tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91501774329368833222024-02-10T18:46:00.377-08:00Nora and Peter Do Europe 2007Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-76000989784509946692008-04-14T12:43:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:45.576-08:00VivicittàOn April 6th we ran the 12k race, Vivicittà. The course started in Piazza Transalpina, a place which commemorates the last place where the "Iron Curtain" fell. The race was half in Italy and half in Slovenia, and it was Nora's second race ever and Peter's first race in over two years. We made many papers before and after the race since we came all the way from California to run!! Not exactly true, but details get lost in translation. We were called up during the ceremony and received a medal for our journey! Great day all around.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWxwQfVI93-QJeNtg4qBMAOf5_lrBBgD9B9e1w8vmQJjkvCpjNWue6-omC0FBqJnp8-SY-bKApbqnlDREYoFtE3i2v2j6_QOyxdlHAHHInLJs2pJIz8wAiuzrKusqbDtun9G1ZSlTCu0/s1600-h/IMG_5999%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189190492355550978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWxwQfVI93-QJeNtg4qBMAOf5_lrBBgD9B9e1w8vmQJjkvCpjNWue6-omC0FBqJnp8-SY-bKApbqnlDREYoFtE3i2v2j6_QOyxdlHAHHInLJs2pJIz8wAiuzrKusqbDtun9G1ZSlTCu0/s320/IMG_5999%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl8vgltfgUfk05paP-mICP3-Ee6wB_issUxB3Fi4gYzENYBUBW655mnUZ4H2h59XnVM8hDIoHZZ3V30ebMxgCMNhdEBZM5rnrFWVh-dzl_1DvqUXRwSnPUxlxps10oMuAVe8cKzBxeU/s1600-h/IMG_5993%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189190007024246514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl8vgltfgUfk05paP-mICP3-Ee6wB_issUxB3Fi4gYzENYBUBW655mnUZ4H2h59XnVM8hDIoHZZ3V30ebMxgCMNhdEBZM5rnrFWVh-dzl_1DvqUXRwSnPUxlxps10oMuAVe8cKzBxeU/s320/IMG_5993%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-81943050222043234432008-03-11T03:06:00.000-07:002008-03-11T03:14:46.450-07:00Austro-Hungarian PrisonHere in Ljubljana we are spending our nights in a hostel which was once a prison. The building has been re-done by local artists and the entire complex is now a community space as well as a living piece of art. 20 of the rooms here are still cells, bars and everything. They have been designed by artists and some are still cell like while others verge into creepy. It is quite a sight. Check out their website to see all the cells.<br />over and out<br />n and p<br />www.souhostel.com/en/index.htmlPeter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-53547739001047898952008-03-06T14:51:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:46.503-08:00Valley of the Kings<div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174767383368256530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFofzMMhvPmS2V5n2whD2pgfIjXuKWDVCmIhpgE6xyvu3CZnPNX3lx-QqsdJ9BIZUl8aCABKvCNzvM-8gMvMDYc-wqzdPfAsa8K8slFMWWSWFlVdafkGEHFNjtKt4Tpoyv1DY0NJWg3A/s320/vk1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="left">While in Luxor it is hard not to journey to one of Egypt's most visited sites: the valley of the kings. The boys, Peter, Terje, Doug, Matt and myself. Took a ferry across the Nile to the West Bank and rented bikes for the day. The roads are paved but quite small, the many tour buses proved to be a tad death defying. The ride to the Valley is all up hill, Peter earned his red and white king of the mountain jersey in a last minute sprint against me and reached the parking lot first.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174767379073289218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_4H5NIS3tjba-DGR6xrB_bX-xrF-lkG8XSCq_IRJnsL7m2Pjm57acJn47MN6Vfy2Zbj-_aqr4fi9ImJ9U-IOHJPYhG6Wt2untSzXuOopbpBGuR_tndvLGoE8Mw7kR-fyqTRN6h5WiH4/s320/b.jpg" border="0" /> When you get your ticket to the valley you are able to visit three of the tombs there. If you want to see Tut then you have to pay extra, needless to say we did not. We ventured down into Ramses IV, one tombs with the best preserved paintings and carvings. It is also called the Harper's tomb in reference to a scene painted on the wall. We then climbed up into the cliffs to find the tomb of Thuthmosis III. Once up on the cliff we headed down into the stairs and into the rock.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174767391958191154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X7SqtkHANkGU4H-TuuptSJogaVlwv7CifZQGQ3RLzFoRNy9iIHedKxMoUDheBIJBvrynhZJESjvAf9FhxP5vEazeq7GVoK-mE0zWBSkVwh634l34gf7gUbwTWWx2TGmBoJ04ohQBEsc/s320/vk2.jpg" border="0" /><strong>Terje and Nora decending into Tuthomis III</strong> </div><div>We traveled to one room and then another lower one. The heat down here was overwhelming and it was hard to take in a full breath. The paintings on the wall however were the most unique we had scene. They were not carved like other hieroglyphics but drawn in a crude manner. I found this style more attractive then the perfection of other hieroglyphics I had seen. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174767387663223842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4_ojVa9nPTamxKH_2xS53GOvEOzUYbtvL2qaQ8odeXrtWf8qd282Fq2vU_1vgULldJawGqL1VIX2vNpFEA-MnMBgZqOjh112vjYtHaPRV8UehNPPXl0i15zLzcAjXw9BvruOIvtk_Cc/s320/vk3.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Hieroglyphics inside Ththmosis III</strong></p><p align="left">Our last pick was Ramses III. A shorter tomb then the other two but had some Coptic graffiti in it from the 1800's. It is strange how the defacement of this ancient tomb has become a historical marker in its self. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174767499332373570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYyV5LaH6cTVwMXN4v_ksoWKIZRb-hvlvEliYIo1_SJePzjw2xAJMyc-LRtakdEFX33Vg54qRW1V5-HOvF0l3LU_hiD1uEvoqsAH5XxFJsNYXK7UQs8AGnFBYEDZx_AJT9LcaIkfrzdM/s320/vk6.jpg" border="0" /></p>We spent over 4 hours exploring the tombs and were happy that the way home was down hill!Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-35819787633039944372008-02-13T13:07:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:47.252-08:00Trekking<span style="font-family:georgia;">Trekking outside of Al <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Qusar</span>, in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dakhla</span> Oasis. Nora, Peter and Doug.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174740930664680338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhWhyu6zDYKMsYM9ZP1z94KGlgB4YJmWgp4NVO0KDGkHo6mEhRd2CgLfG9OnWoOk4pJhlPQwWbPZHYIXksjFZIJhd0mD4kbRdl8rHKF0EoeDBg9DVHXAhdCB5hbyA-qGHUPPu_NYAb1E/s320/des+5.jpg" border="0" /> We stopped in a garden and picked some fresh dates off the palms to sustain our journey. </span><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174740926369713026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgcZWBMrn1Ur8LqlkK3-ZYi1GSpFvCkQVZ0xT13FyygIposSyoSYpxSeCRH2mm1M310tROJWwCy_9dmiwvZYsP6jNbHaH4x1nV2_meM9gdQNJxkBI1jOPxHO2mX8zqW_omJuOmlIDWCM/s320/des+4.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></p><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">The edge of the Oasis garden. Full of Date Palms. They are best when they fall off into your hand. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The sun was melting and our progress constant. Our only company was a farmer tending to his clover fields at the edge of the garden, a lizard who scurried up the dunes and a lone dog marching towards his mysterious destination.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174740917779778418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cegkied2hPL0Xdtff3tc8J-lCN6LRIExWiXKceclIV1s7GHF-nUXPMui8FlEe1cJnCWri3GZunZv1MmK_3tKbTSjgzNuaR6wJ189I9qKh2XmJ6uvD4FLM-lG4UPQehaFSKjwn487DRM/s320/des+1.jpg" border="0" /> Peter and Doug. </span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;">The views were breathtaking and we all slept well that night. Our dinner was much earned.</span>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-91465817799389371772008-02-12T11:01:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:48.052-08:00Life on the Oasis<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLBP9MgbiLJYpaWh1Xi1vN0EqMJ58fVkvPeT6Y0vUlGsu-Z5wAEj477RSud1VPTJc6cuRUUqMVjIGPuL5FepouJIUdF0Ud-HnravX2VO7SCSPQW3zPrij8w3vHmjf5JwRQf8Gfr_NDbE/s1600-h/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+763.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174755048222182386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLBP9MgbiLJYpaWh1Xi1vN0EqMJ58fVkvPeT6Y0vUlGsu-Z5wAEj477RSud1VPTJc6cuRUUqMVjIGPuL5FepouJIUdF0Ud-HnravX2VO7SCSPQW3zPrij8w3vHmjf5JwRQf8Gfr_NDbE/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+763.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="left">After the hecticness of Luxor and Cairo we needed some calm. We headed out to the Western Desert with Doug and his i-pod. After a train, a bus, a police caravan, a bad hotel (with actual fleas in my bed), a mini bus and another police caravan, a town named Mut and a shared taxi we landed in Al Qasr. The town itself is a sleepy oasis village in the Daklah Oasis. The gardens all around are fed by a hot spring, and produce dates, oranges, lemons, bananas and other beautiful things. Most of the farmers travel to and fro in carts pulled by donkeys and the local people still seem surpried to see outsiders. Life is calm and traditional. The old town is something out of this world. While standing on the roof of our hotel and looking over the old town Doug commented that it looked like some place out of Star Wars. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174755005272509394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDvjBOtZ3AARIixngFBXGd62oZKOOJ_JVggHSxhT2q4sMs1Rhvga9fG6sFywZ3HF4d5J4JJnLH56j7Miq-71NlK_PdeFUkFPkBtl01Kq1Ls_mjcNFOmZJqD0_pmfeoXS4-g63xLWOucA/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+778.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174749855606721442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYCmO-bMFXlJgqmrV4Otfa3WeKCvj7So9F7qNYx6Nsvp_NWxnP9t1ef5ltBsmZkZPFi1ON3Fx8JI3eFT_gAmxt3czcw28NOYdS_j-OUMfROVVPkIcchDdkraXyY5AJsUnwddUPnK6Qas/s320/quar.jpg" border="0" /> It is a desert village built completely out of mud bricks. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174755031042313186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF5lRAgNBHDcCsVNFUvrYN-WVJtJdTyUmaskVJhwPu-AiM4wiEl2End-ZBhWqH9tgxFSK2WUl5CdaN0AW_ir3_aIB1tIrGQUaI4eBwEAh8yU6rs8ZSas_G_IiHkqchiugVrXIVseS2M8/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+756.jpg" border="0" />There are a few people who still reside in the old section so the Egyptian goverment can't yet make it into a living museam and you are still able to wander though it all with out a fee. We wandered the steets and were surpriesed by the coolness inside the covered walkways. It keeps the heat out in the summer. The mud bricks that hold it all intact seem are crumbling before your eyes. Peter had to pee and almost took out a supporting wall of one house. But the town is constatly rebuilding and you can see where the new mud bricks are being made and dryed to repalce thouse that wayard tourists piss on. Many of the old houses have intricatly carved acacia wood lintels abouve the door. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174754996682574786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G0AXGcg9Bm38stkr_1RVxbtXgRIFbkKsxTU0GL2Mb4wEZlnT5ftt5ko6A0lxr5QyjHdFpPs-Pf_c6SsX18YrmMCoV4l5JRaT_bkDSd-iO2YxGyugdUtDSfHe8vQkPRDWdCokHnNcONY/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+759.jpg" border="0" />The lintels state the name of the inhabitants, the name of the builder and a verse from the Koran. The oldest we saw datetd back to 924 AD. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174754983797672882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYW3XaEK94Uj2sJUxyZgwCvIbt8kCvdtN0zbvDpaVbZ0-VHmc7BzI_sZLLV_GIUU5yb6q6GUJprusYz4Ja9i04Q-0F8WjwzoI-KcYBV9nXwIr5V8dsKrfR2NEwa_4AaGT5PTiGk86b5o/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Egypt+2008+784.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center">The historic minaret next to the modern day</p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-75081061541187822712008-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:48.706-08:00There is water falling from the sky<div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">While in Cairo we decide to take the train down to Aswan and then hire a felucca and sail up the Nile for a few days. This trip is better with some friends so we head down with Terje our Norwegian couchsurfing host who decided to skip the first month of school to come see the world with us. (We must be the best house guests ever!!!) We recruit two super cool American lads, Matt from Texas and Doug from Tennessee along with Luke an Australian living in England.<br /><br />We gather on the first day of the trip, (There is also a whole story about how we got screwed over here and threw a fit, but I wont go into that) at the docks, board our little boat and meet our two man crew; Captain Cool and his first mate Fatty. </span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174407735691791154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYN7C8Lg13auzEvEd6Hz5-qwWVhYmhWwrMLQLkoyDe_5rrK4EfZY0lGz7KT_eQeO3-Hz-Q9Gr3_hvS1PNnXP5vljLxskQrnwOLwsi9KnRZifbCrAVhtUm6rbpc0Rm_Y6opQxfIbv7ITo/s320/fatty.jpg" border="0" /> </span><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Fatty<br /></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We sail up the river. All is calm and well although it is a bit cold, we snuggle down on the mattress lined deck and blankets which will in a few hours become our bed under the stars. It is in the back of all our minds that the stars might not be too great tonight since it seems a bit cloudy. We enjoy the company of the other felluca guests, our books and our journals. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174409445088774978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGcJgOKH3N-WfiQ39d7sQ4Y_bO84IDJomMGvBRrLWPkerhX6L-H6IBydMpFhrdcXB5cbfmKE6KXHV-JncjsNv5F45d4Oa_m09t3vf2zx1f9WGnlbFxRpLF9AtT0FYlvJ_s35c_baOwbo/s320/reading.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Terje lost in his book, Matt looking on and Robin contemplating his newest book characters</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The boat docks, a fire on the beach is enjoyed by all and sleep time rolls around. Fatty, who does most of the work on the boat, cleans up dinner. To do so he washes our dishes in the river water. We all chose not to think about the problems this may cause our intestines in the future. To protect us and the sleeping deck from the wind and the cold he puts up a windscreen and a roof, both made of bedsheets. The bed sheet that was our roof had two small strange mice like cartoon characters and the saying "Hello Brother's. We wish you both much happiness together" Some thought provoking words and images to fall asleep to, since the starts were not visible though the thick clouds. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174409449383742290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjT5WD2WSLDCog-HJ2QCeypMkJs_pj6WhyLMmq-yEzRdHQimbeVlghFTFDfTnGEF0WYiWFqT0jAvHtvQajie9gPSqvylj4MeiT8bsXL7-I8BD9XYKL3B911R76At5wX_c_D6eyeFVcrk/s320/felc.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Our boat </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The first drops of rain were felt around 2:30 am. Even in our half awake states we knew that the Hello Brother's would not keep us dry. We tried to wake up Captain Cool in his small room below deck. He would not have it, "It has not rained here in 10 years" Was his only response, if some how by stating that fact would stop the water from falling from the sky. It did not and the rain came harder. Matt, in an attempt to save his down sleeping bag, was the first to make a move and join our valiant captain below decks. Peter, myself, Treje, Luke, and Marco (from Italy) soon followed carrying all the blankets we could save. The room would sleep two people in semi comfort, 7 was pushing it. There were still 7 people on deck who could not fit and they took shelter in a nearby boat which thankfully had a tin roof. It rained all morning. The remaining blankets, the mattresses and pillows covering the deck and most of our bags under became soaked. Since they had not seen rain for 10 years Captain Cool and Fatty were not prepared for it. Captain Cool stayed below and was soon snoring, not a drop hit is face. It was Fatty who tried to save everything and make sure that all had shelter. When the rain stopped we sailed up river a bit and docked for some drying off.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174409453678709602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_P4oODzy8IDtQY0EEMPO4aCNT-CYRcW4yuwXyRr_9ABvMeipqz2ASkyEEP06GsjEqv2vLqur-d7aRSUsy9kxUluG4pFWSmSTzK59spcr26dr7HMCH-QA8vrSoc1VQK3QsPCYBTw78AQ/s320/tree.jpg" border="0" /> All the blankets and mattress were hung in trees along the river and the wind and sun made quick work of it. We calculated the odds of being out in that rain storm were 1 in 3652. Lucky us! The remainder of the trip was calm sailing, and consisted of intellectual conversations, history lessons from Robin, rum drinking and dreaming.</span> </span></p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-80373365927559906232008-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:48.974-08:00Giza<div align="left">"The pyramids are overrated, trash filled and overrun by modernity"</div><div align="left">- Peter Maksimow, January 4, 2008 </div><div align="left"><br />The Pyramids of Giza are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. You hear about them from a young age, read books and see PBS documentaries about them. Some of us even get to teach about them, the pyramids being one subject that students actually get excited about. Some how in real life, they are just not that great...I hate to say it.<br /><br />So from down town Talaat Harb Square, the center of Cairo, you take bus 357 to Giza. Tickets run you 2 LE, or 36 cents. The trip takes about 20 min. </div><div align="left"><br />So easy! So close! This should have made us worried not excited.<br />Our vision of the pyramids is that they are dropped down in the vastness of the desert, when in reality due to the need for more housing the city has been silently creeping up. And now BAM! you can get a great view of wonder #7 from the Pizza Hut window. </div><div align="left"><br />Yes, they were large. When you walked into the complex and stood with the city to your back, it did seem as though you were lost in the desert. But this vision was soon cut short by some kid, who should be in school in my opinion but that is another story, tries to force you to buy a crappy pyramid statue. Or the antiquity guard who freely tells you he is open to letting you cross the velvet gates and touch the ancient stones, for a price. Or even worse your eyes are not focused on the greatness in front of you, but are distracted by the pyramids of trash forming all around you. Maybe that is how they got built!!!! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174403861631290146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaDiCdXsaFzpH4G_E45vjNxHAQaCAz1Ao1BQZV7wXO9LoOBax5a5K4RcyYXBzuJ1SqCr0QsAFvKxn0Nte9fEQ9PDCFZyHriCAFWmDdfRJ1mP3ijd7HvaSWO0Gl6OFUu-Xp4iF3km1xOQ/s320/IMGP4323.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">The spinx keeping an eye on Cairo</span><br /></p><p align="left">But I digress. Even though they disappointed us on some level, I guess we went to see them simply because they are still there. We went, we saw...took some pictures, said hi to the Spinx and took bus 357 back to the city.</p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-75457464368306616932007-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:002008-03-06T14:21:50.925-08:00FTMThe acronym "FTM" came from a journal that we found in at the No Name Hostel in Tallinn, Estonia. A British fellow (name kept anonymous, although there are probably 7 million James' in the world), who had studiously written three entries into his journal before losing it at the hostel, wrote an FTM for each day of entries. One of his FTMs talked of his encouter with large amounts of vodka and a late night and attempting to visit the loo at 5:30 a.m. through a door-sized mirror in the hostel. It seemed to be his advice to others (or to remind himself) NOT to try to walk through mirrors in the early morning hours after drinking too much vodka. So the acronyn could possibly mean For The Masses. Whatever it means, we have kept daily FTM's in memeory of the Brit attmepting to walk through walls and his own reflection, in the form of quotes, epiphanies or complete nonsense.<br /><br />So, for your own sake, keep updated on the FTM's!<br /><br />FTM #1: "Thank you for existing!"<br />-Filipe, saying to himself about the waitress at the French BarPeter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-6313418115922585192007-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:002008-03-06T14:22:31.554-08:00More FTMsCamel illegally parked on the street.<br />-self explanitory, Hurghada, Egypt, Nov. 23, 2007<br /><br />Never eat at a place with the word "foul" in the name.<br />-After eating at a place called Foul Falafel, Nov. 25, 2007<br /><br />"'gypt" = Egyptian for being cheated out of money<br />-Nov. 28, 2007<br /><br />Chew softly when you eat at falafel stand.<br />-Nora acquired more than the shits, a chipped tooth, after finding a pebble in her falafel, Dec. 9, 2007<br /><br />"I'll try anything once, with he exception of incest and Morris Dance."<br />-Paul the Brit, Dec. 12, 2007<br /><br />"Fly with the Eagles! for tomorrow we shit with the crows."<br />-Quote from a RUSH flyer, a cheesy club in Dahab, Egypt, Dec. 15, 2007<br /><br />"Food poisoning is good practice for child birth."<br />-Peter, on the pain of Nora's food poisioning, Dec. 16, 2007<br /><br />"Very bold Gato added yogurt and bee honey to the above kick.:<br />-Description of a drink from Gato Restaurant menu, Dahab, Dec. 18, 2007<br /><br />3 out of 5 male Egyptians are named Mohammad<br />-It's true!!!, Dec. 18, 2007<br /><br />Nora learned a lesson: Don't eat the Turkish coffee grounds.<br />-"but they are sooo good." -N, Dec. 21, 2007<br /><br />"Don't try to fart when you are getting over the shits! Seriously!"<br />-Peter, Dec. 24, 2007<br /><br />"I had an Egyptian man's fingers in my mouth."<br />-Terje, after being fed by Omar Master of Sheesha, Dec. 26, 2007<br /><br />"I gave birth to Omar's baby."<br />-Terje, the day after being fed by Omar Master of Sheesha, Dec. 27, 2007<br /><br />Nora: "I'm craving crappy food!"<br />Peter: Why? You'll just poop it out your butt!"<br />-Nora on craving crappy food and Peter persuating her it's pointless, Dec. 30, 2007<br /><br />Egyptians must be immune to headaches.<br />-On the loud noise in Cairo, Jan. 3, 2008Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-19360346594554491682007-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:49.440-08:00Beach House<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrhJqD44g2thy85BCVbSuDxLPzKDkZRHBOLJal99wWQfGGFFFQpvWrkhAL6MAA1XqUQ5mEe7rWIwKGHLYtDXJrCzzGSMulzxLwTmAzCi5UZuG4nK5jSz-ugJetGwGjp04gxQssDgpkh4/s1600-h/down+town.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174401409204964098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrhJqD44g2thy85BCVbSuDxLPzKDkZRHBOLJal99wWQfGGFFFQpvWrkhAL6MAA1XqUQ5mEe7rWIwKGHLYtDXJrCzzGSMulzxLwTmAzCi5UZuG4nK5jSz-ugJetGwGjp04gxQssDgpkh4/s320/down+town.jpg" border="0" /> </div><p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">Downtown Dahab, one of the many restaurants on the "strip"<br /></span><br /></p><p>While in Dahab, we decided to upgrade our housing. We moved out of the three dollar a day hut. The thin foam "mattress" on the concrete slab is really only quaint for a short while. We moved down the strip, our friend Brian called it the 'burbs since it was a good 10 min walk, everything else in Dahab is usually under 5 min. Sunsplash hotel was our new home.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174401396320062194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0GVinklAPSOuKev54VyE3VW8UYXexOkxvp430t8Sg6XGY0t8Z10Rp6yQhvowB-P5-pQ3e7oGuJJ9tcgrf3ErxXqRMAdNfvo0p8-OY9f4p_MAMNeAXsSRuFe9bMNp5nmfpO0Qq23osWc/s320/house.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-family:courier new;">Our beach cabin, the water is 15 meters to the left</span></p><div align="left">It has been updated over the years but two of the original funky cabins are still standing and facing the water. It was a bit pricier, 6 dollars a day...but we had a loft a real mattress, a small table and a mouse who liked to eat my chocolate covered cookies at 3 am.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174401413499931410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnHPkcle5aqb_JSm7hQQ4vgTPDo7gYQH7UL6esvKv8pALGqOawc18f3_7wkRI98Nm3paKqvMSRMZKxV6WGEKuOA5skUjGxsdSOuah0Mpcj_1HPxlUuCtUZukK7GwQR1aLqGmtlQ4Vz1Y/s320/IMGP2335.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:courier new;">View of sunsplah hotel from the roof deck, our cabin is to the right of this picture </span></div><br />We fell asleep every night to the wind and the waves and woke every morning to amazing sunrises. It was our first, and possibly, only beach house.Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-51943890106127614222007-12-24T03:18:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:50.402-08:00The Night (In Dahab) Before Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ci79q9Q4UTe4nYQny0wKFlpYiu60gCD7W6emxn9nKvk_ygmgdHLu_2caHkZVSsxo1VxH8n5pQe9FaTV5cTqNpCn-m5X8f3h3hJ_CoUqQtfVYje3i3dteypTXJkCOcCd8jAprp2gKSPA/s1600-h/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+491.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147520892867262242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ci79q9Q4UTe4nYQny0wKFlpYiu60gCD7W6emxn9nKvk_ygmgdHLu_2caHkZVSsxo1VxH8n5pQe9FaTV5cTqNpCn-m5X8f3h3hJ_CoUqQtfVYje3i3dteypTXJkCOcCd8jAprp2gKSPA/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+491.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />T'was the night before Christmas and all through Dahab,<br />Not a creature was stirring, not even the mouse Peter caught with his bare hands and set free a half kilometer down the beach and who then came back to eat a package of non-hydrogenated choco biscuits.<br /><br />The galabia were hung in ElAsalah Village with care,<br />In hopes that Mohammad soon would be there.<br />The little Bedouin girls who sold bracelets were nestled snug in their beds,<br />While visions of rich tourists and their money danced in their heads.<br /><br />And Nora in her sarong and I in my Mizuno,<br />had just settled down for long winter snuzo.<br />When out in the beach there arose such a clatter,<br />I sprang from the mattress on the floor to see what was the matter.<br /><br />Away from the cabin I flew like a Central Mass Strider,<br />Tore open the mosquito net and the door besid'er.<br />The moon on the edge of the Red Sea did behold,<br />The luster of mid-day to the plastic bottles scattered to and fro.<br /><br />When what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />but a pick-up truck taxi and eight mangy goats, my dear!<br />With a Bedouin driver, O in his fancy horned "Geep,"<br />I knew in a moment that this ride wouldn't be cheap.<br />More rapid than camels his promises came,<br />"Best Prices, Best Fabric!!"<br />No, dude, they're all the same!<br /><br />Now Ahmed, now Sala, Peter and Shahla,<br />On Brian and Josh, on Jason, on Sam and Carmella.<br />Salam Alaikum, Salam Alaikum, Salam Alaikum to the rest of the crew at Yalla.<br /><br />Now Riga, now Hamburg, now Buda and Pest.<br />On to Krakow, to Oslo, to Chamonix and the rest.<br />To the top of the Baltics, where the snow did fall,<br />We've seen it, we've done it, we've loved them all!<br /><br />As dry leaves in Europe did fall to the ground,<br />We met with Arnuad and Emile and their advice was so sound!<br />So, up to the atmosphere our backpacks they flew,<br />"To Egypt!" we said, "Warmth, and pyramids, too!"<br /><br />And then in a thud I heard on the plywood roof,<br />The clumsy clunking of camel toe hooves.<br />As I drew back my Kalashnikov and turned it around,<br />I was struck by the vision now staring me down!<br /><br />He was dressed all in Egyptian cotton, from his sandals to his Arafat,<br />And there was soot on his lips from where his sheesha pipe had sat.<br />A bundle of memories he soon flung in my face,<br />And he appeared like a magician when he made me look back on this sojourn and each place.<br /><br />My eyes how they twinkled! My memories so Merry!<br />Our new friends are like roses! The adventures sweet as guava!<br />More exotic than cherry.<br />Our trip, little in September, was drawn into more,<br />And exploring Egypt made it worthwhile, we are sure.<br />We had no set plans to hold tight while we wander,<br />But relied on new friends and their information of yonder.<br /><br />We came to Hurghada, shop owners all yellie.<br />We found the resort town yucky and smelly.<br />It was Sinai and Dahab our destination or bust,<br />The snorkeling, the desert, the mountain all a must.<br /><br />A glimpse of the beach, our small bungalow,<br />Gave us a calm from our head to our toe.<br />We spend many a night among our mates so wise,<br />Laughing and enjoying the world though their eyes.<br /><br />And laying to rest with the sea as our song we give<br />Thanks to the many who have dared to come along.<br />To everyone everywhere.<br />At home and far from sight,<br /><br />Merry Holidays!<br />Happy Solstice!<br />And to all a goodnight!<br /><br />Love,<br />Peter and Nora<br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147520871392425698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5mg-4bpl7LF06OC-1YHQbpW26cgKOlhI4vBXpDKshGhpkUgvSaESZQOCjs1e9PIz7MmxzhsK6ZUkpARE78l49aQPC6GuUT86Ttlf5dFTdVEFiOWrwGfdzrY8Q4AU0-GAt90bzIHrQzM/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+316.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> Baltic Sea in Latvia<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147520875687393010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1lbJIHGQcW8O9hDmZwfjilf_vdVwKofTKgyTBD8FgtKCGS50CpReSuVMH6lh0H-Q2EsYQMYqT2fyyzE59xQH6Th3tfdW0sgDZJzVlCVGSCDvDvDkyEjlDGjpdwMM55cd-UJbRGL4LK0/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+254.jpg" border="0" /> Tallinn, Estonia at night </p><br /><p></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147520884277327634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ppDSdUuelz-502u_gzQjE_pwLD8gHojdnwx-PjU_bCShQdXs0m6lSBfG2AKeMhN4ZHwqdkGMQysXKKixosRcB7wuQ3hYM2EmEwIm3jGl7XqjiAtQhbVEvLEQ_5p5iT7teeyz7MkZ8o/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+706.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Boat Ride in Hurghada </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147826432545732402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_bNWyYLWmyiQYdTmixecOXUlKLnteW_74cCpUWYrajL49sShlUIRAyBoNWHoNOwWml-vGQCYlMn5Gd82GZ5TWPWhAolTv3k-d0YQogYpHGwd5kdLNY1qcBBqRd7c9rVU_gQXuulE_Nw/s320/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+and+Africa+464.jpg" border="0" /></span> Egyptian Red Sea Reefs from the air </p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-7533268064021073442007-12-17T08:35:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:50.535-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!We hope you have a wonderful birthday!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144983099771270866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm0uzIWw7l_wYTQQeu4TFxmTiS6FCZQfcBHHZyqsmLGnu2tvADubpLqj6dieEgsiMdC5bMIRy4gNHRwNOGT02fcnyaIeW-JCe_YP3fpd0POC3s2fbaNxJrfBtusBim_oh6JYDRonhzWs/s320/Happy+Birth+day+Mom.jpg" border="0" />Here is your present from Egypt (it may take a while to get to you).<br /><br /><br />Love Peter and NoraPeter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-255256834278776892007-12-12T04:19:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:55:50.819-08:00THIS BLOGSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER STORY TELLING CONSTRUCTION!!!!!!<div>So, we are way behind, but it will come....<br /><br />After our time watching a prostitute bash a man over the head with a chair in Vilnius, Lithuania, hanging out at the French Bar (La Belle Epoch) with a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Spaniards </span>and one Brazilian in Riga, Latvia, working at a Hostel with No Name as chefs and cleaners in Tallinn, Estonia, getting great deals on thrift store clothes in Helsinki, Finland and getting sick of the cold weather we found an inexpensive ticket to Hurghada, Egypt. Saw the Suez Canal, and are currently working at a bar as bartenders and making Egyptian wages (don't even ask! enough to cover our $3 a day bungallow on the beach) in Dahab, Sinai. The weather is amazing and the snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea is considered the best in the world.<br /><br />More adventures and photos to come! </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143071621483038018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYa9Z5mbZQ2QatJAKAKYTkibZDbZnFHmrDrTQh_kDJgFYHVTXH7h_bJKqwFmuGMXgVouKqPBZD6Sj1OBvcnAUGBb5BPqtrwy7IBhR1fcO7HkXg9KHIEmABkSH3M5bJrTPzcbAkzq50co/s200/PeterandNora.JPG" border="0" /> Nora and Peter in El Salam Camp, Dahab, EgyptPeter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-14344883179439472512007-11-20T05:25:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:35:05.148-08:00Taken from "its not rocket science" Vol 1 Estonia"today we trudge through tourists and taxis with black plastic and boxes full of bottles. everyone is staring at the strange girl with the badly mended pants, until we pass over the train tracked class line, and no one is paying attention. we are following the well trod path to the bottle return place. green privacy fence, junkies teetering out front, and old ladies filling the grungy blue shopping baskets with someone else's good time. the junkies, toothless and grinning, remain in their circle rolling cigarettes and getting sideways glances from the other bottle collectors. one guy sits and stands, sits and stands, as we are all lining up, sorting our bounty, sizing up our piles, a little over two kroons for one woman ahead of us. stale beer hovers over the room in a fog of sweat and piss. the sounds of plastic crackling, cans crunching, and bottles clanking together. cutting waves though the stench. waiting."<br />-Mel '06Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-14943659853978790302007-10-31T11:51:00.000-07:002007-11-21T11:57:17.811-08:00Halloween PartyPumpkins. Witches. Frenchmen. Pie. Riga Hostel 2007<br /><br /><a href="http://central-hostel.com/Riga%20hostel/Halloween07/album/">http://central-hostel.com/Riga%20hostel/Halloween07/album/</a>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-60744383289180170802007-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:51.614-08:00nose ringsWhat to do on a rainy day in Riga, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Latvia</span>?! Get your nose <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pierced</span>!<br /><br />Get Ready....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135414075680141586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3YkaCX-b6LNPzXs_4_N3vaeGesPMvrsaSLvSsXZ6B7klKt-DOtjFBkFOR53C1tfjjYKXQfgweCDJbopNFAzkZ78SMTXE_b7WEHEhDNngpIs-f5hG_kweLg8cu-3K5EGdx6D7BEGyDpI/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1436.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Set...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135414084270076194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHcPkhMRdqQFiz4Qy9Y6geRLeJi7Qt9DW5Hr1VtE4a1XsX27lBQXTl_gZ3-8oM0nypbvxfARXV2F3Q5b2B6sYeE5FYv2B_ySxAV09pbUG-PqktZ7SgwxYxBGefbT6xZ_5_ynpntDuyPE/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1438.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>Pierce....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135414092860010802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNF0tZrSPxFMs-5B9rKGPe-MfW1AVuWL15d2W4yplmW1Xt2jAchv6kLYJ9wXIlOS9xBfaKtohio4GLzW_KSNjhbZF0A08HiwZYP_pQM6tZL6hboucOmfVWZMBgf6n72EPtmKVf8SXvzg/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1439.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>This is where I tear up...</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135414101449945410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAEOATnF9UtzsFr7_Up3YwUf8igzPlgArn4JgS9bdwlosJ89DsMtbOGslKK2BLATz4V3L7ZlTPMJSjMDZTBw3c7cgRyXbxwE-gn637gae2wYN9AJHARCV7aVGO4ggmKBqoRdDzFDJMls/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1440.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>All Done! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135414114334847314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfeXNR_OFqhyoc7YQzdD1KOfPNbItrWNf4CfGZljDIzWM87O5A26LHHXNprhhUp-uzwTmqAK0SsnNyUaB7T4ZIP7lDDoGX60XWtymE4VrAzmTzuI-ijy5Q0xPgSYbxmDBpbIJB9H-ZF8/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1442.jpg" border="0" /></p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-63131142860854816632007-10-13T13:13:00.000-07:002007-11-21T13:23:52.636-08:00MaksimovWhen we check into the Krakow hostel, we are greeted by Martain, the manager. He takes an immediate notice of Peter's last name. Peter's father was born in Breast which is now part of Belarus but has been controlled by Poland in the past. So their last name Maksimow, or Makismov as it was pronounced by all eastern europeans, got a lot of attention. Martain asked Peter if he knew of the author Vladmir Maksimov. Well Peter had in fact heard of that name, since it is his father's. The two began talking. Peter was excited to have a connection to his roots and Martain was excited that he had found someone so intrested in his love of history. Then next morning Peter got up before me and I went looking for him. I found Martain in the lobby. He asked if he could help me. I said I was looking for Peter. His responce "Oh, Peter Maksimov. Peter Maksimov is on the 4th floor having his breakfast" I felt like I was traveling with royality.Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-36117033659391385202007-10-12T13:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:52.314-08:00Waiting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUC7Iu399BpNbloTwGU7yVQ-YySvdSv1139tJOUHl3U-TDwP6UIeqgRW_Ehjhiln9KIFR7g71bXzTf0RjIkVzJHfQwJLEXT7TIa8lLjE33DhWG9kI2xpGlH9qqC2ejOfk8usjcvDMhfY/s1600-h/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135403385506541826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUC7Iu399BpNbloTwGU7yVQ-YySvdSv1139tJOUHl3U-TDwP6UIeqgRW_Ehjhiln9KIFR7g71bXzTf0RjIkVzJHfQwJLEXT7TIa8lLjE33DhWG9kI2xpGlH9qqC2ejOfk8usjcvDMhfY/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A day was spent walking around the old Jewish Ghetto. This is where the Jewish population of Krakow was forced to before and during WWII. The walls have been taken down, and it now has blended back into the city. You can see the outline of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Schindler's</span> factory behind the train bridge as you walk over the river. On our way back to the old town we stopped in the square that would have been the last spot of home many people saw before they were shipped off to a concentration camp. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135403381211574514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Lg1yJWV4S-1hhTbAN-ZBUIK1saY8F_y23db_sY3OMixkGbPmWr8NFL1wJRr1unyOrHFdW8Pkww_KT8kcfGv1cmqTBV036NhKBlsuL7P5w1EB0MkTyV72E2k3K2Ht6Iw9lFNW4gDE1U/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1222.jpg" border="0" />Here in the square there are now empty chairs that represent waiting. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135403364031705298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rhkHPKbToErnxuVSg6s6zh-PDwrnWtBM50HhcwHzVjkJNLdlHODHyTPlxJa2Lub9aM_Q4Hlktk66OvtbZnyPsCHQvGLpCm0kyL0qmWMMyjMG6FXqt-NWOn_WqsK7sA1Wx0SLWt8PVbk/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1220.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Buses</span> pass, rain falls, pizza express has opened across the street, children run down the sidewalk, and the chairs sit waiting. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135403372621639906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcoi2vs5H5B62ylgimA7_QdYA-cIScnIMUXdVyGC72xmdHur07RhzxmlJCcqzJE9O20XdrOmPlQLlhM19YaiRn4QF2x4-SENhnWX58qA394u7SHUHata_gU89tl6IbUH1qUUO1cDa7cI/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1221.jpg" border="0" /></div>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-86910176686556019002007-10-12T12:47:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:52.971-08:00Ben the Funny Australian<div>Said goodbye to b!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tch</span> hat Daniel and the Golden Hostel. Ben, Peter and I check into the Krakow Hostel right in the town square and 10 zloty less. The three of us spend the day</div><br /><p> bonding over some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pivo</span> in the streets of Krakow. </p><p> Ben watching out for the local police<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135400275950219426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDmQgN8zuHaEnd0XxKPL4lp3u-frtVOUcHv85a6NdtJ5450U3XsQHzMiVmWOivDX-lZHQ5LJqLM3YR1HXYC37q1_Ar2CJKDIJENH23_IbwcNn4iaj09tXpBoxbasr5AMufeoM3fPZO3M/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1215.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Hiding our <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">drinks</span> in Ben's jacket he got at the second hand store where you buy things according to weight. A Polish woman costs a lot. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135400288835121330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrrnP5peWPBxaCFfN7R58ZlcGNjMhd3TTqvLOsvtUEy7c0w_nxb5K9Submys4EjeSi0toehmhtpFugZea8ND3_SBZWiZNUibNQPWB9oD1TkrdEJwMTwk0n2NblBz_y4KbMjPIYVA401I/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1216.jpg" border="0" /></p>Peter is considering trading in the Volvo for this ride. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135400297425055938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32dXxZNCR-lZY_n26t_zx8oKOuldGpB-Hym0pyZEPhFFtoNKjjYg8e8PDCNag7qhL0GcO_-GkCh8-r-9Dqe8x4pq-Sr1ieymFQMOVdxYCHgf3T7N1eVB4ihp7KgRWF8sR0c8X372-HGw/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1217.jpg" border="0" />Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-62112943418469753432007-10-11T11:05:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:54.022-08:00B!tch Hat Daniel<div>A long 15 hour bus ride later we are in Poland. The houses and building we pass though in the early night are missing paint and care. The people look a bit hard, you can tell we have traveled east. This is a different beauty. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We check into the Golden Hostel and meet our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nigerian</span> roommate Daniel. He was laying in bed with all his clothing on under his covers. I think that the weather was not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">agreeing</span> with him. We invited Daniel out to explore with us as he had not left his bed since he had arrived. As he suited up in his winter gear we realized that he had a black <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">beanie</span> hat with the word BITCH written in bright red on the front. We secretly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wondered</span> if he knew what his hat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meant</span>. We did not have the heart to tell him...</div><div>Out to see the main square. Peter was also dressed up in his winter gear, his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tevas</span> with socks, large <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Norwegian</span> sweater over an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">argyle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">purchased</span> at a flea market in Amsterdam, and jeans <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">covered</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">patches</span> and pins. His outfit was so unique that he was stopped and interviewed and photographed by a fashion website. This site <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">crazylooks</span>.org will be up soon or so we are told. They had a hard time believing he was an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">American</span>. I am not sure what American are supposed to look like, but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">guess</span> we are not it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135374132484288610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCW8dXyiM7KRxwtJT6EfF67YxGMeEV4MBx7lZIV6Mnru_8CNqY-IwurJdJkKNZw1uWAn0SSUyQ964L2iy13YI1CN0XpS9QOOBdDIZAlh4sAtjogk9eNH0MzeHwhQjn3Oo7Hsan4HSKtY/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1202.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>Back to the hostel, we meet Ben our other roommate Ben from Australia.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135374175433961618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_kNhJDJho4mwbgNOaBuRlpUFlXd26CcET6BsZmwHRMhz5voeyG-T5cmQ4RnR8Xck4wpZ8W1T8Tk8l-g4yKv6Ms9nr2N7Inf4lDJwhhH9vjcz3X6tj6Wseu6E-fzKGe1xBGtS54VHKxs/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1213.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The four of us go out that night to a local brewpub, but not before Ben and Peter remind Daniel "Don't forget your bitch hat". We order the big glass...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135374149664157810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NlA9lPV6Jjn9tqW_E2SqwcRZVM8ZE98mWrgEMcirBs3h-BGSXBxcF2Cp4sYhLUKjaoVNbOgIZE2_sdNp7xuWUGuK7I2QSpD6Zm18Krzdw2-SdgGZS2Ur8mkeAizUb2ysjUcE9a5-I6I/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1206.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The beer is good, the company is funny. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135374162549059714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclpAXMnEuUKfrcEVfI9XDYFhhrHmIkrY5Bud0Kisy3grp4ZjuXZYZ3mI8vZ3-iwMUEHjEoc7jxwDv6agWsnv0pYq4J8y7kdCReurS9EXjZ8RDP1ZoJy7sOB9eCVNVH-KxfnXZO9GQ_kk/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1209.jpg" border="0" /></p>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-1358042007655694592007-10-10T10:59:00.000-07:002007-11-21T11:04:20.239-08:00Change of Plan2:32 walking to the Euroline office.<br /> -Nora "so Peter the tickets to Prague are 58 euro, right?"<br /> -Peter "yes the bus leaves tonight at 7:00"<br /><br />2:34 outside of the Euroline office.<br /> -Nora "look there is a sign that says we can go to Krakow for only 56 euro"<br /> -Peter "What a deal! We get more kilometers for our Euro!"<br /><br />2:36 inside the Euroline ticket office.<br /> -Peter "Two tickets to Krakow please!"<br /> <br />It is amazing how things can change in 4 min...Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-1559260550093250522007-10-09T10:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:54.564-08:00Beware of the Book Fair<div>Frankfurt is home to the largest book fair in the world. We were made aware of this when we woke up and the hostel breakfast was the most amazing spread we have seen in a long time. The Frankfurt Hostel was full up with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">book fair</span> people as we began to call them, we were told that there were a few more beds <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">available</span>, but the price was twice as much. This did not settle well with us, so we went off to find other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodation</span>. Well we actually went out to recycle and figure out a plan. We found another hostel where we could stay on a mattress on the floor in a converted <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">conference</span> room for 13.50 euro a night. Sign us up!<br /></div><div>The day was spent writing and napping next to the river. The plan for Prague is hatched over a traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bratwurst</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">frites</span> lunch at a farmers market. Over the German meat we decided to take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Eruolines</span> bus to Prague then next day since tickets were only 58 euro. Back to the hostel to get our things...or so we think. </div><div> </div><div>We end up talking and making fast friends with a Kiwi, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kiran</span>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135367973501186098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMHL5kA6BNvnRYsdFs5ghoQCCoRg8KoQ51msOTUPzu20eFJ73j5D7rEhEi50zNfmr-NcArqI6L7p9YjZAJWPcr0XBPvMEX9YWRNH5d-maMdpQvf00W887wFGgyp8RZeUkkHhs_LD5U-k/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1195.jpg" border="0" /> One thing leads to another and soon we are having a party in the lobby. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135367952026349602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOYa2Yd4YHOAX6UpH7IJ5AhSwUJl6gRifU3tzAKQLNd-kHQISMw1j7rx6HVHJXIy6RnbVsoSYja1WgfE8FrSBBa1StigzDqlcqA0AQ1eEvnq-d_54zM-T0EQiCqQVZqzdmBzGjnR2qs4/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1193.jpg" border="0" />We are joined by an San <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Fransisco</span> girl Tiffany who was celebrating her last night in Europe. We met many friendly folks that night. We had fun guessing which guests checking in were "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">book fair</span> people". There is a stark <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">difference</span> between the normal backpacker strapped down with all their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">worldly</span> belongings on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">their</span> over worked back, usually wearing some hardy shoes and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">some sort</span> of wool product. Verses the "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">book fair</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">person</span>" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">wheelie</span> bag, tweed, cap, glasses...you get the picture. I think that our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">rowdy</span> group managed to scare a few of the worms though. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135367994976022594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrS2kE4dy2GrRNCT-ypSOYbaVf3qynENONfFUrkaguCeHq1ZBsMuaRyXtv0IUL08j6pAVUByTnS-ZrmSBq_fRGKFgwVMS1sD116Aro-g1p2ygzjYFyJ4P1kj17S4zM9pI9WUqCHojoHg/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1198.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We left the Frankfurt Hostel went across the river to our beds on the floor, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">dreamt</span> of Prague. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135368016450859090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqOelv1yodywM3m2mvffs_62JeVsL0Xx0XMKj6h2NWkYUYOa0ab1vWnpbk5M7LL30PfzvWAcE23n4IffGMsIa6lWub6gkm6U0MLO5oEw5HKtpzXxamdS4TaS8KnNQzySgPBdpm8DFU0U/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1197.jpg" border="0" /></div>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-10513330530130460672007-10-08T09:51:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:55.659-08:00Am Main<div>Frankfurt an Main:</div><br /><div>We arrived in Frankfurt an Main, with the intention of quickly departing for Prague. We soon found that we could not afford a the train tickets. In fact we could not afford ANY train ticket ANYWHERE in Germany, ANYWHERE near Germany or ANYWHERE with a German sounding name. So we went to the one place that near the train station we could afford; The Frankfurt Hostel. Off to explore! </div><br /><div>Per usual we were embarking on a new city that we knew nothing about. We came upon the world headquarters of the Euro, <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135363798792974290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEJQu4nCgVmj-G78dyz3Lo0xUoXHXTCM_caBkFcpFe9apg4Cd5ZL5kLudMB1le7fzZF878ec4cScsETvrzu_X06-JmM9MFwTZtM_MMELFlVbit4bpgwXsAiLnz1kP1xoxEyIcYAT_JWQ/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1172.jpg" border="0" />We were a bit sad they were not handing out free Euro souvenirs outside. Walking from there we entered the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Römer</span> square, built in 1405. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135363833152712674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SEmvyWgiG7ZpGvc-vCzR5gdpUhchz7Fg2wfX3X3DMstYledpvEw9v5xwOuKvBAJRtCUl5pNsEC7dqXD-FJvIq4iA4EWcVZgdAs55YL9E8kFRrgJqDc0-2Zd74MGVjQ20jNUtgRGe9OE/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1176.jpg" border="0" />We began to be thankful that we could not afford the train, there was so much to see in Frankfurt. We crossed over the Main River along one of the many bridges. The sun was shining.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135363876102385650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_tEUIpofFv5mUk-6JGjM0HDZv9_9Z25LXwDnzGYPJn4dE_HdgOodRyYeDdbxz_amPatss4HdoPvjzOBmnxi3EJDHybtR_fYbqZeZ7O3h_UQFdgdD1ckg21uBKPAHSIpoUgjk5Ys0GF4/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1178.jpg" border="0" /> Into an old medieval section of town that has been converted into bars...we are in Germany remember. These amazing buildings have been preserved and are now serving good times to a whole new generation. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135363962001731602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWcAZG1JB21smEw2tH5GESoWN8nxL0gWUHfCkSNlsRILstu73gd11lkt4UaeqC9nKROKuLqooWLLDNmVr086yfaBA4zqf8eO1zalqeX5UsKvMBUm85VXAPbcJbBDLpvT3PH7biVH-75E/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1185.jpg" border="0" />They just made smoking illegal inside, this bar has a creative solution to how to make it's ashtray money back. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135363914757091330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgMO7bknp6odmRoan__JZzRix4q1ohi3HthkF1s4JcHkXN6XjMcZC17bt1OGKa0YZJnCDuBtw56DDbc-G7Xq19c-pkXq7Gkj_m4qMzLJ8QlH30XSzhzJqg-jo_bOTu6d8lRY-0sWv2so/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1182.jpg" border="0" />We enjoyed the day, the sun, the river, the tallest building in the European union, some good beer, recycling and getting the deposit back! (Germany reuses its beer bottles). We walked for hours. There is such a contrast in this city, you can walk down one street and see some ladies practicing the worlds oldest profession. Two streets down you will find some beggars and drunks, next to that is the Gucci store and a shopping street that looks like 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> ave. You can tell there is money and modern commerce happening a stones throw away from 500 year old buildings. </div>Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-87427967234369086512007-10-06T08:12:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:55:56.259-08:00The land of milch and honning<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christer</span> was kind enough to save us the 5k, $16 bus ride into town and took us in his mothers car. We were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">surprised</span> again by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tejere</span>, Alec and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Christer's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kindness</span> as they gave us a parting gift filled with memories of our time with them.<br /><br />We flew from Oslo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Torp</span> (120 k outside of Oslo) to Frankfurt Hahn (110 k east of Frankfurt). I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">believe</span> that it should be called <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Luxembourg</span> Hahn because that is how far east it is. Our flight arrived at midnight and we were without a bed to sleep in. Thank god for the free market system for there was a HUGE sign for the Advance Hotel. 45 euro a night for two, free <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Internet</span>, use of sauna, free airport pickup AND a toll free phone number. A toll free phone number is unheard of here in Europe. We call and 15 min later Andreas comes with the black Advance Hotel mini van. We are driven though the night to a small town called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Büchenbeuren</span>, 3.1 km from the airport. We went to sleep happy in this quiet town in our beds on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hauptstrasse</span> 35. The next morning we opened the shades and were treated to an amazing view of the German countryside. Green rolling hills, apple orchards and farmers working in their fields. This quickly helped us decide to stay in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Buchenbeuren</span> for a few more days. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135349131479658194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqRgZmTlK1isaQaPPiT2oivBIPfPAKdq5G0FyrwBDpZBiomZrw1V9xSIz1FlkLF5nmRG7Zel1vlKxbY1qdQE9M3ixWBTDMmu2j1yi5NLPdpDxzXuwVQW1G8h8c_7qiyYeVevXDVoCiCE/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1165.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Peter was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">particularly</span> excited when we found out that the only store in town was the supermarket this would give us a constant supply of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">German</span> brew, though not on Sundays since the country seems to shut down on the lord's day. This made our stay complete, we now have all we need, though the hotel workers could not understand why we wanted to stay and kept trying to get us to take the bus to Frankfurt. They were not aware of Peter's quest to taste some of the best beer that Germany has to offer. The small market did not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">disappoint</span> and not only did all the beer adhere to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Reinheitsgebot</span> law, or German Beer Purity law (originally enacted in 1516), which permits only four ingredients in the beverage: water, hops, barley, and yeast, it was also super cheap! Let the tasting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">commence</span>. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135349127184690882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTgHRbktQsM1bDwC1AU3m1iqjbwtyOLGmgZgHR-Bo3CBshLnDGLu7w0i4dMrpbnpTWsqpu8bCetgBIyOmnKvv7Z2UqHwnSVwY_9Ch7k4tVOvZIezcqghethScH7yiv1EBTqp0a3Ci-mA/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1164.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />We did not drink all day as the previous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">paragraph</span> may allude to. We walked through the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">countryside</span>, found some blackberries for desert. Watched a wedding procession, saw the farmers hard at work and enjoyed some good German cookies. Perfection.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135348989745737394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWrpBxRJsmBUytkep5Um_ljHo691vIHVPKda_mej2yMN8ppOtidXSDk7ysViE7HVLF6V7t7G8Hc25MsO0k67R8euw5PJYW7HhIOD0D4fXMXf48fuKm2T-1GzYZ5s4HTf12FgV5s4_txI/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1158.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />We spent most of the day <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">enjoying</span> the sun and the view seated on the edge of this field. We fell in love with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Buchenburen</span> and all it had to offer. You often don't need modern buildings, tourist attractions and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">souvenir</span> shops to be magical. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135348972565868194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHAKs03PzZxb50lgb-VWYYezCGAZaHeLDNAOqS9kcsxizAqnYplM48slETxeVHj6AbMe-S3ATf089XSj3SCbk1ZsMscrj0-p2EEZddw4rwiMy8_AJ2WYszAg39tdRmUSfSJJyXORfnts/s200/Nora+and+Peter+Do+Europe+1157.jpg" border="0" />Peter went for a run that night. When he came home he announced that he was inspired by this place. He felt like he could run forever, something that his body has not allowed him to do in sometime. We celebrated with a good meal, desert of blackberries with cream, and a sauna.Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150177432936883322.post-54631391400890207522007-10-05T08:12:00.000-07:002007-11-21T08:12:51.314-08:00Revenge of the BulegaSickness the next day...REVENGE OF THE BELUGA!!!!Peter and Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196278473420174384noreply@blogger.com0