tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44999127375260467082024-02-20T00:16:46.716+01:00Neverlost-EverlostTravel as teacherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-19571078163866587372016-09-26T11:55:00.000+02:002016-09-26T11:55:09.385+02:00Hong Kong arrival<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I left Paris at 11:30 Saturday night and arrived in Hong Kong Sunday at 6pm. I managed to sleep the last 20 minutes of the 12 hour flight - not exactly the best use of my flight time. Also it is weird when you lose almost a day in a plane. But the HK airport is very welcome - modern, clean and bright. All signs are in both English and Chinese so it was easy to make my way to Immigration.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The immigration officer was not at all smiley but he was efficient. In fact all lines moved quickly.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My baggage arrived promptly and the taxi signs showed me where to catch the red taxi for urban destinations - so far so good!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Stepping out of the airport I was surprised to see it was already dark. In Paris it stays light until at least 9 even now so having already lost the day I was quickly thrust into evening mode.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">No wait for the taxi. Of interest my driver had 4 different Samsung phones attached to his dashboard. Each seemed to have only one purpose. Made me wonder if men's phones also struggle with multitasking. Maybe phones are cheap here?</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUouBhde_jo1JSbcxTqvi7W0WdhwC0WE_XuMhv9RBKpPYnDFSQb4A1U3xIuMYjKB96FNd7D3IY-U0sCwH2-ywPYwUaRZJ0eV3QUKG2Z040R5-hfpfj5qLlnuVcTm9lY5_oHsNb2ybu9gk/s1600/2016-09-26+17.50.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUouBhde_jo1JSbcxTqvi7W0WdhwC0WE_XuMhv9RBKpPYnDFSQb4A1U3xIuMYjKB96FNd7D3IY-U0sCwH2-ywPYwUaRZJ0eV3QUKG2Z040R5-hfpfj5qLlnuVcTm9lY5_oHsNb2ybu9gk/s320/2016-09-26+17.50.37.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The urban view sucks if you are on the 17th floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="s1">Checked into a lovely room at East Hong Kong and proceeded to put my things away. </span>The suitcase I bought yesterday has a 3 point locking system, one of which stubbornly refused to open. After trying everything in my repertoire I called the front desk. A very lovely young lady offered to send an engineer who might be able to help. She advised me that he might need to break it to open it, and asked "would I be happy with that". I managed to communicate that I would not be at all happy but it was the best offer I had heard so far.</div>
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<span class="s1">A team of 3 engineers arrived and drilled through the lock in no time. Imagine the look on my face when the revealed contents bore no resemblance to my affairs! Yes the suitcase was identical to mine,. Yes it had a priority tag just like mine. No it was not mine. What to do? First to the mall next door to find essentials in case my suitcase remained out of my reach for the night. The mall had pretty much everything I needed, including a skating rink in case I missed Canada too much!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CqMu8KY1SyBLCX020WhCMst-hG-NpVXYCMTfiEVsBN_I2z1eLQK4PM38fSKkEUgP-i9L_XHFwvAe202LPlv9s9sBJLzeWRtXcDrDJQDOcVL9KM_3PGZ2p5EQUJSuKsBKSmXSxDN5H_s/s1600/2016-09-25+20.56.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CqMu8KY1SyBLCX020WhCMst-hG-NpVXYCMTfiEVsBN_I2z1eLQK4PM38fSKkEUgP-i9L_XHFwvAe202LPlv9s9sBJLzeWRtXcDrDJQDOcVL9KM_3PGZ2p5EQUJSuKsBKSmXSxDN5H_s/s320/2016-09-25+20.56.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes the shopping mall has a skating rink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="s1">One more airport trip to do the switch, offer to pay for the broken lock and call it a day. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Welcome to Hong Kong and my comedy of errors!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-42716655705952457052016-01-08T23:27:00.000+01:002016-01-08T23:31:45.784+01:00PS West Jet I don't love you<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_cPKVcExMwk5EKFrrywg3BvjDd_kUWcMxObKXuI649fBP0pcqpux4aMaMPJVnCCoF8mfu_zDU9jTaHAcGNZou1U_M24-ZKrSjih5a_vJmvRIZNfLhPqJDjUIri_k88vLoLt1Lk9FsbI/s1600/westjet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_cPKVcExMwk5EKFrrywg3BvjDd_kUWcMxObKXuI649fBP0pcqpux4aMaMPJVnCCoF8mfu_zDU9jTaHAcGNZou1U_M24-ZKrSjih5a_vJmvRIZNfLhPqJDjUIri_k88vLoLt1Lk9FsbI/s1600/westjet.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />
It is Jan 4 and I am at Edmonton airport checking in for my West Jet flight to Toronto, planning to transfer to Air France to Paris. The Gate Agent jauntily tells me I won't see my bags in Toronto as they are checked all the way through to Paris.<br />
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Imagine my surprise four hours later to see one of my suitcases circling the Toronto airport on the designated baggage carousel. The other bag was nowhere in sight. I grab my bag off the belt and ask how I should make sure it accompanies me to Paris. I was told by Baggage Agent #1 to go to the West Jet counter and drop the located on a belt there so it could meet me Paris. West Jet Line Guarding Agent pretends to listen to my story and tells me to get in line.<br />
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Ticket checking agent gets me to repeat my story and says I have nothing to worry about - my bag is correctly tagged to go to Paris. Yes but since it is not on its way to Paris without our help (I know this because I am looking at it in Toronto) what should I do? "Put it on the belt" says Ticket Checking Agent.<br />
<br />
Belt Checking Agent asks me to tell my story and says "oh no not this belt - you need to go to those West jet counters over there". But of course.<br />
<br />
As I am leaving to go "over there" Random Child Agent asks me my story and looks concerned - just as concerned as his friend Random Child Agent #2. They both agree that I should not be at West Jet trying to ship my bag but at Air France. Although they work for West Jet at Toronto airport, they can not tell me in which terminal I might find Air France. I carry on my West Jet adventure anyway.<br />
<br />
West jet Line Guarding Agent "over there" asks for my story and tells me to get in line. I know how to do that quite well by now.<br />
<br />
Ticket checking agent "over there" asks for my story, acts concerned that I am at West Jet with my bag instead of Air France, reassures me that my bag is correctly tagged so there was no reason for it to have appeared on a baggage carousel in Toronto (but I didn't make it up) and tells me I can put it on the belt if that's what I think I should do.<br />
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Belt agent asks for my story and not very confidently tells me to put my bag on the belt.<br />
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If you are imagining that this story does not end well you are correct. I arrive in Paris. I wait for an hour and a half. The bag that I saw in Toronto I do see again in Paris. The other bag - well it took a trip to Vancouver and Amsterdam and arrived in Paris 4 days later.<br />
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The computer age has done very little for checked luggage it seems. Then again with such well trained airport staff perhaps I should be grateful the luggage arrived at all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-23582685773313177162015-01-22T09:52:00.002+01:002015-01-23T14:40:26.780+01:00#Thingsarenotnormalinparis<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been seeing some posts lately about Paris being back to normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry to say, but this is not really true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rue Mouffetard, normally a lively street day and night, is empty since the January 7 attacks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends in town this week have not had to wait in line at the Louvre, at the Eiffel Tower, at the Catacombs. In fact there have been no lines. Tourists have cancelled their planned travel to Paris. Parisians have cancelled their planned travel within outside of Paris. The word of the day is caution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January sales - normally a time when shops are jam-packed with people profiting from deep discounts on all of the things we have admired but could not afford - have been a disaster. No matter how deep the discounts, Parisians are not shopping this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other signs of #thingsarenotnormalinparis :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just up the street a 24/7 armed guard stands at the door of what may be the residence of prominent journalists who may also be Jewish. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the post office an armed guard checks your bags upon entry and exit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Place d'Italie shopping centre an armed guard checks your bags upon entry and exit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday my metro line was shut down for quite some time. I could not make out the garbled announcement, but certainly saw the 25 armed guards in the station among the hundreds of waiting commuters. Something was up.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong - Paris needs to take seriously the higher level of risk recently introduced. The armed guards are doing their jobs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But let's not pretend this is normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigipirate">vigipirate</a>. We are currently scarlet - the highest level of alert.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-78992197503883856402015-01-16T16:56:00.003+01:002015-01-16T16:57:09.276+01:00Charlie and the Anti-Muslim Media Factory<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This article posted on Facebook
yesterday tripped the trigger for me, likely because I disagree with everything it says and it was posted by someone I like. Read the article in the link below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/charlie-hebdo-european-islamophopia-by-sami-mahroum-2015-01">Link to article that made me lose my cool</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am all for sharing all sides of a story but what a load of bs is to be found here.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First how can the author compare Charlie Hebdo cartoons to a Twitter hashtag titled killallmuslims? Charlie Hebdo created cartoons. Provocative, insensitive and yes offensive to some but they were caricatures, not calls to war. Caricatures of world leaders are done every day without retaliatory attacks, hostage takings or killings.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing on, the author refers to a discussion on whether or not to serve pork in a school within a town of 3,500 people and 180 students. Why does a decision to serve pork in this school intrude on the rights of students who do not eat pork? And is this any different from serving meat or dairy products in schools even if some students have strong moral objections to consuming products from livestock? Seems like everyone has the choice to eat something different that day.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The author's comparison to the 2011 Norwegian lone-wolf attack attacks is a weak one. Although the Norwegian killer was apparently politically motivated, a single person does not create the same global ongoing threat as a radical religious and political organisation pledged to destroy basic rights and freedoms and the people who hold these ideals.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The author places blame for the Paris attacks directly on the failure of the intelligence and security forces to monitor and stop these extremists. I beg to differ. The blame must remain on the individuals and extremist organisations who have taken "credit" for the killings.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here is the author's finale; "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">If we close our eyes, we can think that the Paris attacks exposed a contradiction between Islam and freedom of expression – and between Muslims and Europeans." Close our eyes - I do not think so. Never mind that the author started out by discussing a perceived injustice to European Muslims and now seems to be making a distinction between Europeans and Muslims. We can actually agree that indeed there is a basic contradiction in that many of us respect and value the rights and freedoms provided by the country in which we live. The extremists responsible for the Paris attacks not only contest those rights and freedoms, but strive to take them away from the rest of us by threatening and killing innocents. I agree - this is a contradiction, although perhaps not in the sense the author believes.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do understand that it is offensive
to Muslims to caricature the prophet. However if we are to avoid publishing all
that is offensive to all groups I think the list of forbidden images will be
long. Let's start with forbidding the publishing of women's bare
faces, women in the work place, inter-racial marriages, black presidents,
handicapped children in regular schools, female world leaders, pork producers,
pets in the home, race horses, dairy cattle confined to barns... the list could be almost endless if we are to avoid offending anyone's moral, religious or political sensibilities.</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Paris last week employees of Charlie Hebdo were killed for making cartoons. Other innocents were killed for some other reason - being of Jewish faith apparently. This is what we
are standing up against. We are not simply having an intellectual debate about the
quality or desirability of the magazine, its contents or its contributors. People were killed in a country where
freedom of speech is not only permitted, but encouraged. We do not have to like what
is published. We do not have to buy what is published. We do not even have to read what is published. But it is our
responsibility to allow it to be published.</span></li>
</ul>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-50750299035847804132015-01-15T15:28:00.000+01:002015-01-15T15:28:11.054+01:00When you start on your journey to Ithaca<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Ithaca</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>When you start on your journey to Ithaca,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />then pray that the road is long,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />full of adventure, full of knowledge.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Do not fear the Lestrygonians<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />and the Cyclopes and the angry Poseidon.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />You will never meet such as these on your path,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />emotion touches your body and your spirit.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />You will never meet the Lestrygonians,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />the Cyclopes and the fierce Poseidon,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />if you do not carry them within your soul,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />if your soul does not raise them up before you.</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-K. P. Kavafis (C. P. Cavafy), translation by Rae Dalven</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... <a href="http://ninaalvarez.net/2007/05/03/poem-of-the-day-49/">See full poem here</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Parisienne friend and I were the recipients of this poem yesterday. The sender is a fellow ex-pat who no doubt was thinking of the pilgrimage Miss Paris took last year, and the trials and joys of that journey both physically and spiritually. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a perhaps unrelated event Miss Paris also recently took a leap of faith, deciding to trust the universe just a little and to assume that most things will work out reasonably well, even if she is not constantly supporting all world events with her active worrying. By the way the first time she tried it she was rewarded grandly; she did not give the possible negative outcome the energy required to manifest. She did not allow the beast to accompany her. And the result was positive.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The poem is so powerful that I immediately sent it to another friend, who just yesterday discovered within an apparently squandered day a possible new approach to his creative pursuits. Once again choosing to trust the journey brought the best possible result.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have shared the first verse which also reminds me of my favourite Cormac McCarthy line:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"A creature cannot learn that which his heart has no shape to hold." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is possible that our deepest fear is not of others, but that beast we carry with us on our journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the midst of the shock waves still rippling through Paris following the terrorist attacks I am comforted by this poem, and by my belief that whatever we focus on grows more powerful. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A conscious effort of peace and trust in the greater humanity may be our only real protection. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="def-block def-inline-example" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a special treat listen to Sean Connery read Ithaca in the link below</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="def-block def-inline-example" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n3n2Ox4Yfk">Ithaca read by Sean Connery</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-22584413665216134472015-01-09T17:14:00.000+01:002015-01-09T17:14:05.207+01:00#jesuischarlie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHprN6uZFCdIT5PHURM7FjShr__83WZqCWRdlmYwITOSavMDYYcsAEcj1IFjz3ewftGEPQtpfxscXzPo9rrLK94M4qfwBtDuX9YZVfWx_iXyfOPykicxyZcAKEpkndmfI-Fv-Zy9z4aY/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHprN6uZFCdIT5PHURM7FjShr__83WZqCWRdlmYwITOSavMDYYcsAEcj1IFjz3ewftGEPQtpfxscXzPo9rrLK94M4qfwBtDuX9YZVfWx_iXyfOPykicxyZcAKEpkndmfI-Fv-Zy9z4aY/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" /></a></div>
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It has been two days since the senseless murders at the Charlie Hebdo office.</div>
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It has been one day since the murder of a Paris police officer.</div>
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Today two hostage situations are underway, at least one of which is directly related to the charlie hebdo incident.</div>
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As I walk the streets of Paris today I share with Parisiens a mix of anger, sadness, and fear. </div>
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I also feel a sense of pride for those who continue to fight the fight for freedom.</div>
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Like the bookstore up the street from me with their display of satirical cartoons. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Well done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXGfFS6e_8KENLbBlJA5DHfJV1e8hKrawBwEH0lmJ9QX99qeqFNSw95andyvzd6Wr3lDvLBrpPup_AKVQtWW8yINYXNOBcZjPJiQYfXCKBLuP39GejwI1iqhEg1QSMwpIyo_iAgaRKds/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXGfFS6e_8KENLbBlJA5DHfJV1e8hKrawBwEH0lmJ9QX99qeqFNSw95andyvzd6Wr3lDvLBrpPup_AKVQtWW8yINYXNOBcZjPJiQYfXCKBLuP39GejwI1iqhEg1QSMwpIyo_iAgaRKds/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T00Ae5-5mqDXFMqX6Pdwv5hCTZTn7bvh7o7pQWqJuZevyx7JiEyNk4WSNoqmknb5OAMA0B0m2kHw9ofucd9DdFIIxSTBPdV7NC25RzWOiyt78_ttoaWPzYB8_rvtqilKXRA_cTXBN-Q/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T00Ae5-5mqDXFMqX6Pdwv5hCTZTn7bvh7o7pQWqJuZevyx7JiEyNk4WSNoqmknb5OAMA0B0m2kHw9ofucd9DdFIIxSTBPdV7NC25RzWOiyt78_ttoaWPzYB8_rvtqilKXRA_cTXBN-Q/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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It should never be about whether we agree with what is said. We must however support the right to say it. So yes #jesuischarlie<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I2v20-guPkbIuDpqhzEWYbAHr8wPV74aB72iPV_fneP_qyTGQKmcnNoBu-Lwudy-eLan4UgMWVHuTTV3lQYPz4ApTIR_efbhcxNaqJreC8lK8aK6Wmjdol5QzN54HomjCrk8VTxu3N4/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I2v20-guPkbIuDpqhzEWYbAHr8wPV74aB72iPV_fneP_qyTGQKmcnNoBu-Lwudy-eLan4UgMWVHuTTV3lQYPz4ApTIR_efbhcxNaqJreC8lK8aK6Wmjdol5QzN54HomjCrk8VTxu3N4/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-26398850690452993432014-08-02T22:34:00.001+02:002014-08-02T22:34:10.572+02:00Paris Pastry Japanese-style<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I first arrived in Paris I had high expectations for the pastry. Everything is beautiful, and displayed like works of art. But I have to say, it became easy to say no thanks. Yes I know it is rated the finest in the world, but I just am not a fan generally of pretty food that is not high on the delicious flavour scale.. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So when I heard about this Japanese patisserie, <a href="http://patisserie-ciel.com/#Accueil">Ciel</a>, I wondered - could it be any good?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well in order to find out I had to walk past some pretty impressive works of art in their own right.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvrtcRT0ObqANj3oM_0CQ1cJxQdjGC-wJO8NKmVWV9dou6w6pOqL_gXgePvappgkLY6Oons37tlo0U8t7XdpknOOPhpGWNhnwnXSs_GdFhPff2X6gOBZW58u2cPPKFM7XRAz5iD854ng/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvrtcRT0ObqANj3oM_0CQ1cJxQdjGC-wJO8NKmVWV9dou6w6pOqL_gXgePvappgkLY6Oons37tlo0U8t7XdpknOOPhpGWNhnwnXSs_GdFhPff2X6gOBZW58u2cPPKFM7XRAz5iD854ng/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This photo is not only taken in poor light - it is also missing Janice who apparently lit it up with her presence in a previous photo shoot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiki_8_z9mg_9L9r0e9T8YQD5KqyslsjKNHArjFpDilWfnfntDlkz4SRm4_j8v0MEsJelRUL9ILHQ2WImU8AM7mb1V0rp7xDsjN-Oy67Iquo6Gzjt_l7jwpdpVdbypKyb3x8ENeoEX8us/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiki_8_z9mg_9L9r0e9T8YQD5KqyslsjKNHArjFpDilWfnfntDlkz4SRm4_j8v0MEsJelRUL9ILHQ2WImU8AM7mb1V0rp7xDsjN-Oy67Iquo6Gzjt_l7jwpdpVdbypKyb3x8ENeoEX8us/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yup also missing light but you will have to come and see it for yourself - it is fantastic.</span></td></tr>
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I finally arrived at the patisserie called Ciel, at 3 rue Monge in the 5th. Classy blue door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3pBtOi5p7M4l9Jh4MdGL_OLnXmbDhXvtXClemHQrJ5WAtittGd6Hj4I6PVrr0AFrIfbCxPZQnnZcewvtCbSgoaJglK3jXK9udGmWZ1M3VBDI9mLRvJ9a7HYviQ-L4ZPJN8ciwcZVB_c/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3pBtOi5p7M4l9Jh4MdGL_OLnXmbDhXvtXClemHQrJ5WAtittGd6Hj4I6PVrr0AFrIfbCxPZQnnZcewvtCbSgoaJglK3jXK9udGmWZ1M3VBDI9mLRvJ9a7HYviQ-L4ZPJN8ciwcZVB_c/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But yuck - I hate rose flavoured anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I chose one chocolate and one vanilla.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And check out the little boxes they sent the cakes home in!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvIutY4v4EeLRJEgJ0xtHLvkiauOfSGk7HGg0tX5mnHm35jsx0UlpT1lTOYwEa0n6y-8wZT-fS1ThVHaxbHf6nwuZCeua99agqfk63ZgMRpbOF5r8nHpN7dc9EFRQcBTITW-jQRofGPQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvIutY4v4EeLRJEgJ0xtHLvkiauOfSGk7HGg0tX5mnHm35jsx0UlpT1lTOYwEa0n6y-8wZT-fS1ThVHaxbHf6nwuZCeua99agqfk63ZgMRpbOF5r8nHpN7dc9EFRQcBTITW-jQRofGPQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And when you open it up it is not a rose but still flower-like don't you agree?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDYIbBDoDuRXRSS1q-s16JthzJEanra1A2g7JkVOC9CokIwRHa6miAQxQpXXe8ekxMgEeYj7N1JdvtyAug0MRggbM3JEpd_-fItzjgzanRJ63ZphrfbvtIG8VNomR4VzReSMP2nWHWyY/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDYIbBDoDuRXRSS1q-s16JthzJEanra1A2g7JkVOC9CokIwRHa6miAQxQpXXe8ekxMgEeYj7N1JdvtyAug0MRggbM3JEpd_-fItzjgzanRJ63ZphrfbvtIG8VNomR4VzReSMP2nWHWyY/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guess which was my favourite. A little spongy vanilla cake with chantilly. Perfect really. I meant to share it with Serge, but when I looked down it was all gone. I will save the chocolate one for him. Or maybe buy him another one tomorrow?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdgF3z-nT96L4KafJWJLJDImFU2wbPZZlKUkgG3Vlnlkb4u71nurwvEEPAc60eCvEtOnM4hgNC-5GNDp-viGwC37hy4qBA1nkmFmeYhvSpu_0gkDHT1A_2V0G_wkwfzbhQlwqwlsZ4Dc/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdgF3z-nT96L4KafJWJLJDImFU2wbPZZlKUkgG3Vlnlkb4u71nurwvEEPAc60eCvEtOnM4hgNC-5GNDp-viGwC37hy4qBA1nkmFmeYhvSpu_0gkDHT1A_2V0G_wkwfzbhQlwqwlsZ4Dc/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This patisserie is now on my list. Really delicious, and some very creative flavours.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-85508055680926253442014-06-15T22:52:00.000+02:002014-06-15T22:52:07.291+02:00Opera Garnier - built for royaltyOn my first trip to Paris my breath was taken away by the Opera Garnier. I begged my new boss to drive around the city and return for a second look. Four and a half years later I finally made it inside.<br />
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The original opera house of Paris was a bit of a problem. It was set in an old part of the city with narrow winding streets, and was the site of an attempted assassination of Napoleon and Eugenie. Although neither was injured, Napoleon thought he should be able to go to the opera more safely, so he commissioned the Opera Garnier along with a proper boulevard without trees to improve the safety of the approach.<br />
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And this opera is all about making a grand entrance. The architect, Charles Garnier designed the whole building to make the women look good ascending the grand staircases. Never mind the actual auditorium - the main part of the building is also a theatre with balconies and boxes for seeing and being seen.<br />
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Of course you all know who haunted this opera house. His box was right beside the Emperor's salon, and also very close to a back staircase which must have been convenient for all of those mysterious entrances and exits.<br />
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But did you know that the famous scene with the chandelier is based on a true story? Indeed one evening a big counter weight crashed down and crushed a patron. All fixed now though.<br />
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The auditorium ceiling was recently repainted by Chagall. There was not enough light to see it properly so I'm just including a painting of the original here.<br />
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Of course the opera was about much more than watching the opera. In fact anyone who was anyone showed up sometime between the second and third act. Otherwise people would think they were not well occupied. The boxes were all about visiting people - with a little light regard for what was on stage.<br />
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And the balls, receptions and other grand affairs are still all the rage. Although the opening of the Opera Garnier had a few oversights. By this time France was a republic, and the President was not supposed to grant favours. Even high society had to pay. Even Charles Garnier, the architect, and it was kind of in his honor. But the setting was unbeatable. Modeled after the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, people claimed the was "too much gold". My opinion? Once you have passed a certain limit (which we certainly have here!) - what can it matter?<br />
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My advice - go see this national treasure and just roll around in the obvious excess. The money is already spent, and with sold out performances ranging from €45 to €195 on average (no box seats at this price!) it seems quite likely to be around for quite some time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-26420394334757273972014-04-19T09:42:00.004+02:002014-04-20T08:14:51.743+02:00Jerusalem<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On a recent trip to Israel I finally managed to travel to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. I would not call myself a religious person, but have always wanted to walk in these two cities to better understand the historic and religious importance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jerusalem was fascinating, divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim. As you walk from one area to another you may get the strange sensation of being in Hollywood, moving from one movie set to another. The attire is so very different among the quarters, and so in contrast to what we were wearing, I could not help but feel a certain sense of unreality.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHXnR83YzGK9olmyPiuUKHlC87opsrhMRL4C9bBA73DJzbApboN73y8GfWD7-A3G2Ek2qNPu5qqJRT7Kj2Bu_7GX0ZpHq6FsZxo50SMBvWL40KLXWs98IaBdaCNldLaKjU5G-5ma5LmE/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHXnR83YzGK9olmyPiuUKHlC87opsrhMRL4C9bBA73DJzbApboN73y8GfWD7-A3G2Ek2qNPu5qqJRT7Kj2Bu_7GX0ZpHq6FsZxo50SMBvWL40KLXWs98IaBdaCNldLaKjU5G-5ma5LmE/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall layers tell the age<br />
of the building</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThboHTVJ8eyrt3ZMIwEltI76yYxqy_geo-Ks0Dg1UMGqKv1fu4GqLQBwMTJqmO3rSkjHXGzKSA4MmnHgHvonP1iSDIpQUc-jxOXITJH8z907W3Lsa1D1yFLPui9JwzE8dLYs-YfeNkww/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThboHTVJ8eyrt3ZMIwEltI76yYxqy_geo-Ks0Dg1UMGqKv1fu4GqLQBwMTJqmO3rSkjHXGzKSA4MmnHgHvonP1iSDIpQUc-jxOXITJH8z907W3Lsa1D1yFLPui9JwzE8dLYs-YfeNkww/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you discover a wall <br />
beneath the existing street old enough<br />
to be mentioned in the Bible</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Jewish quarter is almost completely rebuilt following the Jordanian occupation of 1948-1967. It is such a newly built city, but only on the surface - the roots run very deep.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYxOt2DbkXycTr-GwkBcpCw81UvM3ag6o-kHfso1MdF71qkwSbWyNlAA9jKfAxfwVgfZMkYqsg6dbXkGUH94qOjIYveu_ecFdkTLHkzoo1FpttZ6AAvdSmRi6bvU0gGyKZIllCoNvJIA/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYxOt2DbkXycTr-GwkBcpCw81UvM3ag6o-kHfso1MdF71qkwSbWyNlAA9jKfAxfwVgfZMkYqsg6dbXkGUH94qOjIYveu_ecFdkTLHkzoo1FpttZ6AAvdSmRi6bvU0gGyKZIllCoNvJIA/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhag0ZI0CCignQx23iNic75RBEllcGAW3lPuaNAnc0PNgV02rtH4wAnOdXwB5mBBRAKTxwjQyDs4hdhabzfDLygNVPyD3hJMJd0JtHU80xP3fsq8A0_3d4MqUiHSQn5WwRhCJ8pEWKKJk/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhag0ZI0CCignQx23iNic75RBEllcGAW3lPuaNAnc0PNgV02rtH4wAnOdXwB5mBBRAKTxwjQyDs4hdhabzfDLygNVPyD3hJMJd0JtHU80xP3fsq8A0_3d4MqUiHSQn5WwRhCJ8pEWKKJk/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Western wall, divided to spearate men from women, (because God can't listen to men and women together?) is crowded with those offering their prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I left one of my own!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site of the crucifixion<br />
believe it or not</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Christian quarter seems to have lots of churches and important sites including the site of the Crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is rather strange to have imagines the site on a hillside surrounded by olive tress, and then realise it is now within city walls and has a church built on top of it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of Jesus</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Armenian quarter makes up about one-sixth of the total area of Jerusalem and was established 301 BC. It appeared the most private of the quarters, with everything happening behind closed gates and walls. I did not take any photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Muslim quarter is bustling apparently much as it was when Jesus carried his cross through the same streets on his way to die. But today it feels like many other market areas with typical tourist goods, beautiful leather crafts, and sometimes questionable silver and gold items. On the Saturday we visited this was of course the most lively part of the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having just returned from Jordan, Jerusalem was clearly another very important chapter in the history book for me to study.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-22874383833600230812014-03-30T15:21:00.001+02:002014-04-15T22:32:12.682+02:00Jordan travels<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know what to write about a recent trip to Jordan. it was a moving and educational step back into ancient history, organised into three chapters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first stop was Amman and the north. It was cold and rainy and even snowed one morning. Organizing a simple taxi ride took persistence and required me to stare down a tour operator who insisted on being served ahead of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Organizing sightseeing depended on our ability to be clear and strong on our wishes and also negotiate better prices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After paying for a city tour on Friday we discovered that we should not be in the downtown area after noon on a Friday as the post-mosque big crowds apparently get quite rowdy.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amman perfumery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk726JA_ixXmJylDdxjQcaxByyib675fQRiFJAI5Oxo41DGIhIDbiPWOV_uHoaLWfovs7KJxedBIrtwU-J25iOAMGlV05npxJQ6X4pPnZkYC8A9BYAL5XyaaHyvElZQiJjPqNU_YjPvvA/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk726JA_ixXmJylDdxjQcaxByyib675fQRiFJAI5Oxo41DGIhIDbiPWOV_uHoaLWfovs7KJxedBIrtwU-J25iOAMGlV05npxJQ6X4pPnZkYC8A9BYAL5XyaaHyvElZQiJjPqNU_YjPvvA/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amman visit to spice (spicy) shop.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No problem. A quick visit to a perfumery, where the perfume makers shared his secrets of roses and gardenias, and a spice shop where they sell everything including virginity soap. Would love to know how that works.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GHECDW_iQzcSIKf1SePuriLbX5z1EzXKmfoFtyszmqGZr8_CJzRbx2J9UYAoXiOxd6JGDWlJSM-UQVdh7ePo58mYzrSFBRp6Zmsdqsp8gXIyfcrMDRzQ51loj41FAPJ7ZWN7WkWoZn0/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GHECDW_iQzcSIKf1SePuriLbX5z1EzXKmfoFtyszmqGZr8_CJzRbx2J9UYAoXiOxd6JGDWlJSM-UQVdh7ePo58mYzrSFBRp6Zmsdqsp8gXIyfcrMDRzQ51loj41FAPJ7ZWN7WkWoZn0/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Amman: Roman amphitheater circa 161 AD.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9b6L9IcNESCpTpNtUlg5drPuyILET4NSGc61SRC-7i3jZiIzsyh34liveNOiv2KEKaGtNvTi0tLvXzvViX0HsZKHt6Nnp-YYKX_0HP0gR22aIuhAuwdZo181ZDjhL4qb-n4EYqlZ8PE/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9b6L9IcNESCpTpNtUlg5drPuyILET4NSGc61SRC-7i3jZiIzsyh34liveNOiv2KEKaGtNvTi0tLvXzvViX0HsZKHt6Nnp-YYKX_0HP0gR22aIuhAuwdZo181ZDjhL4qb-n4EYqlZ8PE/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amman: The Citadel inhabited</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">continuously for the past 10,000 years</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG_UEBap2E-q11-nL5h5iZvmUpkwthkVXMAnCqlZVIW0oomzhfoVJvaK4e8Nl1JKrHtUgrd5Bj7-3HsXrBisNK7M_VjOk2XUsh1-dgYdAh_R7bw_QM032VxURkYwczAyBR7cZYzJD9v4/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG_UEBap2E-q11-nL5h5iZvmUpkwthkVXMAnCqlZVIW0oomzhfoVJvaK4e8Nl1JKrHtUgrd5Bj7-3HsXrBisNK7M_VjOk2XUsh1-dgYdAh_R7bw_QM032VxURkYwczAyBR7cZYzJD9v4/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From Amman north: Ajlun Castle circa 1184, </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzttzXgnMlx84kCqpGkyYVk77Pgx9RNbG1L4rLj-IdV0ULVZZrsJH1waokwyxIrh_5g5dtyGTUmpHPDecUHGd0J22pQOZKfV6s-olzUmGOWl02QvAXtyCI4Zhet96MeaEwOrZvUt4BkU/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzttzXgnMlx84kCqpGkyYVk77Pgx9RNbG1L4rLj-IdV0ULVZZrsJH1waokwyxIrh_5g5dtyGTUmpHPDecUHGd0J22pQOZKfV6s-olzUmGOWl02QvAXtyCI4Zhet96MeaEwOrZvUt4BkU/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From Amman north: Ancient city of Jerash established by Alexander the great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reminded me of Pompei. Do not miss this when you come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A 3km walk and you could happily spend a half day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxam5yrEhVuGcO30RHx44-LMcOS_WpU_KAuMndZLYe0NH8d2ziYXxDIfZagZGcCiYZ6bDrSuaG0XMpxmwUKHIy0pyAmjay4kt-0UnGua10gpwa196t2lL9ccTABlg74ohat2mr4CqmNU/s1600/1911758_10151896195412143_614264165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxam5yrEhVuGcO30RHx44-LMcOS_WpU_KAuMndZLYe0NH8d2ziYXxDIfZagZGcCiYZ6bDrSuaG0XMpxmwUKHIy0pyAmjay4kt-0UnGua10gpwa196t2lL9ccTABlg74ohat2mr4CqmNU/s1600/1911758_10151896195412143_614264165_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A highlight was visiting </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chapter 2, left Amman for Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea. It was finally warm and sunny, so after lounging by the pool we jumped into the sea. The feeling is impossible to describe. The salt concentration is 10x that of the Mediterranean, so floating is easy. What is hard is doing anything else, like walking or swimming. And no we could not walk on water.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfPASAhxQLvHzJuGZ-TjhU_-KZhRKxHRC2TQRhV3ZiTDs0LaMDR6E9IXd6cJw14_OLu4Cos3Qk3RnBpbb3kjuZpHloxQAQr1gM89gPLi0KNXwEwtuAGY89ZpAXiufYwCsFctil_1RCBM/s1600/IMG_3066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfPASAhxQLvHzJuGZ-TjhU_-KZhRKxHRC2TQRhV3ZiTDs0LaMDR6E9IXd6cJw14_OLu4Cos3Qk3RnBpbb3kjuZpHloxQAQr1gM89gPLi0KNXwEwtuAGY89ZpAXiufYwCsFctil_1RCBM/s1600/IMG_3066.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dead Sea Marriot Jordan Valley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap of luxury</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One full day followed of sun, spa and sea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Such a beautiful resort </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and every moment of this day </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chapter 3: Petra, Aqaba and The Red Sea: Our next location, Aqaba, was more than 4 hours by car. We decided to break up the trip with a much anticipated visit to Petra, established 312 BC, rediscovered in 1812. Technological innovations included control of water allowed the Nabataeans to thrive in this desert area, and the mix of Greek, Egyptian and Syrian elements show its desirability to all. Of course the Roams came and built over top of all that, so once again the main street strongly resembles Jerash and Pompeii and likely a hundred other ancient cities.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c0oegrXa7hajLaWyrxFelucNfm3_Y-_8qNU7GqjFOLHZa9i1cJ6O6o2uTOjzZqR0r7ph6HYHUAaY5nzSgMDsD811TbzfxXHWiT1cAgxG_cjmEx2RqCJpOha5fwuep-7PVEOQjuGd050/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c0oegrXa7hajLaWyrxFelucNfm3_Y-_8qNU7GqjFOLHZa9i1cJ6O6o2uTOjzZqR0r7ph6HYHUAaY5nzSgMDsD811TbzfxXHWiT1cAgxG_cjmEx2RqCJpOha5fwuep-7PVEOQjuGd050/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is most remarkable about seeing Petra for the first time is the carvings into the massive walls of stone. Tombs for commoners are everywhere, but of course it is the royal tombs that impress.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosXub8ndlMO0mY00-TSo4KNsjVeVwYLI2D7VCb_c0FkIXThdzuOUH9ELP4rI5c-KLzEQJN4MmXzb3H7Zx_gn6vusELgy0qqFUzbo8WzYQdQPyZjsKof37SgEOkhVoUsk8b265nPikRHI/s1600/DSC02922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5XdEetJy57j55CkHJ1MByTRt72SYzDhR_hkgH23rK0e0q1gFsGp0E0ulftxeKycy2uzDRNyJm2Z4fjftMJ6BUGppOCiIbOearAjHBltBK660rGzoDoSAgGHtCC3DZc0hkLJ6AGQqQTg/s1600/DSC02936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5XdEetJy57j55CkHJ1MByTRt72SYzDhR_hkgH23rK0e0q1gFsGp0E0ulftxeKycy2uzDRNyJm2Z4fjftMJ6BUGppOCiIbOearAjHBltBK660rGzoDoSAgGHtCC3DZc0hkLJ6AGQqQTg/s1600/DSC02936.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosXub8ndlMO0mY00-TSo4KNsjVeVwYLI2D7VCb_c0FkIXThdzuOUH9ELP4rI5c-KLzEQJN4MmXzb3H7Zx_gn6vusELgy0qqFUzbo8WzYQdQPyZjsKof37SgEOkhVoUsk8b265nPikRHI/s1600/DSC02922.JPG" height="320" width="295" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHf1b5XYlKvYYxdG7N_1tKjEPqjrCJohaJbVE07O5yX8TjWSsA5Qmt0ddUGKDlcqIAwq1_1CGd9dubEKyj8XYXdYCLfIootLyKwy6IsE0crSFFaRpwPZ6ZeDCcN9nnJz-tEupf8bvM6g/s1600/DSC02943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHf1b5XYlKvYYxdG7N_1tKjEPqjrCJohaJbVE07O5yX8TjWSsA5Qmt0ddUGKDlcqIAwq1_1CGd9dubEKyj8XYXdYCLfIootLyKwy6IsE0crSFFaRpwPZ6ZeDCcN9nnJz-tEupf8bvM6g/s1600/DSC02943.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> And of course a trip tp Jordan would not be complete without visiting Aqaba and the Red Sea. Well we actually did not visit Aqaba at all, staying at a resort 15 km outside of the city. Although it was very windy during our visit, the colors, sun and warm friendly people made it well worth the trip. Most of the hotel employees at the resort come from the Philippines. They are young men and woman who get a work visa for 19 months and basically work the whole time they are in Jordan. We were pleased with the level of professional service combined with a very warm welcome.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkUtPKdseETeWsrLAbK6Ka3BLY-PLDkulgUO1RedjAPECr1GurMo7f-xE1ZEVpAEjvtFU24oh98yxnf_h2heuseWnRfqTp5dliKIuUr0kHGWX5tsXrrHU1p7_t0UuKe7MYY0XSEUExvk/s1600/IMG_3127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkUtPKdseETeWsrLAbK6Ka3BLY-PLDkulgUO1RedjAPECr1GurMo7f-xE1ZEVpAEjvtFU24oh98yxnf_h2heuseWnRfqTp5dliKIuUr0kHGWX5tsXrrHU1p7_t0UuKe7MYY0XSEUExvk/s1600/IMG_3127.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The view from the lobby of The Movenpick hinted<br />at the overall beautity of the resort.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida9rFWSmqUT8K_CpD6D4FVz26YY60Ci11t2RgFIpbtI-7ciPVpOV0Sy8P1DxAza5xys04MoN35DzWnhrCXUSlSsL__DIByYkGcnhsQn-XiDQR8qgNiojS82mA_st7073d-45ZPu0nfxc/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida9rFWSmqUT8K_CpD6D4FVz26YY60Ci11t2RgFIpbtI-7ciPVpOV0Sy8P1DxAza5xys04MoN35DzWnhrCXUSlSsL__DIByYkGcnhsQn-XiDQR8qgNiojS82mA_st7073d-45ZPu0nfxc/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nice beach, but very windy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUGTy6DQ5t1ankFfcka6iwjodZROudYpSgIAPCTL-wWxdQshNbZAv_0ZVlCzviVSIAwuZ3noiFvTEUf55EA3uH-G4O5CKsLpvni_fgtUSa268BoDWVLIZL2m7pTtuxdsu4QzbwrNztTQ/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUGTy6DQ5t1ankFfcka6iwjodZROudYpSgIAPCTL-wWxdQshNbZAv_0ZVlCzviVSIAwuZ3noiFvTEUf55EA3uH-G4O5CKsLpvni_fgtUSa268BoDWVLIZL2m7pTtuxdsu4QzbwrNztTQ/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just one of our many pools at the reort.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are going to Jordan, here is my advice:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Go in April or May to have reliably warm weather but not a heatwave</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do not miss Jerash.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do not miss Petra</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spend enough time in the north to see the incredible history and most of your time in the south to really relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.</span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-90171499646339057732014-03-28T18:14:00.003+01:002014-04-15T22:29:10.830+02:00I shall die in Paris<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shall die in Paris by Cesar Vallejo</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_9Yp2SFo_pDVyPLDvjW9HIqFkkiSNbGmzFpxr8yPGwMvPJv48q0j7aoBHwaad8v3sIoLyP9ZjrYRd8vF86TlEhe753xB8dwhO5LTkBQH9phR9bvKAn6lWQZsR3TzYn225PjHkvfO8xQ/s1600/Adam-Eve-Black-White-Stones1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_9Yp2SFo_pDVyPLDvjW9HIqFkkiSNbGmzFpxr8yPGwMvPJv48q0j7aoBHwaad8v3sIoLyP9ZjrYRd8vF86TlEhe753xB8dwhO5LTkBQH9phR9bvKAn6lWQZsR3TzYn225PjHkvfO8xQ/s1600/Adam-Eve-Black-White-Stones1.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">I </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">shall die in Paris, in a rainstorm, </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial;"><i>On a day I already remember. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial;"><i>I shall die in Paris-- it does not bother me-- </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial;"><i>Doubtless on a Thursday, like today, in autumn. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff8dd; color: maroon; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Today is the second time this poem by has come my way.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">The first time I was moved by it, shared it with a friend, and then kind of forgot about it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">The poem continues, but this is the verse that struck a chord again today when it arrived on my doorstep. I got to thinking about how life</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> brings us gifts. Four years ago I was given the opportunity to live in Paris. Although I had never been, somehow I thought I would like it. I quit my job in big pharma, accepted a new, less secure future and moved to Paris. You might think that was risky. But come on, it's Paris. How bad could it be?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">And for those of you who don't know me, I loved it. Love it. Even now when I can see a bit beneath its knickers Paris continues to enchant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So thanks to whoever realised that I was still unsure about our future - Paris and mine., and sent me the poem again. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Apparently I am meant to stay. And live. And die. Maybe in a rainstorm.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-58921854973232890442014-03-27T20:29:00.000+01:002014-04-15T22:27:51.137+02:00Paris Letters - this just might change your life!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you read this book, you will laugh, you will cry and you will dream. I bet you will also make a change. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXkuh7Iegmr63kQhDEWTWpvo7pc3nqGe4Ft86CrtxChGvfvCaB_eCxhyyzyc6WcKczDd77RLYcX52BCpF3F58ku8KgI4edZk6MXAl7mxozMSoMuTpwUxqlJUaRApc6mEIE2FKMoZOBw/s1600/Paris-Letter-Front-Cover-Advance-Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXkuh7Iegmr63kQhDEWTWpvo7pc3nqGe4Ft86CrtxChGvfvCaB_eCxhyyzyc6WcKczDd77RLYcX52BCpF3F58ku8KgI4edZk6MXAl7mxozMSoMuTpwUxqlJUaRApc6mEIE2FKMoZOBw/s1600/Paris-Letter-Front-Cover-Advance-Copy.png" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no way to predict what you will change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some people clean out their underwear drawer. Some decide to pursue their dream. Still others have begun to notice more beauty in their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week during a spectacular vacation in Jordan, I was possessed by insomnia. Sometimes when this happens, I become increasingly frustrated, trying ever harder to fall asleep, a surefire way to chase away any hope of rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not this time. I opened my email and realised how heavy those 2000 emails in my yahoo account had become. And I had nothing better to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started to go through them all. All of those junk mails. Gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emails I just didn't know if I might need some day. Gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, wait for it, emails from ex-boyfriends. Yup gone. The ones that felt good at the time and those that never felt good. What on earth was I doing with any of them?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFZLk_vM8HGAsOrpkSUMT9v_ZNQARQOt3mSCr1Nnm7q3HgpQZAIj38wJd9nss1ajOzRdMeqL-Xbr_fPHphu_4YbHvVCTL4B_iegVxy3fbjbhDZxhFfi5a2n-2UzJaG9ifJfTvuEUXN34/s1600/Copy+of+Canon+%231+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFZLk_vM8HGAsOrpkSUMT9v_ZNQARQOt3mSCr1Nnm7q3HgpQZAIj38wJd9nss1ajOzRdMeqL-Xbr_fPHphu_4YbHvVCTL4B_iegVxy3fbjbhDZxhFfi5a2n-2UzJaG9ifJfTvuEUXN34/s1600/Copy+of+Canon+%231+161.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And under all of that stuff, I found a little treasure. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A sweet photograph of my sister and mother before Mom was brought down by her disease. I love the smiles on their faces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also found a collection of poems I had thought were lost forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So thanks Janice for reminding us to dream big, do the necessary, and make room for the important stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. the book is getting so much attention Amazon is offering it up on it super value deal of the day! </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000677541">Paris Letters deal on Amazon</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-57560112932883292572014-03-18T21:17:00.004+01:002014-04-15T22:30:28.217+02:00Jordan: where desert dogs roam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMrQzghN228JOoExC68WxLzyqvEJNqAQ99WXa1AxiXXtpxkllp0yB8yk5Iqk2WAQiqsJrJoDHvwFgEpGDevAk7WWEhLJB91pUrG8Yrl4oTRspi2qiHnXoOfXt9zv8sXX95QE8k-sWvQ/s1600/IMG_3104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMrQzghN228JOoExC68WxLzyqvEJNqAQ99WXa1AxiXXtpxkllp0yB8yk5Iqk2WAQiqsJrJoDHvwFgEpGDevAk7WWEhLJB91pUrG8Yrl4oTRspi2qiHnXoOfXt9zv8sXX95QE8k-sWvQ/s1600/IMG_3104.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This rocky barren land<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With nothing for miles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No water or grass or trees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sheep must settle for the few small shrubs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who chose this land, this foreign planet?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All those years ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What fills the souls of the people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When nothing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is pleasing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or startling?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the radio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The desert dogs roam</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-28050118699561497812014-03-08T21:11:00.000+01:002014-03-08T21:11:09.534+01:00You can't always protect the vulnerable<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all work hard to protect what is vulnerable. In my case it was always my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And after 30 years of what was quite likely an average dose of heartbreak, I finally learned something profound about my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I woke up from a period of unconsciousness. Literally this time. Okay maybe spiritually too. On my living room floor, wondering why I would have chosen to sleep there. My last memory was of reaching for the thermostat. Did it somehow electrocute me? No that couldn't be right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A couple of days later during a visit to the doctor for a raging headache the pieces started to come together. Had I fallen recently?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well there was that time a few days ago I woke up on the living room floor...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A CT scan revealed a concussion. I guess I fell pretty hard. A "routine" cardio check revealed an electrical issue in my heart known as complete AV block. My heart was stopping completely for 25 or 30 times each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think back to being 10 and 20 and 30 and complaining of severe dizzy spells. All of those doctors for all of those years thought it was normal for a girl/woman to be dizzy sometimes. But I had finally found someone who was more curious, more caring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOilGSwAfmDN4OoRW5Sm5Rmj_K4SMtzi_76Z0IKgGz6x5dieuHnh5e9878MB5jC4OBZ4P2JJIbWOOQ0TaKBSRekJUCgInkXdq8wiYJUF2NI5xrEvi2wds__nRIDRdcRYBuCnNDfNmBrw8/s1600/guidant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOilGSwAfmDN4OoRW5Sm5Rmj_K4SMtzi_76Z0IKgGz6x5dieuHnh5e9878MB5jC4OBZ4P2JJIbWOOQ0TaKBSRekJUCgInkXdq8wiYJUF2NI5xrEvi2wds__nRIDRdcRYBuCnNDfNmBrw8/s1600/guidant.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Because I lived in relatively affluent Connecticut, just next door to Yale, I had only to wait three days for a brand new piece of equipment, a pacemaker, to keep my heart beating in a regular rhythm. A week after that my colleagues at work were asking if there was a remote control they could use to turn down my energy. Who knew I had been operating on empty batteries for most of my life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The wonder of technology, medicine and one very good doctor brought me a new lease on life. Thanks to all of you.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-67933746491994247532014-03-02T14:10:00.000+01:002014-03-02T14:10:01.511+01:00Danger lives everywhereWe all have stories about how bad a certain situation could have been. In most cases we tell the stories where we narrowly escape catastrophe. Tonight I was reminded of one such example.<br />
<br />
When I first moved to Paris I liked to try out a different restaurant almost every night. One evening I found myself at Leon de Bruxelles, a franchise offering consistently good mussels and fries. I was seated on a banquette with my back to the wall (ladies always get the seat facing out in Paris) looking up a broad, beautiful curved staircase. Customers sat on either side of me.<br />
<br />
As I was gazing into my dreams in the general area of the stairs, a waiter dropped a water goblet. The glass struck a stair and exploded.<br />
<br />
As I watched in mesmerized immobility, the thousands of pieces of glass were carried through the air toward me, completely covering me with tiny shards. To my right and left, the customers were fine. I was the only one affected.<br />
<br />
In shock I stood up, shook myself to get rid of the glass, and proceeded to make my way out of the restaurant. The waiters were asking me if I was okay, if they could do anything, where was I going; I didn't know the answer to any of those questions, so I just kept walking.<br />
<br />
Once outside of the restaurant I did a brief inventory and was relieved to see I did not have a single scratch on me.<br />
<br />
The deeper meaning of my close call? I have no idea. But for sure next time someone tells me I am crazy to do such dangerous things as zip-lining or skydiving, I will remind them that danger lives everywhere. I think our job is to make sure we are living well and fully when it catches up with us.<br />
<br />
Full speed ahead!<br />
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-23327023824082976292014-03-01T11:42:00.000+01:002014-03-01T11:42:09.143+01:00Bel Canto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwwEbfC_hF-iBI_GDdi14ADYnRLtMSLKvPqgGqBGlzrInhcJ_MpQPN9sP6DtCXVDpdyP749KoxLZBV4Jf3V2dSFq7rCzigQMv2XhmdKSp3C1rcVQN3l_37yK7JyvF7xflIp9INUilqs/s1600/Bel_canto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwwEbfC_hF-iBI_GDdi14ADYnRLtMSLKvPqgGqBGlzrInhcJ_MpQPN9sP6DtCXVDpdyP749KoxLZBV4Jf3V2dSFq7rCzigQMv2XhmdKSp3C1rcVQN3l_37yK7JyvF7xflIp9INUilqs/s1600/Bel_canto.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
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We go to an opera and hear that one perfect note or phrase or even song. We are at a movie and there is a moment when we do not want to be anywhere but in that place. Or we are reading a book and realize that as much as we want to turn the page we do not want to come to the last page ever. So describes my journey into Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.<br />
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I am astonished by the beauty of her phrases:<br />
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"Sleep was a country for which he could not obtain a visa"<br />
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"Suddenly I am hungry and the only thing that will feed me is sunlight"<br />
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"Scattered among them were a handful of soldiers sprawled on their backs as if sleep was a car that had hit them dead on"<br />
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Perfection, each one. She says exactly what we are thinking, except that we have no words for the thought. Like new language learners we understand the idea before we have words to express it. Like Gen in her story, a true master of language who only understands the absence of love once he has it. Or Cesar who understands the meaning of each word in the songs he sings without knowing any of the words at all.<br />
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Each character, like all of us, knows so much beyond the words, more deeply than the language used to express them.<br />
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And how she embraces the melodrama. Life as opera, celebrated to the max in its terror, splendour, and moments of just-rightness.<br />
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Oh to be able to sit in each moment, appreciate its perfection, and be okay with arriving, even at the final page.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-62179310564770334712014-02-21T21:11:00.005+01:002014-04-15T22:28:21.131+02:00Marrakech and life's contradictionsWho could ever describe Marrakech.<br />
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<b>Historic</b>: Once a fortified city The Medina (the old city) has surrounding walls dating back to the 12th century with thousands of holes which look like places to poke a rifle. In fact the holes are left by the scaffolding used during construction. Beautiful at any time of day, we found that both sunset and evening are quite spectacular with the light and shadow play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUn2cStuuG4yaA4ZVvP4yLIlUfEQV6FzV_QXHNjZmz3j4bKP2hXFLiqxWaqUa2Ec7CrSF6Pc0DUqMp7jrl-tw5WnnXzGZ9_7GGJ_QmrAn8KcFGoV7aiOgZd5KeTjYVC36DVZx5-vYT2M/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUn2cStuuG4yaA4ZVvP4yLIlUfEQV6FzV_QXHNjZmz3j4bKP2hXFLiqxWaqUa2Ec7CrSF6Pc0DUqMp7jrl-tw5WnnXzGZ9_7GGJ_QmrAn8KcFGoV7aiOgZd5KeTjYVC36DVZx5-vYT2M/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaKssixngf7VBX2gR9yoCNxk8k4MSy_8EkGC6qvQC11iSHf73jDV7xp9Ie4riNGbP-pnSsOVjw2wwe3vdJVjRQ9ZDvs3MtlG9J8gomSWR3bWi6UH11YSGSt5J627oK1GHvoUWptbfFnY/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaKssixngf7VBX2gR9yoCNxk8k4MSy_8EkGC6qvQC11iSHf73jDV7xp9Ie4riNGbP-pnSsOVjw2wwe3vdJVjRQ9ZDvs3MtlG9J8gomSWR3bWi6UH11YSGSt5J627oK1GHvoUWptbfFnY/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><b>Frantic:</b> The absolute chaos of the Souk deserves its own chapter. Known as the busiest square in Africa, it is both beautiful and abrupt. We saw a true variety: from sellers of tires to scarves to ceramics. Men who pull teeth, painlessly they say, without anesthetic or any particular disinfectant. The tannery, so huge it apparently requires a guide. Snake charmers who along with their snake held loosely in hand may brush up against you as you pass. Guys placing monkeys on your back. Literally. Like I need another monkey on my back. Spices and nuts and dried fruit with tantalizing scents. Nearly toothless sellers of beautiful pashminas, (maybe they visited the tooth pullers?) willing to bargain with a smile. Everything seems to be negotiable.<br />
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<b>Confused:</b> Our visit did not start well, with a taxi driver who took us to the Souk and dropped us at the automotive supplies area for some strange reason. He then reappeared and drove us in the exact opposite direction. Then dropped us back at the automotive section when my friend threatened or perhaps attempted to leave the moving vehicle.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9ogZRNW_GpjNmSVwiK_i0uZq8m2v5pYLAiXgyNMptplirgEO6u-lPUbPzkRAPfiPc5ZJls32I1vcB0N89ZNfL0zEaf_f0dzOaQF49CI5SQddUW_jreU2_8pB5DlBbXyt0YLJzT10d6M/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9ogZRNW_GpjNmSVwiK_i0uZq8m2v5pYLAiXgyNMptplirgEO6u-lPUbPzkRAPfiPc5ZJls32I1vcB0N89ZNfL0zEaf_f0dzOaQF49CI5SQddUW_jreU2_8pB5DlBbXyt0YLJzT10d6M/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInRRAPlpDuL6ZfkNR9NyYwcW1Xc0I5riQttEKa98Y0seZ1LFHCNokTBQrGBckz92MuomHvsjZGZeH15HKw2cfQBN6X2n6m0DrOfQoicMv-39KwzmnQNe0mvfcHOYEQCSxKVN0U0Aj9AA/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInRRAPlpDuL6ZfkNR9NyYwcW1Xc0I5riQttEKa98Y0seZ1LFHCNokTBQrGBckz92MuomHvsjZGZeH15HKw2cfQBN6X2n6m0DrOfQoicMv-39KwzmnQNe0mvfcHOYEQCSxKVN0U0Aj9AA/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Calm:</b> Our crazy visit to the Souk was followed by the utter peace of the hotel Mammounia. A palace. A casino. An oasis.<br />
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<b>Average</b>: Dinner Saturday was at Le grand Café de la Poste. Very cool atmosphere. Good service. The mostly French food looked very good, but our tagine was barely average; pretty sure it was never actually baked, just some fish and shrimp stirred into some tomatoes. I have to say the very good local Sauvignon was the best part of the meal.<br />
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<b>Over the top beautiful</b>: Les Jardins de Majorelle: oh my! Beautiful warm colors all the way to vibrant blues (oh the blues) yellows and reds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FcTmzF_vRqHREPrCUV1t3p8pnFfYW7FLWlK6De4T9RJ_PjE8gHNlJk2SRyRrNBSFSOqyzmvmzg3XlxwYe9gUnn5PSpFULsoCTa95FdHICWdAsT9JBeKBfNFkG7uGv5N9c7Ucf9mLNxg/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FcTmzF_vRqHREPrCUV1t3p8pnFfYW7FLWlK6De4T9RJ_PjE8gHNlJk2SRyRrNBSFSOqyzmvmzg3XlxwYe9gUnn5PSpFULsoCTa95FdHICWdAsT9JBeKBfNFkG7uGv5N9c7Ucf9mLNxg/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUf0M4NWkiP309rPIjIKZdtD9j-V4OXyl0TeSK3cuvsyBgnnz6w0AQGW68HvDclNURZHZC2sTGHbq2VEyTQG26ehR_m7z2XPMbM8k7wRgPWq7pnRUWbBdPWNMEDknPD0drgZ0YkX3Chg/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUf0M4NWkiP309rPIjIKZdtD9j-V4OXyl0TeSK3cuvsyBgnnz6w0AQGW68HvDclNURZHZC2sTGHbq2VEyTQG26ehR_m7z2XPMbM8k7wRgPWq7pnRUWbBdPWNMEDknPD0drgZ0YkX3Chg/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fun when shared</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOgrWiYxd3q58zh-Z5JBpycFX4tb5PSx76LKAqwprbrs8IuAslYEy8iAHw0IJLCtTvSBlyADkWzypD4fzzTamGccYleRmJnrNUxjqvbeHCCI8NU4-EuE02kBuIQ2khYCFzgsKfybtmzw/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOgrWiYxd3q58zh-Z5JBpycFX4tb5PSx76LKAqwprbrs8IuAslYEy8iAHw0IJLCtTvSBlyADkWzypD4fzzTamGccYleRmJnrNUxjqvbeHCCI8NU4-EuE02kBuIQ2khYCFzgsKfybtmzw/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In what feels like a jungle<br />the beautiful cacti</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uGeq0dRxAXtnxNeyBAHwUloWZhal7EjNGClvo358vN1AaDHQSimZpxukFS0mA2CgFcnxmAVN-o71wcAxpONDtZSARp8xzZwkbY_sa_Snx3NL5Zwz0dCZYBosiF2Y25vBohY-fSVnRTQ/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uGeq0dRxAXtnxNeyBAHwUloWZhal7EjNGClvo358vN1AaDHQSimZpxukFS0mA2CgFcnxmAVN-o71wcAxpONDtZSARp8xzZwkbY_sa_Snx3NL5Zwz0dCZYBosiF2Y25vBohY-fSVnRTQ/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Insulting the cactus<br />who refuses to be wounded</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyTefIQgBsCQv4qqOUKrFJRV04RU3gAigSwiVeUZgb_F3Oj674t0vi8yi2ozfZ4gjmm3fBc3Cd7ZyyVd_MShWWKDwIgLr4ThsG4XFX7PXbNlpKS8mQq0gAjnG7iDCZh7fwnJwHe9yb6w/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyTefIQgBsCQv4qqOUKrFJRV04RU3gAigSwiVeUZgb_F3Oj674t0vi8yi2ozfZ4gjmm3fBc3Cd7ZyyVd_MShWWKDwIgLr4ThsG4XFX7PXbNlpKS8mQq0gAjnG7iDCZh7fwnJwHe9yb6w/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bougainvillea</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9yszECZ92Lye5omNevwx02CMYmxhjFgCBhyphenhyphenM6N9C1OvJZEyZDkS5VRkqNx07plr82mNyHHryNLjomrgOSqL2eP7xSOEU3ko5yOVbgZxk7UVxX5p5VvHL7Z45vKnpquQu6q307BsTXgI/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9yszECZ92Lye5omNevwx02CMYmxhjFgCBhyphenhyphenM6N9C1OvJZEyZDkS5VRkqNx07plr82mNyHHryNLjomrgOSqL2eP7xSOEU3ko5yOVbgZxk7UVxX5p5VvHL7Z45vKnpquQu6q307BsTXgI/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Inspiration for Yves Saint Laurent</span></td></tr>
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<b>Fascinating</b>: Sunday after our visit to Les Jardins de Majorelle we re-entered The Medina, first passing a very poor cluster of dwellings each with a satellite dish, then walked a long way though the neighborhoods in all their diversity. Our second experience with the Souk was much more successful, and we wondered if it was actually different or if only we had changed. A very special walk around the Medina walls in the cold ended briefly at The Red House, a beautiful hotel and restaurant, worth seeing but not in line with our wants for the finale. We went back to The Hotel Mammounia for a delicious cocktail in a beautiful setting surrounded by beautiful people and warm smiles.</div>
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<b>Unpredictable:</b> All set against a backdrop of surprising weather: 20 and sunny on Saturday, and actually sunburn inducing. Cool and rainy on Sunday, requiring us to bundle up. Didn't see that coming.<br />
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<b>Maddening</b>: Just a mention that a step back in time may sound charming in a brochure but may not feel so good in reality. Skinny old donkeys hauling heavy loads. Men who would as soon walk over top of you as step aside. Men on motorcycles and women walking. And of course you know about the attire for women, no matter the weather.<br />
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<b>Incomprehensible</b>: A man taking a photo of his wife in full burqa. I wonder if either of them will recognize her in the picture. Perhaps he is delighted by her beauty as long as no other man looks upon her.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-66814365976521355412014-02-16T12:19:00.003+01:002014-02-16T12:19:35.546+01:00The Criminal ElementI recently broke the law.<br />
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Although I have been known to bend a few rules, I do not typically run into the true criminal element. In Switzerland, known for its - shall we call it orderliness- it is apparently easy to break a law, especially if you do not know it exists.<br />
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My recent business trip to Zurich was the setting for this adventure. As is so often the case I was at the airport, going through security, which is sometimes problematic for me. See <a href="http://neverlost-everlost.blogspot.com/2012/03/bullies-not-welcome-here.html">Bullies not Welcome Here</a>. This time though I was feeling confident. My liquids were in their 1 litre see through zip lock bag. My laptop and iPad were exposed in their individual bins. Shoes and belt off. What could go wrong?<br />
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Something. That's what could go wrong.<br />
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My computer bag was shuffled off to <b>THE OTHER BELT</b>.<br />
You know the one they reserve for <b>BAGS WITH SUSPICIOUS ARTICLES INSIDE</b>.<br />
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Security Person: Do you have a laser pointer in your bag?<br />
Me: Yes<br />
Security Person: Please open your bag.<br />
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From this point on things got weird. They took my laser pointer and pointed it various things. Then a supervisor appeared and took my laser pointer away. He returned and asked for my passport, which he also took away. The next person to approach me was a police officer.<br />
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Officer: Is this your laser pointer?<br />
Me: Yes I believe it is. Is there a problem?<br />
Officer; Yes why did you want to carry it on the plane?<br />
Me: No reason. It was in my computer bag. I was using it this week during some training sessions.<br />
Officer: Do you know the level of this laser pointer?<br />
Me: No<br />
Officer: Laser pointers are illegal in Switzerland, so I must confiscate this.<br />
Me: Or we could just put it in my checked luggage since it is not illegal in any other country.<br />
Officer: Please come with me.<br />
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For the next hour at the police station I was challenged by a very unpleasant police officer who asked me questions about passport stamps, dates of arrival, and then told me if I was unable to speak German it was not his fault if I did not understand everything he asked. Okay, no argument at all coming from me, which seemed to infuriate him even more. He then said sarcastically that if I could not speak German perhaps I would prefer French. I answered him in French that that would be perfectly acceptable as a compromise.<br />
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Get this: he rolled down his jacket sleeves, turned and walked away, tossing a casual a casual "Let her go" over his shoulder to a colleague.<br />
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I was free.<br />
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What did I learn?<br />
Stay calm. Know your rights. Try not to piss of the Swiss police by questioning their questions about a trainer carrying a laser pointer.<br />
Or maybe in this case I learned nothing at all. But he turned me loose!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-39628175247252288642014-01-19T10:31:00.000+01:002014-01-25T01:31:19.264+01:00The Book Thief - non spoiler alert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
l<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2xWw_Wem9sJB2E86u41aS9Mabxl8QAgjTLAkwl4oDI7eboyg07m9LNmkwr2sdaI1a7a49Qgy-tSs9aXlknH3n_AZYfGsbuBm0IvilYiNiJLqjjG7d9RG-BwYSRQq1vDD9WYFQwvrtw/s1600/book+thief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2xWw_Wem9sJB2E86u41aS9Mabxl8QAgjTLAkwl4oDI7eboyg07m9LNmkwr2sdaI1a7a49Qgy-tSs9aXlknH3n_AZYfGsbuBm0IvilYiNiJLqjjG7d9RG-BwYSRQq1vDD9WYFQwvrtw/s1600/book+thief.jpg" /></a></div>
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Rarely does a book find its way into my mind and heart as profoundly as The Book Thief.<br />
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It has a strange format with scene settings throughout, chapter beginnings telling you what will happen within, and outright warnings of what you might not wish to ever know.<br />
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First I was irritated by the format.<br />
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Finally I was glad.<br />
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Even with fore-warnings of what was to come, I found myself hoping for a different result. The author hit me over and over with a warning, then a whammy. And I wondered if I could read on but could not look away. Each blow more powerful, more beautiful or more sad than can be imagined.<br />
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This author broke my heart open.<br />
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I would open the book and enter the story as far as I dared, feeling like I was somehow supporting the characters just by showing up. I even rationed along with them, savoring each chapter to make it last, knowing once it was gone I would be hungry for more.<br />
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And, as if at the end of a powerful but troublesome relationship, this book leaves me unwilling or unable to engage with my next prospect. Just not ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietD1wYu397WdbLw0b-YefLdv0fLJmnDZwSejL1JNUrnxqIiJNNF0Z8bmxs2TioumIFoooQm8iZVT__S9bEh9ErgNomsNveFOqd0UUtzS1WziUrdhsEcArMMIjzkSZmyncC5JBNcak9dI/s1600/german-kiss-longing-love-text-the-book-thief-Favim.com-45223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietD1wYu397WdbLw0b-YefLdv0fLJmnDZwSejL1JNUrnxqIiJNNF0Z8bmxs2TioumIFoooQm8iZVT__S9bEh9ErgNomsNveFOqd0UUtzS1WziUrdhsEcArMMIjzkSZmyncC5JBNcak9dI/s1600/german-kiss-longing-love-text-the-book-thief-Favim.com-45223.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-22526951334059833942013-10-17T06:57:00.002+02:002013-10-17T06:57:47.424+02:00Today I was in a hurry<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I was in a hurry. I had an appointment with a cardiologist in a strange neighborhood called Bagnolet. I did not know exactly where I was going or how to get there. I was nervous about what the Dr. would tell me. I was closely following my metro map - first a bus, then a metro, then another metro then another bus...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In one of the metro stations I heard a woman crying out. "S'il vous plait. S'il vous plait". I saw a blind woman and her guide dog. Lost in the metro station. She knew where she wanted to go but did not know how to get there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have done this before. I walked up, asked her if I could help. Having been lost for awhile by this time, she was upset. Her dog was stressed. I asked if I could guide her a bit (in my only passable French). When she agreed I led her and her dog down a hall, up two flights of stairs and finally left her waiting for her train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course my immediate stress about not quite knowing how to get where I was going went away. And you know what replaced it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You might think I felt gratitude for my situation compared to hers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Nope.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or a new-found sense of challenge about my little adventure into new territory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Nope</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instead I got a chance to reflect on my current feelings about being lost. Not knowing where I want to go. How on earth will I ever know how to get there? Wherever there is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Damn it I don't even have a dog to guide me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I was in a hurry. I didn't know exactly where I was going. I didn't know exactly how to get there. But somehow a blind woman lost in a metro station managed her journey with a little help and so will I. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-14012588532280580642013-09-29T13:51:00.001+02:002014-01-25T13:41:12.757+01:00Porto Post<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Port cities hold a special place in my soul. The history is long, fascinating and often hard. Porto hit it on all counts. The battles of religion, royalty, and other bad guys created a fiercely independent people who knew how to disguise whichever historical element might do them harm on a given day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgZdQVsZTnQEfvRxPViqJV55dPjLvXSVWET2trIihUrSZ0ORWNZQL3pgKZyNnJ9V6n3DANC-6gVQ_ShJOL9oC7f5LMPkQtO36P78t_F9rUkIE-gOgeJglWGUcJ4klljKSN4be53PDyqk/s1600/DSC02713+(1024x893).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgZdQVsZTnQEfvRxPViqJV55dPjLvXSVWET2trIihUrSZ0ORWNZQL3pgKZyNnJ9V6n3DANC-6gVQ_ShJOL9oC7f5LMPkQtO36P78t_F9rUkIE-gOgeJglWGUcJ4klljKSN4be53PDyqk/s320/DSC02713+(1024x893).jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two religious orders were forced to build side by side <br />to be permitted at the gates of the city</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Porto history includes a period of dictatorship during which this staue of Justice was created, without blindfold or scales for example. The rigidity of the dictator rule is strikingly at odds with the splashes of joyful color elsewhere throughout the city.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnpLvBuw48anRBs8IXdC91qR_zZ72oWqJMAkDvHCmKPghcMWCZmnb9wNLBs03_uKUPzjrgQHMfaCQI-XINe4mxkbbNvtbooHCScAypIKerdBZZONYuKn5Rg0MNiAV3tu_PYBKwxtOdNc/s1600/DSC02739+(711x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnpLvBuw48anRBs8IXdC91qR_zZ72oWqJMAkDvHCmKPghcMWCZmnb9wNLBs03_uKUPzjrgQHMfaCQI-XINe4mxkbbNvtbooHCScAypIKerdBZZONYuKn5Rg0MNiAV3tu_PYBKwxtOdNc/s320/DSC02739+(711x1024).jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo519cStV2gqaG_c5XujPUmCh8b0_7g1Om40MIEdi2Zy3DDBIqD7kISWfQ_SRAhM7DrdTIrKvno9BueNGZcF9PNPsxliBkQuCYu2xCzQrxeEuueVpFiq-Zzva3UticVm8DjJD5WCFPL9s/s1600/DSC02722+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo519cStV2gqaG_c5XujPUmCh8b0_7g1Om40MIEdi2Zy3DDBIqD7kISWfQ_SRAhM7DrdTIrKvno9BueNGZcF9PNPsxliBkQuCYu2xCzQrxeEuueVpFiq-Zzva3UticVm8DjJD5WCFPL9s/s320/DSC02722+(1024x768).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JzhH9xSFXfaNtWRPUvbg0jYOQeWMWtz8HRTn1Htjd8p3UZi8o8y2DBS9AYUbuXIHNifNY5cuOp_EMRcaxMAjLG2Oa0Mnjsnhcfr3-bnNL1GKqhZQ3OyNuadCNXTT9i7Jx7XgUpSM82U/s1600/DSC02767+(626x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JzhH9xSFXfaNtWRPUvbg0jYOQeWMWtz8HRTn1Htjd8p3UZi8o8y2DBS9AYUbuXIHNifNY5cuOp_EMRcaxMAjLG2Oa0Mnjsnhcfr3-bnNL1GKqhZQ3OyNuadCNXTT9i7Jx7XgUpSM82U/s320/DSC02767+(626x1024).jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each tree in the garden <br />represents a different<br />human emotion.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact the diversity is woven into the very fabric of the city, with the former Crystal palace replaced by what locals refer to as the UFO, a rather unattractive sphere used for sports, but leaving behind the Garden of Emotions. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P7JJPlUAlYWBWaKtsUjtUQCc9Xiw7zAtTDGKiYrhfQoxCtdn37a8gzrXgRNzddMvSY3omNmlKqONPtAUGR1YUTXgADhzKI0iZGKEkEsJ6hS5xscVf2i48FUNauAmOib2p0gZEPb82Qw/s1600/DSC02771+(734x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P7JJPlUAlYWBWaKtsUjtUQCc9Xiw7zAtTDGKiYrhfQoxCtdn37a8gzrXgRNzddMvSY3omNmlKqONPtAUGR1YUTXgADhzKI0iZGKEkEsJ6hS5xscVf2i48FUNauAmOib2p0gZEPb82Qw/s320/DSC02771+(734x1024).jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A view over the world<br />from a window of the former<br />Crystal Palace</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are beautiful tiles everywhere, usually found where the money is. One exception here is a home where tiles were hidden during a long siege. Post-siege the owners found the tiles and applied them to the exterior walls. Of course the rightful owners claimed and tried to remove the tiles to relocate them to a more deserving manor, but gave up when they realized the tiles would not survive the removal</span>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV2_pS812oG9Xfl-K4oay-JBqOgWDYqr3hrHV97tV8utOA2nQlGV-4U72ohAgOCfOcO2X9rE5NkIMW72AL5NG-alXRlAaqB9vKSrjLm97ZHzNfywVC_RKsabG5zvK6bEYCGa5GZLqtZE/s1600/DSC02732+(1024x744).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV2_pS812oG9Xfl-K4oay-JBqOgWDYqr3hrHV97tV8utOA2nQlGV-4U72ohAgOCfOcO2X9rE5NkIMW72AL5NG-alXRlAaqB9vKSrjLm97ZHzNfywVC_RKsabG5zvK6bEYCGa5GZLqtZE/s320/DSC02732+(1024x744).jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Humble home, beautifully tiled.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1jDeJb9ghRqbwFZ2jhpZTJhhrmaXL5cYvqbaUBathy4VK3451fVFjORU7ELCk6PyAZHEHDZJDdC-Vg2YZFj_rusUnQ-khk1NlLTngE5p8gmGWO3yvDkp11dRNVB4QD1dMTlu6RGC7TI/s1600/DSC02733+(756x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1jDeJb9ghRqbwFZ2jhpZTJhhrmaXL5cYvqbaUBathy4VK3451fVFjORU7ELCk6PyAZHEHDZJDdC-Vg2YZFj_rusUnQ-khk1NlLTngE5p8gmGWO3yvDkp11dRNVB4QD1dMTlu6RGC7TI/s200/DSC02733+(756x1024).jpg" height="200" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiles everywhere - look up!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiles by Dutch artists</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We of course had many enjoyable meals, but none better than lunch cooked by "Mama" at this little abode. Entréés, mains, shared dessert, a bottle of wine, all for 10€ a person. Great food at an excellent price, and we felt like we were in someone's welcoming home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlight was a walking tour <a href="http://www.blogger.com/:http://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g189180-d2243744-Reviews-Porto_Free_Tour-Porto_Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html">Porto free walking tour</a> with guide André da Silva. Knowledgeable, kind and helpful, we all saw some behind the scenes we would have otherwise missed. At one point we came upon The Garden of Virtues. I felt a stong presence of an older hiistorical, perhaps biblical people. In fact this was once a Jewish cemetery, then a private garden attached to a mansion, it is now available to rich and poor.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a few stairs...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Di0wiGOzKxNYyTi825y6jXRzw78sWA3SBchYs4rMHNq0UC22yoGn44g4jvDPkTngTKNRcBpvZHGS9UisElItCr037auXjlNm2G1EDR5iPmmcaME3F3BouTF0uoyFOCSU224-IMuK6yU/s1600/DSC02743+(1024x757).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Di0wiGOzKxNYyTi825y6jXRzw78sWA3SBchYs4rMHNq0UC22yoGn44g4jvDPkTngTKNRcBpvZHGS9UisElItCr037auXjlNm2G1EDR5iPmmcaME3F3BouTF0uoyFOCSU224-IMuK6yU/s320/DSC02743+(1024x757).jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having walked a million miles<br />we came to a gate, closed and locked.<br />So we climbed over it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KB7wGxX68e8z-qo9dvDZqA8lyqCYSwIHRtFMSn4pylFdyDqIxlcRy4NrrzmCci6CPRLr9aZlaS0we8504X9T3dSGYr6lUuqiGFgo5XUf9Ss6XHW14XQeAnKQnQL8MKghinohq6v94dA/s1600/DSC02741+(1024x746).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KB7wGxX68e8z-qo9dvDZqA8lyqCYSwIHRtFMSn4pylFdyDqIxlcRy4NrrzmCci6CPRLr9aZlaS0we8504X9T3dSGYr6lUuqiGFgo5XUf9Ss6XHW14XQeAnKQnQL8MKghinohq6v94dA/s320/DSC02741+(1024x746).jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Garden of Virtues</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memorable Sunday morning moment. Fifty or so brides parading sdown the street, one just a little different from the others.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lello Bookstore</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This beautiful bookstore was the inspiration fr J K Rowling's staircase in the Harry Potter series. For some reason you are not allowed to take photos, so don't tell on me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course no trip to Porto would be complete without lunch at Taylors (best view in town), and a little tasting session.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view from the terrace at Taylors</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My actual tasting was much more modest than this photo suggests</span></td></tr>
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Walking along the river a still typical scene of a porto boat. Tradition meets modern engineering.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-10026610474130357432013-09-14T22:07:00.001+02:002014-01-25T13:37:06.115+01:00Mozart En Plein Air: The Magic FluteSometimes it is good to push your luck.<br />
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Last month it was a chance to see cinema en plein air. Imagine a huge screen and thousands of well behaved people gathered in a big park in Paris. Everyone has a picnic supper including wine. For 7 euros you also get a nice folding deck chair and a warm fleece blanket. The opening short film is truly bizarre, and the feature film is set in Buenos Aires. I say that to let you know it was not a happy film. Come on have you ever seen a happy film set in Buenos Aires?<br />
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The picnic was good, the park nice and the company excellent. The air was chilly but the fleece blanket took care of that.<br />
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Fast forward to Friday Sept 13, La Flute Enchantee, again in plein air, this time at Les Invalides. My friend Carole called during the day to see if it would be cancelled due to the rain. The lady assured her that it would stop raining at 5PM. She was so convincing we headed out to the opera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnvRodj6BP8PfN6uz0p9lqT3ppvci54-_Dx9-4_zBfR2B0kyVZj5WIQGaCmSKZZLzZegGnbOsP28o3JmfjnFSfo3hL_u8g6mORnmLN3vhswXSWwvoHawIpInqjOXnkdLIFEVUyuXnRjQ/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnvRodj6BP8PfN6uz0p9lqT3ppvci54-_Dx9-4_zBfR2B0kyVZj5WIQGaCmSKZZLzZegGnbOsP28o3JmfjnFSfo3hL_u8g6mORnmLN3vhswXSWwvoHawIpInqjOXnkdLIFEVUyuXnRjQ/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel des Invalides</td></tr>
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During the first song it started to rain, just a little bit. Before the planned intermission they had to stop the show to let the rain have its moment on stage. We all huddled under the beautiful arches while we waited for better weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ13O6RS-52dMUlJr4n1w-_7u_Yz7v2dKMe9viLZ_UpVWhcfTwMQle7yN4xyqXpm97jI2oJ56hssH9rJEF7koJJOVfZtlOu6RrWo-_PQhu78E3TZLwgrhIB0HJJUSUOasfSsacYbjTmSo/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ13O6RS-52dMUlJr4n1w-_7u_Yz7v2dKMe9viLZ_UpVWhcfTwMQle7yN4xyqXpm97jI2oJ56hssH9rJEF7koJJOVfZtlOu6RrWo-_PQhu78E3TZLwgrhIB0HJJUSUOasfSsacYbjTmSo/s320/IMG_2358.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the glamour - Parisiens are tough<br />
No matter the downpour, we all waited out the rain..</td></tr>
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During the second act the leading lady, Pamina slipped on the rain-wet steps. I know it hurt. She jumped back up and sang her heart out.<br />
In fact the entire cast, wet and cold as they were, continued to traipse around the slippery stage and sing like the professionals they are. We huddled miserably in our seats, unable to open our umbrellas for fear of blocking our neighbours' view. But we stayed and were rewarded handsomely with beautiful voices, lighting and scenery. Not for those sensitive to Mother Nature's whims, but really worth seeing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'enfer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Au naturel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKq6i5eo9dkiQYt5ELV9rMUPIPpL1nPChhcYJx4haICo-gswUkFtOZqwbh4g6DlZHgJhV0pIbqvBZRQnAQu_X_nhFtWCpjlgzBvzC2FA4PNVVfra3Zt1oSsgiX7Mp0oV-icVAwHZa1Yk/s1600/DSC02645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKq6i5eo9dkiQYt5ELV9rMUPIPpL1nPChhcYJx4haICo-gswUkFtOZqwbh4g6DlZHgJhV0pIbqvBZRQnAQu_X_nhFtWCpjlgzBvzC2FA4PNVVfra3Zt1oSsgiX7Mp0oV-icVAwHZa1Yk/s320/DSC02645.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice Napoleon watching over it all.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-38232058997398679082013-09-09T06:40:00.005+02:002014-01-25T13:36:24.707+01:00Flying HighSaturday morning I got the call at 7:15 "all clear to fly". Good. I was already up, showered and dressed. Managed to run into Simon as he was boarding the metro mostly by good luck after having missed the agreed upon metro by one minute, and headed to Boulogne to meet our friend and pilot, Arnaud.<br />
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A nice drive to Etampes and we were at the airport. Lots of friendly rabbits hanging out and also a hangar full of planes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcdDBAhB3OG9jHO0eZhx3urU-qEi-TCGAVmc6vrbQADyz3mennCGWigFXhiKN6yNhBW0nmlQVMCqcRIN8BZYX5TXUAmYNkwcy5w663FctztiOuy1Xya84QaQLfW3XJo2JYJTbfi85yTg/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcdDBAhB3OG9jHO0eZhx3urU-qEi-TCGAVmc6vrbQADyz3mennCGWigFXhiKN6yNhBW0nmlQVMCqcRIN8BZYX5TXUAmYNkwcy5w663FctztiOuy1Xya84QaQLfW3XJo2JYJTbfi85yTg/s320/IMG_2326.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of planes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-PthDmB63VW1G13xJS3BuPTzUAdhiz2zA_9MWP3Sbnc9N428U3QAdugNF8N3jsXKjAAck2SyfOSxcEphoHMqmuPDDJZFVMHYmdmsNtOUIvU1FI0MMb-bgD0H5liOalllL_uNg8LYtlQ/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-PthDmB63VW1G13xJS3BuPTzUAdhiz2zA_9MWP3Sbnc9N428U3QAdugNF8N3jsXKjAAck2SyfOSxcEphoHMqmuPDDJZFVMHYmdmsNtOUIvU1FI0MMb-bgD0H5liOalllL_uNg8LYtlQ/s320/IMG_2328.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not ours thank heavens</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6prTjxZ4mmwIlR2x6oHA19Ott2GepkOd18IBZQtg6FGQnQd5j3IAh8gG-ymyq_UGcV1bo_4cnKFeBiy4Vd2zZho05jI0oiSpsTVMBT0TmZiY1NZcsv32Y7rAtnOqhgKReR6PEm_R138/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6prTjxZ4mmwIlR2x6oHA19Ott2GepkOd18IBZQtg6FGQnQd5j3IAh8gG-ymyq_UGcV1bo_4cnKFeBiy4Vd2zZho05jI0oiSpsTVMBT0TmZiY1NZcsv32Y7rAtnOqhgKReR6PEm_R138/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also not ours but rather nice</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfeZWUeKUbob5iyl_xvcd1ZVBXLTdc3HT1oKbAJqIEN54e1d0NpQuXcJorfZ4aCpG5ZpUmhyZAmf1TCvOftGCf8YPwWp2uz2ixByvLCz1P5QI_yIpbSzXp0_VC-hpahfAQOCLqoZ5mo/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfeZWUeKUbob5iyl_xvcd1ZVBXLTdc3HT1oKbAJqIEN54e1d0NpQuXcJorfZ4aCpG5ZpUmhyZAmf1TCvOftGCf8YPwWp2uz2ixByvLCz1P5QI_yIpbSzXp0_VC-hpahfAQOCLqoZ5mo/s320/IMG_2330.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I am bigger than the plane!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhu4DeE5CK0VIMbKx7WsxyyWaELrqNMbgbv-aXPDasHCkkX2tU0mWVpFhmHY-L2b67WC72xwYexUwPjZFtV1SdUImAP8UCsgk22gNU-kOwi87W2WKSUyBM-kOcjPWeFPobBbtlBFKbt4/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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I have been speaking happily and confidently about our upcoming adventure. Now I realize how small our plane is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Eo1lfCdc5lVlqbTOorzFf5xvoP7SMtNWbPc_avSe8CMzxszUKntFdm5qGhwkPO6l52Z2V17sUwRi8OJ0Nbghi_kgMUgFSu_tOjB9Tfqg9uhhe-WrfnDUPExDIgAukSgK1b5-2JYvSU/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Eo1lfCdc5lVlqbTOorzFf5xvoP7SMtNWbPc_avSe8CMzxszUKntFdm5qGhwkPO6l52Z2V17sUwRi8OJ0Nbghi_kgMUgFSu_tOjB9Tfqg9uhhe-WrfnDUPExDIgAukSgK1b5-2JYvSU/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Okay no worries, we'll just put a little leash on it to take it to the runway, top up the gas, do a thorough check, turn the propeller until the engine catches, and get ready to go.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORM56rp5lFW0VXJJdjFQaeyP3_Fc5hIGjg3MhWlW0Phyl8J8WsbXHXGyK_am0lvErOaIKfzM1zROyOP7MsLNi4yvBwZ4jzo5Fs4Xy9HEZ4nNG5uraqmdYyDV7sQfc93vZdRQ5nGa6ZlE/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORM56rp5lFW0VXJJdjFQaeyP3_Fc5hIGjg3MhWlW0Phyl8J8WsbXHXGyK_am0lvErOaIKfzM1zROyOP7MsLNi4yvBwZ4jzo5Fs4Xy9HEZ4nNG5uraqmdYyDV7sQfc93vZdRQ5nGa6ZlE/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last chance to change my mind<br />
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</tbody></table>
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During the pre-flight briefing Arnaud gives the following instructions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Please don't vomit all over the plane</li>
<li>Please do not touch the joy stick or put your feet on the pedals</li>
<li>Please do not talk to me when I am talking to the control tower</li>
<li>Please do not pull the cord that releases the parachute. There is only one parachute. It is for the plane not you.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Okay. Got it. It must take a lot of trust to believe the average passenger won't do something stupid, like pull the parachute release.</div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhu4DeE5CK0VIMbKx7WsxyyWaELrqNMbgbv-aXPDasHCkkX2tU0mWVpFhmHY-L2b67WC72xwYexUwPjZFtV1SdUImAP8UCsgk22gNU-kOwi87W2WKSUyBM-kOcjPWeFPobBbtlBFKbt4/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I want to drive? No thanks you are doing just fine..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIh9ErLnP3queSkpoMKMIKoD9AvGk_02WZbNu7rwmC5FE-grjcUQUtWFX0G83Dps_I0ZvFi0jFmhPuFCpzg5xZtWZOiRingvBWaWJFJsmlhOUDojW5lDUPbI5vWQ1c-fY-rTX6kOL3VU/s1600/DSC02640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIh9ErLnP3queSkpoMKMIKoD9AvGk_02WZbNu7rwmC5FE-grjcUQUtWFX0G83Dps_I0ZvFi0jFmhPuFCpzg5xZtWZOiRingvBWaWJFJsmlhOUDojW5lDUPbI5vWQ1c-fY-rTX6kOL3VU/s200/DSC02640.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No auto pilot here. The real pilot has work to do.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw_f-JMjKLjuEZU35cW0ioxv_EnVnQihbGVQcWdMjTlpDbjoSRAn6rS-Fj8BeTuVv2IMFfZ66E9QFwmDYVovdmm_dxFNfSXmX5OiKwi8mjRdXqxWFgoBXOn11hrmbtNWJ8nYkhl3yH8s/s1600/DSC02635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw_f-JMjKLjuEZU35cW0ioxv_EnVnQihbGVQcWdMjTlpDbjoSRAn6rS-Fj8BeTuVv2IMFfZ66E9QFwmDYVovdmm_dxFNfSXmX5OiKwi8mjRdXqxWFgoBXOn11hrmbtNWJ8nYkhl3yH8s/s320/DSC02635.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots and lots of farms</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt9X46cNiiyIgcNxnB9K7le4KdBhZKKhzg7FVtKNg8hFr_SyBfcU93xoiogCPyUW2EhkDZc55jyPj82bU4YEBVWG7MYGzag5efvjO97xTJj38yG3pymUUM5YdzEg-3Lf1FwYv5-OBdsk/s1600/DSC02642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt9X46cNiiyIgcNxnB9K7le4KdBhZKKhzg7FVtKNg8hFr_SyBfcU93xoiogCPyUW2EhkDZc55jyPj82bU4YEBVWG7MYGzag5efvjO97xTJj38yG3pymUUM5YdzEg-3Lf1FwYv5-OBdsk/s320/DSC02642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A surprising number of chateaux</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking at all the farms surrounding the chateaux makes me believe I have stepped back in time. People really still live this way? In a real chateau? And they are not even royalty. I hear that a chateau can support a whole village of people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! I am very lucky tobe living this amazing life.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-56075960127086837712013-08-26T20:35:00.002+02:002014-01-25T13:37:46.983+01:00On Doing a CIty<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Traveler's spirit is offended</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by your "doing" a city or a country in a weekend</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oh yes I have been there</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you say</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I think I saw pretty much everything</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just yesterday I walked down my own street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and saw a beautiful mural on a building</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really saw it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after four years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I looked closely at the little boy in front of Franprix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">playing just a few notes at a time on his little accordion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before stopping to extend his hand to passersby for pay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I saw my beautiful friend waiting for me at our meeting place</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a stand out in any crowd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all amidst the backdrop</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of what you saw on your way past or through</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just imagine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what we could see in a lifetime</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499912737526046708.post-85483221023274532112013-08-25T13:51:00.004+02:002014-01-25T13:21:41.463+01:00They don't know<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When they look into her eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and see confusion and fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they do not know how those eyes
once danced with merriment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or that she feels betrayed by unsteady legs </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that once carried her </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">running to school and even recently up stairs </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">maybe to protest </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 hours a day standing at work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That her voice now too quiet to hear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">once embarrassed us with its
volume<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and also called us in from
playing when darkness fell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How she could do math in her head<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">faster than my sister with her
slide rule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and knew how a book would end
from the first chapter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so today I sort through the pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and wonder what is disease<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and what is still her <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I smile at the day she slipped
from her wheelchair to her knees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and quipped to the worker who asked her what
she was doing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “I thought I would say a few words for you while
I was down here”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet sadly today at the restaurant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she refuses to eat salad; she
says<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there are bugs in it just
chomping away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see that help is unsolicited and unwanted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and yet when it does not arrive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she is hurt by the lack of
caring, of attention<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom in summary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">still the same complicated
confounding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collection of all that is woman,
that is present, that is her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04749010545610058363noreply@blogger.com4