBN8JPUbgN9djBaurjPQb8-MaBJNvxXyUe4-kP1_ZVxiWBV2V_z5EDcNs7VrQo3IXPIr-2CN6W/s1600-h/S6300206_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hO-Oi-C4MnNNm1sMmC9oJ63bx7_7NiOLLdxEpr5zp_cH90kZVZxovalYDrnBN8JPUbgN9djBaurjPQb8-MaBJNvxXyUe4-kP1_ZVxiWBV2V_z5EDcNs7VrQo3IXPIr-2CN6W/s400/S6300206_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499520916753314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More construction? Once again, I have yet to see a major European monument without scaffolding on it somewhere.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSp5ttEL6IsiW7BhUGQNggk7kpF_1jRNVQQYAtSaBZbjNwSB7Y7pe4BC1I37Jq8Z1t0Qyljcz-arj87EOJqv45Idvq8U0rlR-Pwg65l048FnAPopPAlUbAPkGqHl43xvqbSvJ/s1600-h/S6300226_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSp5ttEL6IsiW7BhUGQNggk7kpF_1jRNVQQYAtSaBZbjNwSB7Y7pe4BC1I37Jq8Z1t0Qyljcz-arj87EOJqv45Idvq8U0rlR-Pwg65l048FnAPopPAlUbAPkGqHl43xvqbSvJ/s400/S6300226_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499537919981282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looking down on the Rhein.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm8lIERmieHgWvR1M-L_65uUNffrr2huv3fCR_y6zJXKGZyed_O9PsjNGVVSQ30b146qSwaBUjSu-UbprFf1MEErWRleVrt_715t7buvr6Edj6t_N4s46z1kIEV2jNl0JntWM/s1600-h/S6300214_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm8lIERmieHgWvR1M-L_65uUNffrr2huv3fCR_y6zJXKGZyed_O9PsjNGVVSQ30b146qSwaBUjSu-UbprFf1MEErWRleVrt_715t7buvr6Edj6t_N4s46z1kIEV2jNl0JntWM/s400/S6300214_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499529832369602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We would have liked to have spent more than a couple of hours in Köln but one can only see and do a limited amount - so maybe next time.<br /><br /><br />We continued to Trier on a very slow train and arrived in the dark. We went out to eat at a local restaurant. We ordered something called Pizzasalat. It's a pizza with a huge salad dumped on top. Another tick for "Things To Do In Europe" I guess. I won't be surprised to see Pizzacereal at some stage.<br /><br />This morning we headed out to explore. Trier is supposedly Germany's oldest town - it's an old Roman town on the banks of the Mosel (Moselle) River.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBkrbRh6NrjcGSJEjeKO7PWOH9TwIsMcoeqAzFkP0CRYyviCUZBh9SNuDAkBQEJpYuTVPdCGXn5afn1128UOjxcBFEAV-yjlu3c1Z1hHFPWkbOFKvIEC-jexciTALSprhxuZg/s1600-h/S6300246_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBkrbRh6NrjcGSJEjeKO7PWOH9TwIsMcoeqAzFkP0CRYyviCUZBh9SNuDAkBQEJpYuTVPdCGXn5afn1128UOjxcBFEAV-yjlu3c1Z1hHFPWkbOFKvIEC-jexciTALSprhxuZg/s400/S6300246_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499340066290258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the Porta Nigra (Black Gate) - the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps (thanks Wikipedia).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I6_gAwKdgq4cWZHXwnd6kJEH1X_vPJWC5stdw-NnHiFkTJkz2973CEniZI7QSIVxAEgKpTRcG0WLCPOmnMxT8OTlqJeurMa7iPSxi_nCFwRnrnExSkpRierdNOBmZi-p_fbz/s1600-h/S6300250_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I6_gAwKdgq4cWZHXwnd6kJEH1X_vPJWC5stdw-NnHiFkTJkz2973CEniZI7QSIVxAEgKpTRcG0WLCPOmnMxT8OTlqJeurMa7iPSxi_nCFwRnrnExSkpRierdNOBmZi-p_fbz/s400/S6300250_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499342214779330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's autumn in Germany. The trees are displaying a magnificent range of colours and fallen leaves litter the ground almost everywhere. It's cool but not unpleasant unless you're outdoors and naked.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmp8T-UIv67CnCXIww4VuPEea8Xh4-4O1ymUdnBANQiIgvWYUAWvsg7mMElEYcDuS39ZTW-S48TAZCmoYjUK13ZtABxV7sjKrtkSWtq_fXJF9PnGsda1x7d_5BYmds_LhDfNA/s1600-h/S6300370_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmp8T-UIv67CnCXIww4VuPEea8Xh4-4O1ymUdnBANQiIgvWYUAWvsg7mMElEYcDuS39ZTW-S48TAZCmoYjUK13ZtABxV7sjKrtkSWtq_fXJF9PnGsda1x7d_5BYmds_LhDfNA/s400/S6300370_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498270153095890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4LKApFW_v5TfUIVenweM4Gyx7TnyaqvCETFGw2Mz3Ce_j5pqqknVUciWQYbiQgp0h5lUEg7MdaUiLxAri9zDIs3oXeu_1jX1kfvHZwzeTdPZKxKyWPXNNG_2z99Es_IkO7By/s1600-h/S6300252_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4LKApFW_v5TfUIVenweM4Gyx7TnyaqvCETFGw2Mz3Ce_j5pqqknVUciWQYbiQgp0h5lUEg7MdaUiLxAri9zDIs3oXeu_1jX1kfvHZwzeTdPZKxKyWPXNNG_2z99Es_IkO7By/s400/S6300252_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499343250962354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This afternoon we took a boat trip on the Mosel River. It's a very relaxing cruise (i.e. a bit dull) but it's also very picturesque and pleasant.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHnHr_5O4vgy2LzgQfWPQfED9wb13eNgrEZDrcL_-qTEtJ8EwhMq8x5r6b6pVn6rlAYtzou-RzC-j4GOgIu91W5S6PdxnP6SglLNI2R9S4JWr5kgqq51EFU_RBtrp98YgkqVj/s1600-h/S6300324_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHnHr_5O4vgy2LzgQfWPQfED9wb13eNgrEZDrcL_-qTEtJ8EwhMq8x5r6b6pVn6rlAYtzou-RzC-j4GOgIu91W5S6PdxnP6SglLNI2R9S4JWr5kgqq51EFU_RBtrp98YgkqVj/s400/S6300324_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498243089429266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is where tumbleweeds come from.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOl4VZSaOhyBGw4xM9SgL93CdUA8Tds6K1AqDAr6dJb02tU22z_TjwB4jCpTxxz4wnEsSz3SdfhF-pbC7fUWHBf8S-jpZPYEqy_f6kw-0_xZJI3kjUcVMQUtiOraIw43uwQGR/s1600-h/S6300352_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOl4VZSaOhyBGw4xM9SgL93CdUA8Tds6K1AqDAr6dJb02tU22z_TjwB4jCpTxxz4wnEsSz3SdfhF-pbC7fUWHBf8S-jpZPYEqy_f6kw-0_xZJI3kjUcVMQUtiOraIw43uwQGR/s400/S6300352_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498256814741954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDl-TMSrx2SrjE6m5U30VZP8YeyKMnQ4iqp-qtjCM1aceJYhIxyCEvCxIpNuCO-VqohnCL_zyxsravs8YfKozxgt6AS46xEVMiT_Dzc36pHkW4fdhES2dJYVoXq1Jj8LXs7q/s1600-h/S6300289_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDl-TMSrx2SrjE6m5U30VZP8YeyKMnQ4iqp-qtjCM1aceJYhIxyCEvCxIpNuCO-VqohnCL_zyxsravs8YfKozxgt6AS46xEVMiT_Dzc36pHkW4fdhES2dJYVoXq1Jj8LXs7q/s400/S6300289_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498845059659874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This photo is especially for Matt who requested it. I think this is a really good photo of P in her beanie, so it might be worth salvaging with Photoshop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_tiMjl86MhU3lb4XUF0vToV5GwQjqYyuLxrwDdXXYYCJA_Az3ZATJ6jyD0Rmlbo-2ppTV9EDOIrGpvXYhjtEMk11aeKUKLMfJ7pYZGEQz1x8Vf4vGRxfyymrcS-x9xnH_ruA/s1600-h/S6300298_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_tiMjl86MhU3lb4XUF0vToV5GwQjqYyuLxrwDdXXYYCJA_Az3ZATJ6jyD0Rmlbo-2ppTV9EDOIrGpvXYhjtEMk11aeKUKLMfJ7pYZGEQz1x8Vf4vGRxfyymrcS-x9xnH_ruA/s400/S6300298_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498846866811298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Why build a wharf when you can simply take it with you?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsygr6tJW1mdV95QkF0tnTCbrinqKt-Bb8F3Ls0T3ejLyROljlI6IXDSbgr8YEl5C1gCHV-svSoVcVbZ6wbVtUKAdSnH02kQjOy3MXIONF6sxKXptuXcD3ucmzYylVvWcwnMG9/s1600-h/S6300276_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsygr6tJW1mdV95QkF0tnTCbrinqKt-Bb8F3Ls0T3ejLyROljlI6IXDSbgr8YEl5C1gCHV-svSoVcVbZ6wbVtUKAdSnH02kQjOy3MXIONF6sxKXptuXcD3ucmzYylVvWcwnMG9/s400/S6300276_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498845421169010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A lot of international shipping traffic uses the Mosel. Here's a boatload of licorice pieces destined for France.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8hRl5eki7yduduUUDqLRKeOfBl8iq-3Gdh4r3Nzeu-k_K_SXslLUdQuOzLQJaZ7IcFrsO6tECH8M8M0I_StFKaLyvVW6kauuwwRf2yKUhc_WUHd-7DbzH7z-7MeOWYDT7pR3/s1600-h/S6300265_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8hRl5eki7yduduUUDqLRKeOfBl8iq-3Gdh4r3Nzeu-k_K_SXslLUdQuOzLQJaZ7IcFrsO6tECH8M8M0I_StFKaLyvVW6kauuwwRf2yKUhc_WUHd-7DbzH7z-7MeOWYDT7pR3/s400/S6300265_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261499357156040722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They bring their cars with them for the drive home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68ks63gOHP-exKwkpMsxPtN7O80Wjj213_fUs4ckifdkpFiI3WTWbArorwI36H44FLm1CzmcN93a7oR1yqigrldN69RTauvht1cQpHGxBERNPGW87A5zVxw_sbUv4hvkN_IDJ/s1600-h/S6300266_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68ks63gOHP-exKwkpMsxPtN7O80Wjj213_fUs4ckifdkpFiI3WTWbArorwI36H44FLm1CzmcN93a7oR1yqigrldN69RTauvht1cQpHGxBERNPGW87A5zVxw_sbUv4hvkN_IDJ/s400/S6300266_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498837687829010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are even vineyards right alongside the river. The grapes ripen on the vine and naturally fall onto the slopes, where they roll down into the river. The floating grapes are collected by specially designed hovercraft that suck rather than blow. They've been doing this since Roman times.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkcLyy25Xbhyphenhyphen6HI4twfdrx0IMEDh3wdnIks-f7D6nxlkagcLvIWJmPbBuvTjXV2JRHA08mu-KiNZAW8dfhEDqaPPEb_BZG1BmecTkSnzKudTE8HIBMsAQBKJ6wwFAIEARlZIt/s1600-h/S6300273_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkcLyy25Xbhyphenhyphen6HI4twfdrx0IMEDh3wdnIks-f7D6nxlkagcLvIWJmPbBuvTjXV2JRHA08mu-KiNZAW8dfhEDqaPPEb_BZG1BmecTkSnzKudTE8HIBMsAQBKJ6wwFAIEARlZIt/s400/S6300273_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498838423998114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't know if you can tell but this is Eric Clapton with his guitar and a bongo drum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-_2IQhmewKvlSA5sS0PeO7iTQfsyCZ9uvpW2LmmmMJc4Xd6AUCHgUbPb8c9PxzXKp4n3ZhBQ4hxiWXnVHOQmRZ10YKC79R4jh7SP2bxVvJURGVvs7mJYlqJxMY3UM382NSRH/s1600-h/S6300302_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-_2IQhmewKvlSA5sS0PeO7iTQfsyCZ9uvpW2LmmmMJc4Xd6AUCHgUbPb8c9PxzXKp4n3ZhBQ4hxiWXnVHOQmRZ10YKC79R4jh7SP2bxVvJURGVvs7mJYlqJxMY3UM382NSRH/s400/S6300302_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261498237121350450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tomorrow we're going to hire a couple of bicycles and ride along the Saar river. After that we haven't really worked out where we want to go yet. We are thinking about taking a day cruise between Koblenz and Mainz (although P has just this minute discovered today was the last day of the season) and then spending a few days in the Black Forest region before heading to München and then finally Berlin.<br /><br />We've been on the road now for six weeks - hard to imagine coming back to work to be honest! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this blog. A special thank you to those that leave a comment or send us an email. It's really encouraging to know that people are following our adventures back home. We hope that you are all well and looking after yourselves! :)meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-10792881725307918762008-10-25T08:42:00.010+13:002008-10-25T09:29:01.653+13:00Essen Spiel!Guten Tag!<br /><br />We have just completed our two days at the world-famous boardgame exhibition "Spiel 2008" in Essen, Germany. We had a fantastic time. Those of you that know me and my wife will know that we enjoy playing certain types of boardgames with our friends. These games are sometimes known as "Euro" or "German Style" games. In fact, many are still designed in Germany although more and more they may be designed elsewhere in the world. The games often have little or no luck and require strategy and planning to succeed. Some are rather intellectual, some are just plain fun.<br /><br />Anyway, "Spiel" is a massive 4-day boardgame trade and demonstration exhibition that is held every year in Essen. It's held at the Essen Messe which is a massive convention centre. I don't know the actual dimensions but imagine multiple football fields of space filled with stalls and exhibitions. It's really incredible. I read somewhere that over 140,000 people visit the exhibition over the four days! You can talk to the designers, artists and publishers, play many new and famous games, meet new people with similar interests, and of course buy some brand new or second-hand games!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ52EiCreivy313tOmIiC1hYkykDSDrr4Zj1lA-GKJkhLXkuAOoQcKUuo-B5LMCAjC-eIkCF1C_QgjjBpU_kvkpDnR4Ayo_JkgIuZQqJW-XMAZ2uIrJ3Cv85WpLQ_1oaolKi8K/s1600-h/S6300081_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ52EiCreivy313tOmIiC1hYkykDSDrr4Zj1lA-GKJkhLXkuAOoQcKUuo-B5LMCAjC-eIkCF1C_QgjjBpU_kvkpDnR4Ayo_JkgIuZQqJW-XMAZ2uIrJ3Cv85WpLQ_1oaolKi8K/s400/S6300081_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810426320070162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were really looking forward to being here...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5muxc5nxLUErc6BCVkTPPQujCJA9VGvlUg1meWzVMpEGy07pEkDBQKiVHm4pP6O0fbqoNVSmOn3GNA3uiuL8ZRvCH1v2CJcr5kaFdFL6zcX337hHwBp5SMCpDB-pjBu8nSUK/s1600-h/S6300079_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5muxc5nxLUErc6BCVkTPPQujCJA9VGvlUg1meWzVMpEGy07pEkDBQKiVHm4pP6O0fbqoNVSmOn3GNA3uiuL8ZRvCH1v2CJcr5kaFdFL6zcX337hHwBp5SMCpDB-pjBu8nSUK/s400/S6300079_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260811765173415970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We arrived a bit early but we already had tickets so we went into the waiting area... it was crowded so we waited over by the side. Suddenly, a security screen rose up and we found ourselves almost directly in front of the main doors! This is how it looked to me as the doorman held people back and the press inside looked on...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uW8DZgjf_fQ1A0JRDWps7VWrB8FSgPz_9Jr0l05IjdkQR5XRvUp3zFI4ToNGJS6FgDIZ1zou9IG3NftUuoy6_8Rf2hsLaRJEVRHoE38SXrV48CE4l6616vCydUVE8rtK8zuv/s1600-h/S6300086_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uW8DZgjf_fQ1A0JRDWps7VWrB8FSgPz_9Jr0l05IjdkQR5XRvUp3zFI4ToNGJS6FgDIZ1zou9IG3NftUuoy6_8Rf2hsLaRJEVRHoE38SXrV48CE4l6616vCydUVE8rtK8zuv/s400/S6300086_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810433438010738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And this is how it looked to P ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine4bGVS6k9oxhTYdy5ZKOwDiRnVoOtQe6AcLm5wr8odcg4t8qITmPGdO2JOBasNPK0x3Mv3UNgdTgfQYY_43WzYf3hlNRK0P2ZadPJelmvi4gF_hlHURJ3Ip7JxLhZOKwBDlE/s1600-h/S6300089_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine4bGVS6k9oxhTYdy5ZKOwDiRnVoOtQe6AcLm5wr8odcg4t8qITmPGdO2JOBasNPK0x3Mv3UNgdTgfQYY_43WzYf3hlNRK0P2ZadPJelmvi4gF_hlHURJ3Ip7JxLhZOKwBDlE/s400/S6300089_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810447644360610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At 10am the doors were opened and we were propelled by the happy and expectant crowd into the exhibition halls. We were actually amongst the first people inside, which was actually really exciting. Everything was bright and shiny!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zEUjpqkyed7qFjMcV2csyA41Ti7JeJKHKBkpc9RjLPQIWIGzT7L4UkwRqpEdxZk1ob859j74P56r_t-gdeyWpVhGH6nf4JimG49ke-xjWJ6pJrODdJLokzlmStXG3EdUzeg0/s1600-h/S6300091_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zEUjpqkyed7qFjMcV2csyA41Ti7JeJKHKBkpc9RjLPQIWIGzT7L4UkwRqpEdxZk1ob859j74P56r_t-gdeyWpVhGH6nf4JimG49ke-xjWJ6pJrODdJLokzlmStXG3EdUzeg0/s400/S6300091_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810445196906562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some larger publishers have areas for playing their games with anyone else around who is interested. I took this photo within minutes of entering and I´ve just noticed that we ended up meeting those people you see seated and playing some games with them over the two days. Quite a coincidence.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsBFLaWFfVMjOlPfiJKMIvFrQ_LTMoW5svbY96pf8yQG-s9rKaVMpOMUwhC4OBU62Uh0zEsKwv1TxaFGd226vs0DJN3UL6nDbMQmraEN_HNDgCYWmV3guH6rdYiAhPME08CTR/s1600-h/S6300094_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsBFLaWFfVMjOlPfiJKMIvFrQ_LTMoW5svbY96pf8yQG-s9rKaVMpOMUwhC4OBU62Uh0zEsKwv1TxaFGd226vs0DJN3UL6nDbMQmraEN_HNDgCYWmV3guH6rdYiAhPME08CTR/s400/S6300094_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810956426526594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's a view of hall '4' - this is a smaller hall of which there were about six or seven in total.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlWxeJNB6w4NUFTG0hDf4pQugkZdxuGTxBmC0hNpHE75x-02JEopPxM4yW_Wvb0o55vkZ6ZzURAgGEZVoOb4RaR207C22BppYkki0DZFSVVEdKphGXWm7NKDD7xNn5K-xbvEl/s1600-h/S6300105_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlWxeJNB6w4NUFTG0hDf4pQugkZdxuGTxBmC0hNpHE75x-02JEopPxM4yW_Wvb0o55vkZ6ZzURAgGEZVoOb4RaR207C22BppYkki0DZFSVVEdKphGXWm7NKDD7xNn5K-xbvEl/s400/S6300105_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810964021838130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P enjoying a game of Strozzi, a new game by Dr. Reiner Knizia. Interestingly, we visited all four cities shown on that game board in the last two weeks...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZxQNuah4QqFmuRLpEISAmYDvLiqxD1WLDvWFLcgt_mKR5Gsjk0cO0s5ZF78XXVFYKtTq5VTOZcWHJ_ucnf7G9graYyTg2FCI3-N3ESaWC5j6ZJZYRfMmrXiNr7cWSXiannzP/s1600-h/S6300131_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZxQNuah4QqFmuRLpEISAmYDvLiqxD1WLDvWFLcgt_mKR5Gsjk0cO0s5ZF78XXVFYKtTq5VTOZcWHJ_ucnf7G9graYyTg2FCI3-N3ESaWC5j6ZJZYRfMmrXiNr7cWSXiannzP/s400/S6300131_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260812107426684258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The publisher of "Leader 1" built this demo gameboard for Spiel - impressive stuff!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8zU12-shFSBa1hvflIMlHmk8yt-fBp8tB3x5FCIUt5eGd5EyuV53IF4prLi63o8D_gOmQ2XrSuAC9f6eXE7ygQJNhnyLiCoDqIF0v4xmhlmX4jetR8fesvBZevbvk17dcdwj/s1600-h/S6300109_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8zU12-shFSBa1hvflIMlHmk8yt-fBp8tB3x5FCIUt5eGd5EyuV53IF4prLi63o8D_gOmQ2XrSuAC9f6eXE7ygQJNhnyLiCoDqIF0v4xmhlmX4jetR8fesvBZevbvk17dcdwj/s400/S6300109_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810966215570322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here P pretends to have won a game of Wasabi... actually, she lost to me convincingly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1AabY7UWV8bBWArQOqbguYkjXsEaGzyEZnIsI6FQDR7hv521UpJxf8KId75jk3yww9vKpCMQVSsBt5c-lam5TyaOTjVq0eMHQ5RqLNTvq4YjLaef4oXLVr6xAMmQIXJC5sIv/s1600-h/S6300133_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1AabY7UWV8bBWArQOqbguYkjXsEaGzyEZnIsI6FQDR7hv521UpJxf8KId75jk3yww9vKpCMQVSsBt5c-lam5TyaOTjVq0eMHQ5RqLNTvq4YjLaef4oXLVr6xAMmQIXJC5sIv/s400/S6300133_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260810975796740914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are the games we picked up... note carefully the cover of "<a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/game/760">Battle Line</a>" in the bottom left... yes, some will know we already own Battle Line but it never hurts to have another copy, especially when it's personally signed by the Good Doctor himself, right? :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDff53R_xf637GjmqAfou3HMoPsObkIlI4mAV-KzoTI35LlG-lr7lYSs_798TlFEOUz2j5IoZHyUJ1ihSpchvbCco26vzeFGxiyVXzAos7Td09jt_ySh8jKl7Wjx1uGyJgXbG/s1600-h/S6300157_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDff53R_xf637GjmqAfou3HMoPsObkIlI4mAV-KzoTI35LlG-lr7lYSs_798TlFEOUz2j5IoZHyUJ1ihSpchvbCco26vzeFGxiyVXzAos7Td09jt_ySh8jKl7Wjx1uGyJgXbG/s400/S6300157_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260811807104446418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, here he is in person :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0YKiUnbjwCu-xEgk9FWLpL9QsaPLw-o48HHJlykYL2z0jzt110nc6fS4Zd9rxBP2RCr0KjDV_tH0ynOg9Xzb-tg9wK_VzRUO6LWIPqWXQYTToMCBz2Ti09x5KB-HUh-LyQn7/s1600-h/S6300154_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0YKiUnbjwCu-xEgk9FWLpL9QsaPLw-o48HHJlykYL2z0jzt110nc6fS4Zd9rxBP2RCr0KjDV_tH0ynOg9Xzb-tg9wK_VzRUO6LWIPqWXQYTToMCBz2Ti09x5KB-HUh-LyQn7/s400/S6300154_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260811799614232930" border="0" /></a><br />If you don't know, that's Dr. Reiner Knizia, designer of over 200 eurogames, including the masterpiece <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/game/42">Tigris & Euphrates</a>. He quit his job in high finance to spend his time designing eurogames full time. He's almost a saint in these parts...<br /><br />And some of you will recognise this guy (or his hair at least). Friedemann Friese is the designer of our favourite boardgame "<a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/game/2651">Power Grid</a>". He graciously agreed to a photograph with P. She was really chuffed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV7UzlHJ84E5qpu7fMqW9uNkl8aDbLYCnlLWcDILo4GhaRCYqoAQmJpQoz3tTcP58W_lsr6suf48lPIW5CDRvHIRXALlycD8dvc80l1OPNN6DUbstu-CL76hCwa8WVqyOz5WE/s1600-h/S6300147_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV7UzlHJ84E5qpu7fMqW9uNkl8aDbLYCnlLWcDILo4GhaRCYqoAQmJpQoz3tTcP58W_lsr6suf48lPIW5CDRvHIRXALlycD8dvc80l1OPNN6DUbstu-CL76hCwa8WVqyOz5WE/s400/S6300147_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260811770318593362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And that's all from us in Essen. Tomorrow we head to Trier, via Cologne, for some wine tasting, maybe a boat trip, and perhaps a bit of mountain biking.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-72687003911593897202008-10-25T08:27:00.004+13:002008-10-25T08:41:16.854+13:00Ravenna, Italy to Essen, GermanyThe following all sounds a bit dramatic but it was actually quite fun and we made it so no worries eh? :)<br /><br />Two days ago we made the journey from Ravenna, Italy, to Essen, Germany. A distance of about 870 km. This turned out to be rather exciting...<br /><br />We had planned it several weeks ago using the Trenitalia and Ryanair (more about them later) websites. We managed to break it down into a train ride to Bologna, then a train to Milano, then a bus to Bergamo airport, then a flight to Weeze near Düsseldorf, then a bus to Essen HBF (rail station) then an underground to Porscheplatz and then a short walk to our hotel. Easy huh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqbfEIRZMMWW6ZjBSYweo-nSZAu7O3mmIbD2Z2sYz8k8VC1UimYJhr3NHehsok1gTfIyBuQ8uN9i00nXJfpKSw6FyYJWVpOST6puD9Y_IUFcLf2MTjgQGIrc-6kpWhClpGf94/s1600-h/S6300024_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqbfEIRZMMWW6ZjBSYweo-nSZAu7O3mmIbD2Z2sYz8k8VC1UimYJhr3NHehsok1gTfIyBuQ8uN9i00nXJfpKSw6FyYJWVpOST6puD9Y_IUFcLf2MTjgQGIrc-6kpWhClpGf94/s400/S6300024_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260807353448954242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We rose at 6am and walked to the Ravenna railway station for our 7:49 train. No problems. This train was on time, and got us to Bologna as expected. Unfortunately in Bologna there was utter chaos - one train delayed over 2 hours! Our connecting train (on which we had specific seats booked) was delayed 40 minutes. An earlier one hadn't even left yet. We watched rather nervously as the delay increased over time. We really had to make the bus connection at Milano otherwise we would arrive late at the airport. Anyway I made an executive decision and downgraded our ticket to a slower train that (provided it wasn't also delayed) would actually arrive 10 minutes earlier than our late train, if it didn't get any later.<br /><br />If you followed that so far, stay with me.<br /><br />Because we had no seat reserved on this new train, we had to sit in the aisle for a couple of hours. There are little fold-down seats so that wasn't too bad, but we had to get up every minute or two when people wanted to pass on their way to the bathroom. In the end I spent most of the time just standing. But we watched the scenery whizz by and had a good chat with each other.<br /><br />Our bus from Milano was due to leave at midday. I've never known a train to move so slowly when only 200 metres from the final platform. The time was about 12:03 and when the doors opened we made a sprint for the bus terminal (carrying 20 kilos each, so not all that fast really).<br /><br />Anyway, we missed the bus.<br /><br />But we got another one at 12:30. This was scheduled to get us to the airport at 13:30. Ryanair have a notorious policy of closing check-in 40 minutes before departure (14:20, so 13:40 closure), so we figured we had 10 minutes to spare.<br /><br />We arrived at the airport at 13:25. Yay. We got to check in. P's bag was 1 kg too heavy. Doh! The check-in girl gave me two options - go away and repack, or repack right there. There was a big queue behind us. I asked her when check-in closes. She said 5 minutes... so we repacked right there. Too bad for anyone else behind us I'm afraid but I'm sure they're over it now.<br /><br />Turns out the plane was delayed by about an hour... this was putting our bus transfer at Weeze in jeopardy. While waiting to board someone leaned against one of the security doors and set off the alarm. Now we were waiting with a deafening siren. It turned off after about 10 minutes but nobody came running... amusing really. Everyone laughed at the poor guy.<br /><br />Finally, we boarded. This brings me to the worst part of our entire day - the Ryanair "theme music" that they play incessantly as people board the plane. I really can't describe it other than a cross between a repetitive nursery rhyme tune and a polka. They played it over and over and over... arggg....<br /><br />Then we flew to Weeze, quickly left the terminal (the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement">Schengen Agreement</a> is a wonderful thing - no passport check on arrival), made our bus connection, taken to Essen HBF. Phew.<br /><br />Now to use the underground to get to our hotel.<br /><br />The underground station was closed due to construction work! We tried several access areas but all were closed. Eventually we found another entrance though. Now to figure out how the tickets work. Not simple, but we finally got it with some help from a friendly ticket agent.<br /><br />We made it to our hotel locale, we even found the hotel. But... where the heck was reception?! Not on any of the four floors I climbed twice that's for sure. Turned out we were in the second part of the hotel, Reception was across the street. We were pretty tired by now!<br /><br />Anyway, checked in, went out for dinner. Everything closed at 8pm so we had Burger King. Drunken Germans on our hotel balcony right outside our window kept me awake until 3am but otherwise the end of a very exciting day :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh8MlrI-oLNY29WkB_xZWdV7TflpGlRsLuzNgm9dpgRQpTOl7UpbUQ2LtMxnhCZ1E8BV_mh0K4zyNnWUiJ69KWshFen3EoomV3higKB5pabSLaigdDKXf27dO-u2YNRYSG50z/s1600-h/S6300061_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh8MlrI-oLNY29WkB_xZWdV7TflpGlRsLuzNgm9dpgRQpTOl7UpbUQ2LtMxnhCZ1E8BV_mh0K4zyNnWUiJ69KWshFen3EoomV3higKB5pabSLaigdDKXf27dO-u2YNRYSG50z/s400/S6300061_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260807398758672978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You might wonder why we left things so tight. Well, actually they weren't that bad. We had contingencies planned at every point, but what we didn't have were contingencies in case a contingency failed... oh well, that's the fun of traveling!meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-10449255071688600692008-10-22T02:49:00.021+13:002008-10-22T09:21:56.544+13:00Photos!After a reboot and some messing around, I managed to get access to my photos. So here are some new ones...<br /><br /><div></div>The Milano Duomo in 11,000 wooden pieces... I discovered this in an old abandoned school building outside of Asti. We weren't supposed to be there actually, but while trying to climb over the wall a friendly local walked past and directed us to the actual gate, which was open...<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihezOPewID6cLYJ-r3FO1a0URscWiV96YXFHRSDjj0Lypqg9UeyCqh9H5wxTRVa4B8vmnGKbjEsgcZz_1Vq_gx68s9FiQwfYTsU2WvNWGfUjn3PS4A5R6l23bE3x3SQ37LgAl4/s1600-h/S6300284_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616779346685266" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihezOPewID6cLYJ-r3FO1a0URscWiV96YXFHRSDjj0Lypqg9UeyCqh9H5wxTRVa4B8vmnGKbjEsgcZz_1Vq_gx68s9FiQwfYTsU2WvNWGfUjn3PS4A5R6l23bE3x3SQ37LgAl4/s400/S6300284_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>And here's the real thing:<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6ToPOupt7JHWnizi3oW_14Fa2v6t_jPTwA5FVsMxBmSovHazFZjWpy8jAS9rjUpGxEmlrGjB1un-5pC2tUr-MwWl1uL1PBudvAQQvsnCnkLkAsNvRs3jJQqpoaeJiC2MK4Q/s1600-h/S6300344_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6ToPOupt7JHWnizi3oW_14Fa2v6t_jPTwA5FVsMxBmSovHazFZjWpy8jAS9rjUpGxEmlrGjB1un-5pC2tUr-MwWl1uL1PBudvAQQvsnCnkLkAsNvRs3jJQqpoaeJiC2MK4Q/s400/S6300344_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259702731733956034" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div> </div>This is the building that contains Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Last Supper fresco. Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside, but I can assure you it was breathtaking.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqc2sIoEbxXq9w8pav7ywmsGA-X_den93BahV3DGzLu10V0QPUAg_uzzZmIhEotUTQ6Eh0aPYcxStlC-RWrQ88Vb5ftIwXAX3rWLLRV5-4MHRpplFHr3-hKrlsPnAkuiyucxv/s1600-h/S6300330_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616779085274946" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqc2sIoEbxXq9w8pav7ywmsGA-X_den93BahV3DGzLu10V0QPUAg_uzzZmIhEotUTQ6Eh0aPYcxStlC-RWrQ88Vb5ftIwXAX3rWLLRV5-4MHRpplFHr3-hKrlsPnAkuiyucxv/s400/S6300330_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh6y17MELkkfIJui-AckT_mJyjL33F_FFfFmAk0Tvw1apOSRYuRF7DedwJtL_g8a-Lj8F-ouSJ1LFkSAI7XtVo6X8y1WRQZLRnUZ1r1QJavtchKZgrabggHEUtbhaJ6ql4UVn/s1600-h/S6300344_1024x768.JPG"></a><br /></div><br /><p>Then on to Lago di Como (Lake Como), the second largest of the northern lakes of Italy. Here's a group of us on a ferry. From left to right: Chantelle (Auckland), Judy (Perth), P, random, Sarah (Canberra), Mike (Perth), Clinton (Melbourne). Lots of Aussies on our trips :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy9nhs09fX77YbIo3bStoLY0sDP8ukvTyoEmRVtvBNYDl0JZzJM5QJcubiXE59TEyFXkxdrrRo34CF1W6hyhyphenhyphenl7OukCUd0osEqamgZelHyM8pMjgFC0-IUkqkYRszVSsuQr61/s1600-h/S6300379_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616387855851218" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy9nhs09fX77YbIo3bStoLY0sDP8ukvTyoEmRVtvBNYDl0JZzJM5QJcubiXE59TEyFXkxdrrRo34CF1W6hyhyphenhyphenl7OukCUd0osEqamgZelHyM8pMjgFC0-IUkqkYRszVSsuQr61/s400/S6300379_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><div> </div><div>Cool huh? This was my favourite day in Italy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O31FIQOS28qT0LxR37ZY0G7fPUKlJh9V-qbSpOWDdNcO57a67MX9mwFmy3H83PghJOkyMQnjbNfNgNnAAPXbJ4A52TF8ZuBjCyNC3UhmvL8sx7rWdLL1COYMcf-v1r4Lah1x/s1600-h/S6300380_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616384841804210" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O31FIQOS28qT0LxR37ZY0G7fPUKlJh9V-qbSpOWDdNcO57a67MX9mwFmy3H83PghJOkyMQnjbNfNgNnAAPXbJ4A52TF8ZuBjCyNC3UhmvL8sx7rWdLL1COYMcf-v1r4Lah1x/s400/S6300380_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Looking down on Bellagio:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNymu22yR83P_yHjqXdQtD8Ep_cUBrC2H9r2l9CH_SBp2s-ROlAz3ZmYOfetbP13woG_cb_YE82fbny09B7suK8_BVjUHUTk0EG6tVPsFEVGPViMFrLgcosg52PyfZ80Yin5/s1600-h/S6300404_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616389380983218" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNymu22yR83P_yHjqXdQtD8Ep_cUBrC2H9r2l9CH_SBp2s-ROlAz3ZmYOfetbP13woG_cb_YE82fbny09B7suK8_BVjUHUTk0EG6tVPsFEVGPViMFrLgcosg52PyfZ80Yin5/s400/S6300404_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>You can just make out a little church halfway up that mountainous rock. Unfortunately time did not permit a climb up there.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiC6uXAFlpYPaPsjKFpM9Qr4-7Cl8KVJX9bbX9tYPOwafNgngusAc5lW5sJUNh0nQ8X004BTZjj23ucY-8gAw3rlW2apne7Y5Xzga5t4lCDOhFbB7ZG92FEcpwLgeg_Xw-qZe/s1600-h/S6300416_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616392165965730" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiC6uXAFlpYPaPsjKFpM9Qr4-7Cl8KVJX9bbX9tYPOwafNgngusAc5lW5sJUNh0nQ8X004BTZjj23ucY-8gAw3rlW2apne7Y5Xzga5t4lCDOhFbB7ZG92FEcpwLgeg_Xw-qZe/s400/S6300416_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Many ferries service numerous towns around the lake.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc1PZJ9lceMRTf8Emc7oiRHT3Za4d6qTIKmJ8jqQSB_3bVqhbCp4x_ZLijdhMv7uXXcX2DhtWrX2as1dGpNcwzA6H0WNLMH56FB8fC3pPlifUCXEdNWzgt5XxNICj340Zie0O/s1600-h/S6300419_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616137310672050" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc1PZJ9lceMRTf8Emc7oiRHT3Za4d6qTIKmJ8jqQSB_3bVqhbCp4x_ZLijdhMv7uXXcX2DhtWrX2as1dGpNcwzA6H0WNLMH56FB8fC3pPlifUCXEdNWzgt5XxNICj340Zie0O/s400/S6300419_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeR720JHObtMIjOMH1xvMpSgMtJNaIlHSH2yVIwpNDbFhnQrX0AqiIEBxhaWIbNL39TAyvuzwajJVBpHnCscg9MyYmBCS-8pzjRmcuHf2uw3pqXPSqLwqQKLiRxU8M2SRNhFH/s1600-h/S6300428_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616141018247170" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeR720JHObtMIjOMH1xvMpSgMtJNaIlHSH2yVIwpNDbFhnQrX0AqiIEBxhaWIbNL39TAyvuzwajJVBpHnCscg9MyYmBCS-8pzjRmcuHf2uw3pqXPSqLwqQKLiRxU8M2SRNhFH/s400/S6300428_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>This is the town of Varenna. There's a small castle on the nearest hill, which we walked up to.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7_UvQtcXf9egYMonQLLdI7cuiNh5F6KlGb6XikbPOflIB_vMhVHoF1EQq8rdhLRb5d1c2vT7w8tH1MH5OoWVLhCjK6J-ie93JY3JEg8vXgs3zg_LYyhN6nER3HrISXgXKq9B/s1600-h/S6300435_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616148403877618" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7_UvQtcXf9egYMonQLLdI7cuiNh5F6KlGb6XikbPOflIB_vMhVHoF1EQq8rdhLRb5d1c2vT7w8tH1MH5OoWVLhCjK6J-ie93JY3JEg8vXgs3zg_LYyhN6nER3HrISXgXKq9B/s400/S6300435_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>The view from the castle grounds. That boat is right in my cannon sights...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xaHE_YuGk5YjOe7tGG621Y8Bzz_H3mOVl_zBTgI-uxVDH_selBIGXuqtTleBkdDdS8lek8P8zN3qjfiU5rK0cg-rhwzLo2WcK-vxQG5WGEzFnpq2XHaPhZEw-SUZd0Fbqvce/s1600-h/S6300449_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616154139332002" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xaHE_YuGk5YjOe7tGG621Y8Bzz_H3mOVl_zBTgI-uxVDH_selBIGXuqtTleBkdDdS8lek8P8zN3qjfiU5rK0cg-rhwzLo2WcK-vxQG5WGEzFnpq2XHaPhZEw-SUZd0Fbqvce/s400/S6300449_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>A bit random to find a lawn with tethered birds of prey sitting around.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCr7NIVu5QON-R-WSaTkQdoCayaq6vxqQ-G-gw2sWDXTH4ewAscZQDHNhNUuU_CJLge342Bl629MqaFtZnX_bnq8z535bOUeioc2xMqqJG8BXll0-hMBTzLums-42L6QrcWHd/s1600-h/S6300451_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259616154778756370" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCr7NIVu5QON-R-WSaTkQdoCayaq6vxqQ-G-gw2sWDXTH4ewAscZQDHNhNUuU_CJLge342Bl629MqaFtZnX_bnq8z535bOUeioc2xMqqJG8BXll0-hMBTzLums-42L6QrcWHd/s400/S6300451_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This one is called Linda.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXkOJeyDHRJwplTNWbuKnUy2jnbDnhOHuV6RQpGHMzYw9Zyrgue0NKrP0mK_J_8PTp-ObH7KTVeIwpT6kZ-fNScoZRWTWqDq-cPXeoxwB27Ki1uQ85TsGXRH6CwJGx9HcrnJQ/s1600-h/S6300457_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615800051370194" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXkOJeyDHRJwplTNWbuKnUy2jnbDnhOHuV6RQpGHMzYw9Zyrgue0NKrP0mK_J_8PTp-ObH7KTVeIwpT6kZ-fNScoZRWTWqDq-cPXeoxwB27Ki1uQ85TsGXRH6CwJGx9HcrnJQ/s400/S6300457_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>And this one is called... uh oh... where'd she go?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFyjQ4rrvcWGg5YIef49SRLekqNAKDw7ZFGyado5n6vAw-NN-9aXLJXa3fmNNUVIuzisobScvOyrR2AQlRpY7_KOrOIBQ9bOiaHLoWrMtU5bnG7uUEsCgo_ZQ9GhKlR4VxNri/s1600-h/S6300459_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615810531669922" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFyjQ4rrvcWGg5YIef49SRLekqNAKDw7ZFGyado5n6vAw-NN-9aXLJXa3fmNNUVIuzisobScvOyrR2AQlRpY7_KOrOIBQ9bOiaHLoWrMtU5bnG7uUEsCgo_ZQ9GhKlR4VxNri/s400/S6300459_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>I really liked this view.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxvPjTQqlo6Knjo9luWbNZaqbLWUOB38dK4W4zvTnW-K44aRI0o3H0YiTKsqmbRFvSKl_q3f4aU2K7OBn2zikc0OiJeBn3pJLfGEeCWfWZ29QbyoPt9PpOyGVl4dS_i0C8fz0/s1600-h/S6300460_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615813919289026" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxvPjTQqlo6Knjo9luWbNZaqbLWUOB38dK4W4zvTnW-K44aRI0o3H0YiTKsqmbRFvSKl_q3f4aU2K7OBn2zikc0OiJeBn3pJLfGEeCWfWZ29QbyoPt9PpOyGVl4dS_i0C8fz0/s400/S6300460_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Approaching the castle tower.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn_EI8inkLjeuwScAdw4lYGV9_a7WE2isXjcJEc0MRSFluTgodKpxkJxcSVXyA7H7UhyphenhyphenMqeJfs-6VK6E5n-jtJFWK_YWIRFaA0HYu_w9UVyc-UI5i_FOshUw_3lFxSt6ewm7e/s1600-h/S6300487_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615468785034258" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn_EI8inkLjeuwScAdw4lYGV9_a7WE2isXjcJEc0MRSFluTgodKpxkJxcSVXyA7H7UhyphenhyphenMqeJfs-6VK6E5n-jtJFWK_YWIRFaA0HYu_w9UVyc-UI5i_FOshUw_3lFxSt6ewm7e/s400/S6300487_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div> </div>Surveying the lands from the castle tower.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwXg4kj1wLBJF6wh65a0pH0IdGN9i578SKS3pFSfxREZFwIs8q_lF33qTkbotzhpRUiaXPLha_6BftmAJCsGpS72y2JlzXMpT8C7CCU9-1yfHIBUBYBOxUP4ppQM1j3tWGxEz/s1600-h/S6300467_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615823709828354" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwXg4kj1wLBJF6wh65a0pH0IdGN9i578SKS3pFSfxREZFwIs8q_lF33qTkbotzhpRUiaXPLha_6BftmAJCsGpS72y2JlzXMpT8C7CCU9-1yfHIBUBYBOxUP4ppQM1j3tWGxEz/s400/S6300467_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Good lake views too.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWkbqx6E_IyVuMZp5A4AEDfBTf9RWn38TMST3V6eUnH925C8SZoLDx62F2sGEh8ept4t2pXtvp871RbkUEkbkxIWAmOdVJD5el_WUrAsVfAd2i1sRf7e0HhdrxDBKM3jN4atn/s1600-h/S6300474_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615828898547554" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWkbqx6E_IyVuMZp5A4AEDfBTf9RWn38TMST3V6eUnH925C8SZoLDx62F2sGEh8ept4t2pXtvp871RbkUEkbkxIWAmOdVJD5el_WUrAsVfAd2i1sRf7e0HhdrxDBKM3jN4atn/s400/S6300474_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Prepare to repel marauding invaders!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOGJBkSXZnnUpJU2VTQk6-CvmjeYitEymfBVUc7Nn5Vf58zuMr65e-UWDWZJMx7eqPV6ohG9fF2m7KXGtWyy9RgbAgtLxxGhSQuL1-JWy3jvnTttgfX7tQmtQyGokL1M3VHpj/s1600-h/S6300476_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615464478552530" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOGJBkSXZnnUpJU2VTQk6-CvmjeYitEymfBVUc7Nn5Vf58zuMr65e-UWDWZJMx7eqPV6ohG9fF2m7KXGtWyy9RgbAgtLxxGhSQuL1-JWy3jvnTttgfX7tQmtQyGokL1M3VHpj/s400/S6300476_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>To arms!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhHmc6bbzHXkYxLD-5kH8eNec6ea3EsZLx7nQ9tilqESeyZr8r-vZMHYvffxf-XKiKKKyFjwlr3xBUzqgNhFXkoJGSwiX_Hxp2eunDjFy4q9lMlqy5H69NKC4OMQXyxuRvX4h/s1600-h/SV400024.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhHmc6bbzHXkYxLD-5kH8eNec6ea3EsZLx7nQ9tilqESeyZr8r-vZMHYvffxf-XKiKKKyFjwlr3xBUzqgNhFXkoJGSwiX_Hxp2eunDjFy4q9lMlqy5H69NKC4OMQXyxuRvX4h/s400/SV400024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259702741373795426" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div>The castle is in very good condition.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpd5VpIhD-wGf3Pw7ze0hE3k3uO1XLlrOfLTJRxL2XgUFqk_vfNSRCYbaXUUtEEh5pdIEQNFjm-0U7-j-oRVUHso6NKVgLbIaOmsq9-ToU3FN58AGJccKwPEoXE6s0jEQZNxu/s1600-h/S6300478_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615466759945858" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpd5VpIhD-wGf3Pw7ze0hE3k3uO1XLlrOfLTJRxL2XgUFqk_vfNSRCYbaXUUtEEh5pdIEQNFjm-0U7-j-oRVUHso6NKVgLbIaOmsq9-ToU3FN58AGJccKwPEoXE6s0jEQZNxu/s400/S6300478_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>A view down the lakeside to another town.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYEmjkS3hxWfS63xpSPDHOh93fLSYbbnzL_XWywRGaL4gC62LT7Dh-GJYPYcCF58q46wVgAMuLibwKsn8Ff18Izu9istCaMo2lRL24JrCmizfzUBS2XLuaehfaFh_jCR5zJpj/s1600-h/S6300494_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615473499048386" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYEmjkS3hxWfS63xpSPDHOh93fLSYbbnzL_XWywRGaL4gC62LT7Dh-GJYPYcCF58q46wVgAMuLibwKsn8Ff18Izu9istCaMo2lRL24JrCmizfzUBS2XLuaehfaFh_jCR5zJpj/s400/S6300494_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here we have a happy traveler on her way to Venezia.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_o2Kl81D-RGhpq6dAsUhsMvy9HD4myVV2Ad6r8nnbQsbN_t3iXOmQXF_hw0_R7YI-vsbHjcMzbNIUQsHos-KT1Gpg6YoQW9lwe9hBkEaeLWnwD1vKmQVn95ThRcXLcj8-dtl/s1600-h/S6300520_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615043049451922" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_o2Kl81D-RGhpq6dAsUhsMvy9HD4myVV2Ad6r8nnbQsbN_t3iXOmQXF_hw0_R7YI-vsbHjcMzbNIUQsHos-KT1Gpg6YoQW9lwe9hBkEaeLWnwD1vKmQVn95ThRcXLcj8-dtl/s400/S6300520_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Some typical Venice sights.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSqMZq6BhEwfl79KaqxGpmD9pTXuRDb5HBnxLl4YSRsliDZSEcrY1LnHm-_R2FbimqSvb3a3_xVxIUF25Tqav9JPHLxhyflOyv25zloTaBy1-jt4pLYQQs7YKYLRugTx4hX1M/s1600-h/S6300528_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615046080738178" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSqMZq6BhEwfl79KaqxGpmD9pTXuRDb5HBnxLl4YSRsliDZSEcrY1LnHm-_R2FbimqSvb3a3_xVxIUF25Tqav9JPHLxhyflOyv25zloTaBy1-jt4pLYQQs7YKYLRugTx4hX1M/s400/S6300528_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSaq4K5NmQhoAtpBR91wbY3qJkRQYt3Vo8d8JF2PacDWU7l2NznfwpiZrKKI5dpwpYOsesMhiDGy2GygdreXo2n2Xntn5aaLciqm1Q9dSbuWDBmimJc9PcGHZotJs2iW_eEeL/s1600-h/S6300535_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615056705768866" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSaq4K5NmQhoAtpBR91wbY3qJkRQYt3Vo8d8JF2PacDWU7l2NznfwpiZrKKI5dpwpYOsesMhiDGy2GygdreXo2n2Xntn5aaLciqm1Q9dSbuWDBmimJc9PcGHZotJs2iW_eEeL/s400/S6300535_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29vWLsEehBL-1gcQhyphenhyphene7rXMip9VsLZ8_i1lMnjPdDv3CFzISc-Gi-21z30X47MiznELc19p5RfWoqeRlh0cFuDu1glwxyLZNDzvV7gYvle16A9vCJNVkKUhOXLYaOj5-NUotN/s1600-h/S6300540_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615057251495538" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29vWLsEehBL-1gcQhyphenhyphene7rXMip9VsLZ8_i1lMnjPdDv3CFzISc-Gi-21z30X47MiznELc19p5RfWoqeRlh0cFuDu1glwxyLZNDzvV7gYvle16A9vCJNVkKUhOXLYaOj5-NUotN/s400/S6300540_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYv3I5XGt92iM3i-td2VTFLqc9-LvCpQxGULZCGJZXgVJE2Nst5WAvuVUt_9nikH-JOVsPsprbCOX3Q9vMAunoePn2j3vxHgkAZznwBg9SupTr60pvuJThONybqMqJucVsZ6U/s1600-h/S6300541_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259615064989091698" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYv3I5XGt92iM3i-td2VTFLqc9-LvCpQxGULZCGJZXgVJE2Nst5WAvuVUt_9nikH-JOVsPsprbCOX3Q9vMAunoePn2j3vxHgkAZznwBg9SupTr60pvuJThONybqMqJucVsZ6U/s400/S6300541_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of our traveling companions, Chantelle, just moments before she got into serious trouble from the angry shop owner behind her...</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghamk-PFaveyYZM5KmvU1kp4enKcvn12YgmofDQc2o9WiKOqR5feQEt0aiX-zqAvLAOnMtrAJ0t4Kmut_WG4pvBIWBm_hIwn_bdRRV4336gDKuR7jysEEEunaEUSeKwJrhUUw/s1600-h/S6300557_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614746513926402" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghamk-PFaveyYZM5KmvU1kp4enKcvn12YgmofDQc2o9WiKOqR5feQEt0aiX-zqAvLAOnMtrAJ0t4Kmut_WG4pvBIWBm_hIwn_bdRRV4336gDKuR7jysEEEunaEUSeKwJrhUUw/s400/S6300557_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>P, Clinton and Sarah on one of the 409 bridges around Venezia.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcK2UrMbut9tU8dz4QPoACQhOFxYzRq15oYXZb94fRfqdH8PRKefip44i44CmtvWm0l9Ha7LimdZDjwVANxw3vmOQ4UxjfV2VIO40Ndzaea5vmvjYEesqSaWyC00S8Md8SSEN/s1600-h/S6300568_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614746423601602" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcK2UrMbut9tU8dz4QPoACQhOFxYzRq15oYXZb94fRfqdH8PRKefip44i44CmtvWm0l9Ha7LimdZDjwVANxw3vmOQ4UxjfV2VIO40Ndzaea5vmvjYEesqSaWyC00S8Md8SSEN/s400/S6300568_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>The main canal during rush hour.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HpW93EOrIOi6FiAiB6BZqEdhsGkuftZ_aLHq97-Gy9uwQU4GtMKZQ69fOegHUExzqzRGOWP5FPhlNt7IaV1FhE5kQRi-Vqw8O2Q0So1gaehj_Q_tLgp1VO_fBgqMw0k0gLEE/s1600-h/S6300685_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614485567056610" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HpW93EOrIOi6FiAiB6BZqEdhsGkuftZ_aLHq97-Gy9uwQU4GtMKZQ69fOegHUExzqzRGOWP5FPhlNt7IaV1FhE5kQRi-Vqw8O2Q0So1gaehj_Q_tLgp1VO_fBgqMw0k0gLEE/s400/S6300685_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtrjytomioEvLdveSd1uLEwooSpq8p9rRDVldsj7-VnBQl0pHNA4nRCh_Q8LtdYvD-pB5nR1U7LgjlU5dfH4uCVaZjYuhDuOvorkh2JUrmF2uHYHwD4eQkhR0MLn8rkzleuG4/s1600-h/S6300577_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614758651947426" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtrjytomioEvLdveSd1uLEwooSpq8p9rRDVldsj7-VnBQl0pHNA4nRCh_Q8LtdYvD-pB5nR1U7LgjlU5dfH4uCVaZjYuhDuOvorkh2JUrmF2uHYHwD4eQkhR0MLn8rkzleuG4/s400/S6300577_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Guess how much this coat costs... a clue - it's made from chinchilla fur.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVANZN-5wfGnb2-H83oX6K3hQvy6PpeljaIgHJeD7R_mtjEJbLFvI2acuR-53AOuEJ8jiHs4u9dWj4vYHMpQWQ5YHd-2NGmAt5pfyYzjpNx2tjbSu1K6CdtCQnpEkLabLr2Pw/s1600-h/S6300578_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614758497454786" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVANZN-5wfGnb2-H83oX6K3hQvy6PpeljaIgHJeD7R_mtjEJbLFvI2acuR-53AOuEJ8jiHs4u9dWj4vYHMpQWQ5YHd-2NGmAt5pfyYzjpNx2tjbSu1K6CdtCQnpEkLabLr2Pw/s400/S6300578_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>No, sorry, you're wrong. </div><br /><div> </div>Look closely at the top item for the answer. These prices are in euros.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoEPghBk6w5sQEaQbekijcyXVujUCLPrbShAnT4ET3D4Mt8x3RRn2gyI5BIZPNYNUV3pjdesqH0wOixJmIRoT7zYIfrS9m8icHp-_cIR-8Y3wwr9jTC7E4dwyECXauX6gkbzI/s1600-h/S6300579_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614761919969970" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoEPghBk6w5sQEaQbekijcyXVujUCLPrbShAnT4ET3D4Mt8x3RRn2gyI5BIZPNYNUV3pjdesqH0wOixJmIRoT7zYIfrS9m8icHp-_cIR-8Y3wwr9jTC7E4dwyECXauX6gkbzI/s400/S6300579_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah. That's right. Twenty eight thousand euros. Internet access around Venezia wasn't much cheaper.<br /><br />We took a ferry to the island of Murano, famous for it's glass production. This guy on the left is playing a strange Venezian musical instrument made from molten glass.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpar-ztDKYxrqIeqnaUug07Ny9JMn6_rhET8iPxamN2tSlqJTEc8C6nd9uwb1Rdor2fI8DzOVPsENtIQtQQfWiXya8V2W0wQkvBiysM33R-QaH8nfG7FNRjHTMBsyr0aTOWAZ/s1600-h/S6300620_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614476298433010" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpar-ztDKYxrqIeqnaUug07Ny9JMn6_rhET8iPxamN2tSlqJTEc8C6nd9uwb1Rdor2fI8DzOVPsENtIQtQQfWiXya8V2W0wQkvBiysM33R-QaH8nfG7FNRjHTMBsyr0aTOWAZ/s400/S6300620_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Looking out to the south of Venezia.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIyLmMdNs8zJqFNb8mtzUuXfcDAMMZ59f_FF2zooZIAxwxOovHhWCWCi6U3K-1F5VVt8xc677dS0Oklc_XHAq5Ubqf7i64IqD2ruQTWYV7Z8eQIFHR2WikreC1n0Z9d5GTV3Z/s1600-h/S6300660_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614477296820962" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIyLmMdNs8zJqFNb8mtzUuXfcDAMMZ59f_FF2zooZIAxwxOovHhWCWCi6U3K-1F5VVt8xc677dS0Oklc_XHAq5Ubqf7i64IqD2ruQTWYV7Z8eQIFHR2WikreC1n0Z9d5GTV3Z/s400/S6300660_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>San Marco - the heart of Venezia.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cEVerrxwNxh1LV6dxQ5RUwbvXLWFPn-UgQC1aO5J5m2D8qmEeqb7_bgE5k4j8J8Gl_ZHe4JVTGzyBObuzMM1YTtgtwTxDTJZoHjQ_XICZNmExezm073j4G7zC8ESeiTrmGdq/s1600-h/S6300666_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614485780789410" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cEVerrxwNxh1LV6dxQ5RUwbvXLWFPn-UgQC1aO5J5m2D8qmEeqb7_bgE5k4j8J8Gl_ZHe4JVTGzyBObuzMM1YTtgtwTxDTJZoHjQ_XICZNmExezm073j4G7zC8ESeiTrmGdq/s400/S6300666_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>The local fire brigade on their way to the local pub, I suspect.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndLsKFyTwwC1XtG4CwjBSxQveSvJPnXaE_QlCNYoCJydFDEpnKp4_GgsZc8X6wKRXk7_-00yeKWPqe94r335q8Or9z5Zl0S8VieWDlQRQg1kTWZ-x57eIV_AWZKFpADv3qULJ/s1600-h/S6300711_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614494955076850" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndLsKFyTwwC1XtG4CwjBSxQveSvJPnXaE_QlCNYoCJydFDEpnKp4_GgsZc8X6wKRXk7_-00yeKWPqe94r335q8Or9z5Zl0S8VieWDlQRQg1kTWZ-x57eIV_AWZKFpADv3qULJ/s400/S6300711_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A friendly Venetian near the laundromat.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNlNd1U_4Zqj4jA1MxdBoB5mspMPpwH-NgK16OqS3tQaGcOsiNYnSzjE9l3gWAR05J0x5JFwFmp-q_RkVDjBpm7LZ28Sbi6Gf5m97JHtwQAYS4dcFSfQmA4l7bxl9UbpEv-Lb/s1600-h/S6300734_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614138519832690" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNlNd1U_4Zqj4jA1MxdBoB5mspMPpwH-NgK16OqS3tQaGcOsiNYnSzjE9l3gWAR05J0x5JFwFmp-q_RkVDjBpm7LZ28Sbi6Gf5m97JHtwQAYS4dcFSfQmA4l7bxl9UbpEv-Lb/s400/S6300734_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Then we left our tour group in Venezia and spent P's birthday in Ravenna.</div><br /><div> </div>Here's the ceiling of our hotel room! Best hotel room ever! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FSnNlkMF8fojXZm82FBEa89dIkCRS0vWN_zIieeAH55PdaNRpXoe3Xhw6J1a4qeEEh-LOnYl423jtDecon0nZkQFbtQrhWv2oJeuJHkBXRGhe-faQCOCtRTd7n-jGBysyz-k/s1600-h/S6300747_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614144288852242" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FSnNlkMF8fojXZm82FBEa89dIkCRS0vWN_zIieeAH55PdaNRpXoe3Xhw6J1a4qeEEh-LOnYl423jtDecon0nZkQFbtQrhWv2oJeuJHkBXRGhe-faQCOCtRTd7n-jGBysyz-k/s400/S6300747_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Not so many tourists in Ravenna...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEZ9Aj3pNotYrH5oNfrspgcTzSMoSzQhRaTF3DI4EDpLvfxHpD3i3OvverrcpVcORt3HyeZuSXeBmYsTc-gZoWTAG8q6tGgXJEG3rr2GeTvTuNUeBw42q9rM9zeF02VUGBHEb/s1600-h/S6300756_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614150181978754" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEZ9Aj3pNotYrH5oNfrspgcTzSMoSzQhRaTF3DI4EDpLvfxHpD3i3OvverrcpVcORt3HyeZuSXeBmYsTc-gZoWTAG8q6tGgXJEG3rr2GeTvTuNUeBw42q9rM9zeF02VUGBHEb/s400/S6300756_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>One of the many piazzi (squares) around the town.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hz7grV7nu4qJJWEq-ASE2LB6ttv24ffxvAs2c59v5Rc8NYjb8oYeXZYEDe3D-tdOtVhqm_pLcIFovkYU3Xl_E5-igTqnJIb7g3bhhHQmVLGuRdSixqQ39ewFY_zYDaruzSZW/s1600-h/S6300829_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259613805951083522" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hz7grV7nu4qJJWEq-ASE2LB6ttv24ffxvAs2c59v5Rc8NYjb8oYeXZYEDe3D-tdOtVhqm_pLcIFovkYU3Xl_E5-igTqnJIb7g3bhhHQmVLGuRdSixqQ39ewFY_zYDaruzSZW/s400/S6300829_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div> </div>This is a mosaic. It's not a fresco. Each element is a tiny coloured piece of stone. Amazing eh?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tuh25OB_nZ9F67Pgcz3O1Rcr97G427tRsgTKrl3zKCxED78wGdPN-6L1g8zY27FcmahOA7TJtRbs6Kdba1d3YPLEEBsvTxlzIivym5tdMB78NfI_NZBwDzky7yLl9AicE-2N/s1600-h/S6300778_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614149984664642" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tuh25OB_nZ9F67Pgcz3O1Rcr97G427tRsgTKrl3zKCxED78wGdPN-6L1g8zY27FcmahOA7TJtRbs6Kdba1d3YPLEEBsvTxlzIivym5tdMB78NfI_NZBwDzky7yLl9AicE-2N/s400/S6300778_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Ravenna is full of mosaics. They date from the Byzatine era, about 5th Century AD.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx6Mse4oDiyBGh2yd8yfTsEEljGSMjPwLVU6OW-x_KTLwiQbDta9hvmO0a-F8Vwpk8dmIU_9LDYDH7Sg3xVbfbTHOHCvKNxD8-pWd-ZK8-xKUxIM7ZhySyFdoc99IXuW1fc_d/s1600-h/S6300781_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259614155361197618" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx6Mse4oDiyBGh2yd8yfTsEEljGSMjPwLVU6OW-x_KTLwiQbDta9hvmO0a-F8Vwpk8dmIU_9LDYDH7Sg3xVbfbTHOHCvKNxD8-pWd-ZK8-xKUxIM7ZhySyFdoc99IXuW1fc_d/s400/S6300781_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More mosaics inside a mausoleum:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobcKWK402a2MPoHPcXpsvMwiKSTOuvrgmokdHo0hIlpGhm4XFp77BrzNxCPhADWEXKE91-WDhGAqf5DdaIOmiD2uJcijzzaDRNnDIAuy5lOLnVt2Xs3s1Tgrd0PraQhp2xMV9/s1600-h/S6300794_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259613793070017138" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobcKWK402a2MPoHPcXpsvMwiKSTOuvrgmokdHo0hIlpGhm4XFp77BrzNxCPhADWEXKE91-WDhGAqf5DdaIOmiD2uJcijzzaDRNnDIAuy5lOLnVt2Xs3s1Tgrd0PraQhp2xMV9/s400/S6300794_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Outside that mausoleum:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo6EaHrKZPHRkszc-WXrnI9yCuEghk26yliOQe9qfV-rEqEFzR9dcuoWWjt50gp_-UdBrTXSaakQFoyGZcIbOEqzKgZHJ_0oxP2pETd_Wi_bLID3S_S4l0arOkLJ-RVYuzn0g/s1600-h/S6300799_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259613795005873362" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo6EaHrKZPHRkszc-WXrnI9yCuEghk26yliOQe9qfV-rEqEFzR9dcuoWWjt50gp_-UdBrTXSaakQFoyGZcIbOEqzKgZHJ_0oxP2pETd_Wi_bLID3S_S4l0arOkLJ-RVYuzn0g/s400/S6300799_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>Aaaaaaah!!! Extreme Closeup!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufA4uWqpp8ed8ly72xtjCYI25h0ugokWH8rozu_iBar5cI8BfInWk69g8xmMKYsWQxCB8pwBEMmcT_HSBb_GlNIDXOvge83Iy4bslViDQrike6I0z_BkKpD5Vws9ydaxB1zrZ/s1600-h/S6300812_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259613796361651298" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufA4uWqpp8ed8ly72xtjCYI25h0ugokWH8rozu_iBar5cI8BfInWk69g8xmMKYsWQxCB8pwBEMmcT_HSBb_GlNIDXOvge83Iy4bslViDQrike6I0z_BkKpD5Vws9ydaxB1zrZ/s400/S6300812_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div>This garment is part of a priest's outfit. This particular item is over 600 years old. It's falling apart but the detail that remains is astonishing. In it's time, it would have been a beautiful cloak.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIroHQkmYaCCO9DjU0CJdqU177jQnuypA67BSJMhWzKp26poRatX-ahYZdNBzyBSNZ-VO3C9snhHF88LKnTrYDGZfXDR7_-WxGVXZ2XV-B1PBTk98F8mOAjY1OkyjXkdB7qi/s1600-h/S6300821_1024x768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259613799786193826" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIroHQkmYaCCO9DjU0CJdqU177jQnuypA67BSJMhWzKp26poRatX-ahYZdNBzyBSNZ-VO3C9snhHF88LKnTrYDGZfXDR7_-WxGVXZ2XV-B1PBTk98F8mOAjY1OkyjXkdB7qi/s400/S6300821_1024x768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />That's all for now. Hope you enjoyed the snaps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div>meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-796007563108661422008-10-21T21:33:00.003+13:002008-10-21T21:38:05.998+13:00Lago di ComoA quick post about Lake Como.<br /><br />I would LOVE to post some photos of this place - we visited for a few days between Le Cinque Terre and Venezia. Como is one of the large lakes in the north of Italy and it's beautiful. We spent a day exploring the little villages around Bellagio, using the ferry to move between them. Perhaps when I can get access to my photos I will write another post on Como because it was an amazing place.<br /><br />We also got to see Leonardo's "The Last Supper" in Milano! WOW! What an amazing piece of art! I feel so fortunate to have seen it. It really is stunning and far more impressive than you can imagine from books or photographs.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-50322323846748167982008-10-21T21:17:00.005+13:002008-10-21T21:33:39.969+13:00Venezia & RavennaSorry, no photos today - the computer I'm using seems to be locked down pretty tightly and there's no way to access my camera files.<br /><br />Yesterday we left Venezia (Venice). I must admit upon arrival in Venezia my expectations were very low. I had heard a lot about the smelly water, crowded streets and pickpockets. In the end, we were pleasantly surprised. Perhaps because it's no longer the high season, the tourists weren't actually so thick on the ground (although the ferries were very busy). We enjoyed exploring the maze of little streets and bridges. There are supposedly over 400 bridges in Venezia! We visited the small island of Murano, site of many glass-blowing factories and shops. We bought some fun blue liquer glasses. In the afternoon, we visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of Modern Art - some fascinating works by Picasso, Dali, Max Ernst, Mondrian, Giacometti and Jackson Pollock. Some of the works are almost 100 years old. It was very impressive and far more interesting than I had expected :)<br /><br />The departure also marked the end of our second Intrepid tour. So now we're completely on our own for the rest of the holiday! We really enjoyed traveling with other people and we made some new friends along the way. We wholeheartedly recommend the Intrepid "original" style of travel to anyone of moderate fitness. It takes a lot of the hassle and uncertainty out of the travel, but still provides plenty of opportunity to have your own experiences. At minimum, you could just travel from place to place with the group and then do your own thing in each place. However, we found a few people in each tour that we liked enough to hang out with most of the time :)<br /><br />Today is P's birthday and to celebrate we are spending the day in Ravenna, home of many Byzantine-era mosaics. Yesterday afternoon we visited a carpark construction site. Unfortunately for the developer, during construction they uncovered some amazing mosaics so the place is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, rather than a carpark. Today we are going to seek out more mosaics.<br /><br />Our hotel room is amazing - it has a fresco on the ceiling and it's huge. Also, the room I'm typing this in also has a fresco. The hotel is actually a converted palazzo (palace).<br /><br />Tomorrow we begin a rather lengthy and convoluted day of travel to Essen, in time for Spiel!meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-83743943329557297472008-10-16T06:35:00.002+13:002008-10-16T06:53:40.068+13:00Book Review: "Dune" by Frank HerbertOn our Central Europe trip I read "1984" by George Orwell. What a depressing book that was. Anyway, one of the guys we were traveling with was interested in reading 1984 himself and had just finished his own book. So we swapped and he is probably happily reading it now in Morocco.<br /><br />Anyway, almost everybody has heard of "Dune". I don't have the book in front of me but I think it was written in the late 1960s. It's science fiction and it's long. I've long known about the mythos from various sources such as the computer games, board game, and both movies, but I'd never actually read the book.<br /><br />It's the story of a young man, Paul, who is set to inherit the title and power of his father, Duke Leto of House Atreides. The Atreides family has moved from their home planet to the seemingly desolate and dangerous desert world of Arrakis. The main (only?) export of Arrakis is the spice "melange", which is edible and does various things to people including turning their eyes blue. Needless to say, there's more to this spice than meets the eye and it's not long before Paul is forced to grow up very quickly and take control of the situation. I like to call it "The Hapsburgs in Space".<br /><br />Anyway, I don't want to do a plot synopsis because the plot is long. However, it is very interesting. In my opinion, Herbert has created a very compelling and consistent story that weaves together many aspects of the people and places on Arrakis. One effective device he uses is that of characters' thoughts integrated with the dialogue. As characters interact, their thoughts are exposed alongside. This is done everywhere in the book and it really works well to give the reader extra insight into the motives and flaws of each character. In fact, it's done so well that it actually becomes integral to the plot, which is very unusual. I won't explain how exactly but the ideas of consciousness and thought are explored deeply.<br /><br />"Dune" is a work of science fiction however I believe it's not fair to put such a general label on it. The work is a very well written piece of literature that covers not just science but also religion, politics, economics and human nature. Some people call it a classic and I think that's a reasonable title - I really enjoyed the book and it had my attention the entire journey. Not once did I find myself bored by it.<br /><br />However I did find myself somewhat distanced from the main character Paul - perhaps this was intentional. He is, after all, an exceptional character. I imagine most readers would find it difficult to relate to such a person! Also, the constant relating of each characters' thoughts leaves little to the imagination at times. Sometimes I wish I was left wondering whether a character's confidence or fear was real or not.<br /><br />All in all, a very worthwhile read. If you're intrigued, I definitely recommend you find a copy and start reading. Don't be put off by the "science fiction" aspect, that's merely used to set the scene.<br /><br />By the way, I thought the movies were rubbish at the time. I might have to watch them again now I understand the story, but I really can't imagine they would ever come close to doing the book justice.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-44879286553927979342008-10-16T05:06:00.004+13:002008-10-16T06:34:26.919+13:00Santa Margherita Ligure & PortofinoSanta Margherita Ligure is a small town somewhat north of Le Cinque Terre. We spent an afternoon here and walked to the nearby harbour town of Portofino.<br /><br />Not sure who this Americano-verde is. Not sure about the statue either. The buildings are very typical for this area. The decorations are painted on but well executed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf36ki6Y7wxFWgAYLJHUZqsaeGZPaVTgHAlWr6gRzTjrafdsVKF8BBv4CxKMKpkIXmEx46LYNGywvdLT5PWdCLStmNSZYTFX8F7wZXClKBCUI9wN8yJpv6SGKp1KBWXpfLVGp/s1600-h/S6300206_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf36ki6Y7wxFWgAYLJHUZqsaeGZPaVTgHAlWr6gRzTjrafdsVKF8BBv4CxKMKpkIXmEx46LYNGywvdLT5PWdCLStmNSZYTFX8F7wZXClKBCUI9wN8yJpv6SGKp1KBWXpfLVGp/s400/S6300206_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432725122655666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An interesting sculpture in SML:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffJp52OhAIc5fzCFPtQW1HcyXTNNCfy-slyZYRe8f8w70s0jJlGMIdS5asuOZqMCrpl_byeng4xbF9Nc7VpH_nloTOZMIHmyW3f-LweoetVNT_LV0jLxqAHHZGpavWpbPS-aJ/s1600-h/S6300208_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffJp52OhAIc5fzCFPtQW1HcyXTNNCfy-slyZYRe8f8w70s0jJlGMIdS5asuOZqMCrpl_byeng4xbF9Nc7VpH_nloTOZMIHmyW3f-LweoetVNT_LV0jLxqAHHZGpavWpbPS-aJ/s400/S6300208_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432627514931810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some Italians don't do things by halves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6fXyuI_6SJ0baDL0AjUvXwVKpI-J9m2BdsoHZ2BBdjQUnBNPs9jdcLopN7oBTFSmSpg1zbekdjGsISNzHGP31RrjwXRuYGnUEP0ZhRojmNSm5KEcV2Qp7uegJvrCvU6G0nmz/s1600-h/S6300214_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6fXyuI_6SJ0baDL0AjUvXwVKpI-J9m2BdsoHZ2BBdjQUnBNPs9jdcLopN7oBTFSmSpg1zbekdjGsISNzHGP31RrjwXRuYGnUEP0ZhRojmNSm5KEcV2Qp7uegJvrCvU6G0nmz/s400/S6300214_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432633312820962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There was a big cruise ship anchored out from Portofino.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x-cyzpZxbC0SRIxnBEn4_w3RMS_jNAUTNhISWP20T0o4FVO3Xf1mbpU5WMNByj7p8v78w5XfSkC2MM8q-fgQerf2I35K7aAzq6WQXDolgdqCtwP7Cm1_yUsSZIJJWQJs5OW7/s1600-h/S6300215_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x-cyzpZxbC0SRIxnBEn4_w3RMS_jNAUTNhISWP20T0o4FVO3Xf1mbpU5WMNByj7p8v78w5XfSkC2MM8q-fgQerf2I35K7aAzq6WQXDolgdqCtwP7Cm1_yUsSZIJJWQJs5OW7/s400/S6300215_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432631214908882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A view of a very nice villa on the point.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBxU3tLsDm_G0cvaJ5Nm96D5jz3f_Hn8IFX9EfxK0x8KOvwzLMzZVcSTlod-8QAkXyOnHpc0mS_VxV079oloEir1vB6zqAQJTGulDtjwAWwflwRW_cc_GMw8H5_XjYhIvdaS/s1600-h/S6300223_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBxU3tLsDm_G0cvaJ5Nm96D5jz3f_Hn8IFX9EfxK0x8KOvwzLMzZVcSTlod-8QAkXyOnHpc0mS_VxV079oloEir1vB6zqAQJTGulDtjwAWwflwRW_cc_GMw8H5_XjYhIvdaS/s400/S6300223_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432636141522802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Portofino marina. There's a castle on the top of that hill. The closest yacht was HUGE and as you can see the mast almost reaches the top of the hill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dl7yMrsfnPd5vkZTouRpwswt5Qt9vk-xiQ8Atriu6F3TQoiRchKoXiW8eR54LMgmZLFSMj11yX2Qf80ULf1sGx6fAmWyF4yU2t4lytA5hDXGbQuonoU4AIKmk5SbP3vpGomO/s1600-h/S6300229_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dl7yMrsfnPd5vkZTouRpwswt5Qt9vk-xiQ8Atriu6F3TQoiRchKoXiW8eR54LMgmZLFSMj11yX2Qf80ULf1sGx6fAmWyF4yU2t4lytA5hDXGbQuonoU4AIKmk5SbP3vpGomO/s400/S6300229_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432634242297714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd02p2vKf385FageZUxF8f5j6Ingvubns5-5OOVC751cc5KMtoGGyoRhqbGp8FWt6bJD7UW7aZEfM4PmDciUQ-x6LKoPqsnmML-q6TYETS0citnkKZ9WrWhINgfV324d8uRWe/s1600-h/S6300230_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd02p2vKf385FageZUxF8f5j6Ingvubns5-5OOVC751cc5KMtoGGyoRhqbGp8FWt6bJD7UW7aZEfM4PmDciUQ-x6LKoPqsnmML-q6TYETS0citnkKZ9WrWhINgfV324d8uRWe/s400/S6300230_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432315682219810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The water was very clear.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePp0scqUU22WVpuq21AcjJMbLM2M64WGNnehGbUH-drvtur2FpBhbJ8bZBcRRU2MATRG-HmA2iSotxrhOOXMdzSUz-UGBGluB4LdVRUH4NQZUT3QhV8fW8cjYbkVz9GBkuNmz/s1600-h/S6300233_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePp0scqUU22WVpuq21AcjJMbLM2M64WGNnehGbUH-drvtur2FpBhbJ8bZBcRRU2MATRG-HmA2iSotxrhOOXMdzSUz-UGBGluB4LdVRUH4NQZUT3QhV8fW8cjYbkVz9GBkuNmz/s400/S6300233_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432317804657554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The road into Portofino.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiOyMxfCCp_VjUEsQknPgR32HS5AKcYVlBJaN1D2fb5DV9NEsWvcSBWVNoPYa3igYz1WqwvvVQddi7TwWcMrfYeTpXpPHzS_fcCthPtMmzU1_PCJ10GM5wj3qXMcii_RaXQ-O/s1600-h/S6300236_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiOyMxfCCp_VjUEsQknPgR32HS5AKcYVlBJaN1D2fb5DV9NEsWvcSBWVNoPYa3igYz1WqwvvVQddi7TwWcMrfYeTpXpPHzS_fcCthPtMmzU1_PCJ10GM5wj3qXMcii_RaXQ-O/s400/S6300236_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432321038569346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And Portofino itself at ground level. This place was swarming with tourists. Food prices were extremely high. We walked right to the back of the town and had a pizza and pasta dish for 20 euro...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF20RlicOQJ_6HTGPd5WvxRQlCm97ew-Wv-I0SXgKRRuRD30aOjQ0ApFcYHrfgg91Cb3Vmn5tiNREgkYez4TQ-LWUjmSx58-czEP_i6c9ERiLec0e6fuSLSnOD1qKvZocFKrM/s1600-h/S6300243_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF20RlicOQJ_6HTGPd5WvxRQlCm97ew-Wv-I0SXgKRRuRD30aOjQ0ApFcYHrfgg91Cb3Vmn5tiNREgkYez4TQ-LWUjmSx58-czEP_i6c9ERiLec0e6fuSLSnOD1qKvZocFKrM/s400/S6300243_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432328022512978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We caught a ferry back to SML and P had a quick swim while I read my book.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSTUbFouiJGs-8c-Afd_DL7buP56F4FXQd-24zqEV-74u9Adp59vwbIypazQXV3Bw5L6WQCtMSM5NGz6-fiFo27FDjDXS_y5hsuQKkCADAy04q4SDfpwTKC6Wl6t-7ScVmakg/s1600-h/S6300258_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSTUbFouiJGs-8c-Afd_DL7buP56F4FXQd-24zqEV-74u9Adp59vwbIypazQXV3Bw5L6WQCtMSM5NGz6-fiFo27FDjDXS_y5hsuQKkCADAy04q4SDfpwTKC6Wl6t-7ScVmakg/s400/S6300258_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432327266018546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Later that day we continued by train to Asti, where we will stay overnight and then visit a local vineyard and have a traditional lunch made from regional ingredients. Basically another day of amazing food and great wine!meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-80120697181579546362008-10-16T05:03:00.007+13:002008-10-16T06:17:40.796+13:00Le Cinque TerreLe Cinque Terre, or "The Five Lands" is a section of the north-western coast of Italy. It is a series of small towns punctuated by cliff-bordered bays and beaches. There are many walking tracks between the towns, as well as horse and mountain bike tracks. We stayed in the town of Levanto and spent a day walking Le Cinque Terre.<br /><br />The town of Levanto:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X1VcN62BDl5-B_NoXEUZ7cp4oS955q1OjH8fIVDlpL6q3bv03qyMQoU8mJA_prkYzgd5yL-dIiETgTKAZsQzKbtCc2DqukepNka4KgYD3wjJFkOxXNZCkYIA8TZGNehHN6S8/s1600-h/S6300014_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X1VcN62BDl5-B_NoXEUZ7cp4oS955q1OjH8fIVDlpL6q3bv03qyMQoU8mJA_prkYzgd5yL-dIiETgTKAZsQzKbtCc2DqukepNka4KgYD3wjJFkOxXNZCkYIA8TZGNehHN6S8/s400/S6300014_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428998959458322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUI27ZT-KzUyyEhCq8ziY4h6DEnitZwVfdEZtNsZkuu7dMmfXDgeCVa6uD0dSaES0ED-0o7Q6A8pfq_ccHYAqUpr3_b_jLsimARgjAC9nyLOD8i5qc2vwI_nITth38W6wHZKd/s1600-h/S6300021_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUI27ZT-KzUyyEhCq8ziY4h6DEnitZwVfdEZtNsZkuu7dMmfXDgeCVa6uD0dSaES0ED-0o7Q6A8pfq_ccHYAqUpr3_b_jLsimARgjAC9nyLOD8i5qc2vwI_nITth38W6wHZKd/s400/S6300021_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257429014089413442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWMkA0LsenpJHp5ljm9uJ7DihbLqyBStAOsXp_uU7hpYuXNWNPacGlPbVipaTm-e9a0cHJ8QNHbvEcua3KXxb2MrjJFp-CuLYYGVcBiOlWXmbe6e9ZXGvtKUC2KrqW_64BVuk/s1600-h/S6300022_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWMkA0LsenpJHp5ljm9uJ7DihbLqyBStAOsXp_uU7hpYuXNWNPacGlPbVipaTm-e9a0cHJ8QNHbvEcua3KXxb2MrjJFp-CuLYYGVcBiOlWXmbe6e9ZXGvtKUC2KrqW_64BVuk/s400/S6300022_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428404062607394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The beach about 100m from our pension. It was a very hot day. However, it's not summer so the heat from the sun quickly diminishes towards early evening and can become quite chilly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcGg5UwKUCyir5Yg2_VgFgmspAL0509wqqGJulDQqma5mpehURPglZrtAZuMF5g8Pp8UKrZs3H8DygYMWA31SGre5zNOFn6bV5A16zotVU7Rdjtoh5BVMBRp-vmixNPKQW9wm/s1600-h/S6300017_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcGg5UwKUCyir5Yg2_VgFgmspAL0509wqqGJulDQqma5mpehURPglZrtAZuMF5g8Pp8UKrZs3H8DygYMWA31SGre5zNOFn6bV5A16zotVU7Rdjtoh5BVMBRp-vmixNPKQW9wm/s400/S6300017_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257429000379615826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9lQX3gcpCPMMVG4nZz5NNvrT_bdNHrZsOoZNGAPrBs4lkCGKP8M3-CIXRF2H_gDtlssYUL6ja044QpXr3pQxWdcctqeb0Ai6n6mSQs6_n4tHgUYnjLdagdaAATJSVhyphenhypheng00yy/s1600-h/S6300018_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9lQX3gcpCPMMVG4nZz5NNvrT_bdNHrZsOoZNGAPrBs4lkCGKP8M3-CIXRF2H_gDtlssYUL6ja044QpXr3pQxWdcctqeb0Ai6n6mSQs6_n4tHgUYnjLdagdaAATJSVhyphenhypheng00yy/s400/S6300018_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257429007786141730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The sunset at Levanto:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI9QyeWWoDPhJbu7jRXM82xbE0pqxsVbtuTdKGfZz8K24AvpnUnIWVBQTznQZVNIqTS6Dw-iAjyTymYgMeFIBvOCjI5s99snFOeZ36VNw_RnP2Aw1ShsY-8AIu4EPzQOUKVB8/s1600-h/S6300074_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI9QyeWWoDPhJbu7jRXM82xbE0pqxsVbtuTdKGfZz8K24AvpnUnIWVBQTznQZVNIqTS6Dw-iAjyTymYgMeFIBvOCjI5s99snFOeZ36VNw_RnP2Aw1ShsY-8AIu4EPzQOUKVB8/s400/S6300074_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428405274221346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day we took the train to the far end of the Cinque Terre national park and began our hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcGXXcw4OMjtwNC_vJMXkHrGMJnCBZh4JHBc0Pr9i4W9oqU5TLjFWoQVmf1MRGnedJijKZuyUVAWOxrMxiOfj0lXjr79vYwSG1M_DUWUHWaOxh-bCEhnyZZLWtd88QJudRVI_/s1600-h/S6300079_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcGXXcw4OMjtwNC_vJMXkHrGMJnCBZh4JHBc0Pr9i4W9oqU5TLjFWoQVmf1MRGnedJijKZuyUVAWOxrMxiOfj0lXjr79vYwSG1M_DUWUHWaOxh-bCEhnyZZLWtd88QJudRVI_/s400/S6300079_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428414463851874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Much of the track consists of narrow paths along the cliffsides. It's not dangerous but you do have to pay constant attention to avoid tripping over.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1brr3697qQaKswHy9hyWO2eYwx2NTZLdiko4yziMimfZZA9aLRhLhAN0K-2Ft_wXYKRM0jRJqz3R8wy87raqOhLVjI-ruMxp1tZEUYAPyYvQQRw-35tpnsscR_zgitDg4HKio/s1600-h/S6300086_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1brr3697qQaKswHy9hyWO2eYwx2NTZLdiko4yziMimfZZA9aLRhLhAN0K-2Ft_wXYKRM0jRJqz3R8wy87raqOhLVjI-ruMxp1tZEUYAPyYvQQRw-35tpnsscR_zgitDg4HKio/s400/S6300086_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428412474906898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lots of little rocky coves exist between each village.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOrsiQ-UzPeg_cW_izI3wRO_jud5UDXc2THtQn0HTHQLYCiSgkGrcQXBfSKxzu6FguiOMU5w2ttNuQd8Kx7moSzjZfwiY2gSYSB7Pz-PJJqqrDRXwdLjrio8w3eh4nXbdzEH0/s1600-h/S6300100_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOrsiQ-UzPeg_cW_izI3wRO_jud5UDXc2THtQn0HTHQLYCiSgkGrcQXBfSKxzu6FguiOMU5w2ttNuQd8Kx7moSzjZfwiY2gSYSB7Pz-PJJqqrDRXwdLjrio8w3eh4nXbdzEH0/s400/S6300100_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428416696879666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's one of the prettiest villages, perched on the cliffs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28ZWs2h8owxVBlZBTAbhc6bCPwCytxHS-6TYqhB1OAEzAdjp9jR7-5EBt5aQbX96oyrdg8mfLt_tDfKaSNuuVaPqF_XrOELS6UkhuCtCbzW-vb7WouOmvoQHZy-bosOlbtWve/s1600-h/S6300105_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28ZWs2h8owxVBlZBTAbhc6bCPwCytxHS-6TYqhB1OAEzAdjp9jR7-5EBt5aQbX96oyrdg8mfLt_tDfKaSNuuVaPqF_XrOELS6UkhuCtCbzW-vb7WouOmvoQHZy-bosOlbtWve/s400/S6300105_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428022533463810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirMjHx-dypg3br1XX3YOMyKn_6f3aRAUqdVvzP0YdS0arf60DxH8Qz2OqRarikgAWa9xTk_ghAH7vC-dQew1DD65WtdeAhPVMam3eWRPU0v99jrE5niNUTMkpeopfYVyaF2y3/s1600-h/S6300119_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirMjHx-dypg3br1XX3YOMyKn_6f3aRAUqdVvzP0YdS0arf60DxH8Qz2OqRarikgAWa9xTk_ghAH7vC-dQew1DD65WtdeAhPVMam3eWRPU0v99jrE5niNUTMkpeopfYVyaF2y3/s400/S6300119_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428027751849986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The track climbs reasonably high in parts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAhQP-1NpaQNdFVWjk-TOcEEN8kWVmZ6_CvET_f1Vy27Xxc7bc4Hue4Pqn1mahkq6O3EbLRQYARJWJc7pGsiE2bsWRasdCvKF03A5ZpdNZi7Hc9_pIf7znDaN9EawxG-Ubhnk/s1600-h/S6300132_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAhQP-1NpaQNdFVWjk-TOcEEN8kWVmZ6_CvET_f1Vy27Xxc7bc4Hue4Pqn1mahkq6O3EbLRQYARJWJc7pGsiE2bsWRasdCvKF03A5ZpdNZi7Hc9_pIf7znDaN9EawxG-Ubhnk/s400/S6300132_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428033029537250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view as we descend into another town.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN4bHhn6tqSH9H48wl7wabGBNXPat9LGf700gI73F4fYg1iznKIWrL7RLZGiTLYKoHQMJbiB9r91TlZ74yDgDQnroFVsqX_JNym7ee9BRnvDnkZoW1exYLUrvPsYPCwJL4ZhH/s1600-h/S6300151_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN4bHhn6tqSH9H48wl7wabGBNXPat9LGf700gI73F4fYg1iznKIWrL7RLZGiTLYKoHQMJbiB9r91TlZ74yDgDQnroFVsqX_JNym7ee9BRnvDnkZoW1exYLUrvPsYPCwJL4ZhH/s400/S6300151_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428035084997618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hmm, this was actually much higher than it looks in the photo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YSFV8U0o-6ohvGIQJ7mlu3NpVIP9dl98Jst4lfxvUANXyUUQ-iy-_Zv07B-toB02OwOTyNSlbkwk88oVrrm4uJPZBOffxiq4SYhNM6mTRM6EgdP4TuOBHrf-iE0dvoMGQISO/s1600-h/S6300190_1024x768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YSFV8U0o-6ohvGIQJ7mlu3NpVIP9dl98Jst4lfxvUANXyUUQ-iy-_Zv07B-toB02OwOTyNSlbkwk88oVrrm4uJPZBOffxiq4SYhNM6mTRM6EgdP4TuOBHrf-iE0dvoMGQISO/s400/S6300190_1024x768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257428038175923538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We walked a total of 12.8km over the day - a worthwhile but fairly straightforward hike. It's certainly a very beautiful part of Italy.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-86857702854969529212008-10-15T18:47:00.001+13:002008-10-16T05:47:55.455+13:00The Art Of PickpocketingI've caught two people practicing their art in Europe so far. They weren't very good and obviously needed the practice.<br /><br />The first was a weedy little man who looked about 18. He was circling our group on a railway platform in Vienna. We were all facing each other discussing one thing or another. His intentions were very clear to me so I simply stood in front of him and stared at him. He looked rather uncomfortable, signaled to a friend down the platform, and then backed off.<br /><br />The second was a teenage girl of about 16 who I caught with her hand in a friend's handbag just as we boarded a metro train in Prague. I think I actually slapped her hand away - don't exactly recall. Anyway, I scowled at her and she backed off, smiling sheepishly.<br /><br />They seemed pretty incompetent to me.<br /><br />That said we've been very careful, especially in busy tourist areas, and not had any other problems. I think the secret is to make other people look like better targets.<br /><br />I haven't had anyone throw a baby at me either.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19934971.post-65620122542220894962008-10-12T04:06:00.005+13:002008-10-12T04:27:58.689+13:00Firenze & LuccaThe situation is very unstable. Internet cafe prices are ridiculously high at the moment - up to $20 per hour! I managed to find a small place for only $7 an hour but I'm trying to back up my photos and the USB hardware interface on this computer is very flakey.<br /><br />Because of this, I'm not going to risk posting any photos at this time, in case I upset the balance... I may post another entry later with photos. But I may not.<br /><br />Interestingly, I had to present my passport (which was then photocopied) in order to use the Internet. This is standard practice in Italy due to (Anti?) Terrorism Laws. I consider it only a short step from this to recording everything you ever receive or transmit from a public terminal against your name. Not a good thing. I'm not sure having my passport photocopied is very reassuring either.<br /><br />Anyway, we've spent the last four days or so in Florence, or Firenze as the Italians like to call it, and Lucca.<br /><br />Florence is a very nice city on a river (like any respectable European town). We had a good look around and made it to the Uffizi art gallery where we saw some wonderful art works. The feel of the city is more relaxed than Roma and there are some good markets. P had already seen Michaelangelo's statue of David. I had not. I thought about standing for an hour or two in a queue, but in the end I settled for walking up to the copper replica on one of the nearby hills. There's also a concrete-coloured replica in the original standing place but it was obscured by scaffolding. We also visited a museum where instantiations of some of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings have been constructed (recently) and are on display.<br /><br />We noticed that the exterior of the American Consulate was heavily defended by armed police 24/7 and all the roads around it had been blocked off permanently. I guess that's one way to keep the neighbourhood quiet but I can't help but feel sorry for the poor locals who used to use those roads to get around the city.<br /><br />Lucca is a pleasant walled town north of Firenze. It's actually the first European town we've seen so far that has a 100% complete wall. It's nicely maintained and you can cycle around it. This we did. Today we took a train to Pisa to see the famous tower, Baptistry and Duomo. The tower is quaint but the Duomo and Baptistry are far more interesting buildings. The Baptistry leans a bit too.<br /><br />The rest of the time we've spent eating amazing food and wandering the streets. Tomorrow we head to the coast where we will explore the Cinque Terre.meowsqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10559964541118532157noreply@blogger.com2