tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86121372094135323902024-03-05T17:38:35.941+01:00Birds, Bubbles, Buses, Boats - Connor Travels EuropeWe created this blog to document and share our adventures as "Expats" in Brussels! The title comes from all of Connor's favorite travel words!Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00419242640614621167noreply@blogger.comBlogger604125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-11403728219379495262010-09-12T19:17:00.001+02:002010-09-13T05:10:27.143+02:00Get Out the Map and Lay your Finger Anywhere Down<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span">The time has come to say goodbye...and to put this lovely little blog to bed. Okay, maybe not so little, but definitely lovely to me. I hope this will help bring it all back when we are old and grey, and also gives Connor a glimpse at her European life. Kirk was very accountant-like and indexed all my entries (<i>below</i>). Of course you can always use the search field, but just in case you are looking for something in particular. I sure would appreciate a comment from you if you have been or are enjoying our blog.<br /><br />I often felt that Indigo Girls song, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Get Out the Map, Get Out the Map and Lay your Finger Anywhere Down"</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"> playing in my mind abroad. We tackled 34 countries in 18 months with a toddler. And with or without a blog I know I will never forget it. Every day and every detail seems so vivid and magical. I am thankful we took the chance, threw everything up in the air and held onto each other for this wild and crazy ride.</span></span><br /><br />Austria</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/strasbourg-ulm-and-innsbruck.html">Strasbourg, Ulm, and Innsbruck - Innsbruck - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/grossglockner-road-austria.html">Grossglockner Road, Austria - Grossglockner - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-have-confidence-in-sunshine.html">I Have Confidence in Sunshine - Salzburg - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/soggy-salzburg.html">Soggy Salzburg - Salzburg - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/cousin-anna-vienna-part-one.html">Cousin Anna (Vienna Part One) - Vienna - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/vienna-beautiful-part-two-in-vienna.html">Vienna the Beautiful (Vienna Part Two) - Vienna - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />Belgium</b></span></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/12/brussels-bus-tour.html">Brussels Bus Tour - December 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/sisterly-love.html">Sisterly Love - Bruges/Westvleteren - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/lets-watch-green-balls.html">Let's Watch the Green Balls - Brussels/Lier - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/musee-des-beaux-arts.html">Musee des Beaux Arts - Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/belgian-chocolate-frites-and-waffles.html">Belgian Chocolates, Frites, and Waffles - Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/city-of-lights-was-city-of-cold.html">City of Lights was the City of Cold - Chimay - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/leuven-fun.html">Leuven Fun - Leuven/Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/willinghams-in-belgium-final-chapter.html">Willinghams in Belgium - Final Chapter - Brussels/Bruges/Westvleteren - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/antique-toy-museum.html">Antique Toy Museum - Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/down-road-to-ghent.html">Down the Road to Ghent - Ghent - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/costume-and-lace.html">Rain, Costume and Lace - Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-carnival-from-aalst.html">Happy Carnival from Aalst - Aalst - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/carnival-continues-in-binche.html">Carnival Continues - in Binche - Binche - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/victor-horta-house.html">Victor Horta House - Brussels - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/cook-book.html">Cook & Book - Brussels - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/glimpses-of-terra-cotta-soldiers.html">Glimpses of the Terra Cotta Soldiers - Maaseik - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/museum-night-fever.html">Museum Night Fever! - Brussels - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/four-kids-three-moms-and-animal-farm.html">Four Kids, Three Moms, and an Animal Farm - Ferme Nos Pilifs - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl68" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/three-countries-and-three-playground.html">Three Countries & Three Playground Day - Drie Landen Punt - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/week-of-fun-with-brady.html">A Week of Fun with Brady - Kessel-Lo, Brussels - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/groot-bijgaarden.html">Groot-Bijgaarden - Groot-Bijgaarden - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/gaasbeek-and-hallerbos.html">Gaasbeek and Hallerbos - Gaasbeek, Hallerbos - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/goin-to-zoo-zoo-zoo-how-about-you.html">Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo - How About You? - Antwerp - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/lazy-saturday-in-dinant.html">Lazy Saturday in Dinant - Dinant, Rochefort - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/brussels-basillica.html">Brussels Basilica - Brussels - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/la-hulpe.html">La Hulpe - La Hulpe - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/laeken-royal-greenhouses-glass-village.html">Laeken Greenhouses - A Glass City - Brussels - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/laeken-greenhouses-behind-scenes.html">Laeken Greenhouses - Behind the Scenes - Brussels - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/chinese-pavillion-and-japanese-museum.html">Chinese Pavillion and Japanese Museum - Brussels - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/cat-and-hats.html">Cat and the Hats - Bruges, Brussels - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/villers-abbey.html">Villers Abbey - Villers-la-Ville - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/bruges-revisited.html">Bruges, Revisited - Bruges - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/saturday-fun-with-heather-and-troy.html">Saturday Fun with Heather and Troy - Brussels - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/day-out-in-antwerp.html">A Day Out in Antwerp - Antwerp - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/bednars-in-brugge.html">The Bednars in Brugge - Bruges, Damme - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/brussels-childrens-museum.html">The Brussels Children's Museum - Brussels - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/namur.html">Namur - Namur - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/cabot-arrives-and-kirk-turns-30.html">Cabot Arrives and Kirk Turns 30 - Brussels, Leuven - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/knokke-day-at-beach.html">Knokke - A Day at the Beach - Knokke - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/battle-of-watterloo-butte-de-lion.html">Battle of Waterloo - Butte de Lion - Waterloo - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/ghent-festival.html">Ghent Festival - Ghent - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/mini-europe.html">Mini Europe - Brussels - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/sweating-in-durbuy.html">Steamy Durbuy - Durbuy - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/mechelen.html">Mechelen - Mechelen - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/parc-paradisio.html">Parc Paradisio - Mons - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/orval.html">Orval - Orval - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/belgium-with-addie-lou-and-eric.html">Belgium with Addie Lou and Eric - Brussels/Bruges - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/you-gotta-have-visiting-friends.html">You Gotta Have Visiting Friends - Brussels/Antwerp - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/ypres-honoring-sacrifices-twice.html">Ypres - Honoring the Sacrifices Twice - Ypres - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/in-her-shoes-in-hasselt.html">In her Shoes in Hasselt - Hasselt - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/cruise-meuse.html">Cruise the Meuse - Liege - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/parc-planckendael.html">Parc Planckendael - Antwerp - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/magritte-museum.html">Magritte Museum - Brussels - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/last-two-trappist-breweries.html">Last Two Trappist Breweries - Westmalle/Achel - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/central-africa-museum.html">Central Africa Museum - Brussels - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/granger-arrives-in-europe.html">Granger Arrives in Europe - Brussels - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl65" style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/comic-strip-museum.html">Comic Strip Museum - Brussels - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/belgium-duplicity-wallonia-and-flanders.html">Belgium Duplicity - Wallonia and Flanders - Mons/Tournai/Het Zoute/Knokke/Oostende - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/floralies-of-ghent.html">Floralies of Ghent - September 2010</a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Bosnia and Herzegovenia</b></span></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/next-up-in-croatia-dubrovnik.html">Next Up in Croatia: Dubrovnik - Neum - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Croatia</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/split-croatia.html">Split, Croatia - Split - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/next-up-in-croatia-dubrovnik.html">Next Up in Croatia: Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/island-of-hvar-in-croatia.html">The Island of Hvar in Croatia - Hvar/Split - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Czech Republic</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/pretty-prague.html">Pretty Prague - Prague - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/rip-mj.html">RIP MJ - Prague - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/cesky-krumlov.html">Cesky Krumlov - Cesky Krumlov - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/kutna-hora-bone-church.html">Kutna Hora - Bone Church - Kutna Hora - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/kirk-in-prague-take-two.html">Kirk in Prague - Take Two - Prague - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Denmark</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/odense-stop-1.html">Odense, Stop 1 - Odense - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/island-of-aero-good-bad-and-beautiful.html">The Island of Aero - The Good, Bad, and Beautiful - Aero - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/aeros-fairy-tale-town-of-aeroskobing.html">Aero's Charming Town of Aeroskobing - Aeroskobing - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/all-around-denmark.html">All Around Denmark - Svendborg, Roskilde, Hillerod, Helsingor, Humlebæk - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/anticipating-our-cruise-in-copenhagen.html">Anticipating Our Cruise in Copenhagen - Copenhagen - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/kudos-emerald-princess-staff.html">Kudos Emerald Princess Staff - Scandinavia Cruise, Copenhagen - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/fun-on-big-big-boat-part-one.html">Fun on the BIG, BIG Boat - Part One - Scandinavia Cruise, Copenhagen - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">England</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/12/skipping-through-london-with-british.html">Skipping Through London with a British Accent - London - December 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/reids-weekend-in-london.html">Reid's Weekend in London - London - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/kirks-weekend-in-london.html">Kirk's Weekend in London - London - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/british-betty.html">British Betty - London - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/grangers-london.html">Granger's London - London - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/cheerio-from-england.html">Cheerio from England - London/Avebury/Stourton/Lifton (Devon) - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/cornwall.html">Cornwall - Penzance/St. Ives - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/eden-and-tintangel.html">Eden and Tintagel - Eden/Tintagel (Cornwall) - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/rainy-day-in-wells-and-tintern-abbey.html">A Rainy Day in Wells and Tintern Abbey - Glastonbury/Wells - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/arriving-in-cotswolds.html">Arriving in the Cotswolds - Chipping Campden - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/blenheim-and-warwick.html">Blenheim and Warwick - Blenheim/Warwick - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/easter-in-cotswolds.html">Easter in the Cotswolds - Chipping Campden - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/cotswolds-farm-park.html">Cotswold Farm Park - Cotswolds - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/ludlow-and-chester-england-1000-places.html">Ludlow and Chester, England - 1,000 Places to See Before You Die - Ludlow/Chester - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/ironbridge-gorge.html">Ironbridge Gorge - Ironbridge - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/englands-lake-district-and-hadrians.html">England's Lake District and Hadrian's Wall - Keswick/Hadrian's Wall - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/travelodge-and-holy-island.html">Travelodge and the Holy Island - Durham/Holy Island - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/castle-howard.html">Castle Howard - Henderskelfe (Yorkshire) - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/coming-back-to-cambridge.html">Coming Back to Cambridge - Cambridge/Willingham - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/lovin-london-one-last-time.html">Loving London One Last Time - London - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Estonia</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/terviseks-tallinn-estonia.html">Terviseks! - Tallinn, Estonia - Tallinn - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Finland</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/helsinki.html">Helsinki - Helsinki - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">France</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/city-of-lights-was-city-of-cold.html">City of Lights was the City of Cold - Paris/Versailles - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/dancing-in-hall-of-mirrors.html">Dancing in the Hall of Mirrors - Versailles - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/normandy.html">Normandy - Honfleur, Mont St. Michel, D-Day Beaches, Lisieux, Rouen - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-bunny-found-us-in-loire-valley.html">The Easter Bunny Found Us in the Loire Valley - Loire Valley, Chartres - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/cheverny-dogs-eat.html">Cheverny Dogs Eat - Loire Valley, Cheverny - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-easter.html">An April Easter - Loire Valley - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/hopelessly-behind-but-hopelessly.html">Hopelessly Behind, But Hopelessly Devoted - Strasbourg - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/givernyat-long-last.html">Giverny...At Long Last! - Giverny, Deauville - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/normandy-take-two.html">Beautiful Normandy - Bayeux, D-Day Beaches - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/first-impressions-of-provence.html">First Impressions of Provence - Luberon Hill towns, Avignon, Pont de Gard, Aix en Provence - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/mouse-mousie-and-mouselette.html">Mouse, Mousie, and Mouselette - Provence (Mas d'Aigret) - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/another-great-day-in-provence.html">Another Great Day or Two in Provence - Les Baux de Provence, Cotes du Rhone, Orange, St. Remy, Arles, Uzes - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/marbles-in-arles.html">The Marbles in Arles - Arles - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/strasbourg-ulm-and-innsbruck.html">Strasbourg, Ulm, and Innsbruck - Strasbourg - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/men-hitting-balls.html">Men Hitting Balls - Paris - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/off-to-gay-par-ee.html">Off to Gay Par-ee - Paris - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/pentecost-in-paris.html">Pentecost in Paris - Paris - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/centre-pompidou.html">Centre Pompidou - Paris - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/lille.html">Lille - Lille - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/tour-de-france.html">Tour de France - Paris - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/orangerie-museum-in-paris.html">Orangerie Museum in Paris - Paris - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/reims-and-champage.html">Reims and Champagne - Reims/Champagne - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/wwi-sites-near-champagne.html">WWI Sites Near Champagne - Verdun/Fleury/Fort de Douaumont - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/fabulous-france-day-trip-from-le-havre.html">Fabulous France (A Day Trip From Le Havre) - Le Havre/Etretat/Route des Abbayes/Amiens - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/albi-and-henri-toulouse-lautrec.html">Albi and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec - Perpignan/Albi - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/carcassonnes-horse-asel.html">Carcassonne's HORSE-asel - Carcassonne - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/exploring-alsace.html">Exploring Alsace - Colmar - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/chamonix-france.html">Chamonix, France - Chamonix - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/magic-of-disney.html">The Magic of Disney - Marne-la-Vallée - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-day-at-disney-continues.html">Our Day at Disney Continues - Marne-la-Vallée - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/disney-lights-and-parades.html">Disney Lights and Parades - Marne-la-Vallée - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/disney-morning-after-and-musee-dorsay.html">Disney, The Morning After and Musee D'Orsay - Marne-la-Vallée/Paris - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/post-christmas-trip-sunset-at-biarritz.html">Post Christmas Trip, Sunset at Biarritz - Biarritz - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-eve-in-bordeaux.html">New Year's Eve in Bordeaux - Bordeaux/St. Emilion - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 30pt" height="40"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 30pt" width="891" height="40"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/driving-dordogne.html">Driving the Dordogne - Beynac/Castelnaud/La Roque Gageac/Domme/Vitrac/Montfort/Carsac/La Roque Christophe/Abri du Cap Blanc/Grotte de Font-de-Gaume/Lascaux - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/roquefort.html">Rocamadour - Rocamadour - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/oradour-sur-glane.html">Oradour Sur Glane - Oradour Sur Glane - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/limoges.html">Limoges - Limoges - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/carpet-picnic-parties.html">Carpet Picnic Parties - Baynac - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/chateaux-on-way-home.html">Chateaux on Our Way Home - Fontainebleu/Barbizon/Vaux le Vicomte - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/nancy-and-liechtenstein.html">Nancy and Liechtenstein - Nancy - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/colmar-revisited.html">Colmar, Revisited - Colmar - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/alsace-wines-and-american-cemetaries.html">Alsace Wines and American Cemeteries - Turckheim/Kayserberg/Riquiwihr/Colmar/St. Avold/Thiaucourt - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/le-creuset.html">Le Creuset - Fresnoy le Grand - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/our-burgundy-road-trip-annecy.html">Our Burgundy Road Trip, Annecy - Annecy - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/ants-in-her-pants-in-lyon.html">Ants in Her Pants in Lyon - Lyon - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/beaujolais-and-burgundy-france.html">Beaujolais and Burgundy, France - Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or/Romaneche-Thorins/Cluny/Taize/Brancion/Cote d'Or - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/day-2-out-in-burgundy-countryside.html">Day 2 Out in the Burgundy Countryside - Beaune/Chateauneuf-en-Auxois/Flavigny/Alise/Semur/Fontenay Abbey/Vezelay - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/brittany-france-part-1-carnac-and-beach.html">Brittany, France - Part 1, Carnac and the Beach - Caen/Dinan/Carnac/Quiberon - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/brittany-france-part-2-pont-aven.html">Brittany, France - Part 2, Pont-Avon - Pont-Avon - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/brittany-france-part-3-quimper-and.html">Brittany, France - Part 3, Quimper and Dinan - Quimper/Dinan - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/brittany-france-part-4-st-malo-and.html">Brittany, France - Part 4, St. Malo and Emerald Coast - St. Malo - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-american-cemeteries-brittany-and.html">More American Cemeteries, Brittany and Somme - St. James/Bony - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/julias-life-in-france.html">Julia's Life in France - Paris - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/oh-my-paris.html">Oh My Paris - Paris - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/hospital-hotel-in-paris.html">Hospital Hotel in Paris - Paris - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/hiking-around-versailles.html">Hiking Around Versailles - Versailles - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/paris-catacombs.html">Paris Catacombs - Paris - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/atop-paris-arc-and-eiffel.html">Atop Paris - Arc and Eiffel - Paris - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/chantilly-france.html">Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face - Chantilly - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Germany</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/09/first-travelsoktoberfest-2008.html">The First Travels...Oktoberfest 2008 - Munich/Oktoberfest - September 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-wonderland.html">A Winter Wonderland - Trier - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/our-green-hotel-in-berlin.html">Our GREEN Hotel in Berlin - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/berlin.html">Berlin - Berlin, Potsdam - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl69" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/three-countries-and-three-playground.html">Three Countries & Three Playground Day - Drie Landen Punt -April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/double-towns-maastricht-and-aachen.html">Double "A" Towns - Maastrict and Aachen - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/monschau-germany.html">Monschau, Germany - Monschau - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/strasbourg-ulm-and-innsbruck.html">Strasbourg, Ulm, and Innsbruck - Ulm - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/other-burg-towns-regensburg-bamburg-and.html">The Other "Burg" Towns: Regensburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg - Regensburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/nuremburg-in-blue-night-and-our.html">Nuremberg in the BLUE Night and Our Enchanting Hotel - Nuremberg - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/orval.html">Orval - Burg Eltz - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/mosel-valley.html">Mosel Valley - Beilstein/Cochem/Traben-Trarbach - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/oktoberfest-2009.html">Oktoberfest 2009 - Munich - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/bathing-in-baden-baden.html">Bathing in Baden-Baden - Baden-Baden - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/tick-tock-clock-museum.html">Tick Tock the Clock Museum - Furtwangen - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/exploring-alsace.html">Exploring Alsace - Freiburg - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/cologne-christmas-markets.html">Cologne Christmas Markets - Cologne - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/romantic-rhine-river.html">The Romantic Rhine River - Bacharach/St. Goar - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/munich-and-amsterdam-with-granger.html">Munich and Amsterdam with Granger - Munich/Andechs - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/munich-museums.html">Munich Museums - Munich - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/never-dull-moment.html">Never a Dull Moment - Munich - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/mercedes-museum-in-stuttgart.html">Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart - Stuttgart/Heidelberg - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Gibraltar</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/gibraltar-and-algiciras.html">Gibraltar and Algeciras - Gibraltar - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Greece</b></span></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/athens-and-acropolis.html">Athens and the Acropolis - Athens - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/santorini.html">Santorini - Santorini (Oia, Fira) - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/moon-up-there.html">Moon Up There - Santorini - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/crete.html">Crete - Crete (Georgiopoulis, Arkahdi, Kournas) - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/crete-continued.html">Crete Continued - Crete (Knossos, Georgiopoulis, Lassithi Plateau) - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-greek-to-me.html">It's Greek to Me - Athens - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/check-your-gps-before-athens.html">Check Your GPS Before Athens - Athens - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/delphi-and-corinth.html">Ancient Delphi and Corinth - Delphi, Osios Loukas, Epidaurus, Corinth, Athens - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/lets-go-to-hotel.html">Let's Go to the Hotel - Athens - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />Hungary</b></span></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-in-world-are-you-stranded.html">Where in the World Are You Stranded? - Budapest - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/theres-no-place-like-home.html">There's No Place Like Home - Budapest - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/settling-in-to-hungary.html">Settling in to Hungary - the Danube Bend - Lake Balaton/Szentendre/Visegrad/Esztergom - Aguust 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/urban-vibe-in-budapest.html">Urban Vibe in Budapest - Budapest - August 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/hungarian-baths.html">Hungarian Thermal Baths - Budapest - August 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/hungarian-ballet-from-box-seat.html">Hungarian Ballet from a Box Seat! - Budapest - September 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/communist-statues-in-budapest.html">Communist Statues in Budapest - Rachekeve/Budapest - September 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/dramatic-departure-from-budapest.html">Dramatic Departure from Budapest</td> - Budapest - September 2010</a></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Ireland</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/looking-for-leprechans.html">Looking for Leprechauns - Blarney/Kenmare/Ring of Kerry/Kinsale/Cliffs of Mohr/The Burren - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/downpour-in-dublin.html">Downpour in Dublin - Dublin - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-goodness-my-guinness.html">My Goodness, My Guiness - Dublin - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/kilmainham-gaol-jail.html">Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) - Dublin - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Italy</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/lovely-lake-como-italy-happy-new-year.html">Lovely Lake Como (Italy), Happy New Year! - Varenna/Bellagio/Verona/Milan/Bergamo - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/hiking-cinque-terre-with-two-year-old.html">Hiking Cinque Terre with a Two Year Old on Our Backs - Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarolo, Corniglia, Vernazza - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/culture-in-milan.html">Culture in Milan - Milan - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/under-sicilian-sun-part-one.html">Under the Sicilian Sun - Part One - Monreale/Palermo/Milazzo/Lipari/Vulcano - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/fathers-day-in-sicily-part-two.html">Father's Day in Sicily - Part Two - Siracusa/Taormina/Agrigento - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/realmont-sicily.html">Realmont, Sicily - Realmont - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/paradiso.html">Paradiso - Palazzo Adriano (Sicily) - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/we-arrived-in-tuscany.html">We arrived in Tuscany -Fiume Grave/Greve in Chianti/Panzano - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/renaissance-men-and-women-in-florence.html">Renaissance Men and Women in Florence - Florence - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/siena-and-san-gimignano.html">Sienna and San Gimignano - Sienna/San Gimignano - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/eastern-hill-towns-of-tuscany.html">Eastern Hill Towns of Tuscany - Castellini in Chianti/Arezzo/Cortona/Montepulciano/Montalcino/Pienza - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/last-stop-lucca.html">Last Stop, Lucca - Lucca - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/rome-and-potty.html">Rome and the Potty - Rome - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/roman-romance.html">Roman Romance - Rome - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/24-hours-in-sardinia.html">24 Hours in Sardinia - Su Nuraxi/Cagliari/Costa Smeralda/Saccargia/Alghero - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/bologna-in-bolognaise.html">The Bologna in Bolognese - Bologna - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/stunning-mosaics-of-ravenna.html">Ravenna's Stunning Mosaics - Ravenna - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/gubbio-my-new-italian-favorite.html">Gubbio - My New Italian Favorite - Gubbio - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/urbino-and-san-marino.html">Urbino and San Marino - Urbino - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/churches-of-padua.html">The Churches of Padua - Padua - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/vicenza.html">Vincenza - Vincenza - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/piglet-in-parma.html">Piglet in Parma - Parma - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/ferrari-factory.html">Ferrari Factory -Modena - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Liechtenstein</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/nancy-and-liechtenstein.html">Nancy and Liechtenstein - Liechtenstein - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Luxembourg</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-wonderland.html">A Winter Wonderland - Vianden - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/luxembourg-city.html">Luxembourg City - Luxembourg City/Ettelbruck/Valley of the Seven Castles - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Morocco</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/morocco-ferry-to-africa.html">Morocco and a Ferry to Africa - Tangiers - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">The Netherlands</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/sisterly-love.html">Sisterly Love - Amsterdam - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/noah-built-ark-y-ark-y.html">Noah Built an Ark-y Ark-y! - Schagen -March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl69" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/three-countries-and-three-playground.html">Three Countries & Three Playground Day - Vaals, Drie Landen Punt - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/double-towns-maastricht-and-aachen.html">Double "A" Towns - Maastrict and Aachen - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/polish-pottery.html">Polish Pottery - Utrecht - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/keukenhof.html">Keukenhof - Keukenhof, Noordwijk, Haarlem - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/saturday-fun-with-heather-and-troy.html">Saturday Fun with Heather and Troy - Amsterdam - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/cheesy-fun-in-gouda.html">Cheesy Fun in Gouda - Gouda - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/kinderdijk-windmills.html">Kinderdijk Windmills - Kinderdijk - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/rotterdam-holland.html">Rotterdam, Holland - Rotterdam - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/volendam-and-marken-island-girls.html">Volendam and Marken Island - Volendam/Marken Island - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/alkmaar-cheese-market.html">Alkmaar Cheese Market - Alkmaar - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/middelburg-and-delta-works.html">Middleburg and the Delta Works - Middleburg/Zeeland - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-caves-in-valkenburg.html">Christmas Caves in Valkenburg - Valkenburg - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-delft.html">Ropyal Delft - Delft - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/skating-on-canals.html">Skating on the Canals - Delft/Amsterdam - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/van-gogh-museum.html">Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/amsterdam-with-kiddos.html">Amsterdam with Kiddos - Amsterdam - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/den-haag-hague.html">Den Haag (The Hague) - The Hague - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/munich-and-amsterdam-with-granger.html">Munich and Amsterdam with Granger - Amsterdam - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/rabbit-hill-via-utrecht.html">Rabbit Hill via Utrecht - Utrecht/Rabbit Hill - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/rabbit-hill-hopping-all-around.html">Rabbit Hill - Hopping all Around - Rabbit Hill - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/bunnies-at-rabbit-hill.html">The Bunnies at Rabbit Hill - Rabbit Hill - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-favorite-thing-at-bunny-hill.html">My Favorite Thing at Bunny Hill - Rabbit Hill - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/bradys-matchbox-car-at-kroller-muller.html">Brady's Matchbox Car at Kroller Muller Museum - Otterlo - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/bffs-brady-and-connor.html">BFFs, Brady and Connor - Rabbit Hill - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Norway</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/fun-on-big-big-boat-part-two.html">Fun on the Big, Big Boat - Part Two - Scandinavia Cruise/Oslo - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/oslo-beginning.html">Oslo, The Beginning - Oslo - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/vigeland-park-in-oslo.html">Vigeland Park in Oslo - Oslo - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/norway-in-nutshell.html">Norway in a Nutshell - Oslo/Myrdal/Flam/Gudvangen/Voss/Bergen - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/bergen-norway.html">Bergen, Norway - Bergen - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/sun-came-out-in-oslo.html">The Sun Came Out in Oslo - Oslo - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Poland</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/a-arrival-in-krakow.html">An A+ Arrival in Krakow - Krakow - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/auschwitz.html">Auschwitz - Auschwitz/Berkenau - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/crakow-poland.html">Krakow, Poland - Krakow - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/gdansk-poland.html">Gdansk, Poland - Gdynia/Gdansk - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-place-warsaw.html">What a Place, Warsaw - Warsaw - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/show-pan-is-chopin.html">Show-PAN is Chopin - Warsaw - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/intercontinental-in-warsaw.html">Intercontinental in Warsaw - Warsaw - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Portugal</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/we-made-it-to-brussels-and-are-getting.html">Settling In! - Lisbon/Sintra/Porto - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/bring-on-sunny-algarve-adrenaline.html">Bring on the Sunny Algarve Adrenaline - Estremoz/Evora/Sagres - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/algarve-hotel-memmo-baleeira.html">Algarve Hotel, Memmo Baleeira - Sagres - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/lagos-in-algarve.html">Lagos in the Algarve - Lagos - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/end-of-earth-algarve.html">The End of the Earth, Algarve - Salema/Sagres/Cape Vincent - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/lisbon-revisited.html">Lisbon Revisited - Lisbon - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Romania</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/back-in-time-in-romania.html">Back in Time in Romania - Cluj/Gura Humorlui - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/painted-monasteries-of-moldavia-romania.html">Painted Monasteries of Moldavia, Romania - Gura Humorlui/Voronet - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/sighisoara-romania.html">Sighisoara, Romania - Sighisoara/Bran - July 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/brasov-romania.html">Brasov, Romania - Brasov - July 2010</td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Russia</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/cruisecritic.html">Cruise Critic - Scandinavia Cruise, St. Petersburg - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/st-petersburg-here-we-are.html">St. Petersburg, Here We Are - St. Petersburg/Peterhof/Tsarskoye Selo - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/st-petersburg-revisited.html">St. Petersburg, Revisited - St. Petersburg - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/church-of-spilled-blood.html">Church on the Spilled Blood - St. Petersburg - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/hermitage.html">The Hermitage - St. Petersburg - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">San Marino</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/urbino-and-san-marino.html">Urbino and San Marino - San Marino - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Slovakia</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/bratislava.html">Bratislava - Bratislava - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Slovenia</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl69" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/feeling-love-in-bled-slovenia.html">"Feeling Love" in Bled Slovenia - Bled - August 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl69" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/julian-alps-and-soca-valley.html">Julian Alps and the Soca Valley - Triglav/Vrsic/Kobarid - August 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl69" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/postojna-caves-and-llubliana.html">Postojna Caves and Ljubljana</td> - Postojna/Predjama/Ljubljana/Ptuj - August 2010</a></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Spain</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/we-made-it-to-brussels-and-are-getting.html">Settling In! - Santiago de Compostella - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/12/magical-mallorca-bon-nadal.html">Magical Mallorca! Bon Nadal! - December 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/under-big-top-in-bull-fighting-ring.html">Under the Big Top in the Bull Fighting Ring - Madrid - Madrid/Toledo - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/were-ba-ack.html">We're BA-ACK! - Andalucia (highlights) - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/sevilla-in-summertime.html">Sevilla and the Summertime - Sevilla - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/flamenco-and-bulls.html">Flamenco and Bulls - Sevilla - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/laughter-in-sevilla.html">Laughter in Sevilla - Sevilla - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/cordoba.html">Cordoba - Cordoba - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/granada-and-alhambra.html">Granada and the Alhambra - Granada - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/gibraltar-and-algiciras.html">Gibraltar and Algeciras - Algeciras - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/horses-and-arcos-de-la-frontera.html">Horses and Arcos de la Frontera - Jerez/Arcos de la Frontera - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/adios-amigos.html">Adios Amigos - Andalucia - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/leon-spain.html">Leon, Spain - Leon - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/salamanca-spain.html">Salamanca, Spain - Salamanca - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/spanish-bull-by-roadside.html">The Spanish Bull by the Roadside - Salamanca - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/avila-and-segovia.html">Avila and Segovia - Avila/Segovia - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/el-escorial-and-valley-of-fallen.html">El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen - El Escorial - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/so-happy-together-playing-in-madrid.html">So Happy Together - Playing in Madrid - Madrid - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/madrids-high-fashion.html">Madrid's High Fashion - Madrid - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/puerto-del-sol-and-fat-one.html">Puerto del Sol and the Fat One - Madrid - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/prado-and-centro-de-arte-reina-sofia.html">The Prado and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia - Madrid - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/retiro-park.html">Retiro Park - Madrid - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/burrowing-deeper-into-basque-country.html">Burrowing Deeper into Basque Country - Altamira and Bilbao, Spain - Altamira/Bilbau - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/san-sebastian.html">San Sebastian - San Sebastian - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/dali-day-his-home.html">Dali Day - His Home - Port Lligat/Roses - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/dali-theatre-in-figures.html">Dali Theatre in Figueres - Figueres - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/national-art-museum-of-catalonia.html">National Art Museum of Catalonia - Barcelona - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/parc-guell-barcelona.html">Parc Guell Barcelona - Barcelona - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/sagrada-familia.html">Sagrada Familia - Barcelona - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/picasso-museum-in-barcelona.html">Picasso Museum in Barcelona - Barcelona - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/montserrat.html">The Mountains of Montserrat, Spain - Montserrat - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/girona-spain.html">Girona, Spain - Girona - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/basking-in-canary-island-sun.html">Basking in the Canary Island Sun - Lanzarote, Canary Islands - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/canary-island-landscape.html">Canary Island Landscape - Lanzarote, Canary Islands - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/volcanoes-and-beach-lanzarote.html">Volcanoes and the Beach - Lanzarote - Lanzarote, Canary Islands - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/our-little-dancing-queen-at-lanzarote.html">Our Little Dancing Queen at the Lanzarote Kids Club - Lanzarote, Canary Islands - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/beach-bums-in-lanzarote.html">Beach Bums in Lanzarote - Lanzarote, Canary Islands - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Sweden</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/sweden-stop.html">Sweden Stop - Stockholm - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/swedens-city-hall-and-nobel-prize.html">Stockholm's City Hall and the Nobel Prize - Stockholm - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Switzerland</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/lovely-lake-como-italy-happy-new-year.html">Lovely Lake Como (Italy), Happy New Year! - Basel - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/few-hours-in-geneva.html">A Few Hours in Geneva - Geneva - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/zurich-rich-town-of-jewels-and-lingerie.html">Zurch, A Rich Town of Jewels and Lingerie - Zurich - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Turkey</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/three-flight-day-but-we-are-still.html">A Three Day Flight, But We Are Still Smiling - Istanbul - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/first-impressions-of-istanbul.html">First Impressions of Istanbul - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/turkey-day.html">Turkey, First Day of Touring - Istanbul - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/touring-istanbul-day-2.html">Touring Istanbul - Day 2 - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/only-davidson.html">Only Davidson - Istanbul - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/ephesus-izmir-and-kusadasi.html">Ephesus, Izmir, Kusadasi - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Vatican City</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/rome-and-potty.html">Rome and the Potty - Vatican City - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/roman-romance.html">Roman Romance - Vatican City - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Wales</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/rainy-day-in-wells-and-tintern-abbey.html">A Rainy Day in Wells and Tintern Abbey - Glastonbury/Wells - May 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/now-thats-castle-northern-wales.html">Now that's a Castle, Northern Wales - Caernarfon/Conwy/Beddgelert/Snowdonia - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/portmeirion-in-wales.html">Portmeirion in Wales - Portmeirion - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15.75pt" width="891" height="21"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/bodnant-gardens-in-wales.html">Bodnant Garden in Wales - Conwy - June 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Life In Brussels/Friends</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/10/getting-started.html">Getting Started - October 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/we-made-it-to-brussels-and-are-getting.html">Settling In! - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/healthcare-abroad.html">Healthcare Abroad - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-wonderland.html">A Winter Wonderland - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/celery-celery-celery.html">Celery, Celery, Celery - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2008/11/gobble-gobble-here-and-gobble-gobble.html">A Gobble, Gobble Here and a Gobble, Gobble There - November 2008</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-life-as-stay-at-home-mom-who-would.html">My Life as a Stay at Home Mom - Who Would Believe it?!?! - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/tgif.html">TGIF! - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/sour-cream-and-salt.html">Sour Cream and Salt - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/rose-colored-glasses.html">Rose Colored Glasses - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/helpful-hints.html">Helpful HINTS - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/graffiti-and-clouds.html">Graffiti and the Clouds - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/priceless-ikea-indoor-playground.html">Priceless IKEA - An Indoor Playground - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/bubble-man.html">The Bubble Man - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/lets-make-music.html">Let's Make Music - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/thats-entertainment.html">That's Entertainment - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/weather-flip-flop.html">Weather Flip Flop - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-i-took-big-stroller-on-bus.html">The Day I Took the BIG Stroller on the Bus - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/great-haircut-swap.html">The Great Haircut Swap - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/signs-of-spring.html">Signs of Spring - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/rose-ceremony-at-grocery-store.html">Rose Ceremony at the Grocery Store - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/ernst-young.html">Ernst & Young - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/sunshine-on-avenue-louise.html">Sunshine on Avenue Louise - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/luck-of-irish.html">The Luck of the Irish - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/health-insurance-abroad.html">Health Insurance Abroad - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/playing-in-park.html">Playing in the Park - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/elusive-total-gas-stations.html">Elusive "Total" Gas Stations - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/glass.html">Glass - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/belgian-gauntlet.html">The Belgian Gauntlet - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/ring-ring-ring.html">Ring, Ring, Ring - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/umbrellas-and-coats.html">Umbrellas and Coats - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-wouldnt-be-good-belgian-expat-if-i.html">I Wouldn't Be a Good Belgian Expat if I Didn't Write About It - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/bowling-balls.html">Bowling Balls - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/sucre-sale.html">Sucre Sale - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/lovehate-with-consignment-sales.html">Belgian Kids Consignment Sales - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/mexican-in-brussels.html">Mexican in Brussels - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/womens-club-group.html">Womens Club Group - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/road-construction.html">Road Construction - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/another-bct-playgroup-chez-nous.html">Another BCT Playgroup, Chez Nous - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/boogie-woogie-bugle-boy-of-company-b.html">Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/let-sunshine-in.html">Let the Sunshine In - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/european-picnics-on-bathroom-floor.html">European Picnics on the Bathroom Floor - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/go-with-all-your-heart.html">Go With All Your Heart - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/beer-glasses.html">Beer Glasses - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/bye-bye-julia-bye-bye-august.html">Bye Bye Julia, Bye Bye August - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-earth-day.html">Happy Earth Day - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/street-musicians.html">Street Musicians - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/craft-night-and-misty-photography.html">Craft Night and Moody Photography - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/mama-romas-pizza-and-best-fries-in.html">Momma Roma's Pizza and the Best Fries in Brussels - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/e-and-y-global-exchange-photography.html">E&Y Global Exchange Photography Competition - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/snuggling-in-european-beds.html">Snuggling in Our European Beds - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/chatelain-market-day.html">Chatelain Market Day - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/kirks-latest-craft.html">Kirk's Latest Craft - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/do-over.html">Do Over - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/spring-flowers-in-summer.html">Spring Flowers in Summer - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/mountain-of-laundry.html">Mountain of Laundry - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/friday-night-game-night.html">Friday Night Game Night - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/market-milestone.html">Market Milestone - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/cabot-arrives-and-kirk-turns-30.html">Cabot Arrives and Kirk Turns 30 - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/darn-hot-day-in-life.html">A Darn Hot Day in the Life - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/to-make-you-miss-brussels.html">To Make You Miss Brussels - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/sales-and-vacations.html">Sales and Vacations - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/wooden-sculpture-near-parlement.html">Wooden Sculpture Near Parliament - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/saturday-morning-in-brussels.html">Saturday Morning in Brussels - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/brussels-beach-bruxelles-les-bains.html">Brussels Beach - Bruxelles les Bains - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/musical-play-date.html">Musical Play Date - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/sainte-catherine.html">Sainte Catherine - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/bee-bopping-around-our-town.html">Bee Bopping Around Our Town - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/room-for-toilet.html">Room for a Toilet - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/mr-manneken-pis.html">Mr. Manneken Pis - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/theres-no-place-like-home.html">There's No Place Like "Home" - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/toast-of-new-york-tennis.html">The Toast of Tennis - New York - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/dimanche-sans-voiture.html">Dimanche Sans Voiture - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/harvest-moon-one-year-later-sept-22.html">Harvest Moon, One Year Later (September 22) - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/la-rentree.html">La Rentree - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/helping-daddy-work.html">Helping Daddy Work - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/picnic-in-abbey-de-la-cambre.html">Picnic in the Abbey de la Cambre - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/roller-parade.html">Roller Parade - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/milk-protest.html">Milk Protest - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/little-things.html">The Little Things - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/being-belgiumd.html">Being "Belgium'd" - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/bct-fashion-show.html">BCT Fashion Show - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/awcb-halloween-party.html">AWCB Halloween Party - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-birthday-brady-pottery-painting.html">Happy Birthday Brady (Pottery Painting) - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/biggest-book-fair-ever.html">The Biggest Book Fair Ever - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/gratefully-watching-pot-boil.html">Greatfully Watching a Pot of Water Boil - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-hour-at-royal-park.html">Happy Hour at the Royal Park - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/trick-or-treat-in-waterloo.html">Trick or Treat in Waterloo - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/ryan-air-shuffle.html">The Ryanair Shuffle - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/merci-pompiers.html">Merci Pompiers - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/advice-for-hovering-mom.html">Advice for a Hovering Mom - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/baby-disco.html">Baby Disco - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/karens-fun-fall-stage.html">Karen's Fun Fall Stage - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/truck-unloads.html">A Truck Unloads - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/making-quiches-awcb-style.html">Making Quiches AWCB Style - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-at-mp-now.html">Look at the MP Now! - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/gobble-gobble-turkey-day.html">Gobble, Gobble Turkey Day - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/neuhaus-chocolate-factory.html">Neuhaus Chocolate Factory - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/brussels-circus.html">Brussels Circus - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/st-nick-night.html">St. Nick Night - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/seeing-santa-at-awcb.html">Santa Spotting at AWCB - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/plaisirs-dhiver-2009.html">Plaisirs D'Hiver 2009 - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/december-16-1944-battle-of-bulge.html">December 16, 1944 - Battle of the Buldge - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/europalia.html">Europalia - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/snowflakes.html">Snowflakes - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/parallel-parking.html">Parallel Parking - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/am-i-lovin-it-european-mcdonalds.html">Am I Lovin' It? European McDonald's - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/kirks-christmas-present-to-me.html">Kirk's Christmas Present to Me - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/here-we-go-round-merry-go-round-more.html">Here We Go Round the Merry Go Round, More Plaisirs D'Hiver - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/house-demolition.html">House Demolition - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/technopolis.html">Technopolis - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/profit-from-pee.html">Profit from Pee? - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-crafty-friends.html">My Crafty Friends - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/our-favorite-rest-stop.html">Our Favorite Rest Stop - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/good-gracious-groceries.html">Good Gracious the Groceries - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/antwerp-january-sales.html">Antwerp January Sales - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/one-mans-trash.html">One Man's Trash... - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/art-museums-and-toddlers.html">Art Museums and Toddlers - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/snow-days-and-indoor-fun.html">Snow Days and Indoor Fun - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/chinese-new-year-on-our-street.html">Chinese New Year on the Street Where We Live - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/star-gazing.html">Star Gazing - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/snow-show-and-joe.html">Snow, Show, and Joe - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentines-projects.html">Valentine's Projects - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/etterbeek-pool.html">Etterbeek Pool - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/oscar-night-during-day.html">Oscar Night! During the Day! - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/pothole-protest.html">Pothole Protest - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/bffs-brady-and-connor.html">BFFs, Brady and Connor - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/belgium-duplicity-wallonia-and-flanders.html">Belgium Duplicity - Wallonia and Flanders - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/passion-play-tickets-for-sale-sat-may.html">Passion Play Tickets For Sale, Sat May 22 - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-in-world-are-you-stranded.html">Where in the World Are You Stranded? - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/out-on-town-au-revoir-brussels.html">Out on the Town, Au Revoir Brussels - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/theres-no-place-like-home.html">There's No Place Like Home - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-goodness-our-move.html">My Goodness Our Move - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/going-away-party.html">Going Away Party - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/french-markets.html">French Markets - September 2010</td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21"><td style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height="21">Kirk's Guy Outings - September 2010</td> </a></tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 16.5pt" height="22"><td class="xl67" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" width="891" height="22"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Family</span></b></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-am-sorely-behind-on-blog-posts-from.html">Yummy Trees - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/well-be-home-for-christmas-we-hope.html">We'll Be Home for Christmas! (We Hope!) - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-epiphany.html">Our Epiphany - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/20-months-and-counting.html">20 Months and Counting! - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/green-and-big-muh-muh.html">Green and Big Muh-Muh - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/missing-you.html">Missing You! - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/please-thank-you-and-amen.html">Please, Thank You, and Amen - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/proud-to-be-american.html">Proud to Be An American - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/brush-comb-and-bow.html">A Comb and A Brush, and A Bow! (Not a Bowl Full of Mush) - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/connors-favorite-new-swing.html">Connor's Favorite New Swing - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/hungry-hungry-hippo.html">Hungry, Hungry Hippo - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/crib-camp-out.html">Crib Camp Out - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/sisterly-love.html">Sisterly Love - January 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/counting-to-10.html">Counting to 10 - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/oh-no-elmo.html">Oh No! Elmo - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/spaghetti-smiles.html">Spaghetti Smiles - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/davis-is-off-to-tina.html">Davis is Off to Tina - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/travel-intervention.html">Travel Intervention - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/ode-to-oscar.html">Ode to Oscar - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/wildcats-and-sunday-school.html">Wildcats and Sunday School - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/sticky.html">Sticky - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/aging-play-dough.html">Aging Play Dough - February 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/hugs-and-kisses-from-connor.html">Hugs and Kisses from Connor - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/gymboree-bubbles-another-shout-out.html">Gymboree Bubbles-Another Shout Out - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/after-nap-heads.html">After-Nap Heads - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/forming-cathedrals.html">Forming Cathedrals - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/dont-try-this-at-home.html">Don't Try This at Home - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-hows-sweater.html">How-How's Sweater - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/old-macdonalds-jungle.html">Old MacDonald's Jungle? - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/elbow-grease-strawberries-and-frozen.html">Elbow Grease, Strawberries, and Frozen Pizza - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/daily-pick-up.html">Daily Pickup - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/home-again-home-again-jiggety-jig.html">Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/prayers-for-robin-waldron.html">Prayers for Robin Waldon - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/toddler-travel.html">Toddler Travel - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/connor-and-her-doh-doh.html">Connor and Her Doh-Doh - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/happy-bird-day-charlie.html">Happy "Bird-Day" Charlie - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/stick-out-those-lips.html">Stick Out Those Lips - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/where-are-you-green-muh-muh.html">Where are you Green Muh-Muh? - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/update-on-uncle-robin.html">Update on Uncle Robin - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/kirks-haircut.html">Kirk's Haircut - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/recent-recipes.html">Recent Recipes - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/choo-choo.html">Choo Choo! - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/potty-training.html">Potty Training? - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/um-connor.html">Um, Connor? - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/sleepless-in-belgium.html">Sleepless in Belgium - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/splish-splash-i-love-taking-bath.html">Splish, Splash, I Love Taking a Bath - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/jen-gets-married.html">Jen Gets Married - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/weekend-clean-up.html">Weekend Cleanup - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-not-green-muh-muh-but.html">It's Not Green Muh-Muh, But... - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/go-tarheels.html">Go Tarheels - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/tights-and-laundry.html">Tights and Laundry - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/opening-doors.html">Opening Doors - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/daylight-savings.html">Daylight Savings - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/mine-mine-mine.html">Mine! Mine! Mine! - March 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/getting-dressed-diapers-and-out-door.html">Getting Dressed, Diapered, and Out the Door - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/imagination-at-work.html">Imagination at Work - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/imaginary-conversations.html">Imaginary Conversations - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/pomegranates.html">Pomegranates - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/somersaults-in-bed.html">Somersaults in Bed - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-bet-you-think-this-song-is-about-you.html">I Bet You Think This Song is About You - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/cheerios.html">Cheerios - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/dress-up.html">Dress Up - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/tunnel.html">Tunnel! - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/bananas-are-back.html">Bananas Are Back - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/welcome-back-bob.html">Welcome Back BOB! - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/frozen-peas-and-corn.html">Frozen Peas and Corn - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/hold-you.html">Hold You? - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/pitiful-at-playground.html">Pitiful at the Playground - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/frog-and-pig.html">Frog and Pig - April 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/lullabye-and-goodnight-go-to-sleep.html">Lullaby and Goodnight, Go to Sleep Mommy - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-like-it.html">I Like It!! - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/moon-up-there.html">Moon Up There - Santorini - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/tickle-my-toes-and-brush-my-hair.html">Tickle My Toes and Brush My Hair - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-words-spilling-out-everywhere.html">New Words Spilling Out Everywhere - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/no-shoes-off.html">No Shoes Off - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/kiss-boo-boo.html">Kiss the Boo Boo - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-birthday-to-you.html">Happy Birthday to You! - May 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/so-tired.html">So Tired - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/our-little-monkey.html">Out Little Monkey - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-mom-artist.html">My Mom the Artist! - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/connors-newest-words.html">Connor's Newest Words - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-does-quarter-buy.html">What Does a Quarter Buy? - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/chillin-in-backseat.html">Chillin in the Back Seat - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/have-good-day.html">Have a Good Day! - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/ro-ros-refill.html">Ro-Ros Refill - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/see-connor-on-movie.html">See Connor on the Movie - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/toys-in-our-house.html">The Toys in Our House - June 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/watching-my-daughter-learn.html">Watching My Daughter Learn - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/babies-babies-everywhere.html">Babies, Babies, Everywhere - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/happy-fourth-of-july-we-are-without.html">Fourth of July - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/cactus-says-ouch.html">A Cactus Says Ouch - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/yellow-and-green-ikea-cans.html">Yellow and Green IKEA Cans - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/baby-legs.html">Baby Legs - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/plain-pasta.html">Plain Pasta - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/it-was-inevitableone-shoe.html">It Was Inevitable...One Shoe - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/biting-ice-cream-cone.html">Biting the Ice Cream Cone - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/breaking-out-of-potty-prison.html">Breaking Out of Potty Prison - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/epossamondas.html">Epposumondas - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/mother-may-i.html">Mother May I? - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/sixth-sense.html">A Sixth Sense - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/anna-anna-bo-banna.html">Anna, Anna, Bo Banna - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-in-rain.html">I'm in the Rain - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/books-books-books.html">Books, Books, Books - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/magna-doodle-and-croissants.html">Magna Doodle and CROISSANT - July 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/inside-fun.html">Inside Fun - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-wonder-where-she-gets-it-from.html">I Wonder Where She Gets it From - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/our-little-disney-princess.html">Our Little Disney Princess - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/getting-dressed-is-getting-old.html">Getting Dressed is Getting Old - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/youre-so-vain.html">You're So Vain - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/put-pocketing-what-concept.html">Put Pocketing - What a Concept - August 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/oh-places-youll-go-and-people-youll-see.html">Oh the Places You'll Go and the People You'll See - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/greatest-great-grandparents.html">The GREATEST Great Grandparents - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/eating-and-shopping-in-usa.html">Eating and Shopping in the USA - September 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/national-noodle-day.html">National Noodle Day - October 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/20th-anniversary-of-fall-of-berlin-wall.html">20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/potty-time-take-two.html">Potty Time - Take Two - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/books-on-our-nightstands.html">The Books on Our Nightstand - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/feet-up-riding-in-car.html">Feet Up Riding in the Car - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/giving-thanks.html">Giving Thanks - November 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-want-to-make-this.html">I Want to Make This - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/ps-another-thing-i-hope-to-make.html">P.S. Another Thing I Hope to Do - December 2009</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/gingerbread-houses-and-me.html">Gingerbread Houses and Me - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010.html">2010 - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/sitting-with-santa.html">Sitting with Santa - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/christmas-morning-grandmother-snuggles.html">Christmas Morning Grandmother Snuggles - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html">We Three Kings of Orient Are - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/rosy-cheeks.html">Rosy Cheeks - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-haircut-at-age-two-and-half.html">First Hircut - At Age Two and a Half - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/to-aunt-how-hows-house-we-go.html">To Aunt How-How's House We Go - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/christmas-cookie-cheer.html">Christmas Cookie Cheer - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/willingham-christmas-drumroll.html">Willingham Christmas Drumroll - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/roseberry-christmas-drumroll.html">Roseberry Christmas Drumroll - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/ho-ho-ho-christmas-day.html">Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Day - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/flying-first-class.html">Flying First Class - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/legacy-of-miep-gies-and-anne-frank.html">The Legacy of Miep Gies and Anne Frank - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-haiti.html">Why Haiti? - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/two-elmos-in-our-house.html">Two Elmos in Our House - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/homesickness-and-holiday-greetings.html">Homesickness and Holiday Greetings - January 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/woof-woof.html">Woof! Woof! - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/celebrating-random-holidays-in-brrrr.html">Celebrating Random Holidays in the BRRR Cold - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/youre-not-on-break-anymore-momma.html">You're NOT on a Break Anymore Mommy! - February 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/annie.html">Annie - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/connor-funnies.html">Connor Funnies - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/shoo-shoo-here-comes-connor.html">Shoo Shoo Here Comes Connor - March 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td class="xl66" style="WIDTH: 668pt; HEIGHT: 15pt" width="891" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/prayers-for-poland.html">Prayers for Poland - April 2010</a></td> </tr><tr style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><td style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height="20"><a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/expat-travel-tips.html">Expat Travel Tips - September 2010</a></td></tr>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-58837775066246008382010-09-12T18:18:00.002+02:002010-09-14T02:30:52.848+02:00Expat Travel Tips<div>Along the way I tried to make a recommendation list for Belgian expats. I remember what a great resource stranger blogs were to me when I was getting set and settled in. So here are a few tips from me:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) <b>Buy one of these.</b> They may seem like "Granny Grocery Bags" but truthfully just do it. Convenience trumps looking sophisticated.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLv8wnmAcpBqHGDp8GOt7C8i_-xX3sN4MxQgSGknAQuPeFJ6XOk3Eiv4UZCjadCiz8aQkpFKLCpzlv8_qOQgk97HUu2VA6Ap5uBFg9R9J0hSsbeHLjLSa4faqkwnX971daC9Fd7HisyM/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452195950393556130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLv8wnmAcpBqHGDp8GOt7C8i_-xX3sN4MxQgSGknAQuPeFJ6XOk3Eiv4UZCjadCiz8aQkpFKLCpzlv8_qOQgk97HUu2VA6Ap5uBFg9R9J0hSsbeHLjLSa4faqkwnX971daC9Fd7HisyM/s400/IMG_9995.JPG" /></a><div>2) <b>Don't shy away from renting a car on travels.</b> It will take you through the back door and assist you in seeing lots at your own pace. I never regretted the extra money spent on car rentals. It usually ended up saving us from being sucked into cheesy mass tours. The only caveat is definitely be sure to learn to drive a manual transmission before you get to Europe. We didn't and we were put in many tight spots being reliant on an automatic car. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) <b>Buy a good GPS.</b> It was our first purchase in Europe. We bought a top of the line model and have never thought twice about the investment. It is a must-have in Europe. (Beware though they don't work in Greece and Romania!)</div><br />4) <b>Travel during the off season.</b> We went to Lake Como for New Years and Sardinia in December. Sure the temperatures sometimes proved a challenge. But overall the crowds were minimal and innkeepers more willing to negotiate and make a deal. Don't be afraid to bargain shop. Just tell them, <i>"I really would prefer to stay with you, but have another offer at XYZ price. Would you be willing to match it? If so I will book right away."</i><br /><br />5) <b>Learn the virtues of public transport.</b> What can I say, it is Europe?!? The trams, metros and buses were key to getting out and about. I didn't love the Belgian public transport and European trains were surprisingly expensive - yet there was always a way.<br /><br />6) <b>Perfect your knowledge of budget airline sales.</b> Ryan Air, Wizz Air and the lot can be a pain with their many rules and weight restrictions. But ahem, can you really beat 1 euro tickets to the Mediterranean?<br /><br /><div>7) <b>Learn to love the Ibis hotel. </b> If you aren't ready for a hostel situation, but still want to travel on the cheap, check out Ibis and Travelodge. We found them a good option for our family-on-the-go. While they lacked interior charm - they were always clean, affordable, and often in a great location.</div><br />8) <b>Pack lightly and travel often.</b> We knew we were in Europe for 18 months...no more and no less. We posted a wall calendar and matched weekends with a list of where we most wanted to go. I don't regret one trip. We became packing pros. And it is amazing how little you really need when you pare it down. Even with a toddler in tow.<br /><br />9) <b> Invest in Rick Steves before you come over. </b> They don't sell Rick Steves travel books in Europe. Yet he is THE MAN! We must have had his entire library. And discovered all the good stuff with his suggestion.<br /><br /><div>10) <b>Get used to eating long, late and only under a reservation.</b> This is the only way it is done. I still chuckle to think we would need to call ahead for 3 girls to pop in and eat Indian food. But that is the culture and the expectation. Don't buck it. And goodness knows, don't try to pay with credit cards. Cash is the standard.</div><br /><div>11) <b>Smokers are everywhere, learn to dodge them.</b> I never got used to this. It shocks and saddens me how much smoking persists abroad.</div><br />12) <b>Get used to km, celsius and euros. </b> My advice is to stop translating back to American standards. Just submit and get used to the new metric and monetary systems. The sooner you do, the more sense it will make.<br /><br />13) <b>Ship over your favs in your 'sea shipment' if you have one. </b> We loaded up our container with Cheerios, oatmeal, goldfish, and cake frosting. None of which you can find abroad. These items will no doubt help in the friend-making department!<br /><br />14) <b>Pay for hotels in full upon reservation and no cancels.</b> It is only an American standard to make a hotel reservation without paying up front. We were fortunate we never forfeited our payment due to missed travel. But this is a common problem.<br /><br />15) <b>Get used to being very assertive in asking for your check at meals.</b> I have honestly been places waiting an hour just to get the tab. I really don't get it, but it does take persistence.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are my top 15. Hope they prove helpful! Let me know if so - or what advice you would add?</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-80374754362705774542010-09-12T17:26:00.000+02:002010-09-13T02:27:17.109+02:00Floralies of Ghent<div>We arrived back in Belgium for a total of 24 hours before our final flight home. The day was FULL of to do's, the most pressing to love on our dear friends. Karen and I packed our kiddos up and went to the <a href="http://www.floralien.be/gen.php?reqNr=1&sReqNr=1&lang=EN" target="_blank">Floralies of Ghent</a>. Once every 5 years the town of Ghent puts on a grand flower show. And we weren't about to miss it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZpCHenJCJfEWYQTZulxDuidB3l8nE55s4-7AeY3N1HvsZF5wlHF-z9ikMAEFa49ot9EsE0Bl0C8u4u3i_vq3z7vUwsFH5T29p1TVHjs_HrMzyu7MXUxCFQAP-iYt2rB9aeTZGJP4bm6c/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123858548845170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZpCHenJCJfEWYQTZulxDuidB3l8nE55s4-7AeY3N1HvsZF5wlHF-z9ikMAEFa49ot9EsE0Bl0C8u4u3i_vq3z7vUwsFH5T29p1TVHjs_HrMzyu7MXUxCFQAP-iYt2rB9aeTZGJP4bm6c/s400/IMG_2275.JPG" /></a> We got to the convention hall surrounded by thousands and thousands of senior citizens. And hoards and hoards of people in general. We pushed in with our strollers and hoped for the best. Although I am pretty sure we ran over a few toes inadvertently with stroller tires in the mass chaos - oops. The flower show was beautiful and very impressive. But I gotta say the convention hall florescent lighting really did nothing to enhance the beauty.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_5aSewR5drrIHJbrPxC8jd5UTD-C8_DbCT_dwXGvf1qPp-Wc2Tiug23LHwPom7WVS7UJCnUi6_l7ZdkYwqEwtIbiKCoRqbL5f_Q8ij1C_xLWu03wpm6HDt1aoUfihBugxX_pvFvQQF1K/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123857492665490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_5aSewR5drrIHJbrPxC8jd5UTD-C8_DbCT_dwXGvf1qPp-Wc2Tiug23LHwPom7WVS7UJCnUi6_l7ZdkYwqEwtIbiKCoRqbL5f_Q8ij1C_xLWu03wpm6HDt1aoUfihBugxX_pvFvQQF1K/s400/IMG_2279.JPG" /></a> The kids were kids. Connor was pretty exhausted from the travel over the past month. She was a "spirited" child - not wanting to stay in the stroller and also not wanting to walk with her mom. Karen and I tag teamed to keep up with them. One was child-chaser while the other took photos and vice versa.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNYK0LAYFwX3GrsksuNAxp5Hf-BZFCGgZEsPafEPqyZnpJB9TmdwiDoqvwKO3titWXTMfkDnZ_ljzedjGLjsVopoZTccZ9BqP7GDKl4JKzbaFl6R7nYw5JOFIfOQH3UEsmVascr8EnB2/s1600/IMG_2289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123848671769282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNYK0LAYFwX3GrsksuNAxp5Hf-BZFCGgZEsPafEPqyZnpJB9TmdwiDoqvwKO3titWXTMfkDnZ_ljzedjGLjsVopoZTccZ9BqP7GDKl4JKzbaFl6R7nYw5JOFIfOQH3UEsmVascr8EnB2/s400/IMG_2289.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGSYgvr2QdNU3nU8mwubz1QtQlv38LXVaI8f9Ut-o2YbtOq_kxvoR42yskUSM12LJS_RsKbHUUjMYWobVEgq2Lc20q5wNasIBfAALuaYI_g-UKFIzN79S6NfqBw1TCKd3I-Y_tUiizb8C/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123840844817458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGSYgvr2QdNU3nU8mwubz1QtQlv38LXVaI8f9Ut-o2YbtOq_kxvoR42yskUSM12LJS_RsKbHUUjMYWobVEgq2Lc20q5wNasIBfAALuaYI_g-UKFIzN79S6NfqBw1TCKd3I-Y_tUiizb8C/s400/IMG_2294.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtVAmr9biXSVkS5ckuuyZDCrHZQTku6-yuUyOXmM3jjqNo3uzof12zJeFPLljlcW6qmuYUDJEgYO9t5NOByxxnBqLUT4NR_VnpFlzuocSdxx3cKD5S0pwk1XHzurD6puDPla8UZV6yQG5/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123494881932690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtVAmr9biXSVkS5ckuuyZDCrHZQTku6-yuUyOXmM3jjqNo3uzof12zJeFPLljlcW6qmuYUDJEgYO9t5NOByxxnBqLUT4NR_VnpFlzuocSdxx3cKD5S0pwk1XHzurD6puDPla8UZV6yQG5/s400/IMG_2298.JPG" /></a> These two totally knew they were being mischevious, but it was their last day together.<br />We had to be very quick and convincing for them to sit still for a photo.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123485156275218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKdK9Srw2vFitiFRa3ooNZLaWlNXEZv4NQII2d4H6HYblmyJoMKXFv7KFcCqn5ZMzXc8vcRPe5FALlnaBE-APzq9aMQYtVoyGsHtcyVJaqw3IMxvwHKefWo0rH-RDKjgPEdFceRCTKKV3/s400/IMG_2310.JPG" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVTx7ZXPgBJXRWQaPeJgL5UwnoUKQlpg_qeXZ5FaifZED7EWv2SnrYSiRqQHxg0-vlsAiMMyGZxmyeuS1L1v5Wb0lc6sT901-fGo9VpiZ48lsj5jJms5MVI5aedTZXEiblRZH58PvE0wZ/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123491983425554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVTx7ZXPgBJXRWQaPeJgL5UwnoUKQlpg_qeXZ5FaifZED7EWv2SnrYSiRqQHxg0-vlsAiMMyGZxmyeuS1L1v5Wb0lc6sT901-fGo9VpiZ48lsj5jJms5MVI5aedTZXEiblRZH58PvE0wZ/s400/IMG_2306.JPG" /></a>The flowers were absolutely stunning - as only the Flemish can produce. This flower show is a 200 year old tradition. We kept thinking we were nearing the end until yet another hall of displays appeared along the path - one after another after another. We were only halfway through when we learned there were 2 KILOMETERS of path. Which seemed at the time both a blessing and a curse. We were happy to see all the flowers, but the navigation challenge with children and strollers seemed endless.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123476690776754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaagmzSVCKwO7lgeXshBHqk3Ku6WyBATYT_X5DqJF7VbL2LpumJ3BQ-SrtQ7ByfSVBvoPmPAjdqWIZDyfjePsnzYzoUoJYITsv8cAey_2IZFLk9bB0t_UjCzvsS_mqiUjs8vmiCONqeiEe/s400/IMG_2315.JPG" />Kid and crowd challenges aside, it was impossible not to appreciate the immense beauty and creativity. There were table settings, orchids, and artistic masterpieces all made from flowers.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514123474743632754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEuuQMt0_ONe5ahirV7KynrWhcXnv7R3Wr3X_UI99Pw5EHkUcTqun97bXg3U5GlFk6GpJNwabIcCokAwdYNyDNadDNUxWmBAR1WZ7BCX6FMfzu1vF3wHTQrdH-Csq_ZBPlP-Gyj-nXN97/s400/IMG_2317.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122779541643266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCMcVZGAfaOFG00RJDnquccgDX8v2CCWFXyvdvbD9RIXPZaql8retSAdCv6L2c00z0M5kYmcc2SVhVUrMCkuoZo_5AtVC6qlPE624b6gs4bgu_e5YFie5u3PAGTqwBFA7WD1PEXenwEjf/s400/IMG_2320.JPG" />Kinda puts the American Rose Bowl Parade to shame!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122771198480434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF2maLL7K5btrIW8R-QexnUyRP8JsPh_WDU-z3Sicrpus9f5UEAP9Hga_Si5TwC8T6sRmFgaaJK5i88-Ed1hJVJxQWmi5HdmGfanchzdwmH_KJ41QONss9sm6y9ZKX4VGB3h5dRum9cWT/s400/IMG_2322.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122769206642530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgN7DGqO6DmXyw7NxSIsCjt_xk_Tj-8Hk4CV2xk_-IKEDznTtqUu1fS58yReEBQsOfcUY-tnw7neOVPG3xJ2I9PETiG5raRc_p-ChXqsBqjU17UzI3O-6NLWl_0hW7A7_ZaikGZPagiC_g/s400/IMG_2325.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122763614988850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyC_JOY0B_t9GRMPPdrFlXna517tT5cbH-9K1002bXJbnH77S3yPFjhSxqjKLBUKAz2XY1zY9684ELSB4Lh-xO4kYknfVV7VkpLN7Okqkvmv2RRqv5kjap-o4GKKoJ9xLc9KH71nZebUL/s400/IMG_2329.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122758380000930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gKWHvo_h24ZFVCyXQLxP2EMyMpiXandwca3TrrqYdKI9NOGNFffyzuSjZ5HsLINVDb3H1rgYFIybk7IWObrGC3ODG9WsqQtIDLx1xMXhRA8dRt0buOvX4M_qD0B-QqFNQBgvnujLuyGZ/s400/IMG_2342.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122227324813490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0HtMkByIcHQYNIEOGgt3kZ7hhgdDoRfIEtiliJGZaWgzfx1X3BMXgEEaUjjXxYPnAHLgQtxw3A53gJXQDpsgEjNnF8xC3FGUG1Hy5XxSvKzSr00Jz9RNJKFxMSw9q5WqMnqqyhGDo4be/s400/IMG_2345.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122223209095570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IzPhEerUtzEKWsOi8af515nOigQvf0PZpfDRUq1mr4EJkM_Tfc1-KcSSV2ptBQv8x0B1V1JWJ8quE6lTQX-dAOwuNCMXzf8Y4FimvO8nKO3sRUtjlPzvLZrAT3jMEu0Gnb90rHzgY39Q/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" />It was hard to believe some of these were even real. These flowers seemed plastic until we were up close. Sure was a ton of effort given that within 2 weeks everything would be as it was before.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122218272608690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcSPPNb_wQ6RpOU7NOXJ1_F0SvLLL7VtU3amsrKu_544bok9pCH63lFGuxhMz6cpNoXZvYaw_yRMYJUBfnoieWHZLuD6SxoZ3YvrML47mFkmQCHVU-KcFdDV9nENLL9tNhgI9rlm6KaDY/s400/IMG_2360.JPG" />All in all it was a great morning and final crescendo for the Karen-Brady/Reid-Connor traveling team. The Floralies of Ghent epitomized our day trippin' together perfectly. The travel, parking, snacks, hugs, scenery, girlfriend-gabbing, and kid-laughing... Where would I have been without these sweet friends?!? There were many tears in our goodbye, but there was also a calm knowing we would see each other back in the USA.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122212915932354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwcoVTioXLsgKx_Cr4eM1hyvw-sRpzODcPKO8eJRzRjIWpjxNCvmSQNKpDQl-Fu0ij-vaQS6KSGbd_MvQm-mEmyJoUcob75F3Nyn_rJCMDS3CFh5TupharguYn0e4NuaNjjzAUdkZMUu-/s400/IMG_2363.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514122210915423186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7erFjYd1n0Ww2i_M-rDhjSrUB68YWeo4Y4IKHEX7sMxifh4UpUkFjfg0P4xmWN1jdtRZ2ICedWIAnH1lPKYyscJVYmxx8JiOD_2sAGd6j2J47Q321fnrtvCDKJktcmintJzSkkTdV0rqN/s400/IMG_2370.JPG" />That afternoon I had a final <em>'chocolate chaud'</em> with Dallas at Wittamers in Sablon. We giggled with glee about her new pregnancy anticipating this sweet baby. Another difficult goodbye followed.</div><br /><div> </div><div>That evening sweet Joe made us a yummy homemade dinner as a sendoff. We took over their apartment with our mountains of luggage. The repacking job was a true feat.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQaxKWoHsAedlZe7jk3QC2JH-R_7emUkd8U7FKQzipuFMv48a4WMRxkaH1_BbMTQucuwvtPQ5fnhCmC2bUUdXSQSEm4MFLrnhNyobs_aWWuABZ0NDUTQDUIzrNvBo5qi_kG9OGCmCW0Ai/s400/IMG_2377.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514121680994804082" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0iO7zwyZyEeThn7PMFSaQHDnfp9x97y1ing-TR67fnqCRNgsRe0tX6M4E9R_6FLVGQ3nPlC7eH_3KxHqv3jZDQ6a130I3XGYS2XEpafHX4qQrc43lzUPnKg3Yldfi544n5ki12ecaF1J/s400/IMG_2376.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514121688180720754" border="0" alt="" />It was hard not to feel a huge mix of emotions. We did it. We really did it. We spent 18 months living in Europe. And it was like living a dream. I would never trade a moment of the highs, the lows and the in betweens. This experience will be forever a piece of us - individually and as a tight knit family.</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-31416210654095326462010-09-12T16:33:00.001+02:002010-09-13T02:37:46.906+02:00Kirk's Guy Outings<div>I thought I was going to convince Kirk to write this post, but since it has been a couple months I am just going to go ahead and fill in the gaps.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2004Y_wDxdoMffJW1rpQ0PuSc6hsB-l7IXrFP4SJBCdu73Nc-2YiKVWM1BhFIQFiAr4ahCJTEm2t2axYd7FspKwk_UsQW3w0KViqyyvDKuvyfxuKTRp3qVxFKRTYNZ53MRDxwFrtuqo/s400/IMG_8734.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510625001141826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div>Before we left Kirk made sure he experienced some of the "guy" activities on his Europe-as-an-Expat Bucket List. He and Tom made trips to Westvleteren for an afternoon au revoir to Trappist Beers, to Antwerp for an international Dave Matthews Band concert, and also to Amsterdam for a "football" match. As you probably know "football" really means soccer in Europe. And my goodness it is like a sports religion....</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEywZp-GpEIGtId2YWImDdKgSngi1Jqke-uPBZJ-YFTY7MeK7u1pFohDsqbmuS-Lk5k9zBcoFqre9_Oxz-7EF7Pm59O2c49ZIuh2MIEd-BOS1n1nJ7yFI3MyOiCK0nxfIWa1SVj-iHjFU/s400/IMG_8736.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510151144461442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie92oYtNC1jzklE8Yw2PGkX7b8b0532yczuedRx2aHNHsQ0-c3JrTPJZZXSKnHWBPTtAQYStFeI2L8zL3nSUiLKobPnVA471Yx7Htoo9oTFn_rOULnNLzbsbE8B3OTX07_fLgK2ASg7XfZ/s400/IMG_8740.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510146979950866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></u></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq77CbEKTZsslSF5bYZl5_wNCCZVwiFI02e1-IJtPekaeGQ0jQpWg3o0cb4q-Xb-9l_7HafVl053_F-ijYLhLSbVHfj98BZiIkD4Fw6-X9R_s64oMzGxN1vghvLDRYrnU6NEOedieCEc/s400/IMG_8730.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510160278870802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;">It must have been odd getting to cheer on the USA on foreign soil.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYOmNKRBNY0pky7Ic2xtmxfmqpBo2rKuEBAl2COG2Y5ots67ep-8kZ52nOI7I_DnS1v6UgebLCNx5LMXjB-Eu7QnC5DM-easEiSKleByChIb-sxY-O0D06rJOdLHiIgNDCYdgxNyjatpX/s400/IMG_8746.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510145004522194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Dutch were all decked in their traditional orange Queens' Crowns.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzX3wQStIBQ4pSyhH1fDvi6pIbDlTad8vTM3b9K2ksvL8eAVsjcwkKZG-AQ2Qxk8bEO6xOr8zybv09joVqmDld346SPQyVtOBgO_9y7hc5W9N_EKBdeXZLXdDEOF8heopOXjgYV8y0-br/s400/IMG_8753.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446510140610926562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpbtby7eDM5Yrvunye3NPgY7qDbpnk8b0jkNvZmkSKFlIz7Sj-GuZlXD1IHUar9JGCWlbBO5nn7v-t87d6b9-bAaaxoUxoE-l5ZUEwopf6zeJwLj7xq5h1rEfmpzoe-KG-dgBI3NOb9HI/s400/IMG_8766.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446509913735614530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh0NuUOG955AG9iljVcbm1qpWYPkPId8bhu2DL0uMjzZAVeHyuBk3ajfZ8zCS9CmDa03RHEj1uzRWd8Jm8lr8RGM9WDamrSpGflqYQ6yM70LwyBcB8X5-ZiuboQSrFc1lF6AqHj-5q_uj/s400/IMG_8780.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446509901828843842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zRctpwAEbeJ89l0Pss3AoeO0YiKWSf8QlvNX-hYVGglnOAkbVyh89yNVhECAbGYZNvqTECxYx7RjqUCxISgWoSDv-PePJ1Uv0PguYVHwsCgS_AHhM5hO3ZzkkfpGld9qHdXQ-Sd7HKcs/s400/IMG_8809.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446509896439774786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAar6k-T9VQ8DPptJhNXCYrZszMcPKs8GBZ5VqYjykIr6fx1LhVAL7MvNpqQDtG808rwhSX0R3edzLLoS69WhdC7ANoFVO28A0E1Y-6QXnzHTcwwWhsJ6aVxw6yiWdmi3JLwHF1fO1VdRm/s400/IMG_8762.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446509918160216322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-63415348270521461422010-09-12T16:30:00.003+02:002010-09-13T02:54:07.998+02:00French Markets<div>As I finish up this blog I find myself thinking a lot about what I miss in Europe. Our life there seems to slip away so quickly with the march of American life ballooning in. One thing I miss is the fresh approach to food and eating. The markets were heavenly. The French culture takes so much pride in food shopping.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM6PES6xXzuNQti2AfR23tZbCGlPI5jx-ZqZn_W0OYonj3gO0KBR7SOSUK_gm818HzJ0Ihv0qxRCY68-wjPrgvvN_jgprLbYwe3M-b1NFdZALDvnTGoP5qoSRlQKPMOLFdJt5IVBMWBsD/s1600-h/IMG_1326.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441434686897325666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM6PES6xXzuNQti2AfR23tZbCGlPI5jx-ZqZn_W0OYonj3gO0KBR7SOSUK_gm818HzJ0Ihv0qxRCY68-wjPrgvvN_jgprLbYwe3M-b1NFdZALDvnTGoP5qoSRlQKPMOLFdJt5IVBMWBsD/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" border="0" /></a>There is a special store for bread (<i>boulangerie</i>), another for pastries (<i>patisserie</i>), another for meats (<i>boucherie</i>), for cheese, and for fish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb6uvSCVKIUibNdYw1R-rzGs1X3dEyhti9d-tLlvqdFWoXjtP9yGizmiVS9Lnt4VGaQfVXUq3gAU4Dy5zfGphQ8wwwZtTyHRwUY7CItApGcXaj78oxev1eVZaUWG8DtCqJbmamqZGc3JY/s1600-h/IMG_1324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441434682869398114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb6uvSCVKIUibNdYw1R-rzGs1X3dEyhti9d-tLlvqdFWoXjtP9yGizmiVS9Lnt4VGaQfVXUq3gAU4Dy5zfGphQ8wwwZtTyHRwUY7CItApGcXaj78oxev1eVZaUWG8DtCqJbmamqZGc3JY/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" border="0" /></a>The approach to living with simple emphasis on choosing quality food products is a stark difference to the 24/7 convenience in America.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfFwKzCIYU-Z-nfFDgNsfm6eZ9asKYFwVAwq89UJ2apZnc5wgxIm1NTODtTzriVndvQf7ubq8dhJmljXfRWYYPIUpLpSaGp9m6acnCoyrqRvbonFfiPSiXFpCwDHliZ02h_BOSRhSV-rw/s400/IMG_1075.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438981886529671874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyscabO4EYCTytKNXqFCNpshEM1KJwWdXsyVFY29fn-3s40P-3qFQjw7eJpJ5ujsddC5vlweLeOt-zGT2H3rUU64dDXbeGZzK90WX16jMlDQQp_SZ2Gyr5dwwPdfNMwYhB9N2ilBhFjTPp/s1600-h/IMG_0824.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438981887607762290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyscabO4EYCTytKNXqFCNpshEM1KJwWdXsyVFY29fn-3s40P-3qFQjw7eJpJ5ujsddC5vlweLeOt-zGT2H3rUU64dDXbeGZzK90WX16jMlDQQp_SZ2Gyr5dwwPdfNMwYhB9N2ilBhFjTPp/s400/IMG_0824.JPG" border="0" /></a>I never thought I would miss this, but I do. There is something familiar and familial about this art form. It gives bakers, butchers, and fishermen a pride in their work.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQT6lfKlDD5-reqWmHwVf1JCrfULTWcY8uk4Tf56eHg1uQQXnh-iPDYpGGGqi1D7RRKouKM-_gVjW9GLXSIOcoL-CZTSrUPkYxEGdsuT4U08n14deGQopiuVznSdLfUYQ44VByoWu5fPI/s400/IMG_1074.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438981872412379858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: left;">That said - now being home - I have also composed a list of the technologies and conveniences I relish having back:</div><div>- garbage disposal</div>- auto flush on toilets <i>(this totally freaks Connor out though)</i><br />- cell phone texting <i>(this took off while we were away)</i></div><div>- bank imaging when you make deposits<br />- being able to use the washer and dryer at the same time!<br />- using the dollar instead of the euro <i>(too many coins)</i><br />- ice and ice makers<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have had funny, overwhelming experiences too. </div><div style="text-align: left;">- It still takes me hours at the grocery store. I am taken aback by all the choices in products. I mean, do we really need an entire aisle of frozen food meals? The Healthy Choice meals I used to eat so religiously pretty much make my stomach turn. </div><div style="text-align: left;">- In Europe tax and tip are always built into the prices. So it still surprises me to calculate the extra 20%+!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What a difference an ocean makes!</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-21564114801276742572010-09-06T22:57:00.001+02:002010-09-07T05:01:31.361+02:00Dramatic Departure from Budapest<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecAspWh2qJ89lru8rB9bAKa952UbdrtzSyBMXh_WWJckhFUa9kzK-POjvCidvCEkOHAqCvfKPyhPlgioUi04SVJnIwHyebq2Nkwj8ecpRYmJ_MyY4bFa9szvQecsOCeVpCFcHSuL0Eca0/s1600/trainhungary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510789447899787218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecAspWh2qJ89lru8rB9bAKa952UbdrtzSyBMXh_WWJckhFUa9kzK-POjvCidvCEkOHAqCvfKPyhPlgioUi04SVJnIwHyebq2Nkwj8ecpRYmJ_MyY4bFa9szvQecsOCeVpCFcHSuL0Eca0/s400/trainhungary.jpg" border="0" /></a>I found the above photo of the Budapest train station and it made me laugh. What an impact that singular place had on our trip! By the last day of our vacation the Iceland volcano still had not let up after a week of grounding flights. Unsure of whether our flight the next day would take off, we sucked it up and bought train tickets back to Brussels. With our final flight to the USA only 2 days later we couldn't afford to be in the wrong spot. It was time to get home. Just having an answer - albeit an expensive one - and a 14 hour one instead of a 1 hour flight - was heartening.</div><div><br /></div><div>The peace of mind helped us get out and at 'em to see Budapest one last time. We jogged by Parliament...<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFjrcrLtuCuk3X_9DxhvWUM9AzJx2qZ4I76DMKGJs5Xq3b2gzlFG5F3SkCKq0wNoP3QJy14O1ZobklkSVf9CMa3XZT764KBXRZgCn90TVHFq739xttha9cXTh7ocxIIYQeJcFj3KUSEj_/s400/IMG_2144.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925890188154386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" />Marveled at the incredible architecture.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT_T-gf2_rvsILyVXlEIBJ6Xz99_zUA3z21YK9QgfFt0f6LYFsNhLlZW2Qs-t-_WpQDCzgUF45HfJIw0V7SVik1RbGyW324pXdyh2t6loHPDjqeJHXN1aNvacIicPOVf7uIPbr4n4XYpC/s400/IMG_2245.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925883299574930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GuTACm2fGqbZK-JXnMizrOBBxR7WmEJ-kbRGDuwND14cTn-1MQKLAc5YjixshwWplwf7KtZEwJwxAU80jOebuym8ZUgrnSlmcC1MCmsxUo3jYIMdijZfGgzi2W7nndjvmdGrg0r-tGnA/s400/IMG_2246.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925881941232626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczhGSz-v1fJqFi2r-A_gzodebYpYSmhU_fW1SHLNsdYtFy5tC4jqhaSPbwPxYg_UGGXoS7OvTAAR0iQfweW14NQ6AMvRWshTaLAvuZ6snao3oMETqrY_HMya95ydvJ6sw1WOh2fLy7_eJ/s400/IMG_2249.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925877589894386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then the big morning came. It looked light some flights could take off this day - making the decision all the cloudier. We had to get on the train at 8 AM or risk it and wait for the <i>possible </i>4 PM flight. I am not a gambler so we took the train...</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6imeq9zTRAGxh2tez5shVPgb28W1jM3bfkoetz-jz7xRkV87uuStb8rkzB6WUKQOVENndL4DMYO03RpJFvCs07IRYaYbD_p2XOJfvapQE1g78p8Qpu5RqjQ0FJDFng5bbGdT8b1ppiST/s400/IMG_2265.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925037783755202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: left;">It proved a long, yet heart-stopping journey. With three connections - delayed trains - and more British travelers than I thought possible. Everyone was jovial and trying to make the best of things. When we narrowly made our 1st of the 3 connections by the skin of our teeth I thought my insides would melt. Our train was 40 minutes late and we just knew we were stuck. But lo and behold when we exited and looked at the platform that second train was delayed too by golly.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L6fQRX4bV2BYm6DV0tqOg0AlCYMi-ZsZME8Tn6DuiHoavrGzfziFAq8uQ4M8dhorVzWbtKqHNcubpDU_3jOEMVHNJiDlIAYzrV0fP3UaM-TyvC5Pa7Z8u7F39Q4bHEIkGTILlFUCXmKk/s400/IMG_2268.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925035285185186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PqY2s9HODRknD-FH3Kr66WBPrGrDwoamRo3mNywgkET_RGNKOGE3BK6wNFKJtccee1QGgPYFCXBOFE_wgNsLgZ0zlXAAHf6rCcslPbbXfHpD9VBBaKRWRwkWgl_y1GBmNESvcGgQ9Jun/s400/IMG_2269.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925030038217074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Connor was a sweet trooper. She has developed a hearty travel spirit and entertained entire cars of passengers on our train journey.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhzzOpqxD03UVNRh4-vVdHGnuT7KuGk6Eos6mQCq2fvYAOHWSJ8KBiOXqg7od8OdOhUWWS17g0EdtlLY5kgsL-LtPESLwDMFaUkTRoacj9nRaBOYCmXHFGUUq7Y5xY-2ZXT6eoFIAu_Ss/s400/IMG_2272.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925022717690690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8imV25L6hJsrvgYMKNjuwO7Y2ys8VVeP-OvwZ7lxpzbcvAgflepo1cHpsrq_H4r1WzKedGlF8CIKN28rcK5pFqpHPJzJx_E8rTjutUFsnSJccyXHXyz_DHLNjUpSyEPSFKZBVlpiZtX2U/s400/IMG_2270.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508925024762271586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" /></div><div>We were disappointed to learn after the 14 hours that our Budapest-Brussels flight <i>was </i>one of the very few that did make it out (translation - no refund). But the forward motion of the train was definitely the right way for us. We were a part of that volcano experience, which was harrowing, frustrating, and incredible. I can't think of a more appropriate way for us to exit Europe. We have always been ones right in the middle of the action. Why should this dramatic departure be any different?!?</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=330220466905%3A1169266920&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here for full album photos of Hungary</i></b></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-54371707000884139212010-09-06T22:15:00.001+02:002010-09-07T04:17:40.164+02:00Communist Statues in Budapest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgplUFTb1qo_TY8aZr777j7tgaFwFhLt-PQebozX9hnflB0Rxm1tlG9zZFknjWzUm5vIwHDRnCbHLqvsyFZD_1YtcZnVkr4Q6BN5vwP1IFF8Y_poNAZx88DRWyPHD4CSP_dK3oD2kgSqu/s1600/rack.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgplUFTb1qo_TY8aZr777j7tgaFwFhLt-PQebozX9hnflB0Rxm1tlG9zZFknjWzUm5vIwHDRnCbHLqvsyFZD_1YtcZnVkr4Q6BN5vwP1IFF8Y_poNAZx88DRWyPHD4CSP_dK3oD2kgSqu/s400/rack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513980734670039506" /></a>Our last day of our last vacation as European expats...and I am afraid we started off with a bust. We traveled an hour outside Budapest to visit Rackeve and the Serbian Church there. It looked so cute from the outside and beautiful in our tour book....and yet it was closed completely for renovations. I tried to beg and explain to the construction workers that we had driven the hour just to see inside - so please give me a peek, but there was no love. Actually there was apparently no key. Such is the life as a European traveler though...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KOhlFY5J8nuuilUIZlyw8EuaY07Fp3kkZTV645katPsYv8VK_fsfALKuQh7YnKvNiSYk0p1Td_nmlKyLx-4BD7FnrdtUSwH3YX_8inw5iGUpCYs1x0HmUZphFnJYNLa9z8H-YR95yQ0V/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KOhlFY5J8nuuilUIZlyw8EuaY07Fp3kkZTV645katPsYv8VK_fsfALKuQh7YnKvNiSYk0p1Td_nmlKyLx-4BD7FnrdtUSwH3YX_8inw5iGUpCYs1x0HmUZphFnJYNLa9z8H-YR95yQ0V/s400/IMG_2218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923948618385266" /></a>We grabbed a grocery store lunch and returned to the outskirts of Budapest. There we found Memento Park, an open air museum with monumental statues from Hungary's Communist period. What a strange concept, but also intriguing. We had been dodging rain so they kindly gave us blue booties to protect our shoes. Connor thought they were great!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tHBVJeQZkQkWPU8k4Jdgn6jrPg9HxKSC7bqRpoOekF6nEOGkTvwTlRGN8N33HKRlq3LgJO3k8TgWX2Pbz5USeF1IX_rr_ChEY5IyHy-mKZyF8l28mQQVCuuqxddlbkb5hk9hO6CoN4Dg/s400/IMG_2226.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923935535784258" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKcxr1OGsGt1e1AA1p9coSO9WuqiNT0Rc9hrYO8u_iPg1LRlZGEPWOw1DtymQ8Z4hqSlvZxrhmRXC3udTjf-S503lHRt0-3DwCK2uGXSdEeEdHj-x8mqfhwSKykpyyPATms8bx1GK-qdm/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKcxr1OGsGt1e1AA1p9coSO9WuqiNT0Rc9hrYO8u_iPg1LRlZGEPWOw1DtymQ8Z4hqSlvZxrhmRXC3udTjf-S503lHRt0-3DwCK2uGXSdEeEdHj-x8mqfhwSKykpyyPATms8bx1GK-qdm/s400/IMG_2223.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923942079090386" /></a>Karl Marx, Lenin, they were all there in some form or fashion. Even after so many history lessons it is hard to wrap my brain around Communism. And the effects still felt.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNoLwHGuFfaTPepUIklkrqc3Zuew9KJTQ8OTsih4zSg3Kz2rXlDPgmoVLMslKPtv9ugmHcRiIHxlurl36f0sX_GHr3nd2L2dnhDHCwjESysxrfTVpUdyW4wlztIXa5e44tGr0p0gl4loL/s400/IMG_2228.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923661969861554" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcz0JBtw_9J9YeJT59jBUwnlt673MlFrsHq354PRTYIJcHGu4C6vb9h82roO-VTpFb7yvRvf3qwdsXro3mKuNmdkO7xIB6v24ZDaaj6fiHNiFTuUBq7Lg34_ZZWBwsO8g8etUZlgAdknN/s400/IMG_2231.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923658876022770" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz5VJR7d7UgnGIjxBMdE6_v4ZUTpcbG1WG7UEcgeexqyTMfvcamqWYU-jmYBhWgwR8qHpmyHDU_7svZtlzCnHCP44T7ZBYHzp61nzoX4Q8IIGgcjS8k5fEuq3hu8pdiCllpx0JNikaEGW/s400/IMG_2235.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923655987106194" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGujqXwDW5jXGyEuiRzSHCdSW_E3H2PAZ1MZ0YBgnwd97XxJHGa2DbU7OkoRsaK8x4KlJYsqVMZsY9kITcG6-Z5gHOXsYFl1Ht31_O8vSsfHNZRE1fkhyphenhyphenohhmT_97eiJAZ7OQd_D1YDl1j/s400/IMG_2236.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923655332252418" /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7y7J3S8OiSUmaTqc_lJEusyYXYroQZFQ1CAC5GlXhAULdF61UKvVID10UZgu1Kgb83H6hGRr6AVBq3Jygj3LnwN1eLAfjJ_bnS1aDvogXGs2p3dSF0rkIcPWE8TC3yWHGwpoiWHRUhk5/s400/IMG_2242.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508923652921026802" /><div style="text-align: left;">It was quite a park. Bleak and foreboding, yet at the same time weak, dated, and defeated. Connor, we are lucky we live in a time and place where we can have fun with these statues. The power and control they represent are past. The future is yours, little one!</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-649952739480149112010-09-06T21:30:00.000+02:002010-09-07T03:33:59.752+02:00Hungarian Ballet from a Box Seat!Probably the best highlight of our time in Budapest was our night at the ballet. When we realized the Opera House was:<div>A) Performing <i>"Snow White and the Seven Dwarves"</i> while we were there (Connor's favorite!)</div><div>B) Sold Box Seats for ~$10 per ticket (the arts are partially funded by the government)</div><div>C) Had a box available same day - and our's was a private box! (Score, for the wiggly three year old)</div><div><b>SIGN US UP!</b><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLamVaG3klZUCJ0oIk8ALHwrTrLBeChnv2jx8HoWkyR0rrIobV0ORlB0uSZhRzs59bhwBjXvECDJndgYcYJfQWHu355XxCR208VycipcErNVJIomrp-Bv_wJb6xbmgsk3zaDoicFxFQWT/s400/IMG_2050.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556234584857122" /><div style="text-align: left;">We talked it up big time with Connor. It was the bribe for at least 24 hours...and it worked. I don't think Connor had any idea what a ballet was or what to expect, but she definitely sensed from us how special the night would be. We took the tram to the National Hungarian Opera House and my oh my, it was beautiful.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgehIS6xrr5UD3VA0yTj3lEFReWES4YSzNgKAR-PCqgGeYxUMcMt_R16eFdXDlKsvNDsLe2Hf1yoJiGVA1ogDhyyYZuvSzJ2Lp6Xm57EqLjhjLTZSpWjE-uQq7M1xYGZxXLpEIJ_bQgNB/s400/IMG_2164.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556222584648338" /><div style="text-align: left;">It felt a little more "normal" and less "European Traveler" to get dressed up for a night out with our daughter. Great to focus on her experience and enjoyment, rather than the sites.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ak8AemI0DXGF89WsLmX8Q2Jyox33y1AvKeLGxgzSIeMw7jN9MhGuzbCtPyuOIExgsBLTCoaVHLSisHi9kQ7ncThw6zAsEE3jIjVNeuwmIpJLT34PSz8ytGJjIaEHIcy9gErGh07C97wZ/s400/IMG_2169.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555851874140114" /><div style="text-align: center;">The opera house was stunning on the interior too. I loved the black, white and gold foyer.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuTV4_wxKKzGA2hmqbLUzpqshh_0BrEvJTUVCvFSr-MbLPy1jlWnH1STLVlp92q3Xhc4-pqnTcSaGfxE6L-iM6kcV8A8QE0EQtqKngbM1V_6CM_TbFKRvPlww6KVqTK5lQd5y7PMwaccL/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuTV4_wxKKzGA2hmqbLUzpqshh_0BrEvJTUVCvFSr-MbLPy1jlWnH1STLVlp92q3Xhc4-pqnTcSaGfxE6L-iM6kcV8A8QE0EQtqKngbM1V_6CM_TbFKRvPlww6KVqTK5lQd5y7PMwaccL/s400/IMG_2166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556216244292930" /></a>And the grand staircase! How could you not feel like a Princess on these steps?<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTcnOHGRVwKuBRAkACmyHlVKEiziqXUNd0cxKPFTUOPPxK2k_zLk86TYWuRD4IUTrZsHI9JYXfpGkkKY6wdn6O9BswRtsYJHD2WFPMeWedYb3abRo9eg3lsYPP_s9Zvevpz_BEab6wDyO/s400/IMG_2172.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555846066507890" /><div style="text-align: left;">Our box rocked. It was perfectly private. We bought a fancy-dancy program (in Hungarian!) and settled in.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3IKLSVevChflcvDPsdsGs7rDrM775TkfwBuYepLmHbNarbRqdENVUu_c-9Fuo3xFSFNYA0h-tsdEJLYTjroLCMZlJz93M4YwZzgZXkdQyDn0FZuMXYnKc7FOCFQF1R45tM6P8l5f1Tlw/s400/IMG_2175.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555844809981346" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9Dr_N9gC5sDw1mnr4AgHrPbdtJv5HcQk2ZWMrW94Ft2QGWnvQrpAfNrIRaFVIRCGpOvDtpkPhD8hi9PNUJg452-lNjjLG3JJaouXkibLcPWloAzwn2T5SB34HsSt261cpUaX4uE1lB7y/s400/IMG_2179.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555838227758578" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kapxvJWTZYjrN-9XRJlB8Zxzlbppl9FqWfS6A_W6QCzGTJ03rWTchWrlX_hEAyBhLBjWpo8k-5MNA2g_b74e-a4N_e55EkJ0RNUB6HFao0zYYP-xXPSXsH5M8W9H43K5Z1X_fVh939cV/s400/IMG_2188.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555266260533714" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We practiced our <i>"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - Who is the Fairest One of All?"</i> in the mirrored program. I couldn't get over how perfect this was that ballet is an art form that crosses not only age lines but language barriers too.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRAWzVED4zTHPvtMNNd32iiN0_hB9g3zie0o6dkQ0N9_tsMeSHwsrJG8GtmZekHkIu1_u9W5pru2122vOwKEJ8dQxbTy71vGVxmN1lfca8VPstbAYixfHYXw8l8xrmRLBa58eohHNnXJB/s400/IMG_2193.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555259106242722" /><div style="text-align: center;">The big, grand curtain rose.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We held our breath and promised we would leave as soon as our wiggle monster made a peep. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Determined not to be<i> "those parents"</i> - even in Hungary.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But do you know Connor sat still with eyes glued for the entire 2+ hours!?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dopey was by far her favorite dwarf of all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhhGjKaEnVlLRNAvm7ngjuQ1z4pJo7UQhUwb6cnfldxpYsd0n62XmU9DZKzf-aX6KDob0URZRfdz6wNegJjq2z7LyxQu1aJtKFKmRp5421MnUXaF8c2NG8qNRdvV6fnXb3QK98SK_VGGs/s400/IMG_2202.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555244160951394" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjji8kJE4HxBW4wfz1KoXyh8nyzT0lv1Z07hVqmCEwh_El2Xn7Md8UmEo3badWuUanDm-5lUHYN0WDSaFvv_XOEah-BPdXajTH71msfGrBn6tTMw57un3J4YAu5UKJZAeYuaszhGn2yJGi/s400/IMG_2195.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555256411376818" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gL1JZQNyHqm-bohHHL51O0GUZRVzO1tmRQ81-ucjIkU4YUItcBuRe7riBKbV9B8ht3xSKz9pZvOh3ekwIjhbcoEdhyn6gDQeVf0K-HyOByHEx28JGbCywCz4jVUds93GklMg949z1wJa/s400/IMG_2196.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555250264407586" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What a rewarding night. We heard all about this new version and interpretation of Snow White for weeks and weeks after the performance. The only mishap we had was that Connor "accidentally" dropped her small stuffed <i>Tigger</i> down out of the box at intermission. Mercifully everyone below was out so it didn't bonk anyone's head. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOw5QGoClt3v0rvow0lBqolDXY2g7MyeDf4AqmKBrzK6qfWVza3Uz7_0bz_Mn8fa3JMDDXw0L7lTRTokz_oMLAMbS9lXDI5wRGbTzb_gRsnvswNJUnUrzDtKOasY5CpuQG2BAVRt74hvv/s400/IMG_2181.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508555835386841122" /></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-7218377598354988882010-08-29T22:10:00.001+02:002010-08-30T04:11:40.519+02:00Hungarian Thermal BathsBudapest has some of the world's finest Turkish baths! Our weary traveling muscles were due some TLC so we headed to the bubbly baths for fun.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557371893359634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5yoUMdiPGfHBzgmrsQFSk1ai5rQkr0WIPkYGYmMT1k1kY8QsTsktgKbwgESmvr34Bnsq1h6iwJPAqXiMOyM-t9nx9wT1a-D42azQQJs_KdYP_UuoZI6Cy-KNkf1-yWzfW2TTi37kS_Fw/s400/IMG_2068.JPG" />We grabbed our suits and went to Szechenyi Spa, the largest of the thermal spas in Budapest. Lucky for us it was a warm, blue sky day. The Spa complex was a vast complex of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steamrooms.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557576544381122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKcbbM1_hHqCptKFy_r5w-p4kY_iu6TniVZW6nJa6ZAuFUQXY7BBnTGjqMmFgpYBXDYRBsjfgIeRVp6U7-OQvBmnVuNuAzvDSlnrzIxt6s6o6xR2AmXxJVRRp_pjro3OPyFKaWmJGEkX7/s400/IMG_2067.JPG" />Knowing how to move through the processes and facility is a trick in itself. We managed to rent a family changing room, using magnetic bracelets to lock and unlock the doors. It was a pretty tight fit so we got ready as quickly as we could.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557364068218850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSbkqI6BA9ySi9GEmfXzs8GZeYyU6_6RCgtCua3vEXf5k0RYc0UwAnJTNlfBjuoirnBODWMa8iJym9gWGqsOdjZBOgiQuz5S8M0kT05fXV40OpUEHanZKgfqR-nFbipTvOWja2Xppewmm/s400/IMG_2070.JPG" />COME ON MOM AND DAD! I am ready to go swimming!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557355060453986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHxYQKr-Q5LcI_1ykX3tNM5aHEGHYquDd-W7uGznI87vDGt-96hOqoA88EEzAOSmO6rWU2T7xLFN_aYBgtcK9BnQ7xIi8SYvOku5Qthc1ycSJEROAqfuH_v6zV2wkHHpvPOreCAuFtwhL/s400/IMG_2072.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469587506896682370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6atfqZRGFP7E5ESqSk9s5l5D2RD5MoRcdXgLWR-GSStPMLvCiKaLCrxhUdcA_yptTpS4PLP21c4Rw_HGTp42q0QdTLUseEQMNCT7zQiDsq4ocvmxA6WHvjziAKJKA_v53C1G7rG29JUE/s400/bath.jpg" />The thermal baths awaited us!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557339987221298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm22nJ4tybTD6JuaIh_TW34qdktN5shFMqye0EWkHiXYUEGTxba_4ULtY2lrgkJtlZIJJlc9RjCelTZloSCE-OBR_bNdreT1M8grpNA9tWeU8YVy933kaDD809EVk8Nm_DG-DWNuofikv/s400/IMG_2073.JPG" />I thought about leaving my camera in the changing room but when I saw this scene I was glad I hadn't. The collection of plump round men in their too-small suits drinking and playing chess just made me laugh! Have you ever?!?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508557328607655938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2O0omXj7szFgvJSyhUQOKENGxx37RiSXihI6Tc3_gu6hgXHTslZrm2nSC-zDQqsoYHjms3rZUHuCs2Fw9CIm7p8dMGluEL5yfDj2ca_QxgO6en_32WMneI0xxhEtyVZwbdJdCpD-ijMq/s400/IMG_2074.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556905585200146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX1QCZHfeeJQ-UDJcHTV-O6G9Vg3_WAPEOPuHL6LgwoMH54byAUDoyGqAxD9-G5dgbKs9JRMyRJNQQMQdqtYlwGgwBjLj9XtOGAoLn9rNoB2qiCMtyV_Kvdui2YqUXXEVN9hiaUaV3BdN/s400/IMG_2075.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556896547205522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDB_IXIsxRHbt9h7nscapGaPEQ1rZyNrBmDUhZEDijo_7ncErLIxnnb634o-JaTEBC640-fqvf3rI82d-Ywr1Ko2kcncZjenQlA1RmPRRA7FDrZqQxGkFyzYRmP42-R8avt0v9DOLciB4/s400/IMG_2083.JPG" />The twisty whirlpool in the middle was a treat. As soon as you got close it sucked you in and around kind of like a waterslide does. We had a blast in the warm waters.<br /><br />We also went to brunch at the Hotel Gellert, another home to famous thermal baths.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556880376991314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_DbSU6pcniYLqEh4NdrbCqBvdSb_bnbTvutz6PxYcsB7yJaJNZ653eqlaFGiQcB8fsek2KWudRuF4pR1gUExXRZv4TlxWLLS3dwnM4otEwYE0cFBPKLU6qrZR6sZ-unB96Yj-l7d7HgZ/s400/IMG_2126.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511015789325884786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDluH7ktK8KkewE6Zzh1tuCtgzvzFA28aCQf2IzHTV4gPT5DiRiw9psrqwn2em4xqTgsbwYQPNt8pJ70tS3soqW3HBl2UY-V0aSXb3tJIJLsJe2BO95bEekbk6GkfqY2Msx2dWsRgcMyPm/s400/spa1.jpg" />We didn't don our suits at this spa, rather we indulged in an opulant brunch. The food was delicious and hit the spot! The cloth napkin elegance of the place was a welcome change from our hotel floor picnics.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYBf9WHdMtewCfX1539i0ksJFlwpoRx3oIEAFkjd3MhEp7bsueaFIaLcNIjjP-5td4nBv8ZWcV6Vcg0kKc95J2Yw6FNol-ee5y-IkbQZM2YiJPJPLhgMxTbOXNmDltYJoq73FA9YUGb1F/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508556872732937634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYBf9WHdMtewCfX1539i0ksJFlwpoRx3oIEAFkjd3MhEp7bsueaFIaLcNIjjP-5td4nBv8ZWcV6Vcg0kKc95J2Yw6FNol-ee5y-IkbQZM2YiJPJPLhgMxTbOXNmDltYJoq73FA9YUGb1F/s400/IMG_2128.JPG" /></a><br />Don't forget your bathingsuit if you travel to Budapest. Getting pruny and waterlogged at the Budapest thermal spas is a tourist must.Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-31373834337165489012010-08-29T21:17:00.000+02:002010-08-30T03:17:27.670+02:00Urban Vibe in Budapest<div>Budapest was an interesting last adventure rounding out our month of European travel. We saw and did a lot, but at the same time the <a href="http://willinghamexpatadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-in-world-are-you-stranded.html" target="_blank">Iceland volcano grounded flights all over Europe</a>. Not knowing if our flight back to Belgium and later trip to the USA would be impacted, it was difficult for me to focus. The back of my mind kept racing about our travel plans. And everywhere we went we were surrounded by stranded travelers frantically trying to amend their arrangements. No one knew when the volcano would end nor when flights would resume and that uncertainty had us all a little on edge. </div><div></div><br /><div>Not surprisingly Kirk was much better than me at remaining calm, cool and collected! He took advantage of every moment to wander this amazing city. I was glued to CNN trying to predict our circumstances and chances for getting out!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508564858913015522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kYjqfjSGTG18We7qlDUZYYC8g6zV8c-UmoZLS_tl3ve8Q42HBAAZPAxWwvOQPYhPSQoOrZ1_uwOiTfFV_rSfk8bLTxBewDPOY4-eFyuqnHtaHNjkTROTaRRVAghLwIwtOqknplIMpHrN/s400/IMG_2143.JPG" />Kirk's walking tour took him to the famous Budapest Parliament and down the <em>Vaci Utca</em>, the Budapest equivalent of Fifth Avenue with high end shopping and fine dining.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508564682035959362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1sr-H0eS6PyWYOR5XwfrAA46gP8yXUrrSBNvwVqL2c1JAzKn6dD1TzzqOpJ21mCahBnpCQWFrY1rTzsikHRr0SJAQDxrgFtHmqUoTk1_9J_8v5sBpOEgwy_FTe3IxOlM6Xi1NrP3Btj/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" />He found this Gerbeaud Bakery and brought back the most delicious pastries to his napping ladies (us) back at the hotel.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508564673550799842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIQlEu35sEM-uEXuQkQ3hoByRv4mNHtCha-AX2ZZApoOhQilEJHBrwjgsa0JBD0GZXMTzuedQnZTh1b-ZTCPITNx5WqNrG9CwDQRZ9ydRt-KZl9nyUlFoARIrxqy3SMPPmojNAOhelRmz/s400/IMG_2066.JPG" />We went into some incredible churches in Budapest. Just when I think I have seen it all another church with another display of faith and witness to God's love appears. It still takes my breath away!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558828625257010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_xoS6ZhpG5HmX4Ie7yrDPlOeyF6LHQIM6dDsEGTFvzLRxIzzbs__zAkpimiV0RPbBt0FhxhKUuqXc1MA7ko9HCvf04dOM-39aJGcKW0uzJwEU_CYIwCRB4CP5FXJyHTb6JNyhconOo_7/s400/IMG_2089.JPG" />These photos were from Saint Stephen's Basilica whose landmark dome you can see from all over the city.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558820446645298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy2_MIU-FgKcxtOPA5nS5DjlOjbJk5e58MY_MG1cfQEkZOXKvMl0cCZVWEFJXBPaGxZJpTMyhtN7p5EIRBPnChQyLqvOWNdHKUjdGCEfyQUcYT4Bv1UcXDvqutXGPZSI3zPgYQ9aI5HEm/s400/IMG_2085.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558813506914242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPps-Pn2xOaaW1vIMr_DBqu-wYbrOlmLJVUtng5O5nRa408vPfbF6j592_mpSeVgskIpHAg12JWCnuWUjX0nh9GZljy1Jd0UttvLV3TieJPqkb3JDZN_IVXjFHJFCAbjdTABFx0Lq5P7k/s400/IMG_2088.JPG" />But of coure, more candles!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558811991339778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa8vAQH1-7LIiF2L8QgP6z2Kg4bVTEGeEfpuQj9FAtlGefh3WsDWwzDdQizyB4uhfg4LGmn50Qo6spUGzHan25wFYzMKfhaCqrckJnSAo3Dv5aeBCx-GsnedN0c3bWHDNhVzYNX4EAQb6/s400/IMG_2093.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558808489428674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I8yClG3kgmdFkKSRKf4X8mK2A_94cK-8E0TK012UWHNINIGlb48pr7nmBTQ5Uo6tUxAxwFDWBq_EP6sLETzT3LY-uDvUuGpDKN-HuQLu68cAevPr5W-Y-r7hmFe8CtE4w9BpLF93mleN/s400/IMG_2095.JPG" />The Matthias Church on the Pest part of Castle Hill has magnificent roof detail. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558341851198962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6ZNVQn8K-odMWBlHLs0yX0OMiH_PfzorcEx6Rc1Ddf5OLdMUB2nWbLZB2nXWAEGvRCoySwUQcIoEFnxD7X8_QBcVRHngPXWrZ9NxjhA56BX7ajMVWF-ntmBo_vLRlYMBiYf5-10hpwMh/s400/IMG_2140.JPG" />Budapest's "Great Synagogue" is Europe's largest with a seating capacity of 3,000. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558336878310082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfP5ECGZw55MFOIiJucyfCdxI8toecQKwpZyrIIqm3MU0TTmTR8tx23Ojc39R0eZMVVvbq6-_A3jyacB5Yo4xuFkvNwH3yeQxwJixHRzPgU7JVTizV5qJG_FNf8oWKNJ_3mHdas9fmbK5/s400/IMG_2154.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510903356355356578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BVTOBH_q8WEeDYZEar5uC6JEkL8odQk5PhFiPOz2PyUykNj9uIKk_ZmW-Y5f6RdHNOL_xdFoxPPcaXmVVWPp08npCOp5uV6mwu1lSQ_dzmZOgE6EDCqdz9fMrPp0J2r1KlHf3Rsmr88a/s400/syna1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558325180913746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOP4DZ1vkGyvKjhQqlWcp3ZZrk8BYVx2hPOjlTpqmwxlp5gv2GOAoldR3_f1r3-iupXq_rKK5IXDxOTkwHc6RAth9P8_E5T_cUlpjkxy-wjLy2OsfpuENYoGzaGz9oRXjeXL0bUQjbMOn/s400/IMG_2153.JPG" />Outside the Great Synagogue was a metal tree monument whose willows contained thousands of leaves remembering the Hungarian Jews who perished in the Holocaust.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508558319420416354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiPiXo8p62cyufnkDx1Dxx5lU0HToVobSgFtAVQxgRA04tBL6klmB3WTgiIrZSWcsvGlfq82QHKAZIY8Sa6Y8urT7vFDzb-JFOZolnWm6ZBttBRptMABG6VBH9BkuwYRz-NGfaNah6zb2/s400/IMG_2158.JPG" /> </div><br />Budapest has an urban depth and vibe we were happy to be a part of - even if it was amidst the volcano uncertainty!Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-38682096195518846802010-08-29T08:15:00.001+02:002010-08-29T14:15:43.925+02:00Settling in to Hungary - the Danube BendUpon entering Hungary we stopped at Lake Balaton for some sunshine and fresh air. The Balaton Pier was fun. I could tell how in warmer weather it is definitely <em>the</em> place to be. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554498862915506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJRQGYYiKEGyGfsUdru_nxE7T1LlFH9ssy6K-IS9IlJ_IHQ6zo2ZtZPHcyFHIZgod-mp0MgzuD4MJw5GcViiXln87PM2AUFjBl2I7PO8tJxtM8J5pluH1TDzylUxDU25Fq74xL30V98z4/s400/IMG_1993.JPG" />Affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea," Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJRQGYYiKEGyGfsUdru_nxE7T1LlFH9ssy6K-IS9IlJ_IHQ6zo2ZtZPHcyFHIZgod-mp0MgzuD4MJw5GcViiXln87PM2AUFjBl2I7PO8tJxtM8J5pluH1TDzylUxDU25Fq74xL30V98z4/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554495820672018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvhCIqooUcZ58hbhsukFrdurY4kPQn1XelDVD6Upj2ZLXdNBaun-hd5cw8CV66qHMyQjGe6mmWqRynNPAo0F7rmM4nP6PGtsaachQvh8a_IK652fc4ZhkVQzHP-iT6KlwosWpvBOlEiHF/s400/IMG_1995.JPG" /></a>From there we settled in to our Budapest hotel and immediately headed right back out of town the next morning. What can I say, we were a family on the go!?! Now I know why Connor just can't sit still. Look at her parents and the example we provided through our manic travel pace!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554207120754290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSB6tvXxaupV4P5nN72oHRuWWOI0XBnyEalErqDlELgYiFSsYkVCTPIBQzkXEzggGs6tUmXbJoBoHeIxrWEwlajLm5arHeV3lGIDAyjpTUzHyYMkQK3OFOuKY7rqEj5f_IJjvQg9IsUWH/s400/IMG_2001.JPG" />The "Danube Bend," a string of riverside towns just north of Budapest, is a popular destination for both Hungarians and international travelers. This first stop was in the charming town of Szentendre. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554190568710818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpfuj1jC0JGOiagMHhyphenhyphenv5Ep9ZLMwtAtuaadavJJDvQrrCb-WlhqFMNk_G1e6MybuHB42RMltc2-AFhrw_8UM97K8H5hpnIaZe6qRZnG3ruZspmHz9dy9IQhVV1l2pi71TIMG7rSJIWIsr/s400/IMG_2003.JPG" />We arrived just as shops were opening and before the busloads of tourists. It was clear this was a "tourist town" with all the souvenir stock dotting the quaint cobblestone streets.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554185059896418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc15SAhRg3UJCILNMYVyWdHQCA_jpwgaWjwFSEKtkgOR7T_OvNeBEZItIn-TqrG2INZuCF5qpCm_7l-ZjfFpBQf7fgIFXyMc6cyx2u3PXVtrqRcowYItROdOujzq7q0AelDN84ZLfxYlrD/s400/IMG_2005.JPG" />I fell for these plush nativity ornaments. They were perfectly authentic and sweet. A little bit of Szentendre will decorate our Christmas tree this year forward.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508554197838084450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vKcs-Vwhc5XpFkKjRvLgsSw7g-VKqKtLVbkcFIAkJT5bF_EiHyOn4KYmNsofHsS3jBUDggFMmvcwZZ_PzXbj67ehxvGXTQ2oqBNY7wFJ7PQN3AzV-JVAKS-1WIQHcfrezCpoWr3uRmBN/s400/IMG_1998.JPG" />Toodling down the Danube we soon reached the town of Visegrad and explored the Visegrad Castle high up on a hill. The views from above were beautiful.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508553761731240962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4CGNEITh3LUTqqB2bESqVrRoZlu8IaT1ipsNImfDyYyGnHQCaWsRpT9qPK9160DwFRnhK85tRqkB3Qz3lgCCovUZ3E5oOlhH5vo0_kjSzE0xVROqw8G27dpndvVGqrfUF-SNFeED5e00/s400/IMG_2019.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508553731491340322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQyA-4NsWoC9n1hspFTPbHzJLfMJ9CWwOPeRsTSOPrjv9GmJK1ZLfKZ-34mL75bxqbC9GoZRtMk8-P0HKU7hGMNvVU5YA1IVP_X695jy_vXuh3CceTRnIE-jV8SkShqBa8JXk-h16oDzy/s400/IMG_2031.JPG" />The castle was pretty touristy, but we had fun nevertheless. We each took our turn in lock-up!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508553754338113490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxpIE5XvVQpXkUziThV8RQMkgBXDPff-5y50-7pwZEpKJuD7ITXgcpCTXVOYsfKKOCz3aNrjzrH3bGm450d7LRl5NsUXUEu8XraN_Dv8suyV6Ug0aJfjyGTcYOz4mZWmVyz2A0q5mG6c0/s400/IMG_2025.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508553747461983970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCJQIn6mp1PcPnN0TLtt-MCNcu3aQq1WgJnYf-1ha3vMIpnY5mVf0-A7uF21C4DoEj1yYlxv7EpTjA5Got_3oJPps5ekCjpjQyGF5vJRogNryGl6hFhyphenhypheneTHD_bl6jB9XRo6UOt8_V063w/s400/IMG_2026.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508553739371284130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWph105Yt7U6_U8VSMyJ9dWCMX7Fgfg62ocop6cKdad5T9T0coouoS4ePhA4hGZiYbSfhz-RhCIyJHjDaic_EO0DcgSoB6pmBaRDBIOTmR6TNuKdiAW0ka3sKI67ytCPcdgwOTTZ0yNw7o/s400/IMG_2027.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508552921436669618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHU3SHViyho9kx4edHEG7lQXN4UDgxne3MmTL6K3ztIR_ahCfgBL2z-IK9LjtZt-6cS-D1RC8ymgj4GsjPLlAkF8hE0f9HbAltpjt451CVsMYIlq4cJGKzE7I-sR_DPfOcaaM1eBmysck/s400/IMG_2034.JPG" />Esztergom was the final stop on our tour of the Danube Bend. This town was a previous capital of Hungary and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Hungary.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510789148769226130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG31h3Jc4xRvOYWLBeGi4hTuxruU_Wjaq7DBdiYvA5GmZtb1Sz_r6hetW3iCMaeKkW2VAgcOqPnoi00XowfFtHt_hrj1nDaYDagJVUcNWmet6q23Innrzfm0W2A2Ips_Wk6-gffuX5_n9/s400/danube1.jpg" />The Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary. Mighty impressive. We took it all in and of course had to light candles inside!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508552914048261986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-6s3P1ewz_IC5b9EwKtsw-v5syXlbVcW84Kig8oF80-K2bEr2Ci2_703FlJbSNyckkbeEnwfvpySRH7cW6og16QKRlksc0Oq2nSyIry2LIy_DqYgMgdOZNNdeYn9jZkYuOhgmuOKmVak/s400/IMG_2040.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508552910084858850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOeYqLJSmefu6CZvWSNlbkYRJITl_2JG5AoseolZcm8hq5faYbmzPhR4OjHw7WGd9KlsddWNL4_iPC0wTwrGH82nQycT6dQKwHL20af_u9TujI-ARmqCr_vnJZG5m6Yq3Q4PsQhrZC5oe/s400/IMG_2041.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508552906708957250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy0tVdG9BJU9qDqou1G_xrGCJKz1B-3a3dOjzlFXSeDZMRPnQO8As0Rsx1f9mrmnq-OkXkfiDKPZdb8GOxu3s3b4to2fVTMO0h-AbBLXCeusUTlp9HD7HPssUuXd8dbR2rk2TUClItoiO/s400/IMG_2043.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508552899014202130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GrFjISI7-Wr-Vw5Abad1nAadWzG6rtNH7H0jkmyXqRcxAMS9BsLppK8O6HsFAykqbMBnphyVY2c2Gw3e2OfbX46GxLAOBhfaSyKZO9Tiet1uRKa-haRiU0jkfGM7PLjgWi1Ysb-hf8MB/s400/IMG_2044.JPG" />The Danube Bend made for a low key day with "high key" sites. From here we went back to Budapest for a more urban beat. Yet the country air nourished our weary traveling bones and spirit.Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-69253281751551514982010-08-21T21:29:00.004+02:002010-08-23T01:50:14.694+02:00Postojna Caves and LjubljanaThe next Slovenian adventure took us deep down underground and into the Postojna caves. This cave system is the biggest and most beautiful in the world. During the 1 hour tour we were able to explore 5 km of stalactites and stalagmites. I have never seen anyting quite like it. Have you?!?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAFElkL4JWkPyUksVHgdKSzGQl-L7iS8QwlcUiPk81P4OouK6njnqFasKHY4VZe8iMGQir7rAs7FplQ4zWz8jx0xuNBew4iVSXlfs09OtMa-AtkO5wgbvADDwlFbRzS5OgO8gBGGtJVg7/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362879700016818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAFElkL4JWkPyUksVHgdKSzGQl-L7iS8QwlcUiPk81P4OouK6njnqFasKHY4VZe8iMGQir7rAs7FplQ4zWz8jx0xuNBew4iVSXlfs09OtMa-AtkO5wgbvADDwlFbRzS5OgO8gBGGtJVg7/s400/IMG_1881.JPG" border="0" /></a> These caves were created by the Pivka River and discovered in 1818. It quickly became a top tourist destination in Slovenia. They added electricity and electric trains which helped scoot us in and out of the cave.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WrZU6B9t9MYXeXh7BlJQKMVUaArHwScf06OcDxXy6gifm1FebsszGQGNdIpDrKh1OqB7lX8rLJ3kqlhZ93w2wYQJS-Q6Mwm0Nt1uAkKKYeA4eKcpi-f-7rEwO844KmTwPYIwdOsP2Ddt/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362744411073346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WrZU6B9t9MYXeXh7BlJQKMVUaArHwScf06OcDxXy6gifm1FebsszGQGNdIpDrKh1OqB7lX8rLJ3kqlhZ93w2wYQJS-Q6Mwm0Nt1uAkKKYeA4eKcpi-f-7rEwO844KmTwPYIwdOsP2Ddt/s400/IMG_1887.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once inside we got out of the train and divided into language groups. This was the first such grouping where "English" was the minority and by far the smallest group. It made me a little nervous to be so far underground with so few English-speakers but whatever...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKxsSPc2hyphenhyphenzCWFBVtEGw5_9wnjb-wS-0IdR78m-wLjKpcVLwzp19kZClz8J1kYSHPLfUy78waJRK1T-G7URyRrO2vvgm-STPWiDAPoxfomNfI-eoSSjAdCCX6jO_dLBY5HoHNRKw3jhXo/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362736690872978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKxsSPc2hyphenhyphenzCWFBVtEGw5_9wnjb-wS-0IdR78m-wLjKpcVLwzp19kZClz8J1kYSHPLfUy78waJRK1T-G7URyRrO2vvgm-STPWiDAPoxfomNfI-eoSSjAdCCX6jO_dLBY5HoHNRKw3jhXo/s400/IMG_1888.JPG" border="0" /></a> We walked briskly with our tour the 2 km along the path. I was nervous that Connor might freak out at the caves or become clastrophobic - or that she wouldn't be able to walk the 2 km (we had no stroller) or she would announce to all she needed to go potty in the middle of it all. But somehow in the dark, cool caves she was able to keep up and enjoy with no potty breaks.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362732489450706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-YVdFZ7MGfw0WNVQ7Rkfid5DnwQju7hnNIZ-ml5-1dJXJqzTkAKgmF-1nxmQ9i9AgC_djYGkEuc-y4y5tXNfDbZuXjjRr36wSIpMvsYBJq6qhfkyzboCrZo7DWNn9nYuUXgGFDXgLQj1/s400/IMG_1897.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362719411755442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCjvP2rsS04PScAIuqIb5e-KSENYaaPwwWvizxyEzOfmdnqDuUNrGcAPuqDTWhPgPxcKgM7Qs5atCgNm3cPR08WqYKLckz0B_zIq6OmbaNrxwvE9NS9MUMUKr5SAMr_Q1Kg83OypcclgX/s400/IMG_1902.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362730741311826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyK9NZtYeyLgHhp4UdsRO4RpVgnGOZmMOw7A3xxem0atAUzcuLYb56oyo77Ic7fRqfvpov7lwLtPsZRqh3WWxCnB6HKH2hBGCac6IR5qwEoxoc2bLxOeeAmxkIIsyCqLk5NXHibmZ3Woh/s400/IMG_1898.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362157154514498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1sIMudcMfZHddjg5V_-JC8erCbIVUGtMkOpgExSkvUKw_YEUFnDYt6ajoyhBsWPo05cP4wlPdA63ZpECUKGlxPc1nc_CnnPrLzFhZAWR8vjWXnLYZHZVJqAoctAzAVrTu7mBIIQVpWA_/s400/IMG_1905.JPG" border="0" />It was the type of place photos don't even do justice. The magnitude of the cave system was unbelieveable. The tour ended in the cave "concert hall" which can seat 10,000 with perfect acoustics. What a venue!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362155407759970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFtQwgqjEGHP2t6lYCZu5jrAm7-h6cNgGPQhUehFgWHpbpqPQjg95Yheoo2ai4i0HBMDlCIXe6UR1AKRToSG4TNT-1AlF3FqvEkSA9SPyPSVIjUGUfz6jYUJKmoXV0T-vgiBjUHryDpuk/s400/IMG_1907.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362151564249458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sgIjCdIi3UZemKFq-6716_w9Nr_oYo-CHgs-InVY1kKhuYzADyaZRkT6UpS8vTz7Jg3F7vLEx2roxxRRAfrbERW68YYBMX3kUQbmHGhf4ankqSG6GZdjCmdK_lYLf0EwoC4pqJt2bH9C/s400/IMG_1908.JPG" border="0" />Then it was back on the train to return to the sunny outside.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362140586669314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk138rSoCcSoWvr2EFkyTfze_SIFqmOpKfgpkAYQR3NscOfItUqb4iTm4utvmY-lUZsdHCFHqc6eyY71yRRevaAvzJ5JbidtORuW-J1v3A3wAzRtogV6NNSvGTxxJW-1EHCvkulelONVDP/s400/IMG_1910.JPG" border="0" />Exhausted from the long day we drove past Predjama Castle. We were in disbelief this could possibly be the same day we started in Bled so long ago! The great outdoors just kept luring us more and more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxy6vPfOJXXXXzRn4ncZs9rg1Cd9PNSZlvR-yibc0EqFauRfxnyz7AuZ-XWPKuHHbtftP0FjBcF7Z5Mlebsdm1BbPYF6-ux0ZXzNNaRqlNliM0Lc6CpYw2erLknBdzHp0MNDiiN0Atgqk/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492362128004392530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxy6vPfOJXXXXzRn4ncZs9rg1Cd9PNSZlvR-yibc0EqFauRfxnyz7AuZ-XWPKuHHbtftP0FjBcF7Z5Mlebsdm1BbPYF6-ux0ZXzNNaRqlNliM0Lc6CpYw2erLknBdzHp0MNDiiN0Atgqk/s400/IMG_1931.JPG" border="0" /></a> We stayed this night in Lljubljana <em>(Ly-ewe-blee-ana),</em> Slovenia's capital city. It was a jazzy hotel with a swimming pool and also the largest bed pillows I have ever seen!... Just look at the size compared to Connor - and these weren't even the shams!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLpNDUnmStyBQC_EEo7fOCe13fJEIfuOhEp82uPgjpKZau0BpnJgKqaZBB40NgbvVEInZn7V86Rmv3yEOH0xj49vUPkdlb-Fi8v0Yn3h7T-weC2KE5KPrQjAjo-ZtBM_IhrHDhg_nNXI/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361273375146418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLpNDUnmStyBQC_EEo7fOCe13fJEIfuOhEp82uPgjpKZau0BpnJgKqaZBB40NgbvVEInZn7V86Rmv3yEOH0xj49vUPkdlb-Fi8v0Yn3h7T-weC2KE5KPrQjAjo-ZtBM_IhrHDhg_nNXI/s400/IMG_1934.JPG" border="0" /></a> Llubliana was a gem. The colors and friendly feel felt good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiAzXOVBxwqBy0sxnpXdbG_wtUzp4Y8ZdkbmZoIBSmYKVKi3EnP9cZPLAq1vN_x15my8Z1YB1gV9vGmVxNTOEBQUbxLnL2Xcz2dCZodSqfOxa9g3AgAOz2HHXwAx0fnRBqKq4olgZScYk/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361269826294946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiAzXOVBxwqBy0sxnpXdbG_wtUzp4Y8ZdkbmZoIBSmYKVKi3EnP9cZPLAq1vN_x15my8Z1YB1gV9vGmVxNTOEBQUbxLnL2Xcz2dCZodSqfOxa9g3AgAOz2HHXwAx0fnRBqKq4olgZScYk/s400/IMG_1942.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYe9OGMKwC0vJ-yslDP_LtBH7cbEdr1WTAqAhC00erAjmyQTDk-IddRSh8Fy_JYtWV1m0T_pA1JxC5NFw6lZL8Lqe_MBk76oJd3vga7A_iQf0b90g9IDUxYmK8Mi9kTgxlMB4pFhS5ZGm/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361259279878626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYe9OGMKwC0vJ-yslDP_LtBH7cbEdr1WTAqAhC00erAjmyQTDk-IddRSh8Fy_JYtWV1m0T_pA1JxC5NFw6lZL8Lqe_MBk76oJd3vga7A_iQf0b90g9IDUxYmK8Mi9kTgxlMB4pFhS5ZGm/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" border="0" /></a> Little details were ornate and surprising. Slovenia was once Yugoslavia. This certainly isn't what I imagined in my brain for Yugoslavia! They have done quite a lot of spit and polishing from the old days.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361255561049074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGh5_pq2m8xgC-EwnU8Yuk-2z5zaAAw-JUNvVRE-eZ71PR3wn9tygEVJqSm0eoubToDk_Ngem2xv5_6SdlJmI-snRK2MGsIIuqi_NtejqnSwDB93gcniQLFrGa4bINPjLrlbfbJ5Hjb2o/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361248005045282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1cKzb-76w-fGcYf-OuMeV6KEVnXTaq7wJq5x28mef7DyQyYJhgJYNaGrCaHUhsQ9Zrafgv9H9OWEM8GncumtrIOLbSKlC0hy7rQlIzHZ-Nj-TZGMBK8JTZii-RQEIviRKt8PaPAmxb4t/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" border="0" />The outdoor market was filled with a rainbow of edible treasures. Why are food and market flower photos so tempting to snap?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWcLIjRwcQnXL6cih3XOtqi8CsGX6PD-nSXoLXwN4AugctW-N4t7QPBLJUvgxhttM6zlsAntZ8rS_PnT7Ldq0IJyxSPP9dW-El7_fuG87V_R66daJBM1EBMhvTZFB7xU87iNkX2OGOAut/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492360552888926706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWcLIjRwcQnXL6cih3XOtqi8CsGX6PD-nSXoLXwN4AugctW-N4t7QPBLJUvgxhttM6zlsAntZ8rS_PnT7Ldq0IJyxSPP9dW-El7_fuG87V_R66daJBM1EBMhvTZFB7xU87iNkX2OGOAut/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4KkC5Ze1tsPBz8WU4JPs70l1sx53MGkshW60mzYjRaIb2A2BcrvAMuvQ9odoip6ek-Y37qymEPXNIxjspceb0P1OjopKBo1PJf2lQgxk4EovEbCzTKZDWb_rPCMI6AvZKh7ARIXbeNVC/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492360549490682386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4KkC5Ze1tsPBz8WU4JPs70l1sx53MGkshW60mzYjRaIb2A2BcrvAMuvQ9odoip6ek-Y37qymEPXNIxjspceb0P1OjopKBo1PJf2lQgxk4EovEbCzTKZDWb_rPCMI6AvZKh7ARIXbeNVC/s400/IMG_1953.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_mRC9mb-7PG-iqzYzNHArkdxst45bbE1pkYkr7TdZSjUkbq-Ksc92rwxQEo5ApYjOLoF5Z3IvcDr-60srI9svXt3wSHpnzngP8swFJIzoOyEI0Cuk8pmtveBn076i_0AyTI9QuXjemBA/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492360538601529458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_mRC9mb-7PG-iqzYzNHArkdxst45bbE1pkYkr7TdZSjUkbq-Ksc92rwxQEo5ApYjOLoF5Z3IvcDr-60srI9svXt3wSHpnzngP8swFJIzoOyEI0Cuk8pmtveBn076i_0AyTI9QuXjemBA/s400/IMG_1955.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9Uj3qwpZZbX0g4O0XWd3V2Z4c0asg7X_Or-xCYG3vUOR8Ta5yiQdJLsOzDr2j7oqJMPdY64CfPdxl8ZtYBu7d4cRuaH8VLq8vTEK6XyJv8Qiu9y-gBztcRrIrtYpigfKOjJog8QmY5U3/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492360534933566114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9Uj3qwpZZbX0g4O0XWd3V2Z4c0asg7X_Or-xCYG3vUOR8Ta5yiQdJLsOzDr2j7oqJMPdY64CfPdxl8ZtYBu7d4cRuaH8VLq8vTEK6XyJv8Qiu9y-gBztcRrIrtYpigfKOjJog8QmY5U3/s400/IMG_1957.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1JbvFs0d5qKNXASUpwHrzs8ArVsfDQVHnk_aWXkbA2f2CwGgne6aU32GsuXEvJnMK8RStC0zreQLYUJxgq36PDOqMQaR9Z2hJxXjs4Rqx_RR6MLqnRhyXU25RUC7gXGebgg2p1CKhbW/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492360526917449058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1JbvFs0d5qKNXASUpwHrzs8ArVsfDQVHnk_aWXkbA2f2CwGgne6aU32GsuXEvJnMK8RStC0zreQLYUJxgq36PDOqMQaR9Z2hJxXjs4Rqx_RR6MLqnRhyXU25RUC7gXGebgg2p1CKhbW/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" border="0" /></a> Llubliana churches were as good as they get. What a statement of faith.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtR3UfQ8YGmPDQGLdKgNphlUIgFj-6umArpgXXjbpc_XsEOiQo8w5P_ZY6aDTO6wSl3Ee75jnT6X87GtpWAo5RSE429h2C0MVK0wQyE_Ojv1NFB6TV9I-ATi-rKKq9lsdEK7e4INC0tIV/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359872110395394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtR3UfQ8YGmPDQGLdKgNphlUIgFj-6umArpgXXjbpc_XsEOiQo8w5P_ZY6aDTO6wSl3Ee75jnT6X87GtpWAo5RSE429h2C0MVK0wQyE_Ojv1NFB6TV9I-ATi-rKKq9lsdEK7e4INC0tIV/s400/IMG_1960.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359864850196930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTB0QIaCwNFgNjtwkYeIdyF_hzfvaMxpgOjUtvDEmsHEN78ptGbadBFjlFRp_uk8OUdda0QaaIjQDEagVIqoG5xwZOS0GrlbaW5Bn-vWgDC5dMwcI303yVvKB47S5_DeFX7eH4BcPDF6e/s400/IMG_1968.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359855315519554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT1f52tPg32Ne7BkYv1RmhXjT6CryOsO2Z6F6l3lJ88zb-tl9kF4hh1b4vwYkEuU_AN__7yf4ohdh7bzLySioUdhDXS8VWlKYXpDqCnfWED4V3OYP57PCToWBXQ_syb0owDo6hc_-sVn7/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359867099220194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqiFK1RTFWXKvF4QrqjWli9O8mIOfnFWg5JrJyrIjwvoWeZt0bahYebDLc7RYHupiwE9-VvqtPWcKm0xhm3222tdlqk9iTgTLoEg8oddOX2VCvxoWFlIy5Xg3pWpGvhnsQ9xoeEq0lqKB/s400/IMG_1961.JPG" border="0" />Our last Slovenia stop was in the town of Ptuj. Yes it is pronounced <em>pa-tu-ee</em>, like the sound of a spit. It is Slovenia's "oldest town"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359851042601474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCc_DYDIHVuExgNdFQ5nc9FLVTYfUIyckIjcQbLKvAYH2AZMf94O_lo4CgRKSiQJvX_nFSqQ3bbrYUpWquB8okbYiZs9kTMgwI3OXCiv8cPGd2g7RStv0wzKITTuMGx3RFc95Wd4hJmk1/s400/IMG_1972.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359348331249826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRflMCW66DynCkXCE7WRIjZRnYK6ua67g_uwQawqjgLOXofS99h5DVcj3KLzLQ_xF8ePNCxKHLwTMaM5JHJWr4KtZR9gwUbt8B_v0TUp9z93p-e2FpcTP0DZ5Be8SFBbGGC7YpoIn95qQ/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" border="0" />I liked Ptuj's 'Kids at School' sign.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359347212297362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBKO-_dFwwMc6stbII3YugFFNUcUuKZjy3RsbUyCymGeEQ3UTpeUqKtc5fWGEXUnfQzbVMs3tI9L9xfADpyiddwBoFc8lh18nvtt4vhklTXMUITzdnpQpPpJilXHyrl_hwa85L-2U8S1o/s400/IMG_1977.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359338117609186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeqeRvsyno52DCxBuQeOwdd6ZI35-hRP-fIxCOrM4iFtsl4jnu4HF5p2m9yh3AzHRFHEuLtiNxK2hT3oYCC2jNb4L9hN48layUY8sS9XdWbkTBYxV-MFqTrva4MyHr2yI8w0zZt6na3CI/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" border="0" />We had an authentic Slovenia lunch of dumplings and my family was jeweled in their blue outfits.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359334133368802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9qEorcaCbT0RTAARUNhyuJXRjxbJiVLOv4n30GrPpDAc8GjhW5AQQbymZwasoDOMns_k1XdWHCcvUbI_tnpVQ6Jl7P57cMp0UDDvi_5H0bbMxtNlm2eHhcpztxvm6P8wMARus9Kd04V_/s400/IMG_1981.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492359326286871810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw8G_pjohRDJiXRkO_6pyh9OD_mGamQjPi7W2w8wWZvDzYrT2qrqq50H4C1jxXtzsQBWTbq3IpABRpP0DhCYd-QU4iIYSqRt9-ZXvz2-kpaHhbvE6nsrxXu23sySTt0XsTh2476PcpZsM/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" border="0" />Just as I had hoped Slovenia made our top 5 list of favorite countries. I am so happy we went. It was safe and clean and just the right mix of nature and adventure. Don't miss the opportunity to see Slovenia if it presents itself.<br /><br /><strong><em><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee" target="_blank">Click here for our full album photos from Slovenia</a></em></strong><br /><p></p>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-22967753192069281412010-08-17T22:05:00.002+02:002010-08-18T14:40:35.862+02:00Julian Alps and the Soca Valley<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">On our crystal clear day we ventured into Triglavski Narodni Park. The park is nestled in the northwestern corner of the Slovenia - tucked right next to Italy and Austria. We were bowled over by the Julian Alps. It felt like we jumped inside 'Sound of Music' country with views that couldn't help but to bring tears to your eyes! Not at all what I always associated with Eastern Iron Curtain Europe.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505607575230630466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGfEaA9wWQd9suU3TlVJjkzWEMx5DGUr3aWwPDH49x43B9CV2D8kZx2SISgUrUOj0qQJcCN4pThFe4qUyiytJUi_Rw8f5x8IEfhCFGYaimBc55tfSM024fYafA8ACl6qOiMrJlhP1ivtz/s400/park2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358662497647634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_YDUUHnnbBL1Ff72a4R8Sa1wwuETSlYYDfMBIIJucNsOvuYQWiIaM-wau9tYMZdto3dK6T3PGaTE2tyeNeY83Z-qhIE8rkKxrFODzxDUqbIt5W_3w1KbcyofK9Q5b7KWUHik7EhOOBol/s400/IMG_1792.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358659840132146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hmmA0ovk63VNI4I0kIN6F4M-Xj0F8FkemOcC0Flwx6SgtnwMEp7b8oaP701rGt96KETlMAKFJN1PZjY44hH31rtuFucVCJqc7Get821Z6pq4m3OWIaCn6KmUJ9jeP0Q7sYU2mCQhgaYb/s400/IMG_1795.JPG" border="0" />I kept trying to put my camera away, but around every bend were even more and more spectacular views. I would immediately go into another contortion from my car seat to try to get a good photo around the windshield. It is a wonder Kirk was even able to keep driving with my <em>Ooohs</em>, <em>Aaaahs, Slow Downs</em> and <em>Waits</em>! Just look at the road in the photo below as an example. I still have to pinch myself we were really there!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358314574526706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_pN7mxFH7Ik415QRZiQuVeUirUYTD77GMxapRIDSutoqwykE12yHdjznQ_27tx5afn0JbAJLq47amdWQ4zRPLGWWjFdp9nSUriFiiBzcRNgqid4wHLYuQl3qSjZ6TtpZi8SoIsp-1BNG/s400/IMG_1798.JPG" border="0" />These hay racks are Slovenian symbols and dot the countryside. I don't totally get the functionality, but whatver. They were fun to point out amongst the stunning backdrops.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358311418928386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry9uIOPZYaW62D0HG09KTF-bLk0Xq3bBVCCog-jt89QYPfwKTTE5zcVoVRz8wHwRHrHX1oYDlJnf1NL0j_rbTJHVzJdh-ZuTJhQnSLRk_AWa9cwVryXKtsex0wiYX_m4XD-N9atyuFG_C/s400/IMG_1799.JPG" border="0" />Our first official rest stop took us to the world's largest ski jump. Looked pretty different as the snow had melted away, but you can nevertheless tell the magnitude.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358304164424866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDj869MOO71emXyMPvXtrsPxn9ISJCNkSv4XH4qy08LQTxhNjZkPF3yxmTfKu8XkROvA_lPNBpjsf3w0Jb9IQj-IGwVRX7KJpbEqnG_21y3Q5zBSUhOemYf8SS3_YwxhqSOzYcjIBRwEY/s400/IMG_1808.JPG" border="0" />We kept on chuggin and ventured next up the Vršič Pass - Slovenia's highest mountain pass now named to honor the Russian Prisoners of War who helped build it. The road was first built for military purposes back during WWI. It is defined by 25 consecutive hairpin turns up and then 26 back down - I wouldn't want to be driving it with a military tank!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358296168586402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqD3UUJlHCfJJs04h9p4zQjVYGxMj5XNFHnicIdunNjc_iJLXrxs0X16v75OS_WccmrsoPh8muSUS_HezCxjzkwRbXkUIBQvNSiUqxvfINZ7eNt8fg3wGT3WqeZDfO_SMOusOFfp-XQ4S/s400/IMG_1817.JPG" border="0" />Here are just a few of the tummy-turning curves on our GPS - as just a taste....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358294971494018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tCnDWuVTVJwOR6gqKBtnmKOfHZCxRs1-wrUKw2DMEfOjLB-Kszpf9kxtQhgk4dlht-Cso_Evs037JRtUeYj6uExyHa_ZwU11yb3KMGKZ6P_35_5FhBCbeq4iMikZ22-9qlP-1Mp8XZQE/s400/IMG_1818.JPG" border="0" />It was sunny enough and blooming Spring below, but up top the white blanket of snow was still thick. There were plows up there clearing the road.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357743222275202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe0oB6QPGK431mW5uSoWF2NUJJ_CJudLPfndh_a9fyCyG8KnEj2G_VMVjgKJncXIflQ55-w9x8oQhZ5VzY4tYzmOzwiHNNRFECuDSJdvHPi44P-8JVqrCe7cDmWSK8s_enizJOfzELf67/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" border="0" />Slovenia has an unusual emphasis on beekeeping. They paint the hives - supposedly to help the bees remember their address!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505611880932519138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeNJ8oESmvBo7hbNwsmM9ipSYv0e66lkJMzNoczb-ACiTPw0x3K9Y3NsBXKuxFhSOu5QDsfQBPyzPbL7dkTPdE9P83UMcB_iMIHmsUV4TssSs_48lBdGlBUYYtQiV6Z6_pM1oc7JgCgGL/s400/bee2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505611875001366466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNmroO8pgwfpgQfx-ypWf6DEx-IH0C_PgYWsUMWG2rWPVhuYcC1_SDy3wtfIAJk6JTipFUwwXMhu1oWyXbE5J1oiZHg0Zo6o81aY9HP1VHwvw9DUSE6jIgzWT_jxh0vcsw1BI6oPOrHAk/s400/bee1.jpg" border="0" />After descending from the Vršič Pass we immediately descended into the Soca Valley. It was a mind-blowing change of pace from the snow-capped mountains to the emerald aqua waters of the Soca River!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492358668611549650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KP8WzeJ882eLu5RaIyHoY5a0FyrYgRNdpb2pUcvXg9Mbn2mp6cBhMy02s5nZonYy6W_m_YLf4kyasgd89FJ-LSNKVBcWx9IHYA-TndAorgfyssmUMoqzdqugxAFtc61bmg5Jjp78fZRx/s400/IMG_1836.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357740930075602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ju2NFXRTWzFaesTzENo0PfTzqVEzcwNk0vAMuBUx74PjmqqlNmQBF7x3cxm-42NcN4oa3uW8PhmVMGSowNcT1V1bBK0NYkLiSHO-V4Pohd2kpGRPcUxmqVAgxSC8UXI9j-JQl7_rX1b4/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357733131293170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G77s9HkFmKbRdJfxd3rkqQgSJJn6emi5wgi-ImKLLlVXh75ZDT5Vyl_HV3CDovepHrnX4hCHY3cXuRYw9w8FWaLtB22ci8f4WeqNl74Po0Nim5lBSH2RW16gN5MajfmQZNYRa3GMtXmk/s400/IMG_1844.JPG" border="0" />Connor and I walked across the rickety bridge while Kirk went down to the water to get a closer view.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357726060986354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0_LxMu83D4Dmn4AQtMZvWcmD77PtZWzdhGUY1Ai7DZLafz9D0q7ZAwJmWYaXnL5DBTh1mtK3bDgvaiyyudQdmYwN1-j_QgWn6eq26lbANK0wG5tOQROXMex889p6h6oVWzcQR_pns8Zo/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" border="0" />Their bridge needs some repairs! Peekaboo.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357722107454370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ub5ebLthOyfgSIGZpT6T0hpBDOhEquepQAP8pFJtfY2dnvZjjWhDDu-A-fODdz9WdqKoSZwn6dAy64ZK-GKEl2DC_ygkQUvJKLhS4oZczBuKP4zUCMePzn_zIqPDidTqqX8rsF6Rfwfh/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505607563858208770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyWToMlvza5GEXJLygpZPOGBgijED2i1YbB_RVUKA7FoFoCY26iEUHkP33uF8ZHv7AegJzU533H-I4ea5DZsYVF-FQu53NeW27YLhW4usoe_tFdowOHayikQs4t-PES8yy71MDabCHBzy/s400/park4.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357099197871378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAzxw_3EcJitMcNkteEHLNE4p9YhC0NGGJCg0UOZKwztoBZ_2u3roK0-tRXL66D8F-9-9A0CnnnYstI6-y-s1azYAoxFtTt9EeRFui6FpadPY9Rmwu6Q20SZZpCCVwU0dmfODdNS83dyV/s400/IMG_1851.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505607567573266722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejz0AgRnWM2Dtl2hVo3SCQNgPv9BLj6zwalsmusYNC0F_t48m_ivkmsQhFpUj1uRjZso8JuWtUag7CsRdvRULedLzABlsN8V5malyESJ4YGOaGz9OSD08SA5KgkXgG1ml_j_BSDM0abiX/s400/park3.jpg" border="0" />The Soca valley was stunning, beautiful, and every other synonym you can think of.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505607554808434098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY2_dv6b3sr3JnpBPHesZ-0RVcZMIU-t4Mw9ZDzwvJuGXXImjacFGCX80tUvkWALUgu95D16LlRUboa08EjerP0d-4kyF4D12lSeCSYZlpBxgfWzgqGye6soBLCEN2MMoEgNp0iaM6yW6/s400/park6.jpg" border="0" />We stopped for lunch in the tiny town of Kobarid where we picked up another on the go picnic. No lolly-gagging for our team! We ate and went to the nearby "Italian Charnel House." This memorial is a crypt of sorts for Italians who died in WWII battles here. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357093548586306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeEKr5v29VURhfavHtqLm9xHnYYJ1zffaCUcLkMo0_1q2cgE2v6ntEPvYfB1WvRn-oRwwWRoHhgALFJSO1uObI5lRBXsFoiPnBNcm8P7PxIg1EYAp9IXLWJCqdlt4tgS4J9pVJx3aJc5k/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357090683023650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1hqoQXzjD8eMqL9ygI-xXXbDV_5-OPxWaKl0kqbSa4ASDoHcWnxJc8FNxC89NAHL7AjZnt6_URGekZI0hWo9ppIjlyzTtq_6t03m0Z5d-QllbHamac4nVG2KZ6zXz8gHa_7AmSw_5Su4/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" border="0" /> The site provided more wonderful views overlooking the Soca River.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357086051099122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHqFXrKPS-0F1hMGdT2YQU_gY57nUeNXqs1da1-eRTgkeAuRwPxIeUHGfZt5G0NfEkckz_BkTNPf9tRJ6n7zxuw8m9tSF_k1qUJdSc3b3NmYpF1E3Zn1v5ULwcpn58nkG_ScsI3i0LWid/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" border="0" />Due to its <a title="Emerald" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; COLOR: rgb(6,69,173); TEXT-DECORATION: none; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald">emerald</a> green water, the river is also marketed as "The Emerald Beauty". It is said to be one of the rare rivers in the world that retain such a colour throughout their length<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492357080896297938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzesvnzFoyFi1wbQXRAZ2kF-VjU3YzTSUgBwW8GemFvydhq6mvCwatHgr2plPyaMbt7inDzeaSqZQdk8tgBefxpnzd5E9k_wF4mohrkd0ppy4an9uVLmG-Id0hTzuJAO-FrpOFl4liLlKF/s400/IMG_1870.JPG" border="0" />Here is an aerial shot from the internet that really shows good perspective on these unusual green waters.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505607558338371970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhVYDEH6fqu3-dLDnJ9dQVq46n5JJmEZ4WOC4d8Q9zAfd9xN4G10pHq9xB5JFEfAIZxrcNEbvo9owpeY1OOQFoJcVA8911nJcOYIY-CozDFtBkDls91Li9yBC_aKL_SvrXzjAi33agGYX/s400/park5.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">The Julian Alps were a real treat for us on this beautiful day. This day we felt our adept travel rhythm. We were able to experience so much without a lot of effort. Just hitting our stride and enjoy the Earth's beauty.</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-88242103931667405682010-08-14T17:15:00.004+02:002010-08-14T23:23:42.066+02:00"Feeling Love" in Bled, Slovenia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjrtTEAApvaBEO3dz-9nF1RHvfR7t2vAW3zDgokN8YIZC1wvEBNcfpFB9qgk6DPzB8igjBzsMg_ZsKKj2Mjkop4n140n_6I9O3XrNR7LkxXhc6vNfEEw9PQQXvE399Sf796k8QkeBgMqC/s1600/mapslove.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505237149113035378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 371px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjrtTEAApvaBEO3dz-9nF1RHvfR7t2vAW3zDgokN8YIZC1wvEBNcfpFB9qgk6DPzB8igjBzsMg_ZsKKj2Mjkop4n140n_6I9O3XrNR7LkxXhc6vNfEEw9PQQXvE399Sf796k8QkeBgMqC/s400/mapslove.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeii0aA_kb2YEOhD9uOJsKswHQ9OjyoTahu6rzhWFT1rq-V3EgTY_jiQZ9URorPLhRl4wJDYo-gbH4Nb0DfID_EYmhLBFQgatwD7HxgY-GUcdn5y2GJ7YaKWhU-4XgpkOEYzvOJaUfrb/s1600/slove1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505242051591453954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeii0aA_kb2YEOhD9uOJsKswHQ9OjyoTahu6rzhWFT1rq-V3EgTY_jiQZ9URorPLhRl4wJDYo-gbH4Nb0DfID_EYmhLBFQgatwD7HxgY-GUcdn5y2GJ7YaKWhU-4XgpkOEYzvOJaUfrb/s320/slove1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We flew from Romania to Budapest and drove immediately back out of Hungary and into the country of Slovenia. <em>Slovenia</em>? You may ask. Not to be confused with Slovakia. Truly Slovenia is a hip and happening Eastern European country post Communism. It felt even more modern than Belgium! Clean, organized and almost a bit Scandanavian (except with less English). It ended up being one of our favorite places. The map with the arrows shows our route. In true Willingham style we covered a lot of ground! </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXyf9Xpq2AVnzx2ApSlLmholA9INguqqE25HcdJiYxpMNH7g0sQA4_h7f_sAqjLpZLpJXZhWwYSWHXJRm5hLpTabwfZdyoKR0cu1uKRGovT0-e7847lF89lw0d5tBdwDCDUig88YJgiLf/s1600/slove2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505242052546352562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXyf9Xpq2AVnzx2ApSlLmholA9INguqqE25HcdJiYxpMNH7g0sQA4_h7f_sAqjLpZLpJXZhWwYSWHXJRm5hLpTabwfZdyoKR0cu1uKRGovT0-e7847lF89lw0d5tBdwDCDUig88YJgiLf/s320/slove2.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Slovenes have <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.placemarketing.nl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/branding-slovenia-2-i-feel-love.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.placemarketing.nl/countrybranding/countrybranding/&usg=__u9WCR6o1WOZduWlyOr5ZZVmoS9U=&h=300&w=445&sz=9&hl=en&start=54&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=my7Aj4Yox48bBM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dslovenia%2Blove%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-Address%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1" target="_blank">done an excellent job of branding their country</a>. Their logo is this catchy <em>"I Feel Love/SLOVEnia"</em> saying posted all over the country and tourist materials. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTghek1ef0xz3Qv0AOwPzGEH3pvlhJU-nOK5d4LUf1yW1oHSKJGtE5mK2iFcBDbxVHo_bc7VHq62z2KBwruPNh4Subo3_yNesGXwOy6VSqkBhyT2y9zVOQ7W8U6lGRJxnmnmdL7_qiCK/s1600/slove3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505242062062250642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTghek1ef0xz3Qv0AOwPzGEH3pvlhJU-nOK5d4LUf1yW1oHSKJGtE5mK2iFcBDbxVHo_bc7VHq62z2KBwruPNh4Subo3_yNesGXwOy6VSqkBhyT2y9zVOQ7W8U6lGRJxnmnmdL7_qiCK/s320/slove3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>The travel bureau is working double time. My interest for the country first peaked when a Slovene rep made a 'pitch for travel' presentation at the American Women's Club. The photos of the mountains, quaint towns, and wonderful food were enough to hook me!</div><br /><div>After a grocery store run in a superstore as sophisticated and with as much variety as any American chain, we made it to our hotel, Penzion Berc. It was an ambitious day of travel and we were all three pleased for a hotel floor picnic dinner and early bedtime.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPT9jqvnMUxBeWah-NL5T00ZujyRbaG4lLjVK0T8HVxZkVhec1NCS7o97fs2HLT6HfFroKy4chlnk4pj-mSObT64rqZwLtBwPWON3KYRyZAZqsvifWiBZoW9lLzIBrmf2aj_sBkH4u1MI/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492355356177747762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPT9jqvnMUxBeWah-NL5T00ZujyRbaG4lLjVK0T8HVxZkVhec1NCS7o97fs2HLT6HfFroKy4chlnk4pj-mSObT64rqZwLtBwPWON3KYRyZAZqsvifWiBZoW9lLzIBrmf2aj_sBkH4u1MI/s400/IMG_1785.JPG" border="0" /></a>This first Slovenian stop was 2 nights in the town of Bled (a.k.a. Lake Bled since it circles the lake). Rick describes Bled best as <em>"Slovenia's leading mountain resort, complete with a sweeping alpine panorama, fairy-tale island, cliff-hanging medieval castle, lakeside promenade, and the country's most sought-after desserts." </em>Sounded like our kind of place!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505241704394975762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOZb1zQyMv8_OpDs0P2FhrAvLmhrt4e8jPuT61OmDeJZga1hSW8ZN9jmdqoxMAlRUcLi4i3Nt5d9X8BbBd8XbztF_vtwFRu8fL3Qa4WjmCLUBBkGyE9PSp9QkW7Tw04P0i4V-gemGr_vH/s400/slove4.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492355344603985810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonr8NaNeo3BGFTYq4v3YCYQ0mf9zUt8fMCFBcVM9NryKIauCPqoLx70XlDmIACWxXxhqB43_ZmzSiaDA1WDG2J9xgBKrZpuFXprcV7hqJpNo02p7Gz-rVFuDc4qOADstQvA7mHxIMZQ8w/s400/IMG_1659.JPG" border="0" />The Julian Alps are all around. And the castle punctuates the lake scenery up on its dramatic perch.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492355340351239250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6XAtYebpR7kwrUdxXwRaDUo9ACBYttZgCVAOY6lrfHXeMY-_T48nONR6jPcpvbjye0K-kj1N1Iq1p-ghPFUmdwdilk2GNywO3JJK5OvMk2MdVBt-8Il0krmqCgDqB-EVQee851PRBtYj/s400/IMG_1662.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354980409832226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGiAlRN86_NhSUVx1Zt_vij-H1FsN0plVzyA0UtwzG-IZjbiQibsyETHyewtBNxl-Oiq9Gjcieu2r2XAW0NITgb2sQQMD-oOk06Df5-wV3mdJ1bZ7fCc9jDK3N3MpPIvEItp3cgEI_iWp/s400/IMG_1667.JPG" border="0" />Unfortunately our first day thick clouds and strong rains descended. We managed to walk around a bit and take the last boat to the little island in the middle of the lake before storms came.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354975386453554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEW6UwmJC-Ssk-i8SMx3ucNNZCBas5NAi1j5RVmMbWoAY1oU_bjy3yKq1qpEMrIpIU4TiIfElViXJKfdNmm3J-Ue-Q9Iuqts57_gzR2ssQ995TK4w3B96b59A0uvY1yWNWYDR0RA35flw/s400/IMG_1675.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354974578850850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4BHshKBe8QAGJCan2vcJBpRKuqvLK8lfYHoQrBukyS3PXLDJO8z6hQWc2nD9DHsZvXY_KY4XGotNR0r9f7u0Qp98sF97-p8ek5VfV27wE97RIZ-Dj4eUfNRIE2c9vaWWAV9_nfNbWBpz/s400/IMG_1684.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354970206995522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfJvGF5oD0CkIlX_EJj0Q76JtMZfcrV4sUlvixul7z0fvTJO5FRxjVpS_Me_-U90toRombQkqtkbmHQKqdqWYwWBDv5ID7WUi7Cxjne-SRI9Ab3tKMXXMyNWuv9_BbImrEKmw-yxgdGXN/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" border="0" />The little island is the site of weddings and wedding traditions. The adorable Church of the Assumption atop comes complete with a rope and a bell pull right at the altar. Kirk rang it for good luck - the clang, clang, clang pealed out over Lake Bled!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354958943110562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix_HL8WihnlQpwYFJDXsDvicPUTQy9b7XibWkf155XmsaTMSkOAW6BOCfApIFXhB88Ipl-t6zB734UMiJAeHUsGs-NZLywGWt9FyUfaXEI39C9-zD_CyYzZEuhkQL967i-6Hn4rV7vaiZ/s400/IMG_1689.JPG" border="0" /> As Rick instructs, <em>"Don't leave without a trip out to the island, reachable by charming pletna boats — or if you're game, a brisk swim. The little island, topped with a super-cute church, nudges the lake's quaintness level over the top. The island has long been a sacred site with a romantic twist. On summer Saturdays, a steady procession of brides and grooms cheered on by their entourages head for the island. It is traditional for the groom to carry — or try to carry — his bride up the 98 steps from the island's dock to the Church of the Assumption. About four out of five are successful (proving themselves 'fit for marriage'). The church was closed and weddings here outlawed during the communist era. But the tradition reemerged even before the regime ended, with an illegal, clandestine ceremony in 1989. Superstitious locals (and every tour guide in town) claim that ringing the church bell will make your dreams come true. Close your eyes and give it a ring. When you open them, you'll find yourself on an enchanting island in the middle of a stunning alpine lake."</em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505340178104727170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzuW4LJw7W77G7qfwp9_XoOcZtkqjOM0IdA4bIf7POXJ5RZvqVMt5RFD1rRFYRQWXx7LSg2L2YC8ogJejCD3uY-526bQcl2BNQvMZZ8M1mwbo7VYAPzqKJ6QJ0nPZ4HsBft3mUhm5osmT/s400/bled1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505340183725383890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHbgaZfHTSxWn7iFhiYxF_ESPqLl9wEuq8cK-tfT25XWHKl7WL3o1tiDJIFIdmuCo_qg3qXjLwSIcb2uzM7O35hSnULMPIzZp8WeKwA0w7H3HyfJ1ocEYfekI69jH99JNiaTqZ8GnUbTz/s400/bled2.jpg" border="0" /> These panels of Christ's crucifixion was a particular marvel.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354226347951586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoFBYDzUBE9FXO3IOMegYgMSe9sj45tKLw9TIK2jh3iKO29HbSKcdKQ6I3_V3AIaBMmkpLhWWzgQ85lJMSIKo17V6qTFD52TkJhJ9Uv9dftx6wE7V45P-qhlbpXocP94gVNIQXZ4tPrRo/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" border="0" />The rains came but didn't ruin our parade. Our fellow boatriders remembered to bring umbrellas from their hotel and were kind enough to share with us!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354216800390882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8IfarMnJMC0790WKY9MusPy3U9Vi7I1cg0ONjrUYjuuU0eVn2GfOztirYsQxV6xvwFj1cY7APxRLPtDxCBJ55j-el-Q4m0vCg927xW_tKuSB5a2eGDAv-9nNShd2aFcQRWYfhuSS8xTo/s400/IMG_1693.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354211203791250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dOUyEdIJ94En1Y05eHGTlq4VPXQfIeLj9vDgJakFEJ3J2joHFsHlPxbIfui_7cBPr6qAsQ1dKh2BUhOupN0TyRJNw86hnR_6YfLnL4UsiuhruMZ6zdlKyqWGTKpYptRLrAbcuquE3U4x/s400/IMG_1715.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PHIbQXArUg8eLf6oEC7zmDnRryllzlqXiOK31ZzgMhgk3N3C_uZQr6laU1k2zj32ihAHleFUhYe2czGhA_LOVvZY6l3u05fjy3tUoV6jVx5gsNLUVyG58uvVqZg5vErMPf3pO6FnmUJO/s1600/slove6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505246651150116226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PHIbQXArUg8eLf6oEC7zmDnRryllzlqXiOK31ZzgMhgk3N3C_uZQr6laU1k2zj32ihAHleFUhYe2czGhA_LOVvZY6l3u05fjy3tUoV6jVx5gsNLUVyG58uvVqZg5vErMPf3pO6FnmUJO/s320/slove6.jpg" border="0" /></a> After our island journey in the rain we beelined it to a pizzeria warm with its brick oven. The pizzas were delicious. We thought it especially creative the way they cut Connor's pizza like a checkerboard! Slovenia is renowned for its <a href="http://www.slowfood.com/" target="_blank">"Slow Food" movement</a>. Food is prepared locally and organically - it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and promotes farming of plants, seeds and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem. Not sure this pizza place exactly qualified, but the Slow Food movement is just one other way this country is a irresistable destination.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354206311770418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kDF8vcrf1RIErx_bAfhTGiJs6JprI78FHONqHaDTBX4yUozeXShZOLeIfR4qbj9Nfu-j9iYfma3ztdBXgyOpS2tKPmoSNHSs1uv1B1U5jpzljn8nKF9REbgvWpii2QQB3DxF221u0216/s400/IMG_1716.JPG" border="0" />All three of us took long afternoon naps - the month of nonstop travel started to catch up with us and the rainy day was perfect for deep daytime sleep. Then it was time for even more eating! We didn't want to miss out on one of the area specialties.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPq_O4d0empT_6YbynRug9-ktt7RIGAz47L9B-YgM-5oL2nXgITg3TVTFyujDFGxpX9YNrOw4JaSVejfWHeAmkX-rf0BoKYY9n53iV8vccUEdXbrqnU-kLP40Wk0yR5pGvrV4hAfxQjMM/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492354205967253634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPq_O4d0empT_6YbynRug9-ktt7RIGAz47L9B-YgM-5oL2nXgITg3TVTFyujDFGxpX9YNrOw4JaSVejfWHeAmkX-rf0BoKYY9n53iV8vccUEdXbrqnU-kLP40Wk0yR5pGvrV4hAfxQjMM/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>While you're in Bled, be sure to enjoy the town's specialty, a vanilla-custard-and-cream cake called kremšnita. This dish was first created right here in Bled, at the big, red Park Hotel. Slovenes travel from all over the country to sample this famous dessert.</em> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353597949693234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxX6PdLk4IzxUdjCdOrbonDduOPDWHUzQOX2h-73OgCzTu1jkCyRWGSpLuVjFfGmd0Tbzur8fgRczGNjulLrCh4ddy4VfAj-D2eFlydHg6izSuCb-PS3fMubVwHeKaYaduQQlBXSbY7W3/s400/IMG_1727.JPG" border="0" />This pastry melted in my mouth. It was delicious!!! Perfect with the Slovenia soft drink, Cockta.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl3ooMcpOrF9k0NjykmqujhkGtNqiIrJMMzRUomOalBhgBzfebCxniZDAzmrI0IWSw1skdGEw40rhpIHO-4Ueny_u2kW5hKICugPaxAQrruzd7Z1-Q65M4T6ZgpoS5n803vK2bG7jwSIa/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353592430898594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl3ooMcpOrF9k0NjykmqujhkGtNqiIrJMMzRUomOalBhgBzfebCxniZDAzmrI0IWSw1skdGEw40rhpIHO-4Ueny_u2kW5hKICugPaxAQrruzd7Z1-Q65M4T6ZgpoS5n803vK2bG7jwSIa/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" border="0" /></a> We left with smiling bellyaches and decided the pastries would count as our dinner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj458aZSmJHh2rdKiwdDqhKsxo342JVY7uxGE9ja4R_IhcpReEQNWzA8OJU0DTfpSC6Dt6W-zQ0IprhI7lk_-hWeQkqH3l2IP-45IlDK0mBwRXEhJ9-JUfP2pMDiL2hE9_vCuiqPG_OsdO-/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353589377760466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj458aZSmJHh2rdKiwdDqhKsxo342JVY7uxGE9ja4R_IhcpReEQNWzA8OJU0DTfpSC6Dt6W-zQ0IprhI7lk_-hWeQkqH3l2IP-45IlDK0mBwRXEhJ9-JUfP2pMDiL2hE9_vCuiqPG_OsdO-/s400/IMG_1733.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrLoL-ZOmqM4khwe2weai-mFuP90b1r7OJdkILnqm8J6Dge9mE7bGysZ9-TAUJtOvMblQ6WA3JhWSEXpMGsXb0LyDfK2AUJ9KNxQhIdBPfU8_JEZMIzIdS-y6VhcHrt5JnsOi8AzW5PKC/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353584233560642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrLoL-ZOmqM4khwe2weai-mFuP90b1r7OJdkILnqm8J6Dge9mE7bGysZ9-TAUJtOvMblQ6WA3JhWSEXpMGsXb0LyDfK2AUJ9KNxQhIdBPfU8_JEZMIzIdS-y6VhcHrt5JnsOi8AzW5PKC/s400/IMG_1735.JPG" border="0" /></a> We walked around the lake in the intermittant rain to try to get some exercise and counteract all that sugar!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5xzX_lKgAAP2vqjAUl0KRWRSqtsauYd6rcs1SjaJsZFDsu4ufTVGBmD2FrR9XcrHm2rmHApUqDtyhE5QHdyjU0qNkM8Vvgg452cMwY6MGYw4Qud0xR8uDaoa6yZTwKrf885HuoH6iIaH/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353580581153954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5xzX_lKgAAP2vqjAUl0KRWRSqtsauYd6rcs1SjaJsZFDsu4ufTVGBmD2FrR9XcrHm2rmHApUqDtyhE5QHdyjU0qNkM8Vvgg452cMwY6MGYw4Qud0xR8uDaoa6yZTwKrf885HuoH6iIaH/s400/IMG_1737.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thankfully the next day was as blue-skied and clear as the prior one was cloudy and rainy. I skipped down to Lake Bled from our hotel to photograph all the areas that had been so foggy the day before. Honestly it was like someone had pulled back a stunning alpine curtain revealing the beauty all around us. It felt footloose and fancy free to be nestled right where we were!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492352684393346322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS4Ck7YV8C9CWTBv95css6K9Hole6n8JJLDqOFC9DIcFQ9nkUDYC1pMw-A-voAxcAZdyRxKZHbXBvUYR1Wpl12lh3gBkpeyRHfRaA-biYrOerQKLrAztNfgo6p1Fa_e_teCh8sZ_ERHwI/s400/IMG_1756.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492352669897037522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDeLsPK-dqNotU2sjZb55xukFZjhW65xQP4SMC7eI83WWlmBZpQcrWI7US6YXHHzzytGAEL2nUK-ueJU4KdoLiy-Xt-wCk4s1TTiHUxiCl9QWD9mnkuqwZFr534tma221-P_n1ndttWmi/s400/IMG_1763.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505241700114251074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_v-zj6Fw5RPphFBUWGdLF6QZgolotlxK0YibrgIYNmUqifH-b1vX3-2tUuj9ml7BoFjYq-P-yv5trm_uNzhRxTYsf2UPa1kn8vLmnhgJSIiw6uZAoXY-fVScjqUmrfnjh7tZSdfsRMjk/s400/slove5.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492352662833697346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOT3ryz96szQRtkG10YveY5xce_ihB_PAgGTNlfNtf6IlO0hMvalsMOGBcBETOzE7iEUeTb1LyLykEqODP7yow2F4JIYlCGJZggIAR1K9JXOC3kjpfDgHWQUO8pk1e018OwrWrlm9gh41/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492352665505173362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpzmyvHbcmTrTNqRQ1cKMnq9gM-_nKsTdHG0dXBqIzPGKWf7ph-1xLZHCjT0SZhjhetq-eTWjNp6Zn_kVOXxB1QDjRYJfUIdvUZToOaJUntH7LwoRcszSm6csftzHvcCm5DWc21hXIQxQ/s400/IMG_1768.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492352655120547746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOQKTIyZR3MMeL0PdNgWExy4r1nchI1NGD4xej4V72JbGN-mWCLIbIJ-j7HxjtsRqjM6Y8qNQ7szKzg8b-eYMUd54GB7D_AmS-5UphbwSgX6FfJRw8osqCXgR-CxPIpte4pnjz1SaNLeU/s400/IMG_1776.JPG" border="0" />The colors and wonder of Bled were unforgettable. What a travel highlight! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-21116162937901299712010-08-12T19:40:00.000+02:002010-08-13T04:49:17.868+02:00Brasov, RomaniaTopping off our romp through Romania we lunched in the town of Brasov. It too had strong Prague overtones nestled deep in a mountain valley.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492339303266599506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IMhSIBUNRURYc3oDobUO_cIEqIjv35OIUGgdcNcBD1W29Vsdn821HljusLhOviqZwkRnyyeLXsm2bqMGR6cSD2VuahwZrwoNl4aE7q1ZFr56dpel4hKqbOm_1MsPeJbIh4UwMAmXRSh4/s400/IMG_1630.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495312084356468434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ-J-zLhljhWRBjg-k_HphP4nzV-6Aj6rk6lne_huxPxCSKjDxgT1L2GUW7r_QNasJPqd0HPHEinL-UnHgeVpDMv2hx2d5d0k9ljcCtu1M4KHxtkOcR6IUqWSZRvvKsCW1uUPEHxmgeXU/s400/brasov1.jpg" />With the stereotypical Eastern Europe grand square hugged in wide spaces and pastel hues...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338928188334162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkIcYTNSc_eUBwV6-MTEa6XEYO5Bl2q_bHPSDXt5ZqmxYz9oWVe70lYmVPEvpxQKV4GPzxutobUoeR_i3d8DQPCly2-eEpVsPh5NEF8a8SjtAhJ21Uaoy2fq-bqxTLwapcADVYet7xY3i/s400/IMG_1606.JPG" />Here is the aerial shot of the same central square...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495312062326612274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmch-InLHhjfUnbA_3mnLWf-kwO02fqkVXoqq6AktV0SMJ3afeDTjn6qUFu9bDDfNnZIkoagHTkXvjRV2fq0K9rlxapURzxOZUXmSlhO6e5PpihsQfkiontD5ENpzbg1qvo08qiFZjsFj/s400/brasov2.jpg" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">We stumbled upon this gem of a spot called <i>Bella Muzica</i> for lunch. A great overlap of familiar and foreign. They welcomed us to a cozy underground setting.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338923511499394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmIf8ari93EmFx3h3EJ1fiIRpA3q2MJlOHpJ1TYFUrKxf-vVoTmF5T2qumlBOUqfX7KmUExm0ZCQ0yV8JRIzvt1bCqueZHRC1BBrx_mN5or39L0FZtQZPqBBSluENYqmfTAIDBAV-0vkY/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338913406958098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEn8Gnwfa8r-CvqcvS9x3ezD6DaR2ISIm-klJDTpwQlM8RkldDNSPzrD_rIL6zgUH-7qbwJ9KIu713v1loW8eR6DSR6TdZCXrrBylWxi0pm_zcuU9hgXM-DQZLG9q7N8F2p9S5Daqwj-B/s400/IMG_1614.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338091001426562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGevwXbIIYpVPoxse8WaZrY-s30lrARaqI5_KY_WdgIynX5Y61bSWmq_0FBSmd_j0XutREyRKJ7I2IDEVVlDPFPSvwm9i2eZhjJNrvQQ_V19TNUHPe6_PbveY_OAwoYM0WrxON4iWeh3A/s400/IMG_1617.JPG" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">It was a culinary treat. The chef even brought us complimentary shots of <i>tuica </i>(plum brandy), a Romanian specialty to toast our time there.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338098453968562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6fODRgtz0f4YJbb7cBmDXDxjR8CbqmF4r7sWmE8Rq2fHaWCvzIOkCXpKDLGgB6uI-HwVKZD2mYi-0TRgW2oxV4VRQ7jlgw1-6B16sbm0ozJ7y6o8RAsXo7xm1BiqLVbNhKysgbvEpT-9/s400/IMG_1609.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">After a yummy meal and lots of time to relax we got up the energy to return to Romanian sightseeing. We toured all around Brasov. The visuals were stunning. Yet the reminders of the Communist past very fresh and eerie.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338081052795554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB35QPLOhC9T55ISdEYr3D8VjWeUumxG4lar4smxqx8GmVOeKYiEfPNqZnjNAcxOvxAGL_-dXZw-jgtoRl58qg3plNFv-czKd8RiKsnH2Z8i7vMXB5eALu6fBbu9XyBIwBAhpQor-KAW2/s400/IMG_1622.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338077827941554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA9iFOg6qqUza3amj1uG0gayF7xp-7FTAcUETxaSbYCcnRadSWFbdBkkZvaodH7ADJOJaO57rDlczNroMTOp_qJMKcXS-UxP7wvtuBlEQeWJMY8NtVjGN5GiuqD58tMuZIVLr0D8zB3OQ/s400/IMG_1624.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The building still has mortar holes from the recent revolution.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492338066188161490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlg7St7NcugyJmjOnBamR3x8brS8nRgzy1hjn3Tj7QQZoJPmeo8auLQRBzpYoYJXDLkrBQNZCqzCPWs1r0GCvDHT4COrGpTiWq0TygJkJ3uEiMkS0ZtGjiQV5Ry6Gu1XScDiMDY2R9qCC/s400/IMG_1627.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">We felt fulfilled on all we were able to experience in Romania, so after Brasov we got a head start on our trek back to our Signasoara hotel. As we left Brasov on the only road west a Romanian police officer flagged and detoured all cars off the road. We took the bait the first time, but then realized there were no other routes. We returned and just drove through the police block. (We weren't the only car doing it). Yet we made it only halfway through the winding mountain roads before we came upon this...</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492337580725043346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnPvS-jKwxFQ7rf4n4LS4tQGP13SKfvHMMQwNVMy77FjJp4Rs3ucxssHzUPEForUAumDdulI9xPImlszeaJvS25tj0dWPwCJ5GUD4WCeNBrpqzg8X5X5DGE7yeVFtEFtnIZeg9QaIMIWi/s400/IMG_1634.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">There was a horrific head on truck-truck collision. We were parked on the curvy mountain highway for 4 hours! At first it was disheartening as we thought no one would share our language. Thankfully we found an English-speaker and confirmed there was no other way through -our only option was to wait it out. We read our same books over and over for the 100th time each. I think I can now recite the Berenstain Bears <em>Messy Room</em>, <em>Are You My Mother</em> as well as <em>The Pokey Little Puppy</em>. Connor was a champ and we were thankful we made it bathroom-wise and recently fed.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492337570255021410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyGtjmNfkcnhsPd21x2uZd3oYp_aiAX9SxAHIXT1TjzXdyigHHNEpnKrYXvCnFQwjVdsPxsl_h5FlUaAT0ZCH9PV8JpXE8R3ZYDniRqbrM6mvHhFbHCX0F0Q5HmLygeX9FUxEds3IadlG/s400/IMG_1640.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492337563710215154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJenIzVIXJh1AleUIptMM_pbCbtgkxm1EpX0kBxKRbhAPg2uyh6YjAQtw7bxuDcUF5OutBL3XpU_dl21cd5I-iAQPAtnKrfDfp4a3TWzNBeOWYr1W5FIajo17PQRQfUnxFM_Pu9Zesz8n/s400/IMG_1637.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">At long last the wrecked trucks were towed away. The wreck was maybe 3 miles ahead. The truck was covered in blood inside and out, visible even in the dusk light. It made me shiver all over. Someone lost their life in that truck just a short time before we traveled the same route. I was reminded how far and foreign we were in the land and said many prayers for safe travel the rest of our way. And though I enjoyed Romania immensely, I have never been so glad to see our "Purple Airplane" (as Connor called it) the next day to take us back to the seemingly safer, more mainstream Budapest. Who would have ever thought Budapest would be my "safe" spot?!?</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492337554251875122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicroqTOdEG6AjAaqyCeqsHaGScDq-_GuXnt0p1r9x0tXkiHS-SMXmvM5_px8MfgSSJkGrH8364_uJl3jLHxce9p7mMd5ny7K6kmJqUN-hWDOth35wIiBMRTQSn94Z62EY_aDSt0UI7OxnA/s400/IMG_1655.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Thank you God for keeping us safe in Romania. Send your blessings on the family who endured the news of that awful truck crash. And many thanks for guiding us out of Romania according to plans. The next week started the drama of the European volcano ash cloud, so we got very lucky. Being stranded in Romania would not have been my cup of tea.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492337541980609058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqiG68Xa_u-Z5z9BFKPdrPj6mZAxRCZAuMFhhecoSQfy33OtuUQGlVwns8yG_I43DsLWWIyF9rXk6VgwdJgBDr66jvjwgtGCzJcxfp5ByR2m90p9FBTcKovBxifCF7f3RiGic7Q21iusQ/s400/IMG_1657.JPG" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><i><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee">Click here for full album shots of Romania</a></i></b></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-54523561084313080162010-07-25T06:15:00.000+02:002010-07-25T14:16:02.822+02:00Sighisoara, RomaniaFrom the Painted Monasteries we traveled to the picturesque medieval town of Sighisoara in the Transylvania region. <i>(Yep, Dracula country!)</i> It reminded us so much of a yet-to-be-discovered Prague. I guess when Sighisoara becomes THE hot spot be we can say we knew it back in the day.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5qL0O4R6vH4VvcHAJTRJVWW2TOe0Hya-PKiafehGIGnPf0Xk1FeeJRfcnhQ3dJdizi2kpBgYYqP_MbdMGpqUXA0pFXX-QvTt4D8SufP4oLr63nyVFJ5-e9B1HQ_aNp3E9QGRj0iW4OlD/s400/IMG_1540.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492309278354191042" />We stayed at this beautiful Hotel Sighisoara in the center of the Old Town. Our room was spacious with an arched ceiling and filled with sunlight.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1AZc0py5bk06cf5951g-xBF-ba2PqhIM4dl6P2YoU67Ns72DCetv1JUVNgqOECrbQTAv3KwB_cVZCS6knsCHnTe4V9vJ_jZe3XwlzPbrUAzxr1-E45ISjpYsPCZ7gWA6I_H65QZKS8W9/s400/IMG_1538.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492309268406002514" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi950JZEu5mPyvYmz2PUMHWBfTvbT8uH57lipxgRjDe121WNae7w-JfzhLOfvWuTLH9_Ut9KMJC1CcL80xW0O2m5jjYWLICL2uItoU9MAPBYQu_C5u6k3B2MyjzpIlk0fBTB4tuDtyFkbZE/s400/IMG_1541.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492309265744849810" />We of course wasted no time settling in and getting out and about. The streets were rows of pleasing, colorful pastels. Many needed fresh paint and a little TLC - although then again that was part of the charm.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpIQcYAxg10jT8EF4k9rl_94sBjx2b5Fb-xqQO3nJK992QBQpd18JUAa2f69nKo5zLU3iUUMO-xDuaFFH6PZL-ThnHVIkwsK9W4OmyQ9EqrjqhIFOAFsXBNfz-jAJLIJpW0QKYMulLO-T/s400/bran5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497575929065678034" />This long covered staircase was a fun find.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcqPfboTpQ9ZXi62NKHyPkRW0KfZR37FnZGFt-nvpkr0dT-hGsxWiUrmhVuyheywRi3cOK5k_daANPiHAwsUaSURYH4l5-HEkjAwCWZnMHWjehxaWPhfnS5136_zK5oojiJWem8Qk3Jx5/s400/IMG_1546.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492309256973061842" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7PulgYzRQRPfl-49CBqxCmLJ-bxbsdM6et1z5yYrY2YDn0Nlnh7-lJEe0AMWGiROTfHzxXC4kf7kxZ5oFuk_o4eLUnrILq8DemA2bF7ryunaNPH5AsouiE4ya0xA8O3tGkPIJBd436jT/s400/IMG_1548.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492309251095913810" />Connor came across this broom. These were actually what they used everywhere - no store bought Walmart brand broom here. See what I mean about feeling like we traveled back in time?<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy3qp3D5sg-VhEYUnXi5cTU6cH4J0Pcd29xPmMx8hRWt0Ohl8Jz5itd8SQtK7WPE8iKt0X0_qID8YbshB5ah7Xsw7hsX53NrhV0Q-IOlzHJfPJqnoLxiHWZaxhkp1pqJjfNZ-XW8vxM-B/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308770105431330" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhref46rLUoe_kxTfsFNS-kiwM94X5l51hsAe_BVeMqVQms2qKG6EnOOwqDb8dUMYRFN5wTD0uuGFAksEabhS9BdBJIKTVx-rorKg4eb5KRIYicG46Vw6sKfZKeqGSMnMM9Im56SLTidMqo/s400/IMG_1557.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308762235496546" />The main thoroughfares were mostly clean and tourist-ready, but there were definitely more run down side streets.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUPv8f7vn9T_l4Jat5TA0nczaQTtZDT2Mp7S-8NLg0HcrsQVgPXRsmBjWrh-HyK7xU9psVagGi1Yd29ZCGLNKYzoUKqxGZdP8T_o6055cFtj1qK6bCl-vzBC98TbMssFODXihZHqDxsVy/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308755251493170" />Sighisoara is where the famed Dracula, aka Vlad the Impaler, was born.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafar6nCUxyeX742Lr7Mt9QPdflBTPhvLoeHTdPJMDZM0qSQ6cimUn4H9ETAaMAe5cdskDcyDTNZB9LbHjCJ62FcXR2ui_V1Nwm5aqTUuWcwVrI4v5a_Cf9Kzfp6NVP8pIk5koXVeLizgr/s400/IMG_1561.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308749402261426" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuGLaCKI9W6vBBESe4fx-9wyM6fAwlQEeRukhrforcQUq4FWxeIpGtpjs2RRONgZ4x1cOlf6Sxp9Y-qucHPdHDCzfV2uU7xtKqzAKSks9p4ILWqja9W3kCs2qZY0K3UEnub55C0tKGfbk/s400/IMG_1565.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308744917266850" />The incredible Christian Orthodox cathedrals continued to pop up everywhere. This white one was especially eye-catching.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L9Kco-5x0MMN3l3M7iiN_lF5KFImJlKusDPbyUYR_NzvePKMs_5mK0r3uLTjzSHDQ5i5LNT9gnatsYceQlByXOgUOaZLR8Sms1iETkiIqFN-R81weF_T9ALxJarTdjYj9GbnG-d-u7RW/s400/IMG_1566.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308016907921538" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk65cRowu823yk25Hh9gWTwGC6etthMta4_PIULIw8AmqQ86783kvF-scSFJr_08BzPf22zQpud4_v6DPc1Ayox6LSUH3dK2cCkCKN7qFMlCX3VaFP0gbEMq59Doq-JKl-cAhvOqTOyYW/s400/IMG_1567.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308006657360210" />The Sighisoara sights were astounding. We had the town at sunset seemingly all to ourselves. I felt comfortable and at ease here, skipping along the cobblestone streets.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT-8SmZq5QwGfscsUL-uX5Y1o4OWrN6mx3WsV_NqY-o-RYEBo3uRSOnSrAMb-2weavd_5SnySKckmT4adefgI1fGCTd0ApCN5v0_zudEpvI6Lt1ZCq2d8Ln50MZA6PQ5xK2gxMN9H4uJb/s400/IMG_1569.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492308002104098210" />The next day we traveled further into Transylvania and to Bran Castle. Vlad's castle (Dracula).<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuHK2yZRo-R4hl6UGMp7ZTSTLpoQeQkpmXtNk_gJglbSmVXFo49eMKNtC_0wMjD2oMhlNeFzvboun9R-KoO8XUmvFOOSjHahIRir7CSQo4peuaupcOSzLlKHIVvffFhvVJP0mMzQG6nf6/s400/bran1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497575964316203170" />It was quite bright and beautiful to be Dracula's spot in Bran. Not nearly as dark and spooky as I expected. The surrounding village is an ode to Dracula trinkets and souvenirs. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1BTPs4ctOg4KsuE2RHEGwIY0zY_i3faP9cM-YDWVbPzgxmUhIWjGd8Qfekgdd5nLdMfltcnaKvfhrPxpLVIpiKRGpXb4vEntHVRVyPK82UrfDGGIGQOK-0Bn27i7pEjOhIP-T2H4ZpmI/s400/bran2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497575957295202674" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyK9rFHCRt9fSniVn_tKebvxpCLkWlK8MUZT9H7VLJ23SxjeqHk8dywp9VOnjyrCz1YNEDxQpV21nlfjE4Ui-UME7OHHN1B5_5Gg2YtzOA6P07EeOFEJIsxYUSqXhGkFJ2WjeWnKH17V2/s400/IMG_1578.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307996964213330" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZR7dNvb3-YjN1fo5xdXKFg88lrAxdE8vfqZX0fzE4RWYLZiFsZmGssYwuUi2SFtWPFGaVfJGVUZ1vot__aRaJPrJ_Pmnt5HpbOX6nmUMP8jXNNHRTm84KgWq7opnhJ_lzC1azLRL1iTI/s400/IMG_1577.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307995975533474" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrCEmCwtGIevBjXaia1mwq8OMO_kylJdubTwFuyIKWTh2lyz46vmVq7axCsuYs6PbW24SHDBzIMfhMvEjYiczf3i211_pgKA25CRIJ1jKLg3egg4M_DMrG6gUVd2QrEK7Pxo_4Txa6dAH/s400/bran3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497575950911374738" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp8RZszWW-rPC9gUw6llBmylbQietiDG-BmDjDVbKwYaNjigbwNdjyGssHe4G83-wNJv30aqxwXXBdM58ZaN4g7iogluiJuBcaZknIViB1GA_Ei703i2wPIPlJQzWv8tJqUZ_wW1myOQF/s400/IMG_1593.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307327008242146" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Outside Bran we were on the highway and spotted this golden church in the distance. There was nothing around it, just gleaming on its lonesome.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA2SZxNiCOHbvdWHskK-hC_t3uzvLEOf30wPFXwkgxsjGhXYK6nRGix9T9IY_1JB4kybNUzoCtSKyG5bIAxBaFQodhaonF1YTxx_vsOsqQqAcKwgOPf62YRCsdXNgZLBCJnx3ldojmcN1/s400/IMG_1601.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307313098568034" /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOdxz7wsJpJxit0t1_xN1Ouu8-dnbgzfidUoyUlm5sqp5t6iw_ksX1ZVgzjZfAKfI3trY4eLyUiFOxyKM7RKnrAg6n3qOQO9uCgnHCdrUTweavSLDod33SgYs2r8uO5QwIEakUJE3U8yq/s400/IMG_1604.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307301940940546" /></div>Honestly before this trip, the extent of my Romania knowledge was centered on the famous gymnasts like Nadia Comaneci....<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc0ZPPouSnwPt_-iWdBLQoB95uRTQbw8zWWIbpDKF0eGdfZKpInhP1X5eupifU3iNwYOBuBXDs2CMOpp2wwgOn5EU_0cWf3RxqCQAREZh2QwXeYXygeX9cO9KmX7ZY9uq9cQQrrrqnX6C/s400/gymnast1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 357px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495313938098127442" />...as an ode to Romania I kept Connor's hair gymnast-style with the multiple barrettes.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAqfl2GvDjYBNZb5mGDNG6GOad5M6mS7rSGF3F3uSukVhvPrZss6yAJSeCOMX0r6jVIGFqGFCPpzjthJah5enWd_HnnndkkFd76WqH1NBg-czBcrnkrHZyAFf7upG55vfMnYwANpRScgC/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307269214676194" />Connor was cuddly sweet wrapped in our sheets in the morning light. She loves to jump in bed with us at daybreak.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRi-ihqRTuQN6r7ZCElet39Hyae1YA4t7dAZ0REnF5M9Tkyjk-fAHaZTxi469zX4n9eLT2lCuLOr_Ule1jeLmhrrRtKtNOzNpWfXs3Z6bk4dcUaNVuMxDFFJ9AILA4bG57ZxO3yupxkgD/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492307290910048098" />Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-56176993799420236112010-07-20T23:32:00.001+02:002010-07-21T06:17:22.199+02:00Painted Monasteries of Moldavia, RomaniaOur first night in Romania we spent in Gura Humorului at Hilde's Residence. We were unsure of the exact address - which of course had me on pins and needles during our journey. But I should have never batted an eye. We reached the town and there must have been 50 signs in bold red pointing the way. After our extended trip the four star B&B helped me relax and settle into the country.<br /><br /><p>The <em>1000 Places To See Before You Die</em> book pointed us in the direction of seeing <em>"The Painted Monasteries of Moldavia" </em>aka <em>"The Sistine Chapels of the East"</em> - so that is what we did. After the 7 hour trek + overnight for that sole purpose we were pretty cynical that these better be some darn good monasteries. Here is excerpt: <em>"A handful of vividly painted monasteries are the highlight of this dramatically remote corner of Moldavia in northeastern Romania, one of Europe's most scenic and unspoiled areas. Most of the monasteries are painted inside and out, top to bottom, with elaborate frescoes - promises of redemption, warnings of damnation - remarkably fresh in color and quality despite 500 years of exposure to the elements and the whims of many rulers"<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492305058252255666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhhMa7Iee87VQWkN8-kt_PsFEmMCZk0axbESWA6_Pp7fYPGDpRwje_d_E_ExRPMkenFT_ConX9f33rqvcztgoz6aaTQip3vHCvPC95NQLLT7Q_UPNTBo_F8vIo9p2WIt2eYTW5TwLM58w/s400/IMG_1470.JPG" /></em></p><p>We pulled up to the first one, the Humor Monastery, and it was amazing. Romania was immediately worth all the trouble and work it took to get there. It was Sunday morning and as we got out of the car I heard the chanting and singing from within being broadcast on speakers. The Orthodox Christian service wasn't overly loud, but a lulling, melodic, loyal praise encircling us. The moment set me still and settled in my place in the world.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495791477310721874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKvBY1Uk5ExFJUx-kU8w0KZ2jsAygVKgD6FtsBv17oUkMBE27pYfAyIlBHkt-RXsThZ02XsP7nXKDdaMeAkt-Dqac0xcB8fP4qFfOsd46K4nRQd8scANP3GTBZvAQqaWOt0NCTk9QBNV1/s400/humor2.jpg" />Once I treasured the sounds my eyes began to focus on the artwork within and without. Photos will never do this justice. The frescoes are meticulous and glorious. How on Earth they have stayed in tact is beyond me.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492305052585367314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRXD1FoDMb3EZniyXT9dc1xLvno57U394jGL9rg2mgJESCoKaRiyPg8jyiV5H0wRKDkIr_Ne9JFV2YBV_MW2BGeWghq3P4kQtJKHV5nNQBM1XvBGuSHvhulJBGWt3bLCD7kKRkamhPMcW/s400/IMG_1441.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495791460536030034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gOz3M8nNzVJZhJGzeC3jTWavdZpRTlGJdKuonq_4AKgaOIIhEaVtxSNqVSjVYMCvM-1fM0FepyslgUf0qVrjxj_8Bm5rG6v_FVI3k_2tVWFHZRmII9EQOWFwKP2phQKr1jxzawyf1Gp7/s400/humor4.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492305046986118754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-2BOnq-pcvjJ_2aMUtelpjI8_qDKX17e5NUameVczLHlQ4LyIeEuntSNaW87z9iEXyFotfz63uw7WZQbI6KyBFb99sQypxVNq_UpBLtOkbbNkSoV4uC5kof7b-J8BLqFKnfrM5ahYhnx/s400/IMG_1442.JPG" />The outside was spectacular. It was like someone took the church and turned it inside out.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492305044378349410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGeTxh0XOu7YJUkYDXOT33D6hwFr8k_5hk6sURq0xLTWEjjf_zgOpMHkxJ0Du0gaahUSb-Dg49xBqaBOsuc72DaJvT_Oei8_YHstgkZJDFxNCTZgHvaN4Mo_qG_QzIDU-9gP3a2CNGQum/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492304425764486370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaNiSHN8DgQxBDRqQ0x6EKOB-Qwkus9jXUb91ApQ6FmwFTfpqtc1XvKnratsGDeaLV42eiw_X_yaECqyz04qNG6VLuGcTA_w6reU7t-PgiErlCrj9Pw6hMl-l_SJWiVMBFLv2-etxKr5F/s400/IMG_1447.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492304414438737186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pWFV9hPNscZ1oYmpJbBpA_uDMP-hBwenMme2_Tm0iKO1-pjkq3vBI65QyWavx8RjeRTrfDWwL1u0kUpcFlx3bIw2BM97pIIk05COTJ6TDOMNAIPK4yKWZrlJwHkYRfDydM0KtFVy4ZBy/s400/IMG_1459.JPG" />We did tiptoe inside even with the service in session. No photos, but I did find some online to share. The monastery was made up of small rooms one after another. Wasn't a lot of order to who was where during the service...kind of a big mish mash.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495791481994819842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WNAbDBsFimdlhxTDBOaUgcCOOj3yVVqVW9qWw1L4GqSra8y2Li5LR7vrKhdUZ6yK9frgggN-rVKEsVxV9DbLZ3Sv9-qQjXbEmzC_4sVfktptIupSQx0W1S4Sv0BmgBkRgUTIYsBxWM8F/s400/humor1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495791457037758242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxKozvSRIw8Q7Rq3UpwfXQ_NKWNfEMVd_DZoWPY3PMMUIfiuzl7Zw0nRrTwj6sTmtizZg4kqgfgaeJKYhR9_oVtm2DtgfXUKTvzzZPGDSeKgGBBj3uUOo-hTp8PGB0jo1o1CzJCvbsXZk/s400/humor5.jpg" />Connor did enjoy the service. She managed to charm some of the elderly Romanian women who came out of the church to light candles.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492304406698088290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtob3prNVLBSLEGvYIBDW3U9gOvEXeFGPufTmY8WZnFUyMBvHWRCLx3FnKm1qUelg4hVyn-snMOg2HiVql6RsorB5vrGfkrIDNZ2Zt_MrIlLRhTbu54vY6_YYBFpn9xvSdPosB8X3fE89/s400/IMG_1463.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492304400795357330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb62yBZj96LWSwp3V8LNF0ngu5LYBwCnv7FM4UJrtnxUdg8V-n75Om-qrWps4M9eulP9K6jolsvaqae2tcDvDNJnJ352PqevgpGhuMORprfN93_EGJdXKkxJ9WrcxIG__x4vEQbbXZLprd/s400/IMG_1469.JPG" />We passed more Orthodox churches as we traveled to the second monastery.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303770068956322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6YCBndtxeB0LX_1ZtZLG4is9QnBp9x4jfDrhzDJXiQiSkb_eqFJbYmsS9NbO1UbuSCk2RdTKU1uhWWfO9cZhJvOnL-EOZPQSgUli0eE0hZxjedv8LK9uYAr1hGKe5xngleBIbPo-Rh-f/s400/IMG_1472.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303759675124002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj-k6p4Wd1CRBo_iwtnPkfOjFBhAJKTXGMO9_YURtux6IrMyEBKkJLHsrSO3ESi5hBuvk7vb6G4TjkmWdMV1-zV3o90jMuGt3ElLmj3KYegV14tgXDO3zQG7bwCe7Lc3uxl3kQLuvljDl/s400/IMG_1477.JPG" />And this unique egg structure too...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303753635224994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_yOMgASLnFSjfBF71unfknzrzY7_dG4Jv7zeaXjG7hy5nU0dDuZhpSNVyo6WSDaJibfbEUVua6TJdTGw8nKj4e7GsQoRjIjBd_6n7XQPSXXdelbk9YKyd_mInusV-X7_YhxVtZ3YBuSu/s400/IMG_1479.JPG" />Next up we found the Voronet Monastery.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303749952064258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmelpCLnZ3Vez3-yuFVEwXHr1HCDqQJ1J23S4gHDfILeuDaqD-VbhUlMtobFBPhIpQ1UzIeoaVYsRgITwtS4bWi3V8VPx6Viws6SOUZPvKfu_jt0JSynbXQwMKIfzSd8LXQcuB0nB3YoNu/s400/IMG_1483.JPG" />It shared some similar techniques and structural qualities to Humor. Equally breathtaking.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303743383681874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxCnf85PpKml8QI0tbtol5eS5Z8yvMgmUvu63WM5v0vFEZHvSwKMGPBQc94lol-_2T_7WHQxGakfprP6_235lF8EteWMt-gGGHFFedzzH9qefdNksWQ8C6bPjgZFFt-CohKmPaqtnhCoh/s400/IMG_1482.JPG" />I wish I had the time and patience to decipher all of the interwoven Bible stories. Can you even believe all of this?!? On the OUTSIDE.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303246378881666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF4u7YIBWFXR4IY6sYCJj4KTwiEBMGTuFEx-TBPQK3nw_W3n-kkJxxvc04sdaR6aAjuDegNbaV5MgFdQVEb1ya-xX_Lo4Bf8avDv-IMpscmc9h4Cat83VYZqjheCoLuZNpi1-EWT9u3ei/s400/IMG_1486.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303237168305618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIS2Gb7Kkq9vBLoE8CElktYRdkqHkDAQteeWkb0nCmBpJ9o859WUIR2Ujvkf-mfu9EA9rLNIb8fLYSBzZCewhWyq79tnpkLzQDWmiJmf_3KDT0H5lL82Fy6ZZfmMxhst2RJML_5aeQh5Og/s400/IMG_1491.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492302567675892258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UwA6vLWiL3dBh-a4TiaIL9I67nPCUYxydctlUQCyjso8CtPaAMmubWD1G7SB8R_lsjpq6EOTLmoPLAKHAEQ5DCPFYHv8URWnmmPEUk5jgydsC4v2a1Qo7B_Ftp_O9qEclPT5SLGB3NPL/s400/IMG_1511.JPG" />At Voronet the cerulean blue is obtained from crushed lapis lazuli! The scene below is <em>"The Last Judgement"</em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303230507546066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0A4qd8OMw7kDSYqQq9orfV1QkTfMgDkVgb41pvdjcvPnIVe9rfGgpCymfoZfPp_SxKbBPir2DnWi5jT-WGRE65DLRgiwM4qn91VF7PIQ9TbYY5gQeuar7MITSDuitfudLKkjbEFoAyyDK/s400/IMG_1492.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492303225743721250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlGRPfMsdsS9rskkoWrE998cemjkUDYZbndehhW1jEyH0fflTg59eTKAkZ2VjNl7-QHnktEmJNXQSJPBBzNsTq5Bt_Osro3wgxcEp-YJLqJLsotx81rafb2_YM5qONfjP_uWlTHlFFdEu/s400/IMG_1499.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492302575341311618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi57rv9r20xiretkrDrdm-uMPgp2YfZbu-JTm3sE8KLxzIidMI0UURvuGz2g8sbjiGIffals5BqnVXjIfF-XkeuXSPuNK_QnW0iP0r-cByEPjCfyUVVTAAOYQ9E-oY3S-r_dBQB2DQPfxr/s400/IMG_1504.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492302575194801506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfuCWmShUaHU0ZVu3yi8raCjpboKxiAgEaAfcoIHqgyDLtqyVIMs0_Q3UiYPmlR_PSzzfwmk-S6-SYWwf6NiqgNmhYTYuLvrisUVo19-_LroNbM967bbZefF1SFg1UTmftOFQ2iWYYbXY/s400/IMG_1507.JPG" />Surely God reserved a special place in Heaven for the artists who created this masterpiece!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492302558615257970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNb4n_XapVivb2tWlASfq90MCkHNZh5M6XwEDqejDDre3jOdI4KiXfGjgmpEqhULv2kDiTjmhbXaEwkUArH73vx9BuxAd_-HQk-AcVWKayYA2Dzmlm0oJyNmYtyLNJROAHgP_Mg_CPEIg/s400/IMG_1525.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495786645543115826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-Jk_pQiNtpaVW0t3uDFC1H-WTt6GyihGuGkgQ7-eB-UnSZfBGiFBmgxGjvZ8tMFhEGrweshynYYxQ-hQ16tD77pfhb2oeJ58qxDNdtKn0kSLderHrwRMEYKH01sAzKph-QDzf1IoQ5qX/s400/voronet3.jpg" />Inside was no letdown either.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495786654185818466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6UF3xwwU4NGfDQyQhrHhuIn7sH8_nTWmGOUzjdLiYPYVvF4Ng48tVclgatXajjuRngNOoTlYo2HuSepPqILzunrvpL1iKNSXM6WRbeykOL-E58BmHgFedKTuTfd9u6CD_GJcphvPWVq0/s400/voronet1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495786652185475138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMmW7OiojD6jBEEP__bVI1Pq0BR9RNxrNW3HuAh_RMUXMhoXQn0cLlpg9F5s9QRKHpNMjHX9dIGUIv8j2xIbyvyXEEU6ZQacfNKsr5gxfYPvPue2IQ1PtoUj8tpTEZ8VjxP92CmY8PUzz/s400/voronet2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495786637862612898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuUjHuHim8_akCuS3bPhBlONByUQl019C90MCMtjKItKOgDhxPqoVhGBrRj7apgswT0WrM7lo6FSLHTNPyk01e6tuFz_X5zboFv3G69NBXyzeaailRNq-ZWNX4pvgwzNJkxRb0mJ7FPgM/s400/voronet4.jpg" />I struggle with how to articulate the beauty we saw. Like nothing I have ever seen nor ever will see again. I am thankful we made the trek. 7 hours each way out of our way for this. Worth it.</p><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/travel/20cultured.html?partner=rss&emc=rss" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a great article on these Painted Monasteries.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-82138146720792193572010-07-18T18:23:00.001+02:002010-07-19T04:16:46.039+02:00Back in Time in Romania!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP1F8l5Wmn5J0L9DBBSh_oo6YJhH-W-CduDl-Y1AwGn7Y95iBKeIzcavS1EP2iO5AiMthr1URIPUZvCTXNJCIC7mtxaDLs54u693W51i2IO2Bx2aFque8m_vpMLlEfDS_KP4ZPkz8AYm-/s1600/roman1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP1F8l5Wmn5J0L9DBBSh_oo6YJhH-W-CduDl-Y1AwGn7Y95iBKeIzcavS1EP2iO5AiMthr1URIPUZvCTXNJCIC7mtxaDLs54u693W51i2IO2Bx2aFque8m_vpMLlEfDS_KP4ZPkz8AYm-/s320/roman1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495412718930277634" /></a>After the comfort of Great Britain we stretched our comfort zone as far as we could and traveled next to Romania! Eastern Europe has a beckoning appeal as the Euro/Dollar is strong and we thought this would be a good cherry on top of our exotic European destinations list. <div><br /></div><div>Ummm, yeah - it was something else! </div><div><br /></div><div>We definitely felt like we had traveled back in time. And though Romania had its bumps and curves, we learned a lot about its fascinating history, culture, and customs. I am glad we went and would recommend to those with time for an adventure. But I am also glad and relieved we made it out of Romania. Those comforts of the 'comfort zone' are considered comfortable for good reason!<div><br /></div><div>Here is a map of Romania. I circled the parts of the country we traveled to during our 4 night jaunt.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-q60Ov-AXW5SZ8nGr5sjaP9bBb5CMIHmtyN6U2TDdv_ysv7qpJQaaNrEkctDhqwLB78-uMjYeBx8zzdIEze-r7-pZsYD9CAV6T0mJzxJ2soWoaEtSuXljhJmh7GhAKfSUccEhyphenhyphenLbIOJk/s400/roman2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311721881051090" /></u></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06k5LD-9KctRGzuf54L8Ar4zJDkano_2fp0dlmYkbiAuPqhJtQibvi54vuoGvNy2mgTYmvxIvJ6RQAPIO0bmgnOydyzAHjv3IQVhpW5ESUIwROmlNYESLn2SXKOJqhyphenhyphenNrT_KeX8humnA6/s400/IMG_1537.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492300786328189874" />Romania so recently relinquished Communist status. It is the only place we traveled without GPS satellite coverage so we reverted to our trusty map-reading skills. It wasn't a big deal though since literally there is <b>ONE </b>and only one road that travels east to west across Romania. There are barely any cross streets; you just pass by a small town here and there with the highway its only road. The map reading went fine, yet the roads were treacherous and twisting up and into mountains so what seems like it will take an hour quickly turns into 3 or 4.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqEQTNK_ioniCrWbcp_c-ZyEZ6jfPx2FVj0rOBij9WG3ny4y7O2m_44i15ZyphOGFpJ5H9ObErUXQniO-xLMQASNRC3Q_YP9G4qW1V5C3b31Mrd209FRQWM07x4hDKu_zuLTedu6TfXxY/s400/roman3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311719894078578" />We flew from London to Budapest and then on to Kluj, Romania. The flight was originally planned for Targu Mures but strangely the airport closed so flight rerouted 2 hours away. Mercifully the car rental agent realized the change and intercepted us at the new airport. Kirk made extraordinary arrangements to rent an automatic car - clearly the <i>one and only</i> automatic rental in the entire country judging from the price and effort involved with coordinating.</div><div><br /></div><div>We drove from Kluj to Gura Humorului in the northeast.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOKRNyTC9t1gOCz3nImZqGBQKD-dZP-tb76-5TuVIuRJ0vflFhyphenhyphengSz7g-VKWzdqTkN1ibRuwzRiB1VuYWmFS6DF1RYHz9uXS8HNmMk1vCWAKAhNhZuql0xXFP54Q8FVeqfBa7bZlTOLf9/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492300572757842642" /><div style="text-align: left;">It was very clear that, um, <i>Dorothy, we weren't in Kansas anymore</i>! The 7 hour trip that was only supposed to take 4 provided a revealing look at Romania.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumfNDTsh6Sm4C3bZE3fNyNirDJjEZkyIs34CLqFgt0T-F_GibBfOx6GeCwwu6J5BfuYCOR8bik_yxPDJdEEqHHgLJrY3O2maJD_afh2H-rHh-AftYK6k-tE9KC3qS0zqUhRkqN1kueFIj/s400/IMG_1434.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492300569627344402" />The one lane road was full of eye entertainment... </div><div>The few forks in the road were always accompanied with ornate crucifixes.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wx0UsP1ca17h_X072eZwO0Vv6lwcEw0XCmK_qQd5t0HEQIkcrkvR1_x4r5Hu5K6yBBemDs1DbKodLeWobHV0xtoXuS_Uoh2APFNSqacCXK-leX3mcPlnjGsT54mXRLiAWSwS3KkiVpjJ/s400/IMG_1529.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492299807241253874" />We came across many livestock on the highway.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoSN14m3PBoCZeV-UNRGcbRtnYfS8b_Xs5fhpsfWn1gJfZgREXItMd6BGFsMKNainyY95g_N1owZEzpivEf9PD5kpaSGLkx7Akb7eJQiK_jHH9DE0FQ-lBvRXoK7Zl1zABFVhfjvt3N7I/s400/IMG_1440.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492300550532103938" />And most notably these hay-filled, overflowing horse drawn carriages. Sharing the highway lanes right along with us in the twisty-turny byway.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8m8yAZqwhkHs3pwD3OIrRtR9HuzhCljLgUEbxXJ2Xvr5XZDOJqhr0H2vhGTnEG4uosgHtXhKWbhBQjLQYwwDEzspl-otYPNrCHFRJvzqOxsTIImFeglhwAnfu4gm-uQFnzdRMmqbzcpa/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492300558807404914" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4ywzwtqA0e4QHJ-6b1LYPk8oQwT7JkIqWZzUUhcXHrBMKW-xG_tZy8_ZvCKQWKz7smqucbQ8Iy_xqCZL7BXcP0-nwFDoN7iqhmHN0FechEnKAMnfudpGE3rSldx54AFFyAtPCWsxVPog/s1600/roman4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4ywzwtqA0e4QHJ-6b1LYPk8oQwT7JkIqWZzUUhcXHrBMKW-xG_tZy8_ZvCKQWKz7smqucbQ8Iy_xqCZL7BXcP0-nwFDoN7iqhmHN0FechEnKAMnfudpGE3rSldx54AFFyAtPCWsxVPog/s400/roman4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311438649229842" /></a>It was beyond belief. We felt like we had been taken back in time to <i>Little House on the Prairie</i> days with the carriages everywhere.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo8Vb-DmVIZhUhaqNTYsE4_e0MUoZT-upwocq3cK7FHieYFxz1vibz0GA2nseytCoPx5U1fXg7EnE6Dc2duPEgAvFI23goXjpzjGlKoBhJItSUpT4IXYOFJLygC1Ye5jMonPwlIRAzuqs/s400/roman6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311424455799794" />The Roma Gypsies hail from Romania. They are colorful to say the least. Carrying whatever and going wherever. I don't think we ever got used to their uniqueness on the road. And were always guessing what we would see beyond the next bend.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSkEOPr3D1KeTPuO-aDOhcyswIatXkDl2b2-cW_X06B8zO0Bvka-x9nZOfLSIrnsnRrq9S5PzbjIWcq2JgOcnHRDTQlr_WG4VktyEhCBoT0K6suY557O3iispUjSgNqrAvMo7CkR5IC6y/s400/roman7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311422032093826" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqLjtuMumkFj-PUqeYGSoYytu_QvRIkg4HyQN2TKUkJdp7CloyJtcx8GbJyyaqCmP7tmedbjOpIgb0PkfdUkjcbL2JC-OaXZ4xjTdNoZBaN-RWWA0qtXoSGOD7A7T0njyG2Kne5Lmo6dE/s400/roman92.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495310851095268914" />Looking back at these photos it seems awfully surreal. We were there in the only automatic car in the country driving right beside this. Probably not our safest move. But definitely taught us volumes about the world around us.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ADMU4NnErsXcylNjO-XLB_becmQ71EIbEQzDdaBjQAoS6R4_7q9uZTYLXSgH2YUrIzOIMBSb4l6GXKNYqURCiAA6YSlUooOxo_6jdLDP5yIDnKthK5PibDM1xtMuuqA0T-SEFLt5bKp/s400/roman93.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495310846091492418" />The Roma were easy to spot with their colorful garb and twirling skirts.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTr7Hemh8o5Nq9xEYcZ_6jIJwJB5QfiltopE_mFMwV2JDOxszEow_Afr8L74XC-dK1qFF25QBIsBo5Cd2FdpY_S0VCNkgQebQqsdFaws-bcCh-BsZB99Vl0BgsGW6JvPNvFNft-xvK1qw/s1600/roman5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTr7Hemh8o5Nq9xEYcZ_6jIJwJB5QfiltopE_mFMwV2JDOxszEow_Afr8L74XC-dK1qFF25QBIsBo5Cd2FdpY_S0VCNkgQebQqsdFaws-bcCh-BsZB99Vl0BgsGW6JvPNvFNft-xvK1qw/s400/roman5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311432386749506" /></a>There they sat (stood) by the side of the road. Seemingly friendly enough, yet I was grateful for the car and prayed for the safety of our destination. Foreign travel takes great trust that all will come out alright in the end.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD92ZxeJWrM5lIaqlFRSiUQ4FfCs60sGFLUoXAjzfu2fngtlH68bCOEA6AHgI6HQfOsZJW-c68Q3kyKlSS80JqCp4EvfvDQmPoU3hTIzy62AbLpyLD34zk2bMQyue7sM8puFAGMiPO1H01/s400/roman9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 281px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495310862090710050" /><div style="text-align: left;">Though most towns were clearly poor, if not third-world, Kirk and I marveled at the large homes peppered throughout. I have since read they are Roma Gypsy Mansions.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJNLUQtjhx00t573FRoFFqn3jdQgbClEPzxZ3UBvntk5ZPCcBeqHcYOarhAZvj9PBWjaejCmYr6q-wA9jUjLaw0bibmbQpJN78S8NczW6CZx1xkJSSkO1MGKnm9d8MiruxjwdrCE59xKx/s400/roman8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311418146528402" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M-N2qV5VR6Cau5gElCF5qOekqRWyRI256rVqBlpm0JHkqNLdZUOtid5xy8X4LjPGyI0fJ1QLcVlsd6mWjitsCCsUWpU2UOzF5UCeiJWAQj5Y3sZkoBkn3-r-uxfEu4Su0vak2n9KQeHL/s400/IMG_1532.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492299787456700034" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The unusual haystacks dotting the countryside became a Romania icon. Not sure I have ever seen hay stacked like this outside of my <i>"Three Little Pigs"</i> days when the wolf huffed and puffed and blew the straw house in.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4e4dyYEPgsMRkWZ42nXzUzjckAegkZ7iDWFLgvY6hSLS8PCjjVk-y830Qzz10muxDKNkRB04TdleAsv27bJLYcy4Iieq1UIRgI9A6BiZ0vRomczZBNdyAOB7TGTVfwsPL8yqKHsovFcx/s1600/roman91.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4e4dyYEPgsMRkWZ42nXzUzjckAegkZ7iDWFLgvY6hSLS8PCjjVk-y830Qzz10muxDKNkRB04TdleAsv27bJLYcy4Iieq1UIRgI9A6BiZ0vRomczZBNdyAOB7TGTVfwsPL8yqKHsovFcx/s400/roman91.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495310858473715634" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct1nYZRTi0nHuL4memgScfYSAXE1ibzuyH2R2WKmu-e2_PYtK6rQvB06J0cOyag3Q7kr7F1ggAEaxAhK_E8qumdhCzdXRByw7NJPxL9TYu9z_50q5Q-LFfWeyRCbabD5DpRfcTztHw0Bv/s400/IMG_1531.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492299801605063986" /><div style="text-align: left;">Another unusual yet usual sight along Romanian roadways are these enormous stork nests atop power poles.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHAJ4f1wZNp9NhptYZizaSwDVorFFUkYs8LXKEgJEJveSYTVnaFRTUuxJ2q_IFrXHe1P1Da7jxMWXtQlKAeexAu69WR0USM4Fc5D7PaVnSp6l9P3iTEE1jCURXpnT4Ad-i2AZhh5GxrzX/s400/IMG_1536.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492299770010278498" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UdFWUWBJicjeb8Gi3u8rABLIClRExXV45studAAw3MqA_nDh6hFBWn7N49xZMPJjGLAcJ2b2-DLX47Ss5FgYCqie2MvI92ZHHpf4ygofLv5TF39FXCLmwJBp3LKfqu4f6hLvB7ztYpZP/s400/roman94.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495310842107932114" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ever present were the incredible Eastern Orthodox churches. There seemed to be a church on every corner. They were simply breathtaking.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQyfYjhnXHPdQOuERTlMXCw_JYY8erx9Vf-1I8kRVROO3bFqI3rGVSLOe5yAtl9ZLK-YLpOLR9vlgt0VnJCsShy7DQPrZfLjFc6h4xff4ya2LpHWt_es387NsfDNlet-2gzppzZkn9pdC/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492299778743688322" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unlike most European countries where there are known tourist must-sees, Romania's WOW factor came in discovering the everyday and routine rhythm...the horses, the gypsies, the bird nests, and the churches.</div></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-7221791612826656822010-07-07T20:13:00.000+02:002010-07-08T04:47:08.924+02:00Lovin' London One Last Time<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490746792375299186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAquMohyphenhyphenYp5y6lP6eEZXaPWJ-AReUJv15ZXwT0tW6dyZqiT5gYjO06-EzSbTobQL8NAnao9MKlcxvoPf8Epit1KKmPz-fubi4gmYTexL_MGOGBziJ76mXmJHoYKy1548V_kJgGhlpXwQeF/s400/tiger-came-to-tea.jpg" />Landing in London we were a little dizzy from our British. We had dinner with fellow GEP comrades Aaron and Jenna in the city. Our kindred travel friends, they showered Connor with gifts including this very proper English book, <em>The Tiger Who Came to Tea</em>. By this time we were quite grateful for a new book to add to the travel repertoire. <div><br /></div><div>We spent the night with Betty's daughter, Fiona, and her family in a small London suburb. Fiona's family is beautiful and very generous. They hope to adopt a child from Ethiopia to add to their brood later this year. What a fascinating, noble calling!</div><div><br /></div><div>Connor played with Fiona's children like they were long lost friends reunited. After many consecutive hotel nights we were treated to the ultimate in hospitality staying in this sweet, comfortable, loving home.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490491056813581330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSQ2lMujuRaxgvgFdWooSMJaBs6Lz7vRxKwnXKzeRQRPu-NGOSuQF1wJz_U4YYhr5cb8ZnbrTqUEqCN5eUUwgHHraqvwXJS459X_EbEg43glbpYv6nxN3SQBeGBpOP_SjX8gbdPipmol-/s400/IMG_1401.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489684837012466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EM4YBi4906eBG45OmwjbvziJmY6H8K_kbOYO9I6MhMGZxP8yuXO6Otpcuxach2HJYTQs9HNoRNi0_Frf4dpayoJNzWptAWMIzKjdHCKwbIThc4JUvsr46oGoHPr_4fhBhyC26GSKwln7/s400/IMG_1400.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490491038240114274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zn8rzwXO8hF5wBonTqikvwD0FdGpTALvbvichiFIMtP8I6jiol3qflEdRAv__w2k43yNlszpvkYa4YLCS_7eRiPC-ROn90VAIqQ6hyphenhyphenngyMPo8X9hZUBsBOCHDnFy9VpL9LfIUJ2nY2Z6/s400/IMG_1397.JPG" />Later in the day another of Betty's granddaughters, Hannah, paid a visit with her toddler daughter. Hannah is pregnant with her second child so I was able to give her belly a hug and kiss in anticipation of this new life. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490491051577573698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws3hjegFSgEWTVWKWu5pA3DNzDWirlOpbs7r_v4Fij01SVV5Tcch_I_kH4R042dNjSrXl7ahLO23R9N_pN_3rsc05spapqI5O48QYvUXTDwh7JMxSJy2qAjb2TsDS8iMZlH1rp4qhGpTa/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" />We saw the milkman in Fiona's neighborhood. I love that England still has milkmen! Just makes me want to take a sip just to get a milk moustache.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489669170883842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8Jd0nIp1vznguXNexpVqWFpqmKjhrUPkrRvSKg6-S9WmQIrVYQHPp1NJdYoHk33SmCl8vgCbGBYL9frZbLzOmYmeeI00NfNapnPdpcfG_1rdRsSkweJhq5dnyx1EFbSJX7db8T9ZTpts/s400/IMG_1403.JPG" />We took the train into London and had lunch at Borough market.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489652952461986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONDTvUF7rxSl0XZ-Xkr0Kulm_J4E9ocLonihoDmLGeb-e8BkdTqkv2c76gnrJIKP3-bsFHIEfWsfbpmZLD8zbBZal_DTjRo3qhAQAhNROYVfcwt8ecH3gyQmXug6sNRZUpj5xP1THvICU/s400/IMG_1405.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489648140098482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkH4MHAZOmMrdh_jGEIRauPKfsjSGaLN8ud3JKMYrsLSyn0EcVYEWtPp5iba0T4uYgt6FcoUtd3M4Yxz0n6tHxUmu68EJXsvrxw3RPNkWx2_A5eAVAK6ZJjOl9BPf_kV-5hdHc_i_NPNz/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" />Just had to taste these famous grilled cheese sandwiches one last time!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489639065012242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjOIskRWaQCxZQ6hIWtNeGRbWtpczEKWDEyQHcSBQaipDDCIctzEEE-x8BuRap0xUYmDwJg5cAOLOMt3CSDe8JSqXeNPJuHY04Sa_B0-PhKrlDkWfhFlk3mTCM_l6uRUFKaN2vPxxssY1/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" />Made for a tasty greasy picnic in front of Southwark Cathedral.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489088019006914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-Gkl5C30MVoo9O8jLsIERgWHMMLVQ5ZRxOeKf4p85rAOm5d8-vebk96UgYzkmsakWZndLZsJjVGXaxjBywZ0xqn8u80-iLJ8Scf6fmX0Uzu6yQUyeSKb51ENQOSZH5uScypZyJYBm-Pa/s400/IMG_1409.JPG" />The main "to do" on our London list on this day was to experience St. Paul's Cathedral. Entrance was included in our Great British Heritage Pass.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609658247503986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_WxQsWjE6Wq6wprOr3z0m5sx7jB-Uq0MV9a-kCdkux3786IvYkQgxWJa15V33G833WdZBYHx1swK3gb-PXtuUfCh5watu7wD7RzH1dbQgwuwaees8yd6-QuNLdOAuOJYqe74DP_lPC2Y/s400/sp2.jpg" />Christopher Wren's dome gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I see it.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489074106813234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJYpO1BtHlrNNWjz73mWn2Hj6PPaQMmKJELxnjhOTmhNieQNctzEIhOfS9llIDt6Q9V00XNvCRPKahX3LmcU5_A1F6DBPLIEqw8AE3PdBRIfGxACdoIDKQPf6z0DGCEmz4wG3APg16RXU/s400/IMG_1413.JPG" />The inside was more Turkish than I had remembered. The black and white tile floor seems so traditional yet the domes up above so exotic.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609674787824722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyil13jeeuLRSjFXOtY9PUBc_gPMTaJoTsPosnOfT8hePFCIj2bQIqn_3G9p5B1XerRKkoRgljDoHFtR0qLwsmZnVU7HY1bON1I99OCWSH0d2ByZZFffY0M9YKovdQZEb5rZGCWX8A96Vg/s400/sp3.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609649180172818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2fteQOpXMp9wh9KsT4QGSBOF3XwBGrxZXfhkg_QtyktdcAJCZ41MtvcqBHrn4t_sgsnEkk5L5u4GUb4TSrcGW4o6XIV4v5t5KxQ5-Pkxmhilc2ZgXe8Frq-bfnPWmZkWmGzh3Ab86gO0/s400/sp1.jpg" />We climbed and circled up and up and up on foot to the very top floor. Above the dome to the Golden Gallery.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609962926126130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyRx9slK8pd44YzGcrSaSlbNwRwDTgdPpUtH14EsgeHc15FGO8zT2SuNtQFENi-7zqyrTOHgTgISrIOHeffegFVJWUzkoJ2T1I7JnZ3YYgWxttGde8scGljc174PfRpnScV9LUy7N5Nej/s400/sp6.gif" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489069874039474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEjg5_OfrSzio1kI-WYLoiJ_9PndBEeL0OinFOMSDQy8kRTCIKyhGWQ8xYIwkE8w1N5BORNOkwpeHtYj8-ntGQQUPGoGGIqTxU0aIVNVD6TBEUHAr9M9pUUTjbsmFuO1psetjd-M2obLl/s400/IMG_1416.JPG" />The views were well worth the burn on the stairs!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489056198454930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l3JuVJgiAbr_wCO5ZRQdBxVCN-J-lj0VMDEugIm7G-kvZvpRwgQOqDa3SprJIVv1PA7hDWxCiAScAf1PvWleernhwMOzA8Hcetq9wQOg8QW9_xijdIpeGiHRuJr9OTKvpDRGUSXxQ3vE/s400/IMG_1418.JPG" />The Millenium Bridge view as it fed from the Tate Modern was a treat to spot from the sky.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490489043502623682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqI5hNMMOSfwEdSmVRdCuvKutUd29bGJV4wjp9KYFQZ85kMTcphNlTac7u1uQIt8RXn5OJmgDCzSq_W8ON_CXuSqNtLTPEjZlkAaLn6TP2ZjctiHB7BQzvnnPZxFsS1TCTnGTJf-DDYTz/s400/IMG_1421.JPG" />I couldn't help but to reflect at the biggest event at St. Paul's during my lifetime, the wedding of Charles and Diana. I am a hopeless romantic and still there is a piece of me that wants to believe in the allure of it all. Do you remember these images from St. Pauls?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609972885993138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SgQJo-IRDcRalgCe5KiWwg8iFCsu9fM2Geoy5INdnIzUFcIk15mXs9qw7XcJz9EwIRlROZ-Z62MF3PL_OHjWZYpNDW7d9n04MHit-yFUrC293rJQ9urKe-Xb6NM3TyF64y5j-1ZWsp6f/s400/sp8.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609678512162066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAzPCz0JL2tlqpJeaYFvNx3cg5dHLLuYXO0tVQAeBhvlm3pvp2_Zlwg0v2nYKqaBnM_KR2ErMLgn5uqgeFdticjWM9FnFQVhGLIizaXmFV0KqeggAVtotq-B1fExg1td1PpfvRgooSGNH/s400/sp4.jpg" />Oh that train! That is the way to make a statement.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609970879235058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0opOa2ix3KDU65y5lc22ezftBbOgJVGNPxZvox8wnbwXYBdj5XLfuH8G5smsNPah1nX_hxMcrTyUGh8e1VWZitwN3MyT_iqUnhs1Umk0NY8Hh7C7x4kghB5_LpR6e9a-lsC1XqxUHYh3/s400/sp7.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609688998788162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi1y-2ai4Sy5zrz9qT3F8Uw7r-ZwMptPQWMacPWJ7q2MInHxmbwrqenbhAcXKge9hDTSc-ZC9YIUO7HcFNhQVFEse8WT2R1IL1CWnkOHnw6S5v5xffoxF4g9-2gcPc-G9XvvUUUPJghXe/s400/sp5.jpg" />So sad the fairy tale that began at St. Pauls turned into a nightmare for these two. I have my fingers crossed that William and Harry will be able to live the fantasy when they tie their knots one day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXnUz0OrhdPXgN02Gp09Sj-bh212cF9N-KpffvGkEfbWdHsh3VkQq2d8qj_UsCaciFqDZ8r0PF0BghDeFKMf1zF2-P6csgs85JlITxVkeCXZED3kbBKTTS3Fs4aThFsbV00P5Gq5Cd72E/s1600/sp9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490609984374073874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXnUz0OrhdPXgN02Gp09Sj-bh212cF9N-KpffvGkEfbWdHsh3VkQq2d8qj_UsCaciFqDZ8r0PF0BghDeFKMf1zF2-P6csgs85JlITxVkeCXZED3kbBKTTS3Fs4aThFsbV00P5Gq5Cd72E/s400/sp9.jpg" /></a>After St. Pauls we headed to Stanfords to buy a map of Romania. It was coming up next on our tour and no GPS coverage. Fiona highly recommended the spot in Covent Garden...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490488007076510930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxmJQfbs3cwty0CbiwTBDi-A_CAErwp3jLoE1bB0N0MBrWssIArcJPUD1gkcYy0lcKGcYgiBm6GRzAm1QJtCFnfb_UjYfdt9nh6l5-W8HJB_ByVxnjE0ZR73pnxV28g_Xmtl2QTtzKl8K/s400/IMG_1429.JPG" /> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">it was a travelers homeland. Kirk and I were in a state of map shock and euphoria. I could have spent weeks browsing the four floors of maps and travel gear.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490488022892762962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcwiNbaUI18iU8VVS-ug10CqxIj-W4daRhBSG9VgrEd-1YVFbwkPDfSJVqjpmFu0Mk9oxXrUKGvoLDWgiL8V-wIKaOaKYwIpUqZw8nJpTm3rCSTL9rxSmsiGehY1UspglYOze5F0bKoGu/s400/IMG_1425.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490488032842007682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuNV-FXKOsVRc35b3goukLDsGP3LE3BjEmLC0EQAQyUrFUivrMzeYCYCwY4yfO5mtoBXNZSxTJejayqE3pvbNEcaXHZFOTBaaefQcTIOPFD_lFIiTs9UkslT-pAZ0sDgJYUpnrRYCS2n5/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">We found a selection of Romania maps and chose just the right one. My favorite part was the flooring on each level. The giant maps underfoot were fun!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490488017995123234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZkKLbRgKpYg_XONA_oGP_b3OrjzN7xsblsGk4BrVLLehu29QZNXpmQ0cPfgNABgOyj6d2KwE5PTFDT5nqAfYP31fyNhs5U6-K8xDHo_0EQE-TC6fYBErbJXjls7lwaegErvQcFgcCeSr/s400/IMG_1426.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490488015524626546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gfyL899TLzPd_9hmwi-e9opxSsrUqMsqFS6YnnKXOgr2F6Fko5dAtsUT6JuDRipKR9uNWcaNecUR-x01pubscLiuDA-48mJ47Y78HkbRAfp3inBAgAWDMnqNmubRZiXQZMEL0rwG5CwU/s400/IMG_1428.JPG" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">If you have a passion for travel you must go to Stanfords one day. Your jaw will hit the floor. I have never been anywhere like it. We loved London. In every way. As we always do!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQTe47cR-Ws&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here for a reminder of that day Charles and Diana tied the knot at St. Pauls</i></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=665280424905%3A307590134&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here for full album photos of our time in Cambridge and the last of London</i></b></a></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-53933361109097973902010-07-05T22:06:00.000+02:002010-07-06T04:06:17.341+02:00Coming Back to Cambridge<div>While in college Kirk studied at Magdalene College at Cambridge University. The academic town holds a special, nostalgic place for him. Our grand tour of England would not have been complete without a Cambridge homecoming stop.</div><br /><div>Before venturing to the university we paid tribute at the Cambridge American Cemetery. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47CDTim4oxNBMpcan_pRkDt4juiIbzaXdE5hU0TbK6CUiNVXs7XulBHKoIWVHMppUfCSWaRUmsbqJYC7xsezpI5fhdb4M9PiCJrd_3Z_8Zc2nmXIsJyOlqr7MD4ERTehRlF3nYp5e4AK1/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485916288703522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47CDTim4oxNBMpcan_pRkDt4juiIbzaXdE5hU0TbK6CUiNVXs7XulBHKoIWVHMppUfCSWaRUmsbqJYC7xsezpI5fhdb4M9PiCJrd_3Z_8Zc2nmXIsJyOlqr7MD4ERTehRlF3nYp5e4AK1/s400/IMG_1373.JPG" /></a>It is honestly shocking how many American cemeteries there are in Europe. We found "our flag" and it helped us feel closer to <i>"the land of the free and home of the brave" </i>half a world away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWeDUcjMqRVnt1sV945vCBrOSDcw7rQoXJSh6Oq7xXWZ6IwoSCET9jl9aTCzU2FzneQatnk55SfE3ja9hNro_OONxFWh1tIO1i8B0Zqb4nVIkHF4rCJCCLb29oIZtoD5UibhqbkcUFROJ/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485807882248674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWeDUcjMqRVnt1sV945vCBrOSDcw7rQoXJSh6Oq7xXWZ6IwoSCET9jl9aTCzU2FzneQatnk55SfE3ja9hNro_OONxFWh1tIO1i8B0Zqb4nVIkHF4rCJCCLb29oIZtoD5UibhqbkcUFROJ/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" /></a>Also outside Cambridge is the tiny town of Willingham. Don't blink or you will miss it, but of course we had to stop for the camera op.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsK8oQ9wC7bVRxxZjxfM4opKQwxglIpb3Y3_Y8vGPhkx1ytbjpTRk46JvHSylF8OpzNkXHqTpiMWlTdtWtk_ZVSsRq7PKbAAbhuNDVuQRm59PfyPe_iVbEqQMPorHKF3ZZg30rry_fm_Q/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485795226055826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsK8oQ9wC7bVRxxZjxfM4opKQwxglIpb3Y3_Y8vGPhkx1ytbjpTRk46JvHSylF8OpzNkXHqTpiMWlTdtWtk_ZVSsRq7PKbAAbhuNDVuQRm59PfyPe_iVbEqQMPorHKF3ZZg30rry_fm_Q/s400/IMG_1377.JPG" /></a>Finally we set foot in Cambridge on the bluest, warmest day yet. Shedding our coats we peeped in and out of the college lawns. It was all we could do not to go 'punting' on the river Cam - but on further consideration we thought Connor would likely jump in the water if we tried anything too leisurely like that!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRB4DYNvcmxdc9pe83beRWQWoYG2I1VwNgCxNWZPvAcBvb4JoAV_4hmm3fUoDi-7omqQniX8s-GS43s5Att6qv8q1sWlwkb3R1cNjeqns3S2U69ClpOmOctj5p0vUIK0bsrh56tAoVFbL/s400/IMG_1380.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485782227064706" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqfA7ZcZqb1u64DxcusHXoZgdu6pOnGhFqe-OpR-3pUKA9mGS7DLzombogvaTxn1Mo0bcJVyy67q3DD6VSxvquZrVil7wbBwrPuzHhvLy4v7oloUJaNJzUA0g1Qp-oV9jQyKvue40z-kU/s400/IMG_1390.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485337229821042" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCpJGlqIX4m8deKNYiMFnB7_9F_Om_kxtb8Pj-xTcjqBX3eRbTDttK88f4j7eUCLy1YmCqgjQBfUrewB2AALmIsaodxOOK6NGSzUhR2N44VpDO8aSVX8lbfpChRUmWb1YgcpiWBZOK3sY/s400/IMG_1383.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485355451961842" border="0" alt="" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo8LrfYwIYIgRMOat8RtugBR7yHzZTlnvGNe8BxuByhhxK9IE6rVPxKEFHXqMTTTql0_CAEX6SIpvmZLuALRDne-rgNtbLO0Q6TkAC8eRRX6Oow6CvF5g1lRqsUgNX2r97foNgVFMdN40/s400/IMG_1393.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485327407574066" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;">King's College basking in the sunshine!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08DOArGS8LnhH7plgTaueO0rB1U4-JenEXOMJfxfff99xDfJlvEgHs8Iff7om9xCFzyuoLeSjEu9jsIjuh9xvIIP2uo3mzQpTWIXygi3j2b7onlrsP33cb9juC_DjFpEvGXbnWyZ9YxfN/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485347855760738" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;">Connor basking in the sunshine too!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbdHGi5PwNknLPsfsf673sftK5E18JyQK86K268xCh4g1ZIc9CIyQnxmKLj7MLlRlDRXUVaxK9EdmYdxZ72BhS2rA4BQottCLFvfcdF7G-kWgp-zkkLxJU011tnjJUb4pSxhF4juzOQji/s400/IMG_1388.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485342706411698" border="0" alt="" />We lunched at "The Eagle" with fish and chips and mushy peas all around!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGT0C__fRkVcywhppAVhJK8g1hrpZa1AIxnbVJNDUbvsDbws4_LDYPwr-fBJyRAB70jdfkhECot6gPtTBD24UM_CyPnGgAkPxlymJ0RdZhtu43MpYTGu-expAXbPMlmhzfQdQOmE-iPNw/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485769055483410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGT0C__fRkVcywhppAVhJK8g1hrpZa1AIxnbVJNDUbvsDbws4_LDYPwr-fBJyRAB70jdfkhECot6gPtTBD24UM_CyPnGgAkPxlymJ0RdZhtu43MpYTGu-expAXbPMlmhzfQdQOmE-iPNw/s400/IMG_1381.JPG" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd6dfDia0EqpcYdC30w1EWnp61h-1rCQgnOSM-tmenXggODcTpfHtijtHNlEcRRx_99bi6mqMgRnOv43-Uo-b8M52kEgSnqL5VK-EE2sfMaSbpgRIeaC5yJmh7ckRpM6US8RLTONWpfic/s400/IMG_1382.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490485760700571874" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">It was a perfect day out in Cambridge. Kirk remarked how different it felt to be visiting Cambridge as a working parent as compared to his college days living on campus in a dorm. <b>THEN </b>it was his very first trip to Europe. <b>NOW </b>Europe feels like second nature and England in particular like a home away from home. He reflected how leaving Cambridge that summer as a college junior felt so final - if only he could have known how much Europe was in store!</div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-61321055697109277712010-07-04T07:21:00.000+02:002010-07-04T13:21:11.394+02:00Castle HowardCastle Howard, near Yorkshire England, helped round out our tour of major British abodes. Not too shabby! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489671773565505442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtsq_wxs6c8XuIdBit_SnTdk8gbjG6s7DZbrZjphG03CrpPKV7CEIeZ6FmlnJ9e64ZrFbYOVeVGSn3EMzabTWVzZJA50uQFJTRQxE2nSzuWtW1lexKeF7Aduoyi30eMxiSFNPYSrcPPZs/s400/howard1.jpg" />The site of the British TV series, <em>Brideshead Revisited</em>, Castle Howard was a great film set with expansive grounds ripe and ready to tell a story.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489671751721545890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZH1PPNWJNqZDIl0Jx4fyIpc54tNyovgx-TjtTBjc17OcIFAX3_ySP_otvqV6Ir1tT7_L9o9pheaC0v4aH0eqBHUBZe_mgWvdUgYaRmeRcQ-q8jzecJu8w7wAnGu8QZh5cvx83avZo4qi/s400/howard2.jpg" />The china cabinet in the first room was larger than any I have ever seen.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486539014646154930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0MaLUA02OL4yKPS-Uq6cGs2ewz-WL8XHuRoNttcF4WNAfg-Js9hBBlDhCSNHhfyjl8bcmh3MHjAkviz-y69B_T4U6czFj1zUZlMVaMpNcP4m1X9ZC7ziMDIfJ7AK7LSFoGuhFxhyphenhyphenLkfa/s400/IMG_1345.JPG" />It was a homey castle, as cozy as you could expect while still being elegant and over-the-top.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486539006806817874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14Fl1nBnyO3SVr9Gj_y6cmn_VFTNWppEEP1eSm9XpKRx4DC81kTHiVhtM7O7IkVGOWgcD5e-28_5WzaJh3ArEMIjxPACtEUvdhCEwYeFCVg-X2ShPcJ3ldQr3R__QvwManhJF0OH43M3g/s400/IMG_1346.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486539003549481842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH0N5pm-UEME7lqxUNV6txz1cRhHnedInH8ku3pp5jBQX6zrZ8GjfnF6tSX4eq9HVvsWZypvbo_Arma6zLgZWx35yXA39mRBvS4WYDu7aRsECat2H8Y3I3jksqRlCMRwEJm_XuL9MS5Wf/s400/IMG_1348.JPG" />The main foyer entrance was remarkable, with the principle painting seemingly aglow way up top...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538993294661538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZIJ4aAkbLytvADUOk1pmltzyKmRIzVEfKlahk709w1cGXK52Yl4crFrlssNiOk_mPZQ4IWtqiabFXcH7ypiEdiw2JnybY2wx0O29utlKYHKLE3xkOf0QEAimwK3rESClNGWxYhHZmVYg/s400/IMG_1350.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538984401365554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR5b3g3zOY4SYZPE7v05z_LgpxBLry9DEptsFgTW5q9inXSjgaLHWkR2sPxaOkMc7992z4ZUxuoTZbeWjjPFpmfjO38SkE1zM0K2MPNjqYerpFpJZJxXT1ToDhHpm5rN_6Lsq4cT512Fi/s400/IMG_1351.JPG" />We let loose in the "yard" letting Connor run, run, run out her energy. (As if that is possible!)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538449202275634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawXodtOEplDmok1eh-HCs-yk_8wUJbea8B1fWge_jSXXzZ_zwX69ljHdNzevVqnGlZQkKCIEXWfXO-rFOWzep3zUNYwKp9VR3rItdXo1pkRl17tNlLimQK5zKKewNr-LSt5BvuOv7ZoLp/s400/IMG_1357.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538434977998130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcwdPwXqSc8012LQGX37nsNTw7sz3Ae7liAXFbqYny9CIHhYu1_zmyJeuGVmgBbgpPGu80KLp8Z4Z97Ueu5TB0cS4UFQy005g5PS4v4_0mdk4yYyw2CDrhz7LxmpKK8aIDNomhEBQ95I9/s400/IMG_1360.JPG" />Our little flower amongst the flowers!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538433579433410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp_cLQ9ATM2OYzTiaUtHE9ouXXCIGBdfkVnD8Ygqvq3W2kXWzwR14tWk4EJEMmUUGw3zDvJrwX5veqLZ09vOc7cIlU3SvKrpYoNXES3J4kRr1imiD3RGA8Cllb7z3folVZgN1oE1JCYqa/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486538421195802418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4qldIv2wlrtKF6Z-_7ha6AM0kc-YwOYGGbAq-wfG69PgcgZABdwoQ17RanJAvd109jVMYfBaFiVtGScSj8kuWZCgnibyHeElkfteyp2KCz8fxVr9yLNLX9ukMTAHd0hwhePUmh-_GWWw/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" /><strong><em><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=912696614905%3A1895614877&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharer" target="_blank">Click here for full album of our time in Northern Wales and Northern England</a></em></strong>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-90286788331641986122010-07-03T09:23:00.000+02:002010-07-03T15:23:50.998+02:00Travelodge and the Holy IslandWe stayed the night at the Travelodge in Durham, England. This budget hotel chain is all over England with rates averaging 10-20 pounds per night ($20-40). We were a little leary of trying it out, but this one was clean, great locale and extremely friendly staff. The Durham Travelodge is a converted train depot, contributing to the charm and character of the place. What a deal!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pjD0FF83GPWkK3Ez3wHS7A6VqNfpSIjzUshMncNQBz7CVn6WmtKUOrOo5kXCOO0m-XURkChJdijQu2pq1VRbpZd4DKlbmkmfNJcjAY5AXcwrpsy5mhz9bOAw_mf3PAjO1xxDAW3yU9pM/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537728503614258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pjD0FF83GPWkK3Ez3wHS7A6VqNfpSIjzUshMncNQBz7CVn6WmtKUOrOo5kXCOO0m-XURkChJdijQu2pq1VRbpZd4DKlbmkmfNJcjAY5AXcwrpsy5mhz9bOAw_mf3PAjO1xxDAW3yU9pM/s400/IMG_1306.JPG" /></a> We found Durham Cathedral. It was one of the most beautiful I have seen. Up on a hill and a proper centerpiece to a booming town.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi9xJYlvdTGam5ZihhgNx8jSuqKbEmdmparybCKNMpo8-SdQ1_rOaq9-eAgDq5wW86vsKza0FiUFMpjV4KuatIR1rcAdGr4XxvVETM2r2uDkdTH_zYAyekXSdpqKoyCnaKQB5mbCnLP2B/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537721224576194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi9xJYlvdTGam5ZihhgNx8jSuqKbEmdmparybCKNMpo8-SdQ1_rOaq9-eAgDq5wW86vsKza0FiUFMpjV4KuatIR1rcAdGr4XxvVETM2r2uDkdTH_zYAyekXSdpqKoyCnaKQB5mbCnLP2B/s400/IMG_1307.JPG" /></a> The columns inside were enormous. At least as wide as I am long!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvILWIT7MxMYmeoJBxqtEi35y62xyBilzQ5uo981wHhoE0GFRXgVgFpkKHX5ep4Cx8R0jv9918bxhl4Exkv-WKRVo7yTRtwkJwy-DuwHCHeJlPYJLbmfMS5u56uXjgLpQD5SZIDMbZEGkK/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537709330057618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvILWIT7MxMYmeoJBxqtEi35y62xyBilzQ5uo981wHhoE0GFRXgVgFpkKHX5ep4Cx8R0jv9918bxhl4Exkv-WKRVo7yTRtwkJwy-DuwHCHeJlPYJLbmfMS5u56uXjgLpQD5SZIDMbZEGkK/s400/IMG_1312.JPG" /></a> This might be one of my most favorite England photos. The six side-by-side phone booths were so, so...British!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsVNjkuMpoWpZea-Qg0h9RQVikR94RndZqnD4oIWppBV7Miaj7-UZM9KpVdUXU_96GSacWsDSaQdI1Et2GwTlqLIbkCVWXw3AeyJsGjBFtBoyMwhjihwyT_xmwtfOr155vBv0tk7g5Bay/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537707283751858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsVNjkuMpoWpZea-Qg0h9RQVikR94RndZqnD4oIWppBV7Miaj7-UZM9KpVdUXU_96GSacWsDSaQdI1Et2GwTlqLIbkCVWXw3AeyJsGjBFtBoyMwhjihwyT_xmwtfOr155vBv0tk7g5Bay/s400/IMG_1314.JPG" /></a> After Durham we traveled to the Holy Island in the far Northeast. It was yet another island with dangerous tides and timetables to follow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYC8UXpeCk3NSfLTv1lNFvu_iINR1X9yl2-xrsAcC2b9ieAhIfhPoYRL7mfYAZai1AUyRNJfkmPp7e5kVhAJEOK7F6rdRI_iTNMMhGw7nGdW4EY7sCHLYDg3ZPE1cbaXppfhmHwn9SF65/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537696340356642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYC8UXpeCk3NSfLTv1lNFvu_iINR1X9yl2-xrsAcC2b9ieAhIfhPoYRL7mfYAZai1AUyRNJfkmPp7e5kVhAJEOK7F6rdRI_iTNMMhGw7nGdW4EY7sCHLYDg3ZPE1cbaXppfhmHwn9SF65/s400/IMG_1316.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ONpl2Sd07vqIPz68FIhbH_fknfnFRZBPTFUFKihKpz34Q7ZmO4BsYTVeXPVanIsdyNE8iUkGCmDVvN25NUdse6xLstuRtryAUznPmd0A7guY727LdVPPJXN0QXT-S2EmXmVS0v_wn90V/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537219556201090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ONpl2Sd07vqIPz68FIhbH_fknfnFRZBPTFUFKihKpz34Q7ZmO4BsYTVeXPVanIsdyNE8iUkGCmDVvN25NUdse6xLstuRtryAUznPmd0A7guY727LdVPPJXN0QXT-S2EmXmVS0v_wn90V/s400/IMG_1318.JPG" /></a> Once we were on the Holy Island we beelined it to the Lindisfarne Monastery and Priory.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNdCkZwWWQhqFDjHZxMH68LiTrNpJzycSfSncZxHAlBb3aaWej_CjDo5IJbTm9Mj3eZ1MLEL6ygzFW45dii6ZQARKwlWWwATXw2d0Or2uUWolSr3TBMNTCz84vA0U5xs4Ro2Yp2bTbE5g/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537218035741586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNdCkZwWWQhqFDjHZxMH68LiTrNpJzycSfSncZxHAlBb3aaWej_CjDo5IJbTm9Mj3eZ1MLEL6ygzFW45dii6ZQARKwlWWwATXw2d0Or2uUWolSr3TBMNTCz84vA0U5xs4Ro2Yp2bTbE5g/s400/IMG_1320.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3s9riT_yl1fnwiwNETmPCzDuXyzlhVTNrwl-Yucasu2yjxlGYxQ8_kGobO30uOi1CCHBzPVqmI56-P9b6dPSUHtdSD2vFajoporH3pBP73qkjIu9iJaaDLTOUCoIG7fv4razeCIJR-0k/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537200548179298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3s9riT_yl1fnwiwNETmPCzDuXyzlhVTNrwl-Yucasu2yjxlGYxQ8_kGobO30uOi1CCHBzPVqmI56-P9b6dPSUHtdSD2vFajoporH3pBP73qkjIu9iJaaDLTOUCoIG7fv4razeCIJR-0k/s400/IMG_1328.JPG" /></a> The priory was a blushing red. Hard not to wonder what it was like here in its hayday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO3VtXrBNJ0R9Ed_Lirmo1yxlG4trQTaxk5h3fu1M-5sEzX2GIcLFMf0m_sAe_vBfP5pLW3FFubFN8jlqi4g89IK0Gi5SeDw1eY6Xt731_3dApmYMlix4GOe18liQENaeP5zyIbPSD2T_/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537185661108258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO3VtXrBNJ0R9Ed_Lirmo1yxlG4trQTaxk5h3fu1M-5sEzX2GIcLFMf0m_sAe_vBfP5pLW3FFubFN8jlqi4g89IK0Gi5SeDw1eY6Xt731_3dApmYMlix4GOe18liQENaeP5zyIbPSD2T_/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rlzX4gIHKgTm2ASvufJtlZlGf0G2hyphenhyphenxGwLYxfyLrOdhFSAgOojwEdYzw18vPDqYNglh7nDWbKWTx52rFVMZkXhelinnWJ2UIRwATf7VEuY9ORXYA-YAYVatPczkYBTTlpqPjgt_QVl5-/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486537173452602674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rlzX4gIHKgTm2ASvufJtlZlGf0G2hyphenhyphenxGwLYxfyLrOdhFSAgOojwEdYzw18vPDqYNglh7nDWbKWTx52rFVMZkXhelinnWJ2UIRwATf7VEuY9ORXYA-YAYVatPczkYBTTlpqPjgt_QVl5-/s400/IMG_1330.JPG" /></a> Connor must have climbed on every single rock there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iCnQ7z2N-pDwKrA8Y5DAHkv7qy5kRADzCNxl6CXIKXwdo_AEY6WsbcTtLHhXl6XCefao3JZ6p2ZxBsispWgXElZtQNr-tEI3XHZ-HfI9iQoNbqjsiK4K-7SLGHSewQa-WcR7_kv5JPkA/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486536553687480514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iCnQ7z2N-pDwKrA8Y5DAHkv7qy5kRADzCNxl6CXIKXwdo_AEY6WsbcTtLHhXl6XCefao3JZ6p2ZxBsispWgXElZtQNr-tEI3XHZ-HfI9iQoNbqjsiK4K-7SLGHSewQa-WcR7_kv5JPkA/s400/IMG_1332.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp1n5yVM_87RyI6-DNCXzTnDOtVduzLFuRXPuqySRRFYUYKBcjRc6xtPyo970oXs9Da6NhUanctcvSBn0OTNenqv80DETuAXcqfdRyk26qDaRKzQgolfIH3csjqIr9imqDqyo5fyH2GXs/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486536545914347090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp1n5yVM_87RyI6-DNCXzTnDOtVduzLFuRXPuqySRRFYUYKBcjRc6xtPyo970oXs9Da6NhUanctcvSBn0OTNenqv80DETuAXcqfdRyk26qDaRKzQgolfIH3csjqIr9imqDqyo5fyH2GXs/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486536515867781986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DKaA_ZhjZdq1b408sqktZxEI66E7BhIq6OqlnO7EjA0KEPXFwXd5GtiqENOkQl9erzWFZFrNtJo9Nd_sr_G9MmHZEJizjl7aZFV5amJXUAqlR6StvHtuDu4CCqgoRIRPygmuhOjbbibZ/s400/IMG_1342.JPG" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDn_T68Vf2eT-35q23jmVVkDu6R6K7ldBBSSBTD4-kyIyldZrjQKJaZhgoqh1ktpDt2Y0oneqLrOgLFbo0YMG_N3xW2TEiRpzG-cHZaW2uZGX9aeEGAzYqJtpMY7pka_hLx9Od5xdNuqW/s1600/IMG_1339.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486536534603129954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDn_T68Vf2eT-35q23jmVVkDu6R6K7ldBBSSBTD4-kyIyldZrjQKJaZhgoqh1ktpDt2Y0oneqLrOgLFbo0YMG_N3xW2TEiRpzG-cHZaW2uZGX9aeEGAzYqJtpMY7pka_hLx9Od5xdNuqW/s400/IMG_1339.JPG" /></a>The Holy Island did indeed feel holy to me. A calm, reverent place where the tidal whims control access and dictate timing.Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-7514636901966369422010-06-25T04:32:00.025+02:002010-07-03T13:23:11.609+02:00England's Lake District and Hadrian's Wall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ_wijq9X0QYefQ_IhjruVUML0rAvNRneLchY243tFLFTn_WbAJRQ3I5hlTlkUPQkeaTuGKfHUOCMZCqXNxEpPpLspERq0z4bynPSEFYTiObmnAKQY8j3Qj_4BLB5ZRdlbFLikKeeKbdj/s1600/keswick3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489491921400702162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ_wijq9X0QYefQ_IhjruVUML0rAvNRneLchY243tFLFTn_WbAJRQ3I5hlTlkUPQkeaTuGKfHUOCMZCqXNxEpPpLspERq0z4bynPSEFYTiObmnAKQY8j3Qj_4BLB5ZRdlbFLikKeeKbdj/s400/keswick3.jpg" /></a>We were becoming more and more weary in our travels, but still had the passion and drive to keep pushing and see more. Yet when we entered the "Lake District" in the Cumbria region of Northwest England all we could think about was finding a place to wash clothes. Remember we were living for the month on 10 lbs of clothes each (due to budget airline restrictions)! <img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489485595802779922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYEuG0FP90U6pjB5qEcSMv58N7jGe4FjtfI2rNy8iICtYhnhiIH48Snsrn1CUytgoHSvot4nVR_PrqHQyn892aT3eZ28rb4Dhw3sAgmKEiVHyBFIypcvQxEEdgjlNvmwhc2b4sBUr9Ub6/s400/keswick2.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>Keswick in the Lake District had a <i>"Lovely Little Tea Room"</i>....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486535115426269602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nTDLoLKu5c5YVSjUV2ZVB2efiWOq4bH_L70cE2vAsuD2xU_I3uYeNDe30oCSWjfeccfoAVkcCc4iwjRuTWgz8ruPSS8lEvCluFELR1WzkUZZ7iRapGsZlRR93ESamTYa6jzHi9riKtuj/s400/IMG_1273.JPG" />...but also had a <i>"Lovely Little Laundromat!" </i>to our extreme delight. We got the machines started and dodged the rain to grab lunch at a nearby Thai restaurant. Connor gobbled down her rice and "yummy trees" (broccoli) and could barely wait to return to see her clothes spinning around and around. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486535103956056562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx7uPyaXyCnzEmOLS0S9jYN4PKCv_11UWdxO8Yr89oKHQvBLYQ_gFC4PrZDOPQGjE_XeUVXlpdwLCdOxoKM1psYuoZd8z5q1BukWmIebMLpKFEXRwdvN0OidkV3wKrDU76FdBFIvtWCKh/s400/IMG_1278.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534680209684002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWRkI0ckbX_ZCWDHagxqlw6iN9-4-2gz6MKaTViWhCRv74h4WJAp26t5q-a1HuDSUZinbeMt7xJQhtK_EG3P3XYjdWh7XDVbXX2aVQyuiLJR3iOyISpW4hAC1FxNCzOgfb_kRcSMaPSh0/s400/IMG_1285.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486535106867776994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsopQPOCndoeSJIwf2Ei-0nHhaKRK_BiqHX9h-hMv0R9iCwzfVKKkepESEQA7SqhrzBvye5OzCXM2sj9aixwp23r_N3FGU5N-05SDamjpHBrlXjmOiqtyasE1hlDgK4JsT7tbJnJs0kTx/s400/IMG_1276.JPG" /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489485584830153122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlaMeVjixwe5CheKBb2q9_1x_5BPekdXulWx6p-XX8yJQCYaILbvRrd4PaAzWjaZHlOu7HxCGt1BqYQpXQborIvaGdCE3h5uElZT3dZH_8nk_QtPqVr_xMVps6OXwuDwjepToLq7Xdd1L/s400/keswick1.jpg" />Laundry and persistent rain aside, Keswick was my kind of town. It was a little crunchy and very outdoorsy, but with just enough shopping and whimsical cuteness to captivate nearly everyone. There was a Pencil Museum in the town center. And who wouldn't love a Pencil Museum, right?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534700322345874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS9m2cu4-JSy0kKD_XHHSrmptuk8RuAm58hKZ24GlNW-y5cPJSIgxm7i2Q8UvO7_wo5OTTqnXrPbfgvInXW5mROS3v3_q2gnlNiYXqViYbWx4AMC4G7N9vwbD2bx0ouEmxeFt8iX9RcDE/s400/IMG_1283.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534711782717698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpz9IQAURLzdfa7P67i4PjrnHxdV01-mmhfKhQUbaN8qra1n5KKGIViDDVK8rCxCFso7MZEE483z5z0FgRN5QwNVZmiAqlYIYQn5TXNAYdEee0h1FC8CO_rhamfKusWAN8fFtVm0JJsYI/s400/IMG_1280.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534708874476402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi268dljxnw6mljHba9xEu9EjV_6Yk2dbYAbAfRlCRxyWCD_iwrUozoiteQYJRAHttjR-pDmsBKa-N9r4NZ1M1rI7qlbpxelyb7U-jLiTFouu89VDsC0UWrQ1znPn_xh7ynRqzeG6y8W6XF/s400/IMG_1282.JPG" />Keswick is a haven for hikers, bikers, boaters and rockers - as in porch rockers. The mountain architecture reminded me much of a British Blowing Rock or Asheville.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534205773359810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtWNHGutrHHEV1DZ5cjPeBN-_X3aUCByOeV_tTZQDH1UiaURsyV8yYfxFf-9YYg_aHJJcwXJo3vriqjcyF-h8WMMMzC20-2ScH4t4orBzRA2K1C9PiGE6eXlnMK7WXK6Qm3xysWG7aYOi/s400/IMG_1289.JPG" />I couldn't help but think of my NYC friend who has recently birthed her first child, a daughter named Greta. There was a <em>"Greta Hamlet"</em> and a <em>"Greta River"</em> running right thru Keswick! We took these photos just for you Baby Greta. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486535128609038514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_FEMsiCvn8QRTdZIIT61kCjilTTSUS-nuPGdmU2DY7LMfc-TmzIXZhcaXdJRxdmX5s0X1G3qSuH-KdclGs_I-VJ9xKDDlT_8L0zK4R1OxD1j2GbkuH7mjGHEUL4hVx9_DS6UKHQySyjA/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534674458026354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aaTgZw7DVqYa0S7MflgAb-2sOMUfSX4pHuDo5hMCMY5JoXNP75l_DMQfVdPLdWqk0616aavhwFD9jU4Po86br3h38HhqkspC4cPE_mzSoKTffk1MXETEz1T_zfF3xvM_PWcT2BhbZCID/s400/IMG_1288.JPG" /></div><div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">We reluctantly left Keswick sorry we hadn't planned to overnight there...it was a place I wouldn't have minded a slow-paced week to explore and uncover as many stones as I could. Next time! We drove out around the lake and up into the mountains to more fully experience the "Lake District"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY6AiSV0YqLXSZvVh_AIRIFQ5HqNnlB8Dnu9As0SCUQ5hp-igoWHFfo9fCWQKdEsJOrCOuWDqNFciTD_U82JndbfDyMXQVKk0IuomZOZtCGJSqVN1HLgkWky7_AJzgIuBPZ6CjOxehq7I/s1600/keswick4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 302px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489490315833836290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY6AiSV0YqLXSZvVh_AIRIFQ5HqNnlB8Dnu9As0SCUQ5hp-igoWHFfo9fCWQKdEsJOrCOuWDqNFciTD_U82JndbfDyMXQVKk0IuomZOZtCGJSqVN1HLgkWky7_AJzgIuBPZ6CjOxehq7I/s400/keswick4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Rounding out the day we checked out Hadrian's Wall. Hadrian's Wall extends laterally across England and was built during the Roman Empire. Sure seems impossible that it is in tact enough to hike along. But you can! It is a structure you can see from space and extends 117 kms (nearly 80 miles)!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Hadrian's Wall was spectacular. You could get right up close and climb onto it.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534188735075794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ_PyeU4JFw5GVFLgQOmmzbnloCDvP0-0wrJwRccqJv6V4wpEdvE6UMYprX1Sad3VvBX_NUbWS7llQrkCOtxsmhudB_PmeEzU4WeRC7SYB3j2C4_jfBEPeFdrV2PkwePF_lNcE04rcPSO/s400/IMG_1298.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534174721630114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYxWsL6tpTGEKPXB6dD51dSjWTwh6KuQdNfisDQwLPQf52ROtmQmQwT-a82T_lP1PXf3mktgIT6gk7yq0wneZtkt9VddSuS3TDM1oyH8OFfPAbjAdUMLMcII0eQfgQhA9WZnjL_2Zv1HQ/s400/IMG_1299.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486534170838261186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_VNsdft29YVRouV-vWnauwgmjOsJHYkdMoCgJ9KlFwmm_GbcB8mo-uDBW01U8bvxOiO2khDi5WTYZn4nicglwGUjLtJEoBl1_OPQnErY3gyMkSpeBVqeZj0A8j94YJTHQdpJm-NuzLXd/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" /></div></div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-59056529165240383032010-06-24T22:28:00.000+02:002010-06-25T04:28:34.375+02:00Bodnant Gardens in WalesNext on our scavenger hunt around Northern Wales we visited <a href="http://www.bodnantgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bodnant Gardens</a> overlooking the Snowdonia mountain range. This 80 acre garden was heart-stoppingly gorgeous. While we were a little early for the peak flower season, we did hit the daffodil and rhododendron season during the sweet spot. Connor took Tigger and <i>bounced-bounced-bounced</i> amongst the yellow bulbs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqwYEZywU3TtGY0glMl5kTHKqVkaHat7AK06Z6lZmZ0Rsiv0L3OAZ0KpwtIlNpGyhChXNq3rWs1QDUjcYM76KmnEWyEWyo5vVlbHe9tY05dVQYeQLxn1JOT47ZWZ6vdVTwANX6xaB07f/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqwYEZywU3TtGY0glMl5kTHKqVkaHat7AK06Z6lZmZ0Rsiv0L3OAZ0KpwtIlNpGyhChXNq3rWs1QDUjcYM76KmnEWyEWyo5vVlbHe9tY05dVQYeQLxn1JOT47ZWZ6vdVTwANX6xaB07f/s400/IMG_1162.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527944643793522" /></a>The laughter shots still make me chuckle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasTWQKPO74RKQ04zVp1qUYSqNjbHa8AEB5BZkK2E4FwIqczuaK92hqOL6Q8nx7Tt4rR_ZP7nDnkfECDo4CyRbYvbMHab2XS4AoUvrd6NCeXlY8joKhUXn6n5KS-I9QhHwUZUaydBn1_e2/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasTWQKPO74RKQ04zVp1qUYSqNjbHa8AEB5BZkK2E4FwIqczuaK92hqOL6Q8nx7Tt4rR_ZP7nDnkfECDo4CyRbYvbMHab2XS4AoUvrd6NCeXlY8joKhUXn6n5KS-I9QhHwUZUaydBn1_e2/s400/IMG_1165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527785995911122" /></a>It was clear what a special and sacred spot this is to the Welsh people. I can only imagine when it gets a little warmer there are bunches of brides sealing their marriage amidst this natural beauty. I felt just like we were skipping in the palm of Mother Earth's hands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIWgOBXEztzA5lzBu7CQviS2JHQZuXbKJAUm_40jzc8j0meYzq0bHgTwA00UFKehUq7L3R5vn0tb82ucqptMh86POnrwe7s6NO7lXkD4ND7GaREryH5dtvsey_2vqllcsIbg6BHZ6aO1/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIWgOBXEztzA5lzBu7CQviS2JHQZuXbKJAUm_40jzc8j0meYzq0bHgTwA00UFKehUq7L3R5vn0tb82ucqptMh86POnrwe7s6NO7lXkD4ND7GaREryH5dtvsey_2vqllcsIbg6BHZ6aO1/s400/IMG_1169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527777085916114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi3neOOxDNUdg6qoZPeC269IY2Z5smPhnNF2pkxXDal0EhKkE8-wXUn0bs0q3gFcza7KqV-B_Qzv_QgVst6xtuA2nCCkezv9IpkuBPtMpzB-l_w-5iAANkZlLNkZcy2_3gl1OHIq1ItDh/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi3neOOxDNUdg6qoZPeC269IY2Z5smPhnNF2pkxXDal0EhKkE8-wXUn0bs0q3gFcza7KqV-B_Qzv_QgVst6xtuA2nCCkezv9IpkuBPtMpzB-l_w-5iAANkZlLNkZcy2_3gl1OHIq1ItDh/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527769871488866" /></a>There is an upper part and a lower part to the gardens. We of course had to explore every inch. After so much driving it felt great to breathe the fresh, intoxicating mountain air and stretch our legs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FfzAX5eSIacfG7-0Y771WIV_hl0DXnSxTHrDEfHKoBWYd9redik7XZioc0hriGakzwJx7eUK7PcuNk-LjQ6j9SToes4O7YL5VwGOeRD3q3ezVR5tSDWfYLM7_W47LZDjdWUKJPPjXyxa/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FfzAX5eSIacfG7-0Y771WIV_hl0DXnSxTHrDEfHKoBWYd9redik7XZioc0hriGakzwJx7eUK7PcuNk-LjQ6j9SToes4O7YL5VwGOeRD3q3ezVR5tSDWfYLM7_W47LZDjdWUKJPPjXyxa/s400/IMG_1178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527762298783810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSedXKROiB0Yne49GLc5LHKJ8ZBN9q1Tt4ZJzJqA5j469S1JYA-QwS00QkF0ETLciPWu_FyjShZsvBjjbJKo-wpcwSkGIMRQnuDSR6KXVodqWFCTOCG2tfd3v8MPd5AIiSedvNXJ1LLdg/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSedXKROiB0Yne49GLc5LHKJ8ZBN9q1Tt4ZJzJqA5j469S1JYA-QwS00QkF0ETLciPWu_FyjShZsvBjjbJKo-wpcwSkGIMRQnuDSR6KXVodqWFCTOCG2tfd3v8MPd5AIiSedvNXJ1LLdg/s400/IMG_1179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486527753596789346" /></a>Snowdonia is in the background. Barely - you have to squint. But the snow-capped top was visible despite the clouds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TKWs2BZ_itYzI40qllIkPS4s93GDWhXKGHIXpjC4kGE73UTDXpTb6xYGNjKCiBboG80LgHDgdEO-Hx-D6pe6-Y1DQr70Z2B7MpP5qVH57bjBxmrSIe7tN7DZzyfaUismDnXbZbF5QCU-/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TKWs2BZ_itYzI40qllIkPS4s93GDWhXKGHIXpjC4kGE73UTDXpTb6xYGNjKCiBboG80LgHDgdEO-Hx-D6pe6-Y1DQr70Z2B7MpP5qVH57bjBxmrSIe7tN7DZzyfaUismDnXbZbF5QCU-/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486508830683620674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStTb9gOGY_SxmLwTLH-zsBuraOxlJDdml33DFE9mt36C21SwGXd_Qi9YeR1BY2Cddna0-wLh_CjFIUNe-M6mUPyGodGaOQ3gi2Xcfc-efLnLMFhSvlBtlYOnbG7dcZ7gZLOJSpKIgbQbe/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStTb9gOGY_SxmLwTLH-zsBuraOxlJDdml33DFE9mt36C21SwGXd_Qi9YeR1BY2Cddna0-wLh_CjFIUNe-M6mUPyGodGaOQ3gi2Xcfc-efLnLMFhSvlBtlYOnbG7dcZ7gZLOJSpKIgbQbe/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486508821095957858" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; ">Bodnant Garden is world-famous for its botanical collections which have been described as a 'poem in greens' . The gardens were created by four generations of the local Aberconwy family.</span><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PITizFJ2ZIE_NL9Sk86IFHK5d4iGF47YrdewcDmxEmTI1Uic-v-o4zeW_wYlVcwNjsg4UApQlpdq59OH7rV9pfjy2k2O7T-srjAYVrEREZCcTixWkyRPuIaLl6x7G9Nv3sEtpsa1_GEm/s400/IMG_1188.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486508805981820482" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MeytP_X9usdyMN13mx4QIdVsptl35iN9bXdlNO-9lgWJ8LeWlcOciwg5UXn4wJLDFb_mhzxMvYxmKtRmTnwRv5zkr30vawBd5lGEV0n4QosHWqDN1mnUfnOk9PvOxi8ivtrUeyF7jlZQ/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MeytP_X9usdyMN13mx4QIdVsptl35iN9bXdlNO-9lgWJ8LeWlcOciwg5UXn4wJLDFb_mhzxMvYxmKtRmTnwRv5zkr30vawBd5lGEV0n4QosHWqDN1mnUfnOk9PvOxi8ivtrUeyF7jlZQ/s400/IMG_1186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486508812327862946" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; ">The famous fifty-five metre long Laburnum arch at Bodnant, is an overwhelming sight in June. Plants and shrubs provide a blaze of colour through Spring and Summer but Autumn is arguably the best time to view the garden. We were there a few months too early so it was pretty bare, but I get goosebumps just imagining this....and thinking we were right there!</span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq2QPZdTHGfVAJcRgkH5ZRUAD5XpssXxDxp-NCSYSbySSkBLA630ltFp9NMTjWFtNm6mvWpNYCqYExmxUVVZc6rWwTKrrrQuu7M06iBADJqG4mc7m_St6OQRAeM3xQsV2n6UivSQ-z4dB/s400/IMG_1193.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486508800771989826" /><div style="text-align: left;">Bodnant Gardens entrance fees were covered as a part of our Great British Heritage pass. We may not have found them otherwise. It was fun to run around and enjoy the classic British garden. I think we might have to find a way to return one day in June to see this incredible glowing archway in full glory!</div>Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612137209413532390.post-32614040701118717042010-06-24T20:46:00.001+02:002010-07-05T20:12:55.537+02:00Portmeirion in Wales<div style="text-align: left;">We decided to check out the popular tourist village dreamed up by one man, and called Portmeirion. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of the Italian village Portofino and is now owned by a charitable trust.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs7Ivqgx-8oZ0egmsE-DDSK_KDeWo5FOAX0krCX4sDbURsZli-jLXPWLcJ0D7_cYZv1uaSHBNI_zH21X-9k_vjRfbUfaiAJ3hImzRH-2nzUGEdK4D0WQQ5mSm5eOs5rWVeLQ5c0h1_-Kk/s400/pm3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486501119562935842" />We were intrigued by the tour book description and thought, why not? Sounded cool. A unique and odd ode to the Mediterranean in the cold northern part of Wales. Hmmm.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45it00EuscxrVT0Q2mXWBDjqildFsxsqVErOc10s8d-KMoeXujMPnms4xYM6H2o5CcGG_7zFRBKdVJkVgERnPI8qMkbqV3YkNGr5LRv3ql1tdaoVK5b_LJ9vAp9zJkwhyphenhyphen8l5PuKenRGcv/s400/pm2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486501110830908434" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp09Yxw5XXfW_InfPWj_LXXpCZxoJCjsYMGUAL-mCme5iBngJ1mLKxSsRTkxw3ueyKEw7YIHA9Vy79UW8oz1eiMUh8wp7dIpnL1eqEnWEGV7-2nnlbSnITyJYLNGsXwBpfHzB95_AvkADD/s400/IMG_1379.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490486109837785634" />Problem was only once we parked, unloaded and unstrapped from the car we noticed they were charging EIGHT POUNDS (nearly $15!) a person just to walk in and through. We were already there so it seemed impossible to turn back. It ended up being a pretty big rip off. But we made the best of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvZqbXr1HTVlJkqWBnd7wuohFqg73EAsuA1gWfrRriLCfeK7XisbwYAnPRflbs3gL7r44t_i59hTEorHqYZTy7OLATVpfvKm9uY5l9M3NSdQmdCIHiLu-ordqLMeAx6wJBKROrxhyNPEQ/s1600/pm1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvZqbXr1HTVlJkqWBnd7wuohFqg73EAsuA1gWfrRriLCfeK7XisbwYAnPRflbs3gL7r44t_i59hTEorHqYZTy7OLATVpfvKm9uY5l9M3NSdQmdCIHiLu-ordqLMeAx6wJBKROrxhyNPEQ/s400/pm1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486501105890890066" /></a>Connor loved the pool and palm trees. It was definitely a colorful palate plopped in the middle of Wales. Makes me really wonder what this Ellis guy was thinking when he dreamed it up. But to each his own. And hey, now his legacy is charging $15 a person so joke was on us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ML2k273JuglOKOY5ZCyRFAkomveQcyx3JC0nDtRg2_XjmSun7oHYwf0lHb3PC-g_Y0c60hlsI0wdJkEgtMgnDNX-Qn7BR7J5igy7-osxSwTiNBAAmJ1bIZQUhXLnqvIf2BhIoVSuVUnN/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ML2k273JuglOKOY5ZCyRFAkomveQcyx3JC0nDtRg2_XjmSun7oHYwf0lHb3PC-g_Y0c60hlsI0wdJkEgtMgnDNX-Qn7BR7J5igy7-osxSwTiNBAAmJ1bIZQUhXLnqvIf2BhIoVSuVUnN/s400/IMG_1157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483204342924668962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Rs89S_muIaVKyjSAJgxeGd1XiPiMSc1gcotLjP0a8vIT6YxzknGxdOwnNWNGZqiixdHoeKP2_T4XbtUC34aFnCHVDcweZGPpCYGwtpfBvlbsYzs5-iJiQIfqwEHGPNuLHjr2HiNgu_6/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Rs89S_muIaVKyjSAJgxeGd1XiPiMSc1gcotLjP0a8vIT6YxzknGxdOwnNWNGZqiixdHoeKP2_T4XbtUC34aFnCHVDcweZGPpCYGwtpfBvlbsYzs5-iJiQIfqwEHGPNuLHjr2HiNgu_6/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483203156440998130" /></a>Spring was starting to bloom forth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5l-qgjiSJm4MwqEjnA0y8yMoAv4VAUuoBIzC1JJSm8smcS7II92WVEk9U-Nsa1c7XofGBS8DWeHZ0tV_PaFeUmFy3LMbkuGeS27WRCctRLOldg5y9I_ycojlLFhqNKiuIdXqM2ItT8dU/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5l-qgjiSJm4MwqEjnA0y8yMoAv4VAUuoBIzC1JJSm8smcS7II92WVEk9U-Nsa1c7XofGBS8DWeHZ0tV_PaFeUmFy3LMbkuGeS27WRCctRLOldg5y9I_ycojlLFhqNKiuIdXqM2ItT8dU/s400/IMG_1145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483203152238317490" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRevDq2tziBhtiGQSkF1VtTP4xslNjm4Q2ZksLpVGMsi4fBF1ic_h5IuJAaBGTKUhXy1ITVuGoFofu8gLA5nAmpSh0qv-LFvVDA8fsWQRAZnzwwjv3HnM_bf35GsmYxArZTlg7NU2sB3rV/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRevDq2tziBhtiGQSkF1VtTP4xslNjm4Q2ZksLpVGMsi4fBF1ic_h5IuJAaBGTKUhXy1ITVuGoFofu8gLA5nAmpSh0qv-LFvVDA8fsWQRAZnzwwjv3HnM_bf35GsmYxArZTlg7NU2sB3rV/s400/IMG_1150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483203138792130914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QlUE3BQHgzqPTd3DTZA8Tm3tyk24QgdXMKUeJCLmqDsu12tsIbh5pAqxWHOoffoTW-hC1LzHF1w0aZQElkfmfSJpul7Lu8jYCklWSjd77KNaFuh2wlRHDeY15jh19dWjOX0eqEtZRGVE/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QlUE3BQHgzqPTd3DTZA8Tm3tyk24QgdXMKUeJCLmqDsu12tsIbh5pAqxWHOoffoTW-hC1LzHF1w0aZQElkfmfSJpul7Lu8jYCklWSjd77KNaFuh2wlRHDeY15jh19dWjOX0eqEtZRGVE/s400/IMG_1158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483203132754734882" /></a>So if you are in Northern Wales I would steer clear of Portmeirion. It was a lighthearted stop for us, but not worth the entrance fee. Take the $15 a person and put it towards a real trip to Portofino, Italy instead to see the real deal.Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162581458467067524noreply@blogger.com0