tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32222024447840669342024-03-05T23:32:17.738-06:00Wander and Wonder"Take time to wonder as through this world you wander. Never hurry by an open door, for we live in a universe full of miracles galore......"Gypsy at hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387144703948932764noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-59415565520895760822014-07-22T13:11:00.000-05:002014-07-22T13:14:28.571-05:00The National Museum - Written July 2013Breakfast as usual, coffee / hot chocolate and pastry at the "Bar." The man behind the counter seems to be a little friendlier each day. David and I sit outside today and enjoy the coolness of a shaded table by the sidewalk. As we leave, we are focused on our planned visit to the National Museum. I vaguely register a disturbance from the area we left, so I quicken my pace hoping to avoid any trouble. Every day on our way here, we pass what we think is an embassy. We don't know which one and don't recognize the flag but there are always one or two armed military and a military vehicle stationed in front .<br />
The shouting gets louder and David turns to see what is happening. Rushing along behind us is our "friend from behind the counter of the coffee shop." He is breathless, clearly annoyed, and shouting at us in Italian. We notice the man is waving David's camera in the air and clearly berating us. We don't understand any of his words, so David calmly retrieves his camera, we smile and say 'thank you'. Later, I theorize the man was concerned that we were very vulnerable to the thieves and pickpockets that prompt all the warning signs. We'll see how he responds to us at breakfast tomorrow.<br />
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We tried to see the Capitolini Museum yesterday, but arrived too close to closing time. There was a huge crowd of people gathered in the Piazza so we waaited to see what was happening. After a long while, we asked around and discovered the Mayor of Rome was scheduled to speak to the assembled group. David took this photo:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayor of Rome, Italy</td></tr>
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The National Museum is filled with statuary and artifacts dating from before Christ. It still amazes me that everything can be so old and well preserved. David states later that "everyone in Rome must have run around naked" because all the statues are naked or barely clothed. He is getting quite an education! We saw duplicate statues of a hermaphrodite in two different museums. She is lying on her side, only partially exposed. The difference is in presentation. One museum puts the art form in a central position where it can easily be seen from all sides. The other museum places the form at an angle near the wall that requires some serious neck-craning to get a full view. I wonder why.</div>
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Not being an artist, I find it difficult to maintain an interest in marble, carved heads. Then I notice a focus on hair styles, which are apparently useful in dating and identifying statues. Some of the men sport women's styles, especially the male sports figures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feminine style on male athlete</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XKNC8kXVSZF8_LIdHsWR6iRvahADdMn0Qw7bjqKvY8SkXjdoqhp_ZaN-iqhlMBsm2m57liUCrHXfmkvWe_Gbbmyzwm8P3g9UGOWlyOMLVxuCk9zCfCcoyjlelJChMdSP4YaM7Cfx9CM/s1600/DSC05810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XKNC8kXVSZF8_LIdHsWR6iRvahADdMn0Qw7bjqKvY8SkXjdoqhp_ZaN-iqhlMBsm2m57liUCrHXfmkvWe_Gbbmyzwm8P3g9UGOWlyOMLVxuCk9zCfCcoyjlelJChMdSP4YaM7Cfx9CM/s320/DSC05810.JPG" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Style favored by matrons</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-50219386038050678772013-07-10T06:00:00.000-05:002013-07-10T06:00:01.052-05:00The Roman ForumThe Forum is an area of serious ruins. Over the centuries it has been pillaged and vandalized, yet it retains its air of aristocracy. Lone pillars mark the spots where proud buildings once towered. It was originally a marketplace but it grew into "the most celebrated meeting place in the whole world, and in all history." The Forum was a place where the people of Rome could gather for commercial. political, judicial, and religious pursuits. I was struck by the ostentatious life styles some of these people must have led and their sophistication.<br />
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A tradition of speaking to the public from the rostra was established early (prior to 361 BC). About 44 BC, Marc Antony delivered his famous funeral oration for Caesar from the New Rostra, and 2 years later displayed the severed head and right hand of Cicero, his mortal enemy.</div>
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Although Julius Caesar was cremated after his death and his ashes scattered, this grave site behind a low wall at the Forum is still honored by the populace.<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-10608829201275798362013-07-09T11:02:00.001-05:002013-07-09T11:02:56.728-05:00Palatine HillI believe we were dealing with temperatures in Rome similar to the ones we left in Texas. The only difference was Roman temps were in Celsius compared to our Fahrenheit, which made the Celsius seem cooler. So, 32*C does not sound too hot before it is converted. As a rule of thumb, David tells me, 28* C is about 82* F. We were not really thinking about temperature conversion and heat index, we were just plain hot and walking under a bright, bright sun. Nevertheless, we were drinking in every possible moment along with plenty of water.<br />
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Following the crowds from the Colosseum, we wandered across the street to Palatine Hill. This was a less crowded area with some shady spots along the way. This place, according to Roman mythology, was where a she-wolf found Romulus and Remus and kept them alive. Palatine Hill stands at the center of the "seven hills of Rome" and is thought to have been inhabited as early as 10th century BC. There is archaeological evidence of a Bronze Age settlement. Palatine Hill became a fashionable place to live and, at one time, was covered with imperial palaces.<br />
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On Palatine Hill, amid the sheltering trees and centuries -old ruins, we had a lunch scavenged from our backpacks - cherries and bananas bought at a street market near the hotel and a packs of crackers/ snacks left from the airplane. <br />
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Somehow, Palatine Hill is impressive. Maybe it has something to do with the view or the lack of crowds, but it holds its head high and says"accept me for what I am, and was."<br />
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We were met at the top of a lengthy set of stairs by a man offering bottles of water - 2 bottles for 1 Euro. <br />
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We had depleted our water supply and were miserably thirsty, but I had not seen water that cheap anywhere else in Rome. Red Flags went off in my head - too cheap means trouble so, as thirsty as we were, I declined his offer. He had met us just before we hit the top step so he must have been a pro, knowing how thirsty the tourists would be. We had not gone 100 steps further when we discovered a water source in a nearby grotto. People were happily drinking and filling their bottles, so we joined them. The water was good and quite cold. We drank our fill and refilled our water bottles. I can only imagine that the man offering to sell us water had refilled some empty bottles of unknown and questionable source.<br />
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We continued traversing the extensive grounds, trying to visualize the life of affluent occupants from ages past. The "Hippodrome" was once a garden area with columns, statues, landscaping, and fountains. Currently, several displays of various art forms give a modern touch to the ancient ruins.<br />
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Continuing on the upper level of the Hill, we discover remnants of "palaces" built by the affluent citizens of Rome. Here the air was cleaner, they could dodge the diseases of the common people, and they had beautiful views of the countryside. <br />
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The area consists mostly of ruins and excavated parts of buildings from which archaeologists continue to piece together the history surrounding the people of the area.<br />
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The Palatine Museum houses artifacts, excavated from the area, dating as far back as the Middle Paleolithic Period, and works of art.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A fresco</em></td></tr>
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There is much of interest here and it deserves more time, but the brain can only absorb so much at one time and the body can only endure so much heat. We reluctantly leave to find our way to the Roman Forum.<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-72805380082408128942013-07-06T16:58:00.000-05:002013-07-06T17:04:00.426-05:00Exploring Rome - The Colosseum and Arch of ConstantineDavid is proving to be a good traveling companion. He doesn't complain, he likes to see <u>everything, </u>he tries the different foods, is enthusiastic, and pops right out of bed in the morning ready to go and experience all we can during the day. Can't ask much more from an 11 year old.<br />
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Breakfast is served a couple of blocks away from the hotel at a "Bar." This turns out to be a little "coffee shop" where a voucher from our hotel allows us a pastry and drink. There is a choice of pastries but we don't know what is inside them. The man behind the counter is clearly annoyed at our indecision. I finally settle on one that is filled, as surmised from the conversation, with eggplant. I am truly curious how a population considers eggplant, in a pastry, worthy of the breakfast menu. David is happy with his hot chocolate and lemon-filled pastry and I enjoy a sip of "American coffee" as I approach the tasting of my "eggplant pastry". Surprise! It is NOT eggplant. It is apple! We were really lost somewhere in that translation. A roll and coffee - the traditional Italian breakfast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Plenty of camera action</em></td></tr>
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Our destination this morning is the Roman Colosseum. I think David has allotted 1 1/2 hours, based on the info in the book, but I know we both like to explore a little more in-depth than most tourists.We have no time limit and David has a new camera. He is giving me a different viewpoint than I would have otherwise.<br />
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We bought a 3 day Roma City Pass which allows us unlimited rides on the Metro and buses plus ( a semi-complicated tier of) admissions to museums and sites for 3 days. The Metro is simple - only 2 lines, a North /South and an East /West. The buses are more complicated. David has learned some basic Italian phrases, but I am finding that my Spanish will serve me pretty well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Metro is uncomplicated</em></td></tr>
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I have always pored over photos of the Colosseum, but seeing it in person is unbelievable. As with all the wonders we see on paper, the photo just doesn't compare to the real thing. The foundation was laid 70 - 72 AD and the building was completed in 80 AD.</div>
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Formerly known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest ampitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. It is a free standing structure with a base area of about 6 acres. Today's ruins are primarily the result of earthquakes and stonerobbers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Roman Colosseum</em></td></tr>
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Originally, this elliptical amphitheater, with a seating capacity of about 50,000 spectators, was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Classical mythology. The last recorded games were held in the 6<sup>th</sup> century, but gladiatorial fights were last mentioned around 435 and animal hunts continued until at least 523. There is no evidence to back the popular supposition that Christians were martyred here. The Colosseum has seen a variety of uses since that time, including a church, housing, and workshops.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"> </span> <span style="color: black;"> There were special boxes in the Colosseum, at north and south ends, for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins, providing the best views of the arena. A portion of flooring has been added to one end to show how the original flooring covered the hypogeum (the underground area). Multiple underground tunnel, elevators, and pulleys allowed access for presentations. At least one tunnel allowed access by gladiators from a nearby training school.</span><br />
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About 1740, the Pope forbade quarrying of the Colosseum stone and erected the Stations of the Cross around the arena. Every Good Friday, the Pope leads a procession to the amphitheater.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Arch of Constantine</em><br />
<em>from the Colosseum</em></td></tr>
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The Arch of Constantine is one of three remaining triumphal arches. Situated between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, it was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. Constantine ended the persecution of Christians because he believed his victory resulted from help by the Christian God.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Arch of Constantine</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"I want to see everything!"</em></td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-69732756489127765012013-07-05T06:00:00.000-05:002013-07-05T09:31:14.376-05:00An Afternoon Expedition Continued - Santa Maria Maggiore<span style="font-family: Times;">The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, on Piazza del Esuilino, is located in Italian territory but belongs to the Vatican State and enjoys the same benefits as an embassy. It is currently one of only four "major basilicas." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">The core of the present church was built 432- 440 when Rome was considered not only the center of the Roman Empire, but the center of the Christian world. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The foundation stone for the façade was laid on March 4, 1741. </span>The external architecture of the Basilica is a stark contrast to our previously visited S.M. dei Angelei.</span><br />
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The interior was constructed according to Vitruvius' canon of rhythmic elegance and immediately inspires awe on entering. Frescoes, statues, carvings, and 5th century mosaics decorate almost every surface. The symbols and crests of some influential patrons are mixed with the religious work.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even the most beautiful churches have a</span> "drawing card" and since there is no line for the 5th century mosaics, we follow the people to discover the relic . The line leads down the stairs to a small chapel. It is almost dark, only faintly lit by overhead lights. This area represents the "cave of the Nativity." The focus, and primary source of light, emanates from a niche at one end of the room. There, pilgrims kneel in ardent prayer and adoration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PRQdEBIGGIH9oWhGWJD40FNkj0glKJ_4doGwKb4E4CdB9OdeXiOXmv3Jg3jgLrgEqpC6ZVVFRXGYid0uTR93J1RwFn_kOXsuZdT0Aoe6YQumNEHEZDZETM08TpjpU9IjCA__HnC80Mw/s1600/DSC05515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PRQdEBIGGIH9oWhGWJD40FNkj0glKJ_4doGwKb4E4CdB9OdeXiOXmv3Jg3jgLrgEqpC6ZVVFRXGYid0uTR93J1RwFn_kOXsuZdT0Aoe6YQumNEHEZDZETM08TpjpU9IjCA__HnC80Mw/s1600/DSC05515.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LP5AFMWU7FFyTmmlAzVngHukCX7uqtn6zmGjx3ce5UJR5nlH9B58LNNqHP-HZ3DRyD7mSExeiJJP2Jzqx8joWQDuLmaCdErPXiFb7WzgJBugqR_0vSpSCPYbCUk9_760TlG0bZyGi8w/s1600/DSC05521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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</a>In the brightly lighted area, there is an ornate container, a crystal urn trimmed in silver, of obvious importance. This is the "celebrated" relic known as the Holy Crib.<br />
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Close inspection reveals four boards of sycamore wood believed to have been brought to the church by pilgrims 640-649. They are believed to be from the manger of the Christ Child.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfvpW6IW-rfW_5netN_FqlJH9WhgvcgzRoyyp5H2Yy_li2exus8oODiHR9M9YDfSon-aSRatUuO4JCkdic8f1-ItuzBPkU7trtu6P9CDhO7kw5-Zj4B0k9oP7RWJ2lKpBTgL9VP6u4lc/s725/DSC05515a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfvpW6IW-rfW_5netN_FqlJH9WhgvcgzRoyyp5H2Yy_li2exus8oODiHR9M9YDfSon-aSRatUuO4JCkdic8f1-ItuzBPkU7trtu6P9CDhO7kw5-Zj4B0k9oP7RWJ2lKpBTgL9VP6u4lc/s725/DSC05515a.jpg" width="283" /></a><br />
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Again, I am drawn to the beautiful patterns on the floor of the church. Intricately inlaid stones pave the way like gorgeous carpets. These were designed by the marble masters of the Cosmati family in the thirteenth century. The patterns would make splendid quilts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja32DYR8yo0vG5if__ObRvxHf6EFLBS3hR4lWIdKLMCTXxDhiUbzsWVVEI714JWnI9Bh9cR4XwjwyF6So9DSiqv8hWIbRmDVs2BzMb2N6odka05m_zSC_Zcvawg3GO7kB9wVvb58pLYsc/s1600/DSC05525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja32DYR8yo0vG5if__ObRvxHf6EFLBS3hR4lWIdKLMCTXxDhiUbzsWVVEI714JWnI9Bh9cR4XwjwyF6So9DSiqv8hWIbRmDVs2BzMb2N6odka05m_zSC_Zcvawg3GO7kB9wVvb58pLYsc/s1600/DSC05525.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is the end of our first day in Rome. It is hard to believe we have seen so much in just one afternoon. We buy some salami, bread, cheese, and drinks, for dinner in our room. It is an early night at the end of our 48 hour day......</div>
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The photo appears calm and quiet but there are usually hordes of vehicles bearing down on you as you attempt to cross. We learned to always use the crosswalks. Pedestrians do have the right of way in the crosswalks but you should not rely on vehicles to stop. Once you make the move to cross, keep moving - the vehicles do plan to miss you! Since we were still intimidated, we learned to watch the locals and walk with them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPdO19ThumnmB5aXqKryKb8-R71JUtIYGXEE53UM6EG3UwBEWthXFxlqZS87_zgvm_2GpqSFYZR4Xg2HvuYwFu8IF3A6Cov4TJOed8-MPqNWmIbd8HhQXIHJ0whzllZy3K3L_41Ef2qU/s1600/DSC05487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPdO19ThumnmB5aXqKryKb8-R71JUtIYGXEE53UM6EG3UwBEWthXFxlqZS87_zgvm_2GpqSFYZR4Xg2HvuYwFu8IF3A6Cov4TJOed8-MPqNWmIbd8HhQXIHJ0whzllZy3K3L_41Ef2qU/s320/DSC05487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <em>Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri</em></td></tr>
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This building was originally part of the massive (some 130,000 square meters) <a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=antiquity_to_present&ramo_home=Basilica&lingua=INGLESE" target="_blank">remains</a> of the<a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=baths&ramo_home=Basilica&lingua=INGLESE" target="_blank"> Baths of Diocletian</a> until 1541 when a <a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=basilica&lingua=INGLESE&ramo_home=Basilica" target="_blank">Sicilian priest</a> had a vision of angels in the ruins. The Pope viewed the vision as a message from God and ordered a church built on the site and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the Christian slaves who had died building the original baths. Guess that covered everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-pyIfhWxKYgo1KntHGjvj25k1rGM1lDDEkUSzmXj1uASF2kbt1GsjaNrwNLInvu31kv22ieSzRwRWMfeBNQuEHji5kRO_IG60CnY8SMPjtvICE-hUIcj4Vc4piSz4gR0MEXWJQOxyq8/s1600/DSC05489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-pyIfhWxKYgo1KntHGjvj25k1rGM1lDDEkUSzmXj1uASF2kbt1GsjaNrwNLInvu31kv22ieSzRwRWMfeBNQuEHji5kRO_IG60CnY8SMPjtvICE-hUIcj4Vc4piSz4gR0MEXWJQOxyq8/s320/DSC05489.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Door of Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri - </em><br />
<em>The Risen Christ</em></td></tr>
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In 1563 <a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=michelangelo&ramo_home=Basilica&lingua=INGLESE" target="_blank">Michelangelo, commissioned</a> to design the church, began his work but he died the next year. His design was completed by Jacopo Lo Duca and the church was given to the Carthusian monks, who built a monastery next to it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In 2006, two bro</span><a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=bronze_doors&ramo_home=Visita_Guidata&lingua=INGLESE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">nze doors</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, by sculptor Igor Mitora replaced the old wooden ones</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrvM3cxYuJY5GZF9AW6vbZRtJtGH7Y4ylLiHdNTCv5um_My2CcH9T6vQZ_ATp7Lbph1e63i0NVkxf58S_3xPonz0SB7Dlut_5XrS1X5H0t5Fj9urz8TkCBuuiHkwFAZ5UUB8yr2PuQEw/s320/DSC05488a.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri door handle - </em><br />
<em>the Virgin Mary</em></td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQFZ1_1uzhgRqFlIuc7qRxzPHu3tqwnn_0GUWbsoi1P6PlOj9DXmy9squpTQhnUBoEaYNxitWZxKWgMbheCJ7rV7ma2y0wXMb3gZFV5mokuOIWn1mm3gom9abRtP1j7SuAElboLS3sWc/s320/DSC05490.JPG" width="320" /> "<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Light and Time" </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stained glass by Narcissus Quagliata 1999</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/paginamastersing.html?codice_url=dome&ramo_home=Visita_Guidata&lingua=INGLESE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">dome</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> of the Basilica is the result of many changes over the years. Originally a circular opening in the rotunda of the Baths to allow rain to fall into the water below, it has evolved to the present stained glass masterpiece. "The glass cupola is not attached to the ancient roof fabric, but rests on three gilded steel spheres and thus leaves a narrow gap all round for ventilation."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLImJOSv7065O_6nPkT0PMBaqTInDVYw4_WNSFIwiycF3FlfA5vzC5_J7no-EvIYrjIv3Vt2sVoxNh1ws6TZjWa0Un-1Nkg9nhbuS7W0okX7IijZMjgeNwGgMEdzGQWWtlIPlhie6l-Y/s1600/DSC05495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLImJOSv7065O_6nPkT0PMBaqTInDVYw4_WNSFIwiycF3FlfA5vzC5_J7no-EvIYrjIv3Vt2sVoxNh1ws6TZjWa0Un-1Nkg9nhbuS7W0okX7IijZMjgeNwGgMEdzGQWWtlIPlhie6l-Y/s400/DSC05495.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHFwsweV_FQTIrFWO-H16mbFlCLnzH08GJEWqkebVHRdLdkMaDtmZ4bHjaJhyphenhyphenQ8WSVtCGv_l3PZVscS2b9nHomAYna6M6CEnraW8zq_plMaerXjkb22DM9LPdW125U4jwWvYwqU3I_k8/s1600/DSC05496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHFwsweV_FQTIrFWO-H16mbFlCLnzH08GJEWqkebVHRdLdkMaDtmZ4bHjaJhyphenhyphenQ8WSVtCGv_l3PZVscS2b9nHomAYna6M6CEnraW8zq_plMaerXjkb22DM9LPdW125U4jwWvYwqU3I_k8/s320/DSC05496.JPG" width="240" /></a><em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyCv72sJPSM" target="_blank">Main altar</a></em></td></tr>
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It seems every church in Italy has, at least, a small claim to fame - a relic, a masterpiece, an attributed miracle, etc. This church has a <a href="http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/dettagliofotosing.html?chiave=9287&lingua=INGLESE&ramo_home=Visita_Guidata&codice_url=visita_video" target="_blank">Meridian Line</a> commissioned in the 8th century by Pope Clement XI. It was completed in 1703 and provided the standard for local Roman time until 1846.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81UC6m7ORRB3Ut_gD6Hct3v-laN4C1YLsjPw1VBi1HWA-ELPL-UQPFJHLNhyZP4w-MzAJqQTgp5N-6agHHOTqN9wjhPRpvkIpAxd_m2UemGJoaPpqjiU4fJkV7m11q4LmEoBzzJa4TKw/s1600/DSC05497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81UC6m7ORRB3Ut_gD6Hct3v-laN4C1YLsjPw1VBi1HWA-ELPL-UQPFJHLNhyZP4w-MzAJqQTgp5N-6agHHOTqN9wjhPRpvkIpAxd_m2UemGJoaPpqjiU4fJkV7m11q4LmEoBzzJa4TKw/s320/DSC05497.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The sun enters through this prism "eye"</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiW0U_VTpfDUyBOGnlw1FwE5h9ouCMV6pJACBHSmbR6lPsek36QST-QcXwBzEOI8CzFvthIcq68DHOHviz9nMkRPmKzodNYpNrqIU3xhYmV7njFQ7pGoQVUgfisUi5scS8P_l7oxs8D4/s1600/DSC05498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiW0U_VTpfDUyBOGnlw1FwE5h9ouCMV6pJACBHSmbR6lPsek36QST-QcXwBzEOI8CzFvthIcq68DHOHviz9nMkRPmKzodNYpNrqIU3xhYmV7njFQ7pGoQVUgfisUi5scS8P_l7oxs8D4/s320/DSC05498.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sun shines along this Meridian Line</em></td></tr>
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We did not get to see the sun mark its path this time, but it will be on my list for next time.<br />
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Apparently, the church has special exhibits that travel through. We found this one: <em>Isochronism in the Oscillation of the Pendulum.</em><br />
"Here in the exact words of Galilei: 'The other truly marvellous thing is that the same pendulum oscillates with the same frequency, or just slightly, almost indistinguishably, different.' Galileo Golilei, Opere IV, 475-476" "<em>The regularity of pendular movements opened new horizons on something in which Golilei firmly believed, namely the universality of all movements, whether they be rectilinear, circular, or parabola.</em><br />
<em>This was no mean feat. Since the dawn of civilization rotating movements had been considered to belong to the heavenly spheres. The consequence of the discovery that all movements are manifestations of the same entity, that of motion, was that stones had the same status as stars."</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>We gave the pendulum a little swing</em></td></tr>
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</a>Off to one side, there is an unassuming little room with a history and drawn plans of the Baths of Diocletian. That room opens on to a small enclosure which, I believe, must have been one of the small gardens allocated to the monks just outside their cells. The Carthusian monks took a vow of silence but were allowed some conversation / quiet interaction every Thursday. The area has a few remnants of architectural interest strewn about.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the monks' cells?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ27D6vfP41AQz6sjoKU1I96Gyx06eCyBdeO6t7tmZX91jfFvjeQQxsVprNIPmYAl6tYKh2iZin8EZDolJ-aV5YqCQbSMQleAlKBVE-u71lKnJ5YJkVhRmL3pN_-lD3zTdiiMTQR5I_JE/s1600/DSC05508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ27D6vfP41AQz6sjoKU1I96Gyx06eCyBdeO6t7tmZX91jfFvjeQQxsVprNIPmYAl6tYKh2iZin8EZDolJ-aV5YqCQbSMQleAlKBVE-u71lKnJ5YJkVhRmL3pN_-lD3zTdiiMTQR5I_JE/s320/DSC05508.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black;">"This statue is a gift from China to </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black;">the State Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs."</span></em></td></tr>
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"This bronze statue of Galileo Galilei Divine Man was designed by Professor Tsung Dao Lee, winner of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics, Director of CCAST (China Center of Advanced Science and Technology) and WFS (China) President.<br />
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Finally, the floor of the church was amazing! I wonder if I could make a quilt with this pattern......</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-60284531908394140672013-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:002013-07-03T11:29:21.963-05:00An Afternoon of Exploration David and I planned an afternoon of exploration to keep the jet lag at bay. Walking, of course, is my favorite way to see everything and David was really into it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBYyuScFn7l1CSmwXAGk4jhNyw8zk_5W06zPhSjPGIMrU78fLq67MDDwTil9-9hAL8UMmhKOF51Brkk3mZVacKcBrBe01D_hwxxlm3yBzTVN8vfHaQpGD1Qenlt60bWzPAulRlbpQZr0/s1600/DSC05459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBYyuScFn7l1CSmwXAGk4jhNyw8zk_5W06zPhSjPGIMrU78fLq67MDDwTil9-9hAL8UMmhKOF51Brkk3mZVacKcBrBe01D_hwxxlm3yBzTVN8vfHaQpGD1Qenlt60bWzPAulRlbpQZr0/s320/DSC05459.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Auto repair shop</em><br />
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Immediately around the corner from our hotel, tucked in beside the other, normally encountered shops, was a car repair place. Most of the cars in Italy are tiny and the streets are narrow, so this little place was just the right size. They may have repaired the ubiquitous Vespas as well, but there was a small Fiat in front and the driver was entering the establishment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizzAw4pHTIZxdCHEG7zfNiV3RVUjc-VDBAMoZ-39qaKLTc-qxkZtKfe6HG9rxM-ZwDMl_qsxb4c8Sa8OtWEvH-or-VVRThbN3rD68JWQ7wmpkFZaBJdX3s8wOXsWOuKzzlNtwmdVhlQc/s1600/DSC05462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizzAw4pHTIZxdCHEG7zfNiV3RVUjc-VDBAMoZ-39qaKLTc-qxkZtKfe6HG9rxM-ZwDMl_qsxb4c8Sa8OtWEvH-or-VVRThbN3rD68JWQ7wmpkFZaBJdX3s8wOXsWOuKzzlNtwmdVhlQc/s320/DSC05462.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHF-9Z4YiWXfCJjWdoUWEWS2GrtORlYgznocmSX-EUGLV-Ie0f3-P2QM7AtsFY0OSHyk6Mc2ZU1PpwuDnMBlUbLRwV-0PihUJD7gUs95cNh8tgqolGWDTdAAQVyFAJRiz2ITA1F8ZqM/s1600/DSC05464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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</a>Headed in a general direction of sites listed in the book, we did not have to venture far before discovering Roman ruins. The whole city is built on other layers of civilization and archaeologists are slowly peeling the layers back, like an onion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHF-9Z4YiWXfCJjWdoUWEWS2GrtORlYgznocmSX-EUGLV-Ie0f3-P2QM7AtsFY0OSHyk6Mc2ZU1PpwuDnMBlUbLRwV-0PihUJD7gUs95cNh8tgqolGWDTdAAQVyFAJRiz2ITA1F8ZqM/s1600/DSC05464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHF-9Z4YiWXfCJjWdoUWEWS2GrtORlYgznocmSX-EUGLV-Ie0f3-P2QM7AtsFY0OSHyk6Mc2ZU1PpwuDnMBlUbLRwV-0PihUJD7gUs95cNh8tgqolGWDTdAAQVyFAJRiz2ITA1F8ZqM/s320/DSC05464.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHF-9Z4YiWXfCJjWdoUWEWS2GrtORlYgznocmSX-EUGLV-Ie0f3-P2QM7AtsFY0OSHyk6Mc2ZU1PpwuDnMBlUbLRwV-0PihUJD7gUs95cNh8tgqolGWDTdAAQVyFAJRiz2ITA1F8ZqM/s1600/DSC05464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; height: 118px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 124px;"></a>Amidst the heavy traffic and modern buildings, the remains of the Aula Ottagona and the Baths of Diocletian suddenly appeared as we rounded a corner. These were built at the turn of the 4th century and have been used in various capacities over the centuries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX11JLD8-mZOzmg6fm8vflqqO6rdwPFChiP6OfOUSrr1PlSigVVmUSI94l9faoAkgDITkdTWdTZuh7iwhfPSTuYxkXvi3cFBVSn5Fg1af6Nf-nQqvTr8R5ttAbApgVrVy2CSerP3zbvY/s1600/DSC05471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX11JLD8-mZOzmg6fm8vflqqO6rdwPFChiP6OfOUSrr1PlSigVVmUSI94l9faoAkgDITkdTWdTZuh7iwhfPSTuYxkXvi3cFBVSn5Fg1af6Nf-nQqvTr8R5ttAbApgVrVy2CSerP3zbvY/s320/DSC05471.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Apparently, they were open to the public at one time but now </span><span style="font-family: Times;">are closed. Here, centuries-old bricks have watched in silence as humankind has evolved to its present state. Here, in a sheltered corner, shaded by the stones of antiquity, I watched as a man prepared his "fix", took care of his body's craving, then shared with his female companion before they both quietly blended back in to the crowded street. I wonder, how far have we really evolved?</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOri1e0U14KW1WVnhHbGa7ZZagi5772ZTVRjXVNQ-dyP8bKaVlI5QAcJESkfAer7OFyj2v8A_ySsN0lcNxzhcYcWX8fqCiUtUcE8UM1Py9dn6rQ3MNiL6lUngKWCop45K4V1HPESqkY/s945/DSC05476a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOri1e0U14KW1WVnhHbGa7ZZagi5772ZTVRjXVNQ-dyP8bKaVlI5QAcJESkfAer7OFyj2v8A_ySsN0lcNxzhcYcWX8fqCiUtUcE8UM1Py9dn6rQ3MNiL6lUngKWCop45K4V1HPESqkY/s320/DSC05476a.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSNDJ2v6nTy5haOFhLcCKu_j9FU2Qa6z7oAQw4PpXrJ2VEOoXmk9K5I8wV8n2Wtrq3QKpsaJEaJBg-k0cAuUj3k9wUqrhpA27nT8rhr3zt-AK5YW-Erdh0HYIWLd1H96qa9iKZLpxhNo/s1600/DSC05483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSNDJ2v6nTy5haOFhLcCKu_j9FU2Qa6z7oAQw4PpXrJ2VEOoXmk9K5I8wV8n2Wtrq3QKpsaJEaJBg-k0cAuUj3k9wUqrhpA27nT8rhr3zt-AK5YW-Erdh0HYIWLd1H96qa9iKZLpxhNo/s320/DSC05483.JPG" width="320" /></a>I would think summer is not the best time to visit Rome. Plus, it apparently has been an especially beastly summer, with weather much like that we left behind. David opted for some nice, cold watermelon from a street vendor and we found a bench where we could sit and rest our feet for a few minutes.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-31544153744169377502013-07-02T10:07:00.000-05:002013-07-02T10:07:31.615-05:00Departure and Arrival<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MKXz-y7ltSYXcPGoZu6fktaxvJY1gYFRhEEkFefmqtIKS_bacDLBpHYTtclj09L6Sa7yPNJuN7_Eo9E0rGV0KHtpZjFAnssp9bJhPRfHf68iwmMFZ6x47KusIR_Vs5Wws5YZaUHaZEA/s1600/DSC05456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MKXz-y7ltSYXcPGoZu6fktaxvJY1gYFRhEEkFefmqtIKS_bacDLBpHYTtclj09L6Sa7yPNJuN7_Eo9E0rGV0KHtpZjFAnssp9bJhPRfHf68iwmMFZ6x47KusIR_Vs5Wws5YZaUHaZEA/s400/DSC05456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo op at the airport on arrival.</em></td></tr>
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My main flight criteria were to avoid the airports in New York and Washington D.C. and to avoid long layovers. I found an American Airline flight that left at 11:15 a.m. and arrived in Rome about 9:30 a.m. the next day. Perfect! A 3 hour layover in Chicago and then straight through to Rome. Couldn't be better. <br />
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Almost every guide stresses using the train [11 Euros one way] to get from the airport to the Termini, where metro and buses can be accessed. We opted for a through bus [4 Euros one way if you buy a round trip ticket], but you do have to put your own luggage in the hold of the bus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>First you have to look high for the sign</em></td></tr>
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Next task was to find lodging. Working on the Internet and using a map of Rome, I looked for a 2-3 star accommodation in a safe area and in my price range. This takes a lot of reading the reviews, reading between the lines of the reviews, and a lot of faith. Americans don't give the smaller places very good reviews because they judge the places by American standards. I think the place should be clean, comfortable, and safe. I know it won't be in the same league as our motels unless I go to a facility that caters to Americans. Why go to Europe to live like an American?<br />
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The <a href="http://www.hotelkatty.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=6&lang=en" target="_blank">Hotel Katty</a> (pronounced Kaytee) was listed as being anywhere from "a few steps" to only a 10 minute walk from the Termini, depending on which review you believed. It seemed a long way when we walked the first time. I chalk that up to 14 hours on an airplane but it did feel good to stretch our legs. The hotel was near restaurants, a laundromat, and a couple of grocery stores which made us pretty self sufficient. I wish I had asked the location of the grocery when we arrived because the second one we found was larger and offered a lot more choices.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6qZUjmIJKx8O2mQXnljD0WS4bJdHiVvLlyAIeQ91U613FqmPHNGuOc9_iNHfCivs4B1BKjLZkxUU_n-WYQExKyIrI1aIu4lovBSaMaMPDZgiOs6vjD91tpX2Mf33VyWqLo1xV6kFhUA/s1600/DSC05458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6qZUjmIJKx8O2mQXnljD0WS4bJdHiVvLlyAIeQ91U613FqmPHNGuOc9_iNHfCivs4B1BKjLZkxUU_n-WYQExKyIrI1aIu4lovBSaMaMPDZgiOs6vjD91tpX2Mf33VyWqLo1xV6kFhUA/s1600/DSC05458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6qZUjmIJKx8O2mQXnljD0WS4bJdHiVvLlyAIeQ91U613FqmPHNGuOc9_iNHfCivs4B1BKjLZkxUU_n-WYQExKyIrI1aIu4lovBSaMaMPDZgiOs6vjD91tpX2Mf33VyWqLo1xV6kFhUA/s1600/DSC05458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxPXGGqFlGYE1anzw088ZZl3Fn9xawaJgRPNlres6yIVzqrZTl7V7Mfcz8HEn39yxZj2q6Rbrwj2cpdhrlCzZYnZSXzyGAHt3osmUQ0nggSaEm1EXo5K0mox81LZfToKw4Rv4usxn4yg/s1600/DSC05457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxPXGGqFlGYE1anzw088ZZl3Fn9xawaJgRPNlres6yIVzqrZTl7V7Mfcz8HEn39yxZj2q6Rbrwj2cpdhrlCzZYnZSXzyGAHt3osmUQ0nggSaEm1EXo5K0mox81LZfToKw4Rv4usxn4yg/s320/DSC05457.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>David in the minuscule lift</em></td></tr>
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Hotel Katty was rather difficult to find and I am sure the elderly man who answered the doorbell we rang and shrugged his shoulders at our questions, was tired of being bothered by touristas. We finally found it tucked away in a corner. The hotel consisted of 18 rooms on the third floor of the building but we were blessed with an elevator. True to European style, it was a tiny elevator. We squeezed our two suitcases, two backpacks, and 2 weary bodies into the minuscule "lift" then figured out the proper workings to make it go - close the cage door, close the 2 wooden doors, and push the proper button for the labored trip to the 3rd floor. David always opted to walk after that.<br />
The room was small so the twin beds had to be pushed together during the day so we could walk past them. A window with shutters overlooked the narrow street and we were serenaded each night by music from a bar or restaurant down the way. The noise did not bother us or keep us awake. We viewed it as colorful ambiance of the area.<br />
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Arriving so early during the day, we had to fight the urge to nap, but we won. The secret of adjusting to the time change quickly is to stay awake the first day of your arrival. Feeling revived after a quick shower, we headed off to see what we could see for the rest of the afternoon and planned for an early night of much needed sleep.<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-90818316687309908572013-07-01T12:09:00.000-05:002013-07-01T15:04:59.323-05:00The "Groupon" CaperO.K. I will return to unfinished travels later. <br />
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I am starting afresh with the arrival of a "Groupon" in my e-mail box. [If you are not familiar with these, just type "groupon" in your search engine and explore deals for the area of the country or activity you are interested in visiting.]<br />
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David was ready for a trip with Grandma and I was having a difficult time finding anything to meet both our needs.When I travel with my grandchildren, I attempt to focus on an area of interest to them but one I will be able to enjoy with them as well. I had already made two trips to England with grandchildren focusing on Harry Potter and, although the trips were delightful, I did not particularly relish a third. Among the interests David and I did share, "cooking" rated near the top but, after scouring Internet sites, I had almost despaired of finding a cooking adventure that would challenge both our skills. Fortunately, even at age 11, he was beyond the beginner stage and was quite adventurous and creative in his kitchen at home.<br />
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When the "Groupon" arrived in my inbox, I almost summarily dismissed it. The destination for a cooking course was in Italy. Could it be true? Was it a scam? Would they accept an 11 year old? Could I trust the source? A slew of questions invaded my thoughts and, although I did not delete the e-mail immediately, I did pass it by for more thought. I checked the reviews, the site, the proposed itinerary, and finally questioned my daughter on her view of David's readiness for such an adventure.<br />
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About a year earlier, I had asked David where he would like to go IF he could choose. He replied that he would like to "eat spaghetti in Italy." <br />
"Well," I teased, "I can just take you to Olive Garden restaurant and save a lot of money."<br />
When I reminded him of that conversation, he grimaced.<br />
"So, would you prefer to go to Olive Garden and we can take your brother and mom along, or would you rather go to Italy and make your own pasta?" I asked with a smile.<br />
David is not given to outward bursts of enthusiasm but his big grin made his choice quite clear. All systems, it seemed, were a "go," so I made the commitment. David and I were scheduled to begin our culinary experience on 16 June 2013 when we would be met at the airport in Rome, Italy.<br />
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Although the trip was several months away, there was a lot to accomplish. David needed a passport and permission letters for me to take him out of the country. I required that he do some independent research on the area/s we would visit, make a list of things he would like to see, and learn something about Italian art and history. He exchanged his ever present novel for a <a href="http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=155&id=60" target="_blank">Rick Steves' book on Rome</a> and began to set up an itinerary for us. We would leave a few days early and spend some time in Rome on our own before traveling to Carunchio, Italy. My main tasks were to set up the travel and accommodation for the parts of the trip that were not covered.<br />
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Thus we began......<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-23236053811223898072012-09-17T23:08:00.003-05:002012-09-17T23:12:04.479-05:00Casa de Luz and "this feather house"<span class="userContent">Sister Bert and I headed out for an evening "out of the box." Austin's theme is "Keep Austin Weird" and I can only believe that evenings like this one certainly help maintain the tradition.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">We began with dinner at <a href="http://www.casadeluz.org/austin/" target="_blank">Casa de Luz</a>, a vegan restaurant adjacent to<a href="http://www.dystheatre.com/this-feather-house/" target="_blank"> dystheater</a>, the site of the play we planned to attend. The food was quite good even though we were not sure what we were eating. We did read the reviews before going, so we took our own salt shaker and used it liberally. The restaurant was not too crowded. Several families and couples sat at the various tables and amiable conversations drifted across the room. I think you are expected to join in at the seated tables as the room fills. Bert and I sat at a large, round table for 8-10 all to ourselves. We felt as if we were obvious newcomers to the scene, but the people and staff were very friendly and helpful.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">After paying a set price for a set meal when we entered, we found a table, served ourselves some soup, salad, and a drink, then proceeded to eat while waiting for our filled dinner plate to be brought to our table. There was a c</span><span class="userContent">hoice of beverages - water, cool hibiscus tea, cool lemon grass (and something) tea ( no ice), or an unpronounceable hot tea designed to relieve stress and pain.</span><br />
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<em>Sunday Dinner</em><br />
<em>September 16th 2012</em><br />
<em>Always Vegan, Organic, Gluten & Allergen Aware</em><br />
<em>Soup - Sweet Potato</em> This was good but too sweet for my taste. It was toned down somewhat after we sprinkled some stuff from a shaker jar sitting on the table and added some of our salt.<br />
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<em>Salad - Mixed Greens with Casa Dressing and Almonds </em>I think this had some kale, among other greens. I am not a fan of the stronger tasting greens, but this was actually a delightful salad. Still don't know what was in it. The dressing was delicious.<br />
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<em>Entree:</em><br />
<em>Basmati Rice with Carrots</em> - Had a thick sauce on top which added taste. I thought the sauce looked like B-B-Que sauce, although not as strong. Ever the cynic, Bert thought it was a dollop of tomato paste from the can. Quite good.<br />
<em>Pinto Beans - </em>Very good. Not flavored as much as in our home cooking<br />
<em>Parsnips, Carrots, Snow Peas and Burdock - </em>Burdock and parsnips were some other veggies I had always been curious about, but had not tried. This was a nice tasting dish.<br />
<em>Blanched Greens with a Pepita Basil Pesto - </em>I think these greens may have been kale, but I am not sure. I did not like them but they were more palatable with the pesto. Loved the pesto.<br />
<em>Pickled Cabbage - </em>Another very good dish.<br />
<em>Prepared with LOVE by:</em><br />
<em>Rosa, Sandra, Maria, Vega, Alfreda, Blanca - </em>How nice that they recognize the efforts of he cooks!<br />
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All in all, the dinner was much better than I expected, but I will not become a vegetarian any time soon. The nicest thing about the meal is that since it was vegan, I did not have to worry about ingesting dairy products. We were expected to bus our table after we finished eating, scraping the uneaten portion into a container for recycling.<br />
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<span class="userContent">The play,"this feather house," was was written by an Austin local, Linda Ramsey. It was definitely way out...or perhaps we are just not "hip" enough. The large audience in the small space laughed many times when neither of us got the joke. Still, we enjoyed the acting and it was definitely a different event. I didn't mind busing our own tables, but drew the line at the sign in the bathroom urging us to clean it if we had a few spare minutes....LOL. It is a small theater group so it should not have surprised us when they asked us to put our chairs away. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">It is the out-of-the-ordinary things that make life so much more interesting</span><br />
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-11515868802031873082012-08-03T01:05:00.000-05:002012-08-03T01:15:06.614-05:00Spain 2012 - Settling In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Preparations for overseas travel begin long before the trip, especially when you are trying to mesh different activities. I thought everything was in place when Emily and I set off for the airport on July 1st. Unfortunately, we did not learn until after we arrived that our flight had been cancelled. Anger and disappointment mixed like oil and water. I didn't know which would win but instinctively knew that yelling and screaming would do no good. Fortunately, we had the option of turning around and going home until the next day. Also, I had planned a few extra days prior to the first event which meant we would still arrive on time.</div>
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<em>Note to self: Always allow an extra day or so for unplanned delays. Find a way to check the flight status prior to departure, preferably a day ahead, even when it has been "confirmed" ahead of time.</em></div>
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The flight had been confirmed but then cancelled. The airline called a number (presumably the travel agent which subsequently denied having the message on their machine) and "No other flights " were available. I was geared to be upset with American Airlines but have since been tempered by their adequate service for the rest of the trip.</div>
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I had never before been to Spain so I was stumbling around on the Internet to find my way. After booking our flights, the next logical order of business was to find lodging. Lodging was plentiful in our first stop, Madrid, but there were many factors to consider. Price, of course, but even more important was safety. A woman and young girl traveling alone must make some allowances for their perceived vulnerability.</div>
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I finally settled on the Mora Hotel (Hostel Mora) which I booked through <a href="http://venere.com/">venere.com</a>. There were a few negative reviews, probably disgruntled Americans who expected everything to be "just like at home" but the positives appeared to outweigh the negatives and the room was easily booked. I provided a credit card number which was not billed until we departed from the hotel. The flight delay had thrown a kink into our plans and I was concerned we would have to pay for a night when we had not been there, but I notified the hotel immediately and they were very accommodating.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSRHKK1qB1p809m9fhjP0mXC4xqw_Jd16QCVm03JJsHRSlCOftosH747kagGnzCgiTSXQYDT68z58nXG5i6XiYzSeIUPb9JhH2uYXWPut1seEWCRBjA6cRkO6WeIBT5Da7d3RXbRuunk/s1600/DSC03828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSRHKK1qB1p809m9fhjP0mXC4xqw_Jd16QCVm03JJsHRSlCOftosH747kagGnzCgiTSXQYDT68z58nXG5i6XiYzSeIUPb9JhH2uYXWPut1seEWCRBjA6cRkO6WeIBT5Da7d3RXbRuunk/s320/DSC03828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our room was small by American standards but adequate for us and we were out and about almost all day. The building was old but newly refurbished and held the charm of an olde worlde hotel. We took an elevator to our room on the third floor and were grateful we did not have to walk and carry our luggage up the minuscule stairs. We wondered why there was no electricity when we first arrived in our room. Then we recalled that the room key had to be inserted in the slot by the door to activate everything. </div>
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A tiny balcony overlooked the busy street below, but the noise and light were blocked from our room by double windows / doors and, with the room fan on, we slept soundly without interference from the outside world.<br />
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The hotel was just across the street from the Botanical Gardens and very near El Prado, so we overlooked a nice little park with lovely, warm street lights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vQ0p5SFXGWMktmLK0cItekwV60nh9FtvTttspwcQEJWVd1mFqZWgqFSoCMx1jJbuTXF1BhUiZP5LkZpKLoRSRhyphenhyphen96P9MnhndYHBdIBK-Ic_I_rdjDcm2flBDr7ZiCFrDNEgc1-wOUec/s1600/DSC03837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vQ0p5SFXGWMktmLK0cItekwV60nh9FtvTttspwcQEJWVd1mFqZWgqFSoCMx1jJbuTXF1BhUiZP5LkZpKLoRSRhyphenhyphen96P9MnhndYHBdIBK-Ic_I_rdjDcm2flBDr7ZiCFrDNEgc1-wOUec/s320/DSC03837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Emily slept for 16 hours after we arrived then I let her choose what she wanted to do on the first day. Of course, the answer was "Go shopping!" <br />
We quickly learned that <em>"Rebajas" </em>meant<em> "Sales"!</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBWNVI2Bc-WoukO3ggmshj_lOutVxlUxW0hdu-tJbthydmuIzpI8X8XJf4N5Izi3Yt7_ppFxsn0vWmlmukDeIo0YgZs2n32Ffw4SFaYhgwdaTyEQaQeg5Sf_UPjSzzz0K1Nr1KqeldEE/s1600/DSC03829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBWNVI2Bc-WoukO3ggmshj_lOutVxlUxW0hdu-tJbthydmuIzpI8X8XJf4N5Izi3Yt7_ppFxsn0vWmlmukDeIo0YgZs2n32Ffw4SFaYhgwdaTyEQaQeg5Sf_UPjSzzz0K1Nr1KqeldEE/s320/DSC03829.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-9400497870636286182011-08-23T21:40:00.000-05:002011-08-23T21:40:25.727-05:00St Louis Transportation Museum<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;"></div>We opted for the <a href="http://transportmuseumassociation.org/">St Louis Museum of Transportation</a> today. We began with a tram ride to the miniature train - a 1/3 sized replica of a train in California (It was difficult to hear the descriptions). We took two turns around the area but could have stayed on and ridden as many times as we wanted until 1 PM. I bought the ticket on <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/shine-st-louis-4?c=button&utm_content=all-deals_stlouis_out-of-test&date=20110822&division=stlouis&p=5&s=body&sid=10954224&utm_campaign=shine-st-louis-4&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&user=cf6838668853c30c1717d6a9faf6283ca32cefea2183dc663ef4f1d291bd3e0a">Groupon</a> which made the costs much more reasonable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE6VP8g7xCuGKeD_f9xJ7L0K4Dd-zWoKt_lL9gq49Q7UbikHQW4_Cr7Ydh9cREn-oeNiwdrb1mRl2uNv3KaumJp5hGi5RT83x-TnuoN_b3yFHrLFnYnrwps23ufrTtvUkxLBKi9VEfiA/s1600/Liam+and+Kyah+Trsp+museum+Aug+2011+3rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE6VP8g7xCuGKeD_f9xJ7L0K4Dd-zWoKt_lL9gq49Q7UbikHQW4_Cr7Ydh9cREn-oeNiwdrb1mRl2uNv3KaumJp5hGi5RT83x-TnuoN_b3yFHrLFnYnrwps23ufrTtvUkxLBKi9VEfiA/s400/Liam+and+Kyah+Trsp+museum+Aug+2011+3rd.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The children totally enjoyed the "Creation Station" and spent a good deal of time making unique crafts. There were lots of hands-on activities, mostly geared to much younger children but very much enjoyed by these young-at-heart kids. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jP8Xv195NCoC4Fi9HArwcsJ221uN_ynDaD6sY_s_EQ7xwaPHO63sNsXcsBoF8aUv6OU9HUIOSRxZDzeS3os8Trq7LfWyaSDwTWNSErccBmFy0JGeXew0n8_e7vseQIE4EwSWiHQeL1M/s1600/Liam+and+Kyah+Trsp+museum+Aug+2011.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jP8Xv195NCoC4Fi9HArwcsJ221uN_ynDaD6sY_s_EQ7xwaPHO63sNsXcsBoF8aUv6OU9HUIOSRxZDzeS3os8Trq7LfWyaSDwTWNSErccBmFy0JGeXew0n8_e7vseQIE4EwSWiHQeL1M/s400/Liam+and+Kyah+Trsp+museum+Aug+2011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We picnicked on the grounds and visited the welcomely, cool museum. I tried to explain the significance of a drive-in movie display to the children, but the concept was too far out for them. The cars were very grand and dreamy. We never made it to the locomotives or the area where kids can climb on everything. There is plenty to return for in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-41227941521364638082011-08-18T07:24:00.000-05:002011-08-18T07:24:55.568-05:00"The Magic House"<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">Daughter refers to it as Camp Grandma which pleases the children more than "babysitting", because, of course, they are not "babies"! Entertaining active children on their own turf can be a challenge for anyone, but grandparents have the added responsibility of making it fun and making good memories. My goal is to have my grandchildren remember me as an active, productive member of society, not just an old lady who sat in a chair watching TV. <br />
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Yesterday, we visited the <a href="http://www.magichouse.org/">"Magic House"</a> in Saint Louis. This is the stuff childhood dreams are made of....and the adults were enjoying it as well. It seems totally safe for children and has some areas that are strictly age appropriate and inaccessible to those not qualifying. A whole area with water fun and toys for ages 1-6, an area for very young toddlers, and slides , etc., for 7 and up. One area was devoted to sleuthing, which was very appropriate for "older" children and easily bypassed by my 7 and 4 year old (although they did enjoy entering a room via the fireplace. Some activities are easily accommodated to a particular age group by the amount of thought and energy put into it. A very young child can blow giant bubbles while an older child learns about cohesion and surfactants. <br />
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The "Magic House"definitely has a magic all its own...... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8-euHoL6i7RVa5MYEMcpgi_kQexajoB6B3RbKn7wQDlVsc2Ze0Ea083DAnWwS0pfrMg3UgAgEqU_IpIQQ-FzEjLxTZfpiME52vOIg8uSeWyaud1THo4TrKOfJznH0gg4jNUQ947p31w/s1600/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah+.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8-euHoL6i7RVa5MYEMcpgi_kQexajoB6B3RbKn7wQDlVsc2Ze0Ea083DAnWwS0pfrMg3UgAgEqU_IpIQQ-FzEjLxTZfpiME52vOIg8uSeWyaud1THo4TrKOfJznH0gg4jNUQ947p31w/s400/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah+.jpg" /></a> <br />
An Alice in Wonderland perspective</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4t7XH1wPDbMIdLOIYJZN0uaV0TX3HKWwTYJLzffTmvHLVU5ZPiclJXGOz2aZ8b5Z41sGUYKCpZnLIvceoDgyHGDMh-mGaN0SmQk6FWSIW6ZwK3AgOxrnw45TmrgeV0okRc2SIKgfDxM/s1600/Magic+House+STL+-+Liam+blowing+bubbles.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4t7XH1wPDbMIdLOIYJZN0uaV0TX3HKWwTYJLzffTmvHLVU5ZPiclJXGOz2aZ8b5Z41sGUYKCpZnLIvceoDgyHGDMh-mGaN0SmQk6FWSIW6ZwK3AgOxrnw45TmrgeV0okRc2SIKgfDxM/s400/Magic+House+STL+-+Liam+blowing+bubbles.jpg" /></a> <br />
Learning about shape, color, and size from bubbles. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKZ0UAPE3JWxNQACINL97TaQW9Qgz2grKBmw9fZSVOzbX6Mo0IqshARUY55p_zDGCmpV-9Se0D5FHJE7TWmdKlX5pALzZ-L1g3GxrmFIQJYGrc6dyXkcCM710NzKhm6ovV2Jm18mNaTY/s1600/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah2+.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKZ0UAPE3JWxNQACINL97TaQW9Qgz2grKBmw9fZSVOzbX6Mo0IqshARUY55p_zDGCmpV-9Se0D5FHJE7TWmdKlX5pALzZ-L1g3GxrmFIQJYGrc6dyXkcCM710NzKhm6ovV2Jm18mNaTY/s400/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah2+.jpg" /></a> </div>We learned about sprouting seeds in an outdoor classroom. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzRmiqvzKuzpZsTLxs-6DHmtGsCA8qGJ1D1gk2XPszrJEkuYROnLwvmA9Eubv7fiPpv1FKdNlGSYIfGHx773TosxDBeRw_UbO08TsWJ6du9z-hTVYJeLdK9EMauLkZGfqEDZrB0phWVw/s1600/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah+on+the+beanstalk.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzRmiqvzKuzpZsTLxs-6DHmtGsCA8qGJ1D1gk2XPszrJEkuYROnLwvmA9Eubv7fiPpv1FKdNlGSYIfGHx773TosxDBeRw_UbO08TsWJ6du9z-hTVYJeLdK9EMauLkZGfqEDZrB0phWVw/s400/Magic+House+Aug+2011-Liam+%2526+Kyah+on+the+beanstalk.jpg" /></a> <br />
Climbing Jack's Beanstalk was a favorite activity. It was three stories high with an entry/exit on each level - challenging and fun. <br />
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We spent 6 hours at the House with a break for a picnic lunch. There were still areas we did not have time to explore. It is well worth the full price, but watch for a Saint Louis Groupon coupon to make the whole venture more affordable. <br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-33818027286416192012011-02-01T21:51:00.004-06:002011-02-02T08:51:46.285-06:00Journey to Japan - Nezu Museum<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BwR2EshU8hmOjc8y9Dz6IgHu3tH0KERY3XcONbw4e9Emrr7PyTrSsk9JBe1L7_CPPke-nShv6-jIhS9UwKP3oVJiDaMskj33lbXTFTwcdcqip7CQ7wWllE0XIVXit7mfPQktiZk8o-Y/s1600/DSC00197.JPG"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The displays of pottery are great but Em and I prefer fabric related items so, after a cursory visit to the beautifully appointed <a href="http://en.akihabaranews.com/33305/japan/let%E2%80%99s-visit-tokyo-%E2%80%93-nezu-museum-nezu-garden">Nezu Museum</a>, we head out the door to the gardens.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Japanese gardens use all the space allotted to them. Even a small garden can be intricate and complicated in its simplicity. Each time you turn a corner or look back in the direction from whence you have just come, there is another view. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsTmP8DxmEd2E4iSz91lHX6HRkLL9RqRzCf7_3OavFAmOumBcAH2XwtSJSBTUjv5dc3JADxJZwIsJU41EVHJjmv57mixHj5JLTEMhgls9qkrNLHAsoxIbMOGHGN5pKkTWCjWvWh4Lxlk/s1600/DSC00180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsTmP8DxmEd2E4iSz91lHX6HRkLL9RqRzCf7_3OavFAmOumBcAH2XwtSJSBTUjv5dc3JADxJZwIsJU41EVHJjmv57mixHj5JLTEMhgls9qkrNLHAsoxIbMOGHGN5pKkTWCjWvWh4Lxlk/s400/DSC00180.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The gardens invite meditation and tranquil thoughts and do not always consist of only plants. I recall the beauty of a <a href="http://babibubebo.com/2006/07/04/kokedera-moss-garden-temple/">garden </a>consisting of only mosses when DH, the children and I visited many years ago. I will have to find and post those photos.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew7xDw0vHMj5cJ-G0SoFJic8jbVhczy58zxcKP80AzShYoxjsroTV_ETHrxhODCU5mwr1VDppYLnLJ97U6W2Kf8INBqW9J8nxsGz8kOiFT3mFprWa2R3wYoLUL1zvL8XBEFoaTOd73D4/s1600/DSC00185.JPG" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew7xDw0vHMj5cJ-G0SoFJic8jbVhczy58zxcKP80AzShYoxjsroTV_ETHrxhODCU5mwr1VDppYLnLJ97U6W2Kf8INBqW9J8nxsGz8kOiFT3mFprWa2R3wYoLUL1zvL8XBEFoaTOd73D4/s400/DSC00185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lone ginkgo leaf rests on a boulder. It is an invitation to stop, sit, and contemplate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">A bit of ancient architecture reminds us how far we have come.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXCnjr_NeDnkJzJVJks2of_nJdEbYnbRg-u507EbeDB6ufkvdeDaWSqcc05r3KYPsa2SYGnlWGpQCUNbbb5a3IHoCOqCwtIJg7xQ2XglioBvuJ-xnMR3bUoP3EZbtq9WsghlMhaIWLTI/s1600/DSC00199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXCnjr_NeDnkJzJVJks2of_nJdEbYnbRg-u507EbeDB6ufkvdeDaWSqcc05r3KYPsa2SYGnlWGpQCUNbbb5a3IHoCOqCwtIJg7xQ2XglioBvuJ-xnMR3bUoP3EZbtq9WsghlMhaIWLTI/s320/DSC00199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An open gate, constructed of natural materials, invites us to follow the path to additional treasures.....and the emerging colors of Fall.....</td></tr>
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-5888180068586526042010-12-02T09:37:00.011-06:002010-12-02T11:42:19.043-06:00Journey to Japan - Views on the StreetTwo of my favorite things to do when I visit another country are (1.) get on a bus and ride it to the very end and (2) just watch the people a<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> look at the street scene. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">did</span> not get on a bus this time, but I did enjoy the street scenes and people.<br /><div><div><div>This street corner on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shibuya</span> Dori, is one of the busiest in the world. It certainly looks innocuous here before the light changes.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofr8VxqX_WRbKksuLPpTAzEvC5uAJocdoUJORTsfUxtrYHjzE5guuRTWEgr9BhS7Ta-HMsA756dCai2GUnDzh4K27PC3lag3lcRbUSnxmqZ2ycuDMokirpWRfNss1ZFIidOob7bodUPg/s1600/101_0461.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofr8VxqX_WRbKksuLPpTAzEvC5uAJocdoUJORTsfUxtrYHjzE5guuRTWEgr9BhS7Ta-HMsA756dCai2GUnDzh4K27PC3lag3lcRbUSnxmqZ2ycuDMokirpWRfNss1ZFIidOob7bodUPg/s400/101_0461.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>......but after the light changes, people appear from everywhere...and this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">wa</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuGpPMtdvhrJZUg3cVc2i3bRCdhBwobpkCSfwn4D02vkgHHz1lm9VDuOdS7Zw41IreOswcXmB5ZRaFwiwTb_PH3Ly-2XvavHUxLl21DTjJV7mQVAencygVDUTP964D-0jhXkeCtE3SEE/s1600/DSC00168.JPG"></a>s <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhKXVCHGzgBwC3Hcp6LJ_HnsU3Ma9_hExb3ejC6Y4G0j5O5RCt65J8qJIxetFCPG4as05r29LxV4MoiUpCIIQhf0Iddz-PCNkVB-FOH9M-ZmTbSlVQuocyiNWYa8E4jWYH5kGE29c_g/s1600/101_0462.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhKXVCHGzgBwC3Hcp6LJ_HnsU3Ma9_hExb3ejC6Y4G0j5O5RCt65J8qJIxetFCPG4as05r29LxV4MoiUpCIIQhf0Iddz-PCNkVB-FOH9M-ZmTbSlVQuocyiNWYa8E4jWYH5kGE29c_g/s400/101_0462.JPG" /></a>a light day.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br />This wonderful glass building towered over us along a small e<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdhq459xdpSswtpOAN-xY5yyU_hA9ofg1wkK2D-7EsruMcpGpeNKffs6Yl5WAWn3koclCtvhvZ15w0S8Ncz3UEBZCM6J34j9-sSv6xZaRC8Ebw3E0bNF_gJwxciB4OtDFglyJnMbmZN8/s1600/DSC00170.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546111331433885538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdhq459xdpSswtpOAN-xY5yyU_hA9ofg1wkK2D-7EsruMcpGpeNKffs6Yl5WAWn3koclCtvhvZ15w0S8Ncz3UEBZCM6J34j9-sSv6xZaRC8Ebw3E0bNF_gJwxciB4OtDFglyJnMbmZN8/s320/DSC00170.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">xpanse</span> of sidewalk......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>It housed a well-known (well, in some circles)brand of shoe that was very pro<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDu99v4nOJ7CQtbCoH4CrOS5WW4cjAKpx6Q12pwUkwwelp_3_CXt_AyH8ySULOE6ZArdfQiw_LzMgBDH3lGZB5xkVY591GMfe1KYe4-YzBmEZXCVbyWxrvSSsTQOKoLP_21d0o2Ru_JQ/s1600/DSC00172.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546111347963239698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDu99v4nOJ7CQtbCoH4CrOS5WW4cjAKpx6Q12pwUkwwelp_3_CXt_AyH8ySULOE6ZArdfQiw_LzMgBDH3lGZB5xkVY591GMfe1KYe4-YzBmEZXCVbyWxrvSSsTQOKoLP_21d0o2Ru_JQ/s320/DSC00172.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">minent</span> in a book made into a movie ("The Devil Wears <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prada</span>").<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a>I didn't see small food vendors selling from carts on the street. Perhaps they have been replaced by American giants?</div></div></div></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfh2mTMAlV3dzCIqTgmYGYgNqrRIFwsiJNWZtJOIz-fQQO9e_rjaADiQ976tnAs_MtsVjpEqG0aFkkBpzBWt8zC5xsVu23wGix668aoaeX7GNf6DShv3IuzxGXM1-0FCgBSx6I2QMwhKc/s1600/DSC00166.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfh2mTMAlV3dzCIqTgmYGYgNqrRIFwsiJNWZtJOIz-fQQO9e_rjaADiQ976tnAs_MtsVjpEqG0aFkkBpzBWt8zC5xsVu23wGix668aoaeX7GNf6DShv3IuzxGXM1-0FCgBSx6I2QMwhKc/s400/DSC00166.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAS6el9RiMc6z6cnumq0Q5cKxrz43Z1btot50luJ8VBkAWHIsMasGgh8m4GXqL4Bzb_uw9vLzCoosT3u2qV5ea1aII_oXoZN71PQGJ2BGMTheWKnQsjrPcdIAupn2Ih0wfNCsAFAVuGs/s1600/DSC00084.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546132646071001810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAS6el9RiMc6z6cnumq0Q5cKxrz43Z1btot50luJ8VBkAWHIsMasGgh8m4GXqL4Bzb_uw9vLzCoosT3u2qV5ea1aII_oXoZN71PQGJ2BGMTheWKnQsjrPcdIAupn2Ih0wfNCsAFAVuGs/s320/DSC00084.JPG" /></a><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>This donut shop was a popular place</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaTvTuM-GroN6u1Q4Rq9YNtAtMvOmXxBS-7Won1WgWAzt-6gFCsLdRzt8HIb99O7mjr32IaZd642e9PFGSTXJ5b0KKgoCnHVnO-cV2hLDOpJVV7DHY4wUBR0jZ6mn0JUEdAOTRXKXr5s/s1600/DSC00226.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546113775909968754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaTvTuM-GroN6u1Q4Rq9YNtAtMvOmXxBS-7Won1WgWAzt-6gFCsLdRzt8HIb99O7mjr32IaZd642e9PFGSTXJ5b0KKgoCnHVnO-cV2hLDOpJVV7DHY4wUBR0jZ6mn0JUEdAOTRXKXr5s/s320/DSC00226.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgRgTTMPka-zfDbB6w9zjwhS51ywHim2snoc4ySoGuLz5_U-JG-HSGn5qxndwkg4yZK2IwvcG4KRuQRwgP0N0Mw7rb_ITfSFq8YYlkOE3c1ziqvbzo0B37B1Did0yLREdm0wZU9KbxuU/s1600/DSC00227.JPG"></a> </p><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgRgTTMPka-zfDbB6w9zjwhS51ywHim2snoc4ySoGuLz5_U-JG-HSGn5qxndwkg4yZK2IwvcG4KRuQRwgP0N0Mw7rb_ITfSFq8YYlkOE3c1ziqvbzo0B37B1Did0yLREdm0wZU9KbxuU/s1600/DSC00227.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546113783524834850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgRgTTMPka-zfDbB6w9zjwhS51ywHim2snoc4ySoGuLz5_U-JG-HSGn5qxndwkg4yZK2IwvcG4KRuQRwgP0N0Mw7rb_ITfSFq8YYlkOE3c1ziqvbzo0B37B1Did0yLREdm0wZU9KbxuU/s320/DSC00227.JPG" /></a></p><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgRgTTMPka-zfDbB6w9zjwhS51ywHim2snoc4ySoGuLz5_U-JG-HSGn5qxndwkg4yZK2IwvcG4KRuQRwgP0N0Mw7rb_ITfSFq8YYlkOE3c1ziqvbzo0B37B1Did0yLREdm0wZU9KbxuU/s1600/DSC00227.JPG"></a> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The sweet shops were more eleg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy9red3-cMMIiGLF6lHM9CEFcyjgWGM3uTFn6skRPub5mmKI1kHVyMysex6vP3SNIhLy0JRnW8PjLpAZlgaKqGIuJA9gvt1bchCVo4gHL876tBfScDR6fxZ1rtn7hcQpAV9QU04XJxk4/s1600/DSC00173.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546111352644942962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy9red3-cMMIiGLF6lHM9CEFcyjgWGM3uTFn6skRPub5mmKI1kHVyMysex6vP3SNIhLy0JRnW8PjLpAZlgaKqGIuJA9gvt1bchCVo4gHL876tBfScDR6fxZ1rtn7hcQpAV9QU04XJxk4/s320/DSC00173.JPG" /></a>ant</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p></div><div><div>This seems to be the season for this inedible Fall plant used for decoration.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXUBmK2Vcbjeyt27N0fY39Aam29JQ1mdnWOoGQXI4YjP7A2f25kmj9elxq1dQNIb1P0TIWfAqfFwkp6JpBxSRBUKzx85Luo7WLxhBLHVbGY26T2dbODrQ941tHdysZXZP0gUfP-_1Nl8/s1600/DSC00516.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546132625807893794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXUBmK2Vcbjeyt27N0fY39Aam29JQ1mdnWOoGQXI4YjP7A2f25kmj9elxq1dQNIb1P0TIWfAqfFwkp6JpBxSRBUKzx85Luo7WLxhBLHVbGY26T2dbODrQ941tHdysZXZP0gUfP-_1Nl8/s320/DSC00516.JPG" /></a> Someone told us it might be a "parrot plant," but I don;t find it on the internet - enlighten me.</div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9O0xRbrIA27BqchyphenhyphenU6d_OVKZlEzfjY9Yv_aVkuizllKZ5Lx22VLloO-UaAScyh3bt0fJPfilGJ3CYqBduh25b_RPGZZZ1g77YphtHcsIPbP9vrnF3zTMwcEaRNpK2aZjrw1f2GuRdRQ/s1600/DSC00676.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546132634516055554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9O0xRbrIA27BqchyphenhyphenU6d_OVKZlEzfjY9Yv_aVkuizllKZ5Lx22VLloO-UaAScyh3bt0fJPfilGJ3CYqBduh25b_RPGZZZ1g77YphtHcsIPbP9vrnF3zTMwcEaRNpK2aZjrw1f2GuRdRQ/s320/DSC00676.JPG" /></a><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I guess you could plan a "quick getaway" in a <a href="http://www.funtechscootcar.com/Aus%20Scootcar%20Web/www.scoot-cars.com/features.htm"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scootcar</span></a>....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqusH5quuWGXf1jcMEDYInfUyWhWIr3LuH_3zTg7iO7LkyPZ0PFhhw_l0BEb2kL2h6lWTf8UeRovOyNCAxfbP3gwd-2z7bXPvLfcyJAA4HQwuiyZKQehyphenhyphene3KExAZDy51gNCpJeSp-sJYs/s1600/DSC00175.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546113772699107538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqusH5quuWGXf1jcMEDYInfUyWhWIr3LuH_3zTg7iO7LkyPZ0PFhhw_l0BEb2kL2h6lWTf8UeRovOyNCAxfbP3gwd-2z7bXPvLfcyJAA4HQwuiyZKQehyphenhyphene3KExAZDy51gNCpJeSp-sJYs/s320/DSC00175.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-87141242032597092532010-11-28T13:29:00.008-06:002010-11-28T15:20:47.329-06:00Japanese Journey - Taking a WalkThe <a href="http://www.qejapan.com/">"Cloth and Clay"</a> tour began with a meeting the night everyone had arrived. It was a small <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">group</span> of 16, by design, and it turned out to be a very tolerant and congenial group of women plus one husband. Most were from different states, one from Canada, and one from France. Several were repeat travellers with <a href="http://www.qejapan.com/your_tour_leader.php">Susan</a>, although this was the first time this particular trip had been offered and everyone was very careful to be on time....all the time! It was a most impressive effort. Em was the youngest of the group but blended in well. She did not complain about the food or the walking or anything. I was pleased to see how nicely everyone interacted with her.<br /><div>Most of the participants were retired school teachers and they wanted to make sure Em was taking note of all the important points.</div><div>Unfortunately, not all Susan's previous tours had been so delightful for her. Some included wannabes taking notes for their own tour offerings. Legally, they were within their rights - "We paid for this tour"; ethically, it was in poor taste; realistically, there is no way the larger companies can offer what Susan offers. She has the background to teach the reasoning behind the cultural specifics, the love of the people and shared arts, and the connections that offered us views behind the bamboo curtain. We actually met two <a href="http://articles.sfgate.com/1999-05-30/books/17688560_1_living-treasures-art-works-authors">Japanese "Living Treasures!"</a> All this is to tell you that I won't be giving a detailed account of the places we visited, names of people that we met who do not ordinarily appear in public, or showing photos of some wonderful treasures that have not yet been released to the public. I WILL share what I can because it was fascinating......</div><div>Just walking through the streets in Japan is a real treat. This was my fourth trip over several decades of my life, so for me it was seeing the changes and embracing the memories. I also enjoyed seeing everything through Em's eyes as a first time visitor, who was also on her first journey to a place where she was definitely a minority - </div><div>"I don't understand anything they are saying."</div><div>"I can't read the signs."</div><div>"Everything is different!"</div><div>Definitely a touch of culture shock.</div><div>The first day, we travel by subway across the city and walk to our destination. It is part of the plan to make us individually mobile on public transportation and thus able to get around independently. I make sure Em is up front getting directions.</div><div>I LOVE to walk! It is the best way to see the city but I am often distracted by side views and trying to capture everything with my camera. I walk at the back of the group so I don't run into anyone or block <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">someones</span> view or progress. I become accustomed to hurrying to catch up but everything in Japan is picturesque.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk46-PtSa8wN6kBZ-KHNoFtnOlO6Muwqq3z6XXv2tYM1aqEs0KRaH1W3joDPSCldrUAEjV_BfGWY0qgTbSdsQ3CVkmcpSuFkFMCbliVPJQ_tiPOfLKGpG8C5LPLL9_fQMSLRs9fP3jjE/s1600/DSC00131.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk46-PtSa8wN6kBZ-KHNoFtnOlO6Muwqq3z6XXv2tYM1aqEs0KRaH1W3joDPSCldrUAEjV_BfGWY0qgTbSdsQ3CVkmcpSuFkFMCbliVPJQ_tiPOfLKGpG8C5LPLL9_fQMSLRs9fP3jjE/s400/DSC00131.JPG" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>A street vendor is busy just a block away from our upscale hotel. These vendors are more common in the suburbs, but not many are this close. We are only a couple of blocks away from the Imperial Palace and Gardens.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhcmVlnFtczaAzEEci0ctGhSQWmpx8pRmOID0TxJ212t-elIlEpRnW7qMjLHtwRG22PTUiJYndiDvL35uHseWIKrLzJ2s6DS7cVAJTSgP3VzRaAinFhdDJYucA1MkmrDRe-pJLzCGWnE/s1600/DSC00142.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544689780182015490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhcmVlnFtczaAzEEci0ctGhSQWmpx8pRmOID0TxJ212t-elIlEpRnW7qMjLHtwRG22PTUiJYndiDvL35uHseWIKrLzJ2s6DS7cVAJTSgP3VzRaAinFhdDJYucA1MkmrDRe-pJLzCGWnE/s320/DSC00142.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There are so many people in such a small space that the Japanese make everything count. Beauty is incorporated into every nook and cranny. This cement wall is ribbed to give it visual texture and small plates are added for decoration.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk46-PtSa8wN6kBZ-KHNoFtnOlO6Muwqq3z6XXv2tYM1aqEs0KRaH1W3joDPSCldrUAEjV_BfGWY0qgTbSdsQ3CVkmcpSuFkFMCbliVPJQ_tiPOfLKGpG8C5LPLL9_fQMSLRs9fP3jjE/s1600/DSC00131.JPG"></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHqcgIH8RAPs-puq0OiTw2OCOCP8-pPtrgfXsxTCFeykfG9Lte6nsskKZLu2bfd32mgDXCcaw54TY9uZWy7Rt8QZ5gXNpum5IDruEZafkBMw9CoYJHK-37P2eNLNPZPmU_HKpk46VA5U/s1600/101_0458.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544687089416239938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHqcgIH8RAPs-puq0OiTw2OCOCP8-pPtrgfXsxTCFeykfG9Lte6nsskKZLu2bfd32mgDXCcaw54TY9uZWy7Rt8QZ5gXNpum5IDruEZafkBMw9CoYJHK-37P2eNLNPZPmU_HKpk46VA5U/s320/101_0458.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Em captured this particularly cute one with an owl design.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd0k_cP8CDYu1bZwyDyEk167ToqUiKKTrRB0_Oppe7H9g-sOQ_JYvTxBA1x2M5zIQNaJ_1R2Bi_uI_5F1EKHi_IwnI1ZRi7iL8WO0-i_R1FqLj1tgCn20CWgvW4oRBeRtXubKt8d9HHs/s1600/DSC00155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544689791323968402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd0k_cP8CDYu1bZwyDyEk167ToqUiKKTrRB0_Oppe7H9g-sOQ_JYvTxBA1x2M5zIQNaJ_1R2Bi_uI_5F1EKHi_IwnI1ZRi7iL8WO0-i_R1FqLj1tgCn20CWgvW4oRBeRtXubKt8d9HHs/s320/DSC00155.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Just a contained filled with water <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adds</span> visual interest, although in Texas it would be full of mosquito larva.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk46-PtSa8wN6kBZ-KHNoFtnOlO6Muwqq3z6XXv2tYM1aqEs0KRaH1W3joDPSCldrUAEjV_BfGWY0qgTbSdsQ3CVkmcpSuFkFMCbliVPJQ_tiPOfLKGpG8C5LPLL9_fQMSLRs9fP3jjE/s1600/DSC00131.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zzDPQY05CQzFx7V-h6fopkZ98fI_J9F-hznifXRKwBL5PfNKwkvAhwn2zWzXyyYW_ooCqhX4Wyo96amWYo84KOBXyH2O1OvMurSXjGZtEr_JZQbjXvZPFeirl548a8MAZc72vTk0ZLU/s1600/DSC00149.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544687065108167010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zzDPQY05CQzFx7V-h6fopkZ98fI_J9F-hznifXRKwBL5PfNKwkvAhwn2zWzXyyYW_ooCqhX4Wyo96amWYo84KOBXyH2O1OvMurSXjGZtEr_JZQbjXvZPFeirl548a8MAZc72vTk0ZLU/s320/DSC00149.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Even a very small area is an opportunity for peace, quiet, and beauty.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDKkCzU3UB614kNnqKpz3QZsPX07Oqf3T39z-HSYqTL1tu9nw4kMj5kFRN2-clsGbaMDtB_KdKsAyGcGXXq7aV22B-L1oFnasYWtNODicmuN-NrMkzaKX_sJAKyJ5vWYPg_AFBjFQAPA/s1600/DSC00142.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIBVGvI4_ZsF6h1D5WFuVNG5mxk4xDqR9EXEgy3MnhWqMF12WiAjurascbtxKQrYbXfZCnAI8yVmXZ-ILfM8Xf7xxq1-sO1ESMzDSgfYrPfWAWbOOTZvs45hLojHQiMNI1ItnwwqtVlg/s1600/DSC00148.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544687043252425154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIBVGvI4_ZsF6h1D5WFuVNG5mxk4xDqR9EXEgy3MnhWqMF12WiAjurascbtxKQrYbXfZCnAI8yVmXZ-ILfM8Xf7xxq1-sO1ESMzDSgfYrPfWAWbOOTZvs45hLojHQiMNI1ItnwwqtVlg/s320/DSC00148.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOub0uX6wTu2KojW7AsRdaCQLe6l_OvMdN0biThEheOApeEPFMw1ozRnG_a4qS1BsUOHQhKSffbcQOsERhisgPl5RfMS1zU4fXehKEDIqcxzBdiCiQlMzn4ZOeXuTAyFvcai5fOspZEA/s1600/DSC00146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOub0uX6wTu2KojW7AsRdaCQLe6l_OvMdN0biThEheOApeEPFMw1ozRnG_a4qS1BsUOHQhKSffbcQOsERhisgPl5RfMS1zU4fXehKEDIqcxzBdiCiQlMzn4ZOeXuTAyFvcai5fOspZEA/s400/DSC00146.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oWoI0VkqDbWmUHEe6DNSB6mBvtz4gyoFvjzScpW0fUdXj9yXXp8bORRS96P2-1y5kghVFdhaqaiK8QM1otCnV87d6L2JcbU9MvDbOdW0WGQwLRXDbBIHpxmt5AzQg3UxI6KqK-sHIlg/s1600/DSC00141.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oWoI0VkqDbWmUHEe6DNSB6mBvtz4gyoFvjzScpW0fUdXj9yXXp8bORRS96P2-1y5kghVFdhaqaiK8QM1otCnV87d6L2JcbU9MvDbOdW0WGQwLRXDbBIHpxmt5AzQg3UxI6KqK-sHIlg/s400/DSC00141.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a>A new use for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">olde</span></span> doors</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">These characters guarding the street corner are some sort of popular trend.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHes8IplGA07-args4nil4JtilqQzZleLY5X-hN56s18pT1K1myY7lioJ0njr3BBdd3n0GE5Lwd2BAMMCINV08eAAVKsUV0zIYcGxxnEmxOcAH4l5zpy22NMvSd_5m5d7JMuL3kq-mVY/s1600/DSC00140.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHes8IplGA07-args4nil4JtilqQzZleLY5X-hN56s18pT1K1myY7lioJ0njr3BBdd3n0GE5Lwd2BAMMCINV08eAAVKsUV0zIYcGxxnEmxOcAH4l5zpy22NMvSd_5m5d7JMuL3kq-mVY/s400/DSC00140.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Did I mention that Em really likes her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Fedora</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwlmeQ3JfsnQAJo_x_zR7bgsuCroB0kBTzxZ0GKJZ-av29DKzlIsBZM9AKG6kouSPQnexdVODPC3_uSmGvto5yz-gdsVJsylgl-8egoTYvb6GBQlu476ffZlsK2p6Wy9C_X-uVoZ92P0/s1600/DSC00154.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544687075832430178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwlmeQ3JfsnQAJo_x_zR7bgsuCroB0kBTzxZ0GKJZ-av29DKzlIsBZM9AKG6kouSPQnexdVODPC3_uSmGvto5yz-gdsVJsylgl-8egoTYvb6GBQlu476ffZlsK2p6Wy9C_X-uVoZ92P0/s320/DSC00154.JPG" /></a> and wears it all the time?</div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-58325075475578120112010-11-26T14:32:00.004-06:002010-11-26T23:06:39.559-06:00Free Cooking LessonsAn insertion here from another point around the globe. ....<br />Shelley is a down-to-earth Canadian living in Paris, France. She has a series of cooking videos that are fun and informative. This particular series is free and covers cooking and freezing. Not your typical cooking class. Have a look and <a href="http://freshfromthefreezer.com/2010/10/19/here-we-go-introductory-video/http://">sign up for free classes</a>!<div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-82304784303760608342010-11-26T13:30:00.002-06:002010-11-27T07:43:12.023-06:00Japanese Journey - Exploring Takeshita DoriEm and I headed down <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Takeshita</span> Dori ("<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">dori</span>" is street in Japanese) in the early evening and discovered that it was dark by 5:30. The small shops were filled with young teens stopping by on their way hom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomVoWc7iDOGRt5kAH2UZjRuOqhNgyCVHgaMzzx7S-KRIJPaeR9Ig-4DSE_Yrmez6l8FKSO9jquhvu_R-jwibm0y6TMF7KqBlopP4hfyxsnSLy2LTx1yLiKpe7tve61Q8O0COVxPowyGI/s1600/DSC00094a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomVoWc7iDOGRt5kAH2UZjRuOqhNgyCVHgaMzzx7S-KRIJPaeR9Ig-4DSE_Yrmez6l8FKSO9jquhvu_R-jwibm0y6TMF7KqBlopP4hfyxsnSLy2LTx1yLiKpe7tve61Q8O0COVxPowyGI/s400/DSC00094a.jpg" /></a>e from school, young couples out for a walk, and busy, busy people rushing to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">whoknowswhere</span>.<br /><br /><br />I was trying to take a photo of Em when a kind gentleman offered to take one of us together. His English was excellent and he chatted about the time he had spent in California. (Did I mention she LOVED her hat and wore it everywhere?)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Almost everyone spoke at least a little English and several who offered help at various times during our stay, spoke very well. Others, like the gaggle of school girls from whom we asked directions, managed to come up with some very basic English words they had learned in school, emphasized with a lot of giggling. My Japanese was even more basic and really sent them into hysterics. They probably had a good time relating their experience in their next English class.<br />As we continued our exploration of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Takeshita</span> Dori, we discovered that almost anything can be purchased from a vending machine. They are found on almost every street corner and there appears to be no problem with vandalism. We found the Japanese people to be very honest and polite. We never felt unsafe on the streets, even at night....not that we were out that late, mind you.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOSgSXTsqVePDVHprHctwED1bTyKIRXfoNFCP4wOXQE8rcTeElmLNce9-lH96SCNMPd-phs3B_Ztbqzy7UlyvmwdxBhh2Iq2KuJyD5stxDlkYZuf_IB-jepBb8KJvyaPmLmh5dewwRrU/s1600/DSC00095.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543913217120505442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOSgSXTsqVePDVHprHctwED1bTyKIRXfoNFCP4wOXQE8rcTeElmLNce9-lH96SCNMPd-phs3B_Ztbqzy7UlyvmwdxBhh2Iq2KuJyD5stxDlkYZuf_IB-jepBb8KJvyaPmLmh5dewwRrU/s320/DSC00095.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Small shops lined the passageways, tucked in close like cinnamon rolls in a package, displaying just enough to entice the shoppers. Most specialized in one particular item.....like this shop filled with a variety of socks.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSaeeaDvphr_7HtTI588GssLop3x6YnI3n2mzbZxnD2Im6cPh85PTiez8Wj9WtI_lq5d9oj6vzSU6TAg6oTc-okhif-QjqRbiwTeq7t1OaGPUdQdWfmv4pc8kdxomOD0JCyfOTqmYaQk/s1600/DSC00096.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543913209732046178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSaeeaDvphr_7HtTI588GssLop3x6YnI3n2mzbZxnD2Im6cPh85PTiez8Wj9WtI_lq5d9oj6vzSU6TAg6oTc-okhif-QjqRbiwTeq7t1OaGPUdQdWfmv4pc8kdxomOD0JCyfOTqmYaQk/s320/DSC00096.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOSgSXTsqVePDVHprHctwED1bTyKIRXfoNFCP4wOXQE8rcTeElmLNce9-lH96SCNMPd-phs3B_Ztbqzy7UlyvmwdxBhh2Iq2KuJyD5stxDlkYZuf_IB-jepBb8KJvyaPmLmh5dewwRrU/s1600/DSC00095.JPG"></a></div><div>Leaving the shopping area, we wandered into an area where masses of people were gathering. Our limited communication skills and the high noise level were not conducive to the exchange of information, but the streets were roped off and a "security" person kept pointing to an area and motioning us to wait and watch - this amid a flow of shouted Japanese completely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unintelligible</span> to us. We found a likely spot and waited.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUhDPTMJ463GYe8kCmKRlZ7hW7LyNLeNkcRFkR_o3pvDIswIqWlF2zi3PK5HdImiKHaYGgztKaKe-nWC0YinkRINwtrchnLtJwLROer2Z9y3JdcHxpEJDKvU5p-RLLpbV9MtVX9NNNig/s1600/DSC00122.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUhDPTMJ463GYe8kCmKRlZ7hW7LyNLeNkcRFkR_o3pvDIswIqWlF2zi3PK5HdImiKHaYGgztKaKe-nWC0YinkRINwtrchnLtJwLROer2Z9y3JdcHxpEJDKvU5p-RLLpbV9MtVX9NNNig/s400/DSC00122.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were soon treated to a parade of costumed people, most with loud instruments of some sort to accompany their"singing". Over-sized drums on a rolling rack required so much effort, that the drummers changed places as they stepped along.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUhDPTMJ463GYe8kCmKRlZ7hW7LyNLeNkcRFkR_o3pvDIswIqWlF2zi3PK5HdImiKHaYGgztKaKe-nWC0YinkRINwtrchnLtJwLROer2Z9y3JdcHxpEJDKvU5p-RLLpbV9MtVX9NNNig/s1600/DSC00122.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Hundreds (or more) of people lined the route for a relatively short parade. Fortunately, Em and I were a tad taller than most of the natives, so we could see some of the action. We never did discover what the parade was about, but it seemed likely it was <a href="http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/japan/tokyo/tokyo-festivals-&-events/tokyo-jidai-matsuri.html"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jidai</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Matsuri</span></a>. </div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk6lMmb9cgjft0tFwxh4Es6bco79m8fQ2EajlOakQYuRCdHCh0XjsHD3i-AvaTEHd2uspJaTo1QmhoBzOZQocvRsxfscJ_Pw3jUEgTZB1nuo6JXn0kohbvWH8QeM4aBDeuMah56HdblE/s400/DSC00113.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAx46wXKo0cWXGhvZnk3yhDSsidecglj533_8wAevHcjWC1YeBNkF_sHuzne3T80fpDpnNTEbUCiQ59uWSF0TdAFTRVHwDHWTBUtS30v959XvAVeu5wdlbhqqRIC-5Xs_6ZhpSnJDteg/s1600/DSC00108.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543913465520341426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAx46wXKo0cWXGhvZnk3yhDSsidecglj533_8wAevHcjWC1YeBNkF_sHuzne3T80fpDpnNTEbUCiQ59uWSF0TdAFTRVHwDHWTBUtS30v959XvAVeu5wdlbhqqRIC-5Xs_6ZhpSnJDteg/s320/DSC00108.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKQvhQrDRZJdPuXylb-NQJlVd5xdQluB0uzfoIeQEnJpPKHIwfY6wzW-kydxMOy893_RfOMAIgNowLZbYkquQzE1wvz9__NAsPrL4I7yFn4oMFGq4HrpedUSffY65P0Eax30oucNdAbc/s1600/DSC00111.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKQvhQrDRZJdPuXylb-NQJlVd5xdQluB0uzfoIeQEnJpPKHIwfY6wzW-kydxMOy893_RfOMAIgNowLZbYkquQzE1wvz9__NAsPrL4I7yFn4oMFGq4HrpedUSffY65P0Eax30oucNdAbc/s400/DSC00111.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There was one huge float with mean-looking "warriors" which dominated the parade. and the various costumes indicated it might be part of "Culture Day."<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSaeeaDvphr_7HtTI588GssLop3x6YnI3n2mzbZxnD2Im6cPh85PTiez8Wj9WtI_lq5d9oj6vzSU6TAg6oTc-okhif-QjqRbiwTeq7t1OaGPUdQdWfmv4pc8kdxomOD0JCyfOTqmYaQk/s1600/DSC00096.JPG"></a></div><div>We ended the evening with dinner at a restaurant we discovered on our walk - Wolfgang Puck. The name was quite recognizable, but the food was local and very tasty.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL-c-PYg3H5Hji4-JnFiY9f3uJa-fywH24tnqHf81HTq4eespfvt9jl1cfe2OLFnG2JnBOJ1bp2N1yLt5sBNIpaLdafVf9-4XAcxJvcHO5kA9HjxwiyXyyTsx3qianwBOsIChJBA0fKU/s1600/001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543923809298715554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL-c-PYg3H5Hji4-JnFiY9f3uJa-fywH24tnqHf81HTq4eespfvt9jl1cfe2OLFnG2JnBOJ1bp2N1yLt5sBNIpaLdafVf9-4XAcxJvcHO5kA9HjxwiyXyyTsx3qianwBOsIChJBA0fKU/s320/001.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div>This short video will give you some idea of the parade and crowd.</div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzgpElYsWBxImiRceEmDiv_OoAldLTKGfqvca5W39pWw4XV9gVgkAB7kz6uEAhKDrfYtMBxzMCf8ORPISM37g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-63566800457953179032010-11-25T23:28:00.011-06:002010-11-26T18:28:04.961-06:00Journey in Japan - A Day for EmOne thing I am very clear on - I have NO sense of direction. Fortunately, I have been blessed with two strong legs so when I end up wandering around, I can think of my wanderings as an adventure. Em has a fairly good sense of direction but, even better, she was a pro right off the bat at reading the subway signs. This was impressed on me when we traveled in England, so I was able to relax and trust her to get us where we wanted to go ...... most of the time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbPPdnbTkYnIhg0_BLZ45PEANAK41ZQ2FcjrTeG9_L0WWE9rJ5OVKDh-Bn7J7bwnQ7SG8e__MMr88rO3AfzwjGi7RDkpfSLbNpUqVvxeTFTgWFpbHErDRelGzCzU-c3uwt4vCK8jOijw/s1600/DSC00074.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbPPdnbTkYnIhg0_BLZ45PEANAK41ZQ2FcjrTeG9_L0WWE9rJ5OVKDh-Bn7J7bwnQ7SG8e__MMr88rO3AfzwjGi7RDkpfSLbNpUqVvxeTFTgWFpbHErDRelGzCzU-c3uwt4vCK8jOijw/s400/DSC00074.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA1NI9UddXi71ziTpoOGcGAm5_rIteUjIRPgDmAP8AbLeSjznoKrq3_WQSNZJbHSqbgCYmfU19ZGss_Ftjeg_ThF1rF41DVnwVNS3BQdKUiRTfRW7ErhURJodz8SLWLyR4KMvQeBfA1o/s1600/DSC00137a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544009928678121186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA1NI9UddXi71ziTpoOGcGAm5_rIteUjIRPgDmAP8AbLeSjznoKrq3_WQSNZJbHSqbgCYmfU19ZGss_Ftjeg_ThF1rF41DVnwVNS3BQdKUiRTfRW7ErhURJodz8SLWLyR4KMvQeBfA1o/s320/DSC00137a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>The children begin riding the subway at a very young age in Japan. They are confident and, apparently, safe. They are still children, however, as evidenced by these two school friends who had a fencing match with their umbrellas before they settled down to wait for the subway.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48W02CWoCEceeGnkByOZ94W_a3lMfTfKBNVNYbVQ5OEGGjDWZ6RQDuph7Neg3GzjVXgeex9-znrVKe_tp48S_NYAz8SEa8cNKh44hYP_wyumbp0L44K5y1aR_RkT7JuH61bxOS4xiZbs/s1600/DSC00077.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543728924363320738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48W02CWoCEceeGnkByOZ94W_a3lMfTfKBNVNYbVQ5OEGGjDWZ6RQDuph7Neg3GzjVXgeex9-znrVKe_tp48S_NYAz8SEa8cNKh44hYP_wyumbp0L44K5y1aR_RkT7JuH61bxOS4xiZbs/s320/DSC00077.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48W02CWoCEceeGnkByOZ94W_a3lMfTfKBNVNYbVQ5OEGGjDWZ6RQDuph7Neg3GzjVXgeex9-znrVKe_tp48S_NYAz8SEa8cNKh44hYP_wyumbp0L44K5y1aR_RkT7JuH61bxOS4xiZbs/s1600/DSC00077.JPG"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKnZp2BnWG0iDizuLqMnDAUGdVOQ6CyHN_3Q52jOFqdTAebZvFIAhLPl6vKWra-daUz48T2uyj6JaA88reLL0InB3UhS9r_1_l75XVOMMm_3nLRVCOtmHxUBj_Tbn3uJGw8TAIgIxxN4/s1600/DSC00079.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543728925948901762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKnZp2BnWG0iDizuLqMnDAUGdVOQ6CyHN_3Q52jOFqdTAebZvFIAhLPl6vKWra-daUz48T2uyj6JaA88reLL0InB3UhS9r_1_l75XVOMMm_3nLRVCOtmHxUBj_Tbn3uJGw8TAIgIxxN4/s320/DSC00079.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48W02CWoCEceeGnkByOZ94W_a3lMfTfKBNVNYbVQ5OEGGjDWZ6RQDuph7Neg3GzjVXgeex9-znrVKe_tp48S_NYAz8SEa8cNKh44hYP_wyumbp0L44K5y1aR_RkT7JuH61bxOS4xiZbs/s1600/DSC00077.JPG"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48W02CWoCEceeGnkByOZ94W_a3lMfTfKBNVNYbVQ5OEGGjDWZ6RQDuph7Neg3GzjVXgeex9-znrVKe_tp48S_NYAz8SEa8cNKh44hYP_wyumbp0L44K5y1aR_RkT7JuH61bxOS4xiZbs/s1600/DSC00077.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I knew that we would be on a tight schedule when the tour started so I wanted Em to have an opportunity to see something in which she was particularly interested. Like any red-blooded American girl, she wanted to go shopping. I thought I might distract her by pointing out some of the busy, little alleyways that housed small vendors, but that was not what she had in mind.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoEmZC-BAdbTZVYZXT5ZA4ZCu_LgUicyCUS-50S_15pHc148zBmkX5Dt7jc2liTI5mA2V7hyphenhypheniq4kvFcXdS2M3zPvi4OjCmoZE8pqlx7rprqKnlBDZoz2G2xnD0WJZ-Tfk8XVrHYFPSxY/s1600/DSC00083.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543730060429502850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoEmZC-BAdbTZVYZXT5ZA4ZCu_LgUicyCUS-50S_15pHc148zBmkX5Dt7jc2liTI5mA2V7hyphenhypheniq4kvFcXdS2M3zPvi4OjCmoZE8pqlx7rprqKnlBDZoz2G2xnD0WJZ-Tfk8XVrHYFPSxY/s320/DSC00083.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Em was interested in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> big city shops. We headed for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Harajuku</span> area - the area frequented by the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harajuku">Harajuku</a></span> Girls, raves, and "fashion". We probably missed the real show since we were there on Monday, but there were a few mildly outrageously dressed girls. Em was very curious to know why there were all wearing "tails" - furry, tail-like appendages hanging off skirts, handbag <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9MNJaZ6DZCfQy0szVf3MDMtYARE6WIbSDS9nhddmHKj6vAN_QAfHsuxLYCNifBqoiHcyZumPwwVjN7LDIQu_EYGlrIgEplrSEBJHF-izWRQ-Hezry8AKUcak_Jn1RfsYmouFN7hq0qM/s1600/DSC00082.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9MNJaZ6DZCfQy0szVf3MDMtYARE6WIbSDS9nhddmHKj6vAN_QAfHsuxLYCNifBqoiHcyZumPwwVjN7LDIQu_EYGlrIgEplrSEBJHF-izWRQ-Hezry8AKUcak_Jn1RfsYmouFN7hq0qM/s400/DSC00082.JPG" /></a></div>s, etc. </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">We covered 4 floors of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html">Shibuya</a></span> Department store and Em took it all in.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GeSyXCBVg2hq8HJx0KYS6gRm_rupw3Ssmi602teywtiq1DfpudA0j3epqQC1Yc9CiXdPazA0K8QD3D6xUAkjGj8685-_cZkjQWCWttdTzxqh2ZRJ0-BfafFbGDGnlBQV3ny46gXOPPg/s1600/DSC00088.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543738872958978642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GeSyXCBVg2hq8HJx0KYS6gRm_rupw3Ssmi602teywtiq1DfpudA0j3epqQC1Yc9CiXdPazA0K8QD3D6xUAkjGj8685-_cZkjQWCWttdTzxqh2ZRJ0-BfafFbGDGnlBQV3ny46gXOPPg/s320/DSC00088.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW1HbtlznLWIpIjXmSQ3_LptHWBK2xlDE85elutI9-ztqs6YqmZ81MiibThiyvFqqygPhCfaY5QaqafpaNLs4Znej8W1UGIMGASzUrQzktg_ky7R2Bfp_mQK-ZYXRMDSFsUh7-EN_zAc/s1600/DSC00089.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543745054080277554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW1HbtlznLWIpIjXmSQ3_LptHWBK2xlDE85elutI9-ztqs6YqmZ81MiibThiyvFqqygPhCfaY5QaqafpaNLs4Znej8W1UGIMGASzUrQzktg_ky7R2Bfp_mQK-ZYXRMDSFsUh7-EN_zAc/s320/DSC00089.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLbKrNeM4CZMyZo5hMXW0e9mubz3eC6YgWzHgLYGBYHFyGBRqqUt4p0Q4NU8BhVfzFvWu1431Cy6pqJPpsIQJ0uDTke7TPMRC7rIziN6CUjHd8U_OE2vGIU9vN3giqvzkAwPp3qH6yB8/s1600/DSC00085.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543730066763189410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLbKrNeM4CZMyZo5hMXW0e9mubz3eC6YgWzHgLYGBYHFyGBRqqUt4p0Q4NU8BhVfzFvWu1431Cy6pqJPpsIQJ0uDTke7TPMRC7rIziN6CUjHd8U_OE2vGIU9vN3giqvzkAwPp3qH6yB8/s320/DSC00085.JPG" /></a>The floors were accessed by chrome <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">escalators</span>, mirrored from above. Very jazzy!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Em spent a lot of time looking - at clothes and the girls shopping. Prices were high but it did not appear to slow the, mostly, young women. Apparently, they still live at home <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">after</span> they leave school and get a job, so they have a lot of disposable income.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Em had her own spending money. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ABW</span> and I had talked about how the money was to be dispersed before we left. ABW decided it was better for Em to learn about budgeting at this tender age than later, so Em was on her own. I offered a grandma's conservative suggestions, but in the end the decision to buy, or not to buy, was Em's.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Em looked...........</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3Or3tFEDvdkczSa5HsySA086BbDTyaZaNh3mXbxatIVh0mbVFAaOyblOns06m4KJc-jORquB6MIg5Gpy6tSxainZCVebd4Rlpm0bs8HC3dRnWGUwM00Ls9LsN3mZ3sM-bqHYnEUnujc/s1600/DSC00087.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543738869473096802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3Or3tFEDvdkczSa5HsySA086BbDTyaZaNh3mXbxatIVh0mbVFAaOyblOns06m4KJc-jORquB6MIg5Gpy6tSxainZCVebd4Rlpm0bs8HC3dRnWGUwM00Ls9LsN3mZ3sM-bqHYnEUnujc/s320/DSC00087.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV0GDYbdoTSUfpjMwA1y6zZUj2If5Zp-in-Z4fAgxVcLUU0yp3qLymWyug0GCwg0E9AQuz75VdfHSuHqGsVgSNsFFrgR61p-bMOxCl12ioMFkaTu4xW5mMoFIjDoVDlddNByYWVpx-GY/s1600/DSC00086.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544011131260659730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV0GDYbdoTSUfpjMwA1y6zZUj2If5Zp-in-Z4fAgxVcLUU0yp3qLymWyug0GCwg0E9AQuz75VdfHSuHqGsVgSNsFFrgR61p-bMOxCl12ioMFkaTu4xW5mMoFIjDoVDlddNByYWVpx-GY/s320/DSC00086.JPG" /></a>.....and looked.......</div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">...but in the end, all she bought was this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">black</span> fedora. She was so pleased with her purchase! She wore it everywhere!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrx8ITKoPfC65xkKRsLa4I2Thlt6DhiSyP5nCJeuLRXECiYGJxcrlKjyUOAg62-833ZdD77b-iHfIUc5g8RGyBHTS3ytpArlM0tlOQN5DS0cm0CwmnRrqeJJHLEnnrvTCyy1vvtROz04/s1600/101_0452.JPG"></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAmv_ihOkO7iHSg-Brgi7zn7l49X-WrP16kwaMRedXTbRsk02llaOFaHMe_ku8f3q12Jg3ybk5xPpGYwYhBG-XibX85ZmW2Uu206qq7zvCr_h5aZKkITM9m9SjZyU37vZ1n8OHjJHyM/s1600/DSC00193a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543949123665183330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAmv_ihOkO7iHSg-Brgi7zn7l49X-WrP16kwaMRedXTbRsk02llaOFaHMe_ku8f3q12Jg3ybk5xPpGYwYhBG-XibX85ZmW2Uu206qq7zvCr_h5aZKkITM9m9SjZyU37vZ1n8OHjJHyM/s320/DSC00193a.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-21785932684125552712010-11-06T16:02:00.010-05:002010-11-08T06:25:34.758-06:00Journey to Japan - A Day on Our Own<div><div>We have intentionally arrived a day early. We want to relax a little and see some of the town on our own before the tour starts. Our first order of business is to find breakfast. Jonathan's coffee shop and grill is right across the street. Sounds friendly, though not very Japanese, but we head for it anyway. A friendly man welcomes us, shows us to our seats, and hands us a menu. He knows a few, heavily accented, English words. I have used my morning vocabulary saying "<em>Ohio <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">gozaimas</span>."</em><br />We can't read the menu but it does have nice pictures. Unfortunately, some of the pictures are open to interpretation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO-Twn_aIkjWjXSgHjvyFFWVKr362GIJVc8LiTTAdnvomX4xXLlm227vwXw_8OqjKxxeJIO2auOLUYpCkzUIK1Qj3hXDNo11oG3T7gb3Jiph1x_b8hg9IOw_FqIuk_XLTWWL3ttwO638/s1600/DSC00067.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO-Twn_aIkjWjXSgHjvyFFWVKr362GIJVc8LiTTAdnvomX4xXLlm227vwXw_8OqjKxxeJIO2auOLUYpCkzUIK1Qj3hXDNo11oG3T7gb3Jiph1x_b8hg9IOw_FqIuk_XLTWWL3ttwO638/s400/DSC00067.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Before he walked away, our waiter explained everything to us (in Japanese of course) and pointed. with explanation, to the end of the table. We smiled at him. He walked away. We study the pictures on the menu.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzFo2f1FQ_A7usiex5yEBkegxiCNczbhCMRiPtY8lorcHM2X5WDy4twgTWpqIi8WWlpasEUuvpAhP4TG2Vkyr0zsRVt0V06mfyPUuYmTBPUjvJxhEysYhqlsO2DmU5-dk-6gT9kW6YbE/s1600/DSC00069.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzFo2f1FQ_A7usiex5yEBkegxiCNczbhCMRiPtY8lorcHM2X5WDy4twgTWpqIi8WWlpasEUuvpAhP4TG2Vkyr0zsRVt0V06mfyPUuYmTBPUjvJxhEysYhqlsO2DmU5-dk-6gT9kW6YbE/s400/DSC00069.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Some 20 minutes later, we feel we have deciphered enough to order. There are two prices, one includs eshe "beverage bar." Our waiter seemed to have forgotten us, so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finally</span> get up and peek around the corner. He sees me and hurries over. We order and he points us to the beverage bar. Sign language is to be a staple of our communication, although I begin to recall more and more of the words and phrases I used to use. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YA8PuflNwLPhoSICcinJgkeCsNW-3EgkljyEdN0LeB80uH_E1IOoAqIetW4x_M07zaEl6NmC3HfkH0SsPgD7R_y-5dtbV416fS-4ZRGZRBesNgtpzydd8UKNWK-MDtQpOx6jEsy3Bb4/s1600/DSC00072.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537150064026018290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YA8PuflNwLPhoSICcinJgkeCsNW-3EgkljyEdN0LeB80uH_E1IOoAqIetW4x_M07zaEl6NmC3HfkH0SsPgD7R_y-5dtbV416fS-4ZRGZRBesNgtpzydd8UKNWK-MDtQpOx6jEsy3Bb4/s320/DSC00072.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Em decides to try a green drink available at the beverage bar.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_1L0wY0lbRVPGr5ESby7-YVusYU6mM1zViKsPEjKAdjCTYzBYbntPjrs5-rXOrhJyUBPtf1S93NMQN64qwfzxYQLeP4XS3kFNd5tpApOMgYosMafRZ1lUpnt3O-I-gzZ2gijydd8XJs/s1600/DSC00073.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_1L0wY0lbRVPGr5ESby7-YVusYU6mM1zViKsPEjKAdjCTYzBYbntPjrs5-rXOrhJyUBPtf1S93NMQN64qwfzxYQLeP4XS3kFNd5tpApOMgYosMafRZ1lUpnt3O-I-gzZ2gijydd8XJs/s400/DSC00073.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">It is green <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fanta</span>. We have only seen orange in the U.S.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">I start with a cup of coffee but there are several different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">possiblilitie</span>s. Since I can't have milk, my choices are limited, but I can't tell what is what. I stand there for a while until a woman comes to fill her cup. Taking a chance she speaks some English, I ask which is the plain coffee. She shrugs and says "I don't know, I always get this one," as she fills her cup with a latte. I take a chance on a button, actually get it right, and head back to our table. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS-LtZeeAEXz83wolafOtx58YDJw6VJG6r22EkjRhQ5u6_weCO2qbF3JXkwsCCnG8BaxdjDPRDoQxLu7_xO6y-GKFMxfuz3FWGe2w3iNBXq65tsY-_Qj_8fu-Zhik6c18VRkSPB3Yw_s/s1600/DSC00070.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537147292606917682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS-LtZeeAEXz83wolafOtx58YDJw6VJG6r22EkjRhQ5u6_weCO2qbF3JXkwsCCnG8BaxdjDPRDoQxLu7_xO6y-GKFMxfuz3FWGe2w3iNBXq65tsY-_Qj_8fu-Zhik6c18VRkSPB3Yw_s/s320/DSC00070.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">The silverware is available in a basket on the table, some condiments and tissue-paper thin napkins are at the end of the table where the waiter had indicated earlier. I do not see any sugar anywhere. I poke around at the end of the table and finally try to open a small, oval box. It doesn't seem to have a lid or any way to get into it, so I think perhaps it will pop open when I push down on the top. I push down, a bell rings, and the waiter comes running. Whoops!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Amid much laughter, we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">manag</span> our meal without further incident and head out on our first full day in Tokyo, to explore the teen scene.</div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-24844512576786332932010-11-06T14:59:00.015-05:002010-11-08T05:25:53.521-06:00A Japanese Journey - The ArrivalWhat is the first thing you do after checking in and arriving a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHblnc_K398QeiAq-NoinnqAD-X0DGOc62ULFUoU9CKwAwtl3QwUd762yUkFGiVx2zbl9GHXuxVAhh5nzoOE2S8bw6xA5zRKfHuPjOrjpRgGp6bI-Lpkha1g4V7-5KiduaJHcHJtYb-3o/s1600/Japan+2010+11-1-2010+12-00-57+AM+1944x2592.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536535125611797202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHblnc_K398QeiAq-NoinnqAD-X0DGOc62ULFUoU9CKwAwtl3QwUd762yUkFGiVx2zbl9GHXuxVAhh5nzoOE2S8bw6xA5zRKfHuPjOrjpRgGp6bI-Lpkha1g4V7-5KiduaJHcHJtYb-3o/s320/Japan+2010+11-1-2010+12-00-57+AM+1944x2592.JPG" /></a>t your room?<br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I always check out the view. We have a nice view of part of the city with some tall trees immediately in front of us. Very tall trees, considering we are on the 12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> floor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgofGM4oJ-VdeEnlPNU6r2Hjd4CCkTR4L5fDmOIArOeOOMY0u3V3S0g1DxqdcZeCCYbsf01l8EtIm_Ja7MXAymPzN7Rc_2UhefLN8PgUGHVQ0BAZiooPt0K0jDl7ATb7gyAC6rTaJUH8/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-57-17+PM+1944x2592.JPG" />We are not fancy people but that doesn't men we can't enjoy luxury when we are in its lap. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hotel</span> seems to have thought of everything to make a stay memorable and they present it in a typically warm Japanese manner.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Robes and slippers in the closet<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1a2mr33i-7n3t-Rf148fx5lZQjrH6ADwbzsOjKKa_3gUJtotvoeZq7zBXbGBxEVF8tDgBybFhYEBIIV6XUtJM_E0LgbcZ6ei1ysPqYR-L3XgYfkr74oMmSL3C14BP_eDrQiBGDGQvjE/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-42+PM+2592x1944.JPG"></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1a2mr33i-7n3t-Rf148fx5lZQjrH6ADwbzsOjKKa_3gUJtotvoeZq7zBXbGBxEVF8tDgBybFhYEBIIV6XUtJM_E0LgbcZ6ei1ysPqYR-L3XgYfkr74oMmSL3C14BP_eDrQiBGDGQvjE/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-42+PM+2592x1944.JPG"></a> </div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1a2mr33i-7n3t-Rf148fx5lZQjrH6ADwbzsOjKKa_3gUJtotvoeZq7zBXbGBxEVF8tDgBybFhYEBIIV6XUtJM_E0LgbcZ6ei1ysPqYR-L3XgYfkr74oMmSL3C14BP_eDrQiBGDGQvjE/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-42+PM+2592x1944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536535121535585506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1a2mr33i-7n3t-Rf148fx5lZQjrH6ADwbzsOjKKa_3gUJtotvoeZq7zBXbGBxEVF8tDgBybFhYEBIIV6XUtJM_E0LgbcZ6ei1ysPqYR-L3XgYfkr74oMmSL3C14BP_eDrQiBGDGQvjE/s320/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-42+PM+2592x1944.JPG" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>If a robe is too hot and stuffy, try a cool, comfortable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">yukata</span>. Ready and waiting in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">drawer</span>.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl1rDh46DyDjPlpMrl5Wm87KBqfKwW9NXv8e7Jgu0ijvtuIVfo9y9m0qwG5Tjrel1KN2q18XbSmbSM4aUcxqqGnLOGSGIfMjrgsC69S-g5N1AnmGQCv4i3pjv_llY5cIZ90Guv-mL8v4/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-56-48+PM+2592x1944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl1rDh46DyDjPlpMrl5Wm87KBqfKwW9NXv8e7Jgu0ijvtuIVfo9y9m0qwG5Tjrel1KN2q18XbSmbSM4aUcxqqGnLOGSGIfMjrgsC69S-g5N1AnmGQCv4i3pjv_llY5cIZ90Guv-mL8v4/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-56-48+PM+2592x1944.JPG" /></a>Hotpot filled with water and ready to plug in and heat water for tea. After some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">maneuvering</span>, I discovered I was supposed to just put the plug in the pot, it was already plugged into the wall. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZi6Spmk-cMYdI-6Uyb1fHUwy56VuAfIeSDTq08EuoB_dR_fd5chHTw2NACsQhHThWPZzd-8kHC9U_BdoB0NnacrY7WVggeFwKX7kChIxHFTqyvZhX6yXS2GlmHvKrGvf0_RVdr8MlAs/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-57-44+PM+2592x1944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZi6Spmk-cMYdI-6Uyb1fHUwy56VuAfIeSDTq08EuoB_dR_fd5chHTw2NACsQhHThWPZzd-8kHC9U_BdoB0NnacrY7WVggeFwKX7kChIxHFTqyvZhX6yXS2GlmHvKrGvf0_RVdr8MlAs/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-57-44+PM+2592x1944.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The bath was done in a sunny yellow, a royal color, that reminded me of chrysanthemums. Forget a toiletry? I am sure it was here.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkyZSK9V66SK9gy90Oiz2yCgxaCuJtOpgjwvMONN2k0uQ6s71ferC667PHS9ZK3wpoX5F2DboJ4O53U2bZHRYLao_wmkPOKI9QGvSS39Zcg9aGXtc9ExuE4jXIkO9dKVdgUgwsopccCU/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-57-56+PM+2592x1944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkyZSK9V66SK9gy90Oiz2yCgxaCuJtOpgjwvMONN2k0uQ6s71ferC667PHS9ZK3wpoX5F2DboJ4O53U2bZHRYLao_wmkPOKI9QGvSS39Zcg9aGXtc9ExuE4jXIkO9dKVdgUgwsopccCU/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-57-56+PM+2592x1944.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a>Em's favorite - "What in the world is it?" The seat is heated, as it is almost everywhere - even in public toilets.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSq2xgiWFZ6cwOzR0IDhsgYykaM7j29zDfdnDmAQdd8-uZCmAz5rd5scjJicm9AirJwwYXRpwITqVOS_rKWW1lPO74OvX41FJarOfvMBa169ua8b1DXq1F8q3VIUajmprVj3wlvV2Gdc/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-11+PM+1944x2592.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536535799854242354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSq2xgiWFZ6cwOzR0IDhsgYykaM7j29zDfdnDmAQdd8-uZCmAz5rd5scjJicm9AirJwwYXRpwITqVOS_rKWW1lPO74OvX41FJarOfvMBa169ua8b1DXq1F8q3VIUajmprVj3wlvV2Gdc/s320/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-11+PM+1944x2592.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After we get settled, the first order of business is to let <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ABW</span> know we have arrived safely.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MDBivRAVLwHccRhNYT-TwmlnKo9il8LfRYydY-DISaG2YsMtonBjbg8jw1yHIu4Rz9Tes-7SXUCjhtOgH9df551RuCr_TRAoy9Bv834gbEs3YZoiYtK5j3Qd6YsCXFMPjRDWO7Y9aT8/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-29+PM+1944x2592.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536535801850704082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MDBivRAVLwHccRhNYT-TwmlnKo9il8LfRYydY-DISaG2YsMtonBjbg8jw1yHIu4Rz9Tes-7SXUCjhtOgH9df551RuCr_TRAoy9Bv834gbEs3YZoiYtK5j3Qd6YsCXFMPjRDWO7Y9aT8/s320/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+2-58-29+PM+1944x2592.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-9513507438467752792010-11-01T15:18:00.012-05:002010-11-08T05:18:21.530-06:00A Japanese Journey - The Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJow663PYlGRckoYUiS3Zj6kfTsomCE6_-5baB7YXefCl3wshfcgZHIg3Su9qrvzrYfGD4kpCTYhQxHng5hypDY8pKOetLbx3cpG7HNcecSDggV_NgNeBTvnyO8fLYyKf3R2pcCnq3no/s1600/DSC00001.JPG"></a>I know I haven't finished blogging the trip to England yet, but I will get back to it. I have dragged my computer half way around the world to see if it will make a difference in my being able to keep up with the outflow of information. So far, it has been worth it!<br />I have had this trip planned for a long time. I don't normally like "tours," but this one is a little different. My interest in it is twofold - the focus is "Cloth and Clay," studying the pottery and weaving related to specific areas. The fact that I lived in Okinawa when the wounds of war were still fresh, was the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> temptation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsStqOynzNYs6_gVxUBBOFrjt2YOMrsHoscPwNGGOCTKY7G3a4DzTg_wFSv_zkqi_3F8eAuDSjIIWhSBd4Hui4h7SxngFoYsn6MmVz5Uqw0jL4Wc7sL-gyizxDkB9Wj8zFwrm36k734q4/s1600/DSC00001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534680213475938386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsStqOynzNYs6_gVxUBBOFrjt2YOMrsHoscPwNGGOCTKY7G3a4DzTg_wFSv_zkqi_3F8eAuDSjIIWhSBd4Hui4h7SxngFoYsn6MmVz5Uqw0jL4Wc7sL-gyizxDkB9Wj8zFwrm36k734q4/s320/DSC00001.JPG" /></a><br />The initial information arrived just a few weeks prior to our departure. Typically, they had been tied together with a length of ribbon. The Japanese observe strict modes of conduct in all their dealings. For so many people to live together peacefully in such a small country, they need to be aware of those around them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">The information was appreciated and read but, of course, I went to the computer and explored, looking for even more.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YBhDbnWsa2165HlPP4un2OuPeVTTqn4WtZcEoN61oktwfUWaZVxXr9WtGdkSXGsL_COwGNh716p5_BfmCfOne1eOUdoHIpnZDuHfu63sFD_f-iIV6Ug_26GCjLgBokSdL1h24HR7X9k/s1600/DSC00003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YBhDbnWsa2165HlPP4un2OuPeVTTqn4WtZcEoN61oktwfUWaZVxXr9WtGdkSXGsL_COwGNh716p5_BfmCfOne1eOUdoHIpnZDuHfu63sFD_f-iIV6Ug_26GCjLgBokSdL1h24HR7X9k/s400/DSC00003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">October was such a busy month, I did not feel completely ready for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">departure</span> from Denver on Saturday, 30 October. I had driven to Colorado Springs to visit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ABW</span> and family and pick up Em to accompany me on this Asian trip. Fortunately, Em's (charter) school felt the travel experience would more than make up for the time she missed in class. </div><div align="left">Friday evening, I checked over everything to make sure it was all in order. The most important things are passport, credit card, and money, almost everything else can be replaced. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ABW</span>, the three children, luggage, and I piled into the car, for the trip to Denver. Since we had a 9 AM flight, Em and I planned to spend the night in a hotel rather drive so early in the morning. Thanks to 911, we would need to be at the airport 2 hours early to get through security in a timely manner. In, larger airports and on international flights, I usually aim for 3 hours just to be on the safe side . </div><div align="left">The hour drive was long for the children. Andrew decided to entertain us with his rendition of a deaf opera singer hitting the high notes. When he discovered that this annoyed not only his mother and grandmother, but Abs as well, only continued distraction kept the peace. We kept them somewhat mollified with the usual car games. Nevertheless, we were all relieved to arrive on the outskirts of Denver where there were restaurants. There aren't many between Colorado Springs and Denver. We chose a place that sounded healthy and not too quiet - something about a Tomato - serving a salad buffet. I reached in my backpack for my pouch / purse which held lipstick, brush, and, of course, all those vital documents I mentioned before - passport, credit card, and money. A cold chill ran down my spine as I searched frantically for the pouch! A few minutes later, I had to publicly admit that it was missing. Not the way to begin an international trip. The good news, we had not stopped anywhere else; the bad news, it was back in Colorado Springs at the house.<br />It only made sense to feed the masses first, then we would have to drive back. Ultimately, we found the pouch where I had placed it after checking the contents, and Em and I repeated the Denver drive leaving two very sleepy children at home with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ABW</span>. <div align="left"></div>Early arrival at the airport was a good idea. It was very busy even at that early hour. We made it through all the hoops and relaxed with a breakfast snack, ready to board. Then came the news that our flight had been delayed an hour. The delay was actually in San Francisco, but Southwest Airlines was kind enough to allow us to wait comfortably in the terminal rather than on a crowded plane. My laptop was put to good use and there were electrical outlets by the seats in the waiting area. My cell phone was still working. I had scheduled our flight out of San Francisco with some leeway built in. We had a nice delay.<br />The flight from San Francisco to Tokyo was like riding in a rowboat during a storm. We were tossed, buffeted, shaken, and could hear the plane groaning and rattling. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">woman seated</span> beside me had a very active startle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">reflex</span>. I hope all that plane's screws, nuts, and bolts were checked and tightened before the next flight.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">We did finally arrive in Tokyo, made it through immigration, and customs, then boarded the limo-bus for the hotel. Em was really tired, but put the time to good use.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj034ZsrW9jHcvHgiOnxIJraSBwnmKD3e1KV7_2hZ7Cpk1NJpLWtU2PJe1-1jYK1dTEqvZoF8C3-TrRY2VYOC2aS-ItUdAZdulldYPz7N8dYhzJ5buDySBZtUamEdTEzTefMJ5ZriMEc_Y/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+1-25-43+PM+1944x2592.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj034ZsrW9jHcvHgiOnxIJraSBwnmKD3e1KV7_2hZ7Cpk1NJpLWtU2PJe1-1jYK1dTEqvZoF8C3-TrRY2VYOC2aS-ItUdAZdulldYPz7N8dYhzJ5buDySBZtUamEdTEzTefMJ5ZriMEc_Y/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+1-25-43+PM+1944x2592.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx0QSrhAnCX9DDQRrneDa-3n8pc0715Nhc-6qoKwsPLxJSHmYWBN5SNEa8G9YCQsnBAI8mX8GT23gvfUjQIg9cfw3xAvIrpKTPFzIMuKoJPJ1eU2LbY_3potHHyEjETRbPdhEJ0HnVSc/s1600/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+1-49-20+PM+2592x1944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx0QSrhAnCX9DDQRrneDa-3n8pc0715Nhc-6qoKwsPLxJSHmYWBN5SNEa8G9YCQsnBAI8mX8GT23gvfUjQIg9cfw3xAvIrpKTPFzIMuKoJPJ1eU2LbY_3potHHyEjETRbPdhEJ0HnVSc/s400/Japan+2010+10-31-2010+1-49-20+PM+2592x1944.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Fortunately, it was almost bedtime when we arrived. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-41284534542551878942010-09-15T11:14:00.006-05:002010-09-15T11:44:53.821-05:00Travels with Charley - "The Sorting"If you are at all familiar wit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XaEaNnyr_gbtwxOXxuOp5gSG2ZDt8shnTO-_u94TN48WEnwiv_Rrf0L3K09Bl6McqwhF_78DsrBaRFOQ47rIlRdU5aSwBQdnawalbEKPTkBrJXT4fyCVMBRQtlyCb-WQERXhk6zY2NI/s1600/DSC09152.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XaEaNnyr_gbtwxOXxuOp5gSG2ZDt8shnTO-_u94TN48WEnwiv_Rrf0L3K09Bl6McqwhF_78DsrBaRFOQ47rIlRdU5aSwBQdnawalbEKPTkBrJXT4fyCVMBRQtlyCb-WQERXhk6zY2NI/s400/DSC09152.JPG" /></a>h the story of Harry Potter, you remember that the first order of business on their arrival at Hogwartz School, is to be "sorted" into groups. Sara and her sister, Hannah, were in charge of the children's program and they did a great job of "Sorting" the children.<br /><br />The names of groups from the book were not used, probably because there were some that were less popular than others. The names they made up were imaginative and fun for everyone. After all, who would not want to be a "Fwooper", "Puffskin,"<br />or "Billywig"?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0s_uObijKoMAygKMMJJaTCIsjC3SHszPmm0_4Vw7c-8STZVWBGUm0fwpEoOOLeSXZtfkDXcMlrYYKbyrA4qYGvA0Ov1qVkB-9Zl5KuTy_xTV6Z5YS7Wq9qjgiV7SPAPTWq0k2NnN-L8/s1600/DSC09153.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0s_uObijKoMAygKMMJJaTCIsjC3SHszPmm0_4Vw7c-8STZVWBGUm0fwpEoOOLeSXZtfkDXcMlrYYKbyrA4qYGvA0Ov1qVkB-9Zl5KuTy_xTV6Z5YS7Wq9qjgiV7SPAPTWq0k2NnN-L8/s400/DSC09153.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the book, the "sorting" is done by a magic talking hat. How could we expect anything less for our group? The kids were delighted and I don't think some of them quite figured out how it was done.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT5sJ2H3TR7ANiPogaUHiRsyEnw4sB61osDJaD56P1Oi0l9HPZSBE9NCO5mH173udx4qtJsuUeZvTikUMp9tlpxtSpqLhsQgm-dZWOjylO0qfiEFiBDlJdDIUgZqBXs9Vcl22huILo1I/s1600/DSC09155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT5sJ2H3TR7ANiPogaUHiRsyEnw4sB61osDJaD56P1Oi0l9HPZSBE9NCO5mH173udx4qtJsuUeZvTikUMp9tlpxtSpqLhsQgm-dZWOjylO0qfiEFiBDlJdDIUgZqBXs9Vcl22huILo1I/s400/DSC09155.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Most of the kids had read all the "Harry Potter" books as well as having seen the movies...several times....so the interaction was great. It was really fun to hear them keeping each other honest on all the tiniest of details. The groups had small competitions which led to prize at the end. Everyone received a prize. but they did not weaken the contest by giving each group the same thing. My <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwn0uVpe2u6HHPcPpFaV5PRM1A15TAldRWLkdSyDXhQW6qoF0GopXfxAo63O65ulNAaD09LVfag95sw7NIHYZk8hVf_R_If9gg7XVZjFUyLUTIJYQGowSOBxrVP-iTJZg0kL1k3Tqw40/s1600/DSC09156.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwn0uVpe2u6HHPcPpFaV5PRM1A15TAldRWLkdSyDXhQW6qoF0GopXfxAo63O65ulNAaD09LVfag95sw7NIHYZk8hVf_R_If9gg7XVZjFUyLUTIJYQGowSOBxrVP-iTJZg0kL1k3Tqw40/s400/DSC09156.JPG" /></a>favorite competition was the "Good Manners" one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When Sara or Hannah observed a child using especially good manners , the child's team earned a point. Holding the door for others, pouring water for the person seated next to you, asking politely to be excused. and a myraid of other manners we have always tried to drill into our children's heads, became predominant behaviors.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Not only were Sara and Hannah great with the children, they had the energy to wear the kids out before the grandparents took over<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a>and announced it was absolutely bedtime so they would be able to carry on the next day. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">After a cup of hot chocolate and a short time to read at night, Charlie was ready to sleep very soundly.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-40286088175052841122010-08-29T06:33:00.008-05:002010-08-29T22:56:17.633-05:00Travels with Charley - A Morning Walk in Oxford<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3J_iWrNNw0yy2JgFFM353F5ylbj0blatTvIkLFcwAG0XussngkW4crKWNra9YAbcSzLJmE3BzL4STTvrvhaTN3D1U3or6AFKpM1HYIxClRt9ID216IzR4Ix6Y-gdoi_vWsHshOyJvYw/s1600/DSC09495.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511037414869853458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3J_iWrNNw0yy2JgFFM353F5ylbj0blatTvIkLFcwAG0XussngkW4crKWNra9YAbcSzLJmE3BzL4STTvrvhaTN3D1U3or6AFKpM1HYIxClRt9ID216IzR4Ix6Y-gdoi_vWsHshOyJvYw/s320/DSC09495.JPG" /></a> Our group stayed at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Linton</span> Lodge in Oxford. It was a most agreeable place and Charley and I were fortunate to have a room that overlooked an enclosed yard where the children played at every opportunity.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFUcUgTc2p7z4xm16CDo1u0oQObg7AaAIUT_CSoTPftqdiN6vMtB-Hgp6Ybu7IlcGa53V3YQ3qmFSyfhfn1D-6ZCIFg_LkL2nuLNQcfNhq3ykMkISYAI5xbCNwGUT6WZCU8iV2Cf6O2Y/s1600/DSC09143.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511037404942478050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFUcUgTc2p7z4xm16CDo1u0oQObg7AaAIUT_CSoTPftqdiN6vMtB-Hgp6Ybu7IlcGa53V3YQ3qmFSyfhfn1D-6ZCIFg_LkL2nuLNQcfNhq3ykMkISYAI5xbCNwGUT6WZCU8iV2Cf6O2Y/s320/DSC09143.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueyX2LQk5-XTPNHxDRmo9qDf8QVub-kmRLdXh6rtd1iKrvez8EX9AZ9LyxhMLgSez_Vd8sVJoaqBfDMPfcLTFrqn_64qEB4KblYnN0vN17lMTQEiNTkNozPd7SzFHhKquT-JsmcvqUH4/s1600/DSC09111.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511034931153574930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueyX2LQk5-XTPNHxDRmo9qDf8QVub-kmRLdXh6rtd1iKrvez8EX9AZ9LyxhMLgSez_Vd8sVJoaqBfDMPfcLTFrqn_64qEB4KblYnN0vN17lMTQEiNTkNozPd7SzFHhKquT-JsmcvqUH4/s320/DSC09111.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Our first program day in Oxford, started with an orientation tour of the neighborhood.</div><div></div><div>St. Andrews church was nearby and, like the American churches of my childhood, was open to the public during the day.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlLZmYjVWVCPsSbPKq-4hc_15TqbLK2b7KupKfkg7bosp2Jze473XqHZ1kmQVD4YhpYxMJXgT8gJ2Ji_1bqZf_dqjtbVYjn7oevgxw66fqr4g3sT0816ElBFZJad_vpAhugatQEaxKGc/s1600/DSC04029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511036048566012386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlLZmYjVWVCPsSbPKq-4hc_15TqbLK2b7KupKfkg7bosp2Jze473XqHZ1kmQVD4YhpYxMJXgT8gJ2Ji_1bqZf_dqjtbVYjn7oevgxw66fqr4g3sT0816ElBFZJad_vpAhugatQEaxKGc/s320/DSC04029.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The old houses sported many chimneys from the days when heating must have been dependent on fireplaces. They reminded me of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">the</span> rooftops in <em>Mary Poppins</em>.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsp-CEJZ_KV_6yVwk0WvqgZW8DdIXdA__QyPri_WpbA838cpRI-U5t0Tg_RKRZzIvben1W__7L-W1aTDb8PJmXgd8w-gy_x7ntUqJavOovBU6CaGF2UUiocr5IaXxxlPSoGAbyIjAz5M/s1600/DSC09125.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 232px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511034922463868066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsp-CEJZ_KV_6yVwk0WvqgZW8DdIXdA__QyPri_WpbA838cpRI-U5t0Tg_RKRZzIvben1W__7L-W1aTDb8PJmXgd8w-gy_x7ntUqJavOovBU6CaGF2UUiocr5IaXxxlPSoGAbyIjAz5M/s320/DSC09125.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Still smarting from the extreme Texas heat we had left behind, Charlie and I marveled at the English gardens flourishing with seemingly little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">effort</span> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">anyone's</span> part. Several brief afternoon showers kept the flowers watered and the temperatures down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFknyhoRaSpaKoFGzPY67cU2-efMSB_xmSgie6f6MFh6k7wG358YUr4Oh9UGA5wVkVI5n8D_NLzVbEGdNI38zxWtdWOjF0_ffd7yPRIMIzvSwFcn4s0TXhSdE70uhwVRUmm3vbHPj89i4/s1600/DSC09157.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511034905421756754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFknyhoRaSpaKoFGzPY67cU2-efMSB_xmSgie6f6MFh6k7wG358YUr4Oh9UGA5wVkVI5n8D_NLzVbEGdNI38zxWtdWOjF0_ffd7yPRIMIzvSwFcn4s0TXhSdE70uhwVRUmm3vbHPj89i4/s320/DSC09157.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFknyhoRaSpaKoFGzPY67cU2-efMSB_xmSgie6f6MFh6k7wG358YUr4Oh9UGA5wVkVI5n8D_NLzVbEGdNI38zxWtdWOjF0_ffd7yPRIMIzvSwFcn4s0TXhSdE70uhwVRUmm3vbHPj89i4/s1600/DSC09157.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlLZmYjVWVCPsSbPKq-4hc_15TqbLK2b7KupKfkg7bosp2Jze473XqHZ1kmQVD4YhpYxMJXgT8gJ2Ji_1bqZf_dqjtbVYjn7oevgxw66fqr4g3sT0816ElBFZJad_vpAhugatQEaxKGc/s1600/DSC04029.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>One of the adult lectures touched on author J.R.R. Tolkien who wrote <em>Lord of the Rings</em>. </div><div>Tolkien lived just around the corner from Linton Lodge from 1930 - 1947.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSWrEHDokKcJ9GOzZKmGYAhq2-kTtBuxO6TtCxq2_M9hh1H2IH0gnxf7eWRYTGlIF0ve8onDYOWccOcqKtt2WtPZpEPy3eEJYNjd89Zb5EwwkWNHOFuWSaS20fSzWzJrZ9g1Ggrv-v_k/s1600/DSC09146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSWrEHDokKcJ9GOzZKmGYAhq2-kTtBuxO6TtCxq2_M9hh1H2IH0gnxf7eWRYTGlIF0ve8onDYOWccOcqKtt2WtPZpEPy3eEJYNjd89Zb5EwwkWNHOFuWSaS20fSzWzJrZ9g1Ggrv-v_k/s400/DSC09146.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvsL7V8pYwmw3bqJjAm-vCKmPaIL5Qe94VbnbKWwimgcyIGkbI-IRvk-OIHIjqdxqPFhRBWLLQjIkoEgmXMuzz3WW5hv6CnXVbWCM63rMlgBO3-XRyYC68vgjDkurS1iCF4xH59Jll0k/s1600/DSC09147.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvsL7V8pYwmw3bqJjAm-vCKmPaIL5Qe94VbnbKWwimgcyIGkbI-IRvk-OIHIjqdxqPFhRBWLLQjIkoEgmXMuzz3WW5hv6CnXVbWCM63rMlgBO3-XRyYC68vgjDkurS1iCF4xH59Jll0k/s400/DSC09147.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">We meandered down to the river where "punts" were available for hire. These flat boats with a broad front are propelled by a long pole. The pole is wielded <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">by a</span> person who stands on the flat portion of the front, much as a gondola is moved along.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiX4v1l6mDYv-kjfmGHZIr0c_uzViox3juFh-PDJoN8_OORYY1N4SuFSyzO_NzUu8Y1K47iCR_wuceKojWQ_sFSGTv4wo0vG7n9PPldxeqqxiHIBX1_Q2BeHBr5QPOays_hfka7PtFUU/s1600/DSC09149.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiX4v1l6mDYv-kjfmGHZIr0c_uzViox3juFh-PDJoN8_OORYY1N4SuFSyzO_NzUu8Y1K47iCR_wuceKojWQ_sFSGTv4wo0vG7n9PPldxeqqxiHIBX1_Q2BeHBr5QPOays_hfka7PtFUU/s400/DSC09149.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwCa50NboZzRdPrasX-VuTUIstX-1ySYHb7Aa8mjx54H-wMBrpaEA-i2gl5jDJGyrBQC3S24FKqudAXdhTFVoJ_BYtrFOR-9Guel3dy3INPX1trlZ47dIy81MKgrEEr7QC_aeC-ZfIuM/s1600/DSC09150.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwCa50NboZzRdPrasX-VuTUIstX-1ySYHb7Aa8mjx54H-wMBrpaEA-i2gl5jDJGyrBQC3S24FKqudAXdhTFVoJ_BYtrFOR-9Guel3dy3INPX1trlZ47dIy81MKgrEEr7QC_aeC-ZfIuM/s400/DSC09150.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222202444784066934.post-29070387057798379272010-08-25T16:08:00.015-05:002010-08-28T07:52:57.815-05:00Travels with Charley - The Saxon Tower, Oxford, EnglandRoad Scholar filled our days and evenings with varied literary and cultural activities but we did have a little free time. From the several church towers that offer good views of the city, we chose the Saxon Tower at the Parish Church of St. Michael at the North Gate. This tower dates from 1050, the oldest building in Oxford, and the only original portion of the church remaining. The church itself has been destroyed at various times, and has been rebuilt several times.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFxaNgveylFTH44WkWXyHgVDLQQTWggZtzWh484fTa__PcyIhyphenhyphenW7cHSwPIisHZqP5cKD0IkHlqSRxHKTTXi9HK1UK02NEinEA3-zD0d6EQFfg_wA-fZ6pbytV6R6SvFSrdmB9INMqz-c/s1600/DSC09127.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFxaNgveylFTH44WkWXyHgVDLQQTWggZtzWh484fTa__PcyIhyphenhyphenW7cHSwPIisHZqP5cKD0IkHlqSRxHKTTXi9HK1UK02NEinEA3-zD0d6EQFfg_wA-fZ6pbytV6R6SvFSrdmB9INMqz-c/s400/DSC09127.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMYXUva5PAQDL0Co3IaeKEV-oXiwgX5X5MoJehJfqLPvZ53nHJSzLSkta2wWj6qs8ZxkZWb003M1-F_k2Kwf1ACz4GXxLkdB4jy1cPN-QYg2HyuGUy0R4ZpYksD9kc_JnQ2J10zzSAzc/s1600/DSC09140.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510156506859528130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMYXUva5PAQDL0Co3IaeKEV-oXiwgX5X5MoJehJfqLPvZ53nHJSzLSkta2wWj6qs8ZxkZWb003M1-F_k2Kwf1ACz4GXxLkdB4jy1cPN-QYg2HyuGUy0R4ZpYksD9kc_JnQ2J10zzSAzc/s320/DSC09140.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />John Wesley preached from the 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Century pulpit on 29 September 1726.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At least one of the stained glass windows dates from the 13<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Century.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpwGjKXHs4Kuh4HTmKpsCWG40Xe0rVHtU94nm_lOoucsCMvCL3-HEtq4hnOhYTTmnbGhf2f3C5r5ePcdGuETzZNTfQvh-NL5fhFbIcjgRNqGj_dUGPy7RzyAi7qAp0IjV9vl8sQKXQc/s1600/DSC09139.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510155312918126882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpwGjKXHs4Kuh4HTmKpsCWG40Xe0rVHtU94nm_lOoucsCMvCL3-HEtq4hnOhYTTmnbGhf2f3C5r5ePcdGuETzZNTfQvh-NL5fhFbIcjgRNqGj_dUGPy7RzyAi7qAp0IjV9vl8sQKXQc/s320/DSC09139.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr55FRTxATOMacO8X7K5a3e0L-EJxPtGa0W51QktbvO5ViEs4YdHAzCRFcD55FEe5dieLqPMuJ5i-0-nMHz79whCnc5AxOOfjgd6xLrdKveLFKm1pTYT4bM1adVp_mbH1zL4DQDyh7aU/s1600/DSC09141.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510156514701227426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr55FRTxATOMacO8X7K5a3e0L-EJxPtGa0W51QktbvO5ViEs4YdHAzCRFcD55FEe5dieLqPMuJ5i-0-nMHz79whCnc5AxOOfjgd6xLrdKveLFKm1pTYT4bM1adVp_mbH1zL4DQDyh7aU/s320/DSC09141.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>There is no charge to visit the church. There is a small fee to view the treasures in the tower and climb to the top.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9J1xzcVa7ImvOi5snXNNuHjCqpr1zjVhyf3lSawTbokOltd28aYs54vPQx88FVJ3Tznd2ySAp5gsZsUS2Cf3qBfrgYK4i0D_V4ComXmIV8JxrWAnKCU7n3AxUN3nrnR955VKNxNFHBw/s1600/DSC09138.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510152858687527714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9J1xzcVa7ImvOi5snXNNuHjCqpr1zjVhyf3lSawTbokOltd28aYs54vPQx88FVJ3Tznd2ySAp5gsZsUS2Cf3qBfrgYK4i0D_V4ComXmIV8JxrWAnKCU7n3AxUN3nrnR955VKNxNFHBw/s320/DSC09138.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Charlie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">could</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">maneuver</span> the many steps much more quickly than I.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There are six huge bells in the tower but ringing them would cause severe damage, so chimes are used instead.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6s_ulfnnAV_gj-ncf4ecWRwfayjJ3KNd_-xjSiKHMbLJLWqeDdFLKoM-Nssg8VkGLFLbjIqdjCxDE0odkEe9TTJNNQuXGRk5IQqZvXlKLv4MsRfu_uBeE9ZlONIk0Gx2pkiUiepWP9g/s1600/DSC09139.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC5B5bRZYsKi5FHYcnsd_euaC5W73xPQ_uiWbATulrv7mZwXdPZjaB9bTulPooKCjQ7bcv8rtG9HNTBk6l7BbVZ9EwgZe3xt7DqoPeZ6xvIlaY5RS-9EatwkjObNPyo5RKZlTY2OytX0/s1600/DSC09129.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC5B5bRZYsKi5FHYcnsd_euaC5W73xPQ_uiWbATulrv7mZwXdPZjaB9bTulPooKCjQ7bcv8rtG9HNTBk6l7BbVZ9EwgZe3xt7DqoPeZ6xvIlaY5RS-9EatwkjObNPyo5RKZlTY2OytX0/s400/DSC09129.JPG" /></a></div><div>For a few pence, a 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Century clock mechanism will perform.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqmAJb8IwJ-KmkVqv_tCGb0cTWfgWe7dwrVth-dWtuY4C8EKnS0KEHeWLWgQtbO5cRshwnCeQ9TBjvK2K63RpaB8VtgS8HSxl9LNVoOQ9JZ21KDP8Cz4auXCEP7kSlpuUQV2G1tFpivY/s1600/DSC09133.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510155298826347682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqmAJb8IwJ-KmkVqv_tCGb0cTWfgWe7dwrVth-dWtuY4C8EKnS0KEHeWLWgQtbO5cRshwnCeQ9TBjvK2K63RpaB8VtgS8HSxl9LNVoOQ9JZ21KDP8Cz4auXCEP7kSlpuUQV2G1tFpivY/s320/DSC09133.JPG" /></a><br />This is the door of the prison cell in which Archbishop Cranmer and Bishops <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Latimer</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ridley</span> were held before they were burned at the stake on what is now called Broad Street. Their crime - refusing to convert to Roman Catholicism during the reign of Queen Mary in the 16<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Century.</div><div>The cell was in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bocardo</span> Prison which adjoined this church until it was demolished in 1771.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhTddFE-hhU24B74o1yyVbEahzcYc3aDx2wE77Et6q1HBcD9xSU7IVlMDwdiwG7k6qpnjr7_DLqxEB3ImmJh8p4OLT1Tah62t1lsb46PXwYag3o-pK8V9NVP0dVd1ay1LCWefPe-kCm8/s1600/DSC09135.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510155300593229330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhTddFE-hhU24B74o1yyVbEahzcYc3aDx2wE77Et6q1HBcD9xSU7IVlMDwdiwG7k6qpnjr7_DLqxEB3ImmJh8p4OLT1Tah62t1lsb46PXwYag3o-pK8V9NVP0dVd1ay1LCWefPe-kCm8/s320/DSC09135.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The stairs emerge on the roof of the tower for a commanding view of the city....</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop0_eBE4ixw7VZnxoZOAxcG7H6WfoIS5_p4Qjc3GBeqqgJgDgyLzlksdpjam9l-8QRmMUXGtcft6vgL-ryTgjoXAHyU_i_GPP1g8VaYox8Foswj2P15DYrbElasZj_DDdFTe5cm1n6WQ/s1600/DSC09136.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510152837806973474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop0_eBE4ixw7VZnxoZOAxcG7H6WfoIS5_p4Qjc3GBeqqgJgDgyLzlksdpjam9l-8QRmMUXGtcft6vgL-ryTgjoXAHyU_i_GPP1g8VaYox8Foswj2P15DYrbElasZj_DDdFTe5cm1n6WQ/s320/DSC09136.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />....and the street below.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGlOXg2pe3hl3SQKXriOh1RRd4O1wBkSwv_J_eVugLRuh3Lxvl4rPZwNFFC9fVNtGb_XegnSBWfaobkow7uVAsvxl8FltigDXoQwU17oPSdFYLzfYkzcLwZHBf4TrcSknk448F2Gy3As/s1600/DSC09132.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qy55NW2SPnFR6_HqzVUrOH7O2loePTmgAGZPaWfhVT278yl55-ltsUHZWdah7fms6P9X5qlllnnKgGMt-swCq1_HC93iIuUP0MfxM23xijmlZtylwiE-E0bY9InN_NEv1CQ4Yx2_YW0/s1600/DSC09131.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn0-RolzvIYbtR3WqvVXQATMCYPpsozaTGbKK13Hx8Rxsl_Wc4yY928DdmfqTREvQXe-840Y4PvmwN-OGWI-WK3F9gimQIx50CJi6fExHQWOpFJCNU3RR2yi6TG0LTSb1BGMYiCGLznk/s1600/DSC09137.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510152847010888466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn0-RolzvIYbtR3WqvVXQATMCYPpsozaTGbKK13Hx8Rxsl_Wc4yY928DdmfqTREvQXe-840Y4PvmwN-OGWI-WK3F9gimQIx50CJi6fExHQWOpFJCNU3RR2yi6TG0LTSb1BGMYiCGLznk/s320/DSC09137.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK76-PRhZG661StjWCVzfpMF0wWsm6amb-M_fvdqy7MYVjNsA0k7v0WiYS1b7qDpoqi9ZypkhvtBQo2fmYDplGprcbUwKUUizbxxE2TdVxNE9tB6wJA58HHjlnXoe2SfYZrb6_5exawo/s1600/DSC09128.JPG"></a></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See you on the road.....</div>"Gypsy at Heart"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12022785401399186682noreply@blogger.com0