tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36770197561744555762024-02-19T07:48:05.564-08:00Abaya AmericaMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-37963771418431927342013-04-12T04:16:00.002-07:002013-04-12T04:16:17.444-07:00<br />
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Spring break 2013 on the Med<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>GREECE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We have had a bit of a dry spell as far as exploring, but
now that Jayci’s spring break hit, it was time to pack our bags. Krishna lined us up on a MSC cruise that took
us on the East side of Italy (Adriatic sea).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of a last minute flight cancellation, we were
rerouted through Athens Greece. That was
fine because we now had a few hours to explore the ancient ruins.<br />
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On the ride into the city we saw the Olympic stadium. It was nice, but a little smaller than
expected<o:p></o:p><br />
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Next came the Athens Acropolis museum. It is a very nice facility that has numerous original
artifacts from the Pantheon and other buildings.<br />
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Unfortunately, the actual Acropolis site
closes at 2:30, therefore we were left to seeing it from the 3<sup>rd</sup>
floor of the museum. Hopefully next
time we will have more time to walk on the grounds.<br />
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After a short drive down the hill, we came to the Temple of
Zeus. To really make this meaningful, it
helped to pause and reflect on what this structure represented to the Greeks
and impact their pagan worship has had on
the world. The pillars were
impressive, but it wasn't until you filled in the gaps with the ancient reality
of this place, that it became special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9oAHLxOm1vsOxSLLQCQfnddXSh-h4V4gn60HpaqB93Te0SR3km38lz4d9utnqsH2A2FAEHWM562tSg3YadVFG4dG5C-dASScoS-V8hnZM-elVdh17P_5JuUrU2RND5mj87LWQ7tMPEA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9oAHLxOm1vsOxSLLQCQfnddXSh-h4V4gn60HpaqB93Te0SR3km38lz4d9utnqsH2A2FAEHWM562tSg3YadVFG4dG5C-dASScoS-V8hnZM-elVdh17P_5JuUrU2RND5mj87LWQ7tMPEA/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, as a result of our flight change, we then needed to
take a 4 hour bus ride to Olympia Greece.
The scenery was beautiful. It was
a great way to see more of Greece<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqNHM25heUfx58fvfKzCftvsX4Bgo-zgfk5pjuI9nmWuuApIUOo-iKmngULWcSyAyVfFZVRyiJi95CS9dK3vhYhMNbvAZuA5OzGDJocwfBNiPXhwi-bxJcZ9Glx3IdYscRpjuXCZmMJY/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqNHM25heUfx58fvfKzCftvsX4Bgo-zgfk5pjuI9nmWuuApIUOo-iKmngULWcSyAyVfFZVRyiJi95CS9dK3vhYhMNbvAZuA5OzGDJocwfBNiPXhwi-bxJcZ9Glx3IdYscRpjuXCZmMJY/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tKK6dRhs5OvxPhNZThfwcYZyUNUeyH0tff4_kiaMcmkFA2wDfb7DNi0-PpEj4dpY_PH3MJ0eSCW_eKS-6BpP7LTzYNYI6nCjBHQQNnsllD1xMDusPtzFUGLmZt-VuAKtHlm6UxvvOMk/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tKK6dRhs5OvxPhNZThfwcYZyUNUeyH0tff4_kiaMcmkFA2wDfb7DNi0-PpEj4dpY_PH3MJ0eSCW_eKS-6BpP7LTzYNYI6nCjBHQQNnsllD1xMDusPtzFUGLmZt-VuAKtHlm6UxvvOMk/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our bus station was in a small town called Pyrgos, about 25
miles away from Olympia. What struck me
as funny was that the whole town was closed, other than 3 pastry shops. They were brightly lit and filled with some
amazing goodies. It showed me the important
cultural importance pastries have in Greece.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYC-QvvK-M7i_OZ88AXp2NqwXUEwpBqESEY9iYqPomBWGwx_81JdcFhvNUregOyEJYDvsHZwvTptDPbe0HnIxAlIgfaU0U55lfEb_8MUD2MdQEt2g9FOFM2N7aeN4bOJYJS_6chQT3Z0/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYC-QvvK-M7i_OZ88AXp2NqwXUEwpBqESEY9iYqPomBWGwx_81JdcFhvNUregOyEJYDvsHZwvTptDPbe0HnIxAlIgfaU0U55lfEb_8MUD2MdQEt2g9FOFM2N7aeN4bOJYJS_6chQT3Z0/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a>We then took a taxi to our Best western “Europa” hotel. We were pleasantly surprised at the accommodations,
service and views. We woke up to a
spectacular vista of the valley still smothered in the costal fog. We were able to eat a great breakfast while
soaking up the views.<br />
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To work
off the meal, we decided to walk down a beautiful path to the ancient Olympic site<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVanIovkOxnMhmZgimaY2rzEEPdYNt_hyphenhyphenB7EHCpNFqF8YnEfL3SKxRlzurB-q5xFhtdCt1IxXgkqk_n1nm3uqDrHB2I1Bt5Kgni2GFzSZlK93Ld9ZzN5F22eYvywW_2wFYRBO1vBi7qCM/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVanIovkOxnMhmZgimaY2rzEEPdYNt_hyphenhyphenB7EHCpNFqF8YnEfL3SKxRlzurB-q5xFhtdCt1IxXgkqk_n1nm3uqDrHB2I1Bt5Kgni2GFzSZlK93Ld9ZzN5F22eYvywW_2wFYRBO1vBi7qCM/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84lJ5ijYH05Tjf8f9kjqAHLSQDa6anem5E7ItXdfuiuknbMcXtdN5dd30kEoOev_6tp2wxWOhLE27e4SJpXEYT4ki0IzdM7ihpCC8jHG_pZJAg7BW4tzMFMyy0qV5Mp82SIiLLMbQ5M4/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84lJ5ijYH05Tjf8f9kjqAHLSQDa6anem5E7ItXdfuiuknbMcXtdN5dd30kEoOev_6tp2wxWOhLE27e4SJpXEYT4ki0IzdM7ihpCC8jHG_pZJAg7BW4tzMFMyy0qV5Mp82SIiLLMbQ5M4/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a>Because we left early enough,
we had the site to ourselves for awhile.
It was really special to once again mentally visualize all that must
have happened here and realize the importance of the place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZJ5fgLQoff-nLIg21MD5YejmZ7Cmfzy1AI6qg8IjwS6F5L7NPnhNxLlehAbh2ndkxV9yEO4dxGigcZ6qsz_SGMYqs3NNGJtk5dmCXW4vr2T01HrrwgY3Rmue5lMZGs7wknzjcO0C5uA/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZJ5fgLQoff-nLIg21MD5YejmZ7Cmfzy1AI6qg8IjwS6F5L7NPnhNxLlehAbh2ndkxV9yEO4dxGigcZ6qsz_SGMYqs3NNGJtk5dmCXW4vr2T01HrrwgY3Rmue5lMZGs7wknzjcO0C5uA/s320/13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmRScCOER_QosAXD1pjFboYwCWVS7i-xK0TLZ71nUiGYZtLp5UZyXn3rY2luBpb7GzYb621obw4A2xFY6SdJO_KQYPNuL4RtMlXfiOEm27ZopEjvbcdn4SX9Pkw0GBakB8un0mxkwVaQ/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmRScCOER_QosAXD1pjFboYwCWVS7i-xK0TLZ71nUiGYZtLp5UZyXn3rY2luBpb7GzYb621obw4A2xFY6SdJO_KQYPNuL4RtMlXfiOEm27ZopEjvbcdn4SX9Pkw0GBakB8un0mxkwVaQ/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThahftP1l0e16HBu4XrsPGiWALQ6vVbNukZm3NDpfBT7_8BsBcyDz9EWf6CE_ymKMj1gS7X0JQwTMNlY2nIT3v1My6KdxzvaCVo868TRa2GWAOgKycsRpP4Oi6w_KZ1iAZwzxKZJzi7g/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThahftP1l0e16HBu4XrsPGiWALQ6vVbNukZm3NDpfBT7_8BsBcyDz9EWf6CE_ymKMj1gS7X0JQwTMNlY2nIT3v1My6KdxzvaCVo868TRa2GWAOgKycsRpP4Oi6w_KZ1iAZwzxKZJzi7g/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijiJGVeJGSEUguwZmCYvzeSPRYlfZuPOWh15UO8aIMw7aZtVfKqSAxFic2Myh-ojEN17N5sZ9PtTFgbYRT4m62QiZ5Kz5PUw0861clXXk0S5G8p9EmKKJMcMsU3Xhuqdlrs6Hrjyadz8/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijiJGVeJGSEUguwZmCYvzeSPRYlfZuPOWh15UO8aIMw7aZtVfKqSAxFic2Myh-ojEN17N5sZ9PtTFgbYRT4m62QiZ5Kz5PUw0861clXXk0S5G8p9EmKKJMcMsU3Xhuqdlrs6Hrjyadz8/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a> <o:p></o:p><br />
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There was also a museum at the site that had great original
artifacts<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXlaN3Zv2QsfRN_5NYMb5QWoOjb1dEATB3LM6OH6R5MR-WI7qvYp8ClEdD5kySR903wR5oHy0feLzCM0ImQw2ZQ_kwVcDM6SpH-tRfLDV671jn9-vF6xmRADPbQFnEIP7HXI7UMIOukM/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXlaN3Zv2QsfRN_5NYMb5QWoOjb1dEATB3LM6OH6R5MR-WI7qvYp8ClEdD5kySR903wR5oHy0feLzCM0ImQw2ZQ_kwVcDM6SpH-tRfLDV671jn9-vF6xmRADPbQFnEIP7HXI7UMIOukM/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Now the goal was to find a ride from Olympus to our Cruise
boat. We decided to ask on of the cruise
busses for a ride, lucky for us the guide said sure – so we were golden. Also, as an added bonus, it was a Spanish speaking
tour, so I got to habla Espanol with the group!
Finally, we arrived at the dock and boarded our boat <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Turkey<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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From Greece we set sail to Izmir Turkey. The town itself is basically nondescript, but
it is a gateway to a lot of impressive ruins.
Krishna had gone online and booked a tour to Ephesus (the home of the biblical
Ephesians). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkQKq6Q3n7Wq3oNYB9gBqP1KFssvsAetZ7eY6XIhwjd3qZIsrus5y85n2pbosSD54-RVW1WZWNFsfL9YnBp1Now1w8Cd7U7RSxTo25k8LLKzIt9DfOOmSkdRJFxNFZ0GjwfiQHdxDIRU/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkQKq6Q3n7Wq3oNYB9gBqP1KFssvsAetZ7eY6XIhwjd3qZIsrus5y85n2pbosSD54-RVW1WZWNFsfL9YnBp1Now1w8Cd7U7RSxTo25k8LLKzIt9DfOOmSkdRJFxNFZ0GjwfiQHdxDIRU/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We were blessed once again
with good luck because we were the only 3 customers so we were given a private
tour with an outstanding tour guide Nehide (Na-hee-da)<br />
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Ephesus was much more than we expected, both from an
excavation site as well as the historical/biblical significance. Rather than give you a pic by pic
description, I'll just dump a lot of photos and you can google the history. (Pic 23-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day we landed in Istanbul. I had been here previously, but really wanted
to come back to get a refresher course on the history of this great and unique
city. It is the only city in the world
where 2 continents join (Asia and Europe).
We met up with Nesime, who guided me last year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The main attractions in the ancient city are :<o:p></o:p></div>
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Haga Sophia<br />
BLue Mosque<br />
Hippodrome / Obelisk<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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BTW I have a lot more pics of Istanbul on an earlier blog page in
case you want to see.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Just in the nick of time, we were given a full day of
sailing on our way back north. We had
been going strong for 4 days in a row and really appreciated the chance to
recharge ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Croatia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We next landed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It’s a city with a rich history,
unfortunately most of it has centered around conquests. This city sits in a very strategic maritime
location, therefore many countries have coveted it. To protect itself, the citizens built four forts,
connected together with an almost impregnable wall. We spent most of the day walking atop this
wall and exploring the city center.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Venice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One of the memories I gained form this trip was the chance
to eat breakfast on the upper-deck and watch the City of Venice unfold in front
of me. It almost felt like I was in a
movie with a green screen behind me. Venice
has to be one of the world’s most unique creative cities. From the system of canals, the Gandolas, to
St. Mark’s Basilica, I know of no other place to rival it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Krishna said that our plan is to throw away the map and get
lost on purpose. It worked
perfectly. The endless charm of this
place kept me busy snapping pictures and relishing in the ambience. Pics 57-72<br />
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<b>BARI<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As all good things must come to an end, so must our cruise. We disembarked in Bari, Italy (this was where we were supposed to board too). It was a cold and blustery day, so we only spent a few hours exploring. It had some charm, but certainly nothing to the scale of Venice. Here a few of the highlights…</div>
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Bari lays claim to the resting place of the original St. Nicholas (St. Nick – Santa Claus)<br />
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We are back home now, safe and sound. It was a fabulous trip and we highly recommend
it to everyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-80207240952770600202012-12-11T09:49:00.001-08:002012-12-11T09:49:03.783-08:00<br />
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Sri Lanka</div>
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Sometimes fate decides to throw you a curve, a nd the best
choice is to just roll with it. Sri
Lanka Airlines informed us that we needed to fly out of Bangkok one day early
and for our trouble they would put us up for the night and feed us. Normally this would be a downer, but this
time not because it meant we would have a half day to explore.
We decided to spend our time close to the hotel in a town called
Negumbo. It had some interesting
temples, cathedrals, fish markets and other experiences we will remember
(watching prisoners unloading a bus and seeing the families visiting them,
seeing a baby being blessed in a Budda temple, etc)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-89251910869905519672012-12-11T09:44:00.002-08:002012-12-11T09:44:21.311-08:00<br />
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Oh my –Thai<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here in the land of sand, there are many seasoned
travelers. Each with their favorite
destinations and secrets to make the most of them. Thailand seems to always make the short list
and we decided it was high time to check it out. So, we tagged team with the Chandlers and
packed our bags for South East Asia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Waiting for us was our tour guide Nok, she was armed to the
teeth with agendas and sites to keep us busy for 2 full days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First day we visited several old temple sites and saw some amazing Buddha statues<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nok then loaded us into the van and we headed to Ayothaya floating market. This place literally had a little of EVERYTHING!<br />
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Nok’s next stop was the Royal summer palace<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here’s
a pic of our private tour bus – Just kidding</span><br />
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Our travel agenda meant that we left the next day to the
island of Phuket. Can you say “Fantasy
Island”. When we weren’t riding
elephants, feeding monkeys and riding a river in a raft, we had the horrendous
job of deciding which café to patronize after our daily massage.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After 4 wonderful days in Phuket, it was time to finish our
Bangkok experience with NOK. It was a
magical day! We went first to the Folding
umbrella Maeklong Train Market. The
Locals set up their shops on the tracks and when the train comes they quickly
gather them up and make way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a banquet for the senses. All varieties of smells, sights and colors
existed and I was snapping pics like crazy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nok then whisked us off to the village of Wat Bang
Kung. It has a chapel that is completely
enclosed within the roots of the Banyon tree.
Inside you will also see the Buddha.
There is also a courtyard that was primarily used for martial arts
training a century ago. </div>
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The original floating market was our next destination. This was a totally unexpected experience that had all of us fully entertained. There are over 300 canals in this area that serve not only to provide for local crops but also to conduct commerce.</div>
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Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we arrive
at the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. This is the political and spiritual
headquarters of the country. Here you
will find the coronation hall, the sitting of the most revered Buddha and Bling
to blow you mind.</div>
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There is no doubt that we will definitely come back to
Thailand. It has so much to offer and is
very affordable.<br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-49923353990775459862012-12-06T01:51:00.000-08:002012-12-11T06:36:22.195-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jumping around in Jordan</b></div>
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We had a four day weekend on our hands and figured that
we may as well check out Jordan with the Randalls. What a great decision it ended up being. There are lots of things to do in this
amazing country, but knowing that we just had 72 hours of actual touring time
we narrowed our itinerary to Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead sea, Macherus, and Bethany
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First off was Wadi Rum.
We hopped off the plane, jumped into a rental van and drove 3 hours to
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Because we arrived at night, we were blown
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Salem took us on a jeep tour and we saw every
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We visited Lawarence of Arabia’s house (a bit
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Wadi Rum really is a unique spot on earth an definitely worth
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Next up was Petra. Words cannot describe the surroundings and spirit of this place. There is so much to see and contemplate as we gazed upon all the handiwork chiseled out of pure rock. </div>
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The walk into the main area is an experience by itself. It is a narrow crevice just wide enough for horse and carriage to pass, yet it is best walked. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p>There are hidden treasures around each corner like dwellings, paintings and camel carvings.</div>
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Then just when you think it’s time for a break you are treated to the
famous facade of the Roman Treasury. </div>
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We were told by the locals to first walk all the way to the
Monastery . This meant we could only
glance at the main attractions on the way up.
The Monastery is indescribable- the mass and girth of the structure
coupled with its location. It sits on
top of the mountain which requires climbing 900 steps taking around
60mins. </div>
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If you travel with Krishna add
another hour as she talks with every single vendor along the trail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDicdINiI4_FWtO46z_WcADDtmc1y20YMTcrzJzZ92cb2yDZRiEWo0Qe3PE2z1tyksf6wGcRNj8o8f0D4Xk2eCXAUOFWFRScxXykjG0nCz8XkQd5O1j55Z8morqaFxkBz9lBvQYEThBs/s1600/553667_514778348535420_1655419879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDicdINiI4_FWtO46z_WcADDtmc1y20YMTcrzJzZ92cb2yDZRiEWo0Qe3PE2z1tyksf6wGcRNj8o8f0D4Xk2eCXAUOFWFRScxXykjG0nCz8XkQd5O1j55Z8morqaFxkBz9lBvQYEThBs/s320/553667_514778348535420_1655419879_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>After descending down the mountain, we could take more time
admiring the surroundings. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQpZSAVGlTWm98ghvzQH2LhOL_DCtQATSqwh2zb3xMhbEOBYtNqledTlqy_vvWt6-uWWzujpuesxgsv39aDzB_umQvv55QYYz-FQa9Oe1pHqZBsFbZGcEBKIMEcgxBhfBzjMltOybh8c/s1600/378438_514778238535431_100152554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQpZSAVGlTWm98ghvzQH2LhOL_DCtQATSqwh2zb3xMhbEOBYtNqledTlqy_vvWt6-uWWzujpuesxgsv39aDzB_umQvv55QYYz-FQa9Oe1pHqZBsFbZGcEBKIMEcgxBhfBzjMltOybh8c/s320/378438_514778238535431_100152554_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLIm7rdFZOjiMakA_a2LoDEeF5AmipBkAKIocGGPu9lrKX1jyY-Mu5NUxNU3WN27CEkFDenr7NxjxhUIcfK1rV-q-XcFVtHHWmCjjustR5XvLmgFuym7D9AERybegpQnYucvsY5LyKf8/s1600/259902_514778845202037_1415388820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLIm7rdFZOjiMakA_a2LoDEeF5AmipBkAKIocGGPu9lrKX1jyY-Mu5NUxNU3WN27CEkFDenr7NxjxhUIcfK1rV-q-XcFVtHHWmCjjustR5XvLmgFuym7D9AERybegpQnYucvsY5LyKf8/s320/259902_514778845202037_1415388820_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPZGdpuaO9JdfR7k3PUUUF9ZNQ8RDU09FeKI4G4L4fdo0mOM50aV_qf6mw04-sismTnUl34JJAkavcnnC3fpAcbrAJ0CQMMkaY62iCUl3rnqcNc4MYW-piNXco-uqxISGT4cyH0G6UJc/s1600/castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPZGdpuaO9JdfR7k3PUUUF9ZNQ8RDU09FeKI4G4L4fdo0mOM50aV_qf6mw04-sismTnUl34JJAkavcnnC3fpAcbrAJ0CQMMkaY62iCUl3rnqcNc4MYW-piNXco-uqxISGT4cyH0G6UJc/s320/castle.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We now pointed the van towards the Dead Sea and took
the Kings highway to get there. We were
treated to spectacular vistas, steep mountain slopes and extemporaneous
plantations. </div>
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We visited a castle
along the way that was once built by the Christians but later conquered by the
Muslims.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nq3m4hECHhrVMjkC5OJgHrnYCqKI2GvtklXE4k6UWKo2z764CqUQpf1eERJ4bZVmnUOPfFL7Q6qfu2UyWYXTxJUChLJ4K0Ids9bUbRGP7TxpuVdymcRNJ4eWg1vb5QjmRsoX8HFeWAQ/s1600/20390_514779118535343_714802031_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nq3m4hECHhrVMjkC5OJgHrnYCqKI2GvtklXE4k6UWKo2z764CqUQpf1eERJ4bZVmnUOPfFL7Q6qfu2UyWYXTxJUChLJ4K0Ids9bUbRGP7TxpuVdymcRNJ4eWg1vb5QjmRsoX8HFeWAQ/s320/20390_514779118535343_714802031_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 270pt; margin-left: -6.75pt; margin-top: 13.4pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 300pt; z-index: 251679744;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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Before arriving at the Dead sea, we plugged in coordinates for
Macherus. This is the place where John
the Baptist was beheaded. Fortunately,
we unknowingly found a back road into the structure and were able to walk up to
the site.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE-uw0DjaCAn5owr7uS-R2RnXwvQuO3brjioXC0LQM4JMQN3YVvPT33reLk4_AZhJMeDjMrXKOtTwinacymT9z47VuokLFAk34_veq5hcSHuqxu7u30j8BCWacZ9ZB6MnhFQQaKzYe0M/s1600/579114_514779148535340_646897686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE-uw0DjaCAn5owr7uS-R2RnXwvQuO3brjioXC0LQM4JMQN3YVvPT33reLk4_AZhJMeDjMrXKOtTwinacymT9z47VuokLFAk34_veq5hcSHuqxu7u30j8BCWacZ9ZB6MnhFQQaKzYe0M/s320/579114_514779148535340_646897686_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Because this all happened
after sundown we have no pics of the place.
However, while we were standing there, we a given memorable night vista
of the West bank, Jerico and other unknown towns. It was a surreal experience to realize all
the history that has taken place in this area.</div>
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Early the next day we stole away to the Dead sea via an unopened Crown plaza. We had the beach to ourselves and enjoyed floating around getting muddy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQXliynkdDKZcCEtp6ZlelrAfbPuswD8bca_Kwd80jCystvINq_Y4K46vyF8FxLuuri2lXmSzhVClVew2CqnIhMcQGbeQ2SvfsEjCy6UmICS-SV_JxYBA3eTfveUxGSEs8Uus9Y1DIiE/s1600/me+floating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQXliynkdDKZcCEtp6ZlelrAfbPuswD8bca_Kwd80jCystvINq_Y4K46vyF8FxLuuri2lXmSzhVClVew2CqnIhMcQGbeQ2SvfsEjCy6UmICS-SV_JxYBA3eTfveUxGSEs8Uus9Y1DIiE/s320/me+floating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sTWxhCL-2coUDr_bXgWQFJvlew9BWwKm8hJ74viJwJsSspAGZP4lS4SdgdtSKrxaYJzwS-HkKVw0yYZ_Ew0_XGonsn1b56rjqAOOcQe5Dui_-iXR4xUZ5S6Hohj_JQyfil_Vb_0tjxQ/s1600/JC+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sTWxhCL-2coUDr_bXgWQFJvlew9BWwKm8hJ74viJwJsSspAGZP4lS4SdgdtSKrxaYJzwS-HkKVw0yYZ_Ew0_XGonsn1b56rjqAOOcQe5Dui_-iXR4xUZ5S6Hohj_JQyfil_Vb_0tjxQ/s320/JC+b.jpg" width="320" /></a>A quick check of our clock and we see that we have just
enough time to tour Bethany – the baptismal site of Jesus (depending on who you
listen to). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Part of the tour included an opportunity to dip our finger
in the Jordan River. It was quite interesting
to be on the Jordan side while watching several groups of people being baptized
on the Israeli side.<o:p></o:p><br />
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After it is all added up, this trip will rank as one of our
favorites due to the uniqueness and variety of sights, sounds and experiences!<o:p></o:p></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-87648569602026034592012-11-18T08:25:00.002-08:002012-11-18T10:22:29.874-08:00<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on">
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European road trip.</div>
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After about a year of planning we were able to execute a
good ‘ol fashioned road trip through Europe.
Chevy Chase and the gang would be so proud! Our goal was to visit 6 countries in 10
days. Here’s how we did it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf5zkNskeb1LYl47PioW4f0qzhZe504YNtPiOc6jZw4tq9xQfjuA7ULsEcFt3rkJ9Gc61VEbfSid7zr0QinXABWNSQLipY2PDurjWWUVFPQrcg28H4tZWrLy_F1DakAGDlirgHTob1nU/s1600/buck+caslte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf5zkNskeb1LYl47PioW4f0qzhZe504YNtPiOc6jZw4tq9xQfjuA7ULsEcFt3rkJ9Gc61VEbfSid7zr0QinXABWNSQLipY2PDurjWWUVFPQrcg28H4tZWrLy_F1DakAGDlirgHTob1nU/s320/buck+caslte.jpg" width="320" /></a>Krishna and Jayci got a head start by landing
in London a day after the Olympics started and hooked up with Jacqui and her
family for a few days. Brian is a Nike
big-wig and was assigned to oversee operations at this time. Here’s a look at London through the eyes of
an American Teenager. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQILryExHkfsBUHQP7FblPFpZE93ja2j39g-3GEtkIyC-zB3zizvbR1N2DIbRCCeeKQqBESg91z9LNViw8Sr-YfuZWb_mU7f6rzqcTDzR73is6PAEhfUE3m3DZ9hMUgyGstmnnb-xT4a4/s1600/kris+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQILryExHkfsBUHQP7FblPFpZE93ja2j39g-3GEtkIyC-zB3zizvbR1N2DIbRCCeeKQqBESg91z9LNViw8Sr-YfuZWb_mU7f6rzqcTDzR73is6PAEhfUE3m3DZ9hMUgyGstmnnb-xT4a4/s320/kris+castle.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiMcnfeZohosmw32jZ2HByxXmn4HpzK0VDRAbJimf_Qu1WJ8jtwV45RRiEOb3Az5aAd9OpbWlZIccB96WFsUecqZ4b3uOklycq70iqcYqVVMl5gd-tXTJNQZ01J9R3jqEDwtNqQSSLK4/s1600/big+ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiMcnfeZohosmw32jZ2HByxXmn4HpzK0VDRAbJimf_Qu1WJ8jtwV45RRiEOb3Az5aAd9OpbWlZIccB96WFsUecqZ4b3uOklycq70iqcYqVVMl5gd-tXTJNQZ01J9R3jqEDwtNqQSSLK4/s320/big+ben.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6mjUd-Xpz-cf5LGCB1B4qU59hdgBoxjnN7hbQ_TKBgzl4ZXY2C22LCrBjtP-fSNPCxxrnRKYo-ge6axhkeA-DlmRv622TnuqjGEgc54Rs7TFYOknhILLV1mOCDOYVGBADpDjS9FhsVk/s1600/Am+MAinz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6mjUd-Xpz-cf5LGCB1B4qU59hdgBoxjnN7hbQ_TKBgzl4ZXY2C22LCrBjtP-fSNPCxxrnRKYo-ge6axhkeA-DlmRv622TnuqjGEgc54Rs7TFYOknhILLV1mOCDOYVGBADpDjS9FhsVk/s320/Am+MAinz.jpg" width="320" /></a>From Heathrow they flew to Frankfurt, as did I, to begin the
road race. We spent our first day there
exploring the city, mainly the Am Mainz section. The most poignant part for me was to realize
the history that this area played in WWII.
I tried to imagine the destruction the Allied planes wreaked on these
buildings and town square. Virtually
everything in sight was leveled to the ground and had been reconstructed since
the mid ‘40s. It now is an impressive
look at yesteryear, replete with traditional architecture and ambiance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJldRIOx0haUjQ95iVLvpDYWbNCrOlu0YD3SnH73n4sc4Qcgt7OS4mGt0RG21848TZnt8ehMdTr4pPGZe6SDXpekV4USb83358SzhDOx5_p1jB6v4XYN-GRR3Fdnth2yN50q5PwPRMUA/s1600/haloc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJldRIOx0haUjQ95iVLvpDYWbNCrOlu0YD3SnH73n4sc4Qcgt7OS4mGt0RG21848TZnt8ehMdTr4pPGZe6SDXpekV4USb83358SzhDOx5_p1jB6v4XYN-GRR3Fdnth2yN50q5PwPRMUA/s320/haloc.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another memorable experience was the visit to the oldest
known Jewish Cemetery in Frankfurt and the Holocaust wall. This area was known as the Jewish Ghetto and
housed a large concentration of Jewish homes, synagogues and other cultural
artifacts. In the late 1930s the Nazi’s
did their thing to eliminate them, thus destroying much of the area. Recently, it was excavated and dedicated as
basically a large memorial. The wall around
the cemetery was quite emotional as it displayed thousands of small plaques
memorializing the Jews killed during the Holocaust. <br />
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The next morning we saddled up our trusty Ford Focus and
took off up the Rhine River for a scenic 20 mile castle viewing
extravaganza. The stretch of rode we
explored sidled along the river affording front row looks at some amazing
castles, vistas and mountainside vineyards. Our first castle was the Alstadt
Eltville. We walked the grounds as
royalty, if for only a moment, for a few good pics. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">We then spent the next couple of hours taking in “a back in
time” journey that included 8 historic castles.
This stretch of road is UNESCO registered and you can see why… </span></div>
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Once the castles had been explored, we now turned our
compass South towards a quaint and historically intact walled-in city called
Rothenberg. To get there, we traveled a
back way called the <i>Romantic Road</i>. This is a byway that meanders through a
series of truly German towns. Along the
way we discovered an old Monestary that was first owned by the Catholics, then
acquired by the Presbyterians, and ultimately returned to the Catholics. It was idyllic and provided some really cool
pics <o:p></o:p></div>
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we arrived at Rothenberg and we were transported back in time. This walled-in city appears today as it did
500 years ago. It escaped the
bombardments of WWII, therefore it now is considered a real Bavarian treasure. We found a place to eat there, checked out a
few Cukoo-Cuckoo clocks and called it good</span></div>
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On to Munich! We were
really looking forward to getting there because of two highly anticipated
sites; Neu Schwanstein Castle and
Dachau.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We decided to go to a happy place first – the castle. This is the one from which the Cinderella
castle was patterned. The 2 hour drive
to the castle alone was worth the price of admission. It was green, Alpine and mesmerizing in its
views. Once we arrived, it felt like we
had entered into a theme park on steroids.
It had all the trappings from long ticket lines, employees in costumes
and horse drawn carriages/wagons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, once we left the main grounds and started the trek
up the hill to the castle the feeling changed.
The superficial window dressing from below gave way to the REAL
DEAL. This castle is amazing from every
angle. From the exterior design to its
royal perch, it is awe-inspiring. King
Ludwig II really did it right. <br />
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After a 25 min tour of the interior, we chose to hike up a
little further to the hanging bridge that sat on the posterior side. Once we arrived, we immediately knew that
there was no prettier place on earth than where we stood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8ZoaCHvUgyHfHIDrTCsZ_cVAUioYW83tbYgB2ol09UH3W7fJrXj67ZgMFSWKPj094UNnlRVQ5WkjOOlNJ8OAMnF8nlVj6Q8maDv4k-ep4YTGDUmhX90xrIZyBqaUq-xwZQS5cjLw3QM/s1600/des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8ZoaCHvUgyHfHIDrTCsZ_cVAUioYW83tbYgB2ol09UH3W7fJrXj67ZgMFSWKPj094UNnlRVQ5WkjOOlNJ8OAMnF8nlVj6Q8maDv4k-ep4YTGDUmhX90xrIZyBqaUq-xwZQS5cjLw3QM/s320/des.jpg" width="320" /></a> Our next stop definitely gave us all a reality check and a
brief look into one of the world’s worst nightmares- Dachau.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a real foreboding spirit hovering over this place
which made us feel squeamish as we explored the museum, barracks area and
crematorium. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The silver lining to Dachau is the commitment to never
forget and never let it happen again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a help to orient you, think of a triangle with Frankfurt
at top, Munich in one corner and Zurich in the other. This roughly represents our route. So with our visit to Munich we had completed
the first leg. Our sights were now on
Switzerland. To get there, we would need
to pass through Austria and Lichtenstein.
The intrigue of this part of the journey was not so much the cities we
would see, but rather the immersion into the Alpine experience. Our plan was to drive to Innsbruck, what we didn't plan on were the stunning views we encountered along the way.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ttUIY3e9NGDTWgdQdzVywC9-vgLJEdJUE8-PwtyHUsJSB5gotnJGdrwr4C1PUDdP1xL3rCQOn2UE09dQd1vf57Dx0fSrv3Q1IFxIeOwzkSuZ8yFhb0I_7KrqgPA8DUa3mXkU9BG_Xq0/s1600/j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ttUIY3e9NGDTWgdQdzVywC9-vgLJEdJUE8-PwtyHUsJSB5gotnJGdrwr4C1PUDdP1xL3rCQOn2UE09dQd1vf57Dx0fSrv3Q1IFxIeOwzkSuZ8yFhb0I_7KrqgPA8DUa3mXkU9BG_Xq0/s320/j.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Once in Innsbruck, we found the Olympic park and walked
around. It still has a lot of charm and
the Ski jump prominently stood out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v9kKgrT9m10hYaOTY0isylFysmiK9BLm0P00htHXiRGWm4CPMnmgml8sdhq04V4YJHtNKae2V0CFLeAXd-UYiBmvJntBIQMr-turNnGZzcALRuyKIroojRNfEyRzQPqlZsR80luXlMQ/s1600/ski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v9kKgrT9m10hYaOTY0isylFysmiK9BLm0P00htHXiRGWm4CPMnmgml8sdhq04V4YJHtNKae2V0CFLeAXd-UYiBmvJntBIQMr-turNnGZzcALRuyKIroojRNfEyRzQPqlZsR80luXlMQ/s320/ski.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next we headed to Vaduz, Liechtenstein. This country is famous for not being
famous. It’s like that corner store that
all the locals know and like, but has never created its own identity. We googled the top 10 things to do in Vaduz
(the capital), and it was a little sparse.
But we went with the top two
selections, which were basically small cottage communities and this is what we
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmyeTuPsI9yq9Tf7S-_BFhumUthZGbPJ3G-N7uspo0Qm-5ydc6p3ZKh3RHf3gFMS_JbzAHlKWPII7Nq911hxHGhqkHO6t7kRZJUvKTXM3SonmD_0MKW_C4EzpHOqhbvoxQ1FGkfqN5c/s1600/le.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmyeTuPsI9yq9Tf7S-_BFhumUthZGbPJ3G-N7uspo0Qm-5ydc6p3ZKh3RHf3gFMS_JbzAHlKWPII7Nq911hxHGhqkHO6t7kRZJUvKTXM3SonmD_0MKW_C4EzpHOqhbvoxQ1FGkfqN5c/s320/le.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall Liechtenstein was a nice place and certainly worth
checking out for a few hours. OK,
Switzerland is calling and we need to answer, so off we gooooooo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen9xHQqXz963lWO27rAgdr-jVpqXxtEMDqc5JB3QxVZo0DHgDnni5ce9A3_uk2M6k2-vRLFI40J1_fynMCHtHTR-J8C6wCAP_rS4CWH5s1bB4nehM5xEmBcHTHqb4yU78STrQnOIZMpI/s1600/wa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen9xHQqXz963lWO27rAgdr-jVpqXxtEMDqc5JB3QxVZo0DHgDnni5ce9A3_uk2M6k2-vRLFI40J1_fynMCHtHTR-J8C6wCAP_rS4CWH5s1bB4nehM5xEmBcHTHqb4yU78STrQnOIZMpI/s320/wa.jpg" width="320" /></a>Again, we soon realized that the journey truly is more
amazing than the destination. Here is a stunning lake we saw along the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lX2wxkKKcGE5waia2Pw6qeSQ1mFmVHsZ9zKxkoQ2UT4MY6JCJ5KPxVNqjxGCQIreedmll0iisl3LfwKTYY0ILhH2kKFa-6_0SihUtlOOcInKQdyYxasHUzDD5VZ8yjinhfncFnIuVjg/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lX2wxkKKcGE5waia2Pw6qeSQ1mFmVHsZ9zKxkoQ2UT4MY6JCJ5KPxVNqjxGCQIreedmll0iisl3LfwKTYY0ILhH2kKFa-6_0SihUtlOOcInKQdyYxasHUzDD5VZ8yjinhfncFnIuVjg/s320/c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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BTW, yes those are Ferraris,
5 in all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On our way to Zurich, we had
a little family business to take care of.
The little town of Zell is where the Winklers (my mother’s family)
originated. We were treated to some unforgettable memories. First we met
Roger who was the town pastor and he guided us to the local cemetery. </div>
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He informed us that these
burial plots are used for about 30 years, then the remains are exhumed to make
room for someone else. Therefore, we didn't find any Winklers we recognized from our genealogy but it still was a
worthwhile visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Roger then took us to the
town church and gave us a tour. From the
outside it looked like just another quaint meetinghouse, but once inside we
discovered that it had been built on 700AD by the Romans. There was one room that had painted stucco
hundreds of years old and in the belfry we saw the inner workings of the bells
and motors.</div>
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We spent a few hours there
and left richer in knowledge and friends.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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There stood nothing between
us and Zurich now and we were ready to get there. We found our hotel, got to sleep and then
awoke ready to explore. Our impression
of this city is that it holds a lot of history and importance, but appeared a
little worn down. The Alps were green
and inviting and the city held some very interesting angles for photos. We, of course, found some Lindt chocolates to
add to our goodie bag.</div>
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As I mentioned before, Zurich
is positioned as the lower left corner of the triangle, therefore we have now
finished 2/3 of the trip. What remains
on the return vortex to Frankfert is Selestadt, France and Heidelberg, Germany.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was at his point that
Jayci said she wanted to have breakfast in Switzerland, lunch in France and
dinner in Germany. It kind of brought
into perspective what part of the world we are in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Before we knew it, we were
sitting in the shadow of a 600 year old church and eating the French version of
pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. It
was located in the Selestadt town square, which is rich in history. Because of its close proximity to Germany, it
was one of the first French properties to fall to the Nazis. Most of the buildings were casualty to either
the German or Allied bombings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZVUHcs2IbgnuLLMaZIk_6Wi32_-mC8gFfLWConvnHnqHKOBD8pFl4Lxq0Tfovq7UnNPQUVZGkZSt5wiFMf3Rpd_qX2w10CNYPmk3kUsDWAk11eV0i2zkU4Y6jcu2VXYnXlL72siAF38/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZVUHcs2IbgnuLLMaZIk_6Wi32_-mC8gFfLWConvnHnqHKOBD8pFl4Lxq0Tfovq7UnNPQUVZGkZSt5wiFMf3Rpd_qX2w10CNYPmk3kUsDWAk11eV0i2zkU4Y6jcu2VXYnXlL72siAF38/s320/h.jpg" width="320" /></a>Krishna had been talking
about how excited she was to see Heidelberg.
She also had been lamenting the fact that we hadn't done any bicycle
touring so far. Well, it was time to do
something about it. Heidelberg is laid
out perfectly to bike and see, and luckily next to our hotel we found a store
that could hook us up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We rode up and down the Rhine
for hours, exploring everything from mountainside trails to old town
square. Here are a few of the
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The next day Jayci and Kris
flew back to Saudi, I however still had an extra day to spend sightseeing in
Turkey. My layover was for 8 hours and I
decided to rent a freelance guide to take me to “Old City”. Right up front I will tell you that it is an
amazing place if you like history, conquests and artifacts of previous
dynasties.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rather than drone on about
all the history I learned, I will share some pics of historically significant
structures and include the names and then you can wikipedia the info to learn
more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtclIbJH3H0_FXHpNJi2wUMnVoMZfmPM_tJZ_CRX73Dv-7K0cFe5SBoLIx2OA9NVrtgvpAjfyOGDPG74roLEIpaiYZIBv57G4FZHu_5di8WaJKQ9m1awqeFT4pC2NIiAq9LSTjCI-lgjk/s1600/hipo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtclIbJH3H0_FXHpNJi2wUMnVoMZfmPM_tJZ_CRX73Dv-7K0cFe5SBoLIx2OA9NVrtgvpAjfyOGDPG74roLEIpaiYZIBv57G4FZHu_5di8WaJKQ9m1awqeFT4pC2NIiAq9LSTjCI-lgjk/s320/hipo.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Hipodrome. It was once used as a Chariot race oval track
back in the Roman Times then other structures we included when the Ottomans
showed up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The next significant structure was the Hagia Sophia. This was originally built during the Roman
times as a Christian cathedral. When the
Ottomans showed up they converted it into a mosque. It was the place where all significant events
occurred (Coronations, etc). Notice how
there are both Islamic writings and a mural of Mary and Jesus on the same
section of the wall.<br />
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These are mausoleums of previous Sultans. It is interesting to note the number of green
tombs inside the building. The reason is
because when the ruler was declared, all of his brothers and sons were killed
so that there would not be any contention for the position<br />
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This is the inner court yard of the old city, here is were
the administration of the government as well as city sponsored activities were
held.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Blue Mosque. This
is considered a newer structure for the old city grounds. It is a large and highly esteemed mosque.<br />
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By the end of the day I my head was full, but not my
stomach. So my guide and I got a bite to
eat and then I sped off in a taxi to catch my flight.<br />
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This was an amazing trip from start to finish and I’m still
trying to digest all that happened over these days. Writing this blog a few weeks after this trip
still creates warm feelings towards the people and places we’ve seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We hope to have a few more entries coming over the next
couple of months so stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-77552434084969404692012-06-27T01:19:00.000-07:002012-06-27T01:19:43.443-07:00Jayci's 9th Grade Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ekkxtdhfhTaVnIXWdSISsOd2LiU3uYdyYtrxSo4V40Dc1ZfH5Veyiys2dqIujML5QudriD8lDeDoZwB6Q6DUICa3ofqTUhJpfESF0mZe8mmRF-cjjh3aWQpHHIXqXEpEAjLJR1XCqn4/s1600/IMG_3258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ekkxtdhfhTaVnIXWdSISsOd2LiU3uYdyYtrxSo4V40Dc1ZfH5Veyiys2dqIujML5QudriD8lDeDoZwB6Q6DUICa3ofqTUhJpfESF0mZe8mmRF-cjjh3aWQpHHIXqXEpEAjLJR1XCqn4/s320/IMG_3258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_wev6pKklwW-yQpXWCE3IaXmc07NWR0P4KyXKQZz-dPn-BMzabs_kv9kwx0t0PSP7ZkZ_mctkRoj7JSq-Ao36nQJKxmWlIT2zdCTeNqNDKFsq5VAR8Sf07bA_9lnExniQbiHfpg7HxU/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_wev6pKklwW-yQpXWCE3IaXmc07NWR0P4KyXKQZz-dPn-BMzabs_kv9kwx0t0PSP7ZkZ_mctkRoj7JSq-Ao36nQJKxmWlIT2zdCTeNqNDKFsq5VAR8Sf07bA_9lnExniQbiHfpg7HxU/s320/IMG_3282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-38592613442136238242012-06-27T01:09:00.000-07:002012-06-27T01:09:16.734-07:00Jayci's Graduation Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJHqJD3pi1R4y0dktL0D_TzgmlqFbA4zZXU1maBivV5wqdYSjgXtFj_784lT6UGdCSQDy3A2-73_x5vg15rOsHoy9kP3XvO2IRVEY7FaC4asmCsemlELy87dQGwU3uztSSNL4NSKcQeQ/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJHqJD3pi1R4y0dktL0D_TzgmlqFbA4zZXU1maBivV5wqdYSjgXtFj_784lT6UGdCSQDy3A2-73_x5vg15rOsHoy9kP3XvO2IRVEY7FaC4asmCsemlELy87dQGwU3uztSSNL4NSKcQeQ/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylE30g16JGE9gsuUq9gr6gPqiEQBeJno2B_JzNqinutZtnkJGr4eSmwK7EUfniA7mHzCtyramtWCdvo-2knMOA0cYAuT7_d3N4reTO6bR-rZRwdX8ap9ES5Gz65rBbrN0QfGAvwajSK4/s1600/IMG_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylE30g16JGE9gsuUq9gr6gPqiEQBeJno2B_JzNqinutZtnkJGr4eSmwK7EUfniA7mHzCtyramtWCdvo-2knMOA0cYAuT7_d3N4reTO6bR-rZRwdX8ap9ES5Gz65rBbrN0QfGAvwajSK4/s320/IMG_3250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-83973832846906545822012-06-23T01:35:00.000-07:002012-06-23T01:35:06.294-07:00Emri and Jayci's big dayJune 14th was a pretty big day for Jayci and Emri. It started of with a 9am trip to Dhahran High School to attend Emri's graduation.<br />
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This amazing ceremony was a microcosm of our adventure here in KSA because it represented all the different aspects of life in the Kingdom. All around us sat parents and students from over 40 different countries.<br />
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Although on the surface it looked like a normal high school student body, a closer looked revealed a high performance collection of brainOs, where over 70% landed on honor rolls. Some highlights included an address given by the US Ambassador's wife as well as a handshake to the newly minted graduates by the man himself.<br />
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Afterwards some of Emri's closest friends and their parents met at the nearby "Dhahran Hotel" for a wonderful lunch.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTYwi9c5mWxpsQcfTsRT0axSpGuIbnKn1zFtn05ROZfw0SdRh-URgOSX2yeKmgJF8bSV_ECZw5j4DVbjWhSdTYyT8yj6SxJ7vFucNAM4hJ1tbux2bWVf3zSkC_Lop02mPqdvxJSqfUto/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTYwi9c5mWxpsQcfTsRT0axSpGuIbnKn1zFtn05ROZfw0SdRh-URgOSX2yeKmgJF8bSV_ECZw5j4DVbjWhSdTYyT8yj6SxJ7vFucNAM4hJ1tbux2bWVf3zSkC_Lop02mPqdvxJSqfUto/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTVd7Dcb5LYImWwK15h_zfQETSbt1Y_AnkyRx37Va9S_bV4FKGpEo1Mv6_OctfTGHbkQjQj_enqEziJelwM5HQFes80w7dBWw6yGRzsmRAK0mMGN3lE57hiwSj1NXG6s1TFsrhbXgpMc/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTVd7Dcb5LYImWwK15h_zfQETSbt1Y_AnkyRx37Va9S_bV4FKGpEo1Mv6_OctfTGHbkQjQj_enqEziJelwM5HQFes80w7dBWw6yGRzsmRAK0mMGN3lE57hiwSj1NXG6s1TFsrhbXgpMc/s320/IMG_3154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We are very proud of Emri and her incredible senior year. She chose to be outgoing and involved in many classes, clubs and sports which resulted in a wonderful collection of memories and friends. She kept focused on her schooling, learned a lot and is well prepared for college. <br />
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Now on we go to part two - Jayci's 9th grade Prom. For the past several weeks Krishna and several other moms have been working feverishly to pull of the prom of a lifetime for these 9th graders.<br />
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The theme was New York, which meant that these woman did a superhuman job of fixing up the venue to reflect some iconic NYC landmarks<br />
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The kids were treated to photographs near the beach, limo rides to the dance, a paparazzi reception, a plethora of food and treats, and music hosted by both live musicians and hip DJs. By all accounts, this was a big hit for all involved!<br />
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Footnote, a few days earlier Jayci was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. This was a meaningful recognition for her commitment to academics.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-24169480615059468172012-06-23T00:46:00.000-07:002012-06-23T00:46:50.812-07:00Kuwait - Checked that boxThe Repats here have a phrase called "check the box". It means that there is a mandatory list of countries that all Aramcons must visit and Kuwait is on the list.<br />
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We just returned from a amazing weekend thanks to our new BFF from Kuwait - Sana. I met her the first month I was in kingdom and she offered to show us around her country when we had some time. Well, this past weekend was a long one, so we headed North to the border.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB2zP9dlbVJlujIQ4ykwgmgyHx6OIZqGORFrkRsHqDFHF1uSQQsrkrEiZXsnTGuMlxUPl4MNZ6YJ_tyIETh3j8WSB7VN1-Y1xufmJOHVzTw-0YiqB1L1dVo9jjrsE9ZOPUQVwbz15Id4/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB2zP9dlbVJlujIQ4ykwgmgyHx6OIZqGORFrkRsHqDFHF1uSQQsrkrEiZXsnTGuMlxUPl4MNZ6YJ_tyIETh3j8WSB7VN1-Y1xufmJOHVzTw-0YiqB1L1dVo9jjrsE9ZOPUQVwbz15Id4/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdD4eZxaMQ4Yr2Fzd8ZG3ah_xv66ibt-arqWJzuC0l3JUu5W4IFpWX-TKp-pze4hszELk9sK4lDr9H2OpCwHkq8MoxrFdbc7qgOj1PrOINUu9KRdFveY-5I0GcPYslPZa3CEpvzLavrA/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdD4eZxaMQ4Yr2Fzd8ZG3ah_xv66ibt-arqWJzuC0l3JUu5W4IFpWX-TKp-pze4hszELk9sK4lDr9H2OpCwHkq8MoxrFdbc7qgOj1PrOINUu9KRdFveY-5I0GcPYslPZa3CEpvzLavrA/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Although Kuwait is no Dubai, it does have some great things to check out and a recent history that should appeal to Americans. <br />
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The places we visited were:<br />
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Kuwaiti Towers. This is their signature landmark. During the Iraqi invasion these towers were damaged, but since have been repaired. Unfortunately thay were under renovation the day we visited so we were only able to see the out side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIN0Z3jr53iPlXuEYVCvp-XQVLZgYzF1pUNJNuoesaaTZAPtnqfrsDllDr3gpXmQuBKPiFyfFgggrrnXu0lhdVZ9q6eHiCpZH0H9wjoG1AnDOCV_kdQkqAanXtmqAA2zythkmDsbWcpE/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIN0Z3jr53iPlXuEYVCvp-XQVLZgYzF1pUNJNuoesaaTZAPtnqfrsDllDr3gpXmQuBKPiFyfFgggrrnXu0lhdVZ9q6eHiCpZH0H9wjoG1AnDOCV_kdQkqAanXtmqAA2zythkmDsbWcpE/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>National Museum<br />
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Bedouin weaving museum<br />
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Liberation Tower - this is a communication tower that was constructed after the Iraqi army was kicked out.<br />
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Sliders<br />
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PF Chang<br />
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Souqs (Emri's pic with Black hair)<br />
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Friday Flea Market<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQsHw8Q4zdUNnCNz5_gu-KNiPIfVqDOSC5jo7YsRB_6WJHjEG0gHUJ2s2Mjr_H2HEIwyqLJrDTBsL1dwwkUTzJazsM3UsDvKS3sZtzS_Nx6VgmY0jyEt79kXRZ_6GK4QucyhN_RVKe9k/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQsHw8Q4zdUNnCNz5_gu-KNiPIfVqDOSC5jo7YsRB_6WJHjEG0gHUJ2s2Mjr_H2HEIwyqLJrDTBsL1dwwkUTzJazsM3UsDvKS3sZtzS_Nx6VgmY0jyEt79kXRZ_6GK4QucyhN_RVKe9k/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXw0RyMOT69uHDCKoDpqd1nqpv-vIk9x08rAaTsxSWaOFlcouvYigP2AVyclndTTXCIeHApknRjK0ScS6B1ebXQvVZrwJzZbC_XuhyphenhyphenfOSEEC0gqtf63m56zVatS_oZhBhVwgaHeQqx0I/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXw0RyMOT69uHDCKoDpqd1nqpv-vIk9x08rAaTsxSWaOFlcouvYigP2AVyclndTTXCIeHApknRjK0ScS6B1ebXQvVZrwJzZbC_XuhyphenhyphenfOSEEC0gqtf63m56zVatS_oZhBhVwgaHeQqx0I/s320/IMG_3029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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On our last night there, we went to an African restaurant and had some delicious steaks, seafood and chicken. But the highlight was when Sana erroneously told the waiters that it was my birthday, which meant that they would play drums and sing happy birthday to me. After they finished their unique rendition, they then launched into a super charged drum fest completed with indiscernible lyrics and tribal yells.<br />
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We headed back early on Saturday morning satisfied with our adventure. We saw some important cultural monuments, experienced Kuwaiti life and saw first hand the opulance that oil provides (mansions, castles and a never ending parade of high end exotic cars) All in all, time well spent.+Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-72908342182361590232012-04-14T10:19:00.008-07:002012-05-22T10:28:22.846-07:00Spring-break (Amazing race style)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In the Haynie house, all the women love the TV show the Amazing Race. There have many a night huddled around the laptop catching up on the latest episode, followed by discussions of longed for globe trotting adventures. Well, this most recent Spring-break, we had as close of an Amazing Race as we will ever have (minus the traveling gnome). Our pack of travelers covered 5 countries and 8 ports of call.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our first stop was Cairo, Egypt and man was it amazing. We had prearranged for a tour guide to meet us there, her name was Maha, and she was fantastic. In fact, she was so committed to our experience that she showed up to take us around even though she was getting married the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a back drop, tourism is down close to 90% due to the recent revolution that dislodged Mubarek from power. Egypt is really feeling the pinch as tourism is the #1 industry and everyone is struggling. We arrived on a Friday, which was fortuitous because the normally horrendous traffic was at a minimum. Couple that with the fact that there were no crowds to speak of at the major sites, thus resulting in a great time to see a lot of history in a short amount of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">So pay attention, because I'm going to share with you where we went in rapid fire succession.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">First Site: Mohammed Ali's Mosque. He was a very influential leader a century ago who built up the Cairo area and furthered the education and quality of life for the Egyptians <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Second site: City of the Dead. This is a cemetery that has now become a dwelling place for the homeless<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa2SCj5xzpV16JD7Iu-dUjZ3qyBD3Uur6w9gChJUyvC7-xhsNZ-VpHNg8m-PaqFWNd_t5SN-I1ijVpwIkPyKHMjGi_fKrrxwIa7VNzuObRVuqgQqJNuEtfAV6oV3jMTJz0m_30igga34/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa2SCj5xzpV16JD7Iu-dUjZ3qyBD3Uur6w9gChJUyvC7-xhsNZ-VpHNg8m-PaqFWNd_t5SN-I1ijVpwIkPyKHMjGi_fKrrxwIa7VNzuObRVuqgQqJNuEtfAV6oV3jMTJz0m_30igga34/s320/IMG_1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Third Site: Nile River<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLBl_hOf25SCrYIlet-fUBanFyDEKkjY9nNMj0RXnUtQGjMkQ8Tlt2zkwAi-yRATuoGZkQkZHEOYqbYf96WmgD4-qVo7F_3I5amfWKPjdCLUoh2gzg_EJdMIfePGIstDqH3uYxentic/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLBl_hOf25SCrYIlet-fUBanFyDEKkjY9nNMj0RXnUtQGjMkQ8Tlt2zkwAi-yRATuoGZkQkZHEOYqbYf96WmgD4-qVo7F_3I5amfWKPjdCLUoh2gzg_EJdMIfePGIstDqH3uYxentic/s320/IMG_1820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Fourth site: The city of Saqqara. Here we saw donkey drawn wagons, carpetry schools, date palms, road side vendors and the first pyramid in Egypt (with its amazing court yard)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fifth Site was the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. I had to keep telling myself that these are the real artifacts and not some </span>LasVegas<span style="font-size: medium;"> Hotel's re-creation. The feeling is overwhelming to look at these monuments to the past. It really made me wonder about who built them and especially how. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Final site was the National Museum. Unfortunately, we could not take any pictures of the inside. Again, I was struck with the feeling of awe as I came within mere centimeters with King Tuts Mask, caskets and all the other remnants of his tomb. There were countless other priceless and ageless handy works of the antiquities. 50' statues, burial tombs, mummies, King Ramsies exhibits and every other hand carved stone product you can imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were able to take in 1000's of years of history in 7 hours. We also got a taste of modern history in the making as we taxied by Tahrir square - the birth place of the revolution. On our way back, we got enveloped into a rally for one of the dozen presidential hopefuls.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is a most fascinating time for Egypt. History was being written as we were there, but it also promises more in the very near future.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">BARCELONA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Next our travels took us to Barcelona Spain. On the plane flight over, I read a newspaper that detailed a strike that just occurred a day earlier. The issue at hand was the government's recent austerity measures that just passed. The people were not happy about it and decided to demonstrate their frustrations. We were a bit apprehensive about any possible aftermath, but theses concerns were soon forgotten as we saw how calm things were. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiwgIEi_QOP_ggAXcAFzdQfWIyI9dWheINra6bZXH8vyyZqtL6J4kgNEeJ4FGhYqOgP4V473FNNdqpXpVKrGtlexoADEN-SLi_VaxKuLMreE0y-sh0u6ZGC7l5QwodZN7r85XR6faEX8/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiwgIEi_QOP_ggAXcAFzdQfWIyI9dWheINra6bZXH8vyyZqtL6J4kgNEeJ4FGhYqOgP4V473FNNdqpXpVKrGtlexoADEN-SLi_VaxKuLMreE0y-sh0u6ZGC7l5QwodZN7r85XR6faEX8/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Despite Krishna's best efforts, our accommodations were a bit out of the way. At first we were a little annoyed, but in the end it was a blessing as it forced us to become expert on the rail system - which we did in no time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUdaaOzPl6zRz7Y0v6Qi-xUzsTJePuXXooFFP0REoyC3oz6Q-zelO8TPICybKelKMnxyw5WoyYU6lQNnv_E0lX-Ak_JQA3n_b12UCcDpeebzV3mZd7TNfSO0_0-oVrMoPJBmcS1objsU/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUdaaOzPl6zRz7Y0v6Qi-xUzsTJePuXXooFFP0REoyC3oz6Q-zelO8TPICybKelKMnxyw5WoyYU6lQNnv_E0lX-Ak_JQA3n_b12UCcDpeebzV3mZd7TNfSO0_0-oVrMoPJBmcS1objsU/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our first night in, we </span>metro'd<span style="font-size: medium;"> into the city and exited on to the Plaza </span>Cataluyn<span style="font-size: medium;">. Unbeknownst to me, the primary language of Barcelona is </span>Cataluyn<span style="font-size: medium;">, not Spanish. Although Spanish is spoken often, it is a necessity for the citizens to speak </span>Cataluyn<span style="font-size: medium;"> too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We opted to purchase a hop on/hop off bus ticket to familiarize ourselves with the city. Barcelona is so big, so diverse and so rich in history that any other option to explore did not seem feasible. We bought a 2 day ticket and rode the orange route first, and then we rode the red line the following day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Rather than attempt to give a travel log of all the sites we saw in Barcelona, I've included a couple of my favorite pics and encourage you to go online and see what else you can find. Suffice it to say that this city literally has a little bit of everything in it - from architecture, to sculptures, to monuments, to sporting venues (bull fighting rings/Olympic stadium), to food, not to mention a true melting pot of peoples.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqgShuPea8WZdREf__0EPjTxBBkBvu-kB6xmuF9Xv7kLrfl9yuG7iFPe3wWEzsFQBp54xKlWIV3MOtjif-tMykHBCSOwEz1itmrJMa0wkX-MDQN9o0-exIC0faik0YdJw0T_AXIvLC_E/s1600/576705_406938849319371_100000097784915_1586078_414075421_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqgShuPea8WZdREf__0EPjTxBBkBvu-kB6xmuF9Xv7kLrfl9yuG7iFPe3wWEzsFQBp54xKlWIV3MOtjif-tMykHBCSOwEz1itmrJMa0wkX-MDQN9o0-exIC0faik0YdJw0T_AXIvLC_E/s320/576705_406938849319371_100000097784915_1586078_414075421_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkS1wlcHogxaahaWqz84MatYp_DTzjvGYB2x2k-W6MN_CSxrxtMP9_pqJisMholl_31IHGguKyMr_lYvvnT0Ijf5_FDdMPJOoLFS9WZtxLmLgv1jwK6EmIx7gSsfAKtnINOxFP8b3Kbk/s1600/292148_406939032652686_100000097784915_1586081_1428763873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkS1wlcHogxaahaWqz84MatYp_DTzjvGYB2x2k-W6MN_CSxrxtMP9_pqJisMholl_31IHGguKyMr_lYvvnT0Ijf5_FDdMPJOoLFS9WZtxLmLgv1jwK6EmIx7gSsfAKtnINOxFP8b3Kbk/s320/292148_406939032652686_100000097784915_1586081_1428763873_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNI0WQnamGjxWhLKlfcCHr8TtQba5ilieLsP7OmsR_hyVN_-ChqKqUOgoiqyNkYNQVE89yHNqURIoyJwLGNtOIRIq7JA3iku6WRViE9GlZaveTrFTxIElymCrMSw6p7E0YPDQ7019WmU/s1600/523696_406937979319458_100000097784915_1586073_1845327329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNI0WQnamGjxWhLKlfcCHr8TtQba5ilieLsP7OmsR_hyVN_-ChqKqUOgoiqyNkYNQVE89yHNqURIoyJwLGNtOIRIq7JA3iku6WRViE9GlZaveTrFTxIElymCrMSw6p7E0YPDQ7019WmU/s320/523696_406937979319458_100000097784915_1586073_1845327329_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Overall we had a great time in Barcelona, and felt very energized and safe. Emri is convinced that she wants to do a study abroad program here - I don't blame her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">TUNISIA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">After a full day of sight seeing, we boarded the MSC - Magnifica to our first stop - Tunisia. This was our first trip to Africa and we were very excited and curious as to what it had to offer. Recent political events of another leader being replaced had made us a bit tentative, but we figured that if MSC is still willing to stop there it must be safe enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In our attempt to see the popular sights (which meant watching hours of taped advertisements for ideas) without paying the outrageous excursion prices on board, we bartered with a local taxi driver (Fazi) to take us around.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoFou_mUeaqgoauPGwAqeLr6aMlqvckpJ9tQzGf4QSGYyo83CPYFBFaQi7p4XvSUbWpt7Z2pMpbCvXlq6qh2WwpU9bPyKZUaAEtWThN1khxdWPEQjbh_cIrWTmd1laWvHId9V_oTlAn4/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoFou_mUeaqgoauPGwAqeLr6aMlqvckpJ9tQzGf4QSGYyo83CPYFBFaQi7p4XvSUbWpt7Z2pMpbCvXlq6qh2WwpU9bPyKZUaAEtWThN1khxdWPEQjbh_cIrWTmd1laWvHId9V_oTlAn4/s320/IMG_2669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">First stop was a famous souk area whose anchor store was the previous home of the king many years ago. After walking through a maze of allies we arrived at cramped indoor walk of stores vending every imaginable item. We had essences, handicrafts and fine silks pushed on us by the proprietors all trying to make a sale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jayci had a goal to purchase a bracelet at every city we visited, and it didn't take her long to find the perfect one. After this initial shopping was done, Fazi showed us the Kings house, whereupon we were whisked to the top of the building for a fascinating view of the Tunis. There were some great art-deco walls and once impressive arched ensconces located there, but unfortunately time and foot traffic had taken away most of the luster.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After snapping some pictures, we went downstairs and was treated to a full blown sells presentation of Tunisia's finest carpets. They were amazing works of art, crafted by local women. The experience was all the more enjoyable due to an adorable little man who did the heavy lifting while the main sales guy made his pitch. In the end we opted not to buy a rug, but it made for a great memory.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5WyA6Shy8LD5D-6BiQ80lGaEIs_-CEeSO9vKIRRCo0nUCNTvv5ym5mBZJGWzxR7_ryZCJt7FecE3oo6VSoFxCZhhxlrC4j-VWzevMOALg6dpV-PCj4qBQY6acUj-C3wIIbZjcP7GJ2k/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5WyA6Shy8LD5D-6BiQ80lGaEIs_-CEeSO9vKIRRCo0nUCNTvv5ym5mBZJGWzxR7_ryZCJt7FecE3oo6VSoFxCZhhxlrC4j-VWzevMOALg6dpV-PCj4qBQY6acUj-C3wIIbZjcP7GJ2k/s320/IMG_2636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> We next traveled to Sidi Busaid This is probably the most photographed site in Tunis because it strikes a defining image of the traditional Tunisian villages. Here we saw houses with white washed walls accented with their traditional Blue doors and shutters.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGNTLJvUitvjWdvt2j2BIhECns3pkHeUOkh1_izcKrYQCbjEMk5ENNMrWpmUCB5y3S8Xspc_L6ObBT8KQfoM-fCSgBVARx2qcw9oXKkYNdU0KJIVlHnfdmbCG7B78beXP8gFFtgBHdB0/s1600/fjhg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGNTLJvUitvjWdvt2j2BIhECns3pkHeUOkh1_izcKrYQCbjEMk5ENNMrWpmUCB5y3S8Xspc_L6ObBT8KQfoM-fCSgBVARx2qcw9oXKkYNdU0KJIVlHnfdmbCG7B78beXP8gFFtgBHdB0/s320/fjhg.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">It was now late in the day, and our boat was ready to launch so we told Fazi to take us back to port. It was now time to head to Malta.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">MALTA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">One of the great things about our cabin was that it came with a fantastic view. Kris was able to score a balcony at a very reasonable price. This amenity afforded some amazing views and pics that we would have otherwise missed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">The Malta harbor was extremely interesting and we were immediately struck by the ancient and historic feel. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE9546kmlyqjSmcs8hU_rrVmV0klJJV2O9yDJAvcmq6DMcWKklqFXm_Us6-HaAjqTzjuVFyWUnrB001t8qMD1H0klNEaxywcPCCgy8WtRAppVzYg-8XE2vytemkJewDmShjRUU2lyMD0/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE9546kmlyqjSmcs8hU_rrVmV0klJJV2O9yDJAvcmq6DMcWKklqFXm_Us6-HaAjqTzjuVFyWUnrB001t8qMD1H0klNEaxywcPCCgy8WtRAppVzYg-8XE2vytemkJewDmShjRUU2lyMD0/s320/IMG_2823.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Once we docked, we shot down the gang plank and started auditioning the local taxi driver contingent for our budget tour guide. We settled on Charlie (the kids said he reminded them of G-pa Harry). The short and sweet of it is that he took us to the following destinations:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">1) Local fishing village popular with the locals. It is a real working harbor where catches of the day happen daily on these brightly colored wooden skiffs. We hung out here a short while to soak up the local ambiance and purchase a few trinkets. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJma0-ejFKTQPQbhTlu3RKK4DX55tChrEo2ZeNRI58V54uCIpZxvyd_3glFQV-oUMxxG6nSbPzxYiupw8X_pehRbmccuMht31IhW1dVDeKMwK7f8aQpyooQFmNjEhtLGCQDPONOME7J3I/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJma0-ejFKTQPQbhTlu3RKK4DX55tChrEo2ZeNRI58V54uCIpZxvyd_3glFQV-oUMxxG6nSbPzxYiupw8X_pehRbmccuMht31IhW1dVDeKMwK7f8aQpyooQFmNjEhtLGCQDPONOME7J3I/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMok_IDTyiavGwJjFl2_VDngwpV-X1ecrSQB9WK3X2Fl4phWO5k7ACFLtflaCdv7BNu24RVAzsVWuM9UooaRjfydbVVrmfJSF-OcaWf4Oca8Qzab99D8NdlBw-XgE2HkfvlGuwyKLFJQ/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMok_IDTyiavGwJjFl2_VDngwpV-X1ecrSQB9WK3X2Fl4phWO5k7ACFLtflaCdv7BNu24RVAzsVWuM9UooaRjfydbVVrmfJSF-OcaWf4Oca8Qzab99D8NdlBw-XgE2HkfvlGuwyKLFJQ/s320/IMG_2906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">2) Blue Grotto. This is a very scenic spot on the island that attracts many visitors. It strikes an impressive pose that lends to some good pictures.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgqK2vttwiE68KuRJeD6_yfvDf3jAbqH_VX8I9MCd4oU_5ZWEVGlIh2S9O6zu3UxTudMdU_xyCMrPCPClLK3OIuMDT_PCLbE__LYLJAmStTF5IeCun-2tjCQG6aSVd0HsC72YgNoaOeo/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgqK2vttwiE68KuRJeD6_yfvDf3jAbqH_VX8I9MCd4oU_5ZWEVGlIh2S9O6zu3UxTudMdU_xyCMrPCPClLK3OIuMDT_PCLbE__LYLJAmStTF5IeCun-2tjCQG6aSVd0HsC72YgNoaOeo/s320/IMG_2981.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl6GwKkU_3iLHaJA97DNTmCRPXhpKgp7yyfSdI-h1P5wbpAOWGOEHNVLSayj0bEU6N9jzoNuLZhuqN18UGMuzypQGCcZEz4ecLjoiAX6-yEq7eHPQLaJWJkSel1OkNY0TFtQmZvCFkpA/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl6GwKkU_3iLHaJA97DNTmCRPXhpKgp7yyfSdI-h1P5wbpAOWGOEHNVLSayj0bEU6N9jzoNuLZhuqN18UGMuzypQGCcZEz4ecLjoiAX6-yEq7eHPQLaJWJkSel1OkNY0TFtQmZvCFkpA/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">3) Hagar Qim and MnajdraTemples. These are the oldest known temples in the Mediterranean. They are thought to be over 3000 years old.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_8u8Xg9Ijs2ABnoeatsx42dHIvINJS4_Rdh_FrwVSGMKi6MO7c4R7SYl1rXEmSAyMYlpebIMlR1gDvpnRt0aD1dXtHdQtZach01VS4S0pvY6eQJHyVLfla7nCp_MkwMJlCC8Yp9g3-U/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_8u8Xg9Ijs2ABnoeatsx42dHIvINJS4_Rdh_FrwVSGMKi6MO7c4R7SYl1rXEmSAyMYlpebIMlR1gDvpnRt0aD1dXtHdQtZach01VS4S0pvY6eQJHyVLfla7nCp_MkwMJlCC8Yp9g3-U/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">4) Rabat. This is a small city made famous for the St Pauls Grotto church. It was here that Paul, after being shipwrecked, hid from the Romans for many months in a small cave. Unfortunately, the Romans found him and brought him back to Rome to be executed. The church sits directly on top of the caves/grotto, hence the name. There have been several popes that have come to visit this site in recent years.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-QDk9jQ5z_pZAx6vD8SFGhqz0qUfzOqTWQJOqhHphBqn6Yqc2neGfdWNNYS86qGsM63xddafzfsxvhJTKY1JMDYD71meg52G2VVljSkGEcBga0FYz4FlFrYtj45Fp6KYvn-OZTSidYY/s1600/ghsgh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-QDk9jQ5z_pZAx6vD8SFGhqz0qUfzOqTWQJOqhHphBqn6Yqc2neGfdWNNYS86qGsM63xddafzfsxvhJTKY1JMDYD71meg52G2VVljSkGEcBga0FYz4FlFrYtj45Fp6KYvn-OZTSidYY/s320/ghsgh.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo0omSAii8g8AkpA3bAUXEXEytPAP022Zy4QKuCRVBiU21y7DgqXpdRxMWx0cyuIWNUqbkt3GZQCmRQ1pnGiJPI2cSI_Ai9J-azQgP55Qzv51h8-8wAkzK9e_2PdwU93B_u2tJ9nA6DI/s1600/524445_406942222652367_100000097784915_1586134_750637783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo0omSAii8g8AkpA3bAUXEXEytPAP022Zy4QKuCRVBiU21y7DgqXpdRxMWx0cyuIWNUqbkt3GZQCmRQ1pnGiJPI2cSI_Ai9J-azQgP55Qzv51h8-8wAkzK9e_2PdwU93B_u2tJ9nA6DI/s320/524445_406942222652367_100000097784915_1586134_750637783_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">5) Medina. This is truly a unique and historical site. It is a completely walled in city built originally by the Maltese, but conquered several times by the Romans and then the British. It had amazing cathedrals, Roman architecture and cool alley ways. It's definitely worthy googling to learn more about.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg83Gts364IpkHF9SbmZTIjLqZFhBJiMQ0xYgKnhyphenhyphenYktUJtkmYEvvJOAYpG3bXdeB9yFMg2eP_zg8ZpKzOiUJsxmClwhDmfpYoQWbG2MqgA4lTRoixOzQ6KXpvNyLX_K5PVZW6OrO0f4/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg83Gts364IpkHF9SbmZTIjLqZFhBJiMQ0xYgKnhyphenhyphenYktUJtkmYEvvJOAYpG3bXdeB9yFMg2eP_zg8ZpKzOiUJsxmClwhDmfpYoQWbG2MqgA4lTRoixOzQ6KXpvNyLX_K5PVZW6OrO0f4/s320/IMG_3182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">6) Valleta. This was our last stop. This city consists of a main street replete with shopping of all kinds. High fashion all the way down to nickle and dime stores. We grabbed a pizza here to sustains us for a few hours of window shopping and exploring. There are a couple of important Cathedrals as well as very ornate and historical gardens (Barrakka).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZHihYnq5DSuKDkZX1hTJZG9APKcIh2QooczvaPjNhyH6hVI91FNSrzumn22Y0uWPzQltBfVELhvbLAHerq8cnPLUakn_ZF-mhWOnGx6rLT0Nuy0TNruYW4Hq3Oxsd4-2G_ba4z7h8zQ/s1600/gfl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZHihYnq5DSuKDkZX1hTJZG9APKcIh2QooczvaPjNhyH6hVI91FNSrzumn22Y0uWPzQltBfVELhvbLAHerq8cnPLUakn_ZF-mhWOnGx6rLT0Nuy0TNruYW4Hq3Oxsd4-2G_ba4z7h8zQ/s320/gfl.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">ITALY </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">(Sicily- Messina)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">As I mentioned before, pulling into these ports was absolutely spectacular. As you can see, the Madonna was waiting to welcome us to Sicily. Once we disembarked, we choose to go it alone by foot. It felt nice to just walk around and not have to worry about trying to be in the right spot at the right time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Highlights included:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">1) The great astronomical clock of Messina. This tower was built in 1933 and is the biggest and the most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. At exactly 12noon, a lion begins to roar, then a rooster crows, which then triggers a three tiered procession of statues parlancing through the open windows of the tower.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte506QmarfzmhqW7PrsKEqfrbs5V9qmQSQryoV4k9UJI6NFX03d-gbYclqTWv1-51NP3H4FJlPAEXer_hqaUbNimrquF-fj32VSOggf6vd0vUmZI7VQVhDok_apnObeHridXG0_QWv6w/s1600/hjuker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte506QmarfzmhqW7PrsKEqfrbs5V9qmQSQryoV4k9UJI6NFX03d-gbYclqTWv1-51NP3H4FJlPAEXer_hqaUbNimrquF-fj32VSOggf6vd0vUmZI7VQVhDok_apnObeHridXG0_QWv6w/s320/hjuker.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">2) The girls found a window display that positioned shoes in rather unique places.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGFK7aB8q32SGp9whbuPNdtOkQ7jHDnEK7wMYkivJVlmpXZUeVx63WfqR5O21_D_fAlifLkE-VGbvIeJWQBgX-qocyaPgmSP5bJWwnGXZpvIHM6eIEVbX5m2qofk5YRRiYyqrbO_IKo/s1600/TYJGHF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGFK7aB8q32SGp9whbuPNdtOkQ7jHDnEK7wMYkivJVlmpXZUeVx63WfqR5O21_D_fAlifLkE-VGbvIeJWQBgX-qocyaPgmSP5bJWwnGXZpvIHM6eIEVbX5m2qofk5YRRiYyqrbO_IKo/s320/TYJGHF.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">3) We found a great bakery with to die for bread. We purchased some and had a simple lunch on the run.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zYErBlLQSEXQv-FslSDFIvdvdt4-32lFdjhQxNN0TicWXtEm8whCLvPyZA3gy6gUy8R3uQOCFlqngJYlIpwVhG828pid96jBDhdtzZSWAGw8reWv8KmNuTFdPk2YpqcXrV8DKhSUick/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zYErBlLQSEXQv-FslSDFIvdvdt4-32lFdjhQxNN0TicWXtEm8whCLvPyZA3gy6gUy8R3uQOCFlqngJYlIpwVhG828pid96jBDhdtzZSWAGw8reWv8KmNuTFdPk2YpqcXrV8DKhSUick/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">4) Santuario Montalto. This was built as a sanctuary for the church members.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksCUsr4jJjJRbr-H_K7Qm310w9nFVsc6KpMFfTE4mg6ntmpabmObVp86wkcyCErh5KKMfffHZ1M-7MLTIFEtPIgwzVqhRrC8VR1p7Ypl84lsFm7QQhZ2Ti9RFXbwtfLPCKkLQ78SbFcw/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksCUsr4jJjJRbr-H_K7Qm310w9nFVsc6KpMFfTE4mg6ntmpabmObVp86wkcyCErh5KKMfffHZ1M-7MLTIFEtPIgwzVqhRrC8VR1p7Ypl84lsFm7QQhZ2Ti9RFXbwtfLPCKkLQ78SbFcw/s320/IMG_3539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">5) Cristo Rey. The most visible and famous church on the Island. It was at one time a Roman castle.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8LlZQP88hCl6eS70Ua4aAvnCg3SFo6wqSbR17j_Ve_aiCyRB8d-JmgG9TGI94hfdPjC8XHoNgTuR87ZbuakboeMz8iiPAmArxah2OF9lr-dji623_J7TBGMiG6qxujofqvaa6VyCEwc/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8LlZQP88hCl6eS70Ua4aAvnCg3SFo6wqSbR17j_Ve_aiCyRB8d-JmgG9TGI94hfdPjC8XHoNgTuR87ZbuakboeMz8iiPAmArxah2OF9lr-dji623_J7TBGMiG6qxujofqvaa6VyCEwc/s320/IMG_3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">We enjoyed our time in Messina, it certainly is doable on foot, but make sure you have good walking shoes and bottled water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">VOLCANO at sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">As noted above, we really enjoyed having a balcony on this cruise. Another big reason for it was that we were treated to a big unexpected surprise - a birds eye view of a smoke emitting volcano in the middle of the sea. We were just cat napping after a full day of site seeing, when out of now where appeared this huge rock that shoveled a steady stream of smoke into the air. It was COOL! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">ROME</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">It was now time for the crown jewel of our cruise - Rome. Kris did a great job researching the best path to travel to see Rome in a day. So, with this map in hand we charged of the boat and secured seats on a chartered bus. It is a 1 hour drive from the port to the city, but it was great to see the Italian country side up close. It was green and offered vistas of farm land, shoreline, rolling hills and good sized mountain slopes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Here is the path we followed once we arrived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 1) Basilica. This is an awesome plaza that gives a great view of the church from which the Pope address the masses. We were there during holy week, so we got to see a lot of the church faithful. Unfortunately, the line for the Sistine chapel and Vatican was very large, so we decided to pass on it so that we could see all the other sites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 2) Bridge over Tiber River</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 3) ???????????Square. The fountain here was amazing! We also saw a real Pigeon lady.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13mBIw6E0Ls4HMUEJn09Qj9SrT_GbCODQyYTYf28cstZ-pwltcar7x0f50bBprskGw8KofsWm9p2ELIBO3UyDFC5AfD7KJJHon2KaMfxOkE4McK8USj3m4BD4SO-abRqfv3jNL5HhGWo/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13mBIw6E0Ls4HMUEJn09Qj9SrT_GbCODQyYTYf28cstZ-pwltcar7x0f50bBprskGw8KofsWm9p2ELIBO3UyDFC5AfD7KJJHon2KaMfxOkE4McK8USj3m4BD4SO-abRqfv3jNL5HhGWo/s320/IMG_3753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAoJ9yEwYpmISUNk_2TlHDS2CJF4eyLmSEdN6WWz5ySWX-AWGGOcEOokFdqHaNekuKX9badZ6JEMvliy5ssd1oGwrv-AZ54taL-mC2D8VvTqZmFySMya5tTn09aqAhm1aq2mX5ZW75iA/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAoJ9yEwYpmISUNk_2TlHDS2CJF4eyLmSEdN6WWz5ySWX-AWGGOcEOokFdqHaNekuKX9badZ6JEMvliy5ssd1oGwrv-AZ54taL-mC2D8VvTqZmFySMya5tTn09aqAhm1aq2mX5ZW75iA/s320/IMG_3754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 4) Pantheon.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykldr5RkI1YT9L_acj156QmY-zgcOWXwxlRCzu9bCmN1LPA_HeYZ6r68BBKA_-_Jcnjr99hYRkHqCtetnmo6bV0mjbAkoYNcCtahPB1tF3SW4tnSN_lyrqdCGkN7bRYPUOizzKMYOB-I/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykldr5RkI1YT9L_acj156QmY-zgcOWXwxlRCzu9bCmN1LPA_HeYZ6r68BBKA_-_Jcnjr99hYRkHqCtetnmo6bV0mjbAkoYNcCtahPB1tF3SW4tnSN_lyrqdCGkN7bRYPUOizzKMYOB-I/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 5) Trevi Fountain.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifYzAVKhHXaACVwlGtXjp2OoeblSFHAkSYXmtPB_XavFHNdx6MtXSxGEKNMllZE3T62HrnL0MXXHMHhgLHk8QZ9a3VUzUh3DuuASPycDrITpp8dMMjOZkoQRqVESu-AXGaCJ5kAA5Psw/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifYzAVKhHXaACVwlGtXjp2OoeblSFHAkSYXmtPB_XavFHNdx6MtXSxGEKNMllZE3T62HrnL0MXXHMHhgLHk8QZ9a3VUzUh3DuuASPycDrITpp8dMMjOZkoQRqVESu-AXGaCJ5kAA5Psw/s320/IMG_3825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 6) Pizza and Gelato (AWESOME)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 7) Saint Ignazio Chapel</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbKvI3fOqZEzkrtJ8PrEFob1UmXPyczTgiyFuwGx6dn3S4yzIelLrdkwdUj7E6C0FXflMJIYuidWSQn0u9XqgQfqwg2MMf2d15JFQdLAkcIfOLN94AtIWSXxjMtww0dNuI7_3S2bCEvo/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbKvI3fOqZEzkrtJ8PrEFob1UmXPyczTgiyFuwGx6dn3S4yzIelLrdkwdUj7E6C0FXflMJIYuidWSQn0u9XqgQfqwg2MMf2d15JFQdLAkcIfOLN94AtIWSXxjMtww0dNuI7_3S2bCEvo/s320/IMG_3810.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdVmUucQekF7tfBQQAT6ggR4zYKEpmBc5TPNQLTt_6ADFZWlMSQMW-u8sjAcU1IOtPpVXbC-kohEJ19Br6wz3SESMti_vWInKZiPWrHkOXA2xhVp-iDiDTLYYkrk9uPcBysk8kB7_cWI/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdVmUucQekF7tfBQQAT6ggR4zYKEpmBc5TPNQLTt_6ADFZWlMSQMW-u8sjAcU1IOtPpVXbC-kohEJ19Br6wz3SESMti_vWInKZiPWrHkOXA2xhVp-iDiDTLYYkrk9uPcBysk8kB7_cWI/s320/IMG_3813.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 8) Spanish Stairs</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JELHkNv4R3iZiWY-HmFyffwCERk_zYeEEiODa89-ux3UQfVXwlMBOsjlMS8ER45OBnd3oWgKsx1K2FbfhISIG1DUWn21_QszSApSIv2g8x1rv3ml_FN1zB_Cld7T4yx-Ze48hwlwPEw/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JELHkNv4R3iZiWY-HmFyffwCERk_zYeEEiODa89-ux3UQfVXwlMBOsjlMS8ER45OBnd3oWgKsx1K2FbfhISIG1DUWn21_QszSApSIv2g8x1rv3ml_FN1zB_Cld7T4yx-Ze48hwlwPEw/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 9) Colosseum (Make sure you get here early because it closes by 2:30)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiH5cX0MfqLFb_NO8vE_fobXTvxOaY_bZTC2fUpd3NjC5uA35sDOQ8ocG4qiT8FbLrM8yV2CTRxtyq7_8JKxVgnKgk-5uQyU5PKgYNkzK5lnV7CKYF2BgahM_9T85grmw4_CqRuqCHTA/s1600/irtu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiH5cX0MfqLFb_NO8vE_fobXTvxOaY_bZTC2fUpd3NjC5uA35sDOQ8ocG4qiT8FbLrM8yV2CTRxtyq7_8JKxVgnKgk-5uQyU5PKgYNkzK5lnV7CKYF2BgahM_9T85grmw4_CqRuqCHTA/s320/irtu.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhbmplpxkp2pMf857A4GNhMMD8SReres5H9d1-g9tYLd7Fmil4bQJZiWPp-6PC4DB4tweotkNFR890X4GYsHMyKvNwukr-LsafNc4_NERAqGEZPk1jifBaAyHsNRbGEmWb8H9YnGnkBE/s1600/526186_406947185985204_100000097784915_1586217_1088628064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhbmplpxkp2pMf857A4GNhMMD8SReres5H9d1-g9tYLd7Fmil4bQJZiWPp-6PC4DB4tweotkNFR890X4GYsHMyKvNwukr-LsafNc4_NERAqGEZPk1jifBaAyHsNRbGEmWb8H9YnGnkBE/s320/526186_406947185985204_100000097784915_1586217_1088628064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 10) Forum</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dShioGIxzFh_4S-B0o22Fj4Ym0bYgriemEuNz6djl7MRVLHYAF_lvMXfTPba3Oa0tnX1xXdY6Ogars8aYhOW7_if4g3zAYo399gNK5j0d-GZwbtwmaLbkhdaCgCm_B1huI88rNAjAwM/s1600/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dShioGIxzFh_4S-B0o22Fj4Ym0bYgriemEuNz6djl7MRVLHYAF_lvMXfTPba3Oa0tnX1xXdY6Ogars8aYhOW7_if4g3zAYo399gNK5j0d-GZwbtwmaLbkhdaCgCm_B1huI88rNAjAwM/s320/IMG_3885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Site 11) Federal Building</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcKN4qZjsDwnUKDQug5gFLMfw-oZDf3CkrKOWnUSk5wRrjdoOkfes8LDULMVKK8O2OHyCW2xPsVQeQNcyz6onzrBcUFPyFyolUjK1fYZ-FSKwPsRIqLcegEsCflFqF3gkVCO4coR2jKo/s1600/560593_406948225985100_100000097784915_1586239_671459458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcKN4qZjsDwnUKDQug5gFLMfw-oZDf3CkrKOWnUSk5wRrjdoOkfes8LDULMVKK8O2OHyCW2xPsVQeQNcyz6onzrBcUFPyFyolUjK1fYZ-FSKwPsRIqLcegEsCflFqF3gkVCO4coR2jKo/s320/560593_406948225985100_100000097784915_1586239_671459458_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">GENOA -ITALY</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">This was our last stop of the tour. It's biggest claim to fame is that it's the birth place of Colombus. We took the double decker tour bus to get a quick look at the city and then walked back to places of interest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">It's not the most scenic place in Italy, rather it has more of an industrial feel. The Roman influence is readily apparent, but there are many other styles of architecture on display. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">The alley ways are very narrow and extremely unique. This is where you find all types of commerce, stores and cafes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Highlights:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">1) Ducale Center square with a huge fountain</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">2) Funny shop (After hearing some of Emri's jokes, I told her to spend a few dollars here)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">3) A lot of the building had very old frescoes painted on the exterior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">4) Arch and Gardens dedicated to Columbus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">6) Columbus house</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">There is so much more to share, mainly small vignettes that are best told face to face. We look forward to telling a few face to face with you in the near future.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">(Pics and more of the trip to come)</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-26699302634052419702012-03-17T07:43:00.000-07:002014-03-09T09:01:53.597-07:00A Loss to Remember<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We just came back from an amazing basketball tournament in which Jayci and her team from Ras Tanura competed for the Kingdom wide "National Championship". This is the closest thing we have to March Madness over here. This band of over achieving girls already took the national championship in Volleyball and were gunning for another banner in basketball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It was a two day event that required them to play 6 games. Long story short, they won their first five (two of which were against high school teams) which propelled them into the championship game against Dharhan. RT had already beaten them twice, and now faced them for a third time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This final game will forever be special and very memorable, but not for the reason you might be thinking. Rather than me recount it, I'd like to share an e-mail our family received from a parent in the crowd (from the other team).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Folks,<br />
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I attended the SAIK Girls Basketball Tournament in Riyadh this last weekend and saw something sports purists almost never get the chance to see these days. I wish I had video evidence, but, hopefully, you’ll accept a first-hand eye-witness account, and proceed accordingly from there.<br />
(In the interest of not continuing to misspell Ms Haynie/Haylie’s name, I’ll just call her Ms H.)<br />
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It was down to about the last two minutes of the girls SAIK basketball championship game between Dhahran (DH) Middle School, in White, and Ras Tanura (RT) Middle School, in Blue, and the game was tied. Both teams had met before. Both teams felt the pressure. Both teams knew what was on the line – championship bragging rights for a whole year, not just in all Aramco, but in the whole of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br />
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On a fast-break play by DH, a DH player passed the ball to another DH player down court.<br />
RT team-leader Ms H. was rushing down court as well in an attempt to disrupt the fast-break play.<br />
The DH pass sailed out of bounds underneath the White (DH) basket.<br />
The referee called the ball and indicated the direction of throw-in.<br />
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Ms H. calmly and quietly informed the referee he made the wrong call, and quietly insisted the ball should go the other way.<br />
It would have been perfectly acceptable to let the ref make the call and continue to play, since we all teach players to accept the call, even the “bad ones”, that those are the breaks of the game, to forget the call and continue to play. Yet Ms. H insisted, very calmly and quietly, with the referee that he was wrong and to reverse the call. Almost nobody heard her speak. I heard her voice but could not hear her words; but I saw what occurred prior to the call, and I saw her body language as she ever-so-softly contested the call.<br />
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Ms H. insisted the referee reverse the call, originally in favor of Blue (RT), to go the other way, that the ball should go instead to the White (DH) team. You see, what the referee and many players missed, but not Ms. H, and not this eye-witness, was that Ms. H ever-so-slightly deflected the pass prior to it going out. In short, we’d say “the ball was out, on her.”<br />
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You might stop here and think, “now that was good of her, she’s a sweetheart, she just didn’t know.”<br />
I would state you are wrong to think that. Why?<br />
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I fully believe Ms. H knew the consequences of her actions: the White team would receive the inbound pass under their own basket, and very likely be able to break the tie in their favor in the final two minutes of a championship game. Why do I believe this, that Ms. H knew the consequences of her actions?<br />
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Because of her composure during the whole game, because of her composure after the call was reversed, and because of her composure after DH/White did, in fact, inbound the pass, make the tie-breaking shot, and two-minutes later win the game. Her composure was calm, yet determined. She cared, very much so, about winning, but I think she cared more about winning true than winning cheap.<br />
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How can I express in words the simplest, truest form of pure sportswomanship-in-action, especially in today’s world of self-serving sports persona, and the uber-competitiveness that pushes most to take advantage of every mistake, even a referee’s bad call?<br />
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We as parents and educators try to teach “Be fair. Be polite. Don’t show off.” Even kids who have the best manners at the dinner table might forget these rules of good sportsmanship in the heat of a championship game.<br />
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Ms H’ deserves special recognition, a) for herself, and although I bet she might be a little embarrassed by it, I think she’d accept the responsibility of being awarded such recognition in order to b) serve as a role model for others, if this was explained to her. But I think she’d already know this without it needing to be explained. She was already a team leader before this, so I’m sure she’ll continue that role in other endeavors as well.<br />
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If the Aramco school system already has a category to award any kind of recognition to a student who exhibits the epitome of good sportsmanship & fair-play, then I nominate Ms. H for her exemplary leadership and sense of honor during the 2012 SAIK Girls Basketball Tournament championship game.<br />
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If the Aramco school system doesn’t already have such a category to award, then it should create one, and perhaps consider naming the award in Ms H’s honor: the Name I. (middle initial) Haynie award, not to be awarded annually, but only to be awarded when similar situations of selfless good sportsmanship occur… “for demonstrated superior qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to excel in the highest and most honorable of traditions.”…etc.<br />
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At the very least, get the story in the Aramco Sun.<br />
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I hope this message is enough to get the “ball headed in the right direction.”<br />
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Regards,<br />
James<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks Jayci for showing what true champions are made of!</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-29447255466636423842012-01-09T08:15:00.000-08:002012-01-20T05:57:03.523-08:00Christmas 2011 in UAE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The magic of Christmas came to Saudi Arabia! On Dec 23 Alex and Makena boarded a plane to the middle East lugging overstuffed suitcases and a plenty of cheer. For the most part their flight was uneventful, just how we prayed for.<br />
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They arrived on Christmas eve around 11:30p local time (KSA) and we were all in good spirits once we could actually grab and hug them. It's been over 4 months since we've seen each other and it really felt great to be together again.<br />
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By the time we went to bed that night it was pretty late, we half debated just to stay up and have an early AM Christmas, but cooler heads prevailed and we went to bed. The next morning we picked up where we left off as far as smiles, giggles and group hugs. We quickly turned our attention to the suit case they brought that contained all the goodies. We'd like to thank all those who contributed to the "Santa Bag", there were many wonderful and thoughtful gifts and we appreciated the effort and love with which they were sent. Krishna's favorite was the family picture that Alex had made, it now sits prominently in our dining room.<br />
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On Dec 26 we boarded a plane to Dubai. Alex had been planning this trip for months and it was now time to execute the plan. She was able to find a great hotel very near the metro, so we had great access to all the favorite spots in Dubai. We saw the Mall of Dubai with the Ski Dubai resort inside. It is amazing what they do in malls over here. There really are like little cities complete with food, clothing, entertainment and everything else you would expect to see in a fully developed city - they are huge!<br />
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While there, we also went to the mall of the Emirates that had the world's largest aquarium and dancing fountains like the ones in Vegas. This mall sits right next to the World's Tallest Building – Birj Kalifa. Unfortunately, the tickets were sold out to go up the building, but we figured it gives us a good reason to come back. So as a consolation prize, we decided to go see the new Tom Cruise movie MI 3 that was filmed in Dubai and spotlighted the Birj.<br />
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We also went to the Atlantis Water park. It had some awesome waterslide great beaches and enough things to do to keep us busy for awhile. What also made this park unique was the location. It was built in the Palm Jameera district. This is a man made geographical layout that sculptured land mass to represent a palm tree. Each branch of the tree was converted into prime residential and commercial real estate. Please google it to get an aerial shot, it's really amazing.<br />
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After 2 days in Dubai, we moved on to Abu Dabi This meant we took a 2 hour drive in a chartered bus. The ride was OK, but it made for a great sight seeing opportunity. That's the nice thing living in this part of the world, everything we do is new and full of wonder so even Mundane things are exciting.<br />
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Alex did a great job hooking us up with a hotel we were bumped up to a suite and life was pretty sweet. We kept really busy here. The front desk gave us some sites to see. These included the World's Largest Mosque, the Emirates palace, the Marina Mall, and the Heritage Center. The biggest challenge for us was that the Abu Dabi only had 4 passenger taxi's so it became a little pricey to travel using the. The girls were good sports by agreeing to walk when we could. The good news is that we got our exercise in so I didn't feel to guilty eating a few sweets along the way. The malls there were nice, but not quite the size as the ones in Dubai.<br />
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There were two big highlights in A-D:<br />
First was our Safari/Dune bashing. This was a lot of fun not only because of the high energy activities, but also because of the variety of events. We started out on a 10 minute bashing excursion that took us to a camel farm. The girls got some great pics. Then we were off again climbing up and sliding down more dunes to our next stop; a falconry exhibition. After that, more bashing to arrive at our final destination – a tent compound where we ate traditional Arabic BBQ, took some novelty pics, and watched a Moroccan belly dancer. Fun was had by all.<br />
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The second event was unplanned, but very fortuitous. There was a tennis tournament/exhibition being held at the King Fahad sports complex that was close to our hotel. It was an exclusive event whereby the top 6 players in the world would compete against each other. We decided to check things out, and before we knew it we were watching Tsonga mixing it up with Monfils and on the other court Nadal was going against Ferer. Unfortunately we didn't get to see Djokovic and Federer play but the girls got some great pics of them as the left the club house. As Makena said, "This was the highlight of the trip!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmudgmEWODm0FNUWf7pdO8TjZI4UuNabyg8g5zmKcSrxxOR8wQvstQ6Q95gcFllkODU5vzlxceUd5gpmJNjdgRMUxHQsFuL2BnZHlFFsFF_8CPXucRpgvl356PNaXqQGzXbKtt2vyeuio/s1600/DSCF5902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmudgmEWODm0FNUWf7pdO8TjZI4UuNabyg8g5zmKcSrxxOR8wQvstQ6Q95gcFllkODU5vzlxceUd5gpmJNjdgRMUxHQsFuL2BnZHlFFsFF_8CPXucRpgvl356PNaXqQGzXbKtt2vyeuio/s320/DSCF5902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN5i_Bvy14SwsZMkvm8n7kkgy8H919zCiLba8-bWyyqcEQp6O7m4HGpSEvb7M_NMMmo1HENAdSUVQGqeEMGDWaO7tdFcWq-HgXTun2LLYXpDrzFgblFHe6-RAoQ5wlqw_jzdKa7oHiGM/s1600/family+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN5i_Bvy14SwsZMkvm8n7kkgy8H919zCiLba8-bWyyqcEQp6O7m4HGpSEvb7M_NMMmo1HENAdSUVQGqeEMGDWaO7tdFcWq-HgXTun2LLYXpDrzFgblFHe6-RAoQ5wlqw_jzdKa7oHiGM/s320/family+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So all in all it was a great trip, many thanks to Alex! It was sad to put Alex and Makena on the plane, but we all felt grateful for the time together and we certainly made some lifelong memories</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-41468834454288724222011-12-02T05:50:00.000-08:002012-01-20T03:58:16.390-08:00Thanksgiving in Bahrain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of the greatest things about living here is that we are consistently having first and last (and some times both) experiences. Our latest is our trip across the border to Bahrain for Thanksgiving with the Chandlers. <br />
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We chose to go for several reasons, first our district conference was being held there and we felt it would be important to meet more members face to face. It took place at their international school, which was a very modern and impressive structure. We listened to talks from President Price as well as Elder Piper (whom we had seen before several years ago in Burley). <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNq25M-32sHuv2ixV7HXg6MJzuiei6whC6pOfD8eEUNkJW9q-1C01OyFbvoMaMKNBkzQVRZh0GQy4YF0KVJ_j1hhd7W02lHYniKkK1xiXnUC98eTPQJsGkN4X3gZ1YIcGPlKoa75tjrA/s1600/DSCF5409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNq25M-32sHuv2ixV7HXg6MJzuiei6whC6pOfD8eEUNkJW9q-1C01OyFbvoMaMKNBkzQVRZh0GQy4YF0KVJ_j1hhd7W02lHYniKkK1xiXnUC98eTPQJsGkN4X3gZ1YIcGPlKoa75tjrA/s320/DSCF5409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOprwUCgascye7egLWnx0Q49EltYnA9fbu5a7J5puaq_5kidKAmQb2Y8Hle0A2ErQCq3cL4p1E5BP3uYvRLGPbCbzBt701PZVpfJTr_iHH0rR3GAc5sM8ImuP4_MtpZnhrHBmIj8aCVQM/s1600/DSCF5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOprwUCgascye7egLWnx0Q49EltYnA9fbu5a7J5puaq_5kidKAmQb2Y8Hle0A2ErQCq3cL4p1E5BP3uYvRLGPbCbzBt701PZVpfJTr_iHH0rR3GAc5sM8ImuP4_MtpZnhrHBmIj8aCVQM/s320/DSCF5418.JPG" width="320" /></a>Afterwards we took a field trip to find the Tree of Life (you must google this subject to get a picture and full history). The unique things about it is that it is over 400 years old, there is no water in the vicinity - thus begging the question how does it survive, and finally some believe it to be the original garden of Eden.<br />
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</div>As far as Thanksgiving, our day was spent at the souks where David found a shop that sold old currencies. Emri bought a 10 dollar bill from Iraq with Saddam Hussein's picture on it. The ladies needed to visit the mall of course where they purchased some long sought after C-mas decorations and then we ended up at a restaurant named Rics for a traditional thanksgiving meal. It was delicious to the tongue, but the heart felt a bit empty due to not having the usual group of suspects sitting around the table - we missed our family! What we did appreciate was the company of the Chandlers and their gracious and humble influence in our lives. In between bites of turkey and HAM (yes, they had it there) we all shared 3 things we are grateful for. It was very satisfying to hear what everyone said.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyTrKEGCxjlX_HOpD1kx1AhOoOCe3gM-pZBejqM1a_oZrfjski0FmS58Xp6_5LbNhBM2dY972z9qlvqWUTRr_2_9p5kYudabQVWOI5wqrZqjBXdUIifTdcF8_i-KPFn88v68X21Sn28s/s1600/DSCF5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyTrKEGCxjlX_HOpD1kx1AhOoOCe3gM-pZBejqM1a_oZrfjski0FmS58Xp6_5LbNhBM2dY972z9qlvqWUTRr_2_9p5kYudabQVWOI5wqrZqjBXdUIifTdcF8_i-KPFn88v68X21Sn28s/s320/DSCF5397.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>All in all a great trip where we were fed both spiritually and physically.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-28509195179974587712011-11-11T07:48:00.000-08:002012-01-20T03:33:07.753-08:00Whirl wind tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello again! Sorry for the prolonged absence, but we've been caught up in the routine things of life here in the kingdom for the past month or so. There really wasn't much to report, but then all of a sudden it became fast and furious. Now that we have a breather, it's time to capture the highlights.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">VOLLEYBALL</span><br />
First: Jayci's volleyball team had a great season. Their amazing coach (Krishna) was tasked with taking 20 girls of varying abilities and create 3 teams. The idea was to give all those who tried out an opportunity to play. She did a masterful job of organizing teams where the girls were matched up by ability thus creating a fun and competitive experience. There was an end of season tourney where only the "A" team would compete against 16 other teams from all over Saudi Arabia. Also, these teams had older and bigger girls on them. Our team's tallest girl was Jayci and collectively the 7 players were so scrawny that a good breeze would have knocked them all over. Needless to say, when they entered the gym, not only were the other teams not impressed, but they wanted to buy them lunch to help fill them out a little.<br />
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Long story short, the girls played amazing on the final day of the tournament and ended up winning it. So in a way, they are national champions and should feel very good about their performance. It is the first time that a team from Ras Tanura has won this title and people are very proud of them.<br />
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Emri also played on the Dhahran International high school team. They had two strong players, her and a Megan Johnston. They boarded a plan to a place on the red sea called Kaust. She and Danielle (her best friend) stayed with a host family and became good friends with their daughter, Megan Harris - from South Africa. After 2 days of competition, it became quite clear that Emri's team was the class of the field and had little problem with their matches. In the end they took home the gold. So, we have three national champions in the Haynie house. Once again, dad is looking like dead weight.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">TRIPS:</span><br />
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</div>SHAYBA<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On 10/27/11 we were fortunate enough to be picked (through a lottery) as a family to go to Shayba KSA. This is a company sponsored trip whereby they commissioned a company plane to take 100 people on a field trip. This is a very sought after experience because it is located in the empty quarter near the Oman border. SAco has several wells located there as well as a very nice compound for it's employees. The reason why people want to go is because of the indescribable sand dunes. These are the steep and massive mountain ranges of red dunes that you see on documentaries. They have to be experienced first hand to begin to fathom just how impressive these dunes are. We were treated to a great lunch and tutorial about Shayba and then spirited off to an incredible vantage point called the upper tent. From there we went sand surfing and trekking to explore one of the natural wonders of the world. After our foray into the endless sea of red sand, we came back to an incredible buffet. We sat on carpet and pillows, gorged on shrimp and heard amazing stories all while sitting under the vast Arabian sky.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAW-VER0xZoUQf4dkBzNXkg_r4blEjpammjkKQUr7AMSU0jpQ5x2IFTr5vFatcxxLWv5LcqcDREx29mp4sE7R4bBWcZ4QrYHrJ7QUdQeVWGPQ3LFvnvla9Faz72dtcsxeIq08rNLsZnc/s1600/DSCF4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAW-VER0xZoUQf4dkBzNXkg_r4blEjpammjkKQUr7AMSU0jpQ5x2IFTr5vFatcxxLWv5LcqcDREx29mp4sE7R4bBWcZ4QrYHrJ7QUdQeVWGPQ3LFvnvla9Faz72dtcsxeIq08rNLsZnc/s320/DSCF4934.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gW37nX2fXMSkY_MZp1fR8Y7GWU1upTehYwIefURN7qm462-agMGt1LTm660oV92axLZIeetpUQhN78dQRsvCnZ9uTVV-1UU-J4SvRYlM7ZiBRkhr0olneNbjbahdyml5bCOpxnh3WME/s1600/DSCF4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gW37nX2fXMSkY_MZp1fR8Y7GWU1upTehYwIefURN7qm462-agMGt1LTm660oV92axLZIeetpUQhN78dQRsvCnZ9uTVV-1UU-J4SvRYlM7ZiBRkhr0olneNbjbahdyml5bCOpxnh3WME/s320/DSCF4813.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-xf0lcZIyYd24v3ix92Hj2FkpoNZIff8gAurnTec1p55S-5ER-pM5ve4-v_pvSd4ged-5XXvKgllWVxn8swSCDn7mjAp5bmUyFGkFe4uzRZQ55EOqTIZSHYPunjHd3ClVYXdZ968clk/s1600/DSCF4904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-xf0lcZIyYd24v3ix92Hj2FkpoNZIff8gAurnTec1p55S-5ER-pM5ve4-v_pvSd4ged-5XXvKgllWVxn8swSCDn7mjAp5bmUyFGkFe4uzRZQ55EOqTIZSHYPunjHd3ClVYXdZ968clk/s320/DSCF4904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
YANBU & JEDDAH<br />
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10/27/11 Kris and I headed to the West Coast. We were fortunate enough to hitch a ride on the company jet for a double dip excursion to Yanbu and Jeddah.<br />
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People had told us that the Red Sea is the world's best diving area and that Yanbu held some spectacular dives. Kris and I are not certified, so we opted to snorkel instead. After some creative planning and a little luck, we were able to visit a spot that had been closed to the general public for several years (thanks to a very nice coast guard officer who made an exception for us). <br />
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Words cannot describe how beautiful the underwater scenery was. Between countless numbers and varieties of fish, coupled with a true victory garden of coral it really was mind blowing to try and assimilate all the sea life we saw. It truly was a world class snorkelingexperience! We had the whole ocean to ourselves and I felt like I was experiencing the red sea just as inhabitants had 1000s of years ago. The most exhilarating moment was when I came face to face with a moray eel. I swear it had the head of a pit bull and chuck full of teeth that compared to any shark mouth around. I quietly swam away and wished him well.<br />
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The next day we did some quick sight seeing and then boarded the second leg of our journey to Jeddah. It was the best and worst time to be there. I say that because we happened to be arriving at the same time around 3 million of the Islamic faithful were too. It was great <span style="background-color: yellow;">to</span> see Jeddah come alive with the Hajj (pilgrimage in full swing). We saw the dedicated Hajj terminal along with several Pilgrims dressed in their white robes.<br />
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On our first full day there we hitched a ride with a flight crew from Turkey airlines and stowed away on a private beach. It was nice, it had tiki huts and refreshment shacks So, when we weren't snorkeling around the perimeter, we kicked back on a lounge chair and cat napped. The snorkeling was good, but because we had been spoiled in Yanbu, it didn't have quite the same thrill factor.<br />
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Day 2 we hired a driver to take us around the city and we see saw a lot of very interesting places. Old town (balad) had some great original buildings and souks that kept us busy. We saw a fish market with every kind imaginable species still flopping around. The turn abouts had some really cools statues, including a 75 foot tall bicycle. We saw the famous floating mosque as well as a monument dedicated to Eve. I tried to get in and take pictures but the keepers wouldn't let me stay because I wasn't Muslim.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>All in all it was a great trip and very affordable due to the generosity of Aramco and their private fleet.<br />
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<br />
OMAN 11/4/11<br />
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The Haynie family has become good friends with the Decoopmans, mainly due to Emri's pal-ing around with Danielle. They are a great family and we felt lucky that they chose to go to Oman with us. We originally got the idea travel there from Randy M. He showed us some pictures of the country one night and we were hooked. He loaned us a book and we spent many weeks planning out our agenda. There is so much you can do there and it takes many trips to see all the different sides of it. Luckily it is just a short flight away, so we expect to visit it often.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDa6UY9PhenBFbe6wfOLoKSFkGs2Y-7w2fxbOFGgMlt485NZj1nfH-mLIK_4GuV3zWJrgKW3AyydwehSvF7alqVDfe8hpr7lpBs0sZKUcVcz08737oZnpO5Gkm-hn17Br8v-cHzp5CcU/s1600/306441_2630062277847_1444069499_33059081_1955842554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDa6UY9PhenBFbe6wfOLoKSFkGs2Y-7w2fxbOFGgMlt485NZj1nfH-mLIK_4GuV3zWJrgKW3AyydwehSvF7alqVDfe8hpr7lpBs0sZKUcVcz08737oZnpO5Gkm-hn17Br8v-cHzp5CcU/s320/306441_2630062277847_1444069499_33059081_1955842554_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Upon arriving in Muscat, we noticed right away how clean and organized the city appeared. There was a real feeling of "pride of ownership". Our hotel was called the Tiger house and it was something you would see in a kid's Disney movie. There were tiger statues everywhere and the walls were painted in tiger orange. It is a converted apartment building, so it was functional and affordable, but certainly wouldn't make the 5 star rating. Day 1 we tanked up on Crepes at a local seaside eating locale and then headed to Muttrah (old Muscat) for some souk shopping and sight seeing. The ladies found their favorite vendors and purchased some souvenirs. Robert and his GPS brought us to different points of interest like the corniche, the kings home, and other unique nooks and crannies.<br />
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Day 2 we headed south to see some turtles in Ras al Jinz. We had plenty of time to make the journey, so we had planned to see some wadis (river beds that wind down from the mountains and deposit in the sea). They are very popular for the locals to go and relax. Unfortunately, it was Eid and all the country was celebrating, so it was very crowded. WE attempted to go to Wadi Sudayh, but as we travel up it in a land cruiser, it become impassable do to a rain storm that had hit the week before, so as we were trying to figure out what to do next, a tour guide offered to let us follow her to the next attraction - the Sink Hole by Tiwi. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA7lIOdbv2Wo3q4UGmsrH58pPGTgBgZTUexgQTc6vYRC4Mxn74H3m5-PfOmyXlBxdSnpp6y88h50t15u8fDNML-C1X4JrAw8opfMzAsNA-KXYogJQf6phhDACa4LmUqQ3IFTlKzcCH1g/s1600/DSCF5277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA7lIOdbv2Wo3q4UGmsrH58pPGTgBgZTUexgQTc6vYRC4Mxn74H3m5-PfOmyXlBxdSnpp6y88h50t15u8fDNML-C1X4JrAw8opfMzAsNA-KXYogJQf6phhDACa4LmUqQ3IFTlKzcCH1g/s320/DSCF5277.jpg" width="240" /></a>This place is is just what it says it is, a big hole with fresh water in the bottom. We snapped a few photos and then followed our adopted guide to the next stop - Fins Beach. Here we snorkeled along the rocks and saw a fair variety of fish, although we had to be real careful of the sea urchins. After a few hours it was time to head further south to turtle land. We drove to the city of Sur and enjoyed a nice meal at the hotel where the Decoopmans stayed. Then we headed to our spot called Turtle island resort. Don't let the name fool you, a resort it wasn't. Our accommodations were a 4 walled, dirt floor bamboo hut with 3 bunk beds. After having a good laugh, we secured a local guide to take us to the turtles. We did this because the regular expedition was full and we needed a plan B.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-iZtPIL2C8cWxLLWLmJsNr0ap9dtxKIxZ-O38_60GroZ2E0jDG7fD8Pis_WTv0D_vUal9ScNK1Zg1lM_7v7mBQGJKi-Xp8RqeMZ5SAuoHW5Ow1chEib12chbfMUpLovlsay_kdP5Hyc/s1600/DSCF5274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-iZtPIL2C8cWxLLWLmJsNr0ap9dtxKIxZ-O38_60GroZ2E0jDG7fD8Pis_WTv0D_vUal9ScNK1Zg1lM_7v7mBQGJKi-Xp8RqeMZ5SAuoHW5Ow1chEib12chbfMUpLovlsay_kdP5Hyc/s320/DSCF5274.jpg" width="320" /></a>They took us out at 9pm and we were able to see 1 mother turtle making her way back to sea after she had buried her eggs. The guide had a bucket of little turtles that he released and we got to watch them follow the moonlight out to the ocean. We felt a little cheated due to only seeing one turtle, but the guide said that the full moon makes the turtles hesitant <span style="background-color: yellow;">to</span> come ashore. I wasn't convinced about his story until the next morning when a overheard someone saying that they went to the "official" site and they didn't see any.<br />
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The next morning we headed back to Sur and visited the boat building factory. It was amazing to see these large fishing boat being built by hand the same way it's been done over the centuries. Rumour has it that this exact location played a part in Lehi's voyage.<br />
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</div>On our way back north we stopped off at Wadi Sadwa. It was absolutely amazing! It was an hour hike filled with adventure at every turn. We saw palm oasis', standing pools of fresh water as well as grotto with a waterfall (you had to swim underwater to reach it). It was definitely the scenic high point of the trip. After several hours there, we returned back to the Tiger house for a good night sleep.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj_FcVrmgTrUiaNzJE-VXCiXhJP5CKO53akwKVl5PbyCSjFmTFD4cf57uLSFYe_51KsxhoXxacixTnnji5D-Vgdy6GNXMkMYEvgF7QvA1lTMLyuC_CfhyrOxEVqD3034WdRYBLprve0s/s1600/320010_2630190761059_1444069499_33059198_1358996739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj_FcVrmgTrUiaNzJE-VXCiXhJP5CKO53akwKVl5PbyCSjFmTFD4cf57uLSFYe_51KsxhoXxacixTnnji5D-Vgdy6GNXMkMYEvgF7QvA1lTMLyuC_CfhyrOxEVqD3034WdRYBLprve0s/s320/320010_2630190761059_1444069499_33059198_1358996739_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx8qT6flFQCwzAcl52mXAtFOSb3uxjtZiuclzpGRFre2_Bu4g0yE3ztcZ4WSDVcKLSZ27KmECLFuajD6KxghxVyudIq2Mw0L_cfZ4ktyJjXHKIyljo9lxzmRDfhMDn03ryPszCgB2low/s1600/384400_2630199241271_1444069499_33059204_876300815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx8qT6flFQCwzAcl52mXAtFOSb3uxjtZiuclzpGRFre2_Bu4g0yE3ztcZ4WSDVcKLSZ27KmECLFuajD6KxghxVyudIq2Mw0L_cfZ4ktyJjXHKIyljo9lxzmRDfhMDn03ryPszCgB2low/s320/384400_2630199241271_1444069499_33059204_876300815_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Our final (half) day there was spent exploring different sections of Muscat. We saw Shangri-la resort (VERY NICE), tried to go dolphin watching but it didn't work out, and of course visited the local mall (we didn't need a GPS for that, the ladies seemed to sniff it out by themselves).<br />
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All in all a great trip. The people were very friendly and positive. The country had a nice energy, immaculate surroundings and abayas were not necessary. We look forward to coming back soon.<br />
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</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-9022344375202531252011-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:002011-09-02T08:20:11.882-07:00Road trip to Riyadh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">According to our master travel plan, it was time to visit Riyadh (the capital of Saudi Arabia). We wanted to go there soon while it still sounded exciting and worth the effort. We knew that this was not going to be one of our more glamorous trips, but we felt it was going to be very valuable growth experience to go for many reasons such as 1) can we be daring enough to travel on unknown roads in the middle of the desert 2) are we brave enough to go to the heart of CONSERVATIVE Islam during Ramadan and live to tell about it, 3) will we be able to adjust to the unknown surprises that await? etc. <br />
<div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">I think we were all feeling a bit of stress, but no one wanted to admit it to others so we put on a brave face and jumped into the car. </div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Long story short, the 4 hour drive to Riyadh was fairly uneventful other than the; VERY primitive rest stops, <a closure_uid_aixks3="567" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyRs8pHj2nyBW78b33KRlV_Cbm2DXWwfMn2I0u4-YTKOxFbgukLh1KEOeeeoBri9x4FRC-vTwW2YGkFxWVBEwT5FP7fOnQ3iJy79Z9frxtu6gk92jmfQMRJ_n3qujfHQWxfL3X9hmtCE/s1600/restroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyRs8pHj2nyBW78b33KRlV_Cbm2DXWwfMn2I0u4-YTKOxFbgukLh1KEOeeeoBri9x4FRC-vTwW2YGkFxWVBEwT5FP7fOnQ3iJy79Z9frxtu6gk92jmfQMRJ_n3qujfHQWxfL3X9hmtCE/s320/restroom.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">cars travel around 125mph (no kidding), </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a closure_uid_aixks3="534" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jnXCnPPrgaTHAuGnEMRHtJnltfmas0mT31eVCypRcndQyuxMxcx31VbpcjFfE6DVAMBT_6-FVK8hfpoffVGMFP9WwHohAfarR_ud-OifeKqQjKeficG4jYDLkxnyQEBOzsNoASB3JFU/s1600/Road+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jnXCnPPrgaTHAuGnEMRHtJnltfmas0mT31eVCypRcndQyuxMxcx31VbpcjFfE6DVAMBT_6-FVK8hfpoffVGMFP9WwHohAfarR_ud-OifeKqQjKeficG4jYDLkxnyQEBOzsNoASB3JFU/s320/Road+sign.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">and a few camels resting alongside the freeway under palms trees.</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="405" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B7-jA2WYHp6qyIMWe3v4NQDWavEiE8JwVIHeDbaMThqvPvZ8myxLwBlLZOE6rL2eLJvxi_KhJuiakRCLTRal5SooV6ZJQVJmUz91fD8aCeco8wnJbnSYqXKW7iex33kQJuz-rP2y52w/s1600/camels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B7-jA2WYHp6qyIMWe3v4NQDWavEiE8JwVIHeDbaMThqvPvZ8myxLwBlLZOE6rL2eLJvxi_KhJuiakRCLTRal5SooV6ZJQVJmUz91fD8aCeco8wnJbnSYqXKW7iex33kQJuz-rP2y52w/s320/camels.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_aixks3="584" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="584" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">The GPS has been a Godsend because it has given us the confidence to go and see many things, however there are still a few nuances we are still adjusting to. For example it will say "keep to the left" what it means is to exit to the left. It took us a couple of missed exits to figure this out, but by the end we were getting around like natives.</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="196" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Our first impression of Riyadh as we drove into the city was pure amazement. This relatively young city has to have one of the most diverse architectural landscapes of any city I've been to so far. It's an architect's dream between friendly building codes and available money for brick and mortar masterpieces. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="196" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="196" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a closure_uid_aixks3="215" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN36JhQuyFK7CBz35MRzxEyhWnAib-xq_wxe9MldM1sCw8CYhdwkDoe7_G9zX5TPh-4FUxQIMOdvKQaLNbsgJTrKPPyWKZCMCqXSIz-jjV7-VX4ZPymSLjTcV7U4j5fxG8NHMcdly02Qk/s1600/riayadh4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN36JhQuyFK7CBz35MRzxEyhWnAib-xq_wxe9MldM1sCw8CYhdwkDoe7_G9zX5TPh-4FUxQIMOdvKQaLNbsgJTrKPPyWKZCMCqXSIz-jjV7-VX4ZPymSLjTcV7U4j5fxG8NHMcdly02Qk/s320/riayadh4.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a><a closure_uid_aixks3="266" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkIipb44obgoVw5X7tAkwV-W0RD7Jj_MoX2yx1xbS56ObS2Fp4ZFGsOwfCv_89btuuG7BvRkFHIGmtv1dxyyTDEEgCEhbJ8ev7gCx6WZSP0D73aIo9-gjj1FQ9zo9916smaXGBuwa2nM/s1600/riyad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkIipb44obgoVw5X7tAkwV-W0RD7Jj_MoX2yx1xbS56ObS2Fp4ZFGsOwfCv_89btuuG7BvRkFHIGmtv1dxyyTDEEgCEhbJ8ev7gCx6WZSP0D73aIo9-gjj1FQ9zo9916smaXGBuwa2nM/s320/riyad1.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="354" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFws2qqhoIZsJqX4XojTO2v3BELwBeM00QH5zIxFhHoOD_AbAjEV_rUGJCqJUJNXX6ZFja8fenarRFSIFYvs0627jWGvTGPWD_Pf5GUdvHJsvz8GbxYN4DNX4yUH1j8R7UAG6nZpHuk0/s1600/riyad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFws2qqhoIZsJqX4XojTO2v3BELwBeM00QH5zIxFhHoOD_AbAjEV_rUGJCqJUJNXX6ZFja8fenarRFSIFYvs0627jWGvTGPWD_Pf5GUdvHJsvz8GbxYN4DNX4yUH1j8R7UAG6nZpHuk0/s320/riyad2.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="354" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="354" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7_g9LrGJrYSOWvEOoHvqoHz_oJx_IabX2fWnGHnsrG0izdDzHRAwlZgOYk9XGL-__yv3wpEMbdE_2Xcl5hHufCW3N_Omo8pOzyvPclEytdg5tdDAkWLnJc2SX377Ah-szA66vkBj8D4/s1600/riyad3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7_g9LrGJrYSOWvEOoHvqoHz_oJx_IabX2fWnGHnsrG0izdDzHRAwlZgOYk9XGL-__yv3wpEMbdE_2Xcl5hHufCW3N_Omo8pOzyvPclEytdg5tdDAkWLnJc2SX377Ah-szA66vkBj8D4/s320/riyad3.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Once we arrived to our hotel, we took a quick nap, ate some snacks (remember we can't eat in public yet until sundown) and then headed out to see the Mazmack palace. This is a very important site in the Saudi history because a revolutionary battle for the city took place here. I'll spare you the details here (please google it), but it was an impressive place. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoedfS1BAacGwgtcj4a0lMDpl0lO495d8vN2VtGS24Rera7c1q8xoqS9v2GmCxZDHCb_67Ep2vJYMwAl5SxhPXimfA9Jvldh2ngGrD4M_N6C3QeGQ-q6T-IHM35Rb_UEL25kN0YWYooks/s1600/masmak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoedfS1BAacGwgtcj4a0lMDpl0lO495d8vN2VtGS24Rera7c1q8xoqS9v2GmCxZDHCb_67Ep2vJYMwAl5SxhPXimfA9Jvldh2ngGrD4M_N6C3QeGQ-q6T-IHM35Rb_UEL25kN0YWYooks/s320/masmak.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">The added bonus was that a very large souq (outdoor street shopping) was close by so Emri found her some cool sandals and Kris bought a brass vase (looks like an erne).</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Sv5vZWGKbAyxyuBYGQ0JS6JMrx9oeNTQJPH3NCjXi3tMZG4NoykdZ19s0rEOL2s6J0vpIk9PgvJSNGOdxjVYBA08B8ew5QkH3ORIpFOxNigELc_1r2-J4c8DXdcZp_D2_j5z4GO8ak8/s1600/em+sandals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Sv5vZWGKbAyxyuBYGQ0JS6JMrx9oeNTQJPH3NCjXi3tMZG4NoykdZ19s0rEOL2s6J0vpIk9PgvJSNGOdxjVYBA08B8ew5QkH3ORIpFOxNigELc_1r2-J4c8DXdcZp_D2_j5z4GO8ak8/s320/em+sandals.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="478" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">About that time, we decided we were hungry so we found a Johnny Rockets and feasted on hamburgers and lemonades. There were curtains around our stall, they take the family seating area very seriously here. There is absolutely no mixed seating in restaurants, if you are a solo woman or with your husband/family you are asked to eat in a covered booth. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="478" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigww-tRdKdiSNmgsVw36Xtlw_iRsxFDp1a1u7Q3yipduUz3Uy57yScOk-dXyppVaq0mglWYT8b1FsfW44qjV0aK9uXTMe-bcit5bRZParNCQP_IIsHhpxYjtLI24gmhDms2N1NRCN4pGg/s1600/j-rocket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigww-tRdKdiSNmgsVw36Xtlw_iRsxFDp1a1u7Q3yipduUz3Uy57yScOk-dXyppVaq0mglWYT8b1FsfW44qjV0aK9uXTMe-bcit5bRZParNCQP_IIsHhpxYjtLI24gmhDms2N1NRCN4pGg/s320/j-rocket.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="478" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="478" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8NB00KIzo58ZULZ_DcrH2rvCE4q2ERe8R46HBso-kfso9ST1vRtM0uWZLQhXezqUwJo4BbYacvp1m5z-KiT4jck91PUnITrXvj8dw9VVW0wTROJyRsw5TCBex4edaijSc46d7dHLkw/s1600/j-rockets+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8NB00KIzo58ZULZ_DcrH2rvCE4q2ERe8R46HBso-kfso9ST1vRtM0uWZLQhXezqUwJo4BbYacvp1m5z-KiT4jck91PUnITrXvj8dw9VVW0wTROJyRsw5TCBex4edaijSc46d7dHLkw/s320/j-rockets+2.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">We then headed back to our hotel which was within walking distance of the Kingdom Tower. This was very fortuitous because the less we needed to drive the better (crazy drivers everywhere). We went to the tower paid 6 dollars each to ride the 2 elevators (99 floors) to the sky walk on top. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOznoxF-4KdmW3y45Sn8opQ5RH4vMYv3Im96901EK6QS4XbzJA-nuhpFh-SXxr7H8Aa0UrQL00ca0H1L_cE-m05iB5Rn6tEpzCIIeYcNoxffIyDp-Wy3Bj4G7G3NkIvQ7_wFW-x2S24I/s1600/Kingdom+tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOznoxF-4KdmW3y45Sn8opQ5RH4vMYv3Im96901EK6QS4XbzJA-nuhpFh-SXxr7H8Aa0UrQL00ca0H1L_cE-m05iB5Rn6tEpzCIIeYcNoxffIyDp-Wy3Bj4G7G3NkIvQ7_wFW-x2S24I/s320/Kingdom+tower.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xCWKHB98cF1R7KQ78b6fiTuIL1DZiyg2wvxTUrWgCsH4F4Q8nUytZz1JNGH8zJ_PWWFHtHAcWNeb941e7y99CFin91dNrnuGH_0KnPs7pTkPtzA9hLD5WtJjHvJnrLHHq2_k1RQtC70/s1600/tower3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xCWKHB98cF1R7KQ78b6fiTuIL1DZiyg2wvxTUrWgCsH4F4Q8nUytZz1JNGH8zJ_PWWFHtHAcWNeb941e7y99CFin91dNrnuGH_0KnPs7pTkPtzA9hLD5WtJjHvJnrLHHq2_k1RQtC70/s320/tower3.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VNY4Y1cj4hMwNmZDti2lg1PGD-5PJLvVhU6XgV4R991BEA15qkQOnw9DKNPSM-R2DNusUJb6g9JnaRiwvHfpbIYsAaWw46c4v5hyzE-3dBxIo1_Ktb3ZUFkzBQrXuW047Xqbxiybj0A/s1600/tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VNY4Y1cj4hMwNmZDti2lg1PGD-5PJLvVhU6XgV4R991BEA15qkQOnw9DKNPSM-R2DNusUJb6g9JnaRiwvHfpbIYsAaWw46c4v5hyzE-3dBxIo1_Ktb3ZUFkzBQrXuW047Xqbxiybj0A/s320/tower.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">The view is absolutely amazing and gave a good perspective of the city where 5 million people live. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihsXxGWmvbCopIVplRXjHlX1R9ZVeXqOOVJvF0B8QIEA0dQ4nQZXkTXHTwzCnbOq6SESMaK2ZiMoN9RhZm4KWetgtr2lXUKxPhnoEE3eFeyklN-GpIdptal7IDW58ir24-qjGFKDdTVQ/s1600/hitower1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihsXxGWmvbCopIVplRXjHlX1R9ZVeXqOOVJvF0B8QIEA0dQ4nQZXkTXHTwzCnbOq6SESMaK2ZiMoN9RhZm4KWetgtr2lXUKxPhnoEE3eFeyklN-GpIdptal7IDW58ir24-qjGFKDdTVQ/s320/hitower1.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="497" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">After the ride down, there is a 3 level mall with all the high end stores. Level 2 is interesting because it is for women only, they call it Ladies Kingdom". On this floor females don't have to wear their head dress (scarves, masks, etc) and not have the eyes of the men on them.</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="477" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Day 2</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Our plan was to see the national museum in the morning and then check out the Old Dariya ruins. Unfortunately with Holiday Eid Iftar (to celebrate the end of Ramadan) going on the times were different so we weren't able to get in. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">After a route recalculation we went to Dariya. This was the original Saudi capital that was eventually destroyed by the Ottoman empire (please Google it). There were some cool old structures as well as side streets that made some great pictures.</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wiwrLA3C6zOd5DHnNQI18Iz9_TkyyyrvWo4UhiFnhgb0VJFa0NlaNciojsB4j4c4MT9hwTDagTcGrkbaCYua13r29-btCgtPaqe7sTmUHi4T7lmyWqfmGsN1kRQ0Ybzdlgm4j6FlVrs/s1600/Diriyah+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wiwrLA3C6zOd5DHnNQI18Iz9_TkyyyrvWo4UhiFnhgb0VJFa0NlaNciojsB4j4c4MT9hwTDagTcGrkbaCYua13r29-btCgtPaqe7sTmUHi4T7lmyWqfmGsN1kRQ0Ybzdlgm4j6FlVrs/s320/Diriyah+sign.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="839" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWcYbaCb8TiL2Yki6BeEwK8xBlM8tM9FOe0Ju1BjbDs8URqJsc_hN5KXu5lDqnD2np7YObyAjmZ4mfW9aYkfMfZZIYflzWhwRR4s9TIJ66s9JnFz1q48JCZCyJBs_EsrPuYuOUfV0iCo/s1600/diriyah1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWcYbaCb8TiL2Yki6BeEwK8xBlM8tM9FOe0Ju1BjbDs8URqJsc_hN5KXu5lDqnD2np7YObyAjmZ4mfW9aYkfMfZZIYflzWhwRR4s9TIJ66s9JnFz1q48JCZCyJBs_EsrPuYuOUfV0iCo/s320/diriyah1.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="913" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="913" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy15YCs3uHBeBTHfz1J8ld6aKxTcyVrHpnn-uewGbkzMJozjAfPgy4ukLzZSf69d4v_xaYpZ311bRDZzvZ7O9OJZqGe-SnTOn8NsxjzCQJPENaU64YVsXuLUdxovZxtrjZ0QrC2Ao3NLc/s1600/diryah5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy15YCs3uHBeBTHfz1J8ld6aKxTcyVrHpnn-uewGbkzMJozjAfPgy4ukLzZSf69d4v_xaYpZ311bRDZzvZ7O9OJZqGe-SnTOn8NsxjzCQJPENaU64YVsXuLUdxovZxtrjZ0QrC2Ao3NLc/s320/diryah5.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="913" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="913" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5Z7NvycbuOqiPVZMoEyXabhsPomL4qMf9FiXr_XvnGhb64KAYTUDtgShkI3RJC3-3r2rBj2hi_OjPmQLdote8OhX1LviACEDyIk47O8sCm9wxVE6TCcHPEdYLCLF05Va22CxbjF1vj0/s1600/diriyah+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5Z7NvycbuOqiPVZMoEyXabhsPomL4qMf9FiXr_XvnGhb64KAYTUDtgShkI3RJC3-3r2rBj2hi_OjPmQLdote8OhX1LviACEDyIk47O8sCm9wxVE6TCcHPEdYLCLF05Va22CxbjF1vj0/s320/diriyah+4.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="913" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">All this sightseeing made us tired and hungry, so after a nap we found the nearest Applebys (notice the curtains again) and pretended we were in America. </div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfj-5KPUSd-5GR0qX1JQidWs1CZi0FlPGr12B_xP9KFBr2frNgfCZOip3KET7DFzlPIzja6qmIVx7_YsErEBTKvutO5klFc-jCb4LWv0syted_tPXRszxLOThjXnNPtiJgkhJN-JH2iY/s1600/applebys3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfj-5KPUSd-5GR0qX1JQidWs1CZi0FlPGr12B_xP9KFBr2frNgfCZOip3KET7DFzlPIzja6qmIVx7_YsErEBTKvutO5klFc-jCb4LWv0syted_tPXRszxLOThjXnNPtiJgkhJN-JH2iY/s320/applebys3.JPG" width="240px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PACA8f6IItVyVSxhDnnNTO2-vM-miFg7bJqHTZ-4ucb-9dJv0ahKw9bC3haNCuzhkPycexX4y5Ca39eRD6oCJEfOZZAnH3t4zqyriKHJcAX8oC__twnAWofxKVckW1Ef0hV4B1llguk/s1600/applebys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PACA8f6IItVyVSxhDnnNTO2-vM-miFg7bJqHTZ-4ucb-9dJv0ahKw9bC3haNCuzhkPycexX4y5Ca39eRD6oCJEfOZZAnH3t4zqyriKHJcAX8oC__twnAWofxKVckW1Ef0hV4B1llguk/s320/applebys.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfWo6WE1xVAh6jlUnDdEdiJJ1Ox9XbfKmSR3MEPYnhy2OATAhYoh3wq6m7fjF7Ofzg5_ExW870XejIDnOR-ACwYbBilv1M2EVJseL7yKQCXKB4KtZ229K5DGi6b9DMjFLdRlpyF5sPH0/s1600/applybys1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfWo6WE1xVAh6jlUnDdEdiJJ1Ox9XbfKmSR3MEPYnhy2OATAhYoh3wq6m7fjF7Ofzg5_ExW870XejIDnOR-ACwYbBilv1M2EVJseL7yKQCXKB4KtZ229K5DGi6b9DMjFLdRlpyF5sPH0/s320/applybys1.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a>(closed for Prayer!)</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="1002" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">We caught our second wind and decided to find another souq. Unfortunately due to the heavy holiday traffic and a bit of fatigue we weren't able to find it so we back to the hotel.</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">An important learning for us concerning hotels is that when they say a room has 2 double beds, it's not the same arrangement as in the states. Here it means 2 single size beds specifically designed for married couples who don't want to share the same bed. This meant that we had to be creative as far as bed assignments, but we managed and everyone got there beauty sleep.</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Day 3</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">Ramadan officially ended today, which meant we could eat breakfast in public. With that positive news we thought we would visit the museum and then have brunch before we headed back home. But alas, the museum again had different hours from what we were told the day before and so we couldn't get in (maybe next time).</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">With little else to do, we got some food for the road and made the 4 hour drive back. I think we all felt a sense of relief as we pulled into the camp, but also proud of ourselves that we made the trip. We definitely faced some fears and worked through them. We are gaining confidence and more comfort being in a foreign land, but careful not to let our guard down.</div><div closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="476" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107">All our love.</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="116" closure_uid_u3kwmg="107"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_aixks3="98"></div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-68418174337851426602011-08-26T06:54:00.000-07:002011-08-26T07:30:46.801-07:00From Castles to Krispie Kreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_czlpy2="127"><div class="separator" closure_uid_j4xvtr="136" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ever since we tried to find the Tarut Castle a few weeks ago (and failed), I became more determined to circle back and accomplish the mission - and today we did thanks to our GPS. I love this little box, it's amazing the confidence and excitement it creates to go and explore, especially now that we have learned how to find and enter coordinates.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_czlpy2="111">At high noon we took off in search for the castle and before we knew it we had arrived. It afforded some cool views, but unfortunately is is confined behind a chain linked fence so it prohibited our up close inspection. As we were heading back, a 20 something Saudi in a nice car said that he could let us in to kick around. I was skeptical at first because there was a sign that clearly said to stay out, but he said that he had a key (and permission) to get in, so we decided to follow him. As you can see we got some cool pics and if you want to learn more about it just google "Tarut Castle".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF21hjpOiilXlAz2fRyW_VThQp1k3dOW4Iaau4ApyVQ2HSPE2fwGr8wqWLugVozo-B_E6DqRpib6RvJjw14xa113q-vCm9LusBIacmJHS4st86SHXnzqEvUsEBNRZD9jHHb02r2tgFRw/s1600/Tarut+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF21hjpOiilXlAz2fRyW_VThQp1k3dOW4Iaau4ApyVQ2HSPE2fwGr8wqWLugVozo-B_E6DqRpib6RvJjw14xa113q-vCm9LusBIacmJHS4st86SHXnzqEvUsEBNRZD9jHHb02r2tgFRw/s320/Tarut+2.JPG" width="320px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN2YNFHoeh2yj-vjq7q2ZYPP4fe1C3WLqZj1DzQwvdV6aMZp677NPi_hMyvN_52OBId0b0gUbMa90BScjjGTX1zm0DCZE6QNf4CyXv3n2KJn_5beHZFoVoG6L_-cFybV3VH9Vmq8Er4c/s1600/tarut+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN2YNFHoeh2yj-vjq7q2ZYPP4fe1C3WLqZj1DzQwvdV6aMZp677NPi_hMyvN_52OBId0b0gUbMa90BScjjGTX1zm0DCZE6QNf4CyXv3n2KJn_5beHZFoVoG6L_-cFybV3VH9Vmq8Er4c/s320/tarut+3.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxlfe4TlY2NoSBiO_pxj5XDKvHDpXfgxDhke-mGqq-GwSn-b_-cw_YsoFf-SY2_zRimWAwXMN2Mtk64m1_QyedXtrW7bKztGPmeeBhOnQ-8dqZD-ukdEIPrQ-d9owFsK_2yVyBBZA6Uw/s1600/Tarut+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxlfe4TlY2NoSBiO_pxj5XDKvHDpXfgxDhke-mGqq-GwSn-b_-cw_YsoFf-SY2_zRimWAwXMN2Mtk64m1_QyedXtrW7bKztGPmeeBhOnQ-8dqZD-ukdEIPrQ-d9owFsK_2yVyBBZA6Uw/s320/Tarut+4.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO_SWoojYdFCvhYPCvlsNKGLLau8NudXTWr7-akEDy8bLMwB6ivopid21_EFRmQhi6H2Oi15gQToM4NqHvi8ph5xT_0w2Uooz_WdMS0V_SXDCTBtfkp0OZMUFLGF0mQLBTkb-hK4fhus/s1600/Tarut+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO_SWoojYdFCvhYPCvlsNKGLLau8NudXTWr7-akEDy8bLMwB6ivopid21_EFRmQhi6H2Oi15gQToM4NqHvi8ph5xT_0w2Uooz_WdMS0V_SXDCTBtfkp0OZMUFLGF0mQLBTkb-hK4fhus/s320/Tarut+5.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6jQMYbsa8gDF1DFXjEz-5P_jy_5BthEZVMEJSfX4n03Htg1ofUH3t7nwKVCTHyqaCBEn18b2DGTTA17ugprKFQQqE79epCvbSJP9g4JXOe5r_wNVHrHWkELx5fYGDcdYFFTBDuqH6nk/s1600/Tarut+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6jQMYbsa8gDF1DFXjEz-5P_jy_5BthEZVMEJSfX4n03Htg1ofUH3t7nwKVCTHyqaCBEn18b2DGTTA17ugprKFQQqE79epCvbSJP9g4JXOe5r_wNVHrHWkELx5fYGDcdYFFTBDuqH6nk/s320/Tarut+6.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3q9VOFRXqgH6UOhP3R3xgZ8_5mRhqYQJnNNA2YMtyc1YDr5KJDu3HIf57rpPRJjOU_rAGsHYfD7WkZNcBE6g3d5BnYXW0FCBMPCC27O1Gy3InIrtcuMPIapuTmsLcPuFT25m3Fu12LA/s1600/Tarut+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3q9VOFRXqgH6UOhP3R3xgZ8_5mRhqYQJnNNA2YMtyc1YDr5KJDu3HIf57rpPRJjOU_rAGsHYfD7WkZNcBE6g3d5BnYXW0FCBMPCC27O1Gy3InIrtcuMPIapuTmsLcPuFT25m3Fu12LA/s320/Tarut+7.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg564KhkQMhC4b4DLNDv3hUyxDU0-yFeuD5hpHjCkznpyn_Q1E2T6dR_EFLAUz_zQhwZKdQZnfKMeK6gVbFplDQpEOKTaRqOKVKkNe9kAwGoEzte0sNa2jLHC5FURHZEI2UR0nUcxdlwDs/s1600/Tarut+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg564KhkQMhC4b4DLNDv3hUyxDU0-yFeuD5hpHjCkznpyn_Q1E2T6dR_EFLAUz_zQhwZKdQZnfKMeK6gVbFplDQpEOKTaRqOKVKkNe9kAwGoEzte0sNa2jLHC5FURHZEI2UR0nUcxdlwDs/s320/Tarut+8.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><div closure_uid_j4xvtr="155">Tarut is an island and it has some pretty amazing views of harbours, mosques and very upscale homes. We sorta got lost on purpose to explore what the island has to offer. There was a cornice with a park like setting that I'm sure in the cooler months would be full with families enjoying the day. </div><div closure_uid_j4xvtr="155"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNdKIWewmiX-dhBzdYsVZn9lE_q3fgTbmQ23f9h9c9wVXxs13paYtc0nDSaLpOrFrQZLbtoUBC2rkk1IARFaCv1nuQUZrDqlLiLkAf-bm5X1qhjvS4z0QWYYKhEjdh5lIpOCXNWPEI5s/s1600/boat+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNdKIWewmiX-dhBzdYsVZn9lE_q3fgTbmQ23f9h9c9wVXxs13paYtc0nDSaLpOrFrQZLbtoUBC2rkk1IARFaCv1nuQUZrDqlLiLkAf-bm5X1qhjvS4z0QWYYKhEjdh5lIpOCXNWPEI5s/s320/boat+1.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_j4xvtr="155"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_j4xvtr="155">On the way out we stopped at a gas station to fill up and as we were paying the attendant (which by the way everything here is full service) he handed us two small boxes of tissues. Not sure why, but I guess it is seen as a corporate gesture of appreciation. - unusual but nice.</div></div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111">From there we went and explored the city of Dammam, it is big and commercial. Lots of stores and wide streets to explore. We'll have to go back and spend more time actually going into the shops as everyone here says they have a favorite place to buy everything from prom dresses to sofas.</div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111">After driving back into Khobar and picking up some paint and doughnuts, we went to the Dhahran camp to visit some families that have children Emri and Jayci's age. They were the Randals (the dad was from Rupert) and the Johnstons. We had pizza, dahl, krispie kreams and home made ice cream. Not bad for being in the middle of Saudi Arabia. </div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_czlpy2="111">I am on vacation now for the next few weeks and we have a couple of options for activities to keep us busy. Along with some excursions, we will be doing some home fix up projects to help it feel more like home, we will keep you posted...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-16270010864643663492011-08-19T07:07:00.000-07:002011-08-26T08:26:15.884-07:00Bahrain 2 - the sequel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_ilv08t="111"><div closure_uid_as9yyx="99">If you've been following along from the beginning, you'll remember that my second month here I went with Peter to Bahrain to visit some important places - their mosque and the museum. Well yesterday, the whole family and I (plus Jennifer) went back there again. </div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="99"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="99"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object id="BLOG_video-FAILED-0" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" width="320" height="266" ></object></div>It was a great adventure and well worth the trip. At the grand mosque we were assigned a great guide, and to top it off all the women had the unique experience of wearing abayas (see pics) during the tour. We learned some fascinating things about the mosque as well as Islam. We were treated to a "back stage" rehearsal and translation of their call to prayer. It certainly left a positive impression of the Muslim in all of our minds.</div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="99"><br />
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<div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLehc8OYBdw-RZoAV8FYIfaoPqdhVwLdAgUrzPURv196liiGlcgRZS9Ib7D-yv5o9q4xI4wRqpvJwCtR3zzd7YOXNKfEkcEDqkEVRvQm3Q8mQqWQu-Dwcr76g96N6_RHCeWaWCUSJIMWg/s1600/abayas+%25231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLehc8OYBdw-RZoAV8FYIfaoPqdhVwLdAgUrzPURv196liiGlcgRZS9Ib7D-yv5o9q4xI4wRqpvJwCtR3zzd7YOXNKfEkcEDqkEVRvQm3Q8mQqWQu-Dwcr76g96N6_RHCeWaWCUSJIMWg/s320/abayas+%25231.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlZNuthi6a5HZ8mlVtZp_YYxiqhB211I2UKI_dQkjDURxWPWE5ECX08f34oeTVBJ5OT9jUwNTaRDjvkE9STVgh3I0C-CZLNbblJ-RQ6zrMTVQO1bw__aD-WBT1CPrakj4KKigym7LC5c/s1600/Grand+Mosque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlZNuthi6a5HZ8mlVtZp_YYxiqhB211I2UKI_dQkjDURxWPWE5ECX08f34oeTVBJ5OT9jUwNTaRDjvkE9STVgh3I0C-CZLNbblJ-RQ6zrMTVQO1bw__aD-WBT1CPrakj4KKigym7LC5c/s320/Grand+Mosque.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187">Afterwards we went to the museum and learned more about the history of the region as well as the specifics of the ancients Bahrainians. </div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJzbINuf-dtAf2XmGRDEBS2ZXlQxbjZj0NMDEdCXKWb-7VC3CApXkTLAoyTAMZheEJ9sDaR39pVEvNXrWP86i-C7zJ0DC0dowyPoaC87NQfYs7mTv6bctB4baN3hTIPnhKK4wHoNfvqU/s1600/Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJzbINuf-dtAf2XmGRDEBS2ZXlQxbjZj0NMDEdCXKWb-7VC3CApXkTLAoyTAMZheEJ9sDaR39pVEvNXrWP86i-C7zJ0DC0dowyPoaC87NQfYs7mTv6bctB4baN3hTIPnhKK4wHoNfvqU/s320/Museum.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"> After these two stops, the ladies had 2 things on their mind; 1-Lunch and 2 - Shopping. We decided to eat lunch at the mall, but because it is Ramadan, nothing opens up until after sunset set. Luckily, Carrefour (a supermarket chain) inside the mall remained open so we picked up some essentials and then set out to find an inconspicuous place to eat - the far corner of the underground parking lot (see pic). </div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGEllnoJMhXcPffo6hboOvA0zXvJDXMntVW5-kxPBbXTHhawy0ueehvK8GkYBd8RnyFFSm2WuDzrAdNDlwWnYB3v6buGEx3MOIMV5bPnBN2XAH66WLG43fX3-MubPpBax_YqDGBuaj88/s1600/Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGEllnoJMhXcPffo6hboOvA0zXvJDXMntVW5-kxPBbXTHhawy0ueehvK8GkYBd8RnyFFSm2WuDzrAdNDlwWnYB3v6buGEx3MOIMV5bPnBN2XAH66WLG43fX3-MubPpBax_YqDGBuaj88/s320/Lunch.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="187">Then the shopping marathon began (just shoot me now), but I survived just fine. We even fit in a movie (Larry Crown), Krishna was bummed because there wasn't any popcorn yet.</div></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="265" closure_uid_ilv08t="111"><div closure_uid_as9yyx="264"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQJspWF8RxgrjIBC2vFXLAsu4UafgGNkMRN3d0Z4cLDC9NpeWRVgQBZzXC-U_F48BbbaDuyA80rTSaOailXeLsH_oEn4_caCCO0XdADJMkhYXurjGk8Ezo7HBQbkl29XChLA49pX_WI/s1600/Bahrain+mall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQJspWF8RxgrjIBC2vFXLAsu4UafgGNkMRN3d0Z4cLDC9NpeWRVgQBZzXC-U_F48BbbaDuyA80rTSaOailXeLsH_oEn4_caCCO0XdADJMkhYXurjGk8Ezo7HBQbkl29XChLA49pX_WI/s320/Bahrain+mall.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_as9yyx="264">These are some cool pics Emri took of down town buildings. I really like the one with propellers.</div></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_as9yyx="266" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_ilv08t="111">All in all a fun and fulfilling day!</div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-6567100193181909462011-08-01T10:30:00.000-07:002011-08-01T10:30:16.491-07:00Some catching up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0JsshlHkB3H4Cs8Ex1vXXiBEnYWNPPMqJ8Y1a4-50KjWUhyphenhyphengFiUlQZrfo53lm7MOJaPkJV_3lNeUskr2AWI-a5BWl7QK1Pd1CP8kHE2w_scED_oAxkh1M7SaM8G4d9DCb5-xlQmH-OY/s1600/283984_10150271081409068_815944067_7460607_6338069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0JsshlHkB3H4Cs8Ex1vXXiBEnYWNPPMqJ8Y1a4-50KjWUhyphenhyphengFiUlQZrfo53lm7MOJaPkJV_3lNeUskr2AWI-a5BWl7QK1Pd1CP8kHE2w_scED_oAxkh1M7SaM8G4d9DCb5-xlQmH-OY/s320/283984_10150271081409068_815944067_7460607_6338069_n.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Sorry for the time off, but days seem to go pretty fast especially as we settle into our nondescript routines. I guess the highlight over the last week was our trip to Dharan to visit the King Azid Cultural exhibit. To get there we needed to catch a bus from camp and then coordinate a taxi drive to the exhibit. One thing that has been a pleasant surprise is the friendliness of the employees throughout Aramco. For instance, as we were trying to figure out how to hail a cab, a friendly passer by stopped and offered us a ride in his cruiser van. The ex-pats truly do lookout for one another and it has made the transition much easier.</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110">Once we arrived, we made our way to the food tent where Alex was waiting for us. It was a true pot purri of food choices, from traditional Saudi treats (dates and figs) to subway 5 dollar foot longs. After tanking up on some food, we then went to the National Geographic display and viewed some truly amazing photos. </div><div closure_uid_a4sfk7="206" closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><div closure_uid_a4sfk7="196">After that we entered a large tent that showcased artisansand their wares from the 13 Saudi provinces. We saw amazing handiwork, live falcons, terra cotta pottery and a host of other authentic products. However, the most memorable event was when Faleh invited us in to a corner room and explained to us the provincial custom of neighborliness. He shared with great pride the tradition that his home town has of inviting family and friends to a special room and all the activities that played out in it. He showed us a local board game, shared stories of his home land and then for his big finish called over his special friend to sing a song of friendship to us. For me it was truly a magical moment that made the whole trip there worth it. (see pics)</div></div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110">We have just entered the month of Ramadan and are just now starting to understand the significance and adjustments that comes with this holy month. We will be sharing more stories, learnings and experiences as the month goes on, but for a high level over view this month means that basically the country shuts down for half a day, the Muslims fast from sun up to sun down to increase spirituality and gain a greater connection and appreciation for what Allah has given them.</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110">Well enough for now. We are safe and enjoying this adventure and send you our best.</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tm4dnv="110"> </div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-57722164331074015152011-07-23T10:39:00.000-07:002011-07-23T11:26:45.513-07:00Happy birthday to me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-H4mvtZRSaNWgEgfL4VsC5N-Gbdyq6XPnHKATc5bwEIZ1f6QDNYjbOCKJW5EH7TVnp9pFLNKAaToVn5T9K0yLWzYrvPECXIutGgqRAKHIHTwHZv4rPR_w0xyWVye054m5bb-GLg87ww/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-H4mvtZRSaNWgEgfL4VsC5N-Gbdyq6XPnHKATc5bwEIZ1f6QDNYjbOCKJW5EH7TVnp9pFLNKAaToVn5T9K0yLWzYrvPECXIutGgqRAKHIHTwHZv4rPR_w0xyWVye054m5bb-GLg87ww/s320/IMG_0208.JPG" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN_jYOB-ROyL1roqdgAW4_5s1NWVTyQVbUmdvnQGQqiaxs4B9eThwXX0gq6SzqXMOcuIxZw_qjKU-wWmT5_aei52jbdAIcXfzOuOXB-wvEYWRN5Tc9feI7-SDcJ5pR0DMX1aPjKjFHwc/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN_jYOB-ROyL1roqdgAW4_5s1NWVTyQVbUmdvnQGQqiaxs4B9eThwXX0gq6SzqXMOcuIxZw_qjKU-wWmT5_aei52jbdAIcXfzOuOXB-wvEYWRN5Tc9feI7-SDcJ5pR0DMX1aPjKjFHwc/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div>I've had a few birthdays in my time, but none have been sweeter nor more special than his one. It's partially the reason for my recent absence from the blog. The celebration started the night that the family arrived at the Dammam airport. I along with David and Reddi (our house boy) orchestrated a welcoming committee at the international pick up point (see pics) and made a paparazzi type scene. It truly was a great time and boy were they a sight for sore (lonely) eyes.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">Our cargo truck (arranged by Reddi) was a bit small and trying to fit their 23 bags of luggage in the back of a Toyota compact truck was like trying to fit 50lbs of potatoes in a 25 lb bag. But Reddi and the driver wove some Indian magic with the ball of twine they brought and we made it home without much incident aside from some tired bodies.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">I now know what it must have felt like for the early century coast lined towns when a cargo ship docked at their commissary. I kid you not, I once again felt the magic of Christmas as we unpacked the plethora of gifts and items brought from half way around the world. And what made it sweeter was the fact that it was my famil/y who had made the special delivery.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">Since then it has been a whirl wind of adventure for all. We ventured to our Neighboring town of Rahima and then got really brave and visited Dhahran. Friday's have been spent with the branch to renew our connection with the almighty and develop meaningful relationships with others.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">Alex just came back from her first full day of interning with SAco and she was really excited about her role. She participated in some high level meetings and offered her input at strategic times.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">We are closing in on the month of Ramadan and look forward to experiencing this sacred month first hand. It means even more change on top of what we are already trying to adjust to, but I thinks it's just another amazing experience for us to see.</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112">Well it's now time for some cake and a couple of quick calls then off to counting camels to drift off to sleep</div><div closure_uid_h1z5nj="112"><br />
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</div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-53175375807829911492011-07-15T03:42:00.000-07:002011-07-15T03:43:17.239-07:00Staying distracted<table class="posts" id="posts"><tbody>
<tr class="highlighted-row selected"><td class="title" onclick="function onclick()
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I've never been known to stand out as a swimmer, in fact a calendar instead of a stop watch would be more useful when timing me, however I find that I really love it. It gives me a needed respite from the unearthly heat and humidity as well as some great alone time.<br />
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More by circumstances than choice an impromptu men's association has been formed. Membership requires that you are currently a bachelor and/or without family. There are quite a few of us now from church and work that fit into this category.<br />
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A typical gathering includes dinner at the golf club (killer chicken burritos), bowling, a run to Rhahima for needed groceries, and finally a major jam session without instruments. Well knowing that my time is short with the boys club, I decided to make hay at the alley. So my team (posmo = Peter and me) took on team Neg-stag (David and Randy). <br />
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After finding my favorite ball "goldie" and lacing up my brand new bowling shoes I proceeded to enter the zone / flow. All the stars aligned and the spirits of past bowling greats shined down on me as I proceeded to roll a 176 followed up with a 154. The ironic thing is that my new found bowling prowess was all the doing of my competitor David - he taught me the now famous left handed spin shot.<br />
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After words, we went to get some bread and dahl at our favorite place, and you can see that I actually got to retrieve the bread from the jaws of the oven with special Afgani skewers (see pic). It was a pretty fun night that helped all of us forget how lonesome we are.<br />
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As I write this the time remaining for their touchdown is 82 hours and 26 mins - but hey, who's counting???<br />
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</tbody></table>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-69093422928659637312011-07-08T03:56:00.000-07:002011-07-08T03:56:04.826-07:00Round two in the barber's chairIt's been three weeks since I sat in the barber's chair and my hair was growing out a little bit funky. The sides of my head were taking on the look of a cheap clown wig so I figured it was time to take action. <br />
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8:30 am sharp I walked in to the barber shop and the friendly Pakistani with the hair trigger finger went to work on me. As he was sculpting another follicle master piece I glanced at his menu of services and came across something called "Threading". <br />
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Unfortunately I made the cardinal sin of asking him what threading is - because around here what you say and what they hear are two different things. Before I knew it, Rufi had strung him self up with 3 lengths of bright read 30 weight stren and proceeded to inflict the most painful assault on my ears since Barry Manilow's copa cabana fiasco in the early 80's. <br />
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The idea is that through gyrations and manipulations of the strings (which are placed on the fleshy regions of the ear) all those harmless, docile and fussy strands of hair are RIPPED away unmercifully.<br />
All I could think about was what happened to the current laws prohibiting advanced interrogation techniques???<br />
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As the tears rolled down my cheeks, I was reminded of my early years as my dad bulldogged me into Brad's barber shop kicking and screaming the whole way. At least back then I got a sucker, all I got today was an $8 fee and two ears that felt like they been slapped by the neighborhood bully.<br />
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They rest of my Thursday went fine. I bought/built a work station for the front room, went shopping and bought some more Dahl, round bread, Lebanese takeout, grapes from the produce shop and imported spaghetti for dinner tonight.<br />
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Only 10 more days before the gang shows up - they can't get here soon enough. Looks like Makena and Alex will be on the same plane too.<br />
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Church is sparse, now mainly just MP showing up due to many wives and kids leaving for summer vacation. <br />
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All is well here, thanks for checking in and I wish you the best!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-8254438404985192172011-06-30T11:27:00.000-07:002011-06-30T11:27:20.648-07:00Trip to Bahrain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My colleague and new best friend Peter T and I went on an adventure to Bahrain today. I was getting a little stir crazy here on camp so it was time to see something new. We rented a taxi to take us across the causeway and it was a series of tollbooths and very crazy lines that move along very slowly. Once across we headed to the north end of the island to see the Grand mosque and National Museum. Unfortunately my initial entrance into the mosque wasn't very smooth because I went in to the general worship area dressed inappropriately (short pants) and I created a little bit of a stir for a small group of Muslims who were practicing the call to prayer at the feet of the ranking caller. They ushered me out of the room and asked that I wear a Thaub (thoobe), it was cool. We learned about how prayers are delivered, how to enter and position yourself and other worship formalities. It was a beautiful building that incorporated building materials from all over the world (Marble from Italy, teak wood from India, glass globes from France, stained windows from Iran. The current value of the mosque is estimated at 100 million. It also contains the 2nd largest dome found in mosques around the world. I left with a greater understanding and respect of their house of worship.<br />
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From there we went to the national museum. It was filled with some very interesting exhibits and a very cool tile floor that served as a huge map of the island. We had to hurry through this though because our taxi driver's friend was having problems and our guy needed to meet him. So he dropped us off at the nearest mall and sped way. Peter and I kicked around the mall for a minute and then decided it was time to introduce ourselves to a burger and fries.<br />
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All in all a great day filled with amazing experiences. I look forward to going back there when the rest of the family arrives.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-85847133845508938412011-06-21T15:39:00.001-07:002011-06-21T15:39:22.823-07:00Happy Father's Day. I love you. Love Alex & fam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GyqFZecreQ4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-20810715637854693302011-06-20T09:33:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:36:11.347-07:00A lot to learn from the length of the hem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was taught a pretty important aspect of Saudi dress and it's statement about a person's religious approach. For instance, the distance from the floor to the hem of their pant legs or Thobe (the white robe the men wear) will determine how conservative they are. If the distance is great, similar to what we would consider "Floods" then this individual is saying that he is devout. The idea is that this prevents them from tracking in any unclean thing to their place of prayer. I was also told that a longer beard sends out the same message. Pretty important to know this as I try not to come across as the insensitive American.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677019756174455576.post-89921793239765111642011-06-19T09:41:00.000-07:002011-06-26T11:21:01.954-07:00Bowling night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Every Sunday we have mutual with the Youngwoman (that's right there's only one) and Youngmens (the AP out number the YW by 2x1). Tonight we went bowling for the activity. It really put a strain on our budget, the shoes were .75 per person (they were new) and each game cost .35. So the whole event set us back $6.50 - we each bowled 2 games. I felt pretty good about my game due to learning how to roll/spin the ball and proceeded to have a few spares and a couple of strikes. President Chandler put on quite a show, I think he rolled the game of his life.<br />
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</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212492465859693982noreply@blogger.com1