tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26543124733705272662024-03-24T08:10:21.943+01:00nicole is the new blackBlack American Living in Berlin Germanynicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-29133589163701413582012-03-15T21:57:00.000+01:002012-03-15T21:57:29.854+01:00Nicole meet Instagram, Instagram meet Nicole<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdOlNheLgVZDesBvxtYJl2LSnxsRdSEE-2x_7OLG-HZAZ_IZ1vAxTrLDosjgZfKeZHTFu6Ohlefit7AveJ3oPEqMwqiOqqdrD92yZ9fNOccOeLp2r7Q7ZGBPsIohRl2Hhyphenhyphen1w-UuL_Kek/s1600/View+from+Ebisubashi+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdOlNheLgVZDesBvxtYJl2LSnxsRdSEE-2x_7OLG-HZAZ_IZ1vAxTrLDosjgZfKeZHTFu6Ohlefit7AveJ3oPEqMwqiOqqdrD92yZ9fNOccOeLp2r7Q7ZGBPsIohRl2Hhyphenhyphen1w-UuL_Kek/s640/View+from+Ebisubashi+bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ebisubashi Bridge in Osaka. Best food in Osaka in the area</td></tr>
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Late bloomage is kind of like my modus operandi. I didn't have my first boyfriend until I was 19, I didn't start <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/for-love-of-travel.html" target="_blank">traveling seriously</a> until my late 20's, and I didn't install the mother of all photo app's until about three weeks ago while in Japan. Better late than never, I reckon.<br />
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After a few minutes of playing, I was in love. Instagram and it's broad selection of filters transformed my dodgy smartphone pictures into quirky pieces of art. Since I was able to stay connected with my <a href="http://www.econnectjapan.com/" target="_blank">econnect Pocket Wifi</a>, I was uploading like gang busters, sharing my impressions in real time with members of my social networks. Here is a selection of my favorite shots, all taken with my Iphone and revamped a bit with Instagram.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5hW5WRr-M9Pbo4WFn2e09_QvCsZKqfLnTbq7tZZ5oHuHw-Fc2z7VoitpDfsV-nkjofoAbYBDmeHBSNlXmuSHOER-S7Ig7GXcO6dTCiVBw5HGm1cqyr4bwxi64oYv3RY0KSxmYmApDYM/s1600/japanese_toilet_buttons_bidet_washlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5hW5WRr-M9Pbo4WFn2e09_QvCsZKqfLnTbq7tZZ5oHuHw-Fc2z7VoitpDfsV-nkjofoAbYBDmeHBSNlXmuSHOER-S7Ig7GXcO6dTCiVBw5HGm1cqyr4bwxi64oYv3RY0KSxmYmApDYM/s640/japanese_toilet_buttons_bidet_washlet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Japanese toilet experience, luckily this one had buttons in English but I still had no idea what was going on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfE8TD58f8m3ilHjA_LYvFfH-vlXK38U2VAggNQ6ihTJUABEmlUwGNiwBSdbVtQVYSf_hcLI9T9j2y_2bKAInstMkoBlMD3GQvTbNcxb8HB5vH2xrcyqXzydvCi0ha0vzqurINc1wqKE/s1600/osaka+train+ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfE8TD58f8m3ilHjA_LYvFfH-vlXK38U2VAggNQ6ihTJUABEmlUwGNiwBSdbVtQVYSf_hcLI9T9j2y_2bKAInstMkoBlMD3GQvTbNcxb8HB5vH2xrcyqXzydvCi0ha0vzqurINc1wqKE/s640/osaka+train+ticket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first train tickets I bought with no help. Isn't it cute.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gWhvXc8bxo7DUW35nGWliWjG7zRxtrocwfWGsuyeJyrem3kxGp7GHWB6YCGh9YLBLHnS4KF8FHSZVU1vVRSKT5S4snVYuSm-CT0mUaaC3_31TQko9D0-1KZD0_c4jjabRjQouqsXe04/s1600/women_only_train_car_in_japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gWhvXc8bxo7DUW35nGWliWjG7zRxtrocwfWGsuyeJyrem3kxGp7GHWB6YCGh9YLBLHnS4KF8FHSZVU1vVRSKT5S4snVYuSm-CT0mUaaC3_31TQko9D0-1KZD0_c4jjabRjQouqsXe04/s640/women_only_train_car_in_japan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very sobering moment. The first time I saw seperate train cars to protect women from being violated during rush hour</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Quz7wsc6gxw4XsoMh5lSYoWm0GyMgZ4ABlLGWDWnP3HQzUPh-nGGbOVzQVSEsHGfxMB7b8jCNrLByu8Yz_FNde28dvKerMxhFVzpqWfpmxEMEhpcI4IgO_bjEX3-KQFlMBKK8518_U/s1600/fried_chicken_cartilege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Quz7wsc6gxw4XsoMh5lSYoWm0GyMgZ4ABlLGWDWnP3HQzUPh-nGGbOVzQVSEsHGfxMB7b8jCNrLByu8Yz_FNde28dvKerMxhFVzpqWfpmxEMEhpcI4IgO_bjEX3-KQFlMBKK8518_U/s640/fried_chicken_cartilege.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's fried chicken cartilage, it was goood (said in my Rudy Huxtable voice)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC_EOtknm0lHSjHAZdmucmWrC1GYVZ_X1wXVRMhlXYuzOrUgxVv8wptj2TsEqMiLeCtLgV8pvgO9NM83Xq9-ixX34BMXTHZzIKQQtrJtGu5lGSNjUApnLx_MLBU9JCnhG0ImNNbu-OGQ/s1600/yukata_large_size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC_EOtknm0lHSjHAZdmucmWrC1GYVZ_X1wXVRMhlXYuzOrUgxVv8wptj2TsEqMiLeCtLgV8pvgO9NM83Xq9-ixX34BMXTHZzIKQQtrJtGu5lGSNjUApnLx_MLBU9JCnhG0ImNNbu-OGQ/s640/yukata_large_size.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first time I tried on a yukata and realized they provide no ass allowance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhZ7HR8gX0U93FzNsfkSjSBUSeRyAr-tqdV86CYUSRfEfpIhWkyH3li-J6q6cHh1wiQmgi2TsdACcwuu2_572ZdTHico8o168Uqt2po-n10iX8OIG-PikIxu8_9G-vckY0T_-Ys3My_M/s1600/bunnies+in+japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhZ7HR8gX0U93FzNsfkSjSBUSeRyAr-tqdV86CYUSRfEfpIhWkyH3li-J6q6cHh1wiQmgi2TsdACcwuu2_572ZdTHico8o168Uqt2po-n10iX8OIG-PikIxu8_9G-vckY0T_-Ys3My_M/s640/bunnies+in+japan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strange bunny things all over the place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VIBQL0bgCzAbjZcftTlY2XYQ4_CtsWHTHLi6suM2dXqF8EtUz6777CyM-nEWJykJ6hVwkbuEA2lXzPaZpPQ5wlfH1Kk4enQLUn9dIR7Bdv2t6KPHzf7V9Lx1z0vWYg_5ab_JadBpq2Y/s1600/kyoto_cooking_course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VIBQL0bgCzAbjZcftTlY2XYQ4_CtsWHTHLi6suM2dXqF8EtUz6777CyM-nEWJykJ6hVwkbuEA2lXzPaZpPQ5wlfH1Kk4enQLUn9dIR7Bdv2t6KPHzf7V9Lx1z0vWYg_5ab_JadBpq2Y/s640/kyoto_cooking_course.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creations from my Kyoto cooking class</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7km_iESKaJZqj-TUDTWlRENMfgRN6EOwJAw2DkKuVezOGHzaH0pDbCi6mwbEdTt7NLLjkwVQqUNm-VhfIVVMr9S3uCja4TNJaY18O1Sc6Dd4L-xO5sQyfEzcm32wQiI8uZx1tjZ47D0w/s1600/snow_in_kamakura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7km_iESKaJZqj-TUDTWlRENMfgRN6EOwJAw2DkKuVezOGHzaH0pDbCi6mwbEdTt7NLLjkwVQqUNm-VhfIVVMr9S3uCja4TNJaY18O1Sc6Dd4L-xO5sQyfEzcm32wQiI8uZx1tjZ47D0w/s640/snow_in_kamakura.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first time in 9 years it had snowed like that in Kamakura. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwTH31Wyd3aUCd6LI9406pp0BOlZdL2sq-PZqbLy0vMPORKH8JuDBdAdBEHYHqSorQI3ZpM2wS4H5439uCzZsdCdWVU28N7m7Q49CPOrygf96GDHmDJzpYVZP36Rp8gp8LevoeKUvio0/s1600/hotel_mume_kyoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwTH31Wyd3aUCd6LI9406pp0BOlZdL2sq-PZqbLy0vMPORKH8JuDBdAdBEHYHqSorQI3ZpM2wS4H5439uCzZsdCdWVU28N7m7Q49CPOrygf96GDHmDJzpYVZP36Rp8gp8LevoeKUvio0/s640/hotel_mume_kyoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boutique Luxury at Hotel Mume in Kyoto</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c2zelrTDa95MSgvRbc1baj6Etkyaj1t0dBAjr2u-vC2UAniRpBSDqVbWNL6dp98Jzi6lyEDA0fEyD7IwtCkWNSEWqFV4r0Gl-PZx6i-a7MnY8yfxkwfgsYqlrijC2c3v-kViuTmvBcM/s1600/the_busiest_intersection_in_the_world_shibuya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c2zelrTDa95MSgvRbc1baj6Etkyaj1t0dBAjr2u-vC2UAniRpBSDqVbWNL6dp98Jzi6lyEDA0fEyD7IwtCkWNSEWqFV4r0Gl-PZx6i-a7MnY8yfxkwfgsYqlrijC2c3v-kViuTmvBcM/s640/the_busiest_intersection_in_the_world_shibuya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The busiest intersection in the world at Shibuya Station, Tokyo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm-ghP3g-l_yPcC-GSSQDxZND9VbQsLUx-dOW7iQNpdt2juFP36760xZhe2BoOVEVKbzqIg4sdK0ELgp3Ep1Iqsq2erZp2ZnkqWH__ISrNMIp4hCuVv750n6iGUi7Pk1PhMPBtMbwNzA/s1600/army+of+umbrella+shopping+in+shibuya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm-ghP3g-l_yPcC-GSSQDxZND9VbQsLUx-dOW7iQNpdt2juFP36760xZhe2BoOVEVKbzqIg4sdK0ELgp3Ep1Iqsq2erZp2ZnkqWH__ISrNMIp4hCuVv750n6iGUi7Pk1PhMPBtMbwNzA/s640/army+of+umbrella+shopping+in+shibuya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain can't stop these commited consumers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxHr9TKqogVdu6EZxjea9EIPRrp7jL3DQeuHltXcG6LOtQHHNj1YslSyUtLnS612OXNF7snDr456vWLytT8OJUIttStVymXrNJS-cvJqchfYtOvR-WXb4C0mYS6M5CgfxWxKMipfnLQE/s1600/united+colors+of+benetton+japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxHr9TKqogVdu6EZxjea9EIPRrp7jL3DQeuHltXcG6LOtQHHNj1YslSyUtLnS612OXNF7snDr456vWLytT8OJUIttStVymXrNJS-cvJqchfYtOvR-WXb4C0mYS6M5CgfxWxKMipfnLQE/s640/united+colors+of+benetton+japan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window shopping </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHELmGqb5VKrHapORdPEtdq4M8Mi0HbX-IcuxMm4H9LZTj9cfiSeNkABfxUa3YoLglxOe2xDDmC_SiDqJKDkj21wRfDoUuZs1GH7EbO9k7c1ffC3k7-bFBOkWpczap_hWV3RSnm-pWxqU/s1600/greentea_kitkat_from_japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHELmGqb5VKrHapORdPEtdq4M8Mi0HbX-IcuxMm4H9LZTj9cfiSeNkABfxUa3YoLglxOe2xDDmC_SiDqJKDkj21wRfDoUuZs1GH7EbO9k7c1ffC3k7-bFBOkWpczap_hWV3RSnm-pWxqU/s640/greentea_kitkat_from_japan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Tea Kit Kat. Interesting</td></tr>
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Looking at my Instagram photos from my Japan trip make me want to research <a href="http://www.flightcentre.com.au/flights/product/osaka" target="_blank">flights to Osaka</a> so I can go back and witness the cherry blossoms in spring. SIGH! One day, I'll be back. <br />
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<b>Do you guys use Instagram?</b> Leave your name in comment section and I will sure to follow you!nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-16217998500069320562012-02-28T16:22:00.001+01:002012-02-28T16:22:33.954+01:00Exploring Kyoto: Impressions of Japan's Former Capital City<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0yPxRF-7MXgvnJT4TWPkWbi9jCOuiWSU6LE-28iiiF4NCWpv2kN9m1RPqUkEx5tO6yWRRPrpfGz5RetIA-5bBwxcmcTf2oqH97wBfBVHr43rM_mOp73hShM7Uf3YCzwqTQhamWxnGb8/s1600/tourist+dress+up+like+geisha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0yPxRF-7MXgvnJT4TWPkWbi9jCOuiWSU6LE-28iiiF4NCWpv2kN9m1RPqUkEx5tO6yWRRPrpfGz5RetIA-5bBwxcmcTf2oqH97wBfBVHr43rM_mOp73hShM7Uf3YCzwqTQhamWxnGb8/s640/tourist+dress+up+like+geisha.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist dressed as Geisha as part of the Geisha experience</td></tr>
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I made my way to Kyoto late last week after a <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/couch-surfing-success-in-osaka-japan.html" target="_blank">few days in Osaka</a>. Kyoto is such an enchanting city. I didn't have enough time to explore it all but spent hours admiring the district of Gion, sampling Japanese treats in the Nishiki Market and trekking through the maze of torri at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Here are just a few pictures from my short trip. I hope you all enjoy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXZZArW7QSZcjGFfR6UbHD7Tbw3e53aRM5XHFgnfN-Xxawt4p1SG73P0eLMei45HtYLHf7eGpxJmuxEscI8sUz9yDdZ1PHLBY0KC0eAs-MFxY3Kt7Dh-48nVuuW0xs-iDLEsJn0AbHvY/s1600/blowfish_mobile_in_nishiki_market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXZZArW7QSZcjGFfR6UbHD7Tbw3e53aRM5XHFgnfN-Xxawt4p1SG73P0eLMei45HtYLHf7eGpxJmuxEscI8sUz9yDdZ1PHLBY0KC0eAs-MFxY3Kt7Dh-48nVuuW0xs-iDLEsJn0AbHvY/s640/blowfish_mobile_in_nishiki_market.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blowfish mobile outside of license blowfish seller at Nishiki Market</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTXBmHPGkSHaQO9XqQfGd_pShdW1QnLdFzEXo26z3L0RuW-jHDGxnQGcwJvjpYmwNOzUn7zL2g0sZ_M82ybDEq4sCNaO3JJZAEe6AHAnRqXByqk9stkSnYr_Hh8phasfU7F_lVbADuzQ/s1600/green+tea+ceremony+at+ryokan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTXBmHPGkSHaQO9XqQfGd_pShdW1QnLdFzEXo26z3L0RuW-jHDGxnQGcwJvjpYmwNOzUn7zL2g0sZ_M82ybDEq4sCNaO3JJZAEe6AHAnRqXByqk9stkSnYr_Hh8phasfU7F_lVbADuzQ/s640/green+tea+ceremony+at+ryokan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various utensils and bowls used during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNpIQD5WJHuyrnxMY8qwVGUzR-zdJcZ6KQoQDEDZ2kLl5FDD_Bq0g7ZnNSDGqGoYehPWkWWbFEji0mk6P23-_kyDHac5X5J-TvGtCpY2g08FpC9iggPsJ15Wfj1t0NR7JsWJauGVolgU/s1600/kyoto+heart_taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNpIQD5WJHuyrnxMY8qwVGUzR-zdJcZ6KQoQDEDZ2kLl5FDD_Bq0g7ZnNSDGqGoYehPWkWWbFEji0mk6P23-_kyDHac5X5J-TvGtCpY2g08FpC9iggPsJ15Wfj1t0NR7JsWJauGVolgU/s640/kyoto+heart_taxi.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabs in Kyoto have different symbols which stand for different companies</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qRDcYxoTQBwxTnuqppX2YvDOEAb8ATEMvBAve2Ukv3OlAxpCk8MCI1fSonUL_MdN4ppq8tVJ3zljZ2KDUjRIBj62lTmU0dokf7QOkRHhBslnN9CZVrtLFkZluQtZsfo402crNRcvr0s/s1600/traditional_japanese_breakfast_tea_pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qRDcYxoTQBwxTnuqppX2YvDOEAb8ATEMvBAve2Ukv3OlAxpCk8MCI1fSonUL_MdN4ppq8tVJ3zljZ2KDUjRIBj62lTmU0dokf7QOkRHhBslnN9CZVrtLFkZluQtZsfo402crNRcvr0s/s640/traditional_japanese_breakfast_tea_pot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea kettle at my breakfast table during my first traditional Japanese breakfast</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WSP_YX6kAfctIeUluXuDJ4NokCy1Szq2y6iQGBDg6ch9bQckENlOzwwxHjDHOS_q7fiJORpMKSpoaEfkQ-OoFsowGaIxQda5Oq7FaJhY53LfYhn8zirSnEMwKgZrxaQnXilFZpcbMtU/s1600/kyoto_walk_to_gion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WSP_YX6kAfctIeUluXuDJ4NokCy1Szq2y6iQGBDg6ch9bQckENlOzwwxHjDHOS_q7fiJORpMKSpoaEfkQ-OoFsowGaIxQda5Oq7FaJhY53LfYhn8zirSnEMwKgZrxaQnXilFZpcbMtU/s640/kyoto_walk_to_gion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming street on my way to Gion</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04BioZytxMvi9j7ANl4RcDNG33O0acio3zTeuUAyQDrDIzHyP-MdMD4O43-eaCHXdjVAGJVhV7SyUgjkGUdMyybaGkHnz6l2kQwYNa4zXHtpQA5xy-vNtT_ocYN_0VNn3sIA4Fq0GaL0/s1600/rigshaw+ride+through+gion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04BioZytxMvi9j7ANl4RcDNG33O0acio3zTeuUAyQDrDIzHyP-MdMD4O43-eaCHXdjVAGJVhV7SyUgjkGUdMyybaGkHnz6l2kQwYNa4zXHtpQA5xy-vNtT_ocYN_0VNn3sIA4Fq0GaL0/s640/rigshaw+ride+through+gion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once in Gion, it was as if you were transported back in time</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF3BCxuozTUr-U5x3qJAkmDdJ_H3TasJOtWMySO77-ELAfUSYbb27LJsQXHC1iY6qPheNPEhRN8ITIpofGMZyBkzdNc2XMctUwPwLbrbZIM0ShT2jxW2KQlLBhX5UpNa5rM2uIfJMsMM/s1600/japanese_shrine_ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF3BCxuozTUr-U5x3qJAkmDdJ_H3TasJOtWMySO77-ELAfUSYbb27LJsQXHC1iY6qPheNPEhRN8ITIpofGMZyBkzdNc2XMctUwPwLbrbZIM0ShT2jxW2KQlLBhX5UpNa5rM2uIfJMsMM/s640/japanese_shrine_ornaments.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are Kukurizaru, a hanging monkey ornament which can be found at Yasaka Shrine</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt8j05nNrcYjcpPiY1zmcA5HQIDisximKgifrNyJwGj26kjr9uMH6zAzHCMNhtj08zQx5rYdlDHUPsYv3f_9RxslKpxqI12tiqgobD5Pk2ZeluTsSCgeG7Y__hwvdBTCi0JHeRr3Eoug/s1600/Shrine+Roof+Kyoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt8j05nNrcYjcpPiY1zmcA5HQIDisximKgifrNyJwGj26kjr9uMH6zAzHCMNhtj08zQx5rYdlDHUPsYv3f_9RxslKpxqI12tiqgobD5Pk2ZeluTsSCgeG7Y__hwvdBTCi0JHeRr3Eoug/s640/Shrine+Roof+Kyoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea what kind of plant that is, but I like the shot</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopoqs6a0Pq-5r6oyZtEkA-BHIDc3dh48UMCmWsCOye9Iw8FUUL7EEgGsMQGicTjgi5UGKjXnNfYLKycJWZvc_XfZjjPzwXcIh7YrkB7TN9STrjXP6t6HqRoBmJsGps0w7EpbvCLq-VVs/s1600/Tourist_geisha_experience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopoqs6a0Pq-5r6oyZtEkA-BHIDc3dh48UMCmWsCOye9Iw8FUUL7EEgGsMQGicTjgi5UGKjXnNfYLKycJWZvc_XfZjjPzwXcIh7YrkB7TN9STrjXP6t6HqRoBmJsGps0w7EpbvCLq-VVs/s640/Tourist_geisha_experience.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tourist during their geisha experience, they were waiting for their photoshoot</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp4uj94SrLOlKay-KVqUJXtTSRatOKUdY7w-mHazDHg8wwzkBoSq4lMbBzYk7JdnMsAI8rCxZXTGfVOSTuvEjDkqBepYhl8iYpsyuxB_eTFwgBgl9I62YpklnbTgL3NTYYYpsdXbfrJg/s1600/geisha_postcard_gion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp4uj94SrLOlKay-KVqUJXtTSRatOKUdY7w-mHazDHg8wwzkBoSq4lMbBzYk7JdnMsAI8rCxZXTGfVOSTuvEjDkqBepYhl8iYpsyuxB_eTFwgBgl9I62YpklnbTgL3NTYYYpsdXbfrJg/s640/geisha_postcard_gion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotting a real geisha in Gion is a treat. I didnt see any that day :/</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2szaSsfJ-JpwM54bgdhebFfAzN3tNpnZGBfR3f8HZUm3-KUKicgsMPkRsBMZRRhnumjE3JnfB6AqoJyOQuD7wVI-SnPh9SYi4LWQOgYEObvykdWDc57QrKMGdkRKsvItnG2FJqcQ14zc/s1600/pagodaingion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2szaSsfJ-JpwM54bgdhebFfAzN3tNpnZGBfR3f8HZUm3-KUKicgsMPkRsBMZRRhnumjE3JnfB6AqoJyOQuD7wVI-SnPh9SYi4LWQOgYEObvykdWDc57QrKMGdkRKsvItnG2FJqcQ14zc/s640/pagodaingion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Kyoto Wooden pagoda in the distance and one of the narrow streets of Gion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO4cuAz1sG7kChY_v_ccX99hwJE8AZ_nX8LgiVUaGLLcYFSdOVIT9fw9pbE9ktDtmdVELcGmZ2kjQN1ZvbnermZnbov9BwndmW3UMi6bVRU4q5-WWWbYfTXaKnjFhWtgWfVsOv3CYDJA/s1600/rickshaw_in_old_gion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO4cuAz1sG7kChY_v_ccX99hwJE8AZ_nX8LgiVUaGLLcYFSdOVIT9fw9pbE9ktDtmdVELcGmZ2kjQN1ZvbnermZnbov9BwndmW3UMi6bVRU4q5-WWWbYfTXaKnjFhWtgWfVsOv3CYDJA/s640/rickshaw_in_old_gion.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickshaw taking a break </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-1R4L3EyAG9APbzbE8z1xEle0-77M26gyI85ZLX-EggxkuUX-lpwEkFhk_3mv5HkonlgndAzBFAPZvGYQBqlInPPzvkKNb7q6x3z9SWXjvIhhrs7ghn2S4g3xzijD_lrGUXbhczNNis/s1600/ishibi_road_gion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-1R4L3EyAG9APbzbE8z1xEle0-77M26gyI85ZLX-EggxkuUX-lpwEkFhk_3mv5HkonlgndAzBFAPZvGYQBqlInPPzvkKNb7q6x3z9SWXjvIhhrs7ghn2S4g3xzijD_lrGUXbhczNNis/s640/ishibi_road_gion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman in a kimono rushing down Ishibe Koji, a narrow ally in Gion</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NNeBbCv_P7pXHnsB78WqwxNvRzvoGOmQkWWxqYyxrhfUNVNwML1bXYiE846jR_ZCxzYc4Na7QXKgr_QP9tvJvMM-aySgknS0cMC4dy0mielolFLTeiu8UOEgy05ytMnHYPIK_AM2Gc/s1600/shrine_wish_wheels_kyoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NNeBbCv_P7pXHnsB78WqwxNvRzvoGOmQkWWxqYyxrhfUNVNwML1bXYiE846jR_ZCxzYc4Na7QXKgr_QP9tvJvMM-aySgknS0cMC4dy0mielolFLTeiu8UOEgy05ytMnHYPIK_AM2Gc/s640/shrine_wish_wheels_kyoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mani Wheels, you walk around rotating them with your hands, saying a prayer or wish</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQCPwAV_hyphenhyphenz__bB33UqPO5kqGlGiXqevFVd7gItTt3pd1wBD1Bvf-s_X_IcTUxKjxxWjOiXHvh2xKDtLOMFU4HQzniP3ddj8lON9jdw7rU5jcnUOdSI1OGCmFFLYhOwD847bsoJ4l5rE/s1600/shrine_dog_overlooking_torii+with+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQCPwAV_hyphenhyphenz__bB33UqPO5kqGlGiXqevFVd7gItTt3pd1wBD1Bvf-s_X_IcTUxKjxxWjOiXHvh2xKDtLOMFU4HQzniP3ddj8lON9jdw7rU5jcnUOdSI1OGCmFFLYhOwD847bsoJ4l5rE/s640/shrine_dog_overlooking_torii+with+key.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fushimi Shrine guardian fox overlooking one of the giant torii while holding a key</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CnUZNw_lO7ve3lHd5Ok2W6wtJB8t2dsCXRZoIYy02UcwMM8I11nie9UDnZkFAUkF1UfpatDXXTXmqh30LI3nAQ2RNX-U-uIs_-S-jpHGbFr7e8849tQLfrhQJroAP77746HwbVGUa-g/s1600/fushimi_inari_toriiwishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CnUZNw_lO7ve3lHd5Ok2W6wtJB8t2dsCXRZoIYy02UcwMM8I11nie9UDnZkFAUkF1UfpatDXXTXmqh30LI3nAQ2RNX-U-uIs_-S-jpHGbFr7e8849tQLfrhQJroAP77746HwbVGUa-g/s640/fushimi_inari_toriiwishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many wishes left at the shrine written on small wooden torii</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlxipKSf-ju2xWkfatzXWXzaA8A986NKDxtp701Fbx3UpGAenZ_mum7nQoxmRhv6gbnZPpZWfDVccC1LRuagdLs7rgPRjczYaoiN3U-eMpbqR7wLkjwpW0zECbAxWbMgZpIwNI6yWH5A/s1600/folder_paper+at_inari_shrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlxipKSf-ju2xWkfatzXWXzaA8A986NKDxtp701Fbx3UpGAenZ_mum7nQoxmRhv6gbnZPpZWfDVccC1LRuagdLs7rgPRjczYaoiN3U-eMpbqR7wLkjwpW0zECbAxWbMgZpIwNI6yWH5A/s640/folder_paper+at_inari_shrine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful folded cranes at the shrine, folding 1000 cranes is meant to cure sickness</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ImiVaPLVkpuTl-XyF1scxvuHcNA07M_zrBfLtxhrVmNfIx7USzuJ3O0kgIku1t9X4K81gH6WTql9UssUNtSycZbOR81DA3Rz4GrfP-zxW4gm9iZJODA71YbNGjOQi2zsctFKDeCvJt0/s1600/fushimi_inari_shrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ImiVaPLVkpuTl-XyF1scxvuHcNA07M_zrBfLtxhrVmNfIx7USzuJ3O0kgIku1t9X4K81gH6WTql9UssUNtSycZbOR81DA3Rz4GrfP-zxW4gm9iZJODA71YbNGjOQi2zsctFKDeCvJt0/s640/fushimi_inari_shrine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the thousands of torii gates that make up the Fushimi Inari Shrine</td></tr>
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So there you have it. Just some of my pictures from Kyoto. I could have written a novel but a picture is really worth a thousands words. There is so much history and tradition that I have learned about during my time here! Be prepared when I get back to Berlin to read more about shrines and the different ritual surrounding the prayers and wishes, very fascinating. I also have to write about my accommodations, the food that I sampled and my cooking course! Ah, so much to share!!<br />
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<b>If you have any questions about my pictures or trip to Kyoto, feel free to ask in the comment section.</b> </div>
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If you haven't already be sure to like me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nicoleisthenewblack" target="_blank">facebook</a> where I upload pictures in real time during my trip. Also enter my #LUXETokyo<a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/navigating-tokyo-with-luxe-and-luxe.html" target="_blank"> Giveaway</a>!!<br />
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-62948041273555638112012-02-23T19:18:00.000+01:002012-02-23T19:26:03.625+01:00Couch Surfing Success in Osaka, Japan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c3HhUFL0DswKdGw15XmhlD7PnLWydMyKAYP3LnAj2Jg0ArBjSO16mnscpa2BxtZeRL45arZHhbwFvWpDCs_sNPrzTEA_Kg2P332EwExx0egSRsYj77TvrFF0AJvHCIOluBaRD6yMpsE/s1600/Couch+Surfing+Guest+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c3HhUFL0DswKdGw15XmhlD7PnLWydMyKAYP3LnAj2Jg0ArBjSO16mnscpa2BxtZeRL45arZHhbwFvWpDCs_sNPrzTEA_Kg2P332EwExx0egSRsYj77TvrFF0AJvHCIOluBaRD6yMpsE/s640/Couch+Surfing+Guest+book.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My entry into my couch surfing host's guestbook</td></tr>
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<b>Stop the presses!</b> I am a couch surfing convert. I know, I know, I can be snobbish and a bit of a wimp when it comes to "roughing it". I turn my nose up at hostels and "budget accommodations" but for this <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/how-i-planned-my-trip-to-japan.html" target="_blank">trip to Japan</a> I figured to either go big or go home. Couch surfing isn't revolutionary but it's not anything I envisioned was for me, for one, I typically travel solo and as woman I have personal safety concerns and two, <b>I don't like everybody</b>. LOL This may not come as a surprise to many of you, but random people usually annoy me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdVhiTdgsXcnhJNO78H6yuZKlNTht4_Za-ZggAnu2J83A7BE0wThT9Xyo2Pe-JaeeXK6AvHYCXNn7OVp0KJzTrMhAbuC23B-HODQ1TqHgeHNEFheM2mBqxoOiLqy1MbWrVo9oPKTmfhQ/s1600/Storm+Trooper+full+size+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdVhiTdgsXcnhJNO78H6yuZKlNTht4_Za-ZggAnu2J83A7BE0wThT9Xyo2Pe-JaeeXK6AvHYCXNn7OVp0KJzTrMhAbuC23B-HODQ1TqHgeHNEFheM2mBqxoOiLqy1MbWrVo9oPKTmfhQ/s640/Storm+Trooper+full+size+costume.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was clear that my host has a Star Wars Problem: This is his Storm Trooper Costume on display in the sitting room</td></tr>
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<b>So why couch surfing now?</b> Until fairly recently I thought couch surfing was only for hippies and broke gap year students. As I began socializing with more people who travel as a lifestyle, I learned that people from all walks of life and interest host and surf. Some of the best people I know swear by couch surfing, holding the concept in high regard and swear by it. It's free, it's global, and it gives instant access to a potential friend in your destination city. I thought Japan would an excellent opportunity to try, given the overall cost of visiting and how much Japanese culture differed from my own.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqz6MElcJwhjsj-8mfTavodPGN-toF1hlT8I_-eVOOP9316tL3KWkGhUpgICK34iFiscKYQPyC061rSWMSFgWicWIB8i1OBHcpDMN-IACrDC0lFACw8_R6oDHk3EPbjcwUNk_KvQdjzE/s1600/masaki_osaka+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqz6MElcJwhjsj-8mfTavodPGN-toF1hlT8I_-eVOOP9316tL3KWkGhUpgICK34iFiscKYQPyC061rSWMSFgWicWIB8i1OBHcpDMN-IACrDC0lFACw8_R6oDHk3EPbjcwUNk_KvQdjzE/s640/masaki_osaka+castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gracious host and camera assistant, Masaki at the Osaka Castle</td></tr>
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My host Masaki is an excellent example of a <b>couch surfing rockstar</b>. He has only been hosting for a year and has opened his home to dozens of both solo travelers and couples <b>from all over the world</b>. I knew I would be in good hands because his couch surfing profile was filled with tons of recommendations and kind words. He happened to have a day off on Wednesday and took me on a tour of Osaka. </div>
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Here are some pictures from the day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJIu-4ePUw0ItBFHgu5Bi8_vBY0qOJC6HV_Asjctlv9lz24jQ6O4dJI28Vq8ZHYvhSQ6XBsUuGprx3L2ycZerPHX_l1AuIDB5Rao7bwLIigjpmew32mkfBxAYs5NeYT6YqbR8K2tIwDA/s1600/umeda+line+subway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJIu-4ePUw0ItBFHgu5Bi8_vBY0qOJC6HV_Asjctlv9lz24jQ6O4dJI28Vq8ZHYvhSQ6XBsUuGprx3L2ycZerPHX_l1AuIDB5Rao7bwLIigjpmew32mkfBxAYs5NeYT6YqbR8K2tIwDA/s640/umeda+line+subway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka is MASSIVE, we spent a lot of time walking and taking the subway (and taking pictures of strangers)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUGqXPatWxqGocfmk-jZz61i4-VuwrOAN_kkWL-5xXfFvhJcvioQ_SwSjFNXlwhJIR_2NvdUjLlfDPRNYHQe4Pe38ioiNyHkBXQVlFOMsZK2aS-6SxN5tw0wQhj_-gUGFLuDEcAPZOOc/s1600/osaka+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUGqXPatWxqGocfmk-jZz61i4-VuwrOAN_kkWL-5xXfFvhJcvioQ_SwSjFNXlwhJIR_2NvdUjLlfDPRNYHQe4Pe38ioiNyHkBXQVlFOMsZK2aS-6SxN5tw0wQhj_-gUGFLuDEcAPZOOc/s640/osaka+castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka Castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn21Ck4MhfcCxl0Cz_Fq4doiX5Dy2tUDtZJHQ6OQSMHaC8_d5mHWK9O8z6Ze5I-4u1f24G-s9yrL5PTrRgu3pF7IZQvYUoK8hoPo-a-UbyfaNQyR9dFWwx438E0uT3ZZxT-UGwxdeSReM/s1600/octopus_balls_osaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn21Ck4MhfcCxl0Cz_Fq4doiX5Dy2tUDtZJHQ6OQSMHaC8_d5mHWK9O8z6Ze5I-4u1f24G-s9yrL5PTrRgu3pF7IZQvYUoK8hoPo-a-UbyfaNQyR9dFWwx438E0uT3ZZxT-UGwxdeSReM/s640/octopus_balls_osaka.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piping hot Octopus Balls, I ate a disproportionate amount of octopus while in Osaka. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQliPN4TPDHC_ScCY9sxLzkj5-0NgcOm5znABShoa61sy2vgy3V52hRf-8l4xkgR01MN2xQTzBXDMZaq8IVWHNPkmjflH3jBoRTESy7TAutufgU97GSGpr4Sn01xC7loK5iWmOWcytD8/s1600/feeding+birds+at+osaka+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQliPN4TPDHC_ScCY9sxLzkj5-0NgcOm5znABShoa61sy2vgy3V52hRf-8l4xkgR01MN2xQTzBXDMZaq8IVWHNPkmjflH3jBoRTESy7TAutufgU97GSGpr4Sn01xC7loK5iWmOWcytD8/s640/feeding+birds+at+osaka+castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird man at the castle. I found it ironic he wears a germ mask but handles flying rats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vAzKYXEqfgH2LlLDtBDarvzRI2f2wyulmnZidtxxvW8owJfol6j3T_9LbJ45iCCO98Pxw-7tMkJqx60Us0hwZIMlNG_mF1Cl5Rjx2uWRyrD9avT8tx3it6i19HjgtxF72cI3qP6OdQQ/s1600/osaka+dotonbori+glica+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vAzKYXEqfgH2LlLDtBDarvzRI2f2wyulmnZidtxxvW8owJfol6j3T_9LbJ45iCCO98Pxw-7tMkJqx60Us0hwZIMlNG_mF1Cl5Rjx2uWRyrD9avT8tx3it6i19HjgtxF72cI3qP6OdQQ/s640/osaka+dotonbori+glica+man.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Glica man seen from Ebisubashi Bridge in Namba</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8PP_dy4LJWRMnab6HRWc8ImDA-QqznHyCY4DZYxkim8Kr6c_wjGZKtw7UuloM064PAK3_WlOrZfi0tJB_XkUenmpDcA86_-PfU3UpENdAjKEb8460esrI6UqFZUtnvZEKaIzWDp5x1Y/s1600/dotnobori_osaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8PP_dy4LJWRMnab6HRWc8ImDA-QqznHyCY4DZYxkim8Kr6c_wjGZKtw7UuloM064PAK3_WlOrZfi0tJB_XkUenmpDcA86_-PfU3UpENdAjKEb8460esrI6UqFZUtnvZEKaIzWDp5x1Y/s640/dotnobori_osaka.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dotonbori area, where people come for the best food in Osaka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfxUUja9r9-sK-u_o3GM2GZkVFDo2gAp91ut-1A2gGWAyKVS8B2-a0MBTS65lhijEH7vclTtuauqQAhu2M_SiZNAv_B2PU2AzroGG7rUR7hCJbRcxZqqfKKQ8G9EvlEqYL72fM09ejkA/s1600/more+octopus+in+osaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfxUUja9r9-sK-u_o3GM2GZkVFDo2gAp91ut-1A2gGWAyKVS8B2-a0MBTS65lhijEH7vclTtuauqQAhu2M_SiZNAv_B2PU2AzroGG7rUR7hCJbRcxZqqfKKQ8G9EvlEqYL72fM09ejkA/s640/more+octopus+in+osaka.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner time, more octopus and a pancake thingy with cabbage and egg, and noodles which were the bomb.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCjAaSsPIWIyP4zerHl_TysCV5cdXaFq7xnzISY8DEHAfrxKvw8ZI6cZfOyoTs7QP1AIZ6yNg5S4TrAZcljkwDp7CdlOpHv1ccmTAx2lmrRITUsO4AN_Bfb3KefsYzkKwING922nzj4E/s1600/masaki+karaoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCjAaSsPIWIyP4zerHl_TysCV5cdXaFq7xnzISY8DEHAfrxKvw8ZI6cZfOyoTs7QP1AIZ6yNg5S4TrAZcljkwDp7CdlOpHv1ccmTAx2lmrRITUsO4AN_Bfb3KefsYzkKwING922nzj4E/s640/masaki+karaoke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After dinner we burned some calories singing karaoke into the night. It was a great time and worthy of a post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aIdEl3b_HpVVgPrZcUDTF548Uvi-sayllc1ba862OPZtF6w8jp2m-oU_nIHeC7a3Fc8HqgZSedkYZIIGy57GN-ot4JD00Y0QPgwT9M9p0qnCDiXpVOnt4ySnPRHW1fUHG9Q7nTvzDjo/s1600/osaka+discovered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aIdEl3b_HpVVgPrZcUDTF548Uvi-sayllc1ba862OPZtF6w8jp2m-oU_nIHeC7a3Fc8HqgZSedkYZIIGy57GN-ot4JD00Y0QPgwT9M9p0qnCDiXpVOnt4ySnPRHW1fUHG9Q7nTvzDjo/s640/osaka+discovered.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having Masaki as my host gave me access to a side of Osaka I would have never seen on my own. Although we did the tourist things, I wouldn't have ventured down streets like these or gone where locals go</td></tr>
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This morning as I was packing up and prepping for Kyoto and I started crying. I was so overwhelmed that a perfect stranger invited me into his home, showed me around his city and asked for nothing in return. (yes, snobs do cry! :)) I am touched and in a way changed by Masaki's generosity. I plan on couch surfing for a bit in Tokyo and in the future, I warn all future host, you have a lot to live up to.</div>
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<b>Arigato, Masaki</b> !!!</div>
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<b>Have you ever tried couch surfing? Would you? Why or why not? </b></div>
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For more pictures throughout the day check out my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nicoleisthenewblack" target="_blank">Facebook fan page</a>. Also I have a contest going on sponsored by LUXE City Guides. Be sure to <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/navigating-tokyo-with-luxe-and-luxe.html" target="_blank">enter</a>.</div>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-12856295618278703832012-02-22T04:13:00.002+01:002012-02-22T04:16:05.195+01:00My First Few Days In Japan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbq07Smrduv8ZQTztUEioWkBWacORa9T_oP6VIKrTe-9BLKmIgZdGVUIJ6eYGlmE77w5noMBKqst0CVhCVsLLA3cxpX8U0zMWV2CH8jy22Z8ZE37BaOjB7y-rfPV0xSwvDmxxXQmyCdA/s1600/Tokyo_naritaairportstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbq07Smrduv8ZQTztUEioWkBWacORa9T_oP6VIKrTe-9BLKmIgZdGVUIJ6eYGlmE77w5noMBKqst0CVhCVsLLA3cxpX8U0zMWV2CH8jy22Z8ZE37BaOjB7y-rfPV0xSwvDmxxXQmyCdA/s640/Tokyo_naritaairportstation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the platform at Narita Airport Train Station</td></tr>
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I made it to<a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/how-i-planned-my-trip-to-japan.html" target="_blank"> Japan</a>!! I hope to keep you all updated at least with pictures. I am<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack" target="_blank"> tweeting</a> constantly and posting to my<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nicoleisthenewblack" target="_blank"> facebook wall</a>, thanks to the folks at<a href="http://www.econnectjapan.com/" target="_blank"> econnect Japan</a> and my pocket WiFi. It has been a total game changer and I have been able to keep in contact with family, friends and fans. I am currently in Osaka, I took the bullet train, Shinkansen, from Tokyo yesterday afternoon! Here is a visual round up of my first few days in Japan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GsWro7C7S4cdSPfZG_ewbeTbLUpuFX88LBehaW9fLZ4kv0z3aIgelIUKB53Ep3kxMhnxyrB0Di_fD48_AnolES8DDJjl6bWBYblmdGKRD9V0kzEJbtVqM5q9YIvki2U17u-gGh48r0k/s1600/Claska+Eating+Area+Tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GsWro7C7S4cdSPfZG_ewbeTbLUpuFX88LBehaW9fLZ4kv0z3aIgelIUKB53Ep3kxMhnxyrB0Di_fD48_AnolES8DDJjl6bWBYblmdGKRD9V0kzEJbtVqM5q9YIvki2U17u-gGh48r0k/s640/Claska+Eating+Area+Tokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating area at the Claska Hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0vjEK9SvfRWjhlrAHnWlMiIR0v9AJFzNsYlhrRCk7rg02rFrDseyJt8Vax07HydU0roVkpdt5ahm-xyEk28Iz0u6TQkCVajZpIbzT4URGILxjCXwjkyCX1OPVNM0oF4VNCPiNxkdg24/s1600/Claska+English+Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0vjEK9SvfRWjhlrAHnWlMiIR0v9AJFzNsYlhrRCk7rg02rFrDseyJt8Vax07HydU0roVkpdt5ahm-xyEk28Iz0u6TQkCVajZpIbzT4URGILxjCXwjkyCX1OPVNM0oF4VNCPiNxkdg24/s640/Claska+English+Breakfast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't ready to try the traditional Japanese brekkie of tofu, miso, and fish so I opted for the English breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c_FDgMwCh7EJ7ds0HUA8wBZleocPd7YXRLIiHmIAlMiaIAwTKC_kcMnK10iz0rvHwat2WHhwuuQGEwfvgiKgVH7WMMkVGuQkqPdNuPOTPfdUr8mih9jr33NhCffJ74knYQ0TPcBE3nI/s1600/Clask+Hotel+Bikes+for+Rent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c_FDgMwCh7EJ7ds0HUA8wBZleocPd7YXRLIiHmIAlMiaIAwTKC_kcMnK10iz0rvHwat2WHhwuuQGEwfvgiKgVH7WMMkVGuQkqPdNuPOTPfdUr8mih9jr33NhCffJ74knYQ0TPcBE3nI/s640/Clask+Hotel+Bikes+for+Rent.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hotel offered bike rentals to tour the furniture district of Meguro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9FHZXcMRcMBJ8LrOtXpa0Tb7h4F5ytJqYXLKEEFuX9S750WZtB-IIG8WGQTga39B5yKVz5hyWLuTIidHe4qZTM9iNqRga3uWnGyVAQqyJ_-bwB8OelZVh7fJx3NNVVwkAGpOlyf3IS0/s1600/Crossing+Signal+Japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9FHZXcMRcMBJ8LrOtXpa0Tb7h4F5ytJqYXLKEEFuX9S750WZtB-IIG8WGQTga39B5yKVz5hyWLuTIidHe4qZTM9iNqRga3uWnGyVAQqyJ_-bwB8OelZVh7fJx3NNVVwkAGpOlyf3IS0/s640/Crossing+Signal+Japan.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cross-walk signal has a hat on, awww</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizNZuVNI1smiEf_YAiRVgYzEW-PZDktszv6Rc1d8clrozC6r1aJh3kGC-_Qk8LIkylu2FKnghNcsZkZvvy1OVqMjX5XJp8Mn7aNQLHxWRjrRFHuW5kTb4DL41zVeqhnLgnZZPhPv0JKo/s1600/Signs+on+sidewalk+in+tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizNZuVNI1smiEf_YAiRVgYzEW-PZDktszv6Rc1d8clrozC6r1aJh3kGC-_Qk8LIkylu2FKnghNcsZkZvvy1OVqMjX5XJp8Mn7aNQLHxWRjrRFHuW5kTb4DL41zVeqhnLgnZZPhPv0JKo/s640/Signs+on+sidewalk+in+tokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't able to sort out the sidewalk directions I swear the lanes switched every couple of blocks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgpt62ROzucbik1LLqcmqrOu9D9zYE8z7vBvh5v63reTpN1lFUK5pRvgRynCKCic8AleqQCeSCcB_5XMrq43ZRsDMtBTndSz_XuAKWoUjH5rD5p3aK1UDO4rY3r2QOqS7GtDOouTYwiM/s1600/Meguro+Tokyo+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3FoDvCHNtYvjzaeO6wqjyiAXnpdwa2PO4ZST7xngPX66uMI_r-QdUaF9Q5IAic1TKbGrydLxHmYpgvzXb5I0uG72njtgm01p1aH5lrM60SBSxNQ6Ap3l6QaI5D2cbRs7mOum3xaKrE4/s1600/Bakery+in+Tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3FoDvCHNtYvjzaeO6wqjyiAXnpdwa2PO4ZST7xngPX66uMI_r-QdUaF9Q5IAic1TKbGrydLxHmYpgvzXb5I0uG72njtgm01p1aH5lrM60SBSxNQ6Ap3l6QaI5D2cbRs7mOum3xaKrE4/s640/Bakery+in+Tokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread in a window of a bakery, the smell was amazing, I didnt get anything cause I was full from breakfast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgpt62ROzucbik1LLqcmqrOu9D9zYE8z7vBvh5v63reTpN1lFUK5pRvgRynCKCic8AleqQCeSCcB_5XMrq43ZRsDMtBTndSz_XuAKWoUjH5rD5p3aK1UDO4rY3r2QOqS7GtDOouTYwiM/s1600/Meguro+Tokyo+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgpt62ROzucbik1LLqcmqrOu9D9zYE8z7vBvh5v63reTpN1lFUK5pRvgRynCKCic8AleqQCeSCcB_5XMrq43ZRsDMtBTndSz_XuAKWoUjH5rD5p3aK1UDO4rY3r2QOqS7GtDOouTYwiM/s640/Meguro+Tokyo+Street.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street View of Meguro Tokyo</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQs07jslmhfZ2g1WvsIsdI6D27pCTaxqJSY9RohuyV2_id0GcMdC7A6lQBMruK0H_t6KXQqMdPegvZ7X3ymCAuD-fhQWN8VpZGYlWkGk9CMZQEP6pBdIPvlNFl33UCHB-kYfUahT01-4/s1600/vending+machine+drinks+tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQs07jslmhfZ2g1WvsIsdI6D27pCTaxqJSY9RohuyV2_id0GcMdC7A6lQBMruK0H_t6KXQqMdPegvZ7X3ymCAuD-fhQWN8VpZGYlWkGk9CMZQEP6pBdIPvlNFl33UCHB-kYfUahT01-4/s640/vending+machine+drinks+tokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offerings from one of the many vending machines in the area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wp-dFG3ErQbShiLp5bqmNzUX4FcaEHf8eUCCoRHB5ZigzoOsx4rZD5arapH7idme5rPRXbYt18JWzkksHo1L5z-hkfehHgfflVhM-YKI02R3oj3ZabUBj6lcWOXRiYrvysD8M74Ehs/s1600/Meguro+Tokyo+Street+Lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wp-dFG3ErQbShiLp5bqmNzUX4FcaEHf8eUCCoRHB5ZigzoOsx4rZD5arapH7idme5rPRXbYt18JWzkksHo1L5z-hkfehHgfflVhM-YKI02R3oj3ZabUBj6lcWOXRiYrvysD8M74Ehs/s640/Meguro+Tokyo+Street+Lantern.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Lantern in front of an eatery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr6-f38W7WKW12XgfUlXWi_lI4dSrgS1eclHXhu9ECQUZGKv2_VA0skzkshgwAp98iLm-yX3iZRVttsHoSdONIZoZvKnP76CSX1cdbf3VlryQZfpmUOhP7A-nVLVWJsIsBpqLH16rj-I/s1600/Bus+to+Meguro+Station.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr6-f38W7WKW12XgfUlXWi_lI4dSrgS1eclHXhu9ECQUZGKv2_VA0skzkshgwAp98iLm-yX3iZRVttsHoSdONIZoZvKnP76CSX1cdbf3VlryQZfpmUOhP7A-nVLVWJsIsBpqLH16rj-I/s640/Bus+to+Meguro+Station.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling like a local sometimes means taking the bus :) Off to catch the Shinkansen to Osaka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB7sG4-bD5P6RJBXypgwNj8aZZmVFVhF755d7nqLscqS7AxbUz71VpKsKjqy63UqqynYaze1JDG4pbKB04vEKaQOk008LLLgPfQPe2QPus9HyxODmkxw8RxRe7i9weYEUW0vjMFgg7To/s1600/shinkansen+platform+at+shinagawa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB7sG4-bD5P6RJBXypgwNj8aZZmVFVhF755d7nqLscqS7AxbUz71VpKsKjqy63UqqynYaze1JDG4pbKB04vEKaQOk008LLLgPfQPe2QPus9HyxODmkxw8RxRe7i9weYEUW0vjMFgg7To/s640/shinkansen+platform+at+shinagawa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinagawa platform waiting for the train. Better get there on time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_O5mvdfDP7RDrMNj0tuzmxtLj6jzyb7iF3yohJGKr4CIBAuCCTCrsIFOkury5lxT7psjLDrLER3ITi6eqO3_FLx2a9GKaC-QRV6qcGZCTfFqlpppTN5u160nH-nNy8LFlg_g8MIbeYY/s1600/view+of+mt+fuji+from+the+shinkansen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_O5mvdfDP7RDrMNj0tuzmxtLj6jzyb7iF3yohJGKr4CIBAuCCTCrsIFOkury5lxT7psjLDrLER3ITi6eqO3_FLx2a9GKaC-QRV6qcGZCTfFqlpppTN5u160nH-nNy8LFlg_g8MIbeYY/s640/view+of+mt+fuji+from+the+shinkansen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Mt Fuji about 40 minutes outside of Tokyo</td></tr>
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Hope you all enjoyed the pictures. If you have any questions about navigating Japan let me know in the comments section below, I've learned so much. For more frequent updates please fan me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nicoleisthenewblack" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and follow me on<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>. I am acting a fool on instagram :)<br />
<br />
Also if you haven't already, enter the<a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/navigating-tokyo-with-luxe-and-luxe.html" target="_blank"> LUXE Tokyo giveaway</a> where you can win beautiful travel guides from LUXE City Guides.nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-32468709572516832032012-02-18T06:00:00.000+01:002012-02-18T06:00:01.873+01:00Navigating Tokyo with LUXE and LUXE Giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nu12il8Dc8MGhmI80B_whrOMwi03GUwwFsUGjp-eWeGQ1orrfzOGoZaZdjBc16U6zSbhP8R-rXaXFme8-wop6TbzBZ-Epp8ULDtmFD4UWfnTJ33fFeCm5ezg4lebHx0tCtN-9QL0e1g/s1600/LUXE_tokyo_giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nu12il8Dc8MGhmI80B_whrOMwi03GUwwFsUGjp-eWeGQ1orrfzOGoZaZdjBc16U6zSbhP8R-rXaXFme8-wop6TbzBZ-Epp8ULDtmFD4UWfnTJ33fFeCm5ezg4lebHx0tCtN-9QL0e1g/s640/LUXE_tokyo_giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow me on twitter as I navigate Tokyo with my LUXE Tokyo Guide <b>#LUXETokyo</b></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://luxecityguides.com/" target="_blank">LUXE City Guides</a> take travel to a whole new level, combining useful information, design, and snark in one compact package. <b>In other words, this ain't your mother's guide book</b>. The LUXE City Guides are for the chic at heart, who are obsessed with travel and appreciate a bit of GLAM. The fold out guides are small enough to fit in your pocket or small clutch but jam packed with information on accommodations, good eats, activities, shopping itineraries and useful tidbits.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/02/how-i-planned-my-trip-to-japan.html" target="_blank">Tokyo</a> can be a tad bit overwhelming</b> for first timers, just picture if New York and Las Vegas had a baby, millions of people and total sensory overload. I knew I would need to recruit some help in navigating the city and the <b>LUXE City Guide</b> seemed like the perfect companion. LUXE gives readers access to the Tokyo beyond the surface, offering up concise descriptions of Godzilla's Playground's most amazing gems. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AWMZLTPI1rSZrMdWRcQWOtINkaca4RgbR69vzhlgai8n3Il1JJpzWfAxDJIB1JpCgiXvcCiCCrigPR_kV3UO9-ZDqDzYN0wXwrxN6XXfiGWj8P4fB8HjTcRiXiKIlVtfdWSTsN5d-9c/s1600/claska+lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AWMZLTPI1rSZrMdWRcQWOtINkaca4RgbR69vzhlgai8n3Il1JJpzWfAxDJIB1JpCgiXvcCiCCrigPR_kV3UO9-ZDqDzYN0wXwrxN6XXfiGWj8P4fB8HjTcRiXiKIlVtfdWSTsN5d-9c/s640/claska+lobby.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.claska.com/" target="_blank">Claska</a> Hotel - a place for design lovers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-S5i3_LdwLUruAAvX6JhVNZ83PWl2BMETY7oZZvELX_3dNx6AluAi0K_edYTVTxjbXwS8Rxs5JHKVXElpaDAantQnO3pRwFaak4IgBHcm-gedg8g2Y64AuYwjttXhDwcxqTtNCYF-dE/s1600/kaikaya_tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-S5i3_LdwLUruAAvX6JhVNZ83PWl2BMETY7oZZvELX_3dNx6AluAi0K_edYTVTxjbXwS8Rxs5JHKVXElpaDAantQnO3pRwFaak4IgBHcm-gedg8g2Y64AuYwjttXhDwcxqTtNCYF-dE/s640/kaikaya_tokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kaikaya.com/" target="_blank">Kaikaya</a> in Shibuya - great fish dishes, afterwork spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvQaJiRDfdEiA-qW00uqv780B7_11amJPqRoABELMEhmwxNLYu-eFqYGlEQA31WUmWInnWD19R86MfiQRpMqtYg6bM5cLtIczN7JTzqC_UlJh0rHGP-OMLhqWboCCqnv1NwnWP7YlRbg/s1600/toshi+yoroizuka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvQaJiRDfdEiA-qW00uqv780B7_11amJPqRoABELMEhmwxNLYu-eFqYGlEQA31WUmWInnWD19R86MfiQRpMqtYg6bM5cLtIczN7JTzqC_UlJh0rHGP-OMLhqWboCCqnv1NwnWP7YlRbg/s640/toshi+yoroizuka.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert at the incomparable<a href="http://grand-patissier.info/ToshiYoroizuka" target="_blank"> Toshi Yoroizuka</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/canondream/6811631269/" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDPkuV9jhuxRpc99gQxTE2Pu1wsgApiDPIKC5fIzXG-3t_1CFo6v_OHtu4vMKYy6rKroBb-rQwFz2WIs5w9m2wHpnM8oESfCjVW2ARiGRX0hlHHOQP7Xp5XbbBFAAylheRgwc1oRh_Lw/s1600/pass-the-baton-021-570x380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDPkuV9jhuxRpc99gQxTE2Pu1wsgApiDPIKC5fIzXG-3t_1CFo6v_OHtu4vMKYy6rKroBb-rQwFz2WIs5w9m2wHpnM8oESfCjVW2ARiGRX0hlHHOQP7Xp5XbbBFAAylheRgwc1oRh_Lw/s1600/pass-the-baton-021-570x380.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pass-the-baton.com/" target="_blank">Pass the Baton</a> - a recycle shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDosNGMrKo0y99jyGmH84F0nrNNBvjfMlyMU8O5IMCOHvcxqgkjCqx0J11bcR8K4EFLpLmrDICPmjHZD3swwLAX_JLmnAIYm0RnPnKGGuL_KgrQJQyZnvjS-paZmI27OpYjoDl1Quaa3s/s1600/winged+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDosNGMrKo0y99jyGmH84F0nrNNBvjfMlyMU8O5IMCOHvcxqgkjCqx0J11bcR8K4EFLpLmrDICPmjHZD3swwLAX_JLmnAIYm0RnPnKGGuL_KgrQJQyZnvjS-paZmI27OpYjoDl1Quaa3s/s640/winged+wheel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IN LOVE! Custom print shop and stationary store <a href="http://www.winged-wheel.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Winged Wheel</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
To help inspire you all to travel more the<b> lovely and stylish folks</b> over at <a href="http://luxecityguides.com/" target="_blank">LUXE</a> have been so kind to sponsor this amazing giveaway! <b>There will be three prizes!</b> The contest is open to anyone, anywhere over 18 years of age. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>First prize: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Asian Grand Tour Box</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ultimate Asian travel companion. Contains 8 individual titles: Bali,
Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7_iZkBR03T85BkjVZPiZdixDO0ZdKhhQ5iLVcw80DVWcZbNm7eWp8xDoLDq1-gqB0HPLAV2J-Cm9KA5XwgivPS7ngahxJ0vZLiAUYA_-RiQuclnVYTvtC2ysHXfPCOhjlPCkzrix-PU/s1600/LUXEAsianGrandTourBoxOpen-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7_iZkBR03T85BkjVZPiZdixDO0ZdKhhQ5iLVcw80DVWcZbNm7eWp8xDoLDq1-gqB0HPLAV2J-Cm9KA5XwgivPS7ngahxJ0vZLiAUYA_-RiQuclnVYTvtC2ysHXfPCOhjlPCkzrix-PU/s400/LUXEAsianGrandTourBoxOpen-DET.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Second Prize </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Black Bespoke Linen Box</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A customized boxset with 5 guides hand selected by your's truly: Berlin, Istanbul, Rome, Tokyo, and Paris<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc1rblhC2NOV1P3gTLIaOWMLTKmnwmcL7z5_chlWQ6Szr9VBD0k3dvoBkNtzaPXqCTaS5fzSg1QLPSQbYYEigOg9tV7meTCrKFrIxB-hi1UJ_MmvG48nJvtbKHnYQxOS9vuMj7PEXQeo/s1600/bespokeluxebox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc1rblhC2NOV1P3gTLIaOWMLTKmnwmcL7z5_chlWQ6Szr9VBD0k3dvoBkNtzaPXqCTaS5fzSg1QLPSQbYYEigOg9tV7meTCrKFrIxB-hi1UJ_MmvG48nJvtbKHnYQxOS9vuMj7PEXQeo/s400/bespokeluxebox.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b>Third Prize</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Individual LUXE Tokyo City Guide<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lTnbHwc9rp5KBotQaa2RXWBqrKZxCtt-FakwzWRpO3KQl3Ymz1EYMyj9jxjyD1ncjzjb3ltHEeJj7pNSCt7psAYaQt6pnToO8IcO5pTBF2GTZyAHkhapZBHpQQG0NKF4Kn-Hsa-Pdfs/s1600/tokyo_luxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lTnbHwc9rp5KBotQaa2RXWBqrKZxCtt-FakwzWRpO3KQl3Ymz1EYMyj9jxjyD1ncjzjb3ltHEeJj7pNSCt7psAYaQt6pnToO8IcO5pTBF2GTZyAHkhapZBHpQQG0NKF4Kn-Hsa-Pdfs/s400/tokyo_luxe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>FOR A CHANCE TO WIN, FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW</b>!!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The contest <b>starts Feb 18th and ends March 3th at Midnight EST</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<i>Good Luck!!!</i></div>
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<noscript><a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.</noscript>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-8252136017269529522012-02-17T20:38:00.000+01:002012-02-17T20:38:00.478+01:00Japan Centennial Celebration Getaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelblat.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Niseko-ski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://www.travelblat.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Niseko-ski.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing in Niseko Japan, WOW!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I have started talking about my trip to Japan I have gotten emails and comments about the unaffordable Japan is. You guys are right, Japan can be hella expensive but what if you could go to Japan for free? Interested?<br />
<br />
For a chance to win a <b>free trip to Japan</b>, enter the Japan Centennial Celebration Getaway <a href="http://www.japantravelinfo.com/sweepstakes2012/adventure.php" target="_blank">Sweepstakes</a>. Now before anyone gets too excited, the contest is only eligible for legal residents of the United States, whomp whomp. So for those still with me you have until <b>Feb 29, 2012</b> to enter. All you have to do is go to the <a href="http://www.japantravelinfo.com/sweepstakes2012/" target="_blank">Official Japan Tourism </a>site and review the six (6) Dream Holiday and pick which one is your favorite.<br />
<br />
The holiday each have their own appeal. For example, if you are into seeing temples, shrines and visiting World Heritage sites, you would go for the <a href="http://www.japantravelinfo.com/sweepstakes2012/heritage.php" target="_blank">Heritage Itinerary</a>. If you were a thrill seeker hoping to have an experience that would rival any of the <a href="http://www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays/" target="_blank">ski holidays</a> you have had in the past, you would choose the <a href="http://www.japantravelinfo.com/sweepstakes2012/adventure.php" target="_blank">Adventure Itinerary</a> . Be sure to check out all six and choose wisely.<br />
<br />
After you pick which holiday fits your fancy you fill out an entry form with your details, putting you in the running to win the dream trip. Each itinerary is seven days long and valued at around 5,000 USD. You really have nothing to lose aside from five minutes to fill out the form.<br />
<br />
Good luck everyone! If I could enter I would enter the <b>Indulgence Itinerary</b>! Which one are you going to choose?<br />
<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-51749607621870501002012-02-16T02:31:00.000+01:002012-02-16T02:45:59.787+01:00How I Planned My Trip to Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv3QKCZTS1FhA6ddzSEe79aMcO_wwhqHWJ5YtpsVRsU8ptn3oF6eo35GgqzkyxnXMrH35z6PedVFa8-ucGWlRluR2Yt8wB62e5UPWbMaUP46jFOyPuXDNKs9CPJSRbJ4Y1VV_j7lJ5Ek/s1600/japanesetoilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0KXW19Atm-JQuUfH1DCBhOfvwd47WZay34UwxL-3iYudmBIUALzTJ7VktCITYpUUZ62kpExzUvk0WBcZTCQMwO0GgCTanIO-32GrVLZpnGJzjuJcjDlQU2cpw7xE7xiDGNbTcwwgmP8/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0KXW19Atm-JQuUfH1DCBhOfvwd47WZay34UwxL-3iYudmBIUALzTJ7VktCITYpUUZ62kpExzUvk0WBcZTCQMwO0GgCTanIO-32GrVLZpnGJzjuJcjDlQU2cpw7xE7xiDGNbTcwwgmP8/s640/177.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voucher for my Japan Rail Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a planner, much to the annoyance of some of my friends and family, the "go with the flow" mantra never sat well with me. Call it long term trauma from being the only and eldest girl, but I have always been the <b>overly responsible one</b>, highly skeptical, asking tons of questions until I felt satisfied. Right or wrong, I also apply this level of due diligence to travel. Before I land in a new country I need to know the <b>national</b> <b>emergency number</b> (because 911 is not universal), what the <b>tipping policy</b> is in that region of the world and whether or not they are "<b>tolerant</b>" of Black folks (yes, people still have to think about this in 2012). </div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>A few months ago I scored an amazing deal with the Russian airline, Aeroflot. My round trip ticket cost <b>439 Euros from Berlin to Tokyo</b> with a stop over in Moscow. After receiving my email confirmation I immediately started panicking:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>OMG OMG Japan what was I thinking? Do I need to bring my own slippers? No, I'm sure they communal slippers...Communal slippers, eww.What if I press the wrong button on one of those funky toilets and go flying through the ceiling? What if I get bitten by a monkey? </b><br />
<b>Does my <a href="http://www.insureandgo.com/travel-insurance/travelhome.html" target="_blank">travel insurance</a> cover monkey-bites? What if some clown tries to slip me the kancho!!! </b><b>KANCHO! ARGH!</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv3QKCZTS1FhA6ddzSEe79aMcO_wwhqHWJ5YtpsVRsU8ptn3oF6eo35GgqzkyxnXMrH35z6PedVFa8-ucGWlRluR2Yt8wB62e5UPWbMaUP46jFOyPuXDNKs9CPJSRbJ4Y1VV_j7lJ5Ek/s640/japanesetoilet.jpg" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I literally suffered from Japanese
toilet operation anxiety for 3 weeks until I watched this
instructional <a href="http://youtu.be/sCqvjTF8Gn4" target="_blank">video</a>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Once I bested irrational fear, the <b>logical concerns</b> started to hit me. I would be traveling for two weeks in a country known around the world for being ridiculously expensive. Of course I got the plane ticket but what about accommodations, transport and food? YEEPERS. </div>
<br />
The first thing I wanted to tackle was my itinerary. I had no desire to spend all two weeks in Tokyo because the <b>country has so much to offer</b>. After researching online for suggested cities, and bothering my worldly friends, I came up with a list of what I wanted to see. The winners were: Tokyo, Nikko, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kamakura.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scenewithahart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/buddha-680x456.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://www.scenewithahart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/buddha-680x456.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.scenewithahart.com/asia/japan/public-transportation-in-tokyo/" target="_blank">Scene With a Hart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then I made a list of what specific things I wanted to experience while in Japan, mixing a bit of culture, Japanese hospitality and downright weird stuff ( In no particular order):<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellspacing="2" style="width: 700px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Visit temples and World Heritage Sights</td>
<td>Take a Japanese cooking course</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Witness a tea ceremony</td>
<td>Spend one night in a capsule hotel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bathe at an onsen</td>
<td>Stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sing Karaoke</td>
<td>Visit a cat cafe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purchase odd Kit Kat Flavors</td>
<td>Take pictures of huge fruit</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Take the bullet train</td>
<td>Snap a picture of Mt. Fuji</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Get silly on sake</td>
<td>Find the Tokyo Cupcake truck</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Try Jamaican Food in Tokyo</td>
<td>Shop for cosmetics </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rei.org/JPN/Tokyo/Smalls/IMG_0104-Takashimaya-fruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.rei.org/JPN/Tokyo/Smalls/IMG_0104-Takashimaya-fruit.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge perfect fruit in Japan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now with the cities and a big list of interest, I could map out an itinerary<br />
<br />
Feb 20 - Monday - Arrive in Tokyo<br />
Feb 21 - Tuesday Travel Tokyo to Osaka<br />
Feb 22 - Wednesday Osaka<br />
Feb 23 - Thursday Travel Osaka to Kyoto<br />
Feb 24 - Friday Kyoto Cooking Class and Market Tour<br />
Feb 25 - Saturday Kyoto<br />
Feb 26 - Sunday Kyoto<br />
Feb 27 - Monday Travel Kyoto to Tokyo<br />
Feb 28 - Tuesday Tokyo<br />
Feb 29 - Wednesday Tokyo Day Trip to Kamakura Tour<br />
March 1 - Thursday Tokyo Day trip to Nikko Tour<br />
March 2 - Friday Tokyo<br />
March 3- Saturday Tokyo<br />
March 4 - Sunday Tokyo<br />
March 5 - Monday Depart for Berlin<br />
<br />
There were two major pieces outstanding, transportation all around Japan and accommodations, this is where the bulk of my budget was spent. Luckily in regards to the long distance bullet train, Japan gives tourist a break on travel, offering the <a href="http://www.japanrailpass.net/" target="_blank">Japan Rail Pass</a>. The Rail Pass can <b>only be purchased from outside</b> of Japan and is sold in 7, 14, and 21 day increments. I bought the 7 day pass which I intend to use to get me from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and back to Tokyo. The 7 day pass is a whopping 328,300 YEN (277 Euro) for Standard class. You receive a voucher and you pick up the actual ticket in the airport. After examining the prices of single tickets this was totally worth it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.jpopdb.org/media/shinkansen_300_700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://blog.jpopdb.org/media/shinkansen_300_700.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese bullet train or Shinkansen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hardest part of this trip was arranging accommodations. I haven't actually counted but I am changing places a lot, and totally running the gamut. For starters, I will be <b>losing my Couch Surfing virginity</b>. ::pause for dramatic effect:: Considering the cost of accommodations in Japan and the fact that some of the coolest people I know swear by couch surfing, I though this would be the perfect time to give it a try. So I am staying with two hosts, one in Osaka and another in Tokyo. They seem really cool and I am anxious to meet them. Before agreeing to even put in a request for their couches, I read their profiles in detail and <b>scoured their referrals</b>. One guy is actually a friend of Adam from <a href="http://www.travelsofadam.com/" target="_blank">Travels of Adam</a>, so I think I am in good hands, which reminds me I need to buy gifts! <br />
<br />
As you might remember, I wanted to stay at a ryokan and a capsule hotel. In Kyoto I will be spending one night in a capsule hotel with a twist called <a href="http://www.first-cabin.jp/en/" target="_blank">First Cabin</a>. The hotel has an air plane theme. I will only do that for one night and head over to <a href="http://www.ryokan-kyoto.com/" target="_blank"><span class="hb"><span class="g2">NISHIYAMA</span></span> Ryokan</a> to experience Japanese hospitality at it's best. (and yummy food)<br />
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I will also be sampling a few hotels. After my long flight I wanted to treat myself so I will be checking out the <a href="http://www.claska.com/" target="_blank">Claska</a> in Tokyo, a really funky hotel I found in my LUXE Tokyo City Guide. I also wanted to check out this beautiful boutique hotel in Kyoto called <a href="http://www.hotelmume.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Mume</a>.<br />
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Lastly for my final weekend in Tokyo I decided to rent an apartment where all the action is in Harajuku. I found the place on <a href="http://roomorama.com/">Roomorama.com</a> and believe me when I tell you, for the location, renting a studio apartment for a few nights was the best option. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVQqBNIzDC-EJkdwlR9FWs8m0RCPvcGEStTt5TZbcgHUw5A2F_IXKglAq-d1xIF8KoPLWT8ZyDMzvmVkW-Po_LRdd9PtI0S-msZ5uNgVNjFiNsMr3ThuwMekg9-S75Jz_iNHHWHa3XyY/s1600/hotelmumewindroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVQqBNIzDC-EJkdwlR9FWs8m0RCPvcGEStTt5TZbcgHUw5A2F_IXKglAq-d1xIF8KoPLWT8ZyDMzvmVkW-Po_LRdd9PtI0S-msZ5uNgVNjFiNsMr3ThuwMekg9-S75Jz_iNHHWHa3XyY/s640/hotelmumewindroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wind Room in Hotel Mume, Kyoto</td></tr>
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I still have to sort out food and local transport within the individual cities. Luckily my buddy Fidel wrote a post about <a href="http://www.scenewithahart.com/asia/japan/cheapeatsjapa/" target="_blank">cheap eats in Tokyo</a>, so I will be pulling that up when I am in Japan. Local transport is a mystery to me but I have a few days to figure it out, cabs are way expensive in Tokyo and I won't be throwing any money away.<br />
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You all will be able to keep <b>track of my travels throughout Japan</b> because I will have PocketWifi, provided by a new Japanese provider called <a href="http://www.econnectjapan.com/" target="_blank">eConnect</a>. As the name implies, <b>PocketWifi is a mini portable Wifi router</b> that will enable me to check in all over Japan as well as update you guys on Facebook and Twitter. I won't have to be tethered to an internet cafe or pay insane data charges if I just want to stay connected. <br />
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I am so geeked for this trip, and even more excited to be able to share it will all of you. Be prepared for some great photos, interesting observations, reviews and of course lessons what I will be learning along the way. <br />
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For the record 119 is the emergency number in Japan, tipping is seen as horribly offensive, and Japanese people have an odd fascination with Black people, so I might end up a celebrity, wish me luck!!<br />
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Have you ever been to Japan? Have you ever thought of going? What's holding you back?</div>
</div>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-87991644468027436562012-02-12T16:40:00.005+01:002012-02-13T11:58:30.803+01:00Growing Up With Whitney : My Personal Tribute<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_56HEEiHpkzNg6zAyog727b2hOgZo-0_vuqGXLeUvcx3rpOaSq0ZBSFAA2r_zr_JmO2-DMW8q-lFyUNeb9SaYoP_CKliHqDHEUNlw09l49eyoDqqaZeaZACEpmTJw8kfw6xPEjwUMF7o/s1600/youngwhitneyhoustoninnewark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_56HEEiHpkzNg6zAyog727b2hOgZo-0_vuqGXLeUvcx3rpOaSq0ZBSFAA2r_zr_JmO2-DMW8q-lFyUNeb9SaYoP_CKliHqDHEUNlw09l49eyoDqqaZeaZACEpmTJw8kfw6xPEjwUMF7o/s640/youngwhitneyhoustoninnewark.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: A young Whitney Houston Right: Me and my mommy</td></tr>
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Early this morning, my mother wrote "<b>Whitney passed away, Bicole</b>" on my Facebook wall. There was no need for a last name, because I knew exactly who she was talking about. I was on a first name basis with Whitney Houston, and my heart sunk, not wanting to believe it. The message also hit hard because she used my ONLY nickname, "Bicole", a word that instantly transported me back to the years when Whitney Houston had the greatest impact on my life. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWlHwJ0iHR78OBKi4G13rWT7mjchAcU3UMLEgr7iMwWMTTyBVlIqMNJ-ubAlKyWdYYowqztenbalM-xBr02rYtfHzvejys-4RMnVazI-En7D2xvDEY3aklxMdG2BSA7BZV5YmHOCVU2k/s1600/WhitneyHoustongreatestloveofall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWlHwJ0iHR78OBKi4G13rWT7mjchAcU3UMLEgr7iMwWMTTyBVlIqMNJ-ubAlKyWdYYowqztenbalM-xBr02rYtfHzvejys-4RMnVazI-En7D2xvDEY3aklxMdG2BSA7BZV5YmHOCVU2k/s640/WhitneyHoustongreatestloveofall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My early years in Newark, New Jersey and Whitney in the video "The Greatest Love of All"</td></tr>
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I felt a connection with Whitney Houston, for the longest time, I was convinced that my mom looked exactly like her, and because of that she was transformed into a distant aunt. In addition to my perceived family resemblance she came from New Jersey, born in Newark (my hometown) and raised in East Orange . Even after her fame she resided up near Livingston Mall, my favorite hangout. Whitney was famous but accessible to me, in my childhood mind. </div>
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Newark wasn't known for it's safety or for it's role models when I was growing up. To make sure I didn't get caught up like many of my peers, my family enrolled me in various extra curricular activities from Girl Scouts to ballet classes. I remember in the mid-80's the grand finale of one of my recitals included all the children singing<b> "The Greatest Love of All"</b>. At that age I had no idea how <b>positive and empowering </b>the song was but I sang my heart out. I practiced for hours, singing in the mirror, while heading to school and before bed. Somehow those words, became my mantra and I know that it contributed to me believing that I could do anything. Those words written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed help inspire an entire generation of children, especially little black girls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLYqv1uGWDhuiEh_W0Wn3pxkZOP4fthZQQUivHa2RsvBMhdFtqLurWNZjT6lqNmvMWS2OqPSpSAdt6beBasu2qZNfFz0dKj1m58PzhI8XbCOeo5oyqxpnn5GTa7LriYc-z37UOwFccGM/s1600/WhitneyHoustonHairCrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLYqv1uGWDhuiEh_W0Wn3pxkZOP4fthZQQUivHa2RsvBMhdFtqLurWNZjT6lqNmvMWS2OqPSpSAdt6beBasu2qZNfFz0dKj1m58PzhI8XbCOeo5oyqxpnn5GTa7LriYc-z37UOwFccGM/s640/WhitneyHoustonHairCrimp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the crimps in the back of my head. Whitney inspired!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Towards the late 80's Whitney was on the rise, cleaning up at award shows and dominating magazine covers. I remember dancing to <b>"I Want to Dance With Somebody"</b>, and rooting for her and for Newark at award shows. The only thing more hypnotic than her music was her style! Her huge hair and use of color and large bows,! Long before my knowledge of wigs and hair pieces I believed I could achieve that look. One year I had agreed with my mom that she would let me <b>style my own hair</b> for my school pictures. I intended to use her crimping iron to create a Whitney Houston-esque masterpiece. I had my handy sponge roller in the front to curl my makeshift "bangs". I started out crimping the rest of my hair but my arms started to get tired and I had to get to school. The resulting style: A tightly curled"bang", half up ponytail and the rest half down which was crimped. <b>BOW!</b> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QiwD8O0sqQL2g8kW2e45QzndwCmbuFnXPssTXXX1kkaweFj_W_8dOWZ2yPCmzqhy7Itl_aG65Gc594AycO9gGkZzAe-SLKj75c48Gf0xxtMpMIFL6gSroXuuaN-XkzZ-KdY7noExQgs/s1600/WhitneyHoustonearly90sinfluence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QiwD8O0sqQL2g8kW2e45QzndwCmbuFnXPssTXXX1kkaweFj_W_8dOWZ2yPCmzqhy7Itl_aG65Gc594AycO9gGkZzAe-SLKj75c48Gf0xxtMpMIFL6gSroXuuaN-XkzZ-KdY7noExQgs/s640/WhitneyHoustonearly90sinfluence.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitney running thangs in the early 90's and me soaking it all in!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My 90's Whitney experience was ushered in by my <b>favorite Whitney music video</b>, "I'm Your Baby Tonight". This video was my everything. It had teleportation through different times and musical genres, three Whitneys during a nod to the Supremes, crazy magics, a motorcycle, and fire. I remember singing that song in school and getting the side-eye from teachers because to be honest, no twelve year old should know anything about <b>being anyone's beloved during night hours</b>. At the <b>Superbowl in 1991</b> everyone was floored by Whitney's amazing performance of the National Anthem. She showed up in a track suit with a headband on and killed it! People from all walks of life <b>watched in silent awe</b> from their living rooms.<br />
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This became one of her greatest moments and of course the haters speculated that she lip-synced, but I knew, Whitney could have sung that with marbles in her mouth and still knocked it out of the park. hmph! Then her leading lady debut in <b>The Bodyguard</b> dropped. Newark's sweetheart kissing the Captain of 80's cool - Kevin Costner. Shut up!! To be honest the movie wasn't my <i>favorite</i> but the soundtrack was on repeat 24/7. My grandfather, who also loved Whitney, had the CD. We had a booming sound system (okay booming for the 90's) with massive speakers the size of nine year old, wired throughout the entire first floor of the house.I would play it almost daily before anyone else got home. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjHQ5mgRzyyGE0ve2JM45-qzqFbNuQGwRkH4jN7HJK5ci4PlGZ_M_cDH6L-jMwn_W8cUVg0XDd8voKNxCg1PRyhfIcFiNYPP73Llctohrgr6teLOtRhAZTTYhCSOeCZXAN4QtJlsAyNM/s1600/WhitneyHoustonItsnotrightbutitsokay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjHQ5mgRzyyGE0ve2JM45-qzqFbNuQGwRkH4jN7HJK5ci4PlGZ_M_cDH6L-jMwn_W8cUVg0XDd8voKNxCg1PRyhfIcFiNYPP73Llctohrgr6teLOtRhAZTTYhCSOeCZXAN4QtJlsAyNM/s640/WhitneyHoustonItsnotrightbutitsokay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She helped me through heartbreaks and stuff. Real talk!</td></tr>
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Fast forwarding to the next decade and my first heartbreak, the tune <b>"It's Not Right but It's Okay"</b> helped me through unrequited love and botched toddler relationships. Even though the song came out in 1999, it fuelled my road to recovery when love stuff didn't work out from college and beyond. The words, the imagery of a strong Houston in leather, and all the women behind her combined said, "<b>Yeah clown, I'll get over it!</b>" This song might have been the first song I <b>truly understood</b> when it came out. She was singing about womanhood, and I could finally relate.</div>
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It's a little over 12 hours since I heard the news and I am not taking it that well. I am more upset by this than the death of any other celebrity, including MJ (can I say that?). Even though I never met Whitney Houston she has been a <b>part of my entire life</b>. Her discography can be mapped to memories during my journey and in a way it has become a major element in it. Whitney was amazingly beautiful and a talented songstress and I will miss her and her voice for a long time. <b>Thank you for the memories, Whitney!</b></div>
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Do you have any memories that you associate with Whitney and her music? Please share in the comments below.</div>
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-2358667216974004812012-02-12T01:52:00.000+01:002012-02-12T11:35:35.405+01:00Waking Up In Berlin: A Photo Essay<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYCMCjy-36Jm8w805KxEdDdoC_cUj9JeYZz1QkuA_7kPrddNlMSAtUDTCpNHLRo19zBiAwGWxeEC7texMy3vFiueg7woMaz8ceYazl0m4-LBDV5y4uMUtvANXKvIeqsaBYohYi2jCzw8/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_ubahn_window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYCMCjy-36Jm8w805KxEdDdoC_cUj9JeYZz1QkuA_7kPrddNlMSAtUDTCpNHLRo19zBiAwGWxeEC7texMy3vFiueg7woMaz8ceYazl0m4-LBDV5y4uMUtvANXKvIeqsaBYohYi2jCzw8/s640/Berlin_Saturday_ubahn_window.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windows of this U-bahn train is decorated with a pattern featuring the Brandenburg Gate</td></tr>
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Considering that I have a full time job and that everything is closed on Sunday, my Saturdays tend to be quite hectic. When I am not visiting Copenhagen or hosting my boyfriend in Berlin for the weekend, Saturday mornings are my chance to play catchup with errands, shopping, and occasional pampering. Today was a welcomed change of pace. I met up with fellow Berlin-based travel bloggers, Adam from <a href="http://travelsofadam.com/">travelsofadam.com</a> and Cheryl from <a href="http://cherylhoward.com/">cherylhoward.com</a> for some brunching and shop-talk. Here are a few pictures from my day out in the big city!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3dG0LYbVW1XRn6GrTMaGJ6uJaRRxQuzg-SqRIGLg0jum-tQWTgwSTln3BTdeIOEi6-baLMuO6UqWbUZLCe7_QPqdMM_3RJJRkwSOQ2tNwjtYzKxCY5UBTSM9bpns_2My990I5TepShU/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_ubahn_towards_rudow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3dG0LYbVW1XRn6GrTMaGJ6uJaRRxQuzg-SqRIGLg0jum-tQWTgwSTln3BTdeIOEi6-baLMuO6UqWbUZLCe7_QPqdMM_3RJJRkwSOQ2tNwjtYzKxCY5UBTSM9bpns_2My990I5TepShU/s640/Berlin_Saturday_ubahn_towards_rudow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The U7 headed to Rudow is always late by a few minutes. Meh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800QWwDreOXTZOnlqvhHnW_56x4nvO6XIScSZ_md6DuihtbiRa5f7sHquybkAsIwVy30QuJmWau4v_jS33nzZNHhbjmVcgtlCnLF4JVUei0NjSgm2kjBjD-9MAYcCylY08k0Yl-HVpcI/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_Hermanplatz_Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800QWwDreOXTZOnlqvhHnW_56x4nvO6XIScSZ_md6DuihtbiRa5f7sHquybkAsIwVy30QuJmWau4v_jS33nzZNHhbjmVcgtlCnLF4JVUei0NjSgm2kjBjD-9MAYcCylY08k0Yl-HVpcI/s640/Berlin_Saturday_Hermanplatz_Station.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling across town is something "typical" Berliners don't do. They tend to stay local</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChHFJAZNoBw7ztAei5-4S3y_PUjY5TLS93uS7xVXGtbd3prZseu1i2fNQ6wa67icQxMsIamf9IFiAdlIvfwW2dTfn2lBvsSict0HE5yvlX7U4rGA9nsaJLAlKYQg6X7ckNKm4Xmw7Er4/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChHFJAZNoBw7ztAei5-4S3y_PUjY5TLS93uS7xVXGtbd3prZseu1i2fNQ6wa67icQxMsIamf9IFiAdlIvfwW2dTfn2lBvsSict0HE5yvlX7U4rGA9nsaJLAlKYQg6X7ckNKm4Xmw7Er4/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_counter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally reach my destination Pflügerstrasse 19 for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cabslam" target="_blank">California Breakfast Slam</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXqwJP_96LaNfC7OfB0M50-Dx-izK1bWuCcsJU0KL_03MKlJdNqoY0rg78zQ0JuAuounMjhOJOQv_6LqDCokbBK61NmLlB7JMROyUNsC1XOEe9_gjNdZZF7PEkJ-GtZGpVZNflI784m8/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_eggsbenedict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXqwJP_96LaNfC7OfB0M50-Dx-izK1bWuCcsJU0KL_03MKlJdNqoY0rg78zQ0JuAuounMjhOJOQv_6LqDCokbBK61NmLlB7JMROyUNsC1XOEe9_gjNdZZF7PEkJ-GtZGpVZNflI784m8/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_eggsbenedict.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs Benedict. You can't get food like this, just <i>anywhere</i> in Berlin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlbZK0oqN4lfBiFxM6toSrxmeQmv6Bi_JhRjvLy5yG4DTVD_qcfvhnVNn1lBCVzSj1gPOz8foIGzprWclwEwnL4VMIoiwJcIwGjX291VN7i42Fd9Sko33RLbP7J5px76LEwTX3MPk6i0/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlbZK0oqN4lfBiFxM6toSrxmeQmv6Bi_JhRjvLy5yG4DTVD_qcfvhnVNn1lBCVzSj1gPOz8foIGzprWclwEwnL4VMIoiwJcIwGjX291VN7i42Fd9Sko33RLbP7J5px76LEwTX3MPk6i0/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The committed team behind the CABSlam serve up generous portions of California style breakkie</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR25u_slATg3UFdEfwKdXYygltrejBtfcb6Xtn65-2R_OLLFj6jKOz9HndJIRtbqXHOJkKz5yj9BOkS-zSWzpTv2WuNOEvRH5rxGikyBh5VsrVOYi0ukhJ89EhRpQNBy_5dqezFrtPWRg/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_foosball+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR25u_slATg3UFdEfwKdXYygltrejBtfcb6Xtn65-2R_OLLFj6jKOz9HndJIRtbqXHOJkKz5yj9BOkS-zSWzpTv2WuNOEvRH5rxGikyBh5VsrVOYi0ukhJ89EhRpQNBy_5dqezFrtPWRg/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_foosball+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location in Neukolln-Kreuzberg doubles as a club at night, this a Foosball table in the back room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN-pdUInagXkY9gANMfThE1Soep0af_N9DEF7WXw2MW4mckoRezxKyJUxGF12omk4vqaQnRMQAxGd3zRL8iyc7WBtokmJtBdfx2iZyfcCRE0dvbX-vk5XcWLmAUEipFwzjZujU9Zt7nY/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN-pdUInagXkY9gANMfThE1Soep0af_N9DEF7WXw2MW4mckoRezxKyJUxGF12omk4vqaQnRMQAxGd3zRL8iyc7WBtokmJtBdfx2iZyfcCRE0dvbX-vk5XcWLmAUEipFwzjZujU9Zt7nY/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_decor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A model of a ship on one of the dining tables</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10DHYEW6ZERpox0sTlvrt-6r7LN9-eSHc86TAcXpV0rOo1id6uftjoy1-v2_xhuJprNMphOdQysfegGPfaxOdadl9S_JGxMSvp-rQObCiLED5rwKTiiw3YVzyQzqQQQao0PJC1oIMRpY/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_pool+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10DHYEW6ZERpox0sTlvrt-6r7LN9-eSHc86TAcXpV0rOo1id6uftjoy1-v2_xhuJprNMphOdQysfegGPfaxOdadl9S_JGxMSvp-rQObCiLED5rwKTiiw3YVzyQzqQQQao0PJC1oIMRpY/s640/Berlin_Saturday_breakfastslam_pool+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is also a pool table</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOtt7WzF3_B30uiB82ZUeOL97CJTpGrQw1G7nDV_vitNgI8MeqfPREwdmAn4QH3NcRBTE6PK60SzOsaOJXmdEu-IAuqFGtHu_Ke6fvb2g1R3bLcX7TKRy4prrmkO8FdVycVtkcgdVKQw/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_Tribute+to+Tahir+Square+in+Eqypt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOtt7WzF3_B30uiB82ZUeOL97CJTpGrQw1G7nDV_vitNgI8MeqfPREwdmAn4QH3NcRBTE6PK60SzOsaOJXmdEu-IAuqFGtHu_Ke6fvb2g1R3bLcX7TKRy4prrmkO8FdVycVtkcgdVKQw/s640/Berlin_Saturday_Tribute+to+Tahir+Square+in+Eqypt.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brunched and talked shop for hours. As we headed to our next location I came across this street art, a tribute to Tahrir Square, the focal point of 2011 Egyptian Revolution. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS-CVgRPihy7vRK8YxxQmDCEafJfHQeM7_d-6OT1E5179J9K16NsJ06YcSk7Go8uLXbAkFe7fR9d0ezz5alVo2OwjADWXuB0cSbjhcazQFosuEQPeIR02hF-w2IlreUWNDGU_7haXpUU/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS-CVgRPihy7vRK8YxxQmDCEafJfHQeM7_d-6OT1E5179J9K16NsJ06YcSk7Go8uLXbAkFe7fR9d0ezz5alVo2OwjADWXuB0cSbjhcazQFosuEQPeIR02hF-w2IlreUWNDGU_7haXpUU/s640/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brave the cold in pursuit of cupcakes in Friedrichshain at <a href="http://www.cupcakeberlin.de/" target="_blank">Cupcake Berlin</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjupFpSrDM4C_MUaDrrHhziFxV7QcjRbQiqKgn_TNoiNpAkc5xTp687wIn83DxIE8t7DQ90rgda6_kO4FNbc2E0X-rtwSJlezN8WV46-lehb9RXWeiOsHpiwUZj3wnsI-I28tUdnNYQg/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_red_velvet+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjupFpSrDM4C_MUaDrrHhziFxV7QcjRbQiqKgn_TNoiNpAkc5xTp687wIn83DxIE8t7DQ90rgda6_kO4FNbc2E0X-rtwSJlezN8WV46-lehb9RXWeiOsHpiwUZj3wnsI-I28tUdnNYQg/s640/Berlin_Saturday_red_velvet+cupcake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam got the Red Velvet Cupcake, my lens was super foggy because of the weather but the effect was cool</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUGjsu7QpfYpxBIwUSsjQcNPQUQNyyOU5quSwZZ_Geh7c3NJOC5Q77gs7Wquq_3poIIQkdJMIM6fQYO7xlWPv0tYzcgZxcyDad8PHl4OL4eyWVbyrX9pERiTsYOgxpgtn4cw1_GCoWMQ/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUGjsu7QpfYpxBIwUSsjQcNPQUQNyyOU5quSwZZ_Geh7c3NJOC5Q77gs7Wquq_3poIIQkdJMIM6fQYO7xlWPv0tYzcgZxcyDad8PHl4OL4eyWVbyrX9pERiTsYOgxpgtn4cw1_GCoWMQ/s640/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_decor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shop is small and quaint, they also sell American candy and treats not typically found in Germany</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a_15CDhOK-T3gZZaCc2zKFRvmw9h1DdHGS792P2hWPYGfEz8o9gQw8WsI8Pg0gnQetTUCzSPbyAMQPxKHDv_0gGupVfMPlxESbF5BnL_WJ5LXThuBSeHcOg51JM2hGOkKyBihpWTmtg/s1600/Saturday_Berlin_PeanutButter_Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a_15CDhOK-T3gZZaCc2zKFRvmw9h1DdHGS792P2hWPYGfEz8o9gQw8WsI8Pg0gnQetTUCzSPbyAMQPxKHDv_0gGupVfMPlxESbF5BnL_WJ5LXThuBSeHcOg51JM2hGOkKyBihpWTmtg/s640/Saturday_Berlin_PeanutButter_Cupcake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The looked and tasted delicious. This is the Peanut Butte Cupcake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihw6yBVevHv4J-yl4BK-aRC1zBDEkkE7eyDdoFKJT_BxJlx0dqlawSallNMgO6Px7jR1kocp7bTiWcqbuanx4HYXBRTk9-SeQQRSUfN44VPoOB4mCcDzCq2FyrwsIENmU1of6oKfrUNg/s1600/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihw6yBVevHv4J-yl4BK-aRC1zBDEkkE7eyDdoFKJT_BxJlx0dqlawSallNMgO6Px7jR1kocp7bTiWcqbuanx4HYXBRTk9-SeQQRSUfN44VPoOB4mCcDzCq2FyrwsIENmU1of6oKfrUNg/s640/Berlin_Saturday_cupcake_display.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much variety and they are all made on site. Be sure to stop by next time you are in Berlin!</td></tr>
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Hope you enjoyed the pictures.</div>
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<b>How did you spend your Saturday this week?</b><br />
<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-36415236597097838822012-02-07T17:39:00.002+01:002012-02-07T20:13:50.648+01:00Helenekilde Badehotel: A Charming Seaside Retreat<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zxroZN-9BaAJ-mjLOQVAXshap8G4Kg4EYa-Y9j81mO50S2DtH9eIf1NMVvaapjOtQbMSxwRWeTOK1e6zFDCn1RQ0EdCcW-vtYtcauyqbP4HU4nefBizyaj5H6L41nK4dZ3ZCnRFJpDc/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_frostonthewindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zxroZN-9BaAJ-mjLOQVAXshap8G4Kg4EYa-Y9j81mO50S2DtH9eIf1NMVvaapjOtQbMSxwRWeTOK1e6zFDCn1RQ0EdCcW-vtYtcauyqbP4HU4nefBizyaj5H6L41nK4dZ3ZCnRFJpDc/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_frostonthewindow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on a window, brutal yet beautiful </td></tr>
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Winter recently took an <b>uninvited
turn</b> for the worse in Northern Europe. Until last week, the
weather, for the most part, was mild and pleasant, then suddenly the
situation escalated to damp and freezing. <b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">W</span>ith
no prospect of acceptable temperatures until Spring, the cold seemed
to be magnified. The drabness coupled with a hard crash landing
back into reality after my amazing <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/12/god-jul-fra-kbenhavn-merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas holiday</a> left me destined for
winter depression.</div>
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To avoid my inevitable rut, I enlisted
the brainpower of <b>my better half, </b><a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/p/new-words.html" target="_blank">The Panda</a>. We agreed a getaway was
in order and as a descendant of Vikings, he naturally suggested the
sea. This past Saturday we headed north, away from <a href="p://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/11/about-berlin-this-happens-in-your-city.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>, beyond Copenhagen, through the largest forest in Denmark, arriving on the north coast
of Zealand at the charming <a href="http://www.helenekilde.com/site/en/index.php" target="_blank">Helenekilde Badehotel</a>.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4c9O24gB4uHsXTLHb9IZ67eTh-JoQJB2oOBFqsHiicEf3LPg3TbXsaHrB6xRT9cN1-7wFM-9SjMj9i4ftvORJ28bldwaqJHmqej1CPq8pkQB3JACTIvZEg_DKHMuZkXp9D27JdEqwKw/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4c9O24gB4uHsXTLHb9IZ67eTh-JoQJB2oOBFqsHiicEf3LPg3TbXsaHrB6xRT9cN1-7wFM-9SjMj9i4ftvORJ28bldwaqJHmqej1CPq8pkQB3JACTIvZEg_DKHMuZkXp9D27JdEqwKw/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom (source: <a href="http://www.helenekilde.com/site/en/index.php" target="_blank">Helenekilde Badehotel</a>)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As a connoisseur of all things pretty, I felt right at home at the Helenekilde. The colors and decor inspired a feeling of relaxation, allowing me to press pause on the world outside. In this magical place I had no obligations or deadlines to meet, <b>I could just exist.</b></div>
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Our quaint room was equipped with a double bed, chair, side table and a fullsize bathroom with a large tub. Perfect for a few nights away from home. My <i>only </i>complaint with my room was that the bathroom was <b>freezing</b> since there was no heating element in there. Saturday also happened to be the <b>coldest day of winter</b> so far. So you can imagine that I spent very little time getting ready. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTJgtcRyJuGIgY9tWvdlm7iZJ0vRhp0_JCJ6KUjP4PvuU5WcWIvKRP8lUfQRlhkcHqT4Ia0f_rGOiN3Xjd6_qvdJZ6vMg9IGWkJAXdRl15Dudc3m7HphF045sxZJoeCy3V68N_wNoG_I/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_hangerinroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTJgtcRyJuGIgY9tWvdlm7iZJ0vRhp0_JCJ6KUjP4PvuU5WcWIvKRP8lUfQRlhkcHqT4Ia0f_rGOiN3Xjd6_qvdJZ6vMg9IGWkJAXdRl15Dudc3m7HphF045sxZJoeCy3V68N_wNoG_I/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_hangerinroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTJgtcRyJuGIgY9tWvdlm7iZJ0vRhp0_JCJ6KUjP4PvuU5WcWIvKRP8lUfQRlhkcHqT4Ia0f_rGOiN3Xjd6_qvdJZ6vMg9IGWkJAXdRl15Dudc3m7HphF045sxZJoeCy3V68N_wNoG_I/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_hangerinroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helenekilde Logo on Hangers</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTJgtcRyJuGIgY9tWvdlm7iZJ0vRhp0_JCJ6KUjP4PvuU5WcWIvKRP8lUfQRlhkcHqT4Ia0f_rGOiN3Xjd6_qvdJZ6vMg9IGWkJAXdRl15Dudc3m7HphF045sxZJoeCy3V68N_wNoG_I/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_hangerinroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EIThpUBog2_QX7ZDyGweq9DddkcYtYxO-pUE43XE1iIvO8ch1kMFKJ-BLcgQSwbtb7SSPAP3k_LuR4KyFUXRME9WSjTBM9BDOkaiPnj_P4LgGZhXmOC44P1HhgfxqFeAkSvbGf9FCz0/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_whiterose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EIThpUBog2_QX7ZDyGweq9DddkcYtYxO-pUE43XE1iIvO8ch1kMFKJ-BLcgQSwbtb7SSPAP3k_LuR4KyFUXRME9WSjTBM9BDOkaiPnj_P4LgGZhXmOC44P1HhgfxqFeAkSvbGf9FCz0/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_whiterose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many white roses in the hotel that evening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAexjZ_lNCELqvYiojwGFIGPqNsz95ME7ciVaaS7l_y4oAMALX2hppnZKv6_cSgiGyFl3EPYiBkoukDYxnT1KTvYm0yeHDMDFcpNmtmKr_8ge1etM2M5vkZ27J_kqMNKJ0uJeRXiom5Is/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_rockingchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAexjZ_lNCELqvYiojwGFIGPqNsz95ME7ciVaaS7l_y4oAMALX2hppnZKv6_cSgiGyFl3EPYiBkoukDYxnT1KTvYm0yeHDMDFcpNmtmKr_8ge1etM2M5vkZ27J_kqMNKJ0uJeRXiom5Is/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_rockingchair.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic rocking chair on patio</td></tr>
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The design detail was simple and elegant, equidistant between casual and luxury. The Helenekilde didn't always look like this, it has been reinvented a few times since it was built in 1896 as a private residence. After its expansion it became a <b>seaside retreat</b> for many Copenhageners, just <b>two hours north</b> of the city and easily accessible via Denmark's impressive rail system.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGb-PYgrdxVVAxnl91OsR_k0rsRKhlrB-V8yUBmGI7eUXWY6ktDMRVeUCa0qton0M8WRVXCMPAATEp4vP80GUeE6mhwAUbC76pOXXcjbV3Dhws-RjgKQavHLPNXvoqSfuGDzEWucAGk0/s1600/Helenekilde_Badehotel_thevikingandthesea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGb-PYgrdxVVAxnl91OsR_k0rsRKhlrB-V8yUBmGI7eUXWY6ktDMRVeUCa0qton0M8WRVXCMPAATEp4vP80GUeE6mhwAUbC76pOXXcjbV3Dhws-RjgKQavHLPNXvoqSfuGDzEWucAGk0/s640/Helenekilde_Badehotel_thevikingandthesea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Panda just...thinking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh flowers and a couple in the distance relaxing</td></tr>
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The wonderful ocean views from the patio allowed <b>time for reflection</b>, on the universe, life, and love. One could almost ignore the harsh temperatures and get lost in the beauty of the sea. If you weren't brave enough to sit outside,that evening there were plenty of comfy couches and quiet corners to have a snog or chat. There was also an
extensive bar and multiple sitting rooms/dining area. I could always find a place to read a book or play on the internet with the hotel provided free WiFi. It seemed the rest of the guest that weekend also had a similar mission as The Panda and I, because it was fairly quiet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1T9t5_EzPONXki1CF5bfcjs41LyY0fC5-XCFEtvBDlGSpv0bfNqP6LOSs82ovJfEZLewUrVTdTtv1gpqg_tqRltLk65edt1ut0Do2JM8UPQnG18Nb67R7oHwK4aBYG9iuuBE9zqa9Eo/s1600/Helenekilde+Badehotel+diner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1T9t5_EzPONXki1CF5bfcjs41LyY0fC5-XCFEtvBDlGSpv0bfNqP6LOSs82ovJfEZLewUrVTdTtv1gpqg_tqRltLk65edt1ut0Do2JM8UPQnG18Nb67R7oHwK4aBYG9iuuBE9zqa9Eo/s640/Helenekilde+Badehotel+diner.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aside from a beautiful decor and peaceful atmosphere the Helenekilde served up some g<b>reat food!</b> The restaurant serves a set three course menu which occasionally changes. I'm by no means a food critic but I was really impressed. I had something called frogfish which tasted a million times better than it sounds. Pictures of our meal and more of the hotel can be found on my f<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.342773182411113.78076.201275576560875&type=3&l=dd03e1508f" target="_blank">acebook page. </a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me: After (photo credit: The Panda)</td></tr>
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What a difference a day makes. The Panda and I left feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of winter.If you want to learn more about the Helenekilde Badehotel check out their <a href="http://www.helenekilde.com/site/en/velkommen.php" target="_blank">site</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/helenekildebadehotel?ref=ts" target="_blank">facebook fanpage</a>. <br />
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<br />
What do you do to ward off the <b>winter blues</b>? Ever tried an <b>overnight trip</b> to a hotel?<br />
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Be sure to <b>share it</b> like you mean it with one of the buttons at the top of the post. <br />
<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-76403017396206763892012-01-31T17:09:00.002+01:002012-02-18T01:23:51.524+01:00The Forgotten Art of Travel and A Louis Vuitton Hotel Label Postcard Box Giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhWCQwBc9DHTZjBkUzyP2dtu47fZ6tbpdo6_WkqusmhYzhL_ISn6z4OMpApEhiDe568Qgg9zbeX6QgyWYDcOgrgoFQEVoaDkl4rBCVrxp1wpWYNF8i_4secg0cSucgQHxKBw5RKCRig8/s1600/vintage_luggage_with_labels_goldenageoftravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhWCQwBc9DHTZjBkUzyP2dtu47fZ6tbpdo6_WkqusmhYzhL_ISn6z4OMpApEhiDe568Qgg9zbeX6QgyWYDcOgrgoFQEVoaDkl4rBCVrxp1wpWYNF8i_4secg0cSucgQHxKBw5RKCRig8/s640/vintage_luggage_with_labels_goldenageoftravel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage suitcase with labels from word travels (<a href="http://itsmashedpotatotime.blogspot.com/2010/10/bon-voyage.html" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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The image of an antique steamer trunk
covered in hotel labels has always been the <b>ultimate symbol of travel</b>
for me. I think of the Golden Age of travel, when different modes of
transportation made the <b>unreachable finally reachable</b>. During this
time hotel labels were in high fashion and served as a memento of one's past
journeys.</div>
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Luggage labels captured the spirit of
adventure, long before travel blogs and flickr albums. There were men
and women who had the foresight to know that these labels would
eventually tell <b>a grand story</b>. One of the most enthusiastic of
wanderers of his time was the <b>grandson of Louis Vuitton,
Gaston-Louis</b>. Over the course of his international travels he
collected <b>3,000 unique hotel labels</b> from all corners of the world. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPALsi-j-kfTstb0-MXsK1kF-LJQd7q2gG9UWj1beM4lqy-jadXkWE4SEuQuZ6mHCDeXhWx6Riim42_-aoBtCXFtgU4JcE9Rmq0h96-xfBnmLZe5d_WBBPuUzJfCdFynqSGZAUbgm3d0/s1600/louis+vuitton+hotel+labels+boxset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPALsi-j-kfTstb0-MXsK1kF-LJQd7q2gG9UWj1beM4lqy-jadXkWE4SEuQuZ6mHCDeXhWx6Riim42_-aoBtCXFtgU4JcE9Rmq0h96-xfBnmLZe5d_WBBPuUzJfCdFynqSGZAUbgm3d0/s640/louis+vuitton+hotel+labels+boxset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprCUcMgbAu8ARO610GRw3aqNi76AfMO_SDAFVQOEeWUp9uf-7v4bPc4lOh_TGGEQ18PLCeQc2XQ4ZvoAivuRgSRUoNRm6ISRfgPMIg_xzW2gFR9v3aE7EuDxl8LW6wvm9qmYeFxv19Rk/s1600/louis+vuitton+hotel+label+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprCUcMgbAu8ARO610GRw3aqNi76AfMO_SDAFVQOEeWUp9uf-7v4bPc4lOh_TGGEQ18PLCeQc2XQ4ZvoAivuRgSRUoNRm6ISRfgPMIg_xzW2gFR9v3aE7EuDxl8LW6wvm9qmYeFxv19Rk/s640/louis+vuitton+hotel+label+display.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
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As a tribute to traveling and the art
of collecting beautiful things, the Louis Vuitton brand published
reproductions of 30 different hotel labels from Gaston-Louis's
private collection. These labels are packaged as the beautiful and
timeless <b>Hotel Label Postcards Box</b> and this is <b>my gift to one lucky
winner!</b></div>
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<b>FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW</b>!!<br />
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<b>ENTER BELOW</b></div>
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-5476025374851922192012-01-28T02:52:00.001+01:002012-01-29T18:10:49.958+01:00Berlin, Germany: Places of Remembrance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jews are no longer allowed to work
as independent craftsmen November 12, 1938</td></tr>
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January 27th is recognized around the world as <b>International
Holocaust Remembrance Day</b>. On this day, 67 years ago, the Auschwitz
concentration camp was liberated by Soviet Troops. From <b>1942 to 1944,</b> trains from all over Nazi-occupied Europe
drove millions of Jews, Roma, Sinti, Poles and other religious and
political opponents to the their<b> imprisonment and eventual death</b>. </div>
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One area in Berlin was especially devastated by the Holocaust. Before Hitler came to power the small Bavarian Quarter in <b>Schöneberg</b> <i></i>was <b>home to more than 16,000 Jews</b>. In the 1920's this area was known
as the <b>"Jewish Switzerland"</b> because it was home to many doctors,
lawyers and intellectuals, including <b>Albert Einstein</b>. By 1944, <b>6,000
of these men and women met their death</b> after their deportation to
concentration camps. </div>
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The destruction of so many lives <b>did not happen overnight</b>,
starting years earlier with their persecution. Jewish citizens living in Nazi-occupied Europe were subject to <b>gradual and
systematic loss of rights and limitations on their movement</b>. During
1933 to 1945 Jewish people were denied the most basic of privileges
<b>from owning pets to taking public transportation</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JWxsiXOHXdYQ8TxQfo0SL88qTmtNZQrEtmCfjB6qtdK-ap6C2RMY2tFrV7zMzo05bPsvXEpmNpcODAGFxq7hSHCUHD68Cgjjrzj-jYhNhSGGO3DAsQM80WLMVk_wkwhf8k0wAQRZIjg/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMcr4AusnVUueEYcGsqSz3wyZALgJFbDwz8L4BI-xELyBcQXNatOLsCEZN3EwgcrneyDqRa2oKNmpCvp_CQKJeXb4p5NRF8zuDM0tA6vysG-zmdgSpCZruR1kCR5yMjbjTEVKKt7OeOo/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter1back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMcr4AusnVUueEYcGsqSz3wyZALgJFbDwz8L4BI-xELyBcQXNatOLsCEZN3EwgcrneyDqRa2oKNmpCvp_CQKJeXb4p5NRF8zuDM0tA6vysG-zmdgSpCZruR1kCR5yMjbjTEVKKt7OeOo/s640/berlinbavarianquarter1back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JWxsiXOHXdYQ8TxQfo0SL88qTmtNZQrEtmCfjB6qtdK-ap6C2RMY2tFrV7zMzo05bPsvXEpmNpcODAGFxq7hSHCUHD68Cgjjrzj-jYhNhSGGO3DAsQM80WLMVk_wkwhf8k0wAQRZIjg/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JWxsiXOHXdYQ8TxQfo0SL88qTmtNZQrEtmCfjB6qtdK-ap6C2RMY2tFrV7zMzo05bPsvXEpmNpcODAGFxq7hSHCUHD68Cgjjrzj-jYhNhSGGO3DAsQM80WLMVk_wkwhf8k0wAQRZIjg/s640/berlinbavarianquarter1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Drivers licenses or automobile
registration belonging to Jews are void and must be returned. Dec. 3,
1938.
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1993 two artists <b>Renata Stih and Frieder Schnock</b>, designed a
public exhibit called <i>Places of Remembrance in the Bavarian
Quarter: exclusion and disenfranchisement, expulsion, deportation and
murder of Berlin Jews in the years 1933 to 1945. </i>The
exhibit is a <b>decentralized memorial of 80 signs</b> mounted on lamp post
throughout the district. Each sign is two sided, on one side there is
a <b>colorful illustration</b> and on the other, is an excerpt of
<b>anti-Semitic ordinance</b> written in black and white text.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FwIbLmHzystioUXNc5_krup08ab9BxSVitAuHcqYMxKvihj2YbTVP2C3BYokXwjNiA3zhTQnImas1oju_NUWK_PjXsSBLN9HRRRLzK2HPuGO5nOCyjLrvd0SVKX_ENpxy7NvzURFicI/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FwIbLmHzystioUXNc5_krup08ab9BxSVitAuHcqYMxKvihj2YbTVP2C3BYokXwjNiA3zhTQnImas1oju_NUWK_PjXsSBLN9HRRRLzK2HPuGO5nOCyjLrvd0SVKX_ENpxy7NvzURFicI/s640/berlinbavarianquarter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltEbXtJIF1fCK6eH0AYIe0Ojmpr-hcrgMmExMwUfcAua7ysuTWWdkmNP6p165Q5a6-g3mTEFeSYjBiGrGNQnO0agrLrR5esM6TwYTFypbW0GFe1KsczWJQ_5qxEUni9HebJM0zNkq_3A/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter6back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltEbXtJIF1fCK6eH0AYIe0Ojmpr-hcrgMmExMwUfcAua7ysuTWWdkmNP6p165Q5a6-g3mTEFeSYjBiGrGNQnO0agrLrR5esM6TwYTFypbW0GFe1KsczWJQ_5qxEUni9HebJM0zNkq_3A/s640/berlinbavarianquarter6back.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To avoid criticism in connection with the
1936 Olympic Games, signs with harsh language toward Jewish people were
momentarily removed. </div>
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"></span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The memorial shed light on the <b>daily
humiliations endured</b> by the Jewish citizens of the Bavarian Quarter and beyond from
1933-1945. These law enabled the <b>disenfranchisement and persecution</b>
of the Jews and invaded every part of their life. Some of the laws on display in the exhibit are:</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Beginning on April 1, 1933 local
insurance companies no longer cover treatments by Jewish doctors.
March 31, 1933 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jewish actors and actresses are not
longer allowed to perform. March 4, 1934
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jew are no longer allowed to obtain a Ph. D April 15, 1937 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Jewish doctors may no longer practice July 25, 1938 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jewish children are expelled from public schools. November 15, 1938 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Jews are not allowed to use any of the
public pools. December 3, 1938</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
All male Jews have to add "Israel"
to their first name and all female Jews have to add "Sara."
August, 17, 1938</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jews in Berlin are only allowed to buy
food between four and five o'clock in the afternoon July 4, 1940 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>All Jews over the age of 6 have to wear the yellow star reading "Jew." September 1, 1941</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jews are not allowed to use public transportation during rush hour and any other time the volume of traffic was high. They are only allowed to sit down if no other passenger is still standing. September 18, 1941</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jews are no longer allowed to buy newspapers and magazines. February 17, 1942 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Jews are not allowed to keep pets. May 15, 1942 </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNOCU6vVJj4uZh-zM146nKJTVx-Qw0-siw5Bx_lG3Ws3u02_mho8NkQZFutGs2XSNIFhEM9KCn_Dz0Ddz0quhSokKJXUFOo9GK1xP2cli-nz3iWGDaHdHpE-v0fp5xuqJ7p-grfdWLdo/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter5front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNOCU6vVJj4uZh-zM146nKJTVx-Qw0-siw5Bx_lG3Ws3u02_mho8NkQZFutGs2XSNIFhEM9KCn_Dz0Ddz0quhSokKJXUFOo9GK1xP2cli-nz3iWGDaHdHpE-v0fp5xuqJ7p-grfdWLdo/s640/berlinbavarianquarter5front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,san-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTbOFkLveN3pcOX9HtR-2wUruhG6eKLejmfGGskaRXy7Fh-FB2UqGW82qNLxat24KPMX4buQOofIUiAcROTD230e_kqTQ_r0yA2oHn2ZrOgJicjqQkrfsmnxQXCjpzVXHMi4oFt1SMUg/s1600/berlinbavarianquarter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTbOFkLveN3pcOX9HtR-2wUruhG6eKLejmfGGskaRXy7Fh-FB2UqGW82qNLxat24KPMX4buQOofIUiAcROTD230e_kqTQ_r0yA2oHn2ZrOgJicjqQkrfsmnxQXCjpzVXHMi4oFt1SMUg/s640/berlinbavarianquarter5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The German Rail (Deutche Reichsbahn) was used for the first mass deportation of Berlin Jews<br />
October 18, 1941 <br />
First trains of deportees went directly into the extermination
camp Auschwitz.<br />
July 11, 1942
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
One can almost walk throughout the Bavarian Quarter and not notice these signs. They serve as a subtle reminder of this area's dark past. The signs creep into your view the same way the laws crept into the lives of the people most effected by them. I think it also very telling that no translation is provided on the sign itself. It is as if the sign is for Germans and citizens of Germany alone. A message to never allow this to happen again in this country or to its citizens. </div>
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<br />
More about the exhibit and the artists can be found <a href="http://chgs.umn.edu/museum/memorials/remembrance/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
What do you think of the exhibit? It has faced criticisms for being too subtle? Do you agree?<b><br /></b>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-4908304240539962142012-01-22T04:04:00.002+01:002012-02-09T12:11:07.237+01:00Reykjavik, Iceland: The Perfect Escape<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBQDLmmfL0NUhYTpvcXzPz-7_pRJ1PHrOzQaMukZ92o1atwK-5LjRI_RkDiRlfzzoaSVFF5AsEXjS78exD_ZKf0KC7J73Hwf-DWILmErR7P-Wkr4oEPfb4R1OhVoFT2jlN2f-UWKX8WY/s1600/Reykjavik+Iceland_provincial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBQDLmmfL0NUhYTpvcXzPz-7_pRJ1PHrOzQaMukZ92o1atwK-5LjRI_RkDiRlfzzoaSVFF5AsEXjS78exD_ZKf0KC7J73Hwf-DWILmErR7P-Wkr4oEPfb4R1OhVoFT2jlN2f-UWKX8WY/s640/Reykjavik+Iceland_provincial.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Iceland's capital is a progressive, vibrant city despite its provincial village-like appearance</div>
</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
My favorite trip of 2011 had to be my weekend escape to Reykjavik, Iceland, <b>the world's northernmost capital city.</b> Reykjavik is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Iceland. Despite it's provincial appearance, Reykjavik has been dubbed the "the nightlife capital of the north", with clubs that stay open past 4 a.m. Don't be put off if you aren't much of a raver, the city and its surrounding areas offer a mixture of nature, adventure and relaxation. The <b>solo female traveler </b>should feel more than comfortable in Reykjavik,
the city is <b>virtually crime free</b> and almost everyone <b>speaks perfect
English</b>.</div>
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Since Iceland is so far north during the winter months <b>Reykjavik gets about 4 hours of daylight</b>, where the sun doesn't rise till about 11:00 in the morning. In the summer there is almost <b>24 hours of daylight in some parts of Iceland. </b>I visited Reykjavik at the tail end of winter, in late February when it was abnormally "warm". The days were starting to get longer so I had a ton of time to explore the city center and beyond. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4ilebqGe3YZG6jaqnvP4CeB9CMFw1_DVOjTjvsXsSycEiyV4s1-Hif6XM43ALR4Wc6i90r13Kw6jpo94acX2rm8EU9SDhdtC-P0Bkzg5Ql7FVs5a-bqXp-yWemYwrDL2wrx5VzBgLYk/s1600/heated+sidewalks+reykjavik.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4ilebqGe3YZG6jaqnvP4CeB9CMFw1_DVOjTjvsXsSycEiyV4s1-Hif6XM43ALR4Wc6i90r13Kw6jpo94acX2rm8EU9SDhdtC-P0Bkzg5Ql7FVs5a-bqXp-yWemYwrDL2wrx5VzBgLYk/s640/heated+sidewalks+reykjavik.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl can wear heels even in the winter! The sidewalks are heated in Reykjavik, so no ice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
On my first full day in Reykjavik, I went on the Golden Circle Tour. The Golden Circle refers to the popular route that goes from Reykjavik to central Iceland covering some of the most beautiful natural features of the south. The tour took me to major tourist attractions in Iceland, <b>Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Haukadalur, a geothermal valley. </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiLFs6CSk3nVQCKkMDX_JX-cwfniBLJRA-KqHZ0ZCSF5LkAYudgYGnhDyHDSIpRJoCdPPaF-rsA8D_3EnUB7_Zpw68KkFVpH8-3a5vzVtGQ5WGYatP4TSNZm62s3_WGT06EE4mObWR7Y/s1600/%25C3%259Eingvellir+National+Park+ridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiLFs6CSk3nVQCKkMDX_JX-cwfniBLJRA-KqHZ0ZCSF5LkAYudgYGnhDyHDSIpRJoCdPPaF-rsA8D_3EnUB7_Zpw68KkFVpH8-3a5vzVtGQ5WGYatP4TSNZm62s3_WGT06EE4mObWR7Y/s640/%25C3%259Eingvellir+National+Park+ridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid Atlantic Ridge where North American and Eurasian Plates Meet in Þingvellir National Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueXHmUlALbbJGWUzzSwwp4uBHFwqgljA9TXnnDQVMrzZ8YmXcknS6RdhsGiRQWSS4cOO2HAgd6sgzyte2gcs1l20COkrjCMMq_Ngys6p9w4Q_x5f_Ap-s-v0afVhMhwy0rdlT-mNa4p4/s1600/gulfoss+waterfall+frozen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueXHmUlALbbJGWUzzSwwp4uBHFwqgljA9TXnnDQVMrzZ8YmXcknS6RdhsGiRQWSS4cOO2HAgd6sgzyte2gcs1l20COkrjCMMq_Ngys6p9w4Q_x5f_Ap-s-v0afVhMhwy0rdlT-mNa4p4/s640/gulfoss+waterfall+frozen.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall, it was really slippery and FREEZING!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxy3w0PxZ-C6e0zCCGUEiPJg3PtFjhxuzhtkBo60G8CSbTBgTNEF7IACRU-d7ISOYjB5mVrgARpVAUAjkpciO_YHCOBbT9ZY4l7IKxBy-OkqTS0YE4S-o0U3pFGgpQhyphenhyphenaLzQgI1_U3Zw/s1600/active+geysir+in+Haukadalur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxy3w0PxZ-C6e0zCCGUEiPJg3PtFjhxuzhtkBo60G8CSbTBgTNEF7IACRU-d7ISOYjB5mVrgARpVAUAjkpciO_YHCOBbT9ZY4l7IKxBy-OkqTS0YE4S-o0U3pFGgpQhyphenhyphenaLzQgI1_U3Zw/s640/active+geysir+in+Haukadalur.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active geysir in geothermal valley<b>, </b>Haukadalur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tour lasted for about 11 hours covering <b>300 km in the southern region of Iceland.</b> Once back in the city center, I went to a restaurant recommended by a friend. I wanted to be adventurous and try a <b>whale meat burger</b>. It tasted like a fishy gamey steak, yuck. The super friendly waitress, who happened to be a TWA (<b>teeny weeny afro</b>) rocking black American, let me return it. Everyone thought we knew each other because she was talking my ear off instead of working :/ She gave me the lowdown on the nightlife and even invited me out to where she was going after work. <b>Making connections with perfect strangers is one of the highlights of solo travel.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQitufvymbANdWZOV8DfAwGTx0A3_zXRvjUIpAb38D2XN7OC302Mg4LHoEDU3qIVXQXKd4uXkYKY035goWHeHeZjEd6JA_StQQkCusIBoirFXQ_ygndEoTmkNjlM7zI8OlCFXTPib-nZQ/s1600/whale+burger+in+iceland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQitufvymbANdWZOV8DfAwGTx0A3_zXRvjUIpAb38D2XN7OC302Mg4LHoEDU3qIVXQXKd4uXkYKY035goWHeHeZjEd6JA_StQQkCusIBoirFXQ_ygndEoTmkNjlM7zI8OlCFXTPib-nZQ/s640/whale+burger+in+iceland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thar she blows....right on back to the kitchen. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The following day proved to be my best travel day to date, <b>from beginning to end it was total perfection</b>. I booked an excursion which included riding a 4x4 along the coast and then relaxing in the Blue Lagoon. As a city girl, <b>I have to admit that was scared crapless.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYBCFr5Ai1yVQOmA5i3f4-A5EUt2Yfy24R2rpq0gzjv_31RIhKhanff_epwOpolla4gfaJ20rWmCbPJNlENqI9Cl54_iv1gIiEvQ8sXHAlZTZVa54fm8MjnBA-_CfDt73hEBvCOKZdWk/s1600/4by4+in+iceland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYBCFr5Ai1yVQOmA5i3f4-A5EUt2Yfy24R2rpq0gzjv_31RIhKhanff_epwOpolla4gfaJ20rWmCbPJNlENqI9Cl54_iv1gIiEvQ8sXHAlZTZVa54fm8MjnBA-_CfDt73hEBvCOKZdWk/s640/4by4+in+iceland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regulators: Mount up! MOMMY!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I had no idea how to ride a 4x4</b> and initially lagged behind in the group. I actually started doubting myself, thinking I had a made a mistake. The other two girls on the trip were speed demons, going almost 120 kph on those damn things. I kept getting stuck in the mud, landing in ditches and <b>the leader of the tour had to keep coming back to get me</b>. At one point he instructed me to follow directly behind him and the other riders could go at their own pace, taking pictures and catching up when they needed. I finally got the hang of it and soon I was going close to 100 kph, <b>I was so proud of myself, that I started crying. </b>Never in my wildest dream would I have imagined that I would be in Iceland off roading. <b>Solo travel gives you the freedom to try new things and push your own boundaries in your own time.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHC1tReo8JPchWGM1fgYFz_pc3Q__9ScAfT9qMQugb73VlsmvtscwUIpD8nakFxSoIaEDFabfaN19l66f1QUJBbpOoRv4RHzvSt0ldNvvZcEgZYEtWXHIUYjswrfo3ICMmjlu-XHF8FDY/s1600/best+travel+moment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHC1tReo8JPchWGM1fgYFz_pc3Q__9ScAfT9qMQugb73VlsmvtscwUIpD8nakFxSoIaEDFabfaN19l66f1QUJBbpOoRv4RHzvSt0ldNvvZcEgZYEtWXHIUYjswrfo3ICMmjlu-XHF8FDY/s640/best+travel+moment.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my best travel moments, off roading and dressed like a Power Ranger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only thing more exhilarating than driving up and down the coast was the view. We saw some of the most beautiful landscapes, <b>moss covered lava rock, black sandy beaches, and even a shipwreck!</b> Iceland is only 3 hours and 30 minutes from Berlin but I felt like <b>I was transported to another planet.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenoin_kWtmgkEMZbNQvs2ST5t2mib2AglBPApbrOQ8cxW3G3cHNGqIkV8knw8odQVlmrRymP1ZPba_cT0zzgsYZ1NoGFTaRhLBzJEcL0Ih8Slgc_Bvtz7kYNnUP3Ntlyl8IL4AqSwWew/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenoin_kWtmgkEMZbNQvs2ST5t2mib2AglBPApbrOQ8cxW3G3cHNGqIkV8knw8odQVlmrRymP1ZPba_cT0zzgsYZ1NoGFTaRhLBzJEcL0Ih8Slgc_Bvtz7kYNnUP3Ntlyl8IL4AqSwWew/s640/108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This totally looks like that scene from the Goonies, right?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b> <b></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpFLZrJ49mW0zz6sStnB2PDZ8DBFgkAmIprPCblTwCRJFjkPFuhOCMFlnovh7DSsCc8OBufV3rqJHAmVXcMcJ7EKREXRV_UKZrFiuYWg5NjrOf3hIqVyQyWX2JJPYLl6n5MGDcNn-LD4/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpFLZrJ49mW0zz6sStnB2PDZ8DBFgkAmIprPCblTwCRJFjkPFuhOCMFlnovh7DSsCc8OBufV3rqJHAmVXcMcJ7EKREXRV_UKZrFiuYWg5NjrOf3hIqVyQyWX2JJPYLl6n5MGDcNn-LD4/s640/133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a cool story about this shipwreck...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFyjVBsFBeLkNJom_UG5rTk1Wujl1gATu1iVCSPh1mX-Q_ljd0izspR7vCFW12jOluLRn9xx0ovD8x_og9jfbrXOpehxcEAaBD4LDC2AdCxyx5bV5cKVxUSB9sqDkv_7fDmYgBigKmB8/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFyjVBsFBeLkNJom_UG5rTk1Wujl1gATu1iVCSPh1mX-Q_ljd0izspR7vCFW12jOluLRn9xx0ovD8x_og9jfbrXOpehxcEAaBD4LDC2AdCxyx5bV5cKVxUSB9sqDkv_7fDmYgBigKmB8/s640/125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roads, where we're going we don't need roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After spending about three hours on the open road we were transported to the Blue Lagoon. <b>The Blue Lagoon is the most popular geothermal spa in Iceland.</b> The water is rich in <b>silica and sulfur</b> and contained in a <b>natural lava field with a rough and uneven floor</b>. (Be careful) The lagoon is said to have amazing healing powers for skin ailments with water temperatures ranging from 37–39 °C (98–102 °F).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xPz_WcfDl_CG6A0vrjuaEiLXjhIp6xrc89wV376bfJUY4qxo0A5JtZQePbTqjbo2HcNIk7c7nea1-QCTTTZXdm3dL1Xr-eWerVBh3RFFLNj7A_KJNMhT1lhyphenhyphen5-WxkPMGHbB6VH2OAVc/s1600/mineral+rich+water+in+iceland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xPz_WcfDl_CG6A0vrjuaEiLXjhIp6xrc89wV376bfJUY4qxo0A5JtZQePbTqjbo2HcNIk7c7nea1-QCTTTZXdm3dL1Xr-eWerVBh3RFFLNj7A_KJNMhT1lhyphenhyphen5-WxkPMGHbB6VH2OAVc/s640/mineral+rich+water+in+iceland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks beautiful but smells of eggs due to the high amount of sulfur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before entering the Lagoon you have to<b> shower first</b>. (<b>Warning:</b> <i>leave your prudish attitudes towards nudity on the plane</i>) It is also best to <b>protect your hair</b>. Although the minerals are good for your skin, your hair will get totally stiff from all the minerals. I took precautions but the Lagoon totally <b>stripped my hair of the hair dye I had. </b>It took weeks for me to <b>condition my hair back to normal.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgDGVQqXcpvJmcBs3PaRIgZQfh3FvXWPHmK6rIeBeWGz0PEkU1cbuGm-menZ5wlnmV9csQZykgyMHVwE0Sz3WaQEu68oQNeRJgDSSvghhRvGk97vwa42sT60GCxnV0u0oHRX5zY6FaOA/s1600/blue+lagoon+iceland+hot+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgDGVQqXcpvJmcBs3PaRIgZQfh3FvXWPHmK6rIeBeWGz0PEkU1cbuGm-menZ5wlnmV9csQZykgyMHVwE0Sz3WaQEu68oQNeRJgDSSvghhRvGk97vwa42sT60GCxnV0u0oHRX5zY6FaOA/s640/blue+lagoon+iceland+hot+water.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the lagoon, it's steamy due to the high temperatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once in the Blue Lagoon, you can find <b>silica mud in buckets</b> at stations or on the bottom of some of the rock formations. This mud is said to have amazing <b>exfoliating and cleansing capabilities</b>. You can use it in the Lagoon but you <b>can't take any out</b>, they sell it in the gift shop though, go figure. They are serious about their mud. <b>There are guards around the perimeter making sure people don't sneak any out. </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7g2egKdbXqqAEzK-1kDReig3TJeul8002rADzdr1XvqjL_rWVmH740BepqizXtxZGUyuwVqBRdoi-2wkyWZ6EJ4bkXv90LLovKcGWWEgMDVNF5cWF0oAR164K1XVRSU-UyDtDZEY6mw/s1600/silica+mud+mask+in+the+lagoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7g2egKdbXqqAEzK-1kDReig3TJeul8002rADzdr1XvqjL_rWVmH740BepqizXtxZGUyuwVqBRdoi-2wkyWZ6EJ4bkXv90LLovKcGWWEgMDVNF5cWF0oAR164K1XVRSU-UyDtDZEY6mw/s640/silica+mud+mask+in+the+lagoon.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting my rejuvenation on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just wanted to sleep for days after the excitement of the off roading and then relaxation in the Blue Lagoon. I must have <b>marinated in the water for about four hours</b>. The day was perfect, it ended with an amazing meal at the <a href="http://www.fishcompany.is/" target="_blank">Fish Company</a>. (I highly recommended it!)<b> </b>If I had enough energy I would have caught a late tour to see the <b>Northern Lights</b>. Apparently they were great that night with blue and green flares and <b>I missed them</b>. </div>
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<b>I have no regrets, though. </b></div>
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I will be heading back to Iceland in April during my Easter Break and I plan to venture out beyond the southern region<b>! </b></div>
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<b>Useful</b> <b>Tips for your Reykjavik Visit:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Three days should be enough for a crash course on the capital city and the natural features around it </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Purchase alcohol at the duty free when you arrive. Booze is super expensive in Iceland, pre-partying in your room might save you a small fortune. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Reykjavik locals have a very open mind towards sexuality, interpret that as you wish.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Don't worry about transport in the city, all eateries, clubs and bars are within walking distance around one main road in the center of town</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There are many cheaper and sometimes free geothermal hotspots that locals use, just ask!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Take care of your hair in any geothermal pool! Saturate with water and slather it with conditioner, a cap might not be the cutest but it might be the best bet to save your hair. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On your next trip to mainland Europe from America, try and arrange a stop over in Reykjavik for a few days you won't regret it! <b>Iceland
Express and Iceland Air</b> allow you to arrange a <b>stopover of up to 7 days for
FREE</b>- (thanks Oneika for the caveat in the comment section!)</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have you ever been to Iceland? If not would you ever consider a visit?</b></div>
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<b> </b>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-49486683583247682252012-01-17T02:53:00.001+01:002012-01-27T22:06:26.716+01:00New Years Eve in Copenhagen...and Around the World<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lLw6-WxPOo4" width="420"></iframe> <br />
The songs in the video are from Pond5.com The first is called Inspiration Clouds and the second one is called Bells Present Main :) <br />
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Am I the only person who still pauses when they have to write down 2012 on a piece of paper? </div>
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2012 got off to a great start and it seems to be flying by. My<b> New Years was really amazing!</b> I spent it with the <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/12/god-jul-fra-kbenhavn-merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">Panda and the boys</a> in <b>Copenhagen, Denmark</b>. I felt so much love and warmth during my week in Copenhagen that it was hard for me to <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/11/faq-with-black-expat-in-germany.html" target="_blank">return to Berlin</a>. Our New Years was a fusion of both old and new, a little bit of them and a little bit of me. I introduced the family to raclette (<b>SUCCESS!!</b>), and they introduced me to Kransekake, which is a marzipan ring cake that we made from scratch. (<i>Talk about cultural immersion!</i>) It was all in all, great <b>multi-culti family fun</b>...aside from me almost losing an arm during a rocket mishap. :) So I'm here with all my limbs and digits with a heart yearning to see my Panda and his cubs again. </div>
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<b>Ah so now to the around the world bit.</b> When you guys are done being jealous of my Scandi-partner awesomeness. Please check out the videos from fellow travel bloggers and friends <a href="http://www.oneika-the-traveller.com/" target="_blank">Oneika the Traveller</a> and <a href="http://fly-brother.com/" target="_blank">Fly Brother.</a></div>
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We realized that not only would we be in different geographic locations on Dec 31, but the way we were bringing in the New Year would also be drastically different. I was on my <b>"Dad's-cool-girlfriend" swag</b> in Copenhagen while <b>Oneika housepartied in Berlin</b> and Ernest was taking part in <b>debauchery on the beaches of Rio</b>. In an effort to share our experiences with our readers, fans, and subscribers we came up with the <b>New Year from Around the World </b>concept. Enjoy! Be sure to thumbs up the vids.<br />
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<b>How and where did you celebrate New Year Eve this year? </b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TTYr9I6j8ws" width="560"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ChxiqUWuRW8" width="560"></iframe>
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Be sure to <span style="font-size: small;"><b>press all those like and share buttons</b></span> until they don't work anymore. DO IT! DO IT!</div>
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Also, I'll be <b>hosting a great giveaway</b> closer to <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/12/my-travels-plans-for-2012so-far.html" target="_blank">my trip to Japan</a> next month. </div>
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-5555817754050045022012-01-04T20:11:00.001+01:002012-01-04T20:49:50.291+01:00Chescaleigh: Shit White Girls say...to Black GirlsFranchesca Ramsey totally nailed this. I can not tell you how many time I have heard some of these comments from people that I consider "friends"<br />
Hopefully it provides a bit of humor and perspective for women that have uttered these words to women of color. Although the intentions are not malicious, the words usually stay with us forever.<br />
<br />
Watch the video and subscribe to Chescaleigh's channel on<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/chescaleigh?feature=watch" target="_blank"> youtube</a>. Can anyone relate to this? Do videos like this help or hinder race relations? Discuss in the comments!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ylPUzxpIBe0" width="560"></iframe>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-47602114482640972052012-01-02T13:12:00.000+01:002012-01-03T11:38:58.169+01:00International Flava In Ya Ear: Xavier Naidoo<br />
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<a href="http://www.antennethueringen.de/at_www/images/musik/musiknews/XavierNaidoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.antennethueringen.de/at_www/images/musik/musiknews/XavierNaidoo.jpg" alt =" Xavier Naidoo with mic" width="640" /></a></div>
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I discover music often <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/for-love-of-travel.html" target="_blank">when traveling</a> and going about my life <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/living-in-germany-can-i-really-do-this.html" target="_blank">here in Germany</a>. Since sharing is caring, I thought it would be a good idea to showcase some of the international artist that have become permanent residents on my playlist.<br />
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First up is Xavier Naidoo, a German singer of South African and Sri Lankan descent. I was introduced to Naidoo's hit, 'Ich kenne nichts (das so schön ist wie du)' during a fun filled night of karaoke in Berlin. A Turkish man with an amazing voice was singing his heart out and totally stole the show. The title in English is 'I have never seen (something as beautiful as you)'. awwww<br />
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The hit is older, originally released in 2003, and features American Rapper turned actor, RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. I know, I know, it sounds 'interesing', but I promise you it is worth a listen. Since it is sung in both English and German it proved to be the perfect gateway drug to the rest of Naidoo's music. Tell me what you think!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RPN88D_HjMU" width="560"></iframe>
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Be sure to follow me on twitter : <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack" target="_blank">@nicolenewblack</a> and click one of the links at the top of the post to share!<br />
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-90154823150561706412011-12-30T02:30:00.001+01:002012-01-30T09:53:23.679+01:00Black in Berlin: Fitting The Hooker Mold with Blackness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji365yD3mfiQQr-uNHHxZqMVzVtKTiocgbLK0-r7oqw-6XrjyLRYQMbPD98D4q7sOZv8X9bcyTPttXhstiGdLZv2PXoXLh0J0QYZsa6NolZIUgLp-m5SaR_3FAxIMEwSJsbd47MX571Yo/s1600/prostitutioninbarcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="African prostitutes in Europe" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji365yD3mfiQQr-uNHHxZqMVzVtKTiocgbLK0-r7oqw-6XrjyLRYQMbPD98D4q7sOZv8X9bcyTPttXhstiGdLZv2PXoXLh0J0QYZsa6NolZIUgLp-m5SaR_3FAxIMEwSJsbd47MX571Yo/s640/prostitutioninbarcelona.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>The following entry is a repost of one of my articles written for <a href="http://parlourmagazine.com/">Parlour Magazine</a>. Parlour Magazine is the premier online destination for women across
the globe, offering the
best in fashion, beauty, politics, music and breaking news. I write
about living in Berlin from the perspective of a Black American Woman.</i><br />
<br />
<i>This article sparked a lot of discussion as many women of color shared similar experiences while abroad. </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
As a <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/living-in-germany-can-i-really-do-this.html" target="_blank">black woman living in Europe</a> I have been mistaken for a
prostitute more times than I can remember.<b> I apparently fit the mold</b>,
and after I complain about the phenomenon, white Europeans have told me
that it is an “honest mistake.” Thousands of women of color are
trafficked into Western Europe and end up in the sex trade, so many
people have assumed that I am one of them. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Barcelona, Spain</b><br />
<br />
Enroute to Morocco, I decided to stop over for a few days in
Barcelona. One of my friends from the States was on a round the world
tour and we happened to be in the city for a few days. Looking for any
excuse for a party, he also convinced another mutual friend to meet us.
So there I was in the beautiful Barcelona with two white dudes from
California. While strolling down a busy promenade all three of us
playfully had our arms linked. I was in the middle, naturally: enjoying
the warm night air and the company of two friends while laughing my head
off. We were interrupted by a stout man holding four cans of beer. He
didn’t say anything just extended the beer to my friend on my right and
then grabbed my arm, <b>trying to unhook me from my companions</b>. My friend
on my left put his hand on the guy’s chest as if to say, ‘Back the hell
up.’ Expletives were exchanged and then came the shoving, eventually my
wrist was freed. I stepped back and took a minute to observe my
surroundings. As I looked around my eyes met the faces of other black
women, and when I looked beyond those faces I saw more black women in
the distance, on the benches, up against buildings, all having exchanges
with men. My beer-deflecting friend must have had the same realization
in that very moment because he said, <b>‘Holy Shit Nicole, this dude thinks
you’re a hooker</b>.’<br />
<br />
<b>London Heathrow Airport</b><br />
<br />
While trying to check in for a <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/01/new-years-eve-in-copenhagenand-around.html" target="_blank">flight to Copenhagen</a>, a young Danish
counter agent took a vested interest into my traveling habits. I would
visit Copenhagen every four weeks for regular relationship maintenance,
accumulating a ton of passport stamps. On examination of my passport the
counter agent asked me <b>what kind of job did I have that I could afford
so many flights to Copenhagen</b>. I was about to say something smart when
she said, ‘<b>No wait, let me guess you have a boyfriend,</b>’ placing air
quotes around the word ‘boyfriend.’ I weighed my options in that moment,
imagining myself yoking up homegirl and slamming her head into the
flight desk but apparently stuff like that is frowned upon in airports. I
took a deep breath and asked to speak to her supervisor. The counter
agent next to us went to fetch them and I said I wanted to file a formal
complaint. I was basically told that I fit the profile for sex workers
because I was <b>“exotic looking</b>”and took frequent trips.<b> I never received
an apology</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Copenhagen – Red Light District</b><br />
<br />
During my first trip to Copenhagen I stayed in a hotel downtown near
the main train station. Looking to enjoy the nightlife I asked my trendy
hotel staff where the cool kids hung out. I was instructed to a club
that he marked on my map and<b> I set out on the town</b>. He forgot to mention
that to reach my destination <b>I had to walk through the red light
district</b>. As I began to notice all the women soliciting I convinced
myself that I had taken a wrong turn. I pulled my gargantuan map out and
positioned myself under the street light so I could actually see. <b>I was
lost</b>, I must have been examining my map for three minutes before some
dude rolled up to me in his car. It took me a while to notice him
because my map must have been the size of his car. I peered over it,
into the vehicle and I see this clown <b>massaging his crotch</b>. He must have
mistaken my disgust for genuine interest because in broken English he
said “<b>My penis … I wish … for you … to suck it.”</b> I was furious. Granted I
was in the red light district but I had a damn map! <b>Prostitutes usually
don’t have maps</b>. In my rage I took my heel and kicked his door in. The
working girls around all started to cheer and clap as he sped off with
his junk in his hand.<br />
<br />
Any other women of color have experiences like mine? <b>How did you respond? </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-19454518631346970442011-12-27T01:34:00.000+01:002012-02-17T23:48:34.099+01:00The ABC's of Travel: nicole is the new black edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu63391z266yYb0qyr0tSGXv2Hzy7JK6Ou3hzcj0MKijJ1wf6V443HqS2jPU-bNzudald8ZY4t2o7etuEFaQFPPS3vM1yorFoBpA22at2aL9qCmAfXXDatlYJyWizvroxSd_ATErVoZ0/s1600/250644_214706111884488_201275576560875_675501_2432964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Black woman on a boat" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu63391z266yYb0qyr0tSGXv2Hzy7JK6Ou3hzcj0MKijJ1wf6V443HqS2jPU-bNzudald8ZY4t2o7etuEFaQFPPS3vM1yorFoBpA22at2aL9qCmAfXXDatlYJyWizvroxSd_ATErVoZ0/s640/250644_214706111884488_201275576560875_675501_2432964_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a boat and smiling, I'm afraid of water!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
The ABC's of travel gives bloggers the opportunity to share their favorite and most memorable travel moments from A-Z! Thanks to both Fidel from <a href="http://www.scenewithahart.com/travel/my-abcs-of-travel/" target="_blank">Scene with a Hart</a>
and Cheryl from <a href="http://cherylhoward.com/2011/12/22/the-abcs-of-travel-cherylhoward-com-edition/">cherylhoward.com</a> for tagging me! It was really fun putting this together. At the end of the post I will tag three other bloggers to see what they have to say. Enjoy! </div>
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<b>A: Age you went on your first
international trip:</b><b></b></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My first international trip happened
before I was one years old when I flew from <b>Kingston, Jamaica</b> (the place of my birth) to
<b>Newark, NJ</b>. The first international trip that I remember was around
the age of nine. My grandparents and I drove to <b>Toronto, Canada</b> to
visit family. I remember making that trek three times growing up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>B: Best (foreign) beer you’ve
had and where:</b> Um, I am not that big of a beer drinker but
living in Germany I have been forced to drink it on <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/09/oktoberfest-2011-black-girls-in-dirndls.html">numerous occasions</a>. I can say that the least horrible tasting beer I have had
is Astra beer which is Bavarian.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBQ5JsexTC8EB0WwQMtIZU8lhpz1bbFrNC9CZrnViiXK3dkoKmCdSUyxcIyHL6CNXjkMGoKgqsHvN9pNKj1hMHpNVyev0ewKIOriEjXcTOHbtp0UrMnaDe4zrWXM6c13pNeqsWKd0fO8/s1600/Picture+107bhigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Black girl in dirndl" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBQ5JsexTC8EB0WwQMtIZU8lhpz1bbFrNC9CZrnViiXK3dkoKmCdSUyxcIyHL6CNXjkMGoKgqsHvN9pNKj1hMHpNVyev0ewKIOriEjXcTOHbtp0UrMnaDe4zrWXM6c13pNeqsWKd0fO8/s640/Picture+107bhigh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Oktoberfest totally not enjoying myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C: Cuisine (favorite):</b>
My favorite cuisine has got to be Italian. I have had the chance to
have some great Italian food since I have been to Italy on 5 separate
occasion.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbrGtk4YZIWsc5Uejq_xdDKu2jyBnwjM6ec3CPdcPpQzbakN66WYlzX7SCxUaF7BiziJMsBevwMLgAfJibixmBLmdWgBeCLXnKrEd-KoVm90MZ23csYbZly21GIqe4tojATpdYDOwGbo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mussels in Rome" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbrGtk4YZIWsc5Uejq_xdDKu2jyBnwjM6ec3CPdcPpQzbakN66WYlzX7SCxUaF7BiziJMsBevwMLgAfJibixmBLmdWgBeCLXnKrEd-KoVm90MZ23csYbZly21GIqe4tojATpdYDOwGbo/s640/004.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussels in Roma. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>D: Destinations, favorite,
least favorite and why:</b> Favorite destination was <b>Rabat,
Morocco</b>. I went there in 2007 for a double wedding! This celebration
spanned over three days and the actual ceremony was about 12 hours
and consisted of 7 different outfit changes. The city was gorgeous and I really enjoyed it because I was there with locals. I made friends for life on this trip!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The least favorite destination is
<b>Paris, France.</b> I don't dislike Paris, I have been there five times. It's just my least favorite, which means I liked it but not as much as every other place :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dcVvZmi8CowNSRVcDjFxzXrmHP4mMYN4AFhX0o3sjd2L2dcUFTwwbK1uB9SDNHZCLWTZuKqVyF3TijcTuSkTK-Y8POX7CIacsI5Dp00cwCSP4ppVzDjb8-ROORHllVYzBp0rJvRzPqo/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Henna on hand in Morocco" border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dcVvZmi8CowNSRVcDjFxzXrmHP4mMYN4AFhX0o3sjd2L2dcUFTwwbK1uB9SDNHZCLWTZuKqVyF3TijcTuSkTK-Y8POX7CIacsI5Dp00cwCSP4ppVzDjb8-ROORHllVYzBp0rJvRzPqo/s640/IMG_4033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henna in Morocco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>E: Event you experienced abroad
that made you say “wow”:</b> My ultimate wow experience was
snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and attempting Scuba Diving. Woo
chile, I saw a clam at the bottom the reef that
was the size of a VW Beetle and I took a picture with a sea turtle.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrtgOBL3J6y3pz1_GPQy0waD09A3BdVcwY0rPF6US17_BRnQyyX-7wYT86E2obde2xhALAWwE8JHbiSxiTU21ckCc8vIGeG3s0KvJCLshsRcu1daSqwSQ00gmYldZkaIIAT4Ydn3imMs/s1600/snorkeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snorkeling in Australia with a Sea turtle" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrtgOBL3J6y3pz1_GPQy0waD09A3BdVcwY0rPF6US17_BRnQyyX-7wYT86E2obde2xhALAWwE8JHbiSxiTU21ckCc8vIGeG3s0KvJCLshsRcu1daSqwSQ00gmYldZkaIIAT4Ydn3imMs/s640/snorkeling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the sea! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>F: Favorite mode of
transportation:</b> The bus. I love the bus, it's a great way to
learn the city. Subways might be faster but if you only travel via
underground you rarely get your bearings. The bus allows you to see
where you are going even though there might be crazies on there.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>G: Greatest feeling while
traveling:</b> Finding a place after getting slightly lost.
Navigating a foreign country is great, it's just you and your
map/guide book against the city. I love conquering new places.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>H: Hottest place you’ve
traveled to</b>: Morocco was hot as blazes, I am a bit scared to
go closer to the equator. I prefer cold weather to heat. In the cold
you can layer up and get cozy, in heat, you can only get but so naked
and you are still burning up! Gah! The sun was assaulting me in
Morocco, it made no sense!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>I: Incredible service you’ve
experienced and where: </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Well
coming from America I am spoiled, no place in my travels has been
able to compete. I hear that Asia gives America a run for their money
in terms of hospitality but I haven't experienced it yet. So I will
have to go with <b>Las Vegas, Nevada</b> at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Great
service, great rooms, I won't stay anywhere else. </span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>J: Journey that took the
longest:</b> <b>London to Australia</b>. 20 something hours with a
layover in Singapore. Bah! I hated it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>K: Keepsake from your travels:</b>
Keychains or purses. Nice combination huh? I like handbags and
accessories so I try to pick up one while I am abroad. The keychain I
currently use is from <b>Budapest, Hungary</b> and it is a leather heart.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7VALETHkE3eymglAul0NNOmRddShWOeMgQVuxGJE-3qIzahQMI5abJc2jrGmLojFpaS25OHPgGWXOv_0fEs5wkgicjTF66SX4IHeOwRhpxczX5jVMmZvmarg21p2A_qPhqCJo7cOpdU/s1600/budapestkeychains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leather keychains in Budapest" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7VALETHkE3eymglAul0NNOmRddShWOeMgQVuxGJE-3qIzahQMI5abJc2jrGmLojFpaS25OHPgGWXOv_0fEs5wkgicjTF66SX4IHeOwRhpxczX5jVMmZvmarg21p2A_qPhqCJo7cOpdU/s640/budapestkeychains.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keychains in Budapest, Hungary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>L: Let-down sight, why and
where:</b> My boyfriend might stone me for this but I was a
little let down by the <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/01/new-years-eve-in-copenhagenand-around.html" target="_blank"><b>Little Mermaid</b></a>. It's the most famous tourist
attraction in <b>Denmark</b> and she is super small. I know I shouldn't have
expected her to be large considering her name. She sits on a rock
and you can walk right up to her and touch her. I was expecting her
to be taller. LOL<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri02UHLtnXqpIz_b4ROHe1BOBxXObYl7-T5d0lBBphKO9tysqIFFYMIPmqSOViaeDHsj072s0-l62K44SIIRorUqaksh9rN6Ab6WOfBZggT0Gskml93guWtwq0gO8C0PdUnHjzbBeSpw/s1600/mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The little mermaid in Copenhagen" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri02UHLtnXqpIz_b4ROHe1BOBxXObYl7-T5d0lBBphKO9tysqIFFYMIPmqSOViaeDHsj072s0-l62K44SIIRorUqaksh9rN6Ab6WOfBZggT0Gskml93guWtwq0gO8C0PdUnHjzbBeSpw/s640/mermaid.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The miniature mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black;">M: Moment
where you fell in love with travel: </span></b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
fell in love with travel after moving to London and going on short
city breaks. There was a time when I went to different city once a
month. Traveling within Europe was affordable and quick and after I came to
that realization I haven't really slowed down. I talk about my budding romance with travel more in this post: <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/for-love-of-travel.html">For the love of travel</a>. </span></span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed
in: </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nice, meh.
I've stayed at loads of <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/05/cooking-class-in-istanbul-turkey-video.html" target="_blank">nice places</a> but my favorite might be the
Stratton Hotel in <b>Swaffom, England</b>. I have a dream of one day
operating a bed and breakfast and the Stratton comes pretty close to
the place I see in my dreams. It's a hotel run by a husband and wife
with 7 or so rooms each uniquely designed. I have stayed at the
Stratton four times and I have asked to move around the rooms so I
could experience each one. This hotel is worthy of a post all of it's
own. It's in the middle of Nowhere, England but it is simply amazing. </span></b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiaSwgPsxAfLM1dvtDE7eZ2lDDrLgd3-1Ag5Hopm9CfS9kA8dpgZ3yhH0PPPDvImGYObYw9qJJz-vK8LyhAsEoEJoxvvuON7y435z9WJy2d9teyAM4nFdetseTo-0DGhq8VZgY2OFlA4/s1600/strattonroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="room at the stratton hotel" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiaSwgPsxAfLM1dvtDE7eZ2lDDrLgd3-1Ag5Hopm9CfS9kA8dpgZ3yhH0PPPDvImGYObYw9qJJz-vK8LyhAsEoEJoxvvuON7y435z9WJy2d9teyAM4nFdetseTo-0DGhq8VZgY2OFlA4/s640/strattonroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A room at the Stratton Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>O: Obsession—what are you
obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?:</b> My food.
I am always taking pictures of what I am eating, much to the
annoyance of my fellow dinner guest. It's a tick!<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeD6qlcpZbXQQ6OFssrJS1LDNIdKPxX0lIjolyQO4MLifpR8IKFeQchjaqWhqzC8y-Lsq0Ilbyyem4LYmiUiUSEMYwIbqkIbYQ3Ml4E3q8JTokUk-tzrKb7H2NetolLjGrk031lJPUos/s1600/IMG_8445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="proper bagel in prague" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeD6qlcpZbXQQ6OFssrJS1LDNIdKPxX0lIjolyQO4MLifpR8IKFeQchjaqWhqzC8y-Lsq0Ilbyyem4LYmiUiUSEMYwIbqkIbYQ3Ml4E3q8JTokUk-tzrKb7H2NetolLjGrk031lJPUos/s640/IMG_8445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bagel in Prague. YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>P: Passport stamps, how many
and from where?</b> How much time do you have. I have quite
a bit but they are spread across three different passports. The
number of stamps don't capture all the places I have visited since I
live in Germany and while traveling within the EU, I don't get stamps. in between countries. I have been to over 30 countries and will hit Japan and
Russia this year :)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b>Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve
visited and where:</b> In <b>Amsterdam</b> I visited the Sex Museum,
it was...quirky.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>R: Recommended sight, event or
experience:</b> I totally recommend t<a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/05/cooking-class-in-istanbul-turkey-video.html" target="_blank">aking cooking courses </a>when
you travel. I have taken a few while abroad and it's a great way to
learn more about the local cuisine and meet interesting people. Even
if you cant cook. Look for a class that is set in someone's home or
private studio and enjoy! I have taken course in <b>Istanbul and Paris</b>,
both where the highlights of my trip.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTiG3GJ0SjXRI7X6pn4nLVkg8p4AfveNpw-_19KzWF2PD4Te7Y8Q1yzw-ewOkF2HfHWgPCUxbeMoLD4Q6kBtigrubC7BadlxHXN44mNzn2ugbSXAkOX5y9H2VGr79bv6FCeJeJoo5heM/s1600/cookinginparis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cooking class in paris" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTiG3GJ0SjXRI7X6pn4nLVkg8p4AfveNpw-_19KzWF2PD4Te7Y8Q1yzw-ewOkF2HfHWgPCUxbeMoLD4Q6kBtigrubC7BadlxHXN44mNzn2ugbSXAkOX5y9H2VGr79bv6FCeJeJoo5heM/s640/cookinginparis.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking class in Paris, France</td></tr>
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<b>S: Splurge; something you have
no problem forking over money for while traveling: </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/05/boutique-hotel-review-george-hamburg.html" target="_blank">Accommodations</a>,
accommodations, accommodations! Seeing as how most of my travels are
solo, my safety and comfort are the most important. I don't stay at a
five star resorts or mansions that overlook <a href="http://www.hawaiigolf.com/" target="_blank">golf courses in Hawaii </a>or anything but I adore guest houses and boutique
hotels. I haven't been able to get down with hostels. I do my
research and budget accordingly for hotels on my trips. </span></b>
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<b>T: Touristy thing you’ve
done:</b> I am a traveler with touristic tendencies. I have
probably done a touristy thing in every location I have been to, just
to experience different sides of the city. My answer: Whale watching in Baja
California. Totally touristy but worth every penny. I had a blast! I need to write a post of this as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_0wm0uftxIDXtGcdeZSX2aOqJDyVQ3QTTTFoOXQnEdGRpnbodunLjQD857O2I84fttcSwcknDJncnuIv9QWz2bJK2Neuvrnhf0n7PoCooj9nPaEwgDbatTuZKylgQiOGLfO9-NFNCxA/s1600/Picture+165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="whale watching in Baja California" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_0wm0uftxIDXtGcdeZSX2aOqJDyVQ3QTTTFoOXQnEdGRpnbodunLjQD857O2I84fttcSwcknDJncnuIv9QWz2bJK2Neuvrnhf0n7PoCooj9nPaEwgDbatTuZKylgQiOGLfO9-NFNCxA/s640/Picture+165.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geeked out on this damn boat thing on the hunt for whales. Thar she blows!</td></tr>
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<b>U: Unforgettable travel memory: <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/01/reykjavik-iceland-perfect-escape.html" target="_blank">Reykjavik, Iceland</a></b> was definitely an extraordinary place. I visited earlier this
year and I went off roading on a 4X4. We had remarkably mild weather
in February and drove along the coast for hours. Later that day I
relaxed in the Blue Lagoon and then topped off the evening with an
amazing dinner at the Fish Company. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QWFqLzvtRIJJ341_wo2hyphenhyphen1eSoY-ktDI_cJ5Z2HqoPJzm6Yba4j7yBTaNVPXI8juJQAVoyBB3RSguVYvaFXJyEPs0yDGNamzakoat77xskLx2tX1ZYab1iDcNaDFAblz3xRjk3h5Fe6s/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="off roading in iceland along the coast" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QWFqLzvtRIJJ341_wo2hyphenhyphen1eSoY-ktDI_cJ5Z2HqoPJzm6Yba4j7yBTaNVPXI8juJQAVoyBB3RSguVYvaFXJyEPs0yDGNamzakoat77xskLx2tX1ZYab1iDcNaDFAblz3xRjk3h5Fe6s/s640/126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day in Iceland</td></tr>
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<b>V: Visas, how many and for
where? </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The only
tourist visa that I have that is still valid is for Istanbul. All the
others like ones for Australia and Morocco are expired. I currently
have a work visa for Germany, <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/living-in-germany-can-i-really-do-this.html">where I live. </a></span></b>
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<b>W: Wine, best glass of wine
while traveling and where?</b> Haha, the best of glass of wine
was actually a half liter of sangria in <b>Barcelona, Spain</b>. It was a hot
day under the <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/12/black-in-berlin-fitting-hooker-mold.html" target="_blank">Barcelona</a> sun and I decided to order the large sangria.
I was so faded! I attempted to give a police horse a sip and put the
straw up to its mouth, no one found that funny so I focused my
efforts on a stone horse but since it was stone, it didn't want any
sangria either. I was forced to drink it myself and put myself out of
commission for a day and a half. Good times.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QERHILn_Z14TrEK7vwf6qdxrD0tt197Cv7a_S2jHMwXQyEDyhimBbnSD7Bq8aHTNYOvKt6CGO1B9sHSj3rcaFzN08XXMpbcRhPLv-IKuV1t5FBowyLTJjS_25mo2ag35kDH298IbGm4/s1600/feeindsangriatoahorse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sangria in barcelona" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QERHILn_Z14TrEK7vwf6qdxrD0tt197Cv7a_S2jHMwXQyEDyhimBbnSD7Bq8aHTNYOvKt6CGO1B9sHSj3rcaFzN08XXMpbcRhPLv-IKuV1t5FBowyLTJjS_25mo2ag35kDH298IbGm4/s640/feeindsangriatoahorse.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here little horsey try some sangria, its yummy!</td></tr>
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<b>X: eXcellent view and from
where?:</b> I really enjoy the view from the <b>Fernseherturm</b> right
in the middle of <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/11/about-berlin-this-happens-in-your-city.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>, it is the tallest structure in Germany. At
the top of TV tower there is a restaurant that rotates and in 30
minutes you can see all of Berlin.
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<b>Y: Years spent traveling?</b>
I will count starting with solo travel. My first solo trip was to
Turks and Caicos in 2005. I've been traveling and living abroad since
then so 6 years.
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<b>Z: Zealous sports fans and
where?: </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">If by
zealous you mean insane, I think the hooligans that plague England
during football season qualify. I would never enter a pub or walk
near one after a big game because there was always something kicking
off, too much beer and way too much testosterone. </span></b>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Tag you're it! </b>Here are the three bloggers that I want to hear from! Ernest from <a href="http://fly-brother.com/" target="_blank">Fly Brother</a>, Oneika from <a href="http://www.oneika-the-traveller.com/" target="_blank">Oneika the Traveller</a>, and Adam from<a href="http://travelsofadam.com/" target="_blank"> Travels of Adam</a>. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Be sure to share this by using one of the useful buttons at the top of the post! </span></b><br />
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<br /></div>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-61166452197305854822011-12-25T02:34:00.000+01:002012-01-03T11:39:41.332+01:00God Jul fra København (Merry Christmas from Copenhagen)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxS1cp0qj-R-7XmLJnL0Fx1KhzVfapETJqe-7D-4-DUST6Mk0O83XSgsXC2bYIZN0kOs9cfyGbUp-iXRNp5WDuqXUGzFuYToTU__zu8DIuEqhT8q0ApGoLE0qqZG86ALKREnImo98uCw/s1600/risalamendaprize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYilGWGkavHqsc2T4tyr9GzKUHIjpKfbEfgQs-g3klp3_aiszUdmph1CAUuiUwYbjN0kDW4JkFu9unh3gqCgFbJB0obSgDfHeM71p-M4dH28b7rSBqhXjwyLIJj2c0cdrUkECi1NihLoY/s1600/danishtreeornament.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYilGWGkavHqsc2T4tyr9GzKUHIjpKfbEfgQs-g3klp3_aiszUdmph1CAUuiUwYbjN0kDW4JkFu9unh3gqCgFbJB0obSgDfHeM71p-M4dH28b7rSBqhXjwyLIJj2c0cdrUkECi1NihLoY/s640/danishtreeornament.JPG" alt = "danish christmas ornament" width="480" /></a></div>
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I survived my first Danish Christmas! Not to sound dramatic but multi-culti relationships leave a lot of room for error especially when it comes to traditions. I am lucky I actually showed up on the right day. <b>In Denmark,</b> <b>Christmas is the 24th and the 25th is known as the day after Christmas</b>. The Christmas festivities take place on the day recognised as Christmas Eve in North America. As you can imagine, this made planning........ interesting. </div>
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<b>To ensure we celebrated Christmas with everyone we had a Pre-Christmas Lunch and a Christmas-Christmas Dinner.</b> On Friday afternoon we all gathered at the Panda's ex wife's house and had some traditional Danish fare. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhOgcn5V5lvnOAcA-smiygzyDGb-3_2lqZxAO9UCW6CtpTVgdTZENG6TgKW4YcBkJnXeuaOYRBsOMYk00C534QmVwzJz8br4KXYwMX3evuP6nWgq4auRnejvsRxPQKPhMgO_FlxPtMJc/s1600/christmaslunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhOgcn5V5lvnOAcA-smiygzyDGb-3_2lqZxAO9UCW6CtpTVgdTZENG6TgKW4YcBkJnXeuaOYRBsOMYk00C534QmVwzJz8br4KXYwMX3evuP6nWgq4auRnejvsRxPQKPhMgO_FlxPtMJc/s640/christmaslunch.jpg" alt ="danish christmas lunch" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer, eggs, fish fritters, pate with bacon, curry herring on rye bread, roast beef and mushrooms, schnapps</td></tr>
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<b>I was pretty sure I wouldn't try any herring but after seeing the enthusiasm in which the Danes ate the curry herring I had to try it</b>. It was okay. Not as horrible as I thought it would be. I tried a whole piece and finished it but I am pretty sure I won't ever do it again. LOL</div>
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The sweets were my favorite part of the meal, there were so many delicious homemade cookies and chocolates. There was also a refreshing homemade lemonade drink made with elderflower. I can't wait to try and make it on my own if I ever get my hands on elderflower.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyg54y-VwMAx5IEYE4JAp4R94aiNqL4DIAWVSM4BHOB5UmL-aWSia-vD8cOTpWdTr5BepcYNAGzdxj0CE3JLoWRin0-9zkJOgNHxhwzWbA6TsJQUp6aLFvRTRlbs909R9FITm3elijq0/s1600/elderflowerjuice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyg54y-VwMAx5IEYE4JAp4R94aiNqL4DIAWVSM4BHOB5UmL-aWSia-vD8cOTpWdTr5BepcYNAGzdxj0CE3JLoWRin0-9zkJOgNHxhwzWbA6TsJQUp6aLFvRTRlbs909R9FITm3elijq0/s640/elderflowerjuice.JPG" alt = "elderflower drink with strainer" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderflower, sugar, lemon and water are soaked for 5 days to create this concentrated syrup</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQETpAND8dM3Xburg9q6GZqz6drJwhGDHuqToJiukoDdLHUitBtfTWT8HXljV_B4ciIcyluueckaSiI0DBRoEF0EOBkxzjP29s5RoxwRSR4_on2ymjvkYiCbTPFM29_FIGO9LcxV793cA/s1600/democrateaburlosconi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQETpAND8dM3Xburg9q6GZqz6drJwhGDHuqToJiukoDdLHUitBtfTWT8HXljV_B4ciIcyluueckaSiI0DBRoEF0EOBkxzjP29s5RoxwRSR4_on2ymjvkYiCbTPFM29_FIGO9LcxV793cA/s640/democrateaburlosconi.JPG" alt = burlosconi tea bag" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Berlusconi Tea Bag that I gave as a gag gift. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mAx3-IUP9IhkaBAKIm8-3fTYn4t0D46P6kkPNdQCCJh3YFZz3hVkbqB3BRJlqSg_oacqP3bksPZoHrVpjM9_ENpwoBdGZqKHow_yvfkC-V6pA7UQaM7o5T3u3NbQM5X95prj2O-zAck/s1600/nicoleandthechristmastree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mAx3-IUP9IhkaBAKIm8-3fTYn4t0D46P6kkPNdQCCJh3YFZz3hVkbqB3BRJlqSg_oacqP3bksPZoHrVpjM9_ENpwoBdGZqKHow_yvfkC-V6pA7UQaM7o5T3u3NbQM5X95prj2O-zAck/s640/nicoleandthechristmastree.jpg" alt = "woman and christmas tree in denmark" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me messing around with the tree :)</td></tr>
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The 24th brought the real Christmas celebration. We met around 4:30 in the afternoon and had tea and cookies and played some board games. Dinner was served around 7:00pm. The Danish Christmas dinner was made up of duck, caramelised potatoes, white potatoes, red cabbage and gravy. There was plenty of wine and champagne to go around. <b>I really enjoyed the dinner conversation, the guest were from different generations and different cultures, it was beautiful. The ages ranged from 12 to close to 80 years old, English, German, and, of course, Danish were spoken throughout the evening.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUjyWv0M2v8cifoFkhEEgk29x5qqgNF_-h-ikJM2YZBV-WkDQJp8Q0veevetS158ZlucugOQhyde1GeEnqzX6prMqtpTTNnqqf5estQ-KkZiPu67KeZFb-Ycq99OfLDphEFP0vMiJK1Y/s1600/Risalamandedenmark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUjyWv0M2v8cifoFkhEEgk29x5qqgNF_-h-ikJM2YZBV-WkDQJp8Q0veevetS158ZlucugOQhyde1GeEnqzX6prMqtpTTNnqqf5estQ-KkZiPu67KeZFb-Ycq99OfLDphEFP0vMiJK1Y/s640/Risalamandedenmark.JPG" alt=" risalamande in denmark" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoever finds the whole almond in the Risalamande gets a prize.<b><br /></b></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>After dinner we had a traditional dessert called Risalamande</b>. Risalamande (rice with almonds) is almost like a rice pudding mixed with vanilla, whipped cream, chopped almonds and topped with a warm fruit sauce. A whole almond is hidden somewhere in the big bowl of pudding and someone has to find it. The longer you can conceal that you have the almond, the better, because it will force the rest of guest to stuff themselves searching for that damned almond. Some people take it super serious developing strategies and even resorting to cheating in order to win the prize<b>. It was my first time having Risalamande and I found the almond, much to the dismay of the other dinner guest.</b><b> </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxS1cp0qj-R-7XmLJnL0Fx1KhzVfapETJqe-7D-4-DUST6Mk0O83XSgsXC2bYIZN0kOs9cfyGbUp-iXRNp5WDuqXUGzFuYToTU__zu8DIuEqhT8q0ApGoLE0qqZG86ALKREnImo98uCw/s1600/risalamendaprize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxS1cp0qj-R-7XmLJnL0Fx1KhzVfapETJqe-7D-4-DUST6Mk0O83XSgsXC2bYIZN0kOs9cfyGbUp-iXRNp5WDuqXUGzFuYToTU__zu8DIuEqhT8q0ApGoLE0qqZG86ALKREnImo98uCw/s640/risalamendaprize.JPG" alt = risalamande prize chess" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My prize, a three person chess board</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After dessert we moved onto the tree and gift exchange part of the evening. The tree was lit with wax candles and we held hands and sang old Danish Christmas carols. When this tradition was described to me, they told me that we would "dance" around the Christmas tree. Only after I got excited about the dancing part of the evening, they later explained that "dancing" actually meant swaying and walking in circles. I was totally disappointed and told my boyfriend's sons <b>"I'm gonna moonwalk around that bitch!" </b>This became the joke of the evening and when the time actually came, we seriously held hands and walked around the tree. <b>On the third song we ALL moonwalked around the tree, including the grandparents. It was brilliant!!! </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IiPkomv0bgXXuJ554Rg2qAM37uBbRMpVZJeBYfxR6G9sCl5a5Pmzug_caqPajcqjY-PzuDcBnRKNTced8W8GBvETo-c5XOo9kS5ceyIzpAPUdSa0v5eZXUPJ77vrxyCwt9nX65LOhxw/s1600/nicoleandtheboysincopenhagen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IiPkomv0bgXXuJ554Rg2qAM37uBbRMpVZJeBYfxR6G9sCl5a5Pmzug_caqPajcqjY-PzuDcBnRKNTced8W8GBvETo-c5XOo9kS5ceyIzpAPUdSa0v5eZXUPJ77vrxyCwt9nX65LOhxw/s640/nicoleandtheboysincopenhagen.jpg" alt = "happy danish children" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and boyfriend's two sons. I love them so much!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the dancing and singing it was finally time for the gifts! My favorite gifts of the evening were from my boyfriend's sons. <b>The youngest gave me a pair of gorgeous earrings that he made himself!</b> He is only twelve and he made the earrings in a workshop at school, they totally look like something I can buy in a highstreet shop. The eldest son also gave me something homemade and edible. <b>He gave me a box FULL of chocolate covered marzipan with different nuts in them.</b> OMG These two young men are so talented and bright, I absolutely adore them!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Merry Christmas everyone, wherever you may be and however you celebrate it. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I am truly blessed! God Jul!<br />
<br />
What are you Christmas traditions where you are in the world? Do they even celebrate Christmas? Please share in the comments. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-40383166689056739272011-12-19T19:45:00.000+01:002012-01-02T22:50:32.985+01:00Things I Took For Granted: Heat and Hot Water<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/bryanguinn/files/legacy/Igloo-inside_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/bryanguinn/files/legacy/Igloo-inside_large.jpg" alit ="interior of large igloo" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I live in an igloo, you like it?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You know, I really do not like to
complain about living in Germany. I rarely “miss” America or go
on and on about how great things are back home, I typically just
chalk things up to being different and do not assign value statements
such as better or worse. This weekend shit just got real and my
opinion of Berlin and the German way of doing certain things is at an all time low.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am currently typing from my flat, my
head hurts, my fingers are frozen to the bone and the tears that I
have been crying out of frustration are practically ice-sickles. I
sit here in the dead of winter without any heat or hot water. The gas
line to my entire building has been shut off, and there is no
communication as to when this will be restored. I am currently on Day
4 without these luxuries and although I am aware that I am fortunate
because there are people without a roof over their head or bed to
sleep in, I am still angry at how irresponsible my building owner has
been in this situation. By Day 4 any residual heat left in the walls
and floors are gone, everything is cold to the touch, and I can see
my breath when I breathe.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I woke up Friday the place was, as
the Germans say, “fresh”. When I went to take a shower I realized
I didn't have hot water either. I checked my combi water heater that
occasionally needs more pressure. It looked a
bit low so I did the usually ritual to establish the appropriate
pressure and still nothing happened. The combi clicked clicked
clicked and that “all systems go” noise of the fire igniting
never came. I eventually called the plumber and he met me at my flat
at 2:00. After tinkering around for 30 mins he emerged defeated and
told me there was no gas coming into the flat. A light bulb went off
in my head. That morning on my way to work I saw a letter taped to
the front door. I didn't understand it, the first words were so
“technical” that I took a picture on my phone and intended to ask
someone to translate it for me but I never got the chance. I told him
about the letter and he ran down to check it out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The letter held the answer to mystery.
I wasn't dealing with a temporary shut down, they pulled the plug
indefinitely. They suspected multiple leaks and therefore shut off
the gas to the building Thursday afternoon. A company would come on
MONDAY between 7:30 and 16:00 to examine all gas lines into every
flat to find the source of the leak. Immediately I was pissed. <b>How</b>
on earth can you cut off gas on Thursday and then decide that you
will not come on Friday, or even Saturday and that this could wait
until Monday??? <b>Ah right I know how</b>, because the house owner
doesn't want to pay for short notice emergency service, so it had to
be Monday. Monday was not even the solution day, it was the day for
them to find the source of the problem.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I missed a day of work today, (on
top of Friday afternoon), waiting for the pipe inspection people. The
prognosis: gas leaks everywhere, the main pipe into the building and
the main lines that lead into each and every flat. They will submit
an offer for repair/replacement to the house owner and he may decide
that he wants to consider other offers because these people may be
too expensive. ARGH!!! Once an offer is accepted the work on
replacing pipes and going into the walls should take two days. But it
should be noted that they need access to everyone's flat and need to
replace everyone's pipes and then retest for leaks and only after
they are content will they advise the gas company to turn on the gas.
This could take AGES, considering this is Germany and the holiday season, I'm not sure all will go smoothly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I asked the pipe inspector person if
they had electric heaters to give out. They said no , they ran out.
Uh you shut off gas to an entire building in winter and your answer
to me is that you ran out. GO OUT AND BUY MORE. There are children, old people, and pissed off Americans who live here, you running
out is not my problem. I then said! <b>You don't want to give me a heater so I can
live in my house, so I suppose that is your invitation to let me
sleep in your heated house tonight, right? </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a total disaster!!! Not to
mention the legal nightmare I may have in front of me claiming back
the cost of my electricity going up due to these resource sucking
electric heaters, the cost of a hotel, the days I am losing
from work to tend to this bullshit and reducing my rent because the
flat is unlivable.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My main beefs:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Waiting until Monday in an effort
to save money is irresponsible and I hope someone sues the house
owner's ass. I know all the landlords are going to be PISSED that
their tenants are refusing to pay rent for a portion of December.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heaters should have been made
available on <b>Thursday</b>. You are cutting of a service and
should provide an alternative. There should been a nice sentence on
the letter “if you need or want heating elements call this number
we will drop these off with a smile.” But no, they would rather be
reactive instead of proactive and deal with pissed off cold people.Why do I even have to ask??? </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a renter in Germany I do have
rights but the bureaucracy that I have to go through is complicated
and time consuming, pretty sure they make things difficult to deter
people from pursing compensation.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why couldn't they find a leak in the
summer time?bah and burrr! I'm going to stay with a friend and possible move my holiday travel plans up a few days. Someone made the comment that we most likely won't have gas restored until the new year. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-2663872949664093442011-12-15T00:32:00.002+01:002012-01-02T22:53:23.286+01:00My Travels Plans for 2012...so far<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIURgcT_h69x40yAAUHoi6HuqtW-ADZ1bgsoOG3PmsIp6s04mKuxJeN2K88DBRWuWpBQXMNG0gkjpLEGEXXiSiVPMUbNVXNX0ncu38czh1Vs6G93J7rHr4dAr9RNaeR-iPU9Y-fVE-SQE/s1600/2012travelplans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIURgcT_h69x40yAAUHoi6HuqtW-ADZ1bgsoOG3PmsIp6s04mKuxJeN2K88DBRWuWpBQXMNG0gkjpLEGEXXiSiVPMUbNVXNX0ncu38czh1Vs6G93J7rHr4dAr9RNaeR-iPU9Y-fVE-SQE/s640/2012travelplans.jpg" alt = "tokyo and st petersberg monuments" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka, Japan on the left and St. Petersburg, Russia on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well 2012 hasn't even started yet and I am already excited about my travel for the next year. <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/living-in-germany-can-i-really-do-this.html">Living in Germany</a>, I get five weeks of vacation, this is perfect because it allows me to cultivate my healthy travel habit.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack" target="_blank">twitter</a> you know that I am heading to Japan for two weeks in late February/early March. I found an amazing deal via Aeroflot for 477 Euro round trip. While in Japan I will visit Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, traveling within the country by train. If you want to know more about Japan, everyday on twitter I will be posting interesting facts like these:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Slurping your food is encouraged, it is a sign that you enjoyed your meal. If you don't slurp your host might be offended. </li>
<li>People greet each other with bows, ranging from a nod of the head to a full 90 degree bow. Deeper bows are for formal situations, showing respect, the nod is often shared amongst friends.</li>
<li>Cab doors in Japan are automatic, do not touch doors with your hands, the driver presses a button from inside the car that open and closes the door.</li>
<li>Speaking of cabs, the drivers wear white gloves and sometimes surgical mask.</li>
<li>There are vending machines on almost every corner that sell anything from hot food, panties and vacation packages.</li>
</ul>
You can follow many more tweets leading up to my departure with the hashtag #japanfact.<br />
<br />
I just booked another trip seconds ago. Airberlin is having a Christmas sale to multiple destinations (it ends Dec 15th). I am going to St. Petersburg, Russia for a long weekend in early June. The ticket was 114 Euro round trip!!! I will have additional cost because I need a visa AND an invitation letter. Russia is tricky to get into, depending on your country of citizenship, so I will be sharing tons of tips for Americans while I prepare. I have mentioned before that visiting Russia alone intimidates me but the Panda might come along. <br />
<br />
My early June trip will coincide with White Nights, the period of 80 days during the summer when the sun barely sets in St. Petersburg. Due to the long summer nights with pleasant weather there are tons of festivals and parties throughout the street. Many travelers deem this the best time of year to visit St. Petersburg.<br />
I am so friggin excited.<br />
<br />
So that's it for now. Stay tuned!!! I have my sights set on Kenya for later in the year! <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-81613123240129922412011-12-06T14:26:00.001+01:002012-01-02T22:54:05.054+01:00Black in Berlin: Why My Natural Hair is Unnatural in Germany<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx851V81Zx1Hh3UzcXP0r1flK_5zQGly1gQhlEh2dPeAf5utMI60M4DXBkP-5GrfXuftZyMGDuCGUheHDuXVLj7lC6-tTGPFLRNFuzDol42Y4YwtSRn6ZHm7HRkLqeeMXH_iayw8SKJyM/s1600/naturalhairineurope.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx851V81Zx1Hh3UzcXP0r1flK_5zQGly1gQhlEh2dPeAf5utMI60M4DXBkP-5GrfXuftZyMGDuCGUheHDuXVLj7lC6-tTGPFLRNFuzDol42Y4YwtSRn6ZHm7HRkLqeeMXH_iayw8SKJyM/s640/naturalhairineurope.jpeg" alt ="black women with natural hair in europe" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natual and lovin' it in London. (I'm on the right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>The following entry is a repost of one of my articles written for <a href="http://parlourmagazine.com/">Parlour Magazine</a>. Parlour Magazine is the premier online destination for women across
the globe, offering the
best in fashion, beauty, politics, music and breaking news. I write
about living in Berlin from the perspective of a Black American Woman.</i><br />
<br />
Generally speaking, Afro-Europeans see my natural hair as
something that needs to be fixed with perm or covered up with a wig
and this kind of thinking frustrates me. Living in Berlin I can
honestly say that I miss seeing women wear two strand twists, afro
puffs and dreadlocks. Apart from the occasional American tourist,
black women in Europe typically rock straight hair, weaves and
extensions. I imagine the pressure for a women of color to appeal to
the European standard of beauty must be stifling in Germany.
Ironically, that pressure doesn’t come directly from the Germans
themselves but from other Afro-Europeans.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I experienced similar peer pressure in
America when I went natural ten years ago. The most vocal critics of
my decision were my black family members, colleagues and friends. The
naysayers took their own insecurities and misconceptions about
natural hair and tried to pass them off as the overall perception of
the dominant culture. I see the same behavior here in Germany but
even more so, as if to wear your hair in its natural state is an
indicator of being “too black to handle” or unwilling to conform
to the German way of life.<br />
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<br />
The pursuit for long, straight and “manageable” hair sometimes
creates casualties. Not only does the quest take its toll on the
tender psyche of young German colored girls but concern for overall
hair health is thrown out of the window. The primary motivation of
many is to cover up, not cultivate their hair so little time is spent
learning how to keep their locks growing healthily. When I take a
quick visual survey of Berlin’s colored girls, I often see missing
edges, fried ends, matted extensions and poorly executed weaves. I do
not have hard statistics but I am amazed at the number of
side-eye-worthy heads I have seen during my time living and traveling
around Europe. The women here seem to prefer “damaged yet straight”
over “healthy and nappy.”<br />
<br />
There are a few contributing factors to the state of black hair
care in Europe, beginning with black women don’t make up a
significant percentage of the population. The small brown numbers
result in less demand for products which leads to less hair care
techniques and tools, leaving stylists being years behind their
counterparts in places like America. There is almost no pressure to
have any representation of black women in the media due to the low
buying power of the black woman in Europe. There are no magazines
like <i>ESSENCE</i> and few websites like <i>Parlour Magazine</i>
are published in European languages. Many women don’t have high
expectations for their hair because they don’t see many examples of
black women, nevermind black women with healthy hair. Environmental
factors such as climate and water can also be damaging. Berlin has
some of the hardest water I have <i>ever</i> experienced, it’s
loaded with calcium and other minerals that leave my hair dry and
damaged. It took me months to sort out the right routine for my dry
scalp (hint: water filters are awesome).<br />
<br />
Black hair care in America is not perfect but it is light years
ahead of Europe. Outside of major cities with larger black
populations like London and Paris, black women in Europe rarely take
advantage of their hair’s versatility and usually linger around the
straight end of the spectrum. Permed hair, weaves and extensions are
not bad but they seem to be the only options many women entertain due
to limited education about natural hair.<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be sure to check out my <a href="http://parlourmagazine.com/2011/07/black-in-berlin-black-hair-care-europe-afro-europeans/">weekly feature</a>
and the rest of the great content over at Parlour Magazine</div>
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-26871138708525356262011-12-02T12:57:00.000+01:002012-01-02T22:58:58.862+01:00Travel Inspirations: Lesia and Wendy - Two Jamaican Girls Taking on Europe<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT52Mreuz7RpttvLUnjScda2uoqJda78quFU9yb56DHbsNaoIBWwQcbkUQyiro4cqZN0hcg5RxuHKM3nHM8BKkuluYGXtBBYXox9HgkDZKWyzeCBgOHE-24MetWrTRV_01Y16sxghWv9k/s1600/black+female+travel+bavaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT52Mreuz7RpttvLUnjScda2uoqJda78quFU9yb56DHbsNaoIBWwQcbkUQyiro4cqZN0hcg5RxuHKM3nHM8BKkuluYGXtBBYXox9HgkDZKWyzeCBgOHE-24MetWrTRV_01Y16sxghWv9k/s640/black+female+travel+bavaria.jpg" alt = "black women in bavaria travel" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesia and Wendy in Bavaria, Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's no coincidence that the first two
people that I feature on my blog are <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/for-love-of-travel.html">Black female travelers</a>! I want
readers to see examples of Black woman traveling far beyond the
Caribbean and exploring the world past the Atlantic. Lesia and Wendy recently completed a trip of a lifetime, traveling throughout Europe via
plane, train and automobile. Hopefully you will find inspiration in
there 1,600 mile, 6 country, 10 day adventure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQI9M6KMI5a4SRnuAnTcYbijDiwDHGmePKCsEoBcIb1PXs63RSlKe8_c6oIWYhSFhURMSmzVVM5XLzXNJKbjqFdDKy-CuKp8boFh6c6oGjeDXn3Lw0HltZeNfU42Z6JdEAWSSuQ_JQP8/s1600/black+female+travel+venice+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQI9M6KMI5a4SRnuAnTcYbijDiwDHGmePKCsEoBcIb1PXs63RSlKe8_c6oIWYhSFhURMSmzVVM5XLzXNJKbjqFdDKy-CuKp8boFh6c6oGjeDXn3Lw0HltZeNfU42Z6JdEAWSSuQ_JQP8/s640/black+female+travel+venice+bridge.jpg" alt = "black women in venice" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy and Lesia in Venice, Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lesia and Wendy have been friends for
three years, they always knew that they wanted to travel together but
didn't know exactly when or where. Recently Lesia's brother moved to
Stuttgart Germany and this was the opportunity they were waiting for.
<b>Stuttgart, Germany</b> was their first stop on the European
Takeover!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FoXcYE-HCS0SSXUwVy8I_mjy30ea-8cRnBSOzB64FAuwa4avMCwhL3bDAOWsQWwWylHbA6KZZV0RjK_iVyZpB0bPqPyaOTGuXZafFQ_wReX6XzzNXLbv3dPP19_GpUspwZoUV7dynx4/s1600/blackfemaleeuropeanroadtriproute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FoXcYE-HCS0SSXUwVy8I_mjy30ea-8cRnBSOzB64FAuwa4avMCwhL3bDAOWsQWwWylHbA6KZZV0RjK_iVyZpB0bPqPyaOTGuXZafFQ_wReX6XzzNXLbv3dPP19_GpUspwZoUV7dynx4/s640/blackfemaleeuropeanroadtriproute.jpg" alt = "european roadtrip route" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their route map. Traveling via plane, train and automobile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After spending a few days with family (
including me, Lesia is my cousin), the ladies rented a fabulous Audi
3 and hit the Autobahn driving through the Alps towards <b>Zurich,
Switzerland</b>. They stopped in Zurich for some scenic picture
taking and lunch and hopped back on the highway headed for <b>Milan,
Italy</b>. They spent a lovely evening in Milan, doing some small
sightseeing, grabbing dinner and treating themselves to gelato. After
such a long day on the road they had no energy to party, they rested
up and prepared themselves for their next destination,<b> Venice, Italy</b>. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY6xfKM3ckMYCAyeWjM2WS4K5y9Vz1869kIPiCn8j1YhSRGCS3oX8gPO-wXH2rmDPGETDCFxpMg62KCQh_CABwT38tC608KcFJu28Qqb4kdU54QAnWopHYEQSxu_OYnLOcLnf9mTCZFY/s1600/black+female+travel+venice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY6xfKM3ckMYCAyeWjM2WS4K5y9Vz1869kIPiCn8j1YhSRGCS3oX8gPO-wXH2rmDPGETDCFxpMg62KCQh_CABwT38tC608KcFJu28Qqb4kdU54QAnWopHYEQSxu_OYnLOcLnf9mTCZFY/s640/black+female+travel+venice.jpg" alt = " black women travel venice" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesia and Wendy in a Venetian Gondola</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Venice they were greeted by a lovely gentleman at the hotel who
volunteered to take the ladies out that evening. After a night of
disco dancing until the sun came up they saw all the sites their
guide recommended the evening before. The trip in Vienna ended on a high note with amazing pizza, then they were off again. They took the scenic route,
driving up and down the mountains of <b>Austria</b> and finally made it to <b>Munich, Germany</b>. In Munich they visited the Dachau
concentration camp and then returned to <b>Stuttgart.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4qD8kEDkExGoia9H73raVvnGs3Q6gwsWX2vRSegHt9czcxyp8X_p9zXMZmaXXvL3zuPJ6RFtBzFN8bbOV4-kyMHe0gAQLnmY4xW4GXZBQYW6i5-3ZuIcLGPNPLIM-E15BsNfC0Oafws/s1600/black+female+travel+driving+in+europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4qD8kEDkExGoia9H73raVvnGs3Q6gwsWX2vRSegHt9czcxyp8X_p9zXMZmaXXvL3zuPJ6RFtBzFN8bbOV4-kyMHe0gAQLnmY4xW4GXZBQYW6i5-3ZuIcLGPNPLIM-E15BsNfC0Oafws/s640/black+female+travel+driving+in+europe.jpg" alt ="black woman with map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy is WICKED with a map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They were in
Stuttgart long enough to say goodbye to the family and get some shut
eye. They woke up bright and early to catch the train to <b>Paris,
France</b>. In the days they were in Paris they did the full Parisian
tour, the 400 steps of the Notre Dame, the Champs Elysee, the Louvre,
the Eiffel Tower and even took a day trip down to <b>Versailles,
France</b>. On the way back to the States they organized an
overnight layover in <b>Amsterdam, the Netherlands </b>to get a taste
of the city<b>. </b>They walked along the canals, visited the Anne
Frank house and attempted a visited to the infamous Red Light
District<b>. </b>Thousands of kilometers and liters of wine behind
them, the ladies describe their adventure as “the best trip ever”.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklInio2YJM6vJS_xOGzkNNZSzmHRaDW0WIwtr6WyVtwpnRxLWvN6BIlXuRyB6wMLn8KKfIZY2ivlp64rMoytuCqglkPcsmPbdBUNOgLTwlzByblmaT-hdO6D05eNvnwaOpGi3LHQ0L7E/s1600/black+female+paris+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklInio2YJM6vJS_xOGzkNNZSzmHRaDW0WIwtr6WyVtwpnRxLWvN6BIlXuRyB6wMLn8KKfIZY2ivlp64rMoytuCqglkPcsmPbdBUNOgLTwlzByblmaT-hdO6D05eNvnwaOpGi3LHQ0L7E/s640/black+female+paris+cafe.jpg" alt = "black woman in parisian cafe" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great food and champs fit for a queen in a Parisian Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Trip High Points:</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While taking pictures of the
amazing view in Zurich they met two Jamaican women who also lived in
the US. The women were on vacation traveling from Brussels to Rome.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meeting Georgio and Alejandro in
Venice, very handsome and scrumptious guides who treated them like
queens and took them out dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The bidets in almost all of their
rooms. They became huge fans. LOL</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lovely conversation in a Parisian
cafe with a West African dude who traveled the world and treated them to
wine and cheese.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amazing food! Drinking champagne
and wine with almost every meal. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Driving through the tunnels of
Switzerland and experiencing first hand that there is the light at
the end of every tunnel. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meeting friends everywhere they
went, locals, tourist, didn't matter they made connections in almost
every city.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Driving 189 km an hour on the
Autobahn (117 mph)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkVmaaPc_8pQXTvutZCc2f-fk8zOFyoc3maF4s7N0NfRKXaK6dNJKG575bBFqXux-hJ1jcPyE_Ipw7NhKAcXWQJN_yfWIeh14wKNOq7-leBFFyY4xg9hMSfwTPoVvswXTgNrq4SNm8i0/s1600/black+female+travel+notre+dame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkVmaaPc_8pQXTvutZCc2f-fk8zOFyoc3maF4s7N0NfRKXaK6dNJKG575bBFqXux-hJ1jcPyE_Ipw7NhKAcXWQJN_yfWIeh14wKNOq7-leBFFyY4xg9hMSfwTPoVvswXTgNrq4SNm8i0/s640/black+female+travel+notre+dame.jpg" alt ="black woman on top of notre dame" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally at the top of the Notre Dame in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Trip not-so High Points:</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Technology failed them, the
navigation system went bonkers a few times, luckily Wendy was a whiz
with maps.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some creepy guy was following them
around the city of Milan at night, they felt a bit uncomfortable but
then they remembered they could protect themselves since Wendy knew
self defense and Lesia knew “crazy”.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every morning at their hotel in
Paris different guests would ask them to get them tea as they both
were mistaken for the help. :/</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3VuWeDdwQm0VoPNhogG7TrLv7_pYpb7LiPczVKGlAPo6qfZOxgDeCkaPnbAqjQZogJJBcNnzwN9k3MSOneTEldOCAkRfaQVuKNZIuWX3SV2m2kiMpVB5hkdFKZ85q8_PRj-Huox86lg/s1600/black+female+travel+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3VuWeDdwQm0VoPNhogG7TrLv7_pYpb7LiPczVKGlAPo6qfZOxgDeCkaPnbAqjQZogJJBcNnzwN9k3MSOneTEldOCAkRfaQVuKNZIuWX3SV2m2kiMpVB5hkdFKZ85q8_PRj-Huox86lg/s640/black+female+travel+water.jpg" alt ="black female view over water" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy and an amazing view in Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What aspiring travelers can learn from Lesia and Wendy</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Take advantage of friends and
family who live abroad. Knowing someone in a foreign country does
not only have financial benefits but emotional ones. Having a
connection in a place that is foreign to you makes it a bit easier
to take such a big leap.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When visiting Europe from the
States take advantage of the close proximity of the different
countries. One can easily see multiple cities due to the accessibility
and transportation infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
When traveling with friends make
sure your personalities and strengths balance each other out. If one
person is a good driver the other person should be good with maps
and being the navigator. It's about team work. Friends that you can
only handle in small doses are not the ones to travel with!!!
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Set a budget. You have to travel
with someone who has similar travel preferences. You don't want to
travel with someone who wants to do budget travel when you have a
luxury accommodations in mind. Discuss your budget pre-travel and stick to it!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Language barriers and cultural
differences were challenges that enabled these ladies to
discover a new level of resourcefulness. Wendy and Lesia both
agreed that there is something liberating about navigating a foreign
country.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIrxCTestd-XPRIeoU72i3m9olhxHH9SnrSceHBA3C1YHhNUXjoR9WnYFqBj38Q-FVB3LeIRipWqxIeHo2cvdwbx69CMiAlrHnoiE7vuwlja8GMTewiNy2y-r5MAbSj0QzwCb2Vd2z4Q/s1600/black+female+travel+switzerland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIrxCTestd-XPRIeoU72i3m9olhxHH9SnrSceHBA3C1YHhNUXjoR9WnYFqBj38Q-FVB3LeIRipWqxIeHo2cvdwbx69CMiAlrHnoiE7vuwlja8GMTewiNy2y-r5MAbSj0QzwCb2Vd2z4Q/s640/black+female+travel+switzerland.jpg" alt ="black women in switzerland" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the great team for sharing their story!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you have a story of travel and adventure or living abroad and want to be featured on <a href="http://nicoleisthenewblack.com/">nicoleisthenewblack.com</a> send an email to nicoleisthenewblack@gmail.com<br />
<br />
Also be sure to follow me on twitter @<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack">nicolenewblack</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-11292901188555415182011-11-30T16:00:00.000+01:002012-01-02T23:03:36.273+01:00Reluctant Domestic Goddess: Stuffed Eggplant (Karniyarik)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19pIbHqiAlZ9OJJpuBK5lyrgRjrUTEwXj-hMX35dD73XHdxmzTif41x-RHRuXFjcVQJHCzrPxtSIYrnEN4aM34jHeOE-RoIK26FE0bsDSCfsilAoXQGwymyAF0z72_2LUaIsoiai25yg/s1600/Istanbul+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19pIbHqiAlZ9OJJpuBK5lyrgRjrUTEwXj-hMX35dD73XHdxmzTif41x-RHRuXFjcVQJHCzrPxtSIYrnEN4aM34jHeOE-RoIK26FE0bsDSCfsilAoXQGwymyAF0z72_2LUaIsoiai25yg/s640/Istanbul+118.JPG" alt = "karniyarik homemade" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karniyarik that we made with the help of our instructor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This past March I <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/11/tourist-scams-reality-of-international.html">visited Istanbul</a> with my younger brother. During the four day trip we took a <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/05/cooking-class-in-istanbul-turkey-video.html">Turkish Cooking course</a> where I picked up some delicious recipes. This past week I had the chance to cook for some friends and decided to try Turkish stuffed eggplant which is called <i>Karniyarik</i> (Split Belly)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To make sure I could recreate some of the dishes, I brought some spices back with me from Istanbul. My favourite spice that I discovered was Ottoman Spice, a unique chili based Turkish blend. It has become a staple in all my tomato sauces, regardless of cuisine. I needed to replenish my supply so I ask a fellow globe trotter to grab some on her recent trip to Turkey. She returned with the prized spice in hand, and for her efforts, I cooked for her! <br />
<br />
The main difference in my version of the recipe was the size of the eggplants (aubergine). My teacher used small slender Italian eggplant and I had to use 3 medium eggplants. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiIMJHuFbj10ZOUNRe2X0U8a7TBXKWvJ6f2-mrH4_KDVTxD-tXN1qnXk4S985HbF6VtC9Y9emxJLSinvfTeb_pVodyWOzllorfgTE5CXIUqRbPJxEAIaZO1ae151x-X7clO0AOA5ZWfs/s1600/aubergineeggplantforkarniyarik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiIMJHuFbj10ZOUNRe2X0U8a7TBXKWvJ6f2-mrH4_KDVTxD-tXN1qnXk4S985HbF6VtC9Y9emxJLSinvfTeb_pVodyWOzllorfgTE5CXIUqRbPJxEAIaZO1ae151x-X7clO0AOA5ZWfs/s640/aubergineeggplantforkarniyarik.jpg" alt = "fresh eggplant or aubergine for karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplants before preparation (photo <a href="http://www.ozlemsturkishtable.com/2010/06/karniyarik-stuffed-eggplants-aubergines.html">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eggplant is a tricky tricky vegetable. It is loaded with moisture and if the water isn't needed for the recipe it can really alter the flavors and consistency of the dish. Before cooking the eggplant I had to stripe them, cut them in half, and create a slice in the middle to later stuff the meat. Then I rubbed the eggplants with salt and let them sit for an hour. This helps draw out the moisture. The eggplant have to sit in a colander or on a rack to allow for all the excess water to drip off. While the eggplant was draining I gathered my ingredients. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMDhPmFI-8bqaaMmqRJC2GvMljvt1jzCEUC-wfZMnu9DEEdIhqQfNFU7083IVauL82MVs91OcjgNojSiYQjBgRZQg0EWZD6jPUSDQR67Fq7pL0mg8BpyvXe7wANrrjf_Pv5K8TvVGonY/s1600/ingredientsforkarniyarik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMDhPmFI-8bqaaMmqRJC2GvMljvt1jzCEUC-wfZMnu9DEEdIhqQfNFU7083IVauL82MVs91OcjgNojSiYQjBgRZQg0EWZD6jPUSDQR67Fq7pL0mg8BpyvXe7wANrrjf_Pv5K8TvVGonY/s640/ingredientsforkarniyarik.jpg" alt ="ingredients for karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is a list of ingredients: <br />
3 medium eggplant, peeled in stripes lengthwise, halved<br />
1 lb of ground beef<br />
1 sweet onion choppped<br />
4 cloves of garlic <br />
2 tablespoons of tomato paste<br />
1/2 cup parsley, finely choppped (be generous)<br />
1 or 2 tomatos chopped<span style="color: #666666;"><br /><span style="color: black;">1 tomato, sliced for garnish<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></span><br />
dill for garnish (optional)<br />
green peppers, 6 one for each eggplant<br />
ottoman spice to taste<br />
red pepper flakes to taste<br />
sugar to taste<br />
ground pepper to taste<br />
salt to taste<br />
my own personal blend of spices i cant remember but make everything taste good. ha! <br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
mild flavor oil for browning eggplant<br />
1 cup hot water<br />
<br />
serve with: <br />
basmati or jasmine rice<br />
flat bread<br />
yogurt (optional)<br />
<br />
Oven should be preheated to 180 degrees C/380 F <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Optmmnxc5S1NgKB5pAzFHw_2jNpCgsqtD7jrmNZGXkI9poFlA50g4BeKDaGv8vUxupq9x9Ij-Z8Hyc-jJk2bhwAE6cmam7UmAOipmcHkjCClNDZevsWweD5_JSpkEnb5Ch34lVYnn0/s1600/fillingforkarniyarik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Optmmnxc5S1NgKB5pAzFHw_2jNpCgsqtD7jrmNZGXkI9poFlA50g4BeKDaGv8vUxupq9x9Ij-Z8Hyc-jJk2bhwAE6cmam7UmAOipmcHkjCClNDZevsWweD5_JSpkEnb5Ch34lVYnn0/s640/fillingforkarniyarik.jpg" alt ="meat filling for karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meat stuffing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I browned the onions in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Once onions were soft I added the beef and cooked it until done. Then came the garlic, chopped tomato, tomato paste, and all my spices and sugar except the parsley. You should let it simmer to ensure all the spices and flavours have time to marry. It would be a good idea to prepare the meat filling the night before and let them really soak in overnight but I didn't have that kind of time :) I let the meat filling simmer while I pan fried the eggplant. Be sure to test the meat occasionally, experiment until you get it to taste just right. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U8E1ccY-n9IITH7x7xZKveE7BSoQxyvH-sOjAy__oBu-fQYyzsoNb5PxFOhBqI6R6g9vZXgCNKbVvtuKvmEW_OshljyAZ81AaYOmW9IDGfTeGOyZFuviOnyP9BHhWVdO1tW1G0HE-KE/s1600/spliteggplantforkarniyarik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U8E1ccY-n9IITH7x7xZKveE7BSoQxyvH-sOjAy__oBu-fQYyzsoNb5PxFOhBqI6R6g9vZXgCNKbVvtuKvmEW_OshljyAZ81AaYOmW9IDGfTeGOyZFuviOnyP9BHhWVdO1tW1G0HE-KE/s640/spliteggplantforkarniyarik.jpg" alt =" split eggplant for karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant ready for frying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now back to the eggplant. I wiped off all the excess salt and I heated some mild flavoured oil in a frying pan. Now you have to make sure the oil is super hot or the eggplant with just absorb all the oil. You want to make the eggplant brown on all side and gets a little soft.<br />
Once I was done with pan frying the eggplant I dried them out on paper towel and took my meat filling off the fire. This is when I added the parsley and began to assemble my masterpiece. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx1gwkl3YO8CKrqVBsj4qNsDdoEz1FMKMdXXomhyphenhyphenmeI7lYunsqFuAcQBVjXccOP2XWrlPRd2y89JloDHWAwykSmmmxI2ff7OwPnCGzx65QclpR27sZQOM4N5fj1PpqGXjIqh2H0EvnaE/s1600/assembledkarniyarik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx1gwkl3YO8CKrqVBsj4qNsDdoEz1FMKMdXXomhyphenhyphenmeI7lYunsqFuAcQBVjXccOP2XWrlPRd2y89JloDHWAwykSmmmxI2ff7OwPnCGzx65QclpR27sZQOM4N5fj1PpqGXjIqh2H0EvnaE/s640/assembledkarniyarik.jpg" alt ="assempled karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-oven prettyness</td></tr>
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Lay your eggplant into a deep oven pan and stuff them evenly with the meat filling. Top each piece of eggplant with a slice of tomato and a pepper. Before putting it into the oven, I mixed a bit of olive oil in a cup of water and poored it into the pan. I covered it with foil and let it cook in the oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes I removed the foil and let it cook uncovered so the peppers and tomato could get some color.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruMGFVyqtDY417V7y_lLqVnJ867EHSMfRD_yJcaSlIKAkAll947FGKntlmA5sOIzTTte228JY2H6ULRUMijIvnqPG2ItU3yW6NPY_oIKHZal6RgKD5_WNtM_-jQEHNY84HDRrI2CaAow/s1600/karniyarikcomplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruMGFVyqtDY417V7y_lLqVnJ867EHSMfRD_yJcaSlIKAkAll947FGKntlmA5sOIzTTte228JY2H6ULRUMijIvnqPG2ItU3yW6NPY_oIKHZal6RgKD5_WNtM_-jQEHNY84HDRrI2CaAow/s640/karniyarikcomplete.jpg" alt="homemade karniyarik" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed Karniyarik. It was a hit!</td></tr>
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It should be noted that I had so many spare ingredients that I retried the recipe again the same week. It was delicious both times. I think my teacher would have been proud! <br />
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Have you ever taken a cooking course? Have your re-creations been successful? <br />
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Be sure to follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack">@nicolenewblack</a><br />
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<br />nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654312473370527266.post-8724707616519171362011-11-28T15:13:00.001+01:002012-01-03T11:41:34.087+01:00Berlin State of Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOBUzb06Vr_Jh8Hh6e2HzE2HZ1B3tjcARKVP38Gh4tgxUJ_0C9hqjK8u-cK8pfhjkzhw0vMRDE4xPXiZpn0z5cEiiVToUqIXk7aRFl7PmSABBOqzsFC-uegjjpVG_kRgwylTqrsVU7Zk/s1600/livinginberlin_astronautcrossingthestreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOBUzb06Vr_Jh8Hh6e2HzE2HZ1B3tjcARKVP38Gh4tgxUJ_0C9hqjK8u-cK8pfhjkzhw0vMRDE4xPXiZpn0z5cEiiVToUqIXk7aRFl7PmSABBOqzsFC-uegjjpVG_kRgwylTqrsVU7Zk/s640/livinginberlin_astronautcrossingthestreet.jpg" alt ="astronaut in berlin" width="478" /></a></div>
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Recently on twitter I posted this picture along with the tweet "This happens in your city, right? " Judging from the popularity of the tweet, it doesn't. Outside of Berlin, astronauts are rarely seen at intersections on Sunday afternoons. <a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/04/buppie-in-berlin.html">Living in Berlin</a> you are introduced to a new version of normal, one that is broader, full of color and for some reason more authentic.<br />
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Below is a collection of photos that depict my enhanced normality, all captured with my trusty vintage iphone 3G :) Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RfR8lmfF9wqK_L5-oK13fY1dOtHiCKOwsKK4nIah4gz4B3KFgI7QY2e_jr-tarjkJJbLVXiqxRpHVP2v2-jiDKzj8nV50xEMHRTl-SUYnAAJ5AT_6w7UCiaO5_hgp4zqGEFs8SG2UYg/s1600/livinginberlin_astronautposingforpicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RfR8lmfF9wqK_L5-oK13fY1dOtHiCKOwsKK4nIah4gz4B3KFgI7QY2e_jr-tarjkJJbLVXiqxRpHVP2v2-jiDKzj8nV50xEMHRTl-SUYnAAJ5AT_6w7UCiaO5_hgp4zqGEFs8SG2UYg/s640/livinginberlin_astronautposingforpicture.jpg" alt ="astronaut in street berlin" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The astronaut was there on official business</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMylKVkjLjrIndjqXP_VF8gwQ2brkkQkzB4JfZihMUjXVcnX3ti8i0FcqxRyJzmCimRK_3_zkeEoeRVKgGaPp5wMCv_W0la47vnyXKiGyJy_BdWDAK3_YbMGjrPQZONA7UmtzasoavVnU/s1600/livinginberlin_doublecobblestonerow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMylKVkjLjrIndjqXP_VF8gwQ2brkkQkzB4JfZihMUjXVcnX3ti8i0FcqxRyJzmCimRK_3_zkeEoeRVKgGaPp5wMCv_W0la47vnyXKiGyJy_BdWDAK3_YbMGjrPQZONA7UmtzasoavVnU/s640/livinginberlin_doublecobblestonerow.jpg" alt ="berlin wall double row cobblestone" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a street where the former Berlin Wall stood, the double row of cobblestone mark its path</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI4Zs9nTNIankihnd8BPYH6QFRPufis0y5zvRYDqRnPV6ZOplBIXWXru8394DNnAelAi6I0RZbXkw5YXD_minZqNyoP6eW8t7SATUXKM5ojCljlD5FPfcgg68noCqcpffGDxjhqTQSZc/s1600/livinginberlin_berlindesignersasha.jpg" alt ="berlin street fashion" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI4Zs9nTNIankihnd8BPYH6QFRPufis0y5zvRYDqRnPV6ZOplBIXWXru8394DNnAelAi6I0RZbXkw5YXD_minZqNyoP6eW8t7SATUXKM5ojCljlD5FPfcgg68noCqcpffGDxjhqTQSZc/s640/livinginberlin_berlindesignersasha.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just your average fashion designer that I became instant friends with</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdfYQCjGfgBjmz9GGmL26LhxyU-BStEKlYmJlQwwQL7Unr_UtaW9XIT-WfUyDmLxFjw84fnpgbk3bG1McC5ru9_MVB8pXyMQIRpIfU5IN-Y9ToCMZdo1Vt4yzl0RxK8kntMadbwGvdY/s1600/livinginberlin_stampcar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdfYQCjGfgBjmz9GGmL26LhxyU-BStEKlYmJlQwwQL7Unr_UtaW9XIT-WfUyDmLxFjw84fnpgbk3bG1McC5ru9_MVB8pXyMQIRpIfU5IN-Y9ToCMZdo1Vt4yzl0RxK8kntMadbwGvdY/s640/livinginberlin_stampcar2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the stamp mobile!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPxKwx6_ZToReLJpWzmwR07VsSmKVZAvCCABBfPACk6vLSoxdqPG2s_wAcpZ4p7kqQsExBJ1LgPPH0mN2EkJJAC34m9k9bhKDq6LN33kMW59Bzl2J0-ZQaqEELjy8CYfAP1xaBoIpBL4/s1600/livinginberlin_stampcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPxKwx6_ZToReLJpWzmwR07VsSmKVZAvCCABBfPACk6vLSoxdqPG2s_wAcpZ4p7kqQsExBJ1LgPPH0mN2EkJJAC34m9k9bhKDq6LN33kMW59Bzl2J0-ZQaqEELjy8CYfAP1xaBoIpBL4/s640/livinginberlin_stampcar.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1CChyphenhyphenefciVPpIIK9VUFHeWLVqg7sy33BMzmQ3GFEaF7mTHQ2-eLNOUqObvkelBj7_0dX4Lc-DvksT5yi5MqgYdkn3pB9zW9IGEPsS-_rJdZ87JpQjlLZhmF3LmWKh1mWGlIRquQXz7I/s1600/livinginberlin_absintheprep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1CChyphenhyphenefciVPpIIK9VUFHeWLVqg7sy33BMzmQ3GFEaF7mTHQ2-eLNOUqObvkelBj7_0dX4Lc-DvksT5yi5MqgYdkn3pB9zW9IGEPsS-_rJdZ87JpQjlLZhmF3LmWKh1mWGlIRquQXz7I/s640/livinginberlin_absintheprep.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for absinthe in my super secret absinthe bar</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieecB7erlmGk7_eaYAyGEIGR5CebFGvAETj91QlmFER1lpk3ccWKIje2BtmCc98BgzxnwuZwh6TOIO9i5LDOW-DdA94e7PfzCKbl2MsOrsGCC-Mt_7CgXmuAX11ERPUlKJXq_wxUhpbOQ/s1600/livinginberlin_featheroneggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieecB7erlmGk7_eaYAyGEIGR5CebFGvAETj91QlmFER1lpk3ccWKIje2BtmCc98BgzxnwuZwh6TOIO9i5LDOW-DdA94e7PfzCKbl2MsOrsGCC-Mt_7CgXmuAX11ERPUlKJXq_wxUhpbOQ/s640/livinginberlin_featheroneggs.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes that is a feather, apparently you missed this<a href="http://www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2011/06/things-i-took-for-granted-clean-eggs.html"> post on clean eggs</a>!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xmZOd_boFfLYzIPIfTJ-sW5hDaBY97OgKjknAHDaEUD4mEvX_1aMx1dPQuoPR-fATxs1uvcdTFDRlb1Uy_VjDwEHOd5vvEny3UygSBUqziB3poRIeRghS6OXlszoT0rW5ETkzi_WkBM/s1600/livinginberlin_nytaxipaintjob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xmZOd_boFfLYzIPIfTJ-sW5hDaBY97OgKjknAHDaEUD4mEvX_1aMx1dPQuoPR-fATxs1uvcdTFDRlb1Uy_VjDwEHOd5vvEny3UygSBUqziB3poRIeRghS6OXlszoT0rW5ETkzi_WkBM/s640/livinginberlin_nytaxipaintjob.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hark, a car dressed up like a NYC taxi, complete with the fare posting</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS_0oefKbjzdUSOEfa4QQNZgYJ5bvPpQDYkv2_kGIFxyqPnUa8mF2S3DHx92KmVcmfxSqOCsX0IgQTa5KV43ywSUmcVR-QaPTl9SvOqzbYJLjsvzjdKETFrTOZdBJ6LLbLD6WJIzs7wg/s1600/livinginberlin_brothelonbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS_0oefKbjzdUSOEfa4QQNZgYJ5bvPpQDYkv2_kGIFxyqPnUa8mF2S3DHx92KmVcmfxSqOCsX0IgQTa5KV43ywSUmcVR-QaPTl9SvOqzbYJLjsvzjdKETFrTOZdBJ6LLbLD6WJIzs7wg/s640/livinginberlin_brothelonbus.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin's Erotic Climax, they advertise brothels on buses not sure if it's on the bus route</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdM3K0AJicGoLZJD_6UP3Vy9FtGuSgoDbV0P6Irbt8-UnMmQRnMWm1-J-wgROHkZZ1TG7hD-ExqyTvwFovP1-ltlCuxy7RQsGyBgoPWBOxw1Wak-tDB4INTtrs0tK82nXSR_NBk1Yiwk/s1600/livinginberlin_tigermoped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdM3K0AJicGoLZJD_6UP3Vy9FtGuSgoDbV0P6Irbt8-UnMmQRnMWm1-J-wgROHkZZ1TG7hD-ExqyTvwFovP1-ltlCuxy7RQsGyBgoPWBOxw1Wak-tDB4INTtrs0tK82nXSR_NBk1Yiwk/s640/livinginberlin_tigermoped.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are not hallicunating, that's a tiger moped</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzhACz38dJw_y-ledUQ9w7rc09uxsO8KOavZTciTJfxWmShkRSB1up9ak_ckVEkVFinZUw4YG_H7ZKx7SJ-rJcNqII4cKBAPOvHtegx9-RdWpaWKviP4VPHoRPAPjgQ87JWwrZjUvdQA/s1600/livinginberlin_bushandbinladen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzhACz38dJw_y-ledUQ9w7rc09uxsO8KOavZTciTJfxWmShkRSB1up9ak_ckVEkVFinZUw4YG_H7ZKx7SJ-rJcNqII4cKBAPOvHtegx9-RdWpaWKviP4VPHoRPAPjgQ87JWwrZjUvdQA/s640/livinginberlin_bushandbinladen.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin is known for it's <a href="http://parlourmagazine.com/2011/09/black-in-berlin-street-art-graffiti/">thought provoking street art </a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINGuOkaaPR7Kik2oWYUYlCQ4cT_PAU7eaftXXym3EAOGO9i3Qm-DoqQZ54eumcSbArxjnpL3SroahsoapIMNF1A0kJpd2ZUNcRBhZqt8XGUTw_kB5upUouLHwgBeZ0XTTuAzC5FtTkiY/s1600/livinginberlin_helpmichaeljackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINGuOkaaPR7Kik2oWYUYlCQ4cT_PAU7eaftXXym3EAOGO9i3Qm-DoqQZ54eumcSbArxjnpL3SroahsoapIMNF1A0kJpd2ZUNcRBhZqt8XGUTw_kB5upUouLHwgBeZ0XTTuAzC5FtTkiY/s640/livinginberlin_helpmichaeljackson.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin loves Michael Jackson, he is all over the city. </td></tr>
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Be sure to follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/nicolenewblack">@nicolenewblack</a>nicole is the new blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718701168161386976noreply@blogger.com8