tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33655028434589334702024-03-13T01:30:27.121+01:00Rick The TravellerMy name is Rick and I am a traveller. Let me take you on some of my trips.Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-56420018641349787852019-06-29T08:00:00.000+02:002019-06-29T08:00:04.626+02:00Chocolate museum in PoznańSome time ago I have taken you to a <a href="http://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/07/maison-calliers.html" target="_blank">renown factory of Swiss chocolate</a>. Today, I will take you to a small workshop where you will be able to discover once more the magic of chocolate. As you probably remember, the cocoa beans were first discovered by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olmecs" target="_blank">Olmecs </a>and then grown by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztecs" target="_blank">Aztecs</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization" target="_blank">Mayas</a>. The drink made of crashed cocoa seeds and water was used in the most important religious rituals. The seeds themselves were also a form of currency.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus" target="_blank">Christopher Columbus</a> came across cocoa beans during his journeys to America at the dawn of the sixteenth century. But it was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hern%C3%A1n_Cort%C3%A9s" target="_blank">Hernán Cortés</a><b> </b> who has first imported them to the Old Continent in 1528, together with a recipe for a drink that was for sure not as tasty as the one we would have today in a nice cafe.<br />
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<br />The first chocolate factory has been opened in Spain in 1580 but it was only in 1679, in the court of <i>le Roi Soleil</i>, Louis XIV, that the first pralines are made. In 1828 a Dutch chemist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenraad_Johannes_van_Houten" target="_blank">Coenraad van Houten</a> develops a process for separating fat from coca beans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first bar of chocolate was made in England in 1846 but it was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodolphe_Lindt" target="_blank">Rodolphe Lindt</a> in Switzerland that has revolutionised the process of making chocolate in 1879 by inventing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conche" target="_blank">conching</a>, a process that gives to the chocolate more taste.<br />
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But before we come to that, the coca beans have to be harvested from the treas. The beans are large and orange, each of them contains around 40 to 50 grains.<br />
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The harvest is followed by a week of fermentation during which the grains are recovered with banana leaves. The fermentation brings out the flavour and the colour. Then the grains are selected and the best ones are roasted to remove the excess of water and release the aroma.<br />
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The roasted grains are then crushed. The hard shells are removed and the soft kernels form the cocoa maze. The cocoa maze is mixed with sugar, milk and other components, that is placed in the conche. The journey from the cocoa tree to the chocolate bar is long and winding.<br />
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When your chocolate is ready, all you need is to think about your favourite add-ons. Fruits? Chocolate pills? Nuts? And why not all?<br />
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First, we need to pour the chocolate into the mould. Not to warm but still warm enough to be liquid.<br />
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Then simply drop all those mouth-watering additions.<br />
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Now our chocolate needs some winter vacation in a cool fridge. And finally it is done - the best chocolate ever. The one that we have made ourselves!<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-61687440468193828272019-06-22T08:00:00.000+02:002019-06-22T08:00:02.234+02:00Genius Loci in PoznańAncient Romans believed that every place had its protecting spirit, called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genius_loci" target="_blank"><i>genius loci</i></a>. Today we will pay a visit to one.<br />
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This specific spirit is protecting Ostrów Tumski and will allow us to see and feel the profile of Poznań. Originally, the royal village was positioned on the island and surrounded for extra protection by a fence.<br />
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The fence was made of a combination of wood and stone. The wooden construction was filled with stones and earth to reinforce it.<br />
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What remains of it today? Well some wood ...<br />
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... and some stones.<br />
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But before you start smiling, recall that the walls of Ostrów were built a thousand years ago, when no machine tools were known. There were up to five meter high, with a good and well protected observation platform in the highest part. <br />
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And a carpet made of stones in the lower parts.<br />
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In the archaeological reserve on Ostrów Tumski you can find some artefacts collected in a neighbouring graveyard. It was the first Christian graveyard in Poland. You can see a knife, a hook and an awl. Sounds more like a content of the pyramids but remember that Christianity was very fresh on those grounds at the end of the tenth century. <br />
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Here come some rings and earrings that supposedly belonged to a princess.<br />
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As we leave the Genius loci archaeological reserve, you will surely notice a brick building where some type of corridor starts. It is actually a bridge that leads to another amazing museum of the history of Poznań - <a href="http://bramapoznania.pl/en/" target="_blank">Brama Poznania</a> (the Poznań Gate). <br />
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Inside you can take a real travel in time, throughout 1,050 years of the history of the place. Unfortunately I will not be able to take you on a tour there so let's only run on the rooftop. From the observation deck we will be able to take a last glimpse of the cathedral of Poznań in its full splendor.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-29648460450009553082019-06-15T08:00:00.000+02:002019-06-15T08:00:03.631+02:00Ostrów Tumski in PoznańYou might remember that some time ago I have already taken you to a place called Ostrów Tumski. This was the <a href="https://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2015/03/crossing-odra-in-silesian-venice.html" target="_blank">cathedral island in Wrocław</a>. Today, I will take you to yet another Ostrów Tumski but this time in Poznań. And I am sure you will not be surprised by the most important building there.<br />
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The cathedral is devoted to Saint Peter and Paul and nowadays looks like that.<br />
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I said nowadays because the cathedral was almost entirely destroyed during World War II and the authorities decided to rebuild it in a mixture of style with prevailing gothic influences. But the first Pre-Romanesque cathedral that was completed towards the end of the tents century was much more modest. It was dedicated to Saint Peter and was a three-nave, two-choir basilica with an apse to the East. <br />
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In the twelfth century the basilica was rebuilt in the Romanesque style , retaining the shape of the earlier building and using its foundation as parts of the walls. It remained a three-nave basilica, most likely with a transept and an elongated central apse, closed to the West by two towers.<br />
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Finally, in the thirteenth century one of the bishops started a reconstruction of the cathedral due to sever cracks in the walls. It took two centuries to complete the Gothic cathedral (currently reconstructed), with its ring of chapels.<br />
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Let's enter inside. In front of the main entrance you will find two keys from the coat of arms of Poznań.<br />
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Inside the cathedral, you will immediately notice the high gothic arches.<br />
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In the back comes the organ and stained-glass windows.<br />
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As I told you, the cathedral is surrounded by a ring of chapels. The best known is the Golden Chapel.<br />
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It was designed in the Byzantine style.<br />
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<br />But the most important reason why Ostrów Tumski in Poznań is such an important place is that this is one of the birthplaces of Polish state and the Christianity in Poland.<br />
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This is where Mieszko I, the first Christian ruler of Poland had one of his castles. Or what was considered to be a castle at that time. Until today, the remainings of his tomb are in Ostrów Tumski. They are not too impressive but remember that Mieszko has died over a thousand years ago. <br />
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Much like his father Mieszko, Boleslaw the Brave (Chrobry) was buried in the centre of the nave on the church’s axis. The coffin use to be housed in a stone chamber covered with a thick mortar stab and surrounded by a stone fence. Today only a part of this fence remains.<br />
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To be honest, the historian and archaeologists still argue if the first rulers of Poland were really buried in Ostrów Tumski. But I think it was really nice to imagine that they were. Now we say goodbye to the Poznań cathedral. <br />
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Now let's cross the bridge of the bishop Jordan and take a deeper dive in the history of the place.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-56060835170680227492019-06-08T08:00:00.000+02:002019-06-08T08:00:00.415+02:00Royal castle in PoznańToday, I will talk you to Mount Przemysław in Poznań.<br />
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On top of the hill you will find a castle.<br />
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Those of you who are good in the history of the architecture will quickly scratch their heads, trying to figure out how old this castle is. Well, it is less than 20 years old to be honest. It has been reconstructed at the beginning of the twenty first century but its design is eclectic in many ways. Actually, historians say that a castle like this one has never been (and could have never been) standing on this hill. But someone decided that Poznan deserves a royal castle and here it comes.<br />
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Inside, you will fid the <a href="https://www.mnp.art.pl/en/museum/branches/museum-of-applied-arts/" target="_blank">Museum of Applied Arts</a>.<br />
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Inside, you will recognise some gothic-style arches.<br />
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But some of the rooms are decorated in tapestries that have little to do with Middle Ages.<br />
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In the armory you can admire the fire weapons from different periods.<br />
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But my favourite exhibit in the armoury is this fancy outfit, collected in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vienna" target="_blank">Vienna battlefield</a> in 1683.<br />
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Just next to the armoury you will find the Kunstkamera which used to be a kind of private museum, compiling items that were a proof of the wealth and wide interests of the owner. It included natural wonders, called <i>naturalia </i>...<br />
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... and man-made wonders, including scientific instruments.<br />
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The museum holds a collection of items inspired by China. And next to it you will find a piano with decoration motifs from what seems to be an English shire. Not only the walls of the castle are eclectic...<br />
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A museum of applied arts need to have a collection dedicated to fashion. While my human secretary loved this part ...<br />
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I think I would chose this outfit. It was tailor made for a wealthy Polish noble, most probably from seventeenth or eighteenth century. <br />
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If you prefer something more exotic, you always opt for the samurai instead.<br />
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The royal castle of Poznan has one more thing to offer. But we need to earn it by climbing some stairs (the lazy ones can use the elevator).<br />
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From the top of the tower we can admire a panorama of Poznan. Do you recognise the Town Hall?<br />
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Let's walk to the other side.<br />
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Here you can see the fire station next to the city walls that we have passed by last week. <br />
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They say that no king has ever lived in the royal castle in Poznań. Well, they are probably right. I still liked it quite a lot. Far better than another cubic structure made of metal and glass. And the crown fits particularly well.<br />
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But no worries. Next week I will take you to a place where a real king is still present.<br />
<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-73232469073365225622019-06-01T08:00:00.000+02:002019-06-01T08:00:00.818+02:00Old Town of PoznańPoznań is the largest city in Western Poland. It has been founded in 1253 and for the next five hundred years it has been guarded by city walls.<br />
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Nowadays you can only see the ruins of the wall.<br />
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The building next to it is a fire station so you may say that it is a special place for the safety of the city also today.<br />
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I only hope that the fire brigade does not rely on these old fashion pumps.<br />
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If the walls would not be a protection enough, the people of Poznań made sure that they have two powerful guardians. They even put them in their coat of arms. And they did not chose modestly since they selected Saint Peter and Saint Paul.<br />
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Let's walk to the Market Square. It is surrounded by very nice residential buildings in vivid colours.<br />
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The most important building is of course the Town Hall, with its tall towers.<br />
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<br />Now look carefully at the little door over the clock. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is opening! And something is getting out of there!<br />
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These are goats!<br />
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And they do not seem too friendly to each other.<br />
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Around the Town Hall you can see several statues. Some are religious ...<br />
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... while others are definitely pagan.<br />
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In this building you will find the Museum of Literature.<br />
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Finally, a monument dedicated to a horse! It commemorates the fifteenth regiment of uhlans, the first regiment of cavalry<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span>in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Poland_uprising_(1918%E2%80%9319)" target="_blank">Wielkopolska Uprising</a>.<br />
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Though obviously, the most popular animal monument in Poznań is this one ...<br />
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Look at the clock on the wall, it is time that we move on.<br />
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Our next point of interest is round the corner. I will show it to you next week.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-46418265162570751362019-05-25T08:00:00.000+02:002019-05-25T08:00:11.834+02:00Warsaw Zoo<!--[if !mso]>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I have realised recently
that over the last few years we have visited several zoos. But we have never
seen the Warsaw zoo. The weather is getting nicer so I hope that you fancy a
little walk in the animal kingdom. </span>The lane is large and
comfortable.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Co4MhTqVbfk/XORbrevy5eI/AAAAAAAAW1U/FrDxTI2qfnoqSK9XKU3COELGVF7F-U1xgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_153312.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vtQr6b4Pq8/XORl-kmDmxI/AAAAAAAAW3Q/FnkHuVPMfrsopO3UiiKzT2CT4wdOrakMQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_153312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vtQr6b4Pq8/XORl-kmDmxI/AAAAAAAAW3Q/FnkHuVPMfrsopO3UiiKzT2CT4wdOrakMQCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_153312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Next to the entrance you
can see some seals. They do not seem over excited by all the visitors that they
take pictures. Most probably they are not on Instagram and do not care about
followers and likes. </span><br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83B4C_hBD3c/XORb_zXstSI/AAAAAAAAW1c/oSnkVkcWIMsYXzqvs1q3ZARB6Ffi8lR2gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_153425.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXbDlBrPG3o/XORmNsMX-aI/AAAAAAAAW3U/KpFkCPpLTC0HU-447_F3NRaZj7Q9DkuYACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_153425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXbDlBrPG3o/XORmNsMX-aI/AAAAAAAAW3U/KpFkCPpLTC0HU-447_F3NRaZj7Q9DkuYACKgBGAs/s640/20190518_153425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A bit further we reach the
Australian corner. </span>First the emus ... <br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uha3xUyhCI/XORcIZKlxvI/AAAAAAAAW1g/2FzT3oy4C2QaRixLexOJjq834YuQPGi6wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_154953.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkyopzO4ITg/XORmTyQn3ZI/AAAAAAAAW3Y/7tHi1mNRD9A_fwgL1QDk6C1NMMbCmMbrwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_154953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkyopzO4ITg/XORmTyQn3ZI/AAAAAAAAW3Y/7tHi1mNRD9A_fwgL1QDk6C1NMMbCmMbrwCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_154953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
... then the kangaroo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LH2c2klLcsw/XORmebmvKWI/AAAAAAAAW3c/9fyi4QMPoGUoQ3jirUBbP_YN5h2AKCwqwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_155052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LH2c2klLcsw/XORmebmvKWI/AAAAAAAAW3c/9fyi4QMPoGUoQ3jirUBbP_YN5h2AKCwqwCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_155052.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npp6rcjBsos/XORcQTLd8PI/AAAAAAAAW1k/RxH2ioL2i4so1X8zfVdOHTttBgunxCE8ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_155052.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But what really stope my
heart is this little kangaroo sitting in his mother's pouch. Technically, his
out, conquering the world with his eyes and hands. </span>But his back is
safely protected close to mommy.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4XOMYgc8B4/XORcyDl0saI/AAAAAAAAW1s/M07gJSM3D0kTjAX-sqPaPo_UR-ZFe7KKgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_155254.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65uxSpABxAQ/XORmjXguYcI/AAAAAAAAW3g/yjKeBv6ZUw8cQZu1oX7g2ujFq2WFw_QGQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_155254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65uxSpABxAQ/XORmjXguYcI/AAAAAAAAW3g/yjKeBv6ZUw8cQZu1oX7g2ujFq2WFw_QGQCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_155254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My human family just run
after some ice cream. And I was amazed by the colours of this peacock. I do not
think that I have ever seen one like that. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5UcgD7H_N4/XORdtkm7XaI/AAAAAAAAW14/o4yvqczsngkmo5wODxC2dKuXUvhyOcgRACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_160341.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWs9usO37c0/XORm_VHXtUI/AAAAAAAAW3o/RkLeWW4wNTwaaC4mpsdxnulpKE0cDcscACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_160341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWs9usO37c0/XORm_VHXtUI/AAAAAAAAW3o/RkLeWW4wNTwaaC4mpsdxnulpKE0cDcscACKgBGAs/s640/20190518_160341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The zoo is the house to
some monkeys and apes. </span>The baboons reside outside.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5REWVyzw8/XORd6h-9D-I/AAAAAAAAW18/95ZWae022sUMbxnGRHVIB4jGyZZ8bQYQgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_160614.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozEQ_IIWvTs/XORnR9PuR9I/AAAAAAAAW3w/n_FKw_1E4hMy2_CqWLKbiFCPqoqVD9kRQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_160614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozEQ_IIWvTs/XORnR9PuR9I/AAAAAAAAW3w/n_FKw_1E4hMy2_CqWLKbiFCPqoqVD9kRQCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_160614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The gorillas were hiding
inside. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYbNazC_XNI/XOReBUCf_eI/AAAAAAAAW2A/moxKiAe05HUFfdmM_TqPFo99muiWeQo1ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_161845.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERoqfS8HbIk/XORnf8H3nBI/AAAAAAAAW30/2mhuRZCyE-czPObQtKpljvYIivoACLQuQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_161845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERoqfS8HbIk/XORnf8H3nBI/AAAAAAAAW30/2mhuRZCyE-czPObQtKpljvYIivoACLQuQCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_161845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The elephants have a
relatively larger territory so it is not easy to take a good selfie with one of
them. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yac0kIpYWqA/XOReN2WpX9I/AAAAAAAAW2E/RBZQM6ZUFsYnMTzo-a-vZRmr4pnQzHr_QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163305.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07pFez9F37k/XORn2kJx-3I/AAAAAAAAW38/5LGmTpPGhdQshqE485Ayy4mzJktRv6IwQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07pFez9F37k/XORn2kJx-3I/AAAAAAAAW38/5LGmTpPGhdQshqE485Ayy4mzJktRv6IwQCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_163305.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But you can always try to
get close to a rather nice representation of it. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBeHt9qnWWA/XOReZS1ncjI/AAAAAAAAW2I/NXmunX-KXDkgxPxirC0iElSjJwQfkux3gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163450.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzdPP3wm9v8/XORoQQwWBCI/AAAAAAAAW4E/cW9I0I_9vYMGXXY0-3fAGh0tfjlbZtk9wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzdPP3wm9v8/XORoQQwWBCI/AAAAAAAAW4E/cW9I0I_9vYMGXXY0-3fAGh0tfjlbZtk9wCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_163450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Next to the elephants you
can find a rhino. His horn was cut off to protect his life. I think this is the
saddest thing that I have seen since long. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzWvxtOOGNU/XORfTqt0RsI/AAAAAAAAW2U/jUDs1VKqoRAIyI9PHtthg1_SnJsNe5MnACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163540.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3reE-ugrW2Y/XORoWYxkjfI/AAAAAAAAW4I/IW_K2qIEnmwyREkB2oN4CcewTP50IwGRACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3reE-ugrW2Y/XORoWYxkjfI/AAAAAAAAW4I/IW_K2qIEnmwyREkB2oN4CcewTP50IwGRACKgBGAs/s640/20190518_163540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Actually zoos in general
have something sad in them, being in reality some sort of prison for the
animals. But it is also true that thanks to the zoos, some of the species were
saved and can expand, like the </span><a href="http://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2014/11/european-bison-reserve-in-biaowieza.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">European
bisons</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgSCTxKHDak/XORgnzvupDI/AAAAAAAAW2g/4fiEkV392JYHcr4TsZLW6JvQXdkUTxr8gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_173948.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIk9aekO-Eo/XORokFF4f4I/AAAAAAAAW4M/ErzKF2qjJHYtf2es1Mh12r3OvMXKOm0FgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_173948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIk9aekO-Eo/XORokFF4f4I/AAAAAAAAW4M/ErzKF2qjJHYtf2es1Mh12r3OvMXKOm0FgCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_173948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Plus they never have to
worry about anything and can simply relax like this alpaca. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN9-u1GoWs4/XORg5ZAd-9I/AAAAAAAAW2o/SDfNpMqHoxIF2Gk_5OcAk93_gMB0nB2KgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163831.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYC4KORWfrw/XORopPo84pI/AAAAAAAAW4Q/FSjb-z6ZAXwus4z0fB3wA4oXp00DGp9HgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_163831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYC4KORWfrw/XORopPo84pI/AAAAAAAAW4Q/FSjb-z6ZAXwus4z0fB3wA4oXp00DGp9HgCKgBGAs/s640/20190518_163831.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Or maybe take a swim like
the hippos.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgMnQMk1H20/XORhBymLAkI/AAAAAAAAW2s/Ccuy0fBDwsA55gh2c8UJ7Ko4GaL-xFh3wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_171535.jpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSBmDA8gZiY/XORoy5Ol3aI/AAAAAAAAW4U/LMZbUIPyelsWt6mneR1_1bSuJ7j3F_XIACKgBGAs/s1600/20190518_171535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSBmDA8gZiY/XORoy5Ol3aI/AAAAAAAAW4U/LMZbUIPyelsWt6mneR1_1bSuJ7j3F_XIACKgBGAs/s640/20190518_171535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you enjoy the water and
the sun, I propose we sit for a moment next to this fountain and enjoy the calm
around us. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-60689781043247041702019-03-30T08:00:00.000+01:002019-03-30T08:00:10.679+01:00Bengaluru holy and ancient sitesLet' start our today trip around Bangalore at the gate, where everything started. In the first half of 16th century, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempe_Gowda_I" target="_blank">Kempe Gowda I</a>, a chieftain of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded the modern Bangalore. One of its first building was the Bangalore Fort.<br />
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Let me introduce you to Kempe Gowda I and his horse.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VN4ndqW_EE/XI1jAcY_ldI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/dFnup8_umVcJLtl7-JBMolz6xEUUWWZ6wCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_162712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VN4ndqW_EE/XI1jAcY_ldI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/dFnup8_umVcJLtl7-JBMolz6xEUUWWZ6wCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_162712.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Let's enter the gate.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VwXITM5DDbo/XI1jAU4c3UI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/wNabnIqkfMcrF0S1tTR9fo8cGNHz8q-pwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_145224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VwXITM5DDbo/XI1jAU4c3UI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/wNabnIqkfMcrF0S1tTR9fo8cGNHz8q-pwCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_145224.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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In fact all that remains of the fort is the Delhi Gate and remnants of two bastions. After they captured the fort in 1791, the British started dismantling it, a process that continued till the 1930s. Most of it is visible on the picture below.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWzBAG1Lf70/XI1jAdzOEHI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/rNbV_UhD0L4RXIsEX3sMBSacSQ7nKh4BgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_145305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWzBAG1Lf70/XI1jAdzOEHI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/rNbV_UhD0L4RXIsEX3sMBSacSQ7nKh4BgCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_145305.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Together with a small holy cow.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JuRpyIRDTY/XI1jAYdb62I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/F5st5sDYGPQ5kwI9tuKAo2cHkxOsS6hTACKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_145215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JuRpyIRDTY/XI1jAYdb62I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/F5st5sDYGPQ5kwI9tuKAo2cHkxOsS6hTACKgBGAs/s640/20181202_145215.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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The last ruler of Mysore, the kingdom Bangalore was part of before English invasion, was Sultan Tipu. Let's visit his palace.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vM0dUJ1Mgc/XI1jARGwM0I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/gW_Tgx5d2WQUAXlo_UR-goXRC7gir8azwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vM0dUJ1Mgc/XI1jARGwM0I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/gW_Tgx5d2WQUAXlo_UR-goXRC7gir8azwCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150503.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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In fact it is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipu_Sultan%27s_Summer_Palace">Summer Palace, </a>so it is quite open.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__VJ1bVS8TA/XI1jAW4N5mI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/aaxY-eD6_PAJSHO9E_0Zy0lNzjz591U7gCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__VJ1bVS8TA/XI1jAW4N5mI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/aaxY-eD6_PAJSHO9E_0Zy0lNzjz591U7gCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150748.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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The structure was built entirely teak and stands adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIx4Dj0fsng/XI1jAea1hAI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/otmZPkimxZY4IHUNqG6uhJvmzdBdC2mDACKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIx4Dj0fsng/XI1jAea1hAI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/otmZPkimxZY4IHUNqG6uhJvmzdBdC2mDACKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are beautiful floral motifs embellishing the walls of the palace. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc3UF1RE9Ow/XI1jAYNZXCI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/_GXH04C1BX88g33l0EL4zIDzBFTCDh9VQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc3UF1RE9Ow/XI1jAYNZXCI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/_GXH04C1BX88g33l0EL4zIDzBFTCDh9VQCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is believed that Tipu Sultan used to conduct his durbar (court) from the eastern and western balconies of the upper floor. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZN_lMzITu8/XI1jAetYGII/AAAAAAAAWmQ/lciBhlEV7F8EXxAnHWJ1_OxPUDW_-RYZgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZN_lMzITu8/XI1jAetYGII/AAAAAAAAWmQ/lciBhlEV7F8EXxAnHWJ1_OxPUDW_-RYZgCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150913.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there is a hinduism Kote Venkataramana Swamy temple just next to it, built in 1689 by King Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, then ruler of Mysore.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJZpEE5UZ50/XI1jAUuNQ9I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/jVGrLl8VOlYAoqs8cIKQJCbhdpbYfOp2gCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_150727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJZpEE5UZ50/XI1jAUuNQ9I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/jVGrLl8VOlYAoqs8cIKQJCbhdpbYfOp2gCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_150727.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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This is the entrance to the temple.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkve6ANegmE/XI1jARRHspI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/hFz0jbt8NtU-qeAd-sJ-MSVzD9ORFysXwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_151204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkve6ANegmE/XI1jARRHspI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/hFz0jbt8NtU-qeAd-sJ-MSVzD9ORFysXwCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_151204.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
In fact there are plenty of hinduist temples around Bangalore.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB2tdy7V53Y/XI1jATiOa-I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/13MPTlyyrDgsGX2ZVuJt2lySui5NMbsBwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_131959%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB2tdy7V53Y/XI1jATiOa-I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/13MPTlyyrDgsGX2ZVuJt2lySui5NMbsBwCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_131959%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Some of them are not even higher than the buildings nearby.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xOcNEPFZXI/XI1jAYQjnNI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/2utcqKQEAEsmNgPGz-G0NCbMDe4opqcSgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_123146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xOcNEPFZXI/XI1jAYQjnNI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/2utcqKQEAEsmNgPGz-G0NCbMDe4opqcSgCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_123146.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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This is the entrance to the area sourounding one of the most important hinduism temples, the Big Bull temple.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dnwjARb-A/XI1jAR0oWDI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/oznnHFN8ciQorW2yrsc3BnNe8Tuv_OKWwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181202_155946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dnwjARb-A/XI1jAR0oWDI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/oznnHFN8ciQorW2yrsc3BnNe8Tuv_OKWwCKgBGAs/s640/20181202_155946.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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But people of different religions also can find places for their prayer.<br />
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Like very European in the style St. Patrick's Church.<br />
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or one of the main churches in the city - St. Mary's Basilica.<br />
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I hope that you have enjoyed our trip to Bangalore. It is a huge city so we still haven't seen everything. Maybe we will visit it one more time one day.</div>
Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-41776510781323436902019-03-23T08:00:00.000+01:002019-03-23T08:00:01.532+01:00Bengaluru city centreLast trip we have finished following the holy cows. Tracking them we arrived to the Bengaluru city centre and its main building as the capital of Karnataka state.<br />
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Ladies, gentleman and horses, welcome to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidhana_Soudha" target="_blank">Vidhana Soudha</a>, the building of the Karnatak state perliament. You can think it is "just" a state legislature, but
remembering about Karnataka population of over 60 million inhabitants,
its decisions influence a population similar to those of largest European countries. As everything in India it is huge, 700 m long, 350 m wide and 50 m heigh.<br />
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Just in front of the building there is a statue of the father of Indian constitution, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._R._Ambedkar">B. R. Ambedkar</a>.<br />
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On the other side of the street stands the seat of the High Court of Karnataka.<br />
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Next to it comes also an entrance to the Bengaluru metro.<br />
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Coming back to the parlimant buidling, you can admire its interesting style, sometimes described as Mysore Neo-Dravidian. It incorporates elements of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Saracenic_architecture" target="_blank">Indo-Saracenic</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture" target="_blank">Dravidian </a>styles.<br />
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South of the central building you will find the Sri Chamajarendra Park.<br />
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Great place to rest from the rush, noise and heat of the city.<br />
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Some of the trees are really impressive.<br />
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This is also the case for some of the avenues.<br />
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In the middle of the park you will find the State Central Library of Bengaluru. I really think this is a great idea to be able to borrow a book, lie on the grass and rest in the shadow.<br />
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The park ends just next to the Bengaluru Town Hall.<br />
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Quite close, at least by Indian standards, there is a memorial of all the brave Indians, that lost their lives in the First World War.<br />
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And the place where the next generation of soldiers can present to the society.<br />
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It is really hot in India. Before we move to the next attractions I suggest that we take a sip of fresh coconut milk.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-78717412915829668282019-03-16T08:00:00.000+01:002019-03-21T22:03:10.930+01:00Streets of Bengaluru<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The streets of Bengaluru are very colourful.</div>
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Their main users are small three wheeled taxis called auto-rickshaws,</div>
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They sometimes even come with modern navigation and communication equipment.<br />
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And often ornamented.<br />
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Generally ornaments are quite popular in India.<br />
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But before I show the best ornaments, I must demonstrate to you that even locals often say that only the city centre of Bangalore is a town. The rest is still a village, just with 10 millions inhabitants.<br />
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With electrical installations everywhere in the air rather than underground. Some of them are even decorated.</div>
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But the best decorations I've seen during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi" target="_blank">Holi, the festival of colours</a>. And they were fantastic figures travelling through the streets.<br />
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Half of the town was orange. You can read about the many meanings of colours in India in a <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/holi-festival-colors-meaning-180958119/" target="_blank">great article in Smithonian Mag</a>. <br />
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The stores went also into the streets with their offer.<br />
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And the same do all the city population.<br />
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Including the holy cows.<br />
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What gives another argument for the ones claiming it is just very dense rural area.<br />
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Let's follow the cow and see wen we can get next week.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-54688082182929074102019-02-23T08:00:00.000+01:002019-02-23T08:00:11.226+01:00Bannerghatta Safari ParkLast week I have taken you on a tour in the Bannerghatta Zoological Garden. This week I will show why they just next to it you can find such interesting buses.<br />
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<br />Let's get on one of them (obviously with a ticket!) to start a ride through a very large area. It is protected by a fence but this fence is large abough to allow animals to live in conditions close to those in the wild. The first animals we will meet are the termites.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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But just a few hundred meters further we meet a nice sleeping kitty. Hello Kitty!<br />
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His white friend is also resting, but not fully asleep.<br />
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Everywhere around you can see banyan trees.<br />
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And their shadow helps the entire royal family to fall asleep. Simba and Mufasa meets the Sleeping Beauty.<br />
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<br />Another group of sleeping animals, the teddy (Himalaya) bears is blocking our road!<br />
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Please look at their feet, aren't they like human's ?<br />
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And here you will fully understand why the elephant is the best human's friend in India. The first animal not sleeping in the whole Safari park we meet.<br />
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Since we are in a fairy tales place, after all this Shir Khans, Lion's King, Jumbo, Winnie The Pooh, Sleeping Beauty it is the time to find Bambi.<br />
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Let them eat in silence and move to our next destination. <br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-19554894746216030412019-02-16T14:21:00.000+01:002019-03-21T22:03:20.555+01:00Bannerghatta Biological Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last time when I was in Bangalore, there was not enough time to see most of the attractions of the city and its sourroundings. Fortunately a new longer possibility to be in these region occured. Taking advantage of the great weather (winter in India) I want to show you today my friends and cousins that you can meet near Bangalore. Ladies, gentlemen, animals, welcome to <a href="http://bannerghattabiologicalpark.org/" target="_blank">Bannerghatta Biological Park</a>.<br />
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Today I will show you its first part, the zoological garden. Let's start with a visit to the bird's king - the black crowned crane.<br />
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Just next to him, you can find another big bird - the emu.<br />
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A bit further you can find the king of the junge - the tiger.<br />
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And its smaller cousin - the leopard.<br />
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The most hilarous animals, the hyenas live quite close.<br />
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But if we are in India there is also the human's best friend, especially at work - the majestic Indian elephant.<br />
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In fact there are many of them.<br />
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But I feel most comfortable with the Indian hog deers.<br />
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Probably because they are the smallest.<br />
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Apart of interesting animals, you can find in Bannerghetta also fantastic trees.<br />
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But not all the animals live there behind the nets.<br />
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Next week I will show you what the monkey was sitting on.</div>
Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-30417696561240887732019-02-09T18:02:00.002+01:002019-02-09T18:02:51.234+01:00Maidan Nezalezhnosti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ladies, gentleman and horses. Welcome to Maidan Nezalezhosti, the Independence Square, the place where everything important to Kyiv and Ukraine has started.</div>
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This is the square where you can see the monument of three brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and their sister Lybid. According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_Chronicle" target="_blank">the Primary Chronicle</a>, they were the founders of the medieval city of Kyiv.<br />
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It is also a place where the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_on_Granite">Revolution on Granite</a> has started in 1990 and lead to Ukrainian Independence in 1991.<br />
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It is the place where under the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lach_Gates" target="_blank">Lach Gates</a> (meaning Polish Gate), another remaining from the medieval times, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Revolution" target="_blank">Orange Revolution</a> started in 2004.<br />
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And this is the place where the last revolution, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromaidan" target="_blank">Euromaidan</a> errupted and run to the successful changes.<br />
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Just under the 61 meter high <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Monument,_Kiev" target="_blank">Independence Monument</a> everyone can read and recall what was happening here in January and February 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoVl_hzYb4/XES3wFZz3zI/AAAAAAAAWYM/QJ_SFGv9-CYaZzDhyuCrCNi94w5H0fv3gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190111_111405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoVl_hzYb4/XES3wFZz3zI/AAAAAAAAWYM/QJ_SFGv9-CYaZzDhyuCrCNi94w5H0fv3gCKgBGAs/s640/20190111_111405.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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With the pictures you can easily imagine the dramaturgy and determination of the people fighting for their freedom.<br />
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Unfortunately over 100 fighters perished. One of the first ones was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serhiy_Nigoyan" target="_blank">Serhiy Nigoyan</a>, depicted now on a mural on of the nearby buildings.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHN0Fg_Egno/XES3wJYSt6I/AAAAAAAAWYM/drwb80t_LKE9hoQuMn6vspjw_RFhuXo5wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190111_104152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHN0Fg_Egno/XES3wJYSt6I/AAAAAAAAWYM/drwb80t_LKE9hoQuMn6vspjw_RFhuXo5wCKgBGAs/s640/20190111_104152.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Altogether <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_killed_during_Euromaidan" target="_blank">130</a> people lost their lives, including 112 civilians. They are called the <i>Heaven's Hundred.</i><br />
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<br />Fortunately the freedom won and today there is also a place to celebrate the Love on the Maidan. This is the emotion that we all should feel leaving this place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-61380217896805608012019-02-02T08:00:00.000+01:002019-02-02T08:00:09.579+01:00Kyiv's cathedralsLast week I took you on a quick tour to let you feel the vibes of Kyiv. Today we will start our trip with something really impresive - an outstanding architectural monument of Kievan Rus', the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sophia%27s_Cathedral,_Kiev">Saint Sophia Cathedral</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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The cathedral is one of the city's best known landmarks and the first heritage site in Ukraine to be inscribed on the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/527">UNESCO World Heritage List</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cathedral is surrounded by a monastery complex and protected by a high wall.<br />
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As typical in Eastern Europe the entrance is guarded by the very tall Bell Tower.<br />
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<br />On Sofiyivska Square, just in front of the tower, stands the tallest Christmas tree in Kyiv.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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But on that square you can admire a much more important statue - the monument of the famous horse of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohdan_Khmelnytsky" target="_blank">Bohdan Khmelnytsky</a>, who was the Hetman of the Zaporozhian Host. He led an uprising against the Commonwealth and its magnates (1648–1654) that resulted in the creation of a state led by the Cossacks of Ukraine, which was the only Ukrainian state between the time of Kievan Rus' and the twentieth century.</div>
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Just two hundred metres further down the Volodymirskyi Passage there is a monument of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev" target="_blank">Princess Olga</a>, the first known female ruler of the country, with educators St. Cyril and St. Methodius at her right hand and apostle St. Andrew at the left one. Olga was Princess of Kiev and wife of Prince Igor. Being a wise and educated woman she did her best to strengthen the influence of Kievan princedom, and expanding its territories as well as in defending it from the attacks of enemy tribes. She was one of first persons in Kievan Rus who was christened (in Constantinople, in 955) and that is likely be one of the reasons why her grandson Vladimir has chosen Christianity as a state religion fourty years later. Russian Orthodox church ranked her as a saint.<br />
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The bulding with pillars just right from St. Cyril & Methodius is the seat of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreigh Affairs.<br />
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Here you can admire the full view of the Vladymirskyi Passage with the Saint Sophia Cathedral at its end.<br />
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Just behind us there is another magnificient bell tower. This one leads to the Saint Michael monastery.<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQoMVXglOHE/XER0XFzrtGI/AAAAAAAAWYA/EJjbWCUCFCYTqI21CZk6UPOdj15bZ0Z7gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190111_104452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQoMVXglOHE/XER0XFzrtGI/AAAAAAAAWYA/EJjbWCUCFCYTqI21CZk6UPOdj15bZ0Z7gCKgBGAs/s640/20190111_104452.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Behind the walls you will find a nice chappe, as well as ... <br />
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... a very impressive Monastery with several golden domes.<br />
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<br />Just outside the monastery wall you will notice a monument devoted to one of the biggest tragedies of th etwentieth century. Probably also one that is the least know. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor">Holodomor</a> was a genocide of the same size as the Holocaust and also was targeted againt one nation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000120;"></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrcBLIqy5lc/XER0XNOAERI/AAAAAAAAWYA/FN232sGOF9sM_WoUnZuY7uSo9hOJhAykACKgBGAs/s1600/20190111_104108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrcBLIqy5lc/XER0XNOAERI/AAAAAAAAWYA/FN232sGOF9sM_WoUnZuY7uSo9hOJhAykACKgBGAs/s640/20190111_104108.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Next week we will see the witness of another great Ukrainian tragedy, but this time it changed the country for much better.Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-10535765043094396692019-01-26T08:00:00.000+01:002019-01-26T08:00:05.705+01:00Kyiv<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I would like to show you the capital of country that is really large but only recently appeared on the map of Europe. Ladies, gentleman and horses - welcome to Kyiv.</div>
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Let's start at at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate,_Kiev" target="_blank">Golden Gate</a>, the same place where, according to the legend, the Polish King <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boles%C5%82aw_I_the_Brave" target="_blank">Boleslaw I the Brave</a>, used his sacred sword <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szczerbiec" target="_blank">Szczerbiec</a> for the first time Szczerbiec takes his name from a notch that was supposed to be chipped when the king has hit the gate.<br />
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But in fact the Golden Gate was constructed only 19 years after Boleslaw made efforts to support his son-in-law, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sviatopolk_I_of_Kiev">Sviatopolk I of Kiev</a>, in keeping Kyiv's throne. <br />
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His effort was only successful as long as he was in Kyiv's with his army. When he has left, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaroslav_the_Wise" target="_blank">Yaroslaw the Wise </a>has defeated his older brother. During his long-lasting reign, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus%27" target="_blank">Kievan Rus'</a> reached the zenith of its cultural bloom and military power. You can admire his monument in front of The Gate.<br />
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Kyiv has in fact one more Golden Gate. The other one is modern. In fact it is the entrance to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoloti_Vorota_(Kiev_Metro)" target="_blank">metro station</a> taking its name from the medieval building.<br />
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Although the entrance might not seem impressive, the surrounding modern buildings are almost as impressive as the former city entrance.<br />
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Another interesting building nearby is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Opera_of_Ukraine" target="_blank">National Opera</a> House of Ukraine. As most of the best buildings in the Ukraine's capital it is called after the poet <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taras_Shevchenko" target="_blank">Taras Shevchenko</a>. It was built in classical style, similar in style to the <a href="http://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2018/03/lviv.html" target="_blank">Opera house of Lviv</a> that we have seen last year. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLiqPWf_PLo/XENCeZ1tiVI/AAAAAAAAWW4/_wc7hZ59Em4eFir95yjy_uH2sp8T3sONgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190110_151112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLiqPWf_PLo/XENCeZ1tiVI/AAAAAAAAWW4/_wc7hZ59Em4eFir95yjy_uH2sp8T3sONgCKgBGAs/s640/20190110_151112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just next to the Opera House you can admire the monument of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykola_Lysenko" target="_blank">Mykola Vitaliyovych Lysenko</a>, an Ukrainian composer, pianist, conductor and ethnomusicologist. <br />
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Behind him you can admire some very nice residential buildings. I would expect that you would have to be a rockstar to afford an appartment in one of them. <br />
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And here you can see the other side of the Opera House.<br />
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Speaking of rockstars, I am sure that there are quite a few really wealthy people in the city. Just on the other side of the street (yes, the Opera House reflection is visible in the windows) you can buy a Rolls-Royce to come to the opera with proper splendor. <br />
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Those who cannot afford a luxury car can always bring some gold to their life through street decorations.<br />
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Next week I will show you where Kyiv's name orignates from and its best buildings according to Unesco.Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-5840745283580737042019-01-19T08:00:00.000+01:002019-01-19T08:00:10.967+01:00Terrarium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently we have visited the nursery of butterflies. Today I will take you to a place where reptiles live. Since it is snowing quite heavily recently in Europe and reptiles are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poikilotherm" target="_blank">poikilotherm </a>(i.e., the temperature of their body varies considerably), their house has to be a warm and sheltered place. Like a terrarium. Reptiles include several groups. First, there are turtles. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elongated_tortoise" target="_blank">elongated tortoise</a> lives originally in South-East Asia and India. It is endangered because of the degradation of the environments and the illegal trade driven by demand for its meat and also by traditional medicine.<br />
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The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_tortoise" target="_blank">Galapagos giant tortoise</a> is far larger. It can live over three hundred years.<br />
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The terrarium is a place where humans try to reproduce as close as possible the natural habitat of a given spiecies. So for water turtles they create small ponds.<br />
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Another group of reptiles are crocodiles (and the like).<br />
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Then come the snakes. They are in various colours, depending on where they live. Some may be green like fresh leaves.<br />
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Others have colours closer to the soil.<br />
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But there are also some black snakes.<br />
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But the most amazing thing is that snakes actually change their skin every now and then. So if you find something like that next to house, you'd better be careful.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C96jLt6nmic/XDs6EQh4hXI/AAAAAAAAWTU/rXSCYCcXdxYegmZbvaJIsXxqWzqv6xhmgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_113036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C96jLt6nmic/XDs6EQh4hXI/AAAAAAAAWTU/rXSCYCcXdxYegmZbvaJIsXxqWzqv6xhmgCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_113036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another group of reptiles are lizards. Some are small but I prefer the larger ones. Like the Cuban Iguana.<br />
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Or the Green Iguana (not that green to be honest, at least not as the green snake).<br />
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But my favourite ones are the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dragon" target="_blank">Komodo Dragons</a>.<br />
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I hope that you have enjoyed this encounter with various reptiles, leaving in piece in this nice terrarium, like this round nose plated lizard and his pal, the leopard tortoise.<br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-35263130178111586502019-01-12T10:37:00.000+01:002019-01-13T10:38:17.606+01:00Illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw (2019) - the Festival of Light <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We had several times the chance to admire the illumination of various parts of the Royal Route in Warsaw. In 2014 we have been to Wilanów. Since five years have passed, I think it is time to go there again. <br />
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As always, the first thing we can spot are the decorations on the city lanterns.<br />
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They look like large snowflakes.<br />
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As we approach the royal palace of <a href="http://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/search/label/Wilan%C3%B3w" target="_blank">Wilanów</a>, you can immediately spot a tunnel guiding us in the right direction.<br />
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A tunnel of light of course.<br />
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The main gate features the colours of the Polish flag.<br />
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Inside, it is really crowded despite the snow.<br />
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Why don't we sneak out to the gardens.<br />
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Those torches seem to be really burning. <br />
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All the pieces of small architecture have been used as a pretext to put more light into the garden. Like this small fountain.<br />
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In the back of the palace you will find <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janina_coat_of_arms" target="_blank"><i>Janina</i></a>, the coat of arms of king Jan Sobieski, the founder of Wilanów.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjgHm8HMYcM/XDsCzB1WAlI/AAAAAAAAWQs/YnllLdy7w8URkxLTNOA-8ic5-8wgLG8KwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190105_184413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjgHm8HMYcM/XDsCzB1WAlI/AAAAAAAAWQs/YnllLdy7w8URkxLTNOA-8ic5-8wgLG8KwCKgBGAs/s640/20190105_184413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the main terrace you will find a field of apple trees.<br />
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Very enchanting apple trees.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqXUYL-qOr0/XDsDgicq6-I/AAAAAAAAWQ8/Z7WlQ4_2EUUJrsYMfBuZ_9lKghZitXJ-QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190105_184539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqXUYL-qOr0/XDsDgicq6-I/AAAAAAAAWQ8/Z7WlQ4_2EUUJrsYMfBuZ_9lKghZitXJ-QCKgBGAs/s640/20190105_184539.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Below the terace, you will find even more lights, with yet another enchanted fountain.<br />
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The garden around it is calm and partly dark ...<br />
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... until it is not.<br />
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But the most amazing thing about it is that it dances in between.<br />
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Even the smallest fountains seem to be alive, despite negative temperature.<br />
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I find it really smart.<br />
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Before you run for a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up, I propose that we take just a few steps and go to the other side of the street, next to the District Council Hall. First, we need to pass through a giant gingerbread. Both scary and mouth-watering, isn't it?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9WNQeOh5F4/XDsFcz7HcgI/AAAAAAAAWRk/VELqv-qzhcE4VuvFs26kGNFUV51uj1EvACKgBGAs/s1600/20190105_192545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9WNQeOh5F4/XDsFcz7HcgI/AAAAAAAAWRk/VELqv-qzhcE4VuvFs26kGNFUV51uj1EvACKgBGAs/s640/20190105_192545.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then we can gallop together with a Horse of Light.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpUc4WuLQ88/XDsFnXkfUmI/AAAAAAAAWRo/Li87dOZ3wC0yKPcDAUpFFjwWj64r9W6WACKgBGAs/s1600/20190105_192342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpUc4WuLQ88/XDsFnXkfUmI/AAAAAAAAWRo/Li87dOZ3wC0yKPcDAUpFFjwWj64r9W6WACKgBGAs/s640/20190105_192342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And remember all those that we love.<br />
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Feels like walking in a Winter Wonderland!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoQMF9C-ydA/XDsF1nSG31I/AAAAAAAAWRw/k-rvbIZOJ408PsCVr2u3ichBFq36OKo0QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190105_192228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoQMF9C-ydA/XDsF1nSG31I/AAAAAAAAWRw/k-rvbIZOJ408PsCVr2u3ichBFq36OKo0QCKgBGAs/s640/20190105_192228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-6215000447114821852019-01-05T08:00:00.000+01:002019-01-05T08:00:00.460+01:00Modern face of Katowice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although <a href="https://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2012/04/katowice_1208.html" target="_blank">we have already been in Katowice</a>, we did not manage then to visit the modern city center. So this time I will show you the contemporary cultural area of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Silesia" target="_blank">Upper Silesia</a> capital.</div>
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When you ask anyone in Poland about the first idea that comes to their minds when they hear of Katowice they will tell you about coal mining. It is absolutely true, but due to climate influence part of the mines has been already closed and the main one, the Katowice Coal Mine, was changed into a museum.<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWaPxZbeL2w/XCjUI6BbshI/AAAAAAAAWN0/QmEvuMdYRFMTB6lXkezpwLHdLcmGfNmEwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181114_081621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWaPxZbeL2w/XCjUI6BbshI/AAAAAAAAWN0/QmEvuMdYRFMTB6lXkezpwLHdLcmGfNmEwCKgBGAs/s640/20181114_081621.jpg" width="480" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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The highest and the most important building of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silesian_Museum">Silesian Museum</a> is the Warszawa mine shaft.<br /><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYuHU3fHD8M/XCjUI6as7iI/AAAAAAAAWN0/0hE8xocXYZchauntdhxQ4dQLlwEFILvIACKgBGAs/s1600/20181114_081642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYuHU3fHD8M/XCjUI6as7iI/AAAAAAAAWN0/0hE8xocXYZchauntdhxQ4dQLlwEFILvIACKgBGAs/s640/20181114_081642.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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It has been converted into an observation deck. Unfortunately, it is closed in winter time. The surrounding buildings contain industrial history exhibition.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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More modern buildings contain a huge art collection. On this <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">map you can locate all the buildings of the Silesian Museum.</span></div>
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Just next to the museum there is another cultural temple - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_National_Radio_Symphony_Orchestra">Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra</a>. The orchestra itself was created in 1935 and revived just after Second World War. Its contemporary seat was founded in 2012 and completed in 2014. It contains a main concert hall with a seating capacity of 1800 and a smaller one for 300 guests. It is among the largest and most modern music venues in Poland and the world. The building was designed by Polish architect Tomasz Konior and his team, while the acoustics of the concert hall were designed by world-renowned Japanese acoustician <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasuhisa_Toyota">Yasuhisa Toyota</a>. </div>
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Just a few hundred meter further one can find another architectural symbol of the city - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spodek">Spodek</a>. In Polish it means a saucer, which refers to a flying saucer since its iconic shape resembles a UFO. The architects of Spodek, designed it as one of the first major structures to employ the principle of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity">tensegrity</a>. The roof uses an inclined surface held in check by a system of cables holding up its circumference. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />Spodek was built from 1964 till 1971, and as described above, was given to the Polish Nation in 50th anniversary of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silesian_Uprisings#Third_uprising_(1921)">Third Silesian Uprising</a>. It can hold around 11,500 people and until 2014 was the biggest indoor venue in Poland . It hosted world championships in ice hockey, volleyball, handball, WTA tenis tournaments and many music concerts.<br /><br />
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<br />The last symbol of Katowice on our path is the Silesian Insurgents' Monument. It was built to commemorate those who took part in the three Silesian Uprisings of 1919, 1920 and 1921, which aimed to make the region of Upper Silesia part of the newly independent Polish state after First World War.<br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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The monument was unveiled on 1 September 1967. The wings symbolize the three uprisings, and the names of places where battles were fought are etched on the vertical slopes. <br />
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I hope that you have enjoyed our cultural trip of contemporary Katowice.Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-1450209877935415832018-12-29T08:00:00.000+01:002018-12-29T08:00:05.141+01:00Let's go fishing!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is our last evening on Thulhaghiri. I propose that we celebrate it with yet another way of enjoying your time off by the sea. We will board this little boat.<br />
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Its design is typical for the Maldives. The most amazing part is that instead of holding a steering wheel, the captain uses his foot.<br />
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We will be fishing in open sea today. Or in the open ocean to be more precise. Our island is hardly visible now.<br />
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The crew took out a long rope.<br />
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We are ready to anchor.<br />
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We will use a traditional fishing method - a piece of gimp on a plastic circle.<br />
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Obviously, we need bait. It is actually fish meat so I expect we look for some fish with pretty sharp teeth.<br />
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We need to place one piece on a hook at the end of the gimp.<br />
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And then you throw it in the water.<br />
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Then it is all about waiting. And waiting. And getting jealous when somebody else manages to catch something.<br />
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Even if this is not a large something, still it is <i>something</i>.<br />
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The sun starts to set down.<br />
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And finally, my first catch! It is surprisingly large so the nice gentleman agreed to hold it while I take a few steps back to take a perfect picture.<br />
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This is a Something now!<br />
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The Sun gets lower again.<br />
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And yes, another catch! And who caught it? Me, me, me! Well, fine, my human assistant but this is just the same.<br />
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Towards the end of the strip, our bucket looks really impressive. Though most of them were caught by the captain of the ship. <br />
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We can now sail back and enjoy the magnificent sunset. Like in paintings by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._M._W._Turner" target="_blank">J.W. M. Turner.</a><br />
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But the absolutely very best part of it will be later in the evening, when the cook does his magic. Bon appetit my friends!<br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-82762280142317960672018-12-22T08:00:00.000+01:002018-12-22T08:00:03.456+01:00Stand-Up PaddlingWhen you come to the Maldives you simply have to be close to water. If you do not enjoy snorkelling, you can always go to the water sports center and investigate other options.<br />
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You can take a motorboat.<br />
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Or you can sail on a catamaran.<br />
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But on a tropical island where the ocean is warm like a cup of tea you can also try being a bit closer to the water. Why don't we try the stand-up paddling? We will require a board ...<br />
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... and a paddle.<br />
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In case you would lose your balance, the board will not escape thanks to this line that you should tie to your ankle.<br />
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Unfortunately it seems a bit too large for me so I will have to encourage you from the shore. <br />
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No worries, the instructor will help you. First you learn how to paddle while seating.<br />
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Then you can try kneeling.<br />
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Finally, he will teach you how to stand up.<br />
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The great thing about Thulhagiri is that it is small enough that you can take a paddling tour around the entire island in less than half an hour. The water is so clear that the paddler seems to be actually floating in the air.<br />
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So while the nice gentlemen take the board back ...<br />
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... I will spend the next couple of minutes visualising myself as a stand-up paddler of the Maldives. You can join me of you wish, of course.<br />
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<br />Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-56798251849710681832018-12-15T08:00:00.000+01:002018-12-15T08:00:11.528+01:00Snorkelling on the coral reef<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week, I mentioned that Maldives are built of coral. Obviously vacation on an island made of coral would not be complete if we would not see the reef. Since horses do not fit too well into snorkelling equipment, one of my human assistants volunteered to carry out the mission.<br />
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Luckily, you have chosen the bungalow on the water so he will not have to walk for a long time in the fins.<br />
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And one ...<br />
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... and two.<br />
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The reef in the Maldives is unfortunately not as colorful as the ones you might have seen on Discovery Channel. One of the main reasons is the global warming - the sea is becoming too warm for the coral.<br />
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But even here after a moment of patience, you will discover some living jewels. Some will be blue with yellow stripes ...<br />
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... and other yellow with blue stripes.<br />
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In order to hide from the predators, some fishes adopted colours similar to the reef itself.<br />
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And others, with the same goal in mind, have developed a black spot close to their tails. It looks like an eye and is likely to attack the interest of the predator to the backside rather than to the head.<br />
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Besides the large corals...<br />
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... you can also find here huge sponges.<br />
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But the best summary will surely come from a short movie.<br />
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Well, time to go back to our bungalow. Seen from the water it looks really cool.<br />
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Now that my assistant is coming back, do you want to borrow his snorkelling gear?<br />
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Or maybe you prefer to watch safely from the balcony? This can be quite exciting as well. <br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-77561561993588030972018-12-08T08:00:00.000+01:002018-12-08T08:00:07.786+01:00Thulhaghiri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have received numerous messages that a palm house does not meet the definition of "someplace warm" where one could run away from gloomy autumn in moderate climate. Well, if anybody will complain after this post, I will happily hand over the blog to this person. Because Thulhaghiri is my definition of paradise on Earth.<br />
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First we have to land in the cosy airport in Male, the capital city and the capital island of (standing ovations!) the Maldives!<br />
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Then we have to take one of the many taxi boats. As we get closer, you can admire the small islet on the horizon. It looks almost unreal. <br />
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When we get closer to the coast, the colour of the water changes. It gets the most amazing shade of light blue, maybe turquiose. I always thought that those pictures in the catalogues of travel agencies are heavily retouched. Trust me, they are not.<br />
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The reason for that is the amazingly white and fine coral sand.<br />
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Actually, you can find pieces of the coral reef all over the place. But do not try to collect it as souvenir. This is subject to heavy fines - the coral reef is endangered and thus strongly protected.<br />
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The island of Thulhaghiri is very small, to walk around it will take you less than fifteen minutes.<br />
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You can chose between different types of accommodation. There are some nice bungalows on the beach.<br />
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If you chose one of them, you will be able to place your sunbed under a genuine palm tree.<br />
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And admire the lagoon.<br />
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The second option that you have is to live in a bungalow on water. And yes my friends, on water. Obviously it is more expensive. But how often one has the opportunity to spend a few days in an island paradise?<br />
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So which one do you chose?<br />
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Inside, you will find a comfortable large bedroom, with a magnificent view.<br />
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Do not miss the table between the armchairs. It has a glass top.<br />
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And a glass bottom!<br />
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But if you want to make your toes wet, no need to go to the beach. Just take the stairs directly from the balcony.<br />
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But before we deep dive, I propose a little tour of the island, I promis that you will not have time to get tired. Let's take the pier and return to mainland.<br />
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You will quickly discover that the island is spotted with cocoa nuts. But instead of cocoa, they hide little parrots that come (and go) in all colours. Some are yellow ...<br />
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... other green.<br />
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There are some that are blue like the sky ...<br />
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... and others white as the coral sand.<br />
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You will not be surprised to find some crabs.<br />
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And a friendly lizard.<br />
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So, are you tired? Then you can sit and have lunch in the nice restaurant. It is special, because the official dress code is "barefoot". Mainly because the floor is covered with sand.<br />
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If you are not hungry, you can enjoy a massage in the welcoming coconut spa.<br />
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Or we can simply return to our bungalow on water. It seems that we have a security guard on the watch.<br />
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Let's not scare him. Just admire the sunset over the ocean. Splendid, isn't it?<br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-52614140243495240022018-12-01T10:31:00.001+01:002018-12-01T10:31:36.313+01:00Lunch under palm trees<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have received many messages saying that you would love to find for yourself a warm and cosy place where you could make up your own chrysalid and survive the winter. Well, your wish is my command - I will take you to palm house.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kH6x_6PR9E/XAJMl9CPN2I/AAAAAAAAWA0/RtJfZbaeM-sxYWod2QPf5XlDPTtnSVIkACKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_153536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kH6x_6PR9E/XAJMl9CPN2I/AAAAAAAAWA0/RtJfZbaeM-sxYWod2QPf5XlDPTtnSVIkACKgBGAs/s640/20180218_153536.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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But this particular palm house is a bit special. Of course, you will find here palm trees and feel a bit as if you were in a jungle. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EykNRJrL6wI/XAJNMeW146I/AAAAAAAAWA8/qcbuBFZ7RlU7HIpN5rNTQOXWZOJ4O66ZQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_134404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EykNRJrL6wI/XAJNMeW146I/AAAAAAAAWA8/qcbuBFZ7RlU7HIpN5rNTQOXWZOJ4O66ZQCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_134404.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They even grow on two levels.<br />
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But as we look down from the upper storey, you will quickly notice something.<br />
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Yes, tables! The palm house has been turned into a restaurant. <br />
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You can simply sit at the bar.<br />
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But since this post comes a bit later in the day than usual, I propose that we sit at one of those nice tables and take a proper lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gYMtkG5TPI/XAJOKMTDkOI/AAAAAAAAWBU/HPX8zmZ-iwM3qKzsaKk-VmS0ZyXO0hbKwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_134343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gYMtkG5TPI/XAJOKMTDkOI/AAAAAAAAWBU/HPX8zmZ-iwM3qKzsaKk-VmS0ZyXO0hbKwCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_134343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You probably wonder what type of cuisine goes well with palm trees. Just look around, at the big picture ... <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8dNUBP9oiA/XAJOunPiEiI/AAAAAAAAWBc/bRfiwac5sT03fLtK498ZK1CkDeyEkkFZwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_134359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8dNUBP9oiA/XAJOunPiEiI/AAAAAAAAWBc/bRfiwac5sT03fLtK498ZK1CkDeyEkkFZwCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_134359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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... and the small details.<br />
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So grab your sticks and get ready for the best Japanese food.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scl-2BsLDB0/XAJPbeFKiiI/AAAAAAAAWBs/CNnU4X89ej0Q1ArLcgtcU8V0b2DbiMXFgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_134556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scl-2BsLDB0/XAJPbeFKiiI/AAAAAAAAWBs/CNnU4X89ej0Q1ArLcgtcU8V0b2DbiMXFgCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_134556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We will start with the wonton soup. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonton" target="_blank">Wonton </a>is a type of dumpling that actually comes from China. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjYN7HV7VWo/XAJQ9m0Z8RI/AAAAAAAAWB4/Zalp5-2B8Z0gJPZBizEXG8v68exo-gwJwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_140252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjYN7HV7VWo/XAJQ9m0Z8RI/AAAAAAAAWB4/Zalp5-2B8Z0gJPZBizEXG8v68exo-gwJwCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_140252.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I would suggest eel as a main course.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXLwjF58gK4/XAJRvuGDvZI/AAAAAAAAWCA/UFLLqtoBa6IzzWjRAsQFhmM0lGYOrveBgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_145024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXLwjF58gK4/XAJRvuGDvZI/AAAAAAAAWCA/UFLLqtoBa6IzzWjRAsQFhmM0lGYOrveBgCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_145024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally cake with green <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha" target="_blank">matcha </a>tea.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0DqOuOJjCE/XAJR6SjczYI/AAAAAAAAWCE/72jNhCOUCscnOBs4LYtKcaEBoaJ1IX4oACKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_151437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0DqOuOJjCE/XAJR6SjczYI/AAAAAAAAWCE/72jNhCOUCscnOBs4LYtKcaEBoaJ1IX4oACKgBGAs/s640/20180218_151437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do not forget the jasmine tea!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCMrkcN3c4c/XAJSGLWrlBI/AAAAAAAAWCI/ASHL0dVD_cUlrxEqNacqZ75ZGaZt3oh0ACKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_135136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCMrkcN3c4c/XAJSGLWrlBI/AAAAAAAAWCI/ASHL0dVD_cUlrxEqNacqZ75ZGaZt3oh0ACKgBGAs/s640/20180218_135136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope that you have enjoyed this visit to the palm tree and the food and that you are ready for new adventures!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCTY5DB6bWI/XAJSqwsK6kI/AAAAAAAAWCU/0TL91aqDHOsMQxKdaMHqqncxNKtQD5AVQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180218_135816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCTY5DB6bWI/XAJSqwsK6kI/AAAAAAAAWCU/0TL91aqDHOsMQxKdaMHqqncxNKtQD5AVQCKgBGAs/s640/20180218_135816.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-78417643045098817342018-11-24T08:00:00.000+01:002018-11-24T08:00:04.566+01:00Butterfly nursery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the weather gets colder and colder, you surely noticed that fewer insects can be spotted around. The reason is that they do not cope well with changing temperatures - scientists call them poikilotherm, meaning that their body temperature is adapting to the temperature of the air. In winter they either hibernate or they die. For those who miss some of the prettiest insects, I have a special trip today.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRxi6mdC4ZA/W7J06B0qeeI/AAAAAAAAVp4/oKiNWRPYi44iRh2SuDoQcDXc5HYlsjFRgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_114744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRxi6mdC4ZA/W7J06B0qeeI/AAAAAAAAVp4/oKiNWRPYi44iRh2SuDoQcDXc5HYlsjFRgCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_114744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What you see here are not dry leaves, though they would like you to believe it. At least if you are a predator (which you are most probably, but I do not think that you pray on those little fellows).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIB4-ittPo4/W7J1FFKJFKI/AAAAAAAAVp8/XKowAQOoCNAayJjf6LmpXJuttLtBxL7AQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_114801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIB4-ittPo4/W7J1FFKJFKI/AAAAAAAAVp8/XKowAQOoCNAayJjf6LmpXJuttLtBxL7AQCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_114801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take a closer look.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2P6QvKr-zk/W7J1W-HqruI/AAAAAAAAVqE/LGfvE-GzVLMZtmnhPpAnyN1B3FsFTfHLQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_115108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2P6QvKr-zk/W7J1W-HqruI/AAAAAAAAVqE/LGfvE-GzVLMZtmnhPpAnyN1B3FsFTfHLQCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_115108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are <i>chrysalides </i>so the pupal stage of a butterfly. This is where those disgusting caterpillars transform into the ultimate beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4DekVhHKhY/W7J2hnr6sXI/AAAAAAAAVqQ/395Nt-fi4mgiBwX1BYlnE7fbB6QNtXDVQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_115103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4DekVhHKhY/W7J2hnr6sXI/AAAAAAAAVqQ/395Nt-fi4mgiBwX1BYlnE7fbB6QNtXDVQCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_115103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little miracle is still fighting to remove its wing from the remaining of its chrysalis.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn1wKN-axL4/W7J2yJIFapI/AAAAAAAAVqY/gW6VQV1wyFsPJM9R29ry3sArSKv2ZlJCgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_114741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn1wKN-axL4/W7J2yJIFapI/AAAAAAAAVqY/gW6VQV1wyFsPJM9R29ry3sArSKv2ZlJCgCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_114741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Her sister was more successful. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHUojmHs6sQ/W7J3gBpV_hI/AAAAAAAAVqo/I3UB0v9HPigPj1Sv2CFthRcXPP3l7xgUwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_114735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHUojmHs6sQ/W7J3gBpV_hI/AAAAAAAAVqo/I3UB0v9HPigPj1Sv2CFthRcXPP3l7xgUwCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_114735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So was her cousin. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ84w13MTUM/W7J3oYZ79II/AAAAAAAAVqs/F74SHKMB1pgy86hoZQ4DKi8wAPHEwNOWACKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_115116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ84w13MTUM/W7J3oYZ79II/AAAAAAAAVqs/F74SHKMB1pgy86hoZQ4DKi8wAPHEwNOWACKgBGAs/s640/20180512_115116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When the young butterflies are ready, they can leave the greenhouse and check on those beautiful orchids.<br />
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The humans were kind enough to leave some lunch.<br />
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But who would not like to dine such a beauty?<br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-80584699404991535952018-11-17T08:00:00.000+01:002018-11-17T08:00:05.474+01:00Fly spot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today we will do something completely crazy. I will take you to a fly spot. It looks like some kind of weird chimney.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR1gvI4l4-4/W7Jvho_YflI/AAAAAAAAVos/cGR5ymIcqiAggKwPx4fGnRCZW7KsPLS4gCLcBGAs/s1600/flyspot-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR1gvI4l4-4/W7Jvho_YflI/AAAAAAAAVos/cGR5ymIcqiAggKwPx4fGnRCZW7KsPLS4gCLcBGAs/s640/flyspot-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inside, the chimney has glass walls. And yes, someone is flying inside.<br />
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How is it possible? The floor is made of a metal net, through which the air is blown upwards.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUOa8bffFpE/W7JwaMqG89I/AAAAAAAAVo4/If6h7PkhHcY6Ye0uM6nMTj2Q7XTqEHFOgCKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_102446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="574" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUOa8bffFpE/W7JwaMqG89I/AAAAAAAAVo4/If6h7PkhHcY6Ye0uM6nMTj2Q7XTqEHFOgCKgBGAs/s640/20171202_102446.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The speed of the fan is managed by a professional operator so you should be safe.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpBnPeez6OQ/W7JwpSECpPI/AAAAAAAAVo8/cqBUVoMxnQweuQBQTWgpYokd7D3xM8NkwCKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_110421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpBnPeez6OQ/W7JwpSECpPI/AAAAAAAAVo8/cqBUVoMxnQweuQBQTWgpYokd7D3xM8NkwCKgBGAs/s640/20171202_110421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But to be even safer, remember the ground rule - no loose ends, nothing that could fly on its own and hit you or break the glass.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noX93fetSWI/W7JxUGwe-QI/AAAAAAAAVpM/V0vUIPfXZjIcqS0N_RZYG_t8TclQq2ZlACKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_110227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noX93fetSWI/W7JxUGwe-QI/AAAAAAAAVpM/V0vUIPfXZjIcqS0N_RZYG_t8TclQq2ZlACKgBGAs/s640/20171202_110227.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Remember to put on your helmet!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkpmKpAEtEU/W7JxeclUmuI/AAAAAAAAVpQ/8tC1lKQj-o06lYsYmkb3wFRevtvtmZBlACKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_110220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="574" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkpmKpAEtEU/W7JxeclUmuI/AAAAAAAAVpQ/8tC1lKQj-o06lYsYmkb3wFRevtvtmZBlACKgBGAs/s640/20171202_110220.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Now you can get inside and wait for your turn.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TIWtiQHbxg/W7Jxq4QZVMI/AAAAAAAAVpU/rMKqXUF8nlk8sZ-CMyQgtXVkYrL8xe-5wCKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_110256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TIWtiQHbxg/W7Jxq4QZVMI/AAAAAAAAVpU/rMKqXUF8nlk8sZ-CMyQgtXVkYrL8xe-5wCKgBGAs/s640/20171202_110256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The instructor will teach you how to take off.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-s8pfvLQf8/W7JyOosdvmI/AAAAAAAAVpg/FXQe0kaJG9MHHGfE2nG6sPIvrZv4rSzFACKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_110714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-s8pfvLQf8/W7JyOosdvmI/AAAAAAAAVpg/FXQe0kaJG9MHHGfE2nG6sPIvrZv4rSzFACKgBGAs/s640/20171202_110714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then you will go up.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vh4rUfEarg/W7JyYuTbprI/AAAAAAAAVpk/t4fid4Oka8EbL-STSuB-UEtRMuLTEFFeACKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_112216%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vh4rUfEarg/W7JyYuTbprI/AAAAAAAAVpk/t4fid4Oka8EbL-STSuB-UEtRMuLTEFFeACKgBGAs/s640/20171202_112216%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And up.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nijfRWmkbaQ/W7JyeMfNQoI/AAAAAAAAVpo/2thkkpNtBaoC5X9IVDyszS0Ui-B0zBgCACKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_112217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nijfRWmkbaQ/W7JyeMfNQoI/AAAAAAAAVpo/2thkkpNtBaoC5X9IVDyszS0Ui-B0zBgCACKgBGAs/s640/20171202_112217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And up to the ceiling!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7X_XOHCNpk/W7Jyk9yOWdI/AAAAAAAAVps/kxDx0o3qloM5kRB7sqFz7jXAv2VeWd3HQCKgBGAs/s1600/20171202_112218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7X_XOHCNpk/W7Jyk9yOWdI/AAAAAAAAVps/kxDx0o3qloM5kRB7sqFz7jXAv2VeWd3HQCKgBGAs/s640/20171202_112218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope that you will not mind that I will stay with my four horseshoes strongly on the ground. I am not a Pegasus after all. <br />
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3365502843458933470.post-20734425509299747212018-11-10T08:00:00.001+01:002018-11-10T13:21:47.798+01:00SlaneJust 7 kilometers to the West from <a href="http://rick-the-traveller.blogspot.com/2018/11/bru-na-boinne.html" target="_blank">Newgrange</a>, on the same side of Boinne river, there is a beautiful castle. It has been the family seat of the Conyngham family since it was built in the late 18th century, on land first purchased in 1703 by Brig.-Gen. Henry Conyngham, after it was confiscated from the Flemings, Anglo-Norman Catholics who had aligned themselves with the Jacobites in the War of the Grand Alliance, and thus after the Williamite victory lost their property.<br />
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Obviously every castle has its stable.</div>
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With my great ancestor monument I feel here like at home.</div>
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But since there are less horses now than earlier, part of the stables were converted in the <a href="https://www.slaneirishwhiskey.com/" target="_blank">Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muJ7l_wmxNg/W92wBUt7C5I/AAAAAAAAV2A/u-pXzRNE4D8saux-fTj_dsOl4GDfEK-HgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180812_154227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muJ7l_wmxNg/W92wBUt7C5I/AAAAAAAAV2A/u-pXzRNE4D8saux-fTj_dsOl4GDfEK-HgCKgBGAs/s640/20180812_154227.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ladies, gentlemen, horses, let's go inside and see how something better than Guiness is created.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ACRCAbZaY/W92wBfbWi-I/AAAAAAAAV2A/oo1AFtq3_ZQhiLzGEJRAnmjq4M-B8pPRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180812_151533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ACRCAbZaY/W92wBfbWi-I/AAAAAAAAV2A/oo1AFtq3_ZQhiLzGEJRAnmjq4M-B8pPRwCKgBGAs/s640/20180812_151533.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the picture below you can see the first stage of the process - the barley malting.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0G0FJ6VnT0/W92wBReDR-I/AAAAAAAAV2A/rmkZULdkQc8C2YojW26jKmi4JLWYf4QpgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180812_153720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0G0FJ6VnT0/W92wBReDR-I/AAAAAAAAV2A/rmkZULdkQc8C2YojW26jKmi4JLWYf4QpgCKgBGAs/s640/20180812_153720.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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To start the process you need the best barley, like the one growing on the castle fields just around.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7o1vG_GYE/W92wBfcFnpI/AAAAAAAAV2A/xKK0U15_TMkxfdw74usiTGI6A2tZJ74CgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180812_154237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7o1vG_GYE/W92wBfcFnpI/AAAAAAAAV2A/xKK0U15_TMkxfdw74usiTGI6A2tZJ74CgCKgBGAs/s640/20180812_154237.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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After harvesting we need to collect all the grain.<br />
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Add the water and wait a bit.<br />
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After pouring out the water ...<br />
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we will see the rootlets meaning the seeds started to produce sugar.<br />
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Now we can start "kilning" which means drying in a special oven.<br />
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Next stage is milling, that allows to separate external part of seeds from its content that we need to use in further process.<br />
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Here comes the mill.<br />
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And its output.<br />
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Unfortunately taking photos is forbidden in the places where next stages of the process happens, so you can only analyze the below scheme to understand the brewing, fermentation and distillation. The product of all the stages on the scheme is the spirit consisting in over 90% of alcohol, so way too strong to be drunk.<br />
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You can just admire the distillery from outside.The metal pipes are used to cool down the alcohol during the destillation. <br />
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Up to this stage, the manufacturing process for vodka and whiskey is in fact very similar, maybe except that vodka is rather not produced from barley. But what make the great difference in the flavor is what happens further and is called casking.<br />
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Casking means allowing the whiskey to spend time in casks (which means barrels). Irish whisky requires at least 3 years and one day to be certified, one day more than Scottish.</div>
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What makes Slane Whiskey special is that it is triple casked, what means the whiskey spends time in 3 types of barrels: Virgin (not used previously) and Seasoned casks raised by hand at the venerated Brown-Forman Cooperages, and Oloroso sherry casks by way of Jerez in Spain. <br />
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Once the liquid has been aged to perfection, it is masterfully blended to create an exceptional Irish whiskey. Virgin casks contribute flavours of toasted Oak and vanilla. Seasoned barrels of Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon contributes flavours of caramel, plum, banana and butterscotch. Sherry casks contribute flavours of raisin and spice.<br />
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Let's now sit and try it.<br />
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Have you noticed the colour of a warm, golden topaz with hues of rich toffee ? If you smell it you will find a complex fruit aroma with drizzles of caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, brown spice and toasted oak. When you take your first sip, you will first find it spicy, but quickly sweetened with rich caramel, vanilla and butterscotch atop a deep layer of dried fruit. Even after you leave the bar you will still find the lingering hints of dry fruit and caramelised wood sugar.</div>
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Now the biggest challenge, try to go straight through the gate :)</div>
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Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629584540796416482noreply@blogger.com0