tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74213584095201436942024-02-18T23:06:08.091-08:00Bailey Jauntsby the Bailey FamilyDianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-86482531772660121152015-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:002015-11-22T20:51:12.714-08:00Random Signs and Such - Part 8 More funny signs and such....
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4IpmYzhsjIZyMft1f7P3KA6HCBe2XEzBUvja16IRWyrNO6TJDBMspwNxphtGTRk6kjoEOFhHMiR47586A3r4oSKwv9CEqzO9TqgEcRSMqIMjDRNy1NPlYGJMH2SwrhjpLmgL8I-DGLXM/s1600/111315_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4IpmYzhsjIZyMft1f7P3KA6HCBe2XEzBUvja16IRWyrNO6TJDBMspwNxphtGTRk6kjoEOFhHMiR47586A3r4oSKwv9CEqzO9TqgEcRSMqIMjDRNy1NPlYGJMH2SwrhjpLmgL8I-DGLXM/s400/111315_sign-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mind the step. Mind the doors.<br />
I wanted to see a sign that said, "Mind your parents."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z7LBc-16EKMxJli_uW4X0sfMMpTwq581vRKy_Jg2wXCwjONQdwgYxwr5gxULKnCwhS33_gHBme8_jgFASWhK7tsTNkCY7fY_Es76XUzW0Pt6qyA5xqbSIby3NAwYWYA4wE2Ww17ylamT/s1600/111415_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z7LBc-16EKMxJli_uW4X0sfMMpTwq581vRKy_Jg2wXCwjONQdwgYxwr5gxULKnCwhS33_gHBme8_jgFASWhK7tsTNkCY7fY_Es76XUzW0Pt6qyA5xqbSIby3NAwYWYA4wE2Ww17ylamT/s400/111415_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, not sure I want to try this soup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRr4iTsa7TGgcGQxC1QcbwJtESSPxFo2-LTQ57PyB-XxDEzpWAvibqsOCrrgIURqKySAi1AaixtjhuGLEzfJBFcDeaYy2yxTqYpurQiP758cYYm1gWU00092jm-GemR6q5sHAyX9HXLi/s1600/111415_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRr4iTsa7TGgcGQxC1QcbwJtESSPxFo2-LTQ57PyB-XxDEzpWAvibqsOCrrgIURqKySAi1AaixtjhuGLEzfJBFcDeaYy2yxTqYpurQiP758cYYm1gWU00092jm-GemR6q5sHAyX9HXLi/s400/111415_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting name for a cracker.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI6arxq6QUobk41Sy-67e63lAgpouKYMGMhHCG_WVRC7u2fHiPePOfdbJS6ZwzRj8RcIOfvSbomTbi2dmdMJbm5DoFFCCFNZ7j4lN-J3AjEPu-Y1BF7GveaPscJu_8J30u1p81gtwcu_T/s1600/111415_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI6arxq6QUobk41Sy-67e63lAgpouKYMGMhHCG_WVRC7u2fHiPePOfdbJS6ZwzRj8RcIOfvSbomTbi2dmdMJbm5DoFFCCFNZ7j4lN-J3AjEPu-Y1BF7GveaPscJu_8J30u1p81gtwcu_T/s400/111415_sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could happen anywhere, but it made me laugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EaB1QNIo0jxy3_FVwMgNRK_aWFADMtI5adsfLpEzSO265UMZINX3zh3oWfWf7b8Ll1LVaiObh5Y29KyLdHsSJqGrIbNUPuE7ndMmF7WkBSkBtAznHh8sF7GiQwa1-7_l4zX36FbseHj1/s1600/111415_sign-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EaB1QNIo0jxy3_FVwMgNRK_aWFADMtI5adsfLpEzSO265UMZINX3zh3oWfWf7b8Ll1LVaiObh5Y29KyLdHsSJqGrIbNUPuE7ndMmF7WkBSkBtAznHh8sF7GiQwa1-7_l4zX36FbseHj1/s400/111415_sign-5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, yes, Pots of Joy.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzzhw9pPUyacGnef5uXCr7H3xgb9tplx4YsCi5-RhXbCz-u8QoiR30gR3xEgn_cxjYsGVCdRhJ3xz5fm_TUHG0FSCc5pcmoUiv5-GiUyhhDm7ZoIaKcSY68pu3ycdIUMuZgIvA2WK_6KR/s1600/111515_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzzhw9pPUyacGnef5uXCr7H3xgb9tplx4YsCi5-RhXbCz-u8QoiR30gR3xEgn_cxjYsGVCdRhJ3xz5fm_TUHG0FSCc5pcmoUiv5-GiUyhhDm7ZoIaKcSY68pu3ycdIUMuZgIvA2WK_6KR/s400/111515_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xDpukIX4P5ewPP_4EIrNT-CzAqxUq_Yk0HGA2849Z9y6DcAJJgCGHt83OqDMEHU2n7aHsEkIgcBKQNayNOkGfayKUJRwZzBhRK3ddwq1C6mo3MCk4Ln1zwAjhFcmrgVvAMdYN1GXmkBc/s1600/111515_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xDpukIX4P5ewPP_4EIrNT-CzAqxUq_Yk0HGA2849Z9y6DcAJJgCGHt83OqDMEHU2n7aHsEkIgcBKQNayNOkGfayKUJRwZzBhRK3ddwq1C6mo3MCk4Ln1zwAjhFcmrgVvAMdYN1GXmkBc/s400/111515_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxUJo0YMWVukFDzh4OvCOF5vfrPktu16ijI4kovNtwc2T3Igp1cjeoqyjdpfXQKPT3RVQH2qYpb92kJbHji5jtdFyAd7lXRFQc6ugk0FDRwc7LvZj1krxF-8TViP9kljdojC-z5KP9VkS/s1600/111515_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxUJo0YMWVukFDzh4OvCOF5vfrPktu16ijI4kovNtwc2T3Igp1cjeoqyjdpfXQKPT3RVQH2qYpb92kJbHji5jtdFyAd7lXRFQc6ugk0FDRwc7LvZj1krxF-8TViP9kljdojC-z5KP9VkS/s400/111515_sign-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etched in stone, this place offers infants and cookery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Moq8LlY1C5p-IjeOLVFRH4BmKg228q7ccef9sbJRqz4kZUqbM2H4d0raa_AXVw9NCG2Z_ZsbUNu7BNF23ZuEhyphenhyphenh7vgN_mOSHkAKUMJrNspR9zvN1KELRUE1r-TnxNwhR50utynqqOQg/s1600/111515_sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Moq8LlY1C5p-IjeOLVFRH4BmKg228q7ccef9sbJRqz4kZUqbM2H4d0raa_AXVw9NCG2Z_ZsbUNu7BNF23ZuEhyphenhyphenh7vgN_mOSHkAKUMJrNspR9zvN1KELRUE1r-TnxNwhR50utynqqOQg/s400/111515_sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich board at FUCKOFFEE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf2SSQ_YX7Iv7AccKJ_O2ScaneMoymb1vPdQW8BDtUrPGfhqaw_xXoTsZyARiylyiReO_vSBtjnQb8XgUw5SZVRVnFWt6ESSbfPbLv7mMVAAi6H7MhrDL-fGBxeGhVgIEA_m9glTcZ44S/s1600/111515_sign-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf2SSQ_YX7Iv7AccKJ_O2ScaneMoymb1vPdQW8BDtUrPGfhqaw_xXoTsZyARiylyiReO_vSBtjnQb8XgUw5SZVRVnFWt6ESSbfPbLv7mMVAAi6H7MhrDL-fGBxeGhVgIEA_m9glTcZ44S/s400/111515_sign-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu items at FUCKOFFEE include;<br />
Fat Wife, Shit Storm and Dirty Chai</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDBvm0k_V7A9Pdqk9LdqwA6-pBUVKhubm6c_Bsk8d77SB9HqhhWK9k9UbXuBr7oG5bd8NfQbBSC5NgrJxvCq-cBAf4purOVICLFGDcmDxy_ToSLN5Yf2sG0ve4-UE3oplNrhHwJh_rxxP/s1600/111515_sign-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDBvm0k_V7A9Pdqk9LdqwA6-pBUVKhubm6c_Bsk8d77SB9HqhhWK9k9UbXuBr7oG5bd8NfQbBSC5NgrJxvCq-cBAf4purOVICLFGDcmDxy_ToSLN5Yf2sG0ve4-UE3oplNrhHwJh_rxxP/s400/111515_sign-7.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6VuYhDLj4zhfzW8kM6uPlW-pgVB4fAZK2rcKiI16Q331rjP-oIgeOF4FtR-JsthJOgJ3rHS0rCUh-6ZBoQfdJGFkR-vVudnmzKB3bLSsaZGiO_smoj7UWOWXEF31UY_HttlLlCY7rD7X/s1600/111515_sign-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6VuYhDLj4zhfzW8kM6uPlW-pgVB4fAZK2rcKiI16Q331rjP-oIgeOF4FtR-JsthJOgJ3rHS0rCUh-6ZBoQfdJGFkR-vVudnmzKB3bLSsaZGiO_smoj7UWOWXEF31UY_HttlLlCY7rD7X/s400/111515_sign-8.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHP56Fspsot9lWW0KPLLQuFHlDAX4cYhoRw-9wtLm8oSKwfhwiJpx8mmj_C3WojSR66fPgbLKzXBFgWF3s0vthlrg1fTQI_UCxCiSohrvd63UwW7YQIMjtKhhNC4876rmfMbyIRT6jUPuQ/s1600/111515_sign-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHP56Fspsot9lWW0KPLLQuFHlDAX4cYhoRw-9wtLm8oSKwfhwiJpx8mmj_C3WojSR66fPgbLKzXBFgWF3s0vthlrg1fTQI_UCxCiSohrvd63UwW7YQIMjtKhhNC4876rmfMbyIRT6jUPuQ/s400/111515_sign-9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sounds dangerous.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRiIu4Rxec2dNpzcFdBn_9d2omwdvRE8FM7NcRE1BGxQjnCfzBzu9MilZpPbFAc3azRIR-YovUiFqVeRzBHn31vHjt9bX6f6SZ6QsZREG5va1v7Qy0VBY-4LS6K7lwLmgTcPZIatUTQsg/s1600/111515_sign-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRiIu4Rxec2dNpzcFdBn_9d2omwdvRE8FM7NcRE1BGxQjnCfzBzu9MilZpPbFAc3azRIR-YovUiFqVeRzBHn31vHjt9bX6f6SZ6QsZREG5va1v7Qy0VBY-4LS6K7lwLmgTcPZIatUTQsg/s400/111515_sign-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Big Belly Solar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDDP9ePn6EkJMxB5MB9jO3BwhSwZKK7s4SbbHIudWyIAjmItNFLgSrN4m9SbMP4smYK69QlkrJeELkPrBfAfQIzgQvcuykjZJCCeXmaBa4F3AAwX-4ApkZ_M3xLmH2jyMenPiYw-SBixc/s1600/restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDDP9ePn6EkJMxB5MB9jO3BwhSwZKK7s4SbbHIudWyIAjmItNFLgSrN4m9SbMP4smYK69QlkrJeELkPrBfAfQIzgQvcuykjZJCCeXmaBa4F3AAwX-4ApkZ_M3xLmH2jyMenPiYw-SBixc/s400/restaurant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do you want to eat at The Slug or</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Big Bang, In Good Food We Trust?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAigR_0RKlvHHmTcOcb67bBuHZcyQwvKIP3kJHp58ijmo_GCUZ4s3TPUjSMnyHFxGg8YFatXts7a7PD4_b66gJZrAl72romK5_zLKB6QwN53tzM0sq2D19cpRH_JeSn1WNESktZTrnvKU/s1600/111515_sign-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAigR_0RKlvHHmTcOcb67bBuHZcyQwvKIP3kJHp58ijmo_GCUZ4s3TPUjSMnyHFxGg8YFatXts7a7PD4_b66gJZrAl72romK5_zLKB6QwN53tzM0sq2D19cpRH_JeSn1WNESktZTrnvKU/s400/111515_sign-11.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Cheesemas!</td></tr>
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Wherever you choose to eat, be sure there is a good "Food Hygiene Rating" posted on the door. We only ate at establishments that had a 5 rating. But we did walk by a place, or two, that had a rating of 3 (Why would you eat there? How are they still in business? What does it mean to only rate a 3? How sick will you get?)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff-R_10nLL6Q79YKdDRJyASH48T-NdLcoATm_K_0pv7mtGcp49QLaQcjp5A4qMGY8TMoFwak2P0rDm5nfHaL7zlsmc2nyOGppfCD2qWUrz9M9rnchuPIiky_mwuw8HEOSTgYt0_7AqybR/s1600/111515_sign-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff-R_10nLL6Q79YKdDRJyASH48T-NdLcoATm_K_0pv7mtGcp49QLaQcjp5A4qMGY8TMoFwak2P0rDm5nfHaL7zlsmc2nyOGppfCD2qWUrz9M9rnchuPIiky_mwuw8HEOSTgYt0_7AqybR/s400/111515_sign-12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food Hygiene Rating: 5</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">This last section of signs is dedicated to all the "fahrts" out there. Fahrt means "ride, trip, way" in relation to a vehicle. So an "einfahrt" is an entrance for a car and "ausfahrt" is an exit (however, for pedestrians, it's "eingang" and "ausgang"). In either case, we giggled at all the "fahrts".</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowE2gv4UZFrUHN7RQkrmQf3qByuap-9yGt1Y5wjUbUHBFDFubPsJ1zycjGcxTEYWuKtSV28GK09e5kz8FlSBIsI99dPZU8v7aNcnhF2250V6SarcKkCiiET3vfwCX9C50v1n-5EeQO3jU/s1600/fahrt-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowE2gv4UZFrUHN7RQkrmQf3qByuap-9yGt1Y5wjUbUHBFDFubPsJ1zycjGcxTEYWuKtSV28GK09e5kz8FlSBIsI99dPZU8v7aNcnhF2250V6SarcKkCiiET3vfwCX9C50v1n-5EeQO3jU/s400/fahrt-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zufahrt = driveway</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ6fHaYZ-gwnfcc32IE_hmenzcDWT2VuZ9wng8EpwQPXO576KHXaOHGtqOdvXUrLHyIII0QocQy24XzwTk3wkFAD6GT5xxUEjxHRNM2g_kHFinXpNPajdtmjJeCxhLxYSn47uIE7vthBg/s1600/fahrt-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ6fHaYZ-gwnfcc32IE_hmenzcDWT2VuZ9wng8EpwQPXO576KHXaOHGtqOdvXUrLHyIII0QocQy24XzwTk3wkFAD6GT5xxUEjxHRNM2g_kHFinXpNPajdtmjJeCxhLxYSn47uIE7vthBg/s400/fahrt-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcqp3w5jKnn-TcINodAyshbE31Obzdrs1NM4sukJRBb1LNUrWteijJ0pgUxAms4VGBVWTTN4nQfuF_JOhaUqYKBUlMjElZtaUws8ZZP7uYuCzAKTrBmb-znfFULaRkUeev070lxJc04Wg/s1600/fahrt-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcqp3w5jKnn-TcINodAyshbE31Obzdrs1NM4sukJRBb1LNUrWteijJ0pgUxAms4VGBVWTTN4nQfuF_JOhaUqYKBUlMjElZtaUws8ZZP7uYuCzAKTrBmb-znfFULaRkUeev070lxJc04Wg/s400/fahrt-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyxKLIsHrslkrxna90kBAJJlhuaP4B4YBrKCBCW-rr_2j6By4hJdyGwUcpJcXJm6RX6m1f174vLJkDyjccQCF3fRL9z7Xdak9LJXNTKBuAsEbuMwGBjHkOYANHwONv3QhM9RjzG2-RhvC/s1600/fahrt-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyxKLIsHrslkrxna90kBAJJlhuaP4B4YBrKCBCW-rr_2j6By4hJdyGwUcpJcXJm6RX6m1f174vLJkDyjccQCF3fRL9z7Xdak9LJXNTKBuAsEbuMwGBjHkOYANHwONv3QhM9RjzG2-RhvC/s400/fahrt-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one has a "freie Fahrt!"... a free fart?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZNJTHuYIvpvfYiwigX0JR1Gb6pZgf5eKkYXr8O_RjC3oE3rni89vq4dBegefMekS2F5tc4mcfDazn1x6-45fMJQ4gWQdVzOric9W8M7VAEfW-zLDSWo9-ROBos8O5KHI17BjR58oiZjo/s1600/fahrt-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZNJTHuYIvpvfYiwigX0JR1Gb6pZgf5eKkYXr8O_RjC3oE3rni89vq4dBegefMekS2F5tc4mcfDazn1x6-45fMJQ4gWQdVzOric9W8M7VAEfW-zLDSWo9-ROBos8O5KHI17BjR58oiZjo/s400/fahrt-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxElvF6AL4J9s65c2QgAnMDFTBlRP_Qikft3qVCVZvqGH4LO5m1zorTCN9jUMlfIhCPc833vt9F_RV-93w1vHdIHh2D0yJw9lYz0bzLCsbdFatoFm0w0-grqDGL4i2F0fGwV4mvcwG1JXE/s1600/fahrt-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxElvF6AL4J9s65c2QgAnMDFTBlRP_Qikft3qVCVZvqGH4LO5m1zorTCN9jUMlfIhCPc833vt9F_RV-93w1vHdIHh2D0yJw9lYz0bzLCsbdFatoFm0w0-grqDGL4i2F0fGwV4mvcwG1JXE/s400/fahrt-7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mit = with... so with fart?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0itWMMjGCQeAq63yfrLdAgA4HHw8XVC65sZo2vTmIbSk29NpKvOiQI6Bu1Sf2C_MNGYv0ZRpE5mVs2aBfigC_2RqBPNEUGWQgvit_LrMk_15EUp1X567eArLkZJYxgjL4z8s0Prsu8qg/s1600/fahrt-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0itWMMjGCQeAq63yfrLdAgA4HHw8XVC65sZo2vTmIbSk29NpKvOiQI6Bu1Sf2C_MNGYv0ZRpE5mVs2aBfigC_2RqBPNEUGWQgvit_LrMk_15EUp1X567eArLkZJYxgjL4z8s0Prsu8qg/s400/fahrt-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbfNXDSv_3wvzBSiRGPgmswnpLz_o-bjkcSc_9Ak8Eg9DwwvcxUKYKLkgPUigulJtfdqyODX3HcVyBYzl9qRVTNllErzKn5HL6rUtFOIa2KkFihzS5IkhZD_Bk2flHmxTk3HWj43V6Sha/s1600/fahrt-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbfNXDSv_3wvzBSiRGPgmswnpLz_o-bjkcSc_9Ak8Eg9DwwvcxUKYKLkgPUigulJtfdqyODX3HcVyBYzl9qRVTNllErzKn5HL6rUtFOIa2KkFihzS5IkhZD_Bk2flHmxTk3HWj43V6Sha/s400/fahrt-9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This zufahrt is stinky.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJyQmePRkB5pmBTwH7xZGc4wXVL63fTPkDeDSfkVREIHa66w_gngzxDE_I_UxUoIYQ0LIDi-9wSg9TOlNkYK7Pw-JggwAGEZt4RTDmpl-atUMbXsDLpHnNs31hr5iF4lm-VbBWfhtZZHU/s1600/fahrt-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJyQmePRkB5pmBTwH7xZGc4wXVL63fTPkDeDSfkVREIHa66w_gngzxDE_I_UxUoIYQ0LIDi-9wSg9TOlNkYK7Pw-JggwAGEZt4RTDmpl-atUMbXsDLpHnNs31hr5iF4lm-VbBWfhtZZHU/s400/fahrt-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chip from the fair gives you one fahrt.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c92a0LZtDsk4PStLhkG2EqNFUparj8OlZOEsQqM9eFlJjNdF8CP-ECeocVx7FbdCNKjuchi5M59agRNZs30FFpl5gjHzjPtid4IQcvauvu80raJQ91OCr3zAM6u6PjTxLKriQd7ogk9I/s1600/fahrt-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c92a0LZtDsk4PStLhkG2EqNFUparj8OlZOEsQqM9eFlJjNdF8CP-ECeocVx7FbdCNKjuchi5M59agRNZs30FFpl5gjHzjPtid4IQcvauvu80raJQ91OCr3zAM6u6PjTxLKriQd7ogk9I/s400/fahrt-11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJE01Rb7dUnClkpHEs_-NIGDMRX_uf1KpGQtSH3tEgCT0EEMbmUeOcyWO1ffp_q6qkn54EVFqRh_xg7YgVH16Qu_zMeZJ3JNr-vBnfjWMaBQlCD9QSfx2WskP7fm5IiVmDZYSJR11Z3u-/s1600/091015_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJE01Rb7dUnClkpHEs_-NIGDMRX_uf1KpGQtSH3tEgCT0EEMbmUeOcyWO1ffp_q6qkn54EVFqRh_xg7YgVH16Qu_zMeZJ3JNr-vBnfjWMaBQlCD9QSfx2WskP7fm5IiVmDZYSJR11Z3u-/s400/091015_sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, "Fahrt ends here."</td></tr>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-15095614692793823172015-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:002015-11-22T20:07:53.672-08:00In Closing (Xander)What are some things you liked about Berlin?<br />
<i>I liked that we were very close to everything so we could walk everywhere. I liked the public transportation. </i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd40p9qo43SdiuoMIXXOkNn7gYb5wsTOT5BrszXy8eZ-7gaEr1PAfe36jmDNwQYGGD6dxSPDRvq2ISX_P8BeUww2nsP2qe-BLoczwJfi8WoA_knLXaSoaATCQVki4EbJIw_arDba-0z1a/s1600/home-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd40p9qo43SdiuoMIXXOkNn7gYb5wsTOT5BrszXy8eZ-7gaEr1PAfe36jmDNwQYGGD6dxSPDRvq2ISX_P8BeUww2nsP2qe-BLoczwJfi8WoA_knLXaSoaATCQVki4EbJIw_arDba-0z1a/s400/home-4.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Mauerpark</td></tr>
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What did you think of London?<br />
<i>I liked London. The London Eye was cool. It was really high but not that scary. The Tube, when it was really full, was not very fun. But, when it was empty, it was fun. </i><br />
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Where would you like to go again?<br />
<i>I would go to Berlin again because I liked it a lot. </i><br />
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Where would you go that's new to you?<br />
<i>Canada. I've just always wanted to go there.</i><br />
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What kind of food did you like?<br />
<i>A restaurant I liked going to was Tommi's Burger. They had good burgers. </i><br />
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What is nice about being at home?<br />
<i>We can be with all our friends. We're in the same time zone as everyone we know. </i><br />
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What did you think of the Tower Bridge in London?<br />
<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/AVvXsEhLohNCCaR1yDiFZkoZqj1ECSVoHcjEPmhQQM1Q0G3PC8NfpCBiR2OWIwrCz2szyeUgUoBUkxPKvWNMZzNO_xVv5pcTGNG41ZTk9S0H-v2EMVrs7aEPW-HkWx-m4_B2PHkuFCtFFAR7AArc/s1600/home-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLohNCCaR1yDiFZkoZqj1ECSVoHcjEPmhQQM1Q0G3PC8NfpCBiR2OWIwrCz2szyeUgUoBUkxPKvWNMZzNO_xVv5pcTGNG41ZTk9S0H-v2EMVrs7aEPW-HkWx-m4_B2PHkuFCtFFAR7AArc/s320/home-5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice's idea for a photo.</td></tr>
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<i>It was cool. The blue that was on the bridge was a lot lighter than I thought it was going to be. </i><br />
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Tell me a little bit about your plane ride home.<br />
<i>It was really long and boring. I tried to sleep but I couldn't really sleep that much. But I did a little. I watched Ocean's Eleven which made the time pass by a little quicker. I got two kinds of pasta for dinner. At first, I thought they had two choices of pasta, but we didn't realize that there was only one pasta choice that came with two kinds. I noticed that when we got close to San Francisco, we went past the airport, made a circle back before landing. That was strange. </i><br />
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What were some of the landmarks like?<br />
<i>The Jewish Memorial was pretty. The Brandenburg Gate was really cool with the horse carriage. I thought the pillars holding it up were going to be full columns. They were more like rounded rectangles. </i><br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-593362700490171102015-11-19T09:37:00.000-08:002015-11-22T10:20:05.711-08:00In Closing (Venice)What will you miss the most?<br />
<i>Public transportation and living in the middle of everything in Berlin. I also enjoyed how big all the streets felt. Other cities, like Venice and Salzburg, felt kind of claustrophobic. And Berlin was a nice difference from that.</i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wRcyPNrUbU8BAKyhXBNVMxSQnPJ-H992nB9E4RXQ1FM0-3e8XCYFUH9AHyUFfvSEZSVlqyYHYrBFkRrr4PdaLBXf27YFeouvQB3txYzByKbtge6EXe-O_F-sFfLleWiSOn0DIl0derqe/s1600/home-3.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/AVvXsEj9wRcyPNrUbU8BAKyhXBNVMxSQnPJ-H992nB9E4RXQ1FM0-3e8XCYFUH9AHyUFfvSEZSVlqyYHYrBFkRrr4PdaLBXf27YFeouvQB3txYzByKbtge6EXe-O_F-sFfLleWiSOn0DIl0derqe/s320/home-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Venice (Berlin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is something you enjoy about being home that surprised you?<br />
<i>It doesn't surprise me, but it's really nice, I missed being around my family and friends. I'm looking forward to the holidays and spending more time with them than I usually do.</i><br />
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What won't you miss about traveling?<br />
<i>The feeling of not having a home base a lot of times. </i><br />
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What was your favorite place to go?<br />
<i>I think I really enjoyed Prague a lot. I liked what we did and tredlniks taste really good. I enjoyed walking around Prague the most out of all the cities.</i><br />
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What was it like being sick in London?<br />
<i>The worst because I could have been sick in Berlin where I've already seen stuff, but we were in London. We had a whole week and I spent it in bed instead of out. I felt like I was tying everybody else down too.</i><br />
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What did you think about Stonehenge?<br />
<i>I kind of felt like it was smaller than I expected. It also kind of ruined it when there was concrete inside it (some of the pillars to help reconstruct). I think, at the end of the day, it's just a bunch of rocks that everybody likes to look at for some reason, so I don't feel bad for not being impressed by it. But I'm glad I got to see it because it's iconic. That's the only reason why I'm glad I saw it, otherwise I would have skipped it. I would be a lot more impressed if we were really certain as to what was behind it. </i><br />
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What did you think of other culture's foods?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0CJJqpdCTyqKMjGo6V3dMq_2toWpoD_atsjOO9krRjoUqNLbgqSdxkDC9DwueNKGzbGhcYm9HoNePwLoQaFFdXVddJ-iggckzu6seB2IffHtWrFN1NLqWgSnTpfrMUhvGeLK02o-bXw4/s1600/home-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0CJJqpdCTyqKMjGo6V3dMq_2toWpoD_atsjOO9krRjoUqNLbgqSdxkDC9DwueNKGzbGhcYm9HoNePwLoQaFFdXVddJ-iggckzu6seB2IffHtWrFN1NLqWgSnTpfrMUhvGeLK02o-bXw4/s400/home-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Venice (Prague)</td></tr>
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<i>I enjoyed all the funny quirks of other cultures and their food. Like mayonnaise on their fries. My chicken schnitzel was always served with jam, kind of like turkey being served with cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, which I liked. I did NOT enjoy always having to ask for water and specifying fizzy or not. </i><br />
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If you were to travel tomorrow, where would you like to go?<br />
<i>We didn't get to Paris, but right now it's a little scary to go there right now. I'd like to go to Greece and Rome, Italy. Or I'd go to Venice again when it's not so busy. I felt the claustrophobic crowdedness dampened the excitement of the city I had anticipated going to for so long. I couldn't slowly stroll through the streets like I had imagined we would. You had to run by and just focus on where you were going in stead of focusing on your trip. I would also go when it wasn't so rainy.</i><br />
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Did you overall have a good time?<br />
<i>Yeah! I don't know if I'd go back to the other places, but I'd definitely go back to Berlin. It was like a home away from home. It was a great city to be placed in. It felt like a giant urban city instead of like London, which was more metropolitan. Berlin felt like a giant Eugene with better public transportation and food. It was so big, but never concentrated in one spot so that it felt busy. You could always find a calm back street if you wanted to, or you could find a street with a hundred other people if you enjoyed that more. It was hard to feel crowded there and I think I liked that.</i><br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-84696503588671337382015-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-22T10:13:50.157-08:00Being Home<div>
Being home has been wonderful:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We get to see friends and family again.</li>
<li>We have a large washing machine and a dryer that actually dries our clothes (and I get to wash AND dry at the same time!)</li>
<li>We get to be in our own beds again.</li>
<li>The monitors on our computers (versus our laptops) seem humongous.</li>
<li>I get to bump into friendly faces when out and about (bumped into one friend at the airport when we returned home and one friend the next day at the market). </li>
<li>We get to navigate a health system we are familiar with (no matter how much we like to complain about it). </li>
<li>Shopping is faster as we know where items are and what they are called (and we're familiar with the brand names).</li>
<li>We have much more and don't have to "go without" (ketchup, extra blankets, stockpiles of toilet paper, canned soups, etc.)</li>
<li>Access to all YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc. (no longer getting, "I'm sorry that is not authorised to play in your country" type of errors).</li>
<li>Ability to understand instructions, websites, answers. Not just in understanding the language, but in the culture of how things are done. </li>
<li>Feeling comfortable I'm not going to make a huge embarrassing mistake at all times.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lbLEgN8TsW7YZgmsOOq1BMv3DtvJt9xczyxK4xI9EuziMeq2302ZDoSOs6MhMGmp_TbIT2Vg-gu-bw23aZ40H1E8Y2AhBP_OtZCWrE5ekgFit11WvxTFefk71EFlGxaIFo_xbqFvaEOI/s1600/home-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lbLEgN8TsW7YZgmsOOq1BMv3DtvJt9xczyxK4xI9EuziMeq2302ZDoSOs6MhMGmp_TbIT2Vg-gu-bw23aZ40H1E8Y2AhBP_OtZCWrE5ekgFit11WvxTFefk71EFlGxaIFo_xbqFvaEOI/s400/home-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved coming home to<br />see fall in full swing,<br />we didn't miss all of it!</td></tr>
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But, it is amazing to me how much I miss our lifestyle in Berlin:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Not living in excess (only buying what we really need versus what we want), learning to live a more simple lifestyle.</li>
<li>Reading more instead of watching so much TV or other media.</li>
<li>Going out and exploring something new almost every day. Living in an area where we have not gotten "bored" or jaded, but a place that seems to sparkle because it's still fresh and new to us.</li>
<li>Never having a need for our own car.</li>
<li>Being able to walk to the market and to dinner whenever we wanted to.</li>
<li>Having access to new foods all the time.</li>
<li>Hearing the church bells ring all day.</li>
<li>Enjoying history (never been a fan of history, but I found living in an area steeped with history brought to life an interest in the past). </li>
<li>Feeling freedom. Free to do what we want to do and see and not what *should*. Free from outside pressures and opinions. Just really able to focus on what our family needs at each moment.</li>
</ul>
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I'm sure these are not complete lists. More will come to mind as we get over our jet lag and are able to spend more time reflecting on our experiences. But this is what comes to mind at the moment.<br />
<br />
So, as we settle back into our routines here, we will strive to find a way to keep some of these lifestyle changes, when possible. I want to find the compromise between a life of excess and a life of simplicity. I think, for me, the biggest surprise is that I ended up enjoying living in another country way more than I though possible. I definitely enjoyed it more than traveling. I do enjoy traveling, but it's exhausting. Living somewhere new was a bit slower paced and yet filled with so many new experiences. It was truly a fantastic three months. </div>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-25323767918624325162015-11-17T22:00:00.000-08:002015-11-22T09:22:39.006-08:00Random Signs and Such - Part 7More funny signs and such....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGoybJ2_Jstx60OTXft_Lf5xnSVtKA1r74_ySSu-NNCZy9enl7BTg9-elVMwbHT9lsawtiRFs_voi7OjYxqgMZ-k9iCFXqbfgDMngNx7n8EzCBle1axk6ZPtq_xcQZetYaSwb-EeV2eUy/s1600/102215_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGoybJ2_Jstx60OTXft_Lf5xnSVtKA1r74_ySSu-NNCZy9enl7BTg9-elVMwbHT9lsawtiRFs_voi7OjYxqgMZ-k9iCFXqbfgDMngNx7n8EzCBle1axk6ZPtq_xcQZetYaSwb-EeV2eUy/s400/102215_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A poster for a local performance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH4wU478V79v5eCei0WLIzjfYjrk8K0qtmqaOpqdG6V_WEyvOCsU6IHhpxPrCEdfBjZNfgV3r6dSWhr-Ye3CVOJ4AcK_HrUc-TstDrTpgz2kpEqMSzkzuPxBhtjymJZTrsSYMOeKcQZCf/s1600/102415_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH4wU478V79v5eCei0WLIzjfYjrk8K0qtmqaOpqdG6V_WEyvOCsU6IHhpxPrCEdfBjZNfgV3r6dSWhr-Ye3CVOJ4AcK_HrUc-TstDrTpgz2kpEqMSzkzuPxBhtjymJZTrsSYMOeKcQZCf/s400/102415_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We aren't sure what this sign is telling us.<br />
It IS ok to put your bottle out the window?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOR-TJUo3YpumK4ewY3LYk6omWccZ0sduO_LiAKude7yb0mWFx_JCyoevQ09DJjnZFzH-dUnMY5yYd_3kn3NgRY1qJWBNRNHWuH__GF85WWrSxo7V9FjeUC2UEmhlsTPRmyfvDzJW3Dsb/s1600/basesign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOR-TJUo3YpumK4ewY3LYk6omWccZ0sduO_LiAKude7yb0mWFx_JCyoevQ09DJjnZFzH-dUnMY5yYd_3kn3NgRY1qJWBNRNHWuH__GF85WWrSxo7V9FjeUC2UEmhlsTPRmyfvDzJW3Dsb/s400/basesign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon beer in Germany! (ok, on the U.S. base)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAWtJsO5PLMr9DJ9jSZ5qmpFaK225yJMZEbX_XDd6e6nSyLGK0W8Hc7eLIemJhvo8YGCVs-MBETP1z4RPEINFdMvBpgcNNnEAc_KGITbjbBsr5Y0OsXZd52Dk6UVc41mW5eu1-19Sxkd1/s1600/BTFF-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAWtJsO5PLMr9DJ9jSZ5qmpFaK225yJMZEbX_XDd6e6nSyLGK0W8Hc7eLIemJhvo8YGCVs-MBETP1z4RPEINFdMvBpgcNNnEAc_KGITbjbBsr5Y0OsXZd52Dk6UVc41mW5eu1-19Sxkd1/s400/BTFF-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will you be my BTFF?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5_VNtm3ybtaEDQq3U1Ada5ofuD019CE_jOnTijq9FuSbsGpZt-g6Y75-eZm6CULgzpr4gHLiPMm-9cXFfmqmMmRtcvXnt5MdHPGFNZ6fwb-teOXWEMumbsc7WWDcEKj8UxaUwQ2oSnu/s1600/sap-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5_VNtm3ybtaEDQq3U1Ada5ofuD019CE_jOnTijq9FuSbsGpZt-g6Y75-eZm6CULgzpr4gHLiPMm-9cXFfmqmMmRtcvXnt5MdHPGFNZ6fwb-teOXWEMumbsc7WWDcEKj8UxaUwQ2oSnu/s400/sap-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the sap who gets to clean up at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFalEI3deb-L4xy9KpmFzcv-b00N-p3DAOX-C71yV25n7ahRTJ8m5Hm0dcyKbGXIoKaklBIUw_5Vi5v4wL1ycPvTGXaTHrj3fKCqUAek10vF0fDIx6mE1OIUI3bGy2JOK-zdB52vZFV_e8/s1600/sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFalEI3deb-L4xy9KpmFzcv-b00N-p3DAOX-C71yV25n7ahRTJ8m5Hm0dcyKbGXIoKaklBIUw_5Vi5v4wL1ycPvTGXaTHrj3fKCqUAek10vF0fDIx6mE1OIUI3bGy2JOK-zdB52vZFV_e8/s400/sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant we ate in is called the Badtub<br />
(bathtub). Strange.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsZ2m_i4b4LAQsJMh2pnulXa-rtgEV4xxpGfjEpssOkMsMhAajvmhLxgohbUR0_-3XdjNbYySwyBdF58wVTSiMWQGn3-8xHi18yWF32JrhuNzOEMTD_hn93GZYrR2uFdwxHp566kEFO78/s1600/sign-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsZ2m_i4b4LAQsJMh2pnulXa-rtgEV4xxpGfjEpssOkMsMhAajvmhLxgohbUR0_-3XdjNbYySwyBdF58wVTSiMWQGn3-8xHi18yWF32JrhuNzOEMTD_hn93GZYrR2uFdwxHp566kEFO78/s400/sign-5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"New Your is King, Berlin is King Kong"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineBEhDE29dweHI2TjvZN_qwuJgAVstNpZS5v31UgKWf3D30WNycSgGyqIcAPH1iVNTVtWlpXTvI9EhY_v9hp_KGdvgUTRecurPFZjO0e6Dvh-byEa5AaCXONJDTBrq4fxFjc5SFCR7mzs/s1600/sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineBEhDE29dweHI2TjvZN_qwuJgAVstNpZS5v31UgKWf3D30WNycSgGyqIcAPH1iVNTVtWlpXTvI9EhY_v9hp_KGdvgUTRecurPFZjO0e6Dvh-byEa5AaCXONJDTBrq4fxFjc5SFCR7mzs/s400/sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like their mailboxes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yte1lxWywO6GJQUwDAYQDZRAVLUU_5CARXPe5-2sVSnFqv64JBCsTdxVDcWQk5ds6EbFaZbvl0EGAXd2aHauTDGW5rrDvsenNeXWdkoL-MwEB1kfnfOFT6dt-xe7gSdvPmWT5bIB712T/s1600/sign-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yte1lxWywO6GJQUwDAYQDZRAVLUU_5CARXPe5-2sVSnFqv64JBCsTdxVDcWQk5ds6EbFaZbvl0EGAXd2aHauTDGW5rrDvsenNeXWdkoL-MwEB1kfnfOFT6dt-xe7gSdvPmWT5bIB712T/s400/sign-7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitchen (fancy)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrnGVl1LOlOvB-r3yiofEs3IJSvfc3o9fMAIo7RNHoHvO0PqK-O9O8TYJfEM8XLB7OYJyPSAY4FEtoYuoxIDmLW-M2FcZtbM9Rh_9YgtiNs1de9ReHiJ2emFbXxKziLdWY5GVrOQpOjr8/s1600/sign-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrnGVl1LOlOvB-r3yiofEs3IJSvfc3o9fMAIo7RNHoHvO0PqK-O9O8TYJfEM8XLB7OYJyPSAY4FEtoYuoxIDmLW-M2FcZtbM9Rh_9YgtiNs1de9ReHiJ2emFbXxKziLdWY5GVrOQpOjr8/s400/sign-8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitchen (plain)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk24Y6JadUxq3oBlOEUuDiQf7c-JeiA1SzduHap1Dha8K48snGszt0stFf7YnmB_G5j_Y71aDAcVfcTQ2dQoB7JbPaDzgHr8OPNnfeaf7pYA-WkhQRSt7EJTa973gTVF16n3IqMhMq9JNk/s1600/sign-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk24Y6JadUxq3oBlOEUuDiQf7c-JeiA1SzduHap1Dha8K48snGszt0stFf7YnmB_G5j_Y71aDAcVfcTQ2dQoB7JbPaDzgHr8OPNnfeaf7pYA-WkhQRSt7EJTa973gTVF16n3IqMhMq9JNk/s400/sign-9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute little house for your donation<br />
in the bathroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jHEBbtgJKaOG3J1UXPI9YS45z1MJ5hXAowqZlR8igUg0VkOA6pSY6byDzdXL_-uu1Fef85-sXF7RABR3WZM4xz3xqKRGZyp-dnwdf6twGbvy36ZPGtlbjgai3Yz-F_C5jDWu_6-_1G2k/s1600/signs-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jHEBbtgJKaOG3J1UXPI9YS45z1MJ5hXAowqZlR8igUg0VkOA6pSY6byDzdXL_-uu1Fef85-sXF7RABR3WZM4xz3xqKRGZyp-dnwdf6twGbvy36ZPGtlbjgai3Yz-F_C5jDWu_6-_1G2k/s400/signs-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little signs reminding you (free) bathrooms are for patrons only.</td></tr>
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And my last "sign" from Germany... we never did figure out completely what they are saying on the trains. It has to do with transferring trains, but it sure sounds like, "Do not f$ck here", which we decided was, also, good advice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVeAaVKegk0tjet6-LsG6wVFyF9mDXeuHKwAN4vYEwDkjjVBpJjqpNd8OtM3PT6ks8I7hmvVDV_si03V7djEHRMbwn5eOIG9LU9osN7_HYZUNakumD6a6vUEAW-KnZRhI8VgeHdw4DkF4/s1600/110715_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVeAaVKegk0tjet6-LsG6wVFyF9mDXeuHKwAN4vYEwDkjjVBpJjqpNd8OtM3PT6ks8I7hmvVDV_si03V7djEHRMbwn5eOIG9LU9osN7_HYZUNakumD6a6vUEAW-KnZRhI8VgeHdw4DkF4/s400/110715_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unisex Hairdressers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGYzqA-hd0qZFyIlMTL1IXTbHU897vLnlRbR3QsB5cDAdm96sQhPWqXXOKv7MUhE5SiG0zAt0-KH6byizF149YO9hfeWnWS7GjNP6C6oK5eQcZZK10DwX7V-d8I46Wbbjl8PIZnPuAvGd/s1600/110715_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGYzqA-hd0qZFyIlMTL1IXTbHU897vLnlRbR3QsB5cDAdm96sQhPWqXXOKv7MUhE5SiG0zAt0-KH6byizF149YO9hfeWnWS7GjNP6C6oK5eQcZZK10DwX7V-d8I46Wbbjl8PIZnPuAvGd/s400/110715_sign-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shop is dangerous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TSr-8FIlsL33eCDv3oEPEU3VTtwPm5NOu1ihffZpVaRA-gBp0bHIk1z4M2vS_chT169OGC42LOkgI1CL8a5n1vdJGOWLhHUdPT4kLrLqL80bW1J6-TBQKW_ly1E9lMs1sBcg2kV2Payh/s1600/110715_sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TSr-8FIlsL33eCDv3oEPEU3VTtwPm5NOu1ihffZpVaRA-gBp0bHIk1z4M2vS_chT169OGC42LOkgI1CL8a5n1vdJGOWLhHUdPT4kLrLqL80bW1J6-TBQKW_ly1E9lMs1sBcg2kV2Payh/s400/110715_sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why not be honest about what we sell?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxkAsBOlkzFMtI63xd2-p46TEnXg3uKVdQJ9U_bW_Pgyq1oQJbcleMrMhklNiztNDoToeFckiE-U9M1I8aW5Zhyphenhyphen1l2mb5O37sxHjMDC3qN-IiAWqt7cDeAy1n7tG62jOduHKKZioVDN4a/s1600/110715_sign-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxkAsBOlkzFMtI63xd2-p46TEnXg3uKVdQJ9U_bW_Pgyq1oQJbcleMrMhklNiztNDoToeFckiE-U9M1I8aW5Zhyphenhyphen1l2mb5O37sxHjMDC3qN-IiAWqt7cDeAy1n7tG62jOduHKKZioVDN4a/s400/110715_sign-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris says the bag is not big enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrH8xKqcz-MyZnlzEHWPQrHsOyabJcDaWrMCFB8NWKnsBVwpfb2qG4KlNWJ3n8bTXz6aIOp9DEImVIPu1U1J1Lyye9qJM6t0-m_Y6Oe_V6JCeoE4TWErI212NjWdbxqHPEEpNNWGDk2rs/s1600/110715_sign-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrH8xKqcz-MyZnlzEHWPQrHsOyabJcDaWrMCFB8NWKnsBVwpfb2qG4KlNWJ3n8bTXz6aIOp9DEImVIPu1U1J1Lyye9qJM6t0-m_Y6Oe_V6JCeoE4TWErI212NjWdbxqHPEEpNNWGDk2rs/s400/110715_sign-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This must be where Lionel Ritchie takes tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYqUbbvAB6BJQJLzaGnquZNRk_NuvhBrqRjQBY2b6V0M4vWirPljtPh2WT81Rjqs5GEcZnwUEBTT_mFAQfg4mFVsoF-sxI4sqVFD8-Sn8PxKbeP0sajpzXiGlsYB-TXUmnrIK4_Oo0055/s1600/110815_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYqUbbvAB6BJQJLzaGnquZNRk_NuvhBrqRjQBY2b6V0M4vWirPljtPh2WT81Rjqs5GEcZnwUEBTT_mFAQfg4mFVsoF-sxI4sqVFD8-Sn8PxKbeP0sajpzXiGlsYB-TXUmnrIK4_Oo0055/s400/110815_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, this makes sense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpkuQOqwhm04ioa-XH0Gb_eTMZ87PUceJXmoyOKvF1NXUte4nUfjtAXYyHXn9s4ih66f0wtbXW9URLzYxgsx9xA9HCmuNgJ6YL40TevJF5jFdD9ePXObeN_OIfC070SgXWECQ7gbcfiQ0/s1600/110815_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpkuQOqwhm04ioa-XH0Gb_eTMZ87PUceJXmoyOKvF1NXUte4nUfjtAXYyHXn9s4ih66f0wtbXW9URLzYxgsx9xA9HCmuNgJ6YL40TevJF5jFdD9ePXObeN_OIfC070SgXWECQ7gbcfiQ0/s400/110815_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More honesty in the store names.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqLWiJiH1xm_W4HLxb8GtpG36vCIMf_ByzFvzkncGsYDaxm2rGv4gQU2NaQAR4g9PVYvhoqDy8cu_PlkgtGSeVI1ZfnkIr2CN1GZXY0vFsl9-eQyVMYtY6cSgfk9Wddcpmx2tbkx9jEyS/s1600/110815_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqLWiJiH1xm_W4HLxb8GtpG36vCIMf_ByzFvzkncGsYDaxm2rGv4gQU2NaQAR4g9PVYvhoqDy8cu_PlkgtGSeVI1ZfnkIr2CN1GZXY0vFsl9-eQyVMYtY6cSgfk9Wddcpmx2tbkx9jEyS/s400/110815_sign-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, these English with their honesty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3RnozSOuZMwrnZXKAhZoos1J9NKLBgPwaY7DpO60qNszmStoJId9libE1MV0jc8NaktsPaw7QCs4OBtZ9ArApduR0WlSNZZ2NAHP9_CUseFY2LEZMQl_EX0q7ODddEXQExQER52rJ0iH/s1600/110815_sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3RnozSOuZMwrnZXKAhZoos1J9NKLBgPwaY7DpO60qNszmStoJId9libE1MV0jc8NaktsPaw7QCs4OBtZ9ArApduR0WlSNZZ2NAHP9_CUseFY2LEZMQl_EX0q7ODddEXQExQER52rJ0iH/s400/110815_sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I can think is that there must have been some<br />
trouble with Wonder Woman's helicopter so now<br />
there's a warning to beware of all concealed vehicles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiynm7eL_ionizxnoaeND10pZCaZGRINDyOh5Y8vgsSm1sLH_GR36iGBa6OS73VZio4pU1pih14bjlCILVLrZzjiSe1CJRSw6lDqpuLHigfhNcCFFCMe1Yn92crmwiQ4mCVNIbuBf0jxPn/s1600/110915_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiynm7eL_ionizxnoaeND10pZCaZGRINDyOh5Y8vgsSm1sLH_GR36iGBa6OS73VZio4pU1pih14bjlCILVLrZzjiSe1CJRSw6lDqpuLHigfhNcCFFCMe1Yn92crmwiQ4mCVNIbuBf0jxPn/s400/110915_sign-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never did get to try Hula Hoops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby8Rjv6WCT9hRsN3F0mPCgydRK43o-MpWcOaYofBMiqeAJlPAqeWisdO1XuwCpfggEZuNakTm3sqQJCmoFdTDVWqwn2pT9jC0wCfcmmTtEPlL_OMyJzlZlQqLBN7MA6hwlEQEnc2eB8L8/s1600/110915_sign-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby8Rjv6WCT9hRsN3F0mPCgydRK43o-MpWcOaYofBMiqeAJlPAqeWisdO1XuwCpfggEZuNakTm3sqQJCmoFdTDVWqwn2pT9jC0wCfcmmTtEPlL_OMyJzlZlQqLBN7MA6hwlEQEnc2eB8L8/s400/110915_sign-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supertrash (another store name)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeW4z-Vj9rnUN9QnmDzHcYlthvENkWU0db-o8jIRr4Gj97fjXaQqjSx3CuDgK_GzC6F6KWl-ImByJDVg9WEBSblIoxvzJ5jjuUcpKfCzY_eoX1i_QWG1cxycx2KDM_BF5lDbvD0Zbviwr/s1600/110915_sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeW4z-Vj9rnUN9QnmDzHcYlthvENkWU0db-o8jIRr4Gj97fjXaQqjSx3CuDgK_GzC6F6KWl-ImByJDVg9WEBSblIoxvzJ5jjuUcpKfCzY_eoX1i_QWG1cxycx2KDM_BF5lDbvD0Zbviwr/s400/110915_sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess Endor is a moon (Star Wars), so it makes<br />
sense that the sign is pointing to space. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh652OUmFZUx8isub9B5mc739WzlVtOqKFFmg59EBiv0kbRDudy5WqX4ROdUQugG-IfC2F8gQKYmLncQde03lmuXkyCSGYi2Q1_5-qDaZ22eyGLxHWeR2iZVU8zSLs_mDc5F4t3Tv5Q_jt_/s1600/111215-sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh652OUmFZUx8isub9B5mc739WzlVtOqKFFmg59EBiv0kbRDudy5WqX4ROdUQugG-IfC2F8gQKYmLncQde03lmuXkyCSGYi2Q1_5-qDaZ22eyGLxHWeR2iZVU8zSLs_mDc5F4t3Tv5Q_jt_/s400/111215-sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can go "Any veh"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMIWmiHyHy55P8k_eumf5sf7_j_B3z9UMqDRiY5Ij1tDP3AbkFG0bYDpWlXKI2YNwhKmP36V548UuEe0Fkh07YYnlgyGSEgriuGYdsVEeS7hVPv1DaoRBrZ8UuB4q9G52VypsRXbKELeI/s1600/111215_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMIWmiHyHy55P8k_eumf5sf7_j_B3z9UMqDRiY5Ij1tDP3AbkFG0bYDpWlXKI2YNwhKmP36V548UuEe0Fkh07YYnlgyGSEgriuGYdsVEeS7hVPv1DaoRBrZ8UuB4q9G52VypsRXbKELeI/s400/111215_sign-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish we had time to try this Kiss-Ass Mexican Grill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0-HuoBzIERKlVQivNDDP3xHGVp8LdRre0JVgTQvHEG2aFHzD43BnD_B8Yk8aB13aofhp2nrd-decPlJqLPabZiO6X3W6RwaxuIpHcYiF_1AH8x1lAE5PNJ9QIDg0mTKyyVwK93LhyphenhyphenMy4/s1600/111315_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0-HuoBzIERKlVQivNDDP3xHGVp8LdRre0JVgTQvHEG2aFHzD43BnD_B8Yk8aB13aofhp2nrd-decPlJqLPabZiO6X3W6RwaxuIpHcYiF_1AH8x1lAE5PNJ9QIDg0mTKyyVwK93LhyphenhyphenMy4/s400/111315_sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superdrug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmV_uHpxK05yHR9tYuD_TISIHVG_AnTviRJdtoZqkkgGhyrZfeHIWfvM_FrfT46qdZ_GvYQND2hrRd3TY-WycbXCzpUQgRduVTGA8lMYlwARnG4r-SvtJq99uSoO5V-pxEn9aN1epyn6Q/s1600/111315_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmV_uHpxK05yHR9tYuD_TISIHVG_AnTviRJdtoZqkkgGhyrZfeHIWfvM_FrfT46qdZ_GvYQND2hrRd3TY-WycbXCzpUQgRduVTGA8lMYlwARnG4r-SvtJq99uSoO5V-pxEn9aN1epyn6Q/s400/111315_sign-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, Xander loved this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<div>
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<div>
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<div>
</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-85385286295478107382015-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-20T08:16:44.428-08:00Day 95: Traveling HomeToday's the day. We return home.<br />
<br />
We originally thought we'd take the Tube to the airport. The cost is way less and yet, only about 5 minutes longer than taking a taxi. However, when faced with taking those large bags up and down all those stairs and hallways, we opted for a taxi instead. Ok, Uber car.<br />
<br />
Side note: It actually didn't cost that much. It was well worth it. And, just so you know, it takes about 45 minutes of aggressive driving to get to the open road. Once on the freeway, it's only about 15 minutes to the airport. After this hour, Xander is feeling a bit ill from the stops/starts and tight curves out of the city.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqgKEb8yThIdHRMPj-j7CVdKx1lxfGyP6A_nL8jO9THQpTpfxOUpHzeRjQRGMSz4SYUSh6m4gfNflNpBGHZrjs8w-vUZpWiDX9f1bc9SEurAutEvfFtqC_xbj8dJVQQ3XEjH_y5ycwPWd/s1600/Airport1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqgKEb8yThIdHRMPj-j7CVdKx1lxfGyP6A_nL8jO9THQpTpfxOUpHzeRjQRGMSz4SYUSh6m4gfNflNpBGHZrjs8w-vUZpWiDX9f1bc9SEurAutEvfFtqC_xbj8dJVQQ3XEjH_y5ycwPWd/s640/Airport1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Heathrow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Chris digitally checks in. We take our luggage to get tagged... and, well... two of them are over weight. One is REALLY too heavy. We quickly take from one and put into another, re-weighing and re-packing. The gentleman behind the counter wants the bags to be around 24 kg, even though the limit is closer to 22kg. One of them was 27kg, so it was a bit of repositioning to get it working right. We could have left the "as is" but it would have cost us an extra $200, so it's worth it to fix.<br />
<br />
Side story: During this time, the clocks turned 11am. The gentleman helping us asked us to please be quiet for the next minute. All counters went quiet, an announcement came over the PA system asking for a moment of silence in support for Paris. After the moment is over, computers restart and business begins again.<br />
<br />
Our bags are checked in. We have a little bit of time. I get water for the kids while Chris heads into the Tube station area to turn in our Oyster Cards (you get your deposit per card back and any outstanding balance). Well worth doing.<br />
<br />
Time to go through security. As we enter the line, the woman checking tickets looks at Venice on my arm and asks if she's ok. We mention she's a little ill and will be ok. The woman asks if we would like a wheelchair. When we hesitate, the woman informs us that the walk to terminal B is about a 20 minute walk. Uh, yeah, we would LOVE a wheelchair! There is no way Venice can walk that far. Thank you for the suggestion and information on how to get a wheelchair.<br />
<br />
This time, everyone makes it through, except me. Well, I make it through no problem, but my bag is sent down another track to be manually checked. Everyone gathers their items back up (putting shoes and belts back on, repacking laptops, and such). I get into line behind a gentleman who is having his bag hand checked as well. While I wait to be checked out, Chris and Venice head off to get a wheelchair.<br />
<br />
Security. Good times. First, there was no one working the counter where bags have been flagged. So, we wait. Then finally, someone came to work this line. The gentleman in front of me had left his laptop in his carryon on. WHAT? After the millions of signs that ask you to remove your laptop AND the people working behind the bins and conveyor belts verbally asking for you to remove your laptops, he still leaves it in his bag? Ugh. So, every zipper has to be opened, everything has to be wiped down with the "chemical" tester. Everything has to be removed from the bag and removed. Some items are sent through the scanners again. Meanwhile, Xander and I are waiting, waiting, waiting. The man is cleared and he slowly puts everything back into his bag. The woman cannot begin with me until this gentleman packs up and leaves. So we wait. She makes a comment that if he wants to avoid this, next time, please take out his laptop. The gentleman replies, "I heard that," with the attitude off the charts. Ugh.<br />
<br />
My turn. Similar treatment. Open all the zippers. The woman goes through everything. Unlike the gentleman ahead of me, I get no explanation as to why my bag was flagged. And now, Xander and I rush to meet up with Chris and Venice. We had a lot of time before, and now, we're starting to run out of time.<br />
<br />
We find Chris and Venice, eating lunch downstairs. Xander and I grab a quit bite and join them at the table. Chris quickly heads out to find the wheelchair and comes back with a cool purple wheelchair. We're in business and ready for our 20 minute walk to our terminal and gate.<br />
<br />
Once we arrive at our gate (we made it with enough time for one last bathroom stop), a gentleman came over to us and said that there is a special wheelchair entrance on the other side of the gate (he already has his wife over there). We thank him and head over to where he's waiting. Minutes later, we are checked in and behind the counters waiting to board the plane before anyone else is even asked to line up at the gate. Kind of cool to not have to board with the hoards. Chris wheels Venice down the jetway and we get on and find our seats. We are ready for our 10+ hour flight home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u5peqHV-87GZCfdVd4Tkkd99mb9Za81-fR3vDZbLlTzCqD4KvfI8546fBwPn5sHFd5dbN2OoW6-bKrc65-4ebmKVaU7L9MgARcAIDd9s9inqXL-eRutkDoFlp10KDff5gIqNHH1sy6TW/s1600/Airport2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u5peqHV-87GZCfdVd4Tkkd99mb9Za81-fR3vDZbLlTzCqD4KvfI8546fBwPn5sHFd5dbN2OoW6-bKrc65-4ebmKVaU7L9MgARcAIDd9s9inqXL-eRutkDoFlp10KDff5gIqNHH1sy6TW/s640/Airport2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Side note: At one point, there were about 5 airplanes coming in for a landing. Their headlights were lined up in the sky and it was a pretty cool sight. Chris went to take a photo and was politely told that photos are not allowed. Hmm. Is that normal or is that heightened security?<br />
<br />
The flight is uneventful (yay). And, this airplane is a different style of plane we came over on. This one has a digital screen for every single seat. On the way over, we had to sign into their wifi (which was horrible) to try to watch anything (stilted and undoable). On this flight, we each get our own access to the entertainment and there are no glitches in the streaming capabilities. Yay! I watch Paper Towns and Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Askaban. Side note: Half of the list of available movies are comprised of Harry Potter movies and Bond movies (all of them). I can't help but wonder if it's because we're traveling from London or is it just a coincidence. Anyway, I watch my two movies (and a few Amy Schuler episodes) and the flight goes by quicker than I can imagine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92kxU9TGvLOrZ5zrb6pxzLCsoSnwlfYWDjH4pQc-RPER86bwVAE4PbxpkQ3dpk08smbP3068vaPiSiPJEYlD8rijzdyKd7HgUHGPt1d2hAwoal7RMRwfLsjGXKjmKZXVL8c2_3J0muVU/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92kxU9TGvLOrZ5zrb6pxzLCsoSnwlfYWDjH4pQc-RPER86bwVAE4PbxpkQ3dpk08smbP3068vaPiSiPJEYlD8rijzdyKd7HgUHGPt1d2hAwoal7RMRwfLsjGXKjmKZXVL8c2_3J0muVU/s640/airplane.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all love watching the little graphic airplane make its trip from London to San Francisco,<br />
showing us where we are in our trip. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another side note: By the time we arrive in SFO, our bodies think it's after midnight. And yet, we each only slept about 15-30 minutes on the plane. Excitement to get home, feeling sick, not able to get comfortable... not sure, but none of us are feeling rested when we get to SFO and go through Customs. Venice, in particular, had a rough time on the flight and missing out on sleeping. We do get her a wheelchair after disembarking the plane, but we did have to ask and got lucky that they were able to find another one for us. Normally, I guess, you arrange ahead of time for a wheelchair. Sometimes there is an extra one (like now) but they have to be sure that anyone who ordered one gets it (can't give it to us on accident).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzuUU-A-NXA07zofs7KCPVE3eOr0Mjou52RC14Fcst_ZHjw9QYB8m3V41eKXxF0hdOk7hSeWoKTgJGl1evfvRemIwtcqT4pxtVvA6NRbbtmCuHkbGvCy5VPO4lAcQsE0CaghsHZq0Mrdd/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzuUU-A-NXA07zofs7KCPVE3eOr0Mjou52RC14Fcst_ZHjw9QYB8m3V41eKXxF0hdOk7hSeWoKTgJGl1evfvRemIwtcqT4pxtVvA6NRbbtmCuHkbGvCy5VPO4lAcQsE0CaghsHZq0Mrdd/s200/welcome.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">welcome to san francisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we approach Customs, there are self-check-in kiosks. Chris checks us in, says we have nothing to declare (which doesn't quite match what I put on our paper copy we filled out on the airplane), and we head to a real person behind a counter. We answer a few of the questions that they have to ask to check us out (what were you doing, where did you go, what's your business)... you kind of feel like you're getting to know someone and they're really interested in you, but there is definitely a feel of, "this is serious" and we're asking to be sure you're not a crazy person bringing back contraband. Anyway, the guy never asks for my paper copy (phew), and we had to the next step.<br />
<br />
Finally, after three check points, we are in the SFO airport. We pick up our bags and walk them one hallway to a place where we re-check them. We're just doing the manual labor of taking them from one place to another, the bags are not really rec-checked. They have been checked all the way through to Eugene, so no re-weighing or anything like that. Just rolled from point A to point B and we're on our way. Unfortunately, we have to go through SFO's security check now. This time, I sail through. Phew.<br />
<br />
We make our way to the American Express lounge (Chris has a card that gives us access to this lounge) and we settle in. Venice lays down on a couch and sleeps. The rest of us eat a bit of food and recharge our digital devices. And then it's time for our flight home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ6h0qmmbibMpcPuRhJgBOB9bTV0UpCQ4Ex5SUzKXU1K_b_QRluIj6HFXBtnCJNuPPHHlS6a5fH6tjkigzmULtxEpVVV6E3Di-riaIuLOWrloQq-hZsWmv0e25E1VTqqXuvgHEKoCG8Ne/s1600/peanuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ6h0qmmbibMpcPuRhJgBOB9bTV0UpCQ4Ex5SUzKXU1K_b_QRluIj6HFXBtnCJNuPPHHlS6a5fH6tjkigzmULtxEpVVV6E3Di-riaIuLOWrloQq-hZsWmv0e25E1VTqqXuvgHEKoCG8Ne/s200/peanuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haha! Joke's on Customs,<br />
we DID ship a live animal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have crappy seats on this flight (we're not all together) due to the fact that we purchased them just a day before. But, Chris talks to a woman behind the counter and we get them changed so that we can sit with the kids (two and two). A short flight. Uneventful (yay). We get another wheelchair (phew) and head to meet our family.<br />
<br />
Xander and I head down the escalators and fall into Granny and Jiichan's arms, tears of happiness overwhelming us all. Chris and Venice arrive a minute later from the elevator and it's their turn for more hugs and tears. Funny story: While we're in the midst of our reunion, a friend, who has also been traveling, stops in to say hi! Someone who we saw at the airport when we were leaving for a trip to Montana last spring. Small world! Or, is that just our home town? You're always bound to run into someone you know.<br />
<br />
It's a bit surreal to be back. Our bodies feeling like it's about 6am, we are zombies and just wanting to get into our own beds. We'll deal with our emotions... tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-9945620110014565532015-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-19T15:18:28.072-08:00Day 94: Bonus DayOk, so Venice had a bad night of it. More GI issues. She's still not eating. Chris and I quickly discuss our options. What is the point of traveling to Scotland, if Venice is going to stay in the hotel room the entire time and we'll worry about her as we guiltily tour around (if that's even possible)? We should just go home early. It seems time for all of us to head home. I will admit that touring around for so long has taken it's toll on me as well. Back in Berlin, we would go for a jaunt for the weekend, but then come back to "home base" for a while. This current jaunt is over a week long and it's pretty tiring living out of a suitcase, packing, unpacking, re-packing. Learning all the new problems of a new place (no conditioner, smaller beds, shared spaces, creaky floors, faulty lights, noise, etc.) So, I think we're all ready to be back in a "home base", and since it's the end of our trip, that will be our home-home.<br />
<br />
Chris gets on the phone immediately and fixes our tickets home. We cannot get tickets for today, but we can get onto tomorrow's flight. And thanks to United for NOT charging us a change fee (again, since we've already paid that once to switch to flying out of Scotland instead of Berlin). We will have good seats for the long flight and then somewhat cruddy seating arrangement on the flight to Eugene, but that's only an hour, we can handle that. Done.<br />
<br />
Next, Chris heads to the front desk to see if we can extend our stay at this aparthotel one more night. Yay! We have one more night here, no more packing and unpacking. We can remain settled. The only bad part of this, is that we packed up, thinking we'd be in another place. So, now, we have to dig through our bags to find what we need for the next day (and unpack my Dopp kit... side note, I now know why it's called a Dopp kit, had to Google it, you can too!) Somewhat a pain, but worth it.<br />
<br />
With our plans in order, we can begin our day in earnest. After breakfast, Venice decides it's best if she stays home and rests. She gives us her support in going out and exploring a bit more. Chris, Xander, and I head out to see a few more sights before leaving, on this, our bonus day.<br />
<br />
No taxis today. No Uber cars. We are ready for public transportation. Our first stop, the Tower Bridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQQpclgeBNGbjfFyWINHmkxTzq4QumATWLhk32qdlJGytena5r8FOyoqnDqPEaGj1Zy4ErWu7LAZ6XJbkGtQohkypxClBfl73bNfzkNa26C9nRxiUO3vlYSb24W-ctGulSNYHKDYXiMi5/s1600/Tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQQpclgeBNGbjfFyWINHmkxTzq4QumATWLhk32qdlJGytena5r8FOyoqnDqPEaGj1Zy4ErWu7LAZ6XJbkGtQohkypxClBfl73bNfzkNa26C9nRxiUO3vlYSb24W-ctGulSNYHKDYXiMi5/s640/Tube.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tube station (top-left), Xander pointing to our destination on the map inside the train (top-right)<br />
Mind the gap! (bottom-left), No entry (bottom-middle), Xander (bottom-right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Side story: I'm sure you've heard the "Mind the Gap" quote/joke a lot. We had. However, it's amazing how much you really do hear it and see it throughout a single day. Mind the gap. Mind the gap. Mind the step. Mind the gap. Perhaps, if you live here long enough, it becomes white noise in the background and you no longer hear it. But, being here a short time, it makes us laugh, almost every time we hear it. Mind the gap. And to be clear, the gap is not always equivalent. Sometimes there is no gap. Sometimes it's a step down from the train, or up. And sometimes, a small adult could fit through the gap. You really do need to mind the gap. There are also a lot of places with low ceilings (I guess they were shorter in the Middle Ages?) and doorways that I even duck (poor Chris, still smarting after hitting his head in Austria).<br />
<br />
As I've talked a lot about the crowded Tube stations, I have not talked about the labyrinth style in details. It is similar to Berlin's Ubahn stations. But even more labyrinth-y. Berlin's underground system seemed to be large hallways, with trains (of the same line) sharing platforms. Here in London, the "hallways" to each platform, or the way out, seem to be super narrow. The main entrances are large, but once you pick a line, you commit to a small tunnel (2 people side-by-side can walk comfortably, 3, not so much) heading to the platform. Everyone seems to be going the same direction. I think this is because, a lot of the tunnels below are single directional. As long as you follow the signs to your platform or the Way Out, you will be going the correct direction for that tunnel. As you can see in the photo above (bottom-middle), there are places where it says "no entry". This is the "other" direction. And while some seem to be going against the rules, in this photo, most people follow the signs and all traffic flows in one direction. I can't imagine going against traffic. It seems like just asking to get bowled over. Anyway, I wonder what model-representation of this underground labyrinth would look like? A bunch of criss-crossing tubes all over the place. Seems like a fun project for someone to do...<br />
<br />
Out of the Tube system, we make our way towards the Tower Bridge, passing the Tower of London on our way. We are also treated to nice views of the Shard. The clouds and peaking-blue skies give a beautiful background to our view of the river Thames (which is quite murky, by the way).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkKfzEkpblxvksgOTLNC9tBEA9q86j5Q_4aTOqzzZIutJ4jUCI5V_SAc24grBZ6Via-i0rFhyZzwcAj1b0sgFfmiEpEkFtMsQrLqtmbZ0LNoG3MIXgHdJTt51D5xdTnYC4WBBhnMUFaYC/s1600/Tower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkKfzEkpblxvksgOTLNC9tBEA9q86j5Q_4aTOqzzZIutJ4jUCI5V_SAc24grBZ6Via-i0rFhyZzwcAj1b0sgFfmiEpEkFtMsQrLqtmbZ0LNoG3MIXgHdJTt51D5xdTnYC4WBBhnMUFaYC/s640/Tower1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spinning table for play, with the Tower of London in the background (left)<br />
Tower of London (middle) and the Shard (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrTDLqoeOvFgCq7N0kxF623EM21eqqPNpTgLnWlG1EyXrbnGWkZAgjdKcRsY48JNFM603bI8LwMt7UQeburcQDsazFbPAa0CQVsvSftvwEBP5YIFZyn-NbfofzLOQEA6ircgEhTjYuSqS/s1600/Tower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrTDLqoeOvFgCq7N0kxF623EM21eqqPNpTgLnWlG1EyXrbnGWkZAgjdKcRsY48JNFM603bI8LwMt7UQeburcQDsazFbPAa0CQVsvSftvwEBP5YIFZyn-NbfofzLOQEA6ircgEhTjYuSqS/s640/Tower2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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As we approach the Tower Bridge, I could see the blue colours of the suspension cables. How did I not know it was coloured blue? Guess I haven't looked at many photos of the bridge. On our tour, we find out that these are the "new" colours which were instituted in 1977. The original colour was greenish-blue (according to the Wiki page) but in reality, just looked like brown to us.<br />
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We find our way onto the bridge and to the exhibition area and there is no line. I was expecting to have to wait, but we walked right in, got our tickets, and went in the first elevator going up. A wonderful surprise!<br />
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There are two walkways connecting the two towers and you are allowed to walk through both of them. Due to the two walkways, you are able to see both directions along the Thames, as well as seeing the other walkway. Today, the flags are flying at half-mast in mourning for Paris.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54ThgWbbTF-eHYOHp85IQ2Xc317uMdZlLbMCowWRJuNkmFZfT7K8-aOCgM3hTH6tJ_HgYeTR-1KJqdd2ywYYq_pyXyE3DCZFxhfU16rftDPqCqHbFOuJBVKGLh9hTiluFrKriczLfbH9x/s1600/Tower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54ThgWbbTF-eHYOHp85IQ2Xc317uMdZlLbMCowWRJuNkmFZfT7K8-aOCgM3hTH6tJ_HgYeTR-1KJqdd2ywYYq_pyXyE3DCZFxhfU16rftDPqCqHbFOuJBVKGLh9hTiluFrKriczLfbH9x/s640/Tower3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A westwardly view(top-left), The other walkway (top-right)<br />
Xander making a souvenir penny (bottom-left), original colour (bottom-middle)<br />
Eastwardly view (bottom-right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Both walkways have a glass bottom in the middle. At first, we're a bit slow to get onto the glass. By the second walkway, Xander's ready to try jumping on it (although he abstains). This is definitely fun for all of us tourists waiting a turn to take some photos.<br />
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The tour is a self-guided tour and we are able to go at our own pace. Once you leave the towers and walkways, you can go underneath to see the engine rooms (mostly replicas of the old coal and steam engines). Funny story: At this point, I was ready to sit for a bit. So, Chris and Xander were checking out a certain display in the engine area and I took a seat. It was a chair along the wall, next to another display of some sort. I didn't pay any attention to what it was, I just knew it was a chair, mostly out of the way. I checked my phone to see if Venice had Skyped, needing anything. As I was engrossed with my phone a couple walked up to the display next to my chair. The guy started cranking the hands-on part of the display. Immediately, I shifted in my seat as the chair lurched upwards. Surprised, I giggled and said, "Oh, you're moving my chair!" It took a few seconds for the guy to understand what was happening (English wasn't their first language) but he finally got it and told his female companion what happened. By this time, I had jumped off the chair and was still laughing (slightly embarrassed, as I think he was, too). OMG! I moved on. He re-cranked the lever to see how the chair moved and they continued to explore the exhibit. Too funny.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlvxXCdiLxobonsJGTYE9hkyloSMVy_Say6iGAxxStsVj6ibSMkBt9cqkiLGejUTvAIxMxM9J4grxHBH2BQsYrOkHE5BnPreFb-ei8ZEFMFWtJ4YXTJZJLFr-dCTyI-wiwgTGiKdS__7/s1600/Tower7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlvxXCdiLxobonsJGTYE9hkyloSMVy_Say6iGAxxStsVj6ibSMkBt9cqkiLGejUTvAIxMxM9J4grxHBH2BQsYrOkHE5BnPreFb-ei8ZEFMFWtJ4YXTJZJLFr-dCTyI-wiwgTGiKdS__7/s640/Tower7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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On the walls of the walkways is a photographic display of bridges from around the world, including architects, spans, building style, and other factoids. Yes, the Golden Gate is one of them. We also saw the Rialto and Ponte Vecchio from Italy. And a few modern ones that look like they're from a sci-fi movie and not the current times. One of the bridges, included, is the Millennium Footbridge, here in London, just a few bridges west of the Tower Bridge (the third bridge over). Xander became enamoured with it and really wanted to see it. This is the kind of touring we love to do. We had plans to see the Tower of London, but we're all a bit "done" with formal tours. Xander saw something he really wanted to see. So we switched up our plans and decided to try for the Millennium Footbridge. But, first we must find lunch.<br />
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We dine at a beer and hamburger place nearby. As we're eating, Chris looks up coffee places and finds F*CKOFFEE. Xander and Chris decide this is a MUST for us. It's not too far, and after we eat, we head over to find the coffee place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoeVDQ1XMafIctxRYvWG2PDjIg9dUeQRGwF6NBYQGWq2feEmgL51PvUVBvfG8b2FYvYpPIB6Tx2GRBL5zckfjhkegJcXzoMFCfFmbLRbPFc6fLF6N071W47EDZO5u_WucMxAbOC6x_-08/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoeVDQ1XMafIctxRYvWG2PDjIg9dUeQRGwF6NBYQGWq2feEmgL51PvUVBvfG8b2FYvYpPIB6Tx2GRBL5zckfjhkegJcXzoMFCfFmbLRbPFc6fLF6N071W47EDZO5u_WucMxAbOC6x_-08/s640/Coffee.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our beverages and chocolatey-snack at F*CKOFFEE.</td></tr>
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On our way back from coffee, we pass by the White Cube, again. It is a free-admissions art gallery. Another perk of this kind of touring is that we can just decide to go on in, and we do. It's a brief view of the local art scene. One of the displays (see photo below), was of some text (greyish-off-white) on a white wall. You had to be close enough to read it, otherwise, the text disappeared. So, I thought it was funny to walk by and see people, appearing to be staring at a white wall. Just like a common joke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcbjqf8DDSqBJSXKZpGsgoFJFp46y5oSfxrfPQiqI0H8HwAvMg3ZhEtwDGskfc4Ury71jAAJIeNgpaz5r4Hyl9S0Ktv-ZOIakcSfdtmq49j7F_ZJa0_5sQaCUA8p61J6SncCKTGfol5_e/s1600/WhiteCube2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcbjqf8DDSqBJSXKZpGsgoFJFp46y5oSfxrfPQiqI0H8HwAvMg3ZhEtwDGskfc4Ury71jAAJIeNgpaz5r4Hyl9S0Ktv-ZOIakcSfdtmq49j7F_ZJa0_5sQaCUA8p61J6SncCKTGfol5_e/s640/WhiteCube2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art in the front courtyard (left), Installments from a Light display</td></tr>
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We move on, heading towards the water. We walk onto the London Bridge again, to take a peak back at Tower Bridge (it's not raining today, so it's a really nice view!), Then back to sit along the waterfront by the Southwark Bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlYOiwZIN93UzRZZWgdUHa95Hijo4FQfnHw16kiQnlAgFqtcjHawUDBPp0tzleM0lfkmCiP7R0W0AZ2JGDMDZB-lViYom3L5lZq_nlW3tMMsDVpYuSbu_xHJkkUPPqBtGM7mmf7rWLRmM/s1600/LondonBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlYOiwZIN93UzRZZWgdUHa95Hijo4FQfnHw16kiQnlAgFqtcjHawUDBPp0tzleM0lfkmCiP7R0W0AZ2JGDMDZB-lViYom3L5lZq_nlW3tMMsDVpYuSbu_xHJkkUPPqBtGM7mmf7rWLRmM/s640/LondonBridge.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the London Bridge (left), Southwark Cathedral (middle), a colourful underpass (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRes5SxK8F6Mt5fuGThgaVeY5RTuY8wl8rz0VRGQEN5pVqxRv_9UyMkwYjHvSatYA91oBpHYVNvc8I1IevyVeHcTvBQB81n5Yp5d0oOoNWw5lrXK7mOwoTfJ-zdZfb8v3CX2XJ12EYup2/s1600/Millenium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRes5SxK8F6Mt5fuGThgaVeY5RTuY8wl8rz0VRGQEN5pVqxRv_9UyMkwYjHvSatYA91oBpHYVNvc8I1IevyVeHcTvBQB81n5Yp5d0oOoNWw5lrXK7mOwoTfJ-zdZfb8v3CX2XJ12EYup2/s640/Millenium.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for me to take a bathroom break (left), the Southwark Bridge (middle), stopping for a rest (right)</td></tr>
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Finally, we make it to the Millennium Footbridge. It's fun to get a view back towards the Tower Bridge. So far, this area, around all the bridges, feels less crowded. I don't know if it's the time of the week, or if it's because it's not raining, so people aren't all huddled in the same areas, but it just feels less crowded today. In addition to our slow pace, this uncongested feeling creates a peaceful day of touring. I am sorry Venice's illness had to be so bad. We miss her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslRrxMyYFAon9e8XlaMAD3qMec186FbdlqnqBOuUBdP_8_80Z0bQQEqPr93cYwSLWVfiEliiPR5lNc6i8QEel2vC6zW3DXwxU7FM8AnD1IbT2fRh_e-jm8ZTvfXiWiNA89xWTKCCDSuZc/s1600/Millenium1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslRrxMyYFAon9e8XlaMAD3qMec186FbdlqnqBOuUBdP_8_80Z0bQQEqPr93cYwSLWVfiEliiPR5lNc6i8QEel2vC6zW3DXwxU7FM8AnD1IbT2fRh_e-jm8ZTvfXiWiNA89xWTKCCDSuZc/s640/Millenium1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uq4VCNZHFNOPOBg56E9exNJlakSi1DsNK0GdpN6kMvoj_T6PHjGOywfGqvgbbAN_R2ZWR3AQkK8pregjesvKBkCLQNeBr-udEgX9WKAkagediBkRZLtuwGBstG9ITcZ4dokgr9EFnAOQ/s1600/Millenium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uq4VCNZHFNOPOBg56E9exNJlakSi1DsNK0GdpN6kMvoj_T6PHjGOywfGqvgbbAN_R2ZWR3AQkK8pregjesvKBkCLQNeBr-udEgX9WKAkagediBkRZLtuwGBstG9ITcZ4dokgr9EFnAOQ/s640/Millenium2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back, you can see the Tower Bridge (super tiny in the photos)<br />
Xander took some great photos of us. He noticed we covered the church in the background<br />
and had us move and then moved himself so as to create the perspective he wanted. </td></tr>
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As we walked across the Millennium Footbridge, we could see St. Paul's Church, which created a beautiful view and destination. As we approached the church, we could see that something big had occurred here earlier. People were cleaning up temporary stands that looked to hold hundreds of people in the streets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ovR746MmxhTFWbopzndVOkRJROufZ1BbgGRFyJjTjK0_BNGG6DE6r78s1tWEGCB6Dk8JCxoUZzU5tz8XoBCfdDH7RDsw17nZd6mdAJU6qsU_scBsStbrgKx7wSQ9N_97BuwYL1KIHSCZ/s1600/StPauls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ovR746MmxhTFWbopzndVOkRJROufZ1BbgGRFyJjTjK0_BNGG6DE6r78s1tWEGCB6Dk8JCxoUZzU5tz8XoBCfdDH7RDsw17nZd6mdAJU6qsU_scBsStbrgKx7wSQ9N_97BuwYL1KIHSCZ/s640/StPauls.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul's Church.<br />
Curly-twisted bushes (bottom-middle, photo by Xander)</td></tr>
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We take the Tube home. Check on Venice. Rest a bit. Venice is still not up for eating, so when we head back out for dinner, she opts to stay in. We'll bring her some food back from the Shake Shack.<br />
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One of Xander's last Bingo items is to ride a London double decker bus (we rode one in Berlin, but it doesn't feel the same as one of the iconic red buses in London). We have confirmed with my high school friend, that our Oyster Cards are good for buses too (this is what we thought until we bought them and the wording on the tickets confused us). We cross our fingers that they'll work on the bus. We are prepared to pay cash if we need to, so we're not too worried about failure (and remember, they speak English here, that's very helpful!)<br />
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We walk down the street to the nearest bus stop. Guess what? We missed our bus, because we were waiting on the wrong side of the street! Dang "right side driving". Silly Americans. We cross the street to be on the correct side of traffic. Here's where we make our second tourist mistake. A different bus comes, and we can take this one as well, only it doesn't stop! It drives right by us, because we were sitting down as it approached. We watch other people, and they stand near the curb and wave it down (really, just hold their open hand out at at 45 degree angle from the ground). Ok. We are on the correct side of traffic AND we know to stand up in advance and wave down the bus. Got it. Now to just wait another 10 minutes for the next bus.<br />
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Success! We got on the bus! We waved it down and it stopped. Our Oyster Cards turned the scanner green. AND, bonus, the second row of seats on the top level were open. Xander got to, basically, sit in the best seat (the woman in the front row offered to switch out seats so he could have the front, but the second row was good enough... how nice of her to offer).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp06nst0WgPUmDxfKitws-mEMnLO0GGmYPItUHU7L1y8XEghJcZKqsfIEmWazXLhzDMqByPZwHERQ8KEatU7YBiKL0lKiFdloyZqi-iJG5aVIKQ12cYbk17L5_aN-DYkNmcXNJoI7O-0W1/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp06nst0WgPUmDxfKitws-mEMnLO0GGmYPItUHU7L1y8XEghJcZKqsfIEmWazXLhzDMqByPZwHERQ8KEatU7YBiKL0lKiFdloyZqi-iJG5aVIKQ12cYbk17L5_aN-DYkNmcXNJoI7O-0W1/s640/bus.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top deck of a double decker (left), Temporary Ice Skating rink (right)</td></tr>
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We're back to Covent garden. Chris and I were here the night we went out alone, but tonight, the lights are lit, the decorations for the holidays are more complete. The weather is warm enough to eat outside (the area is covered, but it's not "inside").<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vx-nlDtCRJWkIwawRCusZ8rP761gMqVC6t21ZPelhsIeAhZachKKyOH5biXqeGhVSxbkxSI8-l3sdLJketOS8OrH9knk7Kd_9endMjQb9quGPQpIsNHamsJZQUDdLFYXmxZsyd6fbFpv/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vx-nlDtCRJWkIwawRCusZ8rP761gMqVC6t21ZPelhsIeAhZachKKyOH5biXqeGhVSxbkxSI8-l3sdLJketOS8OrH9knk7Kd_9endMjQb9quGPQpIsNHamsJZQUDdLFYXmxZsyd6fbFpv/s640/dinner.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covent Garden (top-left), Xander and Chris almost got hit by a low flying bird (top-right)<br />
The wonderful musicians (bottom-left), Disco ball making sparkly lights (bottom-right)</td></tr>
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Part way through our dinner, we were treated to a wonderful concert. A performing quintet set up to play on the lower level. The spinning-twinkling lights and the quality music made for a magical atmosphere. Funny story: Xander went to go check it out first and came back reporting it was a group of boys and girls. We asked what he meant by "boys" and he responded that they were young. Chris and I had images of teenagers in our minds and were super impressed by the level of playing they were displaying. But when I went to get a look, I came back with a group of 30 year olds. Funny how different perception is!<br />
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The group was very good at performing. They danced. They shouted. They had humour. They entertained. There was a 6th member of this group, his job was to go around the audience (top and bottom levels) asking for donations and to sell their CD. Yes, I did buy one. I enjoyed their performance so much and thought their music was really well done. I'm a sucker for a good entertainers!<br />
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I ordered one more burger to take home to Venice while Chris raced to the bathroom with Xander, who was in a big hurry. We headed back to the bus stop (once again, we went to wait on the wrong side, doh!) Our Oyster Cards blinked green (phew) and we get second row seats up top, again!<br />
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Venice has been snoozing during the time we've been gone. She's asleep when we get home, but wakes up to try a bit of food. After two bites, she's back to bed. Poor thing.<br />
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Good-night, London. We hope to see you again to do all the things we missed due to time running out (Buckingham Palace, Regent's Park, Harry Potter Tours, British Museum, National History Museum...)Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-32224362190396256502015-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-17T15:43:54.590-08:00Day 93: A Rainy DayThe morning after Paris.<br />
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We woke up later in the morning than we planned. I gave Venice some medicine and worked on the blog, while Xander created animation sequences on the computer and Chris slept a bit longer. By the time we were dressed and fed, it was time to get going on our final things to do and see for the day.<br />
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Chris and I walked back to the walk-in clinic to get a refill for Venice's medicine. I had lost the receipt (and my mind) but it's all ok. They just look her up by the bottle we bring in and her last name. Refilling will be done. However, because it's a mixture that needs to be refrigerated, they give us the medicine in powder form, asking us to add 18ml of water when ready to mix. But what is 18ml? How does one measure this when traveling? They, brilliantly, measure out 18 ml of water (tap water, I might add) into an extra bottle so we know exactly how much to mix.<br />
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We stop in the market on the way home and pick up a few more items to tantalise Venice into eating, like pudding! And we walk home in the off-and-on drizzle.<br />
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We have a few things we'd like to do on our last day, here in London. Mainly to see the Borough Market, The Tower Bridge, The London Tower, and the London Eye. It's doable, and we set out, after a quick snack.<br />
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To maximise our time, we call an Uber car to get us to the Borough Market. We can take the Tube, but Venice has decided to rally and come with us. She's moving very slowly, taking someone's arm for most of her walking efforts. We figure, we can save time and her energy if we take an Uber car to our first destination.<br />
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Our Uber car arrives, while Chris is having the front desk print out our pre-purchased London Eye tickets. So, we wait for a bit in the car. Then we're off... or are we? As we head towards the river, traffic gets thick. Our driver comments how certain streets are closed off. Oh, and that one's closed too. Hmm, so's that one. We are basically stuck with a 100 other cars that didn't know half the streets are closed (construction?). Finally, it seems we get past the construction only to find more closed off streets, for "no one knows why". Our driver says they weren't closed this morning when he was here earlier. So, why? I wonder, out loud, if the queen went by or something. He did say there was a motorcade. I wonder if it's related to Paris. At this point, Chris mentions one of the festivals was cancelled (or postponed) due to the events in Paris. In the end, we still don't know why all these roads were closed.<br />
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In the meantime, it's raining, so we can't really have the windows open too much. The driver keeps it very warm in there. It's a bit uncomfortable in there. Venice actually takes a few cat naps, her body is so tired. I keep turning on Google Maps and watching where we're going, constantly wondering where the heck we ARE going as it seems we are only getting farther away from our destination.<br />
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After an HOUR of this, we finally decide to get out of the dang Uber and just take the Tube, thinking we should have done that in the first place. What a waste of an hour and ££. Bright side? Venice got more sleep?<br />
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So, we take the Tube to the Borough Market, which means we have to walk a little bit, because you can only get so close. It's not a big deal, this is how it's been our entire trip, however, when someone is sick and moving slowly AND it's raining... it can kind of suck (thus our attempt at using an Uber car). We walk slowly in the rain towards our destination.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lfdZshMZpbbBiFwMC5IiglmsYqxMrdmQ9Woib7DwQJfhF0Y_fI-NozNDVJHwVzLmxGtrM8-9kJrLfMvR0yQBS6BNiyKG-YC5OjgnZri-LVeNt7q0Sm79Bs0HboxfIvl9LxLAWE5slpK7/s1600/Bridge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lfdZshMZpbbBiFwMC5IiglmsYqxMrdmQ9Woib7DwQJfhF0Y_fI-NozNDVJHwVzLmxGtrM8-9kJrLfMvR0yQBS6BNiyKG-YC5OjgnZri-LVeNt7q0Sm79Bs0HboxfIvl9LxLAWE5slpK7/s640/Bridge1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tower Bridge (left), Venice in front of a City of London sign (right). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We walk across the London Bridge and catch a rainy glimpse of the Tower Bridge. I liken my experience to when I saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Something I have seen over and over before, but seeing it in person, surprisingly, took my breath away. It was really beautiful (and real!) in the rain. Sparkling in the distance (even though my photos make it look dark and dingy).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU5aUTuAGNqA9LeWCpJtgumEmtEY9tNLqz7XrRKBS6IHZZ-eoDNTg1rMb4ATKzlKgU7KP_dGRDPAGm_1_ayd31fG-HyfhDOkmjLWLDhXZCX7Bu4peUNsht_UAb6r0HPitUhJ7n3377PbX/s1600/Bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU5aUTuAGNqA9LeWCpJtgumEmtEY9tNLqz7XrRKBS6IHZZ-eoDNTg1rMb4ATKzlKgU7KP_dGRDPAGm_1_ayd31fG-HyfhDOkmjLWLDhXZCX7Bu4peUNsht_UAb6r0HPitUhJ7n3377PbX/s640/Bridge2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice and me on the London Bridge (left)<br />
Chris and Xander on the London Bridge with the Shard in the background (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We don't linger on the London Bridge, due to the rain. We push on towards the Borough Market. I didn't know much about this market, other than several people have suggested we go and check it out, that it's a cool place to go. Turns out, it's also similar to Pike's Market in Seattle (someone else said this). It's an open air market under the aboveground railways. There are tons of food cards, craft stalls, and lots of "hanging out" spots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFXm4osG2FAiEep3Ry_st9vb5E61wgpeKMFHVzgGF6wKYaMMKt-wjlz-kNPd_yzjvLRAk_Pnust0RP1Yz9b95vDAHyJboMeSQ6TGU-N_demWKNc32FqwWMGeY_0wA22Xr_-inw4tsex0a/s1600/Borough1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFXm4osG2FAiEep3Ry_st9vb5E61wgpeKMFHVzgGF6wKYaMMKt-wjlz-kNPd_yzjvLRAk_Pnust0RP1Yz9b95vDAHyJboMeSQ6TGU-N_demWKNc32FqwWMGeY_0wA22Xr_-inw4tsex0a/s640/Borough1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Borough Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, due to today's rain, there are a lot of empty-wet tables and people are all crowding into the areas that are covered. Trying not to poke anyone with an umbrella or ducking around with jacket hoods pulled over our heads, we don't get to enjoy the atmosphere as much as if we had come on a dryer day. Our tour of the area is quick and then we're ready to settle in for lunch (it's also very late due to our traffic snafu).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsYZneLom9v8Zz22b_6oJ9ppBruOSg2e2IYFcJO7IW0u-gUJnURMpihybnuI33PXuZrewfdudvek92JFrlToycjEr95qSayaVU8WIOpJTIVsGvP0hYV-2lTb2_VDcie_DxvteLvHzeRWM/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsYZneLom9v8Zz22b_6oJ9ppBruOSg2e2IYFcJO7IW0u-gUJnURMpihybnuI33PXuZrewfdudvek92JFrlToycjEr95qSayaVU8WIOpJTIVsGvP0hYV-2lTb2_VDcie_DxvteLvHzeRWM/s640/Lunch.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish! restaurant. Xander ready to dig in (left),<br />
rain on the roof (middle), the food prep area (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
By the time we sit down to order, it's 2:51pm. Sigh. We have to reassess what we can do in the next few hours. The Tower Bridge closes at 5pm, London Tower at 4:30pm, and we have purchased open tickets for the London Eye. We do not think we can eat and arrive in time for the Tower Bridge or London Tower, so we are conceding those. We already have tickets to the London Eye so that is what we'll do after we eat.<br />
<br />
Venice mostly hangs out as company with us, as food is still unappetising to her. Chris, Xander, and I all order fish and chips (on my Bingo list!) along with mushy peas (they're not good... only the mushy peas in Prague have been good, and those were amazing!) Xander ordered cod, Chris ordered halibut, and I ordered haddock. The food is large and we stuff ourselves with the yummy food, tasting each other's choice of fish.<br />
<br />
Someone suggested we try a coffee place in the Borough Market, so we went to get a cup before we headed to the London Eye. As we walked through the market, we walked through a tunnel-hallway. One entire side of the hallway was painted with blackboard paint and had the permanent words, "Before I die, I want to". There were several pieces of chalk on the ground ready for anyone to add to the wall what they wanted to do. I love this concept! What fun! We almost didn't walk this way and I'm glad we did. There were several others there as we approached, writing their own words. The kids joined. Venice wrote, "Make a homeless shelter" and Xander signs his name. There is one prominent writing that says, "Pray for Paris".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLgxaqMWmapcqxMC_5ymBKOVcDkHPMN4mDjr0pUgeBeWRiVkFCCGcka2a7cF7GVJpR0_yF642j-QP6GoTXz32P3G2KFzPqF3eOMyn6ExWQEQrtPX1Yzzi1eaB8Ao0whi8Bec8O0MRPTd/s1600/Borough2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLgxaqMWmapcqxMC_5ymBKOVcDkHPMN4mDjr0pUgeBeWRiVkFCCGcka2a7cF7GVJpR0_yF642j-QP6GoTXz32P3G2KFzPqF3eOMyn6ExWQEQrtPX1Yzzi1eaB8Ao0whi8Bec8O0MRPTd/s640/Borough2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Chalkboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The coffee was a fun establishment, completely open on one side of the store. It was definitely crowded and we had to wait in the queue. The kids waited outside. We sipped our caffeine goodness and were ready to head to the London Eye.<br />
<br />
We slowly made our way back to the Tube, passing the Waterloo station again. Cool! Next time I'd like to go in and look around. It is one of the 15th busiest terminals in Europe and is huge inside. Lots of movies have been filmed here, etc. Next time!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpeM63sXHsL0Ian9O0FYSaLhCmaAL0A-lmYCelmUsfR4MYGxPeHHYYOAp9dGqAcmu48lTnrcWw0jOlDxwOrTjxm5jAhRKTETh-aMezH5fk6gMi5Jv9VdASFy_6ynEP3sq0OSXCJBTHtvq/s1600/tube-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpeM63sXHsL0Ian9O0FYSaLhCmaAL0A-lmYCelmUsfR4MYGxPeHHYYOAp9dGqAcmu48lTnrcWw0jOlDxwOrTjxm5jAhRKTETh-aMezH5fk6gMi5Jv9VdASFy_6ynEP3sq0OSXCJBTHtvq/s640/tube-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wall and doors before getting into the train. You still must mind the gap,<br />
but I guess it keeps you from falling onto the tracks when there is no train there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When we arrive at the London Eye, we figure out the line to enter. Since we purchased Flexi tickets ahead of time, we get to go into the shorter line. The regular line doesn't seem to be too long. Each capsule holds about 25 people, so it moves pretty quickly. However, seeing as Venice isn't 100%, it's completely worth our Flexi tickets so that we can get into the shorter line and we walk right onto the next Capsule.<br />
<br />
We had read about the London Eye ahead of time. We knew that it rarely stops. The wheel spins slowly (one rotation in about 30 minutes) and is slow enough for people to hop on and hop off at the bottom. I'm not sure we had to hurry as much as we did, but there's definitely a feeling of hurry up and get into the capsule or you'll be left behind or dangling or... They do slow it down or stop it if you are in a wheelchair or less steady on your feet. We all successfully get on (just with a little bit of a thrill thinking we might not make it).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUc3OGJqpV14rJQgvo8ohgMEPr76roe5xRojb-tTh6gglkwCPkfffGNvafrI6VVyQWx9TACbkZu8BwOUU1C4U0b8zp3zhqZYzu7qTQ739tU6MFTBRHglHsPin7YzRItZzaYO3iyviAANg/s1600/Eye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUc3OGJqpV14rJQgvo8ohgMEPr76roe5xRojb-tTh6gglkwCPkfffGNvafrI6VVyQWx9TACbkZu8BwOUU1C4U0b8zp3zhqZYzu7qTQ739tU6MFTBRHglHsPin7YzRItZzaYO3iyviAANg/s640/Eye1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The London Eye lit up in French colours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygJbho8Ws7co1C6HmpGghEw8eGFFz-Mi5fJY1xeOOoEC10WljpPaviolo9jYiy8Iqy168GCgZn4HAHaQ8sqBGTMr00g_bGsvjSscv1RM3L3vEwJCO9ye7azeI1m_-orS2M4BrsMbxWnQF/s1600/Eye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygJbho8Ws7co1C6HmpGghEw8eGFFz-Mi5fJY1xeOOoEC10WljpPaviolo9jYiy8Iqy168GCgZn4HAHaQ8sqBGTMr00g_bGsvjSscv1RM3L3vEwJCO9ye7azeI1m_-orS2M4BrsMbxWnQF/s640/Eye2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View (top), Venice is grateful for a seat (left), Big Ben (middle)<br />
Xander is grateful for the digital view (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF7gybAQpzmcxYlQNDL84D5Y1eZZTZpbqDeWJr-dReO8OQNuHW_wwvD0Q15-wIS25Wenbk2kz3leLsvO0PCl0wfOcMZpIoHHQX7RcPqpkF2OxU-FzDF4dNUb0UHetV-KOiRQMibb7Rgv4/s1600/Eye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF7gybAQpzmcxYlQNDL84D5Y1eZZTZpbqDeWJr-dReO8OQNuHW_wwvD0Q15-wIS25Wenbk2kz3leLsvO0PCl0wfOcMZpIoHHQX7RcPqpkF2OxU-FzDF4dNUb0UHetV-KOiRQMibb7Rgv4/s640/Eye3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More French colours. London Eye (left and right), National Theatre (middle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaEcMJd16qEhMUXTj0MWJNMgbFkcddXl6rnAjSkazm4uOgLnJ45ojjtqaK1SUeLH2QXfG20_NOfNyQp5WoYLVNa-sL2qqybjMB_3T_lyhgyp8EQsaQQ6O45xDKj35KI2GrcAhF6szk6IW/s1600/Eye4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaEcMJd16qEhMUXTj0MWJNMgbFkcddXl6rnAjSkazm4uOgLnJ45ojjtqaK1SUeLH2QXfG20_NOfNyQp5WoYLVNa-sL2qqybjMB_3T_lyhgyp8EQsaQQ6O45xDKj35KI2GrcAhF6szk6IW/s640/Eye4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben, again (top-left), Venice sitting, again (top-right)<br />
Chris and Venice looking at the view (bottom-left), Xander and I being the view (bottom-middle)<br />
A capsule about to be on the bottom where people will get off (bottom-right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By the time we get off the London Eye, the regular line is almost gone. I'm surprised. It's a Saturday night, why wouldn't you want to ride the London Eye at night? Seems romantic. Perhaps it's because it's raining? I was impressed that even in the dark and rain, we were able to enjoy the view.<br />
<br />
We head home. Venice is super tired by now. We're a little nervous to try another Uber car, so we go home on our own via the Tube. I tried to carry Venice piggy-back, but wow... she's gotten too big. I make it one block and have to give up. We walk slowly, arm-in-arm, instead.<br />
<br />
Venice goes straight to bed when we get back. Chris, Xander, and I have a simple dinner at home, eating through some of the food we have left (e.g. pasta, lettuce, deli meats, etc.)<br />
<br />
We begin to pack for our trip to Scotland tomorrow. Trying to pack smartly, too. Pack everything into one bag that we won't need to get to at all (until we're back home). Pack other bags with dirty clothes that won't be opened. And the other ones with just the right amount of clothes we need for the rest of the trip. All the while, trying to keep the big bag not too full (so we make the weight limit at the airport). Having shipped so many items, we don't have too much to pack, so it doesn't take too long to get it all gathered up. We are ready.<br />
<br />
Good-night, London!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhD_ewSOlCdBSccHOt5lHGbajXtWiNV6pRVZuGjnuuRUk-unV3AYXksfZ2WDhmHv5xt1LpBUbwtiMR33LuSU1cDpbF9hBtmxGZiab-sqIe_s_bpNGvdbllpmXD2adwCUjjb7lmhIZuelP/s1600/LondonEye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhD_ewSOlCdBSccHOt5lHGbajXtWiNV6pRVZuGjnuuRUk-unV3AYXksfZ2WDhmHv5xt1LpBUbwtiMR33LuSU1cDpbF9hBtmxGZiab-sqIe_s_bpNGvdbllpmXD2adwCUjjb7lmhIZuelP/s640/LondonEye.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course they have a camera on the Eye, ready to take your photo for a price!<br />
We didn't really buy many souvenirs in London, so I splurge on this goofy photo,<br />
taken with complete strangers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-9336240168256888242015-11-13T14:30:00.000-08:002015-11-16T00:57:41.244-08:00Random Signs and Such - Part 6More funny signs and such....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FcE-T2qLi7O91bB1zhPaEVomu8c56zT15DKUS9fXzyX2JHykus9wytL0E2SNv9UF7fgqlS1l8PKJ3wnPSkWlXw-gFcp-zCy6XxwsqHskwDLZDQt8zizmpa1o_9Ni_irVMQSkhiZZSLyD/s1600/102615_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FcE-T2qLi7O91bB1zhPaEVomu8c56zT15DKUS9fXzyX2JHykus9wytL0E2SNv9UF7fgqlS1l8PKJ3wnPSkWlXw-gFcp-zCy6XxwsqHskwDLZDQt8zizmpa1o_9Ni_irVMQSkhiZZSLyD/s400/102615_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht593he0ybj7c1v_KjYvJsHZumpLz3jY44y7DBmzhggFOoIXZdnLDcVrLkOLPTpnflvo7yAybMbdegXPTIh1cKuQaWPyxIh3IXy-35dN_03kxZCwbNu5ELjS1oPqEPkMDe2aO5ssQpCgoz/s1600/102615_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht593he0ybj7c1v_KjYvJsHZumpLz3jY44y7DBmzhggFOoIXZdnLDcVrLkOLPTpnflvo7yAybMbdegXPTIh1cKuQaWPyxIh3IXy-35dN_03kxZCwbNu5ELjS1oPqEPkMDe2aO5ssQpCgoz/s400/102615_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFeEFNoW4vIGDbd4yhKAjLNUYP5E9JnggDpm8L1goPQj74Y6IKeK544uZn1E9LDhBO4oH4VLrDszsBuq0pNdoxoX4SItRhI0RWy868ozLlUH5BD_u5zc4iwsddS-Ct9XiAHCagzdncdHV/s1600/102915_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFeEFNoW4vIGDbd4yhKAjLNUYP5E9JnggDpm8L1goPQj74Y6IKeK544uZn1E9LDhBO4oH4VLrDszsBuq0pNdoxoX4SItRhI0RWy868ozLlUH5BD_u5zc4iwsddS-Ct9XiAHCagzdncdHV/s400/102915_sign-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gross means big/large. But it's usually<br />written: groß, so when you see it with<br />the double S, it's funny.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxM1AsIw3IiY5li0iBLcKb5Yen1bIP2QURJLISjnsuHSJlPy1Bu1eALQxs6t1zzFDSHede7hzFCV5D39KlIhOQNZKpI_hgL0uaXSnE1TSrUJzXtQSjVI8HF8G5sfA7UPLxpltWOMWbX-d/s1600/burrito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxM1AsIw3IiY5li0iBLcKb5Yen1bIP2QURJLISjnsuHSJlPy1Bu1eALQxs6t1zzFDSHede7hzFCV5D39KlIhOQNZKpI_hgL0uaXSnE1TSrUJzXtQSjVI8HF8G5sfA7UPLxpltWOMWbX-d/s400/burrito.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8I4nkj0jtXF4bxLHJadJS6xYuVHgbojn3yO449WY-kXht9oXrHzlUvWONkC6_dHhro3jZvcTVDaUIX-wT8DK7UDvTyUYRqPKRuycjb2rPWV0Wbmj8nuoTGqgqf8xZICv6qHmeCC6MNla/s1600/castle-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8I4nkj0jtXF4bxLHJadJS6xYuVHgbojn3yO449WY-kXht9oXrHzlUvWONkC6_dHhro3jZvcTVDaUIX-wT8DK7UDvTyUYRqPKRuycjb2rPWV0Wbmj8nuoTGqgqf8xZICv6qHmeCC6MNla/s400/castle-14.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And angry castle fireplace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YEisCaXZLjHVSR5fH6On9t-klkuGhkecuqCefof7FDXC5_9F9bfWZEJr3JWeuKopsYy7_2egVKbMYxhV7Rx3XouNIwp34E1poqOoPk1FqBRh707U9c_d_Jr3NpwOwq7UXgIieMnszfTV/s1600/fuulanguage-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YEisCaXZLjHVSR5fH6On9t-klkuGhkecuqCefof7FDXC5_9F9bfWZEJr3JWeuKopsYy7_2egVKbMYxhV7Rx3XouNIwp34E1poqOoPk1FqBRh707U9c_d_Jr3NpwOwq7UXgIieMnszfTV/s400/fuulanguage-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xander thought this one was funny too, "FUU languages"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb3TRnaUkcD-LKaUnw2GywvF2SzV2n-nv07-hPgVWFEk9Sj_7-4a5wZSkxyHZXCf3OD9GNRIsp4jrkHesWF1k1l0KZyVdQD6OdRzNRH6GUXN_gBUEDa7qGyLXfP035XteYdtd4VqJcHzc/s1600/germanbutt-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb3TRnaUkcD-LKaUnw2GywvF2SzV2n-nv07-hPgVWFEk9Sj_7-4a5wZSkxyHZXCf3OD9GNRIsp4jrkHesWF1k1l0KZyVdQD6OdRzNRH6GUXN_gBUEDa7qGyLXfP035XteYdtd4VqJcHzc/s400/germanbutt-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't understand what it means....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhuM_FoZis57c8ntTwUfmIP__uQmZLfaJulTfLFoh50NVzd1kMa0Dj9TGXbFaAtfbFCqO0A-wmTVhNytn_sZZankRRi6NmleBuafMKQnZan6sfQocP1lg_583lnSur8mPUO8V7wmAZNl1/s1600/kues-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhuM_FoZis57c8ntTwUfmIP__uQmZLfaJulTfLFoh50NVzd1kMa0Dj9TGXbFaAtfbFCqO0A-wmTVhNytn_sZZankRRi6NmleBuafMKQnZan6sfQocP1lg_583lnSur8mPUO8V7wmAZNl1/s400/kues-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good place to advertise is on the paper<br />towels in the bathroom.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL12KE-jngi0SWDl5DxD7I7dK4MRak9nI_QZyhHYKeEBJBzu44zRcD3iwh3_fYAhTsCUFobtqI0FeRIHqQLlLZ9tEC_GR5DMBfRpGkAFvhNjwwLy3kRY4sOH_qcQjYpNjn7hNTEf6kkYTb/s1600/insurance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL12KE-jngi0SWDl5DxD7I7dK4MRak9nI_QZyhHYKeEBJBzu44zRcD3iwh3_fYAhTsCUFobtqI0FeRIHqQLlLZ9tEC_GR5DMBfRpGkAFvhNjwwLy3kRY4sOH_qcQjYpNjn7hNTEf6kkYTb/s400/insurance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advertisement for insurance, I think!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Jaj3ikcsRwPnXLlhHY8XYmZhLMe9FnKK-Zho0rzch8BAO2MLkWoFGo_8reaZGcVk4-GCpd10Vm4x1SQC8YcTQWUgC3q2tm9U3cMt4RqETKtPvZB_PJe45venq6xqKWUhCuXgalCR1CtK/s1600/wein-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Jaj3ikcsRwPnXLlhHY8XYmZhLMe9FnKK-Zho0rzch8BAO2MLkWoFGo_8reaZGcVk4-GCpd10Vm4x1SQC8YcTQWUgC3q2tm9U3cMt4RqETKtPvZB_PJe45venq6xqKWUhCuXgalCR1CtK/s400/wein-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've seen others similar, but it's still funny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGp8ascjfOdZQGghKQmwafgE0or59yXGG8TvVpWCYHKLVSk6gILa3yBqHE9A1WAukUwA12wc1xpiBgi_w24oFO8x8lD2CDarY0D8HUXBWwlyxa4uLtqiKkvlHYTSLaovt_oXo2XfKR-Zi/s1600/sprinkler-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGp8ascjfOdZQGghKQmwafgE0or59yXGG8TvVpWCYHKLVSk6gILa3yBqHE9A1WAukUwA12wc1xpiBgi_w24oFO8x8lD2CDarY0D8HUXBWwlyxa4uLtqiKkvlHYTSLaovt_oXo2XfKR-Zi/s400/sprinkler-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkler Central (not sure why, but I laughed.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Welcome to London! I figured we might not see anymore funny signs now that we're returning to an English speaking country... but we've still been getting the giggles every now and then (some due to language and some due to different cultural references):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cNZRIRIZuiU3V1TlY-6oq_oX-70nQlUhXEjEwkOYvQwK4DKorEJkbKQIbeyNdTeL3W2P6EPWKIwerJbhH9FTzuiiKTZ-zF3LwnMNXg6OUVPD9fZphjquhaVIDIYKGaiZ_FQCeVtaXDPX/s1600/110415sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cNZRIRIZuiU3V1TlY-6oq_oX-70nQlUhXEjEwkOYvQwK4DKorEJkbKQIbeyNdTeL3W2P6EPWKIwerJbhH9FTzuiiKTZ-zF3LwnMNXg6OUVPD9fZphjquhaVIDIYKGaiZ_FQCeVtaXDPX/s400/110415sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capsules you chew to "brush" your teeth.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXgiw7BbXN24Hfv0VWewGg9i6zgJlEccRT74_IV9xNe2DU8pChUPOtxVc-39nWMIcT7fxrRliHRzXeI_g1rz4wm9uQ_YogIRO8BwAy7CCFiHsznSNYgKDuxb97UN3acdgh_rF-p_PhDt4/s1600/110415sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXgiw7BbXN24Hfv0VWewGg9i6zgJlEccRT74_IV9xNe2DU8pChUPOtxVc-39nWMIcT7fxrRliHRzXeI_g1rz4wm9uQ_YogIRO8BwAy7CCFiHsznSNYgKDuxb97UN3acdgh_rF-p_PhDt4/s400/110415sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJcM1w3wTZc-G5bECeVJ9INjfJc0RJG_jVp6gWktx11TSA2alkoWhgtDxfyHJ-0p96ZM0fhZDMfwOtdr5IUGwc7NZzbwyQG1DAxRLKlCk6eB8Y7Q2ck2VPoG4qOnq-pnVPOY631SI1aU4/s1600/100915_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJcM1w3wTZc-G5bECeVJ9INjfJc0RJG_jVp6gWktx11TSA2alkoWhgtDxfyHJ-0p96ZM0fhZDMfwOtdr5IUGwc7NZzbwyQG1DAxRLKlCk6eB8Y7Q2ck2VPoG4qOnq-pnVPOY631SI1aU4/s400/100915_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j0-1syzthyxnyDUYpd62E5HlPbyIRuj8KVG-LBNBSFxPbyrQV8qZutbTi0vKV-uYDhDbFyHiwFThTHglmEO16hM15krbksHwDzcu9iNd8MtUaffnkFhgxe1AqWQ5Y1PjzCNu31MNz3fI/s1600/100915_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j0-1syzthyxnyDUYpd62E5HlPbyIRuj8KVG-LBNBSFxPbyrQV8qZutbTi0vKV-uYDhDbFyHiwFThTHglmEO16hM15krbksHwDzcu9iNd8MtUaffnkFhgxe1AqWQ5Y1PjzCNu31MNz3fI/s400/100915_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To be fair, this is a German company.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvwaokLFttITJ3x_yViR4fVd1D8R0pPDoeM1Ihucb0u_vZz6j0iGZMWIXkytGtMD1-m0euCcP_l28dQ9GDHj8hk0_tDOT-Cnl39VfDoehhbKJuj7otq_BnckcO_HDnZxMeQZwfAogSerO/s1600/110615_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvwaokLFttITJ3x_yViR4fVd1D8R0pPDoeM1Ihucb0u_vZz6j0iGZMWIXkytGtMD1-m0euCcP_l28dQ9GDHj8hk0_tDOT-Cnl39VfDoehhbKJuj7otq_BnckcO_HDnZxMeQZwfAogSerO/s400/110615_sign-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh no!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERQ-ryKYFkjTnw9yHhQWqJxXCOEkt0OwaMCp5cG5pgryd4n2xcLTyQ7hJSJIV_XgSyM9aRkRrtwFq0S14JKqYqpbHUZgGPe9YrHPQz2_bY5UsiZCYyXVfK34LFxei1roy0Uihi8THU7M/s1600/110515_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERQ-ryKYFkjTnw9yHhQWqJxXCOEkt0OwaMCp5cG5pgryd4n2xcLTyQ7hJSJIV_XgSyM9aRkRrtwFq0S14JKqYqpbHUZgGPe9YrHPQz2_bY5UsiZCYyXVfK34LFxei1roy0Uihi8THU7M/s400/110515_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearing "Cockfosters" over and over was funny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tN0j4LmsDDUdyuQgHP95ybM0nVCPdW-N-DgZWWlVG6xp7RU-1d5atjcHirISE5-uZwYufMD-xagR3rilNIdei4dML5yXCzI8mxZtfEUDEtc3l4XHjx0egl1bzwo89l9NONy93QgoA6_Y/s1600/110615_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tN0j4LmsDDUdyuQgHP95ybM0nVCPdW-N-DgZWWlVG6xp7RU-1d5atjcHirISE5-uZwYufMD-xagR3rilNIdei4dML5yXCzI8mxZtfEUDEtc3l4XHjx0egl1bzwo89l9NONy93QgoA6_Y/s400/110615_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"TO LET" signs are everywhere and for some reason<br />all I can think of is that the letter "I" is missing and it<br />should read, "TOILET".</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl1uSqF0a-Cv4-VMkvhyM_zfPRCG2qKmir_XVg2R4d3CDpq10WGC8A3AxNPRe7qtqOp1vR0ab3Y-pFyY2A69895n7OraAomTR1SdeSwio3-nPzomWlibteNoNqgif1jKLwyRENnot62Qs/s1600/110715_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl1uSqF0a-Cv4-VMkvhyM_zfPRCG2qKmir_XVg2R4d3CDpq10WGC8A3AxNPRe7qtqOp1vR0ab3Y-pFyY2A69895n7OraAomTR1SdeSwio3-nPzomWlibteNoNqgif1jKLwyRENnot62Qs/s400/110715_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A barber shop (one of many)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAblRgYK1jyZ9ZAWXBy6wi_-Yi11nDMbSidzci94DUUPiVj2xrX3zaKKQtk0x9Me_uMb2RZvW4bAOrNAvQf7n7yC2LEcFPIwl5jJC82vKYRk1cxvekY71ny1rQITxWVqAdQ_S1-5pX5-Lt/s1600/110615_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAblRgYK1jyZ9ZAWXBy6wi_-Yi11nDMbSidzci94DUUPiVj2xrX3zaKKQtk0x9Me_uMb2RZvW4bAOrNAvQf7n7yC2LEcFPIwl5jJC82vKYRk1cxvekY71ny1rQITxWVqAdQ_S1-5pX5-Lt/s400/110615_sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xander found this one.</td></tr>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-46295835066263030782015-11-13T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-15T09:04:02.340-08:00Day 92: Reunion and ChocolateI forgot to mention that last night, Chris finally came home around 11pm from his evening out with coworkers... BUT, hadn't eaten dinner yet! They went to a bar for drinks and he had a few fries, but that was it. The locals were fine and just went home. But, the Canadians and Chris were hungry and wanted food. They went in search for a place to share a bite. All the restaurants were closed. They asked one closing establishment if they could recommend a place that might be open... pause... a shake of the head, no!<br />
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We had heard about how London shuts down around 10pm. We've seen how the parks are chained close by dark and now Chris has seen first hand that there is no food later in the evening. Such a change from Berlin where people START dinner at 10pm. To be fair, the area we are staying in, here in London, is heavily made of financial institutions and businesses. We're guessing, that other areas of London are open later into the evening, if not all night, but here, nothing. So, Chris came home hungry and ate out of our sparsely-filled refrigerator.<br />
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Friday. Good morning. Woke up to a street cleaner today. Not too bad of a noise and somewhat temporary. Chris and I have noticed that there is a "lawn mower" noise, some mornings, that goes on for an hour or so. Trouble is... there is no lawn. So what the heck is going on out there for an hour every morning? We're stuck in the half annoyed, half "too tired to investigate" modes, so we'll go without knowing.<br />
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Time to give Venice her next dose of antibiotics. She keeps it down and samples a little jello and water. She is still not feeling better. Her tonsils only seem to be getting bigger, causing her so much anguish trying to swallow. And, of course, when you're sick, you produce so much mucus. So, she's spitting a lot to avoid swallowing. Ugh. But, it seems that her body has stopped reacting so strongly to the medication. She periodically takes the second medicine we were prescribed (it's for pain and fever) as she gets feverish off and on.<br />
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The rest of us have a bit of breakfast. Chris goes to the café at the front of our aparthotel (we got lunch from here the other day), to grab a few caffeinated beverages for us. Jokes on us. Mine was so bad, I threw it away and went back to Nespresso (thank goodness we have that in our room!) Might not be the best espresso in the world, but it's consistent, which I appreciate.<br />
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Ok, time to head out for the day. Venice has decided to skip this morning's activities and to rest. Xander, Chris, and I head out towards the Science Museum. I have a friend from high school who is currently living in London with her family. We catch glimpses of each other on Facebook so we know a little about each other's current lives. She noticed we were traveling in Berlin and asked if were coming to London. When we said yes, we were both excited to plan to meet up. Due to the timing of our visit, her son (age 6) will be in school, but her daughter (almost 2) will be with her. And, due to illness, Venice will stay home, but we'll bring Xander. The Science Museum is where we agreed to meet. Just a few Tube rides away (and it's not rush hour, so it's not too bad).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6p78FnKTu4tqoL3g5Rrutcb49Pdb4ohZm9tpF-b_mJ35O_6z0s0jWmsZqsKLZ7iFJzzpXLtH00tF1Grr1qC74LOR91zqIAD-fais6VP8bHQ05uTn8iGi_wucYbaDrMMowji_F8fpaHZ_/s1600/science.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6p78FnKTu4tqoL3g5Rrutcb49Pdb4ohZm9tpF-b_mJ35O_6z0s0jWmsZqsKLZ7iFJzzpXLtH00tF1Grr1qC74LOR91zqIAD-fais6VP8bHQ05uTn8iGi_wucYbaDrMMowji_F8fpaHZ_/s640/science.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Science Museum with my high school friend and her daughter.</td></tr>
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Side note: I think I've conjectured that London didn't have family prices and that everything was super expensive. While some of this is true, I have found to be wrong on many occasions. There are a lot of places that do offer family pricing, which can save a bit of money. I have also found that many things are FREE! For example, today. The Science Museum is free, only donate if you want to (which we do). Many of the museums, here, are free. Incredible. This makes up for the fact that other places, like the Tower of London, will cost us 60£ and the Eye will cost us over 100£. Anyway, I had to point out that I was wrong and there is a lot of free activities to do out there. My high school friend mentioned she brings her kids to the museums a lot for something to do on a rainy day.<br />
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The Science Museum is cool. Lots of buttons to push and exhibits to see. It's a bit dark inside, as they covered most of the windows, I guess to not bother the displays or cause heating, but it makes for a bit of a dark museum.<br />
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My friend and I catch up as we keep up with her 2 year old. Chris and Xander head off to explore together. It's a great way to catch up after not seeing each other for over 20 years.<br />
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After a good time in the museum, it seems it's "school field trip" day as hoards and hoards of kids come in wearing their neon vests (just like the kids in Berlin!) The noise level increased and it was humming with kid energy. Good time to leave!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLKtZjKyNprGVcu7F3MKocR7nYd5ZaE76ZDmsCe8KNSwSQqRDtpSW7khC0KcsUwihQDWzIYRXEBVtS2aldh0U1iJXywpL2efs36PjBcWZNWvGfPyC9JPd6ywer4HGsJ9H52AvEUT8YyUr/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLKtZjKyNprGVcu7F3MKocR7nYd5ZaE76ZDmsCe8KNSwSQqRDtpSW7khC0KcsUwihQDWzIYRXEBVtS2aldh0U1iJXywpL2efs36PjBcWZNWvGfPyC9JPd6ywer4HGsJ9H52AvEUT8YyUr/s640/walk.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Science and Technology building (top-left), Street view (top-right)<br />
Royal Albert Hall (bottom)</td></tr>
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My friend led us towards Hyde Park (on our list to see) via the Royal Albert Hall (which was mostly because the other end of the park had a demonstration of some sort going on we were trying to avoid). Hyde Park is bigger than I thought. It's very expansive and serene. It's flat with a lot of open space. Not too many trees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm4ucClc3ezIN_LIRPA6IWBiziLi3rO_1ryDIYo8rONEPzBtDUWlOVucRNu8Upmc3ALwyP07SYNhRXAYGv7TQ4irDfFpfWE6sDcv0hvPL6YdYEb2qSjkw6VemwyijkYlxIxN80Ql1frud/s1600/hyde2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm4ucClc3ezIN_LIRPA6IWBiziLi3rO_1ryDIYo8rONEPzBtDUWlOVucRNu8Upmc3ALwyP07SYNhRXAYGv7TQ4irDfFpfWE6sDcv0hvPL6YdYEb2qSjkw6VemwyijkYlxIxN80Ql1frud/s640/hyde2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw4HX-DeBHGx4gZl2w2aA5eRilJOASGHP_H10tFlym9pmFMhm9ZsZJs13b5n7sm-LtxrLDrwYu1XNp29PfTi09rxs29ldwMiXY20oIgwX0-zJ8pX5HxC91o0ZcXOSO4X3us8p_dMsg90f/s1600/hyde4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw4HX-DeBHGx4gZl2w2aA5eRilJOASGHP_H10tFlym9pmFMhm9ZsZJs13b5n7sm-LtxrLDrwYu1XNp29PfTi09rxs29ldwMiXY20oIgwX0-zJ8pX5HxC91o0ZcXOSO4X3us8p_dMsg90f/s200/hyde4.jpg" width="194" /></a>At one end, there is a great park for kids (the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground). It's gated, and my friend says that on nice days (or weekends) it can get busy. Not so busy inside, as they cap the numbers and, as a result, you may be waiting in line just to get into the park. But once in the park, due to limited numbers, it's not too bad. Crazy! There are many different sections to explore. The sandy area. The little kids area. The slide area. The pirate ship area. The musical area. All separated by trees and bushes creating a wonderful cozy feeling. Today, since it's threatening to rain, there aren't too many people here, just a handful, and Xander, for the most part, has all the equipment to himself (which is a bummer, because he misses Venice).<br />
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As we look at some of the equipment, my friend tells us that it's less litigious here. Sounds like the U.S.'s reputation for suing over everything isn't unfounded. Just like in Germany, know your boundaries, don't do anything stupid and we'll all be ok.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYqSp8Ax_UFLDDzuj4uSgoM_QHY0EdooLZCM5KrgJXUOke4aib2QHwO91y9q5xi5vEi_OmWWZJOS8_UDaApc7GBFdCCotcUYHwGtlXn0jdAyDGoFgFdgttzKqy8JX-A9jBWssKv9qe4dG/s1600/hyde3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYqSp8Ax_UFLDDzuj4uSgoM_QHY0EdooLZCM5KrgJXUOke4aib2QHwO91y9q5xi5vEi_OmWWZJOS8_UDaApc7GBFdCCotcUYHwGtlXn0jdAyDGoFgFdgttzKqy8JX-A9jBWssKv9qe4dG/s640/hyde3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Time Flies" (bottom-left), a friendly-fat squirrel (bottom-right)</td></tr>
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Our tummies tell us it's time to head to our tea time. My friend had reserved a table for afternoon tea at The Orangery Restaurant (Kensington Gardens in Hyde Park). I don't know how it compares to other afternoon tea venues, but it's fancy feeling without feeling overly pretentious. The light coming in through the windows illuminate the white walls and tall ceilings beautifully. We sat at our table just as a windy storm blew threw. The rain was crazy heavy, which only increased our comfort at being inside in such a pretty (and dry) place. And the storm didn't last. By the time my friend's husband joined us, the sun was back and there were patches of blue skies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2nvFCClJ3T7iohNoGXM-OzV5bg4hUjkcp0GqCo-XJxtMv5VlJfUGlzSyohvoxFu9nIXkErtfsl7vYmfbytMxprvEobNOnJvZoPjsO0xW71610ot-QZCEO0GUFYGJj5abVCSTZkQLuOV3/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2nvFCClJ3T7iohNoGXM-OzV5bg4hUjkcp0GqCo-XJxtMv5VlJfUGlzSyohvoxFu9nIXkErtfsl7vYmfbytMxprvEobNOnJvZoPjsO0xW71610ot-QZCEO0GUFYGJj5abVCSTZkQLuOV3/s640/tea.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea at the Orangery Restaurant</td></tr>
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It was a great treat to be having afternoon tea with someone whom I hadn't seen in over 20 years. Somewhat weird, too. Right? It's fun, though, to see someone again, after all this time, after we have all "grown up. A really nice afternoon. Even Xander said he wasn't too bored as he listened to us talk all through tea.<br />
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Of course, I thought, a museum and tea, we'll be home by 1pm. Ha! We got home around 3:15. Venice was doing ok. We had Skyped her in the middle of our outing to ask her to dose her own medicine. She did this successfully and was still resting when we returned.<br />
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After a bit of rest, it was time for dinner. We decided to try another noodle place (a big chain restaurant, here) and head to M&M World. Venice wanted to come with us. She rallied and to help her out, we took a taxi to dinner, to minimise the amount of walking she would have to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ze7s6x-DyarUS4wVOjuyKI3QUVLf6yVDUiL6i9gjVV6gLFs_Y8LekpUf4X9tu5-nZggkk-Kqpn8F9PH07tbXuF_cpTpxTn1HLLrqV5o7r7wsU6C7O0bE6bm6eUSm8HWyiu_-vH_v3AAe/s1600/dinner-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ze7s6x-DyarUS4wVOjuyKI3QUVLf6yVDUiL6i9gjVV6gLFs_Y8LekpUf4X9tu5-nZggkk-Kqpn8F9PH07tbXuF_cpTpxTn1HLLrqV5o7r7wsU6C7O0bE6bm6eUSm8HWyiu_-vH_v3AAe/s200/dinner-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A funny translation</td></tr>
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Dinner was pretty good. My dinner took longer than the others. Something we've noticed, here in London, is that food often comes out when it's ready, not when it's ALL ready. So, for example, first Venice got her food. Then, a few minutes later, Chris and Xander got theirs. Then, much later, they came and said they were sorry, as mine was taking a bit longer (Why don't you enjoy this "on the house" appetiser while you wait?) We've seen this "staggered" delivery of food on several occasions. Just not what we're used to.<br />
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Venice attempted to eat, but could only do a few bites of gyoza and several edamame beans. The rest of us made up for it and got overly full bellies.<br />
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M&M World is only a block away from dinner. We head there slowly with Venice holding onto one of us as she walks. I'm not sure we were prepared for the bight lights, scented air (sugar? vanilla?), and the loud-cheery Christmas tunes on the four floors of M&M products. But, we looked all around and the kids ended up filling their custom bags with the fun colours available.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx6idlDgbAVqmK0IgDaJKw6ChZAca9hxS7WdSN9IKpYS_3SB-PCldoJ4dpFib1qeJz_8UXo-__s0KqM2C5_bWMFgHETdOP3ul3OZZRuBsu5tvvpXyhihYzrU6sfMq7yi9XQpfniI8nlZt/s1600/M%2526Mworld2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx6idlDgbAVqmK0IgDaJKw6ChZAca9hxS7WdSN9IKpYS_3SB-PCldoJ4dpFib1qeJz_8UXo-__s0KqM2C5_bWMFgHETdOP3ul3OZZRuBsu5tvvpXyhihYzrU6sfMq7yi9XQpfniI8nlZt/s640/M%2526Mworld2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An M&M flag.</td></tr>
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There was a line where you could get a personal message or emoji or shape on the M&Ms of your choice (from a limited selection of blank ones). We passed on that (expensive and time consuming). You could also ask for something specific to be put into a specific container (for example, I'm guessing, as we didn't look too much into it, only red and green M&Ms in a London-Red-Phone booth container). Your order would go to a few people working behind glass and you could watch them make it right then and there (I'm guessing you had to wait for this too). We passed on that too. Just a few bags of hand selected colours for us. Our carry-out bag was so tiny compared to the large ones everyone else seemed to be carrying out (they must have gotten the slippers, backpacks, hoodies, and more).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbP4MU9_BFnT_HWou_yfip6iLJP-QDd_Ec6JizLSY4Yga5lNfztIGhMTMfdv6OOPV4PE1ELGekekWKYHF9E1E_amB-jAGNwVPDj2l-20cntwFxiux_rlB69NkGUJ81ILp9gL9-q1_DvFr/s1600/M%2526Mworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbP4MU9_BFnT_HWou_yfip6iLJP-QDd_Ec6JizLSY4Yga5lNfztIGhMTMfdv6OOPV4PE1ELGekekWKYHF9E1E_amB-jAGNwVPDj2l-20cntwFxiux_rlB69NkGUJ81ILp9gL9-q1_DvFr/s640/M%2526Mworld.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the walls of M&Ms (top-left),<br />
which is a semi-circle but looks like a wave because of the panorama.</td></tr>
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On a sugar-smelling high, we decide to try to head back to Trafalgar Square so the kids could see it too. It's only a few blocks away and you can catch a glimpse of Big Ben. Venice seemed ready to try, so we went for it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcRUas8BGhR4us_2igAnvXVYN9c9X5G6IkcxHByz_Ef34lmOLJsfXkj5IOAAaP3TQE-Ibj-JVEmy7qw6CdFXOa5YfLpZzWYQ14qVPx9AQKn_YGAEzM7rh6gVVwmEb_zxbHPFS2jxuQYl6/s1600/trafalgar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcRUas8BGhR4us_2igAnvXVYN9c9X5G6IkcxHByz_Ef34lmOLJsfXkj5IOAAaP3TQE-Ibj-JVEmy7qw6CdFXOa5YfLpZzWYQ14qVPx9AQKn_YGAEzM7rh6gVVwmEb_zxbHPFS2jxuQYl6/s640/trafalgar1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids at Nelson's Column.</td></tr>
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After enjoying a few lights and sights around Trafalgar Square, we were ready to head home. A wonderful day (albeit tiring for Venice). Home for the evening, ready for more rest (and medicine).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cwGl0yART6lXR1pNye_RxJBV1GwVrajs6Jt9bRuZuOUlM9k5aLp_qaOg_JMrsdwej_XFhyGuU1kSZD7Brt4Jk6DeMYi6d7Fu8H6n2wk2F5vf5TycP0dtv0KOKFn2Fei_u95sqsGCeguT/s1600/trafalgar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cwGl0yART6lXR1pNye_RxJBV1GwVrajs6Jt9bRuZuOUlM9k5aLp_qaOg_JMrsdwej_XFhyGuU1kSZD7Brt4Jk6DeMYi6d7Fu8H6n2wk2F5vf5TycP0dtv0KOKFn2Fei_u95sqsGCeguT/s640/trafalgar2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids playing with the pointing fingers.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">P.S. If it's not rush hour, the Tube can be ok. We are almost alone in the tunnels... crazy!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tunnel isn't too crowded (left) and the Way Out is empty! (right)</td></tr>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-54903907767887941422015-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-14T02:20:24.922-08:00Day 91: Status QuoThursday. Venice is still sick. I slept with her last night, to be sure she had no "really" bad reaction to the medication and to help administer it during the night, and, of course, to offer any comfort I could. Poor thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tSPUQ_-Td-NQmdIDuLKCdIhbb1IqZ9FXgWNvaHPOFo6JAY67g-1x9NvZdy3cT5Adhxh0L8UeQ8s8Asus94SlVVLYeO1IIisRkMkCFwbv4mcpuRJRW_0q2uobizGddh8jeB5JXC2Q5zuQ/s1600/view-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tSPUQ_-Td-NQmdIDuLKCdIhbb1IqZ9FXgWNvaHPOFo6JAY67g-1x9NvZdy3cT5Adhxh0L8UeQ8s8Asus94SlVVLYeO1IIisRkMkCFwbv4mcpuRJRW_0q2uobizGddh8jeB5JXC2Q5zuQ/s200/view-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view</td></tr>
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Chris' work is going through some changes at the moment and there is a new deadline on the table (bad timing with our UK travels). But, as it looks like our day is a bit altered, as it is, he went into work for half a day. His time in the office will allow him to get a little work done and to say a proper goodbye to the London office.<br />
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Meanwhile, Xander and I have breakfast. Venice rests.<br />
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Chris returned home to have lunch with Xander and me. We decided to head out to Leatherly Lane for lunch, a place filled with farmers market vegetables and crafts, as well as, several food carts. First, we stop in at the market near HotelTonight and, this time, I find Vitamin water. Not fizzy, some vitamins. Maybe Venice can drink this stuff. I also picked up a few cups of jello (pre-made) for her to try. Meanwhile, Chris ran up to HotelTonight to return the keys he forgot he still had (doh!)<br />
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Then we walked to the carts. Here, we were able to pick up strawberries (the one food item Venice has been asking for), a smoothie (something else she's been wanting), and our own lunches. We also stopped by a coffee house for a quick espresso. We took our food and goods back to the aparthotel to eat lunch at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxz4ylM1HeLbxHD0zHETQXfq18cwPTosvbUI0rtR2oSWzXeQqzUWWp38s0Sf6inTTe0SLC-rXe3vjrlJpS3WxRFmCUQTEVA2gUejEWeyqPyCXmI5Ii7G28_Lj9NDIFhBHMpCr4Mgpfi12/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxz4ylM1HeLbxHD0zHETQXfq18cwPTosvbUI0rtR2oSWzXeQqzUWWp38s0Sf6inTTe0SLC-rXe3vjrlJpS3WxRFmCUQTEVA2gUejEWeyqPyCXmI5Ii7G28_Lj9NDIFhBHMpCr4Mgpfi12/s640/lunch.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carts on Leatherly Lane (left), Blue skies peaking through<br />
Chris and Xander enjoying the coffee shop (right)</td></tr>
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Venice tried a strawberry and a sip of the smoothie, but really, nothing was good for her tummy. Side note: Venice, after refusing for many months, decided she was finally ready to try my nasal rinse (think Netty pot), but... I must have sent home my salt packets because I can't find them anywhere. I searched EVERYWHERE and I think it is hanging out with my receipt from yesterday, dang it (but I used more serious words here). I swear, there's a black hole in our aparhotel.<br />
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After lunch, with Xander not excited for touring and such and Venice not up for going out and about, Chris and I decided to go out together. The kids stayed home. Xander agreed to take care of Venice and keep her company. Chris and I were able to get out and see a few places.<br />
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First, we had to "Top Up" our Oyster Cards (all pass to London's public transportation). We had paid for 7 days and those days are up, so we'll top them up for another 2 days. But, the machines do not like our credit cards and it takes us about 3-4 tries each to get them to work. Finally, we're both successful (each with a different credit card, if you're curious) and we're on our way into the Tube.<br />
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First up Covent Garden. OMG, another misnomer. There is no garden. It is a shopping area. Cute, beginnings of holiday decorations... but I had imagined us walking through a big garden. Along with shops, restaurants, and offices, there is an open air craft "shop" called the "Apple Market" (yes, I assumed it was Apple products, and there is an Apple store there, it's just not the "Apple Market).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlvrmH8MjLodchZFl4p33IwLRoWhRpB2_90WUeBaUWC1GQ1siLiDwc3NFbgorJqYqiSe3nvuwjYAvPG8UvK166ZiWorLl_WxiesH2TPDNM7_cxnOXhZfxf8sqbK8XRPINbuLJ26HZPNLY/s1600/street1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlvrmH8MjLodchZFl4p33IwLRoWhRpB2_90WUeBaUWC1GQ1siLiDwc3NFbgorJqYqiSe3nvuwjYAvPG8UvK166ZiWorLl_WxiesH2TPDNM7_cxnOXhZfxf8sqbK8XRPINbuLJ26HZPNLY/s640/street1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street (left), Apple Market (middle), Hogs Head, a "Gentlmens Venue" (right)</td></tr>
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After Covent Garden, we walk to Leicester Square. Of course, by this time, the park in the middle is closed. The green spaces always seem to be closed and hard for us to find. Not like Berlin where there was a park every which way you turned. This is the entertainment area and there are a lot of theatres and big shops (including M&M World, which is high on the kids' list to visit, so we'll be coming back here with the kids, I suppose).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibknxPWcag5jT1fvwA6VzLmV9i33BMzdD9RwKTV-OCQxURz2p-NbfulsbQv5u3YUKtwUkW_AEoSBfO1tlwirMo-jBlpB2cUycXBqheoF570UJHcEDlAvc0T5sETmUiM9gsHmcLcwnL_iY2/s1600/street2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibknxPWcag5jT1fvwA6VzLmV9i33BMzdD9RwKTV-OCQxURz2p-NbfulsbQv5u3YUKtwUkW_AEoSBfO1tlwirMo-jBlpB2cUycXBqheoF570UJHcEDlAvc0T5sETmUiM9gsHmcLcwnL_iY2/s640/street2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street (left), Hippodrome (middle), Park in Leicester Square (right)</td></tr>
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Next on our twilight tour is Trafalgar Square. Here we find The National Gallery, Canada House, and our first glimpse of Big Ben. We also stumble across two giant fingers. Strange, right? I looked it up later:<br />
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<i>"Pointing fingers never solves anything, but that hasn't stopped someone making a sculpture of two giant fingers doing just that and plonking it in the middle of Trafalgar Square. The 25-ton sculpture is the work of Mexican artist José Rivelino Moreno Valle and is the first of four sculptures that will be popping up across the city as part of the Contemporary Mexican Sculpture exhibition. But soon the giant fingers won't be the only part of the human anatomy in Trafalgar Square, because next year David Shrigley's giant thumbs-up will be appearing on top of the fourth plinth. It's basically going to be a selfie-stick wielding tourist's dream."</i> -<a href="http://www.timeout.com/london/blog/a-sculpture-of-two-giant-fingers-has-arrived-in-trafalgar-square-082615"> </a><a href="http://www.timeout.com/london/blog/a-sculpture-of-two-giant-fingers-has-arrived-in-trafalgar-square-082615">By Isabelle Aron</a><br />
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Well, the author is right, it was a popular spot to take selfies (or regular photos), we did wait for our turn!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tHPC4S6HyykeRTIskGIShv7RfnCk58-DnVf1I5g8o0j9EXjYNEfwFPL0XGOW1ClZVj20767IHSvZ1hyxjKeQX9KAN2YGQ42ggWC7G5ShSmplCo2fVKEdxQGvSDsUef-1rr-cS9pczaOX/s1600/trafalager2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tHPC4S6HyykeRTIskGIShv7RfnCk58-DnVf1I5g8o0j9EXjYNEfwFPL0XGOW1ClZVj20767IHSvZ1hyxjKeQX9KAN2YGQ42ggWC7G5ShSmplCo2fVKEdxQGvSDsUef-1rr-cS9pczaOX/s640/trafalager2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Admiralty Arch (left), Big Ben in the distance (middle-left)<br />
The Fingers (middle-right), Nelson's Column (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Nr2hR3IghNN8c3qkLm48dCa7EUg_xSoaZzWbnOaZNbNS_FG3VrYXhAaUPr_pjqJRmmM5_dYt6BPp06PHiIanCjF5_I5f8NGR1kOZqE_rUUCtX8UWoAOlygFst8et__ASA68gs1zbj_n/s1600/trafalager1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Nr2hR3IghNN8c3qkLm48dCa7EUg_xSoaZzWbnOaZNbNS_FG3VrYXhAaUPr_pjqJRmmM5_dYt6BPp06PHiIanCjF5_I5f8NGR1kOZqE_rUUCtX8UWoAOlygFst8et__ASA68gs1zbj_n/s640/trafalager1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Gallery (upper left)<br />
Canada House (all other photos)</td></tr>
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Ok, check!<br />
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Next on the list is Big Ben and the London Eye (just looking). Just a few more blocks and we get better views. Unfortunately, we have lost the light and it is now nighttime. Excuse the photos as they get remarkably worse with the low light. Side note: The traffic around this area is horrible. At one point, to get closer to the river, we decided to just walk through all the stopped traffic (pedestrian lights were farther than we could see at the moment). And as we got closer to the intersection at Big Ben, it seemed like 4 cars could make it per light, then hoards of people would cross, then repeat. As you hear a siren approaching, it's hard to imagine how they get anywhere fast enough. We have seen emergency vehicles drive on the wrong side of the road on many occasions (traffic is stopped and there is no shoulder) and at other times, I've seen them wait until lights allow cars to move out of the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ38XNwbe_lXcaDobRrAy5OX6bMhLV14hpIwD8BUpevOizzkXN6d1RRqIIXawURo5DGApFiRx-iAvI3tOlfwAZaaKSMjvMbErND5vlcVKrH7fb8nEDw7O_G2MBwraflUBZXQULvQB2Qd5/s1600/ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ38XNwbe_lXcaDobRrAy5OX6bMhLV14hpIwD8BUpevOizzkXN6d1RRqIIXawURo5DGApFiRx-iAvI3tOlfwAZaaKSMjvMbErND5vlcVKrH7fb8nEDw7O_G2MBwraflUBZXQULvQB2Qd5/s640/ben.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoaC9VwfZY_PmUwJ0jEvUgRGeKW22IGyfUqHo4xKReYKGWA37zEzTFK4rPNh14PzfzWffsgSNqsux4jcZMDYZAvDkXJnFC0eMTTsiE6S9jjdRhiNoBzhUP3TfA3ROe89tZyBwBNvm7bL7/s1600/abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoaC9VwfZY_PmUwJ0jEvUgRGeKW22IGyfUqHo4xKReYKGWA37zEzTFK4rPNh14PzfzWffsgSNqsux4jcZMDYZAvDkXJnFC0eMTTsiE6S9jjdRhiNoBzhUP3TfA3ROe89tZyBwBNvm7bL7/s640/abbey.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Abbey took on a cool look in the dark.</td></tr>
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London Eye. Check. Big Ben. Check. Westminster Abbey. Check.<br />
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We had wanted to make it to Buckingham Palace, but it was almost a mile away and it was dinner time. We had to get back to feed the kids. So, we'll have to try another day, if possible. First, we down a cup of espresso (our first bad cup). Then, we duck into the Underground and hop on Circle line.<br />
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Google said to get off at a stop and walk about .4 miles to the next Underground station to catch the Central line. But, on the Circle line's map, the next stop shows you can transfer to the Central line. I wondered out loud why Google would send us one stop early and have us walk when we can just transfer at the next stop.<br />
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A local standing next to us overheard and offered some help. We can do either. If we get off at the first stop, we will walk above ground to the next station. If we get off at the second stop, we will walk underground, where, she advises, it will be better marked. Perhaps we could get lost if we were walking above ground. Ok, so we'll do the second stop.<br />
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Bad call! It was super crowded, sometimes not moving at all due to so many people, a turning stroller, or people waiting on the current-narrow platform. To our helper's credit, there were signs, but they weren't as frequent as you'd hope. It was a crazy labyrinth of going through rat-mazed narrow hallways and, at one point, going a level deeper (and so very much hotter). It took us 15 minutes of hot-hell to get to the next station. We instantly regretted it, but not knowing how long it would be, we had to keep on track. This is one of those mistakes that really sucks, but if you lived here for more than a few days, you'd learn from it and make a different decision the next time. As for me, I'm just dying of the heat and ready to be out in the open air.<br />
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Side note: Check out the photos below. I have not been able to take a really good one yet, as when we're in the middle of so many wall-to-wall people, I can't quite take out my phone to get a good photo without fear of being jostled and losing it... not to mention, I can't stop or I'd be trampled (exaggeration... sort of). The photo on the left shows how many people were remaining on the platform, AFTER those commuters, who were able to, packed themselves in. Chris is waiting in line. In Berlin, you just waited where ever. Here, you better wait right at the edge of the platform, or you're not getting in. The next photo shows a few people on the platform who did not make it on this train. You can see the gentleman who DID make it on the train, standing at an angle, almost sticking out of the doors (he better push in and duck more so as not to get hit by the doors). And yes, there are employees on the platform with paddles to signal the driver when it's clear to close the doors and pull away. There is also an employee on a microphone announcing to those of us left on the platform to remember that there is another train coming in 2 minutes. Ok, the last photo, on the right, shows how the commuters have finally ducked in far enough for the doors to be closed and are standing at a bent angle for the duration of their trip, while the rest of us wait for the next train.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEIAcLm91DMwxUmPPCLZze5nAGX6pIPUkPmKCEwfxD2kfny1V7hOpLQ0be2ijkE4-M4L0pF_tayu2ysYA7i0iYw_SUbDScTEBxJ5P9Me-GME9rUl9r4fNLRcWdVyN01xesLCvAcxgj7tP/s1600/tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEIAcLm91DMwxUmPPCLZze5nAGX6pIPUkPmKCEwfxD2kfny1V7hOpLQ0be2ijkE4-M4L0pF_tayu2ysYA7i0iYw_SUbDScTEBxJ5P9Me-GME9rUl9r4fNLRcWdVyN01xesLCvAcxgj7tP/s640/tube.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tube at rush hour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A7Bsnwjovj7SDswaK_nNPLI23hw7D6LB4IlCSPRrMHFNN6dHzZcF9J9o5-KTuyCUYz4dGsbpKAcLMT6cT4UyEyX_vnw0D-zmvCVVlGhZtdbZ3CbnrfnnnMwzhn84SrpPckSLtE_AyRoe/s1600/dinner-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A7Bsnwjovj7SDswaK_nNPLI23hw7D6LB4IlCSPRrMHFNN6dHzZcF9J9o5-KTuyCUYz4dGsbpKAcLMT6cT4UyEyX_vnw0D-zmvCVVlGhZtdbZ3CbnrfnnnMwzhn84SrpPckSLtE_AyRoe/s200/dinner-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our many sauces.</td></tr>
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OMG, fresh air is so wonderful. I am so happy to be out of the Tube. And we weren't even as squished as some of those before us. Having missed one train, the next train wasn't as crowded. It was still wall-to-wall people inside, but we weren't slow dancing with full body contact. Anyway, I am happy to be out in the open with air and space to spare.<br />
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Down the block from our aparthotel, Chris and I split up. I go home to give Venice her next dose of medicine. Chris heads to grab take-away from the restaurant next to HotelTonight (we know we like it and Chris knows what to order).<br />
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Funny story. You need to use your aparthotel key to open the sliding doors to the building. Often, the person at the front desk will see you and open the doors for you. But in the event that they aren't there or are occupied, you can use your room key. So, I tried. Nothing. Try again. Nothing. Panic. And, oops! I was trying to use my Oyster Card (public transportation) instead of my room key. Doh! Only slightly embarrassing.<br />
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We enjoy a quiet dinner at home (while Venice drank juice in bed).<br />
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Venice is still not feeling better. It sure seems like the medication should have made a dent by now, but there's no difference. If anything, she feels like her tonsils are getting bigger. She is no longer vomiting, so that's a bonus. But, she's still not interested in eating or drinking. We're forcing her the best we can to get her to drink, drink, drink. I'm spending night with here again. Here's hoping for improvement tomorrow.<br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-44424711938511041422015-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-12T04:41:30.356-08:00Day 90: Really Sick DayYeah, so "Best Laid Plans" strikes again. Last night, I admitted to Chris that I was feeling really bummed out about London. Here we are, a week out of Berlin, a week in the UK and we still haven't really seen anything in London. I was part of the planning out our week with Chris working in the office, but reality is feeling very different than the planning. It feels lonely to be in a brand new place without him being a part of it. I'm so glad he listened and heard me. He decided to take the morning off today. We talked about doing a few things on our list (Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and a Harry Potter walking tour). There are a few other buildings we'd see along the way, but those would be our three main points. We figured out how we could do it all, including lunch, and then he'd be able to go into work in the afternoon and into the evening (it's the night for the team to go out together). Perfect.<br />
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But, Venice woke up very sick from her medication. At least, that's how we're self-diagnosing it. Her poor body is not happy with the antibiotics. She is not interested in water or food. And, at the moment, it probably wouldn't stay in her body anyway. Obviously our day is taking a turn from the plan. I'm worried that we'll have to get help at some point, so Chris does a little work from home, but mostly helps find other pharmacies if we need to go in, brings lunch back to the room (there is a nice café in our building so he doesn't even have to leave the building), while I research antibiotic side effects and determine when is vomiting and diarrhea severe versus normal? Just so you know, one of the "normal" signs is lasting for 2-3 days while the body gets used to the medicine. Great.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uAkumK0or15J6gG1_IA0nsZ6LdYTbUUU4YSdiCRNrhbJla-RGOnGR281L9MS6zDFrBsQIz2ROEsZtnKLLkcGtNPuAyBhEiGjSexr2a7ao6tvn5BXXYl0iv67rVoJvfX6ZHe_n1zYSQUz/s1600/sick-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uAkumK0or15J6gG1_IA0nsZ6LdYTbUUU4YSdiCRNrhbJla-RGOnGR281L9MS6zDFrBsQIz2ROEsZtnKLLkcGtNPuAyBhEiGjSexr2a7ao6tvn5BXXYl0iv67rVoJvfX6ZHe_n1zYSQUz/s400/sick-1.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice is in pretty good spirits considering<br />
how miserable and frustrated she is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Venice also had a rash the other day. We though it was just irritation to "something". She worried it was bed bugs from our first hotel. Now, I'm looking online and it could be scarlet fever and/or a strep rash. Again, we didn't have a definitive diagnosis yesterday, so I'm doing all my own diagnosis with the help of Google. The good news is that the rash will probably be covered by the antibiotics she's taking. The bad news is reading about illnesses online, we all do it, we are all told not to do it, but we do it. Some icky crap out there! But for us, I'm convinced the antibiotics will solve all our problems if we can just get it to remain in her system.<br />
<br />
I headed out to the closes market we know. It's not like Berlin where we had three markets super close by and more just a few blocks farther. Here, I just know the one and it's small. I find rice, and I'm pretty pleased that I found some already cooked-instant rice, so when Venice wants it, it won't take half an hour to make. We're really looking for Gatorade or some kind of electrolytes. I do find a sports drink, but when we get it home, we find it's carbonated. Crap. It'll have to do. Oh, and guess what? That microwave in the kitchen? Isn't a microwave. It's an oven disguised as a microwave (it's tiny and above the refrigerator). But, it's an oven. So that fantastic 1 minute rice I found... just turned into an "on the oven cooking ordeal". Sigh. At least it's pre-cooked. I just have to heat it up. It's just a little more effort and dishes than I had planned for.<br />
<br />
Venice wants to take a bath. This brings out her rash a little more. This also takes Xander's "blanket" away. He's been sleeping on the small couch and there are no extra "soft" blankets. So, he used a towel as a blanket last night (and a towel to sleep on). We'll have to find another solution for tonight. As hinted, there are extra blankets, but they're made out of wool, so they're too scratchy. Time to get creative (beyond using a bathroom towel).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRfSSUb_7c-jBjzhPDDUjwaFTpk3WBzqem2NHm7Kgt_S5P4wNNsCgu7SZoTGAqQg9YBr6qTzDbPxU6Na2rvptjn7wSRZdwqfIOxOJfD17KDEL6Gd_GWlXsgkMT8spKPtfSWfVSMMQ4Ast/s1600/bored-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRfSSUb_7c-jBjzhPDDUjwaFTpk3WBzqem2NHm7Kgt_S5P4wNNsCgu7SZoTGAqQg9YBr6qTzDbPxU6Na2rvptjn7wSRZdwqfIOxOJfD17KDEL6Gd_GWlXsgkMT8spKPtfSWfVSMMQ4Ast/s640/bored-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xander spending time on his "bed"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When it becomes clear that Venice's body is calming down (I've downgraded my concerns about needing to head to a hospital for more help). Chris goes into work a bit after lunch. Venice spends much of the day swapping time on her iPod and napping. Xander spends much of his day creating levels in Geometry dash. I spend most of my day doing laundry. Side note: OMG, I NEVER thought I'd say this.... I miss the washer and dryer from Berlin! At least I became to understand it. It's another combo machine and the clothes... come out beyond damp after drying for 2 hours. And, it's not clear, to me, where they want the laundry liquid to go... Sigh.<br />
<br />
One thing that is driving me completely bananas is that I cannot find the receipt/prescription that I got from the pharmacy along with the medicine. I can see it in my mind (a coloured, I think pink, slip with our receipt stapled onto it). It is no where. We went to the market and then home and haven't left since. I can find the bag of the medicines and the two medicines. I've emptied my purse twice (and Chris went through it as well). I've tried pockets. I even went through all our trash, piece by piece. It's no where. All I can imagine is that it slipped out of a pocket or wallet on our way home. It's just vanished. So, on top of all of this, I have to wonder how it will all work on Saturday when we go to get her last bit of medicine without our paperwork. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Dinner is easy as it's just Xander and me. We eat some leftovers and some of the items we have in our refrigerator. Venice pretty much doesn't eat. Chris is out with coworkers. It's a quiet evening. A day has slipped by.<br />
<br />
Here are few lingering images and thoughts for you:<br />
<br />
1) There are tons and tons of red telephone booths all over town, just like in the movies and TV shows. It's real. The funny part is how some have evolved. Many have half-naked women photos all posted inside with numbers to call (a special shout out to whomever puts those up). Some have additional free Wi-Fi available (Funny? Ironic?). And some aren't really booths, just made to look like one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn1m-MgufxLPoFShO2z2X7Ktf7PHN9M_Gw8MveqPIfSrUnsG8ioczV8vqEaGP3H-AgmvAgS0Dm_uc1rFKfUss9CXn3SoHKU1StQKpx-t2XzkU6LGnFJ2K_TfWOoB1_IDDNAUi4zCHhhc2/s1600/Telephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn1m-MgufxLPoFShO2z2X7Ktf7PHN9M_Gw8MveqPIfSrUnsG8ioczV8vqEaGP3H-AgmvAgS0Dm_uc1rFKfUss9CXn3SoHKU1StQKpx-t2XzkU6LGnFJ2K_TfWOoB1_IDDNAUi4zCHhhc2/s640/Telephone.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone booth in front of the British Museum, with naughty photos inside (left).<br />
Photo booth that also offers free Wi-Fi (middle)<br />
Photo booth, that's not a booth, but a phone and an ATM (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
2) There is rubbish all over the sidewalks. I don't know what the protocol is here. Can anyone put trash bags in a pile? Is this how businesses put their trash out? I have no idea where all the trash comes from, but there is a lot of it on every block, just piled high. It's a definite eyesore. I keep thinking it must be trash day so it won't be there tomorrow, but it just seems to be everywhere. For those of you who are Monty Python fans, I chant in my head, "Bring out your trash!" (Instead of "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grbSQ6O6kbs" target="_blank">Bring out your dead!</a>") Don't say it. I know I'm weird.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRI3Pgt9mTlkXxVKrjvCItViOfGOxSD2fphwlkiC0_7MIDivvgOIWGMc5naA0l1wMDZayWFLTwCmOY5KMGhXnUhTYhGb11NnknQCdZXbl6he1l3AevM2S0gZol8dCUZrQT_NkKYRuwsu9/s1600/trash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRI3Pgt9mTlkXxVKrjvCItViOfGOxSD2fphwlkiC0_7MIDivvgOIWGMc5naA0l1wMDZayWFLTwCmOY5KMGhXnUhTYhGb11NnknQCdZXbl6he1l3AevM2S0gZol8dCUZrQT_NkKYRuwsu9/s640/trash.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring out your trash!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-78901658383859257242015-11-10T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-11T10:16:25.196-08:00Day 89: Sick DayWhat a wonderful night's sleep. Quiet. Comfortable.<br />
<br />
Now to face the day. First things first... It is now our experience that hotels do not allow electronics in the bathroom. Maybe so you don't drop a hair dryer into the bathtub? There are no regular outlets in the bathroom, only one that is special to shavers (lucky men!) At the last hotel, there was no hair dryer at all. In our aparthotel, there is a hair dryer in the bedroom and a plug and mirror in the closet. I can dry my hair in the bedroom, but not the bathroom. I guess this is better than not being able to dry it at all. But what this means for Chris is that he cannot cut his hair in the bathroom (The hair cutters we use are from Germany and our converter will not work in the shaver's-only outlet). He must cut his hair... in the kitchen where there is no mirror... so I help.
<br />
<br />
Chris gets ready for his day at HotelTonight. Xander and I eat breakfast together, while we wait for Venice to wake up. As Chris leaves for work, he mentions that Venice is still feeling under the weather. And here's where our day turns....
<br />
<br />
In defence of a guilty mom:
<br />
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ol>
<li>When she had a few headaches, she had gotten up for several days at 7 or 8am, instead of her normal 11am-ish time. I chalked up the headaches to lack of sleep.</li>
<li>When she had a sore throat, she had just gotten over a cold. I chalked this up to a relapse and lack of sleep (also, some of us started experiencing more seasonal allergies, could have been that, too).</li>
<li>When she said she was tired. See above (lack of sleep) or all the walking we've been doing.</li>
<li>When she said she was hot and thirsty, I chalked it up to not drinking enough water because we were out and about and didn't always have easy access to water.</li>
<li>When she had a tickle in her throat. Well, she's had a "tickle" cough for a few months now, so I chalked it up to a continuation of that. </li>
</ol>
<div>
But, for some reason, this morning, I decided to look into her throat (no real good excuse as to why I didn't look sooner). I used the flashlight on my iPhone to peak at her tonsils. And OMG. They are huge and have white spots on them. I flash back to when I was about her age (a few years older) and MY mom looked into my throat and saw the same thing! Yikes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had aired my concerns that she might have strep throat several days ago, but her throat seemed to get worse, then better, then... up and down. Nothing seemed to go away, but neither did it escalate. But, after seeing those tonsils, I texted Chris and asked him to probe his coworkers as to where I could take her.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end (Chris' coworkers as well as my online research), it seemed best to walk into a pharmacy to get advice. They will either give me what we need, or direct me to where I need to go. So, I find a pharmacy online and Xander, Venice, and I head out the door.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1Yw_NXbSP4xQYNV-Y8_W0bpXlpZMK9jtY0Ydor4MM4G6hEklD4TbpO2mFAliaDgiVNL_WCd3L_RETYVo47cUP_vCNqYkYx58srPQ7bRbMly6em2krn068G7aIuyNi-10lIM6KMsoGct/s1600/Angel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1Yw_NXbSP4xQYNV-Y8_W0bpXlpZMK9jtY0Ydor4MM4G6hEklD4TbpO2mFAliaDgiVNL_WCd3L_RETYVo47cUP_vCNqYkYx58srPQ7bRbMly6em2krn068G7aIuyNi-10lIM6KMsoGct/s400/Angel-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Angel shopping centre nearby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
On the way to the pharmacy I had found, Venice saw another one, so we head into that one. The woman behind the counter had a thick accent from "I don't know, but I could barely understand her". When I explained I thought Venice had strep throat and that her tonsils were swollen with white spots, the woman said (and this is my best interpretation) to go to Angel station. Once we got to Angel station, to ask anyone where the walk-in clinic is around there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, off we go to the Angel Tube station. Once we arrive here, I use Google maps to find the clinic (before asking someone for directions) and Google finds it. We got a few more blocks and we find the clinic (although, it has a lot of signs that read surgery, which doesn't help ease Venice's anxiety at all!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Inside the clinic, I get in line. The woman says the first appointment is at 6:15pm (it is now a little after noon). I say, "Yes, please book us the 6:15pm appointment," but in my head, I'm saying, "WTF? That's crazy town. I'll take this appointment and then see if I can get a quicker one somewhere else." As the woman puts us into the computer, she asks who the appointment is for, I point to Venice and say, "My daughter." The woman didn't even miss a beat and said, "I'll put you in for 6:15, but why don't you wait and we'll try to get you in sooner." I get the feeling that it's because it's for Venice. That if it were me, I'd just have to come back at 6:15pm, but because it's a child, we get to wait. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I need to fill out paperwork (it's really only a short piece of paper asking for date of birth, address, and complaint... not much more than that) and pay 50£ up front to be seen. I fill out the paper and am ready to pay. But, oh! They don't take credit cards. Cash only. I only have 40£! So, I leave the kids in the waiting room while I head back out to the ATM. The woman will enter Venice into the computer while I got out to get cash. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I get back, I pay and she said that she's put Venice into the system and the doctor knows to call her "next". So, we wait. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While we're waiting, I take a look around the room. There is the front desk, where I've been talking to the staff. And to the right of this area is a pharmacy. I still don't understand why more U.S. places don't do this. You can get your prescription filled on your way out, no extra stops. Sounds logical!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also notice others in the waiting room. It's hard to tell who's waiting for themselves and who's waiting for a friend. Meanwhile, I hear a "ring-a-zing" noise and a guy waiting in front of us looks above us on the wall, gets up, and walks down the hall. I look up to where he was looking and there's a digital board that says, "Mr So-n-So, please go to room B". Ok! Good tip! There is no nurse to call you to the back. The board makes a noise, it shows an alert, you read it, and take yourself where you need to go. Ok. Got it.<br />
<br />
While we continue to wait, I hear other's walk in to ask for appointments. The woman behind the desk says the earliest appointment is 7:20pm. The next to come in asks and the woman says if it's an emergency (I didn't hear what to do), but if not, they'll have to come back tomorrow morning at 8am. So, I'm getting the feeling that this walk-in clinic is just that, a walk-in clinic. It's not an urgent care. I don't know if they have urgent care here? The difference? The walk-in clinic seems to be for travelers or someone without a regular doctor. You need a dr.? Come to the walk-in clinic to get medical help. It just so happens, that most of the people coming here are sick now, so it ends up being like an urgent care. But the urgent care in the U.S. isn't for normal dr. visits, it's for... urgent care. So, I don't know if we didn't get help here, if our only other option would have been a hospital? It doesn't sound like you can just "get in line" and be seen when it's your turn. We were lucky (or it's because Venice is a child) and were allowed to wait.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSaM1EM294J7Q44VUVUSANHLqr1Vh489msMUuFw615T6TpuI967YvFOgvbERR74x7wA7ewzfgaVxVJJPPPxs7x2Kq-2ZH8cKPRcdtKsqPKmBhsgnHtp6VveImOVbZmD7EiPlZ9m3wZ6B2/s1600/clinic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSaM1EM294J7Q44VUVUSANHLqr1Vh489msMUuFw615T6TpuI967YvFOgvbERR74x7wA7ewzfgaVxVJJPPPxs7x2Kq-2ZH8cKPRcdtKsqPKmBhsgnHtp6VveImOVbZmD7EiPlZ9m3wZ6B2/s400/clinic-1.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clinic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Eventually, the board rings, we look up and it says, "Miss Venice Bailey, Please go to room A". So, we gather ourselves up, walk down the hall, find room A... and knock? And open the door? There's an office/patient room with a Dr. sitting down at his desk. At his desk is a computer and printer. There are two chairs to sit, he indicates one for Venice and one for me. Behind all of this is an examination table.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dr. asks what's going on? I explain that I think she has strep throat. Hmmm. He asks how she slept last night. Fine. I say I don't think she's had any fever. He takes her temperature, "She has slight fever." I say how her tonsils are swollen with white spots. Hmmm. He gets out his tongue depressor and light, asks Venice to stick out her tongue and say, "ahhhh." I murmur, "If I can see it, he'll see it." And he replies, "Oh, bad throat." He then checks her breathing and has her cough a few times. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this point, he asks if she's allergic to anything, I say amoxicillin. He asks if she can take erythromycin. I say, I think so, just not amoxicillin. I swear, we went in a few circles about this, all the while, I'm thinking, "You're the doctor, you should know what she can take, not me!" Finally, he asks more clearly, "Is she allergic to erythromycin?" I say, "Not to my knowledge." He nods his head and prints out a prescription, "Take this to the pharmacy. Gargle salt water every day and drink a litre of water every day." And we're out the door. 5 minutes, tops.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpKiYVvwqVromFoLM_1e8VdxhOwDNaMWgZa-Geu8lwIxx98GSF1oKyKYcukY0pBEJNDiW60TBn1ffO3NosnS5qDyBjUvbTXcNbdXe8r0EZkNAzat9LAVH5MECdAtywxoSDm_ll-nIErlv/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpKiYVvwqVromFoLM_1e8VdxhOwDNaMWgZa-Geu8lwIxx98GSF1oKyKYcukY0pBEJNDiW60TBn1ffO3NosnS5qDyBjUvbTXcNbdXe8r0EZkNAzat9LAVH5MECdAtywxoSDm_ll-nIErlv/s320/Lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The burgers were good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We head back to the pharmacy desk and turn in our new prescription. The woman here says that they can fill it, but not right now, the pharmacist is out. Ok. He'll be back in 30 minutes. Ok, no problem! We'll just head out to lunch and come back to pick it up.<br />
<br />
We head back to the Angel centre to hunt down a smoothie or milkshake, something Venice can eat with ease. We end up at the Gourmet Burger Kitchen. Perfect. Milkshakes and fries for Venice. Hamburgers for Xander and me.<br />
<br />
When we got back to the clinic, we picked up Venice's prescription. Good news, the medicine is liquid (we weren't sure how Venice was going to be able to swallow big pills). Bad news, we only get half of the needed medicine now because of "freshness" (it appears as if they mixed it up themselves and so they'll need to mix up more in a week). But we leave on Sunday for Scotland, so we'll have to come back Saturday and explain to the pharmacist so we can get some earlier. Crazy news, I ask how much I owe for the medicine and the woman said, "Oh, you don't have to pay. No charge for children's medication." I am stunned speechless. First we get to wait for an appointment and now our medicine is free? I think the only reason we had to pay the 50£ (from what the woman told me) is because we're from the U.S. I'm guessing if we were from the UK, we wouldn't have to pay that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL9kucVbQ-AOpWjdeKT_kcqTh1Pv41sGVOO_bkJxDVTqXQjNzHPNHSEnYp-zJVdOjPimGZb8MUUZtEN4Lw_5zPhCbGYuBe0N07ImdoXKciUK69uFV0L78IWKEIEQx_0b7DFaNUVdrDhpB/s1600/xander-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL9kucVbQ-AOpWjdeKT_kcqTh1Pv41sGVOO_bkJxDVTqXQjNzHPNHSEnYp-zJVdOjPimGZb8MUUZtEN4Lw_5zPhCbGYuBe0N07ImdoXKciUK69uFV0L78IWKEIEQx_0b7DFaNUVdrDhpB/s400/xander-2.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xander tries to hold up the crooked light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, I'm still speechless. It's so crazy how a country could take such good care of their next generation! I say thanks and we take the bag and walk out in a daze. We're far away by the time I realise I didn't "check out". I don't know if I need to. I hope I didn't walk out on a bill that wasn't paid. I hope it's all good... I vow to ask at the front desk if I'm settled up when we go back Saturday to pick up more medicine.<br />
<br />
What I also realise is that Venice was never weighed nor did they ask her weight or height. So, here's hoping the dosage is correct. They did have her age, but that was it.<br />
<br />
We buy salt at the market and a few other items we needed and head back home. Still sick, still feeling icky, but with a bit of lightness to our steps as we've "gotten help" and we're on our way to being healthy.<br />
<br />
By the way, I clocked it... the clinic is a mile away. So, that's 2 miles of walking to get into the dr. and back. When we get back to the aparthotel, we're all a bit wiped out and decide to not do anything else. We had plans, but we're scrapping them. Time for us all to rest, especially Venice, who has to take her first dosage (bad news, it's four times a day).<br />
<br />
Part of my plan for today was to cook at home, a first in a very long time. But, now I'm not wanting to do anything. Luckily, Chris is willing to go to the market and get what I forgot and help me make dinner. I did put on a pot of water for the pasta, but he made the salad and did all the dishes. Thank you!<br />
<br />
It is at this moment that I realise we really don't have a true diagnosis for Venice (maybe if I checked out properly, I'd have papers with information?) The dr. only ever said, "Oh, bad throat," which cracks me up every time I think about it. I don't know why. The dr. had such little personality in his manner. He never said the words "strep throat" or anything. So, our official diagnosis is "bad throat".<br />
<br />
Well, it's time for Venice's second dosage for her "bad throat" and time for bed!<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-32238091029764658592015-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-11T08:32:01.573-08:00Day 88: Return to London<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Today we return to London. First, we pack. Then we walk down the street to eat at Patisserie Victoria. Side note: </span>Yesterday, after I had posted something to Instagram/FB, an old friend from high school messaged me to say he was now living in Oxford with his family and that I should message him to see if we could meet up. I sent him our itinerary, but he ended up with "baby duties" and wasn't able to get out of the house. Then this morning, we tried again, but it wasn't meant to happen. So, I said the next time I was in Oxford or the next time he was in Oregon. Ah well. That's the way it goes.</div>
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We check out of the hotel, take a taxi to the station, and realise that we didn't really get any souvenirs from Oxford. We are early for our train, so the kids walk around with me to look for a store, just in case there's something we'd like to get. But, there is nothing here. At the train station, there are only a few food stores and counters. Outside and down the street there are a lot of restaurants (mostly Asian) and a few industrial shops. Oh, and another barber. Why wouldn't you put a lot of touristy things right near the train station? Seems like an easy money maker. Duh! That's ok. We really didn't need anything anyway.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1hPUc0YojLvZDXJn1Tn5jMG5EKs5gti_HojbyNpxuaRPVAxfngG-LmnwGdCC9_RqqQKq6sEcjG3wGdy62AdBeHE2lfM9ixAnDT90bPB6dCiMsdk2pT0YaOA0L6wiEc42PSiZDzKN3JFQ/s1600/bicycles-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1hPUc0YojLvZDXJn1Tn5jMG5EKs5gti_HojbyNpxuaRPVAxfngG-LmnwGdCC9_RqqQKq6sEcjG3wGdy62AdBeHE2lfM9ixAnDT90bPB6dCiMsdk2pT0YaOA0L6wiEc42PSiZDzKN3JFQ/s640/bicycles-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No souvenir shops, but a lot of bicycles, some personal and some for rent.</td></tr>
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The train arrives and this time we have reserved seats. Not surprisingly, someone is in our seat, but Chris shows them our reservation and they move. We are not all together at a table, but in a line. Xander and Chris sit at one table and Venice and I at the other. All the seats eventually fill up. This is a very busy train (some even end up standing for a portion of the trip).<br />
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The biggest bummer is the seat size seems to be smaller here in second class (or is it the British trains versus the ICE of Germany?) Whatever the reason, or illusion, we are crammed in there. Venice has no where to put her feet, because the woman across from her has her purse on the floor and her feet over her "line" into Venice's foot space. Same goes for me. I'm carefully angling my right foot to go between the man's feet across from me and my left foot is in the aisle. How can you stay made at them when they talk with such a nice accent? Anyway, the man across from me sleeps the entire way, so it's ok when I bump his foot with mine once in a while. The woman across from Venice is reading her paper, so she's in her own world as well. Again, thankfully it's only a one hour train ride.</div>
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We arrive at Paddington Station and decide to use the restrooms and grab a coffee. Here at the train station, it's 30 pence to use the bathroom (it's a turnstile adventure, put in 30 pence and you can pass through the turnstile).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-JZagzYTaSaz-ATh9waHELga62aa6-tQBKP61wJjAM4kxZVVvKar76cUGYvHiBEQ5UuJ4QZQC-JrrRlmfZbaAeoPE0sQh-Zu4dwoSftuLjuNhMufVoZ0fkzJwJxx2v-BSnIvIxwh7zpf/s1600/Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-JZagzYTaSaz-ATh9waHELga62aa6-tQBKP61wJjAM4kxZVVvKar76cUGYvHiBEQ5UuJ4QZQC-JrrRlmfZbaAeoPE0sQh-Zu4dwoSftuLjuNhMufVoZ0fkzJwJxx2v-BSnIvIxwh7zpf/s640/Train.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice on the train (top-left), Paddington Train Station (top-middle), Paddington Tube Station (top two right)<br />
A bunch of crazy wiring at one of the Tube stations.</td></tr>
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We walk from Paddington Train station to the Paddington Tube station. Transfer Tubes. Then walk a bit to our hotel. At this point, it's so very hot. Ugh. I think it's about 10 degrees warmer than what we were used to in Berlin and the humidity is definitely higher. Just ugh. I guess it could be raining. So, I'll keep my mouth shut.<br />
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Our new hotel is in a bit of a weird location. It's right at one side of a bridge. We came walking under the bridge. Google was telling us to go left, but there was no left, only a wall, since we were under the bridge. We finally figured it out and walked all around until we were up over the bridge and found out hotel. Later, we saw that there was a staircase within the bridge (not marked with any signs). This would have gotten us from below to above quickly.<br />
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And to be exact, we are not in a normal hotel. We are in an "Aparthotel". It's an apartment/hotel. Our unit has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining area, and small kitchen. AND, there's a washer/dryer (combo again) here! Yay!!!! I will not have to go hunting for a Laundromat! It's a nice, small apartment, but we rent it like a hotel. We're only expecting cleaning services once while we are here.<br />
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I have to say. I felt major relief (of stress I didn't even know I was carrying) when we walked in. It's clean. It's modern. It's very nice. I think having a home base like this will help us feel more settled. It's been hard living out of a suitcase for the last few weeks (first in southeastern Germany, then London a few days, then Oxford). This will be the first place we'll stay for a longer time in about two weeks. I'm feeling very happy to have a nice place to settle into. Of course, as I write this, I think of the refugees and how crappy it must feel to live out of what you can carry and to not have a place to settle into or call home. I'm now feeling very fortunate, too.<br />
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After a small respite, we head down the street to eat at a restaurant that's located right next door to HotelTonight. When we've had lunch, we'll go to HotelTonight to pick up our bags that we left there last week. Chris suggested this Asian restaurant (he had foo from here last week) and when we sit down, Xander is the only one without chopsticks. "It's as if they knew I was coming," he said, as he would rather use a fork than chopsticks.<br />
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The owner came to talk with us. Have we been here before? Would we like to hear some suggestions? When he learns that Chris works next door and we're here for a short time, he runs off and jots down a few places we MUST visit while here. Everything comes with a name and a Tube station so we know how to get there. He's very helpful with our meal choices (and it was extremely tasty) and with making us feel welcome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo8DO_06j3e_VWPzvwJ7bJNRjYB0E7WeGK1Mef1Pwl-pA7jOH507KeYI9RkyiLYrnFvYNMGFhyq3AX5KMlyvxGzFvCULx1LgOxAJFTPo6RKIXE7tJQZKVcrOKvLKxZIFTr4eYwgclaCE1/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo8DO_06j3e_VWPzvwJ7bJNRjYB0E7WeGK1Mef1Pwl-pA7jOH507KeYI9RkyiLYrnFvYNMGFhyq3AX5KMlyvxGzFvCULx1LgOxAJFTPo6RKIXE7tJQZKVcrOKvLKxZIFTr4eYwgclaCE1/s640/Lunch.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We head right next door to pick up our bags. Chris introduces us to a few HotelTonight employees. Some come over and give us more ideas on things to do here and in Edinburgh. Everyone is friendly, the space is bright, it's another fun visit with HotelTonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BV3_Vac4hJ43IOPX-lzCjS3gV0168WX1KeaO2ar3y-AIRJa7z7nXvITWU91KdkZm_kUB6WhBpCo0tpeDfaMy27BDzZtU0e9x3WXRP-ayPorrAyiz2xWCw-9M1FBvh6GA5kFBEKwgYER8/s1600/HT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BV3_Vac4hJ43IOPX-lzCjS3gV0168WX1KeaO2ar3y-AIRJa7z7nXvITWU91KdkZm_kUB6WhBpCo0tpeDfaMy27BDzZtU0e9x3WXRP-ayPorrAyiz2xWCw-9M1FBvh6GA5kFBEKwgYER8/s640/HT1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see our giant bags hiding at the back of the middle photo?</td></tr>
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Side note: I took a photo of Xander pushing the button to open the doors to the street (remember how I almost got locked in because I couldn't figure it out?) When I looked at the photo later, I noticed the owner of todays' lunch restaurant is walking by in the door! Funny coincidence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6KOwOD5NshALXbB4QPh367mjqRooyuGjzXuVc2sZ1b8fA-n0YiNJGFaJQeigRF6xkySGA_1tViCav4Wg4aPN0e1mR3q5VQUdBXwbn9Hy9FmxhH-7YYhkM_kxRyVhOuHqoplWn-mx_av/s1600/HT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6KOwOD5NshALXbB4QPh367mjqRooyuGjzXuVc2sZ1b8fA-n0YiNJGFaJQeigRF6xkySGA_1tViCav4Wg4aPN0e1mR3q5VQUdBXwbn9Hy9FmxhH-7YYhkM_kxRyVhOuHqoplWn-mx_av/s640/HT2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the stairwell (left), Xander pushing the button to open the door (middle)<br />
View from in front of the offices of HotelTonight (right)</td></tr>
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Also next door to HotelTonight is a small market. Here, we pick up some laundry detergent (yippee!) and a few items for breakfast (OMG, we have also been eating out EVERY SINGLE MEAL since leaving Berlin and it's become cumbersome, not to mention I've probably gained back any weight I've lost due to eating out!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjCNJeQaPogsQvHmMi01AEwPKUUbaPKqMdK-J0XvfF3Z7w1F6qD-VyBWEVtH-O3Su3CIeYm4zNCnf2eysVg3kqh-qipcj7_Bg2NMUZ7xWLRc9IraDkdbE9qU3mBxL9gg3HnXQj-He2A2/s1600/hotel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjCNJeQaPogsQvHmMi01AEwPKUUbaPKqMdK-J0XvfF3Z7w1F6qD-VyBWEVtH-O3Su3CIeYm4zNCnf2eysVg3kqh-qipcj7_Bg2NMUZ7xWLRc9IraDkdbE9qU3mBxL9gg3HnXQj-He2A2/s200/hotel-1.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice on her way<br />
to the aparthotel.</td></tr>
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Before dinner, we want to go see something in town. We head out to the Tube and get ourselves to Harrods. Our tour guide for Stonehenge joked about how one should go to Harrods, buy a 10£ bag that says Harrods on it, then go to the other department store (I'm forgetting the name of it) and fill it with affordable items. Then, one can walk down the street with a Harrods bag bulging and appear as wealthy as can be. Ok, I get what he's saying. Harrods is definitely for the wealthy (and currently, a lot of wealthy people are from the Oil Industry). So, if you're into caviar, oysters, and top of the line clothing, then this place is for you.<br />
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We gawk a bit and then circle back to find a map. The hosts at the directory station are very nice in chatting with us as we say we're just looking around. They tell us where the toys and the souvenirs are. Perfect. We probably spend an hour playing with all the toys and looking at electronics. And, we didn't buy a thing. Awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG61mvtwIbC4il7QWYf1A6sXoFSH2FELTXpZgtzXvIHKGebJ0Sb8-moC4lLYnsZdFvOI-kBwQOxY_51xJCDdO-uMHkGvWyFHoUTiNQ-JmVeUQWEX7GLHAIxD_bnFCRsyRoHiZ9l857ctN/s1600/harrods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG61mvtwIbC4il7QWYf1A6sXoFSH2FELTXpZgtzXvIHKGebJ0Sb8-moC4lLYnsZdFvOI-kBwQOxY_51xJCDdO-uMHkGvWyFHoUTiNQ-JmVeUQWEX7GLHAIxD_bnFCRsyRoHiZ9l857ctN/s640/harrods.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrods (and surrounding street lights) - top<br />
Different rooms in Harrods, with the Egyptian room on the right - bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaODR1YGEbiZzzfRTMM4h__WKVx04ec7BQYJnQJiAynJM-CXkgUCbGDaXYiScHOPtJIq7ug0XvNClUo6rXSzez287vaVQ13wqsI6BSO_uCKmpElD8G9Oa51lp_BRE1gSB4gt-7pmpoWwZb/s1600/harrods2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaODR1YGEbiZzzfRTMM4h__WKVx04ec7BQYJnQJiAynJM-CXkgUCbGDaXYiScHOPtJIq7ug0XvNClUo6rXSzez287vaVQ13wqsI6BSO_uCKmpElD8G9Oa51lp_BRE1gSB4gt-7pmpoWwZb/s640/harrods2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of a ceiling inside Harrods (top)<br />
Look at the Candy Store in the background... and Venice chose to play piano instead! She's in heaven.<br />
A line of taxis waiting to take you and your purchases wherever you want to go (bottom)</td></tr>
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Chris leads us to Kingly Court for dinner. Now, there was quite a miscommunication regarding this dinner. We all heard the word court and that there are multiple places to eat there. So, a few of us made the assumption that it was a "food court" and we were excited to eat what we wanted. But, when we arrived, it became clear that, while there is a lot of food there, it's all regular restaurants. We will need to agree upon a single place to eat. And the easy ones are out. Venice wanted a smoothie (easy to swallow with her sore throat), but it's closed. Pizza is a crowd pleaser, but it's closed. So, we must walk around the three story court to find one that suits us all.<br />
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We settle on Shoryu, a ramen house. It's a 30 minute wait, but we have little other choice. So we wait. It was well worth the wait. It is 2 for 1 bun Monday! So Xander gets 4 "pork buns" (two were shrimp) for the price of 2. Venice, Chris, and I get ramen (all three different flavours... I like mine the best... spicy curry!)<br />
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We plan to head home right after dinner, but when we walk out into the streets, we are faced with an amazing display of lights. I'm sure it's for the holidays. There are twinkly lights on several streets. And when we get to Oxford street, WOW! The lights are spectacular.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNEdlsSRSCQ3ng6ZoNOLESxgLCJHzhQKIDawr42KCadWisLdkWWB23CK_Wmyv9PvYDfh7EVh38_3q9Fp6JWNauF5MlXc39-aY49JpdnPasnms0Pa3XMvJwAOYwbrX5ERmuAJULPEScO4H/s1600/Night1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNEdlsSRSCQ3ng6ZoNOLESxgLCJHzhQKIDawr42KCadWisLdkWWB23CK_Wmyv9PvYDfh7EVh38_3q9Fp6JWNauF5MlXc39-aY49JpdnPasnms0Pa3XMvJwAOYwbrX5ERmuAJULPEScO4H/s640/Night1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piccadilly Circus (top)<br />
Surrounding streets (bottom)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc6ejd865RSjRVHDj77v-Y1h71D54FKubsUmmrK5idz7apYhu-cJ7nHZVXKgQh5QZeTNSFlVuEjNsX5UFSZL4chU4jr8-7hy3I9mUuyGHNefzZvfJhnjEUd9T_F0dGDWSyZF4Vmi6kCX_/s1600/Night2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc6ejd865RSjRVHDj77v-Y1h71D54FKubsUmmrK5idz7apYhu-cJ7nHZVXKgQh5QZeTNSFlVuEjNsX5UFSZL4chU4jr8-7hy3I9mUuyGHNefzZvfJhnjEUd9T_F0dGDWSyZF4Vmi6kCX_/s640/Night2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounding streets (left and middle), Oxford Street (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDTyJAZfvKzEe_CQ2FIxjN5qv9qotnJoerRnZ9qkcYvcIC67T-syO28CB6sujZuus7alwLvF5Gg22nJ43sO5VRwKp6quPfuGGA3wTb9PzIBcJXp5KbyZFmQ2lYIp7syvu42HUZ2iSjfg/s1600/Night3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDTyJAZfvKzEe_CQ2FIxjN5qv9qotnJoerRnZ9qkcYvcIC67T-syO28CB6sujZuus7alwLvF5Gg22nJ43sO5VRwKp6quPfuGGA3wTb9PzIBcJXp5KbyZFmQ2lYIp7syvu42HUZ2iSjfg/s640/Night3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More photos from the lights on Oxford Street.<br />
John Lewis had its entire building sides covered in string lights (right)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Now, sufficiently tired from a vey long day of travel and exploration, we are ready to head home for some good sleep. Time to fully unpack and get ready for the next day's adventures.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28gUIW2s3h_a8Z6aplrcptbNQT4isVtT-li6SopS7_odqzKAGLB3p4wTXfIaFiRm6Hi4o4pUkQ1Y7PWnj3QZ5K2tFDUuQxYCImUCmXKRiKCmvCuMZGKGvMVTnLuAS8dLE7hPlznv2gsE8/s1600/Night4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28gUIW2s3h_a8Z6aplrcptbNQT4isVtT-li6SopS7_odqzKAGLB3p4wTXfIaFiRm6Hi4o4pUkQ1Y7PWnj3QZ5K2tFDUuQxYCImUCmXKRiKCmvCuMZGKGvMVTnLuAS8dLE7hPlznv2gsE8/s640/Night4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice finds "herself" and Xander finds a new "Amplemann".</td></tr>
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-31131967253944548642015-11-08T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-11T04:21:30.978-08:00Day 87: OxfordYahoo! Chris saw the "kids" check out this morning. He said they were as loud in the lobby as they were last night. So, we're hoping this means we'll have a quieter night this evening.<br />
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We left Venice, still not feeling well, sleeping in bed, while the three of us went down the street for breakfast. Savory crepes and waffles.<br />
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Side note: since we've been in the UK, we have gotten water for free! Tap water is available at all restaurants. Whew. You can still buy still or bubbly water, but you can also ask for tap water. Asking for "tap water" sounds awful, something I have to get over, but I'm so happy to be able to get it again. No more drinking as little as possible to make the €3 bottle last the whole meal. So nice. On the other hand, some restaurants put a service charge on your bill. This is the tip. So you have to be vigilant to be sure don't tip twice. I still feel uncomfortable not leaving a tip, but everything I read says the service charge is the tip. The last thing I've noticed is how good the food has been. Everyone has warned us how bad the food is. But, I'm not sure I understand why. The food is definitely more expensive. So if you take a similarly priced meal here in London versus Berlin, Berlin will win. You can get pretty tasty food for a relatively good price. Here, so far, we've had to pay a lot more, but the food has been a lot tastier. THAT being said, we really haven't had any traditional English fare. Most of our food has been Asian, American inspired, Thai, or other. So, perhaps the warnings we've heard about is regarding traditional food. Hmm...<br />
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Ok, after breakfast, we picked Venice up and headed out for a day of sight seeing. We began by heading out to see Carfax Tower. Actually, it's St. Martin's Tower, but Carfax means "crossroads" and the tower is located in the city's centre at the junction of St Aldate's (south), Cornmarket Street (north), Queen Street(west) and the High Street (east) (all information I found out after our visit).<br />
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After other steps we've climbed, this is an easy 99 steps, albeit a bit cramped in some spots. And, as with the other towers, we are treated to a beautiful view of the city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d72HVhqUe8kjPcSJ3RO4fWuDdomswwPBL0Qen65fV89ipUibVUpkNbLYQDvIkVC91NtROCdoR5NMuwuPBv5hbueCXQDdcujxcHurxFw4w3oh4siapeJP8wbXEv90ANqI8xpB9dNRfcwd/s1600/carfax1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d72HVhqUe8kjPcSJ3RO4fWuDdomswwPBL0Qen65fV89ipUibVUpkNbLYQDvIkVC91NtROCdoR5NMuwuPBv5hbueCXQDdcujxcHurxFw4w3oh4siapeJP8wbXEv90ANqI8xpB9dNRfcwd/s640/carfax1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tight section of the stairs (left), Weathervane at the top (right)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">After a quick walk down the street, we find ourselves at Oxford Castle, which was an old Norman Medieval Castle, turned into a prison in the 18th century, and, as of 1996, redeveloped into a hotel. There is a part of the castle that you can still tour, but we decided to just look around the grounds and walk "The Castle Mound". All throughout the castle grounds there are restaurants, shops, and the hotel. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On The Castle Mound is a dark staircase going to the old well (didn't go all the way)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd-uZVMwUQPPVQQDYWW1zO8HTSIgSOXPPduX8K9P10Ice5uwnW4HvJ_KnqzPfq0O1jgzlVK1Xz_XNcLNY1YUJFxXuQZo9TuhZZoRP4xt83nzsi6h3hJJ21pl82BJsOzy8ygC56U1ocWXx/s1600/castle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd-uZVMwUQPPVQQDYWW1zO8HTSIgSOXPPduX8K9P10Ice5uwnW4HvJ_KnqzPfq0O1jgzlVK1Xz_XNcLNY1YUJFxXuQZo9TuhZZoRP4xt83nzsi6h3hJJ21pl82BJsOzy8ygC56U1ocWXx/s640/castle3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Our plan was to have lunch next, but most were not hungry enough for a full meal. So, we stopped at a café for coffee and snacks at a cool coffee house that showcased artworks. After our break, we headed to the Bridge of Sighs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgJ9WatmVvBisJlvVXz3CwtbWzTdwG0am20P_ox_vimes7AXAEHqglegr_vEcBEa9W8Mot677yYCC4cFHGDFU_v2kPT75YpCdd-ZJACv1mOXcitCmMLT9GV78-Q-_AYvq3Y5_ceMcvnk/s1600/castle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgJ9WatmVvBisJlvVXz3CwtbWzTdwG0am20P_ox_vimes7AXAEHqglegr_vEcBEa9W8Mot677yYCC4cFHGDFU_v2kPT75YpCdd-ZJACv1mOXcitCmMLT9GV78-Q-_AYvq3Y5_ceMcvnk/s640/castle4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Again, not having read anything about the Bridge of Sighs, I assumed it was like other Bridges of Sighs in usage. But, this one is actually just a bridge connecting to college buildings. And, according to my online research, appears more similar to the Rialto bridge than the Bridge of Signs in Venice, Italy.</div>
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Just beyond the Bridge of Sighs is The Turf Tavern. You must walk along a zig-zag alley way to get there. We only walked in, took a look, and then left. This is where President Clinton "did not inhale". So, you know, we were looky-loos.<br />
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We are ready for lunch now. We head back to the covered market area to eat at Pieminister. Some memories are coming back from Chris and my trip to Australia, back in 2001. We ate the meat pies from the street carts. They came with peas, mash, and, if you wanted it, "red sauce" (which is just an Australian term for ketchup). Funny how the memory works (or doesn't) as I can't remember what we thought of them (were they good?) I only really remember eating them once, maybe twice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YdjnYsRKAWwfqrd38_YJnzULTskKbGYkq4ZdHQG1xDHm63yVjVhf3T5hu1eDMv851ZK2ommei0EUVXGDi5d0yNbcMbLqT4D8BIomprhd5L2O2RBtcLsiyPM_XL3UACVVUlyKw8r06wDa/s1600/lunch-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YdjnYsRKAWwfqrd38_YJnzULTskKbGYkq4ZdHQG1xDHm63yVjVhf3T5hu1eDMv851ZK2ommei0EUVXGDi5d0yNbcMbLqT4D8BIomprhd5L2O2RBtcLsiyPM_XL3UACVVUlyKw8r06wDa/s200/lunch-1.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch</td></tr>
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There are a lot of pies to choose from. We pick 4 and share in eating them all. We ordered a few sides of mash and mushy peas. I was so looking forward to the mushy peas (I had them in Prague and they were SO good!) Well... we weren't impressed. Some of the pies were ok, but mostly they were all mediocre. The mushy peas were.... well... mushy. Not my favourite flavour. The mash was... ok. Better with gravy. All in all, we were underwhelmed. Perhaps this is what others are saying when they claim British food is not good. Piminister is an award winning British pie establishment, if you choose to believe, but not something we'd go back to. So, there you go.<br />
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After lunch, we took ourselves a few stores over to Ben's Cookies (also popular). Stand in line, get our cookies. We at them a little later (after our stomachs had made some room), and I was not impressed by these cookies either. I was expecting Mrs. Fields cookies, but these were no Mrs. Fields cookies. Ben's cookies are thicker with less salt or butter. A bit of a tasteless confection, if you ask me. But, there are enough chocolate chips in there to help out, so don't get me wrong, they were eaten.</div>
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The one item left on our list is to see a bit of the University of Oxford campus. This actually proves to be trickier than we had imagined. There are a lot of walls around, which hide gardens beyond. Some have gates that are locked or we're too scared to try. Chris says, let's go one or two more blocks before turning around, and that's when we happened on the Museum of Natural History. It's open. It's free. It's ON!<br />
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Side note: Charles Darwin debated the origin of species in this museum in 1860... that's pretty cool!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6-dTtDWC2R89qLWs23hpHYtbvpYlDoiL6bfvg3BJwGfTu99OHiSG2P6My6L7sF6PiwnScCWOY-QBeQ0BJRrReVyXzo_2tS_rGfYDuEnLWP3wf_NeUfhfxMQIWynVxbdJycTR6jki1T-J/s1600/museum2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6-dTtDWC2R89qLWs23hpHYtbvpYlDoiL6bfvg3BJwGfTu99OHiSG2P6My6L7sF6PiwnScCWOY-QBeQ0BJRrReVyXzo_2tS_rGfYDuEnLWP3wf_NeUfhfxMQIWynVxbdJycTR6jki1T-J/s640/museum2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xander would have critter-napped these guys if he could.<br />
He liked the otter (right) the best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbU70vZ12hg_PDT7HzHYdWYIGZiB4-knBEfkz8Qq3R4rIq-5vO7cokXyS_kv463dJeTJgErMhQsaZuoWUtuE6tUMlLPFh9lMHjU6SWDO00a9qiG1zmJHEzFeIa9ppamXjBfN_4phVDOwv/s1600/museum4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbU70vZ12hg_PDT7HzHYdWYIGZiB4-knBEfkz8Qq3R4rIq-5vO7cokXyS_kv463dJeTJgErMhQsaZuoWUtuE6tUMlLPFh9lMHjU6SWDO00a9qiG1zmJHEzFeIa9ppamXjBfN_4phVDOwv/s640/museum4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhhhh! This is for the cousins (I guess Casey, in particular).</td></tr>
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<div class="p1">
The Museum of Natural History was a great find. Again, it was free. That's awesome all by itself. But, in addition, there was so much the kids could touch and manipulate. It was fantastic for them to be able to go around and open drawers, discover bones, read digital displays, press buttons, pet animals, and touch billions-of-years-old rocks and minerals. Oh, and it had a free bathroom.</div>
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After visiting the museum, we took another walk through campus, aiming for the hotel using a different path. We came across a nature spot and went in for a stroll.<br />
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We found our hotel and took a nice long rest. The kids played on devices. I blogged. Chris started a new book. Venice is still not feeling well. Over a week ago she had a few headaches. Then she had a sore throat. Last night she had a bit of a rash on her body that flared with a bath but subsided today. She's thinking today's the "hump" and she'll feel better tomorrow.<br />
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Then we were off to find our dinner. Good thing Chris looked online first, the ramen restaurant we wanted to go to is closed on Sundays. We have developed a small habit of looking at stores and places to be sure they are open on Sundays. It just paid off. Chris researched another restaurant and we headed towards it. Once again, we had fabulous food (but it's not English food and it was expensive). Their proportions were generous and the food was delicious.<br />
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The kids, having bellies filled with yummy food, turned goofy on us. Laughing and having a grand ol' time. Good thing we were on an upper floor with not too many sharing space with us. We were a bit rowdy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice using her fancy water glass (left), Generous proportions of eel on sushi (middle-left)<br />
Venice and Xander trying to smile with the top half of their face while<br />
crying with the bottom half of their face (right photos) Now YOU try it!</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Side note: Our room has a placard on the door that reads: </span>Room Privilege. What does this mean? I actually don't know. Xander connects it to our Nespresso machines in our room (the "pod" holder says for Room Privilege). But is that it? Or is it the privilege of being next to the elevator (and all the hallway noise that comes with that?) Side, side note: the England has, so far, had many doors for Fire Safety. So, the elevators are in a different section, on the other side of this fire door. This seems to be everywhere we've stayed and in other buildings we've been in. I guess it keeps fire and smoke from spreading, should there be a fire. It makes me wonder if it really works... why don't we do this in the U.S.?<br />
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Anyway, we've concluded our touring of Oxford. Time for bed because tomorrow we pack and go!</div>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-11601598963619142382015-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-10T08:08:33.234-08:00Day 86: Travel to Oxford<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_eUHP1hte2BvMMh8Vvaa5LArHQeXaMxHzId5z73C78XZupI08DzY0E5buMDbyVxYtecIUYT_SFnmrJ5lfYXTAv8tVwy3apeSEOIdVJMEMcYctKgjBv6wQv1-fznL7p1Nu5qkcMrVTbZi/s1600/hotelbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_eUHP1hte2BvMMh8Vvaa5LArHQeXaMxHzId5z73C78XZupI08DzY0E5buMDbyVxYtecIUYT_SFnmrJ5lfYXTAv8tVwy3apeSEOIdVJMEMcYctKgjBv6wQv1-fznL7p1Nu5qkcMrVTbZi/s200/hotelbanner.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
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Time to pack up... again. Good-bye noisy flag! (There is a metal bar at the bottom of the flag to keep it open... but every time the wind blows, the metal bar hits the wall outside our window making a lovely rapping noise.)<br />
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It's also time to shower. The hair dryer here is like a vacuum cleaner that, instead, blows air. It's attached to the wall and has an odd tube connecting it to the unit and a wide "mouth" that looks like it's going to suck up your hair, not dry it. But it does dry... I do have a hard time directing the air where I want it to go, so I give up after a minute or two.<br />
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We had breakfast at Nero (a common café chain here) on our corner. We finish packing and head out to the Tube.<br />
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We're glad to see that the Tube is much less crowded this morning. It is Saturday and it's later in the morning, so we actually get seats! That's how empty it is. Everyone is grateful.<br />
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I'm still surprised by how warm it is here. We're all hot walking along the streets, dragging our luggage and heavy food bag (chips, nuts, candy), and backpacks. Just glad it's just drizzling and not raining, that would have added to the fun.<br />
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We get ourselves to Paddington Station (cool!) and Chris goes to the ticket machine. There seems to be a lot of "do-it-yourself" ticket machines, here. We had ordered our tickets a week ago, but you have to print them at the station. So, Chris puts in the information and 13 credit-card sized pieces of paper come out. 1 is a receipt. 4 are tickets for us on our trip to Oxford. 4 are tickets for us on our trip back. And 4 are specific for our seat assignments on the way back (no assigned seats on the way there).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeckEQcsPPu30vimdM5NXzinEWfqk1FpjdSWbAS-VoLJZV8Caoj5cmVeNErizUdjHEOKljeH9WYBihWNLNNoE4orCDz33uMo-DTBi6hv0U-yNjUOFasRLYGpaWmqaWwDrw6ztyqEw151w/s1600/Tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeckEQcsPPu30vimdM5NXzinEWfqk1FpjdSWbAS-VoLJZV8Caoj5cmVeNErizUdjHEOKljeH9WYBihWNLNNoE4orCDz33uMo-DTBi6hv0U-yNjUOFasRLYGpaWmqaWwDrw6ztyqEw151w/s320/Tube.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tube hallway (left), Paddington Station (right)</td></tr>
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Now we wait for a platform assignment. We're a bit early, but that's ok, there are tons of seats facing the departure board. Brilliant! So, we can all relax while we wait. Meanwhile, it's now POURING rain outside. The sound it makes on the roof is wonderful and I'm super glad we aren't arriving now, we would have been soaked. Interestingly, we are getting a little dripped on, here and there. I guess the roof isn't leak-proof. Annoying, but not bad considering alternatives.<br />
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Our train gets assigned a platform and we head out to find a seat, since we don't have assigned seating. The train is virtually empty so we pick 4 seats facing one another. But they're cramped and we convince Chris to switch to the 6 seats facing one another. Maybe we'll get lucky and we'll get all 6. No such luck. Chris' hesitation was right. We should have stuck with out 4. Oh well. We share with some strangers and it's not too bad. The trip is only 1 hour. The biggest problem is how much luggage we have (4 bulging backpacks, 2 rollers, 1 bag of food, and 1 bag of extra stuff that didn't fit into the other luggage... guess we'll have to ship more stuff back??) Finding space wasn't too hard as we were there early, but we're hogging the space, that's for sure.<br />
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Our first stop is Slough. Barely anyone gets off. Next stop is Reading. Almost everyone gets off. So the last leg of our journey was almost just us on the train. I guess Reading is popular!<br />
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Now it's our turn to disembark and we are in Oxford. The rain has stopped again. It's mostly dry. We follow signs to a taxi stand. There is a group of kids (sportsteam of some sort) waiting on the taxi island, but they don't seem to be in line? We look about, it seems more like the bus side of things... where to go...? There is another couple there looking around like us... they ask if we are looking for a taxi, too? Yes! They are from Florida. So, it's just us Americans who can't find the taxi stand!<br />
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But we do eventually find it on the other side of the island (it was only 50ft from the bus waiting area). But it says to wait for the taxi on the other side.. where? The other side of the street is for cars. Up on the hill is a parking lot. It's not clear where to go. Meanwhile, taxis are driving right by us, some empty and some with passengers. I walk around to see if I can find something else to help... Chris goes across the street to investigate. And, when I come back to where the kids are, I see the "Other" side of the sign that says to wait on the "other side"... on THIS side of the same sign it says to wait "here". Oy! I guess they want to control the swing of the line, but seriously, that was confusing. And just as we figure it out, here comes a taxi and stops for us, just as if it was easy all along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6Tg-0fetxXkA9NPWavo1hPlJ0JNUspgf14UK-9LYgz7BwF216fwyoU8JHSh4EATed_WUlaxbd6d6jZh5Z6QnI2ciBTbb8mzKY1EH6ACHimWWJ3ox0adm31AACGu13qxANOI-RMUey0Fa/s1600/Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6Tg-0fetxXkA9NPWavo1hPlJ0JNUspgf14UK-9LYgz7BwF216fwyoU8JHSh4EATed_WUlaxbd6d6jZh5Z6QnI2ciBTbb8mzKY1EH6ACHimWWJ3ox0adm31AACGu13qxANOI-RMUey0Fa/s640/Arrival.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the train station... looks like a LEGO building (left), a part of High street (middle and right)</td></tr>
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We haven't taken too many taxis while in the UK, but these last two rides have very opinionated drivers. Our driver from our Stonehenge tour was also opinionated. Today's driver asked if we fell for Merkel while we were in Berlin. We mumbled something and he said, "Well, England has. Hook line and sinker." Ok... just get us to our hotel and we'll be happy! Side note: The people here definitely have an air of intelligence about them (I can tell just by looking). There is an afternoon paper that fills the stands. It's free (how does this happen in this day and age?) and people get in the line to pick one up on their way to the Tube. AND they actually read it! I do feel, as a community, they are much better educated by the happenings in the world than I am I don't doubt that.<br />
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We arrived and check into our hotel. We have two rooms side-by-side (no adjoining doors), so we split up. Chris and Venice take one room and Xander and I take the other. Then we head out in search of a coffee café.<br />
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As I promised the taxi driver, it has stopped raining and the sun has broken through the clouds. The city is beautiful, sparkly its after-rain sheen.<br />
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Chris and I enjoy our coffees. Very good. The kids enjoy their half-baked brownies (Venice got chocolate-raspberry and Xander got chocolate-salt-caramel). Very good. And then to walk back through town again. Side note: On every block, there is no less than 2-3 barbers. We even passed one that had three people waiting while one got his hair trimmed. We figure, this is Oxford, one MUST keep one's hair neat, therefore, the abundance of places to get groomed.<br />
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We decided to walk through the botanical gardens as it's our way. But, we just missed the last entry by a few minutes. We'll have to come back tomorrow if we still want to come. There is a place to peak into the gardens and then a hedge-maze out front, so we did get a little taste of what's there. We'll wait if we need to see more tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0gYr3FaY0NvpN1xU6djPY344NWPH9WklN3Gf-cGlLjmHn8syuuTOo1rM8RMxIJ3McmOEpQxtlPUDwo2i_pxGQr381dETljmi441iVArYoV3ltrsF1wNiYEixG6tkHy9n7vkxjiniRhtc/s1600/Town2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0gYr3FaY0NvpN1xU6djPY344NWPH9WklN3Gf-cGlLjmHn8syuuTOo1rM8RMxIJ3McmOEpQxtlPUDwo2i_pxGQr381dETljmi441iVArYoV3ltrsF1wNiYEixG6tkHy9n7vkxjiniRhtc/s640/Town2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High street (left), Xander on the bridge (middle-left), Botanical Gardens (middle-right), Hedge-Maze (right)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">This trip is probably our first venture where we didn't do much, if at all, research before coming. So, it's a quick search on the internet to figure out where to go and what to see. Chris had read about a bookstore, in town, that claims to have the </span>largest single room devoted to book sales in all of Europe (10,000 sqf if you want to know). Xander isn't too excited about the prospect of being in a giant room with books. On the other hand, Venice is excited and we push forward.<br />
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As we walked through the front of the Botanical Gardens, there was a city map (they are erected all over town), I saw that we were nearly on Dead Man's Walk, the route of medieval Jewish funeral processions. It sounds more ominous than it is. In fact, today, with the sun out and lowering in the sky, it's a very serene and beautiful walk.</div>
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<span class="s1">On the other side of Dead Man's Walk is Christ church. This is our first hint that there might be something going on here in town... we see a few people in cap-and-gown outfits. Graduation? I did a Google search later and did find that today is one of Oxford University's fall graduations. I didn't check into any other colleges that are in town (because there are tons and tons of colleges here, I didn't know that...), too many to search. But we did come across several more graduates during the rest of the day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoiZtHM_wsLfWvUcvyBKfttY2uMR0cw_6GVPvWX23bkC2okUi6Mo13FddXgpIqKU1LBujFAd7IrnYScbSUDPy2UoAYB1yovYVQvCN8c7w6aBUwi_n0muxXxDS2lqR62zBUWr5MRB6wmRC/s1600/Town4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoiZtHM_wsLfWvUcvyBKfttY2uMR0cw_6GVPvWX23bkC2okUi6Mo13FddXgpIqKU1LBujFAd7IrnYScbSUDPy2UoAYB1yovYVQvCN8c7w6aBUwi_n0muxXxDS2lqR62zBUWr5MRB6wmRC/s640/Town4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ Church (top and bottom -left), a street... forget which one (right)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">We also walked through the covered market area. This shopping and eating area reminded me of Pike Place in Seattle. Lots of little shops sharing the covered area. We scope out lunch for tomorrow (Pieminister) and dessert (Ben's Cookies). Then we find our way to the bookstore where we lose ourselves for about an hour.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny07RfOiE16Utopn9pVrpP2G-l84aghjRbisma0cHbmBLgHlQgoYmKv5jiDQHzQvQo7mrH9Ft83E-_VA1bPzRfwNm4aDowwWXrVCvfc5W_MOAp4Efycgo870GXKDKcD0w5sJXpkpkuK5x/s1600/Town5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny07RfOiE16Utopn9pVrpP2G-l84aghjRbisma0cHbmBLgHlQgoYmKv5jiDQHzQvQo7mrH9Ft83E-_VA1bPzRfwNm4aDowwWXrVCvfc5W_MOAp4Efycgo870GXKDKcD0w5sJXpkpkuK5x/s640/Town5.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The covered market (left) and the largest single room devoted to book sales (right)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">When we finally pull ourselves out of the bookstore, we find that it's twilight. The town continues to be beautiful. We walk through other colleges, taking tons of photos as we go, and make our way back to our hotel where we've decided to have dinner.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCzGYwrwm7K0NlgwuJf4FwHRtjYQ_qhvlaGomYSWm6kuhacxbkcNtm103iiPEtKAD7ZmtkrGGQmE8NC2YXGqP61eKZh-il1rbzms2PpFoUkq0ZHGxrhjeGz9HeFKfQNFsiDSEY7I-7MJK/s1600/Town6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCzGYwrwm7K0NlgwuJf4FwHRtjYQ_qhvlaGomYSWm6kuhacxbkcNtm103iiPEtKAD7ZmtkrGGQmE8NC2YXGqP61eKZh-il1rbzms2PpFoUkq0ZHGxrhjeGz9HeFKfQNFsiDSEY7I-7MJK/s640/Town6.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town (top and right)<br />
Jesus College (bottom left and middle),<br />
where the first woman to study there crossed the threshold in 1974</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Back at the hotel, we get ready for dinner. We are the ONLY ones in the restaurant. Not a good sign, right? All the other restaurants we passed were full-up. I have to say, the food was excellent and we were waited on quite nicely. It was as if we had a private party. Only when we were ready to pay our bill did other people come in to dine. What a nice way to end our day. Side note: Venice has not been feeling well. She's been itchy and has had a sore throat for a while (foreshadowing warning...)</span></div>
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After dinner, we head back to our rooms. None of our keys work on Chris' door. I can't remember if I mentioned that we were locked out of our room in London a few days ago, too. My key stopped working. A hotel worker happened by, tried his key and that didn't work either. He went to fix our keys and it was all good. This time, they hotel workers came up and couldn't get their door to work. They suspected that the batteries in the door were out and said they would fix it in the morning after we head out for the day. So, Chris and Venice are tucked in for the night, no leaving!<br />
<br />
Once in our own rooms, getting ready for bed, Xander says, "Was that fireworks?" I say, no, couldn't be... why would there be fireworks? Must have been a car backfiring. Well, we heard it again, head to the window, and to our delight, we were treated to a long, wonderful fireworks show! Right outside our window! </div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
And we thought our evening couldn't get any better.... and we were right. Our joy ended around 9pm when "kids" started running up and down our hallways, making quite a raucous. I'm bad at telling age, now... maybe early 20s? I actually feel like they were younger and this was their first time in a hotel without adult supervision.<br />
<br />
In any case, they ran up and down the hallways, chasing each other, laughing, yelling, thumping. Up and down the hallways and staircases. This is an older hotel, so everything creaks and thumps so much louder than in a new-modern hotel. So, a little after 9pm, I got "old lady, motherly" on them. I opened my door and shushed them. I actually said something like, "Hey guys, come on, there are kids trying to sleep, here." The girls seemed apologetic (I don't think the guys even heard me) and it was more quiet... for about 15 minutes. At that point, I had fantasies of opening the door quickly and taking their photo to send to the front desk with a complaint. But... that was too much for me. Chris, however, opened his door and shushed them too. Then, around 10pm, Chris called the front desk. Didn't do much help. Maybe by 11:30pm it had quieted down. What a bummer of a way to end the night.<br />
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For you, I'll let you end on a bit of our fireworks display:</div>
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-70939925642428524672015-11-06T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-08T08:58:16.188-08:00Day 85: Slow Down DaySo, last night everyone was exhausted. Tired from moving out of our Berlin home, from our travels to Britain, and now tired from our tour yesterday (even though we sat on a bus for most of it). Chris and I talked, and we chose to move things around. He is going to work today and the kids and I will take it easy (Chris going to work today might even be classified as "taking it easy" over touring about a new city).<br />
<br />
My only job for the day is to ship ONE MORE BOX. Our big bag was too heavy to make it through the States without a penalty cost. And this is before buying any souvenirs from this part of our trip. So, it makes sense to ship more items.<br />
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The four of us head a building over for breakfast at a coffee café (Café Nero... we see a lot of these). It's a perfect start to the day with a small bite to eat with Chris before seeing him off.<br />
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Another bonus of Chris working today, is that we can pack the two big bags to hold at HotelTonight's office while we take a weekend trip (with only two carry-on sized bags) to Oxford. So, we pack those two bags up with items we don't need over the weekend, and fill a big bag and my backpack with items we do not think we'll need for the duration of our trip. We should have sent them from Berlin, but that's how it goes. This is round B.<br />
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We are only a mile from HotelTonight, but this seems too far to wheel two very large bags. It also seems impossible to take them onto the Tube during rush hour (and we haven't even looked at the map to see if that wouldn't still be a lot of walking involved). So, we head out the front of the hotel and catch a taxi. Cool! Now I can say I've been in a Hackney carriage! We were wondering if there was room for luggage... sort of. There is no trunk. Since there are only two of us, we don't use the extra fold-down seats and we pull the luggage in with us. Pretty cool, even for just one mile.<br />
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When we arrive at HotelTonight, we have to call up to get into the building. It took us about three calls to get the buzzer to work (and meanwhile, the intercom was breaking in and out) so we could open the door. After walking into the building, we could see there was an elevator. At this point, Chris was confident that he could go on his own (he was worried about carrying the two big bags up stairs, etc. not knowing how far he had to go). So, he went up the elevator to secure our bags and put in a full day's work. Another bonus, two of his coworkers from the SF office are in town this week and today's their last day. With our previous schedule, he would have missed seeing them. This new schedule has him overlapping today, so it's nice to get to see them and work with them before they head out of London.<br />
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After leaving Chris at the elevator, I head back... or so I tried. I couldn't get OUT of the building! Sounds crazy, but the door was locked, or stuck. Or, am I incompetent at opening doors? I'm looking at knobs, possible locks, twisty-things... nothing works. There is a woman standing outside, not giving me any attention... maybe this is better than me being fully humiliated, but on the other hand, I was hoping she'd point or mime some kind of hint to me. Just when I was almost in full panic mode, and was about to call Chris saying I can't get out of the damn building, I noticed a button on the wall (about 4 feet from the door, on the right side of the hallway) with a big note saying, "Push, then open door." OMG. I push the button and, miraculously, I am able to leave the building. I laugh out of exasperation, but I'm not sure the woman outside was entertained or irritated by my demise.<br />
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At this point, I'm sweaty. But, I will also take this time to point out how warm it is here. It's in the mid 60s, but raining. So, I have to keep my jacket on and hood up if I want to stay dry, but I'm sweating in my new down coat... if only I hadn't forgotten my old raincoat, which was just a shell and would have been perfect in this hot-rainy weather.<br />
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I had decided to walk the mile back to the hotel room. This would be some of my exercise for the day, plus, it would give me an opportunity to see where we are living and what's around us. I'm sure I look like a tourist, with my head up, looking everywhere as I walk slowly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the trifecta photo.<br />
Red-double-decker buss (left), Bobbies (middle), Phone booth (right)<br />
and a bonus "LOOK RIGHT" in the forefront</td></tr>
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So far, London is overwhelming to me. The crowds are intense. The sidewalks are small. The traffic is fast (and going on the wrong side). Everyone is not only in a hurry, but they seem to be run-walking everywhere. Even at my fast past, people are heading past me in a blur. This feels very different than Berlin where the sidewalks were wide, traffic was fast, but not insane (or maybe in Berlin there was a wider shoulder on the roads, maybe the roads were wider too), and in Berlin, people who were in a hurry, weren't like the people in a hurry here in London. I just feel tense all the time. I know it's a new place and we're figuring things out, but it just feels like a lot of it is due to having to be alert for people wanting to pass, people coming at you, cars, lights, etc. If you just go one street off the main road, it's a world of difference, so when I got get onto one of these streets, I do breathe a little easier.<br />
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Something that I find amusing, as I'm walking through the city, is what goes through my mind. In Berlin, I mostly thought about its recent history with WWII and the Nazis. London may have a long history that is interesting as well... but all I can think about is showtunes, SNL skits, and other media references (usually poking fun at the British or seems like it when I retell it in my mind). When I was younger, I was in the musical "<i>The Boyfriend</i>". So, as I walk through Bloomsbury, all I can do is think of the song, "<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ERU7ZazkC0" target="_blank">A Room in Bloomsbury</a></i>" (start at minute 2:40). Now, it's been over 30 years, so I can really only remember one passage and chorus, so that repeats in my head over and over and over and over. The next thing I think about is the "<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kptp9SmM5Y" target="_blank">All Things Scottish</a></i>" SNL skit from back in the day as I pass a Scotch Shop. And finally, I took a photo of a building today, one that had bricks that I liked, to show how they mount their street signs. Anyway, Venice noticed this same building and sign, but for another reason... the street is named Macklin and it makes her think of the character Andy (who pretends to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx2hyo4MYB4" target="_blank">Bert Macklin from the FBI</a> on the "Parks and Recreation" show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0msxlt4kMr_aSMLVKMAlvpATKeJHfEf3_x0ZkYmN3RXf2Dnzy4hjQLH_74Cbkq6rEKTuLQgc4KR0Dhz4G4Q0XOwAQ0mXKHAddCGBcKHc0vmJNwapp50JaHshZ4JYW_Mv4fIiMsull3z8l/s1600/Town3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0msxlt4kMr_aSMLVKMAlvpATKeJHfEf3_x0ZkYmN3RXf2Dnzy4hjQLH_74Cbkq6rEKTuLQgc4KR0Dhz4G4Q0XOwAQ0mXKHAddCGBcKHc0vmJNwapp50JaHshZ4JYW_Mv4fIiMsull3z8l/s640/Town3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloomsbury (left), Scotch Shop (middle), Macklin street (right)</td></tr>
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So, I feel kind of dweeby as I walk through Posh-London and all I'm thinking about is making fun of the British (I'm speaking in an exaggerated British accent in my head all the time...) Is this how we are raised in the U.S.? To mock the British? Must be, because, otherwise, I feel like I'm a good person.<br />
<br />
As I was nearing our hotel, I passed by a few Chinese restaurants that looked good. I'm already thinking of lunch with the kids. We had thought we might try a Japanese fusion restaurant for lunch, but it looked fancier. The places I'm passing now seem to be more fit to a quick lunch. So, I'm hoping to get the kids to agree.<br />
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Back at the hotel, I relax a little, blog a little, get the kids ready for the day a little. And I do convince them to try this Chinese place I found. There actually are two Chinese restaurants right next to each other (when we found it again). One has a lunch buffet and had a lot of fried dishes available (yumm, looks good). Everyone inside is multicultural (but very few, if any, Asians). Right next door, is another Chinese restaurant and this one has soups, noodles, and other dishes available for sit down lunch (and has very few, if any, non-Asians). It took some group discussion to all get on the same page, and, in the end, we choose the more authentic restaurant (yes, on the first page of the menu is chicken feet... we are in the right restaurant).<br />
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The food is SO good. I don't think I've had Chinese food this good since we were in SF. Yum. Our tummies are happy. We made the right choice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHIU30LV1HgtaCUpfGbt9Y3iYzNxR6vcJhE84ginNlWuYU2bid_qoJPNVEcsRGhzb2ksr2MpCoWfVzJOSEwvLhL6ciGy82CupUPJ3l-1E-xawH2A44Mv6L8DcSPULNDEb6Uy4Z3yTtkVg/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHIU30LV1HgtaCUpfGbt9Y3iYzNxR6vcJhE84ginNlWuYU2bid_qoJPNVEcsRGhzb2ksr2MpCoWfVzJOSEwvLhL6ciGy82CupUPJ3l-1E-xawH2A44Mv6L8DcSPULNDEb6Uy4Z3yTtkVg/s640/Lunch.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch dish (left), "Watch out! There's a thief about" (mid-left)<br />
Lunch dish (mid-right), "Coin-henge" (right) </td></tr>
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I had brought my large bag and backpack filled with items to ship to lunch. After eating, we head to the post office to ship our stuff. However, when we get there, there are no boxes for sale. Ok, a few, but they look like donut boxes, definitely not strong enough or big enough to hold our stuff. So, off to Mailboxes Etc. for us. Several blocks later, we arrive at MBE and ask about shipping items internationally. Holy crap... it's expensive here. I really should have shipped these items from Berlin. Darn it. But, we're a bit stuck (again). I could buy a box and package it all up and then walk BACK to the post office and wait in their long line... but that sounds horrific at this point (my back is tired form carrying all this stuff back and forth), I just want it over and done. So, I commit. And while we're packaging it all up, a man comes in to ship his stuff... hears the price... and walks out saying he's just going to take it as his third piece on the airplane because that's free and the price quoted was too high... I'm with him and I think that will be what we do next... buy a box and just put it on the plane. Even if we have to pay, it will be half, if not, a third of the price I just paid to ship this box. Sigh.<br />
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Feeling loads lighter, we head through town to the Cartoon Museum. This is not something that was on our list of things to do or check out. However, as I was searching for the post office, and other places, I saw "Cartoon Museum" on the map. It sounded fun and kid friendly. It was definitely one of those museums that are on the much smaller-side of things. No worries, the kids are free with my admission. After looking around, we spent a few minutes in the room upstairs where they encourage you to draw your own cartoons. Lots of help (books, posters, etc.) and lots of supplies (paper and pencils).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f5IBJwgeOGy3HUTASpOjlRpOQJRC7KH_yQgrD9BHHg9R3TtktxMVisR5vn_8vtKcvlXl9hMr1DDCgSSv-_eFUJFMDtRdprcIY48gEmIIvl_wlMLYONxSSU5fvEQF5HtLPC8dbaJPT8jm/s1600/Cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f5IBJwgeOGy3HUTASpOjlRpOQJRC7KH_yQgrD9BHHg9R3TtktxMVisR5vn_8vtKcvlXl9hMr1DDCgSSv-_eFUJFMDtRdprcIY48gEmIIvl_wlMLYONxSSU5fvEQF5HtLPC8dbaJPT8jm/s640/Cartoon.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartoon Museum (left), Venice's work (right)</td></tr>
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When we left the museum, we were ready to head back to the hotel. BUT, I had promised the kids we could stop at Krispy Kreme first. Something on their "life" bucket -list, so we HAD to do it. A few false starts, but we find the store, buy some donuts, head back to the hotel, and the kids enjoy their treat. Not long after, Chris returns home wondering why we aren't hungry yet!<br />
<br />
Yet another bonus of Chris working today is that he got a few suggestions for dinner tonight. We pick Flat Iron, a close walk, and looks good, although we can't find a menu online. Well, it seems that our luck ran out, in terms of timing, we get there and it's a 30 minute wait for dinner. Not too bad, we do put our name in. One of the first things we notice about this restaurant is that the doors are locked to get in. You can get out, you just can't get in unless the host opens the door for you. And he only opens the door for one group at a time. He'll open the door, take your name and information (phone number for texting) and then he shuffles you back out the door where he'll talk to the next group. He was constantly asking people to wait outside and that he'd be with them in a moment. It is a smaller looking restaurant with NO space to wait inside. But it's odd.<br />
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We walk around while we wait for our table. We thought we'd go to a park, but it was chained closed (closed at 5:30pm). So, we stop for coffee nearby, for the caffeine, but also so we'd have a place to sit. There were no benches for sitting (they were in the closed park). And the sidewalks are so narrow, there's no where to sit. Anyway, so we buy coffees so we can sit. And remember, it's now 7pm and 63 degrees! It's warm!<br />
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Side story: Two people came by asking for a handout. The first one went by asking and I replied, "Oh, nein." Doh! So, when the second went by, I just shook my head (you know, used the universal language).<br />
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When our table was ready, we were ready. It was a cozy (and hot) atmosphere. And we realised why we couldn't find the menu online, it is most likely because it is only one thing on the menu, steak. That's it. There were a few sides and salads to add-on, but the only entree was steak. They had two specials that night, another style of steak and a hamburger. But while we were ordering, one of the specials ran out, to be replaced with another. But still, small menu. Xander went with the hamburger and Venice, Chris, and I shared the Ribeye steak... it was 3 pounds! We did a good job on it, but needless to say, there were leftovers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9xeSLBplxsYAgABnN51Clf5PrGJJEITl5S31ATdzBztoR7QqUosainEINTDAgfAFUFO_IGvgNuwYWcr91DNMfAODpMUid0OD8zaErdCArNFpLgFx10Pi7-CdaJu1zKzQtugQIGTEQ8e/s1600/Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9xeSLBplxsYAgABnN51Clf5PrGJJEITl5S31ATdzBztoR7QqUosainEINTDAgfAFUFO_IGvgNuwYWcr91DNMfAODpMUid0OD8zaErdCArNFpLgFx10Pi7-CdaJu1zKzQtugQIGTEQ8e/s640/Dinner.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved our cleavers!!!</td></tr>
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And now that we have something we could share with the homeless, we don't see any. I would have given them our leftovers, but as it is, they go into our refrigerator with our leftover Chinese lunch.... I know we're going to forget it.<br />
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Time for bed. And guess what?! This is when the brass band begins to play, "<i>When the Saints go Marching In</i>" across the street. Did I mention that our hotel windows don't make a good seal? So, we can hear them loud and clear. It's actually fun music... just not at 10pm when you're trying to get kids to sleep. Sigh.<br />
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-46207799726470299462015-11-05T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-06T15:27:10.207-08:00Day 84: Henges and Cathedrals<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7xNdC82QjI4a_YG-6Z4SXZDbuzJzf9mAujbmujc-fSEuiF_bWCBHtLTxK5rABoarOPMRrt0x5uKlzfb2HyFKRq0rRmv3qb7-YSs3mtIBZo-uiqr1-_wpDXB9DWgbeD1dW4ZnlEseDNT_/s1600/Telephone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7xNdC82QjI4a_YG-6Z4SXZDbuzJzf9mAujbmujc-fSEuiF_bWCBHtLTxK5rABoarOPMRrt0x5uKlzfb2HyFKRq0rRmv3qb7-YSs3mtIBZo-uiqr1-_wpDXB9DWgbeD1dW4ZnlEseDNT_/s320/Telephone1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids check out the telephone booth while we wait.<br />
Venice says it smells like a urinal.</td></tr>
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OMG, it stinks to have to get up so early (just after 6am). We drag ourselves out of bed and nibble on some of the food we brought home from the airport last night. Then, we walk to the British Museum (about an 8 minute walk) to meet the van that will take us on our day-long tour today.<br />
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There is a long line at the entrance of the museum and we're not sure why. We booked our tour with a company that doesn't go on big coach-buses. This touring company does smaller groups for tours, so we think this line can't be for our tour. But the museum doesn't open until 9 or 10 am (the café opens at 9am and the museum at 10am) and it's 7:20am, why such a long line? Chris investigates across the street and our van is there. Phew. We are in a small group.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVrLam3XsSfartCnv8qooNqZ2abjboYWZKiYx5YmOqhU92gkD_S3QlpBGIyTJPCtzG6XSzzzAhrx80ida8ij333bQuIgMlWYIzT-6W4jViUADm183HvezQmKf0d5GtrjF1UnTbtIvUMZT/s1600/Stonehenge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVrLam3XsSfartCnv8qooNqZ2abjboYWZKiYx5YmOqhU92gkD_S3QlpBGIyTJPCtzG6XSzzzAhrx80ida8ij333bQuIgMlWYIzT-6W4jViUADm183HvezQmKf0d5GtrjF1UnTbtIvUMZT/s320/Stonehenge1.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping in the van.</td></tr>
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So far, we are all Americans on the tour. After a few other pick-ups, it's 14 Americans and 2 Australians. One guy says his work takes him between New York and SF, but he lives in Africa and is now here, in the UK to have his 4th baby. He sounds very self-important when he says HE just had HIS 4th baby. I'm thinking his wife is really the hero here. And, by the way, what's happening here? Your wife is home with three kids and a newborn while you are on this tour? Not winning points with me, my friend. Side note, when our tour guide talks about the French and their lack of deodorant (yes, he often says inappropriate things that you might laugh at anyway), I smell someone in the van who might take offence. At first, I thought it was the Texans, but I'm thinking it's this self-important dude.<br />
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Anyway, our tour guide likes to talk a lot and adds his own opinion (not so veiled) and jokes. I have to imagine, someone with this kind of personality must be called to a job like this. In the end, however, we learn a lot of history from him, about London, neighbourhoods, Saxons, Celts, Normans, and more (like the fact that he really wants Will and Kate to be King and Queen, skipping over Charles and Camilla OR that the cyclists who ride around town are called mammals... or MAMLs - middle aged men in lycra... ok, I laughed at that one).<br />
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He also claims that once we get out of London and onto the straight roads, people will sleep and he keeps a lot more quiet... he wasn't wrong. Next thing I know, I'm waking up from my own cat nap to see everyone else in the van is conked out. It could be because we all got up early, but I'm also convinced it is strategic on our guide's part. He ran the air (which he claims is either off or on, no in between) while we were driving through the city traffic, keeping us alert. But once we were on the freeway, he cut the air and it became very warm in the van... inducing us to sleep? You be the judge.<br />
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We finally make it to our first destination, Old Sarum, around 10am. It's drizzly, but not too bad. We get out and walk around a bit looking at the old ruins and footprints of the old castle and cathedral. I think Xander's favourite part was the Royal Potty... it was a HUGE area.... he wondered how long it would take to fill it... I don't think answer that was on the information plaque.<br />
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After looking around for a while, we all filed back into the van. Next on the list is Salisbury Cathedral, which is only 1.5 miles from here. According to our guide, England uses miles (instead of kilometers) because it was the old Roman method as well as it pissed off France. I've been wondering why they didn't use km, and now, if I choose to believe, I know!<br />
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I have heard that both Chris and Venice loved Old Sarum. I did too, but I think the surprise for me is how much I loved the Salisbury Cathedral. I'm not usually a big fan of churches and their opulence or history. I often feel uncomfortable in churches. But from the instance I walked into this cathedral, I was enamoured and in awe.<br />
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The light inside is beautiful. There are so many places to sit and pray, or hear a sermon, or have a private moment. Each corner seemed to have its own feel, all the while, complimenting the essence of the cathedral overall. I can only imagine what the choir must sound like in here, but I imagine it to be otherworldly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The World's Oldest Working Clock (left), The Choir (middle), One of the organs (right)</td></tr>
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After we had our fill of looking around the cathedral (really, I didn't get enough time in there, but we were hungry and needed to get food at the cafeteria before leaving), we headed to find lunch.<br />
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My biggest regret about this stop is that we did not get to see one of the original copies of the Magna Carta (there are four original copies). We didn't see it in the cathedral. We knew it was there, but didn't see it. On our way back to the bus (and in a hurry) after hitting the restrooms, we see a sign with an arrow pointing to a room down at the end of an open hall (not in the cathedral). There is a bit of a line, so we can't even run to catch a glimpse. It was too late at this point. So... we missed out. Bummer.<br />
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But, I took tons and tons and tons of photos inside the cathedral. So, I will revel in these as they remind me of my experience inside.<br />
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I returned to the van a pretty happy camper. I think if the tour ended here, I would have been very happy. As it is, we are not done, we are headed to Stonehenge.<br />
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It has begun to sprinkle again. So, when we arrive at the visitor centre at Stonehenge, we receive audio guides inside plastic made to keep them dry. After getting our tickets and making a pit stop, we head to a bus that will take us "To The Stones" which is 2 miles away from the visitor centre (an attempt to control the masses who make it here every year to see The Stones).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitor Center, Bus (top)<br />
Ticket area, Visitor Center (bottom)</td></tr>
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Once we're off the bus, we walk towards the stones, which we can now see in the distance. It's a bit surreal to see them in person. Some of us had built up ideas in our heads of how big they would be. How tall or how wide the diameter.<br />
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We all knew we couldn't get up close to them. I have to say, photographically speaking, I'm glad about this rule. If we were all allowed to walk among the stones, I'd have several people in my photos. As it is roped off, I was able to get some photos without a ton of strangers in them.<br />
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I will admit that I didn't listen to the audio tour all the way through. I think I listened to 2, 7, and 8 (out of total of 8). A lot of the information either we knew in advance, or our guide had informed us on the drive here. But, I know there is information I missed out on knowing. Maybe it's because of the rain and not wanting a cold hand holding the audio guide or maybe it's because it's a mystery of a place and it's more mysterious if I just experience for myself or laziness. In any case, this is why I needed Xander to remind me what the Aubrey Holes are/were (thought to be graves), thank goodness someone listened to the tour!<br />
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After taking in the stones, we head back to the visitor centre to check out their gift store. Here is where I make my second mistake of the day (the first being missing the Magna Carta). I really wanted a strategy game they had for sale in the shape of Stonehenge. It had little rocks that you place to create a henge... I don't know anymore, as I didn't want to carry it around while we shopped and in the end, when we were in a hurry to get through the line, I forgot to pick it back up. Dang it. I've joked that I will try to find it on Amazon, but Xander said it wouldn't be authentic (even though according to our guide, it's all made in China anyway).<br />
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So, sad to be without my game, but ladened with other items, we head back to the van. It is now time for our last stop on our tour, Averbury henge. I can't tell you too much about this henge, because I fell asleep on the way there (it was a 45 min drive from Stonehenge). I do know we parked in the middle of the henge. I know we were able to walk around and touch as much as we wanted. But other than that, I really don't know much. Dang cat nap... it's off to Wikipedia for me.<br />
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What we all know, however, is that we are really in storm now. It's no longer and off-again, on-again drizzle. It's a full downpour with wind. Before even crossing the radius to the stones, Xander's pants are soaked through. Our shoes are sopping. Some coats are failing. I am super grateful I had to buy a new coat. It's nice and cozy and I'm pretty happy in it. My jeans are another story (denim is awful when it's wet).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice found a hole (left), Venice's photo of me (right)</td></tr>
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Chris took Xander out of the wet field almost immediately. Venice and I stuck it out for a few more minutes before throwing in the towel. We all met up at the local pub (which I'm guessing is benefiting greatly from this storm!) Kids aren't allowed in the bar area, so we pick seats in another room. Good thing we were sent this way, we were able to sit at the coolest bar table ever, a glass table over an 86 ft well! Pretty cool.<br />
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This is same room where the Texans chose to sit, so we got a chance to chat and get to know them. We found out that they take a week's vacation this time every year (leaving their kids with grandma). This year, it's London. Sounds awesome!<br />
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Before long, it's time for our long drive home. It should only take 2 hours, but our driver has put some fear into us saying the last time it rained, it took him 4 hours to get back. And if anyone thinks you'd rather rent your own car and drive (that's cool), I have to say, for me, it was nice to be driven around. I took my third nap on the drive home! Worth the trade off of having to be on "someone else's schedule".<br />
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Side note: We did get to see a few (maybe 3-4) fireworks off in the distance as we got closer to the city. It reminded me that today is the 5th of November (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night" target="_blank">Guy Fawkes Night</a>) which reminds me of "<i>V is for Vendetta</i>", which taught me part of an English Folk Verse:<br />
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"Remember, remember! <br /> The fifth of November, <br /> The Gunpowder treason and plot; <br /> I know of no reason <br /> Why the Gunpowder treason <br /> Should ever be forgot!"<div>
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We did just re-watch this movie, but I think we could watch it again... but I'm off topic...</div>
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This is also the time in our tour when we discover we will not be dropped off where we were picked up (remember, an 8 min walk from our hotel). No, we will be dropped off somewhere near a Tube station. What?</div>
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Side note: We have yet to make it to an ATM machine. So we have no local currency. No English pounds. Only Euros and credit cards. So, not only are we going to have trouble tipping our tour guide (we ended up giving him U.S. dollars... tacky?) but we are going to have to figure out the Tube and hopefully their machines take credit cards. </div>
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Anyway, I'm now nervous. It was not in my plan for us to find our way home in the dark. I didn't think we'd take the Tube today... I am not mentally prepared. But, we have no choice. Thank goodness the Texans are nice and give us some directions and a few riding tips.</div>
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<br />We get off the tour van at the South Kensington Station. We enter (and the Texans were right, everything is well marked) the station. And there is a queue to buy tickets (I read that there is a queue almost everywhere you go in London). Anyway, it takes a few tries, but Chris figures it out and buys us 4 tickets (more on the Oyster card later) and we head to the platform.<br />
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As we get to our platform, it becomes obvious that there are a lot of people. Unlike the platforms in Berlin, that are two sided (same train lines on either side, just going in opposite directions), the platforms here are single directional and only allows for space for maybe 3 people deep before getting to the "danger line" close to the tracks. It's a bit claustrophobic feeling. I'm worried someone is going to accidentally get pushed onto the tracks.<br />
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We look to the board to see when our train will arrive. There are two of them coming, just minutes apart. Good thing, too, the first one arrived and it was packed to the gills. People were sardines as the doors opened. Someone on the platform asked if anyone was getting off, no one said anything. After a few attempts to close the doors, the train left, with no one getting off or on. So, we waited for the next train. This one was crowded too, but not overly full. We go for it, but I have to say, there is a small part of me worried that the kids, whom we're pushing on in front of us, will get on and we won't). Must be aggressive.<br />
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Phew, we all get on. Now we are the sardines and when we get to the next station, no one gets off, so no one gets on. After that stop, a few did get off and by the time we reach our destination, we're all breathing a little easier with a little more space. Even at the busiest times, the Bahns were never this crowded. Sure, we squished a lot, but not like this. Oh, boy.<br />
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A few of us were a bit stressed out by that experience. Time for food, perhaps dinner will make us feel better. Good thing there is a good looking burger joint right across from our Tube stop. We eat at Byron's (a VERY popular name for anything... restaurant, bank, hotel, street, etc.)<br />
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And will full tummies, we are ready to head back to our hotel for some real sleep, but not before noticing a Krispy Kreme store... we're plotting to come back to that!<br />
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For now, sweet dreams.<br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-86410428408108620632015-11-05T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-06T03:07:28.870-08:00Random Signs and Such - Part 5More funny signs and such....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyefbc6H8IzMBrN-vSlftR-Jqc34oVQWgzwXUMKYbqXvWGd6ctw-7XBRAdgo5GUptlib91RgaASGsVfOyS0B2bD2HOBPZnPyy4gD95dF3Tk1e4lxAHVVXewgNlutge3uAbOJ_FTqIZJjpD/s1600/1fck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyefbc6H8IzMBrN-vSlftR-Jqc34oVQWgzwXUMKYbqXvWGd6ctw-7XBRAdgo5GUptlib91RgaASGsVfOyS0B2bD2HOBPZnPyy4gD95dF3Tk1e4lxAHVVXewgNlutge3uAbOJ_FTqIZJjpD/s400/1fck.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Football Club Kaiserslautern... but really?<br />1FCK?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ68fyFb4SN3SNl7SBQRxe4vsEoS-ca0xFFlS-Hq2XECVn8joxdMy_JXxXHbxEUmbM4Iq18v0cd-rmDc4g6krIYPOTHKUkgN7rm3kfxgroZBjAqKH_EQU9jlwsd-GYH3aSYp3WtyIRNrhY/s1600/101515_sign-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ68fyFb4SN3SNl7SBQRxe4vsEoS-ca0xFFlS-Hq2XECVn8joxdMy_JXxXHbxEUmbM4Iq18v0cd-rmDc4g6krIYPOTHKUkgN7rm3kfxgroZBjAqKH_EQU9jlwsd-GYH3aSYp3WtyIRNrhY/s400/101515_sign-0.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How would you pronounce "Pik-As"?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw-GNbPRajpgMc6MOm4eXm9c2dgj1ZOdjayhUCsmg_XBqD2OzUFJyX94C12Ik2i4_BpNccjv-acIAxJg166pqdlvYq8DH83XE2nUVRenDvE5qNKbJEvU9fHIF_pjnkitG8tnm7KbIklST/s1600/101715_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw-GNbPRajpgMc6MOm4eXm9c2dgj1ZOdjayhUCsmg_XBqD2OzUFJyX94C12Ik2i4_BpNccjv-acIAxJg166pqdlvYq8DH83XE2nUVRenDvE5qNKbJEvU9fHIF_pjnkitG8tnm7KbIklST/s400/101715_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the utility boxes are painted here.<br />Reminds me of Eugene where some of those<br />are painted, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSj7wMO_ewpHYx-BhgZz7IpdwPQTNIhTpzJ8wJFAKKV_fCaSy4AjmLPDdkHVu_ucXHXsvh7AKedsPlG-SjDu3DrACCcvYupflhxqg7Y0N3C-6WPV_Y7-QDREY95p278YRmdsm1SXkRi-H/s1600/101815_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSj7wMO_ewpHYx-BhgZz7IpdwPQTNIhTpzJ8wJFAKKV_fCaSy4AjmLPDdkHVu_ucXHXsvh7AKedsPlG-SjDu3DrACCcvYupflhxqg7Y0N3C-6WPV_Y7-QDREY95p278YRmdsm1SXkRi-H/s400/101815_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really don't have words for this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz7EjLl8NzHCHpar5XJ4WibbzCXqCAzYmWCJdPQGQVgB8cUD2j8iVYJNWJHeNgMQV03R6-V0vqjwaDDxrNpP03gPSpnXjoyKirTIKBh3aj6vgNIKnuCfQRFV5Vj9QLFgvADLr3cZ8H8YZ/s1600/102115_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz7EjLl8NzHCHpar5XJ4WibbzCXqCAzYmWCJdPQGQVgB8cUD2j8iVYJNWJHeNgMQV03R6-V0vqjwaDDxrNpP03gPSpnXjoyKirTIKBh3aj6vgNIKnuCfQRFV5Vj9QLFgvADLr3cZ8H8YZ/s400/102115_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do wonder if we'll regret not going to the Spy Museum,<br />But this photo is more about the red sticker placed on top:<br />"Mitte is Schitte, Prenzlberg is Petting.<br />Real Sex is only Wedding!"<br />I'm not sure of an exact translation, but<br />obviously this is in favour of the Wedding<br />neighbourhood over Mitte and Prenzlauerberg.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfsB3QY8luijuzxAaWT40WSh3HhmalNNOUeNEFVQWLoeiMJ7dnzBV3z0F-RW1xh8kylR74IljN_Sndnf6Edsgbpw59jHxXe3ZX5UggbnlKIM1GBQPyYODe3R7l8hL3djYoRZ2ytQHsMdl/s1600/102115_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfsB3QY8luijuzxAaWT40WSh3HhmalNNOUeNEFVQWLoeiMJ7dnzBV3z0F-RW1xh8kylR74IljN_Sndnf6Edsgbpw59jHxXe3ZX5UggbnlKIM1GBQPyYODe3R7l8hL3djYoRZ2ytQHsMdl/s400/102115_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot get a good translation for the top:<br />"Please say communication somewhere"<br />but the hashtag is funny:<br />#ASSYOUARE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJPqTevhn_cy8wwsQBaC-m1plXRqSvdOKgrK6mBc83rBInwYv7eV-MLmJdc7KQ2BZgZO8uLTxvDZJtYDmht0NnKVlIIJvjh26BHeMrJW_8433Cfkb5Zwlr2vKqHye0Fvi4b8MMllui6lX/s1600/102215_sign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJPqTevhn_cy8wwsQBaC-m1plXRqSvdOKgrK6mBc83rBInwYv7eV-MLmJdc7KQ2BZgZO8uLTxvDZJtYDmht0NnKVlIIJvjh26BHeMrJW_8433Cfkb5Zwlr2vKqHye0Fvi4b8MMllui6lX/s400/102215_sign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We never did eat at Der Imbiss W (Fastfood W)<br />It's supposedly a really good place for vegan fast food.<br />But, we all loved the upsidedown McDonald's M<br />as their logo. Pretty funny marketing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7f9-lWgkwQwrbYqqjDXZACu0zJYrw3T4ZX7ekKCKCo6uYHfEuVdn7IZ6ja5cpVBx_A_IMq91Dab4m85au3R5bo5typWb7UJEZ7pElKBfqZsMMx33dl6c6t6JwifH1UwiI-ZsiqcS0gHu/s1600/102315_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7f9-lWgkwQwrbYqqjDXZACu0zJYrw3T4ZX7ekKCKCo6uYHfEuVdn7IZ6ja5cpVBx_A_IMq91Dab4m85au3R5bo5typWb7UJEZ7pElKBfqZsMMx33dl6c6t6JwifH1UwiI-ZsiqcS0gHu/s400/102315_sign-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yea, Lachs and Butt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZzYLPjpph9zuguoTMEFwnEOU4Hli5kxeD7Lc3Qw-BsymZnz2bYg7TyP_IsL0ic2UE-dRrglQ0tULYGLWS091FnHjvgQwpTgqIf3ynrlYzOwxkpODbVrRM703ce_4k2gHh2V6O1vcKcnY/s1600/102415_sign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZzYLPjpph9zuguoTMEFwnEOU4Hli5kxeD7Lc3Qw-BsymZnz2bYg7TyP_IsL0ic2UE-dRrglQ0tULYGLWS091FnHjvgQwpTgqIf3ynrlYzOwxkpODbVrRM703ce_4k2gHh2V6O1vcKcnY/s400/102415_sign-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate at Chicago Williams BBQ, we couldn't find this logo at<br />their restaurant, but we found it on line:<br />"Welome Bitches <i>get fed up and drunk</i>"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlGq1c8Mv8UPpGf-0ATI3CK2Pa7sC4PAFUCGQFVDFqQlyRlSp4c_eR1SOM8ro9mGvvaHqWWIHFFsGOjTGGC4q3s9d9nIcC02el4rDiRN_A-t6ER76fxPhrqAt5hmiFCnqG5DWOJpAJ0Rl/s1600/102415_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlGq1c8Mv8UPpGf-0ATI3CK2Pa7sC4PAFUCGQFVDFqQlyRlSp4c_eR1SOM8ro9mGvvaHqWWIHFFsGOjTGGC4q3s9d9nIcC02el4rDiRN_A-t6ER76fxPhrqAt5hmiFCnqG5DWOJpAJ0Rl/s400/102415_sign-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the bathrooms at the Olympic Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VZ9OJW0FhPNRdRsOzyhpU4tIk1GnzkY89f2EGikSXCo54CM1gh7cHqklMRG1fyZS7ZhEnVnOHulE5VJE9s_xV-MLhVXNY4LPOrudtZWjUmqZsMK513FjJ6OxCC5kHiEKOLSrCD_u-cug/s1600/102415_sign-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VZ9OJW0FhPNRdRsOzyhpU4tIk1GnzkY89f2EGikSXCo54CM1gh7cHqklMRG1fyZS7ZhEnVnOHulE5VJE9s_xV-MLhVXNY4LPOrudtZWjUmqZsMK513FjJ6OxCC5kHiEKOLSrCD_u-cug/s400/102415_sign-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't quite make it to the Anger field.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUfs6ZgyXd-MWuMm9XEiQ2GVISnMOSYtj6eFEUyhrDPABcEte_N93NLIlUpSacsRvMZWm0Q1XXsKPfTEnHoEz0NCOYpIBEZvQFL236C6ICu43TvQHExzS7xTqe79iT5LytmTQ3SJcjcii/s1600/102415_sign-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUfs6ZgyXd-MWuMm9XEiQ2GVISnMOSYtj6eFEUyhrDPABcEte_N93NLIlUpSacsRvMZWm0Q1XXsKPfTEnHoEz0NCOYpIBEZvQFL236C6ICu43TvQHExzS7xTqe79iT5LytmTQ3SJcjcii/s400/102415_sign-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was at the end of a "safety zone". Cute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hekVhwFV3UscUGKq_H0AiZBLROPGVFHucW2KEjNm-PsuGA1b1ycRBwy7aKrpWKgK_DHVq6ygjVGdABXdPHrFnduYc7ZKxzwzfdEKzbl6ENcso3VJ8iMSFG_sUEg5pNizaFJC-nqQxdK9/s1600/102415_sign-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hekVhwFV3UscUGKq_H0AiZBLROPGVFHucW2KEjNm-PsuGA1b1ycRBwy7aKrpWKgK_DHVq6ygjVGdABXdPHrFnduYc7ZKxzwzfdEKzbl6ENcso3VJ8iMSFG_sUEg5pNizaFJC-nqQxdK9/s400/102415_sign-7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the popular clothing companies is called, "Acne"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZsU5N7d4929SOLvQU0OPe5PpOhKrit_zb05n-cDAq92MFTUG6E7xg1F_UIKT7kMh8eRsOweyYdTOsQBhzTatwAnyhD63PNCHima1sABAhgjumSxJ56OP3c1dQKKeQlppVHudKyy-qHga/s1600/102415_sign-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZsU5N7d4929SOLvQU0OPe5PpOhKrit_zb05n-cDAq92MFTUG6E7xg1F_UIKT7kMh8eRsOweyYdTOsQBhzTatwAnyhD63PNCHima1sABAhgjumSxJ56OP3c1dQKKeQlppVHudKyy-qHga/s400/102415_sign-8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We still giggle at the word "hell (light)" when we see it.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSHKWpkm2g2d-Fzqylt8fZq9FhbZ-4WGgwOwe7Ln6cgdtIQfZZQzME_VYb7SXwWTqODD_7CckA_PefizPRm3CGA7__Jgwy71KBt7u0VR_oMjzc9tGv0ws-kQ9VXG7q-TrlJ1SVT_lYUK/s1600/102415_sign-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSHKWpkm2g2d-Fzqylt8fZq9FhbZ-4WGgwOwe7Ln6cgdtIQfZZQzME_VYb7SXwWTqODD_7CckA_PefizPRm3CGA7__Jgwy71KBt7u0VR_oMjzc9tGv0ws-kQ9VXG7q-TrlJ1SVT_lYUK/s400/102415_sign-9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Boston Butt" on the chart and "Picinic Shoulder"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBfQBMMr67YEPYVpbcs4Kyw3AdAXDjNdVWcOp9pHIV_cpnbj-tnX3gcSYFIg0cHgsycBONnjU5KK0x8GbJ9Tmrg5Go4-4ahNCK1qf2ST0bAuaqxieY6AWxscIsp0xkbNAueE51PEl_J_A/s1600/102415_sign-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBfQBMMr67YEPYVpbcs4Kyw3AdAXDjNdVWcOp9pHIV_cpnbj-tnX3gcSYFIg0cHgsycBONnjU5KK0x8GbJ9Tmrg5Go4-4ahNCK1qf2ST0bAuaqxieY6AWxscIsp0xkbNAueE51PEl_J_A/s400/102415_sign-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see "Self Service" once in a while. This is where<br />you order at the counter and pick up your own food. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt40gM7ICyeGRq1KVW6s-YzTlxt7OSL1_o5QkFi9WPlIFfTMVR-_4i4mDryhafKxTuTtdV8zH6z9Ni9_sybdpj0eCD6dufl8k0nlf2QNaMEjkorDJqmKOOJNoay6m4p7oiUvekyZoAcIsp/s1600/102415_sign-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt40gM7ICyeGRq1KVW6s-YzTlxt7OSL1_o5QkFi9WPlIFfTMVR-_4i4mDryhafKxTuTtdV8zH6z9Ni9_sybdpj0eCD6dufl8k0nlf2QNaMEjkorDJqmKOOJNoay6m4p7oiUvekyZoAcIsp/s400/102415_sign-11.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We never found out what "Porn Ribs" are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDsKU3veQJDdXN3qM_rQEaCybNg26u_AJFfp81yItnPkg-glTBMPn_KLrra7xpvT8kIWrODfkNJbyBr25uBkk9G1_aThwBuArtsGKws7GDvpHKptgTIcFj5m-c1rbvjyU1LMZe8qz1ACg/s1600/102415_sign-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDsKU3veQJDdXN3qM_rQEaCybNg26u_AJFfp81yItnPkg-glTBMPn_KLrra7xpvT8kIWrODfkNJbyBr25uBkk9G1_aThwBuArtsGKws7GDvpHKptgTIcFj5m-c1rbvjyU1LMZe8qz1ACg/s400/102415_sign-12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, the "twerking" store now has creepy figures<br />added to their montage.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHdWgaIYnGO21rBDPxo1raD3QmaOFD5ukW-m0PENaSfkdinnGbdKQR4jW1RCYsskCHZjVlxaxYFTHwIugevoZeDN9O7l90qVWz_4A0HNffZeG4Tf25sdQRcNE1oCBJgVYY4-fW7AESuyj/s1600/102915_sign-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHdWgaIYnGO21rBDPxo1raD3QmaOFD5ukW-m0PENaSfkdinnGbdKQR4jW1RCYsskCHZjVlxaxYFTHwIugevoZeDN9O7l90qVWz_4A0HNffZeG4Tf25sdQRcNE1oCBJgVYY4-fW7AESuyj/s400/102915_sign-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a chain store. I don't know the story behind it...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoOiX4F6orEt7-KzM6TUUwIorE-BUDO1T1xuPKhc1uEnII3eS5Mzo_j5KQ5pyYGZyXxI0gjMu-Z6zlUXyj_PfDhJEnJltlZhYgEjCbGJ7T7m72QTf7yQMb059Qhnn6teIVAZfv6AqXsOr/s1600/102915_sign-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoOiX4F6orEt7-KzM6TUUwIorE-BUDO1T1xuPKhc1uEnII3eS5Mzo_j5KQ5pyYGZyXxI0gjMu-Z6zlUXyj_PfDhJEnJltlZhYgEjCbGJ7T7m72QTf7yQMb059Qhnn6teIVAZfv6AqXsOr/s400/102915_sign-5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dudes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHNCSuL2nintcXxazFd7rDpsjx5JuYKpv8tRAEEpc_9zXxpAGfCBygDd91zmXs1dwyuEnC0J430B8LG3akppB3AjE3PMwtJ0KKgCr2BsJWUNSNvP0uBtGZiVZtiEMNTyKtEburWCyWeOI/s1600/doner-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHNCSuL2nintcXxazFd7rDpsjx5JuYKpv8tRAEEpc_9zXxpAGfCBygDd91zmXs1dwyuEnC0J430B8LG3akppB3AjE3PMwtJ0KKgCr2BsJWUNSNvP0uBtGZiVZtiEMNTyKtEburWCyWeOI/s400/doner-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More marketing hinting at McDonalds. Why not?<br />The döner is quite popular in Germany.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliBlnmrdS40TwvHHGlnOKeGD0mIIZoY3UZi2xB5CqT8T6WPmgXHm4E4HlOSksAmz6yPYboV4EhXhtZg2IM6rwl5NE6WpYT0xouciDVSYfU0WgPLpxeGqL5T8SpE6oXj-NLmGxViek8u9h/s1600/firecar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliBlnmrdS40TwvHHGlnOKeGD0mIIZoY3UZi2xB5CqT8T6WPmgXHm4E4HlOSksAmz6yPYboV4EhXhtZg2IM6rwl5NE6WpYT0xouciDVSYfU0WgPLpxeGqL5T8SpE6oXj-NLmGxViek8u9h/s400/firecar-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this "Fire Department" car.</td></tr>
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-18283657927835976362015-11-04T14:42:00.000-08:002015-11-05T15:35:08.772-08:00Day 83: Hello, LondonWe checked our bags for flight (the biggest one weighed over 29kg, which is over 63 pounds. Oh my. But, the gentleman at the counter didn't really bat an eye. He weighed the rest of the bags (one was 21 kg, and the two smaller ones were just over 11kg) and since, together, they weighed within our limit, it was all good. Phew. No penalty fines.<br />
<br />
We go through security. As usual, some are anxious. And this time... we forgot some items. I forgot to mention the laptop in Venice's bag. So her backpack was "caught" and they had to take out the laptop and run that through separately. She also beeped and had to get "wanded" and patted. I beeped AND I forgot my Fitbit was on me. So that device had to go through again and I got "wanded" and patted. But, we all make it through, in the end. It wasn't too stressful, as the people were very calm and nice about everything (again, I guess there were just some grumpy workers on the day we went through Frankfurt that first day).<br />
<br />
By this time, we're hot and thirsty. I swear security check keeps the heat up, so that when you get to the other side, you just HAVE to buy something to drink since you have no liquids over 3oz with you. So, we do. Cokes and waters all around. Our flight has not been assigned a gate yet, so we just sit in the hall, on the floor. Side note: the Shönefeld airport doesn't have much seating. Once you are in the gate for your flight, there is seating, but until you get into a gate, there is almost nothing. So, you sit on the floor of the other side of the glass of other gates. It's not like in the U.S. where the airport amasses tons of seats accessible by all gates.<br />
<br />
After seeing a gate assigned to our flight, we get up and make our way there. Once we go down a flight of stairs and walk down a hallway, we get into a very long line (everyone else on our flight). To get to this gate, we must go through the passport check. When it was our turn, I have to say that I kept waiting for the guy to look at us and say, "You counted wrong... you stayed too long." But he didn't. He did, however, look through every single page of our passports to see if there were other stamps in there (Chris saw this, as he's taller and could see behind the counter). Then, with great emphasis and strength, he stamped all of our passports and we were on our way... to wait in the next line!<br />
<br />
Ok, so it's not a line, but it's our gate's waiting room. It's not big enough. Not enough seats. So we stand and wait. We eavesdrop on our neighbour's conversation (a woman has told her male travel companion a riddle... he can't figure it out... we all know the answer and are dying... we want to help him... but we can't admit we've been eavesdropping... he FINALLY gets it and we all heave a sigh of relief).<br />
<br />
At one point, there was an announcement that our flight was ready to board, so, of course, everyone jumps up and pushes towards the doors. But, there's no airplane. We all continue standing and waiting. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Finally, a bus comes (oh, it's one of those... we have to get on a bus to taxi us to the plane somewhere out there on the tarmac). Fine. Half of the people get onto the first bus. Then a second bus arrives and we get on with the rest of the people. And then... we wait! We stand on that dang bus for 10 minutes, all squished in like sardines.<br />
<br />
Finally, AGAIN, we head to the plane for boarding. Finally, we are off and in the air. Side note: The Captain did apologise for all the delays we had getting onto the flight when taking off and once again upon landing. This is nice and takes a little sting out of our frustration. But I have to say, when we were delayed on the train the other day, DB gave us "I'm sorry" postcards to mail in (we don't know what we'll get from them, but they said they could send it to us in the U.S... maybe train credits?) and so, it would have been nice to get something for this delay too (although it wasn't nearly as bad... I'm just being entitled).<br />
<br />
Well, everyone has a pretty good flight. I do too, except the guy who's sitting to my left seems to think he can have two arm rests. He uses the one on his left (near the window) and the one between us. I understand that the window seat can sometimes lack space for your feet, but you have plenty of room for your arms (he is an average sized man). But instead, he pushes my jacket down, so he can have the entire arm rest between us and elbows me often throughout the flight. Argh. Thank goodness it's a short flight (1.5 hrs) or I was going to lose it with this guy (ok, passive aggressively I was quietly thinking of spilling my drink on him).<br />
<br />
We fill out our Landing Cards for the UK border control. We are ready to land!<br />
<br />
There are two lines for border control. One for UK/EU passport holders and one for "everyone else". We are lucky to have arrived when we did. We are about 10th in line, but a plane soon lands behind us and the line fills up quickly to be very long. Of course, there are about 6 desks working for the UK/EU and only 1 desk for "everyone else". Luckily, they did open up a second desk, but it was still very slow going.<br />
<br />
When it was our turn to hand over passports, we were asked quite a few questions (why are you here, how long, where will you stay, what business do you do, etc.) The border control worker was very jovial and had even heard of HotelTonight. It felt like we were at a cocktail party, getting to know someone. Needless to say, we made it through that check point just fine.<br />
<br />
Due to our plane being delayed and whatever problems we had on the tarmac, it's past dinner time and we're hungry. So, we must eat in the airport as we are looking at a 60 minute taxi ride to our hotel. The problem is that we're in a small airport and there is one market and one restaurant. Slim pickings. But we survive. We get meals as well as food for tomorrow morning (we have an early day and are not going to be able to get breakfast).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AHv2TlrkXUvR7bJOOYGHB0jrDf2zOo23bCgiG9ziuQS6LpUef0QsT7iPKbjF7boL47c0KdU5cCT_n0dUsuc01ea5lGUNyQmsA2iwVXkhBCgc_Ar4WpWecU-Uqt4N4iY4vXSgGeTXXgCq/s1600/airportUK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AHv2TlrkXUvR7bJOOYGHB0jrDf2zOo23bCgiG9ziuQS6LpUef0QsT7iPKbjF7boL47c0KdU5cCT_n0dUsuc01ea5lGUNyQmsA2iwVXkhBCgc_Ar4WpWecU-Uqt4N4iY4vXSgGeTXXgCq/s640/airportUK.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice and Chris landing in London (left), The essentials of a late night (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Chris calls for an Uber cab (an XL so we can be comfortable on our long ride). Funny thing, even though we can read all the signs, it took us about 15 minutes to find where to meet the car! And, as we were waiting... I swear I did a double take thinking a car was "empty" as it drove by (because I was looking at the passenger seat where usually there is a U.S. driver). And, when we were finally getting into the car, Chris tried to get into the driver's seat (where the passenger seat usually is in the U.S.) American tourists at their best.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMujE7ziE2SZnvUlNEyZHBBCOqQD1iotK698l1PiBNv2_-A6sretPu_pvNCYpkiXu2CP9Aks9GOPqJTp5I01RhHG9WpkfJoPrVkoRQoC0rZa7d6yw404aOYMxy0vXW1z6zIY-xVsBpEegW/s1600/hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMujE7ziE2SZnvUlNEyZHBBCOqQD1iotK698l1PiBNv2_-A6sretPu_pvNCYpkiXu2CP9Aks9GOPqJTp5I01RhHG9WpkfJoPrVkoRQoC0rZa7d6yw404aOYMxy0vXW1z6zIY-xVsBpEegW/s320/hotel.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a one hour taxi ride. Ugh. We listen to a football match (soccer) the entire way (except for the news break they took to talk about the Soviet plane that crashed in Egypt and how flights from Egypt are delayed into London... good thing we heard this AFTER our flight... I don't think it would have helped to be reminded of this incident just before getting onto a flight). But, back to football.. he shoots... he scores! Munich 4 Arsenal 1 (by the time we were getting out of the car). Side note: Since we haven't had a chance to get cash from an ATM, Chris pays with the Uber app and all is good.<br />
<br />
We check into the hotel, which is another funny story. While the gentleman was checking us in, I had to squint (because that helps) and listen super carefully to what he was saying. He spoke so fast and low, we could barely understand his native English. I forgot to mention, person, on the plane, who told us about drinks for order, items for sale, etc... sounded drunk with all his slurred words. I could only think about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_-KXsee5vA" target="_blank">Dudley Moore in Arthur</a>.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's been a long day. We have adjoining rooms. We have internet. We have an early morning planned. So it's time to catch some Zs.<br />
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-81183844150022202022015-11-04T13:30:00.000-08:002015-11-05T14:43:39.233-08:00Day 83: Good-Bye, BerlinLast day. Last laundry. Last Nespresso.<br />
<br />
We pack. Chris sells the Nespresso machine, a few cups, and all our unused pods to a coworker. We clean the apartment. And... of course, the internet is now back. So we all jump on the internet and do a little catch up before check out.<br />
<br />
We officially check out of our apartment, although we still have our keys so we can go to lunch and get back in to grab our bags. One last meal at Tommy's Burger. Unfortunately, both Xander's and Venice's burgers came with a few accoutrements than they wanted and Xander wasn't too happy about it. His last meal isn't as tasty as our last meals. Poor guy.<br />
<br />
I had made an extra espresso this morning and drank it cold (um... yum?) Chris, on the other hand, was not interested in this solution. Instead, after lunch, he went to a coffee shop just across the street. While he enjoyed his professional espresso, I headed to Patagonia, just in case they had a raincoat that I could take knowing it was "for sure" waterproof. Well, they do have them, of course... but one is over 500€ and the one that is just a shell is about €300. At those prices, I'll take my chances with my new coat from the Galleria. Side note: The woman who helped me asked if she could assist me. I told her my German was bad and she replied, "Meine auch (mine too)." She switched to English (sounded UK-ish) and rattled off all the information about Gortex and waterproofing (I can't imagine doing all of that in German... her German can't be that bad if she's working there...)<br />
<br />
While I didn't find another coat, Chris did come home with a new wool scarf. He's been wanting one and decided it would be cheaper to buy it here than in London.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KgmWpmgT8dfe_51IX0HcDPanB_O0A9W5AeBJURT9TVmriCnNEGKimrSdGV42NqYhE8EQN1SONBm6ZZG4wgnlLwMW0duJO2OnmYJf1VSNPgjuWnBh8y-Dg12UwN1Rdk96TC_T1Or1FP82/s1600/taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KgmWpmgT8dfe_51IX0HcDPanB_O0A9W5AeBJURT9TVmriCnNEGKimrSdGV42NqYhE8EQN1SONBm6ZZG4wgnlLwMW0duJO2OnmYJf1VSNPgjuWnBh8y-Dg12UwN1Rdk96TC_T1Or1FP82/s640/taxi.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful skies as we drive through Berlin one last time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Buddy Bear</td></tr>
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And so we are ready to leave. The kids take one last look around the apartment. Chris calls a taxi. We carry down our giant, heavy bags (even after shipping all of those boxes... we still have too much stuff to carry... how did that happen?) The bags don't even fit into the taxi (how did we get them all here in the first place?) So, we all put backpacks on our laps and carry ons by our feet. We are squished as we watch the city go by one last time.<br />
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We see the Fernsehturm and Alexanderplatz. We see the sculpture in the river (seen in the photo above on the left) that I thought we were going to see (when we actually saw the "horse"). The sun is out. It's quiet as we make our way towards the airport.<br />
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Time to leave.<br />
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Good-bye, Berlin<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-65266823617573516592015-11-03T13:30:00.000-08:002015-11-04T16:00:05.027-08:00Day 82: One Last LookGuten Morgan. Our last (full) day. A day for cleaning, packing, and last minute sight-seeing.<br />
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First things first... we must send three more boxes. But, they are heavy and awkward, too much to carry, so we take a taxi. It's a short distance for a taxi ride (5€) but it helps us get the packages to the Deutsch Post.<br />
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I'm a little bummed that this is how we're spending our morning. I had wanted to get in one more walk with Chris to his office. I wanted to run home via Mauerpark one last time. But, after last night's debacle, we slept in a little bit and these boxes have got to be mailed. It's another short line at the Post, today, so there's that!<br />
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The woman said, as far as I could understand, that because one of the boxes was valued over 800€, we would have to pay a little more (to insure it?) She asked if that was ok... and what were we supposed to say? Not much choice, so we say, yes, it's fine. I quietly add, "Es ist was es ist (It is what it is)". And she added, "Genau (I agree or exactly)."<br />
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After shipping the boxes, Chris heads to work and I head back to the apartment to clean. Either because of the prospect of needing to clean, or more likely, the fact that we are on our last day, I am relishing my short walk home. I feel the air, look at the shops, and try to soak up as much "Berlin" as I can.<br />
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Meanwhile, we have no internet. It was out when we arrived back last night. It's still out today. It's being fixed, but there is no news as to when this might happen. It's frustrating to all of us to not have our connection to the outside world (ok, the kids can't play their games or watch YouTube and I can't blog). This lack of internet adds to all of our sadness about leaving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO632C2-dtBrmDuKGBRGY6Gy8T_uDLybzTu8ZW5UM612gK7UUEtBi9nxMmdMZu0zkv7dZSm_hmUru7fzBHm_EhE8s3YosjIyfDGuOPMUDTe0CNGBeJROoe_JW4D8fqrBPon7zNTych5IW5/s1600/mold-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO632C2-dtBrmDuKGBRGY6Gy8T_uDLybzTu8ZW5UM612gK7UUEtBi9nxMmdMZu0zkv7dZSm_hmUru7fzBHm_EhE8s3YosjIyfDGuOPMUDTe0CNGBeJROoe_JW4D8fqrBPon7zNTych5IW5/s200/mold-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mould in the cream cheese</td></tr>
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The kids and I tired to eat out of the refrigerator. The kids ate the rest of their frozen dumplings, rest of their chicken nuggets from last night, and other foods from the refrigerator. I thought I'd have a bit of cream cheese on one of our last tortillas... but, I found mould in the Philadelphia cream cheese! Maybe we got "something" in to the cream cheese and it "grew", but still... I have never seen this much mould in cream cheese that is only a few weeks old. I'm convinced it's because it's "fresher" than the stuff they market in the U.S. Either way. Gross.<br />
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The Brandenburger Tor continues to be one of my favourite spots in town. It's on my list of things I want to do today. See the gate one more time with the kids. We hop on transportation and head over.<br />
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The kids and I take in the gate one last time. Then we're off for one last visit to the Jewish Memorial. As we walk through the gate, I see, what I think could be the inlaid stones, that used to be the wall... and then, doh! I realise they are just the outline of a bike lane. But, as we make our way to the memorial, I see more inlaid stones in the street going at odd angles... ahhh, that's the path of the old Wall. I had wanted to see it and now I have. Check!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2UNTCFzTvguwGPtXOt89sudM6SSneyZzjH57k5QhqcGoBZielyB-Jja6yx-_j8GoOw31IXOdjOC0vQTerKFZA_kJYLkmEQltwdMH9Ytb33KAi89LMw23_5hXnM4yJlurqD7R9Xp9aBWe/s1600/Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2UNTCFzTvguwGPtXOt89sudM6SSneyZzjH57k5QhqcGoBZielyB-Jja6yx-_j8GoOw31IXOdjOC0vQTerKFZA_kJYLkmEQltwdMH9Ytb33KAi89LMw23_5hXnM4yJlurqD7R9Xp9aBWe/s640/Wall.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path of the Wall (left), Bike lane (right), Cool manhole-cover (right)</td></tr>
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The kids enter the memorial and take one more tour around. I take more photos, and really just soak as much in as I can. The sounds. The sun. The shadows.<br />
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And now it's time to say good-bye to the memorial. Good-bye to the gate. It's hard to not look back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"US"<br />
UBahn and SBahn</td></tr>
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And now for an errand. Remember, I have no raincoat anymore. We're about to go to London during the rainy season. I must get a coat. So, we're off to the Galleria one last time. I'm not as sentimental about the Galleria, but I will say it has become a lifesaver in many instances.<br />
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We decide, that since we'll be there anyway, let's take a quick detour to see the World Clock one more time. It really is a beautiful day and great weather for us to be out and about (makes all our sight-seeing fun and leisurely).<br />
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I do find a coat to buy that fits my needs... at least I think so. Out of the 1,000 coats I see for sale, there seem to be only about 3 choices for waterproof. Of course, I can't read most labels and then there are many without labels. The only one I found with a label and in English said, "water resistant" not "water proof". Sigh. So, I settle on a coat that looks like it's water resistant and isn't too expensive (after all, I have tons of coats back home, so no need for a new one...)<br />
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After this, we head to the parks near our house. The kids play for about 15 minutes ate the big one (where the kids did a bit of circus arts and ping-pong). And while I was in the middle of emailing on my phone (using cellular service since we have no wifi), I sent the kids to the park across the street to take one last go at the steep slide. I finished my email and went to catch up with the kids. At this point, I realised that "across the street" might be ambiguous as there are a few branches of streets intersecting at this point. I'm now worried that they took the wrong street and we'll be lost from one another... in the dark. I look on the street that I think they could have accidentally gone down... I don't see them.... so I head to the park, and, phew, there they are, swinging and having fun... in the dark (good thing it is dark, at one point, Xander had to "water the plants" and the darkness gave him good cover).<br />
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It's cold. It's dark. It's late. So, we don't spend too much time at this park. Time to get home so we can go out to dinner one last time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark park (left), Zionskirche (right)</td></tr>
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As we head out with Chris, we see our tram coming. We run about two blocks to be able to catch the tram. I guess I got my run in after all! And... guess, what... it's the wrong tram, which we only realised two stops too late. Time to back track. Whoops!<br />
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We picked Zia Maria for our last dinner in Berlin. This was a good pizza place and it's a place where we don't need to make a reservation. Other than the tiny fly that kept bothering Xander (and landing on his head, so he said), we enjoy a perfect last meal.<br />
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We are looking forward to more Hokey Pokey for dessert (that super yummy ice cream place that has been recommended time and time again by one of Chris' coworkers). But... it closed at 7pm (it's close to 9pm now). So, dejected, we head home for ice cream from our freezer (silver lining... cleaning out the refrigerator).<br />
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Between the wild boar delay, no internet, no Hokey Pokey... we've decided it's the universe making it a little easier for us to leave Berlin. <br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-42322694151047934132015-11-02T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-04T15:14:22.471-08:00Day 81: Long Day of TravelOh, sigh. Time to leave. The visit went by so quickly. We got a lot in, but it feels fast. We get up to say goodbye to the kids before they catch their bus to school. Chris gets one more run in with Tim (he went from no runs for over a month, to two in one weekend, go Chris!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-SHmWxYnUyT36hUYMFk9S5fDdwrCF_evrf2nq7ONrOgxDUD4aCqK65wY2N2DagPFUtnNOjn_lhGd0SRetODekLhT1W5OcmgdsArMi-uK2-YXnQtPPJSjhmGQHyIlPWhuJoNV4McnPTH6/s1600/tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-SHmWxYnUyT36hUYMFk9S5fDdwrCF_evrf2nq7ONrOgxDUD4aCqK65wY2N2DagPFUtnNOjn_lhGd0SRetODekLhT1W5OcmgdsArMi-uK2-YXnQtPPJSjhmGQHyIlPWhuJoNV4McnPTH6/s200/tall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall Chris or short doorways?</td></tr>
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And then it's time to say goodbye to Kristie (thanks again for the laundry... I know you KNOW what it means, which makes it all the more special that you offered to help do it ;) Tim takes us to a bakery on the way to the train station. We order crazy amounts of bread. 2 regular pretzels, 2 special pretzels, a few sandwiches, and something sweet. The store had to give us our own bag for all our purchases (and they put each individual item in an individual paper bag, to begin with).<br />
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Unfortunately, there are no parking spots at the train station. We traveled around twice and didn't see any. So, we have to do a quick pull over, grab our stuff, and say a fast goodbye to Tim. Thank you and your family for such a wonderful visit! It has been so nice to travel around by chauffeur to see the countryside and a slice of your life. Thanks!<br />
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And now for our train rides home! Should be easy sailing from here on out.... and that would be my mistake... for thinking it could be that easy!<br />
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Our first train is crowded and we have first class seats (from what we can tell) but not assigned seats. When we get to our train-car and look around, there really aren't any free seats. This seems common, Germans seem to take up more space than they pay for and just wait to be asked to move and make room. They aren't annoyed that you ask them to move, but you have to ask. So, there are a lot of coats on seats, or briefcases on seats, making the seats look occupied, when in fact, they aren't. But you don't really know, that person could be in the bathroom or walking around. So, we cannot find seats. We try the second class area, but the story is the same there.<br />
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We just find four individual seats and take them. Xander, however, isn't comfortable sitting with strangers, so he chooses, instead, to stand next to Chris for the this part of the trip. It's only 40 minutes until we reach our transfer station. And, luckily, on one of the stops, someone gets off leaving two seats together. Venice and Xander move to these seats so that they can sit together. Chris takes Venice's vacated seat, and we're all close-ish to each other now.<br />
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In the end, no one every came to check tickets (this makes some sense, we are on an RE - regional - train instead of an IC or ICE train), so who knows if anyone was really sitting where they were supposed to...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out the train window</td></tr>
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We arrived at the Mannheim station, to transfer to the train that will take us all the way to Hauptbahnhof in Berlin. It's an hour late. We enjoy some of our bread items while we wait. And, as we all shiver in the cold, this is when I realise I have left my rain coat (just a shell, but still) at the Moser's house. Dang it. After all the, "Don't forget your..." I told the kids... I'm the one who forgot stuff.<br />
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There is some confusion, as our train disappears from the board and the NEXT train (doing the same route) comes in. Are we supposed to get on? What happened to our train? Chris goes to find a help desk to ask. But he's gone a long time. Long enough that the new train is now pulling into the station and we still don't know what to do. Chris says the line is long and he hasn't even asked anyone yet, so he comes back to the platform. We find a conductor on the platform and ask him what to do. They inform us to not get on the later train that's here now, but that our train will be coming in 5 minutes on another track. Phew. Ok, we're good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswf6ZcoyJQWx3Y8ODXnV8jxgoKLWEgjUw-au1I3UD05qVflLLuBQXhWHKmJJiqNGfgurFdDC9T_OFsmdfEh5eInGj3dSKi8E6rfD_bLSzESg4SdHzw6zSbKRCnf18VvRPwyG1PORijGu2/s1600/train2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswf6ZcoyJQWx3Y8ODXnV8jxgoKLWEgjUw-au1I3UD05qVflLLuBQXhWHKmJJiqNGfgurFdDC9T_OFsmdfEh5eInGj3dSKi8E6rfD_bLSzESg4SdHzw6zSbKRCnf18VvRPwyG1PORijGu2/s640/train2.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset, Fog, Darkness</td></tr>
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And here it comes. Our train, an hour late. We get on and look for our seats. Unfortunately, someone is sitting in one of our four reserved seats. Chris pulls out his ticket, the woman in our seat has a ticket for train 11 and this is train 12. She gets up, apologises and leaves (I hope she was able to get back on, as the train is now pulling out of the station). We settle into our seats. We're in another 6 person compartment, but this time there are two others with us, so we're full up (note, the compartment next door has been vacated... lots of evidence that others had been in there, but now it's empty and ours is full.... bummer).<br />
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All of us are really hot. With 6 people in the compartment, it heats up fast. Not to mention that the heat is turned all the way up (each compartment has an individual dial to control climate). Xander just about dies of the heat, so he exits out and walks the hallway, trying to cool down. Chris accompanies him. On their way back into the compartment, Chris sneaks his hand to the dial and lowers it a few notches. Within a few minutes, it starts to cool down in the room. A bit longer after that, the woman gets her coat to drape over her lap and the man gets another shirt to put on. Meanwhile, our family still feels that it's too hot.<br />
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Despite the temperature, the train ride goes well. The kids plug-in. I blog. Chris naps (and asks me to kick him if he snores... oh the fears of sharing a compartment). We are treated to a beautiful sunset. Then we enter some crazy fog. And then, just outside of Spandau (the first stop in Berlin, but not Hauptbahnhof, the second stop in Berlin) the train stops. Then they announce "something". After the second or so announcement, the woman in our compartment asks if we'd like her to translate. Yes, please! She tells us that the train has hit a wild boar and they are seeing if we can continue.<br />
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Well, after about an hour, the announcer comes on and says, "Wir warten blah blah blah." We're waiting for....? The woman says that other officials are coming in to investigate the train to see if we can continue on this train or if we need to get on another train. In the meantime, the service car is offering free drinks. Chris and the kids go to get drinks and bring back waters and soda, which we enjoy with some of those pretzels we thought were superfluous when we bought them (but now we're feeling pretty good about).<br />
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After two hours (Chris has now cancelled our dinner reservations... dang it, there goes one of our last nights in Berlin...), and, "Wir warten..." we're still waiting. And waiting. And waiting. The new announcement, our compartment mate tells us, is that the Polizei are on site (we have seen them walking up and down the halls of the train outside our compartment) and will assist us in an evacuation (I thought I heard that word in the announcement) out of this train onto a train that is now coming.<br />
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As we wait, we get to know our compartment mates a bit more. The couple is from Stuttgart and are on holiday. They were offered these Bahn tickets (I didn't quite catch who gave them the tickets) and are here to visit Berlin, but only for a weekend. But, they are retired, and have no worries, so they're content to let happen whatever happens (although, at one point, they joke that they should have driven). We talk about our trip here, Chris' work... and how the kids are just on a special holiday (always seems easier than to explain homeschooling in a foreign language).<br />
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The woman is very concerned about our kids. So, at one point, she gets up and goes to the service cart and comes back with several cold sandwiches. Chris offers to pay her back, and she replies, "Oh, I got them for free!" And when we offered to share, she said, "It's for the children." So, even though Chris and I are a little hungry, we can't eat the children's food... so we feed the children. I do like how the people of Germany are collectively here to support the kids. It is a good feeling in times like these. But if the older generation is going without, then we must go without as well. Side note: I'm sure the couple think we're horrible parents. Not only were the kids plugged in most of the time, they also fed themselves a lot of their Halloween candy (and rejected some of the sandwiches they brought them due to too much mayonnaise or "icky" bread).<br />
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During these three hours we are stopped on the tracks, power never goes out. This is great because we are able to keep using the air in the compartment, the kids can get wifi, and, albeit very long, our weight is as comfortable as it can be. I used the wifi to figure out where we actually were. The map showed that we were super close to Berlin... by now, we could have been on a bus and gotten there already. But, we're waiting.<br />
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And now, here comes the train. Their lights are on. Our lights are on. We are one track apart. We stare at each other. In fact, our kids push their faces and hands onto the window, miming "help"!<br />
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And we wait. Side note: This is when Chris and I sneak in some bites of the left-over food that the kids didn't eat (when the couple leaves to go to the bathroom or stretch their legs).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRCkwvetkBucqQIhX6-58rXwkOfLqZsvpmuzPe-3mITsePfCpxtW2u3lCXNos6NSutd-Ce9hfKlojTvvpa6S_Dm9vK6FcIkjDeCo_kMtdQOjBZn6b3p_5zfvwK4rzI1N_hydoz7m_0a_P/s1600/TrainLost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRCkwvetkBucqQIhX6-58rXwkOfLqZsvpmuzPe-3mITsePfCpxtW2u3lCXNos6NSutd-Ce9hfKlojTvvpa6S_Dm9vK6FcIkjDeCo_kMtdQOjBZn6b3p_5zfvwK4rzI1N_hydoz7m_0a_P/s320/TrainLost2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're waiting</td></tr>
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The next announcement relays that the plans have changed again. We will NOT be getting on the train here, but at Spandau. We will continue to Spandau on this train, at a slower speed. Then transfer to the train that was next to us (and is now pulling away). At this point, we decide we will not transfer, but get on the SBahn and just go home from there.<br />
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Well, after all that, we did start to move slowly and we did arrive at Spandau... and THEN they said for everyone to get on the SBahn (yeah! Get on a train that's working already!)<br />
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So, we get to Spandau (yay) and transfer to the SBahn (yay). As we're traveling along, the lights go out on the train (boo), flicker (boo), and then come back on (yay). People actually laughed when this happened... but it feels like we just missed another disaster.<br />
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It feels good to get to Friedrichstrasse, where it's familiar and we know where to go. As we get off the tram near our apartment, I see the fast-food hot-dog/hamburger joint near our house. I mention that we probably all need food (it is almost 10am and we never had a proper dinner). Xander and I return home with our bags while Venice and Chris order some food to bring home.<br />
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We "enjoy" a late meal... and then we head to bed. Rest, something we all earned!<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-669590190440840472015-11-01T13:00:00.000-08:002015-11-04T03:44:54.274-08:00Day 80: Mosler ValleyThe glorious sunshine is back! The kids spent the morning in the backyard, running around and jumping on the trampoline, which is great because we're about to get in the car for a little drive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosler Valley</td></tr>
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More autobahn driving! We top out around 100 MPH, but there are cars whizzing by us going even faster. I have to say, the cars make it a very smooth ride and it really feels like we're only going about 70 MPH. Side note: The autobahn = nice. But the backroads to get to the castles, around town, and to and from the autobahn = CURVY (translate, Xander gets car sick a lot). We hear stories about how several kids have gotten sick on these roads. Xander only feels ooky, and to be honest, I don't feel 100% either. We normally don't get car sick, so I'm not sure why we're getting so sick here. Out of practice. Windier roads than we think. All I know is at each stop, poor Xander needs about 10 minutes to perk back up.<br />
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Along the road, we come into more fog. The sun hides for a while as we get deeper into the Mosler Valley and closer to our destination of Bernkastel-Kues.<br />
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We must find parking. It's a busy day, so we don't find spots next to each other. What a concept! Parking!<br />
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Bathroom stop.<br />
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And we walk around. The kids are hungry (and admittedly I am too) so we pick a restaurant for lunch. We are a group of 10, so they walk us downstairs and we have the entire bottom floor to ourselves. It's next to the bathrooms too, bonus! We settle into an adult table and a kid table, which amazingly went really well. Everyone ordered for themselves and it was a lovely lunch.<br />
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It's fun to hang out with people who, as Americans, have dealt with similar issues of living in Germany. We share funny stories. We ask a lot of questions about how it is to LIVE in Germany, about their jobs, catching up on life... and how we have to practically beg for the restaurant bill... which is what we had to do now...<br />
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To walk off our lunches, we window shopped the main area. And literally, we window shopped, remember, it's Sunday, so 90% of the stores are closed. We do find one or two stores that are open (just for us tourists) and we wander through a few. And, thank goodness, the coffee shops are still open, so everyone who needs it is able to get their caffeine fix.<br />
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We all took a ton of photos. It's hard not to. I feel like it's similar to Salzburg. Venice is reminded of Italy. In any case, the buildings are fun to look at with their fresh flowers and paint (we did wonder how often they had to repaint to keep them looking so fresh? The sun peaked out once in a while, giving us a glorious view of the golden-yellow vineyards in the background. And thanks to our thoughtful hosts for offering to take family photos for us. Some of our only full family photos while on the trip! So, we are very grateful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our restaurant (left), a square (middle), all the kids (right)</td></tr>
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We cross a bridge and in order to look back onto the town. The sun shone down and we were afforded more beautiful views. Thanks to Holly for taking a big group photo (and sacrificing herself to be absent from the photo).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the photo on the right (taken by Holly)</td></tr>
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And this brings an end to the town visit. Now it's time to head up the hill to visit the castle at the top, Burg Landshut.<br />
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We were able to drive up the hill to a parking lot not far from the castle. It's nice to not have to walk too far! We are treated to a lovely view, again. More photo opportunities.<br />
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Now it's time to go back, one of the kids has an obligation that we need to get back for. After a bit of car-swapping, we settle in for our drive home. We're on our way to the Ramstein Airforce base. We will use our passports to get through the gate check (at least Chris and I will... kids under 16 "don't count").<br />
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Tim gives us a tour of the base, which is the largest U.S. community outside of the United States. We are reminded, a lot, that all overseas bases are NOT this big and do NOT have this many services. It's very interesting to see where the kids go to school, where their activities are held, where those "on base" live, where they fly in and out, etc.<br />
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And, we got to see the big mall! With all the shops and fast food restaurants! A glimpse of what home will feel like when we get back. Our eyes are wide as we take it all in. And, yes, we all ate Popeye's chicken and/or Taco Bell. Whoo hoo!<br />
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We also bought a few souvenirs from the store.<br />
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And we end our day by doing... laundry! But, I'm so amazed. After just a mere 50-60 minutes, the clothes came out dry! Thanks to Kristie, I am able to do a lot of laundry and we're going to head back to Berlin with only one extra load. Thanks, is not enough.<br />
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As we pack for the next day, I am struck with the ending of our time here in Germany and I'm filled with sadness. I didn't think I'd be like this, but here we are, about to leave, and I'd love to stay a little longer. On the other hand, I like leaving a place feeling like this. I'd rather leave wanting more than get to the point where I'm desperate to leave.<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421358409520143694.post-32193319103980169582015-10-31T14:00:00.000-07:002015-11-04T02:14:49.521-08:00Day 79: Cross Country HalloweenChris woke up early today (early for us) and went for a run with Tim. He was able to get a feel for the neighbourhood and see how beautiful this countryside is. Out here is very different from the city and it's really nice to be able to run in such a beautiful area straight from your door.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim and Annie (left), One of the many Windmills (middle), Chris and Annie (right)<br />
Photos by Chris and Tim</td></tr>
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The oldest daughter in the family has a cross country race today (the European finals) and was out the door to meet up with her teammates for the long day ahead. The rest of us took a lazy morning approach. Breakfast (we're excited because, as a family of 6, there is a lot of cereal to choose from!), getting dressed, and relaxed conversations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 MPH</td></tr>
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After breakfast, we pile into two cars (we're nine people without the oldest daughter), and head out to the autobahn. On the way to the cross country race, we make a stop at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichtenberg_Castle_(Palatinate)" target="_blank">Burg Lichtenberg</a>. There are a few awesome facts about this castle. First, it is open to the public for no fee. We park and walk right through. Second, for better or for worse (of the well being of the castle), we are able to climb on the ruins. The kids had a BALL running around, climbing into the windows, and exploring all around. Third, you can climb the tower to get beautiful overhead views, without having to walk up 900 steps. It's only 2-3 flights of stairs, easy peasy!<br />
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And the views do not disappoint. The castle ruins, the grounds, the views. All beautiful.<br />
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The kids had a great time at Burg Lichtenberg, but it was time to head out. Back to the autobahn and on our way to the location of the cross country meet (a golf course). We arrived just in time to see the boys race line-up and start. Perfect!<br />
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The 5K course looped around the golf course 2.5 times, so we spectators could run from side to side to see the start, the middle, back to the start, etc. It was fun to see the friends and families of the runners so excited for their kids, cheering them on with great enthusiasm (I think some may be a little hoarse after today), and running back and forth to catch glimpses of their kids and fellow team members. Side note: these kids are fast! In the 15 minute range for their 5K!<br />
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After the start, a few spectators were asked to pull up the stakes from the starting line to help close the gap for the continuing lap. Chris helped for the boys race and I helped for the girls race. Yay us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tigger</td></tr>
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There were a few schools there offering food, snacks, and drinks. We even got served by Tigger at one of them (it is Halloween, afterall). Oh, and they take U.S. dollars, but thank goodness they also take Euros as we don't have any dollars. This brings me to one of the interesting things about the races. There was so much native-English spoken (most people were speaking English). I hadn't realised how much I have learned to tune out the conversations around me due to the fact that I can't understand what they're saying. But now, I'm back to eavesdropping, as I can understand all the conversations around me. Perk or not?<br />
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After the boys race, there is a bit of down time before the girls start. I'm not sure how they do it, all that waiting in the cold. There are a lot of girls hopping and jogging about, keeping muscles loose and warm. Us spectators aren't as bouncy, so we're a bit colder, I suppose. Darn weather, it was supposed to be warmer and sunnier today!<br />
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And, finally, it's the girls' race-time.<br />
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The start of the girls' race (top)</div>
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Holly in fourth (left, middle, right)</div>
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Holly did amazing. She came in fourth in all of Europe (and that's including all the divisions), if I'm understanding all the rules correctly. If you take out the two girls who are in a different division, she really came in second. Her team, did come in first in their division. It was a lot of fun to see her race, be a part of the sports atmosphere, and to see her get her awards. Side note: The results were supposed to be done at 2:15... however, it was closer to 4pm. So, we were all a bit frozen by the time we left. But it was a good day with friends and it was fun to get a glimpse of what their weekends are like (next weekend they are off to Amsterdam for another daughter's Irish Dancing competition).<br />
On the way home, the car I'm in (the boys and me) makes a quick stop to pick up some döner for dinner. Yum! The car Venice is in (the girls) head to the airforce base to pick up runner-Holly. So, döner for us and Cinnabon for Venice (yes, THE Cinnabon!) Now I don't feel as guilty that we didn't get Venice her own food!<br />
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It is now time to get ready for Halloween. The kids dash off to get dressed. The adults get dressed.... and what the heck? My costume from Oktoberfest is too tight. How the heck did that happen? I swear. I think it's because I wash and dried it (I'm sticking to this explanation). And on top of a tight fit, I forgot to bring the pink ribbon that ties it all together (helping to take the stress off the zipper). When in dire straights, one must be creative, thus, I used dental floss to tie myself together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice's pumpkin (top) and Xander's pumpkin (bottom)<br />
With our Canadian host (middle)<br />
Chris, Diana, Tim, Kristie (left and right)</td></tr>
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Taking two cars, we headed to the Halloween party thrown by friends of Tim and Kristie. It's in a neighbourhood similar to ours in the U.S. A lot of houses, close by, and a ton of participating "candy-homes". As we approach, it's tough to get through the streets due to the masses of crowds walking the streets looking for treats. But we make it without running anyone over (great driving skills by our hosts).<br />
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Almost as soon as we enter the party destination, the kids are off trick-or-treating... without us! This is the first time they've gone trick-or-treating without us tagging along. Nice! It helps that (other than us) there really are not cars driving around the neighbourhood. Small streets. Lots of crowds. And a great sense of safety (either due to the high density of "base"-workers in the neighbourhood, or the regular "German-safeness" we've gotten used to).<br />
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The party is wonderful. Good eats. Nice people. Welcoming conversations. A great way to feel "at home" when "far from home". Thank you to our hosts and the party hosts for taking such good care of us. I know the kids were sad to miss our traditional Halloween and, I think, this evening filled their needs and wishes beyond what we could have thought possible. Thank you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of the kids about to head out for trick-or-treating (left)<br />
Tim and Chris (right)</td></tr>
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And the kids come home. Check out their loot. Trade. Eat MORE than their fair share. It was a good day. A good evening.<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02642023747365542425noreply@blogger.com0