tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79650637931608046792024-03-14T10:13:34.025-07:00If Adventure Has a Name...This is the blog for the travels of Pete Gorkiewicz. I'm trying to keep my friends and family up to speed on where I'm calling 'home away from home' these days. If you like something you see, please drop me a comment! Enjoy!Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-67827107121874240552012-10-06T16:51:00.000-07:002017-05-03T08:16:43.986-07:00NEXT BLOG!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sailing around the world ten years later!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://errantries.com/">errantries.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Too many adventures! More incoming at:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://petegorkiewiczabroadtwo.blogspot.com/">petegorkiewiczabroad<span style="font-size: x-large;">two</span>.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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See you there!</div>
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Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-55525746044639874782012-09-30T14:10:00.000-07:002013-12-08T14:49:20.606-08:00School Spirit Week Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Location: </b>International School, Nido de Aguilas, Santiago, Chile</div>
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<b>Rundown:</b> Teachers throw down for spirit week. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dAJArGnMlJM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAJArGnMlJM</div>
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Notice
the nerd eating it on the skis? That's me? Notice the camera that
goes flying out of my pocket and disappears into the chest deep snow?
Stay tuned...Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-72700141616061779772012-09-15T12:41:00.000-07:002013-12-08T14:48:45.154-08:00<b>Location: </b>Bariloche, Argentina<br />
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<b>Rundown:</b> Spent a week in the ski capital of Argentina, Bariloche.<br />
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After the whirlwind trip to Detroit and back, I had a week of school, then we were off to Bariloche, the ski capital of Argentina. Flew to Puerto Montt, then bussed over the Andes.</div>
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Bariloche has a strong German heritage, which can be seen in the architecture...</div>
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... as well as the cuisine. The chocolates were fantastic. We made ourselves sick. <br />
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The most impressive part of Bariloche is the fusion of alpine lakes with the mountains. The fingers of the lakes reach and twist into the peaks. You're never far from snow or water.<br />
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Although it was spring in the valleys, the peaks were still covered with snow. We spent some time walking around town. <br />
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Spent some time doing a little spring skiing with the lakes in the background. <br />
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And the rest of the time eating and soaking up a little down time.</div>
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Got a little hiking in as well! <br />
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Nice to be back in Argentina! <br />
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<br />Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0Mitre, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro Province, Argentina-41.1334722 -71.3102778-53.371935199999996 -91.5251218 -28.8950092 -51.095433799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-15777006320083420712012-08-18T14:11:00.000-07:002012-09-23T18:24:56.523-07:00Chilean Winter 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Rundown: </b>Fun in the winter wonderland of Chile. When's the last time you were skiing in July?</div>
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<b>Location: </b>The Andes mountains around Santiago.</div>
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Not a great snow year in Chile, but one can't complain when skiing for free! </div>
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Spent this season in La Parva. Every Saturday we bring ~60 kiddos up to the ski hill, making sure they go up and return with all their limbs and gear, find their instructors, and have a good time. </div>
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We are on point when if they crash and burn which earned one of my buddies a helicopter ride down to the hospital with a damaged teen. Not very common though.</div>
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Days we aren't with the kiddos we have free skiing! Despite the wanting base there was still plenty of off piste to be had this season. </div>
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Only beat up my new randonnee skis a little bit. Thank you P-tex.</div>
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<b>INDOOR CLIMBING SEASON:</b></div>
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Due to the early sunsets this time of year, and the cold, we've been climbing inside! Not my favorite, but has been great for my endurance and technique. Not that it matters, I suppose. I still climb like a jerk when I'm on the real thing...<br />
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I did, however, make it a couple of times to the roof and stalactite. Pretty fun. Cost me a few long whippers though when I was getting used to the route.<br />
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We did get outside a few times to climb on nice days. We were pretty excited to use our practice from the gym. The cactus was pretty excited to see use too.</div>
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Hard to get good climbing shots when there are only two of you and both need as many hands as possible. We make due.</div>
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<b>BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: VOLCAN SAN JOSE.</b></div>
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Got my new (to me) randonnee skis fired up for a day backcountry on Volcan San Jose in the Cajon de Maipo with Jean the Frenchman, Oscar the Chileno, and Sergio the Mejican<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i>a</i></span></b>. Here's a sneak peek...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uUgbzCkzMy4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Got up WAY early for a Sunay... 3AM, piled into my buddy Sergio's Mahindra and drove two hours into the Cajon de Maipo. Geared up and left the truck before the moon set over the mountains.</div>
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Crossed a snow field undercut by a river. The popping and groaning of the snowpack covering the river could be heard. I was glad to be on skis.<br />
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Started our climb and just kept going up and up. My new climbing skins worked great! We had a gorgeous day as well!<br />
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Up and up and up and up. Climbed for six hours, sometimes together, sometimes alone, taking breaks here and there.<br />
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Once the snow started getting hard packed it wasn't worth skinning up to ski down. We paused, had a bite to eat, then stripped the skins off of the bottom of the skis. Locked the boots in and down we skied.</div>
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So fun to be in the backcountry, making fresh tracks in deep, undisturbed powder. We wore beacons and carried shovels and avalanche probes just in case. We paused here and there to regroup and marvel at the skiing.<br />
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So here's the full film... edited by Oscar. If it doesn't come up, try the link: <a href="http://youtu.be/uUgbzCkzMy4">http://youtu.be/uUgbzCkzMy4</a></div>
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And that's the ballgame. The adventures left me as needy for more as these neighbor dogs are for affection....</div>
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Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0Paso Cajón del Maipo 1155, Villarrica, Araucanía Region, Chile-39.3079756 -72.2108246-39.7005656 -72.8425386 -38.9153856 -71.579110599999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-50912190869130293272012-07-20T18:01:00.000-07:002012-09-15T18:21:01.205-07:00Summer in Charlevoix 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Rundown:</b> Summer adventures with family and friends in Northern Michigan! </div>
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<b>Locaiton: </b>Charlevoix, Mackinaw, and Marquette, Michigan!</div>
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Flew back into Charlevoix after not being home in the summer for too long. Had plans to take full advantage of being on the water...</div>
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... see a few good friends...<br />
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... and spend time with my family.</div>
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Bought a motorcycle! My new beauty is a 1985 Honda 450 Nighthawk. Bought her in Traverse City with 4,000 miles on it, barely broken in! Had to clean up the front calipers and give 'er a good scrub down, but she's a fantastic bike! Rode her every day that I was home! </div>
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Hit the Jordan River and also the Bear river. The old van sure got a workout this trip.</div>
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Any time there was a hint of wind, we were out on Lake Michigan practicing with the windsurfer. Didn't get the hang of the turn... but will soon. Got out in some big wind and waves a few times, with a chase boat of course.</div>
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And for the days there was no wind we brought the board out and paddled around. I forget how much I miss living on a big body of water. I know the ocean is an hour away from Santiago... but it's not the same...</div>
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My dad got into road biking this year! We ripped around Lake Charlevoix on a fantastic, hot day. Being used to knobby-tired mountain bikes these felt like we had rockets strapped up our backsides. </div>
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Spent a day on Mackinaw Island. Hiked around to the forts...</div>
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...climbed on Sugarloaf...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTsq-_tuQ7Pa1JPGUHa-k058VgqHpUGy67zFwmCkCvdNKJbecvxOFNe-80Wxkg0dl8_egUkmY8B_iW1GscL3TUzr7PUq0B0xYczojCo5hjgViqc1Ibwm7URz1lO4B3tsqQ1NeChLjpwM/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTsq-_tuQ7Pa1JPGUHa-k058VgqHpUGy67zFwmCkCvdNKJbecvxOFNe-80Wxkg0dl8_egUkmY8B_iW1GscL3TUzr7PUq0B0xYczojCo5hjgViqc1Ibwm7URz1lO4B3tsqQ1NeChLjpwM/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and at fudge in the park until I felt like puking. Good times.</div>
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Hit the Straits of Mackinaw to get some diving in with my dad. Had been a long time since I'd been diving up there!</div>
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Dove first on the Cedarville, a 700 foot freighter that sank after getting schmucked by the Topsdalfijord in heavy fog. The wreck is almost capsized on the bottom. Makes for a surreal dive. Here's the almost inverted brow of the monster, complete with zebra mussels.</div>
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So great to hit these wrecks again. I was weaned in the cold water... used to get nervous about diving on these, what with the depth and dark and cold. But now it's like seeing my old friends again.</div>
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Speaking of old friends. After surfacing to see a boat tied up to the stern buoy of the Cedarville I hear, "Pete! That you?!?" Apparently there's only one Michigan diver who wears a wetsuit so ugly if can be identified from 700 feet. Me. And there's only one diver who can bellow a coherent message from that distance. <b>Big John Miodowski</b>. Didn't get to spend too much time catching up, but was sure great to see him.</div>
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Hit the Sandusky on our second dive. She's in a little more disrepair than I remember, but the scroll figurehead is still doing fine.</div>
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Also great to dive with my dad again. It had been about a year since we dove in the Galapagos with reef sharks! I still had Pacific sand in my BC!</div>
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<b>Check out the video! Make it full screen!</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjXqDw-9YDw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b>Marquette, MI</b></div>
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Shadowed Liza and Felix up to Marquette on the motorcycle. She ran like a champ, even across the Mighty Mac.</div>
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Had to drive on the metal grating... a disconcerting proposition as it wobbles the front fork. The whole thing feel like you're sitting on a washing machine.</div>
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<b>Check out the video! </b>There's an error with the last 15 seconds of the video, but the bridge shots worked out just fine in. Complete with awesome music <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Motorcycle Driver by Satriani).</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtdohCF5wNfMCaAwEvJ5DrxXvaL9cmHt-9snvaUL2n91ZvPzD30rw3HKOcJlajSLD7HSlGvek8CK_5VbQ_HQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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So fantastic to be back in Marquette. We drove past all our old haunts, ate at our favorite places, hiked our favorite trails. Felt like coming home.</div>
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People pulled their children close whenever we rolled in somewhere... like the gypsies showed up or something. The canoe makes for a great drying rack though, provided you remember your underwear before driving off to another adventure.</div>
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And we had lots of adventures.<br />
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Really nice to be back in Marquette with Liza. We never had a ton of time when we were both there together, so it was fun to revisit the things we did together and individually. </div>
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Did some canoeing in Echo Lake, after the long portage in, that is. The canoe keeps the rain off, but the bugs were well fed afterwards.<br />
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Paddled out to Partridge Isle from Presque on a gorgeous, sunny day. Spent it bouldering above the crystal clear (and cold!) Superior water.<br />
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Although there are plenty of places to stay in Marquette we kicked it every night camping off Wetmore Landing in the woods, just like old times. </div>
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Swam every morning after rolling out of my hammock. </div>
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And with that I packed up the bike and cruised back to Charlevoix. I could do that drive in my sleep but was all the better being on a motorcycle!</div>
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Spent a day unpacking and repacking. Said goodbye to my really old dog, Gretta...</div>
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... then flew back to the Andes... and winter.</div>
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<br />Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0101-191 C and O Club Dr, Charlevoix, MI 49720, USA45.321254361171476 -85.2401733398437542.503494361171477 -90.293884339843743 48.139014361171476 -80.186462339843757tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-61639055509924101362012-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:002012-09-30T10:30:15.931-07:00Ruta Los Condores, Beach Horseback Riding, Climbing, Etc...<b>Rundown</b>: A few light adventures around Chile in the past weeks. Climbing, riding, surfing, etc...<br />
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<b>Location</b>: Santiago, Maitencillo, y mas...<br />
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<b>One Mic Stand:</b> A open mic night put on by our buddy Jhan for a good cause. </div>
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<b>Beach Riding in Maitencillo: </b>Took Miranda's family to the coast to eat seafood and ride horses in the high sand dunes and gallop on the beach. </div>
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<b>Paso los Condores: </b>Fantastic<b> </b>bike route over a high pass between Cajon de Maipo and Farellones. <br />
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Riding around 8,000 ft at the pass. </div>
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A break to fuel up and fix the bikes on the trail. </div>
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The reason it's called 'Paso los Condores'. Groups of massive swirling birds put caution in our ride.</div>
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Lots and lots of climbing. You can tell the scale of the mountains from the massive electrical tower strung over the mountains. Great bands and colors.</div>
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Stopping for a quick break.</div>
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The pass. Pretty happy to be on the downhill at that point. Although I would've been happier to be dropping with my buddy Brad's bike that I'm holding, a gorgeous fully, instead of my old hardtail.</div>
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The motley crew. Bunch of great riders. Then there's the guy in the black jacket on the left who still needs some practice.</div>
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<b>Climbing around Santiago.</b> Have been doing more routes around here. Good stuff.<br />
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Climbing a multi-pitch route in Las Chilcas with my French friend Flo. He always climbs with a beret and a baguette under his arm. Says it help his climbing.</div>
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Making it to the top: Fun</div>
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Descending in the dark: Not so fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMb-iB_SfOrzLWqFJU8Xc7MW7cmCTgQ9UYBdlKE46-lJV1lfxbnni3qk_G8dmZLqmLHT0dYgX3YxmUZBfz-jmtmWWdD4JkMpDwoJuGF3ILDlT3IkEWgBR1Q-1WnMzs0307cw4r6_mEt0/s1600/IMG_8394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-9291068380964100682012-05-08T17:05:00.000-07:002012-05-25T19:23:33.808-07:00Flying Season 2011<b>Location</b>: The Skies Over Santiago!<br />
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<b>Rundown</b>: Fall flying in Chile! <br />
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Had an excellent flying season this year. The thermals were pretty good and I logged many hours in the air on my new equipment. I'm flying an Axis Pluto II, which is pretty stable, but handles well also. </div>
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On the weekends when there are good thermals there are lots of people up flying in Huecheraba. Some come to fly, others come for be passengers on tandem flight, others come to watch from the relative safety of the ground.</div>
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I generally let them find the thermals. If they end up landing in the valley and walking up instead of landing at the launch, better wait for the thermals to build.<br />
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Other days it's just you and the open sky above Huecheraba and you have to watch the hawks for where to find lift.<br />
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Makes for an excellent end to the day, provided that the thermals aren't strong enough to get you airsick, which happens from time to time.</div>
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</tbody></table>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0Autopista Nororiente, Vitacura, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile-33.342575166888373 -70.62835693359375-33.355840666888376 -70.648097933593746 -33.329309666888371 -70.608615933593754tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-53542206642221141372012-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:002012-06-15T14:26:05.039-07:00Back to Mendoza, Argentina!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Location:</b> Mendoza, Argentina.</div>
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<b>Rundown:</b> Back to wine country with the Famila de Pash over Easter break!</div>
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Loaded up Pepé the Peugeot and drove five hours over the Andes with the Pashouwers right after school at the start of our Easter break. The drive up the pass was breathtaking... I think the passengers were all holding on too tight around the switchbacks to take pictures.</div>
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Sauntered around the sunny parks and plazas of Mendoza during the sunny days. After the town was leveled in the 1860's by a massive earthquake plenty of plazas were rebuilt into the city.</div>
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Sauntering is a lot of work. We had to stop and rest. It was actually a relief from the constant movement in school to sit and take in the city, people, and buen clima.</div>
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Wide street leave ample room to walk. Cafes scattered along the cobble streets are great for long lunches under the leafy trees.<br />
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Toured several bodegas, or vineyards which surround Mendoza. Very pretty with long rows of vines and the eastern side of the Andes in the distance.</div>
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Some are still mom-and-pop style, others have exploded with visions of grandeur into swanky, high-tech, enterprises. I liked the simpler ones, personally.<br />
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Mendoza's climate is apparently perfect for Malbecs, so we pretended to be wine snobs. Nice to have several to compare at the same time.</div>
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Made for a fun couple of days wandering around the vineyards, hearing about the history of the area and sampling the fruits of the Argentine clime.</div>
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No definitive favorites despite our profound research. However it's safe to conclude that vineyards around Mendoza are good to the last drop.</div>
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Got our fill of being posh and tracked down the <b>Minas de Paramillos</b>, outside of nearby Uspallata in the foothills of the Andes. The mines were first started in the 1600's and have been worked until a few decades ago.<br />
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The mine was out in the middle of nothing, had to take a truck out to it.</div>
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Pretty bouncy ride, but eventually we made it to the hole in the earth where the Jesuits originally dug for harvesting the ore.</div>
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The mines have four levels, including a completely submerged one that they hold cave diving excursions to explore! I'm coming back! The upper level was originally dug by the Jesuits. The first level was penetrated by a series of sketchy holes and metal ladders. </div>
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Along the walls of the tunnels glittering seams of silver, lead, and gold are still in the walls. The area has been protected by the Argentinian government, and continued mining has been prohibited. So the mine is still rich with ore.</div>
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The guides spent a lot of time discussing the history of the mine and the technology used in each time period the mine was in use. I stole a bit of the silver ore when the guide wasn't looking. I made $0.34 pesos!<br />
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I suppose I should have given it back to the mine to keep up the safety equipment. In some parts, age old wooden beams held the walls and ceiling up. In all fairness, the guides and mines were extremely safe.<br />
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At one point we had to repel down the main mineshaft, some 30 meters into the dark. The first time repelling for the Pashouwers and they did awesome! I'm used to having more room to jump backwards during a repel. </div>
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Tunnels parallel to the seams run east-west just because of geologic processes. Once a seam tapered off, miners cut perpendicularly into the rock until they came to another seam to follow. You can always tell your direction in the mine. Glittery-walled tunnels: east-west. Plain walls: north-south.<br />
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Pretty cool experience. Lots of good history and got a good repel in to boot! (muddy boot)</div>
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Got out of the mines and dug into the wine back in Mendoza. The town has great nightlife, great restaurants and bars. Easy to get around, friendly people, not too expensive.</div>
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Did I mention good restaurants? Argentine steaks are pretty fantastic. I felt like a caveman for most of the week; slurring my speech and chawing on big hunks of flame-grilled meat. Ug.</div>
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Couldn't help ourselves. Took another excursion before we ventured back over the mountains. At the end of the road where the car could go no longer we found horses.</div>
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Rode West up in the high plains towards a deep valley. John and I got fiery horses which were all too happy to get up and go, running until their coats were slick with sweat.<br />
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Rode into the canyon, the walls rising above us sheer. Several sections you could reach out and touch the rock face.<br />
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Eventually we left the horses at a river trickle and continued on foot to the base of the spring. <br />
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Spent a little time poking around the canyon before mounting up again and riding off into the sunset. And then driving off into the sunset.</div>
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<br />Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0Patricias Mendocinas 1002-1100, Mendoza, Mendoza Province, Argentina-32.890183 -68.8440498-33.3168715 -69.4757638 -32.4634945 -68.212335799999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-76781410582745647302012-03-03T17:35:00.000-08:002012-05-08T19:26:23.849-07:00Canyonball Run<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sg7Gwl1-___M4L1dhdjbwJmNMVjR28fRf45gFdquskc_VPyRG3URzhmgDqIVcPUBSm8ofgRrqakFeGTztwzsPOIWAEKJ_O0d-VET7GfQWb4RFbS5ncwGcmgHeCT84aUQP__9DLrmw5A/s1600/DSC_0470.jpg"></a><b>Location:</b> Canyon El Arrayan, Chile</div>
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<b>Rundown:</b> A progressive pool party starting at our place and flowing down through the canyon to our friends' places... the Canyonball Run.</div>
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Fired up the blenders and ordered a huge batch of empanadas for the troops!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sg7Gwl1-___M4L1dhdjbwJmNMVjR28fRf45gFdquskc_VPyRG3URzhmgDqIVcPUBSm8ofgRrqakFeGTztwzsPOIWAEKJ_O0d-VET7GfQWb4RFbS5ncwGcmgHeCT84aUQP__9DLrmw5A/s1600/DSC_0470.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729909700697270002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sg7Gwl1-___M4L1dhdjbwJmNMVjR28fRf45gFdquskc_VPyRG3URzhmgDqIVcPUBSm8ofgRrqakFeGTztwzsPOIWAEKJ_O0d-VET7GfQWb4RFbS5ncwGcmgHeCT84aUQP__9DLrmw5A/s320/DSC_0470.jpg" style="height: 320px; width: 212px;" /></a><br />
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All of our friends came armed for the battle of the pools. Contestants came hungry to compete in cannonball, long jump, belly smacker, and underwater hunt.<br />
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The crew quickly turned out tranquil, glassy pool and quiet cabin in the canyons...<br />
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...into the first annual Canyonball Run! People started packing in and stripping down even though the day started out cloudy.</div>
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As we migrated downhill to the next piscina the clouds parted and the fun in the sun really wound up. <br />
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Swimming is hard work. We did make sure to keep hydrated and rest up so we didn't burn out in the second round.</div>
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The order of business for the Galbraith's pool was long jump.</div>
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Migrated on foot down the winding canyon for piscina to piscina in search of blue water.<br />
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Not even our final stop and certain individuals in Mexican wrestling masks were throwing themselves off of the shed roof to get the gold for the belly flop competition. Stopped taking pictures right about here.<br />
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<br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0La Lomita, Lo Barnechea, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile-33.357129636078568 -70.485448837280273-33.363761136078566 -70.495319337280279 -33.350498136078571 -70.475578337280268tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-53211985403817056032012-02-26T16:19:00.000-08:002012-05-08T19:27:47.658-07:00Cerro Plomo Summit!<b>Location</b>: Cerro Plomo (~18,000 ft)<br />
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<b>Rundown</b>: Trekked three days in to summit the looming, glaciated Cerro Plomo.</div>
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Took a few days and drove up into the mountains to attempt to summit Cerro Plomo... again. Last attempt was met with too much snow to drive in. Cut down a good six hours of hiking by driving to the top of Valle Nevado to Tres Puntas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi972RuIw3lj63iXVha5ZkEc6g_YLCOExlWUsJV3_kDCGO02Gk7LjPfZ3nTAkzCu9qLZn61IJOtid76Wu7esRtUgzu4f4zphxKd8xUmhbFWPqXf1bN2HV4KOYay8fReuCw6jCHGNk5CJVY/s1600/IMG_7916.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725473655580618130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi972RuIw3lj63iXVha5ZkEc6g_YLCOExlWUsJV3_kDCGO02Gk7LjPfZ3nTAkzCu9qLZn61IJOtid76Wu7esRtUgzu4f4zphxKd8xUmhbFWPqXf1bN2HV4KOYay8fReuCw6jCHGNk5CJVY/s320/IMG_7916.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Hiked several hours in on the rocky, clinging paths following the glacial runoff stream that cuts the valley. You can see the glaciers of Plomo behind me here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak4jQV-i84QcbjE4d7-RPlWFrsaJ4BJ2gynC2EN8qPj1AUNXCqCq_-XEo1_3VttohTqol_eqvviNEMYdftReELVTdctlYRM5YbbAKhH8x1-pqQ4zfgIW34JZj0Rvl4ltv5oOeX-_hbfA/s1600/IMG_8065.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725475550110301874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak4jQV-i84QcbjE4d7-RPlWFrsaJ4BJ2gynC2EN8qPj1AUNXCqCq_-XEo1_3VttohTqol_eqvviNEMYdftReELVTdctlYRM5YbbAKhH8x1-pqQ4zfgIW34JZj0Rvl4ltv5oOeX-_hbfA/s320/IMG_8065.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Set up camp just beyond the first flat spot, Piedra Numerada. Didn't feel the altitude as much at this camp. Made some chow and watched the setting sun ignite the tall walls of the valley. Gorgeous. The stars come out in force at night. I'd love to go back when I'm not conserving energy for a summit to just lay out and watch the circus.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssxxseKwFAegahrqBoPteqCaDNL8yt_Plg_UO5ayyjDbCXXRMcRatDKstoQadTIvzW2aG6nfGeMWxukuW2NIFj7vz2QTcJ90zvW9E-2IrX1mVtYWkRqJbbBeK2cGV7z96VyqP7tPtbfQ/s1600/IMG_7935.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725473680531836962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssxxseKwFAegahrqBoPteqCaDNL8yt_Plg_UO5ayyjDbCXXRMcRatDKstoQadTIvzW2aG6nfGeMWxukuW2NIFj7vz2QTcJ90zvW9E-2IrX1mVtYWkRqJbbBeK2cGV7z96VyqP7tPtbfQ/s320/IMG_7935.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Hiked past Federacion, a refugio that could hold 3 or 4 climbers in a storm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNsKY5wBrMUuvZP2qQN20SsbdmLnBInv0PAhpx1oTKLPFu8YW4NN26Hi6voseBTpiJxN-Blxzaqzm5Q65R5I9dYKb_rstPgspcZkGSttNsDe0-Jq5q-cEOh7H48S531bb-rK6dVWUxSY/s1600/IMG_7948.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725473688139539074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNsKY5wBrMUuvZP2qQN20SsbdmLnBInv0PAhpx1oTKLPFu8YW4NN26Hi6voseBTpiJxN-Blxzaqzm5Q65R5I9dYKb_rstPgspcZkGSttNsDe0-Jq5q-cEOh7H48S531bb-rK6dVWUxSY/s320/IMG_7948.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Brought a lot of food and ate like crazy. The excellent thing about mountaineering; it merits constant chowing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvay1bNwbUnRDKYFkqiuuOA-nUVv1rWRz9SLM7JnKoIUgE0ezWWkzMppNZUw-49uW1XPGHTet1U4wxrdJ8DuKuwlyNyl08sCt4073dMWPsRqCfSZxKW4wS20CmCW_7ssX5VD5fk_FFNQ/s1600/IMG_7921.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725473666428629634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvay1bNwbUnRDKYFkqiuuOA-nUVv1rWRz9SLM7JnKoIUgE0ezWWkzMppNZUw-49uW1XPGHTet1U4wxrdJ8DuKuwlyNyl08sCt4073dMWPsRqCfSZxKW4wS20CmCW_7ssX5VD5fk_FFNQ/s320/IMG_7921.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Full packs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw9zpTGYHrYdFEhqDlPF_dYAPWwzgckHEQbgzVn2YnTxlBfV2gIhzQ4Q1esLo01ZodOvvi4zLQQEc08S-VMA1b2KPSNfEyOboy2A1I5W4pKvjW9GEWTVxNub4ve8SDeBuD0Y3LeOUr0/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729553004302578466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw9zpTGYHrYdFEhqDlPF_dYAPWwzgckHEQbgzVn2YnTxlBfV2gIhzQ4Q1esLo01ZodOvvi4zLQQEc08S-VMA1b2KPSNfEyOboy2A1I5W4pKvjW9GEWTVxNub4ve8SDeBuD0Y3LeOUr0/s320/IMG_8048.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Had a few hotspots with my new boots. Miranda taped 'em up tight before the morning of our summit bid.</div>
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Made it up to La Olla, the highest camp before the summit bid. Crashed out as early as possible, about the same time as the moon rose over the hanging glacier. The glaciers ooze into a moraine and ice blue lagoon near camp. You can hear them creaking and groaning as they pour down the mountain side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDPnqnIzCGWpA3BJI6NJKcAFX-SNCvTlHO46_Iew5rakTMqMydit-LHx1SvO9RgqSgvCR81KjnL7VDuhWmLsMOTPljTi-HywzBIaCYdTscd-1UtCtKA1vw2amyr3g4f_6p2RXy8yGark/s1600/IMG_7955.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725474554159887074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDPnqnIzCGWpA3BJI6NJKcAFX-SNCvTlHO46_Iew5rakTMqMydit-LHx1SvO9RgqSgvCR81KjnL7VDuhWmLsMOTPljTi-HywzBIaCYdTscd-1UtCtKA1vw2amyr3g4f_6p2RXy8yGark/s320/IMG_7955.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Up at 3 AM to make our summit bid. Slept in our hiking gear and summit packs waiting to go. The wind was howling and the trail up was sketchy in the dark. You could hear the noise of the loose rocks clattering down the slope disappear into the wind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-rCNAACKLpjpgSKn03M8gLetWSvxswZjTwybI0bR2lssZST2f2hmuAVjJC5uBEcc5SRHefDiTmiLm7wE8m7HgOTHp5mpAowcOt2t_hAWz___YDX_0papzCpJxP1YRNBHqEEpsGWOXlY/s1600/IMG_7963.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725474562707353074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-rCNAACKLpjpgSKn03M8gLetWSvxswZjTwybI0bR2lssZST2f2hmuAVjJC5uBEcc5SRHefDiTmiLm7wE8m7HgOTHp5mpAowcOt2t_hAWz___YDX_0papzCpJxP1YRNBHqEEpsGWOXlY/s320/IMG_7963.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Almost had to turn back because of the temperature and wind. Much colder and windier than we expected. Had to scramble from depression to depression to keep out of the blasting wind. Made it up an hour hiking hard and were still chilling too quickly. Eventually found and hid out in the Refugio Agostini for an hour as we waited for the sun to come up. Can't say what a little wind break will do for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1D5RoPulAMLBFYMyM1EhKnn7IobSOuSjVHRyDfVp7FmTSbDmhOzvyp6hQkcFC0wU33lHHqoMeALfIIEIt_1_AQ77XBaDQAxBfLpv05pCUwIeusMm0pr7n52fKl2YDyUQJ7WzRhCqtzI/s1600/IMG_7965.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725474572692164530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1D5RoPulAMLBFYMyM1EhKnn7IobSOuSjVHRyDfVp7FmTSbDmhOzvyp6hQkcFC0wU33lHHqoMeALfIIEIt_1_AQ77XBaDQAxBfLpv05pCUwIeusMm0pr7n52fKl2YDyUQJ7WzRhCqtzI/s320/IMG_7965.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Made a big detour to catch the first rays over an easterly ridge which involved two steep and ugly scree fields in the dark and the wind. Nearly turned us around. The opposite side of the ridge provided the windbreak and sun warmth we needed to keep going. When I staggered over the ridge I think a few tears came to my eyes (and quickly froze). The sunrise over the Andes was one of the most beautiful and welcoming sites I've seen. Would've been frozen and turned back without it. Took a few minutes to recover our nerve and stamina.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJBd1e7yLhovu18sPDRryLzRLO2-swQUTJPMwBM5Idy9F2RpijD8PYLSwTRmMzkQ-P46rTtCTJMHBkRJ-NMVnHq3O2f6OCM6nOapF-S82Eo8XQ3RKdu5fgUgV2PIJx3_n63Yp0IElmPs/s1600/IMG_7967.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725475532054019154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJBd1e7yLhovu18sPDRryLzRLO2-swQUTJPMwBM5Idy9F2RpijD8PYLSwTRmMzkQ-P46rTtCTJMHBkRJ-NMVnHq3O2f6OCM6nOapF-S82Eo8XQ3RKdu5fgUgV2PIJx3_n63Yp0IElmPs/s320/IMG_7967.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Our prospects kept looking up as the sun rose and the wind abated a touch. Hiked along some amazing ridges overlooking the snowcapped peaks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aqrbz2yeQkkTJ7eA-lYIbtbjsS5HDEWhky4-wdz5t94ALyg3O4nLyVUwxdOpVXSG2aNSn2uPGGOxd_XE3F8_TNkEws7bgku8Qp9Wxswy9if5GGoaZw36cLbNzdJfIBkMzW1XW8QHs-Q/s1600/IMG_7982.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725475540761117506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aqrbz2yeQkkTJ7eA-lYIbtbjsS5HDEWhky4-wdz5t94ALyg3O4nLyVUwxdOpVXSG2aNSn2uPGGOxd_XE3F8_TNkEws7bgku8Qp9Wxswy9if5GGoaZw36cLbNzdJfIBkMzW1XW8QHs-Q/s320/IMG_7982.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Tried to take a picture and ended up with a little video clip.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLUvg15BOcuSV0rl0dg_ijpunxknvbxTDQrPd6kLIVaarqaZT1SnaFA01gEBsP2AvOBMM2ypTYPykCQMPqVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Approached the cross of the Iver Glacier. A poorly placed step would send you for a good 3,000 foot slide back down to La Olla that would land you on the broken body of the glacial moraine below. Yikes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDwjkLUKHBtHaYsPDTmrcAX9p2xEDn6aayEiaGNSZPh09goaTZb5xU6oLgpjoo4yrtmVkjpMx2Q9xk9Wd3JaB4VFAIiFu-9oy52ApJ_oM5dgMctJ7u7qC4uO9m_gDginmEUlXHfY2rk4/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729552989776449810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDwjkLUKHBtHaYsPDTmrcAX9p2xEDn6aayEiaGNSZPh09goaTZb5xU6oLgpjoo4yrtmVkjpMx2Q9xk9Wd3JaB4VFAIiFu-9oy52ApJ_oM5dgMctJ7u7qC4uO9m_gDginmEUlXHfY2rk4/s320/IMG_8044.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Donned crampons and wielded our ice axes. Crossed the thing without a hitch. The small peaks below in this shot are called the Pirca del Inca, a ritual burial site for the Incas! They would march a procession up here and sacrifice young boys and girls to the gods, leaving their bodies and other gifts in circular burial tombs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARjmhhbbHyQ7bro7NNIAx2M46x_ZDgwHMW0nDrFmn2I45eG0j1Zu9-V2kIhoTp88vQj-vqFxx_it39_0Otw6DtQHp1RgxJzwRgb9EXHSnLuYo-8iu8OBkYpHxW1-f0N25JrwgKjGkgU/s1600/IMG_8029.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725476592597086898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARjmhhbbHyQ7bro7NNIAx2M46x_ZDgwHMW0nDrFmn2I45eG0j1Zu9-V2kIhoTp88vQj-vqFxx_it39_0Otw6DtQHp1RgxJzwRgb9EXHSnLuYo-8iu8OBkYpHxW1-f0N25JrwgKjGkgU/s320/IMG_8029.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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The Incas apparently used to take perfect children adorn them with gifts and ceremonies thne take them up into the mountains and perform ritual burials. They would give them chicha (fermented corn alcohol) until they were drunk and then leave them in the circular tombs where the cold would quickly kill them. The mummified body of a young boy was found recently (1954). His remains well preserved for some 500+ years in the extremely dry and cold environment. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Not my photo below. When I get to the museum, I'll get my own!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b-mlCgyqStXk1JjBtpiS-i-r7qAMjKS-G_44wHlb4zFeWC_rviS5V4r2GxcwVuN7A9xq13-tQEV3v40kAdWzBuMV_7gZQ1RloMyAUrXm6-qlyLJLXGEczhpopJLX-CPks-tqRsKfPNw/s1600/350px-The_replica_of_the_plomo_mummy_at_the_Museo_Nacional_de_Historia_Natural_in_Sangtiago_Chile_2009_May_24.JPG.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729560543364705858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b-mlCgyqStXk1JjBtpiS-i-r7qAMjKS-G_44wHlb4zFeWC_rviS5V4r2GxcwVuN7A9xq13-tQEV3v40kAdWzBuMV_7gZQ1RloMyAUrXm6-qlyLJLXGEczhpopJLX-CPks-tqRsKfPNw/s320/350px-The_replica_of_the_plomo_mummy_at_the_Museo_Nacional_de_Historia_Natural_in_Sangtiago_Chile_2009_May_24.JPG.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Crossing the glacier was a highlight for me. Coming from a snowy environment, I always assumed glaciers were just fields of snow, but they're completely blue ice and behave very differently.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLJIXAo2kZykLpsYWwPRgMI04p9iUjmY9ZorPnonlVDlTLrwC70GHSJloDBxnp2gJ66ICVh9CTtPi4O8tElFhaAqz2J4Jf3faZypvvfZ3ayk-hhrGSB7m3ZMbiqfMH4zdLWNQoiutzUI/s1600/IMG_8031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725476581261378754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLJIXAo2kZykLpsYWwPRgMI04p9iUjmY9ZorPnonlVDlTLrwC70GHSJloDBxnp2gJ66ICVh9CTtPi4O8tElFhaAqz2J4Jf3faZypvvfZ3ayk-hhrGSB7m3ZMbiqfMH4zdLWNQoiutzUI/s320/IMG_8031.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Two hours after the glacier cross we staggered up the the summit of Cerro Plomo. The Chilean flag blazing in the wind, but little else around aside from mountain peaks and snaking glaciers. Just amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jTZui1S-iWvnQtC96CdCz8HLCaKGSEUwmZ8p2ijxjPkzLdNAmejea4rX6AS-7izQgijbgsElKIalMXC3ePtrmPJiKjTSdC354i5JvYCD3JmxpA0xlVhPVnQ1mNIEnNWdb1cLMgiqKB4/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729551126192818242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jTZui1S-iWvnQtC96CdCz8HLCaKGSEUwmZ8p2ijxjPkzLdNAmejea4rX6AS-7izQgijbgsElKIalMXC3ePtrmPJiKjTSdC354i5JvYCD3JmxpA0xlVhPVnQ1mNIEnNWdb1cLMgiqKB4/s320/IMG_8001.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Ten hours after we left camp, we topped out at just shy of 18,000 feet. Hard to breathe, hard to think, hard to stand.</div>
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Managed to get a shot right before the camera blew over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4R4GBWjV_Pwv1Eow2DEN8DcaMOyr41pD-iDCxAErtPTxYpCI1e4-l4ZsEpFhEGOJIeoIZtTOm6iuMNR6VQoUA67qgx2rgorp7jvkXA7o0HbT1v1XGg3mttb6OcObkQRaYZC1MVgo0ZY/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729552995643293714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4R4GBWjV_Pwv1Eow2DEN8DcaMOyr41pD-iDCxAErtPTxYpCI1e4-l4ZsEpFhEGOJIeoIZtTOm6iuMNR6VQoUA67qgx2rgorp7jvkXA7o0HbT1v1XGg3mttb6OcObkQRaYZC1MVgo0ZY/s320/IMG_7996.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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And then back down we went! Took us four hours to get down with a second glacier crossing and burning legs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10jYdSplAzSckNHxGsyvFBUb94Vz1KecRnnt1r1wT3ke0YlC1WY26o6PamGcwXBJU6ir-oixb71h0rDEGoJkfjUNzsc55UQ7nMTvC3Ymv8I-OXLFCnWqcS6WI_sBOQG76iRRNxRqyGIo/s1600/IMG_8042.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725476603908687426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10jYdSplAzSckNHxGsyvFBUb94Vz1KecRnnt1r1wT3ke0YlC1WY26o6PamGcwXBJU6ir-oixb71h0rDEGoJkfjUNzsc55UQ7nMTvC3Ymv8I-OXLFCnWqcS6WI_sBOQG76iRRNxRqyGIo/s320/IMG_8042.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Fourteen hours after we left camp we staggered back into it exhausted out of our minds. I don't know how, but I got the stove going and made some of the best ramen I've ever had in my life. You know what they say, oxygen deprivation, unbearable cold, and muscle rending climbing makes the best seasoning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEeifEkfBj-lcvgWYjKq6QUZLHzh0YRD0xX2HSONzJJwXBatmVKhitLuji7EBQ_PEs2dVtDvXIBzMOlnKLYW2V2kDRM2WUW-cH3xTGgqqXs8HYLkhIGelbXtc5RFOGXeIedUJOARttDY/s1600/IMG_8045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729551155180569266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEeifEkfBj-lcvgWYjKq6QUZLHzh0YRD0xX2HSONzJJwXBatmVKhitLuji7EBQ_PEs2dVtDvXIBzMOlnKLYW2V2kDRM2WUW-cH3xTGgqqXs8HYLkhIGelbXtc5RFOGXeIedUJOARttDY/s320/IMG_8045.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Tired. Very tired. Slept 14 hour in the tent before descending in one push the next day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf8Ps5Qwc_v6A3OEjWY6pMOU7CP3rIkDghopx3ujYNZ5kZwEqsKJvCvOYQ0JSsFBTGqxL8Z9giCtqW5W1EiVZUYclHequdO97s48vBnvaxVI8Ls39e1vOWhPCQJZ3p3PX27lFmF1r7Pg/s1600/IMG_8047.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729551130380598626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf8Ps5Qwc_v6A3OEjWY6pMOU7CP3rIkDghopx3ujYNZ5kZwEqsKJvCvOYQ0JSsFBTGqxL8Z9giCtqW5W1EiVZUYclHequdO97s48vBnvaxVI8Ls39e1vOWhPCQJZ3p3PX27lFmF1r7Pg/s320/IMG_8047.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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This isn't my shot, but shows the general route up from La Olla (misspelled on the picture).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf8Ps5Qwc_v6A3OEjWY6pMOU7CP3rIkDghopx3ujYNZ5kZwEqsKJvCvOYQ0JSsFBTGqxL8Z9giCtqW5W1EiVZUYclHequdO97s48vBnvaxVI8Ls39e1vOWhPCQJZ3p3PX27lFmF1r7Pg/s1600/IMG_8047.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6MFi472ICfkf3IW_Ee4ZGj4YJ-eKMYMkHLSiYcjWP9C7n7-7mxmaN57U-mOpvrDf7F1OV7WRADLEIqfzL64J_aP2YdNFdARf4n6i-M7JPuRF64oFAcjLhx_QxFd5P8-1B0OGTb2gOM/s1600/145200393729705.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729557700840327618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6MFi472ICfkf3IW_Ee4ZGj4YJ-eKMYMkHLSiYcjWP9C7n7-7mxmaN57U-mOpvrDf7F1OV7WRADLEIqfzL64J_aP2YdNFdARf4n6i-M7JPuRF64oFAcjLhx_QxFd5P8-1B0OGTb2gOM/s320/145200393729705.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 228px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6MFi472ICfkf3IW_Ee4ZGj4YJ-eKMYMkHLSiYcjWP9C7n7-7mxmaN57U-mOpvrDf7F1OV7WRADLEIqfzL64J_aP2YdNFdARf4n6i-M7JPuRF64oFAcjLhx_QxFd5P8-1B0OGTb2gOM/s1600/145200393729705.jpg"></a><br />
<br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-46135502296717711082012-02-13T12:04:00.022-08:002012-04-09T17:35:22.563-07:00Morocco<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSoeZRaZuZki10WO8BkaQtSmqvwo6iwEErOSIAZn2Q8J-H31Od_9m6-u4swaangPn1USNNAPMP7OAWV4go_GkRnuhJRI4gySoFCR8T1iPE5dzTdEwfrKW5x23pucZeVm4awEb8zhXmXE/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><b>Location: Marrakech, Morocco</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Rundown: Spent a week reeling in the chaotic, spinning world of middle-eastern souks, snake charmers, and mosques.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYURh5NKElmdf9eA07_1FvpXJ-lxAttKv0320j0XAxYLomqGKj6WGZURtovIRjrN_uZKmVCnVP0sHXIey2DdIToPh4W4TMB2mmBg0iZnheOykjqvQRMenM1FezlTB21WXcD6LcpEgBX4/s1600/DSC_0175.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYURh5NKElmdf9eA07_1FvpXJ-lxAttKv0320j0XAxYLomqGKj6WGZURtovIRjrN_uZKmVCnVP0sHXIey2DdIToPh4W4TMB2mmBg0iZnheOykjqvQRMenM1FezlTB21WXcD6LcpEgBX4/s320/DSC_0175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724366253206800450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Flew into Marrakech and took a bus into the busting city. The day was pleasantly warm and dry. Unloaded in a tiny, crowded back plaza and walked through the twisting, turning, narrow streets to our riad.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfyzzb0VH43R9iV4wF7Xba3fDKG0Gcv5rTqUSKSnJJ5_0DmJueeeXMGPIp8ZoA1B4DfI29z2ZLnxsNEDZBeZrU-ZJA7kGCdg4BFgFVFfqAq_66QQ-L15M7nvx-41qWABsFjT7gwZgt6A/s1600/DSC_0224.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfyzzb0VH43R9iV4wF7Xba3fDKG0Gcv5rTqUSKSnJJ5_0DmJueeeXMGPIp8ZoA1B4DfI29z2ZLnxsNEDZBeZrU-ZJA7kGCdg4BFgFVFfqAq_66QQ-L15M7nvx-41qWABsFjT7gwZgt6A/s320/DSC_0224.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724369905574885906" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Riads are calm oases in the uproar of the city. There are generally few windows to the outside, but instead have a central courtyard with a water fountain in tile. Like many other building interiors they are lavishly decorated.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT1y0EnzgJGNw7523mjjnbvrckGJhzR58NChxi2wCEfUQ-5hA4rVaZWAC9NojBu7-YNrO8G_I5IbgbFlGQ7SSmJm0s9V7Z-exCClzvw12rpHK4iGw_uXGUiem79q1yB3IZ5eFV_VeUw0/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT1y0EnzgJGNw7523mjjnbvrckGJhzR58NChxi2wCEfUQ-5hA4rVaZWAC9NojBu7-YNrO8G_I5IbgbFlGQ7SSmJm0s9V7Z-exCClzvw12rpHK4iGw_uXGUiem79q1yB3IZ5eFV_VeUw0/s320/DSC_0219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724366275611231090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The town was a mess of brick rooftops, mosque towers, and satellite dishes. From above not one straight road could be picked out below.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0ALHgYbPvYrJ_RSipnjx8tuANGiEFfwuExLokVtcCixDbeiYboHSuZCONQbeGlNOsF8GUm51o5uvJ4friI-MSZtos8pKy6MEhGcw1ULTSQtP-ad4qD7XHoDUhNHmkqipxjT6o2TTT9I/s1600/DSC_9735.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0ALHgYbPvYrJ_RSipnjx8tuANGiEFfwuExLokVtcCixDbeiYboHSuZCONQbeGlNOsF8GUm51o5uvJ4friI-MSZtos8pKy6MEhGcw1ULTSQtP-ad4qD7XHoDUhNHmkqipxjT6o2TTT9I/s320/DSC_9735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724374620342964850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Diving into the souks takes a leap of faith. People are hoping to separate you from your money in the souks, but generally it is by price gouging and not actual gouging. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPJez88KGsQsdvFsIRtAVJoLo_e0vckoFJnqNNZmSMNAB0gk22if2IIu_PS18cp2y2YNlpscQFsTqp_l6wnSep38Ar18euFz04VKmEUK8lTAzgsWXroWelt6m43h4Yh9M_wNvgx5BKfY/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPJez88KGsQsdvFsIRtAVJoLo_e0vckoFJnqNNZmSMNAB0gk22if2IIu_PS18cp2y2YNlpscQFsTqp_l6wnSep38Ar18euFz04VKmEUK8lTAzgsWXroWelt6m43h4Yh9M_wNvgx5BKfY/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724371395336436066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This shot makes the souks look tame... calm almost. Not so. Souk goers are constantly bombarded by the goods and bads of the markets. The whine of the motos zipping dangerously past in close quarters...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNjNSmUBb2RReoMz8Hu6tnY43A4dx5-rZic3ldxKWYm5MC_tHyvkpomBpBn28gK0poe57PMl_ycI-hR7R67cCZ9JkCYbVlSfHjqpUdHN4pc0Px7nH8wGHRFAZ8Nl5kCWB4TAN3S2wxIo/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNjNSmUBb2RReoMz8Hu6tnY43A4dx5-rZic3ldxKWYm5MC_tHyvkpomBpBn28gK0poe57PMl_ycI-hR7R67cCZ9JkCYbVlSfHjqpUdHN4pc0Px7nH8wGHRFAZ8Nl5kCWB4TAN3S2wxIo/s320/IMG_1385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376848604874914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...the glint of silver teapots and lanterns...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbRZS5FqJwRsKUcG8XaM11-R5Fs9ezbN3k2uI88YZS5ZWVIsdyN154LGcEyEG94kpZnOS-BzDg0jbOrTGCT9Ga809uM8RdgnahVrs1WveDoEozcsICsU0rGxp3X53ThnfIc8PoMY_d3I/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbRZS5FqJwRsKUcG8XaM11-R5Fs9ezbN3k2uI88YZS5ZWVIsdyN154LGcEyEG94kpZnOS-BzDg0jbOrTGCT9Ga809uM8RdgnahVrs1WveDoEozcsICsU0rGxp3X53ThnfIc8PoMY_d3I/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724370669582249202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...the sweet and savory smell of the tajines cooking slowly over rough charcoal...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6iz_4TmBjgckU7mP9twU2X_-q5dVeJ79QoClxCovy-bIBgIZepZyDvWaCGOPJgd2U953v94W_zQlw68x0z40YqZR9Q9M6auhiXvkgpEePswgt28Wl_WJ88CySVBj0UwtiLW_YnMVW3s/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6iz_4TmBjgckU7mP9twU2X_-q5dVeJ79QoClxCovy-bIBgIZepZyDvWaCGOPJgd2U953v94W_zQlw68x0z40YqZR9Q9M6auhiXvkgpEePswgt28Wl_WJ88CySVBj0UwtiLW_YnMVW3s/s320/DSC_0294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724370676806447250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is over the top. So bright, so flavorful, so colorful, so loud, so crass, so rich, and so poor. It's so overwhelming! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D-1q2hD1OZH3NYwkAMxKCmwoiaTRg-JO0sIVDxQQL9ROycO-ixZb59Tn5_i7z7nxd8AgsMG5Cj7M29OpLwQCC_MddvHFnxrgG3QmbQnzIaUCmyZHXLdTBuwRvDrs8TW57p71ZERH3LQ/s1600/DSC_9934.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D-1q2hD1OZH3NYwkAMxKCmwoiaTRg-JO0sIVDxQQL9ROycO-ixZb59Tn5_i7z7nxd8AgsMG5Cj7M29OpLwQCC_MddvHFnxrgG3QmbQnzIaUCmyZHXLdTBuwRvDrs8TW57p71ZERH3LQ/s320/DSC_9934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376323868017170" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I found it fascinating to wander through the souks. I could likely spend a week lost in the labyrinth and never be satiated. Exhausted yes, satiated no.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sT9VxtVLwCBSeN_IKs8DsmE_R_GV0I-gST68CkWZ3T7f0TVBv-NqifA8_qWfmso9YdXjQy1KNwnLr4L_Q5Q56_-6mla-2L5xnD3wPpRYuq15-qYK7SnO85QiiUB2qEvKw319H29tPjs/s1600/DSC_9755.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sT9VxtVLwCBSeN_IKs8DsmE_R_GV0I-gST68CkWZ3T7f0TVBv-NqifA8_qWfmso9YdXjQy1KNwnLr4L_Q5Q56_-6mla-2L5xnD3wPpRYuq15-qYK7SnO85QiiUB2qEvKw319H29tPjs/s320/DSC_9755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724374634501553362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some things are so new. Everyone has cell phones. Gents in long robes and great beards chattering with waving hands. Other things haven't changed for millennia...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHtZ3cJSBrmloSwDTydzYgcmAObZYewVKkvnI0Hm-q0S9BkB3H9_C3l2UN1BeQ3B_vqR_kxPZDh-XRPt_pmIOAEN8UVgGSJnxOWKyNxXJoG1ZPY5mRBuUfKQG9ZE8b5iHGK95EM1I4fA/s1600/DSC_9758.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHtZ3cJSBrmloSwDTydzYgcmAObZYewVKkvnI0Hm-q0S9BkB3H9_C3l2UN1BeQ3B_vqR_kxPZDh-XRPt_pmIOAEN8UVgGSJnxOWKyNxXJoG1ZPY5mRBuUfKQG9ZE8b5iHGK95EM1I4fA/s320/DSC_9758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724374642173081458" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Met many friendly cats. Lots of friendly cats. Not all were this well maintained however.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvrOq1LJ237cMSJondfZbfVx_ClTVPA0ew0a78cxR_AOejaLJTB3_Tpg4H6JLttRUZL5ULDkHvwz_7ZeQKT_uOgqMqvInbJtHQKIPk4nsDprVovpcF7ifpflFTf3eu59SXNak-EOkJMw/s1600/IMG_7839.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvrOq1LJ237cMSJondfZbfVx_ClTVPA0ew0a78cxR_AOejaLJTB3_Tpg4H6JLttRUZL5ULDkHvwz_7ZeQKT_uOgqMqvInbJtHQKIPk4nsDprVovpcF7ifpflFTf3eu59SXNak-EOkJMw/s320/IMG_7839.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376831091877042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rubber-necked our way through several stunning palaces.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2skDYmwoAI0hlCm5Sd-9p-3Slz4kAuQSjlVSZ8UwWFli6bZHlLVoQPyxrpRgFPxniNwL_DeMIFe55qKYTP_BoFMNcrONGlnfblNeccEnranaVwNz19jjwxQPSZAWdonwuzZaTln-4gpI/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2skDYmwoAI0hlCm5Sd-9p-3Slz4kAuQSjlVSZ8UwWFli6bZHlLVoQPyxrpRgFPxniNwL_DeMIFe55qKYTP_BoFMNcrONGlnfblNeccEnranaVwNz19jjwxQPSZAWdonwuzZaTln-4gpI/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724369937850706434" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...with wide arches and decorated wood doors...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cpIcqjd8VTjVHIYG5qU1dWL7YTNcj6REH8GneSyQF3fbL8piDo9I4mxY7PS5m4R_31znCkDewtzUqLuxDViGFaJK379xh3mfMSgzkvWj9X7b3SVo6thXH4Xy2DAXaYWXvhYloj5_qYI/s1600/DSC_9875.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cpIcqjd8VTjVHIYG5qU1dWL7YTNcj6REH8GneSyQF3fbL8piDo9I4mxY7PS5m4R_31znCkDewtzUqLuxDViGFaJK379xh3mfMSgzkvWj9X7b3SVo6thXH4Xy2DAXaYWXvhYloj5_qYI/s320/DSC_9875.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376305570694450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...intricate ceilings and tiled floors...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq6k3U6jld7m8DasLVc8ipJLdf9SY_pxjtAcbp1ighDqazSMNSfU7eFkt8Ls_okGOmfpbbT-0fhVMe14bBS9OPP1SsTb1ZpwR_9IQnx-EOohuaJ_UHZQTbqrDaOjHjS76INhfElvG3Eg/s1600/DSC_9857.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq6k3U6jld7m8DasLVc8ipJLdf9SY_pxjtAcbp1ighDqazSMNSfU7eFkt8Ls_okGOmfpbbT-0fhVMe14bBS9OPP1SsTb1ZpwR_9IQnx-EOohuaJ_UHZQTbqrDaOjHjS76INhfElvG3Eg/s320/DSC_9857.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724375539740793154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AzQX7QLFCyvzAz5pz33EU-o7YT2zZ7Fw6-Knf7aFj_10gZV3MicILjrr2e8-K7y8ZnHQYZ56aSgF-7jXPFMNXIBCp_F39LCuQ413T1t5PhrlLnWCjQJAuoW-aGGq31_eaiCWyBdANWE/s1600/DSC_9846.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AzQX7QLFCyvzAz5pz33EU-o7YT2zZ7Fw6-Knf7aFj_10gZV3MicILjrr2e8-K7y8ZnHQYZ56aSgF-7jXPFMNXIBCp_F39LCuQ413T1t5PhrlLnWCjQJAuoW-aGGq31_eaiCWyBdANWE/s320/DSC_9846.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724375526448662578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxwzbRFJ5hcquw7UCbZoEsgWgTh6nK0vmPcD-XnjI-MeWHq2-9YwePyDqtXZFNChVhS3_uhpWVykXl5jDknP0O987I71dCI2mUd5Up3mNESoEXb9NjkMJjZumai6JmXAzYlY2mCJLNA/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxwzbRFJ5hcquw7UCbZoEsgWgTh6nK0vmPcD-XnjI-MeWHq2-9YwePyDqtXZFNChVhS3_uhpWVykXl5jDknP0O987I71dCI2mUd5Up3mNESoEXb9NjkMJjZumai6JmXAzYlY2mCJLNA/s320/DSC_0235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724369914632358306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQKdJKs46W7fOg_wAzWTkf_YAjE_GiJRiArixvZMG36O9QdH2zikKrYdVzbEn-KCYTVeFer73kVyqytYkuoFp_u-AYLiWpSN_-a1LtobNP3432l2u1CDc0R90t1ey-sf936yIrHZ_qM/s1600/DSC_0270.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQKdJKs46W7fOg_wAzWTkf_YAjE_GiJRiArixvZMG36O9QdH2zikKrYdVzbEn-KCYTVeFer73kVyqytYkuoFp_u-AYLiWpSN_-a1LtobNP3432l2u1CDc0R90t1ey-sf936yIrHZ_qM/s320/DSC_0270.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724369947879552946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuhxaH0dIDhtfXQsuaLcFCJEBmH5udcDM3ntqeDNCWmsUBBUoW1Oyqc8TcXmIzRWm2_eJavV_GapZ9xM_evf5ncafX4C1SHXzGH8sAXFX0YJFKYUWbIYB9JlLWloe0rT7JTxNJ9-toM/s1600/DSC_9769.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuhxaH0dIDhtfXQsuaLcFCJEBmH5udcDM3ntqeDNCWmsUBBUoW1Oyqc8TcXmIzRWm2_eJavV_GapZ9xM_evf5ncafX4C1SHXzGH8sAXFX0YJFKYUWbIYB9JlLWloe0rT7JTxNJ9-toM/s320/DSC_9769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724375484119963362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel I have gotten complacent living in South America and being fairly fluent in Spanish. I forget that when I travel other places I have to actually <i>work</i> to understand things. A few pleasantries in Arabic, a little French that is still spoken extensively, some basic hand gestures, and an understanding of geometry gets most messages across.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39E9q_fBH28j7C9sU9eZAUE6E5gXSwHImfE8ERy_6cddTPZeC5QhTqDIuIOy1ySJKlE0T_ry0fGVx4VbpvbdQZ6ERNPAH6fSdEMeBawW9vEH5x-csJwBncrmEZ5TR3F85EkUtX2NX6fA/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39E9q_fBH28j7C9sU9eZAUE6E5gXSwHImfE8ERy_6cddTPZeC5QhTqDIuIOy1ySJKlE0T_ry0fGVx4VbpvbdQZ6ERNPAH6fSdEMeBawW9vEH5x-csJwBncrmEZ5TR3F85EkUtX2NX6fA/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376840330498242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Everywhere you walked orange trees sprouted from the dry earth. The low branches were always picked clean and peels littered the ground under them. How could a population go hungry with so much fresh fruit for the picking. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(I know how they can still go hungry, please don't email me.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyzE4XwjEsAYYbM8myt1Hk8czB4nyhta7rkm2XiBjk3UBekrZQsok85yMZT9PBhjAJuoSoguqjmy0hnFAHmUsvdInPOVjLBpl1O1B731IXmW8V6osSdcnYAlLvaDuF3WNgeIx12nGFZA/s1600/DSC_9832.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyzE4XwjEsAYYbM8myt1Hk8czB4nyhta7rkm2XiBjk3UBekrZQsok85yMZT9PBhjAJuoSoguqjmy0hnFAHmUsvdInPOVjLBpl1O1B731IXmW8V6osSdcnYAlLvaDuF3WNgeIx12nGFZA/s320/DSC_9832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724375514790396386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeJrmqA4qJEhfJ25fnE9sDvc2HGT6Y3xIJF6lFggtGf6zOqP07NH8dhUSG_2325QLjyqRSO-fEZenCkFdK8Mqn9Z5cexA9hBBO_wlw7RWveEWMibd1GiCQ5HpPu0afmQ_NJEd-aLtUuQ/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeJrmqA4qJEhfJ25fnE9sDvc2HGT6Y3xIJF6lFggtGf6zOqP07NH8dhUSG_2325QLjyqRSO-fEZenCkFdK8Mqn9Z5cexA9hBBO_wlw7RWveEWMibd1GiCQ5HpPu0afmQ_NJEd-aLtUuQ/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724376333555452306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Found out what they do with all those oranges!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJtW42hyphenhyphenja5zk-zXPfZLAEo2oMW5SPfsLybQ4ChynIlF7OJmhMRKckCpwe-07dIGlINnk6DbCQSW7Ggi_3fu-XpMFU91f8c8ft_ZMc0LYD1ZnEWxcNJjNHuqpNOQfcgH48xjy0n_PmYk/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJtW42hyphenhyphenja5zk-zXPfZLAEo2oMW5SPfsLybQ4ChynIlF7OJmhMRKckCpwe-07dIGlINnk6DbCQSW7Ggi_3fu-XpMFU91f8c8ft_ZMc0LYD1ZnEWxcNJjNHuqpNOQfcgH48xjy0n_PmYk/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724370686495358162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Copious stalls in the plaza. Some sold candied fruits. Dates, oranges, figs, nuts, wrapped in a newspaper cone for the munching on a jaunt through the plaza.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR0tsGyHtyKwddw2MlYcGoCbcA5t2zgUJuhfzWjy2bZpAzN29zWvfBJcfUelw5_5sSu3ELp975Qc39DUyZLvAkguj75zfybfn_hU2vyVKpTF6rAmg3TUx51lmUwL8ZWqSMUv5mAqF13E/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR0tsGyHtyKwddw2MlYcGoCbcA5t2zgUJuhfzWjy2bZpAzN29zWvfBJcfUelw5_5sSu3ELp975Qc39DUyZLvAkguj75zfybfn_hU2vyVKpTF6rAmg3TUx51lmUwL8ZWqSMUv5mAqF13E/s320/DSC_0395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724374613420931666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Several times a day the loudspeakers on the modest mosque towers wound up in long, monotone entreaties to worship. (Invitations for Muslims only. Non-muslims are not allowed in the mosques.) All over the city different mosques, some only a few blocks away appealed to the masses, <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(63, 63, 63); font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar".....</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4xV-_LrPlQN5EqwFu5XbtqMpo76Cgm7qV3tdpETI3LhHkPNhasDfs-Lka3Lisgv0YX1pz16Nht_juIU_1dCJnYewGHeLwx3iSpXyNyACBNvz4hHltOfmu0I1P5OLPgVpbH5EUKfI6Kc/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4xV-_LrPlQN5EqwFu5XbtqMpo76Cgm7qV3tdpETI3LhHkPNhasDfs-Lka3Lisgv0YX1pz16Nht_juIU_1dCJnYewGHeLwx3iSpXyNyACBNvz4hHltOfmu0I1P5OLPgVpbH5EUKfI6Kc/s320/DSC_0024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708714410760184322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKFEjwxdXOtCb1MiNc_7fn_XeD60mteQM46joTTh_TZQUsaMk4Dlw0KFKct13bGzd-LbeN3OJctf3o17VApw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>The main plaza, Jemaa el-Fnaa, lit up like a circus every night. Locals came to meet, eat, barter, and gawk. The drums pounded into the night...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv25vxSWGI5Ze_8LgcM0ml9EJHoIOPciu_1-CjmpRyKnVwuLRa48wOTnKFWCD-YNrnj_gH6mjkPCxDTSw1EzouBaqeoMiCcKMCQmYqBkh93Pj8Ur5YrYlbIXbqWVhAML1LnuGSQKlYGw/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv25vxSWGI5Ze_8LgcM0ml9EJHoIOPciu_1-CjmpRyKnVwuLRa48wOTnKFWCD-YNrnj_gH6mjkPCxDTSw1EzouBaqeoMiCcKMCQmYqBkh93Pj8Ur5YrYlbIXbqWVhAML1LnuGSQKlYGw/s320/DSC_0351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724371405817586466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Moroccans sat around food stalls like this vendor who was cooking a massive pot of boiled snails. He'd scoop you a bowl, and refill it when you were done!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V3D_wn49eo89x5fMu_hB_de1aBfvKU7I-NBDxp3TuSaW1hQ0JyC2TuMBF4lurGkHSL3obxQEGu__C2Q5SP7Gns-Isqs94b2kMnZKBr_mPe5-qsq9M019UAupooZRSSa9qpi10nFaHO8/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V3D_wn49eo89x5fMu_hB_de1aBfvKU7I-NBDxp3TuSaW1hQ0JyC2TuMBF4lurGkHSL3obxQEGu__C2Q5SP7Gns-Isqs94b2kMnZKBr_mPe5-qsq9M019UAupooZRSSa9qpi10nFaHO8/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724372355989379698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some nights the smoke from the cooking fires obscured the other side of the glowing market.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOtvammGopIbbmFTKC-2g99_EmiVhXtU8OhYQaBoExD1VSF84UOVDsIVavYxf797UutRWt71-pxizx10KqMQPgnWbqpl28pfeywJOM7aWOWSFg01xxhOn6md4VZZZBLVv-GWkVanPnYI/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOtvammGopIbbmFTKC-2g99_EmiVhXtU8OhYQaBoExD1VSF84UOVDsIVavYxf797UutRWt71-pxizx10KqMQPgnWbqpl28pfeywJOM7aWOWSFg01xxhOn6md4VZZZBLVv-GWkVanPnYI/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708714412496483202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Excellent, inexpensive restaurants ringed the plaza. Had some wonderful meals while we watched the swirl from above.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTs4rrdMv_zpj-JCse-JnNirVYqg5nI80Wd754_bcLswwfaDATzBZifD0VFBpf66jqqmTtFI85uL0SIkzlPfM8R76_7TcHsrYBtmPcjHDM4ft1L_Q4kwAsptGhrFZAWRpLTxXHSsgFvY/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTs4rrdMv_zpj-JCse-JnNirVYqg5nI80Wd754_bcLswwfaDATzBZifD0VFBpf66jqqmTtFI85uL0SIkzlPfM8R76_7TcHsrYBtmPcjHDM4ft1L_Q4kwAsptGhrFZAWRpLTxXHSsgFvY/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724371418939888690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Harira. A bean and lentil soup with veggies. Fantastic.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wfapu9JJa41Kxin-BayeSDdZwf9G4vN78dNVAiiiL0YO6t57tcwpzDy_A-SuFQzU7ausjiCbLTkTlqhvGOSQwYtO-rC-2zs-Yv2f0v1636EiCrfEZDcLcwENDzSv4M0gRAWcCfZU2XI/s1600/DSC_0053.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wfapu9JJa41Kxin-BayeSDdZwf9G4vN78dNVAiiiL0YO6t57tcwpzDy_A-SuFQzU7ausjiCbLTkTlqhvGOSQwYtO-rC-2zs-Yv2f0v1636EiCrfEZDcLcwENDzSv4M0gRAWcCfZU2XI/s320/DSC_0053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708714422368390242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A Moroccan tradition. Mint tea, served in bright silver pots with lots of sugar and poured from great highs into tiny shot glasses to mix the sugar. The nights were cool and the hot tea always welcoming. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIfIiofLZDAFgnMcF2b46cZAPWFngZ98-3pJaTlCW3Ir4DDXmxKDD5r_xanJ0Ao41QpGVkexIdnyzUS97hqZmaFoAbzlItvpgekCSOuSrRh7J2hKZFDZF82ZsdhUGsBg-SWzAy-UjthQ/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIfIiofLZDAFgnMcF2b46cZAPWFngZ98-3pJaTlCW3Ir4DDXmxKDD5r_xanJ0Ao41QpGVkexIdnyzUS97hqZmaFoAbzlItvpgekCSOuSrRh7J2hKZFDZF82ZsdhUGsBg-SWzAy-UjthQ/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724372341283836098" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The food was one of the many highlights of our trip! We tried as many things as we dared. Never had a hungry night!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_1sVcrKThOHsxL8LR1wHsjQBFL2uqT9AwjFaQjQRIuj6rLsp9EzIV8QwKIOqgsiQhj0kP4klr42eYX-KlpdVZO-BS48YOiHtPNYMAuuOB2OOpS18X6TcjIv8C4AjTx65L-9MUENo6a8/s1600/DSC_0365.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_1sVcrKThOHsxL8LR1wHsjQBFL2uqT9AwjFaQjQRIuj6rLsp9EzIV8QwKIOqgsiQhj0kP4klr42eYX-KlpdVZO-BS48YOiHtPNYMAuuOB2OOpS18X6TcjIv8C4AjTx65L-9MUENo6a8/s320/DSC_0365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724371420025860578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Couldn't resist. Back into the souks! The darkness and shadows in the tight corners deepens the colors... and the suspense.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy3M2TJ0_zSDxmKN0dju9I_0TEQgEVx3ez95_p0ks5e8ZMhBlNTkA6ihK4_cyPVhO_2NypeKS1Po2dk8MGzfXEJ5UUp9r3bJhghyhdXv6QUPfBP_KrlRj-13Xl9uw3C1VzAOGK7z1XEo/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy3M2TJ0_zSDxmKN0dju9I_0TEQgEVx3ez95_p0ks5e8ZMhBlNTkA6ihK4_cyPVhO_2NypeKS1Po2dk8MGzfXEJ5UUp9r3bJhghyhdXv6QUPfBP_KrlRj-13Xl9uw3C1VzAOGK7z1XEo/s320/DSC_0377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724372350533314050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Essaouira, Morocco</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyG9SDc4a10JpxJaYEwYjQTUXbsheaNuW77ozr2RYiuAe9TqEceDn3v_r2LyaNVRcZYpbtaISoN8QemronRDP3Y82E_cF8Vfi0c9vhQ68YkrWhqENG7jkwSRQ_pgdMBq3RhtDdH_g4Zg/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyG9SDc4a10JpxJaYEwYjQTUXbsheaNuW77ozr2RYiuAe9TqEceDn3v_r2LyaNVRcZYpbtaISoN8QemronRDP3Y82E_cF8Vfi0c9vhQ68YkrWhqENG7jkwSRQ_pgdMBq3RhtDdH_g4Zg/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708715281441791586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Just a few hours drive by bus from Marrakech is the fairy-tale town of Essaouira. Along the straight, flat road the desert stretched out for miles and miles unbroken. The Atlas mountains (not pictured here) looming in the distance.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gt17eWSFGB7cSD08-5JlXduD1OaXAeRRFsYmgyssIU7GXwdT408hfbuNicTst9PUtPHcSRss1zrYAnfvS3gE4UAAgc0uqvpoTJMw2jFat2LNybMKlQzSMtfnSMZx8BhOBSglHo3cjzo/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gt17eWSFGB7cSD08-5JlXduD1OaXAeRRFsYmgyssIU7GXwdT408hfbuNicTst9PUtPHcSRss1zrYAnfvS3gE4UAAgc0uqvpoTJMw2jFat2LNybMKlQzSMtfnSMZx8BhOBSglHo3cjzo/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708714429905328754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Along the drive we encountered camels waiting out the sun's heat...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTzq5d9rAWITjsg0F3T1N3qChT98dktxnZNh_SMG8GqDQJsc8X7vL_1D3TFOlGcS6Iiayyeii72ZmReJaCiGhZX0UXb0tCPknlbtFYrK4fml0u4KHQgECuoh7Qk2wOZcXgTgyO3RAS7g/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTzq5d9rAWITjsg0F3T1N3qChT98dktxnZNh_SMG8GqDQJsc8X7vL_1D3TFOlGcS6Iiayyeii72ZmReJaCiGhZX0UXb0tCPknlbtFYrK4fml0u4KHQgECuoh7Qk2wOZcXgTgyO3RAS7g/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724366266267668658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and goats looking for a better view across the sand.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YQYUNPrcPDQO-ATGS20Mfjvj3Usqt3Ci6fu0Nb5awbPE5Xsmx5SrJhvvP7JXw2VVHWa2Zthv8LhmBbWd3iC6tZ7yaGfpbuA9lusWYVf3l05k2WuX9X9Ukl_thjsyXFGxHhZUxDzn6PI/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YQYUNPrcPDQO-ATGS20Mfjvj3Usqt3Ci6fu0Nb5awbPE5Xsmx5SrJhvvP7JXw2VVHWa2Zthv8LhmBbWd3iC6tZ7yaGfpbuA9lusWYVf3l05k2WuX9X9Ukl_thjsyXFGxHhZUxDzn6PI/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708715267284540210" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Arriving in Essaouira we were greeted with the smell of the sea and the squawk of the gulls. The great fortified walls of the city stretch out along the ocean, looking out over sea and broken, craggy rock. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu_YisT8HuIkF0KXS5z6xFS3CuTT-bKUZpG-yW35NTRk5wzAMmCRoei40-hYtkTJyUs-_I1JBCLHgI0T6lMq31_TxZQQKr6Mz5sBSGB0sltWyx_WK_9r2umk8sVG88ph0DuLbLCGZvgY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-26+at+9.54.21+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu_YisT8HuIkF0KXS5z6xFS3CuTT-bKUZpG-yW35NTRk5wzAMmCRoei40-hYtkTJyUs-_I1JBCLHgI0T6lMq31_TxZQQKr6Mz5sBSGB0sltWyx_WK_9r2umk8sVG88ph0DuLbLCGZvgY/s400/Screen+shot+2012-03-26+at+9.54.21+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724372736583314930" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 132px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSoeZRaZuZki10WO8BkaQtSmqvwo6iwEErOSIAZn2Q8J-H31Od_9m6-u4swaangPn1USNNAPMP7OAWV4go_GkRnuhJRI4gySoFCR8T1iPE5dzTdEwfrKW5x23pucZeVm4awEb8zhXmXE/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSoeZRaZuZki10WO8BkaQtSmqvwo6iwEErOSIAZn2Q8J-H31Od_9m6-u4swaangPn1USNNAPMP7OAWV4go_GkRnuhJRI4gySoFCR8T1iPE5dzTdEwfrKW5x23pucZeVm4awEb8zhXmXE/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708718172743896242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The corroded cannons still pointing out to sea, reminiscent of Cartagena, Colombia. Sitting in the huecos brought back good memories (although there were no cooler-carrying vendors selling frosty libations here as drinking is prohibited!)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplcxYW9QEYMZhL6_iK3EVedqZrCxYl3BsvrtJmUA7DykP6ZTVGay144sCS2SxE5CewTHOPV-hK1J3nUsAXutUo7Oe7BWpnxxkfTclfTRUWqSxM0DFhhTESQZsaaS3rJ7XwcuaHwGpSvU/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplcxYW9QEYMZhL6_iK3EVedqZrCxYl3BsvrtJmUA7DykP6ZTVGay144sCS2SxE5CewTHOPV-hK1J3nUsAXutUo7Oe7BWpnxxkfTclfTRUWqSxM0DFhhTESQZsaaS3rJ7XwcuaHwGpSvU/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708718144771120418" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div>The city somehow reminded me of a book, <i>I Had Seen Castles</i>, that I read in Mrs. Schapperkotter's class in high school. The whole place was whitewashed, and the blazing white of the paint and tan of the walls stuck out in stark contrast to the azure sea and sky. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JdIrqbfKaAJpgHfCdk4hPLk_u0C0lzWeMEMyAnUxMM-X8QPymVxpBltWm-vQhgOTFfB7DT0LYHA5htfu__wc0Q0JtBpBdTbGrRe9UT5h5xP7F2sdcbHk5_03zJO_fM3KL9QEFZ0sKe0/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JdIrqbfKaAJpgHfCdk4hPLk_u0C0lzWeMEMyAnUxMM-X8QPymVxpBltWm-vQhgOTFfB7DT0LYHA5htfu__wc0Q0JtBpBdTbGrRe9UT5h5xP7F2sdcbHk5_03zJO_fM3KL9QEFZ0sKe0/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708715292404019570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The town also held a small port, sheltered by an island that with Roman ruins. The history upon history in this area of the world astounds me. The little blue boats with their high prows to brave the Atlantic waves bobbed happily in the murky water.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLmFlCzG-KMD8RQ5c-TC1CvSSXWdRy6wuvu4ldiSgFWCeVl-g2Z7x0eDhHeQlXCxDEpmh4wj6n5CClNDx2BvppcjE9-WPiOjeqApuLTqLyoxIvKPmwnsiKidM9zzK1SY9sCqyDxcALdo/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLmFlCzG-KMD8RQ5c-TC1CvSSXWdRy6wuvu4ldiSgFWCeVl-g2Z7x0eDhHeQlXCxDEpmh4wj6n5CClNDx2BvppcjE9-WPiOjeqApuLTqLyoxIvKPmwnsiKidM9zzK1SY9sCqyDxcALdo/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708715277225387922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Right next to the port small seafood shacks were grilling up fresh fish, calamari, shrimp, crab, and mussels. We plunked ourselves in the sun at a table and smeared seafood all over our faces.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-1OyxWtTDVXrMG6ija52WluaBi7f9DxHJ4A661weu6_y_HcB2xd327gNursiV8XYj7MWhVJwN9wa7bOzxqw72s_553Ri_Gy9jbmjRwknWqfMuEsJnEGXKCNCdFL0-2gD5QhttmSnOKQ/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-1OyxWtTDVXrMG6ija52WluaBi7f9DxHJ4A661weu6_y_HcB2xd327gNursiV8XYj7MWhVJwN9wa7bOzxqw72s_553Ri_Gy9jbmjRwknWqfMuEsJnEGXKCNCdFL0-2gD5QhttmSnOKQ/s320/DSC_0134.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708718152496150818" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With full bellies we walked around the blue and white city and soaked up the rough details of the place.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituZLbeIhVgxAc6_qjd6rK1dnBTdA3rbIc9yzhYFEKutLznvov7OOIPbe6T25C69FzBE4PcSgXR_M-GPTzFKYJN8Hm6tJZxzOgIisscEvbieh1g37A-PfH5huFyXJmJ1oOe7yLxVikUi8/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituZLbeIhVgxAc6_qjd6rK1dnBTdA3rbIc9yzhYFEKutLznvov7OOIPbe6T25C69FzBE4PcSgXR_M-GPTzFKYJN8Hm6tJZxzOgIisscEvbieh1g37A-PfH5huFyXJmJ1oOe7yLxVikUi8/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724366243931272242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lt504beHEViIBdoYfzP9zRGqQ0lCLX9uBWdP95bUMRkSQzNBi4h6PqZ2mu5L2M58tGGjTZHJMpMSwbh8k9GV7uNJbw-6uJtvnLLhVevMsSt2jD-wjLsda6A5JwVHudZN_1qPiW8rm1A/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lt504beHEViIBdoYfzP9zRGqQ0lCLX9uBWdP95bUMRkSQzNBi4h6PqZ2mu5L2M58tGGjTZHJMpMSwbh8k9GV7uNJbw-6uJtvnLLhVevMsSt2jD-wjLsda6A5JwVHudZN_1qPiW8rm1A/s320/DSC_0179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724366264308234034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So fun to explore Morocco with my Mom and Denny!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-55412775873180357562012-02-12T08:21:00.002-08:002012-03-28T18:10:28.846-07:00Berlin Bound<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Location</span></b>: Berlin, Germany<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Rundown</span></b>: Checked out Berlin over a weekend with my sister and her German friend Alex.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh6uwxIU3DptkkmnCpKfnulnPl7mwUcZVxuv8ZqPyPMnT_UGmpbZtSaOJZCeIjTeJRUJB5gzk6zn0L_fVc0L-_VZfr8QjLm-WOesR-e3iBlF-i6bYW27azYWBQkeQ-lLasooRfpmtDOE/s1600/DSC_9676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh6uwxIU3DptkkmnCpKfnulnPl7mwUcZVxuv8ZqPyPMnT_UGmpbZtSaOJZCeIjTeJRUJB5gzk6zn0L_fVc0L-_VZfr8QjLm-WOesR-e3iBlF-i6bYW27azYWBQkeQ-lLasooRfpmtDOE/s320/DSC_9676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708288747377803890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wandered the streets with our awesome guides and checked out the touristy places. The gorgeous Brandenburg Gates...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSseXlmOE_YrU7RPt3EIBu5igb-Bsdq6aq1OEOF0u5yT6GyuWswOz47rBIkSvRfDwPf5nzht1NH6hayeg9th1GFUqvK2C2E0qAXCpDoBWhzRpo4mBhgqKaItR0MVnKkHizYvhtF6qoH_o/s1600/DSC_9597.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSseXlmOE_YrU7RPt3EIBu5igb-Bsdq6aq1OEOF0u5yT6GyuWswOz47rBIkSvRfDwPf5nzht1NH6hayeg9th1GFUqvK2C2E0qAXCpDoBWhzRpo4mBhgqKaItR0MVnKkHizYvhtF6qoH_o/s320/DSC_9597.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708286479875512114" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...the glass dome-topped Reichstag...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R73CZI9JS-feLADKsCbF123UYmodvw6rquWmqVugH_rVLeG4-59UbZ1f70f96zlIvgw5j_oLu1aPcV88eN15vSJT1eQH6gdZUp_FgBiuWP65MW183ZM0N7KDmNMLt5DJRw_87d6d1KI/s1600/DSC_9579.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R73CZI9JS-feLADKsCbF123UYmodvw6rquWmqVugH_rVLeG4-59UbZ1f70f96zlIvgw5j_oLu1aPcV88eN15vSJT1eQH6gdZUp_FgBiuWP65MW183ZM0N7KDmNMLt5DJRw_87d6d1KI/s320/DSC_9579.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708286470350140482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...interesting architecture...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-pYubEXuhtKPeahQ6j-OYpQxM9QtL-UETMlSi8OHJ5bVJ1b7UuBXuecC0n86Xmvp40hDzMyGcrJJaB5LEFPbQ6SRSnaTEcUYOrgVDBUn6DMG6ySaqbIv5mWb6qfzXqHydASFl5oKsI0/s1600/DSC_9659.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-pYubEXuhtKPeahQ6j-OYpQxM9QtL-UETMlSi8OHJ5bVJ1b7UuBXuecC0n86Xmvp40hDzMyGcrJJaB5LEFPbQ6SRSnaTEcUYOrgVDBUn6DMG6ySaqbIv5mWb6qfzXqHydASFl5oKsI0/s320/DSC_9659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708288737024874386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and amazing museums.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjkesJz0PuFKJhfeQ-gDP8FWLHvpdjmoQd1sy8dwaDChShhBvXgZ9RPU3I1eY2DunGonH7m5JO9jzYAUrI523t-VntW5aJIZTsDKG-dJeCGoSZA4zg_jrcdmzhlMR_YnqwMpNhIOPdMU/s1600/DSC_9690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjkesJz0PuFKJhfeQ-gDP8FWLHvpdjmoQd1sy8dwaDChShhBvXgZ9RPU3I1eY2DunGonH7m5JO9jzYAUrI523t-VntW5aJIZTsDKG-dJeCGoSZA4zg_jrcdmzhlMR_YnqwMpNhIOPdMU/s320/DSC_9690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708289160349860034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I see museums like I see zoos. Who thinks they own these? Maybe they're better preserved here and would be in danger where they originated. When do they go back?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmwGmu3S4k__9XKT_vO-dCOfHBJq0a_tuPd-X6Ixci8m62mrk4WDoisCtP5muvzaRVb_qQeWKKci7yCWkp8p36TjeuPyB2tCyw1FEfuZ1fKm4or5YjFImf4x2aIBBefNnBV2Y-vL4qbo/s1600/DSC_9700.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmwGmu3S4k__9XKT_vO-dCOfHBJq0a_tuPd-X6Ixci8m62mrk4WDoisCtP5muvzaRVb_qQeWKKci7yCWkp8p36TjeuPyB2tCyw1FEfuZ1fKm4or5YjFImf4x2aIBBefNnBV2Y-vL4qbo/s320/DSC_9700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708289171189120322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Got to see the Berlin wall... what's left of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm2LQUjRYJKapg_nAyN6foK-zTcUKdIR5digaqzOrjb5v9hOz2FI4JzoQhc8l2ITbPNMy5AreaiozwNLO8k8uONW_5ey0zH8xG0ol5kxBcPZxpyh4jeFp_Uwr4f-2LnhyphenhyphenWEihMuZD9ss/s1600/DSC_9635.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm2LQUjRYJKapg_nAyN6foK-zTcUKdIR5digaqzOrjb5v9hOz2FI4JzoQhc8l2ITbPNMy5AreaiozwNLO8k8uONW_5ey0zH8xG0ol5kxBcPZxpyh4jeFp_Uwr4f-2LnhyphenhyphenWEihMuZD9ss/s320/DSC_9635.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708288727959430114" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The whole thing is decorated with murals, reminiscent of the artwork done in Belfast on buildings and walls.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHdEj-CxMJTmeaWRbEy2dtLrapp6Ph8C5_49_-xPLzPK6hRuXZhkT8sizqegFMTfk282S1H7Ffoxi7f73ERu_W43zgiLp8-nDqP4kZuwnoOnxkKRTLgqDjT9pD9yNAb5qzKiaVmemD34/s1600/DSC_9662.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHdEj-CxMJTmeaWRbEy2dtLrapp6Ph8C5_49_-xPLzPK6hRuXZhkT8sizqegFMTfk282S1H7Ffoxi7f73ERu_W43zgiLp8-nDqP4kZuwnoOnxkKRTLgqDjT9pD9yNAb5qzKiaVmemD34/s320/DSC_9662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708288742155168482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Holocaust memorial in Berlin. Looks angular from the street, but you slowly descend into a deep depression with massive stone pillars looming overhead. More and more profound the further you explore.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBIZASHXCo9OZZ7zfvjhr8r4eQVuZPPNXDlp8CFjSBpj-By-v0H8NrDUo2OYd6-AnxyWtlPWtV-muO-_e5nFQZ3F9UUqrxBNBqQ6YACL2LH3xdoQCZcgnawIHnSQrpThw-qlMz2_F-pk/s1600/DSC_9616.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBIZASHXCo9OZZ7zfvjhr8r4eQVuZPPNXDlp8CFjSBpj-By-v0H8NrDUo2OYd6-AnxyWtlPWtV-muO-_e5nFQZ3F9UUqrxBNBqQ6YACL2LH3xdoQCZcgnawIHnSQrpThw-qlMz2_F-pk/s320/DSC_9616.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708286497264859586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was impressed with this memorial. I could've spent much time lost in the labyrinth, thinking about the significance of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8YaMFJF0_fhBhNb5mQ2JTjrLegJ3Rg91xLSRkVl2MZNXLOPqZAh0Tx7ANI0B6z1EKpQJlHm27WuvRhKsmhJB0CtfpyMR4wGGbpbAhf3iv_FGGx57mdzPAeyYAevcx_XkumlKID_JFC0/s1600/DSC_9605.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8YaMFJF0_fhBhNb5mQ2JTjrLegJ3Rg91xLSRkVl2MZNXLOPqZAh0Tx7ANI0B6z1EKpQJlHm27WuvRhKsmhJB0CtfpyMR4wGGbpbAhf3iv_FGGx57mdzPAeyYAevcx_XkumlKID_JFC0/s320/DSC_9605.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708286488095189058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Super fun to hang out with my sister in Berlin!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-22905746241147659212012-01-11T06:43:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:39:27.372-08:00Prague Prancing<div> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Location</span>: </b> Prague, Czech Republic </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj-gvevVfXdrijjt_A41AYlxEcOdUEiANjNhyphenhyphenGzdByucbDZId41yLR3Cl2jTj0mOiaBasDCSDP4EdsQ2IlJbUoVLgHfXZwoWBDUsomMlnxNavTHwSO_Cp_oYz4Was2AVJobdOOuDmx04/s1600/cz.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj-gvevVfXdrijjt_A41AYlxEcOdUEiANjNhyphenhyphenGzdByucbDZId41yLR3Cl2jTj0mOiaBasDCSDP4EdsQ2IlJbUoVLgHfXZwoWBDUsomMlnxNavTHwSO_Cp_oYz4Was2AVJobdOOuDmx04/s200/cz.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708274191945638306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Rundown</span>: </b>Passed a few days wandering the gothic Prague trying Czech language and beer!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNV4mpK1C-MGmPQ4Bub9-d5ZLynBLCYR4eAU8ELNlg_4LMIE80W3NBHhAevuJ1L5OvdpKgqoJsGQ3esa8Svf5_5aa-VIa6MvaRglvHLu1xJQS3kpxx-0BTvmkYgsmoXZ5vyCBuio6wTY/s1600/DSC_9549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNV4mpK1C-MGmPQ4Bub9-d5ZLynBLCYR4eAU8ELNlg_4LMIE80W3NBHhAevuJ1L5OvdpKgqoJsGQ3esa8Svf5_5aa-VIa6MvaRglvHLu1xJQS3kpxx-0BTvmkYgsmoXZ5vyCBuio6wTY/s320/DSC_9549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708261225892086338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are no signs indicating that you're leaving Germany and entering Czech Republic on the road between Dresden and Prague. You just understand the signs less than before! Pozor??</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9qsapuVHulkdf2if8LtkmWOYIdFtmCItuM8-yLFCNQprltMoANNcaIXscqVOInhw5F2p5wTcz9YgmmK9gMTJ6kAhcZEHpOWe4hyE27Kcrvi1dQfqVpB8ZQBtT6jbnWalH3vMTYsYDFQ/s1600/DSC_9303.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9qsapuVHulkdf2if8LtkmWOYIdFtmCItuM8-yLFCNQprltMoANNcaIXscqVOInhw5F2p5wTcz9YgmmK9gMTJ6kAhcZEHpOWe4hyE27Kcrvi1dQfqVpB8ZQBtT6jbnWalH3vMTYsYDFQ/s320/DSC_9303.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708260572335392946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The city is filled with ornate and archaic marvels, including this astronomical clock from 1410 that tells the time in several different systems, marks the progression of the calendar, and comes to life i chiming and dancing sculptures on the hour.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ihu7isJwdDd_9RNE5vV_I4KQWpVUe2u5ArTnsldf_8MawPbSoQimab6y6m9aiH4x5uzspy3ba6bk994f1BhuBzMXK4lmYD0TQK1XX4YiCVdQHqh0p6AlvIsoHGAUZLVhteU8BPFMou8/s1600/DSC_9205.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ihu7isJwdDd_9RNE5vV_I4KQWpVUe2u5ArTnsldf_8MawPbSoQimab6y6m9aiH4x5uzspy3ba6bk994f1BhuBzMXK4lmYD0TQK1XX4YiCVdQHqh0p6AlvIsoHGAUZLVhteU8BPFMou8/s320/DSC_9205.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708260568650272034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Learned some newer history, that Budweiser is, in fact, a Czech beer! But of course, it's 'the king of beers', and we don't have a monarchy in the states.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnq43aMQao0Ppi4T5kx-2gPm5lKJ_Y6W0VvXC3BGilTWRPD3LHKKaU24vFonAT_mATL610YabPUGZqR_EmP7ag4eGj8m_BMDcc1KCAeiPYIkdBCQ9ZFw71jEV-_HiSAOjjzhkl4id80/s1600/DSC_9481.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnq43aMQao0Ppi4T5kx-2gPm5lKJ_Y6W0VvXC3BGilTWRPD3LHKKaU24vFonAT_mATL610YabPUGZqR_EmP7ag4eGj8m_BMDcc1KCAeiPYIkdBCQ9ZFw71jEV-_HiSAOjjzhkl4id80/s320/DSC_9481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708261223149590194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Walked along Wenceslas Square, a long boulevard with nice shops and restaurants. At the end in front of a huge governmental building is a statue of Saint Wenceslas, as in "Good king Wenceslas looked out, on the feast of Stephen". </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGIjL0nmR33EKhAoHDMegHU4zmB84guJ-gt_knWPFw4tUVm9GOZKnI3bBXKTwyiQ35KrIZeAsWsomtxahG6eZRDKGg7GnLu3mxb3ERpJ7o93OV5Cy6DvCqu1uB_aHuANi7qXOqWYceiU/s1600/DSC_9496.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGIjL0nmR33EKhAoHDMegHU4zmB84guJ-gt_knWPFw4tUVm9GOZKnI3bBXKTwyiQ35KrIZeAsWsomtxahG6eZRDKGg7GnLu3mxb3ERpJ7o93OV5Cy6DvCqu1uB_aHuANi7qXOqWYceiU/s320/DSC_9496.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708262580468833714" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Wenceslas lived in the 900's AD, a century after the oldest part of the castle was built. Names from Christmas carols don't seem connected to real people until you see buildings that are as old as the people in the songs.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0BvaMkzpOUte_UQIMP5wZ7hv1jcRXyJsoFyQZryzxVvSfi0wrepL0tyTQf_mQ5bNmy8sAFPo4dCy1unUKf4vfhG1xSh1I9JberSofRZa9ITFotLdlTfcbVYjPPTFYVCZ4PS0-WUdWW0/s1600/DSC_9266.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0BvaMkzpOUte_UQIMP5wZ7hv1jcRXyJsoFyQZryzxVvSfi0wrepL0tyTQf_mQ5bNmy8sAFPo4dCy1unUKf4vfhG1xSh1I9JberSofRZa9ITFotLdlTfcbVYjPPTFYVCZ4PS0-WUdWW0/s320/DSC_9266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708262593713064226" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a beautiful hike up to the Prague castle overlooking the city and the Vltava river. The cobblestone streets and archaic but brightly painted buildings were a great spot to wander.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EaSDC4J7lYUGan5cVH4jeRgWk2JkZ7i4QQx4fJKGiYycKFeC3X7zqpY4ElwrNTtB5NR4NqatVLqTUUxSM33Av-0_mkZduUUV3Hd-lqvOsJwM_QLUBd8MU0ubE3eOOvZEiJfYBtKD0Z4/s1600/DSC_9341.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EaSDC4J7lYUGan5cVH4jeRgWk2JkZ7i4QQx4fJKGiYycKFeC3X7zqpY4ElwrNTtB5NR4NqatVLqTUUxSM33Av-0_mkZduUUV3Hd-lqvOsJwM_QLUBd8MU0ubE3eOOvZEiJfYBtKD0Z4/s320/DSC_9341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708262568956435922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6iiIN8ZwOIbsxULV5ZeLfnxHyGCYPvfvOF3vHTSW4HifV3dO191_sAqb_B7dAoL8Fx9w0f9FBcEiARoj-Go-pqqKzVgDkWNavp21KKqHmq28_U18u_OjzH4HoatCWFvvwpYcI0ksQB4/s1600/DSC_9465.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6iiIN8ZwOIbsxULV5ZeLfnxHyGCYPvfvOF3vHTSW4HifV3dO191_sAqb_B7dAoL8Fx9w0f9FBcEiARoj-Go-pqqKzVgDkWNavp21KKqHmq28_U18u_OjzH4HoatCWFvvwpYcI0ksQB4/s320/DSC_9465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708262575045461858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Had many delicious meals in Prague, including this brew pub with live music and fresh brewed beer. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkc5vMyiP8OObtAJhIg6hO5ArC3ZDqODS4SgZ41uqNZX1x6u6DsuXmwN_IHJfjeD2ZObSloBsnQLB6sqmzIPlCYGV4fdzsZKWrD-8LdlaFgOLAH7Ds7xpxh3_T4ybjq1zg9raefkeSNw/s1600/DSC_9461.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkc5vMyiP8OObtAJhIg6hO5ArC3ZDqODS4SgZ41uqNZX1x6u6DsuXmwN_IHJfjeD2ZObSloBsnQLB6sqmzIPlCYGV4fdzsZKWrD-8LdlaFgOLAH7Ds7xpxh3_T4ybjq1zg9raefkeSNw/s320/DSC_9461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708261212454025938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Czech had great meats and a terrific goulash soup, which is a spicy stew with meat and veggies. I had it a few times while I was there!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A_wvWJwMO4gIwE7osQS_9_abVReebRGND4BaXC_faZHafZUVaF6ealmfVagL4oQUm8CW0Ub-4OXB-pySrFjmgMj15S75bcyZW9mvp353Mvy1UZJU6ESqf1AN6hrLLGboIUAn6kKpcQQ/s1600/DSC_9460.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A_wvWJwMO4gIwE7osQS_9_abVReebRGND4BaXC_faZHafZUVaF6ealmfVagL4oQUm8CW0Ub-4OXB-pySrFjmgMj15S75bcyZW9mvp353Mvy1UZJU6ESqf1AN6hrLLGboIUAn6kKpcQQ/s320/DSC_9460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708261202954044034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although the weather was cold and we occasionally had clouds, there were few people wandering around Prague with us. We were spoiled to have the place to ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VMdkJO7qSgx6gYMOdEHX2tHOhEAr-2nS79CsEBaBImGOuKgsbd80nuYNKZ7xzi8c0K_qSHKyfllqZHPw35RYel2yBRj_Fr2Sa4u5Wnh_wvzqLOQht1ecyUWGmrN1SoUjFrH3KWPT4UU/s1600/DSC_9361.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VMdkJO7qSgx6gYMOdEHX2tHOhEAr-2nS79CsEBaBImGOuKgsbd80nuYNKZ7xzi8c0K_qSHKyfllqZHPw35RYel2yBRj_Fr2Sa4u5Wnh_wvzqLOQht1ecyUWGmrN1SoUjFrH3KWPT4UU/s320/DSC_9361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708260588466433218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The night view out over Praha from the cathedral tower. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCem9li8kZzWc1S-4tlmPj1ons_luqpzYc-qmhmhzCzO2FjtU1ETTpTpuzynz4lWx7-dgNnkITKC18XGrj_XT4PuV8x8xBDZqeOHnCV-ub7GYata78CgOPSo90rJd18g0B4pORJG_G60/s1600/DSC_9384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCem9li8kZzWc1S-4tlmPj1ons_luqpzYc-qmhmhzCzO2FjtU1ETTpTpuzynz4lWx7-dgNnkITKC18XGrj_XT4PuV8x8xBDZqeOHnCV-ub7GYata78CgOPSo90rJd18g0B4pORJG_G60/s320/DSC_9384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708260592448887986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-14850708845653645152012-01-08T09:01:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:43:46.808-08:00Germany Road Trip<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Location</span>: </b>Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Buchenwald, and Dresden, Germany</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj-uGhT1SROMlt44H-MJBODRWLXiggksKNU4B_EmAAeyrb5CREdpD3RUPQvIVjyWTe8ZUIZtThiJft_O7RtMpIQvE8Ufv5uMLFAhlLg_PtwPUjMVL0sjPUyWmEZxjxGSxUHhkvepEIc4/s1600/germany-flag.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj-uGhT1SROMlt44H-MJBODRWLXiggksKNU4B_EmAAeyrb5CREdpD3RUPQvIVjyWTe8ZUIZtThiJft_O7RtMpIQvE8Ufv5uMLFAhlLg_PtwPUjMVL0sjPUyWmEZxjxGSxUHhkvepEIc4/s200/germany-flag.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708274541272469858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 119px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Rundown</span>: </b>Spent a little time in several towns in Germany between bigger trips.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Frankfurt Christmas Market</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6r-GXi5l74_ZHb7F8ynrgNjywoUa5eZtVB0pVvH5a-l350-ckTBHdYdi6ORTUmMiWYG_qQEGx6iY5hlAF1RmIySGTD9VgcWiJTSVByO9DWXGw2r9Ve9PUpdyn8gaf-e_pXoBEcdRFU8/s1600/DSC_8063.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6r-GXi5l74_ZHb7F8ynrgNjywoUa5eZtVB0pVvH5a-l350-ckTBHdYdi6ORTUmMiWYG_qQEGx6iY5hlAF1RmIySGTD9VgcWiJTSVByO9DWXGw2r9Ve9PUpdyn8gaf-e_pXoBEcdRFU8/s320/DSC_8063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707927584470432386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Went to a Christmas market in Frankfurt! I was thinking a few booths with Christmas ornaments, but not the case! People swarm in the streets around countless stalls selling wursts (sausages), <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Glühwein</span> (a hot, mulled wine), and tons of other goodies. There are some ornaments too.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgsOrt6zJVjZsX6SAQCKlQoHGeBTE9zD4qvapc-F-3GpVx_uZjs2He7OG7FGG-fjlBaoG-Op8X9f9tYI2NPwUVVG_VM9dkLuBE8SaDDyLclhdEhS-60mx3QlQGj2BEL2IwFO3cKHwQ_k/s1600/DSC_8042.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgsOrt6zJVjZsX6SAQCKlQoHGeBTE9zD4qvapc-F-3GpVx_uZjs2He7OG7FGG-fjlBaoG-Op8X9f9tYI2NPwUVVG_VM9dkLuBE8SaDDyLclhdEhS-60mx3QlQGj2BEL2IwFO3cKHwQ_k/s320/DSC_8042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708257392513334082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFj21rkzS8BDi6Sac9JdLgFUi3_uetk5DUqOriw-ZzZcCj4-5Cime3ohPYrVoygE6zj92omYSU3HY9mDQgzpfm1xWM7dX9kkGL7-RNc24LWd3LdYlhQ6ZM3Sehy-Rw271YP3ivXobsp4/s1600/DSC_8050.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFj21rkzS8BDi6Sac9JdLgFUi3_uetk5DUqOriw-ZzZcCj4-5Cime3ohPYrVoygE6zj92omYSU3HY9mDQgzpfm1xWM7dX9kkGL7-RNc24LWd3LdYlhQ6ZM3Sehy-Rw271YP3ivXobsp4/s320/DSC_8050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707927579108400290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty neat atmosphere. Lots of lights, lots of people, lots of food and drink. Doesn't seem like much of a tourist attraction, just people out and enjoying good company.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjJ0nsMpGDsAQfQYT4g7v-Uk_1cT-1wsOKBfUbH0ZdMQSPbuYj0mpnGhJTdy_Izusbr_N_Yi5SySehQb0VWPo1p2w23HjER_j91E-ygNLWiXrsxnzd2dL2-gRKfRoq40A9TJhQrh7I8c/s1600/DSC_8055.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjJ0nsMpGDsAQfQYT4g7v-Uk_1cT-1wsOKBfUbH0ZdMQSPbuYj0mpnGhJTdy_Izusbr_N_Yi5SySehQb0VWPo1p2w23HjER_j91E-ygNLWiXrsxnzd2dL2-gRKfRoq40A9TJhQrh7I8c/s320/DSC_8055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707931171249984610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Heidelberg</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9wm2Ne1djxZOr-CcYB_UrK54hm_v_liCBNucb6dO2lu-yhSlA-s-Kv1UBow1tz0CYuZ2H4oHuQ0zOs3VRsOV_35zgMiMBPLrx3CK_8APR0Q2eJk1p0RXMo1UZHu0swHSr_bUKW6-sLc/s1600/DSC_8914.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9wm2Ne1djxZOr-CcYB_UrK54hm_v_liCBNucb6dO2lu-yhSlA-s-Kv1UBow1tz0CYuZ2H4oHuQ0zOs3VRsOV_35zgMiMBPLrx3CK_8APR0Q2eJk1p0RXMo1UZHu0swHSr_bUKW6-sLc/s320/DSC_8914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707927612411051538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to being the site of the discovery of an early hominid, Homo Heidelbergensis, Heidelberg is a cute German town with a good university and an interesting castle ruin.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:13px;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKUk40rDOwv-Prfai8IBDep6mB1qBsste6ZszVswUG2RKa5QF2VYkk5lccr3XEURiAFYk1mdQRFhl5Un1M_q-ajOLSqWRaTKYEwqGOY697Wob8qDAO2owGL_LxL-E6706bLABkMHGky0/s1600/DSC_8890.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKUk40rDOwv-Prfai8IBDep6mB1qBsste6ZszVswUG2RKa5QF2VYkk5lccr3XEURiAFYk1mdQRFhl5Un1M_q-ajOLSqWRaTKYEwqGOY697Wob8qDAO2owGL_LxL-E6706bLABkMHGky0/s320/DSC_8890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707927592671358290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The land has been contested for so long that the castle has undergone several additions during the various cycles of sack and rebuild. Hard for me to imagine all the things that the castle has seen.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BhnBI0jtbqlr-OO6wyHwQaLqgSjdaTmpi_IFgKH2njtxO_Q_5PiAbMTEnQDz04nj1jzWMyXLBi6pQxroAkG1H1kzV_5tlqPoYRhbSHx79Nd_2NcJqKiD3Enm-f_3LbYzb5lVyXweP-E/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BhnBI0jtbqlr-OO6wyHwQaLqgSjdaTmpi_IFgKH2njtxO_Q_5PiAbMTEnQDz04nj1jzWMyXLBi6pQxroAkG1H1kzV_5tlqPoYRhbSHx79Nd_2NcJqKiD3Enm-f_3LbYzb5lVyXweP-E/s320/IMG_1343.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707930072437203522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the cellar of the great castle is a house-sized wine barrel which supposedly can hold 58,000 gallons of wine. It's so big there are stairs to a dance floor on top of it!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKDUJ_PNfzzRGkHuDEcKeUr-9N0LEsRpLk39FYjV1XddzVV6t7k3ZILuReyvzKrBMpiEMcR9ppJy49eQ7lgFXKlx5R1IjAlDZRoWBkct6CnZo9r3zIdyppcZCZqDSpvMZfHM8k4kpwY/s1600/DSC_8924.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKDUJ_PNfzzRGkHuDEcKeUr-9N0LEsRpLk39FYjV1XddzVV6t7k3ZILuReyvzKrBMpiEMcR9ppJy49eQ7lgFXKlx5R1IjAlDZRoWBkct6CnZo9r3zIdyppcZCZqDSpvMZfHM8k4kpwY/s320/DSC_8924.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707931179208213746" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Buchenwald Concentration Camp</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPC6502HTKfw9MZaYQ5rQUt5ZexgMQWFJNWfs-TtDZ9KmQ652D2fa6sIhCelcylIVmY_QNm909xHj50YtizuvYok024QT4hvoGbY-GAcFtUVqBJGm5NUM2l2d-v1d0dhWMLbKK_st7XQ/s1600/DSC_8982.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPC6502HTKfw9MZaYQ5rQUt5ZexgMQWFJNWfs-TtDZ9KmQ652D2fa6sIhCelcylIVmY_QNm909xHj50YtizuvYok024QT4hvoGbY-GAcFtUVqBJGm5NUM2l2d-v1d0dhWMLbKK_st7XQ/s320/DSC_8982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707928828967511698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way to Dresden we stopped to see the Buchenwald concentration camp, one of the largest in Germany during the holocaust. It was a befittingly ugly day, with low clouds drizzling cold rain on the gray clearings. The wooden shacks that housed the 'prisoners' were gone, but their footprint and history remain. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRroK-lXtlFCY4bhZiF0kqrjjrAcG9xnCcg6yj0_FeiFli2dX3qh97YGIjktZ3HGxhgpw_45tLaGK0Ul1txPcEgf4So-yvpqFaqsitIAkTMAGCBWQLdO1QN5puRWS4Qlw5wp-PI0fV5Cc/s1600/DSC_9018.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRroK-lXtlFCY4bhZiF0kqrjjrAcG9xnCcg6yj0_FeiFli2dX3qh97YGIjktZ3HGxhgpw_45tLaGK0Ul1txPcEgf4So-yvpqFaqsitIAkTMAGCBWQLdO1QN5puRWS4Qlw5wp-PI0fV5Cc/s320/DSC_9018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707928841246708482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were the only ones in the camp that ugly day. Made for a heavy visit, being alone with your own thoughts in a place like that. It's astounding that people can be so creative in their cruelty to other people.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJHao7Sk2C-fqs8n_IqP_epxdyBNYpmw9w-FViTY5E0mv2HZHRmpz3_wT7QAmIhRe5zi5oWqP-hIdHm6mymY-g1I2e03TnviUPfcbv9d99uXXP_S4r0bHbFCWG0wp1rtzwwf4QBt_j-M/s1600/DSC_9020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJHao7Sk2C-fqs8n_IqP_epxdyBNYpmw9w-FViTY5E0mv2HZHRmpz3_wT7QAmIhRe5zi5oWqP-hIdHm6mymY-g1I2e03TnviUPfcbv9d99uXXP_S4r0bHbFCWG0wp1rtzwwf4QBt_j-M/s320/DSC_9020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707929799088949810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've only included a few photos from the camp. It's important that people still see places like Buchenwald. There are things too horrible for pictures and too chilling for words there that need to be seen and felt first hand. Go see it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ec-esxWIhEBdO6fzrBui5eCcPbusxP_E0sWlDwqS9E5meO-wscARtEH0nHCYUZCIqPxH8k8TANTR4Vkz2A-dPWCESFilIzuK4jGVFGTmBAiGIVorYmoYr8I4dvIPBNCFLL5Cwtk978/s1600/DSC_8992.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ec-esxWIhEBdO6fzrBui5eCcPbusxP_E0sWlDwqS9E5meO-wscARtEH0nHCYUZCIqPxH8k8TANTR4Vkz2A-dPWCESFilIzuK4jGVFGTmBAiGIVorYmoYr8I4dvIPBNCFLL5Cwtk978/s320/DSC_8992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707928839072485602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dresden</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCPB-yshMWuAyU8rijn8e1HmtphUlhxTCYhyZt_1VRAXRoCFh9Z3c3xFTiP0svCWNXpDpPQMEbPAvy4wb71EsJezsw4qE3t3VgpPApDAPsJdzLO28ONz5l1xwufs36gKaD5RRooCJW8A/s1600/DSC_9098.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCPB-yshMWuAyU8rijn8e1HmtphUlhxTCYhyZt_1VRAXRoCFh9Z3c3xFTiP0svCWNXpDpPQMEbPAvy4wb71EsJezsw4qE3t3VgpPApDAPsJdzLO28ONz5l1xwufs36gKaD5RRooCJW8A/s320/DSC_9098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707929813104820914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spent a few days wandering around Dresden, a city that had been bombed almost into oblivion by allied planes in retaliation for the destruction of Canterbury, England. The buildings almost look like quilts. The older pieces are still dark from centuries of soot, while the newer materials that replace damaged bits are bright white.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xVXGUxBAYRWiC6lANmnb20Cb8HpSOIQRIGdnmBA5BKw4hB9guTdtBS5LZPDYSfboOAn5nIN9yY7M0PAPOW6Wg2g8_aJmEPR1sx5tHRZBh47X5w3sTN8MLMYMLwp1rxXhauF8Akozreg/s1600/DSC_9166.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xVXGUxBAYRWiC6lANmnb20Cb8HpSOIQRIGdnmBA5BKw4hB9guTdtBS5LZPDYSfboOAn5nIN9yY7M0PAPOW6Wg2g8_aJmEPR1sx5tHRZBh47X5w3sTN8MLMYMLwp1rxXhauF8Akozreg/s320/DSC_9166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707929825079748866" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was bright and cold while we were there, and aside from the few Russians who are impervious to cold, we didn't see many tourists. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxEyaTRyav63EldhF9F6ISlyzAPHBmorxML8Mo7VKJPA1TeXUhPSUaBBZQTEx_za8wWUsUiZjyXbFVJn9kcJvCPyoNRjXGxzASLwwupTACEcdLchNs2HLS3_E1pZM_ShpYmyel4QqN2k/s1600/DSC_9022.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxEyaTRyav63EldhF9F6ISlyzAPHBmorxML8Mo7VKJPA1TeXUhPSUaBBZQTEx_za8wWUsUiZjyXbFVJn9kcJvCPyoNRjXGxzASLwwupTACEcdLchNs2HLS3_E1pZM_ShpYmyel4QqN2k/s320/DSC_9022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707929805531670722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We went from warm spot to warm spot all day to keep out of the cold and wind. Much antifreeze was involved in our days there.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCKCCgo-mmdTXobrcrd1AT5LN09dxDne-5Q2syUtbGUKnF8C1OT71omOYdL1Zfe0kPQhkmh992MsjS3wf2tcRdzANvis__PnL9sYKOW4e0EQifJsINQaR6ZhDkkYOf-jYda_crVYRdKg/s1600/DSC_9151.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCKCCgo-mmdTXobrcrd1AT5LN09dxDne-5Q2syUtbGUKnF8C1OT71omOYdL1Zfe0kPQhkmh992MsjS3wf2tcRdzANvis__PnL9sYKOW4e0EQifJsINQaR6ZhDkkYOf-jYda_crVYRdKg/s320/DSC_9151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707931190866429410" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-82665913895959995362012-01-03T05:10:00.000-08:002012-06-15T14:29:02.115-07:00Barcelona Baby!<div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">Location</span>:</b> Barcelona, Spain</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35lHHUwTuty52QT6pH6KORC6fYq8omtdTQVFOi8bYFj9njpx7_ywRQiy-oDn8wE6QXPI1FT1OWhSyTWVkaFXokKMxQnGn0W4mzqRUQHswN20Y9do6gibfIWHo_cUW7mZP207yDxWobkM/s1600/spain-flag.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708272897933016162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35lHHUwTuty52QT6pH6KORC6fYq8omtdTQVFOi8bYFj9njpx7_ywRQiy-oDn8wE6QXPI1FT1OWhSyTWVkaFXokKMxQnGn0W4mzqRUQHswN20Y9do6gibfIWHo_cUW7mZP207yDxWobkM/s200/spain-flag.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 133px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSCXN1adRICykiezJbPHiH31Hd2OPcfzHdqn_-K_3q3npjmn4DQ2vZ6ueuVsN8fXo5U2Nt7W1-JmbPf7tkUMR1fGzWOgVZV6TdfeswH9HPaLtZv-bzCKsk5SaBAZCtyX94GRbYt6idEY/s1600/catalan_flag.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708273656809294402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSCXN1adRICykiezJbPHiH31Hd2OPcfzHdqn_-K_3q3npjmn4DQ2vZ6ueuVsN8fXo5U2Nt7W1-JmbPf7tkUMR1fGzWOgVZV6TdfeswH9HPaLtZv-bzCKsk5SaBAZCtyX94GRbYt6idEY/s200/catalan_flag.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 135px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">Rundown</span>: </b>Spent a week in Barcelona eating tapas, drinking wine, and walking for hours and hours through the city.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3a4DCVSPqZ5Gz2Do1HePgmboYZemXiwqwxfNn86YAxze6cln1LJBYRxCblZRoqUSyfQvs8ckjxpE350uZjxcaUCU391DFbyC-WmFcVz79mSUtA3MgHPOGWSUvOcsT3-RtaIec67pjUw/s1600/DSC_8375.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707874510495210290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3a4DCVSPqZ5Gz2Do1HePgmboYZemXiwqwxfNn86YAxze6cln1LJBYRxCblZRoqUSyfQvs8ckjxpE350uZjxcaUCU391DFbyC-WmFcVz79mSUtA3MgHPOGWSUvOcsT3-RtaIec67pjUw/s320/DSC_8375.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 212px;" /></a></div>
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I could spend weeks wandering around Barcelona. There are so many terrific things to see and do. The streets are interesting and dynamic from place to place in the city.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0apfGOPDd8qOVYVVPGjj8iqWrinhHdrippf0uu4l-PrrhmAhI1RlOlsbeGxGNHoQIvXwIoW9w8sLv0ezM4QfyODxuikCb9TJ3wXZAANKR63ODSidEXd8O1hoQB0FbV11GbA2UH40xu5c/s1600/DSC_8450.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707874524227415506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0apfGOPDd8qOVYVVPGjj8iqWrinhHdrippf0uu4l-PrrhmAhI1RlOlsbeGxGNHoQIvXwIoW9w8sLv0ezM4QfyODxuikCb9TJ3wXZAANKR63ODSidEXd8O1hoQB0FbV11GbA2UH40xu5c/s320/DSC_8450.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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These street performers were making huge, worm-like soap bubbles that would eventually pop and rain soap suds all around. I guess Barcelona is trying to clean up the streets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Gbfd-CkVufnDjrcT8EgPArOAe0HTTaq780emZ4bPy7TOwxqZWNskP2TS642AnIW6T88NEN4IKWq1ubaFP7xBoQlkwzlqxe-LQUSa5RzdesDKqdt-3pN6CwXlzgmgu0x4Jyxjc6q2XVw/s1600/DSC_8859.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876454690728930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Gbfd-CkVufnDjrcT8EgPArOAe0HTTaq780emZ4bPy7TOwxqZWNskP2TS642AnIW6T88NEN4IKWq1ubaFP7xBoQlkwzlqxe-LQUSa5RzdesDKqdt-3pN6CwXlzgmgu0x4Jyxjc6q2XVw/s320/DSC_8859.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Walked around the Mercat de la Boqueria, with its fresh produce, raw meats and fish, makes for a colorful spectacle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpj2vJuJra5q7EQtUQbOrtbRKV6B6xGm4sG0U6NQ_G7BWRjIVOaAasWlIyxDhJ9CTYRqfW6ZVW8XEivJG2ZBSapgLI9PK40DbTQiEKWRW5yV6PEq6EJhlM56inYUhza2t3czkEN1T8EY/s1600/DSC_8415.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707874519448759586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpj2vJuJra5q7EQtUQbOrtbRKV6B6xGm4sG0U6NQ_G7BWRjIVOaAasWlIyxDhJ9CTYRqfW6ZVW8XEivJG2ZBSapgLI9PK40DbTQiEKWRW5yV6PEq6EJhlM56inYUhza2t3czkEN1T8EY/s320/DSC_8415.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Came to Barcelona armed with a new lens for the camera. Probably spent more time behind it that I should have. Learned not to shoot and cross the street at the same time...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwJmRtOrpXlty1iw0csvbCXE3Y3Tz341OFLKjqRdx-Rzy_WKY9-roTOPAiLzg4Dx2FqgcE9nYFZlMqdhO0jmVwsWehYAvtGWuxIz9FWbj2lpfJcN6t1JK5MPS-rWAzs-9tfeaNp4idzI/s1600/IMG_1289.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876458186707362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwJmRtOrpXlty1iw0csvbCXE3Y3Tz341OFLKjqRdx-Rzy_WKY9-roTOPAiLzg4Dx2FqgcE9nYFZlMqdhO0jmVwsWehYAvtGWuxIz9FWbj2lpfJcN6t1JK5MPS-rWAzs-9tfeaNp4idzI/s320/IMG_1289.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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Spent the evenings foraging for good food in the plazas, listening to music on the street, and watching the glow of the buildings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeiMoh4jejKIueNF85CNKjY7SPm-VTFuUgoV5Qq8Nl7om-RTYh9GHMEQeNLdRFPsqDuUKS0FS4ndm1-8jLMrgnU3VG_gtRfV0v0MhdMFbfoEVpWhpYm4gms5CNBy9796FID3gGQ1pC_8/s1600/DSC_8581.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707875401243699266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeiMoh4jejKIueNF85CNKjY7SPm-VTFuUgoV5Qq8Nl7om-RTYh9GHMEQeNLdRFPsqDuUKS0FS4ndm1-8jLMrgnU3VG_gtRfV0v0MhdMFbfoEVpWhpYm4gms5CNBy9796FID3gGQ1pC_8/s320/DSC_8581.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Had tapas, wine, and tons of other goodies in our meanderings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPklI36SBMccTU9ga5jbRSVM6a2Tjr6G3VP8oTqQXccqrjU53ml3nKRE9V1I32pYsBIuukp7ZlAyLWgTt0xoixmW9D_10xi2wLelBojFqjboH4ZL5U1Z2msGwEv4qN8k5CKOowf0zXeE/s1600/DSC_8742.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876140593959042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPklI36SBMccTU9ga5jbRSVM6a2Tjr6G3VP8oTqQXccqrjU53ml3nKRE9V1I32pYsBIuukp7ZlAyLWgTt0xoixmW9D_10xi2wLelBojFqjboH4ZL5U1Z2msGwEv4qN8k5CKOowf0zXeE/s320/DSC_8742.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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We were in Barcelona just time time for the Night of the Kings. Santa apparently doesn't speak Catalan, so he leaves it to the Three Kings to bring presents to the children on January 5th. There was a massive, spectacular parade in the streets with amazing costumes and floats. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeWEgZY1d7pAyywphmqrktWHASh7hq_wJWp11JLkudGKjQraVWlJfUOiqHeQZS0ZIu_TjnC5lIS3JcTABh8bxc9Gf5DZUWaghkIw6A757Rw5pVIthU6ggCtSM3NgtvwEYMZnUGTNz7sY/s1600/DSC_8676.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707875412886934434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeWEgZY1d7pAyywphmqrktWHASh7hq_wJWp11JLkudGKjQraVWlJfUOiqHeQZS0ZIu_TjnC5lIS3JcTABh8bxc9Gf5DZUWaghkIw6A757Rw5pVIthU6ggCtSM3NgtvwEYMZnUGTNz7sY/s320/DSC_8676.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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One of my favorite floats at the end of the parade. The Carbon float! They have red flares going off and sing about how the naughty kids are going to get carbon (coal) instead of presents in the morning! I loved it!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2v79GLjtTPwJcOPIxdt66WxOfaPrPuRGiMhTKdHA-DPfKTf64eQILrR80eMK56H8Phrn8f0blcB9lRCjK5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's a link to a YouTube video of the parade. </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwsMVuIci04"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwsMVuIci04</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBcF9Zi1l_AWdjvSXZkD9utgGG4fik-QAO9eNo6vicoqoVnDKmH0Vvpo29miQlAKzXJNIOHbZBAcAoxBl4Xyi1Y34KNmf3gFVHaqg_L0Hf-2fC-Fbl3cRijc1BMypYK2eHhT-uYKJ5Io/s1600/DSC_8692.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707885719840408386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBcF9Zi1l_AWdjvSXZkD9utgGG4fik-QAO9eNo6vicoqoVnDKmH0Vvpo29miQlAKzXJNIOHbZBAcAoxBl4Xyi1Y34KNmf3gFVHaqg_L0Hf-2fC-Fbl3cRijc1BMypYK2eHhT-uYKJ5Io/s320/DSC_8692.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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The King's bread is a traditional ring cake that is eaten during the fest, so we naturally got our hands on one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FS3kh0M1z7ETyIskYLCAUmGG1TnBPRYwAJeRvslKz-nvggR8QCnpJJamyxoVxwfOeiyjbnkBLb0VgQXitO6Ux26JCLsQ1mdqF4NtMmXopX5JYG7iNWQVvjtz7cWtsgn-QopUBOAaYt4/s1600/DSC_8732.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707875422509368834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FS3kh0M1z7ETyIskYLCAUmGG1TnBPRYwAJeRvslKz-nvggR8QCnpJJamyxoVxwfOeiyjbnkBLb0VgQXitO6Ux26JCLsQ1mdqF4NtMmXopX5JYG7iNWQVvjtz7cWtsgn-QopUBOAaYt4/s320/DSC_8732.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 212px;" /></a></div>
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What we didn't know is that there are hidden treasures in the bread! There's a coin, a bean, and a little ceramic king that I almost lost a tooth on! The person who finds the coin gets to keep it, the person who finds the bean has to pay for the bread, and the person who finds the king gets to wear the crown (above) for the night. I felt pretty lucky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_1qJo6j8x3tstzhlqprHKQlZrIXuHKfCpywaEVsaC3eUJXYgpJ6RquRnM-xIGafnltDfTOo63PvD7DiUicj_qORb4LxTctLxA6aePzd1PVokE-Ms0vM-SKNqmP9gSsfjsKnNUTBY8BY/s1600/DSC_8735.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876129054476002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_1qJo6j8x3tstzhlqprHKQlZrIXuHKfCpywaEVsaC3eUJXYgpJ6RquRnM-xIGafnltDfTOo63PvD7DiUicj_qORb4LxTctLxA6aePzd1PVokE-Ms0vM-SKNqmP9gSsfjsKnNUTBY8BY/s320/DSC_8735.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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You guessed it, more eating and merry making.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpbfLyrG_H2s7ApvxUwMZufMco4PMUF-TJfH74Dmex_scwx6AYZQ0szzWsI9eiBCzyLBu0Li70lGC1qDemtG_f-ess5n7fRwRdtNq0UN7RYNEG0G0xge7gAAVsVUflf3BvFt1HRggXLU/s1600/DSC_8589.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707885704988708962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpbfLyrG_H2s7ApvxUwMZufMco4PMUF-TJfH74Dmex_scwx6AYZQ0szzWsI9eiBCzyLBu0Li70lGC1qDemtG_f-ess5n7fRwRdtNq0UN7RYNEG0G0xge7gAAVsVUflf3BvFt1HRggXLU/s320/DSC_8589.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Spent and afternoon in the Sagrada Familia which has been in construction for one hundred years, no kidding. The length of the construction reminds me of Pillars of the Earth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGG8lVfCQrQBKB2unWLoknS4zju0-xpx3J1AunqwI3iJTzkMhIQmijBRjiJBADKOsytiQL3aoJVN3SAQuubc56yiPLY3A6FErab9W75rDEUQnFgfhHACAyPoQnDy2YDlQoLBMIiA1XKg/s1600/DSC_8484.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707874539558486450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGG8lVfCQrQBKB2unWLoknS4zju0-xpx3J1AunqwI3iJTzkMhIQmijBRjiJBADKOsytiQL3aoJVN3SAQuubc56yiPLY3A6FErab9W75rDEUQnFgfhHACAyPoQnDy2YDlQoLBMIiA1XKg/s320/DSC_8484.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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The size and scale of the cathedral was incredible. The structure and immense diameter pillars mimic a forest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebFRIQVPRUKC1pmkEbz3LAfVlJNkj9PKw318JmYZXBVESIsLLQfyOXDvHiedZX6FAmPDOEg5jjbJB9QthBwQPoQrgpjjpsXji5znoaItUqxs_QWv0LZGr-q0jBBwE5gb94fXx6T4OjJo/s1600/DSC_8782.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876146278821314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebFRIQVPRUKC1pmkEbz3LAfVlJNkj9PKw318JmYZXBVESIsLLQfyOXDvHiedZX6FAmPDOEg5jjbJB9QthBwQPoQrgpjjpsXji5znoaItUqxs_QWv0LZGr-q0jBBwE5gb94fXx6T4OjJo/s320/DSC_8782.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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The place was intricately decorated to the point of disorientation. I could have sat in the pews for hours and stared at the columns and ceiling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpj2vJuJra5q7EQtUQbOrtbRKV6B6xGm4sG0U6NQ_G7BWRjIVOaAasWlIyxDhJ9CTYRqfW6ZVW8XEivJG2ZBSapgLI9PK40DbTQiEKWRW5yV6PEq6EJhlM56inYUhza2t3czkEN1T8EY/s1600/DSC_8415.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg38BBR3vAs5FvIk0F-W_fBraRPijEfHViNVajgA8bJ8RgSMbRGvMRmdRdPW8MS3jantBuCf-1qPKjCMKqe3eVXHUrp_vqErytADh2TGHtaqH6IaKJ4ZJYhNMmnhnJISExjVyYE0m0EVc/s1600/DSC_8791.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707876157421923490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg38BBR3vAs5FvIk0F-W_fBraRPijEfHViNVajgA8bJ8RgSMbRGvMRmdRdPW8MS3jantBuCf-1qPKjCMKqe3eVXHUrp_vqErytADh2TGHtaqH6IaKJ4ZJYhNMmnhnJISExjVyYE0m0EVc/s320/DSC_8791.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg38BBR3vAs5FvIk0F-W_fBraRPijEfHViNVajgA8bJ8RgSMbRGvMRmdRdPW8MS3jantBuCf-1qPKjCMKqe3eVXHUrp_vqErytADh2TGHtaqH6IaKJ4ZJYhNMmnhnJISExjVyYE0m0EVc/s1600/DSC_8791.JPG"></a>Also went to the Park Guell, by Gaudi. Originally created for a housing community, the park now is an odd gathering place for all sorts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik5G3MePy4JRHBlW2wIhlU6EO6gH-ccBrjNfL72Tq1x8FMuPStFWFmKNJjABN6eSSXCRELKEUMQwDm-OYqcy649orOKDsBIaTOFNF_xRRHpta7aU3OG4KokzbciCcdDYqtFtn8Ublu7E/s1600/DSC_8570.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707883911273390274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik5G3MePy4JRHBlW2wIhlU6EO6gH-ccBrjNfL72Tq1x8FMuPStFWFmKNJjABN6eSSXCRELKEUMQwDm-OYqcy649orOKDsBIaTOFNF_xRRHpta7aU3OG4KokzbciCcdDYqtFtn8Ublu7E/s320/DSC_8570.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik5G3MePy4JRHBlW2wIhlU6EO6gH-ccBrjNfL72Tq1x8FMuPStFWFmKNJjABN6eSSXCRELKEUMQwDm-OYqcy649orOKDsBIaTOFNF_xRRHpta7aU3OG4KokzbciCcdDYqtFtn8Ublu7E/s1600/DSC_8570.JPG"></a>A huge plaza with scalloped and tiled benches overlook the entrance to the park and the rest of the city. Not a straight line to be had in the place!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VI5vRMOi0LL2mBAIo-nNmZPH3SMGtp5_PZuVoafARxxS874TfRfozhIl1pZzwHojQQUqSxaflEMphVqerEr3rjubie43rA3LSjCD-SgGCYAI3mG7U9ULS33Wr1d2zMLZO1zCqabwBSE/s1600/DSC_8550.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707885699668546898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VI5vRMOi0LL2mBAIo-nNmZPH3SMGtp5_PZuVoafARxxS874TfRfozhIl1pZzwHojQQUqSxaflEMphVqerEr3rjubie43rA3LSjCD-SgGCYAI3mG7U9ULS33Wr1d2zMLZO1zCqabwBSE/s320/DSC_8550.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 212px;" /></a></div>
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Great pillars hold up the floor under the entire plaza, making a cool hiding place from the sun with neat shadows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_469HJsLkvhd7ZLJH7jJ4xFrhsA4joorPAttiTA2EkYO_2JBoNLkyE92S3Bs16rho-SWoKHad8AGrHkZegI_Lwq4C7hHZeLbsgUEq85M72xcyghq3TOTcCYwhMcDFBjxDKB5QN2jMk-c/s1600/DSC_8503.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707883916167387858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_469HJsLkvhd7ZLJH7jJ4xFrhsA4joorPAttiTA2EkYO_2JBoNLkyE92S3Bs16rho-SWoKHad8AGrHkZegI_Lwq4C7hHZeLbsgUEq85M72xcyghq3TOTcCYwhMcDFBjxDKB5QN2jMk-c/s320/DSC_8503.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 212px;" /></a></div>
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And a good time was had by all!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCwhT0b2f3UpFo8apuUsjhQmq1Fpd9q8-PQnHaHkCJPmdp7XeTfrpzlyNFcw8aV3uojsqbeIxcaXApStLfL3ynCAh7RNgIIFrj1keYDufHgFeeWWNthun4wBh2UHYDFeVaeegDf16u9E/s1600/DSC_8515.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707885711979663842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCwhT0b2f3UpFo8apuUsjhQmq1Fpd9q8-PQnHaHkCJPmdp7XeTfrpzlyNFcw8aV3uojsqbeIxcaXApStLfL3ynCAh7RNgIIFrj1keYDufHgFeeWWNthun4wBh2UHYDFeVaeegDf16u9E/s320/DSC_8515.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 212px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-33829664958265353582011-12-28T04:16:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:42:21.036-08:00Skiing Austria<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Location</span>: Wald, Austria</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJf13JvC-2TtHqDIdbbip2CYJsu9pXixqwpVauuF_yJ2yomsUnmOrOz7eVVmc44u9lu0BejjJgV7cfrdXCYSIj72-L0NZfB3NDyYm1QX4gwNIrIjPnAlL1E6q2fFaeatoz0MOS6uAnr0/s1600/AUST0002.GIF.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJf13JvC-2TtHqDIdbbip2CYJsu9pXixqwpVauuF_yJ2yomsUnmOrOz7eVVmc44u9lu0BejjJgV7cfrdXCYSIj72-L0NZfB3NDyYm1QX4gwNIrIjPnAlL1E6q2fFaeatoz0MOS6uAnr0/s200/AUST0002.GIF.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708274870615533010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a></span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Rundown</span>: </b>Spent a week in a chalet in the Austrian Alps skiing, Christmasing, and being generally merry.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqSfZnJDFrMgCnW1Lmmu_PkAk9lwmlfPZG0lDcjIa1Yw1AU6SUTv8d7k-Qeaj_Y1C7FXCg0AP2QE8XdsQPpOHG9_lz3oiZ8W_SCFXumUw1GTL_5AmIKcvQN2aeCOHem0f5bRhp2swKx4/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqSfZnJDFrMgCnW1Lmmu_PkAk9lwmlfPZG0lDcjIa1Yw1AU6SUTv8d7k-Qeaj_Y1C7FXCg0AP2QE8XdsQPpOHG9_lz3oiZ8W_SCFXumUw1GTL_5AmIKcvQN2aeCOHem0f5bRhp2swKx4/s320/IMG_1224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703769709745225058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Drove seven hours south in a caravan of cars towards Munich, and then into the Alps. In a great snow we found our little chalet in the mountains!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILGBtxXB7UA76CSNzqmr3IeJiuzoeQfylj57-EeBZ2FRGVKQTJPO-2q6Z3wW1DI8oe3i-3DMnXThhIAOvJRUDqPcuCenbaHUHJel-Co_PjN30cCMCO-jiQ71tFTT2Ld2MfISjyvRyI4w/s1600/DSC_8319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILGBtxXB7UA76CSNzqmr3IeJiuzoeQfylj57-EeBZ2FRGVKQTJPO-2q6Z3wW1DI8oe3i-3DMnXThhIAOvJRUDqPcuCenbaHUHJel-Co_PjN30cCMCO-jiQ71tFTT2Ld2MfISjyvRyI4w/s320/DSC_8319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703774244696769218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Several dozen strings of Christmas lights courtesy of Dave and Chelsea lit the place up pretty nice. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yI6F_m5WAjzCGMHT0WKKEdW_USAifV12p1NWUsoaXlFRjDnMcBFcnVgQWBoFr6QE5LTQerCxrtWPjj0LzdOfeRPZaJrhYxYbHTuHMHXmPqQcHXIfyC3Jmo28KZzuJrGloxitRcgrQrw/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yI6F_m5WAjzCGMHT0WKKEdW_USAifV12p1NWUsoaXlFRjDnMcBFcnVgQWBoFr6QE5LTQerCxrtWPjj0LzdOfeRPZaJrhYxYbHTuHMHXmPqQcHXIfyC3Jmo28KZzuJrGloxitRcgrQrw/s320/IMG_1141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703774252608461250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Opened presents Christmas morning, forgoing the skiing for the day. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM2MKDX9DimVcA47dxY0vrRtcQwyR-IIixhVHFtvvUpeQ4JJKTiETrZNeTLo9vyVm_1NcCTs6xCKJLoZUSVo9HWGZV9a0G2D1Kot3cj6ZJF1hBtcc7LdehaSoJ5q10EhLv_Md5UcKKWo/s320/DSC_8148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703772683683134434" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Started a Christmas tradition of several dozen German beers for breakfast. Felix was our resident expert on the matter.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahyBUCktH75sz2yYrak4VdENUK34nucvi7kiGEloqZmb9MG5-uNE5xeF7TyiV5X96rXERlvJ5fG5FEBzUQjQ7oyCySdzyZ4w6OJKfw-PHQA060qZucydGcj4gz1OZok5TAOSSz7-1ROw/s320/DSC_8163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703771127732065858" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Made tons of food and ate like crazy. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6idnoXcWh9RZPykK1Kxe78HvAhcEfjeT0zGYw7BD5Br1klWpKzCoUWGqvxgX117CqpecPzRM_Xx0KZtG264KEPR2wRaVz5EcPeL23DZ274WO-KiqVoHQG8apgsCIVuiUThK1Tm2PwKo/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6idnoXcWh9RZPykK1Kxe78HvAhcEfjeT0zGYw7BD5Br1klWpKzCoUWGqvxgX117CqpecPzRM_Xx0KZtG264KEPR2wRaVz5EcPeL23DZ274WO-KiqVoHQG8apgsCIVuiUThK1Tm2PwKo/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703770324578651026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qzn_-1R6J41JHwSMjUSZA-aVaUBffPGGp8QEZOWA7RywHCD6gxlFPvEazxDGQttxlR74Qc8ld1BEG0iivTYq-4INhGVX1PLzzukoZy-xnVvJlThm9b5Jp8bGOI0QvKaKty4vFvb4YDY/s320/DSC_8144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703772665920588546" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Drove through the quintessential ski town with wooden beam architecture and heavy snow piled on the steep roofs. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q-IkudgAAY3n_JKdpDs3S4RfV1_TNKKNbeqwkd4tNmSr5kiWR3Ja2i-RooqOUHDcWykzi63hVCRqc8jN8IlW153ZwqEbRHbatvQTIUrXJHZ6A8D9qwTcItbFLVebUGh8Ya7JI4f0gFM/s1600/IMG_1214.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q-IkudgAAY3n_JKdpDs3S4RfV1_TNKKNbeqwkd4tNmSr5kiWR3Ja2i-RooqOUHDcWykzi63hVCRqc8jN8IlW153ZwqEbRHbatvQTIUrXJHZ6A8D9qwTcItbFLVebUGh8Ya7JI4f0gFM/s320/IMG_1214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703770299368682610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Got a pretty good snow dump the day before Christmas, so the mountain was well covered for our first ski day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6p02Sf3DR4Mdo0MMMdMqgNZJ-ls63iPvFJZWY391fb1FIuwktwg76_jd4Z9QVI6KteFkBGKAug8Xu-necLBphdBJ1OFomPBhRZvX7MyP63dxB3lSjG2ORgVM3xkR8DxQCyeaLU_Ju9U/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6p02Sf3DR4Mdo0MMMdMqgNZJ-ls63iPvFJZWY391fb1FIuwktwg76_jd4Z9QVI6KteFkBGKAug8Xu-necLBphdBJ1OFomPBhRZvX7MyP63dxB3lSjG2ORgVM3xkR8DxQCyeaLU_Ju9U/s320/IMG_1183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703770309804473554" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nice long runs down and gondolas going up kept us toasty all day. Super fun skiing!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuo425P__SPCAd1sX0KJoZspwrtTOSai3nNIyqeQqF_iERLMpDEZEvkA5U_Tsyh38jaWe70WehfbWTmwUsRjxm9qkY7M_lsYhO9eQXYX-h-x35dIQgj1em2X8qtDPJLDDXmnj0AbLwlc/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuo425P__SPCAd1sX0KJoZspwrtTOSai3nNIyqeQqF_iERLMpDEZEvkA5U_Tsyh38jaWe70WehfbWTmwUsRjxm9qkY7M_lsYhO9eQXYX-h-x35dIQgj1em2X8qtDPJLDDXmnj0AbLwlc/s320/IMG_7765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703774259440236546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Compared to Chile, there is so much infrastructure on the slopes in the Alps. I loved the crisscrossing lifts on the hills.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6p02Sf3DR4Mdo0MMMdMqgNZJ-ls63iPvFJZWY391fb1FIuwktwg76_jd4Z9QVI6KteFkBGKAug8Xu-necLBphdBJ1OFomPBhRZvX7MyP63dxB3lSjG2ORgVM3xkR8DxQCyeaLU_Ju9U/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXYA_ftykFOsTBvzQ6qGgXPfnLDDDVowohfEqXY2HSb-aX8SZt8WCe79GeyIIhF4zpxUWmRQPjMnzFYjHcTKrLTI_h6mjO1zi9F1nB7skDf2229JbYlJKMj61-Xns-D1JrQuOq9tuvII/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703770314704527266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of our days on the slopes was in a heavy snow. Most people went home, but we got to plunder the fresh powder on and off piste. Sweet!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIV4s8EwCS0eFe9tMvjoOppEv7g-VdGkngKv-NBtnou6Ri66XI1Ni9F4WtwTwv4hnxm8K-YMEYIOw6d6KQkwOBuS7pX1Sw_xAsKHaI5RR77oEA0A4PozqhqkvGAki_MLxUsVC2qYhr3g/s1600/IMG_7783.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIV4s8EwCS0eFe9tMvjoOppEv7g-VdGkngKv-NBtnou6Ri66XI1Ni9F4WtwTwv4hnxm8K-YMEYIOw6d6KQkwOBuS7pX1Sw_xAsKHaI5RR77oEA0A4PozqhqkvGAki_MLxUsVC2qYhr3g/s320/IMG_7783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703769693538201538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And a good time was had by all!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRb8Sbcua3Sywo2HKMUI-3y5FsIzaj1ZfoUOWCxKsj7-seDbxRYMV5SL-6U40CDm8CxJ2iRqcMGE_AEplVQb5Tk-Yf3j0BUn3cDORLVkVvcV-gXR6hqd43OfPVFE-Qd9lB9J55_P6VAY/s1600/IMG_7691_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRb8Sbcua3Sywo2HKMUI-3y5FsIzaj1ZfoUOWCxKsj7-seDbxRYMV5SL-6U40CDm8CxJ2iRqcMGE_AEplVQb5Tk-Yf3j0BUn3cDORLVkVvcV-gXR6hqd43OfPVFE-Qd9lB9J55_P6VAY/s320/IMG_7691_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703769700210159042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 288px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-70465786743917056262011-12-25T09:42:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:18:23.566-08:00Christmas in Germany<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ae1gKt9fzNvDhU6smOUfwBsGKsSRJJeF4QzkO2NvzYbOL0pwDnMzIpZE4R9-Ks8NiXYWmfwa2sJBPYWTpXJDUjMUaKHgCxxEHEdKDka4RY3urb7cdlvI34gz63_5dFIhnQijnvU4Xsg/s1600/DSC_8012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><b>Location: Oberursel, Germany</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Rundown: Pre-Christmas celebration!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Flew into Germany after school was dismissed for Chilean summer break. Spent our first days walking around Oberursel amongst the old buildings</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMlapvu6PyPaGb8aG8m-UP1j2zMuzzl4tbAS_Fkxk_vCFvcwKcPTBxU_G4xmO1hWBc6sTbJLGzoS0I9Qom-Om1djVjJ8x2jKeasZyUIwkdFR5JdeBeIIatkcCQqWHCkYAN7pwMcJxkKU/s1600/DSC_7961.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMlapvu6PyPaGb8aG8m-UP1j2zMuzzl4tbAS_Fkxk_vCFvcwKcPTBxU_G4xmO1hWBc6sTbJLGzoS0I9Qom-Om1djVjJ8x2jKeasZyUIwkdFR5JdeBeIIatkcCQqWHCkYAN7pwMcJxkKU/s320/DSC_7961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701633161552034258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Although it was overcast the first day, the next morning woke up to brand new snow!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO9jwEL3NwB7h4_X0usCwjrKHE19TH8Xb6ptPY9OltwMYJtKbQttxNJUSBpWTkKG-OyBLw8mg1s7w73B16qVVzCkZojoNRLO9grHFDd_UZdBCdxSG7zFwg92-vSXC_fS6KUayDFCMPKg/s1600/DSC_7920.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO9jwEL3NwB7h4_X0usCwjrKHE19TH8Xb6ptPY9OltwMYJtKbQttxNJUSBpWTkKG-OyBLw8mg1s7w73B16qVVzCkZojoNRLO9grHFDd_UZdBCdxSG7zFwg92-vSXC_fS6KUayDFCMPKg/s320/DSC_7920.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701632386796358594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hiked up into the Taunus, hills outside of town to Fuchstanz, or Fox Dance, where there are a couple of little places for a beer and flamekuken in the woods! Fun hiking in the heavy falling snow!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVubkdeWi2KwozHjxbdquUhLbaUA7ki07X_Hvg36iyFMDUs8NtwPTTMr5FMg_F6eMWq1C7n_J8-8Q35-ipJIyAmj4XSAtS6AU3FoPVWtJJ5_5SrTye00sRFQwoKsF8nB8WFYEczMPQLo/s1600/DSC_7917.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVubkdeWi2KwozHjxbdquUhLbaUA7ki07X_Hvg36iyFMDUs8NtwPTTMr5FMg_F6eMWq1C7n_J8-8Q35-ipJIyAmj4XSAtS6AU3FoPVWtJJ5_5SrTye00sRFQwoKsF8nB8WFYEczMPQLo/s320/DSC_7917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701632374963708578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back at Chelsea's we made a big pot of soup and ate good bread and, of course, drank good hearty German beer.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob5iTp9mjzoJzCbq9gtrJ2f6WJbJytcVaRhCeIIjypJdhYDkrqRHFdssFDXethZITo4F5nvtuI_DV9SVylYJuLoA9jqjRm8T-4UDqNmgBz-9oZNrV9tFqEMAxIyhcP2L5TcRKrtncg8c/s1600/DSC_7909.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob5iTp9mjzoJzCbq9gtrJ2f6WJbJytcVaRhCeIIjypJdhYDkrqRHFdssFDXethZITo4F5nvtuI_DV9SVylYJuLoA9jqjRm8T-4UDqNmgBz-9oZNrV9tFqEMAxIyhcP2L5TcRKrtncg8c/s320/DSC_7909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701632370214234066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spent the next day at Liza's making Peirogi for our Polish Christmas dinner the next day! It's a little bit art and a little bit science.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMlapvu6PyPaGb8aG8m-UP1j2zMuzzl4tbAS_Fkxk_vCFvcwKcPTBxU_G4xmO1hWBc6sTbJLGzoS0I9Qom-Om1djVjJ8x2jKeasZyUIwkdFR5JdeBeIIatkcCQqWHCkYAN7pwMcJxkKU/s1600/DSC_7961.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVx7TWsPLIdoy2t1mVRjyxg9xGE7VJgg-klANKi_3HPBCiELCwMn6yIPjObKa1SZAS-PY5IST7X_sHgLqUtW5hd_Htxa7FoyWlBwcdhExsDHhRZSe1oie_ox8KrAerjF_H0JukPRI3rY/s1600/DSC_7926.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVx7TWsPLIdoy2t1mVRjyxg9xGE7VJgg-klANKi_3HPBCiELCwMn6yIPjObKa1SZAS-PY5IST7X_sHgLqUtW5hd_Htxa7FoyWlBwcdhExsDHhRZSe1oie_ox8KrAerjF_H0JukPRI3rY/s320/DSC_7926.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701632404155706770" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Had Christmas dinner the next day with our homemade Pierogi and Polish mushroom soup! So good!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ae1gKt9fzNvDhU6smOUfwBsGKsSRJJeF4QzkO2NvzYbOL0pwDnMzIpZE4R9-Ks8NiXYWmfwa2sJBPYWTpXJDUjMUaKHgCxxEHEdKDka4RY3urb7cdlvI34gz63_5dFIhnQijnvU4Xsg/s1600/DSC_8012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ae1gKt9fzNvDhU6smOUfwBsGKsSRJJeF4QzkO2NvzYbOL0pwDnMzIpZE4R9-Ks8NiXYWmfwa2sJBPYWTpXJDUjMUaKHgCxxEHEdKDka4RY3urb7cdlvI34gz63_5dFIhnQijnvU4Xsg/s320/DSC_8012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701633181959251666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-64826370061581589892011-11-23T17:03:00.000-08:002012-01-25T10:12:43.103-08:00Lovin' Summer Lovin'.<b>Location</b>: Santiago and Pichilemu<div><br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: General frivolities as Chile warms to summer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Spent a couple of days in Pichilemu, the surf mecca of Chile (and much of South America I hear). The rocky coast throws pretty good waves.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCF4u8MxpU2wfqB0sIomE8KX01hnXlUu7iNsDbjIZzPFGYJKgxBT3O8ReAP1T3ivjpAaNXsfw7NI3P27-joF0LdZ9DfmEKy68vCwWTmUj7FgXkMd0iIr8K4-rOIbTxNWh6x9qHWMTnNw/s1600/DSC_7465.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCF4u8MxpU2wfqB0sIomE8KX01hnXlUu7iNsDbjIZzPFGYJKgxBT3O8ReAP1T3ivjpAaNXsfw7NI3P27-joF0LdZ9DfmEKy68vCwWTmUj7FgXkMd0iIr8K4-rOIbTxNWh6x9qHWMTnNw/s320/DSC_7465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363094755891314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf4ghrB6q_qaXnsoJ9wyTFgnarWTVjdPyX0rK465EUrB8yMOx6M3CoK7CmBj2pQlclOa0CeUkGJ0OU_ZfWsTyfbphU7ONdLSx1COqUerykv4RIN6MzeRh0IgdVfigayl0fo18BkaE9Yo/s1600/DSC_7473.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf4ghrB6q_qaXnsoJ9wyTFgnarWTVjdPyX0rK465EUrB8yMOx6M3CoK7CmBj2pQlclOa0CeUkGJ0OU_ZfWsTyfbphU7ONdLSx1COqUerykv4RIN6MzeRh0IgdVfigayl0fo18BkaE9Yo/s320/DSC_7473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363454638123314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzURM-FW_19MaR0kFvya3qWJUyaJcuU1TmDhIhdXEcAYKZhXDP_1JukqiDgu-euJyqJbRnH7v9MZEiduS8ZdUrXPtBqCPPTe_bFDE6kaKy9qXd2u0FumDczfD-M2rEBMnqLwIl4Z6obE/s1600/DSC_7497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzURM-FW_19MaR0kFvya3qWJUyaJcuU1TmDhIhdXEcAYKZhXDP_1JukqiDgu-euJyqJbRnH7v9MZEiduS8ZdUrXPtBqCPPTe_bFDE6kaKy9qXd2u0FumDczfD-M2rEBMnqLwIl4Z6obE/s320/DSC_7497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363461581492946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Brought our game faces to a fantastic "Dynamic Duos" Halloween party... just to find another Maverick and Goose! Shut the front door. Goose #2 and I spent the evening complaining about how we never get to fly.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4szVN-M0oyt0WyU8xGAyL6NggMj_u1yGXqRyQquoE1-9ZHKkT5J3FVYP_MziB7Ym7bOSk-80YbEBdE72nlITgnPej8mt3QV9nnGoExfrYjnv-_zKXGfbKlOhANGbzC-9_PUGIe37ymQE/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4szVN-M0oyt0WyU8xGAyL6NggMj_u1yGXqRyQquoE1-9ZHKkT5J3FVYP_MziB7Ym7bOSk-80YbEBdE72nlITgnPej8mt3QV9nnGoExfrYjnv-_zKXGfbKlOhANGbzC-9_PUGIe37ymQE/s320/IMG_7136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363055354027938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous sunsets this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_O3TJxKODOWhSFu6H2d1UaO2IPqULQnkBT4rDtubb-O4bn3Zb7-ctYxcYe8ouDHb_3m-WCm_yKB0beTReHbxz_Zgt5LB9RnyFa4VW81DCj_1xp5Ns3vem3rmgKvvYwv9lnGG-D8CQFM/s1600/DSC_7436.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_O3TJxKODOWhSFu6H2d1UaO2IPqULQnkBT4rDtubb-O4bn3Zb7-ctYxcYe8ouDHb_3m-WCm_yKB0beTReHbxz_Zgt5LB9RnyFa4VW81DCj_1xp5Ns3vem3rmgKvvYwv9lnGG-D8CQFM/s320/DSC_7436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363077496125810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Brought Miranda out to a Carlos Baute concert in Santiago for her birthday! Lots of teeny-boppers, but super fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47RZh4CK7flqTe1uQmmam8-jxX_QMz8f0PTvqPFbxBw-Mu1e25VQuugkrNvoiaO2ReCT1O0oGHnchA9sWVDzVhjKH7HhwOF_XcJ7cecSFORUfiTllqHONQQLL5RkqMZOz4gnDtfi4UoM/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47RZh4CK7flqTe1uQmmam8-jxX_QMz8f0PTvqPFbxBw-Mu1e25VQuugkrNvoiaO2ReCT1O0oGHnchA9sWVDzVhjKH7HhwOF_XcJ7cecSFORUfiTllqHONQQLL5RkqMZOz4gnDtfi4UoM/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678363066269605906" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the summer!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-88151403076696747212011-10-28T17:18:00.000-07:002011-11-03T15:36:55.950-07:00Cerro Plomo Trek<div><b>Location</b>: Cerro Plomo, Cordillera de los Andes</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: Took advantage of a few days off to make an attempt at the 18,000 foot Cerro Plomo, just outside of Santiago.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UevqcQ_XmbAn0hpeAWj0cLz8ZpoDzNa1F6gFS6a2ttfNoDSmQocjMSqHVnGtPQYaR-jWYZzyEMdU3hMYTc5nGw5Tkerv9GU_ym19ivK9ywey_TZdrqe-Wqq_AA4TecgT23uAFPuD9qs/s1600/IMG_0253.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UevqcQ_XmbAn0hpeAWj0cLz8ZpoDzNa1F6gFS6a2ttfNoDSmQocjMSqHVnGtPQYaR-jWYZzyEMdU3hMYTc5nGw5Tkerv9GU_ym19ivK9ywey_TZdrqe-Wqq_AA4TecgT23uAFPuD9qs/s320/IMG_0253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559659337342434" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After hiking in the mountains around Santiago for some time, under constant watch of Cerro Plomo, a glacier-capped, 18,000 foot beast in the Andes, my buddy Ben and I decided it was time to get our tails in gear and at least attempt a summit.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwbVvKoVsklHll-Refl4QTVBwi8Lpwve1N0-qWZWhcVBVQ5xtdhjc8flfFWSNVnHctHjzFq3dbheQwwj_DCdfQv4ejIoBx3st9w_RECfwT4dD6S8TWbsvQqB9NXVl368UKS9LWbmS5Ng/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtD98Y9SSk2dV6UGaehZl-65Mdx00uSl051JagyzrJoc46cayqM4wcBEQ3-VC49mii3cU4RPb-2XICklMngRRlfU2a7cCQim9K5SpdXkdIMrII83S1i6bM6mHeigWhiYPHQArt0m4P3Q/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtD98Y9SSk2dV6UGaehZl-65Mdx00uSl051JagyzrJoc46cayqM4wcBEQ3-VC49mii3cU4RPb-2XICklMngRRlfU2a7cCQim9K5SpdXkdIMrII83S1i6bM6mHeigWhiYPHQArt0m4P3Q/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558228657509938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The drill seemed pretty straightforward. Drive to Valle Nevado, the local ski hill, hike some ten miles to the base of Plomo via a set of camps, then make a summit bid. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU0rz9JzIsU6caUcsWqz3BDhPnEx421XhnctU9lWITBZU-UnRURAycEw-IEiSY78hSacGDkSZDj6ZUjprfJ-mcjoIBQS0ozf2ixB6Nb6CtR4ZvA1hyphenhyphen-9Noo6H1X5e33ZuzesyiSJcluE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-02+at+9.40.08+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU0rz9JzIsU6caUcsWqz3BDhPnEx421XhnctU9lWITBZU-UnRURAycEw-IEiSY78hSacGDkSZDj6ZUjprfJ-mcjoIBQS0ozf2ixB6Nb6CtR4ZvA1hyphenhyphen-9Noo6H1X5e33ZuzesyiSJcluE/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-02+at+9.40.08+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670570098994259474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trek started out like any other... we hiked up the now dirt trails that used to be ski runs. Along the way a stray dog that was following us fell into a ice-covered lake and Ben and I had to pull out the climbing gear to lasso and haul him out! It was good practice to get my 'huaso' on, and we made an instant friend. The bugger followed us for days.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtD98Y9SSk2dV6UGaehZl-65Mdx00uSl051JagyzrJoc46cayqM4wcBEQ3-VC49mii3cU4RPb-2XICklMngRRlfU2a7cCQim9K5SpdXkdIMrII83S1i6bM6mHeigWhiYPHQArt0m4P3Q/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hdGi1jaOFoZYMkxGtqJs5cmYXbttNr-c188NpsPxSz-OrIW9xQOpjGpzpNbYOUVcQraHLSDFB4Hqdv33JAvw713YSvyfyVcZIjrUiCERkonohDK_S7ePprXUmMQ6BVxwhzzeIcud9HE/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hdGi1jaOFoZYMkxGtqJs5cmYXbttNr-c188NpsPxSz-OrIW9xQOpjGpzpNbYOUVcQraHLSDFB4Hqdv33JAvw713YSvyfyVcZIjrUiCERkonohDK_S7ePprXUmMQ6BVxwhzzeIcud9HE/s320/IMG_0239.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558236532936162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Luckily caught a ride in the back of a high-clearance maintenance truck. The dog was the first in the back... right next to the open drum of fuel. Ah.... I love regulationlessness.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7rSB2BBRcV8cPd6ERag1rL7yMlIrGvkI4p40oc0aONBGlyUcfb6NyZqazQyQGih_x-P9XTJnxPK7ogo36aJxC_AG3UW_SobU4lc8hcC7NnbnxI6s87nXzKC8WC1wVl7Z_ZFiYHxrxHA/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7rSB2BBRcV8cPd6ERag1rL7yMlIrGvkI4p40oc0aONBGlyUcfb6NyZqazQyQGih_x-P9XTJnxPK7ogo36aJxC_AG3UW_SobU4lc8hcC7NnbnxI6s87nXzKC8WC1wVl7Z_ZFiYHxrxHA/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558245020164146" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The truck dropped us off at Tres Puntas, the top of the ski hills at 12,000 feet. Only 6,000 more to go! We set off, following our new best friend.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5lNQKUr4QejL2IjOAVT9b9lXUEiLxJbOZrAePWaYPq6Hh16xXgbMcSsu9Op0iOZUAo8-75C8bvMgJgW2wWW4bwHEo_PEPCe_7IClCsPDiWh8a4WxHVnS3F3i-HxKFr-c6DT0gG3Pj9A/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5lNQKUr4QejL2IjOAVT9b9lXUEiLxJbOZrAePWaYPq6Hh16xXgbMcSsu9Op0iOZUAo8-75C8bvMgJgW2wWW4bwHEo_PEPCe_7IClCsPDiWh8a4WxHVnS3F3i-HxKFr-c6DT0gG3Pj9A/s320/IMG_0243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558265392757202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Beginning to realize what 'still early in the season' means. Lots of snow, which means slow traveling. We ended up the first night short of our first intended camp.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Fe_2dIczRYZ__W1R4-qoECAXSpVAeFa4NMN-QILCfUsglLHys2VVJbSToFCdxTJN8Tw5KT8t5gkwDCsO7zMZ0wG_rTxMobdQtOofsttodTfBoI5RwPVFhp_htoFzJjmMrJAzDnnQjc/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Fe_2dIczRYZ__W1R4-qoECAXSpVAeFa4NMN-QILCfUsglLHys2VVJbSToFCdxTJN8Tw5KT8t5gkwDCsO7zMZ0wG_rTxMobdQtOofsttodTfBoI5RwPVFhp_htoFzJjmMrJAzDnnQjc/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670571565864572594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Made a fabulous ramen dinner as the sun lit up Plomo and the temperature plummeted. Went to bed a little headachy and nauseous from the altitude.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UevqcQ_XmbAn0hpeAWj0cLz8ZpoDzNa1F6gFS6a2ttfNoDSmQocjMSqHVnGtPQYaR-jWYZzyEMdU3hMYTc5nGw5Tkerv9GU_ym19ivK9ywey_TZdrqe-Wqq_AA4TecgT23uAFPuD9qs/s1600/IMG_0253.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UMyiDuD7GGwQP2a78BLDUnB0xpV24wF1dPcsUC_8mWCJF-xpwj3TFZwk0sfdfPCxbFUllc9b6xWZOGo4SvQEnHGChEPyaVIpme0fgQmSJJxkCLcOyLlMoR4LfPJT2I3_9wf6mEWhsas/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UMyiDuD7GGwQP2a78BLDUnB0xpV24wF1dPcsUC_8mWCJF-xpwj3TFZwk0sfdfPCxbFUllc9b6xWZOGo4SvQEnHGChEPyaVIpme0fgQmSJJxkCLcOyLlMoR4LfPJT2I3_9wf6mEWhsas/s320/IMG_0266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559672171648610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><br />The last red rays of light on the glaciers. Although the sun sets early due to the high surrounding peaks, light stays in the sky for much longer.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbiAB37IdYA_vzsOvP2TH8QT7H8e9HAGF1otWm7RN2W_5-msrWPlGMFZBlcrmNFfh_Do4sZ5glCX29unxfA9WX6Jvoz1h2HtstWCC38gGofFlTU4muTDce8BwgfBUowYet3Ti-8RMrEs/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbiAB37IdYA_vzsOvP2TH8QT7H8e9HAGF1otWm7RN2W_5-msrWPlGMFZBlcrmNFfh_Do4sZ5glCX29unxfA9WX6Jvoz1h2HtstWCC38gGofFlTU4muTDce8BwgfBUowYet3Ti-8RMrEs/s320/IMG_0261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559663230557778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Woke in the morning feeling in better tune with the altitude. Not a bad view to stumble out to as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGY1yYfbLKnyEZeutOYZgJsI5X8DP_kWHqNMkAkrTisMFhP1wOSrxzZHHfJtgtmaa-3j53nBZ_IKI0gD6dRT1oY_dOOYL9Mi7ewoZcECvdkkuIDI2I-9RJh6IVl6KTo8WJRVAQpZUMi8/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGY1yYfbLKnyEZeutOYZgJsI5X8DP_kWHqNMkAkrTisMFhP1wOSrxzZHHfJtgtmaa-3j53nBZ_IKI0gD6dRT1oY_dOOYL9Mi7ewoZcECvdkkuIDI2I-9RJh6IVl6KTo8WJRVAQpZUMi8/s320/IMG_0269.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559681782327746" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The valley became increasingly snowy as we progressed, including some steep snowfield traverses. Bent a pole on a self-arrest. Probably should have had the axe out.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06RU4S2Mrr4KOnndzGO9uTrAGaSFeGdT0Jb4nMrmAyVANlp-kqg61RWNfiHHcXRMypLfS2PRSiFXcWP7S1iPbMxLd0-Bq0ye6JZCpVL0UirieMrhqp9KfS08dGur7lxC7NavgO417CjI/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06RU4S2Mrr4KOnndzGO9uTrAGaSFeGdT0Jb4nMrmAyVANlp-kqg61RWNfiHHcXRMypLfS2PRSiFXcWP7S1iPbMxLd0-Bq0ye6JZCpVL0UirieMrhqp9KfS08dGur7lxC7NavgO417CjI/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558268199540290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Stopped behind a boulder for lunch. It's so sunny that you can be pretty hot while hiking with a big pack. When the wind kicks up the temp drops quickly. The differences are impressive!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI3DauzKNTkL1Gybd3kaKKW2zVsFpAEA0Cy-STBQMmWDRa3LF_x8nco798UsiuP0rjgRNFLA0PvyYS75me-QPbNbsxeG6EM4Tdo6J7RL6Mz6MOIpmfKq9GChao1WwQLVy31Jw_SoNSlw/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI3DauzKNTkL1Gybd3kaKKW2zVsFpAEA0Cy-STBQMmWDRa3LF_x8nco798UsiuP0rjgRNFLA0PvyYS75me-QPbNbsxeG6EM4Tdo6J7RL6Mz6MOIpmfKq9GChao1WwQLVy31Jw_SoNSlw/s320/IMG_0290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670570139087474786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More steep snowfields. The going gets slower. The hikers get more fatigued.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hdGi1jaOFoZYMkxGtqJs5cmYXbttNr-c188NpsPxSz-OrIW9xQOpjGpzpNbYOUVcQraHLSDFB4Hqdv33JAvw713YSvyfyVcZIjrUiCERkonohDK_S7ePprXUmMQ6BVxwhzzeIcud9HE/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwbVvKoVsklHll-Refl4QTVBwi8Lpwve1N0-qWZWhcVBVQ5xtdhjc8flfFWSNVnHctHjzFq3dbheQwwj_DCdfQv4ejIoBx3st9w_RECfwT4dD6S8TWbsvQqB9NXVl368UKS9LWbmS5Ng/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwbVvKoVsklHll-Refl4QTVBwi8Lpwve1N0-qWZWhcVBVQ5xtdhjc8flfFWSNVnHctHjzFq3dbheQwwj_DCdfQv4ejIoBx3st9w_RECfwT4dD6S8TWbsvQqB9NXVl368UKS9LWbmS5Ng/s320/IMG_0285.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559694801935954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Didn't make it to Federación, but made our second camp just around the bend. I traded off my altitude sickness to my climbing partner, who crashed out, hoping to rest up for a early morning summit bid.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHAxxCNisgacCuzMQQ25ogm2235GAwj1gcMExGrjsIIXvl9OX6uiP6BxVIOSKJgpWYhQ6jmmrsk-P9zKL8ZvpzsE_pMUEhsHD6A6FFRgGLFOsTxJyTVvi-nARbVPblRym8s_D1ef54yA/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHAxxCNisgacCuzMQQ25ogm2235GAwj1gcMExGrjsIIXvl9OX6uiP6BxVIOSKJgpWYhQ6jmmrsk-P9zKL8ZvpzsE_pMUEhsHD6A6FFRgGLFOsTxJyTVvi-nARbVPblRym8s_D1ef54yA/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670571557121246418" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Melting snow for water, a seemingly endless task. It's a amazing how fast you burn through water! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-FO0p27zhbFwNXxCTzmKLaD-8aiET0oX5q_73JY3h7L4Qos4hEzBjhztZDpKEpQQ8lFrywARhAqtTRjpfnzUPgXkbM1OxE3HVZssh_O7zJn8oIH3uvGFohbZcFHCkW9Iawn1vpUpx-s/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-FO0p27zhbFwNXxCTzmKLaD-8aiET0oX5q_73JY3h7L4Qos4hEzBjhztZDpKEpQQ8lFrywARhAqtTRjpfnzUPgXkbM1OxE3HVZssh_O7zJn8oIH3uvGFohbZcFHCkW9Iawn1vpUpx-s/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670570110417153154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Didn't quite make it to the summit. Had some gear problems, snow problems, and altitude problems that all added up to the decision to turn around. Probably a good one at that.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwbVvKoVsklHll-Refl4QTVBwi8Lpwve1N0-qWZWhcVBVQ5xtdhjc8flfFWSNVnHctHjzFq3dbheQwwj_DCdfQv4ejIoBx3st9w_RECfwT4dD6S8TWbsvQqB9NXVl368UKS9LWbmS5Ng/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVDAsZ4Vr8_-SKaIEnvFgfqrLXLDlcyl_8dwYqKLLO2mmXAjJlOwH2clEFdhkFFlmVRNo0JLntxNbz2bsn-sHQAvqcC7mfwKVrsuwq_URyh_yZQr-GKTP0qD7YWZixTqQ71ZtG-5JF0k/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVDAsZ4Vr8_-SKaIEnvFgfqrLXLDlcyl_8dwYqKLLO2mmXAjJlOwH2clEFdhkFFlmVRNo0JLntxNbz2bsn-sHQAvqcC7mfwKVrsuwq_URyh_yZQr-GKTP0qD7YWZixTqQ71ZtG-5JF0k/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670570116587714274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Plomo isn't going anywhere in a hurry. Will possibly have a second attempt in February when there isn't so much snow. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywCpHAQ4_Lf0su9AS4vOxGOoeRgwkbmWSeOuQjPbMF24vWLiCPap8p9y12mJ1FLyradv4Qg3dGoSU4mWT_TGRWNxSYsQijPs7k1UAgxz_4G52mS0USovEUGdvkvFEYQ9fwSz_npQ22ck/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywCpHAQ4_Lf0su9AS4vOxGOoeRgwkbmWSeOuQjPbMF24vWLiCPap8p9y12mJ1FLyradv4Qg3dGoSU4mWT_TGRWNxSYsQijPs7k1UAgxz_4G52mS0USovEUGdvkvFEYQ9fwSz_npQ22ck/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670570136588479074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVDAsZ4Vr8_-SKaIEnvFgfqrLXLDlcyl_8dwYqKLLO2mmXAjJlOwH2clEFdhkFFlmVRNo0JLntxNbz2bsn-sHQAvqcC7mfwKVrsuwq_URyh_yZQr-GKTP0qD7YWZixTqQ71ZtG-5JF0k/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-12716863568017551892011-09-18T15:15:00.000-07:002011-10-03T16:07:10.391-07:00Iguazu Falls<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5uLEYddwO_Gsdy_xLA4f8TgGSUj0fBzoh1liMW_yF6pQFqdfaoACis46nmE43S0NQst-pbuXkpLALvhTMjuPlx2i4x5Thzem1vLTw7N7PA3XWUP43xzF9RweJYAp-CS9bKZJr_max_U/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><b>Location</b>: Iguazu Falls, border of Brazil and Argentina</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: On the border of Brazil and Argentina the wide, lazy Rio Iguazu falls spectacularly off a basalt plateau. Worth a long bus ride to see!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy4JCfBLf1vSyWYwqhIOZSketqAcihCATgIC11OoKiRmuZQZ2vsQWvzrjt73hkPydRlQOGdID6MxdY_EclBKODX0RI_Diy89kInvJgcq5GF7cmQMgTl2J8mTRdX7cR1CdxbRHS1WNcg4/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy4JCfBLf1vSyWYwqhIOZSketqAcihCATgIC11OoKiRmuZQZ2vsQWvzrjt73hkPydRlQOGdID6MxdY_EclBKODX0RI_Diy89kInvJgcq5GF7cmQMgTl2J8mTRdX7cR1CdxbRHS1WNcg4/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658615729096006450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From Buenos Aires took an overnight bus up to Puerto Iguazu, some nineteen hours north on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. The duration at first seemed daunting, but reflecting on how much I run around every day, it ended up being a treat to just sit in one spot for a long time. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz15_ayRP6mVebf_guLZa419ffgz9ILFRXrp9Mg9EkCb7ng01tKP4ShJeAwuLK6reik44je-_Z9MFXAFPJEEXe9kJdGqqiDGukluhnOBoFWIpEmYzCmliCRDOcp7nzLxZ7UehK_6jiNxY/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz15_ayRP6mVebf_guLZa419ffgz9ILFRXrp9Mg9EkCb7ng01tKP4ShJeAwuLK6reik44je-_Z9MFXAFPJEEXe9kJdGqqiDGukluhnOBoFWIpEmYzCmliCRDOcp7nzLxZ7UehK_6jiNxY/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658617873744772562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Splurged just a bit for a fancy bus where the seats lay all the way flat, they serve dinner on the bus, you get your own movies, and they don't stop until you get there! I think I'm getting soft.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb911WBVzhBZRnocuhkFktgWc5rhijYg4cZl0AsPY9UcRWk-pGaOv-toDBpQ48DwrZf8D1HIwaIdMg8X6-Ft6P2Zgp_gnM1QbkKLYEwDep-Zy4ojICyg8lhf5CSuoydBscDRZtPQb0w5Q/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb911WBVzhBZRnocuhkFktgWc5rhijYg4cZl0AsPY9UcRWk-pGaOv-toDBpQ48DwrZf8D1HIwaIdMg8X6-Ft6P2Zgp_gnM1QbkKLYEwDep-Zy4ojICyg8lhf5CSuoydBscDRZtPQb0w5Q/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658615717550562594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After driving nineteen hours north, the first steps out of the bus were into a semi-tropical climate. The air was pleasantly humid and the vegetation lush. We found our B&B, Casa Yaguarete, stuck in a grove of various tropical fruit trees. Roughing it yet again.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHAjPwDZM_enSmkelZieJHHoMeWCUw7rgeZj84_XuV3JMZKPLKmq3fbxXuwPeSRR1KdkOtCdZ6VyCweE7DQgREysDY2oWL36l0GsMp0QITF1FfzJsVRTe2b8PX3iTfQB4Kt-FaW66Z44/s1600/DSC_6973.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHAjPwDZM_enSmkelZieJHHoMeWCUw7rgeZj84_XuV3JMZKPLKmq3fbxXuwPeSRR1KdkOtCdZ6VyCweE7DQgREysDY2oWL36l0GsMp0QITF1FfzJsVRTe2b8PX3iTfQB4Kt-FaW66Z44/s320/DSC_6973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658615719324350370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we arrived in the morning, we dropped off our gear and hoofed it to the Parque Nacional Iguazu a few minutes out of town by bus.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5uLEYddwO_Gsdy_xLA4f8TgGSUj0fBzoh1liMW_yF6pQFqdfaoACis46nmE43S0NQst-pbuXkpLALvhTMjuPlx2i4x5Thzem1vLTw7N7PA3XWUP43xzF9RweJYAp-CS9bKZJr_max_U/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5uLEYddwO_Gsdy_xLA4f8TgGSUj0fBzoh1liMW_yF6pQFqdfaoACis46nmE43S0NQst-pbuXkpLALvhTMjuPlx2i4x5Thzem1vLTw7N7PA3XWUP43xzF9RweJYAp-CS9bKZJr_max_U/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658615732796747090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The park has beautiful walkways through the jungle. Sometimes you have to share with others like this cute little coati, a racoon-like jungle dweller. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnt2ZXiCyvlHnRw1QDbC9GRX7xAwLmSPNW-4Xk7lWZTR23B096k_Mk_B16D6Wks6LF_E6zUic94T63xJXt-6lIbukDQWL0mtqWcxlaICs95U7kzLDVxnVCkdKX1la7ifAkpco8OBQfgU/s1600/DSC_6987.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnt2ZXiCyvlHnRw1QDbC9GRX7xAwLmSPNW-4Xk7lWZTR23B096k_Mk_B16D6Wks6LF_E6zUic94T63xJXt-6lIbukDQWL0mtqWcxlaICs95U7kzLDVxnVCkdKX1la7ifAkpco8OBQfgU/s320/DSC_6987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658621130564285234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Metal catwalks hug the side of the valley leading towards the falls. You can hear the falls through the selva long before you can see it. Occasionally breaks in the earth were gapped by bridges spanning spitting tributary falls.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyzh2lYs5-zayj2gCmCu1OfxxETAoutW39LT6saxPruNm-4_RIZ9panal-bF7JDOrPyGHWH6gsH_eHy73uo9pDXsmuax7mljZdhZGuU5G5UTNYpa0qPeEHax1PZjO8UTMB6MwtoIO1R0/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyzh2lYs5-zayj2gCmCu1OfxxETAoutW39LT6saxPruNm-4_RIZ9panal-bF7JDOrPyGHWH6gsH_eHy73uo9pDXsmuax7mljZdhZGuU5G5UTNYpa0qPeEHax1PZjO8UTMB6MwtoIO1R0/s320/IMG_0067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659399356582918834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The cataracts cascade for several kilometers along the massive plateau drop reaching into the distance as a series of side curtain waterfalls.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WFAXIH9ulRMICkdQ4RcERBkK0d26SE5_cM0Vp06lDfP5t3pYdkNnoRJMDHMCjHpWCKHcbLHz_jqVqpfha21rNzHW_K270R0GDKfLCJ4eMShM9AgKGRN7mQJaVT4K8LQMzjovhl77DYc/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WFAXIH9ulRMICkdQ4RcERBkK0d26SE5_cM0Vp06lDfP5t3pYdkNnoRJMDHMCjHpWCKHcbLHz_jqVqpfha21rNzHW_K270R0GDKfLCJ4eMShM9AgKGRN7mQJaVT4K8LQMzjovhl77DYc/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658617894303284978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just walking out near the base of the side curtains was enough to drench your clothes.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmkgfnFVt_deCO8odHJg4tveMdlOw6lqTvPuOV47c6xWag8UUel4mDgYTN5IeJWy3K44bYa-c3NIRrzwNvgGV7w3h7EYOIbR1c40AgCKPtZEhgMrtDL2KOv0T24UPUyINTWU-l30XSvY/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmkgfnFVt_deCO8odHJg4tveMdlOw6lqTvPuOV47c6xWag8UUel4mDgYTN5IeJWy3K44bYa-c3NIRrzwNvgGV7w3h7EYOIbR1c40AgCKPtZEhgMrtDL2KOv0T24UPUyINTWU-l30XSvY/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658621118242330754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Followed the side falls for several hours before heading up to see the falls from above. The spray from all of the falls throws up huge plumes of water droplets which create hundreds of rainbows, obscure the other side of the valley, and occasionally pour a fine rain on unsuspecting onlookers.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WgqvlZSXBX0LKGzfDOZAsk_fImqC_47Jhoktb2svPfawSMjHLUksgwIJ0mI2bJ2Ai0uTxCiZzyo-5IA_o1ihCku5gxNM8hE1eY03dMObWpKxlvSG0JdoMycMFvbpd3LgmGq9gErO8YY/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WgqvlZSXBX0LKGzfDOZAsk_fImqC_47Jhoktb2svPfawSMjHLUksgwIJ0mI2bJ2Ai0uTxCiZzyo-5IA_o1ihCku5gxNM8hE1eY03dMObWpKxlvSG0JdoMycMFvbpd3LgmGq9gErO8YY/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659399327785695394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hiking on the catwalks through the heavy jungle was a fun way to see the extreme terrain. Very accessible area and no bushwhacking required...for once.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24Ma8D-ivAl5kEA6ce1tnHF5BtFuvL_gRYhtr__6B6LsA0MvS3A855f6f_oLns58NVEV3BFgXjtM3DVkZ4dOVHraMOeYcJ16g6ofqQlQmd7QmJDsZSMbedQOiDdgKg2rlBPF42fYBQ2g/s1600/DSC_7030.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24Ma8D-ivAl5kEA6ce1tnHF5BtFuvL_gRYhtr__6B6LsA0MvS3A855f6f_oLns58NVEV3BFgXjtM3DVkZ4dOVHraMOeYcJ16g6ofqQlQmd7QmJDsZSMbedQOiDdgKg2rlBPF42fYBQ2g/s320/DSC_7030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659399344459418130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sheer dimension of the drop and the amount of water continually falling was impressive. I would make a hydrologist weak in the knees.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2JQBxLasf1qdsc1DwhaN6YIdC6_MlOjbPnU8b-i3_fiIcUFnaM7fW3_qIVmrzG1AWO13iP6ivcysNRKnfgpe9fowDgRQOWVV7Et8JjFfOveqJoHKNTCnC_0KWw4nDJd83MLZ0vqSyGY/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2JQBxLasf1qdsc1DwhaN6YIdC6_MlOjbPnU8b-i3_fiIcUFnaM7fW3_qIVmrzG1AWO13iP6ivcysNRKnfgpe9fowDgRQOWVV7Et8JjFfOveqJoHKNTCnC_0KWw4nDJd83MLZ0vqSyGY/s320/IMG_0144.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659404136110993922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the top of the falls catwalks hovered over the slow, placid water of the wide rivers unaware of their immanent drop.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMzedrfpfa7VSbXveupGa_UQdKNelo5co9LUasmR_rjFZYESb5FjBY6DoM3Aulu4-g3tyrpuxxUQo0EcPyEVkwdVGE7GJdnXY59ifsu1vnL2JSsP_s_jHWjXGLLfv4fQqQ248OEoO3yg/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMzedrfpfa7VSbXveupGa_UQdKNelo5co9LUasmR_rjFZYESb5FjBY6DoM3Aulu4-g3tyrpuxxUQo0EcPyEVkwdVGE7GJdnXY59ifsu1vnL2JSsP_s_jHWjXGLLfv4fQqQ248OEoO3yg/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659399337423620258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) is the massive horseshoe of falls where biggest torrent is thundering. These two aerials aren't mine, but they show the scale.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL1sgwo_8Y7zojkzV1wOLT-xyvcyb1Jn8jwiLyQhaxjF-mN9UgJ2p2DzcG9Njx9xo7XnWjoYu1fjnbMdUqdOJyl74RWm4y-239Oh7L5SkrccmSIqaaFwskgRPBi2H-K3l2SahaJPZj6k/s1600/iguazu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL1sgwo_8Y7zojkzV1wOLT-xyvcyb1Jn8jwiLyQhaxjF-mN9UgJ2p2DzcG9Njx9xo7XnWjoYu1fjnbMdUqdOJyl74RWm4y-239Oh7L5SkrccmSIqaaFwskgRPBi2H-K3l2SahaJPZj6k/s320/iguazu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659405597529930578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_Uq3GgIZ9oughN5ICWcE8I4Rs64GHWiAWl9aly8fcFQ_9ryaH1u0yv8BP_DHOp2LTL21rwc_UGav5yyLbLZsHhX_vETzgn9AENRmPkLCwdeym5iD0H41abGZALFStrXEhypJnsGXJko/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-01+at+5.22.11+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_Uq3GgIZ9oughN5ICWcE8I4Rs64GHWiAWl9aly8fcFQ_9ryaH1u0yv8BP_DHOp2LTL21rwc_UGav5yyLbLZsHhX_vETzgn9AENRmPkLCwdeym5iD0H41abGZALFStrXEhypJnsGXJko/s320/Screen+shot+2011-10-01+at+5.22.11+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658621110612294050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 132px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the top of the Garganta the river looks like a lake and upon approach a massive foaming hole appears to open in the center of the lake with the water furiously and perpetually draining into it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtqJrhk0uHxxwLy66oNQitJwLO_8CvEzocpbXQT4zBezVZq3Mqv84547krrO9HeC7Z0fNCEOneCqGCp8uIjp_XIk22qAGGTu604Mh8AGSMYS6qcJgxlNijO5G6SN7H4StR-gGsn3YlIo/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtqJrhk0uHxxwLy66oNQitJwLO_8CvEzocpbXQT4zBezVZq3Mqv84547krrO9HeC7Z0fNCEOneCqGCp8uIjp_XIk22qAGGTu604Mh8AGSMYS6qcJgxlNijO5G6SN7H4StR-gGsn3YlIo/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658617885203705682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sheer chaos was humbling.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkIQo7e2agMlzZN1W9g-8oh4RxQISLUbgiFaECQRa4cat1_SLEn3sZ75FaKOKdkf8G3f4NMauh7m-kqKnmF1ghXydtSFNL2B5sDNakJDBHLlFT0kd2mGnNx1jYrHbWpkn_NGqs3SX9ls/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkIQo7e2agMlzZN1W9g-8oh4RxQISLUbgiFaECQRa4cat1_SLEn3sZ75FaKOKdkf8G3f4NMauh7m-kqKnmF1ghXydtSFNL2B5sDNakJDBHLlFT0kd2mGnNx1jYrHbWpkn_NGqs3SX9ls/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659404138207080050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>An incredible sight to experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVAluLRU0Wr8OLrSDceGJcaXLfO4OfxK1E27MUV-dKteYQkd659cQq1YBXrSn7pcOe34fNytb6lxCMrfxEda0nT7n1gmVzjLj6bYT9jBqybjsj493tmGnMnj6gRbFFYbUxMGVcMOcl4A/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVAluLRU0Wr8OLrSDceGJcaXLfO4OfxK1E27MUV-dKteYQkd659cQq1YBXrSn7pcOe34fNytb6lxCMrfxEda0nT7n1gmVzjLj6bYT9jBqybjsj493tmGnMnj6gRbFFYbUxMGVcMOcl4A/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658621123340298818" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now. Climbing Cerro Plomo a local mountain peak, around 18,000 feet, at the end of October with a buddy. Don't miss it.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXrogrSLCGoNjibS6qFUP0yTbWv82M0B9fAljd9Ti71ntq6lOI_c9zMGq3FJqudw-wX8GnAMCP2HEUwlu8X0KjK4W5P_xYSFC_RCCVi000BQpqKy2T9RL1NMVlDU0WSOYs_Gle5fO5ts/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-68772144592320527792011-09-14T16:56:00.000-07:002011-09-29T15:11:20.794-07:00Buenos Aires, Argentina<div><br /></div><div><b>Location</b>: Buenos Aires, Argentina</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: Spent the Chilean Dieciocho break in Buenos Aires, Argentina soaking up the fine wine, great steaks, tango, and smooth culture.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrUdnOrT1p5wh43ZmAjzUTsDd9RrOe-NxlB1Tq77QieGjB3ewKhpjPRBS44l490oLXT7E78OspqkW9rO8A5uzSC2W2mFs8NLfnTvt3tvrZ9VMPK31K_55tvuiKzLRv7jv-39IMWF5-4s/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrUdnOrT1p5wh43ZmAjzUTsDd9RrOe-NxlB1Tq77QieGjB3ewKhpjPRBS44l490oLXT7E78OspqkW9rO8A5uzSC2W2mFs8NLfnTvt3tvrZ9VMPK31K_55tvuiKzLRv7jv-39IMWF5-4s/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654596276931932402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's cold in Chile this time of year! The mountains were deep set in snow as we jetted over them for a week or so in Buenos Aires and other parts of Argentina.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4XXNUVLGxrRGu9DGatxJNbuNijhBAVWAQ9G5xpWQaT_fapVL6wjKmcFgaNajm8IqMTYnuKGtNB_YRCEMaPAmyfMyb2QLyadoraatGdirFzj4ipuhrPiJXbC9Aq9E5DIAjbT4XMophiw/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4XXNUVLGxrRGu9DGatxJNbuNijhBAVWAQ9G5xpWQaT_fapVL6wjKmcFgaNajm8IqMTYnuKGtNB_YRCEMaPAmyfMyb2QLyadoraatGdirFzj4ipuhrPiJXbC9Aq9E5DIAjbT4XMophiw/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654596244337817490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spent our first few days walking around the beautiful, European city.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF8NuDXtAaiSv_2_I7W4uCi8vz8oL12PeNJFq7UENoZ6wa6O0vKFvhzg_lDI2_uzyIZ0mU-dMYz_qCgEproJVOlBEAd8va13gmkmBO-Cafmx8mvjCfDbmesvYTIp7FUqcj9V-JXE6eEk/s1600/DSC_6427.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF8NuDXtAaiSv_2_I7W4uCi8vz8oL12PeNJFq7UENoZ6wa6O0vKFvhzg_lDI2_uzyIZ0mU-dMYz_qCgEproJVOlBEAd8va13gmkmBO-Cafmx8mvjCfDbmesvYTIp7FUqcj9V-JXE6eEk/s320/DSC_6427.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654596265996841522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tons of great parks, long boulevards, and interesting architecture made for excellent wandering.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxD-SE95PigYm6KKZy97ROaIUHpmgRrrNQnyLOtaq2YDg-CbeY6w5LL9ArLbpk2ytAzUcbLMCRhABNv_tV-gnxH5sHXReRrBO5d9bcziP7gARwL5m2qHMusbfUq8ogfZciqGYa7RBqEc/s1600/DSC_6463.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxD-SE95PigYm6KKZy97ROaIUHpmgRrrNQnyLOtaq2YDg-CbeY6w5LL9ArLbpk2ytAzUcbLMCRhABNv_tV-gnxH5sHXReRrBO5d9bcziP7gARwL5m2qHMusbfUq8ogfZciqGYa7RBqEc/s320/DSC_6463.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657906157788961010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35JifcoFgSSCu6Mzc6FVA8BTCMDuZgW8f3PywXHqcfGfLoGRBzx-cYgYjw17-UV2JjfdZnTj1_Sd5WRKvrqySaZxrXqV9bAFaiKHxKsy7M17_Tw_X3_tF7F0RwjpQwNcuiEaU39ORs08/s1600/DSC_6449.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35JifcoFgSSCu6Mzc6FVA8BTCMDuZgW8f3PywXHqcfGfLoGRBzx-cYgYjw17-UV2JjfdZnTj1_Sd5WRKvrqySaZxrXqV9bAFaiKHxKsy7M17_Tw_X3_tF7F0RwjpQwNcuiEaU39ORs08/s320/DSC_6449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657906161321031762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Although some parts of the city has an old-world feel, others are very modern. The combination makes for an interesting vibe.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dBK2GsyDKHm_fuQF2_sKQKvyClnP5I294IdHANHzv76DZrpk3V9E1BEXwYvGQQMWnO8YFCrHI5TdAOqv4TGv2lmiWQyYkw2bcfyueNbk76aoOebBjRJJer1FbuIncZEhtStxVfd7Onk/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dBK2GsyDKHm_fuQF2_sKQKvyClnP5I294IdHANHzv76DZrpk3V9E1BEXwYvGQQMWnO8YFCrHI5TdAOqv4TGv2lmiWQyYkw2bcfyueNbk76aoOebBjRJJer1FbuIncZEhtStxVfd7Onk/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657906167078961362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Perused the huge Sunday markets, walking up and down the cobblestone streets and into the San Telmo antiques market. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrUdnOrT1p5wh43ZmAjzUTsDd9RrOe-NxlB1Tq77QieGjB3ewKhpjPRBS44l490oLXT7E78OspqkW9rO8A5uzSC2W2mFs8NLfnTvt3tvrZ9VMPK31K_55tvuiKzLRv7jv-39IMWF5-4s/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJySVWzX1gUEoBGrfJqclpSCjXtweIEgMvSkka_JEsyx44E4VROCT_zf7t4MgPjO77s8UbGFOQ7480ELUw2qxSVeLu9gWwfCgI1K0-9x2MlgEp0EkE-sX4p5K5asdVCFqmMlFSQa30Qz0/s1600/DSC_6437.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJySVWzX1gUEoBGrfJqclpSCjXtweIEgMvSkka_JEsyx44E4VROCT_zf7t4MgPjO77s8UbGFOQ7480ELUw2qxSVeLu9gWwfCgI1K0-9x2MlgEp0EkE-sX4p5K5asdVCFqmMlFSQa30Qz0/s320/DSC_6437.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654596271128718130" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM25h-E_siiCTz7FRT2TiuaQnXqvP_wmwJOOI5Wdvs_YLa-RF9neUG4TlEzk5E_L_1g5KcPOGzW3Ex6TZXgBYOhSCz-z4dmF8zHuw_29CyCAvRXg-9CrPS45npGjbmXuDVJXyGHqLfvM/s1600/DSC_6431.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM25h-E_siiCTz7FRT2TiuaQnXqvP_wmwJOOI5Wdvs_YLa-RF9neUG4TlEzk5E_L_1g5KcPOGzW3Ex6TZXgBYOhSCz-z4dmF8zHuw_29CyCAvRXg-9CrPS45npGjbmXuDVJXyGHqLfvM/s320/DSC_6431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657906174151215154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJySVWzX1gUEoBGrfJqclpSCjXtweIEgMvSkka_JEsyx44E4VROCT_zf7t4MgPjO77s8UbGFOQ7480ELUw2qxSVeLu9gWwfCgI1K0-9x2MlgEp0EkE-sX4p5K5asdVCFqmMlFSQa30Qz0/s1600/DSC_6437.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>We ate like kings (or pigs?). The food was amazing!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF8NuDXtAaiSv_2_I7W4uCi8vz8oL12PeNJFq7UENoZ6wa6O0vKFvhzg_lDI2_uzyIZ0mU-dMYz_qCgEproJVOlBEAd8va13gmkmBO-Cafmx8mvjCfDbmesvYTIp7FUqcj9V-JXE6eEk/s1600/DSC_6427.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumg58EwY6uj3WPk_JEMTveE8LWdLEF5xCQy6yZdwThLm38_UG9q0Fn0ibQJuV-crYRV3UZsGSqvr4Rp8sE52JF-ut4c2B2ywOvzQWIvSewrb795iwAOZNYck7_LoCV218BXcuv_fCuvM/s1600/DSC_6397.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumg58EwY6uj3WPk_JEMTveE8LWdLEF5xCQy6yZdwThLm38_UG9q0Fn0ibQJuV-crYRV3UZsGSqvr4Rp8sE52JF-ut4c2B2ywOvzQWIvSewrb795iwAOZNYck7_LoCV218BXcuv_fCuvM/s320/DSC_6397.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654596263857748562" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of cute sidewalk cafes to stop and... have a cafe. Did I mention the food?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumg58EwY6uj3WPk_JEMTveE8LWdLEF5xCQy6yZdwThLm38_UG9q0Fn0ibQJuV-crYRV3UZsGSqvr4Rp8sE52JF-ut4c2B2ywOvzQWIvSewrb795iwAOZNYck7_LoCV218BXcuv_fCuvM/s1600/DSC_6397.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEkHQEFDVW5c96sY8EnkFR3FoIOHj2ErWaKBo-q6fRifhpfFV_h7xEpAes_kErvG5KEk0vI20bqdOn5ouuL7WMzxvZDW3itu5q4ossVeuVeBCzahaYq_iRRAgwwTu87ruKcIGDFbxtnc/s1600/DSC_6480.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEkHQEFDVW5c96sY8EnkFR3FoIOHj2ErWaKBo-q6fRifhpfFV_h7xEpAes_kErvG5KEk0vI20bqdOn5ouuL7WMzxvZDW3itu5q4ossVeuVeBCzahaYq_iRRAgwwTu87ruKcIGDFbxtnc/s320/DSC_6480.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654597646039968034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also hit up the live music scene most nights. Lots of great musicians with influence from all parts of Latin America. This Brazilian jazz group accompanied a swanky dinner and a nice bottle of wine. All in all a terrific night.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEkHQEFDVW5c96sY8EnkFR3FoIOHj2ErWaKBo-q6fRifhpfFV_h7xEpAes_kErvG5KEk0vI20bqdOn5ouuL7WMzxvZDW3itu5q4ossVeuVeBCzahaYq_iRRAgwwTu87ruKcIGDFbxtnc/s1600/DSC_6480.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z07f9JNKxBoHsDcl-5YVFEWOrtqiNyuBIr3rebrCr6dmh7D0z6PPerFiGD46Zegc_IbwWzNBQ65dSizwCTz9Titn9O54UNAz-hujJsiO-7U2D-Lqc5rF5N9wLwUQZ6Tx96xgHRt0-Ko/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z07f9JNKxBoHsDcl-5YVFEWOrtqiNyuBIr3rebrCr6dmh7D0z6PPerFiGD46Zegc_IbwWzNBQ65dSizwCTz9Titn9O54UNAz-hujJsiO-7U2D-Lqc5rF5N9wLwUQZ6Tx96xgHRt0-Ko/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654597668700255490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spent a few evenings with some friends from Nido, which was a treat. We run so much at work it's nice to share some time and a bottle of wine and catch some good live music.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Kl881hdAwGiPCkQvqFhkiqEDTIxCf7d1trJf9S-3YfCoJ9mjQoKzSsVTVpY-HT4qNL-P8sRFXNCa8dhaEWskGP9VAGuqKQLXYyupUHLbYIO74aIMHkzB7pj64IseS2hCUQnqVIuHP0/s1600/DSC_6968.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Kl881hdAwGiPCkQvqFhkiqEDTIxCf7d1trJf9S-3YfCoJ9mjQoKzSsVTVpY-HT4qNL-P8sRFXNCa8dhaEWskGP9VAGuqKQLXYyupUHLbYIO74aIMHkzB7pj64IseS2hCUQnqVIuHP0/s320/DSC_6968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657902048876736802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Buenos Aires has a fabulous above-ground cemetery, with huge marble tombs, ornate statues, and narrow walkways. Made for an interesting afternoon of wandering while the shadows stretched out...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z07f9JNKxBoHsDcl-5YVFEWOrtqiNyuBIr3rebrCr6dmh7D0z6PPerFiGD46Zegc_IbwWzNBQ65dSizwCTz9Titn9O54UNAz-hujJsiO-7U2D-Lqc5rF5N9wLwUQZ6Tx96xgHRt0-Ko/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtEhA9Iz6pPS19fYO4HkonbvPkkudEb3IKOw82iXGSIsG_qAstk5JnqL9iowvOIZ3b6cJw1XEBBmj2uz-_exIFybjif3oopqBUeUl0ia4Tqrm10vFQSojGr6H5_oZ5j6kjDlqtIYDSqc/s1600/DSC_6537.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtEhA9Iz6pPS19fYO4HkonbvPkkudEb3IKOw82iXGSIsG_qAstk5JnqL9iowvOIZ3b6cJw1XEBBmj2uz-_exIFybjif3oopqBUeUl0ia4Tqrm10vFQSojGr6H5_oZ5j6kjDlqtIYDSqc/s320/DSC_6537.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654597652085913810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Helpful people to show you around... if you don't mind your hand being held. Literally. This old gentleman led us around Cementerio de la Recoleta as the bells were tolling to send the living back to their homes. He seemed part specter himself.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtEhA9Iz6pPS19fYO4HkonbvPkkudEb3IKOw82iXGSIsG_qAstk5JnqL9iowvOIZ3b6cJw1XEBBmj2uz-_exIFybjif3oopqBUeUl0ia4Tqrm10vFQSojGr6H5_oZ5j6kjDlqtIYDSqc/s1600/DSC_6537.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAHu4dUFyFN5Z6l4HDL8fbVfZYxfvwKyGHPIFaDLTKg9EWtKgFGvXARz4cnmTNQd_kmZIsSU8o-KbtiOXgbybHGVpmnk80I0040pQZslzHz_Q0Ejwg5RUQZkuDG_HDIigu5Snh3Vbl3U/s1600/DSC_6545.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAHu4dUFyFN5Z6l4HDL8fbVfZYxfvwKyGHPIFaDLTKg9EWtKgFGvXARz4cnmTNQd_kmZIsSU8o-KbtiOXgbybHGVpmnk80I0040pQZslzHz_Q0Ejwg5RUQZkuDG_HDIigu5Snh3Vbl3U/s320/DSC_6545.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654597654237005762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The whose-who of Buenos Aires are immortalized here, including the famous Eva Peron, or 'Evita', a political leader during the 40's and 50's.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj932ISQxDyqehHcWtOEG5h5v9q0ugQLU_JWsRyKg3T5xdxG42oGwPoX_yWD7GgBvrm0FkUxVucoR6YQs_LLuFvXVuh-iVvwS-hH0ZvIyHgb0bgjggqMoWXlYxkSYOEnjGlsviCeNgGI1U/s1600/DSC_6548.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj932ISQxDyqehHcWtOEG5h5v9q0ugQLU_JWsRyKg3T5xdxG42oGwPoX_yWD7GgBvrm0FkUxVucoR6YQs_LLuFvXVuh-iVvwS-hH0ZvIyHgb0bgjggqMoWXlYxkSYOEnjGlsviCeNgGI1U/s320/DSC_6548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654597660764483634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Perused the different barrios of Buenos Aires, including the gregarious La Boca, with it's obnoxiously colored buildings and intense touristy feel. You can get off the main drag and find some pleasantly seedy streets though.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL7zVF8wSCb5cTFHu2NZoQ1Q90GfExImMCz2titHQch6t30DjQMjZRwx0gMMWmoXXRQfFMTwv5l-MOesoQ1d3_B4Js_OOJE3oriKI_W2_so_uwTjSara2kGIcF1HT9eC6_Axxxo7cjjg/s1600/DSC_6832.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL7zVF8wSCb5cTFHu2NZoQ1Q90GfExImMCz2titHQch6t30DjQMjZRwx0gMMWmoXXRQfFMTwv5l-MOesoQ1d3_B4Js_OOJE3oriKI_W2_so_uwTjSara2kGIcF1HT9eC6_Axxxo7cjjg/s320/DSC_6832.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657900256561709986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a walk around the area it isn't hard to imagine how tango became so popular here. The whole place is odd and sassy. Aren't we all.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfrlGHmq5DpiMGxWcOINRezuNnxjbdKqft_50ggmHYAfRMk6sR49NVMnlMXGG0RGgdBG4B9cDN_x6rrYxg1GF2WZgKQ6LGNogEWFF59SA49qy3xerW5impwXv0_3bD-U7ZJlDlHIsYQc/s1600/DSC_6835.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfrlGHmq5DpiMGxWcOINRezuNnxjbdKqft_50ggmHYAfRMk6sR49NVMnlMXGG0RGgdBG4B9cDN_x6rrYxg1GF2WZgKQ6LGNogEWFF59SA49qy3xerW5impwXv0_3bD-U7ZJlDlHIsYQc/s320/DSC_6835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657900254428976386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>LUJAN ZOO</div><div><br /></div><div>Spent a day finding and exploring the zoo in a town called Lujan. It's a petting zoo, plain and simple. So there were little enclosures full of cute animals like goats that you could play with.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv54r6EHcUC_jA3hQWFt7KmdPUKvo7rlwnMEjulER_yEuJubNw8JJWSZU1l0It1MNP_QIjdwtAMPaceOP4X4myCd000llKQsceQOptpvyWA_G3kr2R0-_2aiQUxfNcyKmrHdVIpjFrpw/s1600/DSC_6689.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv54r6EHcUC_jA3hQWFt7KmdPUKvo7rlwnMEjulER_yEuJubNw8JJWSZU1l0It1MNP_QIjdwtAMPaceOP4X4myCd000llKQsceQOptpvyWA_G3kr2R0-_2aiQUxfNcyKmrHdVIpjFrpw/s320/DSC_6689.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657897390543583986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Other petting zoo animals included tigers.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZEau3AaK6AIIg0yhd0j7IGfO1yBcqYpZUq50n_Ncg4BVZaUgxbvlUP10qosnzSf1VJBdzbKEEvVUqTQ7M1FETYyJ21VwsxooFdBS47AYiXRS0zlbgWq0JtN7i07CTDVU98A_LxaaC6o/s1600/DSC_6598.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZEau3AaK6AIIg0yhd0j7IGfO1yBcqYpZUq50n_Ncg4BVZaUgxbvlUP10qosnzSf1VJBdzbKEEvVUqTQ7M1FETYyJ21VwsxooFdBS47AYiXRS0zlbgWq0JtN7i07CTDVU98A_LxaaC6o/s320/DSC_6598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657897371614522178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and lions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbVwnKon3X2nDoUUA3jQkQCz3LTedzLufPKGoq5DI1uH3vYo9B1_FljaV6Gp3Qu5NeDheliZtnPASA9cxNrNwqBOc_zF6_kLnNj-WeRkyk9Jr1fEL15DIdUQkh5cqQD_rqQSday67ZOA/s1600/DSC_6620.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbVwnKon3X2nDoUUA3jQkQCz3LTedzLufPKGoq5DI1uH3vYo9B1_FljaV6Gp3Qu5NeDheliZtnPASA9cxNrNwqBOc_zF6_kLnNj-WeRkyk9Jr1fEL15DIdUQkh5cqQD_rqQSday67ZOA/s320/DSC_6620.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657897379665325762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All of the animals are born and raised in the zoo, and are touched by people from the time they are small. Also, all there are friendly dogs in all of the enclosures to keep the cats used to inter-species socialization. It has worked so far...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM7z60Zfvahf4WCq-0sSIDwKwHxUtdpWQyzjdFbMaN9L2kduspibEddfOKmArVhcc9bLa9srivANGKlm5yOFif3Kk-6X91YUCJBpYg880jYsTEq4PBNq6nUhTz6wn1UG274cl_7vhXWU/s1600/DSC_6573.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM7z60Zfvahf4WCq-0sSIDwKwHxUtdpWQyzjdFbMaN9L2kduspibEddfOKmArVhcc9bLa9srivANGKlm5yOFif3Kk-6X91YUCJBpYg880jYsTEq4PBNq6nUhTz6wn1UG274cl_7vhXWU/s320/DSC_6573.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657897356294395138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the creatures were too dangerous to handle, like this nandu. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUht_MCweCwZAubSzQVWFiBynN47Rpeo0qvPIXs6t8jXAjZGIkRe1fP4m4zIEUXn5Z83l7m_Vb2Toh7hIPyxqwg4f1cGtM5Rl5TJwgVGTJ-fs69bWJGEJnEynQQySRY1WyUIG4EfT4VKY/s1600/DSC_6756.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUht_MCweCwZAubSzQVWFiBynN47Rpeo0qvPIXs6t8jXAjZGIkRe1fP4m4zIEUXn5Z83l7m_Vb2Toh7hIPyxqwg4f1cGtM5Rl5TJwgVGTJ-fs69bWJGEJnEynQQySRY1WyUIG4EfT4VKY/s320/DSC_6756.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657900224473631426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I always feel bad for having animals in zoos, and I came to this one hesitantly. For the most part the animals seem well cared for (at least well fed!). It's an incredible experience to be able to put your hands on them though.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA3sU5VbkSdojVctjJbZ7FG6H9yxfJTJ-cK4tEoemsIKbVyg_m4tY3nD-44No2d_Vng_J9kJEPgukCDhQZhyRDTvKJvJQXqAja1kqIh02a60J2u1Xy2Uxz0Mk5vbshqACIicIMdUuKng/s1600/DSC_6653.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA3sU5VbkSdojVctjJbZ7FG6H9yxfJTJ-cK4tEoemsIKbVyg_m4tY3nD-44No2d_Vng_J9kJEPgukCDhQZhyRDTvKJvJQXqAja1kqIh02a60J2u1Xy2Uxz0Mk5vbshqACIicIMdUuKng/s320/DSC_6653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657900227086540338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-29521226996102677752011-08-30T16:22:00.000-07:002011-09-29T14:25:52.862-07:00Chilean Winter Shenanigans<b>Rundown:</b> General shenanigans in wintry Chile.<div><br /></div><div><b>Location:</b> Santiago, Chile</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ice climbing excursion with a few friends into Yerba Loca to climb some frozen water falls.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNLj0DxrHkvP_CuWziZz735W42nIEVPhM9KFrRWrm5L_c1JubuHdAGhSIS5fbyZpqgD51R0HBmVGF5bQV6mzYcrJj65DklD4bUxjn5Rjihyphenhyphen9ZUIiHyXtDtbhi71EFhlimLxkCiUE9ISo/s1600/DSC07455.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNLj0DxrHkvP_CuWziZz735W42nIEVPhM9KFrRWrm5L_c1JubuHdAGhSIS5fbyZpqgD51R0HBmVGF5bQV6mzYcrJj65DklD4bUxjn5Rjihyphenhyphen9ZUIiHyXtDtbhi71EFhlimLxkCiUE9ISo/s320/DSC07455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644196860656707266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fresh snow had just fallen in the mountains. It was deep when we started and got nothing but deeper as we progressed. Even with snowshoes and mountaineering boots we were sinking deep.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PSUmDW1gwA676LBEtnMglJGvEgEPF_6GqyKX4ROZ6kzJS9Lto_Wxz0p_PpnDRRG3vm4vAmegjXRuErzyAQzbLrKrEDBZ3K_R-948rV7tvml8-l4s10KieaHJ3mPoNeDF284T6gbN4hw/s1600/DSC07463.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PSUmDW1gwA676LBEtnMglJGvEgEPF_6GqyKX4ROZ6kzJS9Lto_Wxz0p_PpnDRRG3vm4vAmegjXRuErzyAQzbLrKrEDBZ3K_R-948rV7tvml8-l4s10KieaHJ3mPoNeDF284T6gbN4hw/s320/DSC07463.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644196866179241378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Made it almost up to a possible climb with Sergio, a new neighbor and buddy from school when it started getting dark. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w0RYGTicdgmUVwHOLJ7GBnYLASyyZeObWZTqIuRnqy7zNBgvZCIG3zeARJloWLrb0bNnWb-NYi7U0EmaLeoGVU6QiD2oLQyxkS0StLYYZlVXKfUhtqTsWsEQyCi0b-pNESVpdTORqo8/s1600/DSC07489.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w0RYGTicdgmUVwHOLJ7GBnYLASyyZeObWZTqIuRnqy7zNBgvZCIG3zeARJloWLrb0bNnWb-NYi7U0EmaLeoGVU6QiD2oLQyxkS0StLYYZlVXKfUhtqTsWsEQyCi0b-pNESVpdTORqo8/s320/DSC07489.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644213610203269154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Took too long to get to the climb due to deep snow. Too bad we didn't realize it until a hundred feet up a steep, snowy valley side approaching the climb. Turned back. You can't win 'em all.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl9Wb7IwtzpDuyFZNnvZco2Dd8_167bwskgs5sH3VEND-XegoF5nKEBlyUDe-TNAVJnfPxJZ37pE0cPsw62ZFTMl9U38vP5eV3kThAMvr3E-RCuXo-trRn1ITftiqWZJJDnThZrcXO0U/s1600/DSC07485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl9Wb7IwtzpDuyFZNnvZco2Dd8_167bwskgs5sH3VEND-XegoF5nKEBlyUDe-TNAVJnfPxJZ37pE0cPsw62ZFTMl9U38vP5eV3kThAMvr3E-RCuXo-trRn1ITftiqWZJJDnThZrcXO0U/s320/DSC07485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644196862840506786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Played some music with some talented musicians of the Nido faculty at a partay. I'm impressed with how many musically talented teachers there are here!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1yQ2pM8bPNRwkQTUvfyeR6qpM1pJ95eVtrO7EK8cwngrGzekXfG4Tzgm5296_8S8CRoyYphlqnnNKPFTza4QMtFP-HdSgvDyYjTzKC13RJtpVulaFGiQ9xs7hrvLvpPgkfliLhDSmu4/s1600/DSC07451.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1yQ2pM8bPNRwkQTUvfyeR6qpM1pJ95eVtrO7EK8cwngrGzekXfG4Tzgm5296_8S8CRoyYphlqnnNKPFTza4QMtFP-HdSgvDyYjTzKC13RJtpVulaFGiQ9xs7hrvLvpPgkfliLhDSmu4/s320/DSC07451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644196853875381090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Had a visit from an old buddy, one Hal Foster, a Charlevoix native! I think we met when we were the same age as the kids I'm teaching now! Yikes!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVYkdez6-nmNnDJr_ItTix4EqfCfbtjPknIr9H6A8pEizSiv3DUFljFt7RwIUK5uXxL8gH2FuxgiPPt94tKLgRJ1ZfbHG9uegGnCCzszomvBsTbT8n57uAJRm8wdsMGtoOucGRlCbmHI/s1600/DSC_6194.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVYkdez6-nmNnDJr_ItTix4EqfCfbtjPknIr9H6A8pEizSiv3DUFljFt7RwIUK5uXxL8gH2FuxgiPPt94tKLgRJ1ZfbHG9uegGnCCzszomvBsTbT8n57uAJRm8wdsMGtoOucGRlCbmHI/s320/DSC_6194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644199211191780834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Checked out a local market with Hal one day. The local produce isn't in full swing, being winter down here, but there are still farmers' markets around.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC-M5j8Q3KnwGMu4Za62SVXtIIxTpzHXyuqlarh5VAmU8fATGZsnHEb37BTUF150ZSVqAu8iruIJPWHmhyphenhyphen2NwpvbGGBZsGzuYQ2vAuYLrcUcCCcTajQJhJg8_72oXvS9rjf9C2JdndGg/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC-M5j8Q3KnwGMu4Za62SVXtIIxTpzHXyuqlarh5VAmU8fATGZsnHEb37BTUF150ZSVqAu8iruIJPWHmhyphenhyphen2NwpvbGGBZsGzuYQ2vAuYLrcUcCCcTajQJhJg8_72oXvS9rjf9C2JdndGg/s320/IMG_1125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644217328500770002" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Never too far from music, although the Cueca music is arguably not. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I-9NosvYkhRmVfKYKIri9NTmqKXPSagfVFDJfwjpgd2Qd5jcDwgbAJWKRN4K5U-z0AGsK3FxWeKAudpG0HrxhC281ZVbewZOBSbXOjbckdLHbe3yffZ4Vi4s-3mJ31W4RjcC2pdmbzc/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I-9NosvYkhRmVfKYKIri9NTmqKXPSagfVFDJfwjpgd2Qd5jcDwgbAJWKRN4K5U-z0AGsK3FxWeKAudpG0HrxhC281ZVbewZOBSbXOjbckdLHbe3yffZ4Vi4s-3mJ31W4RjcC2pdmbzc/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644215524380837426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, being close to the ocean, there's never any shortage of fresh sea food!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC_M9KygMQLFSIuj3nmXrtwyZao_eJKYSaDm7GSbv9Wk42P7txs_zLTGU-XEWDy5nJ-nXFH7kztU1r6OPpnhfzFq4rm1uKJvw50UlW6Ms16w6YVVU_HcOkc9OptmXLxx8MNMhyphenhyphenj_l2KA/s1600/IMG_1143.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC_M9KygMQLFSIuj3nmXrtwyZao_eJKYSaDm7GSbv9Wk42P7txs_zLTGU-XEWDy5nJ-nXFH7kztU1r6OPpnhfzFq4rm1uKJvw50UlW6Ms16w6YVVU_HcOkc9OptmXLxx8MNMhyphenhyphenj_l2KA/s320/IMG_1143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644217343876982258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpgY9FDaSZ8lE3rZUIaEefPEerTuHndvs5qcIiet81VKTX-UoJSUCQuug8aMvBkrj2FO57KilTzuikJyj4i7CiqLcXmWmenmq8xMFgiKzp5H0sxL89Vr8kqwEvXHEMg1kpQ1fIafvpng/s1600/DSC_6195.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpgY9FDaSZ8lE3rZUIaEefPEerTuHndvs5qcIiet81VKTX-UoJSUCQuug8aMvBkrj2FO57KilTzuikJyj4i7CiqLcXmWmenmq8xMFgiKzp5H0sxL89Vr8kqwEvXHEMg1kpQ1fIafvpng/s320/DSC_6195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644199203985171442" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In our Santiago meanderings we came across a Andean dance parade surging through the streets of the city center. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ALnOPkYcBnrJGL9Lmd8mw4VCekzprb_sMKpNqEXWNqwcNFk2NSst-RPlYtfF_IZv3V3IGjLlyvxs7NC2Mv1naAL3vd4YW9L_3-pZdU80irDjHQOYklPm4clveTq_o1aM9FFbsPZL3Q/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ALnOPkYcBnrJGL9Lmd8mw4VCekzprb_sMKpNqEXWNqwcNFk2NSst-RPlYtfF_IZv3V3IGjLlyvxs7NC2Mv1naAL3vd4YW9L_3-pZdU80irDjHQOYklPm4clveTq_o1aM9FFbsPZL3Q/s320/IMG_1233.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644214577677772290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of colors, Andean music, and singing. The costumes were out of this world, although most of the chicas had bright red skin from the cold!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9EbCwwa8-o_9y5O2Qr7H4Hf_j3xCIiLQ1JOzB0LEtS6b76XLkq0lf0HnTHRJzx18sHARs_kf0S4i5s7hpFa1vcxDURuJG4U-d5HzkD8m0_C8Y1XqC9AwvAdYkM8eoOwkmkezPqQnsak/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9EbCwwa8-o_9y5O2Qr7H4Hf_j3xCIiLQ1JOzB0LEtS6b76XLkq0lf0HnTHRJzx18sHARs_kf0S4i5s7hpFa1vcxDURuJG4U-d5HzkD8m0_C8Y1XqC9AwvAdYkM8eoOwkmkezPqQnsak/s320/IMG_1280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644199214403531618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Pretty neat and impromptu. I told Foster that I planned the whole thing.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC2Cx7z2prsNuiWlKtde34tJEh68-Ph7c86IeROkj1eOK5PIhjlUpWlmafN4EcvuxEHBGZuePzr4XYjSyZkEI9Tx_e6Ev_fPenNW9932TgcgbX6o8itAM9uSlGg8bU1GqzOFusRoOGt4/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC2Cx7z2prsNuiWlKtde34tJEh68-Ph7c86IeROkj1eOK5PIhjlUpWlmafN4EcvuxEHBGZuePzr4XYjSyZkEI9Tx_e6Ev_fPenNW9932TgcgbX6o8itAM9uSlGg8bU1GqzOFusRoOGt4/s320/IMG_1293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644213612359233442" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It always is nice to have guests. Their excitement gives me the reminder of why I'm living abroad, re-opens my eyes to the amazing experiences here that I sometimes forget about. Come on down!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-bRe_bEEGtyUm-aFRiRGZiohy12bsMv3xmNKIvx_Re3NKwpx8HHILFrcTMUQl39MWLue-vh5GAc68itmtky3dENtimfWTx7jbLtqXreX_UN5mZB9wcr5-kpCZCmT1JcWfl6fJAYY5E/s1600/DSC_6215.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-bRe_bEEGtyUm-aFRiRGZiohy12bsMv3xmNKIvx_Re3NKwpx8HHILFrcTMUQl39MWLue-vh5GAc68itmtky3dENtimfWTx7jbLtqXreX_UN5mZB9wcr5-kpCZCmT1JcWfl6fJAYY5E/s320/DSC_6215.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644214591723806530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The old cathedrals in the city aren't spectacular, but worth some time to wander around.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw83sDFdEQl2qc2WAELIT780RHot6lYKs_8pDKGn4t5wbNeWKbA8Wd_BPpNaLPt2YafcEw7SS8-pDQhHoqz7lsOKTJ5z_oYe6WAcQGeUadDdEGB66ba3e50vEIaB0XZ6L3aazAQq-KsU/s1600/DSC_6232.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw83sDFdEQl2qc2WAELIT780RHot6lYKs_8pDKGn4t5wbNeWKbA8Wd_BPpNaLPt2YafcEw7SS8-pDQhHoqz7lsOKTJ5z_oYe6WAcQGeUadDdEGB66ba3e50vEIaB0XZ6L3aazAQq-KsU/s320/DSC_6232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644214589875091378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Also brought Hal up skiing. Not a terrific visibility day. The helo had trouble getting to our drop zone... didn't even make it off the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvajPPlcZgxnmICGUe36JsfBIb7IZcEnjU5x1D9cgDwxC0Hx8gvW6hrJ6joHhtlsghzf35qWW-GHAe6-Qjv1wYu9tKftVVe0lQCBkptMgqM_jj1LZYKH0zqaHEg8uBHX83R8OXbKr5SA/s1600/photo-2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvajPPlcZgxnmICGUe36JsfBIb7IZcEnjU5x1D9cgDwxC0Hx8gvW6hrJ6joHhtlsghzf35qWW-GHAe6-Qjv1wYu9tKftVVe0lQCBkptMgqM_jj1LZYKH0zqaHEg8uBHX83R8OXbKr5SA/s320/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645938242758523570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In all actuality, this was our helo, but it works just fine!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHARvF6cLE8F5wD25-WyJE-I4sz-zWVxaB0vSOrMdswvewnQl86hyc4JVVOZXFTVY4n9CxsKr0NdIPGraTxL8UjZayKv3OtZrjcAMxL51CU-py3NRQIsFY4KrKhO_dHqIiREKqIL6iWeQ/s1600/DSC07521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHARvF6cLE8F5wD25-WyJE-I4sz-zWVxaB0vSOrMdswvewnQl86hyc4JVVOZXFTVY4n9CxsKr0NdIPGraTxL8UjZayKv3OtZrjcAMxL51CU-py3NRQIsFY4KrKhO_dHqIiREKqIL6iWeQ/s320/DSC07521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645943290559561266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk8Mw-xF5bZ0p9tK3hDmmGi3fEQEM2ZvzV1y51Gw1gcq7Snj8pjJjyfRswMg1LlTNyjHW0hKAGh3uti8UI9Y_ZGWnPaX0FUt-icGPU22gazbbTfIC84dQy0T0_aG85peyZOoWICkAr70/s1600/DSC07525.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk8Mw-xF5bZ0p9tK3hDmmGi3fEQEM2ZvzV1y51Gw1gcq7Snj8pjJjyfRswMg1LlTNyjHW0hKAGh3uti8UI9Y_ZGWnPaX0FUt-icGPU22gazbbTfIC84dQy0T0_aG85peyZOoWICkAr70/s320/DSC07525.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645943295216718786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Made lots of good food with Hal and spent some time catching up.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa8fjvuffH8bJvR-yP2Rb_RrQe6KlWskm9v-cdXYu7vwf0BA9lSObYxDxCwmW5_CWljBu7ypDz-nKQ2SkQJK-nvYjUoiQ5dGGGZnKgKv-nmU_88FV42e_DpznFP7i4w0K1M81BXctWk0/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa8fjvuffH8bJvR-yP2Rb_RrQe6KlWskm9v-cdXYu7vwf0BA9lSObYxDxCwmW5_CWljBu7ypDz-nKQ2SkQJK-nvYjUoiQ5dGGGZnKgKv-nmU_88FV42e_DpznFP7i4w0K1M81BXctWk0/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645938239303567586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzBqUYRDAXh-bqPPIjfZv0GYffvn8l3obq-JeB1XpepPziKZrbaCNHDXGRq3MZliVzHIbJ2NZqhW5YkFORdMSpqh0YbJIc5hVTTqZJYrFNySlWYVJaVLE46eArK69dEMdE-qsPo8XYhc/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzBqUYRDAXh-bqPPIjfZv0GYffvn8l3obq-JeB1XpepPziKZrbaCNHDXGRq3MZliVzHIbJ2NZqhW5YkFORdMSpqh0YbJIc5hVTTqZJYrFNySlWYVJaVLE46eArK69dEMdE-qsPo8XYhc/s320/IMG_1112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644213605829600386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Also spent a little time in the pubs. This is one of our favorites, Satira, with a cozy little ambiance and good food ta-boot!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3UG2mlyK1UP2jSHKbUT6C1JPscyzdq6LdKkoWF5alSDuy3T_asb7JN524p1ukYR-jaZ-wN4uFIzArRVFdlG-vK9qf3SXlgm96Q4NLaYGtUIZ_2umRP-CC34_ZSXSZpLHsGkHkeLE4B8/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3UG2mlyK1UP2jSHKbUT6C1JPscyzdq6LdKkoWF5alSDuy3T_asb7JN524p1ukYR-jaZ-wN4uFIzArRVFdlG-vK9qf3SXlgm96Q4NLaYGtUIZ_2umRP-CC34_ZSXSZpLHsGkHkeLE4B8/s320/IMG_1323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644215522144807010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On Saturdays I go up with seven other teachers, bringing 96 middle and high school students up to Valle Nevado, the local ski resort for the Nido Ski Club. We bring 'em up intact, </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29NuvG2O0iOdiBgkhwBzyfjRpkAHWV3DbCMkUyAr0gltIphRVODds2xG2x7pzz5gRFsubP_wzIkBh0si2t-2bVSAoreOIbfjo5-NKUF729uLRWkSxZsAzttZOS_0iehcyf0opb06asFE/s1600/DSC07612.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29NuvG2O0iOdiBgkhwBzyfjRpkAHWV3DbCMkUyAr0gltIphRVODds2xG2x7pzz5gRFsubP_wzIkBh0si2t-2bVSAoreOIbfjo5-NKUF729uLRWkSxZsAzttZOS_0iehcyf0opb06asFE/s320/DSC07612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644219163912262210" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We also get some quality time with the powder. Off piste... so sweet.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5cW-6BIZIqHtapI1MWgay20aGNYs1OFdrWxEsnpkuzHzQSeze0qC6Bi5gJYfCoaAeWIbFww3cHbMMWmSju0MeeSDy-NFElLS3O99QvcpyRaxSYHWzC3PPpIRYc8PSt5Rws6CYnf7owM/s1600/DSC07815.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5cW-6BIZIqHtapI1MWgay20aGNYs1OFdrWxEsnpkuzHzQSeze0qC6Bi5gJYfCoaAeWIbFww3cHbMMWmSju0MeeSDy-NFElLS3O99QvcpyRaxSYHWzC3PPpIRYc8PSt5Rws6CYnf7owM/s320/DSC07815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644219160178066674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H1oTugBRa07DF9OW9vmvZgK3GBADz8w86uRCIyoMu-y4yQ_dHoLVK_f1mNdYOZ0oL4nyvZBbZC2PpDiLXGklOUkYjkH9avjXG14hWZB2Oea8l9K79wGTWimYZSPG4dpPsA8HYa4e_Lg/s1600/DSC07840.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H1oTugBRa07DF9OW9vmvZgK3GBADz8w86uRCIyoMu-y4yQ_dHoLVK_f1mNdYOZ0oL4nyvZBbZC2PpDiLXGklOUkYjkH9avjXG14hWZB2Oea8l9K79wGTWimYZSPG4dpPsA8HYa4e_Lg/s320/DSC07840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644219153712777410" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Also doing some hiking when the snow clears up here and there. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUwCZ1FoIB5jpZANleZksA-rS65L3GhiH5aO1wnav_XKP88EFnNMM6o6wHz3J8PFH-Qtran0xSm7XJjvYDGCh3pQs73csl9td-zUzquv2DToCVxBlFWVgJT7cHo8rR9euN2o9G1fsKtM/s1600/DSC_6074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUwCZ1FoIB5jpZANleZksA-rS65L3GhiH5aO1wnav_XKP88EFnNMM6o6wHz3J8PFH-Qtran0xSm7XJjvYDGCh3pQs73csl9td-zUzquv2DToCVxBlFWVgJT7cHo8rR9euN2o9G1fsKtM/s320/DSC_6074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644217334619331314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfasMrB9Kww7d8gCO4a6aYttZx-yarU6umQcFf8MGt9FFcpYVkf75h9I339g3dzaWni4ILqSrLv4XH6KciXx1UU7bjmjasP5es9X_NKYCPRMMfcbouPSpgjPxtdNPzd_FymiGPPuTJxE/s1600/DSC_6060.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfasMrB9Kww7d8gCO4a6aYttZx-yarU6umQcFf8MGt9FFcpYVkf75h9I339g3dzaWni4ILqSrLv4XH6KciXx1UU7bjmjasP5es9X_NKYCPRMMfcbouPSpgjPxtdNPzd_FymiGPPuTJxE/s320/DSC_6060.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645943299380756466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Working hard, but also enjoying the fruits of the Andes.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F_ZlSAZoXwbI7XGYNP5UajuM27o-FaDFpVyBEpCl0cYVFGYJ7gUH8xXNFSBA7qEPMzs6kzbUl8oAvhL-SYEyQ_tgFr7RX_IcAgTi324aoRtfUCiKpzkoIhsgJO1rhv0Yw7obcRPF-6U/s1600/DSC_6087.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F_ZlSAZoXwbI7XGYNP5UajuM27o-FaDFpVyBEpCl0cYVFGYJ7gUH8xXNFSBA7qEPMzs6kzbUl8oAvhL-SYEyQ_tgFr7RX_IcAgTi324aoRtfUCiKpzkoIhsgJO1rhv0Yw7obcRPF-6U/s320/DSC_6087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644199200991275058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's about it for now! Looking forward to Buenos Aires and Iguazu falls!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwh29N_9FsOJgPyqoXtIeSqxhM576qDZxYLVWbRuuqtjcz1dBFQOeeZ_WnT0mlBlya18zBrLyxqrGtht_Ici2eb_pIjzp_wLQI-zZOZ2ArPUXJA3t_6YtoE7YFyPSm4KeXoQutFWVkbU/s1600/DSC_6100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwh29N_9FsOJgPyqoXtIeSqxhM576qDZxYLVWbRuuqtjcz1dBFQOeeZ_WnT0mlBlya18zBrLyxqrGtht_Ici2eb_pIjzp_wLQI-zZOZ2ArPUXJA3t_6YtoE7YFyPSm4KeXoQutFWVkbU/s320/DSC_6100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645938237279407890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-90053886445680086902011-07-20T15:01:00.000-07:002011-08-28T08:52:01.054-07:00The Mountain Casita<div><b>Location: </b> Arrayan Canyon, Santiago, Chile</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: Moved into a new place up in the mountains!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>From the neighborhoods of Lo Barnechea, close to the school, packed up and moved up into a canyon in the mountains!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZcxnSyyz86tawKYz0wZfDnZQBqjKgWKy4wfbWqgmqm0bmJTFgS2CJPiqtYw0nZCjXj6IT90S_FUEv1PD8GTzLY-g9GXA3EwpBh4UzDpx6yl4wiLNV7bAPkBkYWKPVkRetsBcF3QCtHs/s1600/DSC_5922.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZcxnSyyz86tawKYz0wZfDnZQBqjKgWKy4wfbWqgmqm0bmJTFgS2CJPiqtYw0nZCjXj6IT90S_FUEv1PD8GTzLY-g9GXA3EwpBh4UzDpx6yl4wiLNV7bAPkBkYWKPVkRetsBcF3QCtHs/s320/DSC_5922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643807384374074306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The place is pretty small, but a good size for two. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGMC0aNfQ9pjEQYFwtwi9BTofpNBcie71xVVUWJ6k_cU7DtBlZ2vGv9D_xUjMNCUiZIAbMV5oT0ufopETMVELx7omrprRqGvT_TH6lfEzG2eZcktxWwngbXNR3I8e4mqmpIG15aWVhbs/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGMC0aNfQ9pjEQYFwtwi9BTofpNBcie71xVVUWJ6k_cU7DtBlZ2vGv9D_xUjMNCUiZIAbMV5oT0ufopETMVELx7omrprRqGvT_TH6lfEzG2eZcktxWwngbXNR3I8e4mqmpIG15aWVhbs/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644188147449515698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToTnisoYJRP6dUaWU13CYqPy17UQYl2gce5lEUXKrfSCGPar8pvAjQVuMpSao-rH210MvrvjAGAHqPr0FjED896p2yCcctKLSBDZxn8vA6F0ebENcZV4SV_uwjF5vjmljnmk7QBh9qFc/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToTnisoYJRP6dUaWU13CYqPy17UQYl2gce5lEUXKrfSCGPar8pvAjQVuMpSao-rH210MvrvjAGAHqPr0FjED896p2yCcctKLSBDZxn8vA6F0ebENcZV4SV_uwjF5vjmljnmk7QBh9qFc/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644191512380553442" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_lL4Dhssme78zmKRuzldiNkuaA5DLnWjyGQ79QXJboF8hK1YHjjID8A20h1OJ_sl7K0-YuTEzL8DBVna-bV1UgpZ3OF3cb4jZJp212RRNb_27H-um5Wv8smZrbXi4hGpgbQXXKpde80/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_lL4Dhssme78zmKRuzldiNkuaA5DLnWjyGQ79QXJboF8hK1YHjjID8A20h1OJ_sl7K0-YuTEzL8DBVna-bV1UgpZ3OF3cb4jZJp212RRNb_27H-um5Wv8smZrbXi4hGpgbQXXKpde80/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644195071162924114" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The whole place is heated solely by a wood stove called a 'bosca', I even have my own wood pile! I don't get too cold wearing my fuzzy boots though!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGIHY94NdB422SFd9bAmJT7_jjLxr6dl82YmMojaGmJl79Rzas05-G-UztoMsYtjD5hBeYP_OvErX5kZKyAkPPWkq22152gRGFzbsGcV7xBz6lvM5lXun90qnFT04id7hrPq_vkqraWA/s1600/DSC_6184.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGIHY94NdB422SFd9bAmJT7_jjLxr6dl82YmMojaGmJl79Rzas05-G-UztoMsYtjD5hBeYP_OvErX5kZKyAkPPWkq22152gRGFzbsGcV7xBz6lvM5lXun90qnFT04id7hrPq_vkqraWA/s320/DSC_6184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644191505611366178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Has a pretty good view out of the breakfast nook as well.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvq8nhl1RlpU4tbgcc_7tqW99-ZErygzKPdgt-AedFGBjicya4qTwCLh71EgdOmj0ZsxeYdTXPq8oQxNX4-1Q7rv0t-lP9tQs-eS9FS6zq7QFqA8LZGyF7mWv7Yu8P9N16F_P7Z10zNBA/s1600/DSC_5941.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvq8nhl1RlpU4tbgcc_7tqW99-ZErygzKPdgt-AedFGBjicya4qTwCLh71EgdOmj0ZsxeYdTXPq8oQxNX4-1Q7rv0t-lP9tQs-eS9FS6zq7QFqA8LZGyF7mWv7Yu8P9N16F_P7Z10zNBA/s320/DSC_5941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644195074212554738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The view out the side! Do you ever get sick of mountains? It's like being sick of gummy bears. Doesn't happen for me.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpy6VgTyRpDTQWNTV951c93uPCjWGiKojAUqNiOnpUyxbOn8GVuPs_q3Vn0dBTRCr9OV_LcA-FELJ-Tgj63vuU7ZdeBwKQWkSYlF5BTGR4vBpzJDlQV6l_GUPnPQbbGzcsYPTsKAZas0/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpy6VgTyRpDTQWNTV951c93uPCjWGiKojAUqNiOnpUyxbOn8GVuPs_q3Vn0dBTRCr9OV_LcA-FELJ-Tgj63vuU7ZdeBwKQWkSYlF5BTGR4vBpzJDlQV6l_GUPnPQbbGzcsYPTsKAZas0/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644191501929414962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXcqsbWqo_Mo9seYSIoN01Nt1ZwlrLC3IABl9OYvRC9i7VFluAh78JD4wgCK856QyxkSgnpjeKHBbL7O-32ckT-0ADcTiIhG-1DTfSI_Lc0NmGosxOGQyCec6yNIP-k21cEDJJJRdvv8/s1600/DSC_5932.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXcqsbWqo_Mo9seYSIoN01Nt1ZwlrLC3IABl9OYvRC9i7VFluAh78JD4wgCK856QyxkSgnpjeKHBbL7O-32ckT-0ADcTiIhG-1DTfSI_Lc0NmGosxOGQyCec6yNIP-k21cEDJJJRdvv8/s320/DSC_5932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643807392937611138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>View south towards the city off the patio.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5DOrndVuXweeBGR1O_dHFxmPb7k27jC9p9rgxaFcuHeXyLq8JV27vFWWDRmtbFEG4cuWLAnltISz1vESxCIARsCG8303UiT_xIJeZg_Z7wwUxwmJHhAACpjg6TAP323mK9WbSF15FU/s1600/DSC_5924.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5DOrndVuXweeBGR1O_dHFxmPb7k27jC9p9rgxaFcuHeXyLq8JV27vFWWDRmtbFEG4cuWLAnltISz1vESxCIARsCG8303UiT_xIJeZg_Z7wwUxwmJHhAACpjg6TAP323mK9WbSF15FU/s320/DSC_5924.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643807386787476610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>One of the main perks is the huge outdoor space... and a pool. Although right now it's a frozen pond. We'll get there.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvgaVajm4tOKfG_zUvpzUj458grKLT6r4PNQg09P6u5CMrwvmNwRmkGTxmjsnWUhAf58UFwumljlIgISPRJqMfUP3M2-cGJBEs8TMZjHdMDkIw9_zS5RkxlvDUIG-38ezIutlLee6LeQ/s1600/DSC_6304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvgaVajm4tOKfG_zUvpzUj458grKLT6r4PNQg09P6u5CMrwvmNwRmkGTxmjsnWUhAf58UFwumljlIgISPRJqMfUP3M2-cGJBEs8TMZjHdMDkIw9_zS5RkxlvDUIG-38ezIutlLee6LeQ/s320/DSC_6304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644189926171237890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The place is high enough up in the mountains that snow falls on occasion. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPHCjB4RPuTnaD1A0nSwaYzELpMgmww8x6fk5hdideWsea0T6oe0QK9Lf2ACD_ihO06Fa0XxrvKQWF1Zf-SYgqA0DTxnPpUa29-E1hzpFtuoAP83nP3xu4Tn8GjWFQ2a4vtRs5j_XAug/s1600/DSC_6313.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPHCjB4RPuTnaD1A0nSwaYzELpMgmww8x6fk5hdideWsea0T6oe0QK9Lf2ACD_ihO06Fa0XxrvKQWF1Zf-SYgqA0DTxnPpUa29-E1hzpFtuoAP83nP3xu4Tn8GjWFQ2a4vtRs5j_XAug/s320/DSC_6313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644188155252214338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQV7GcNHNxq_wALSelsky-tXPQLAvVvQHdz6cxCuuv1ye9H8oOG2rISLGzNovKjZ3S1MFE4lCgUtPpMMUAGZGd8rO3NCpiBUAj8604JrwVIp0lhWY-brclHK6f6rbMtY_1s1u4Rcscpc/s1600/DSC_6110.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQV7GcNHNxq_wALSelsky-tXPQLAvVvQHdz6cxCuuv1ye9H8oOG2rISLGzNovKjZ3S1MFE4lCgUtPpMMUAGZGd8rO3NCpiBUAj8604JrwVIp0lhWY-brclHK6f6rbMtY_1s1u4Rcscpc/s320/DSC_6110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644195065587261634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Waiting until the pool warms up to try it as well. Although I DO have my wetsuit down here! CANNON BALL!!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_SJReYfMh2Q931tDae4z3qs3tiwtzunjy2SBjGJYoy2TX7isXWWx-ncTBkUru54ggsaQ6oz77NypmO2TtE4-n43Eti7hKMHLtoEbrxR_JiEhKKE5moQh8z6zxl_KrzK7s8TkXMWjrqU/s1600/DSC_6339.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_SJReYfMh2Q931tDae4z3qs3tiwtzunjy2SBjGJYoy2TX7isXWWx-ncTBkUru54ggsaQ6oz77NypmO2TtE4-n43Eti7hKMHLtoEbrxR_JiEhKKE5moQh8z6zxl_KrzK7s8TkXMWjrqU/s320/DSC_6339.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644188160739601154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>This little guy didn't sign up for snow. I thought cacti were supposed to be hot weather succulents!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGOe6nJ0GS2SRtRWyhyphenhyphenzjuacFyQXaoNRKr4mRu279i17pucs_WdiqiFO6BdCU_9hQSZSecS8J-rW-sNU5fXsn9QHskkNql1a7cTxn0kryPJIoFpdh4S2tQfSU6QfMj65a5JHDfrxQ7oU/s1600/DSC_6320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGOe6nJ0GS2SRtRWyhyphenhyphenzjuacFyQXaoNRKr4mRu279i17pucs_WdiqiFO6BdCU_9hQSZSecS8J-rW-sNU5fXsn9QHskkNql1a7cTxn0kryPJIoFpdh4S2tQfSU6QfMj65a5JHDfrxQ7oU/s320/DSC_6320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644189921840138322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The view down into the canyon at night.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHWQ4Z6aGbXeqTw8Viwh1kzv_fOmdRMGBWnc_oOYpUCWzssUkYkLeWEtHxgUkNcatWCoL9SsAJcdIRReEVkqnsTZQOC8KL2ixU29C7SvhMVlWDLbf1FmNyCmWfkY1sBsn6ksnnXNQaIo/s1600/DSC_5891.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHWQ4Z6aGbXeqTw8Viwh1kzv_fOmdRMGBWnc_oOYpUCWzssUkYkLeWEtHxgUkNcatWCoL9SsAJcdIRReEVkqnsTZQOC8KL2ixU29C7SvhMVlWDLbf1FmNyCmWfkY1sBsn6ksnnXNQaIo/s320/DSC_5891.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644189928907750338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>So that's about it! Not a huge tour, but not a huge place! </div><div>
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<br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-82157710847020895022011-07-05T08:38:00.000-07:002011-08-21T10:02:12.421-07:00Islas San Blas
<br /><b>Location</b>: Islas San Blas (Kuna Yala), Panama<div>
<br /></div><div><b>Rundown</b>: Spent a week on an archipelago of 365 tiny Caribbean islands off of Panama.</div><div>
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<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-ra94hT6J3s2F79XagLe-CC7m2K2ASQrbGAqyY_wi03CjZKyJ7Op8nbfZWWZj576Td0gt1blLFQRpjhNwXYekyp-repbkSMJVnar4JSVqu0Ygrkzwz4lxFIfIsMMB2K1rCTCw_mnbCMy/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-ra94hT6J3s2F79XagLe-CC7m2K2ASQrbGAqyY_wi03CjZKyJ7Op8nbfZWWZj576Td0gt1blLFQRpjhNwXYekyp-repbkSMJVnar4JSVqu0Ygrkzwz4lxFIfIsMMB2K1rCTCw_mnbCMy/s320/IMG_7605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643335323951211778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Took off in the early morning from a small airport in Panama city. Watched the sun come up over the city as we few bleary-eyed out.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs8Id0OU1NvYCb9_li6nYmVNKrUvWV1AF-1hnU8GBcKcnXtNWloqOGJsbVkWLGZ94Rzfjh5a7fjZ5C2nVrJqYaMJXjuKvRZVsYJ3wSHbE74DHxSeizdqOabYWlZMTHkVaM0il24kz8bCW/s1600/IMG_7267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs8Id0OU1NvYCb9_li6nYmVNKrUvWV1AF-1hnU8GBcKcnXtNWloqOGJsbVkWLGZ94Rzfjh5a7fjZ5C2nVrJqYaMJXjuKvRZVsYJ3wSHbE74DHxSeizdqOabYWlZMTHkVaM0il24kz8bCW/s320/IMG_7267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643335328169778066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSWsKyCjEUT8Hg2ZMcKqkGZJMfXQe9z06v4HEsmVs3IvS7Ii20nKKYndX3fVL0b72g4ckauWYkXfVqiPRpDElp6wd_-Y2pBzge2czBciLG7kkaNrWzu7mH-NiQKwUZAqy7UdeZMPpy0IN/s1600/IMG_7269.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSWsKyCjEUT8Hg2ZMcKqkGZJMfXQe9z06v4HEsmVs3IvS7Ii20nKKYndX3fVL0b72g4ckauWYkXfVqiPRpDElp6wd_-Y2pBzge2czBciLG7kkaNrWzu7mH-NiQKwUZAqy7UdeZMPpy0IN/s320/IMG_7269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643335329983937842" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Flew an hour over the Panama Canal to the Caribbean. The tiny islands of the Kuna Yala drifted in the current below us. The bright sand and palm trees ringed by blue-green coral reef.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BkUYo8A-8VAFxWC1PXGHANagABpY9rS7gtABlJu_1oFyu7uJjZW7PgCFogqZLenil-R-IMfFYLAhVZyP8sDEUo0CQRW2Cvkawk-HHvKBmcPvj8BIYvGxVcLIwoaaHQ3lJ8gEG8_8muBe/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BkUYo8A-8VAFxWC1PXGHANagABpY9rS7gtABlJu_1oFyu7uJjZW7PgCFogqZLenil-R-IMfFYLAhVZyP8sDEUo0CQRW2Cvkawk-HHvKBmcPvj8BIYvGxVcLIwoaaHQ3lJ8gEG8_8muBe/s320/IMG_7295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643335333671212674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Touched down on a tiny island and we immediately jumped off. Wrong island! The little prop-job serves like a bus! Made a few jumps, which were fun since you can see through the windscreen and watch the landings. Eventually made it to El Porvenir, one of the islands big enough to land a plane on. The plane touched down a few meters from one side of the island and bounced to a stop on the grass and broken concrete tarmac and turned around in the sand at the far end. I could hear Gramma saying, "I've OWNED planes bigger than this!"</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZtlK6Gggvqsy25dLEGdYf580V1yuNmOl8GTPeM9FlYouZt9stWeTz9WNo0wgf2wnzOMJMUS6PJAZew28s3A8JyYssGSZuzTLlL7gSQCUyqJS5DQe7902rSHRIlp1kvbJ8t7HL3hIUwus/s1600/IMG_7301.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZtlK6Gggvqsy25dLEGdYf580V1yuNmOl8GTPeM9FlYouZt9stWeTz9WNo0wgf2wnzOMJMUS6PJAZew28s3A8JyYssGSZuzTLlL7gSQCUyqJS5DQe7902rSHRIlp1kvbJ8t7HL3hIUwus/s320/IMG_7301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643335340651033394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Finagled a ride on a lancha out to our island, some twenty minutes away to our barely inhabited island. Jumped off in the shallows to the white sand and were met warmly by Iron's family who showed us to our little cabaña on the beach.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCmIli1TKHjJh472WqHChVrGEaaFIWgxlBJaUZAycTCDJnfdfbSSeguWjIZR0t6kVbZ0try-VOpTnTr_osgBQCffxXYdGmktcWeWRzUkWbOst5GEzxZEELh0lODkSy8UX-PoWYqMQ1Ao/s1600/DSC_0949.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCmIli1TKHjJh472WqHChVrGEaaFIWgxlBJaUZAycTCDJnfdfbSSeguWjIZR0t6kVbZ0try-VOpTnTr_osgBQCffxXYdGmktcWeWRzUkWbOst5GEzxZEELh0lODkSy8UX-PoWYqMQ1Ao/s320/DSC_0949.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643340436658519794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Not a bad view, and not too far from the beach. You didn't even need to worry about getting sand in the cabañas, because often the floors were sand too!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLjwOEQCwINax49CxMWywBFirVh1kzvs15CrP6By_fq_kj9NtMmRhCNQJyN28Iv-9MTVUzPVyGR-2zrIS4XKNCldEjE2hgBPfXa9WPOUF55QN9UOO6xlTLLisVdhKP_a7E7W3G1tCp58/s1600/DSC_0981.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLjwOEQCwINax49CxMWywBFirVh1kzvs15CrP6By_fq_kj9NtMmRhCNQJyN28Iv-9MTVUzPVyGR-2zrIS4XKNCldEjE2hgBPfXa9WPOUF55QN9UOO6xlTLLisVdhKP_a7E7W3G1tCp58/s320/DSC_0981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643342057876110114" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The island was smaller than a soccer field, with a small stand of palms, a few huts, and beach. A walk around the island took only five minutes</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L5J8hTZ4Gq9D2HYl3Q8qiZX9aK7D9KoaNRKBU84OSb2GmWFp0mJS09-ARbejdmnHypbp_QFI_GPzhRJy2q09KAkdcEyMlbSO7K8KlXGktxSNqGQhiiovB67YDTWD0n738Oh1dWiG5CE/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L5J8hTZ4Gq9D2HYl3Q8qiZX9aK7D9KoaNRKBU84OSb2GmWFp0mJS09-ARbejdmnHypbp_QFI_GPzhRJy2q09KAkdcEyMlbSO7K8KlXGktxSNqGQhiiovB67YDTWD0n738Oh1dWiG5CE/s320/DSC_1004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643341287920619794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>With nothing much to interest us on land we hit the water immediately!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLR1yyqGlrv68SeTOAs7BtNtyBYP6VkHlx683BTsnNpzK58Vx244Z-RO20MlBuV_bE2mLrSG7L370e5FXn6qB0DpApzEaQYn2lqr5wMC4eKesEGB7uB_CjAxKT41_9Ubh9NDaM6dRH8M/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLR1yyqGlrv68SeTOAs7BtNtyBYP6VkHlx683BTsnNpzK58Vx244Z-RO20MlBuV_bE2mLrSG7L370e5FXn6qB0DpApzEaQYn2lqr5wMC4eKesEGB7uB_CjAxKT41_9Ubh9NDaM6dRH8M/s320/DSC_0961.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643340442685721426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>We imported snorkel gear and were happy to have done so! The snorkeling was wonderful, right off the beach!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv9vCZOzwoPyl_1X9r1qBFGYBe2e2jZfpPwDjBqEk8jhqBuqznIHTZHYfPru3vG1v5jF7BD129_mVKJaZPImMocYjDQEcjh-PufuHWY5Q0x54p80-WVzYEHTtxUFbpa21eNa0Ajfw_zE/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv9vCZOzwoPyl_1X9r1qBFGYBe2e2jZfpPwDjBqEk8jhqBuqznIHTZHYfPru3vG1v5jF7BD129_mVKJaZPImMocYjDQEcjh-PufuHWY5Q0x54p80-WVzYEHTtxUFbpa21eNa0Ajfw_zE/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643342064340797666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>A few jellyfish to watch out for, but aside from that, nothing but warm, clear water, coral, and fish.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSiY4RTOBKFkB8uu3YSmmLPJa3czF-M_LIon7GvIfB-Y8KpkEb-ji_k8VbBbESctmYbZeYJ68Gqxxd-j7F1RTaiFyV6k2ipVjyjcKBHH1SXhaSxFxZgvLM680agVIIeajT8lM9J1k4Lk/s1600/DSC_0982.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSiY4RTOBKFkB8uu3YSmmLPJa3czF-M_LIon7GvIfB-Y8KpkEb-ji_k8VbBbESctmYbZeYJ68Gqxxd-j7F1RTaiFyV6k2ipVjyjcKBHH1SXhaSxFxZgvLM680agVIIeajT8lM9J1k4Lk/s320/DSC_0982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643341295517556546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>After surfing and diving in the Pacific with wetsuits it was a pleasure to be in warm water again!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2fICW6pV85vrQC1VShsFH3z1NZli5JGZc1BssKi7V6GEGV-HZLyOeqSZPG9IBunYfvJU7jfsfI2nG9X5HuIJakfF0mNutMDqi2hvRMfBKEif848nhKiNnxl8MkEbPAjiOH45bPYYW0k/s1600/IMG_7334.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2fICW6pV85vrQC1VShsFH3z1NZli5JGZc1BssKi7V6GEGV-HZLyOeqSZPG9IBunYfvJU7jfsfI2nG9X5HuIJakfF0mNutMDqi2hvRMfBKEif848nhKiNnxl8MkEbPAjiOH45bPYYW0k/s320/IMG_7334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643340445132385026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Finally dragged our water-logged bodies out of the sea... but only with the promise of seafood!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkH6ilhC5o_yo_sWkrSQxewlNFVhtfaezS4VNfyuhaHlejGC93RguAWJkjK2WOkrY0ELg9mE_aNMlPhU8WeI7mm3G1bV_hUJORzj9Jgex_non6rgr5pTTPuRoYCx4uw56HF94insBEWo/s1600/DSC_0976.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkH6ilhC5o_yo_sWkrSQxewlNFVhtfaezS4VNfyuhaHlejGC93RguAWJkjK2WOkrY0ELg9mE_aNMlPhU8WeI7mm3G1bV_hUJORzj9Jgex_non6rgr5pTTPuRoYCx4uw56HF94insBEWo/s320/DSC_0976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643346554055828690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Iron's family made us meals, is no running water or light, let alone restaurants on the island. Had lots of fish and lobster fresh from the sea!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlN07DbYtlcDfDPOklNXfT3LcPXmCoKWQCNEazNeTRNLlBtm8yRgmIv5buXn5CiGfVLIadnELVPMCL9JS6ALVrmTMkcYD-3lDjZvVDtb4V7CQxyNvKhB2PBtgzT5g8nCHtYAAFEfktq8/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlN07DbYtlcDfDPOklNXfT3LcPXmCoKWQCNEazNeTRNLlBtm8yRgmIv5buXn5CiGfVLIadnELVPMCL9JS6ALVrmTMkcYD-3lDjZvVDtb4V7CQxyNvKhB2PBtgzT5g8nCHtYAAFEfktq8/s320/IMG_7520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643343515805254402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thought of supplementing my diet with this little guy too...</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDWeQLBNd8gUeMdkfQvPkAjhjXcbiRTbPmkg2PIITsQyUQiJ13mEPOAxHPNFbjKON39w_1xw_TitJLwFB0Yo_INZrnfIQInNBLHXKvE_EppykT_Bz6Ig4lL2e-AZ0e2R4LXrsBx32H0M/s1600/IMG_7525.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDWeQLBNd8gUeMdkfQvPkAjhjXcbiRTbPmkg2PIITsQyUQiJ13mEPOAxHPNFbjKON39w_1xw_TitJLwFB0Yo_INZrnfIQInNBLHXKvE_EppykT_Bz6Ig4lL2e-AZ0e2R4LXrsBx32H0M/s320/IMG_7525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348986004221970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaypTuvtXNn0R2VdfnDiwJen6yk6hPnKXCYqwsztECeckm27zgMrRrrpM234R-9XfXzbzfkzgdr7va_b8ZkpwstZckEcOepMEPfvIGu9yXtQyI1v0p-vzyohaGOolubHFWxcXjb67H63U/s1600/IMG_7521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaypTuvtXNn0R2VdfnDiwJen6yk6hPnKXCYqwsztECeckm27zgMrRrrpM234R-9XfXzbzfkzgdr7va_b8ZkpwstZckEcOepMEPfvIGu9yXtQyI1v0p-vzyohaGOolubHFWxcXjb67H63U/s320/IMG_7521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643343529856716242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The evenings were pretty quiet. Read, walked on the beach, and listened to the sea.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LfozzON4zRw61dSHo6VRDaVTpaVWT9oy33fasNupYDqJW1xr2uVI1C4M347f30yla9Fnmq7uzLQetxMWxXpBZJNXRRuZmmxeuwPlPo5pf6YCyUOuKzI02EKat6D6ub48aNhNTN7NeeI/s1600/IMG_7538.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LfozzON4zRw61dSHo6VRDaVTpaVWT9oy33fasNupYDqJW1xr2uVI1C4M347f30yla9Fnmq7uzLQetxMWxXpBZJNXRRuZmmxeuwPlPo5pf6YCyUOuKzI02EKat6D6ub48aNhNTN7NeeI/s320/IMG_7538.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643343527364931938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>With no light pollution the stars were out in force. Out on the horizon you could occasionally see a light from another island, but rarely.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCZOvgrm5dxukRK1D82A743lG9CD0gDywrf2uWlCu6ezzMa5p3JpFjOoXiKeZNOImSv2yi6XIZR9hllKUI9dZBkqFkFo6UurTne_VA3aNC1Alz-3v7OLMdQnnDnA2HBDavxS0WhJSAbk/s1600/DSC_1074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCZOvgrm5dxukRK1D82A743lG9CD0gDywrf2uWlCu6ezzMa5p3JpFjOoXiKeZNOImSv2yi6XIZR9hllKUI9dZBkqFkFo6UurTne_VA3aNC1Alz-3v7OLMdQnnDnA2HBDavxS0WhJSAbk/s320/DSC_1074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643346568728517986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>One of the days I swam to a nearby island, only a half-mile away and spent an afternoon enjoying the solitude. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKqfBwp2pdVyX-zYc35eurbcbFacGxhjKEgyu3MCN5kXVLlvG2vQocVv2G2XX3A4RZcvLEOklylwTqT8F4B4aS2Jo7nyPwhtBmt60UrrNX1m76gD3W5-obgiCjDmeLXXJ7NaEPU7CN_g/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKqfBwp2pdVyX-zYc35eurbcbFacGxhjKEgyu3MCN5kXVLlvG2vQocVv2G2XX3A4RZcvLEOklylwTqT8F4B4aS2Jo7nyPwhtBmt60UrrNX1m76gD3W5-obgiCjDmeLXXJ7NaEPU7CN_g/s320/IMG_7485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348995218618706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Nothing but a stand of palms and a few birds. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83u3qks8vGy88sb8TINmBAQ9rqnIOYZb1ogf1xrUFBeLCLhVHzfU696-KLDh9SpqHurr9t1JbYo9N3y5Q_2R2H9SsCh56TEqNpfJYsb2Iyt2aPzuQRiyukkUyTtgPXFIZLTMuieKLlmw/s1600/IMG_7544.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83u3qks8vGy88sb8TINmBAQ9rqnIOYZb1ogf1xrUFBeLCLhVHzfU696-KLDh9SpqHurr9t1JbYo9N3y5Q_2R2H9SsCh56TEqNpfJYsb2Iyt2aPzuQRiyukkUyTtgPXFIZLTMuieKLlmw/s320/IMG_7544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643341285438800850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>A different day we took a lancha to visit Isla de Perro to do some snorkeling on a shallow wreck.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4kii9rDYwNPHl_iKF7AL-w5s3k0_sA_LmzzuPqWSViggPcHd4MHEiNJV3af3sE7C-fcRERTJNZ8_b0p-B0i0pqchIMDAwktfn2hXEjGe9zAc0kT7x7PnqsHaWtpHCXwUWP9Q06QVvLY/s1600/IMG_7428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4kii9rDYwNPHl_iKF7AL-w5s3k0_sA_LmzzuPqWSViggPcHd4MHEiNJV3af3sE7C-fcRERTJNZ8_b0p-B0i0pqchIMDAwktfn2hXEjGe9zAc0kT7x7PnqsHaWtpHCXwUWP9Q06QVvLY/s320/IMG_7428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643353135749465394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Loads of great corals and fish at the site!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kQcG8LSf-_ieud4wPyb0vjClVhFs0WBOwcNH1Aoe3Nzh8e1WyF6BtpHX6WMJ79nQjfdtWWfG2LS5kFoGXtpK0F2SWrEt9d_3ms2TbhOObmLHYVCy4f0lERKkgIRXUMEHoUvA28mE_yM/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kQcG8LSf-_ieud4wPyb0vjClVhFs0WBOwcNH1Aoe3Nzh8e1WyF6BtpHX6WMJ79nQjfdtWWfG2LS5kFoGXtpK0F2SWrEt9d_3ms2TbhOObmLHYVCy4f0lERKkgIRXUMEHoUvA28mE_yM/s320/IMG_7318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643353123197171778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO0SjiwQK2GYO02Uf1m6Ddd3dtTW3Z1xgFPW2DD8wrA5kwRud0S5OWHNmsnbaP_o_5hpPMk4l8WAX8mOYT8cEY9AEJdLsoWxhww49RIZ2c7Kpqq0io5FG41m7MfjTDzB8av7I_TEXctI/s1600/IMG_7423.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO0SjiwQK2GYO02Uf1m6Ddd3dtTW3Z1xgFPW2DD8wrA5kwRud0S5OWHNmsnbaP_o_5hpPMk4l8WAX8mOYT8cEY9AEJdLsoWxhww49RIZ2c7Kpqq0io5FG41m7MfjTDzB8av7I_TEXctI/s320/IMG_7423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348989917442834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Taking the lanchas for a spin was an event in itself as we zipped past islands that you'd see in cartoon, with only a tiny patch of trees.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9RXLXvo__xa2_sGlBLLiaQcL4kdQ3HVbC-XRrPo-Ben1a5xzxoIESTWBUbmcTlvWsQXkZ35mqTveFDhsAHYoEAcLu93-id7y4GN3_tEmBZcPotVXdMSYPPTN-T7ruj8Gb0UgITwv9X4/s1600/IMG_7601.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9RXLXvo__xa2_sGlBLLiaQcL4kdQ3HVbC-XRrPo-Ben1a5xzxoIESTWBUbmcTlvWsQXkZ35mqTveFDhsAHYoEAcLu93-id7y4GN3_tEmBZcPotVXdMSYPPTN-T7ruj8Gb0UgITwv9X4/s320/IMG_7601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643350519748943858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Kuna are the people who live a very traditional lifestyle in this region, Kuna Yala, now known as Islas San Blas. They dress and eat traditionally, and speak Kuna, the native dialect. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigguxC-xgwiq0N41h2BbDwnPqe5F1CBqnDcc52HeyNmjWgzyAmFF8xRdRtDvp0F3PIjQ5tU2I4ZmbJZNHDrk_CkLDZXpuZ6iHPpHF6Ckzk4gca1ix1JwtW5ll4O5KgjlQu5Zgi1Yh7ZMA/s1600/DSC_1118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigguxC-xgwiq0N41h2BbDwnPqe5F1CBqnDcc52HeyNmjWgzyAmFF8xRdRtDvp0F3PIjQ5tU2I4ZmbJZNHDrk_CkLDZXpuZ6iHPpHF6Ckzk4gca1ix1JwtW5ll4O5KgjlQu5Zgi1Yh7ZMA/s320/DSC_1118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348170912907682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Some of the Kuna people use motors on their boats, but others use traditional 'ulus' or dugout canoes to fish and transport themselves from island to island.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9YVisNyAHttHwIJl6FKaTPr45JtmfYy2RxeA0jgLvu9kDRyIRxVsg2iMO7aJ9ZrFaFcW1bkd8onX-O4sWZzE-ORHlCOxgC58SL36tWYDaZo1C-qw0V71fByGa1gOs3AXteMSUdJF62A/s1600/DSC_1089.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9YVisNyAHttHwIJl6FKaTPr45JtmfYy2RxeA0jgLvu9kDRyIRxVsg2iMO7aJ9ZrFaFcW1bkd8onX-O4sWZzE-ORHlCOxgC58SL36tWYDaZo1C-qw0V71fByGa1gOs3AXteMSUdJF62A/s320/DSC_1089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643343519808303122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Kuna women make these intricate, hand-made quilt pieces called molas. They use them in their traditional garb, typically one large section for the front of their dresses and one for the back. Each mola takes them a few weeks to a month. We bought a few from them to bring home!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexlfOrs6zHoqj-gV1uOp8JbOnnb4EUmFVSM-ZR9wyq8HcQRSf_16wkkD9Pg1Sn_HBoEG0U3L4GZ48aNzeUR4rCUIfH6Nd2zNbvDqqpOyj4hbGSy0XSmSPMZO0u3KirtL5Es0ijYPgARk/s1600/DSC_1103.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexlfOrs6zHoqj-gV1uOp8JbOnnb4EUmFVSM-ZR9wyq8HcQRSf_16wkkD9Pg1Sn_HBoEG0U3L4GZ48aNzeUR4rCUIfH6Nd2zNbvDqqpOyj4hbGSy0XSmSPMZO0u3KirtL5Es0ijYPgARk/s320/DSC_1103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348177561160786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>We had the good fortune to be on the islands the day of a great festival, a coming of age celebration. Our host, Iron, invited us to the celebration on a different island and we acquiesced.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KaRiEqc66RIhyphenhyphen-Ph1FH5uvxYWJIyCGan97tS-W73ewuK6U5xolVi4zKZkcUUymnYkKkxORYresW_MFyaj5w7e41Eu_Gg2y_bBuvxnnxDC-amHhG2RkLDGyNSXILEu0QLDLSzR-WUGEo/s1600/IMG_7496.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KaRiEqc66RIhyphenhyphen-Ph1FH5uvxYWJIyCGan97tS-W73ewuK6U5xolVi4zKZkcUUymnYkKkxORYresW_MFyaj5w7e41Eu_Gg2y_bBuvxnnxDC-amHhG2RkLDGyNSXILEu0QLDLSzR-WUGEo/s320/IMG_7496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643350512455998786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS2ler4G572aEmLJaim-QCq9pApRDOnon8LlXMzJYBa90b0DY5F1SmKKmiAJtyE1g_MHP4E1Jg-EyujrD76G0molYIXS6kcCX9cLWqSSfrUtUlCSXVZjevnCG-qPMqK6apgo3Ivx398I/s1600/IMG_7498.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS2ler4G572aEmLJaim-QCq9pApRDOnon8LlXMzJYBa90b0DY5F1SmKKmiAJtyE1g_MHP4E1Jg-EyujrD76G0molYIXS6kcCX9cLWqSSfrUtUlCSXVZjevnCG-qPMqK6apgo3Ivx398I/s320/IMG_7498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354492202256098" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The tiny island was heavily populated by the social Kunas. Sand streets and thatched houses were all that occupied the little fishing village.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGxTjmdufn1hNpimMffxZZURJ368VRs69MxxJTx8PvP8Ua3ZfcPJBwtDK-VYhRoInwzf1idNAOR3zCnetmalgNXR0cGFKVfRaFuWs5gqeGm_iIOQ4iDCUXE8Wou34ugGhBHh21v3PpuE/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGxTjmdufn1hNpimMffxZZURJ368VRs69MxxJTx8PvP8Ua3ZfcPJBwtDK-VYhRoInwzf1idNAOR3zCnetmalgNXR0cGFKVfRaFuWs5gqeGm_iIOQ4iDCUXE8Wou34ugGhBHh21v3PpuE/s320/IMG_7499.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643350518320707154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Surprisingly, we were somewhat of a novelty on the island, and attracted a lot of attention from the local kids. I tried to teach them how to hand whistle, which was pretty hilarious.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_UXhSnLDo-OC4dDM0sSPg2uTtmzsfPyVqgIb6uer0Ko2XTG1hHkt0ImyX_Pr0J1D-Pdp9h_zsXz8zafg44og2Vz05jUVfZmGfj8WLiOF2E1KS03Lv4eYgeQ-8Uh6XJ5kBO1AqCVwWWI/s1600/IMG_7512.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_UXhSnLDo-OC4dDM0sSPg2uTtmzsfPyVqgIb6uer0Ko2XTG1hHkt0ImyX_Pr0J1D-Pdp9h_zsXz8zafg44og2Vz05jUVfZmGfj8WLiOF2E1KS03Lv4eYgeQ-8Uh6XJ5kBO1AqCVwWWI/s320/IMG_7512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643346558515439698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>This little guy escorted me all the way to the huge festivities hut. We couldn't take pictures inside, but all the men were in one huge hut, and all the women were in another. They had been brewing chicha, cane sugar and coffee, left to ferment in terra-cotta pots for two weeks, which was quaffed out of coconut bowls. Everyone smoked and the visibility in the huts was only a few feet. The chica wasn't too bad either!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8u2BuRDDG0BKo1sgzeMxhQHsSWW2ncK3F2XUZnSCtdn7P0fiji2hm3Fgo3djuPwGj7xBpPJAeTmmDlkI24P3rKZxfMmX2f9EQao3NyCrwGHG8micTFznIX1v6IfJGphuagEbQPgmdqU/s1600/IMG_7516.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8u2BuRDDG0BKo1sgzeMxhQHsSWW2ncK3F2XUZnSCtdn7P0fiji2hm3Fgo3djuPwGj7xBpPJAeTmmDlkI24P3rKZxfMmX2f9EQao3NyCrwGHG8micTFznIX1v6IfJGphuagEbQPgmdqU/s320/IMG_7516.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348164007658658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Early the next morning yet again took a lancha back to El Porvenir, leaving in the dark and cruising over the glassy Caribbean while the sun came up pink and orange on the horizon. Pretty fantastic place.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99VsmtsYDwj8sqHfPRKMpB3yD6cLOb4vchF0TeMh2hah0BKcHFBqKwRbsZNOahBdf7vckf0QBHkJVpYQmk_xvGvcwa542nidop0xcmxmqP4HC72-XmkC8vumRHDlspkjJ5nr864CcNPk/s1600/IMG_7566.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99VsmtsYDwj8sqHfPRKMpB3yD6cLOb4vchF0TeMh2hah0BKcHFBqKwRbsZNOahBdf7vckf0QBHkJVpYQmk_xvGvcwa542nidop0xcmxmqP4HC72-XmkC8vumRHDlspkjJ5nr864CcNPk/s320/IMG_7566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643353794813187858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Ciao Kuna Yala!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrul4mV8tdoWTsRFNX5DX7mOngGTV-11cawj5xSJI3g8EJG_Ytl5wG-1lo9Rt310bSbL1au7_p_aFyuF8R_L6P92qWPYpOULRNTVRyCHLFzpp2lWohrE02Eg7ssVM4r3SHrgghsVn3-qQ/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrul4mV8tdoWTsRFNX5DX7mOngGTV-11cawj5xSJI3g8EJG_Ytl5wG-1lo9Rt310bSbL1au7_p_aFyuF8R_L6P92qWPYpOULRNTVRyCHLFzpp2lWohrE02Eg7ssVM4r3SHrgghsVn3-qQ/s320/IMG_7588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354486980767810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4tAA00xBEuNJTXK_7x-8g2N27gJ97soJwiXxGyZ69HebMFmih6rAguGvefDztkqUJICZWFHbXTtnetGwobUm2yIRyiCIz_0lvnQBB-S25lRbSaqsx85tFis7YypsAJ2QVcEAC2wWAcY/s1600/IMG_7600.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4tAA00xBEuNJTXK_7x-8g2N27gJ97soJwiXxGyZ69HebMFmih6rAguGvefDztkqUJICZWFHbXTtnetGwobUm2yIRyiCIz_0lvnQBB-S25lRbSaqsx85tFis7YypsAJ2QVcEAC2wWAcY/s320/IMG_7600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643353802394049650" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965063793160804679.post-23706940882959182392011-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:002011-08-21T10:07:01.291-07:00Panama
<br /><b>Location:</b> Panama City, Panama
<br /><p class="mobile-photo"><b>Rundown:</b> Spent some time in Panama soaking up the Caribbean heat, humidity, culture, and rumba!</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-EBYBaJTF2B0MhP58dPEwVtx3abWg2HTpfElUFWpNXQcXQKyKQX_xHfljUEH8klzeV9AvXrqz9ge5x1Y-K-XI4kO9WHdK_P_fazx3dsfz7uf0mrpW84RCjt0zJx_TMM9WDCleW4D6Cbd/s1600/IMG_7230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-EBYBaJTF2B0MhP58dPEwVtx3abWg2HTpfElUFWpNXQcXQKyKQX_xHfljUEH8klzeV9AvXrqz9ge5x1Y-K-XI4kO9WHdK_P_fazx3dsfz7uf0mrpW84RCjt0zJx_TMM9WDCleW4D6Cbd/s320/IMG_7230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636759551204960930" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Flew into Panama City from Ecuador. The sticky, humid air wrapped itself around us like a old, moist friend. Brought me right back to my time in Cartagena. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApgled23DygagGbw66hsN33gtHTBowN_lx1wTqF32QNyCEs7gGjlrX22BXBV1I7ioNnDx4QcJ1SwRn-lqYW4Yn-gutPA_KyUeOe8cueH0Cw-peJGzFN1a5JZjL2OZQsNYxrq7xEHJ5lIC/s1600/DSC_0793.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApgled23DygagGbw66hsN33gtHTBowN_lx1wTqF32QNyCEs7gGjlrX22BXBV1I7ioNnDx4QcJ1SwRn-lqYW4Yn-gutPA_KyUeOe8cueH0Cw-peJGzFN1a5JZjL2OZQsNYxrq7xEHJ5lIC/s320/DSC_0793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636759560079133138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Panama City also reminded me of Cartagena in its architecture, if not its upkeep thereof. Say, Cartagena thirty years ago. Some of the buildings are well kept, and others are in severe disrepair. Sketchy looking balconies and metal reinforcement protruding into the streets. Made for an interesting ambiance.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4sm7MSo31MoCZtDWwPmQ_2tdWHiFECq-oIvXmOD6ZVQQctco_AVf-4y4V37wYa_VGNemgNbLd6c61-qwJRoeEDcwUrpH5FSZZ3oCopPqlAJMYhvghPXoR2RsBtGIAfQZ9iOHIyxKiNdJ/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4sm7MSo31MoCZtDWwPmQ_2tdWHiFECq-oIvXmOD6ZVQQctco_AVf-4y4V37wYa_VGNemgNbLd6c61-qwJRoeEDcwUrpH5FSZZ3oCopPqlAJMYhvghPXoR2RsBtGIAfQZ9iOHIyxKiNdJ/s320/DSC_0560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643302122521129058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Casco Viejo, the old city center, used to be the well-to-do part of the city, which eventually became run down. The wealthy left to build where the skyscrapers are now, but slowly Casco Viejo is becoming re-gentrified.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaazG0LPKrAVfc8jfFr3_6WuGfI2_HxEQRAwvzOq92pBA0Fl5VcGgtxTdCwnNGvI4ztmdgb4xoMKIgOsy7ZgrCR9PxsgoDXcqwhsz7a2HzNuEjOaWnC4we2nGVDF429r6QjXUX1l-GQl1/s1600/DSC_0562.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaazG0LPKrAVfc8jfFr3_6WuGfI2_HxEQRAwvzOq92pBA0Fl5VcGgtxTdCwnNGvI4ztmdgb4xoMKIgOsy7ZgrCR9PxsgoDXcqwhsz7a2HzNuEjOaWnC4we2nGVDF429r6QjXUX1l-GQl1/s320/DSC_0562.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643302130100191858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Some buildings were so neglected that the jungle had retaken them. Entire trees jutting from the ground out through where the roof once was, and giant fern fronds poking out through empty door frames.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0I9KJVU2rooOjRNstWFVcmxp0itHK9NDETvHmGEavfjqSEwjZTtOo9QFZDORwLzwbPriWKmiLwOV8lzBJmnQUrK2Gu3XJxgh_gSw8rVWwnCk8fgGWbGjiEYkN6Pk2_70Pmy4gxBRZ6cB/s1600/IMG_7047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0I9KJVU2rooOjRNstWFVcmxp0itHK9NDETvHmGEavfjqSEwjZTtOo9QFZDORwLzwbPriWKmiLwOV8lzBJmnQUrK2Gu3XJxgh_gSw8rVWwnCk8fgGWbGjiEYkN6Pk2_70Pmy4gxBRZ6cB/s320/IMG_7047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643302139284792514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Some interesting church ruins as well in the city.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGmu6o93HU4FitxY96CnVWuTFi8jiX_gllTZATbRBuTeaqUmfopjKT6EfBFM8pFOVxxCBqke3brdWQ2_SsrvabUKhk2ol3RkUGggINCFY589DOeTUH9hy-_qOHuZN-LumtvSkRsh5nM93/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGmu6o93HU4FitxY96CnVWuTFi8jiX_gllTZATbRBuTeaqUmfopjKT6EfBFM8pFOVxxCBqke3brdWQ2_SsrvabUKhk2ol3RkUGggINCFY589DOeTUH9hy-_qOHuZN-LumtvSkRsh5nM93/s320/IMG_7037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636759573127652146" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Spent a few hot afternoons in the shade pouring coolant into our systems. Fun to be back in the Caribbean heat and humidity and have super watery beer taste pretty good.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVYjagV5_qY0Q4beJIhiYAgmh5NBT8IrU3_7pZTgIEB7dUB2XLXWVCcTIhTWJPYjYIJyJ-0AWqVD87PUe7qhWoWWPpzAuSuDAMwtSlu8_8kCZ43j31bp0lNp0sXru4HkraWx3TFVYNC5X/s1600/DSC_0591.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVYjagV5_qY0Q4beJIhiYAgmh5NBT8IrU3_7pZTgIEB7dUB2XLXWVCcTIhTWJPYjYIJyJ-0AWqVD87PUe7qhWoWWPpzAuSuDAMwtSlu8_8kCZ43j31bp0lNp0sXru4HkraWx3TFVYNC5X/s320/DSC_0591.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643302133424766722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">In the evenings we would go out on the town, often run into live salsa music in the little bars. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsMI8uiaAA99fSpkUQzxhsDuGOIQ3ZEtByjfY09vBKAQQSB2t42S25QfwXi39U9n1QEDKr-MMagd9TZiGZ4oJDRXVHzymnaC11IZjAO-AH9tveYCP7-Q1u84oWhn8uQJ1XEHzQTI9Uf5l/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsMI8uiaAA99fSpkUQzxhsDuGOIQ3ZEtByjfY09vBKAQQSB2t42S25QfwXi39U9n1QEDKr-MMagd9TZiGZ4oJDRXVHzymnaC11IZjAO-AH9tveYCP7-Q1u84oWhn8uQJ1XEHzQTI9Uf5l/s320/IMG_7115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643302143163038722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">One of the nights we were there the city held a music festival! All the plazas were filled with bands playing an assortment of music and tons of dancing people. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H7nuemmYMlh5kL3y4DsAkOpyC5HvhCkySptKnGkkHzfLicv0s1zFb-kR_Dh2u3-tMGVltrJfH-GbwqIVLlhWcVNuNBnpBItA9I-bJjAAbXtZfkBxKGHtIGN6LObgFH5OTr4C1o9NTgvU/s1600/IMG_7137.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H7nuemmYMlh5kL3y4DsAkOpyC5HvhCkySptKnGkkHzfLicv0s1zFb-kR_Dh2u3-tMGVltrJfH-GbwqIVLlhWcVNuNBnpBItA9I-bJjAAbXtZfkBxKGHtIGN6LObgFH5OTr4C1o9NTgvU/s320/IMG_7137.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643308922934060242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Even some of the old church ruins were filled with music. Even a little rain didn't thwart the Caribbean dance party. Who can stop dancing?</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxtw7fNSRlYY-vN2_Rrk-msUGLIhKntVzEyKo7qDmK9PWLkmycUGwuBiiNuW5KZ_ZcsxbkiJAv2V9I80_yO6dmzpX6vyadFbSWBm0lLidwvb3L9WkmHo4E0cRe2sSaDcfbivPz347SZhk/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxtw7fNSRlYY-vN2_Rrk-msUGLIhKntVzEyKo7qDmK9PWLkmycUGwuBiiNuW5KZ_ZcsxbkiJAv2V9I80_yO6dmzpX6vyadFbSWBm0lLidwvb3L9WkmHo4E0cRe2sSaDcfbivPz347SZhk/s320/IMG_7132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643311924689370242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">
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<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">PANAMA CANAL</p><p class="mobile-photo">Spent a day on the Panama Canal, one of the greatest man-made construction projects in human history. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-X67445xil8oYHrZJaZd35GWDOWQHiv6hNPuk976z2MKDD5aCA2loEMsB88Pw5_DpaulJ-ksAPTjf4bOTywDJgeZYh7dUi1fjTNZ_FRPluCnz3uGDZy7FoYjvEqfEn5mT3K7lwGPqTg/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-X67445xil8oYHrZJaZd35GWDOWQHiv6hNPuk976z2MKDD5aCA2loEMsB88Pw5_DpaulJ-ksAPTjf4bOTywDJgeZYh7dUi1fjTNZ_FRPluCnz3uGDZy7FoYjvEqfEn5mT3K7lwGPqTg/s320/IMG_7626.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643356142470015986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">The Miraflores locks are a popular spot to watch the boats come and go, so we spent an afternoon doing just that.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhDsMZuFa9dGT8_MjyGOblDRB44obuYX2_GDEmTxTYQDXthG_mUSBIHu88mQKrRZ_Qhg1NOo61-yr3I17W0Eswi0HNe3pXbwtQjOpoUj6yhxcNbKz94xptSnJK1aBFdGD7194WYoiq2TK/s1600/DSC_0665.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhDsMZuFa9dGT8_MjyGOblDRB44obuYX2_GDEmTxTYQDXthG_mUSBIHu88mQKrRZ_Qhg1NOo61-yr3I17W0Eswi0HNe3pXbwtQjOpoUj6yhxcNbKz94xptSnJK1aBFdGD7194WYoiq2TK/s320/DSC_0665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643307640285397490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">The tolls range from $50,000 to $200,000 USD for the big freighters to pass one way through the Panama Canal. The boats are not maneuverable in the canal and rely on tug boats through the canal, and locomotives through the locks to move.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw9084nNJUgZ6JCVP4PMbnv0KFZATzHTGjNX73z5uiF2Xxp7g0zQLazlovbecObXeFsYta6L78D7ftQVNw14zOjCQiBytF0r7j8wzjkbxJYaJIK1adpZhquW3yUDfzL9hZxV8BEK64gIY/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw9084nNJUgZ6JCVP4PMbnv0KFZATzHTGjNX73z5uiF2Xxp7g0zQLazlovbecObXeFsYta6L78D7ftQVNw14zOjCQiBytF0r7j8wzjkbxJYaJIK1adpZhquW3yUDfzL9hZxV8BEK64gIY/s320/DSC_0751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643307633471866898" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIOulvmIn5bReVkYecackh3e461AgmxRCFPjLjjn7ZyaQu81ZaeZw43yIMN_pEcBf1leIm6Ewnc0a3spe-TYN_C7vhofzUxnTqsvYrOF8O9XOXomv_0lVamXexNv9_jdEUoS722VbO4hd/s1600/DSC_0758.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIOulvmIn5bReVkYecackh3e461AgmxRCFPjLjjn7ZyaQu81ZaeZw43yIMN_pEcBf1leIm6Ewnc0a3spe-TYN_C7vhofzUxnTqsvYrOF8O9XOXomv_0lVamXexNv9_jdEUoS722VbO4hd/s320/DSC_0758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643307636626561890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">In the space of a few minutes the boats are raised or lowered by water alone. The rainy climate makes the area perfect for the locks, as all of the water is gravity fed from the higher elevation Lake Gatun. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbcc9C1NWIroJG2ENUm1vHyirVzth7u-GvqA2tNVJdKbPjNfyOjxFfRjkII5IR6Z-0MII0OovNED5I2BG23gS0LPH0sdSR2n-g9BkEeOf2d6R2qco-PPvEESwiX54cIZE9cj_tbSCU5yG/s1600/IMG_7058.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbcc9C1NWIroJG2ENUm1vHyirVzth7u-GvqA2tNVJdKbPjNfyOjxFfRjkII5IR6Z-0MII0OovNED5I2BG23gS0LPH0sdSR2n-g9BkEeOf2d6R2qco-PPvEESwiX54cIZE9cj_tbSCU5yG/s320/IMG_7058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643308915969930978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">
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<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">PANAMA VIEJO</p><p class="mobile-photo">Visited Panama Viejo, the original settlement of Panama City, just a few minutes out of town. The city had been attacked by pirates (the English) a few times and was eventually burned to the ground and relocated to where Casco Antiguo stands now.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn1i_jnQNxTTJCOIuigNSxo7MmrloCJYfYCyauF9q8hwhGECMPkU1_vMguiH6-dxaYGRaPje-N_KAxMr2DKtUxbij2d5cgX-T7222rCXeyAUlKvJkW3fvrAgt3HG7MB525lg5crUHfPR3/s1600/DSC_0874.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn1i_jnQNxTTJCOIuigNSxo7MmrloCJYfYCyauF9q8hwhGECMPkU1_vMguiH6-dxaYGRaPje-N_KAxMr2DKtUxbij2d5cgX-T7222rCXeyAUlKvJkW3fvrAgt3HG7MB525lg5crUHfPR3/s320/DSC_0874.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643306930330058066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Spent a hot afternoon exploring the ruins of the old 15th century town. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLjRu8ssXIcN0FCu0mpMb-4Duv8LPnBBM7Pn7ZASdCQXlRebBtwgDcxQb5HHwEBWdT7tqzvsJLntKS8ev8ZONJYYSP4MUb-cVnXfg5rAipCJ1Kd1GU9iMr6aE-_Hh6dEKI9gWlfTCxihN/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLjRu8ssXIcN0FCu0mpMb-4Duv8LPnBBM7Pn7ZASdCQXlRebBtwgDcxQb5HHwEBWdT7tqzvsJLntKS8ev8ZONJYYSP4MUb-cVnXfg5rAipCJ1Kd1GU9iMr6aE-_Hh6dEKI9gWlfTCxihN/s320/DSC_0867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643306935128210818" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltHNUVd9pKll0B-eGIJDFNplSqmak3M1UNe7-h2jbu3rH8HcJhoVMLgLF1r8_7Wy7HRnaQIeKevUElbp3paaBFxhRd3dwHLkWPvSNBMMJz4r_VUndcqru4HaYXROQnKtNflDtaKf8dM4/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltHNUVd9pKll0B-eGIJDFNplSqmak3M1UNe7-h2jbu3rH8HcJhoVMLgLF1r8_7Wy7HRnaQIeKevUElbp3paaBFxhRd3dwHLkWPvSNBMMJz4r_VUndcqru4HaYXROQnKtNflDtaKf8dM4/s320/DSC_0826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643356149706608610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">
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<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">PARQUE METROPOLITANA and SOBERANIA</p><p class="mobile-photo">Got our fill of city-slickering and decided to get some mud in our boot treads. Spent a couple days exploring some of the national parks just outside of Panama City. Parque Metropolitana, as it sounds, isn't even out of the city, and yet is a full out rainforest! In the few spots where there are breaks in the great trees, you can see the city!</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWMOyu8lompnHZjiRJBL45Eo7aIFcA0md-HbaIHHX3QAeTxmJMRJyGBCcqqPzH8KXsMhHo26WOSrc4Xl8tPDZMYaGoHExSMrYE6cPaiEhtvhng5m2xphSIa06RtNwdWBjPKPJ5Lfu-8gN/s1600/IMG_7204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWMOyu8lompnHZjiRJBL45Eo7aIFcA0md-HbaIHHX3QAeTxmJMRJyGBCcqqPzH8KXsMhHo26WOSrc4Xl8tPDZMYaGoHExSMrYE6cPaiEhtvhng5m2xphSIa06RtNwdWBjPKPJ5Lfu-8gN/s320/IMG_7204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643310453793514082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Parque Soberania is farther out, and more difficult to get to, but both have lush jungle, great bird life, and interesting animals. </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTPOTlYHgl5zpQQw0sUedrNImdxyZl6HFHo182ZxDclXwfle_M4w_g4Q8gr7BptztASuifzvUQgREhBYdgB9K6L-Gun7deiz0UFw5lgzQAHUf2XMn5y5URGandVtKAfEyod8icaRGq7ui/s1600/DSC_0938.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTPOTlYHgl5zpQQw0sUedrNImdxyZl6HFHo182ZxDclXwfle_M4w_g4Q8gr7BptztASuifzvUQgREhBYdgB9K6L-Gun7deiz0UFw5lgzQAHUf2XMn5y5URGandVtKAfEyod8icaRGq7ui/s320/DSC_0938.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643310447247620338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Loved the wild birds of paradise and other tropical flowers that are grown fussily in northern Michigan greenhouses roaming free in the jungles.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXquzytKverlDlx0KA5MsMaKaCWsNR_uf8IG366L1ZXZzbZSg1mqLUIya-0yghyphenhyphenDtQzY3iSDEzZwACJ9PwDUUFPpicTMT3gccwJZoSHqCvY_XakM9nt1SSZ1c6HUxat2jHFv-M72wVsB97/s1600/IMG_7171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXquzytKverlDlx0KA5MsMaKaCWsNR_uf8IG366L1ZXZzbZSg1mqLUIya-0yghyphenhyphenDtQzY3iSDEzZwACJ9PwDUUFPpicTMT3gccwJZoSHqCvY_XakM9nt1SSZ1c6HUxat2jHFv-M72wVsB97/s320/IMG_7171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643311917794197330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">Hiked in both parks for several hours soaking in the tropical heat.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGVaCmQybKkiaj0nq9DoaXEE4nB0qEqdXmnfMNVEaAkXUdIw0K-xVQEGgON6W8NyWDSRk88OLtQFuXdhwGENRlE5B44blYFyQkSMWC5tn9cMmbVlkjTISryiKLJ44BK9YjepcpBRCSdhl/s1600/IMG_7153.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGVaCmQybKkiaj0nq9DoaXEE4nB0qEqdXmnfMNVEaAkXUdIw0K-xVQEGgON6W8NyWDSRk88OLtQFuXdhwGENRlE5B44blYFyQkSMWC5tn9cMmbVlkjTISryiKLJ44BK9YjepcpBRCSdhl/s320/IMG_7153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643311913674609586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">This type of tree called the 'barrigon' means big belly due to its swollen lower section. I thought the name was pretty cleaver.</p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1ngwcGlzZnUYiDJAWJBVYlr480Izlx0uYxaRt2ghMKNVAaj2g1IJ1zsoqisUeeBvMuFdeHr925qUpNq0EB1wP-MwqwK9fh0y1rSRyBvi60Yk7IQ-HZ5lmiqTAzJPXcwn1cLuT2IBHxKx/s1600/IMG_7175.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1ngwcGlzZnUYiDJAWJBVYlr480Izlx0uYxaRt2ghMKNVAaj2g1IJ1zsoqisUeeBvMuFdeHr925qUpNq0EB1wP-MwqwK9fh0y1rSRyBvi60Yk7IQ-HZ5lmiqTAzJPXcwn1cLuT2IBHxKx/s320/IMG_7175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643310440201550946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">
<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">And that was it! Headed off after a few days in Panama City and its surroundings to las Islas San Blas! </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseeQNNzjq3Mg8JJIw9ByeH45NBQ2HFeKWeHdzZVeqyRIsZgwA_Z8hSH6AbZG9wkeW1cGgG6FzDR95pGPPma_WiBYiGKzKM-wJWDVQTQuqVuqFSvbwTgF-K-reuszrV19MeDbsjykdPxEB/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseeQNNzjq3Mg8JJIw9ByeH45NBQ2HFeKWeHdzZVeqyRIsZgwA_Z8hSH6AbZG9wkeW1cGgG6FzDR95pGPPma_WiBYiGKzKM-wJWDVQTQuqVuqFSvbwTgF-K-reuszrV19MeDbsjykdPxEB/s320/DSC_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643311931633604802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">
<br /></p>Pete G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04569162288858310651noreply@blogger.com0