From now on, the travel photos and notes will appear under the Photoblog (see UAE & Oman photos link at right). The most recent post is from our November trip to Muscat. The next big trip for us is to the labor ward.

5.1.05 04:45 Permalink / comment

Germany: Munich and Mittenwald, January 30-February 6, 2004 The search for snow.... When we landed in Munich, we were prepared for the snow. We'd packed the corduroys, long johns, mittens, hats, sweaters and other assorted warm goodies. I was very pleased to see snow on the ground when we walked to Marienplatz, the famous square in the pedistrian area of the old town. The Rathaus (City Hall) Marienplatz By day we expanded our minds through visiting museums and gazing upon the architecture, and at night we stretched our bellies with hearty doses of German food. The Hofbrauhaus was a particular favorite place and offered the chance to mingle with 300 other happy souls. Cheers at the Hofbrauhaus! More than just a band--a floor show! Munich was great--amazing art and architecture, cozy cafes, happenin' shops and friendly folks. It's a great city in which to stroll around. Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Foundation stone was laid in 1400s; towers in 1500s. After four days of the big city, we traveled south to the ski town of Mittenwald, very close to the border with Austria. Here, we wandered around (both day and night), enjoying the trees and snow. Feeling sporty, we went sledding and cross-country skiing (a first for E and me). Big Foot? It took about 15 nausea-inducing minutes to get to the top of the sled run. Preparing for take off. Me at approximately 25-30 mph. A much-needed break after skiing. The high was probably 55 F here. On our way back to Munich, we visited "Mad" King Ludwig's famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Wiesskirche ("White Church"--E says it's the epitome of Rococo architecture). Neuschwanstein Check it out at http://www.german-way.com/german/neuschw.html. In the valley below the castle--not the Weisskirche. Many a gilded cherub inside the Weisskirche. What a great trip--action, adventure and apple strudel.

22.2.04 18:51 Permalink / 2 Comments / comment

Borneo trip: November-December 2003 Here are some photos and info from the trip. We started out in Brunei, staying at the posh Empire Hotel. We were greeted at the car by our very own host--no standing in line to check in here. He gave us a tour of our room, which was fully automated--electronically controled blinds, remote control blinds, and even an electronic "Do Not Disturb" sign. Out of our window was an amazing view of the South China Sea. Since we arrived during the Eid al Fitr holidays, which mark the end of Ramadan, there wasn't much going on. We spent some serious R&R time, which included afternoon tea and Balinese massages, both of which can transform you into limp blobs. Enough luxury--the rest of the trip was all about seeing exotic critters and birds. From orang utans and proboscis monkeys to monitor lizards a crocodiles, we saw nearly every exotic creature found in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Proboscis monkeys: inhabitants of river areas and mangrove forests. Water buffalo: used to haul the palm oil fruits in the palm plantations. Residents at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center. They are being trained to fend for themselves in the wild. Green viper in Sepilok. Yes, this is a real deer. What is NOT pictured here are the leeches that had me for breakfast during our early morning walk through this jungle. Our hotel in Sepilok. We could see macques and hornbills in the trees. Our hotel off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah. Here we saw a monitor lizard swimming under the huts and a bearded pig on the beach (and I don't mean one of the guests). On the way back to Dubai, we had a long layover in Brunei. We hired a guide for the day. A highlight was seeing the Sultan's Mosque, complete with 29 crystal chandeliers and 29 domes (he's the 29th sultan). Malaysia definitely warrants a return visit.

13.1.04 13:45 Permalink / 2 Comments / comment

Day One Too much chocolate milk and peanut butter today to be a very creative blogger on the first go. Think some images from our trip to Malaysia will do the trick. Here's sunset on the jungle river. And a traditional Malaysian longhouse.

11.1.04 16:22 Permalink / comment