tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75421066224908239142024-03-17T22:03:07.778-05:00A Tale of Two CitiesIt was the best of times...A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-1929699374719426342013-08-03T17:34:00.000-05:002013-08-03T17:34:21.881-05:00Madame à Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzFEPdsuZ7Q/UfxvcA_XRgI/AAAAAAAAKnk/8mKOgRWDwSs/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzFEPdsuZ7Q/UfxvcA_XRgI/AAAAAAAAKnk/8mKOgRWDwSs/s400/IMG_7455.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Yes, Madame est à Paris once again, as our stay in London wound down to an end. Just a quick train trip over on the Eurostar, and we're in central Paris, ready to stroll. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Thought I'd just share a few postcards from our visit....</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHc-vgKKgm0/Ufxv1kW1pfI/AAAAAAAAKn0/0V-Snu9-dpI/s1600/IMG_7343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHc-vgKKgm0/Ufxv1kW1pfI/AAAAAAAAKn0/0V-Snu9-dpI/s640/IMG_7343.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Strolling through Montmartre watching the artists in the shadows of Sacré Coeur</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-M8jHHCO10/UfxvwDieXfI/AAAAAAAAKns/C9ePgHkCbg8/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-M8jHHCO10/UfxvwDieXfI/AAAAAAAAKns/C9ePgHkCbg8/s640/IMG_1337.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Taking a sniff of the beautiful flowers displayed so beautifully on the pavement</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Shopping at Galéries Lafayette for Guerlain</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee7wRRw0fnE/UfxwXK-NLyI/AAAAAAAAKoA/TtBxXnYGimI/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee7wRRw0fnE/UfxwXK-NLyI/AAAAAAAAKoA/TtBxXnYGimI/s640/IMG_1331.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Chanel</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZfSFkB8EhU/UfxwX6H3FoI/AAAAAAAAKoI/P5v8Y5jpLRU/s1600/IMG_7379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZfSFkB8EhU/UfxwX6H3FoI/AAAAAAAAKoI/P5v8Y5jpLRU/s640/IMG_7379.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Red tables set up for lunch</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5XzGCCRQ60/Ufxwg5U8mgI/AAAAAAAAKoY/dd72YAKEgpk/s1600/IMG_7433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5XzGCCRQ60/Ufxwg5U8mgI/AAAAAAAAKoY/dd72YAKEgpk/s640/IMG_7433.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Warm weather luring travelers and locals alike to eat outdoors</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQfu6KUnAeE/UfxxK_tJ9VI/AAAAAAAAKok/fbx7_xi2bP0/s1600/IMG_7416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQfu6KUnAeE/UfxxK_tJ9VI/AAAAAAAAKok/fbx7_xi2bP0/s640/IMG_7416.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Finding little out of the way restaurants</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIjEj22NF7o/UfxyVpW6lrI/AAAAAAAAKpE/iMoNYxl3EVY/s1600/IMG_7380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIjEj22NF7o/UfxyVpW6lrI/AAAAAAAAKpE/iMoNYxl3EVY/s640/IMG_7380.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and boutique hotels</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luPjySo_drw/Ufxyd3Sx69I/AAAAAAAAKpM/nt7iTTaxmdo/s1600/IMG_7452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luPjySo_drw/Ufxyd3Sx69I/AAAAAAAAKpM/nt7iTTaxmdo/s640/IMG_7452.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoying the gardens of the Louvre</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SuksMc53Bs/UfxyTFB0lqI/AAAAAAAAKo8/J7Ns5mKHB-I/s1600/IMG_7413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SuksMc53Bs/UfxyTFB0lqI/AAAAAAAAKo8/J7Ns5mKHB-I/s640/IMG_7413.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Remembering to look up while standing in line for a lemon tart at the bakery Au Petit Versailles du Marais </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvxXYqcFn30/UfxyTTmQcWI/AAAAAAAAKpA/jccXuG9QJmc/s1600/IMG_1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvxXYqcFn30/UfxyTTmQcWI/AAAAAAAAKpA/jccXuG9QJmc/s640/IMG_1342.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Checking out the love locks on the Pont de L'Archevêché behind Notre Dame cathedral</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6XouLTT9Vo/UfxzE6LVjpI/AAAAAAAAKpY/wCuVc723u7M/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6XouLTT9Vo/UfxzE6LVjpI/AAAAAAAAKpY/wCuVc723u7M/s400/IMG_7444.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Making a detour to Ladurée</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edOI1_IUCkk/UfxzGrgvG7I/AAAAAAAAKpg/WOQYt-2jKbk/s1600/IMG_1354+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edOI1_IUCkk/UfxzGrgvG7I/AAAAAAAAKpg/WOQYt-2jKbk/s640/IMG_1354+-+Version+2.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>known for their delicious macarons</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHhcvk19SuA/UfxzukwYWEI/AAAAAAAAKpk/wZ1dEHdfXcI/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHhcvk19SuA/UfxzukwYWEI/AAAAAAAAKpk/wZ1dEHdfXcI/s400/IMG_7446.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and whimsy</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmw__EvV2NI/UfxzxqB7s-I/AAAAAAAAKps/7n4Oe4ODGXg/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmw__EvV2NI/UfxzxqB7s-I/AAAAAAAAKps/7n4Oe4ODGXg/s400/IMG_7447.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This time being allowed (shock!) to take a photo</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>of the interior. So much beauty!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Stopping by our "favorite apartment" on the Left Bank, where we dream of having a "pied-à-terre" someday</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cuteness all wrapped up in a little French dog</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sunset on the Place de la Concorde</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aHISMaCssw/Ufx01dnIkJI/AAAAAAAAKqU/L0Xl9kFijBU/s1600/IMG_7368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aHISMaCssw/Ufx01dnIkJI/AAAAAAAAKqU/L0Xl9kFijBU/s640/IMG_7368.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where the sun and the water sprays</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qd1kxrZXzd8/Ufx1dWH4MTI/AAAAAAAAKqc/WzJjAM2xIE4/s1600/IMG_7367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qd1kxrZXzd8/Ufx1dWH4MTI/AAAAAAAAKqc/WzJjAM2xIE4/s640/IMG_7367.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>danced in harmony</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXgUNRdjBs8/Ufx11diRemI/AAAAAAAAKqk/fAxK61ECZVM/s1600/IMG_7330_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXgUNRdjBs8/Ufx11diRemI/AAAAAAAAKqk/fAxK61ECZVM/s640/IMG_7330_2.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Making this trip even more special was spending the day with a friend, as we each head separate ways from London. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Parisian "au-revoir" to a special friend.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Postcards from Paris--being sent your way!</i></b></span></div>
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<span id="goog_2111871692"></span><span id="goog_2111871693"></span><br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-44455999692703631182013-07-09T15:34:00.000-05:002013-07-09T15:34:44.256-05:00A LIttle Bit of Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhJsGRmLhoY/UdwzlU2jSnI/AAAAAAAAKhY/qtAWElEZRhU/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhJsGRmLhoY/UdwzlU2jSnI/AAAAAAAAKhY/qtAWElEZRhU/s400/IMG_7074.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Just because I have friends and family both headed to the white beaches of Panama City, Florida soon, I thought I would share my trip with you today. In May, I met up with 2 very special gals,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnp6MiyKNjo/UdwzvFRoV0I/AAAAAAAAKhg/KjlQQAQidXE/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnp6MiyKNjo/UdwzvFRoV0I/AAAAAAAAKhg/KjlQQAQidXE/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>one who owns a condo on the beach for a girls' getaway.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxv8LRs-ZQ/UdwzyH_HklI/AAAAAAAAKho/92Dhp-jkI7U/s1600/IMG_7066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxv8LRs-ZQ/UdwzyH_HklI/AAAAAAAAKho/92Dhp-jkI7U/s640/IMG_7066.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The beach was beckoning,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9v-jRWwkSg/UdwzyQ0pPfI/AAAAAAAAKhs/-wNzoe9EOqA/s1600/IMG_7069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9v-jRWwkSg/UdwzyQ0pPfI/AAAAAAAAKhs/-wNzoe9EOqA/s400/IMG_7069.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the weather delightful,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD6-jG6Q3Sk/UdwzzFoOTFI/AAAAAAAAKh4/HOtTECKZec8/s1600/IMG_7070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD6-jG6Q3Sk/UdwzzFoOTFI/AAAAAAAAKh4/HOtTECKZec8/s400/IMG_7070.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the white sands with crystal blue waters in perfect form.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We cherished our beach time,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdocWj38jfk/Udwz8iUcyAI/AAAAAAAAKiA/OlNZvJnrOv8/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdocWj38jfk/Udwz8iUcyAI/AAAAAAAAKiA/OlNZvJnrOv8/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>enjoyed some regional cooking at Great Southern cafe in Seaside: crab cakes and fried green tomatoes,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LykHRz3CKis/Udwz-5xcXRI/AAAAAAAAKiI/NKev6vHT8t8/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LykHRz3CKis/Udwz-5xcXRI/AAAAAAAAKiI/NKev6vHT8t8/s400/IMG_1249.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with cheese grits shared between friends,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0riFDo_MeU/Udwz_sz7fKI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/bc_QQ9ejEXk/s1600/IMG_1250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0riFDo_MeU/Udwz_sz7fKI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/bc_QQ9ejEXk/s640/IMG_1250.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>while a crab martini and collard greens were the choice of my healthy-eating companion.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQqXzuxQjYM/Udw0BTktkII/AAAAAAAAKiY/-30L60xULzg/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQqXzuxQjYM/Udw0BTktkII/AAAAAAAAKiY/-30L60xULzg/s400/IMG_7037.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Shopping along the seaside towns is a must for any girls' trip, so we enjoyed the little towns and their individualities: Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor and many more,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvH5WLJvdZA/Udw0FQuzgCI/AAAAAAAAKis/XEwfvmA4p1A/s1600/IMG_7042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvH5WLJvdZA/Udw0FQuzgCI/AAAAAAAAKis/XEwfvmA4p1A/s640/IMG_7042.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where we found beautiful clothing,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee9jZLInWbk/Udw0EB9-f9I/AAAAAAAAKig/8KliR_ps6pg/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee9jZLInWbk/Udw0EB9-f9I/AAAAAAAAKig/8KliR_ps6pg/s400/IMG_7044.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a touch of Paris,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0BevSTwXqo/Udw0FOWh7wI/AAAAAAAAKio/bSfReM2fRxY/s1600/IMG_7064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0BevSTwXqo/Udw0FOWh7wI/AAAAAAAAKio/bSfReM2fRxY/s640/IMG_7064.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and bright accessories along the way.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cK0npSWojQ/Udw0PU_ftFI/AAAAAAAAKjI/FRHlwKJ6K7M/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cK0npSWojQ/Udw0PU_ftFI/AAAAAAAAKjI/FRHlwKJ6K7M/s400/IMG_7056.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Did I mention we ate a lot on this trip--sharing along the way, of course, so we could try more things. We found several food trucks on the main drag of Seaside,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iteZqZHTzoU/Udw0O9OmKtI/AAAAAAAAKi8/ShBbl99QXHA/s1600/IMG_7058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iteZqZHTzoU/Udw0O9OmKtI/AAAAAAAAKi8/ShBbl99QXHA/s400/IMG_7058.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and tried the recommended Melt Down on 30 A,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlUtT6eLBjY/Udw0Oh06XGI/AAAAAAAAKi4/cZtAeXD4n4c/s1600/IMG_7062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlUtT6eLBjY/Udw0Oh06XGI/AAAAAAAAKi4/cZtAeXD4n4c/s400/IMG_7062.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where the Three Cheese grilled cheese hit the spot!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJYdJrMqu8/Udw0aubiGjI/AAAAAAAAKjc/W1Zpy7uDv_A/s1600/IMG_7077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJYdJrMqu8/Udw0aubiGjI/AAAAAAAAKjc/W1Zpy7uDv_A/s640/IMG_7077.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Dinner was a little further down the road at the ever popular and crowded (i.e go early) Stinky's Fish Camp where we enjoyed Unka Duke's BBQ shrimp</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J835pR7UFRA/Udw0aujBjMI/AAAAAAAAKjU/aFhfZZ5noIw/s1600/IMG_7078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J835pR7UFRA/Udw0aujBjMI/AAAAAAAAKjU/aFhfZZ5noIw/s400/IMG_7078.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Blue Crab Stuffed Squash Gratin,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN-Nq1nNI_Q/Udw0aD51oeI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/DORUXenccFk/s1600/IMG_7080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN-Nq1nNI_Q/Udw0aD51oeI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/DORUXenccFk/s400/IMG_7080.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but the real reason for dining there was the Key Lime pie which has been voted the best in the area and was definitely worth the drive.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWv41V5w9Tw/Udw0hhNrfsI/AAAAAAAAKjo/AfKN1A0fzew/s1600/IMG_1241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWv41V5w9Tw/Udw0hhNrfsI/AAAAAAAAKjo/AfKN1A0fzew/s640/IMG_1241.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Shopping, eating, beach time....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I think this chair is calling my name!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What are some of your favorite places along the panhandle of the Florida/Alabama coast?</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-58241159041420971762013-07-04T22:46:00.002-05:002013-07-04T22:46:54.107-05:00Happy Birthday America! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obeB-4cy96k/UdY78tUURVI/AAAAAAAAKeY/_ggPIKA89fg/s1600/IMG_7596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obeB-4cy96k/UdY78tUURVI/AAAAAAAAKeY/_ggPIKA89fg/s640/IMG_7596.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our neighborhood had its Fourth of July parade early this morning, and Little Miss Sunshine came over</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CR_xBEG6E-E/UdY7-DYcl9I/AAAAAAAAKeg/VAhfMmY_haw/s1600/IMG_7600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CR_xBEG6E-E/UdY7-DYcl9I/AAAAAAAAKeg/VAhfMmY_haw/s400/IMG_7600.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to wave to the crowds in her Poppy's '56 T Bird.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvKVlup7uWc/UdY8Mu1VNnI/AAAAAAAAKeo/zK5MRL6nHLA/s640/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvKVlup7uWc/UdY8Mu1VNnI/AAAAAAAAKeo/zK5MRL6nHLA/s640/Image+1.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The dogs came out for the fun</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWVBjQBhxmg/UdY8P2m_vaI/AAAAAAAAKe0/iJrRC0eX78Q/s1600/IMG_7598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWVBjQBhxmg/UdY8P2m_vaI/AAAAAAAAKe0/iJrRC0eX78Q/s640/IMG_7598.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glUpdZBtHww/UdY8PFBBAFI/AAAAAAAAKew/UwgFuOQG0PQ/s1600/IMG_7597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glUpdZBtHww/UdY8PFBBAFI/AAAAAAAAKew/UwgFuOQG0PQ/s640/IMG_7597.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as so did the kids,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-743DYaHofME/UdY8Z1ZmS7I/AAAAAAAAKfA/eL5yuVeo168/s1600/IMG_7605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-743DYaHofME/UdY8Z1ZmS7I/AAAAAAAAKfA/eL5yuVeo168/s640/IMG_7605.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>when they heard there was a promise of ice cream at the end of the parade.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hkKUTwEJio/UdY8budKJDI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/az4_UTfdVmA/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hkKUTwEJio/UdY8budKJDI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/az4_UTfdVmA/s400/IMG_7610.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Back home at the house, there were watermelon treats,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7-obz8dRUo/UdY8a_uynAI/AAAAAAAAKfI/AVaLILSvyXc/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7-obz8dRUo/UdY8a_uynAI/AAAAAAAAKfI/AVaLILSvyXc/s400/IMG_7611.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>red and juicy,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is3vmpY2XZY/UdY8dfmsVwI/AAAAAAAAKfY/H748DVMPYuI/s1600/IMG_7630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is3vmpY2XZY/UdY8dfmsVwI/AAAAAAAAKfY/H748DVMPYuI/s400/IMG_7630.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>putting smiles on faces.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iE7U7UzgAg/UdY8r3a8qYI/AAAAAAAAKfg/Ian81l4WFeQ/s1600/IMG_7622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iE7U7UzgAg/UdY8r3a8qYI/AAAAAAAAKfg/Ian81l4WFeQ/s640/IMG_7622.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Of course, there was some grillin'</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOWFHstu2VA/UdY8sojdYXI/AAAAAAAAKfo/9o0jl8MT3fU/s1600/IMG_7623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOWFHstu2VA/UdY8sojdYXI/AAAAAAAAKfo/9o0jl8MT3fU/s640/IMG_7623.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>by father and son.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0d_j3mnrXo/UdY85jqyJsI/AAAAAAAAKfw/xc_ttlzk4i0/s1600/IMG_7619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0d_j3mnrXo/UdY85jqyJsI/AAAAAAAAKfw/xc_ttlzk4i0/s640/IMG_7619.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cousin time was fun,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2PG_HhQlyU/UdY86J3za6I/AAAAAAAAKf4/iYvd1l6I0wc/s1600/IMG_7679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2PG_HhQlyU/UdY86J3za6I/AAAAAAAAKf4/iYvd1l6I0wc/s400/IMG_7679.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and we're counting down the days until the new baby cousin Aiden makes his appearance!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpmO2lxicu0/UdY8_6mrWWI/AAAAAAAAKgA/IWFoC2odfcw/s1600/IMG_7651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpmO2lxicu0/UdY8_6mrWWI/AAAAAAAAKgA/IWFoC2odfcw/s640/IMG_7651.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This little fellow was a firecracker,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvdKjLhpLkw/UdY9H69IKyI/AAAAAAAAKgI/QtzQVbojHm0/s1600/IMG_7636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvdKjLhpLkw/UdY9H69IKyI/AAAAAAAAKgI/QtzQVbojHm0/s400/IMG_7636.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>until we tried to take a cousins' photo,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isVXtL4yjM4/UdY9Mg8J8II/AAAAAAAAKgY/r2-CXsig8zQ/s1600/IMG_7638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isVXtL4yjM4/UdY9Mg8J8II/AAAAAAAAKgY/r2-CXsig8zQ/s400/IMG_7638.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and then his little heart was broken over it all.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVnuYmCb5xw/UdY9LspBNLI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/R2tIEOKNg5s/s1600/IMG_7641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVnuYmCb5xw/UdY9LspBNLI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/R2tIEOKNg5s/s640/IMG_7641.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>He pondered it a bit,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9wF44drAEc/UdY9NpLAWMI/AAAAAAAAKgg/Vrb5iegfNhg/s1600/IMG_7643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9wF44drAEc/UdY9NpLAWMI/AAAAAAAAKgg/Vrb5iegfNhg/s400/IMG_7643.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>thought about a backwards shot,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Amz0_7gct4/UdY9ZPUAokI/AAAAAAAAKg4/tqFs3XuVFws/s1600/IMG_7631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Amz0_7gct4/UdY9ZPUAokI/AAAAAAAAKg4/tqFs3XuVFws/s400/IMG_7631.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and then smiled his little grin to show who was in charge.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jtagna06BU/UdY9YQ3QVrI/AAAAAAAAKgw/92OwN7KQVvU/s1600/IMG_7663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jtagna06BU/UdY9YQ3QVrI/AAAAAAAAKgw/92OwN7KQVvU/s640/IMG_7663.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>He's head over heels in love with </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRmNCAWFafg/UdY9XkjRRLI/AAAAAAAAKgo/7lVwn372FtM/s1600/IMG_7665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRmNCAWFafg/UdY9XkjRRLI/AAAAAAAAKgo/7lVwn372FtM/s640/IMG_7665.jpg" width="426" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>his mama,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbJmsDsAPhU/UdY9a07FRvI/AAAAAAAAKhA/tZVbXszPHPI/s1600/IMG_7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbJmsDsAPhU/UdY9a07FRvI/AAAAAAAAKhA/tZVbXszPHPI/s400/IMG_7666.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and thinks his daddy is pretty special too.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2t2MD6ivs/UdY9brgi9hI/AAAAAAAAKhI/BrP-MEyQ6l0/s1600/IMG_7677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2t2MD6ivs/UdY9brgi9hI/AAAAAAAAKhI/BrP-MEyQ6l0/s400/IMG_7677.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And there's no little girl who adores her daddy more than this sweet one.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hope your Fourth of July was full of celebration!</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-61506811398480973952013-07-02T16:37:00.001-05:002013-07-02T16:37:50.833-05:00Strolling Piccadilly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0UZ0PZXWK0/UdL4Zbp3qlI/AAAAAAAAKbw/9hZl2-4KgNc/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0UZ0PZXWK0/UdL4Zbp3qlI/AAAAAAAAKbw/9hZl2-4KgNc/s400/IMG_7215.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>During my last week in London, friends and I headed out to play, as we often did on any given day. It was rare during my stay in London that we weren't gathering almost every day for some adventure, and this early summer day was no exception. Taking the double decker bus towards Piccadilly, we were forced to stop for the Queen's troops who were headed to Green Park for a 41 gun salute for the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Seeing the Queen's troops around town was not an unusual sighting--putting life on a short pause to take it all in.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsfpZelo_08/UdL4atAucgI/AAAAAAAAKb4/bx5e11xdZBU/s1600/IMG_7221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsfpZelo_08/UdL4atAucgI/AAAAAAAAKb4/bx5e11xdZBU/s400/IMG_7221.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The city was decked out on Piccadilly Street with banners for the commemoration.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iqJd7UTOeQ/UdL4d5KmruI/AAAAAAAAKcA/cm9Qp4dEbLo/s1600/IMG_7236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iqJd7UTOeQ/UdL4d5KmruI/AAAAAAAAKcA/cm9Qp4dEbLo/s640/IMG_7236.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our destination was off Carnaby Street</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N51-b8QeAnw/UdL4pO1P5zI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/o9XBrBPtaro/s1600/IMG_7226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N51-b8QeAnw/UdL4pO1P5zI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/o9XBrBPtaro/s640/IMG_7226.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for burgers, Hawaiian style, at <a href="http://www.kua-aina.co.uk/">Kua 'Aina</a>, a London outpost of the famous hamburger restaurant where <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-2298447/This-isnt-just-burger-Barack-Obamas-favourite-burger-Hawaiis-pride-joy-Kua-Aina-lands-London.html">Obama always eats</a> when he's in Hawaii.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JMDOtDkdOw/UdL4oP_GNGI/AAAAAAAAKcI/g1NFsrEGTyk/s1600/IMG_7234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JMDOtDkdOw/UdL4oP_GNGI/AAAAAAAAKcI/g1NFsrEGTyk/s640/IMG_7234.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Just down the street from Kua 'Aina is an unassuming corner store, called <a href="http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/">Choccywoccydoodah</a>,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80ei4NcJnSQ/UdL50SnACyI/AAAAAAAAKcg/CVjnpAOgYpc/s1600/IMG_7229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80ei4NcJnSQ/UdL50SnACyI/AAAAAAAAKcg/CVjnpAOgYpc/s640/IMG_7229.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which as you might assume from the name is not so ordinary of a spot. Tucked inside is a decadent wonderland of over-the-top handmade cakes and</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evcSm6lybUE/UdL54J9Fh6I/AAAAAAAAKcw/1erI80E0X28/s1600/IMG_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evcSm6lybUE/UdL54J9Fh6I/AAAAAAAAKcw/1erI80E0X28/s400/IMG_7232.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>delicious chocolate delights. To make it even more special, there's a little coffee shop inside and a "secret room" upstairs for private events when you can have your own chocolate feast. Sounds divine!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I love stumbling on surprises like this one walking around London!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pKsd0gb3Oc/UdL53mY73wI/AAAAAAAAKco/7dg92FQ4S34/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pKsd0gb3Oc/UdL53mY73wI/AAAAAAAAKco/7dg92FQ4S34/s400/IMG_7243.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We carried on and joined a London Walk group for a new tour of the Piccadilly area, that took us in and around the area seeing both some familiar spots and some that were new to us.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We spotted several of the private gentlemen's clubs, like The Athenaeum started in 1824 </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1VjF5acXFc/UdL55zwLoxI/AAAAAAAAKc4/AQ-QBkrPBNE/s1600/IMG_7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1VjF5acXFc/UdL55zwLoxI/AAAAAAAAKc4/AQ-QBkrPBNE/s400/IMG_7245.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as others, which are often still private clubs today.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_i5olCpHiQ/UdL56pnzvYI/AAAAAAAAKdA/Lu0Ag1f59kg/s1600/IMG_7246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_i5olCpHiQ/UdL56pnzvYI/AAAAAAAAKdA/Lu0Ag1f59kg/s640/IMG_7246.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We stopped by the St. James Church, a Christopher Wren church on Piccadilly Street,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N38VmHa9LXU/UdL5-qFrVaI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/cb1cJVufm1Q/s1600/IMG_7249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N38VmHa9LXU/UdL5-qFrVaI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/cb1cJVufm1Q/s640/IMG_7249.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and stepped off into its quiet garden space unknown to many, just steps from the hectic traffic of Piccadilly Street.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFtF29OJFsU/UdL58yWni7I/AAAAAAAAKdI/pIgz2BPSPPg/s1600/IMG_7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFtF29OJFsU/UdL58yWni7I/AAAAAAAAKdI/pIgz2BPSPPg/s400/IMG_7250.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>From there we could look down upon Jermyn Street, which for centuries has been known as the best place to find gentlemen's clothing. Floris is the oldest English retailer of toiletries and accessories, where men have shopped since 1730.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smDek6icxDU/UdL6LTfVVhI/AAAAAAAAKdY/Uvb7ZT4NK5c/s1600/IMG_7240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smDek6icxDU/UdL6LTfVVhI/AAAAAAAAKdY/Uvb7ZT4NK5c/s640/IMG_7240.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We made our way through several of the covered shopping arcades which date from the 19th century, the Royal Opera Arcade,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ChNTraZq4Y/UdL6PMRZFnI/AAAAAAAAKdg/us2eJv42XEA/s1600/IMG_7254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ChNTraZq4Y/UdL6PMRZFnI/AAAAAAAAKdg/us2eJv42XEA/s640/IMG_7254.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the Prince's Arcade</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFTqaOamKF8/UdL6QonohEI/AAAAAAAAKdo/CRLj_yHC_cQ/s1600/IMG_7263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFTqaOamKF8/UdL6QonohEI/AAAAAAAAKdo/CRLj_yHC_cQ/s640/IMG_7263.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the Royal Arcade</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgpRAlVodok/UdL6RUFyrOI/AAAAAAAAKdw/3J3pMkOPZUs/s1600/IMG_7264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgpRAlVodok/UdL6RUFyrOI/AAAAAAAAKdw/3J3pMkOPZUs/s640/IMG_7264.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where we stopped in at Charbonnel et Walker</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLSKFgnCyTw/UdL6Ssvf1xI/AAAAAAAAKd4/wOuag6zt8Zg/s1600/IMG_7265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLSKFgnCyTw/UdL6Ssvf1xI/AAAAAAAAKd4/wOuag6zt8Zg/s640/IMG_7265.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and got samples of one of my favorite treats, Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuCyT4A_ukM/UdL6VJk1zAI/AAAAAAAAKeA/HYapVukEShc/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuCyT4A_ukM/UdL6VJk1zAI/AAAAAAAAKeA/HYapVukEShc/s400/IMG_7271.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After the walk, I enjoyed a stroll through Mayfair and stumbled upon this very pleasant garden with school children </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtjPrZYrj-c/UdL6b-o_oII/AAAAAAAAKeI/XpuXIMWzBhM/s1600/IMG_7270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtjPrZYrj-c/UdL6b-o_oII/AAAAAAAAKeI/XpuXIMWzBhM/s400/IMG_7270.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>enjoying the nice weather while it lasted. Nothing cuter than the British schoolchildren in their uniforms celebrating at the end of the school day.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Which reminds me, there's a very special child on the way this month!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The future King or Queen of Britain--be anticipating an announcement from Buckingham Palace soon!</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-40240350080372409872013-06-26T15:14:00.000-05:002013-06-26T15:14:00.535-05:00A Concert to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTaZOJuxGNI/UctBQSnglzI/AAAAAAAAKaI/lB21CjDzQ0Q/s1600/IMG_1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTaZOJuxGNI/UctBQSnglzI/AAAAAAAAKaI/lB21CjDzQ0Q/s400/IMG_1298.jpg" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Earlier this month, we headed out with friends to a concert in London.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TOI7K-ybr8/UctBRv0ehbI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/ZyJ0hJa8Ruk/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TOI7K-ybr8/UctBRv0ehbI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/ZyJ0hJa8Ruk/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Gathering at the foot of the London Eye,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CslyTxyBdKQ/UctBbkJhuaI/AAAAAAAAKaY/tBg9tO_1f-k/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CslyTxyBdKQ/UctBbkJhuaI/AAAAAAAAKaY/tBg9tO_1f-k/s400/IMG_1302.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>we were able to board the Thames Clipper to take us upstream</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiofuXkC9pQ/UctBbrmgQSI/AAAAAAAAKac/RIZ_gC8iA0I/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiofuXkC9pQ/UctBbrmgQSI/AAAAAAAAKac/RIZ_gC8iA0I/s400/IMG_1310.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>under the Tower of London,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbIemsEw9Cc/UctBcOAHjdI/AAAAAAAAKao/lWKXGJrcYkQ/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbIemsEw9Cc/UctBcOAHjdI/AAAAAAAAKao/lWKXGJrcYkQ/s400/IMG_1313.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to the O2 concert arena,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdxJ0K_Qm1k/UctBdkYU55I/AAAAAAAAKaw/uHQ59id2-P0/s1600/IMG_1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdxJ0K_Qm1k/UctBdkYU55I/AAAAAAAAKaw/uHQ59id2-P0/s400/IMG_1319.jpg" width="300" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where we were able to see the amazing Barbra Streisand in concert!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yy_TNHoSgr8/UctBpYohYZI/AAAAAAAAKbE/y3Xk0d6k2EI/s1600/IMG_1315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yy_TNHoSgr8/UctBpYohYZI/AAAAAAAAKbE/y3Xk0d6k2EI/s400/IMG_1315.jpg" width="300" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Grabbing an early dinner at Chiquito, where they serve Mexican food--London style,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XKoJfDKYHo/UctBo2TXJSI/AAAAAAAAKa4/No3nv8cWUy4/s1600/IMG_1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XKoJfDKYHo/UctBo2TXJSI/AAAAAAAAKa4/No3nv8cWUy4/s400/IMG_1318.jpg" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>we then entered the arena,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXxq97uzjro/UctBpEOv6WI/AAAAAAAAKa8/jnTpFLIcf9E/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXxq97uzjro/UctBpEOv6WI/AAAAAAAAKa8/jnTpFLIcf9E/s640/Image.jpg" width="378" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where Mr. Steve had booked us into the Sky Lounge for the pre-concert fun.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Although each of the three couples had purchased separate tickets, through a fortuitous sequence of events, we were all able to watch Lady Barbra together in box seats, with a great angle for viewing and singing along.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w728qQTK2F0/UctBwyAQkUI/AAAAAAAAKbc/DH8-mMBbe6w/s1600/169902990DL003_Barbra_Strei.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w728qQTK2F0/UctBwyAQkUI/AAAAAAAAKbc/DH8-mMBbe6w/s640/169902990DL003_Barbra_Strei.JPG" width="424" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>Streisand photos courtesy of her website</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Kicking off a mini European tour, she opened in London, her first time back there in 6 years, where the 71 year old diva amazed us with her incredible voice, still so rich and full of range, after all these years.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3T9uAKF0s0/UctBv35q2jI/AAAAAAAAKbQ/JQtHWO8Omig/s1600/169902990DL009_Barbra_Strei.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3T9uAKF0s0/UctBv35q2jI/AAAAAAAAKbQ/JQtHWO8Omig/s400/169902990DL009_Barbra_Strei.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>During the evening, she was joined onstage by her sister, Roslyn Kind, and her son, Jason Gould, who both performed solos and sang alongside Barbra as well.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmRo2OiLrKg/UctBwtOMhzI/AAAAAAAAKbY/DQDUrrIu1N4/s1600/169902990DL001_Barbra_Strei.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmRo2OiLrKg/UctBwtOMhzI/AAAAAAAAKbY/DQDUrrIu1N4/s640/169902990DL001_Barbra_Strei.JPG" width="424" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>She was quite gracious with her time, answering audience questions in an Ask Barbra session, and then knocked our socks off with her music. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Opening with On a Clear Day, and moving on to both new music and some of the audience favorites like Woman in Love, Evergreen, People and Don't Rain on My Parade, she charmed us and surprised us, I might say, with the clarity and timbre of her voice after all these years. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br />And since the concert took place on one of our very last weeks in London, the lyrics of The Way We Were held a special meaning to me.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Memories</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Light the corner of my mind....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So it's the laughter,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We will remember</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Whenever we remember</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The way we were.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Thinking of you, London, and the people who made it so memorable!</i></b></span></div>
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A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-69388835136213979092013-06-20T16:18:00.000-05:002013-06-20T16:18:52.603-05:00Fallen in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb1lTq7l-c0/UcNk2CSdIuI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/_PQVxFuEa-M/s1600/IMG_7173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb1lTq7l-c0/UcNk2CSdIuI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/_PQVxFuEa-M/s400/IMG_7173.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>On one of my last weeks in London, I enjoyed spending time with friends and retracing some of the steps I've taken through the city so many times. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon when a couple of friends and I</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UaO_cV_3-g/UcNk3gh5l7I/AAAAAAAAKYY/i2SAkGXJ80k/s1600/IMG_7180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UaO_cV_3-g/UcNk3gh5l7I/AAAAAAAAKYY/i2SAkGXJ80k/s400/IMG_7180.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>headed to the Tower of London for a stroll and to see a play we had heard was playing inside the Tower Green.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6FsMdUKees/UcNlJA-FvII/AAAAAAAAKYo/pGVFbat0xjM/s1600/IMG_7166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6FsMdUKees/UcNlJA-FvII/AAAAAAAAKYo/pGVFbat0xjM/s400/IMG_7166.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>With a little time to spare, we headed to St. Katharine's Docks to get a peek of the boats, and were pleased to see that the Gloriana was there.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AjkDK_6Xxcw/UcNnuEAs0DI/AAAAAAAAKZo/65Q4grV_9vU/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AjkDK_6Xxcw/UcNnuEAs0DI/AAAAAAAAKZo/65Q4grV_9vU/s400/DSC_0655.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Gloriana was commissioned to carry the Queen as the lead barge</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlxp_E8E82s/UcNnwOBjHxI/AAAAAAAAKZw/PWPVCtAd1AE/s1600/IMG_4988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlxp_E8E82s/UcNnwOBjHxI/AAAAAAAAKZw/PWPVCtAd1AE/s640/IMG_4988.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>in last year's Diamond Jubilee</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTNRLN0gyDs/UcNnxALWapI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/19fGMkR_VO8/s1600/IMG_4990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTNRLN0gyDs/UcNnxALWapI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/19fGMkR_VO8/s400/IMG_4990.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>celebrations for the Queen's anniversary of 60 years on the throne.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Such beautiful gilding shining on the sun filled day.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>There are many historic boats docked there as well, making for an interesting stroll, especially being so close to the Tower of London.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>No outing is complete without lunch, so we opted to eat at The Dickens Inn with its waterside views of the docks. The Dickens Inn is a reconstructed warehouse building which existed at the turn of the 18th century. The grandson of Charles Dickens later opened the former warehouse as an inn in 1976.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Rushing from lunch to the main event, we entered the Tower of London</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for the play Fallen In Love, which focuses on the relationship of Anne Boleyn and her brother, George, who was convicted of incest with his sister during her trial for high treason.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Just a quick photo before the show began shows you how intimate the setting was. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The characters gave fascinating portrayals of two complex characters and gave you food for thought about their culpability.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When the play was over, it was almost closing time at the Tower, so we decided to take a quick swing to see the Jewels</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>before heading back outside to view the memorial to those whose executions were associated with the Tower. It is located on the approximate site of the scaffolding and chopping block of the executions. A somber place for contemplation.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>More details and a video trailer of Fallen In Love can be found <a href="http://falleninlove2013.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a>.</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-58351804529011340622013-06-14T16:04:00.000-05:002013-06-14T16:04:33.838-05:00A Visit to Downton Abbey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byLHkpHC7Ow/UbjlOLqy__I/AAAAAAAAKWs/7F33z-m0D_I/s1600/IMG_7276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byLHkpHC7Ow/UbjlOLqy__I/AAAAAAAAKWs/7F33z-m0D_I/s400/IMG_7276.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Just last week, I was able to visit the stunning Highclere Castle, known to many as Downton Abbey, when we made the short trip there from London on a beautiful summer day. As you can imagine, driving up and seeing the vista that is so familiar to fans of the show was thrilling.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Currently the home of the 8th Earl and Countess Carnavon, the home has experienced in the past a much needed "face-lift" after going through a worrisome season of disrepair, which required millions to repair. Thanks to the arrangement of filming Downton Abbey there, the home is undergoing the some of the renovations needed to keep it the majestic and beautiful stately home it was created to be.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, is a longtime friend of the current</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Earl and his family, and has revealed that he had Highclere Castle in mind when he wrote the story of Downton Abbey.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The current mansion was largely rebuilt in 1838 by the 3rd earl when it was transformed to a classical Georgian mansion by Sir Charles Barry, after he finished building the Palace of Westminster.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Situated in a 1000 acre estate, the scene is bucolic. Sheep grazing on the hillsides,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and cedars of Lebanon from the 18th century shading the benches where it's easy to sit for a spell and imagine the characters of Downton Abbey strolling by.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Queen has been known to visit from time to time. She is the godmother to the current earl, and she loves checking in with her horse racing advisor who is on the property at Highclere Stud.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Of course, in addition to the real life history of the estate, we were there to learn more about Downton Abbey, and indeed we did. The home is the residence of Lord and Lady Carnovan, so it is only open on a very limited basis for tours. When the crew of Downton Abbey decided to give up three days of filming on site last week, the Countess opened up her home for three days of private tours.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The show uses the home's furnishings for its scenes. Only slight changes are made. One example mentioned was that any portraits of this century's earls since the 1920's have to be replaced to be true to the early 20th century. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Typically, the show films from February until July, this year finishing on July 12. The scenes with the servants downstairs are all filmed on a stage set in London. Even though the scenes may only involve 4-5 characters, there will be 70-80 crew members on hand. A typical day of filming can take up to 12 hours, with maybe only 4-5 minutes of footage they actually use. They will typically work on a couple of episodes at a time. The director and lighting chiefs sit in adjacent rooms to the rooms being filmed to screen what they are getting, while the assistant director remains in the room. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You might recognize this door from many of the scenes when guests are coming and going. Photos were not allowed indoors, regrettably, but I can tell you the interiors are amazing, and yet not so formal that you couldn't imagine someone still living there. Many family photos are sitting around, no one cared if you walked on the carpets, or touched the furniture--it's a home, and not a museum.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The more characters there are in a scene, the longer it takes, because they will film the same scene over and over again from different angles and varying perspectives of the characters. The dining room scenes can take the longest. Maggie Smith is the only character that will use a stand-in, on takes when her face is not directly filmed in part of a scene.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The butler awaited our entrance into that grand Gothic hall you've seen many times, and he welcomed us into the home where we gathered in the grand saloon. The walls there are covered with leather from Cordoba, Spain, that were hung in 1862. Soon after our small group was collected, Lady Carnovan greeted us so warmly and graciously on the great oak staircase. She seems quite down to earth and was open to answering a few of our questions before we were divided into groups of a dozen with some of the guides. We were fortunate to have the head guide, who has been a friend of the family for 22 years, and I found myself hanging on to her every word.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>She works with all the actors and crew, trying to accommodate and anticipate their needs. She did tell us that Maggie Smith, perhaps because of her "life experience," requires a little more attention than the others. The morning room of the house is not used for filming, but it is a lovely and feminine sitting room, decorated with shades of soft green and chintz, designated as Maggie Smith's own private waiting room, until she is needed to film some of those choice one-liners for which she is known.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqC7E9KotHo/UbjltoeQ1FI/AAAAAAAAKXs/830oeZJkvto/s1600/IMG_7313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqC7E9KotHo/UbjltoeQ1FI/AAAAAAAAKXs/830oeZJkvto/s640/IMG_7313.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Today there are still over 50 bedrooms in the home, most of which are not used as bedrooms any longer. Some are currently offices on the top floors--many are no longer in use.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A visit to Highclere Castle also includes a tour of the Egyptian exhibit in the underground, which draws many students on field trips. The 5th earl, along with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun back in 1922 and the exhibit chronicles their discovery.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After finishing the tour, we retreated to the tea room for tea and biscuits, but not before being given </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PER66DFRJrk/UbjmGxgjDKI/AAAAAAAAKX0/QOkje7hQ24w/s1600/IMG_7303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PER66DFRJrk/UbjmGxgjDKI/AAAAAAAAKX0/QOkje7hQ24w/s640/IMG_7303.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>goodie bags</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVZKGtTwxC8/UbjmHEO18VI/AAAAAAAAKX8/yrQzvypsr0E/s1600/IMG_7320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVZKGtTwxC8/UbjmHEO18VI/AAAAAAAAKX8/yrQzvypsr0E/s640/IMG_7320.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>containing a signed copy of <u>Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey</u>, the story of the 5th earl's wife, who is the inspiration for some of the story line of Downton Abbey. The book is written by the current Countess of Carnavon.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>One of the things the Countess shared with me personally is that she has a new book coming out this fall, titled <u>Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey</u>. Lady Catherine was the wife of the 6th earl, and an American heiress, so pick up both books if you are a fan of the era. She assured me it will be interesting to learn about the American heiress and the impression she made on Highclere Castle.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sadly, I have no hints to share with you from the Highclere Castle family or friends about the new upcoming season, but really, we wouldn't want any spoilers now, would we?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I imagine we'll all be tuned in with an eager anticipation when the new season starts--in the fall for the UK, and January for those in the States. Until then, we can only imagine what happens next....</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-74826244202527196192013-05-30T05:56:00.000-05:002013-05-30T05:56:02.980-05:00Tapas and Shopping in Spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByEXJY5P-Zk/UaPIvdTFR6I/AAAAAAAAKTI/MDJTD4s8xFM/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByEXJY5P-Zk/UaPIvdTFR6I/AAAAAAAAKTI/MDJTD4s8xFM/s400/DSC_0303.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Eating in Spain is all about the Tapas experience--little portions</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLi2lgyJSao/UaPIxSVvSvI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/5U5Xr7EQuyA/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLi2lgyJSao/UaPIxSVvSvI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/5U5Xr7EQuyA/s400/DSC_0304.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>of food that just keep coming out for the table until everyone is more than satisfied.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk8E5aVsWCk/UaPIyU6bIDI/AAAAAAAAKTY/_siysElaoMw/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk8E5aVsWCk/UaPIyU6bIDI/AAAAAAAAKTY/_siysElaoMw/s400/DSC_0305.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Tis true that some of the items like these small fish might have been a new experience for our group, but they were actually tasty.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4IB8GKheWQ/UaPJJDvVN7I/AAAAAAAAKTg/1Jgc8sCdK6Q/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4IB8GKheWQ/UaPJJDvVN7I/AAAAAAAAKTg/1Jgc8sCdK6Q/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Here are some tapas that we enjoyed in Seville that were big winners.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaTLgKnlLHg/UaPJLB--bxI/AAAAAAAAKTo/-pZ2Nm_Iswo/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaTLgKnlLHg/UaPJLB--bxI/AAAAAAAAKTo/-pZ2Nm_Iswo/s400/DSC_0190.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wouldn't be a trip to Spain without some paella,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfv9D2cspLM/UaPJMX0u37I/AAAAAAAAKTw/0Ql09oIsuFQ/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfv9D2cspLM/UaPJMX0u37I/AAAAAAAAKTw/0Ql09oIsuFQ/s400/DSC_0263.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and beautiful courtyard dining, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wUU5XGssdI/UaPJXaNynfI/AAAAAAAAKUA/ing_ICNx9ac/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wUU5XGssdI/UaPJXaNynfI/AAAAAAAAKUA/ing_ICNx9ac/s400/DSC_0038.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with a little celebrating thrown in.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsPm0KCQd5o/UaPJUD_N22I/AAAAAAAAKT4/rrObKxVgM5o/s1600/DSC_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsPm0KCQd5o/UaPJUD_N22I/AAAAAAAAKT4/rrObKxVgM5o/s640/DSC_0126.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>No matter where we roam, there's always shopping to be found,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeFaSQznJvU/UaPJYF5r2gI/AAAAAAAAKUI/rKOJIZW2jK8/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeFaSQznJvU/UaPJYF5r2gI/AAAAAAAAKUI/rKOJIZW2jK8/s640/DSC_0134.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Spain was no exception. Fans for all occasions, both simple</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCsAqn4Vnjw/UaPJZVNjaGI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/yJXbcTfB6qA/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCsAqn4Vnjw/UaPJZVNjaGI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/yJXbcTfB6qA/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and grand,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI_qYVNdDAU/UaPL_C2U7NI/AAAAAAAAKV8/kxaa2T2LLRw/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI_qYVNdDAU/UaPL_C2U7NI/AAAAAAAAKV8/kxaa2T2LLRw/s400/DSC_0135.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with a little bling and lace thrown in for fun.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaO_-Mx1R6U/UaPJw_NQ0SI/AAAAAAAAKUY/DjDWvJjwLDY/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaO_-Mx1R6U/UaPJw_NQ0SI/AAAAAAAAKUY/DjDWvJjwLDY/s400/DSC_0289.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Imagine wearing your hair worn up with one of these combs,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh4l70Bsc5s/UaPJ9qxEbRI/AAAAAAAAKUo/O71DwsL2x5s/s1600/DSC_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh4l70Bsc5s/UaPJ9qxEbRI/AAAAAAAAKUo/O71DwsL2x5s/s640/DSC_0170.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>or accessorizing with these?</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1xUnq8RsOg/UaPJ94WMukI/AAAAAAAAKUw/UoTjuxIeMAA/s1600/DSC_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1xUnq8RsOg/UaPJ94WMukI/AAAAAAAAKUw/UoTjuxIeMAA/s640/DSC_0181.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Beautiful Spanish tiles, both new and old</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPVUbXmoUU/UaPJ_qL7O7I/AAAAAAAAKU4/xohjZDMeahg/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPVUbXmoUU/UaPJ_qL7O7I/AAAAAAAAKU4/xohjZDMeahg/s400/DSC_0187.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as pottery are very tempting.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCGNAkXr3PE/UaPKX4ZRM8I/AAAAAAAAKVA/WgZPGlQhFTQ/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCGNAkXr3PE/UaPKX4ZRM8I/AAAAAAAAKVA/WgZPGlQhFTQ/s640/DSC_0133.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Does your favorite matador need a new suit,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nny7h72uByY/UaPKX2v5OjI/AAAAAAAAKVE/Z405EQ2QAvM/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nny7h72uByY/UaPKX2v5OjI/AAAAAAAAKVE/Z405EQ2QAvM/s400/DSC_0137.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to go with your own party dress?</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_n-yrMIFU0/UaPKZllPvRI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/ZKpjlWdzOa0/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_n-yrMIFU0/UaPKZllPvRI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/ZKpjlWdzOa0/s400/DSC_0179.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And of course, we can't leave out the little ones,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWGS0NPNsGo/UaPKbHDlZ8I/AAAAAAAAKVY/LPmi-59llYM/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWGS0NPNsGo/UaPKbHDlZ8I/AAAAAAAAKVY/LPmi-59llYM/s400/DSC_0279.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>who dream of dressing like the big girls,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MARYyH-ZMik/UaPKnBaOIiI/AAAAAAAAKVg/i1BAtf5MIbw/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MARYyH-ZMik/UaPKnBaOIiI/AAAAAAAAKVg/i1BAtf5MIbw/s400/DSC_0276.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>from head to toe.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BwF-kUGQ0/UaPKo1i_15I/AAAAAAAAKVo/yNCggQKoWAg/s1600/DSC_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BwF-kUGQ0/UaPKo1i_15I/AAAAAAAAKVo/yNCggQKoWAg/s640/DSC_0433.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So of course, at the end of the day, I came home with a flamenco dress for my favorite little dancer.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Now, I might need to go back for those matching shoes!!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Olé!</i></b></span></div>
A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-7552231866464766782013-05-24T17:04:00.003-05:002013-05-24T17:04:45.800-05:00And This is Why I Love Andalusia, Spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpuigbl5q-Y/UZwD2epog0I/AAAAAAAAKQE/tnRqWd7wBks/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpuigbl5q-Y/UZwD2epog0I/AAAAAAAAKQE/tnRqWd7wBks/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Crossing the Roman bridge across the Gualalquivir River, our travel group approached</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhm4rvLih1c/UZwD72uL58I/AAAAAAAAKQM/hV6UZgypUHM/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhm4rvLih1c/UZwD72uL58I/AAAAAAAAKQM/hV6UZgypUHM/s400/DSC_0199.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the next stop on our itinerary, the bustling town of Córdoba, which some estimate was one of the most populated cities in the world during the 10th century under Islamic rule, as well as one of the most intellectual.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr5UHVVbu_0/UZwD9zuZ7sI/AAAAAAAAKQU/VnBgBeLgtUI/s1600/DSC_0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr5UHVVbu_0/UZwD9zuZ7sI/AAAAAAAAKQU/VnBgBeLgtUI/s640/DSC_0208.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We drew nearer to the Great Mosque, the cultural highlight of the town, which today might be more correctly referred to as the Cathedral.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSIWOzmrRkA/UZwEBpINEiI/AAAAAAAAKQc/lz1N7-_BvPg/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSIWOzmrRkA/UZwEBpINEiI/AAAAAAAAKQc/lz1N7-_BvPg/s400/DSC_0211.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You see a mosque was built on this site, starting about 784, with a beautiful prayer hall of double columns made of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQK-QmW-9Dk/UZwEEpTQ2zI/AAAAAAAAKQk/SUYv36rNEcg/s1600/DSC_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQK-QmW-9Dk/UZwEEpTQ2zI/AAAAAAAAKQk/SUYv36rNEcg/s640/DSC_0227.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The interiors are stunning</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeTVd-U_UjQ/UZwEGnwY7-I/AAAAAAAAKQs/iad4yRzCujs/s1600/DSC_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeTVd-U_UjQ/UZwEGnwY7-I/AAAAAAAAKQs/iad4yRzCujs/s640/DSC_0228.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with lavish carvings of marble, stucco and elaborate mosaics.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlIdVw9T2cI/UZwEVc4-HmI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/zPMbwGz68bA/s1600/DSC_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlIdVw9T2cI/UZwEVc4-HmI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/zPMbwGz68bA/s640/DSC_0215.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>However, when Córdoba was conquered by King Ferdinand of Castle in 1236, he consecrated the mosque as the city's Christian cathedral, and instead of building a new structure,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_RcWRQHjSI/UZwEWyiDfUI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/bvLg2veuwF0/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_RcWRQHjSI/UZwEWyiDfUI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/bvLg2veuwF0/s400/DSC_0222.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a Gothic chapel was erected in the middle of the mosque, leaving a very interesting juxtaposition of styles.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXP_FGBS7YM/UZwEaauSCUI/AAAAAAAAKRE/EiTAz-AF9GA/s1600/DSC_0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXP_FGBS7YM/UZwEaauSCUI/AAAAAAAAKRE/EiTAz-AF9GA/s640/DSC_0237.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Leaving the Great Mosque, we wandered the cobbled and whitewashed streets of the town,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_1-h3cNAZU/UZwEa0wFCSI/AAAAAAAAKRM/8_h8zcTnKo4/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_1-h3cNAZU/UZwEa0wFCSI/AAAAAAAAKRM/8_h8zcTnKo4/s400/DSC_0241.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and peeked into secret patios which had been ornamented with flowers for the Festival de Los Patios.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUEKcPSQQs/UZwEbYlK5yI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/xTYwlS-NYi8/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUEKcPSQQs/UZwEbYlK5yI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/xTYwlS-NYi8/s400/DSC_0267.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We found this lovely patio for lunch,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJL74htYxRw/UZwEpZKeZkI/AAAAAAAAKRc/OU3EKDUeMl8/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJL74htYxRw/UZwEpZKeZkI/AAAAAAAAKRc/OU3EKDUeMl8/s400/DSC_0255.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and promptly settled in for a relaxing meal.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2Pd9QaYHA/UZwErvq-3AI/AAAAAAAAKRk/e5parOVJc6s/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2Pd9QaYHA/UZwErvq-3AI/AAAAAAAAKRk/e5parOVJc6s/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our final day we explored the "jewel" of our trip, the picturesque town of Ronda </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tvhN1351Bk/UZwEsU3K4eI/AAAAAAAAKRs/6g7YxyUTNf0/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tvhN1351Bk/UZwEsU3K4eI/AAAAAAAAKRs/6g7YxyUTNf0/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with its bullfighting ring, the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain which hosted its first fight in 1785.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-93isgbed8/UZwFTtPhepI/AAAAAAAAKR8/vEjnjHpCoG4/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-93isgbed8/UZwFTtPhepI/AAAAAAAAKR8/vEjnjHpCoG4/s400/DSC_0355.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We took time to tour the Church of the Virgin Mary with gorgeous interiors,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV6RmBIYxj4/UZwFTYv1BYI/AAAAAAAAKR4/ddcLnb4C_8E/s1600/DSC_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV6RmBIYxj4/UZwFTYv1BYI/AAAAAAAAKR4/ddcLnb4C_8E/s400/DSC_0380.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as took time to smell the flowers of the beautiful spring day that graced us. Such a difference from the grey, chilly London weather we had left behind.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYU131EyW7c/UZwFeouJuUI/AAAAAAAAKSI/xFpNq_65D1U/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYU131EyW7c/UZwFeouJuUI/AAAAAAAAKSI/xFpNq_65D1U/s400/DSC_0370.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The beauty of the town is in its dramatic views of the Ronda mountains,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VryWM53_3s/UZwFnB2YoxI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/cH3d2UDblu0/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VryWM53_3s/UZwFnB2YoxI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/cH3d2UDblu0/s400/DSC_0330.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the canyon views sitting at its feet.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdqyDehcg4/UZwFpYXFIwI/AAAAAAAAKSY/dZlMBRH0Zc4/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdqyDehcg4/UZwFpYXFIwI/AAAAAAAAKSY/dZlMBRH0Zc4/s640/DSC_0366.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Puente Nuevo, at a height of 390' which is the height of a 30 story building, was finished in 1793. </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNYQsa_otPQ/UZwF2P3xgCI/AAAAAAAAKSg/ii4sEQfjn20/s1600/DSC_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNYQsa_otPQ/UZwF2P3xgCI/AAAAAAAAKSg/ii4sEQfjn20/s640/DSC_0332.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It straddles a deep gorge</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72piM0l05XY/UZwF5MgyqfI/AAAAAAAAKSs/UABOdwHrPgY/s1600/DSC_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72piM0l05XY/UZwF5MgyqfI/AAAAAAAAKSs/UABOdwHrPgY/s640/DSC_0338.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and offers breathtaking views on each side. Not for the faint of heart, to be sure.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtjiQ8cDCoc/UZwF4YItVxI/AAAAAAAAKSo/b_oQYKI92dM/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtjiQ8cDCoc/UZwF4YItVxI/AAAAAAAAKSo/b_oQYKI92dM/s400/DSC_0359.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We spent our final hours of this trip in this idyllic spot, having lunch overlooking the vista</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lity4IddWc/UZwF5Ix8jNI/AAAAAAAAKS0/gddl55XsN5Q/s1600/DSC_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lity4IddWc/UZwF5Ix8jNI/AAAAAAAAKS0/gddl55XsN5Q/s640/DSC_0363.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and celebrating the new memories we had created on our latest trip.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What do London gals eat and shop for in the south of Spain? Makes for a fun blog--coming up next. Stay tuned!</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-12434187876541019042013-05-18T16:47:00.000-05:002013-05-18T16:47:50.326-05:00Impressions of Seville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12tM4GRz1P4/UZADjyRFMOI/AAAAAAAAKMw/VPz8oV0aGZA/s1600/DSC_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12tM4GRz1P4/UZADjyRFMOI/AAAAAAAAKMw/VPz8oV0aGZA/s640/DSC_0048.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 2 of The Great Spain Adventure found us in the capital city of Andalusia--Seville, home of fiestas, flamenco and bullfighting.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6-VHDsUPgs/UZADpbxX5zI/AAAAAAAAKM4/xo5CvQQoVMU/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6-VHDsUPgs/UZADpbxX5zI/AAAAAAAAKM4/xo5CvQQoVMU/s400/DSC_0114.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The stunning and colorful Baroque architecture presented us with a stellar first impression,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ0CqV7nIJ0/UZADrDa2gOI/AAAAAAAAKNA/X0fG46V-Ebk/s1600/DSC_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ0CqV7nIJ0/UZADrDa2gOI/AAAAAAAAKNA/X0fG46V-Ebk/s640/DSC_0136.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and although we could have spent the day just walking the narrow streets of the town, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BanZi-WAu0/UZAD5R3DCDI/AAAAAAAAKNQ/SUZHF2eR-PU/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BanZi-WAu0/UZAD5R3DCDI/AAAAAAAAKNQ/SUZHF2eR-PU/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>there were major historical monuments to see, starting with the exceptional Seville Cathedral.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Built in the 15th century on the former site of a mosque from the 12th century,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4WWCUU6nYg/UZAD38Sn91I/AAAAAAAAKNI/BSdGyx-t86o/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4WWCUU6nYg/UZAD38Sn91I/AAAAAAAAKNI/BSdGyx-t86o/s400/DSC_0111.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the interior is breathtaking. The former minaret of the mosque was converted into the current bell tower.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl98nVat4vw/UZAD6uFzPiI/AAAAAAAAKNY/AQiqh6uw1E0/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl98nVat4vw/UZAD6uFzPiI/AAAAAAAAKNY/AQiqh6uw1E0/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Inside, we paid our respects at the final resting place of the remains of Christoper Columbus, realizing that he is not only a hero for the Americas, but a local hero as well.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f42CbjSBr6g/UZAEFWQFx7I/AAAAAAAAKNg/q7CxwD5qsqk/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f42CbjSBr6g/UZAEFWQFx7I/AAAAAAAAKNg/q7CxwD5qsqk/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Then it was on to the Alcázar, the Royal Palace, built by Pedro I the Cruel in the 14th century, on the site of a previous Moorish palace. Entering through the Lion's Gate,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>we toured a myriad of embellished rooms and courtyards</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3tToEn9JOQ/UZAEIfA974I/AAAAAAAAKNw/xC-O4t7SXPU/s1600/DSC_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3tToEn9JOQ/UZAEIfA974I/AAAAAAAAKNw/xC-O4t7SXPU/s640/DSC_0073.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which are a blend of Moorish and Christian style. In one of the rooms, plans for Columbus's voyages were planned.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1fyr9P0O1Q/UZAELs94q3I/AAAAAAAAKN4/FgcbaLglqW4/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1fyr9P0O1Q/UZAELs94q3I/AAAAAAAAKN4/FgcbaLglqW4/s640/DSC_0078.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Today, it is the official residence of the King and Queen when they visit.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Just as beautiful as the interiors, are the gardens which await just outside.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x79jvN9TNcQ/UZAENkdREiI/AAAAAAAAKOA/6lfkds1jL5c/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x79jvN9TNcQ/UZAENkdREiI/AAAAAAAAKOA/6lfkds1jL5c/s640/DSC_0084.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A blend of Moorish, Renaissance and even English style</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkHBIzo7coE/UZAEPayBkSI/AAAAAAAAKOI/z3x9nlZz9qk/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkHBIzo7coE/UZAEPayBkSI/AAAAAAAAKOI/z3x9nlZz9qk/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>combine to make a gorgeous retreat for painting,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwT91l-uP6U/UZAESTd8ZzI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/XAtMnarEunE/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwT91l-uP6U/UZAESTd8ZzI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/XAtMnarEunE/s640/DSC_0103.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for strolling</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlkeiqCAjBE/UZAEU6TpJOI/AAAAAAAAKOY/wn2YPgwQiQI/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlkeiqCAjBE/UZAEU6TpJOI/AAAAAAAAKOY/wn2YPgwQiQI/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and for a slice of tranquility in the middle of a bustling city.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YjfxkV4MnI/UZAEU0bAXxI/AAAAAAAAKOc/VDjOQ25oBq4/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YjfxkV4MnI/UZAEU0bAXxI/AAAAAAAAKOc/VDjOQ25oBq4/s400/DSC_0132.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We enjoyed our lunch of tapas sitting on a local square,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAKHGH6yqGs/UZAEWtp_a3I/AAAAAAAAKOo/FIezmZlJK3c/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAKHGH6yqGs/UZAEWtp_a3I/AAAAAAAAKOo/FIezmZlJK3c/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>then went on the setting of the 1929 World's Fair. First stopping at the Plaza de América to see the buildings designed by González,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5nhkhKavM/UZAEztydH5I/AAAAAAAAKOw/cm-GeSWgQ0c/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5nhkhKavM/UZAEztydH5I/AAAAAAAAKOw/cm-GeSWgQ0c/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and having a little fun at the square there where white doves congregate, hoping to be fed by tourists like us.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPUQtMJi5o/UZAGXf2aqjI/AAAAAAAAKP0/e91BA8_jHbM/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPUQtMJi5o/UZAGXf2aqjI/AAAAAAAAKP0/e91BA8_jHbM/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>At first, Holly was willing to play along and extended her arms to see what would happen,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBODEfEjwL4/UZAEz7C0gfI/AAAAAAAAKO0/Lu8VJEJwkJE/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBODEfEjwL4/UZAEz7C0gfI/AAAAAAAAKO0/Lu8VJEJwkJE/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but in due time, regretted that decision as the doves became </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TAG949UBO4/UZAEzwg2B9I/AAAAAAAAKO4/KC2VofCMwVc/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TAG949UBO4/UZAEzwg2B9I/AAAAAAAAKO4/KC2VofCMwVc/s400/DSC_0148.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a little too familiar for comfort.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziMw_EL-UCk/UZAE3Ze-PeI/AAAAAAAAKPI/7xqKDWLPLR4/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziMw_EL-UCk/UZAE3Ze-PeI/AAAAAAAAKPI/7xqKDWLPLR4/s400/DSC_0151.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As much as we enjoyed the Plaza de América, we were blown away by the beauty of the Plaza de España with its diverse styles, ornamentation,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoLQ9lQdD7E/UZAE5yjcyiI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/L1HCj_lcekY/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoLQ9lQdD7E/UZAE5yjcyiI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/L1HCj_lcekY/s400/DSC_0152.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and lavish decorations of the traditional glazed tiles.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgAOBoZ9Szw/UZAE6pmuDQI/AAAAAAAAKPY/JZs8w9uBpfo/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgAOBoZ9Szw/UZAE6pmuDQI/AAAAAAAAKPY/JZs8w9uBpfo/s400/DSC_0165.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So beautiful!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia2iE-05bEI/UZAFKEg8VjI/AAAAAAAAKPo/tAu515hWmwo/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia2iE-05bEI/UZAFKEg8VjI/AAAAAAAAKPo/tAu515hWmwo/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Found out later that some of the new Star War episodes were recently filmed here, but I'm very curious how they were incorporated into a futuristic storyline.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Anyone remember this spot??</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ0p9FMIW_c/UZAFJrXPtkI/AAAAAAAAKPg/PB-TlNUzuS4/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ0p9FMIW_c/UZAFJrXPtkI/AAAAAAAAKPg/PB-TlNUzuS4/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>Photo courtesy of Jill Alexander</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And finally, our day would not have been complete, without an evening flamenco show, since Seville has been the major center of the development of flamenco.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A passionate performance set to the tunes of a haunting Spanish guitarist and singer--it was an experience that I doubt nothing ever again will be able to parallel.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>More adventures to come, more sights in Spain to see, and don't miss the shopping and eating post that will come someday soon....</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-49036796704709676642013-05-12T19:28:00.001-05:002013-05-12T19:28:04.987-05:00Charmed by Andalućia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlLFjpX7XD4/UY6a8JqUMbI/AAAAAAAAKKA/cR-dMWXRAOE/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlLFjpX7XD4/UY6a8JqUMbI/AAAAAAAAKKA/cR-dMWXRAOE/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Near the top of my bucket list while living in London, has been a trip to the Andalusia region of southern Spain, so when a trip to that area with the American Women's Club gals popped up on the radar, I jumped at the chance to go. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We left chilly London in search of some sun, and found it upon arrival at the Malaga airport. Immediately, we headed to our "headquarters" for our stay, the little town of Carmona.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Driving through the central plains of Andalusia to get there was eye candy in itself, and we finally made it to our </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHm2iLFQENE/UY6bHqxzoII/AAAAAAAAKKI/_muRJ2gA6kg/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHm2iLFQENE/UY6bHqxzoII/AAAAAAAAKKI/_muRJ2gA6kg/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>home away from home, the Casa de Carmona, a 16th century renaissance palace in the historic quarter of town.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubLIt4iwKA0/UY6bQVtspwI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/CNgOib5pjUc/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubLIt4iwKA0/UY6bQVtspwI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/CNgOib5pjUc/s640/DSC_0001.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lovely on the outside with its lush courtyards</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6zSD5l0HsU/UY6bUwJXJ4I/AAAAAAAAKKg/q4u3rYK8uWo/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6zSD5l0HsU/UY6bUwJXJ4I/AAAAAAAAKKg/q4u3rYK8uWo/s640/DSC_0003.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and beautiful settings, we were first amazed, but then a bit disappointed upon seeing our rooms, I have to admit. Although they had been "modernized" since the 16th century, we did all agree that there was a lot of work still needing to be done.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU-kN8ROUk4/UY6bTJqRtUI/AAAAAAAAKKY/z7_IljUfTIU/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU-kN8ROUk4/UY6bTJqRtUI/AAAAAAAAKKY/z7_IljUfTIU/s640/DSC_0009.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not letting that get the best of us, we headed out for an early evening stroll, remembering that this was a town, where since the beginning of time, that had been shaped by a continuous</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9G5_KZWEfmQ/UY6bVgNsEXI/AAAAAAAAKKo/wmXdwjrQU70/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9G5_KZWEfmQ/UY6bVgNsEXI/AAAAAAAAKKo/wmXdwjrQU70/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>occupation of a cross section of cultures. The town is known for its assortment of churches, palaces and fortified city walls. We were fascinated by the greenery growing from the roofs, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ghFh6SKmw/UY6beG-cciI/AAAAAAAAKKw/vUN3UKFRgys/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ghFh6SKmw/UY6beG-cciI/AAAAAAAAKKw/vUN3UKFRgys/s640/DSC_0007.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the stork's nest on top of this spire.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfYMD-IZAw0/UY6bhjUY-OI/AAAAAAAAKK4/8jXKwqFYKXA/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfYMD-IZAw0/UY6bhjUY-OI/AAAAAAAAKK4/8jXKwqFYKXA/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As the sun lowered in the sky, we strolled through</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUd3S-B6fK0/UY6bjGPe1JI/AAAAAAAAKLA/-o3GOpuRzd8/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUd3S-B6fK0/UY6bjGPe1JI/AAAAAAAAKLA/-o3GOpuRzd8/s400/DSC_0014.jpg" width="267" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the streets of the quiet historic quarter,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zWvpdAfrqM/UY6bkEikRaI/AAAAAAAAKLI/RogBPOWk2Is/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zWvpdAfrqM/UY6bkEikRaI/AAAAAAAAKLI/RogBPOWk2Is/s640/DSC_0035.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>taking in some sensational views along the way.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhIwb7o_hTY/UY6btuRbJ4I/AAAAAAAAKLQ/3Em2Hji0l9w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhIwb7o_hTY/UY6btuRbJ4I/AAAAAAAAKLQ/3Em2Hji0l9w/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After years of being a Roman stronghold, the Moors came and erected walls around the city</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFGtscjli6Y/UY6bvTBVNJI/AAAAAAAAKLY/4V7huxkRtDI/s1600/DSC_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFGtscjli6Y/UY6bvTBVNJI/AAAAAAAAKLY/4V7huxkRtDI/s640/DSC_0295.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to fortify it even further.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYAl2g2qQDU/UY6b57IqJSI/AAAAAAAAKLo/HZF4DOzZxdk/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYAl2g2qQDU/UY6b57IqJSI/AAAAAAAAKLo/HZF4DOzZxdk/s640/DSC_0016.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As in many parts of southern Spain, the incredibly beautiful tiles caught our attention in the churches,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWGIgfKs1IM/UY6b5coWUkI/AAAAAAAAKLg/he2Bu_NjhtY/s1600/DSC_0298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWGIgfKs1IM/UY6b5coWUkI/AAAAAAAAKLg/he2Bu_NjhtY/s640/DSC_0298.jpg" width="427" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>in homes,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuZnZKQjRCI/UY6b6-FK2II/AAAAAAAAKLw/s1mLyKkNUpk/s1600/DSC_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuZnZKQjRCI/UY6b6-FK2II/AAAAAAAAKLw/s1mLyKkNUpk/s640/DSC_0300.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and even marking the Tapas Route, a "pub crawl" of sorts, where the locals stroll from café to café partaking of the small and delicious tapas that the region of Andalusia has to offer.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roVYA3yg34w/UY6b8DKhZmI/AAAAAAAAKL4/zf_gBNCx-wY/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roVYA3yg34w/UY6b8DKhZmI/AAAAAAAAKL4/zf_gBNCx-wY/s400/DSC_0309.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our evening stroll culminated at the town square where we parked for several hours enjoying the local night life and trying an assortment of tapas.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Today's post is really just an introduction to several more I hope to write about this fascinating region, its food, and of course, its shopping! I hope you'll enjoy it.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Stay tuned for more....</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-5789270518172346682013-05-04T17:42:00.000-05:002013-05-04T17:42:11.055-05:00Birthday Celebrations at Camden Passage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83Y5Nw-GVhU/UYKH2JF9nXI/AAAAAAAAKGw/46bvdF6yL9U/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83Y5Nw-GVhU/UYKH2JF9nXI/AAAAAAAAKGw/46bvdF6yL9U/s640/IMG_6861.jpg" width="478" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lucky me! I got to spend the day with two of my favorite people, my son and his wife, Cristen, on her birthday last month. She decided she wanted to spend the day at Camden Passage,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbeSaERM16g/UYKIAjJIyxI/AAAAAAAAKG4/6U8JS0Cf3SY/s1600/IMG_6854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbeSaERM16g/UYKIAjJIyxI/AAAAAAAAKG4/6U8JS0Cf3SY/s640/IMG_6854.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>so off we went for an adventure. London's fun like that--a treasure box of neighborhoods and places just waiting to be unlocked and discovered.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chxNoJzslXM/UYKIE5UBO5I/AAAAAAAAKHI/qldXkLonjZ8/s1600/IMG_6855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chxNoJzslXM/UYKIE5UBO5I/AAAAAAAAKHI/qldXkLonjZ8/s400/IMG_6855.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Located in the Islington area, Camden Passage is known worldwide as a thriving antiques village with shops and stalls full of this and that.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeIErpUm9xo/UYKIDzwMbOI/AAAAAAAAKHA/JPp2jKOwHLo/s1600/IMG_6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeIErpUm9xo/UYKIDzwMbOI/AAAAAAAAKHA/JPp2jKOwHLo/s400/IMG_6881.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The main trading days are Wednesday and Saturdays, but if you go on a Sunday like we did, you are still likely to find a few outside vendors and open shops to interest you.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What's an antique village in England without a silver dealer? You can find several antique shops in the area, as well as vendors who set up tables.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIznJs0gxtw/UYKIKh1V4QI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/2CMUxP_99do/s1600/IMG_6852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIznJs0gxtw/UYKIKh1V4QI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/2CMUxP_99do/s400/IMG_6852.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Even if you are there on days other than market days, you'll find all sorts of shops to entertain you, like this sweet shop, Issy's Milky Way,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuxGMlML45c/UYKIXS5DhzI/AAAAAAAAKHg/RsCff-rUGRg/s1600/IMG_6851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuxGMlML45c/UYKIXS5DhzI/AAAAAAAAKHg/RsCff-rUGRg/s640/IMG_6851.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>or perhaps this vintage shop which caught our eye.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MBGbOSEr1c/UYKIU8Y3IUI/AAAAAAAAKHY/5di3qzBeROM/s1600/IMG_6871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MBGbOSEr1c/UYKIU8Y3IUI/AAAAAAAAKHY/5di3qzBeROM/s640/IMG_6871.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>There were many beautiful one of a kind items there, including this wedding dress from the 20's,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d6IKdPaKqI/UYKIYv0aEbI/AAAAAAAAKHw/x6AEDlVwoQw/s1600/IMG_6872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d6IKdPaKqI/UYKIYv0aEbI/AAAAAAAAKHw/x6AEDlVwoQw/s640/IMG_6872.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>along with many others. The day we were there, a bride-to-be was trying one on to use as a second wedding dress to change into for her wedding reception.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7Wy6rSqPEE/UYKIYY3VU2I/AAAAAAAAKHo/3YRiCpWjyaI/s1600/IMG_6873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7Wy6rSqPEE/UYKIYY3VU2I/AAAAAAAAKHo/3YRiCpWjyaI/s640/IMG_6873.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wonder which bride this veil could charm?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Note to self--review Cora's wedding dress from the Downton Abbey episode to see her in a 1920's wedding dress again!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASUYPGg1arg/UYKIazb3bWI/AAAAAAAAKH4/flMwCFCNFAM/s1600/IMG_6874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASUYPGg1arg/UYKIazb3bWI/AAAAAAAAKH4/flMwCFCNFAM/s400/IMG_6874.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It's not uncommon to find furs at antique markets and vintage shops,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Cristen spotted one right away that took her fancy. With a Harrod's label in the collar, and a marked down price on the tag,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>it was too good a buy for a birthday girl to pass up, so it came home with her!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr5sLC8SNkU/UYKIe35_1eI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/F2gsS8kiNvQ/s1600/IMG_6880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr5sLC8SNkU/UYKIe35_1eI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/F2gsS8kiNvQ/s640/IMG_6880.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I fancied this mink jacket, but alas it was not such a steal, so it remained in place.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What do you think, should I have grabbed it while I could?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0t1ZDQUlEE/UYKIwlafwbI/AAAAAAAAKIY/O2nCfDBTSAs/s1600/IMG_6867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0t1ZDQUlEE/UYKIwlafwbI/AAAAAAAAKIY/O2nCfDBTSAs/s640/IMG_6867.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As meal time approached, there were several options, an outside cafe,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx-0p7iowdU/UYKIy_3uCjI/AAAAAAAAKIg/-Irpu4GnFuk/s1600/IMG_6868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx-0p7iowdU/UYKIy_3uCjI/AAAAAAAAKIg/-Irpu4GnFuk/s640/IMG_6868.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>long queues for this spot,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOJdYPIAa4g/UYKIzc_loqI/AAAAAAAAKIo/F0Car7BXuKk/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOJdYPIAa4g/UYKIzc_loqI/AAAAAAAAKIo/F0Car7BXuKk/s400/IMG_6869.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Breakfast Club,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TOwj8VKJw/UYKI9i2ypKI/AAAAAAAAKIw/09snQja_aDc/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TOwj8VKJw/UYKI9i2ypKI/AAAAAAAAKIw/09snQja_aDc/s400/IMG_6848.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Scotch eggs from one of the vendors,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYtx_pJfnVw/UYKI_FcAAXI/AAAAAAAAKI4/3iUVnZqyQk0/s1600/IMG_6850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYtx_pJfnVw/UYKI_FcAAXI/AAAAAAAAKI4/3iUVnZqyQk0/s400/IMG_6850.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>fresh cheeses for a picnic, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8v1VgnB9Jp0/UYKI_BekZKI/AAAAAAAAKI8/kRj_7xcGr2c/s1600/IMG_6884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8v1VgnB9Jp0/UYKI_BekZKI/AAAAAAAAKI8/kRj_7xcGr2c/s640/IMG_6884.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but Cristen decided on a smoked salmon sandwich,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq3m_PYWB4M/UYKJKlqC2AI/AAAAAAAAKJI/b4gKKmrbxzY/s1600/IMG_6853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq3m_PYWB4M/UYKJKlqC2AI/AAAAAAAAKJI/b4gKKmrbxzY/s640/IMG_6853.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Jason and I got our "burrito fix" at Chipotle's.</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ip-daYhpQ08/UYKJMNDwmZI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/1pGrGBSmpH8/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ip-daYhpQ08/UYKJMNDwmZI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/1pGrGBSmpH8/s400/IMG_6899.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Then it was on to the Columbia Road Flower Market,</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pqDnNOSgc8/UYKJXerLgXI/AAAAAAAAKJo/2vyaeYpzURs/s1600/IMG_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pqDnNOSgc8/UYKJXerLgXI/AAAAAAAAKJo/2vyaeYpzURs/s400/IMG_6891.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where the sweet scent of floral arrangements</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyN88QyXcpk/UYKJWUxokDI/AAAAAAAAKJc/X6UePc4zv_s/s1600/IMG_6893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyN88QyXcpk/UYKJWUxokDI/AAAAAAAAKJc/X6UePc4zv_s/s640/IMG_6893.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>pervaded the air and made the fighting the crowds a little more bearable.</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8rY7LIhvyQ/UYKJWHSNrPI/AAAAAAAAKJY/1EwK2xd8_zQ/s1600/IMG_6895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8rY7LIhvyQ/UYKJWHSNrPI/AAAAAAAAKJY/1EwK2xd8_zQ/s640/IMG_6895.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wrapping up Cristen's birthday with a beautiful bouquet of flowers seemed like the best way to call it a day and head back home.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Best wishes and many happy returns, Cristen.</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-17469142272412352172013-04-29T16:23:00.000-05:002013-04-29T16:23:55.547-05:00And on to Lacock....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcaNjZRf10A/UX7Eqke8U1I/AAAAAAAAKFA/kBAeJopiJTc/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcaNjZRf10A/UX7Eqke8U1I/AAAAAAAAKFA/kBAeJopiJTc/s400/IMG_6755.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Upon leaving the picturesque village of Castle Combe, our group headed to the sweet town of Lacock,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLsrdyVE9FM/UX7Evc_5ujI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/A8g4BRyeSf0/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLsrdyVE9FM/UX7Evc_5ujI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/A8g4BRyeSf0/s400/IMG_6757.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>another timeless and traditional English village,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fOy5Zrv1GE/UX7EtERlMOI/AAAAAAAAKFI/aO_Gjl2bdD8/s1600/IMG_6758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fOy5Zrv1GE/UX7EtERlMOI/AAAAAAAAKFI/aO_Gjl2bdD8/s400/IMG_6758.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>first founded in 1232 and with most houses built in the 18th century or much earlier.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtO5sqiD6go/UX7EwqFOIRI/AAAAAAAAKFg/eOdcclhdXwU/s1600/IMG_6761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtO5sqiD6go/UX7EwqFOIRI/AAAAAAAAKFg/eOdcclhdXwU/s400/IMG_6761.jpg" width="300" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Almost untouched in the last few centuries,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1Tto6zeLW8/UX7Ev_Qx7mI/AAAAAAAAKFY/8d_wZYuuino/s1600/IMG_6764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1Tto6zeLW8/UX7Ev_Qx7mI/AAAAAAAAKFY/8d_wZYuuino/s400/IMG_6764.jpg" width="300" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the village has been the backdrop for many movies and period dramas,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJuj3YyFUEY/UX7E0LjFNSI/AAAAAAAAKFw/5z5eubVGIao/s1600/IMG_6765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJuj3YyFUEY/UX7E0LjFNSI/AAAAAAAAKFw/5z5eubVGIao/s400/IMG_6765.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>including Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, Emma,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKJDjITrA-M/UX7Ey0sZ-tI/AAAAAAAAKFo/b6sj1tafYdE/s1600/IMG_6770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKJDjITrA-M/UX7Ey0sZ-tI/AAAAAAAAKFo/b6sj1tafYdE/s400/IMG_6770.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and a couple of Harry Potter films.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuBeMqsRbnA/UX7E7FyDflI/AAAAAAAAKF4/anW8mjD4MXk/s1600/IMG_6784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuBeMqsRbnA/UX7E7FyDflI/AAAAAAAAKF4/anW8mjD4MXk/s400/IMG_6784.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Situated in the center of the village is Lacock Abbey, first founded in the 13th century as a nunnery,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkrejbzgkhI/UX7FHnzZA5I/AAAAAAAAKGA/4vYjqmK1nTI/s1600/IMG_6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkrejbzgkhI/UX7FHnzZA5I/AAAAAAAAKGA/4vYjqmK1nTI/s400/IMG_6781.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which was converted into a country house of various architectural styles.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h1spY3btJ8/UX7FL_KX7lI/AAAAAAAAKGI/g7eE09yxbBo/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h1spY3btJ8/UX7FL_KX7lI/AAAAAAAAKGI/g7eE09yxbBo/s400/IMG_6780.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The cloister courtyard is especially picturesque. The cloisters and side rooms were converted into classrooms at Hogwarth Castle for the Harry Potter movies.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt4M9Dn5EYk/UX7FR-xX84I/AAAAAAAAKGQ/5-CwLYrZ43Q/s1600/IMG_6785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt4M9Dn5EYk/UX7FR-xX84I/AAAAAAAAKGQ/5-CwLYrZ43Q/s400/IMG_6785.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After touring the village which is almost completely owned by the National Trust, we found ourselves hungry, so we ducked into The Red Lion</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0zYvPug8FA/UX7FTQPAm2I/AAAAAAAAKGY/X83eDPv5SwY/s1600/IMG_6787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0zYvPug8FA/UX7FTQPAm2I/AAAAAAAAKGY/X83eDPv5SwY/s640/IMG_6787.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to warm up and enjoy a Sunday roast.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuQ_zkpt6C0/UX7FTqpb6LI/AAAAAAAAKGc/Q1oX4kNmnOw/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuQ_zkpt6C0/UX7FTqpb6LI/AAAAAAAAKGc/Q1oX4kNmnOw/s400/IMG_6789.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And then sadly it was time to drive back into the city, leaving behind two magical villages that time has left untouched.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We had rented a Mercedes for the excursion, and were quite perplexed when a "cup" light illuminated on the dashboard with a ding sound.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We wondered for a while--do British cars announce when it is time for tea?? After all, it was that time of the day!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Any guesses what it's for?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After a prolonged search in the owner's manual by our faithful "co-pilot" for the day, we finally realized that it was a warning signal that the driver was veering out of his lane, and might need to break for some caffeine. Needless to say, we got a good laugh out of that one, and stayed more focused on keeping our driver alert and staying in his own lane.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>If you'd like to read a bit more about Lacock on a prettier day, this will direct you to earlier blogs after a 2010 visit, both <a href="http://debikirksey.blogspot.com/2010/02/stepping-back-in-time-to-lacock.html">here</a> and <a href="http://debikirksey.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-harry-potter-trail.html">here</a>.</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-90590090124366157722013-04-23T15:36:00.000-05:002013-04-23T15:36:54.208-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxiJVGb7F1U/UXasK_QwqyI/AAAAAAAAKCE/mSBfVTe4QBY/s1600/IMG_6741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxiJVGb7F1U/UXasK_QwqyI/AAAAAAAAKCE/mSBfVTe4QBY/s640/IMG_6741.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After first visiting the charming village of Castle Combe <a href="http://debikirksey.blogspot.com/2010/02/castle-combe.html">3 years ago</a>, we had the chance to return with friends on a very frigid weekend in March.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xXDy89EowA/UXasNNtm4qI/AAAAAAAAKCM/rd3jGIyifeA/s1600/IMG_6742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xXDy89EowA/UXasNNtm4qI/AAAAAAAAKCM/rd3jGIyifeA/s400/IMG_6742.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The guys had been plotting a golf weekend at the Manor Hotel in Castle Combe on the edge of the Cotswolds, staying </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkkLtaeqkJ0/UXas9ALfrFI/AAAAAAAAKCc/G_iDYcgj8JY/s1600/IMG_6723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkkLtaeqkJ0/UXas9ALfrFI/AAAAAAAAKCc/G_iDYcgj8JY/s640/IMG_6723.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>at this magnificent 14th luxury country house attached to its own golf course. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So do you think that we gals were going to let them go off on their own and miss all this loveliness?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not a chance!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YafFe6lP8U/UXas74sN4oI/AAAAAAAAKCU/gzTena4lVLg/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YafFe6lP8U/UXas74sN4oI/AAAAAAAAKCU/gzTena4lVLg/s400/IMG_6725.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Built on the site of an old Norman castle, this country house is situated in 365 acres of beauty, including the hotel, golf course, and a Michelin starred restaurant.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0KKSncT8fs/UXatCyeFDEI/AAAAAAAAKCk/U-0cOadQCh0/s1600/IMG_6717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0KKSncT8fs/UXatCyeFDEI/AAAAAAAAKCk/U-0cOadQCh0/s640/IMG_6717.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Their brochure claims that the hotel is a "labyrinth of quirky hidey holes" which is indeed true, and we enjoyed exploring all the levels,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4gxosrsooY/UXatMYj8qTI/AAAAAAAAKCs/F0xYo9Txwro/s1600/IMG_6716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4gxosrsooY/UXatMYj8qTI/AAAAAAAAKCs/F0xYo9Txwro/s640/IMG_6716.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and alcoves where we uncovered all sorts of treasures such as this antique cradle on a landing beneath a tiny stained glass window.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MVFnl83jo/UXatNmprMuI/AAAAAAAAKC0/RjSo2eHx8D0/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MVFnl83jo/UXatNmprMuI/AAAAAAAAKC0/RjSo2eHx8D0/s400/IMG_6719.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Every room was unique with its own charm, and both the bedroom</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYEv-2GB7hA/UXatas8NcaI/AAAAAAAAKC8/GpVZ0ttgH1E/s1600/IMG_6718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYEv-2GB7hA/UXatas8NcaI/AAAAAAAAKC8/GpVZ0ttgH1E/s400/IMG_6718.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and bath were huge. Luxury awaited in the form of a long soak in the claw footed tub with a rubber duckie supplied for fun.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hq42tdl-vOs/UXatbZKGOEI/AAAAAAAAKDE/AeGqxHckEFE/s1600/IMG_6746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hq42tdl-vOs/UXatbZKGOEI/AAAAAAAAKDE/AeGqxHckEFE/s640/IMG_6746.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our room was graced with this bell--in the style of Downton Abbey!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbh_vmkCUZk/UXatj8F4JlI/AAAAAAAAKDM/OZ9tfCqJHrQ/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbh_vmkCUZk/UXatj8F4JlI/AAAAAAAAKDM/OZ9tfCqJHrQ/s400/IMG_6710.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Time for a stroll while the boys golfed, and wellies were supplied at the front door just for such an occasion.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPdX_Nm4SHw/UXatnvGdOdI/AAAAAAAAKDc/fEhTREBJO04/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPdX_Nm4SHw/UXatnvGdOdI/AAAAAAAAKDc/fEhTREBJO04/s400/IMG_6733.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A short walk through the village reminded us that this was a town that has literally been untouched since the 17th century. No new homes have been built there since 1617. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The oldest aspect of the village is the centrally located market cross seen above, which was serving as a center of trade as early as 1000 years ago. Some of this trade has been with the military through the years, and the market cross still shows the grooves where English longbowmen are said to have sharpened their arrows as they passed through.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHAaY4umByo/UXatlt9VD-I/AAAAAAAAKDU/8sL70rk7Br4/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHAaY4umByo/UXatlt9VD-I/AAAAAAAAKDU/8sL70rk7Br4/s400/IMG_6738.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The village was once a thriving woolen town due to the access of the Bybrook river and the cloth trade flourished there between the 11th and 18th centuries.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq4qSfieUBk/UXatvMmX2SI/AAAAAAAAKDk/X4TWSRlBF7Q/s1600/IMG_6736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq4qSfieUBk/UXatvMmX2SI/AAAAAAAAKDk/X4TWSRlBF7Q/s400/IMG_6736.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Today the town is a popular spot for tourists and movie makers. Many TV shows and movies have been situated there, including most recently Dr. Doolittle, The Wolfman and War Horse.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXBSU3DHRzI/UXazOB5qCwI/AAAAAAAAKD0/hpFDLIXtyQY/s1600/IMG_6735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXBSU3DHRzI/UXazOB5qCwI/AAAAAAAAKD0/hpFDLIXtyQY/s640/IMG_6735.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Doorways were inviting</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zWt1ASNFyw/UXazPlIQ-UI/AAAAAAAAKD8/qXIecDgBBFg/s1600/IMG_6752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zWt1ASNFyw/UXazPlIQ-UI/AAAAAAAAKD8/qXIecDgBBFg/s640/IMG_6752.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and made us wonder what treasures lay behind the ancient doors.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iexw1ut9f-0/UXazdSEzYYI/AAAAAAAAKEE/PXx-o3umaHA/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iexw1ut9f-0/UXazdSEzYYI/AAAAAAAAKEE/PXx-o3umaHA/s400/IMG_6728.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>In addition to staying in the hotel, some of the old weavers' cottages are available for guests as well.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were amused to find cakes offered for sale at one door way,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xTfERYnplE/UXazd0BsKfI/AAAAAAAAKEI/66e-4JZC30c/s1600/IMG_6732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xTfERYnplE/UXazd0BsKfI/AAAAAAAAKEI/66e-4JZC30c/s640/IMG_6732.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where Mr. Yummy runs his business on a trust basis. Notice he is a "supplier" to the film and T.V, industry too.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gh0mzd1fmN4/UXazfZaIXqI/AAAAAAAAKEc/uIAhm_gjF74/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gh0mzd1fmN4/UXazfZaIXqI/AAAAAAAAKEc/uIAhm_gjF74/s400/IMG_6749.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The boys enjoyed playing golf (even in the rain), the gals enjoyed a spa day in nearby Bath, and everyone took home another memory of the good life in Britain.</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-38367933745010109802013-04-18T13:18:00.000-05:002013-04-18T13:18:22.447-05:00Cajun Food in London?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRGgif-sLAI/UW8JfEwWEfI/AAAAAAAAKBM/_zCPFjrts-k/s1600/IMG_6954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRGgif-sLAI/UW8JfEwWEfI/AAAAAAAAKBM/_zCPFjrts-k/s640/IMG_6954.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This blog is dedicated to Pam Cooper, my New Orleans friend, who lives here in London and truly exemplifies the Mardi Gras spirit all year long. The little restaurant just over the bridge from our flat in Chelsea, London is going to "let the good times roll" this week with their pop-up Jambalaya menu.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The JAM Tree restaurant serving JAMbalaya-get it? Good, because that little detail escaped me until today.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The choices were pretty extensive, and we were anxious to try out some of the Cajun delicacies- British style.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5hVKy6qD_k8/UW8JdSFS28I/AAAAAAAAKBE/twRMmD_qCvM/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5hVKy6qD_k8/UW8JdSFS28I/AAAAAAAAKBE/twRMmD_qCvM/s400/IMG_6957.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cristen and Jason really wanted to order frickles (fried pickles) for an appetizer, but since we were there on the first evening of the new menu, they weren't quite prepared to fry pickles the first night. Honestly, I think they were a bit overwhelmed by all the new recipes!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So, second choice for an appetizer was Momma's Southern Fried Chicken with Creole Slaw. Little chicken wings topped with a single fried okra isn't really what my momma makes, but they were tasty.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WoPf23iyI/UW8Jg7LqczI/AAAAAAAAKBU/O5ZuG5ZoGoI/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WoPf23iyI/UW8Jg7LqczI/AAAAAAAAKBU/O5ZuG5ZoGoI/s400/IMG_6958.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cristen ordered Etouffée,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and Jason selected the Jambalaya.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>They both really liked their choices.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--c5Dgl2OsIQ/UW8Jtnx4jdI/AAAAAAAAKBs/gCPnGIc0iT4/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--c5Dgl2OsIQ/UW8Jtnx4jdI/AAAAAAAAKBs/gCPnGIc0iT4/s400/IMG_6960.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Served with the étoufée were collard greens and dirty rice.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_M7uqdglaFM/UW8Jr8wqoKI/AAAAAAAAKBk/Ofnw0Qb7s5k/s1600/IMG_6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_M7uqdglaFM/UW8Jr8wqoKI/AAAAAAAAKBk/Ofnw0Qb7s5k/s400/IMG_6961.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My dish was a little more complicated. Blackened Shrimp with Grits, Re-fried Green Tomatoes, and Biscuits. Every bit of it was very tasty, but there were no biscuits. The manager told me that the chef hadn't found a recipe he liked yet!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Maybe he hasn't yet figured out that a biscuit is bread, and not a cookie!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtqRHFU0hb0/UW8KZ9hrt2I/AAAAAAAAKB0/g86O4BEUV-I/s1600/IMG_6955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtqRHFU0hb0/UW8KZ9hrt2I/AAAAAAAAKB0/g86O4BEUV-I/s640/IMG_6955.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>With New Orleans jazz music playing in the background and a garden spot for warmer afternoons, The Jam Tree is a great choice, especially now.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So London friends, time is short: the menu only lasts until April 28, so don't drag your feet. Get yourself over to the Jam Tree on Kings Road in Chelsea or their Clapham location and "laissez les bons temps rouler!"</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-86134896648360116592013-04-17T06:30:00.000-05:002013-04-17T06:30:19.254-05:00So Dior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgz_hwnbfZw/UW22xFssYQI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/hPt5Dzkw0l8/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgz_hwnbfZw/UW22xFssYQI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/hPt5Dzkw0l8/s640/IMG_6693.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This past month, Harrods celebrated the relationship between England and Christian Dior, the iconic French designer, with a huge So Dior exhibit and make-over. The windows were </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUg1KPh0i3Q/UW22-l05ahI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/9m0zLVxtirg/s1600/IMG_6691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUg1KPh0i3Q/UW22-l05ahI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/9m0zLVxtirg/s400/IMG_6691.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>decked out just like Christmas windows with amazing displays. Little red buses carrying the fabulously popular round heeled shoes of the season around the sights of London.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxdrhKusJIM/UW23AhD4PNI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/CaRh1ml_Eu0/s1600/IMG_6792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxdrhKusJIM/UW23AhD4PNI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/CaRh1ml_Eu0/s400/IMG_6792.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My friends and I were treated to an hour long tour by a guide who fascinated us by the stories and history surrounding the Dior phenomenon.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JVgpHRo00Y/UW23A75dZOI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/xEVxhMHyJ98/s1600/IMG_6802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JVgpHRo00Y/UW23A75dZOI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/xEVxhMHyJ98/s640/IMG_6802.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were anxious to hear all the details and feel the "Miss Dior emotion" as we were spritzed by his iconic scent.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_OjLPe_-D4/UW23EDhM04I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/BE1DrNAdwpY/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_OjLPe_-D4/UW23EDhM04I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/BE1DrNAdwpY/s400/IMG_6816.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Entering, we were amazed by the façade re-creation of the Paris headquarters on Avenue Montaigne, with silhouettes of Dior fashion</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and glimpses of Dior perfumes in the little windows.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Christian Dior first presented his flattering feminine fashions in his 1947 collection, and this lovely "Bar" suit from that group was on display. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Dior's special relationship with England began in 1953 when he came to England to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. A year later he had his first fashion show in Harrod's. Princess Margaret was a big fan.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93H_rdCKmio/UW23_qMAMjI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/8zgZwBgGmWE/s1600/IMG_6820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93H_rdCKmio/UW23_qMAMjI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/8zgZwBgGmWE/s400/IMG_6820.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Since Dior's untimely death at age 52, while on vacation in Italy, a succession of artistic directors has taken the helm of the house of Dior, the most current being Raf Simons, and the first being Yves. St. Laurent.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uwEg5E67EI/UW24AggARQI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/CtsOaBoNF2Q/s1600/IMG_6823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uwEg5E67EI/UW24AggARQI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/CtsOaBoNF2Q/s400/IMG_6823.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was fascinating to see the stage of miniature Haute Couture re-creations from the history of the House of Dior telling the story of the design house through the years,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6_JaTrIXhA/UW24Ihh0qSI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/AxgIqDBM1qY/s1600/IMG_6824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6_JaTrIXhA/UW24Ihh0qSI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/AxgIqDBM1qY/s640/IMG_6824.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and we were spellbound gazing at this white tulle dress embroidered with silver sequins that Audrey Hepburn wore in 1959 for Harpers Bizarre magazine.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TcpRt-nu8M/UW24KGamk4I/AAAAAAAAKAA/9wxhI-6JrAo/s1600/IMG_6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TcpRt-nu8M/UW24KGamk4I/AAAAAAAAKAA/9wxhI-6JrAo/s640/IMG_6825.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Equally stunning was this midnight blue satin dress worn by Princess Diana to celebrate the House of Dior's 50th anniversary in December, 1996.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iaJ541tS_Q/UW24KMZi-kI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/B5m8C1qM5fY/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iaJ541tS_Q/UW24KMZi-kI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/B5m8C1qM5fY/s400/IMG_6833.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Having always yearned a bit for the iconic Dior bag, I was intrigued by this grand scale bag, as well as being fascinated by its connection to Princess Diana. Evidently, the former first lady of France, Bernadette Chirac, gave Princess Diana this bag soon after it first came out in the mid 1990's, and Princess Diana loved it so much </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKVkHNBPMtk/UW24pQOobBI/AAAAAAAAKAU/yj-Pz6ZJlJU/s1600/IMG_6794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKVkHNBPMtk/UW24pQOobBI/AAAAAAAAKAU/yj-Pz6ZJlJU/s640/IMG_6794.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>that she ordered one in every color. Soon after, the bag was christened to be the Lady Dior bag in honor of Princess Diana.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIQeGOiyVts/UW24lAO5diI/AAAAAAAAKAM/gu7vsMBJ1rQ/s1600/IMG_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIQeGOiyVts/UW24lAO5diI/AAAAAAAAKAM/gu7vsMBJ1rQ/s400/IMG_6804.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Many references to the Dior scents were on display, including this bottle of Miss Dior, the first scent of the company, which was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco with the Grimaldi coat of arms featured on the bottle.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4al2sPCx6k/UW24p8yXkII/AAAAAAAAKAc/9Cgw0A1tyns/s1600/IMG_6810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4al2sPCx6k/UW24p8yXkII/AAAAAAAAKAc/9Cgw0A1tyns/s640/IMG_6810.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Maybe you remember seeing this dress from the commercial with Charlize Theron for Miss Dior perfumes, when she channels the memories of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace and Marlene Dietrich in the Palace of Versailles. The design of the dress and beads reflects the design of the bottles which surround the mannequin here.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfQVwOCWRB8/UW246WZAaGI/AAAAAAAAKAk/h39zcUFIjh8/s1600/IMG_6796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfQVwOCWRB8/UW246WZAaGI/AAAAAAAAKAk/h39zcUFIjh8/s640/IMG_6796.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So feminine, so figure flattering, this gown is the one currently being worn by Natalie Portman for Miss Dior ads.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqWb1L7n6Os/UW246h_gYfI/AAAAAAAAKA0/eRRWv2rzA1w/s1600/IMG_6836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqWb1L7n6Os/UW246h_gYfI/AAAAAAAAKA0/eRRWv2rzA1w/s640/IMG_6836.jpg" width="478" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And if all that beauty and design left you feeling a bit overwhelmed, you could pause in the Dior cafe</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmRcdCH0s8I/UW24514dchI/AAAAAAAAKAo/_YIZNjKGQlA/s1600/IMG_6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmRcdCH0s8I/UW24514dchI/AAAAAAAAKAo/_YIZNjKGQlA/s400/IMG_6837.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for tea and "fashionable" cupcakes.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A delightful way to end a lovely experience!</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-67604854897666760932013-04-14T14:08:00.000-05:002013-04-14T14:08:11.718-05:00Sunday Stroll Through Covent Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aG-bYd5b4Fk/UWrsJ6cohkI/AAAAAAAAJ70/LxxvX0vwrdw/s1600/IMG_6912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aG-bYd5b4Fk/UWrsJ6cohkI/AAAAAAAAJ70/LxxvX0vwrdw/s640/IMG_6912.jpg" width="478" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sunday afternoon in London was the warmest and sunniest day of the year so far, after a much delayed spring and a frigid, rather rainy/snowy winter. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So....I think all of London was out for a stroll, as was I, when I decided to head to the Covent Garden area for a few hours.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Many Londoners were still enjoying their Sunday roasts and refreshments</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LW1fp7LcROQ/UWrsKnHHcZI/AAAAAAAAJ78/mklpEdXzmxg/s1600/IMG_6938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LW1fp7LcROQ/UWrsKnHHcZI/AAAAAAAAJ78/mklpEdXzmxg/s640/IMG_6938.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>at the area pubs,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEfqYmiooZk/UWrshrl4qKI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/p8oRT9UNJ3Y/s1600/IMG_6914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEfqYmiooZk/UWrshrl4qKI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/p8oRT9UNJ3Y/s640/IMG_6914.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but I began my prowl. First thing I stumbled upon was a photo shoot in a narrow alleyway</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>bench warmers soaking up the sun at the St. Paul Church of Covent Garden, often referred to as the Actor's Church due to its long affinity with theater in the area,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbVy9sViHVE/UWrsgUGJxSI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/jdb2F1w3ghY/s1600/IMG_6937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbVy9sViHVE/UWrsgUGJxSI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/jdb2F1w3ghY/s640/IMG_6937.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and crowds of people, many people, never unusual for the Covent Garden area, but especially so today with the influx of April tourists and locals who just needed a dose of Vitamin D.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSphwB_F2ok/UWrs1WnyTvI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/tKDsB3KATpM/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSphwB_F2ok/UWrs1WnyTvI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/tKDsB3KATpM/s400/IMG_6927.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The street entertainers were taking advantage</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLnxvB2EBo0/UWrs2JDoHqI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/d-kjKg9KlPs/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLnxvB2EBo0/UWrs2JDoHqI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/d-kjKg9KlPs/s400/IMG_6918.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>of the crowds,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLYNXKfziOc/UWrtqcdZEVI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/AefnDnQYtSo/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLYNXKfziOc/UWrtqcdZEVI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/AefnDnQYtSo/s400/IMG_6920.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the sidewalk cafes were full of diners.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJFuTGABvhA/UWrtsC8htiI/AAAAAAAAJ88/wEH33jEqxqs/s1600/IMG_6921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJFuTGABvhA/UWrtsC8htiI/AAAAAAAAJ88/wEH33jEqxqs/s640/IMG_6921.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It's always fun shopping at Apple Market</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNp3IhaaF0c/UWrtsIdSsuI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/SP4X19zq_lU/s1600/IMG_6935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNp3IhaaF0c/UWrtsIdSsuI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/SP4X19zq_lU/s400/IMG_6935.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as Jubilee Market for bric-a brac,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akISzJ38UoI/UWrt20A0cnI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/URxpFM18gqE/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akISzJ38UoI/UWrt20A0cnI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/URxpFM18gqE/s400/IMG_6924.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but beauty mavens are now heading to the new <a href="http://popupstore.chanel.com/coventgarden/flash/index.html">Chanel beauty boutique</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fd8wOL4uRUQ/UWruxtcAsEI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/84KNZ_k1Mho/s1600/IMG_6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fd8wOL4uRUQ/UWruxtcAsEI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/84KNZ_k1Mho/s400/IMG_6923.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where you can find skin care consultation, try on new perfumes, or take advantage of the Chanel nail bar with all its color range.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suFlMj8qzcw/UWruyR17bWI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/8G2rdrn2zVY/s1600/IMG_6929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suFlMj8qzcw/UWruyR17bWI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/8G2rdrn2zVY/s640/IMG_6929.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Another new kid on the block is the recently opened Balthazar restaurant, of NYC fame with a French brasserie style menu that looks fabulous</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fh4xb9Rz-BU/UWruy7wfPeI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/IeDRE8skR1I/s1600/IMG_6930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fh4xb9Rz-BU/UWruy7wfPeI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/IeDRE8skR1I/s400/IMG_6930.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and a bakery next door</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdD4tWrJS0s/UWru-59oILI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/_GCBtlthc8c/s1600/IMG_6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdD4tWrJS0s/UWru-59oILI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/_GCBtlthc8c/s640/IMG_6931.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with fresh breads</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjWnDX5tAFg/UWrvAaCHk4I/AAAAAAAAJ9s/CsQuveM8iQI/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjWnDX5tAFg/UWrvAaCHk4I/AAAAAAAAJ9s/CsQuveM8iQI/s400/IMG_6932.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>take-out deli food</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPUUlCWmES8/UWrvBSnhiUI/AAAAAAAAJ90/X3WP8gh0ggc/s1600/IMG_6934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPUUlCWmES8/UWrvBSnhiUI/AAAAAAAAJ90/X3WP8gh0ggc/s640/IMG_6934.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>all under a beautiful French inspired ceiling.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Quite lovely!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Reservations hard to get!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFhrxgjoGg/UWrvKrVVAJI/AAAAAAAAJ98/TPlekteqh6I/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFhrxgjoGg/UWrvKrVVAJI/AAAAAAAAJ98/TPlekteqh6I/s400/IMG_6939.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Also extremely popular on this first warm day was the La Gelateria ice cream shop with long lines outside its door. Note to self: plan a return trip. Must be delicious.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY9vv_GCsPU/UWrvNi5pWPI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/x7zzrlL-QHQ/s1600/IMG_6945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY9vv_GCsPU/UWrvNi5pWPI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/x7zzrlL-QHQ/s640/IMG_6945.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And since most of you know that my time in London is indeed short since we've officially moved back to the US, every stroll takes me by monuments where the memories</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIgNrubScss/UWrvTXoozRI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/F_TQqSE1Ags/s1600/IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIgNrubScss/UWrvTXoozRI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/F_TQqSE1Ags/s400/IMG_6946.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and stories of </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0mji8DsRpE/UWrvVD4-ZkI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/NtVklUh8zLA/s1600/IMG_6947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0mji8DsRpE/UWrvVD4-ZkI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/NtVklUh8zLA/s640/IMG_6947.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>the last 5 years sing out. I'm cherishing the time, I assure you.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBldynQSDIk/UWrwiVfmKOI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/SYuyj-55uhI/s1600/IMG_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBldynQSDIk/UWrwiVfmKOI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/SYuyj-55uhI/s640/IMG_6941.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And to help make the transition back home easier, one of my favorite sandwich shops is now carrying Texan Chilli--London style!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Guess my two worlds are indeed colliding!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-49082857821910941352013-04-07T12:32:00.000-05:002013-04-07T12:32:55.010-05:00Final Postcards From Malta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtgexYPL_pA/UWBvqhcb-nI/AAAAAAAAJ50/Sig6iYjZrag/s1600/DSC_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtgexYPL_pA/UWBvqhcb-nI/AAAAAAAAJ50/Sig6iYjZrag/s640/DSC_0088.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Strolling the narrow streets of Malta</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTQmuVy_os/UWBvrkvvXNI/AAAAAAAAJ58/gm-Ypp5SDm8/s1600/DSC_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTQmuVy_os/UWBvrkvvXNI/AAAAAAAAJ58/gm-Ypp5SDm8/s640/DSC_0095.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>gives you a little flavor of the local life.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1jF-dp5o58/UWBvrqiiHSI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/xhMwtteIJeQ/s1600/DSC_0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1jF-dp5o58/UWBvrqiiHSI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/xhMwtteIJeQ/s640/DSC_0089.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Stone facades carefully preserved</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Jd6jcU4MEQ/UWBvyD7kXSI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/Oe1PGdjzCqU/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Jd6jcU4MEQ/UWBvyD7kXSI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/Oe1PGdjzCqU/s640/DSC_0103.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and protruding balconies of many colors accent the narrow passageways.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TGhwK246hE/UWBvSXi5PaI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/e4gCURMv7S8/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TGhwK246hE/UWBvSXi5PaI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/e4gCURMv7S8/s640/DSC_0084.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Doors open to busy lives</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrYkpH5bjLc/UWBvVMRPrxI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/RklBIJbYB3Q/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrYkpH5bjLc/UWBvVMRPrxI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/RklBIJbYB3Q/s640/DSC_0093.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and hide secrets of the Maltese world.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMxtYld5TWs/UWBwv1rruJI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/TRFwYpDu9bc/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMxtYld5TWs/UWBwv1rruJI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/TRFwYpDu9bc/s640/DSC_0110.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Little things like a British post box pillar dot the cityscape and remind you that Malta was under British rule for many years in the past century.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdzhZKvsALo/UWBwwi_cbhI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/YVdSLu5XF2w/s1600/IMG_6562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdzhZKvsALo/UWBwwi_cbhI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/YVdSLu5XF2w/s640/IMG_6562.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Baroque architecture is rampant throughout the island and amazes you with its ornamentation.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuPu1NWVV4Y/UWB56reewTI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/GUUqTLZvNWE/s1600/IMG_6587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuPu1NWVV4Y/UWB56reewTI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/GUUqTLZvNWE/s400/IMG_6587.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And yet, one of the most precious treasures of the island can be found behind this rather plain facade of the St. John's Co-Cathedral.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDZ7AGtAr4A/UWBw1NkrydI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/qmTLepss7es/s1600/IMG_6574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDZ7AGtAr4A/UWBw1NkrydI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/qmTLepss7es/s640/IMG_6574.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Once inside though, your jaw is likely to drop as you try to take in the elaborate decor of this church</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fgjZOhHVfo/UWBw82wAq1I/AAAAAAAAJ60/GyDwkuQ3aqE/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fgjZOhHVfo/UWBw82wAq1I/AAAAAAAAJ60/GyDwkuQ3aqE/s400/IMG_6577.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which was built in the Baroque style by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John, also known as the Knights of Malta,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcN-xLwbmY/UWBxDVT-ULI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/tKt7waEU2Ik/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcN-xLwbmY/UWBxDVT-ULI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/tKt7waEU2Ik/s400/IMG_6585.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>during the years 1573-1578 as a place for their worship. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Knights, of course, were noblemen, whose mission was to protect the Catholic faith from the attacks of the Ottoman Turks.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>There are 8 beautiful side chapels representing the 8 langues, or regions of the Knights.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBQhVgZdHAs/UWBw-vWgdGI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/UY7jyyzOPkA/s1600/IMG_6578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBQhVgZdHAs/UWBw-vWgdGI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/UY7jyyzOPkA/s640/IMG_6578.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Knights were anxious to rival the great churches of Rome, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcN-xLwbmY/UWBxDVT-ULI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/mAI4sSRfHK4/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcN-xLwbmY/UWBxDVT-ULI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/mAI4sSRfHK4/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziOyqBtOyAY/UWBxAm2ugwI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/Ypn_OhNDCgs/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziOyqBtOyAY/UWBxAm2ugwI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/Ypn_OhNDCgs/s640/IMG_6584.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and that is why this is such a treasure house of rich Maltese baroque ornamentation.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMJu13TWSiE/UWBxuX72NdI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/4QBW56gobMo/s1600/IMG_6583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMJu13TWSiE/UWBxuX72NdI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/4QBW56gobMo/s400/IMG_6583.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Pervasive throughout the elaborate decoration is the symbol of the Maltese cross with 8 points, representing once again the 8 langues or regions from which the Knights of Malta originated.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Most of us came away with some form of the Maltese cross as a momento of our unique adventure,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_chBOsHevU/UWBx0EZu3eI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/iNnFdOxSs1g/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_chBOsHevU/UWBx0EZu3eI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/iNnFdOxSs1g/s400/IMG_6571.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as memories of an island and a slice of the world that we will always cherish.</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-26097936231771952832013-04-05T16:45:00.000-05:002013-04-05T16:46:22.202-05:00Is it a Boy or Girl???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKUyUWZ0X_o/UVoGzWgQacI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/EjdE2VMS0OI/s1600/DSC_0387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKUyUWZ0X_o/UVoGzWgQacI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/EjdE2VMS0OI/s640/DSC_0387.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Have you ever been to a gender reveal party?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This past weekend, my nephew and his beautiful wife hosted the family for just such a celebration.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1T3cyDKpK0/UVoGJP4IqoI/AAAAAAAAJ20/bNaiawEqzlc/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1T3cyDKpK0/UVoGJP4IqoI/AAAAAAAAJ20/bNaiawEqzlc/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We all gathered together to find out He or She?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Open to See!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFAVS9xdTDk/UVoGLRmNt_I/AAAAAAAAJ28/X6RRLzB6TTE/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFAVS9xdTDk/UVoGLRmNt_I/AAAAAAAAJ28/X6RRLzB6TTE/s400/DSC_0422.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Upon arrival, everyone had to make a prediction,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Ru0eiPWYs/UVoGZI14YOI/AAAAAAAAJ3E/U92dBCkoS6s/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Ru0eiPWYs/UVoGZI14YOI/AAAAAAAAJ3E/U92dBCkoS6s/s400/DSC_0379.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>keeping a tally, wearing a bow,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCDVLvhfoO8/UVoGfELvS3I/AAAAAAAAJ3M/tyvqLeFAvqM/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCDVLvhfoO8/UVoGfELvS3I/AAAAAAAAJ3M/tyvqLeFAvqM/s400/DSC_0391.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and suggesting possible names.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNQ00AUrAe8/UVoGjDYksaI/AAAAAAAAJ3k/bpnz1JQA62A/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNQ00AUrAe8/UVoGjDYksaI/AAAAAAAAJ3k/bpnz1JQA62A/s400/DSC_0397.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mike and I were on the blue team,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fM5xaFjq1Oc/UVoGgaVGJzI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/DXNDDy28AZo/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fM5xaFjq1Oc/UVoGgaVGJzI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/DXNDDy28AZo/s400/DSC_0465.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jordan and her daddy were rooting for pink,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_E15DJ8dxI/UVoGiPS_RMI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/DJEDFEYAjrE/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_E15DJ8dxI/UVoGiPS_RMI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/DJEDFEYAjrE/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and our favorite little boy was hoping for a boy cousin to be his buddy.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhIRD32UToU/UVoHaQCkBrI/AAAAAAAAJ30/NnAY4HXPb14/s1600/DSC_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhIRD32UToU/UVoHaQCkBrI/AAAAAAAAJ30/NnAY4HXPb14/s640/DSC_0390.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My niece from New Jersey was also in town for the celebrations, and she is wondering the same question--he or she. Her reveal will be in a month,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY-3QjTSoXw/UVoHdCGoXJI/AAAAAAAAJ38/KyJPE0Fd6jc/s1600/DSC_0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY-3QjTSoXw/UVoHdCGoXJI/AAAAAAAAJ38/KyJPE0Fd6jc/s640/DSC_0421.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but until then she was checking out some old wives' tales that suggest boy or girl.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FM8m-d0z-mA/UVoHdVo4_5I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/19BBAarRAKU/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FM8m-d0z-mA/UVoHdVo4_5I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/19BBAarRAKU/s400/DSC_0405.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was a multi generational party,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du6LrXtJhcs/UVoHlu1HLrI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/_SHEmK14-ac/s1600/DSC_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du6LrXtJhcs/UVoHlu1HLrI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/_SHEmK14-ac/s400/DSC_0386.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with treats galore,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mtmd943Dfs/UVoHl5ya5DI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/uq61h9EU5CQ/s1600/DSC_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mtmd943Dfs/UVoHl5ya5DI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/uq61h9EU5CQ/s640/DSC_0493.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and one little "monkey" could hardly stand until the cake was cut revealing the answer with pink or blue.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj2C2VMssDg/UVoIF62R2HI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/ohb2o_dW-6g/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj2C2VMssDg/UVoIF62R2HI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/ohb2o_dW-6g/s400/DSC_0426.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The moment of truth...</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgReOMiY4mM/UVoIKditgXI/AAAAAAAAJ40/yZH-OToFgfE/s1600/DSC_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgReOMiY4mM/UVoIKditgXI/AAAAAAAAJ40/yZH-OToFgfE/s400/DSC_0429.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It's a boy... just as they predicted early on!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-ElgLPbkDg/UVoIKc1q54I/AAAAAAAAJ4w/0T8gj-WA2OU/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-ElgLPbkDg/UVoIKc1q54I/AAAAAAAAJ4w/0T8gj-WA2OU/s400/DSC_0433.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Time now to see the ultrasound photo that until this time had only been seen by the tech and the bakers at the bakery who were very good at keeping a secret.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI66RhJsPw/UVoIHxFTDZI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/qiOglRDDofk/s1600/DSC_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI66RhJsPw/UVoIHxFTDZI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/qiOglRDDofk/s400/DSC_0447.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Blue cake</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjUvwg61tg/UVoIKFYfzUI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/hpTzUxOh3Q4/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjUvwg61tg/UVoIKFYfzUI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/hpTzUxOh3Q4/s400/DSC_0460.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>means a boy is on the way.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOswzkQ9hyY/UVoI5H_TAyI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/M-fcLrz-nWA/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOswzkQ9hyY/UVoI5H_TAyI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/M-fcLrz-nWA/s400/DSC_0443.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Team Blue loved celebrating with more cake,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDPEsE5PZso/UVoJAAHHJmI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/pskerBRbcFA/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDPEsE5PZso/UVoJAAHHJmI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/pskerBRbcFA/s400/DSC_0434.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>while Team Pink was consoling themselves.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyafpsBLGi4/UVoJAJyUq-I/AAAAAAAAJ5M/7ZeTTjY7wvA/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyafpsBLGi4/UVoJAJyUq-I/AAAAAAAAJ5M/7ZeTTjY7wvA/s400/DSC_0461.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And the winning name seems to be Aiden.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We can't wait to meet you sweet Aiden, just a few months away!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span id="goog_1290734781"></span><span id="goog_1290734782"></span><br /></i></b></span>
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A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-28201400521883680362013-04-01T15:03:00.001-05:002013-04-01T15:04:51.421-05:00Easter Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhGvaGnAbw/UVnioM00-6I/AAAAAAAAJ0k/R_Uk7mHJxmE/s1600/DSC_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhGvaGnAbw/UVnioM00-6I/AAAAAAAAJ0k/R_Uk7mHJxmE/s640/DSC_0315.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What could be important enough to interrupt my blog series on Malta? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Nothing but these two sweet</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqq5Gri4b0g/UVniohkixmI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/mTGojPZrd-I/s1600/DSC_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqq5Gri4b0g/UVniohkixmI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/mTGojPZrd-I/s640/DSC_0319.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>little ones!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So hang on, here we go--this Gigi has to share!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gHwfX8MQTo/UVniwoEKn5I/AAAAAAAAJ00/Lqtd6JclN5w/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gHwfX8MQTo/UVniwoEKn5I/AAAAAAAAJ00/Lqtd6JclN5w/s400/DSC_0271.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We had a family-packed weekend with an Easter egg hunt at our church</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKW0pjLBa9o/UVni0U-diKI/AAAAAAAAJ08/JPMjLPlNsKo/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKW0pjLBa9o/UVni0U-diKI/AAAAAAAAJ08/JPMjLPlNsKo/s400/DSC_0282.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as the kick-off. Who could imagine getting so excited over a couple of animal crackers hidden inside an egg?</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcnAk8KTBw/UVni1F5wQ0I/AAAAAAAAJ1E/vajMHOxHeBQ/s1600/DSC_0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcnAk8KTBw/UVni1F5wQ0I/AAAAAAAAJ1E/vajMHOxHeBQ/s640/DSC_0304.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Easter bunny came and was so much better received than</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQsUTyVHo-Q/UVni2UGiAKI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/6RQNch8_8zU/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQsUTyVHo-Q/UVni2UGiAKI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/6RQNch8_8zU/s400/DSC_0312.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Santa Claus just a few short months before!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cn-NjqobdM/UVni2tZjZyI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/OESE9_PRjIk/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cn-NjqobdM/UVni2tZjZyI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/OESE9_PRjIk/s400/DSC_0340.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jackson was flying high after a bit of sugar,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZlncaNXHk0/UVni3oJ52qI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/Ce53XwTBW2g/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZlncaNXHk0/UVni3oJ52qI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/Ce53XwTBW2g/s400/DSC_0469.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and teasing us just for grins!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r-AKmx6bIk/UVnjDATkoZI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/C1yqqRBjlaE/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r-AKmx6bIk/UVnjDATkoZI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/C1yqqRBjlaE/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And what do little boys do if sticks are to be found?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Well, a sword fight, of course!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Perfect way to end an Easter Egg hunt.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1WcoUeez5w/UVnjCbJoHLI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/n_rtBjRHPo0/s1600/DSC_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1WcoUeez5w/UVnjCbJoHLI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/n_rtBjRHPo0/s400/DSC_0516.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sunday brought with it a stirring worship service at our church with family and friends, then lunch at Gigi's house</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2zg-vofiYc/UVnjGOnVi5I/AAAAAAAAJ10/vOoAZigjbuY/s1600/DSC_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2zg-vofiYc/UVnjGOnVi5I/AAAAAAAAJ10/vOoAZigjbuY/s400/DSC_0521.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with family. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were missing my son Jason and his wife Cristen, but excited that they will be moving back home to Houston from London this summer and will join us next year.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9o6UwfuCug/UVnjGgBoNAI/AAAAAAAAJ14/IEieQXC2vXY/s1600/DSC_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9o6UwfuCug/UVnjGgBoNAI/AAAAAAAAJ14/IEieQXC2vXY/s640/DSC_0530.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When the doorbell rang, it wasn't long before the kids discovered the Easter bunny had made a special delivery right on the front doorstep</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTGhS44qyls/UVnjHnot2_I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/_QcAN--AVuk/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTGhS44qyls/UVnjHnot2_I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/_QcAN--AVuk/s640/DSC_0534.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>with all sorts of surprises</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OYPjq8cfbw/UVnjJxZ26VI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/afO6hFXzdNg/s1600/DSC_0538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OYPjq8cfbw/UVnjJxZ26VI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/afO6hFXzdNg/s640/DSC_0538.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and treats!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urNNIdcxswM/UVnnFa0exdI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/GZwvbJAD8v4/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urNNIdcxswM/UVnnFa0exdI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/GZwvbJAD8v4/s400/DSC_0362.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>An "eggstra" special day all the way around!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hope your weekend was just as joy-filled!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-58945588866199693082013-03-28T09:33:00.000-05:002013-03-28T09:33:10.766-05:00Go to Goza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg106fjTVso/UVJEvsX67iI/AAAAAAAAJxk/XBfaOE3vnEA/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg106fjTVso/UVJEvsX67iI/AAAAAAAAJxk/XBfaOE3vnEA/s400/DSC_0247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>While visiting Malta, we took the ferry one day to the neighboring island of Gozo to experience a different slice of island life.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyW-MV2D3j0/UVJE4UdaBTI/AAAAAAAAJxs/ZK4VJR8s0Hw/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyW-MV2D3j0/UVJE4UdaBTI/AAAAAAAAJxs/ZK4VJR8s0Hw/s400/DSC_0145.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Even though there were severe wind warnings that day, we continued with our plans amidst drizzle, wind and grey skies (after taking a little motion sickness tablet for the ferry ride, just to be on the safe side!)</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCJjX0QNXZk/UVJE5xy1USI/AAAAAAAAJx0/lDjo6eGiimI/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCJjX0QNXZk/UVJE5xy1USI/AAAAAAAAJx0/lDjo6eGiimI/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>No, this is not a photo of our ferry ride, but a picture of our group in fishing boats as we toured the area around Dwerja Bay.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUL1y7bGPjg/UVJE7i06RVI/AAAAAAAAJx8/TZNnfMlQHTI/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUL1y7bGPjg/UVJE7i06RVI/AAAAAAAAJx8/TZNnfMlQHTI/s640/DSC_0192.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We first boarded the boats in the Inland Sea, then headed out to the Bay through 200 foot tunnels through the cliffs.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9ryOwz8JFo/UVJFF6VMMhI/AAAAAAAAJyE/PDed3xGNBww/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9ryOwz8JFo/UVJFF6VMMhI/AAAAAAAAJyE/PDed3xGNBww/s400/DSC_0173.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Once in the bay, the views and water were amazing.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-dDflAHbcA/UVJFPeLbJjI/AAAAAAAAJyM/vcGjxo07-WQ/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-dDflAHbcA/UVJFPeLbJjI/AAAAAAAAJyM/vcGjxo07-WQ/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Geography created this natural phenomenon when </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWv-gn4V_4/UVJFQm7xYnI/AAAAAAAAJyc/If023yKtRr4/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWv-gn4V_4/UVJFQm7xYnI/AAAAAAAAJyc/If023yKtRr4/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>two limestone caves collapsed thousands of years ago. The Azure Window, as it is called, is a popular spot for cliff diving, </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmMtYUtvQT8/UVJFP6yCdjI/AAAAAAAAJyU/-YeBHepDXNo/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmMtYUtvQT8/UVJFP6yCdjI/AAAAAAAAJyU/-YeBHepDXNo/s400/DSC_0179.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the whole area is well known to divers for the underwater scenery,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzmNiLECokc/UVJFXbfrfEI/AAAAAAAAJyk/UH4VuOVpZ7s/s1600/DSC_0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzmNiLECokc/UVJFXbfrfEI/AAAAAAAAJyk/UH4VuOVpZ7s/s640/DSC_0161.jpg" width="427" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>coral and beautiful seascapes.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suXhqAkBq-I/UVJFgH8Ve-I/AAAAAAAAJys/Ngs0Z-D-GlU/s1600/DSC_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suXhqAkBq-I/UVJFgH8Ve-I/AAAAAAAAJys/Ngs0Z-D-GlU/s400/DSC_0136.jpg" width="267" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were "gob-smacked" as the Brits say, to find that there are 365 churches in Malta. Our guide told us that 98% of the people in Malta are Roman Catholic and that they are very proud of the heritage of the Biblical story that Paul was shipwrecked there on his way to Rome, staying for sometime after and converting the island to Christianity.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were able to visit just a few of the churches, but enjoyed seeing a couple in Gozo, such as The St. John the Baptist church perched high on a hill,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9lyi3Rnzmo/UVJFg76rWNI/AAAAAAAAJy0/AcwcG61HOKk/s1600/DSC_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9lyi3Rnzmo/UVJFg76rWNI/AAAAAAAAJy0/AcwcG61HOKk/s640/DSC_0139.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where they were preparing the statues for their annual procession during the days leading to Easter. With Malta being such a devout Christian country, every city, town and village</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdYugiqPo9g/UVJFhyjOXeI/AAAAAAAAJy8/1i3_vpzqKhQ/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdYugiqPo9g/UVJFhyjOXeI/AAAAAAAAJy8/1i3_vpzqKhQ/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>will have processions of the statues from their churches, representing the different stages of the Passion.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> Another quite amazing church indeed was the Ta Pinu church, most recently built in the 1920-30's.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTC_wimPM0s/UVJFr5UY2zI/AAAAAAAAJzU/1gNKFLqT4x4/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTC_wimPM0s/UVJFr5UY2zI/AAAAAAAAJzU/1gNKFLqT4x4/s400/DSC_0205.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Beautiful both inside and out, its heritage is quite a story. Devotees to the Virgin Mary have been coming to this place of pilgrimage for decades after a village woman reported to have heard a female's voice coming from the early chapel which stood at this location, and then was cured of her illness after prayer.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Believers have swarmed to this National Shrine of Malta for years to pray for their own miracles,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPaoq-h3gZE/UVJFxkZ68OI/AAAAAAAAJzc/M4MEGrtTxiA/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPaoq-h3gZE/UVJFxkZ68OI/AAAAAAAAJzc/M4MEGrtTxiA/s400/DSC_0206.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and when prayers have been answered, they have brought back mementoes of thankfulness, including this letter from a survivor of the Twin Towers,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>as well as scores of testimonies of healings,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>babies being born,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7twas3F_tA/UVJF-A-4Y4I/AAAAAAAAJzw/LRJhkQmewqY/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7twas3F_tA/UVJF-A-4Y4I/AAAAAAAAJzw/LRJhkQmewqY/s400/DSC_0200.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and wedding bouquets from the ceremonies performed there.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV3OdddZ76A/UVJF_6Pj53I/AAAAAAAAJz8/0BAfUkwX4Yg/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV3OdddZ76A/UVJF_6Pj53I/AAAAAAAAJz8/0BAfUkwX4Yg/s400/DSC_0229.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our favorite slice of life that day was a visit to the Ta Mena Farm,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBBDr_vk0iY/UVJGIBZw5HI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/1KBoEQHO5bw/s1600/DSC_0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBBDr_vk0iY/UVJGIBZw5HI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/1KBoEQHO5bw/s640/DSC_0218.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where Joe, along with his sidekick, Daisy, gave us a tour of his farm and shared his passion for the agricultural products and wines that he and his family grow right there.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPJmY3RWtS8/UVJGGxVGtaI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/1dsDeN-mxYk/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPJmY3RWtS8/UVJGGxVGtaI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/1dsDeN-mxYk/s400/DSC_0240.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We were treated to a feast of focaccia baked in outdoor ovens, olives, capers, ham, sun dried sweet tomato paste, olive oil and Gozo peppered cheese.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBoBYdVkc8/UVJGM9G3BFI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/QkBF9v6WewY/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBoBYdVkc8/UVJGM9G3BFI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/QkBF9v6WewY/s400/DSC_0237.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A welcome respite for the weary, windblown travelers and a feast for the eyes and the soul.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>More Malta to come....</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-46325421020303593472013-03-25T09:50:00.000-05:002013-03-25T09:50:14.555-05:00Postcards from Malta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8E1Ems7lqQ/UT4OB6tC2YI/AAAAAAAAJtY/Yc1J17rZ8QA/s1600/IMG_6566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8E1Ems7lqQ/UT4OB6tC2YI/AAAAAAAAJtY/Yc1J17rZ8QA/s640/IMG_6566.jpg" width="478" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>March brought with it an excursion to the island of Malta with the London gals. Situated in a highly strategic location between Libya and Sicily, Malta is actually made up of 7 islands, which have experienced a long and colorful history.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zm9Xf38bzYc/UT4Obtat56I/AAAAAAAAJtg/VKjudYzSffE/s1600/DSC_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zm9Xf38bzYc/UT4Obtat56I/AAAAAAAAJtg/VKjudYzSffE/s640/DSC_0124.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>With a stunningly beautiful coastline,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5drY3n2ViHI/UT4QiLHDeMI/AAAAAAAAJtw/sORAcNlMQrc/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5drY3n2ViHI/UT4QiLHDeMI/AAAAAAAAJtw/sORAcNlMQrc/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and the impressive harbors of the city,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu0MKMNHpKQ/UT4RxxFqp_I/AAAAAAAAJuI/YD41x79sdA0/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu0MKMNHpKQ/UT4RxxFqp_I/AAAAAAAAJuI/YD41x79sdA0/s400/DSC_0060.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Malta has seen a succession of powers ruling from prehistoric times until their declaration of independence from the British in 1964.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8IICmMx1r0/UT4RwZKQSLI/AAAAAAAAJuA/rdFlT71nY_A/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8IICmMx1r0/UT4RwZKQSLI/AAAAAAAAJuA/rdFlT71nY_A/s640/DSC_0065.jpg" width="428" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Maltese people are a reflection of this mix of cultures.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5oUhP_yAjk/UT4UDD4SifI/AAAAAAAAJuw/x9xAbtw4xvU/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5oUhP_yAjk/UT4UDD4SifI/AAAAAAAAJuw/x9xAbtw4xvU/s400/DSC_0052.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Some of the most fascinating sightseeing we did revolved around the mysterious remains of the temples of the Megalithic period.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Malta was evidently a sacred island and a center of worship and mystic practices.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>One of our visits was to the Hypogeum, an outstanding underground feat of engineering from prehistoric times with the only underground temple and burial place of its kind in the world.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, or Knights of Malta, as they are often called, occupied the island from 1530-1798, and after fighting off the Turks, they left their mark on the island</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>by building huge fortifications, harbors, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and baroque palaces and churches.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>One afternoon, we made out way to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>where we selected our fish for lunch and had it prepared for us while we waited. Couldn't have been any fresher.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And what's a girls' trip without treats, and here we are enjoying some pastizii, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a local delicacy which is a pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hmmm.....cheese for me please!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>More slices of life from our Malta adventure coming up....</i></b></span></div>
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<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-74975117525616541492013-03-21T13:06:00.000-05:002013-03-24T16:42:14.285-05:00Going with the Flow<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsuXKdkPXkw/UUs_19QiEjI/AAAAAAAAJvk/PsVUT_2E14k/s1600/IMG_6638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsuXKdkPXkw/UUs_19QiEjI/AAAAAAAAJvk/PsVUT_2E14k/s400/IMG_6638.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sometimes the best plans just don't happen, no matter how well you've planned, and this past week in London, with the spring weather turning into snowy weather, our trip to the countryside with the American Women's Club group to see Chartwell and Ightham Mote was cancelled. So what do aspiring gals do who have the day already cleared for a day trip?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We improvise! After some research by our fearless leader, Eve, we headed to the beautiful 16th century grand house, Syon House, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, where his family has lived for over 400 years.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was opening day for the spring season, and the guides could not have been more "chatty," sharing stories and anecdotes about the tales and visitors to this beautiful home.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Interior pictures were not allowed but you can see plenty here on the <a href="http://www.syonpark.co.uk/">Syon Park website. </a>The home was largely refurbished in the 18th century by Robert Adams, the most famous architect of his time, who designed a suite of rooms that will knock your socks off with their loveliness.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E04is86PqJg/UUs_78SUuNI/AAAAAAAAJvs/r1QssTZQxYI/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E04is86PqJg/UUs_78SUuNI/AAAAAAAAJvs/r1QssTZQxYI/s400/IMG_6636.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>In between snow showers and frigid temperatures, we toured the grounds after the home tour, where we saw the Grand Conservatory, built in 1830.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o97qr-aNU08/UUtAxhfElQI/AAAAAAAAJwk/u2Z77-brLFY/s1600/IMG_6641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o97qr-aNU08/UUtAxhfElQI/AAAAAAAAJwk/u2Z77-brLFY/s640/IMG_6641.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Attached to the home is an amazing garden store</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRnb5cfD5hA/UUtAzCqQ4aI/AAAAAAAAJws/RTObzYE-deU/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRnb5cfD5hA/UUtAzCqQ4aI/AAAAAAAAJws/RTObzYE-deU/s640/IMG_6643.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which makes for fun shopping in the shadow of the grand house.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaiEczpk8A8/UUs_9s6cM9I/AAAAAAAAJv0/xl2AtZ77UMk/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaiEczpk8A8/UUs_9s6cM9I/AAAAAAAAJv0/xl2AtZ77UMk/s400/IMG_6644.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Dressed for the frigid weather and armed with our maps,</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30AXi9j0uXY/UUs_--hlPoI/AAAAAAAAJv8/Ln2sOCAnWN0/s1600/IMG_6645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30AXi9j0uXY/UUs_--hlPoI/AAAAAAAAJv8/Ln2sOCAnWN0/s400/IMG_6645.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>we turned what was a disappointing experience to a fun day just outside of the city near Richmond.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnmUI8LZok/UUtAIw96zPI/AAAAAAAAJwY/BJIqJJXLXpw/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnmUI8LZok/UUtAIw96zPI/AAAAAAAAJwY/BJIqJJXLXpw/s400/IMG_6639.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>To top it off, we had a delightful lunch, with the yummiest carrot-coriander soup I've ever tried. Must look for a recipe for myself.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfvzEiQvZAk/UUtAINk3t8I/AAAAAAAAJwE/isw3v3BCHww/s1600/IMG_6652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfvzEiQvZAk/UUtAINk3t8I/AAAAAAAAJwE/isw3v3BCHww/s640/IMG_6652.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>That evening I was scheduled to join Cristen, along with her mother and aunt, to see the extremely popular Matilda musical. After trekking all the way there in misty cold weather, we arrived to find that the area was experiencing a black-out, and sadly, the show was cancelled.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So disappointing, but for the second time that day, we racked out brains for an alternative game plan.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1aqdb4T-X0/UUtAIBh4dnI/AAAAAAAAJwI/8IVtNJQpohs/s1600/IMG_6654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1aqdb4T-X0/UUtAIBh4dnI/AAAAAAAAJwI/8IVtNJQpohs/s640/IMG_6654.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>How can you go wrong with a nightcap at Laduree? We headed to their Covent Garden location</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVRX77UEvuM/UUtAJkn0VWI/AAAAAAAAJwc/0Uki1s2hYW4/s1600/IMG_6657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVRX77UEvuM/UUtAJkn0VWI/AAAAAAAAJwc/0Uki1s2hYW4/s640/IMG_6657.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for a treat to comfort us in our distress.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Instead of their traditional macarons, I opted for one of their delicious lemon tarts. So, so rich and decadent, that I thought I would just eat half and save the other half for the next day. Alas, the waiter wasn't willing to wrap it up for me to take it home, so what does a gal do?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Force" myself to finish every single crumb.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And let it be said, it was blissful torture!</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-8878662734892131152013-03-09T14:49:00.000-06:002013-03-24T16:42:56.805-05:00Sugar and Spice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3lmCvmYqNM/UTuU2X_AniI/AAAAAAAAJrw/D8mSmpPZYpk/s1600/IMG_6603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3lmCvmYqNM/UTuU2X_AniI/AAAAAAAAJrw/D8mSmpPZYpk/s400/IMG_6603.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Back in London again where I spent a rainy Friday afternoon with the London gals taking in a delicious high tea at the beautiful Fortnum and Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon which was inaugurated last year by the Queen, Kate--the Duchess of Cambridge and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall in conjunction with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A dozen of us gathered there for a fancy girls' day out</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>which started with individual pots of tea,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and progressed to a tower of treats. Our table was literally cluttered with tea stands</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C_XoXBaR24/UTuV0xD2YHI/AAAAAAAAJsg/dCiVMIplXRI/s1600/IMG_6611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C_XoXBaR24/UTuV0xD2YHI/AAAAAAAAJsg/dCiVMIplXRI/s640/IMG_6611.jpg" width="480" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>full of sweets, scones, and finger sandwiches. The scones were light and fluffy and made even tastier with Somerset clotted cream, preserves and lemon curd.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Thanks to our menus we were able to identify our finger sandwiches which I'll list in case you ever want to duplicate their formula: Cucumber with mint butter, Coronation Chicken, Ploughman's, Rare Breed Hen's Egg with Mustard Cress and Smoked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And just in case you still had room, there were assorted pastries followed by</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a trip to the Coronation Cake Carriage to select a slice of your favorite tea cake. We were delightfully more than satisfied, and spent the two hours sipping tea and catching up on the news of travels and playtimes.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Then we were off for the Spice of the day...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was time to "spice" up our life with the new Viva Forever musical now playing on the West End.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A story of a young singing group and a reality TV show competition with the Spice Girls music to move the story along. And if what "you want, what you really, really want" is a fun musical with a great sing along at the conclusion, then Viva Forever is for you.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Spice it up!</i></b></span></div>
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A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542106622490823914.post-78455702408405582982013-02-20T15:07:00.000-06:002013-02-20T15:07:02.739-06:00A Full English--Breakfast That Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLhHjqLhMQQ/USLp2MJMKfI/AAAAAAAAJqI/ehxtHti360I/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLhHjqLhMQQ/USLp2MJMKfI/AAAAAAAAJqI/ehxtHti360I/s400/IMG_6546.JPG" width="400" /></i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You haven't experienced a "real" breakfast, until you've enjoyed a Full English. Typically, nowadays, a weekend treat or the type of breakfast you might have on holiday, it's not a breakfast for the timid. A Full English would include several basics--eggs, of course--perhaps more often fried than scrambled, like the ones I enjoyed while on holiday in Lincoln. Grilled tomato and mushroom. I had a fried mushroom that day, but it often might be small button or field mushrooms.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Fried pork sausage and Back bacon. Back bacon is the most popular bacon you would eat in England, as opposed to streaky bacon from the pork belly like we buy in the States. Often referred to as Canadian bacon in the US, it consists of a slice that includes a piece of pork loin and a piece of pork belly combined into the same cut.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It would of course, be accompanied by baked beans, usually of the Heinz variety, and if you're "lucky" a slice of fried black pudding. I say that in jest, because I've never been brave enough to try it. Black pudding is a sausage made by cooking blood with a filler such as oatmeal and seasonings until it's thick enough to congeal when cooled. Quite a delicacy in England.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You might be offered a slice of fried (are you seeing a trend here?) bread or more often than not, toast on the side which is served in a toast rack. That keeps it from soaking up all that bean juice!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And if you're staying in a fancy-schmancy hotel like we were, they might even offer you a croissant served with Marmite or marmalade. I'll be taking the marmalade, thank you very much.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Now considering all I had for breakfast in the US this morning was a fine delicacy here in the South that we call cheese grits, I'm wondering who's got the better plan!?!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What would be your breakfast of choice?</i></b></span></div>
<br />A Tale of Two Citieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03625687318415580972noreply@blogger.com13