tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70405241937259480392024-02-08T08:27:51.070-06:00Christine Takes On...I'm not attempting anything new or ingenious here, just keeping up with friends and family by documenting snippets of my life.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-27010775463289214522011-01-30T01:00:00.001-06:002011-02-03T23:12:44.742-06:00ITALIAN FOOD!Don't worry, I didn't forget to document the many culinary delights we encountered in Italy. We attempted to stay away from any place that catered too much to tourists, as those establishments tend to have less delicious fare (just like anywhere else). With the help of personal recommendations and preferred guide books, we had many memorable meals.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoGOuTSI/AAAAAAAAg84/_2PjS81tJLY/s1600/DSC02112.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871496831782178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoGOuTSI/AAAAAAAAg84/_2PjS81tJLY/s400/DSC02112.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Pasta alla carbonara in Rome<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoFJZj3I/AAAAAAAAg9A/vzAhpj8GU1c/s1600/DSC02500.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871496541015922" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoFJZj3I/AAAAAAAAg9A/vzAhpj8GU1c/s400/DSC02500.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Spaghetti con ragú<i> </i>alla bolognese...pretty much my favorite food ever. Italy didn't disappoint.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoS5Sg9I/AAAAAAAAg9I/ZUD_gFtBUVk/s1600/DSC02501.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871500231541714" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoS5Sg9I/AAAAAAAAg9I/ZUD_gFtBUVk/s400/DSC02501.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
How our plates looked after every meal<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoa6Au_I/AAAAAAAAg9Q/u-ymHRqNf_c/s1600/DSC02598.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871502382054386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNoa6Au_I/AAAAAAAAg9Q/u-ymHRqNf_c/s400/DSC02598.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Pizza in Florence. The globs of mozzarella don't lie - Italy does pizza right.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNo9jH9UI/AAAAAAAAg9Y/asT39x0YUQ0/s1600/DSC02703.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871511681299778" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUNo9jH9UI/AAAAAAAAg9Y/asT39x0YUQ0/s400/DSC02703.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The set-up of our "splurge" meal in Florence at <a href="http://www.osteriadigiovanni.com/">Osteria di Giovanni</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4N_55fI/AAAAAAAAg9g/dzbUaTWa3-c/s1600/DSC02707.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871773795018226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4N_55fI/AAAAAAAAg9g/dzbUaTWa3-c/s400/DSC02707.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Chickpea salad, a complimentary starter at Osteria di Giovanni<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUURhJG0lvI/AAAAAAAAg-w/Ez3gUl76yEQ/s1600/DSC02711.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567875775391373042" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUURhJG0lvI/AAAAAAAAg-w/Ez3gUl76yEQ/s400/DSC02711.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Bistecca alla Fiorentina...the ultimate porterhouse steak<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4ujLjPI/AAAAAAAAg9w/QMlNRZ7h-IY/s1600/DSC02712.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871782532910322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4ujLjPI/AAAAAAAAg9w/QMlNRZ7h-IY/s400/DSC02712.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Braised rabbit with greens...Yeah, that's right, bunny is delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4oMYIKI/AAAAAAAAg94/6pPHwxek4iY/s1600/DSC02720.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567871780826652834" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUN4oMYIKI/AAAAAAAAg94/6pPHwxek4iY/s400/DSC02720.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Indulgent panna cotta<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOHGGcOQI/AAAAAAAAg-Q/35f63Pq2fd0/s1600/DSC02898.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567872029372987650" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOHGGcOQI/AAAAAAAAg-Q/35f63Pq2fd0/s400/DSC02898.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
"Cicchetti" in Venice, a sampler of sorts, featuring seafood appetizers - octopus salad, prawns, crab salad, and sardines<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOG6boUEI/AAAAAAAAg-I/cIk8eP0M51k/s1600/DSC02738.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567872026240634946" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOG6boUEI/AAAAAAAAg-I/cIk8eP0M51k/s400/DSC02738.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
A new favorite found both in Croatia and Italy - squid or cuttlefish ink sauce over pasta. It tastes salty and buttery and is absolutely divine.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOHu1m3qI/AAAAAAAAg-Y/eqF0M3koD1I/s1600/DSC02903.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567872040308235938" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOHu1m3qI/AAAAAAAAg-Y/eqF0M3koD1I/s400/DSC02903.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Mary and I enjoying our new favorite pasta in Venice<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOH6f1IBI/AAAAAAAAg-g/yd94E7gB6P0/s1600/DSC02942.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567872043438120978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOH6f1IBI/AAAAAAAAg-g/yd94E7gB6P0/s400/DSC02942.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
In Milan, ossobuco with risotto alla milanese<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOIGNtmtI/AAAAAAAAg-o/HuB9D5sU_wM/s1600/DSC03033.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567872046583356114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUOIGNtmtI/AAAAAAAAg-o/HuB9D5sU_wM/s400/DSC03033.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Grilled tomino cheese (which I have been unable to find at home) with zucchini and eggplantChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-68926230345119962722011-01-30T00:19:00.001-06:002011-01-30T00:41:50.365-06:00Milan<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUEvYY3FuI/AAAAAAAAg8Y/AUPoZmamyBQ/s1600/DSC02918.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUEvYY3FuI/AAAAAAAAg8Y/AUPoZmamyBQ/s400/DSC02918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567861726360573666" border="0" /></a><br />Milan's Duomo. The construction of this Gothic-style building was begun in 1386 and took a whopping 5 centuries to complete!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaMa8qJI/AAAAAAAAg7Y/eOG0vBBiFcg/s1600/DSC02992.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaMa8qJI/AAAAAAAAg7Y/eOG0vBBiFcg/s400/DSC02992.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860262859221138" border="0" /></a><br />Another view of the Duomo di Milano<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaOJcrQI/AAAAAAAAg7Q/r9FYHK1yxV8/s1600/DSC02988.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaOJcrQI/AAAAAAAAg7Q/r9FYHK1yxV8/s400/DSC02988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860263322692866" border="0" /></a><br />Doors leading into the magnificent Duomo, the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDK3ZmvCI/AAAAAAAAg7A/GNuqEzyCFe0/s1600/DSC02956.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDK3ZmvCI/AAAAAAAAg7A/GNuqEzyCFe0/s400/DSC02956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567859999518407714" border="0" /></a><br />Stained glass inside the Duomo<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDK__I9jI/AAAAAAAAg7I/4TDzu4yhmfE/s1600/DSC02968.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDK__I9jI/AAAAAAAAg7I/4TDzu4yhmfE/s400/DSC02968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860001823323698" border="0" /></a><br />I lit a candle for Heather <3<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDKr1wryI/AAAAAAAAg64/BHjFoJ0hPmE/s1600/DSC02938.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDKr1wryI/AAAAAAAAg64/BHjFoJ0hPmE/s400/DSC02938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567859996415274786" border="0" /></a><br />Mary and I at dinner<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDxxYT1oI/AAAAAAAAg8A/GpRa8vcZAtg/s1600/DSC03030.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDxxYT1oI/AAAAAAAAg8A/GpRa8vcZAtg/s400/DSC03030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860667917260418" border="0" /></a><br />Castello Sforzesco, a castle that was originally built in the 14th century.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDxkZHrhI/AAAAAAAAg74/9JOEa9rLd4A/s1600/DSC03028.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDxkZHrhI/AAAAAAAAg74/9JOEa9rLd4A/s400/DSC03028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860664430997010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDa73K7aI/AAAAAAAAg7w/d9Qc_F-wVT4/s1600/DSC03023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDa73K7aI/AAAAAAAAg7w/d9Qc_F-wVT4/s400/DSC03023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860275594063266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaplCN2I/AAAAAAAAg7o/2bEbif4dOl0/s1600/DSC03021.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDaplCN2I/AAAAAAAAg7o/2bEbif4dOl0/s400/DSC03021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860270686156642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDahmEc4I/AAAAAAAAg7g/NayzaUrCuj8/s1600/DSC02998.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDahmEc4I/AAAAAAAAg7g/NayzaUrCuj8/s400/DSC02998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860268543013762" border="0" /></a><br />A pigeon inside a scaffolding hole within the walls of the Castello Sforzesco<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDyN0tIvI/AAAAAAAAg8I/se6wLlI__Bk/s1600/DSC03051.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDyN0tIvI/AAAAAAAAg8I/se6wLlI__Bk/s400/DSC03051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860675552551666" border="0" /></a><br />Aperitivo in Milan, an amazing and popular offering within the city, in which you pay for drinks and get a meal's worth of tapas-like snacks as well!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDyoG_oAI/AAAAAAAAg8Q/vkmKjaQAzqE/s1600/DSC03061.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUUDyoG_oAI/AAAAAAAAg8Q/vkmKjaQAzqE/s400/DSC03061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567860682608582658" border="0" /></a><br />I have a disorder. I have to say hello to every puppy and kitty I meet. The first Italian phrase I learned was, "Hello puppy!" so I could greet Italian dogs in their own language. In case you're wondering how you, too, can greet Italian dogs, the correct phrase is "Ciao cucciolo!"Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-90991614283721957032011-01-29T23:35:00.000-06:002011-01-29T23:55:07.524-06:00VeniceBy the time we got to Venice, our fourth Italian city, we were less inclined to to seek out historic venues and more interested in simply wandering. Many people gave us the same advice about Venice, which was to throw away any maps and get lost. We did, several times, and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. It was actually my favorite Italian city, simply because, to me, it still holds much of the romanticism that I imagined Italy would be full of. The city is literally built over water as it is made up of 117 small islands. Bridges are everywhere and the main method of automated transport is by water taxi. In a way, the city reminded me of a place close to home - like New Orleans with the bright colors and older buildings.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6v_h0QSI/AAAAAAAAg6E/NT-jK4Awi2M/s1600/DSC02873.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6v_h0QSI/AAAAAAAAg6E/NT-jK4Awi2M/s400/DSC02873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850741750841634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6vsmJ6lI/AAAAAAAAg58/4vQYhkLVC_Q/s1600/DSC02872.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6vsmJ6lI/AAAAAAAAg58/4vQYhkLVC_Q/s400/DSC02872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850736668764754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6vczLVZI/AAAAAAAAg50/GnUfKDUPH4M/s1600/DSC02861.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6vczLVZI/AAAAAAAAg50/GnUfKDUPH4M/s400/DSC02861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850732428416402" border="0" /></a><br />We didn't take a gondola ride - too expensive!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6u8cSGdI/AAAAAAAAg5s/H0ezc1nY4oA/s1600/DSC02860.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6u8cSGdI/AAAAAAAAg5s/H0ezc1nY4oA/s400/DSC02860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850723742456274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6u5sBatI/AAAAAAAAg5k/b0Wq2ndxEtQ/s1600/DSC02845.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6u5sBatI/AAAAAAAAg5k/b0Wq2ndxEtQ/s400/DSC02845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850723003165394" border="0" /></a><br />We made friends with the owner of a restaurant we ate at, who also happened to own the bar across the street. Needless to say, we didn't pay for drinks that night AND he was a complete gentleman who walked us back to our hotel so we wouldn't get lost in a city that is impossible not to get lost in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6i108U0I/AAAAAAAAg5c/d0BSdiYL7oM/s1600/DSC02840.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6i108U0I/AAAAAAAAg5c/d0BSdiYL7oM/s400/DSC02840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850515808408386" border="0" /></a><br />What's up with the tiny toilets? Note: Yes, I realize I am wearing sneakers with a dress, but my feet hurt, so you fashionistas can get over it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6igm1mdI/AAAAAAAAg5U/oE81IYugi3M/s1600/DSC02826.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6igm1mdI/AAAAAAAAg5U/oE81IYugi3M/s400/DSC02826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850510112102866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6ic0K8LI/AAAAAAAAg5M/hLbifGpRjWU/s1600/DSC02807.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6ic0K8LI/AAAAAAAAg5M/hLbifGpRjWU/s400/DSC02807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850509094285490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6iG6WmfI/AAAAAAAAg5E/HE4fU2uVIOE/s1600/DSC02806.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6iG6WmfI/AAAAAAAAg5E/HE4fU2uVIOE/s400/DSC02806.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850503214635506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6h3NsV9I/AAAAAAAAg48/Hw2y0DnzJDg/s1600/DSC02796.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6h3NsV9I/AAAAAAAAg48/Hw2y0DnzJDg/s400/DSC02796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850499000784850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6XrA8S0I/AAAAAAAAg40/lwhGYKzgAQ8/s1600/DSC02790.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6XrA8S0I/AAAAAAAAg40/lwhGYKzgAQ8/s400/DSC02790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850323927386946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6XPNsJmI/AAAAAAAAg4s/e5ll1cALja8/s1600/DSC02787.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6XPNsJmI/AAAAAAAAg4s/e5ll1cALja8/s400/DSC02787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850316464662114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WyIdq9I/AAAAAAAAg4k/dzrvoQtMW_Y/s1600/DSC02782.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WyIdq9I/AAAAAAAAg4k/dzrvoQtMW_Y/s400/DSC02782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850308658113490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WopzKHI/AAAAAAAAg4c/3rXXsYhZIHI/s1600/DSC02730.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WopzKHI/AAAAAAAAg4c/3rXXsYhZIHI/s400/DSC02730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850306113579122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WZZq2lI/AAAAAAAAg4U/eT6gn1QwtLM/s1600/DSC02727.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUT6WZZq2lI/AAAAAAAAg4U/eT6gn1QwtLM/s400/DSC02727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567850302019394130" border="0" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-38030257209199342342011-01-29T16:03:00.001-06:002011-01-29T16:25:53.214-06:00Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazzale_Michelangelo">Piazzele Michelangelo</a> offers an amazing panoramic view of Florence. It's built on a hill overlooking the city and is the perfect place to take a bottle of wine and watch the sunset.<br /><br />Here are just a few of the shots I took as the sun went down over Tuscany.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOPPzYJI/AAAAAAAAg3M/yuD8wWA1RU8/s1600/DSC02634.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOPPzYJI/AAAAAAAAg3M/yuD8wWA1RU8/s400/DSC02634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732514110529682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6dMSVnI/AAAAAAAAg2M/ANdmvBakwmc/s1600/DSC02613.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6dMSVnI/AAAAAAAAg2M/ANdmvBakwmc/s400/DSC02613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732174256494194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPDfnxOGI/AAAAAAAAg20/d_4E26fdFKw/s1600/DSC02627.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPDfnxOGI/AAAAAAAAg20/d_4E26fdFKw/s400/DSC02627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732329527457890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPD3EmN3I/AAAAAAAAg3E/XiE5MNVnQG4/s1600/DSC02632.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPD3EmN3I/AAAAAAAAg3E/XiE5MNVnQG4/s400/DSC02632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732335822387058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPDRtFNeI/AAAAAAAAg2s/RkWY38cCMZo/s1600/DSC02622.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPDRtFNeI/AAAAAAAAg2s/RkWY38cCMZo/s400/DSC02622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732325791643106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPD3RqSJI/AAAAAAAAg28/6x-ZKl-6q6A/s1600/DSC02630.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPD3RqSJI/AAAAAAAAg28/6x-ZKl-6q6A/s400/DSC02630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732335877179538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6xgGJXI/AAAAAAAAg2c/eu-nfw-tHAw/s1600/DSC02616.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6xgGJXI/AAAAAAAAg2c/eu-nfw-tHAw/s400/DSC02616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732179708290418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO5_E8qjI/AAAAAAAAg18/5PXwnihaPdU/s1600/DSC02602.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO5_E8qjI/AAAAAAAAg18/5PXwnihaPdU/s400/DSC02602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732166172650034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6Bt_U4I/AAAAAAAAg2E/9lVlNsz4X90/s1600/DSC02605.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSO6Bt_U4I/AAAAAAAAg2E/9lVlNsz4X90/s400/DSC02605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732166881661826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOZZFbwI/AAAAAAAAg3U/OHECLAAyx68/s1600/DSC02643.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOZZFbwI/AAAAAAAAg3U/OHECLAAyx68/s400/DSC02643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732516833816322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOpOwj4I/AAAAAAAAg3c/EoHmbU7ZVns/s1600/DSC02646.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPOpOwj4I/AAAAAAAAg3c/EoHmbU7ZVns/s400/DSC02646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732521085472642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPO9aSv6I/AAAAAAAAg3k/FEq-00MkWwU/s1600/DSC02648.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSPO9aSv6I/AAAAAAAAg3k/FEq-00MkWwU/s400/DSC02648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567732526502559650" border="0" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-47776596247689911042011-01-29T14:34:00.001-06:002011-01-29T15:31:00.301-06:00FlorenceWelcome to 2011!<br /><br />What did we learn in 2010? That Christine fails at blogging!<br /><br />Don't worry, I forgive myself.<br /><br />Florence, Italy is the next stop of my Italian adventure. Florence was quite the Renaissance city and much of its charm is a holdover from that era. Beautiful architecture and art, delicious food, and historic scenery is prevalent.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6FzuLIhI/AAAAAAAAgz8/D3V6OOx9M1I/s1600/DSC02505.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6FzuLIhI/AAAAAAAAgz8/D3V6OOx9M1I/s400/DSC02505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709279538586130" border="0" /></a><br />The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or more simply, the Duomo. We were walking down a street and we turned the corner and this unexpectedly popped into view. My initial reaction was, "Oh shit!" In a good way, of course.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GEc6NQI/AAAAAAAAg0E/J63e1Z2XaQc/s1600/DSC02508.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GEc6NQI/AAAAAAAAg0E/J63e1Z2XaQc/s400/DSC02508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709284029576450" border="0" /></a><br />Duomo<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GQubIFI/AAAAAAAAg0M/X5mOQYAkXSc/s1600/DSC02510.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GQubIFI/AAAAAAAAg0M/X5mOQYAkXSc/s400/DSC02510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709287324262482" border="0" /></a><br />Duomo<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GTDNJMI/AAAAAAAAg0U/qfuP85stWFE/s1600/DSC02522.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GTDNJMI/AAAAAAAAg0U/qfuP85stWFE/s400/DSC02522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709287948297410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Last Judgment, </span>a series of paintings on the interior dome.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6Y6HkNQI/AAAAAAAAg00/N1CmgW9YFkw/s1600/DSC02679.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6Y6HkNQI/AAAAAAAAg00/N1CmgW9YFkw/s400/DSC02679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709607673214210" border="0" /></a><br />Battistero di San Giovanni, built in the 11th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It is across from the Duomo. Dante Alighieri, author of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Divine Comedy</span>, was baptized here.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GVQx0YI/AAAAAAAAg0c/EkpqF6wxjzo/s1600/DSC02555.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6GVQx0YI/AAAAAAAAg0c/EkpqF6wxjzo/s400/DSC02555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709288542097794" border="0" /></a><br />Bronze doors on one side of the Battistero, dubbed the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. Each section of the door is an elaborate depiction of a biblical scene.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSG2dk-NqI/AAAAAAAAg1c/Fw6c-AWwBX8/s1600/DSC02557.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUSG2dk-NqI/AAAAAAAAg1c/Fw6c-AWwBX8/s400/DSC02557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567723309547533986" border="0" /></a><br />Closeup of the "Gates of Paradise" on the Battistero<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6gRRXy8I/AAAAAAAAg1M/ak39OEBa4NY/s1600/DSC02697.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6gRRXy8I/AAAAAAAAg1M/ak39OEBa4NY/s400/DSC02697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709734147443650" border="0" /></a><br />Top of the Palazzo Vecchio, built in the 14th century. It now serves as the town hall of Florence.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6YtrlFsI/AAAAAAAAg0k/UYXiTd6uLuI/s1600/DSC02582.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6YtrlFsI/AAAAAAAAg0k/UYXiTd6uLuI/s400/DSC02582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709604334606018" border="0" /></a><br />The Ponte Vecchio, a Medieval bridge over the Arno river<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6Y5UGCTI/AAAAAAAAg0s/u_1w-pFRqn0/s1600/DSC02583.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6Y5UGCTI/AAAAAAAAg0s/u_1w-pFRqn0/s400/DSC02583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709607457327410" border="0" /></a><br />Close up of the shops on the Ponte Vecchio bridge<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6gTH4lHI/AAAAAAAAg1U/9Ah4sbn-oVM/s1600/Uffizi_Gallery%252C_Florence.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6gTH4lHI/AAAAAAAAg1U/9Ah4sbn-oVM/s400/Uffizi_Gallery%252C_Florence.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709734644520050" border="0" /></a><br />Picture by Chris Wee. The Uffizi Gallery at night with the Palazzo Vecchio in the background. Built in the 16th century, the former palace is now one of the most famous art museums in the world. Inside we saw such masterpieces as Caravaggio's <span style="font-style: italic;">Medusa</span>, Botticelli's <span style="font-style: italic;">Birth of Venus</span>, and other works by da Vinci, Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dürer.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6ZGC9W8I/AAAAAAAAg08/KcEcR3HUIBg/s1600/DSC02694.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6ZGC9W8I/AAAAAAAAg08/KcEcR3HUIBg/s400/DSC02694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709610875116482" border="0" /></a><br />Street performer along the Uffizi, dressed as one of the many statues that line the interior courtyard<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6ZS4u92I/AAAAAAAAg1E/-rzyzytya2E/s1600/DSC02695.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TUR6ZS4u92I/AAAAAAAAg1E/-rzyzytya2E/s400/DSC02695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567709614321891170" border="0" /></a><br />Sharing a moment with a living statueChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-25909419713244780222010-10-16T17:17:00.000-05:002014-07-14T14:27:23.654-05:00Ancient RomeSo, it's been over two months since my last post. Why have I been MIA? A combination of several reasons, actually. The two most important being the fact that I am both busy and lazy. But, as I tell my students when they finally turn in their homework, better late than never!<br />
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These pictures are some of my favorite from Rome because they deal with one of my favorite subjects - ancient history. We visited the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. I've had a fascination with ancient life since middle school. I took world history in the sixth grade and fell in love with tales of Mesopotamia and the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Additionally, I began taking Latin in the seventh grade and we studied ancient Roman life. Seeing some of the sites I have fancied since I was younger gave me chills. Being surrounded by things so old, yet still so real, gives me a feeling that I just can't explain. It was, for a lack of a better word, magical.<br />
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One note about the Roman Forum: things aren't labeled as well as they tend to be in most heavily trafficked historic sites. For the most part, I knew I was looking at something extremely cool, but not exactly sure of origin or purpose.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLok_qCT0CI/AAAAAAAAesk/QbtdG5KY3tk/s1600/DSC02192.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLok_qCT0CI/AAAAAAAAesk/QbtdG5KY3tk/s400/DSC02192.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772168585039906" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolBj66HQI/AAAAAAAAes0/TKdB3cUpvWc/s1600/DSC02200.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolBj66HQI/AAAAAAAAes0/TKdB3cUpvWc/s400/DSC02200.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772201303121154" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
I like this shot - you see ruins, litter, and flowers. Life, much?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolAs6nJtI/AAAAAAAAess/xtPllRLD_s4/s1600/DSC02199.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolAs6nJtI/AAAAAAAAess/xtPllRLD_s4/s400/DSC02199.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772186537928402" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I like this view as well. You have part of the center of ancient Rome in the foreground and the more modern capitol building of Italy (akin to our White House) in the background.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolCPqLZ2I/AAAAAAAAes8/FVwbIFkFy6E/s1600/DSC02228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolCPqLZ2I/AAAAAAAAes8/FVwbIFkFy6E/s400/DSC02228.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772213044111202" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolC3M4ESI/AAAAAAAAetE/u8cJYZznPrY/s1600/DSC02235.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolC3M4ESI/AAAAAAAAetE/u8cJYZznPrY/s400/DSC02235.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772223658627362" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, construction dating back to year 141. The building was converted to a Roman Catholic church as early as the 7th century.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolOck2XXI/AAAAAAAAetM/BaACqyEP_t4/s1600/DSC02239.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolOck2XXI/AAAAAAAAetM/BaACqyEP_t4/s400/DSC02239.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772422669852018" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The Temple of Romulus, one of Rome's fabled founders. The structure was Christianized in 527 and was known as the basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoliYQtO-I/AAAAAAAAet8/jg9UusDdMys/s1600/DSC02276.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoliYQtO-I/AAAAAAAAet8/jg9UusDdMys/s400/DSC02276.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772765109009378" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 258px;" /></a><br />
You can climb to the top of Palantine Hill and experience a great view of the Roman Forum. Included in this shot is the Temple of Castor and Pollux (three columns to the left) and the Arch of Septimius Severus (above the temple), dedicated in 203.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolh7VKmgI/AAAAAAAAet0/tZC84Y5k9O8/s1600/DSC02268.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolh7VKmgI/AAAAAAAAet0/tZC84Y5k9O8/s400/DSC02268.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772757343083010" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Another shot of the Forum from Palantine Hill.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolPjdFVpI/AAAAAAAAetk/dBrZJ-PUQwY/s1600/DSC02257.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolPjdFVpI/AAAAAAAAetk/dBrZJ-PUQwY/s400/DSC02257.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772441696196242" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
You can see the Colosseum...our next stop!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolQAUzYvI/AAAAAAAAets/Gbf2vbDYV0k/s1600/DSC02264.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolQAUzYvI/AAAAAAAAets/Gbf2vbDYV0k/s400/DSC02264.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772449446093554" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Most people are familiar with the historical significance of the Colosseum, or at least have heard stories of the bloody gladiator fights that happened within its walls.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolvDBqI7I/AAAAAAAAeu0/fRGxN-l13bw/s1600/DSC02383.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolvDBqI7I/AAAAAAAAeu0/fRGxN-l13bw/s400/DSC02383.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772982747046834" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Yes, I was actually there!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoli4-k98I/AAAAAAAAeuE/fZ9_5gZ951I/s1600/DSC02307.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoli4-k98I/AAAAAAAAeuE/fZ9_5gZ951I/s400/DSC02307.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772773891340226" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The interior of the Colosseum. The center oval-shaped area was actually once covered and part of the underground area where animals and gladiators were kept before being sent into the arena.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoljXADvaI/AAAAAAAAeuM/qxTG3Oavn4g/s1600/DSC02330.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLoljXADvaI/AAAAAAAAeuM/qxTG3Oavn4g/s400/DSC02330.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772781950614946" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
Ancient stadium seats, from which Roman citizens delighted in the horrific battles going on in the arena.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolsyVb7wI/AAAAAAAAeuc/l9vM504wp4c/s1600/DSC02337.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolsyVb7wI/AAAAAAAAeuc/l9vM504wp4c/s400/DSC02337.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772943906860802" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
From the inside looking out. An interesting comparison of the ancient Roman structure with the more modern buildings (and even a double-decker tour bus!) just a stone's throw away. The holes in the stone of the Colosseum are actually from where scaffolding was built during the original construction of the amphitheater.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolt16jVzI/AAAAAAAAeuk/qYpJ2G7M01k/s1600/DSC02378.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolt16jVzI/AAAAAAAAeuk/qYpJ2G7M01k/s400/DSC02378.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772962047711026" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Many ancient paintings and carvings exist throughout the Colosseum. Most of them depict the gladiators themselves and battle scenes, but this particular scene is actually a map of the Colosseum (then called the Flavian Amphitheater). Also, in the bottom left corner is a depiction of the Crucifixion.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolutoRItI/AAAAAAAAeus/0S6ytGbNEbc/s1600/DSC02381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TLolutoRItI/AAAAAAAAeus/0S6ytGbNEbc/s400/DSC02381.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528772977003406034" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
A close-up of the Crucifixion scene that was painted high above my head inside of the Colosseum.<br />
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At last, this ends my pictorial of Rome! Three more cities left - Florence, Venice, and Milan. I wonder how long it will be before I make those updates? I do plan on making this blogging a regular thing, but I feel as if I must finish updating my trip pictures before I start discussing my everyday musings and occurrences.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-52534725191951421542010-08-08T19:41:00.000-05:002010-08-08T20:45:19.312-05:00Rome, Part IINow that school is starting up again, I have decided it is the perfect time to continue blogging about my travels through Italy. Having to go back to work is motivating, even if I am motivated to do things other than prepare for my class. C'est la vie...<br /><br />These pictures are from June 21-23 while we were still in Rome.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner our first night at Cacio e Pepe, we walked back to our hostel. It was quite the scenic route. Here is the Castel Sant'Angelo, initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P6LdbjyI/AAAAAAAAeV0/uXmB7HYjuOI/s1600/DSC02132.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P6LdbjyI/AAAAAAAAeV0/uXmB7HYjuOI/s400/DSC02132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205130597273378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also decided to walk through St. Peter's Square again so we could see how it looked at night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P6dYkNYI/AAAAAAAAeV8/BLZFpLHO1UE/s1600/DSC02146.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P6dYkNYI/AAAAAAAAeV8/BLZFpLHO1UE/s400/DSC02146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205135408706946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day was slightly rainy, so we had the opportunity to go back to St. Peter's Basilica and actually go inside. The lines were much shorter when it was wet outside, so we were actually willing to wait in them. The reason the lines are so long, in addition to a plethora of visitors, is due to the strict security measures taken before you enter the basilica.<br /><br />Bernini's fountain in St. Peter's Square, 1675<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWxIlCjI/AAAAAAAAeXE/cFTL3KlqTeI/s1600/DSC02484.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWxIlCjI/AAAAAAAAeXE/cFTL3KlqTeI/s400/DSC02484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205621746698802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Up close and personal<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWDcyhNI/AAAAAAAAeW0/FEJhYDX4X4c/s1600/DSC02480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWDcyhNI/AAAAAAAAeW0/FEJhYDX4X4c/s400/DSC02480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205609483437266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The square was designed so the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWa3NW9I/AAAAAAAAeW8/4dgObDqbpD0/s1600/DSC02482.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QWa3NW9I/AAAAAAAAeW8/4dgObDqbpD0/s400/DSC02482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205615768263634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Interior dome, completed in 1590<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QV3kdnTI/AAAAAAAAeWs/nr_G_OSguHs/s1600/DSC02458.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QV3kdnTI/AAAAAAAAeWs/nr_G_OSguHs/s400/DSC02458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205606294396210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of several smaller domes within St. Peter's<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QH_jSSlI/AAAAAAAAeWc/wX-8eo7CTzk/s1600/DSC02427.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QH_jSSlI/AAAAAAAAeWc/wX-8eo7CTzk/s400/DSC02427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205367918774866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A ridiculously famous Renaissance sculpture, Michaelangelo's <span style="font-style: italic;">La Pieta</span> (1499)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QIDDVvSI/AAAAAAAAeWk/322AcX4E0jo/s1600/DSC02434.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QIDDVvSI/AAAAAAAAeWk/322AcX4E0jo/s400/DSC02434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205368858524962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Later, we went to the Piazza del Popolo.<br /><br />The twin churches. Phallic much?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QXO9My0I/AAAAAAAAeXM/CFrNcFhIkvg/s1600/twin+churches.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QXO9My0I/AAAAAAAAeXM/CFrNcFhIkvg/s400/twin+churches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205629752036162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In the middle of the piazza is another Egyptian obelisk with original hieroglyphics. It was ordered to be built by the pharaohs Seti I and, his son, Ramses II.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5IHc9VI/AAAAAAAAeVc/ZQIvvwTSD4s/s1600/DSC02088.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5IHc9VI/AAAAAAAAeVc/ZQIvvwTSD4s/s400/DSC02088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205112519914834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This obelisk was originally from Heliopolis and was brought to Rome in 10 BC by Augustus. It was erected in the piazza in 1589 by Pope Sixtus V.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5u3yp6I/AAAAAAAAeVk/n1DlRcvfHmg/s1600/DSC02096.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5u3yp6I/AAAAAAAAeVk/n1DlRcvfHmg/s400/DSC02096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205122923210658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A church, Santa Marisa del Popolo, sits at the north end of the piazza. A chapel was first built on this spot in 1099. Tradition states that Nero's ghost haunted the site in the form of crows. The pope chopped down the tree the crows were taking shelter in and built a chapel in its place. The church was reconstructed in the 1470s and the facade was modified between 1655-1660.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5gf_ZcI/AAAAAAAAeVs/VUzF3hYH-o8/s1600/DSC02105.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9P5gf_ZcI/AAAAAAAAeVs/VUzF3hYH-o8/s400/DSC02105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205119065286082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On another walk, we came across this - Italy's Capitol building. It's pretty magnificent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QG0zBxAI/AAAAAAAAeWM/p6y2swSoXJc/s1600/DSC02186.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QG0zBxAI/AAAAAAAAeWM/p6y2swSoXJc/s400/DSC02186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205347852141570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QHcBR-gI/AAAAAAAAeWU/ag4gwjm6csk/s1600/DSC02187.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QHcBR-gI/AAAAAAAAeWU/ag4gwjm6csk/s400/DSC02187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205358380907010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Walking to yet another place, we stumbled across this site. We had no idea what it was, but luckily were able to find a sign. The Largo di Torre Argentina holds four ancient Roman temples and the remains of Pompey's Theater, where it is believed Julius Caesar was assassinated. In addition to being an active archaeological site, a no-kill cat shelter is also located here, which I think makes it even more awesome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QGpGfyxI/AAAAAAAAeWE/SEaRGZKojog/s1600/DSC02167.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TF9QGpGfyxI/AAAAAAAAeWE/SEaRGZKojog/s400/DSC02167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503205344712575762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rome is so cool because you can randomly run into amazing historical sites and monuments without even planning to. Bits and pieces of Rome's rich history is everywhere, even outside of areas trafficked by tourists and within residential and business locales.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-79929553261931158672010-07-26T16:52:00.001-05:002010-07-26T17:06:08.129-05:00I'm a bad bloggerI'm terrible because I haven't updated in two weeks. Part of the tardiness is due to the myriad photos I have to go through to choose, but I also must blame my extreme laziness...I've got to enjoy it while I still can! The new semester starts up on August 11th and I'll be teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies, American and Louisiana history, respectively.<br /><br />I've also been teaching a brief summer school session to incoming sixth graders. They're great and I love it, but I'm definitely getting spoiled by them - the regular school year certainly won't run so smoothly.<br /><br />As a sort of "last hurrah" before summer break ends, I'll be spending three nights this week in New Orleans. Good food, hopefully some decent weather, lots of walking around to see my favorites...fun will most definitely be had.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-88364380048770885092010-07-11T22:22:00.000-05:002010-07-12T22:45:17.874-05:00Viva Italia! Rome Part IJune 20th was a day of travel. We woke up to our last morning in Croatia, finished packing our things, and took a cab to the port in Dubrovnik. We took a ferry from there to Bari, Italy. The ferry ride was about seven and half hours long. We amused ourselves by reading, playing Angry Birds on our iPhones, drinking wine, napping, and listening to the crazy, loud Italians that surrounded us. Once to Bari, we took a ride to our hostel and then went to dinner. We had delicious pizza and then went back to hit the sack.<br /><br />We woke up early and went to the train station. The ride lasted for about four hours, our longest train ride while in Italy, but the views were nice and we got to catch up on some sleep. Once in Rome, we took a cab to our hostel. The hostel, Orsa Maggiore, is located inside the International House of Women (a non-profit organization) and a former convent from the 17th century. The hostel was actually very pleasant and located near Vatican City.<br /><br />Our first day in Rome<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica">St. Peter's Basilica</a> in Vatican City<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVSh2QRiI/AAAAAAAAaZM/6J5CVa2tFUE/s1600/DSC01918.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVSh2QRiI/AAAAAAAAaZM/6J5CVa2tFUE/s400/DSC01918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492866841087854114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernini">Bernini's</a> colonnade, each column is topped with a saint<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVS_UvMpI/AAAAAAAAaZU/W-On-3ubJos/s1600/DSC01925.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVS_UvMpI/AAAAAAAAaZU/W-On-3ubJos/s400/DSC01925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492866849000338066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />St. Peter's square was designed with crowds in mind, so as many people could hear the Pope speak as possible. These chairs are set out for his weekly appearances.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTHvovvI/AAAAAAAAaZc/jvQ5MMAzLd0/s1600/DSC01928.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTHvovvI/AAAAAAAAaZc/jvQ5MMAzLd0/s400/DSC01928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492866851260645106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This Egyptian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_obelisks_in_Rome">obelisk</a> is in St. Peter's square. It was originally erected in Alexandria, Egypt by order of Augustus around 29 BC and brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD. It was put up in the Vatican in 1586 by Pope Sixtus V.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTcdqwcI/AAAAAAAAaZk/9U7xz4777RU/s1600/DSC01939.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTcdqwcI/AAAAAAAAaZk/9U7xz4777RU/s400/DSC01939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492866856822424002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mary and I love our Catholic MawMaw. We sent her a postcard from Vatican City, which has its own postal service.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTSHbzsI/AAAAAAAAaZs/F1gZllTF9O8/s1600/DSC01946.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVTSHbzsI/AAAAAAAAaZs/F1gZllTF9O8/s400/DSC01946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492866854044815042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_in_Vallicella">Santa Maria in Vallicella</a>, also called Chiesa Nuova. The first church on the site was built in the 4th century. The church that stands now was built between 1577-1606. There are numerous historical churches such as this in Rome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVflUGDRI/AAAAAAAAaZ8/LkPB4v0-a-Y/s1600/DSC01976.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVflUGDRI/AAAAAAAAaZ8/LkPB4v0-a-Y/s400/DSC01976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867065356619026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bridge over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiber_river">Tiber</a> river with the dome from St. Peter's Basilica in the background<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVfZRQCCI/AAAAAAAAaZ0/kLphGA_0OeQ/s1600/DSC01960.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVfZRQCCI/AAAAAAAAaZ0/kLphGA_0OeQ/s400/DSC01960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867062123464738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona">Piazza Navona</a>, La Fontana del Moro, built in 1575<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVfyGF3yI/AAAAAAAAaaE/gKJS-mcoIHs/s1600/DSC01989.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVfyGF3yI/AAAAAAAAaaE/gKJS-mcoIHs/s400/DSC01989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867068787547938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Egyptian obelisk in the center of Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (1651), with Sant'Agnese Agone basilica (1652) in the background. In Piazza Navona.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVgKUS1-I/AAAAAAAAaaM/1ILf7hPc7bw/s1600/DSC01994.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVgKUS1-I/AAAAAAAAaaM/1ILf7hPc7bw/s400/DSC01994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867075289569250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVgl13T6I/AAAAAAAAaaU/oGGLCUvZz9s/s1600/DSC01999.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVgl13T6I/AAAAAAAAaaU/oGGLCUvZz9s/s400/DSC01999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867082678128546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome">Pantheon</a>, one of the most magnificent displays of ancient architecture in Rome, was half covered by scaffolding. This, of course, must be the plight of the ancient building. However, it was still magnificent. The Pantheon was originally a temple built for the ancient Roman gods. It was destroyed, and later rebuilt in 126 by Hadrian. In 609 it was consecrated as a Catholic church and now holds historical religious sculptures and paintings, as well as the remains of the artist Raphael.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvJlrZgI/AAAAAAAAaac/b_zEAe3jkGM/s1600/DSC02008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvJlrZgI/AAAAAAAAaac/b_zEAe3jkGM/s400/DSC02008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867332792083970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My camera could not do justice to the interior of the Pantheon, but I will share this one picture of the oculus, a circular opening to the sky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvW-gfbI/AAAAAAAAaak/mz7ulubgTAY/s1600/DSC02029.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvW-gfbI/AAAAAAAAaak/mz7ulubgTAY/s400/DSC02029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867336385887666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi_fountain">Trevi Fountain</a>. Legend says that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you are ensured a speedy return to Rome. Two coins into the fountain and you will find love. Three coins into the fountain will lead to a marriage...or a divorce.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvsYmA4I/AAAAAAAAaas/7mQugIptQyQ/s1600/DSC02050.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvsYmA4I/AAAAAAAAaas/7mQugIptQyQ/s400/DSC02050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867342132446082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A closer look at sculptures within the Trevi Fountain<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvzY2PYI/AAAAAAAAaa0/w2297980cu8/s1600/DSC02051.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVvzY2PYI/AAAAAAAAaa0/w2297980cu8/s400/DSC02051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867344012557698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_steps">Spanish Steps</a>, built in the 1700s. We sat here in the late afternoon to people-watch and write postcards. The orange house to the right is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, where the English poet John Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVwJwU6II/AAAAAAAAaa8/vgA8S84zfF0/s1600/DSC02057.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDqVwJwU6II/AAAAAAAAaa8/vgA8S84zfF0/s400/DSC02057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492867350016616578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had a good first day in Rome even though we hadn't had much of a plan to begin with. More of Rome will come in later posts, as I have more than 500 pictures of the city to sort through.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-22442941207173081232010-07-05T20:32:00.000-05:002010-07-05T21:02:16.528-05:00Wedding DaySaturday June 19 - Kristin's and James's wedding day!<br /><br />The wedding wasn't until four o'clock in the afternoon, so we had a good bit of the day to relax before we needed to start getting ready. We had a lazy morning, and then took a bottle of wine down to the water, lounged around in the sun and dined al fresco for lunch. We headed back to the villa around 2 so we could pretty ourselves up before calling a cab to take us to the site of the wedding.<br /><br />Since it was our last full day in Croatia, we hand washed some of our clothes and hung them out to dry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ6H_LylI/AAAAAAAAZXU/pl4TbRaqUUU/s1600/DSC01735.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ6H_LylI/AAAAAAAAZXU/pl4TbRaqUUU/s400/DSC01735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602527387535954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our view down by the bay of Zaton, across the street from our villa<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ4NmtU9I/AAAAAAAAZW8/Ug-qdEh6FfA/s1600/DSC01715.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ4NmtU9I/AAAAAAAAZW8/Ug-qdEh6FfA/s400/DSC01715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602494535750610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ5LUaPyI/AAAAAAAAZXE/Y0PntAz6xiU/s1600/DSC01716.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ5LUaPyI/AAAAAAAAZXE/Y0PntAz6xiU/s400/DSC01716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602511102000930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The green stuff is grapes...yay for homemade wine!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ5w7F2eI/AAAAAAAAZXM/-3njt6hE04Y/s1600/DSC01733.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ5w7F2eI/AAAAAAAAZXM/-3njt6hE04Y/s400/DSC01733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602521196354018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The site of the wedding was the terrace of the Radisson Blu, a very nice resort hotel on the coast.<br /><br />Mary and I on the terrace<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGBkU3WI/AAAAAAAAZXs/apmDGRx0aN0/s1600/DSC01745.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGBkU3WI/AAAAAAAAZXs/apmDGRx0aN0/s400/DSC01745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602731822701922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gorgeous view of the sea from the terrace<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKFh5JXRI/AAAAAAAAZXk/6pONImrmUUE/s1600/DSC01739.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKFh5JXRI/AAAAAAAAZXk/6pONImrmUUE/s400/DSC01739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602723320093970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There was also a very nice pool, in which all of the wedding party later jumped into<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ6nWOdVI/AAAAAAAAZXc/6FLNkDd4C8M/s1600/DSC01738.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKJ6nWOdVI/AAAAAAAAZXc/6FLNkDd4C8M/s400/DSC01738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602535805678930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kristin and her brother-in-law walking up the aisle<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGlw2kJI/AAAAAAAAZX8/TkQycpWyRr4/s1600/DSC01754.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGlw2kJI/AAAAAAAAZX8/TkQycpWyRr4/s400/DSC01754.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602741538918546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was very hot and the sun was shining directly on us...luckily we were provided with fans!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGaVPmfI/AAAAAAAAZX0/ypaCklJprpQ/s1600/DSC01746.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKGaVPmfI/AAAAAAAAZX0/ypaCklJprpQ/s400/DSC01746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602738470328818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the ceremony, we all got on this boat, sailed around and drank champagne<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKHGmrW-I/AAAAAAAAZYE/YC9FHn9V_xs/s1600/DSC01768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKHGmrW-I/AAAAAAAAZYE/YC9FHn9V_xs/s400/DSC01768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490602750354611170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />View of the Radisson Blu from the boat<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKcVOlMFI/AAAAAAAAZYM/l0EkhhC_hDc/s1600/DSC01773.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKcVOlMFI/AAAAAAAAZYM/l0EkhhC_hDc/s400/DSC01773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490603115057328210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />James and Kristin cutting the cake<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKcmRCSGI/AAAAAAAAZYU/JO35Qn4TqEI/s1600/DSC01783.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDKKcmRCSGI/AAAAAAAAZYU/JO35Qn4TqEI/s400/DSC01783.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490603119631026274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the boat ride, we went back to the terrace where toasts were made, dinner was eaten, and the party began. A Croatian jazz band provided the music and the bride and groom, along with their family and friends, drank, danced, and even swam, into the evening.<br /><br />And they lived happily ever after...Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-26696723662430809842010-07-04T15:33:00.000-05:002010-07-04T16:20:19.433-05:00LokrumFriday, June 18<br /><br />We went to Old Town in Dubrovnik again to browse the many shops and then took a ferry to a nearby island, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lokrum">Lokrum</a>, for some swimming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2e8E5kcI/AAAAAAAAZUE/t6vVcxag2Q0/s1600/DSC01686.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2e8E5kcI/AAAAAAAAZUE/t6vVcxag2Q0/s400/DSC01686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158957147820482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2HWO7ZJI/AAAAAAAAZS0/DyQuU-zmXDk/s1600/DSC01623.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2HWO7ZJI/AAAAAAAAZS0/DyQuU-zmXDk/s400/DSC01623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158551852344466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lokrum has a small, super salty lake, known as the "Dead Sea". It's a great little swimming hole!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2HrrhVBI/AAAAAAAAZS8/Ru_oi3HLd6Y/s1600/DSC01629.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2HrrhVBI/AAAAAAAAZS8/Ru_oi3HLd6Y/s400/DSC01629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158557609415698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The island is also home to peacocks galore.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Si1RWSI/AAAAAAAAZTc/To9WhTMyuSQ/s1600/DSC01652.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Si1RWSI/AAAAAAAAZTc/To9WhTMyuSQ/s400/DSC01652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158744212953378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And baby peacocks! We lured them to us with bits of pizza crust.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2fcOZ8iI/AAAAAAAAZUM/Z0EgjN1SEXs/s1600/mary+baby+peacock.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2fcOZ8iI/AAAAAAAAZUM/Z0EgjN1SEXs/s400/mary+baby+peacock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158965777625634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rocky cliffs looking over the Adriatic<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Iy5tKVI/AAAAAAAAZTM/pmJfPgpmDmI/s1600/DSC01648.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Iy5tKVI/AAAAAAAAZTM/pmJfPgpmDmI/s400/DSC01648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158576727828818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Ja6st-I/AAAAAAAAZTU/3hGxfOecbkA/s1600/DSC01650.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Ja6st-I/AAAAAAAAZTU/3hGxfOecbkA/s400/DSC01650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158587469412322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TJuI31I/AAAAAAAAZTk/39wvSC6Dht0/s1600/DSC01661.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TJuI31I/AAAAAAAAZTk/39wvSC6Dht0/s400/DSC01661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158754652020562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Former Benedictine monastery, founded in 1023.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TehuX4I/AAAAAAAAZTs/75OWv412d7k/s1600/DSC01668.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TehuX4I/AAAAAAAAZTs/75OWv412d7k/s400/DSC01668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158760237096834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TzWoHUI/AAAAAAAAZT0/cGJtFCktwSc/s1600/DSC01669.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2TzWoHUI/AAAAAAAAZT0/cGJtFCktwSc/s400/DSC01669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158765827693890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Ucs0rII/AAAAAAAAZT8/WpeLm0YFWaw/s1600/DSC01676.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD2Ucs0rII/AAAAAAAAZT8/WpeLm0YFWaw/s400/DSC01676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490158776926645378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Later in the afternoon, we returned to Old Town and watched a World Cup game (USA v. Slovenia) in an Irish pub, then took a cab back to Babilon (our villa) for a group dinner at the restaurant.<br /><br />Waitress offering us traditional Croatian apéritifs<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5ZUcoYRI/AAAAAAAAZUU/6MmLujH78OE/s1600/DSC01699.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5ZUcoYRI/AAAAAAAAZUU/6MmLujH78OE/s400/DSC01699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490162159145476370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I drank the purple one because she said it was "better for women".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5Z0KFCnI/AAAAAAAAZUc/ML11Smqc9Xs/s1600/DSC01702.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5Z0KFCnI/AAAAAAAAZUc/ML11Smqc9Xs/s400/DSC01702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490162167657597554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The family-style meal began with prust (Croatian prosciutto), cheese, sardines, olives, octopus salad...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5anjj2gI/AAAAAAAAZUk/AqTk1BQhIWg/s1600/DSC01705.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5anjj2gI/AAAAAAAAZUk/AqTk1BQhIWg/s400/DSC01705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490162181454682626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The main course of grilled meats, vegetables, and fried potatoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5bczaeaI/AAAAAAAAZU0/sld_dz0nasA/s1600/DSC01707.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TDD5bczaeaI/AAAAAAAAZU0/sld_dz0nasA/s400/DSC01707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490162195748256162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just another lovely day in Croatia.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-25490589385126756272010-07-02T21:06:00.000-05:002010-07-04T15:44:56.793-05:00Elafiti IslandsOn Thursday, June 17, we went on a cruise of the Elafiti islands - Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. We booked the tour well in advance, so the majority of our party was able to attend. Lunch and wine was included in the price of the tour and we had a few hours at the last island to enjoy the sun and sea.<br /><br />This dog must have lived somewhere around our villas, because he followed us around during our entire stay, even swimming out into the bay and jumping into Kristin's and James's kayak earlier in the week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cm4rFxkI/AAAAAAAAYh8/eZ0SHJA93lQ/s1600/DSC01532.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cm4rFxkI/AAAAAAAAYh8/eZ0SHJA93lQ/s400/DSC01532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497187673294402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The ship we cruised on, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galleon">galleon</a> replica<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cyoMWEVI/AAAAAAAAYik/I6GREYIn-TA/s1600/DSC01555.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cyoMWEVI/AAAAAAAAYik/I6GREYIn-TA/s400/DSC01555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497389407801682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ship's shadow<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6coGKsaqI/AAAAAAAAYiM/bgi_VRjUkyM/s1600/DSC01537.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6coGKsaqI/AAAAAAAAYiM/bgi_VRjUkyM/s400/DSC01537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497208475380386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They gave us shots to begin the cruise, a foul variety of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grappa">grappa</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6coQdVDxI/AAAAAAAAYiU/QLbYZ0i79aA/s1600/DSC01544.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6coQdVDxI/AAAAAAAAYiU/QLbYZ0i79aA/s400/DSC01544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497211237895954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A view from the ship<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cnQCk0wI/AAAAAAAAYiE/6USuUAUs4yY/s1600/DSC01534.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cnQCk0wI/AAAAAAAAYiE/6USuUAUs4yY/s400/DSC01534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497193945813762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty island shore<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6czasTmbI/AAAAAAAAYi0/n1_vy0zBRG8/s1600/DSC01558.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6czasTmbI/AAAAAAAAYi0/n1_vy0zBRG8/s400/DSC01558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497402963630514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Quaint fishing village on one of the islands<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6czvA9I2I/AAAAAAAAYi8/OlYfFOmSzq8/s1600/DSC01562.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6czvA9I2I/AAAAAAAAYi8/OlYfFOmSzq8/s400/DSC01562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497408418947938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Croatia is very warm and someone had the bright idea of bringing a Saint Bernard into the climate. He had to cool off somehow!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c0EY9TuI/AAAAAAAAYjE/lstSoaGp_EQ/s1600/DSC01566.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c0EY9TuI/AAAAAAAAYjE/lstSoaGp_EQ/s400/DSC01566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497414156766946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />View of the ship offshore<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cy6mljgI/AAAAAAAAYis/cWOLZq1avOs/s1600/DSC01557.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cy6mljgI/AAAAAAAAYis/cWOLZq1avOs/s400/DSC01557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497394349706754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Having a good day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c_DGbEhI/AAAAAAAAYjM/e137EUZYT7o/s1600/DSC01577.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c_DGbEhI/AAAAAAAAYjM/e137EUZYT7o/s400/DSC01577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497602789151250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lunch on the ship - the fish was good, but the slaw was not<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dAjsrbsI/AAAAAAAAYjk/4Np-wvckZJE/s1600/DSC01587.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dAjsrbsI/AAAAAAAAYjk/4Np-wvckZJE/s400/DSC01587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497628719410882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Frousins (friend+cousin)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dBWHeEAI/AAAAAAAAYjs/HZmrS6xJpnw/s1600/DSC01593.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dBWHeEAI/AAAAAAAAYjs/HZmrS6xJpnw/s400/DSC01593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497642253553666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Swimming in the salty Adriatic sea<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dIaRNeMI/AAAAAAAAYj8/UOD7chOoGD4/s1600/DSC01602.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dIaRNeMI/AAAAAAAAYj8/UOD7chOoGD4/s400/DSC01602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497763627235522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You have to be careful in the water because of sea urchins<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cpJUTptI/AAAAAAAAYic/Hc5FxO5GTWc/s1600/DSC01551.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6cpJUTptI/AAAAAAAAYic/Hc5FxO5GTWc/s400/DSC01551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497226500875986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With Caroline after swimming<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dH4aLvWI/AAAAAAAAYj0/UbFrDuwqrSQ/s1600/DSC01601.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dH4aLvWI/AAAAAAAAYj0/UbFrDuwqrSQ/s400/DSC01601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497754538065250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Before getting back on the ship, some people decided to do a group jump<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c_jlWlgI/AAAAAAAAYjU/e1k-FTNTjrU/s1600/DSC01581.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6c_jlWlgI/AAAAAAAAYjU/e1k-FTNTjrU/s400/DSC01581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497611508815362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dADqrY2I/AAAAAAAAYjc/R1gp1u6PlCs/s1600/DSC01582.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6dADqrY2I/AAAAAAAAYjc/R1gp1u6PlCs/s400/DSC01582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489497620121084770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a long day of drinking wine and soaking up the hot sun, we went back to our villas where I had a nice shower and a much needed nap. Then we had another cook out at one of the villas - the owner was a chef and prepared a fabulous meal of grilled fish, prawns, potatoes and greens. Lots of fish was consumed in Croatia, but when it's so yummy, very few people complain. The fish is marinated before being grilled whole, and being so fresh just makes it extra special.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-33443714427694591192010-07-02T19:23:00.000-05:002010-07-02T19:48:29.295-05:00Dinner and Ladies NightRight after our tour of Old Town in Dubrovnik, we walked outside of the city gates for a group dinner at <a href="http://www.restaurant-orhan.com/">Restaurant Orhan</a>. We had a set menu to choose from, either a meat or seafood appetizer and dish, and I chose the seafood. The food was decent, but everyone agreed that the view was the best reason to go to the restaurant. Afterward, the group split into two - the ladies went off with Kristin (the bride-to-be) for a bachelorette night and the guys went off with James (the groom) for fun of their own.<br /><br />Table setting at Restaurant Orhan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fv3aC6VI/AAAAAAAAYg0/88BnDJsTqs0/s1600/DSC01401.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fv3aC6VI/AAAAAAAAYg0/88BnDJsTqs0/s400/DSC01401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472053184751954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nice view, Old Town is to the left<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fwti5TqI/AAAAAAAAYg8/qCIiWyGhb4Y/s1600/DSC01402.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fwti5TqI/AAAAAAAAYg8/qCIiWyGhb4Y/s400/DSC01402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472067717385890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lovrjenac Fortress, dating back to the 16th century<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fu7ZD4CI/AAAAAAAAYgs/MJz7jvykT4Y/s1600/DSC01400.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6Fu7ZD4CI/AAAAAAAAYgs/MJz7jvykT4Y/s400/DSC01400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472037074493474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Octopus salad<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6FxgNlY1I/AAAAAAAAYhE/rHJYeUXSGo0/s1600/DSC01411.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6FxgNlY1I/AAAAAAAAYhE/rHJYeUXSGo0/s400/DSC01411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472081318208338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grilled fish and greens<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6FyR7XTqI/AAAAAAAAYhM/P1MYzCAVvQ0/s1600/DSC01423.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6FyR7XTqI/AAAAAAAAYhM/P1MYzCAVvQ0/s400/DSC01423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472094663560866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lovely ladies walking through Old Town for some fun<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6F-hEgK_I/AAAAAAAAYhU/mo3NEQe_zY0/s1600/DSC01441.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6F-hEgK_I/AAAAAAAAYhU/mo3NEQe_zY0/s400/DSC01441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472304886852594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Allison bought a round of kamikaze shots<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6F_SgfPRI/AAAAAAAAYhc/3j3TFuI-5EI/s1600/DSC01456.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6F_SgfPRI/AAAAAAAAYhc/3j3TFuI-5EI/s400/DSC01456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472318157569298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grandma Irma had one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GARE5JBI/AAAAAAAAYhk/h0yRlH_59Dk/s1600/DSC01457.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GARE5JBI/AAAAAAAAYhk/h0yRlH_59Dk/s400/DSC01457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472334953260050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kristin opened a few sexy gifts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GBe6Z_JI/AAAAAAAAYhs/NlwQSm_tqjs/s1600/DSC01482.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GBe6Z_JI/AAAAAAAAYhs/NlwQSm_tqjs/s400/DSC01482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472355847240850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I bought champagne!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GCH4MZfI/AAAAAAAAYh0/uQOV524j0J4/s1600/DSC01488.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TC6GCH4MZfI/AAAAAAAAYh0/uQOV524j0J4/s400/DSC01488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489472366843815410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A good night was had by all.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-85908925365673758862010-06-27T15:30:00.000-05:002010-06-27T15:44:38.691-05:00QuickieIf anyone is actually reading this, I apologize for a lack of updates. Venice and Milan have not been good to me in terms of wireless internet. Right now I am in the lobby of our hotel in Milan using their computer for a monetary charge per hour. Blah! Luckily, when I get back to the states I will have plenty of time to catch up on pictures and posts AND recover from jetlag...yay for summer vacation!<br /><br />I will be back in the US on June 29 but spending that night in New York. I will be back in Louisiana very late on June 30. I miss my kitties!<br /><br />That is all.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-69992162956638101892010-06-24T11:49:00.000-05:002010-06-24T17:22:42.853-05:00Old Town, DubrovnikDubrovnik is a coastal city in Croatia with a rich history. The "Old Town" of the city is surrounded by stone walls, originally built in the 7th century (with later additions) for defensive purposes. Though many of the city's historic buildings were damaged or destroyed by earthquakes or fires over the years, some remain, and the city is breathtakingly beautiful. We were lucky enough to be able to go on a guided tour of the Old Town, including a climb up to and a walk along the enormous city walls, and later enjoyed exploring the streets on our own.<br /><br />These are just a few pictures.<br /><br />Outside of the city walls<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO06_JPuI/AAAAAAAAW9s/ZqWOb-yNgTY/s1600/DSC01240.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO06_JPuI/AAAAAAAAW9s/ZqWOb-yNgTY/s400/DSC01240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486385810905841378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The image of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, adorns many churches and the gates outside of the city. He is always depicted holding a model of the city in his hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO1hSjyDI/AAAAAAAAW90/PK5LEaibI4s/s1600/DSC01242.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO1hSjyDI/AAAAAAAAW90/PK5LEaibI4s/s400/DSC01242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486385821187819570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Church of our Saviour, built 1520<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO26Q_yAI/AAAAAAAAW-E/4FD1cHCLiuM/s1600/DSC01250.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO26Q_yAI/AAAAAAAAW-E/4FD1cHCLiuM/s400/DSC01250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486385845072021506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Onofrio's Fountain, built in 1438 as part of the system to bring water into the city<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO0SV_wEI/AAAAAAAAW9k/2Ytz2YrMrHc/s1600/DSC01223.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO0SV_wEI/AAAAAAAAW9k/2Ytz2YrMrHc/s400/DSC01223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486385799995834434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The water still runs today and is fresh and cool for drinking...just fill your bottle up under a lovely faucet such as this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO2OMlXyI/AAAAAAAAW98/k6ftZDiL-WY/s1600/DSC01248.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOO2OMlXyI/AAAAAAAAW98/k6ftZDiL-WY/s400/DSC01248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486385833242353442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can still see some of the damage left behind after the Croatian War for Independence (1991-1995)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPFXw2J5I/AAAAAAAAW-Q/AvYnql1qiCM/s1600/DSC01251.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPFXw2J5I/AAAAAAAAW-Q/AvYnql1qiCM/s400/DSC01251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386093508405138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During the war, most of the city's roofs were destroyed. Here you can see the contrast of the older, aging tiled roof in the back compared to the newer orange tiled roof in the foreground.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPHGwQHaI/AAAAAAAAW-g/SCUStcWGbds/s1600/DSC01334.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPHGwQHaI/AAAAAAAAW-g/SCUStcWGbds/s400/DSC01334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386123302247842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Part of the city walls from above<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPRZuis7I/AAAAAAAAW_A/Hyv0qebpCHA/s1600/DSC01374.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPRZuis7I/AAAAAAAAW_A/Hyv0qebpCHA/s400/DSC01374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386300194042802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />View of the coast from atop the city walls<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPIGoKfbI/AAAAAAAAW-o/Owd2PKOaoFA/s1600/DSC01340.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPIGoKfbI/AAAAAAAAW-o/Owd2PKOaoFA/s400/DSC01340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386140448193970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Orange roofs everywhere!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPQ09XMaI/AAAAAAAAW-4/2jBuy5gevE8/s1600/DSC01371.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPQ09XMaI/AAAAAAAAW-4/2jBuy5gevE8/s400/DSC01371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386290324091298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty lady...oh wait, that's just me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPJEj5CZI/AAAAAAAAW-w/ljPRBMQvJWk/s1600/DSC01342.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCOPJEj5CZI/AAAAAAAAW-w/ljPRBMQvJWk/s400/DSC01342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486386157073271186" border="0" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-29370333337903468402010-06-24T01:13:00.000-05:002010-06-23T17:03:43.878-05:00Croatia, Day 1I'm way behind on this thing. After walking around and exploring all day, mustering up the energy to upload pictures and post about them can be hard. Today is my fourth day in Italy and I still haven't been able to post about my time in Croatia. I will attempt to remedy that now. It was a fun week and culminated in a beautiful wedding on June 19. Mary's friend Kristin got married, her wedding was the entire reason for the trip (I just tagged along), but of course we decided that we should see more than one country if we were over the Atlantic (England and Italy, too).<br /><br />But now, back to Croatia...<br /><br />Upon our arrival at the airport, we were supposed to be greeted by a driver, who had been prearranged, and would be bringing us to our villas about 40 minutes away for a set price. We get off the plane, grab our luggage, and head down to the line of drivers and guides holding signs with people's names on them. Ours? Nowhere to be found! We waited for at least 45 minutes, but then decided to take our own taxi, as it was getting late. This was when our first true "foreign" experience occurred on our trip due to language barriers. After miming and pointing and sharing addresses, we took off on our journey from the airport to Villa Babilon in Zaton Mali. Once we arrived, we did a little more miming to get into our room, then headed downstairs to the restaurant at the hotel and enjoyed a delicious meal and local wine for a very reasonable price.<br /><br />About 36 people or so were gathering in Croatia for Kristin's wedding, so we had a nice little group to hang out with for the week. Kristin arranged for several activities that guests could participate in, such as sea kayaking, cook-outs, island cruises, dinners, etc.<br /><br />Waking up to this view is a nice way to start the morning<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9mfUB2AI/AAAAAAAAU8E/X5yRAwrvxAg/s1600/DSC01140.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9mfUB2AI/AAAAAAAAU8E/X5yRAwrvxAg/s400/DSC01140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085396284692482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We met the group around 10 to go kayaking in Zaton Bay, which is gorgeous<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9nLIksrI/AAAAAAAAU8U/6jiVPP3tkm0/s1600/DSC01150.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9nLIksrI/AAAAAAAAU8U/6jiVPP3tkm0/s400/DSC01150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085408047805106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9m7HEj8I/AAAAAAAAU8M/KBBqi9y5n5Y/s1600/DSC01148.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9m7HEj8I/AAAAAAAAU8M/KBBqi9y5n5Y/s400/DSC01148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085403746537410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kayaking with Mary (picture also taken by her)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ95vpWJ1I/AAAAAAAAU9M/22z7VYcK4JU/s1600/mary+kayak.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ95vpWJ1I/AAAAAAAAU9M/22z7VYcK4JU/s400/mary+kayak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085727086585682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another one of Mary's pictures, more kayaking (that's a funny word, by the way...kayaking...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ-H2p-gPI/AAAAAAAAU9U/oPcsaijAV84/s1600/mary+kayak2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ-H2p-gPI/AAAAAAAAU9U/oPcsaijAV84/s400/mary+kayak2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085969486446834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After paddling until our arms were sore, we were rewarded by arriving at a private beach for swimming and relaxation. The water was beautiful, clear, and cool, but you had to beware of sea urchins!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9nkLDDPI/AAAAAAAAU8c/qjr6tNvKu88/s1600/DSC01161.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9nkLDDPI/AAAAAAAAU8c/qjr6tNvKu88/s400/DSC01161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085414769069298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another cool thing about the water was its high salt content...it made Kristi and me super buoyant!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ-IDG96iI/AAAAAAAAU9c/tLrXQFAtpEQ/s1600/mary+swim.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ-IDG96iI/AAAAAAAAU9c/tLrXQFAtpEQ/s400/mary+swim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085972829268514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After kayaking back from the beach, we cleaned up and met for lunch. Because we were dining as such a large group, there was a set menu. Meat and potatoes, anyone?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9oYKF8sI/AAAAAAAAU8k/YmblZdFiz6Y/s1600/DSC01183.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ9oYKF8sI/AAAAAAAAU8k/YmblZdFiz6Y/s400/DSC01183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085428723708610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The food was good, but I fed this kitty a good portion of it as well<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ94StZaCI/AAAAAAAAU8s/VwL3bchsrek/s1600/DSC01193.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ94StZaCI/AAAAAAAAU8s/VwL3bchsrek/s400/DSC01193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085702139078690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For dinner we were supposed to have grilled fish, but the order for the fresh fish wasn't put in on time. Instead everyone went to the market down the street and picked up a little something. In the end we were able to cook this fine feast with the help of the owner of the villa and one of the wedding guests, who happens to be a culinary whiz.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ94rHxzhI/AAAAAAAAU80/HZwXqlbxAVc/s1600/DSC01202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ94rHxzhI/AAAAAAAAU80/HZwXqlbxAVc/s400/DSC01202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085708692180498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ949eYzLI/AAAAAAAAU88/CYe11qe9lxM/s1600/DSC01203.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ949eYzLI/AAAAAAAAU88/CYe11qe9lxM/s400/DSC01203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085713618848946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the night, we were tired but content.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ95CjMAWI/AAAAAAAAU9E/8jV-KUNgRM0/s1600/DSC01212.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCJ95CjMAWI/AAAAAAAAU9E/8jV-KUNgRM0/s400/DSC01212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486085714981159266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next up: Old Town!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-76369391933886071802010-06-23T13:02:00.000-05:002010-06-23T17:07:38.903-05:00CroatiaNo time for a lengthy post, but I wanted to share a few pictures of Croatia so y'all can see how beautiful it is!<br /><br />Delicious squid ink pasta from Hotel Babilon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBfA9DASNcI/AAAAAAAASa8/gdka9JTA6aU/s1600/DSC01116.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBfA9DASNcI/AAAAAAAASa8/gdka9JTA6aU/s400/DSC01116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483063226357921218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One view from our villa<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOYokdicI/AAAAAAAAUAg/xV0AmL1osSA/s1600/DSC01141.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOYokdicI/AAAAAAAAUAg/xV0AmL1osSA/s400/DSC01141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484415000088775106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One view of Zaton Bay<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByO-DwYkcI/AAAAAAAAUEw/fs8oFA_l-Yg/s1600/DSC01167.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByO-DwYkcI/AAAAAAAAUEw/fs8oFA_l-Yg/s400/DSC01167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484415643041698242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kayaks on the beach (yes, I went sea kayaking!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOXCYTWCI/AAAAAAAAUAE/1SGqB5A6jos/s1600/DSC01151.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOXCYTWCI/AAAAAAAAUAE/1SGqB5A6jos/s400/DSC01151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484414972657358882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Views from the pebbly beach and of the pretty water<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOYJNJHMI/AAAAAAAAUAU/aVLmaLNtftk/s1600/DSC01157.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOYJNJHMI/AAAAAAAAUAU/aVLmaLNtftk/s400/DSC01157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484414991669468354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOXs3qzTI/AAAAAAAAUAM/Ued4ggEE2es/s1600/DSC01159.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByOXs3qzTI/AAAAAAAAUAM/Ued4ggEE2es/s400/DSC01159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484414984063208754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, as you can see, it's pretty amazing. I'll share more later, but I don't want to be antisocial!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-67794516794684051552010-06-22T17:53:00.000-05:002010-06-22T18:21:48.725-05:00Lazy London SundayI'd like to finish off my London bit since I'm attempting to update this chronologically, if not timely.<br /><br />Our last full day in London was a Sunday. Yann checked the weather and said it would be sunny in the morning, but rainy in the afternoon, so we planned our schedule with that in mind. We did the London Eye in the morning, a traditional Sunday roast for lunch, and saved the British Museum for the afternoon.<br /><br />The London Eye is like a giant Ferris wheel that towers over the river Thames and much of historic London<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAQ3nntfI/AAAAAAAAU6g/-jk9RdCAVFs/s1600/DSC01057.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAQ3nntfI/AAAAAAAAU6g/-jk9RdCAVFs/s400/DSC01057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736479666189810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7xMgJxI/AAAAAAAAU6Y/z_A0gUqpdik/s1600/DSC01052.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7xMgJxI/AAAAAAAAU6Y/z_A0gUqpdik/s400/DSC01052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736117164582674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But instead of a traditional Ferris wheel, where you ride in an open seat, you stand in a giant clear pod with 20 or so other people<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_6z75IhI/AAAAAAAAU54/DU6_QCnIA9s/s1600/DSC01010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_6z75IhI/AAAAAAAAU54/DU6_QCnIA9s/s400/DSC01010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736100720353810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />On a lovely, clear day, you get some pretty spectacular views<br /><br />Such as Parliament and Big Ben<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7sOmzyI/AAAAAAAAU6Q/gq-qf4geEIY/s1600/DSC01034.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7sOmzyI/AAAAAAAAU6Q/gq-qf4geEIY/s400/DSC01034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736115831230242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Buckingham Palace<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7YyHplI/AAAAAAAAU6I/EYvJAR3tfSU/s1600/DSC01027.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCE_7YyHplI/AAAAAAAAU6I/EYvJAR3tfSU/s400/DSC01027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736110611474002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Big Ben in the foreground, Westminster Abbey behind<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAmrOP14I/AAAAAAAAU7I/1RATYYn-Odo/s1600/DSC01035.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAmrOP14I/AAAAAAAAU7I/1RATYYn-Odo/s400/DSC01035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736854295664514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Afterward, we went to lunch for a traditional English "Sunday roast", which is a meal of roast meat and gravy (I had chicken!) with all the typical trimmings - mini Yorkshire puddings, roast veggies, and peas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARP35k1I/AAAAAAAAU6o/6aWEcE0omdw/s1600/DSC01068.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARP35k1I/AAAAAAAAU6o/6aWEcE0omdw/s400/DSC01068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736486176920402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We spent a few hours that afternoon in the British Museum, which is massive, impressive, and full of magnificent pieces of history from the times of hunter-gatherers to ancient Chinese dynasties, from Egyptian mummies to tribal African statues, and much beyond and in between. Unfortunately, my camera died...I only got a few shots with my own! I'll steal some from Mary later :)<br /><br />The largest covered square in Europe is in the museum's grand hall<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARvsZ9wI/AAAAAAAAU64/_o5H0YW8n48/s1600/DSC01078.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARvsZ9wI/AAAAAAAAU64/_o5H0YW8n48/s400/DSC01078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736494718646018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Statue from Easter Island<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARf7ysnI/AAAAAAAAU6w/AFBdaxfAals/s1600/DSC01076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFARf7ysnI/AAAAAAAAU6w/AFBdaxfAals/s400/DSC01076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736490488214130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And of course, the Rosetta Stone! Live and in the flesh!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAR4kpDGI/AAAAAAAAU7A/fCNh-wHbGjc/s1600/DSC01093.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TCFAR4kpDGI/AAAAAAAAU7A/fCNh-wHbGjc/s400/DSC01093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736497101999202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can't deny that I'm a history nerd.<br /><br />London was fun and I definitely plan on going back one day. I would love to explore more of the English countryside and other parts of the United Kingdom.<br /><br />Upcoming posts will be about Croatia and eventually Italy!<br /><br />As for Real Time Travel, I am currently in Rome and will be leaving in the morning for Florence via train.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-17606588205310888362010-06-19T03:59:00.000-05:002010-06-19T04:19:28.542-05:00World Cup and mushy peasWe happened to be in England at the same time as the USA v England World Cup match. The day before, in Brighton, we were told by a couple of local boys NOT to watch the game in Brighton, as speaking with our Yank accents might not make us the most popular. London, being a much more international city, was a safer bet, and our delightful friend Yann picked out a place for us to watch the game where he knew we'd be comfortable.<br /><br />He picked the Camel and Artichoke<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJi6ysgcI/AAAAAAAATqY/DycINqQwLUg/s1600/DSC00980.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJi6ysgcI/AAAAAAAATqY/DycINqQwLUg/s400/DSC00980.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484409679220867522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Englanders take their football seriously<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJjC_n2sI/AAAAAAAATqk/p2DKL6tHQJs/s1600/DSC00974.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJjC_n2sI/AAAAAAAATqk/p2DKL6tHQJs/s400/DSC00974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484409681422572226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We disguised ourselves as England fans by wearing red and other neutral colors. At one point I wore an English flag as a cape! We quietly cheered for the US as we tied England in the game.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJhnCubvI/AAAAAAAATp8/wIQLgi5Mejc/s1600/DSC00986.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJhnCubvI/AAAAAAAATp8/wIQLgi5Mejc/s400/DSC00986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484409656739524338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a shot of an unhappy fan after the US scored their first goal. He literally drew out a sword. He was nice though, later on he let me wear his crazy hat!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJiNm6l_I/AAAAAAAATqE/hFXfEIn47Xc/s1600/DSC00983.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByJiNm6l_I/AAAAAAAATqE/hFXfEIn47Xc/s400/DSC00983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484409667091863538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the game, the locals were fairly calm because in the end, a tie is not a loss. We certainly were pleased. We celebrated by dining on fish and chips along with mushy peas! I loved the chips and peas, and the fish wasn't bad, I think I just prefer fried catfish because I'm a good Southern girl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByKD-merMI/AAAAAAAATtc/_CMIXJNTMc4/s1600/DSC01002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TByKD-merMI/AAAAAAAATtc/_CMIXJNTMc4/s400/DSC01002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484410247179054274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day was our last full day in London and I will post about that later before filling you in on Croatia!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-73925981922283077492010-06-13T16:24:00.000-05:002010-06-13T16:46:11.087-05:00Camden and SohoYesterday we traveled in a traditional double-decker bus to the Camden Town and Soho areas of London, known for their shops and entertainment. The shops in <a href="http://www.camdenlock.net/markets.html">Camden Market</a> are both indoor and open-air and they sell anything you can imagine - clothes, jewelry, cloth, furniture, musical instruments, junk, etc.<br /><br />Camden Market<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVObnbiiDI/AAAAAAAASJU/Uuzb7Kj2Xao/s1600/DSC00861.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVObnbiiDI/AAAAAAAASJU/Uuzb7Kj2Xao/s400/DSC00861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482374357741373490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A few of the wares being peddled at the market<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVOcCfaN9I/AAAAAAAASJc/RgKFk80kmmk/s1600/DSC00864.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVOcCfaN9I/AAAAAAAASJc/RgKFk80kmmk/s400/DSC00864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482374365005363154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVOcamdJmI/AAAAAAAASJk/_sbiheMZRx8/s1600/DSC00868.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVOcamdJmI/AAAAAAAASJk/_sbiheMZRx8/s400/DSC00868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482374371477366370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVPkyRJGII/AAAAAAAASKE/t5cQ_ax0m70/s1600/DSC00891.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVPkyRJGII/AAAAAAAASKE/t5cQ_ax0m70/s400/DSC00891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482375614781003906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVPkuhW7QI/AAAAAAAASJ8/tTLMQjIfWKY/s1600/DSC00865.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVPkuhW7QI/AAAAAAAASJ8/tTLMQjIfWKY/s400/DSC00865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482375613775277314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While we were out, we stopped and looked up at the sky and caught sight of part of the flyover being done in honor of the Queen's "official" birthday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQldidO0I/AAAAAAAASKM/XG0YPh4_SEQ/s1600/DSC00903.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQldidO0I/AAAAAAAASKM/XG0YPh4_SEQ/s400/DSC00903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482376725907979074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The traditional English double-decker bus<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQ_5CznlI/AAAAAAAASKc/XmnCtP9qWqc/s1600/DSC00960.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQ_5CznlI/AAAAAAAASKc/XmnCtP9qWqc/s400/DSC00960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482377179968020050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The requisite tourist's shot - posing with the telephone booths!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQ_pNiNjI/AAAAAAAASKU/dkn8oGVxRu4/s1600/DSC00959.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBVQ_pNiNjI/AAAAAAAASKU/dkn8oGVxRu4/s400/DSC00959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482377175718049330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We ended the day in a pub, watching the England-USA World Cup match, and finished the night off with a meal of fish, chips, and mushy peas!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-15591716347957875362010-06-11T19:22:00.000-05:002010-06-12T11:49:39.971-05:00BrightonOn Friday, once we finally woke up and got going, we took the hour-long train ride south of London to Brighton. Brighton is a seaside town with a pebbly beach along the Channel in between England and France. It was quite lovely, a nice change from London, with lots of unique shops and restaurants.<br /><br />The Channel and the pebbly beach<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2GZ2xDNI/AAAAAAAASII/KM6YZJwuGu4/s1600/DSC00720.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2GZ2xDNI/AAAAAAAASII/KM6YZJwuGu4/s400/DSC00720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481925392576089298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My little piggies took a quick dip in the Channel!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2GLlUQxI/AAAAAAAASIA/SPtm6AyQkKs/s1600/DSC00712.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2GLlUQxI/AAAAAAAASIA/SPtm6AyQkKs/s400/DSC00712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481925388744803090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Brighton is also home to the Royal Pavillion, a former royal home built for King George IV in the early 1800s. It's built in an Indian style and even served as an Indian military hospital from 1914-1916.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO4jIYedoI/AAAAAAAASIw/W5ztFMeBA2E/s1600/DSC00779.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO4jIYedoI/AAAAAAAASIw/W5ztFMeBA2E/s400/DSC00779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481928085125101186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For lunch we went to Gourmet Burger Kitchen. The menu was World Cup themed since all of the United Kingdom is crazy about soccer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO0c1YhOzI/AAAAAAAASHw/nirvmydCU08/s1600/DSC00749.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO0c1YhOzI/AAAAAAAASHw/nirvmydCU08/s400/DSC00749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481923578899282738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got the Wellington burger - cooked medium rare and served with a mushroom-horseradish sauce, tomato jam, and rocket (arugula). Tasty!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO0-lmMh1I/AAAAAAAASH4/4cxlh_1ks2E/s1600/DSC00756.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO0-lmMh1I/AAAAAAAASH4/4cxlh_1ks2E/s400/DSC00756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481924158777231186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After walking around for hours, looking around gardens and neighborhoods and visiting boutiques, we stopped at an old pub, <a href="http://www.thekingandqueen.co.uk/">Ye Old King and Queen</a>, and watched some of the France-Uruguay World Cup match.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO3FTY5t6I/AAAAAAAASIg/WDkwMkGlPeM/s1600/DSC00769.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO3FTY5t6I/AAAAAAAASIg/WDkwMkGlPeM/s400/DSC00769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481926473171974050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yann and Kristi<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2G5TvbXI/AAAAAAAASIY/tDBhAK5eP0A/s1600/DSC00835.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO2G5TvbXI/AAAAAAAASIY/tDBhAK5eP0A/s400/DSC00835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481925401019116914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We made friends after inquiring about a pink beer one of these guys was drinking, which turned out to be a delicious berry cider made in Sweden. They asked us questions about Barack Obama and American basketball.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO3Fp6vH4I/AAAAAAAASIo/4YwF-FGx2SI/s1600/DSC00843.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO3Fp6vH4I/AAAAAAAASIo/4YwF-FGx2SI/s400/DSC00843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481926479219466114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The infamous pink beer...aka mixed berry cider<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO6fcBaLuI/AAAAAAAASI4/MUAXA_U6r3k/s1600/pink+beer.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBO6fcBaLuI/AAAAAAAASI4/MUAXA_U6r3k/s400/pink+beer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481930220700839650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />All in all, a good day, but my feet definitely hurt by the time we caught the train back to London!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-45930327142088949692010-06-10T18:09:00.001-05:002010-06-10T18:21:48.238-05:00First Night in LondonWe went to dinner and then walked around the city, which is beautiful (and cold!) at night. Here are a few of the pictures I took.<br /><br />London Eye to the left with the clock tower (Big Ben) and Parliament in the distance<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFxR3-WGKI/AAAAAAAASGg/jOSslQpK7Jo/s1600/DSC00614.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFxR3-WGKI/AAAAAAAASGg/jOSslQpK7Jo/s400/DSC00614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481286773383764130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The London Eye<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1wchJMI/AAAAAAAASHA/qLjjUpt01VI/s1600/DSC00615.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1wchJMI/AAAAAAAASHA/qLjjUpt01VI/s400/DSC00615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287389838124226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Parliament<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1pQgaCI/AAAAAAAASG4/pAKVZmXTFqw/s1600/DSC00673.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1pQgaCI/AAAAAAAASG4/pAKVZmXTFqw/s400/DSC00673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287387908696098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The clock tower/Big Ben<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1XE6hqI/AAAAAAAASGw/OyGCaeur2xI/s1600/DSC00672.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx1XE6hqI/AAAAAAAASGw/OyGCaeur2xI/s400/DSC00672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287383028237986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This one's for my daddy...for some reason he likes pictures that include me in them. Parliament and the clock tower are in the background. It was 57 degrees and I was cold.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx061ndNI/AAAAAAAASGo/dU5k2GMeHp0/s1600/DSC00632.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TBFx061ndNI/AAAAAAAASGo/dU5k2GMeHp0/s400/DSC00632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287375447880914" border="0" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-88503331319999728712010-06-10T12:25:00.000-05:002010-06-10T18:20:52.734-05:00Welcome to LondonWe've made it to London! Kristi's friend Yann is being kind enough to let us stay in his home, which is in the heart of London's Waterloo area. We are within walking distance of attractions such as the London Eye and the <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/">Tate Modern</a> museum. In fact, we went to the Tate Modern this afternoon and saw paintings by Dali, Picasso, Monet, Miro, Pollock, and other modern artists.<br /><br />We also had lunch at <a href="http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk/">Leon</a>, where I had sweet potato and cauliflower curry and hummus. Yum!<br /><br />The weather is currently chilly and wet, but a nice change from the oppressive heat and humidity of Louisiana. Tomorrow it's supposed to be raining all day, so Yann is taking us to the coastal city of Brighton. My friend Marissa went to school in Brighton for a year, so I am excited to check out her old stomping grounds.<br /><br />I was able to sleep some on the plane rides, but of course am struggling with the time change. I know I'll sleep well tonight and adjust quickly.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-33967967714469050952010-06-08T23:01:00.000-05:002010-06-08T23:53:59.157-05:00Getting ready<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Getting ready to leave the country for three weeks involves a lot of planning. Bags must be carefully packed and weighed, and the contents must be conscientiously considered. Supply checks are frenzied and frequent. And the cats...I cannot forget the cats. Their care must be planned for in my absence. But most importantly might be the last meal.<br /><br />Mary and I racked our brains trying to decide what we were going to eat for dinner last night. What would be a suitable "last meal" before we fly across the Atlantic? In the end, we decided to stick with our roots: Cajun! We visited Kristian at Parrain's and enjoyed a really tasty meal.<br /><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Andouille Encrusted Fish - Fresh fish with a crawfish, mushroom, and andouille cream sauce with garlic mashed potatoes </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA8YIA-JeDI/AAAAAAAASFc/6Kx6cuFpqqg/s1600/parrains2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA8YIA-JeDI/AAAAAAAASFc/6Kx6cuFpqqg/s400/parrains2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480625797511870514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Half and Half - Fried crawfish tails and catfish fillets with fries, hush puppies, and dirty rice<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA8YH78MiKI/AAAAAAAASFU/NObD6TXfeew/s1600/parrains.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA8YH78MiKI/AAAAAAAASFU/NObD6TXfeew/s400/parrains.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480625796161505442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">All yumminess aside...tomorrow's the big day! In the morning we're driving to New Orleans, flying to New York, then to London via Iceland!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040524193725948039.post-27101226218421930572010-06-07T22:17:00.000-05:002010-06-08T23:51:28.409-05:00Partners in Crime<span style="font-size:100%;">Fear not, I will not be galavanting across Europe on my own. Allow me to introduce you to my lovely travel companions.<br /><br />Mary, my friend/cousin (frousin?)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BEzhYBiI/AAAAAAAASEo/nzTqi6GgH-8/s1600/mary.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BEzhYBiI/AAAAAAAASEo/nzTqi6GgH-8/s400/mary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480248609873593890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kristi, a friend</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BEpLB-dI/AAAAAAAASEg/aU2hDyve_AQ/s1600/kristi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 344px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BEpLB-dI/AAAAAAAASEg/aU2hDyve_AQ/s400/kristi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480248607095519698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The three of us - Mary, Kristi, and me at Spanish Town Ball 2010</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BFUELF0I/AAAAAAAASEw/p32qXD8oKGA/s1600/DSC09328.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tK6eyDpCmEc/TA3BFUELF0I/AAAAAAAASEw/p32qXD8oKGA/s400/DSC09328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480248618609481538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">In the picture above, another person is present in the top left corner: Heather. Heather recently passed away and we love and miss her dearly. She will be with us on our journey as well, though she won't require a passport.</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10002338028597247390noreply@blogger.com0