tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40375067121974600762024-03-19T11:16:37.724-07:00BelgradeCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-51699762701766702722008-04-25T12:39:00.000-07:002008-04-25T13:34:46.164-07:00The Best Quality of LifeZurich has been voted the city with the "best quality of life." I would ha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UbyQKjmcVJWlX1mhcimqsYPdanX0aDtWKIEU5ndIMDrI6nP2vF1WneRnkBkvENjT4E3JXsozBjO9TmtZPzY9Ul-UKHp23nfzzhiT1tFZYtdPhf5tUPjJU7xQW8VeIDaWEwTu_C7Mry3j/s1600-h/view.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193278669585094962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="168" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UbyQKjmcVJWlX1mhcimqsYPdanX0aDtWKIEU5ndIMDrI6nP2vF1WneRnkBkvENjT4E3JXsozBjO9TmtZPzY9Ul-UKHp23nfzzhiT1tFZYtdPhf5tUPjJU7xQW8VeIDaWEwTu_C7Mry3j/s320/view.JPG" width="240" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> to agree! I travelled with my friend Mary (neighbor who works at US Steel) to Zurich for my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> ever marathon. I had originally signed up with encouragement from my friend Jamie, but after she broke her arm, she didn't think she would be able to train and I was left without a running partner. Luckily, Mary was a sport and went along for moral support.<br /><br />Upon arrival in Zurich, we both immediately noticed the increased air quality due to the mountains, lake and smaller population. We immediately took public transportation (which is fast, spotless and on time) to our hotel, and then lugged our luggage up the 15 minute <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stairstep</span> hill to our hotel. In the morning, we woke up to a FANTASTIC view of Lake Zurich!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieCp9zMQCjIZBu1ZwUH4AF9go5icy2Ky7bETZ000V2m10z29nB0E3hYHwCFiIQyflOjetKU_ZGbOisCg2ZL-_19ShcRoLW9o2MYCFennbNdzG9WfqKrgoRpkdynLafN8Kr43DGfXP5LXI/s1600-h/2007_0309Zurich0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193275757597268194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px" height="228" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieCp9zMQCjIZBu1ZwUH4AF9go5icy2Ky7bETZ000V2m10z29nB0E3hYHwCFiIQyflOjetKU_ZGbOisCg2ZL-_19ShcRoLW9o2MYCFennbNdzG9WfqKrgoRpkdynLafN8Kr43DGfXP5LXI/s320/2007_0309Zurich0001.JPG" width="178" border="0" /></a>In exploring Zurich, we marvelled at the old buildings, tried out the different forms of transportation (tram, bus, train, cogwheel train, and finally boat). The old town was exactly what you would expect from Switzerland. Narrow streets, old buildings, and all sorts of watch shops and banks. We browsed the shops, walked through the "preferred" neighborhood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ThpsWszr4tKhXThflbgB-al38DlaW3Q09vUJuVP5gHNDJgPhVR0DVqvFx3LopDQ8r6UTSDUIpA-bdlcGM3MjvFmmomvKd87NnWWeWwCC_SPQF79QrFKe7hXUpz2Pu0yzGepjijMZ2zkC/s1600-h/2007_0309Zurich0031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193278630930389266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" height="165" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ThpsWszr4tKhXThflbgB-al38DlaW3Q09vUJuVP5gHNDJgPhVR0DVqvFx3LopDQ8r6UTSDUIpA-bdlcGM3MjvFmmomvKd87NnWWeWwCC_SPQF79QrFKe7hXUpz2Pu0yzGepjijMZ2zkC/s320/2007_0309Zurich0031.JPG" width="246" border="0" /></a> of Zurich, and then hopped on a city tour. There were all sorts of interesting Swiss facts... perhaps the most shocking to me was that only 30 % of Swiss people own their own home. The rest rent. Imagine if you were one of those 30 %! They must own two or three.<br /><br />After our day of exploring Zurich, we took the ferry back to our <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG5CUrUaxV-c5EJC4MVQBMa3H6h-ycVGuNrh8WVvRAVrgdnmqaRmQpUnKBTrOOvx4YyASOWyzMhvD6SjFICYyAyhWZUEOvZ0PPk3BvRjY6AgYJ8IjjA_7OGGWEdXGT_3b1WHQ8r-1ZU9A/s1600-h/2007_0309Zurich0015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193275779072104706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" height="176" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG5CUrUaxV-c5EJC4MVQBMa3H6h-ycVGuNrh8WVvRAVrgdnmqaRmQpUnKBTrOOvx4YyASOWyzMhvD6SjFICYyAyhWZUEOvZ0PPk3BvRjY6AgYJ8IjjA_7OGGWEdXGT_3b1WHQ8r-1ZU9A/s320/2007_0309Zurich0015.JPG" width="254" border="0" /></a>hotel (yep, the ferry). While on the ferry we saw all sorts of sailboats, and I was finally convinced that it was OK to have the rail in the water... they all put their side rails in the water! We had a fantastic (though not cheap... nothing there is cheap) Italian dinner in preparation for my Sunday morning race and I did my best not to think about the run.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k_tD64aBUknPytAmMS-XGTMU03iH81Ahq2tjFjXDLOIDSbpnl5XEkqcxvnOWV12UtCQMMFS_6JuYFWhi43IagsOM9eqDpsGrByfsLVwtt8W_dXD9OzGq1FKcfnjS9Eg0qWXs-qq12EH3/s1600-h/Marathon+Finish.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193278691059931458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" height="167" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k_tD64aBUknPytAmMS-XGTMU03iH81Ahq2tjFjXDLOIDSbpnl5XEkqcxvnOWV12UtCQMMFS_6JuYFWhi43IagsOM9eqDpsGrByfsLVwtt8W_dXD9OzGq1FKcfnjS9Eg0qWXs-qq12EH3/s320/Marathon+Finish.JPG" width="254" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The morning of the marathon was beautiful, and again I took the train to the race start (I was quite enthralled with the incredible public transportation). Immediately, I noticed that EVERY person at the race start looked like they might win the race. They were all in incredible shape and wore fancy sweat suits. I started to get nervous, as I wasn't sure I could finish 26.2 miles, let alone in a decent time. Luckily, there were tons of people along the race course and lots of bands to keep me moving. That along with the views of the ALPS kept me moving (barely) to the finish. It HURT!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwEWWO_rVq8AZGKdonuoUAq_yZV68xZ-Kon_dRinqijyFoXIXNZtxo3vC_fNIxJHL0P4_AfwVoC9csbn75YcOYqyvfbHTavGkVVF0t_8ug4HkIir6Vu6NbbRn6GLm_I6fraG54WL8YtIw/s1600-h/Better.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193278656700193058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" height="163" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwEWWO_rVq8AZGKdonuoUAq_yZV68xZ-Kon_dRinqijyFoXIXNZtxo3vC_fNIxJHL0P4_AfwVoC9csbn75YcOYqyvfbHTavGkVVF0t_8ug4HkIir6Vu6NbbRn6GLm_I6fraG54WL8YtIw/s320/Better.JPG" width="260" border="0" /></a><br />After the race, Mary and I weren't ready to be done exploring Zurich. We hopped on the train again and headed to the largest volume waterfall in Europe. I was busy scouting it for runnable kayak lines as Mary was amazed at how fast the water was moving. It was beautiful and the perfect afternoon in the sun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_hwFv1dDyQWBLfwWn4IUUOASBTPEoMR6s3xTQHCYlTnEQwtpJWiqwdHpWWlNVRJIMKFF7TX5g9_6MpCshSLJvxBkTksfjFdcLHr33cYo0AgAhAuPpXwD0mUSqfE6pL72uIyxQ3e0N32P/s1600-h/2007_0309Zurich0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193275770482170098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="164" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_hwFv1dDyQWBLfwWn4IUUOASBTPEoMR6s3xTQHCYlTnEQwtpJWiqwdHpWWlNVRJIMKFF7TX5g9_6MpCshSLJvxBkTksfjFdcLHr33cYo0AgAhAuPpXwD0mUSqfE6pL72uIyxQ3e0N32P/s320/2007_0309Zurich0010.JPG" width="240" border="0" /></a>Zurich pretty much shuts down on Sundays so we grabbed some pizza (again, NOT CHEAP) and headed to bed. It was an great weekend and I now know why Switzerland gets such great press!Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-14709208875616716712008-04-23T11:17:00.000-07:002008-04-23T11:52:42.639-07:00Brother Bonanza<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhRCIgl1RX1nt0RyyOLEcU5MVTl06IE9THFqP58o8xuEE8Cs1V1C_iZmj6WAEnm8I5UbCOQb8_vOT3q4axwcNas354HZzC0M874lcgOjda0Me33w29L6_j1w_gdzs96Y57Ux7LWvDKB2g/s1600-h/2008_0414Dubruvnik0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192514556248430802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="181" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhRCIgl1RX1nt0RyyOLEcU5MVTl06IE9THFqP58o8xuEE8Cs1V1C_iZmj6WAEnm8I5UbCOQb8_vOT3q4axwcNas354HZzC0M874lcgOjda0Me33w29L6_j1w_gdzs96Y57Ux7LWvDKB2g/s320/2008_0414Dubruvnik0007.JPG" width="263" border="0" /></a> Although I haven't updated in a while, it is not for lack of adventures, but for lack of time. Brother John made the trek to Belgrade for a bit of culture and fun on the beach. It was great to show someone around Belgrade and to hear comments from someone who doesn't live here. It is amazing the things that seem normal to me now. John was fantastic at translating the honking cars into angry honks, "hello" honks and honks just to let other drivers know that they are there. I had forgotten how much honking there is here. I was al<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1CX56D-VJkYiT8cQ28MjtbnaObPcZIYwqSDIPn7PaojciCZkrcGyKcER2DxEgFShrB7CZz4c-Bk1oSlv6WfIdI4LsssfIXlQ1npW4BjCTK74xWxtLsRuo3mh0Y8c7WDp9E5Uajxkc_JV/s1600-h/2007_0304Dubruvnik0056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192511712980080786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" height="183" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1CX56D-VJkYiT8cQ28MjtbnaObPcZIYwqSDIPn7PaojciCZkrcGyKcER2DxEgFShrB7CZz4c-Bk1oSlv6WfIdI4LsssfIXlQ1npW4BjCTK74xWxtLsRuo3mh0Y8c7WDp9E5Uajxkc_JV/s320/2007_0304Dubruvnik0056.JPG" width="267" border="0" /></a>so shocked to realize that the lines (or lack there of) in Belgrade no longer bother me. Instead of politely waiting in line for check-out counters or to get on/off the bus, you push your way through. John was probably horrified to see my lack of social graces as I shove along with the best of them. Luckily, he was a good sport and braved the super crowded trains to visit the coast. <div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-ZIH8KCeTQ6MZ6x1YfBI7PfHdoe-nmf1L6zcgmtPOEPpkRa9evQrCQkBr-HnDZtsMpqhU0fwrjOTxReMSD6nQW4LPrc34gNDPVsnRoKyVab37GOh9L7Qrsqwf3CTFFVqANjT5Kqn7C0U/s1600-h/2007_0304Dubruvnik0069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192511717275048098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="168" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-ZIH8KCeTQ6MZ6x1YfBI7PfHdoe-nmf1L6zcgmtPOEPpkRa9evQrCQkBr-HnDZtsMpqhU0fwrjOTxReMSD6nQW4LPrc34gNDPVsnRoKyVab37GOh9L7Qrsqwf3CTFFVqANjT5Kqn7C0U/s320/2007_0304Dubruvnik0069.JPG" width="246" border="0" /></a><br /><div>John and I headed to one of the best places around.... the Dalmation Coast. I had been to Montenegro before, but never to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Many of the small <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQexo65EETpN4UYCT4q_MbFSy7nCKWw2Q8xroon6XyQBJFX2nvUCW04URSP4Igs4b1lOMZlMRIFHfe4axGG6Gb2GpgAkDSV5RngvnuBEAhCN7VMTUbP0ejGiWlk5kASEk0vBF5ofcrjEIl/s1600-h/2007_0304Dubruvnik0073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192514543363528882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQexo65EETpN4UYCT4q_MbFSy7nCKWw2Q8xroon6XyQBJFX2nvUCW04URSP4Igs4b1lOMZlMRIFHfe4axGG6Gb2GpgAkDSV5RngvnuBEAhCN7VMTUbP0ejGiWlk5kASEk0vBF5ofcrjEIl/s320/2007_0304Dubruvnik0073.JPG" width="258" border="0" /></a>coastal towns have charming old towns from the pirate days. Dubrovnik's old town was nearly destroyed in the fall of Yugoslavia, but has been meticulously redone, and is now a fantastic place to visit. We walked the walls, explored the town and hiked to the top of the largest hill we could see (braving the possible land mines and snipers). We were rewarded with beautiful views into Bosnia and out to sea. Incredible.<br /></div><div>Upon return to Belgrade, we did some of the sightseeing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOD1dTW26wx81MIXcx4bU98S-AJ6XD-vU9d3O6UA1fmg5ya9CEEH8Lm0aLFCgIKQnXWmwXF-xHx0A33JbKQAFgcFkYKjJFzHMrSiVbmv_GjbA3UcGDd55Ursw69jr4RPtuge7zUjHAhy9/s1600-h/2007_0304Dubruvnik0061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192514551953463490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" height="186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOD1dTW26wx81MIXcx4bU98S-AJ6XD-vU9d3O6UA1fmg5ya9CEEH8Lm0aLFCgIKQnXWmwXF-xHx0A33JbKQAFgcFkYKjJFzHMrSiVbmv_GjbA3UcGDd55Ursw69jr4RPtuge7zUjHAhy9/s320/2007_0304Dubruvnik0061.JPG" width="260" border="0" /></a>that I never get around to in everyday life. We discovered Tito's grave, and wandered the streets of Belgrade. It was fantastic to have family here, and my friends and I were all sad to see John go home!</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-75988065060203359772008-04-03T00:24:00.000-07:002008-04-03T04:31:04.166-07:00Belgrade In SpringIn lack of any recent adventures, I thought I would share a little about life in Belgrade during spring.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkkrXWrfgBZmMH1Wc8uDaLkWCY_-tSm5zWexItGvbseoM6xNwVI6YJAluAnF6zsx0yt9v-H2sOjBHJO4fzDrH5hr4K_wlHSaboPgDxW-rk1FhpOzUtngpEAAMP25bm4AwzYLbYeu8ClJB/s1600-h/2007_0219spring0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184973732183604242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="195" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkkrXWrfgBZmMH1Wc8uDaLkWCY_-tSm5zWexItGvbseoM6xNwVI6YJAluAnF6zsx0yt9v-H2sOjBHJO4fzDrH5hr4K_wlHSaboPgDxW-rk1FhpOzUtngpEAAMP25bm4AwzYLbYeu8ClJB/s320/2007_0219spring0012.JPG" width="259" border="0" /></a>It has been absolutely beautiful in Belgrade the past few weeks. The trees are blooming and grass is green. I am very impressed with the Magnolia trees in my neighborhood. The flowers are fantastic!<br /><br />The other great thing is that after a winter of staying indoors, it seems as if most of Belgrade is coming out to enjoy the nice weather. The parks are packed with exercisers and families, and the bike paths become traffic jams. My neighbor and I went on a bike ride out of town and took advantage of a boat that will transport bikes across the Sava River for one US dollar. I like anywhere that lets you take a bike on a boat!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdqbY6CCEKWPf6IffjvDgMpwOx9FWKas9W88mYblQY7uO2ZuOacG5icixk_Ls9phOwIcnuuq1nsJuJFR8wRyQJ9ulDn3FPG3fjJbM38gJHuODjJztFWnhZo7ypYGi37EDR8oxvuw2KMOk/s1600-h/2007_0219spring0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184962943225756658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="177" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdqbY6CCEKWPf6IffjvDgMpwOx9FWKas9W88mYblQY7uO2ZuOacG5icixk_Ls9phOwIcnuuq1nsJuJFR8wRyQJ9ulDn3FPG3fjJbM38gJHuODjJztFWnhZo7ypYGi37EDR8oxvuw2KMOk/s320/2007_0219spring0003.JPG" width="269" border="0" /></a>Additionally, my coworkers and Belgrade friends are all very excited to get outside to enjoy the weather. We have had barbeques in the local parks, and are now starting up Sunday Ultimate Frisbees beneath the town fortress. That's right, we play frisbee while looking at the Danube and the fortress that marked the northwest corner of the Turkish Empire. It is pretty surreal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX79S0XTskauHfci_LkGFDPtWNS8LTjE1ax8exCgJqgMIgK5vSKKl27CxgcdyhlSuEQkMWNxL9ovEgeB0UAT0cxD42nlocCUuk4a9iESgdfeRJbEGK_ow9r8zHOzSuxDyYeR1v6xW893j/s1600-h/2007_0219spring0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184962951815691266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="182" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX79S0XTskauHfci_LkGFDPtWNS8LTjE1ax8exCgJqgMIgK5vSKKl27CxgcdyhlSuEQkMWNxL9ovEgeB0UAT0cxD42nlocCUuk4a9iESgdfeRJbEGK_ow9r8zHOzSuxDyYeR1v6xW893j/s320/2007_0219spring0008.JPG" width="280" border="0" /></a>This week at school, we are celebrating Spirit Week. As Student Council advisor, I am in charge of trying to organize 70 unmotivated Middle School students into playing lunch games and dressing up. Every day students are a little more motivated. They especially enjoyed creating fun hairstyles with shaving cream. Today, I wore all of my kayaking gear for "sports day." Most of the Serbian students have never even heard of river kayaking, although they have seen sea kayakers in the local rivers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKWYj9BCHfqOsrkQ8CJzZOr8I0qwxvJpKy4IcqAfQ8tlbsY8PmvzIMqORm_y5iG1sTgtEMDyqFBurdkIodzaqVvUM9DzGEzHcXGIVPoiYN5DJHpw67V_m_GJKkwIKcFaafgeEF_YFuxOg/s1600-h/Image007[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184973736478571554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="245" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKWYj9BCHfqOsrkQ8CJzZOr8I0qwxvJpKy4IcqAfQ8tlbsY8PmvzIMqORm_y5iG1sTgtEMDyqFBurdkIodzaqVvUM9DzGEzHcXGIVPoiYN5DJHpw67V_m_GJKkwIKcFaafgeEF_YFuxOg/s320/Image007%5B1%5D.JPG" width="195" border="0" /></a> <div><div> </div><div>The Roma in town have also been taking advantage of the spring cleaning. I was quite impressed that this man was able to transport a COUCH on his bicycle. I wonder if someone would make me a bike rack like his.</div><div><br />The exciting news here is that my brother is coming to visit next Wednesday. I can't wait to have a visitor!</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-46714639597088345312008-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:002008-03-20T14:28:32.345-07:00The Fred-Thoms are at it again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02qCvid-ujaIMheQWZiH0VIz49a2nqBNu5jjfVzktx9eH1jYzzcd7SWHVQPcebcTDD8UJxoZ_Q2uH_sRnklaL9ekdeDrkRls_wnNzI4xj4C6G5GqI_48cCo_xOCSGyjZXiioNjQjCYk4m/s1600-h/2007_0403Vienna0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179937049805388754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" height="185" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02qCvid-ujaIMheQWZiH0VIz49a2nqBNu5jjfVzktx9eH1jYzzcd7SWHVQPcebcTDD8UJxoZ_Q2uH_sRnklaL9ekdeDrkRls_wnNzI4xj4C6G5GqI_48cCo_xOCSGyjZXiioNjQjCYk4m/s320/2007_0403Vienna0002.JPG" width="279" border="0" /></a><br />Last weekend, I cruised up to Vienna to meet up with the Albuquerque Thomsons (and Libbiey's boyfriend, Duff). I convinced two of my coworkers (Tessa and Eric) to ride the train up with me as they had not seen Vienna. I have to reiterate how much I love the night trains. You fall asleep in Belgrade, and wake up in a whole new world. We took off Friday night and returned Monday morning in time for work, and only a little bit cranky from lack of sleep.<br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179934112047758210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fZMhPHbeg-sJuN_c90D69srdurgVC6Y1C925sF3VkHWrQFk1TwuHP7PgSwVhdteoIoobtDGla8i0JkCx2775n4rqR4QjsxFAmiLSJZUCQ9eYI-gBCfIuCQ6roAun7TYFoyJFD8N454M2/s320/2008_0317Vienna0008.JPG" width="276" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Vienna is an incredibly beautiful city, and I was constantly at a wonder over how well all of the public transportation works (Belgrade's is spotty at best). We all bought 24 hour metro tickets for our self guided tour. Perhaps the most impressive part of Vienna to me was the Summer Palace. It was an incredible estate and makes me wonder how Vienna could spend so much money and energy to house it's royals for a portion of the year. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItil3_pTva4F8CuMBMfh29jjDNeBWjXmwuPeBRgPYl0o5qDTSNKvcdJgfSKCSCO0KPLVtkGWBZcUtau6_5qpicRPdc1cLfBRXEFpczZ165MuRAyeSr-GM30XXZWdaXfgePvf_VvwSQWtU/s1600-h/2008_0317Vienna0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179936134977354690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItil3_pTva4F8CuMBMfh29jjDNeBWjXmwuPeBRgPYl0o5qDTSNKvcdJgfSKCSCO0KPLVtkGWBZcUtau6_5qpicRPdc1cLfBRXEFpczZ165MuRAyeSr-GM30XXZWdaXfgePvf_VvwSQWtU/s320/2008_0317Vienna0009.JPG" width="252" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was also blown away by seeing a true Weiner Schnitzel (apparently Weiner just means "of Vienna"). I had always thought they are some sort of Bratwursts, but boy was I wrong. Apparently they take some pork, pound it until it is super thin, and then bread it. They serve it on not very big plates so the Schnitzel hangs over the edges. It was quite the experience to watch people it it (I refrained). I did, however, discover that nearly all vegetables in Vienna are pickled. Every time I ordered a meal, it came with pickeled vegetables of some sort, and quite often potato salad as well. Food in different countries always is an experience in itself.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUrLllOW2pVtvfUwoz0cK5Znj_84DaiCC_QlwafZlTOVDA1PGS08mgCy_GFcvFO3_dn0T1LWtq7bQDsIQVwQzXzB3WgWWQ6kPTbHfnPxVKogz7x2J4xm9KUU19phwy2xdL1Txdo70twlz/s1600-h/2007_0403Vienna0025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179937062690290658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="260" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUrLllOW2pVtvfUwoz0cK5Znj_84DaiCC_QlwafZlTOVDA1PGS08mgCy_GFcvFO3_dn0T1LWtq7bQDsIQVwQzXzB3WgWWQ6kPTbHfnPxVKogz7x2J4xm9KUU19phwy2xdL1Txdo70twlz/s320/2007_0403Vienna0025.JPG" width="192" border="0" /></a>I have now been back for a week of work. It really wears me out to go out of town for the weekend, so I will be sticking around this weekend!</div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-33388845082241339212008-03-02T11:29:00.000-08:002008-03-02T11:46:34.730-08:00Sofia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7AXgLEN1tCLVZ_zjbTXyZ-4DaW-AG84CmA_sXz7yo6bOgSwUbGEmlN1zCpSZjqrCsHNH-MWwJHkqNHRuwxAyL1VsuHoFwcbdf0pjoggxpXF4WVN6nAkgmYWlTyHMYrbujkdJPfyPCQMA/s1600-h/Sofia+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173231617403706338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" height="269" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7AXgLEN1tCLVZ_zjbTXyZ-4DaW-AG84CmA_sXz7yo6bOgSwUbGEmlN1zCpSZjqrCsHNH-MWwJHkqNHRuwxAyL1VsuHoFwcbdf0pjoggxpXF4WVN6nAkgmYWlTyHMYrbujkdJPfyPCQMA/s320/Sofia+034.jpg" width="205" border="0" /></a> In wake of recent events, a coworker and I decided to get out of Belgrade and visit Sofia, Bulgaria. You may ask yourself, "Who goes to Sofia?" but we found it a friendly, town with plenty to see for two days.<br /><br /><div>We took a night train from Belgrade arriving early on Saturday morning in Sofia. Luckily, our hotel had agreed to let us check in early so that we wouldn't have to carry our bags around the city all day. Our hotel was a "boutique" hotel with nice rooms and a shower over the toilet (who knows how you are supposed to keep the toilet paper dry). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChUrbuvnP3_Nl6ny0GAX2imEtq7MdDRrLPpg2CrNdyBPt2Hjy09e8IA4BA1fd6WV3EovBqdMjRzKd0tyxU-pWoGw4zTmG8Q5U_WkyMYISs4l7C3iNOD066nACHzyhdeIZypifWGoP91dS/s1600-h/Sofia+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173232334663244786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" height="279" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChUrbuvnP3_Nl6ny0GAX2imEtq7MdDRrLPpg2CrNdyBPt2Hjy09e8IA4BA1fd6WV3EovBqdMjRzKd0tyxU-pWoGw4zTmG8Q5U_WkyMYISs4l7C3iNOD066nACHzyhdeIZypifWGoP91dS/s320/Sofia+028.jpg" width="201" border="0" /></a>As we read the Sofia City Guide that recommends restaurants, bars and sights, we discovered our hotel under the heading "Gay and Lesbian Night Life." What does that mean?</div><div></div><br /><div>On Saturday, we did a city tour with our friend Adam. He showed us the churches, told stories about the old buildings, and gave us an American living in Sofia view on life there. We were impressed with the food, prices, and the fantastic climbing store!</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mR0NQGXKKE7LYaW8muo3ZtlBhImpE52iktdpA7xqgtYK7ruY48Yu6gNF5yLQAvGJ8QzXroQ8CfbEGXBFQSCmf8311YRxdJqE9IxbsgE8njyLrGZ1yDcnbkuYtM-n6D8tr0QgS0fRX4mL/s1600-h/Sofia+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173231604518804434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mR0NQGXKKE7LYaW8muo3ZtlBhImpE52iktdpA7xqgtYK7ruY48Yu6gNF5yLQAvGJ8QzXroQ8CfbEGXBFQSCmf8311YRxdJqE9IxbsgE8njyLrGZ1yDcnbkuYtM-n6D8tr0QgS0fRX4mL/s320/Sofia+050.jpg" width="284" border="0" /></a>Sunday, Tessa and I again met up with Adam for a trip up the mountain just outside of town. This is what Belgrade is missing. There is a gondola, accessible by public transportation, that goes from Sofia up to the local ski mountain. The gondola was old and rickety, but it definitely made Sofia seem to be a great little city. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZlWjcuxiGQdmFfVWU2NwGVOJrCr-6_zpVMmxIp4lKtFLGOmXWA3UUC3XyF8ZyaYkGsWClF8lhZFl2mBELPto2rllLNykVAEYh_VgJLKt0H2di3-Z1NGl76NLWD9dUWW6Qk8ZF2vkHMGw/s1600-h/Sofia+068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173232343253179394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" height="207" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZlWjcuxiGQdmFfVWU2NwGVOJrCr-6_zpVMmxIp4lKtFLGOmXWA3UUC3XyF8ZyaYkGsWClF8lhZFl2mBELPto2rllLNykVAEYh_VgJLKt0H2di3-Z1NGl76NLWD9dUWW6Qk8ZF2vkHMGw/s320/Sofia+068.jpg" width="257" border="0" /></a>While Bulgaria is a VERY poor country (much poorer than Serbia), it has had recent development due to it's acceptance into the EU. Many Brits have moved to Bulgaria, buying up ski condos and real estate that goes for less the $50,000 for a slopeside chalet. Additionally, Sofia is putting in a bid for a future Winter Olympics. Who knows, Sofia could be the next big deal!</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-55099245585046239792008-02-22T08:44:00.000-08:002008-02-22T10:02:17.368-08:00Poor Serbia!<div>It seems as if Serbia will never get away from their "bad guy" image. First of all, I am totally safe in my little nook of Belgrade, and have yet to have a negative encounter due to being American. Living here during this politically unstable time has really given me a different perspective on all that is going on with Kosovo, so I thought I could share.</div><div></div><br /><div>When talking with Serbians (and you better bet I ask questions about Kosovo all the time, both with my climbing friends and among coworkers), all are very against the Radical Nationalists that often appear on TV. However, they do find it sad that Serbia is losing Kosovo as it has historically always been a part of Serbia, even before the boundaries of Yugoslavia were drawn after World War II. While there is no escaping the wrongs done on both sides (Kosovo Albanian's and Serbians) during the ethnic cleansing of the nineties, they feel as if Serbia is getting the short end of the stick. Back in the 90's the Ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo were the first (with the Kosovo Liberation Army- KLA) to attack Serbs. Of course the very Nationalist Serbians struck back until NATO bombed Pristina and Belgrade to stop the madness.</div><br /><div>Many of the people I have talked with admit the wrongs that Serbia did during this time. They do, however, wonder why the problem was not taken care of almost 10 years ago instead of NATO governing the stagnating Kosovo all of this time. From fellow American's, I have heard that Serbia lost the "moral right" to govern Kosovo. I don't necessarily feel it is that black and white. In the meantime, Kosovo is the real loser as it currently has over 50% unemployment and almost no economy to speak of (aside from the money it gets from the Albanian mafia). Hopefully it will get some help in the near future to get back on its feet. </div><div></div><br /><div>All of the issues have come to a head as of last weekend when Kosovo declared independence with the backing of the US and parts of the EU. Other countries such as Spain, Russia and even Canada are not recognizing Kosovo as independent yet as they have areas of their countries that they hold on to by a thread (51/49 in Canada). Yesterday, 300,000 Serbs swarmed to Belgrade- on busses with Serbian flags hanging in the windows and on the free trains from the country- for a "peaceful" demonstration that included lots of talking in Serbian followed by a prayer ceremony at Sveti Sava, the largest Orthodox church in town. During the demonstration, fewer than 100 protesters stormed embassy row downtown and attacked the Croatian, US, Belgian and even Canadian embassies. Many of the protesters were young, drunk men who, after burning the US embassy, proceeded to ransack all of the street alcohol vendors and then steel some nike shoes from a local sporting goods store. I believe they were just young, drunk and caught up in the excitement.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxeiuOFckXC5lkTVKCHhnXD2PirVUgs7a-Dl3ln0jsf3Ql4b8Gtu7t9_n5ZspUCUS-b6kW2BKhJVvYh4H5ytx9TzcCrgMAUeT5qPvOa-wpNdKrBnfPW7DhHLqQTpnpyJJEbyYikm7KsN_/s1600-h/t1home.serbia.emb.afp.gi"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169865635391443554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxeiuOFckXC5lkTVKCHhnXD2PirVUgs7a-Dl3ln0jsf3Ql4b8Gtu7t9_n5ZspUCUS-b6kW2BKhJVvYh4H5ytx9TzcCrgMAUeT5qPvOa-wpNdKrBnfPW7DhHLqQTpnpyJJEbyYikm7KsN_/s320/t1home.serbia.emb.afp.gi" border="0" /></a>The news is magnificent with its ability to twist the story. CNN began by calling it a "Peaceful Serbian Demonstration" to by the end claiming it was "Anti-American Protests" after showing the same five minutes of footage for three hours. We sat in awe in my apartment, flipping from the live, fairly calm Serbian footage to the CNN replays of the fire in the US Embassy. Moreover, a few days ago, BBC recorded Serbian President Boris Tadic as saying "Serbia will protect Kosovo's boundaries with any method necessary." When I looked up the speech, I realized that they cut it off before he could say ".... except war." That is some selective editing for you.</div><br /><div>As far as my safety, I have not had any negative encounters on the streets (and it is very apparent that I am NOT Serbian). The US Embassy has yet to evacuate anyone, and I am headed with a coworker to Bulgaria to enjoy my extended weekend and get away from some of the craziness. Perhaps I should start a movement of all of my friends to some little-known piece of paradise, rise to the democratic majority, and then declare independence... it could be my own little way of becoming president.</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-46402302938132189492008-02-19T02:47:00.000-08:002008-02-19T03:50:59.080-08:00Skiing in the AlpsIt occurred to me while on my February break that I have now accomplished a life long dream.... skiing in the Alps. Jamie, Ethan and I headed to Italy and Switzerland to meet up with Bryan (a friend of mine from Seattle who is living in France right now). It was the trip of a lifetime! <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEarfDaFxdbFuKNTSjbHPc0w7RG2bteS56OEVgwF8NZbmHn-v8nuuAn3mShk8vBN80Xak6x4bueZ7NbXQ10MikIdbUBX8MxqhMIJr23qA52sX8NFCRgMvDeslhgW54xtpKx883lCJ42nMu/s1600-h/n601208791_713805_6625.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652148216533490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 588px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" height="86" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEarfDaFxdbFuKNTSjbHPc0w7RG2bteS56OEVgwF8NZbmHn-v8nuuAn3mShk8vBN80Xak6x4bueZ7NbXQ10MikIdbUBX8MxqhMIJr23qA52sX8NFCRgMvDeslhgW54xtpKx883lCJ42nMu/s320/n601208791_713805_6625.jpg" width="588" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO05eIN3hfgNvwCZ2AVeU_RN-ThzM5w79td3wEiPIDDNm9spwLCXFypobY6R0wOlLhmHAVVdUZM4lbPXWdZSYpkLLvd6_USY4KdnUHz4pmlYsEMNeRWuaDcKBARgRZZv5uGK6wvZ79tna/s1600-h/n601208791_713804_6268.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652143921566178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px" height="278" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO05eIN3hfgNvwCZ2AVeU_RN-ThzM5w79td3wEiPIDDNm9spwLCXFypobY6R0wOlLhmHAVVdUZM4lbPXWdZSYpkLLvd6_USY4KdnUHz4pmlYsEMNeRWuaDcKBARgRZZv5uGK6wvZ79tna/s320/n601208791_713804_6268.jpg" width="194" border="0" /></a> <div>We realized that for three people, it would actually be economical to rent a car and have a little freedom on a big road trip. As this was my first time renting a car, it made me feel OLD. It was a 12 hour drive to our condo, and the journey was half the fun. On the way to Cervinia, we stayed at an old prison that has been converted into a hotel. It is in a super funky/artsy neighborhood in Ljubljana. Our cell was complete with bars over the door.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a3MQDEqFRi6ciJWzdGZSJEGR7e5Srl3sjsuroyuVgygsDv6lvHg004MQIiY18QGWHcxDCuYMw034AEv2sa0aFSw4-gqeFOddQGpdD3eDuohm9LuPB4W5X-J5jX_MNJhdwLJDkMJT3JIv/s1600-h/n513642292_396112_8244.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652380144767522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" height="204" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a3MQDEqFRi6ciJWzdGZSJEGR7e5Srl3sjsuroyuVgygsDv6lvHg004MQIiY18QGWHcxDCuYMw034AEv2sa0aFSw4-gqeFOddQGpdD3eDuohm9LuPB4W5X-J5jX_MNJhdwLJDkMJT3JIv/s320/n513642292_396112_8244.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a>After our jailbreak, it was Cervinia or bust! Driving into the Alps, we finally got a view of the Matterhorn (the biggest reason we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrH34TsfOhOiYT4nZZ4uCx9SH5bDLindDbXCHrepA2XKV8ygHVr3XLSc3qO_ovDB7GuWhV2XYBl-rS0VyDhuc4Y0Xm-KH11banKJa2ge3AgHKu0lwP70BrtlOoFz-khY17b8hlrC_r0Dm/s1600-h/n601208791_713808_7582.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652573418295890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" height="281" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrH34TsfOhOiYT4nZZ4uCx9SH5bDLindDbXCHrepA2XKV8ygHVr3XLSc3qO_ovDB7GuWhV2XYBl-rS0VyDhuc4Y0Xm-KH11banKJa2ge3AgHKu0lwP70BrtlOoFz-khY17b8hlrC_r0Dm/s320/n601208791_713808_7582.jpg" width="205" border="0" /></a>decided to ski at Cervinia and Zermatt) which got bigger and bigger as we neared the mountain. As it turns out, our apartment for the week was set at the BASE of the Matterhorn, and the entire ski area had fantastic views of the mountain. I would hate to count the number of times I looked at the Matterhorn and was blown away by how impressive it is. </div><div></div><br /><div>Our six days of skiing were fantastic. The weather was beautiful and we all had a great time... believe it or not, six days didn't seem like enough skiing. We even enjoyed "apres ski" a few days, complete with a live band and some great dancing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilawXv_YGXgI64TyIy_dXoiy6_jrqg7amqiKG35_kC0k5UtoR_9_QSLcUW5kcUjJ1XSmAxiuefi5pVURxG7Wklz52-UOyIovnjHdGSbDfatJge130bcppAaobg_uAEqrw2KLosJXsVX5mm/s1600-h/n513642292_396110_7346.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652371554832914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" height="256" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilawXv_YGXgI64TyIy_dXoiy6_jrqg7amqiKG35_kC0k5UtoR_9_QSLcUW5kcUjJ1XSmAxiuefi5pVURxG7Wklz52-UOyIovnjHdGSbDfatJge130bcppAaobg_uAEqrw2KLosJXsVX5mm/s320/n513642292_396110_7346.jpg" width="194" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFZBVF-S1sdZaMURqg2p20atxpPuh2E_VZNsRdal0u-hV_hbTyKmuwkI2ubfQ3Wd2-uAK_8yZAevXH09Z43AoaEBYp8b8PbMQFoHVsAwLBgHSQ28I9fJv4mPfjDMpH2Q_IlxDT1E0zECr/s1600-h/n513642292_396115_9238.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652573418295874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" height="223" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFZBVF-S1sdZaMURqg2p20atxpPuh2E_VZNsRdal0u-hV_hbTyKmuwkI2ubfQ3Wd2-uAK_8yZAevXH09Z43AoaEBYp8b8PbMQFoHVsAwLBgHSQ28I9fJv4mPfjDMpH2Q_IlxDT1E0zECr/s320/n513642292_396115_9238.jpg" width="191" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p4sGYfl9SDuNBkI1ooSisz-jZIM3AHf18-zlsNPnfsfdHH_8hWllCE7cNL8OUuldoJZwTpi0AKkUwU3MgIEAbf-vhUNWK8L95pUEOYzWGHg7YMQWdq4CmT36CYri9mzlkj_mHlDSHEKu/s1600-h/n601208791_713826_3215.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652380144767538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" height="195" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p4sGYfl9SDuNBkI1ooSisz-jZIM3AHf18-zlsNPnfsfdHH_8hWllCE7cNL8OUuldoJZwTpi0AKkUwU3MgIEAbf-vhUNWK8L95pUEOYzWGHg7YMQWdq4CmT36CYri9mzlkj_mHlDSHEKu/s320/n601208791_713826_3215.jpg" width="262" border="0" /></a>Although we were sad to leave the mountains, we had more adventure awaiting us on the way home (not to mention my legs were shot from all of the skiing). To break up our drive home, we planned a night in Venice. While Venice has never been on my list of cities to visit, it was incredible. Driving into the city, Jamie and I were trying to navigate while Ethan drove to our hotel. Finally, Ethan made the comment, "maybe we can't drive to our hotel." Sure enough, we had to take a boat! The canals were fantastic, there really were gondolas, and we travelled everywhere around Venice by boat. What a strange, but interesting city.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt1rfydUem9ROHtCjMhSQP05tGqGI8mukv8mkkJWnrcnhQT_dN43C4J_KRsNfzuYpPOeiQFVx8-IwX9sf6Uwt4bh4bQbq4EksSWk7_EoLYhg6403yH2ai3_A_YARylz2R9Vp9cguoaCwY/s1600-h/n601208791_713827_3531.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168652152511500802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 580px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" height="137" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt1rfydUem9ROHtCjMhSQP05tGqGI8mukv8mkkJWnrcnhQT_dN43C4J_KRsNfzuYpPOeiQFVx8-IwX9sf6Uwt4bh4bQbq4EksSWk7_EoLYhg6403yH2ai3_A_YARylz2R9Vp9cguoaCwY/s320/n601208791_713827_3531.jpg" width="580" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We arrived back in Belgrade to find all sorts of excitement over the split off of Kosovo (more on that later). The trip was the trip of a lifetime, and I am ready to ski again before the end of the year!</div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-38318969939474833282008-01-31T02:01:00.000-08:002008-01-31T02:10:57.963-08:00Olympic SkiingAs part of the Olympic tour (Athens, and now Sarajevo) I headed to Sarajevo, Bosnia for a weekend of skiing. It is pretty amazing that I can go to BOSNIA for a weekend, as it is a quick 40 minute flight. <br /><br />I arrived in Sarajevo to find an incredibly interesting, diverse city with history bursting from it's seams. Driving from the airport to Stari Grad (old town) we drove through "Sniper Alley" of the 1990's. Apparently, the Serbs would hide out on the nearby ridges and pick off Bosnians as they walk down the road. There are still bullet holes in many buildings that show the destruction that occured during the recent wars. In the center of town, you find Mosques next to Orthodox and Catholic churches and a huge Turkish influence making for a fantastic time wandering the streets.<br /><br />After exploring Sarajevo for a day, I headed to Jahorina, the nearby ski hill and location of the 1984 Winter Olympics. While Jahorina lacked new snow, it was great to stay up on the ski hill and enjoy the mountains for the weekend. Again, people looked at me like I was crazy as I telemark skied. Apparently it is not the most popular sport in this part of the world.<br /><br />Monday morning, I took an incredibly early flight back to Belgrade, just in time for work. Unfortunately, I still do not have a camera, so there is no documentation of the trip.Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-24389522707685488992008-01-08T08:10:00.000-08:002008-01-08T08:45:15.119-08:00Another Post!I have finally had enough people bugging me to update my blog page that I will actually do it. The biggest problem now is how to include all of the travelling I have done over the past three weeks into one post? I have been to Italy, Budapest, and down to Greece with my family... an incredible vacation!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnqK0ZJZ5ZaskD_nT4o9xhbCLTWPp7pl0ZfKwNeoGQR5IrgLlxCuOkhrpO1I-ZUWqOZQ5KcQOqDlzY-lIP6zUP776GtKF3wee_sdF-GU5mw_cB2dLJ1TFER6rowv_nO4ec7egs0IN40e5/s1600-h/DSCN1501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153143957878025234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="190" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnqK0ZJZ5ZaskD_nT4o9xhbCLTWPp7pl0ZfKwNeoGQR5IrgLlxCuOkhrpO1I-ZUWqOZQ5KcQOqDlzY-lIP6zUP776GtKF3wee_sdF-GU5mw_cB2dLJ1TFER6rowv_nO4ec7egs0IN40e5/s320/DSCN1501.JPG" width="255" border="0" /></a> My vacation started with Angela coming to visit. Someone asked me at the beginning of my stay in Belgrade which of my friends would come visit. I immediately said Angela (girlfriend from college) and lo and behold, she was the first to visit. We spent four days in Belgrade walking around the city, eating on the pizza boat (it is wild) and experiencing the joys of my coworkers (she was even brave enough to go to my exercise class- I'm surprised she could walk the next day).<br /><br />After Belgrade, we flew to Rome. Rome was absolutely overwhelming. It seemed like every time we turned a corner there was another impressive, important looking building. Half the time we would look it up on the map and it wouldn't be there. Especially impressive were the Collosseum and the Vatican. Unfortunately, as my camera is still broken, I have no pictures yet. After three days of walking around Rome, our feet needed a rest and our heads were spinning trying to not be hit by the crazy drivers there (and they say drivers are crazy in Serbia). We headed for the Amalfi Coast, specifically Positano. The Amalfi Coast is just about the most breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coast (or should I say cliff) that I have ever seen. And they have built the towns on the cliffs, so there are enormous staircases to take you around town. We stayed on top of Positano, and could only motivate to walk to the sea once or twice per day- probably only 1/2 a mile, but the entire walk was stairs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EjXSX9BaENhn3VwbtT49RPW-nHesgv1XaOuPxCWqZeRrUH0A8TcqSlCME5rKdNzxgN9qbG8XcDQE9uEELUIljMkfm-c5brhyphenhyphen0_1xHzH4TpTGgO1iHiOhby31UTyGnKO6O6ZKBSy-8ijH/s1600-h/IMG_2251.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153145048799718498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px" height="192" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EjXSX9BaENhn3VwbtT49RPW-nHesgv1XaOuPxCWqZeRrUH0A8TcqSlCME5rKdNzxgN9qbG8XcDQE9uEELUIljMkfm-c5brhyphenhyphen0_1xHzH4TpTGgO1iHiOhby31UTyGnKO6O6ZKBSy-8ijH/s320/IMG_2251.jpg" width="273" border="0" /></a>When I left Angela, I jetted (literally) up to Budapest to meet my family (minus John, boo). Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated everything being closed for Christmas (they celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Serbia). Since we couldn't go to the baths, we toured Budapest and headed to Belgrade.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx7G9SVX9BuBea0XRcpvu-4V09yqs9XndI1OJKmQ86a6wgkJbJnaHsLxRX9ZlBXhrHXvDLGW_srGva6V2uxglN68D2EfzdxdljZELwAK3zT9ZvK9-9pUFWTwDJSojEaAdS_hWZenzArV6/s1600-h/chris2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153143962172992546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx7G9SVX9BuBea0XRcpvu-4V09yqs9XndI1OJKmQ86a6wgkJbJnaHsLxRX9ZlBXhrHXvDLGW_srGva6V2uxglN68D2EfzdxdljZELwAK3zT9ZvK9-9pUFWTwDJSojEaAdS_hWZenzArV6/s320/chris2.jpg" width="282" border="0" /></a>In Belgrade, we again went to the pizza boat (it is pretty much my favorite thing here) and again did a lot of walking and sight seeing. I am getting pretty good at the tour guide thing if you would like to visit!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoICbI3JMM9apzPeRXpWW_0oKc0Pw3FhX9RKXL4Y-lHU2Gy68oS0N0Skl7pMj0ca5DVoYYZon90FqHESxdkduVYpRoiXAG46TQ_gtE45qJrZXX1cakFZUA0BXSDvg8V4r7sbiszlSrRbED/s1600-h/DSCN1530[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153143966467959858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoICbI3JMM9apzPeRXpWW_0oKc0Pw3FhX9RKXL4Y-lHU2Gy68oS0N0Skl7pMj0ca5DVoYYZon90FqHESxdkduVYpRoiXAG46TQ_gtE45qJrZXX1cakFZUA0BXSDvg8V4r7sbiszlSrRbED/s320/DSCN1530%5B1%5D.JPG" width="279" border="0" /></a>From Belgrade, we headed to Greece. My parents and sister were pretty amazed by the rickety night train we took through Macedonia, but it is all pretty much what I am used to (minus the heater that was stuck on <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgt_BXDrXnlQjBLgd4f4V6t6yp02ivcC9f0CPN3C8eKOWRAYVew9wzwRAQXTzzJ0veYRZBP6abw2zNYjB-Blfbfzma8yhToA1N9YHONQ01tsLncqUGxBMGukUBKcY_5_1PFX5j2L5kGvR/s1600-h/DSCN1552[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153145040209783874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" height="186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgt_BXDrXnlQjBLgd4f4V6t6yp02ivcC9f0CPN3C8eKOWRAYVew9wzwRAQXTzzJ0veYRZBP6abw2zNYjB-Blfbfzma8yhToA1N9YHONQ01tsLncqUGxBMGukUBKcY_5_1PFX5j2L5kGvR/s320/DSCN1552%5B1%5D.JPG" width="274" border="0" /></a>high). Apparently my standards for acceptable travel are not too high. We started our Grecian excursion in Thessoloniki, a charming port city in the north-east of Greece. We then headed to Athens.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqt3x5MFdhcFikaKYb6zOCO8s-W0_2h1HKl0IK8-Pq5tbPQcThBsw79zeJPKDEtTIjuB0utGXFMTP8ZlET53UM1BJF0ZJjPUym3KQGKDFEL4VqLnV2WzGAPaz_HLFvy_yDslgJquJ3VTu/s1600-h/DSCN1637[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153145040209783890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqt3x5MFdhcFikaKYb6zOCO8s-W0_2h1HKl0IK8-Pq5tbPQcThBsw79zeJPKDEtTIjuB0utGXFMTP8ZlET53UM1BJF0ZJjPUym3KQGKDFEL4VqLnV2WzGAPaz_HLFvy_yDslgJquJ3VTu/s320/DSCN1637%5B1%5D.JPG" width="262" border="0" /></a>Athens is an incredible, large city with, like Rome, too much to see. The entire center of town is taken up by the Acropolis hill and ruins of the ancient city. All I could think about the entire time was my high school history teacher who loved Greek history and Mythology. I felt as if I was living in a myth. In Athens, we also enjoyed the local cuisine (especially the Greek Salads), and drank a bunch of coffee at the many cafes. Good food and good coffee is my kind of vacation!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3rmbNopBCek3xYdumtZDFr7LyfkBZKCeJa4MzuBsN6h6QHb-dv42mewmT8IfbsgHq5CR2F1CmdLKl6q5jRC90jSzY_JZp5Ef3gaemIjhrZgz6IXozLtfZsIMj2W-EPpGnDdZyFMebnkM/s1600-h/DSCN1611[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153145748879387762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" height="184" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3rmbNopBCek3xYdumtZDFr7LyfkBZKCeJa4MzuBsN6h6QHb-dv42mewmT8IfbsgHq5CR2F1CmdLKl6q5jRC90jSzY_JZp5Ef3gaemIjhrZgz6IXozLtfZsIMj2W-EPpGnDdZyFMebnkM/s320/DSCN1611%5B1%5D.JPG" width="268" border="0" /></a><br />From Athens, we explored some of the small islands just out from Athens. My favorite was Hydra, a small town that uses donkeys and horses instead of cars. Hydra was also quite warm compared to the winter wonderland of Belgrade and Budapest.<br /><br />I am now back in Belgrade, getting ready to resume teaching. I of course look forward to my next adventures!Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-30292358145381820042007-11-28T03:04:00.000-08:002007-11-28T03:48:41.607-08:00Apres Ski<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhHmh0LeiyqpfHuEy3MPEzHl6Ch1bEiA1j1BGe69lnNd6mum_OnsmWXYVlhrDsFjVJ7GhhFXJ1Bgcs85q6qh_NpVVSySijGYh8m-ZGREaJ2UQE1wMunx8vSH13VZDryQHh0otPmBHBSCB/s1600-h/70204001_f60f21d412.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137856001364216962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhHmh0LeiyqpfHuEy3MPEzHl6Ch1bEiA1j1BGe69lnNd6mum_OnsmWXYVlhrDsFjVJ7GhhFXJ1Bgcs85q6qh_NpVVSySijGYh8m-ZGREaJ2UQE1wMunx8vSH13VZDryQHh0otPmBHBSCB/s320/70204001_f60f21d412.jpg" width="255" border="0" /></a> I just got back from my weekend skiing in Austria--pretty much a dream of mine. I decided that I needed to get out and do it, so I loaded my skis up and caught a night train. I absolutely love the night trains because you sleep on the way there, and wake up in a totally different world. It is way better than hassling with the airport! On this trip, I woke up in Austria... amazing! For those of you who know the Bavarian villages of Solvang, CA or Leavenworth, WA, they are pretty much right on. The y even had a hotel named Edelweiss... I could hardly keep from breaking out into song!<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>As I am incapable of planning ahead and having reservations, I met a man on the train who works at Obertauern and could recommend ski lodging for a reasonable price. Because it is early season, a lot of hotels weren't open yet, so I ended up staying in a room above a disco (good thing I am a heavy sleeper). The room was cheap, clean, walking distance from the slopes and came with a breakfast so as long as you don't mind the vibrations of the base below you, it was a great place to stay! </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKk0gpZF9SpT4Hcef-pYxyPanEjEMChkSNzP_0EYiauWxtlRFCDLaPohqW72g-OJBbdNfL2cGHvTumn0t4I-uLps7bswTOYV3U6JvX8Es8_SPi8RivcsGz74qrsB9y4YXGsatUeLgG-qE/s1600-h/Skiing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137855481673174114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" height="281" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKk0gpZF9SpT4Hcef-pYxyPanEjEMChkSNzP_0EYiauWxtlRFCDLaPohqW72g-OJBbdNfL2cGHvTumn0t4I-uLps7bswTOYV3U6JvX8Es8_SPi8RivcsGz74qrsB9y4YXGsatUeLgG-qE/s320/Skiing.JPG" width="206" border="0" /></a>The first day I skied, I quickly realized that I was the ONLY telemarker on the entire mountain (and it is a big mountain). People kept coming up to me and after a bunch of gibberish (German) I would hear the word "telemarker." Luckily most of them switched to perfect English when I mentioned that I hadn't understood a word they said. They all thought I was crazy (apparently not many people from the US ski at Obertaurn). As I got ready to head back to my hotel at the end of the day, I heard loud, fun music coming from one of the ski lodges... it sounded like a party! As I like parties, I headed inside and was introduced to the world of Apres Ski (after ski in French). The idea is that after you ski all day, you are stoked by having a great day, but have nothing to do except head to your lodging. In order to give people something to do, lodges and restaurants open up from 3-6 to let skiers party until dinner time. Skiers come by the mass, still in their ski clothes to enjoy Apres Ski. The music is hilarious (YMCA, Macerena, and Austrian Yodeling) and people are amazingly agile while dancing in their ski boots. I even partook in some of the festivities (yep, I tried dancing in ski boots). At 6, the Apres Ski places shut down to clean up for dinner. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PSL1i5w8WfjepfnoFWCrbtU6lsWk2LoxzdL9BO37mUzTUUGTKk59U9egx0THBRczB4kAdHh5H4YoKiq5v6Ir4MRq63gl6VXSoQc4_vAr7qCeAxywdnF6rdZP1h8Fwi7yV1YdredNROHO/s1600-h/sonja.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137855485968141426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PSL1i5w8WfjepfnoFWCrbtU6lsWk2LoxzdL9BO37mUzTUUGTKk59U9egx0THBRczB4kAdHh5H4YoKiq5v6Ir4MRq63gl6VXSoQc4_vAr7qCeAxywdnF6rdZP1h8Fwi7yV1YdredNROHO/s320/sonja.jpg" width="276" border="0" /></a>One of the best things about travelling alone is the number of people you meet. The second day I set out skiing with a woman from Austria who rips! We had a great day skiing and once again participated in Apres Ski. What a kick... I wish I had a video camera so that everyone could appreciate how amazing it is. When I decide to quit teaching and make my millions, I will open an Apres Ski place in the states!</div><br /><div></div><div>Austria exceeded all of my expectations and I can't wait to go back to ski there again this winter... hopefully I can convince friends to come too!</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-53606171205381566252007-11-19T01:30:00.000-08:002007-11-19T01:45:21.092-08:00Snow Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_H6cJL_tgv2CCA9xthTzX4ma5g7EDBWZT2pK9MM0IexqFsF4y8LUo59oSOzHRF2_7TuCmxHfaRLgmWv_-Jc_6H84ddbUuadcyOeKWamLk9JQzoGMvj0jjJFvTy8ERTpmLODmUevgNfTY/s1600-h/Me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134484258763328562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" height="244" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_H6cJL_tgv2CCA9xthTzX4ma5g7EDBWZT2pK9MM0IexqFsF4y8LUo59oSOzHRF2_7TuCmxHfaRLgmWv_-Jc_6H84ddbUuadcyOeKWamLk9JQzoGMvj0jjJFvTy8ERTpmLODmUevgNfTY/s320/Me.jpg" width="177" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>As all little kids know... these are magic words! All weekend it has been snowing in Belgrade. We currently have about 1/2 a foot of snow and it is absolutely beautiful. It completely changes the whole city, and makes me really happy (even though someone knocked down my snowman). </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXQnssuDYank3FyVXbWBaMp-GXIIlBuq5E9bXACL07MlwNmHa4uYVxQ8UgtEM4exsyIJ9qY5rkuZMyXGbBAOELzcC0ZSysvzeLUr1Yml46VozP9kFbIThLhvSrtcHvjn6BPSMYYmP_3Po/s1600-h/Ski+Lodge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134484486396595266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" height="276" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXQnssuDYank3FyVXbWBaMp-GXIIlBuq5E9bXACL07MlwNmHa4uYVxQ8UgtEM4exsyIJ9qY5rkuZMyXGbBAOELzcC0ZSysvzeLUr1Yml46VozP9kFbIThLhvSrtcHvjn6BPSMYYmP_3Po/s320/Ski+Lodge.jpg" width="210" border="0" /></a>Saturday, taking full advantage of the snow, we immediately headed to the top of Belgrade's sledding hill. They used to have a rope tow on the hill (and may put it back in if there is enough snow) and there are two mini ski lodges at the top....it looks like we are in the Alps right?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ05CITcIDK5ZjtLXYS1uGMhGUknERLqUnkicMFS_48g3iQQ1pC2CcwVVCaXqOx_M41f5f9zeXJdqyeSWEo4ltDgDKSusO4XioQRvulGpVMhYWDPXfYpu-b3SzcPFSabA3UpwBXq2ZHXOk/s1600-h/Ghetto.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134484091259604002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" height="277" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ05CITcIDK5ZjtLXYS1uGMhGUknERLqUnkicMFS_48g3iQQ1pC2CcwVVCaXqOx_M41f5f9zeXJdqyeSWEo4ltDgDKSusO4XioQRvulGpVMhYWDPXfYpu-b3SzcPFSabA3UpwBXq2ZHXOk/s320/Ghetto.jpg" width="204" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>While there wasn't enough snow on Saturday for sledding, Sunday had plenty! We took our trash bags and made "Ghetto" skis and snowboards out of plastic and wood planks. We were quite the hit on the hill. One little boy told a Chrissy (wearing the white coat) "Wow, your yellow trash bag is really fast." We were pretty much entertainment for the entire crowd (and the only adults enjoying the snow).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzghM85mCY0Yc-Nsuj7D42jYe6Zve89kYADq4uuZdWWdsxt1SxOyLCq44fP4yoTEZYNkAOF719L5N3Bw6hvE9MWzxpnJEVNfZYMsY5xKDQ1liJSoZVu1yzzeh2HRZjsWRtpkoJUN98LDF/s1600-h/chrissy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134484490691562578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" height="239" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzghM85mCY0Yc-Nsuj7D42jYe6Zve89kYADq4uuZdWWdsxt1SxOyLCq44fP4yoTEZYNkAOF719L5N3Bw6hvE9MWzxpnJEVNfZYMsY5xKDQ1liJSoZVu1yzzeh2HRZjsWRtpkoJUN98LDF/s320/chrissy.jpg" width="186" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>Apparently, due to the weight of the wet snow on the power lines, a line went down at our lower school causing an electrical fire and destroying our server. The admin is meeting today to decide if they will cancel school Tuesday and Wednesday as well so that we can have a longer Thanksgiving break. I am rooting for it... there is no way to teach without computers right?</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-65100440879565738542007-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:002007-11-13T14:05:43.663-08:00Slovenia Rocks my Socks!I just came back from a crazy, but wonderful trip to Slovenia's Julian Alps. Jamie and Ethan are always up for a trip, so we decided to do a marathon <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDLF1YKRki3MUxN5HVxLXTNN8PREV5RTKfXztYrhXItLt0PmBHB4z_o-GyOG3RJ0MjGPvy3c0eglaL9folqReEwVC9NXLx8VKFfwXr_PcCAoXJsr8t-1WA-DdhdBonk9-UwhyphenhyphenTMxrz6d4/s1600-h/Julian+Alps.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132444696632810770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="140" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDLF1YKRki3MUxN5HVxLXTNN8PREV5RTKfXztYrhXItLt0PmBHB4z_o-GyOG3RJ0MjGPvy3c0eglaL9folqReEwVC9NXLx8VKFfwXr_PcCAoXJsr8t-1WA-DdhdBonk9-UwhyphenhyphenTMxrz6d4/s320/Julian+Alps.jpg" width="568" border="0" /></a>weekend to meet up with Melissa in the Julian Alps. Melissa has decided teaching in Belgrade isn't her cup of tea, so is leaving on the 19th. In the meantime, she has been travelling throughout Bosnia and Croatia, and then met up with us in Slovenia. To get to Lake Bled (our homebase for the weekend), we jumped on an overnight train Friday after school. Somehow we ended up in first class (I assume it is because they looked at us and thought we deserved it), so our sleeping accommodations were fantastic. Comfy beds, a nice rocking train and cold medicine made for an incredible night's sleep. We arrived in Ljubljana early Sat. morning and headed straight for the mountains. Boy do I miss mountains.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yXHekUKBsYpI0mXy3NnPrQjLuOXj5HnuYpZ4GyV6m9DjwJbCInmRFxb-BiYhQgtTRhq95NrzlS02nWkLXzY-1dl1LH1o5DhRD2fKLKw0ezyfu5zYP_z3mIlbDZm-NFoH4bdH6yq2NbUf/s1600-h/Vintgar+Gorge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132445581396073842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" height="151" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yXHekUKBsYpI0mXy3NnPrQjLuOXj5HnuYpZ4GyV6m9DjwJbCInmRFxb-BiYhQgtTRhq95NrzlS02nWkLXzY-1dl1LH1o5DhRD2fKLKw0ezyfu5zYP_z3mIlbDZm-NFoH4bdH6yq2NbUf/s320/Vintgar+Gorge.jpg" width="259" border="0" /></a><br />Jamie, Ethan and I could barely contain ourselves as we checked into our room and immediately set out for some exploring of Vintgar Gorge. This super steep canyon has crystal Green waters and some killer rapids. Unfortunately, they are pretty log jammed, so I won't be kayaking them anytime soon. We walked along the boardwalk through the river canyon and then decided to go a bit off the beaten track. Long past the time we should have met Melissa, and 10 km from town, we realized that no one picks up hitchhikers in Slovenia--or maybe just not those who look like riff-raff like we do.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcHAwZLjqR6CO9K7S5-iDzn4Vbs1VeSg1HtfDcJFOGR9J4X9XIC6jhx7AaFQhInZzoUZWy142ht4q3tiIjei-tZxee3CFdlcp64eUpgC5gxxKGbBvjWHWDulF_oXpa6zXhIASzcZlTrbh/s1600-h/Stolen+Boat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132445096064769362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" height="176" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcHAwZLjqR6CO9K7S5-iDzn4Vbs1VeSg1HtfDcJFOGR9J4X9XIC6jhx7AaFQhInZzoUZWy142ht4q3tiIjei-tZxee3CFdlcp64eUpgC5gxxKGbBvjWHWDulF_oXpa6zXhIASzcZlTrbh/s320/Stolen+Boat.jpg" width="249" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGwdRUGphT1uVByMiqecl60vv0L1hux8X66AXJ7IZyTtrZYBJ6oMtPf0sqj51b71eB1tr9zS6T6k6oldo6VT-av2qvkWT3ClLwQra3NqEa1XdizEpp-OSXO00VmcMycPoTO6HH1NHtm67/s1600-h/castle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132444700927778082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" height="187" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGwdRUGphT1uVByMiqecl60vv0L1hux8X66AXJ7IZyTtrZYBJ6oMtPf0sqj51b71eB1tr9zS6T6k6oldo6VT-av2qvkWT3ClLwQra3NqEa1XdizEpp-OSXO00VmcMycPoTO6HH1NHtm67/s320/castle.jpg" width="249" border="0" /></a> After meeting up with Melissa, we decided to explore Lake Bled. The lake has a castle on one side, an Island Church in the middle, and is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, they do not rent out paddle boats at night. We were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVzRQzJQZVgy6zVXueJqMiqFWD1sf7iHwbqR1-xQl0lJSUpv5Jr55G4CsymXgi-MjBjyZ_k8OAp9Uy-NLtIThyphenhyphenTk5VdOEcaRnO7UmZmvKrX-HUYDn6TvyRhxkDPJhyphenhyphenKgOxTfcR4Bqd0MP/s1600-h/Convict.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132445087474834738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" height="177" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVzRQzJQZVgy6zVXueJqMiqFWD1sf7iHwbqR1-xQl0lJSUpv5Jr55G4CsymXgi-MjBjyZ_k8OAp9Uy-NLtIThyphenhyphenTk5VdOEcaRnO7UmZmvKrX-HUYDn6TvyRhxkDPJhyphenhyphenKgOxTfcR4Bqd0MP/s320/Convict.jpg" width="256" border="0" /></a>somewhat sad to not be able to row out to the island, until we stumbled upon a boat on a dock. Some kind Slovenian had left it with oars all set up and untied. We decided to go on a covert mission to the island (yep, we are molding the minds of future leaders). Either the owner didn't mind us using his boat, or he didn't notice, but we left it back on his dock after our nighttime adventure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGrYd3f_P1t24_Nv4yYtIThNRaRvHW_cI24xNTeGg61EbHa3ZEjaC5S2RtNMnjBSVlNARFHyMmDzDicSfC9aHXJ8R3TEDt-TVf-RCzWN7gVEwm4Y_vEvz49NDQ7oGcM38FgxXtsu66m_Y/s1600-h/Panoranamania.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132445577101106530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 345px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px" height="112" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGrYd3f_P1t24_Nv4yYtIThNRaRvHW_cI24xNTeGg61EbHa3ZEjaC5S2RtNMnjBSVlNARFHyMmDzDicSfC9aHXJ8R3TEDt-TVf-RCzWN7gVEwm4Y_vEvz49NDQ7oGcM38FgxXtsu66m_Y/s320/Panoranamania.jpg" width="517" border="0" /></a>Sunday was another beautiful day so we set out for Triglav National Park. Hiking in the mountains definitely did the soul some good--I didn't realize how much I miss the mountains! The slopes were steep, and I can't wait to go back. Perhaps next time, we will take advantage of the mountain huts for a backpacking trip.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nboHmuCgPHOByOZvFKmlaKCaiSolNh_2q9yHo2XXgohKLE6i44nHqbVu1S03f-blMSceaKQ4cn9HoEjKrlge1j4k6VlEc4VJRLniKsuVaPR7DaWM5kWc-QevztKIb3p9hAvynFSk7SWV/s1600-h/Julian+Alps+hike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132445087474834754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" height="178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nboHmuCgPHOByOZvFKmlaKCaiSolNh_2q9yHo2XXgohKLE6i44nHqbVu1S03f-blMSceaKQ4cn9HoEjKrlge1j4k6VlEc4VJRLniKsuVaPR7DaWM5kWc-QevztKIb3p9hAvynFSk7SWV/s320/Julian+Alps+hike.jpg" width="268" border="0" /></a><br />We arrived back in Ljubljana at 9 Sunday night in time to catch an overnight train back to Belgrade. Of course, the train was an hour late, so we headed straight to school, still stinking in our hiking clothes... I am ready for my next weekend adventure!Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-39280664308996097272007-10-28T13:19:00.000-07:002007-10-28T13:33:31.416-07:00Halloween in Belgrade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhP2fLXGqoesQtAt7oV2m-g-eBJjcWeN7NU8PyfQkpXIXpFscnI0xM2W0lut2rQuSFWtCFQcnGc77Th5iQbo_7UYDC8sjM1umV1wFZzw1TML82J3pEzgIEJdpTG-kXb1mTxu5wTGrsO5Z/s1600-h/JandE.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126487202653865250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhP2fLXGqoesQtAt7oV2m-g-eBJjcWeN7NU8PyfQkpXIXpFscnI0xM2W0lut2rQuSFWtCFQcnGc77Th5iQbo_7UYDC8sjM1umV1wFZzw1TML82J3pEzgIEJdpTG-kXb1mTxu5wTGrsO5Z/s320/JandE.jpg" width="233" border="0" /></a> The beauty about teaching in Belgrade, and from what I understand- all of international teaching, is that you have a built in community of expats. This weekend was full of parties to celebrate Halloween and Oktoberfest. <div><div></div><br /><div>The weekend started out at the Canadian Embassy for a huge costume party. There were all sorts of costumes from blow up pink <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">flamingos</span> (My coworkers Jamie and Ethan) to people who had raided a local theater's costume department. My assistant principal, Eric, won the men's costume contest with an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Afro</span> wig and some crazy clothes (who makes skin tight plaid pants long enough for a guy who is 6'5"?). If you are wondering about the pink <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">flamingos</span> (I couldn't stop laughing), they were purchased <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">recently</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WALMART</span> in the states... check em out!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyNXk6Fjs-Cdrd7DeqlqBJtoidWYfLkbTTfWn5xbeYZGm0PwvOM-3WXb_YPsf4ystUXb7cBelReAx2W_p6E8QrQ0kSjYRr6qL0szasZO5TqMl74XwPLL148Qg5FLJ7ViR3R54RaXKNYIW/s1600-h/Halloween.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126487198358897938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" height="199" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyNXk6Fjs-Cdrd7DeqlqBJtoidWYfLkbTTfWn5xbeYZGm0PwvOM-3WXb_YPsf4ystUXb7cBelReAx2W_p6E8QrQ0kSjYRr6qL0szasZO5TqMl74XwPLL148Qg5FLJ7ViR3R54RaXKNYIW/s320/Halloween.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc151DjkiCiYb9ocmdhphY26Jn-rWQSqP1JhEtGOGU9ZfVF-hSwRvGiHjnq9G1gKJTQoR_b0nAZad1iJDIKtJn7TDxg1lmKKksIAaBeEKJnTzhkteH2HE3HXf7w74TDjDctBmH-umM-wz0/s1600-h/Ladybug.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126486665782953218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" height="243" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc151DjkiCiYb9ocmdhphY26Jn-rWQSqP1JhEtGOGU9ZfVF-hSwRvGiHjnq9G1gKJTQoR_b0nAZad1iJDIKtJn7TDxg1lmKKksIAaBeEKJnTzhkteH2HE3HXf7w74TDjDctBmH-umM-wz0/s320/Ladybug.JPG" width="211" border="0" /></a>Saturday was Oktoberfest at our director's house, followed by another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Halloween</span> party put on by a woman who works at the American embassy. Unfortunately, after Oktoberfest, all I wanted to do was go home and sleep... </div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-39131256703792749652007-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:002007-10-24T22:05:01.815-07:00Black MountainsThe past weekend two coworkers and I had a "girls" weekend on the coast of Montenegro. Our plan was to meet at least half of the population of Montenegro, or Cerno Gora as they call it there. It may sound like a lofty aspiration, but is in actuality entirely possible as there are only around 600,000 people in the entire COUNTRY! I am convinced, however, that as soon as this place is "discovered" there will be a huge influx of citizens.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UoWn-Tc4ppsoAQaay03qz32F2Y30XmY_08NJ92K7BI64Szn-ez7yyx6eVqShBY00giI2lxuu5012ceuLUYS6c0GxbkG0TegectHUyYL6b7Dt94l2znt3rGjD6ftknc7sd2nCNdjtB87x/s1600-h/2007_0403Montenegro0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124252640167147074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="167" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UoWn-Tc4ppsoAQaay03qz32F2Y30XmY_08NJ92K7BI64Szn-ez7yyx6eVqShBY00giI2lxuu5012ceuLUYS6c0GxbkG0TegectHUyYL6b7Dt94l2znt3rGjD6ftknc7sd2nCNdjtB87x/s320/2007_0403Montenegro0001.JPG" width="254" border="0" /></a><br />The coast was a very rugged and breathtakingly beautiful place. We hit the season just right as there were almost no tourists (besides aging Britains) and yet the weather was still pleasant, although not warm enough to swim. Our trip started out in Budva, your traditional beach town. There were palm trees and lots of beachside cafes with very few people. One of my coworkers, Chrissy has an Irish friend who owns a pub in Budva, and we wanted to make sure to find him. As it turns out, there is only one Irish pub in old town, a small area of town amongst the walls of an old fortress. This pub is NOT the English pub.<br /><br />Colom showed us around Budva, and Kotor, a town at the tip of Southern Europe's deepest fjord. Kotor is home to an old fortress high on top of a mountain that rises straight up from town. We climbed the stairs to the top to enjoy some amazing views. On our way up, we thought two Japanese tourists wanted us to take their picture. Of course we agreed. The next thing we knew, we were IN a picture with an elderly Japanese couple.... I hope I make their photo album!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVAyzdzwdQZnx-9993eJoMD2c4JIEKcaY5K1YFi-RW8Jjw8ua8DQKF71N9k1U40wm9bW_5xje5NfOyRjBFfYO1zNuIskPKPRRg_gtIWQMfmGLoKyXvojvx_iw-expGHcOy1ce4E5xo_VW/s1600-h/2007_0403Montenegro0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124253116908516946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="168" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVAyzdzwdQZnx-9993eJoMD2c4JIEKcaY5K1YFi-RW8Jjw8ua8DQKF71N9k1U40wm9bW_5xje5NfOyRjBFfYO1zNuIskPKPRRg_gtIWQMfmGLoKyXvojvx_iw-expGHcOy1ce4E5xo_VW/s320/2007_0403Montenegro0005.JPG" width="249" border="0" /></a>Kotor also has an old town. The old towns feel like a fairy tale as the streets are too narrow for cars, so it is entirely walking cobblestone streets. I felt as if I was in a different world. While I had a hard time understanding Colom, I believe he said that the Montenegran coast has a strong Italian influence from the trade ships way back in the day. This is supposedly why the old towns feel so different from the rest of Serbia.<br /><br />On our third day (long weekends are the best) we headed down to check out Sveti Stefan, an old fishing village turned exculsive resort. It was considered the most exculsive resort in 1972 and was frequented by Sylvester Stallone. It is currently under construction, but still makes for quite the sight. The entire village is located on an island about 50m out to sea. It is connected by a man-made sand bridge and has stone walls the entire way around. Unfortunately, my camera broke so I do not have pictures after the first day of our trip. I can't wait to head back to Montenegro!Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-11739495668395906702007-10-18T14:51:00.000-07:002007-10-18T15:10:24.044-07:00My first Rip-offToday was the first day that I have officially been ripped off for being a foreigner (or stranger as they call it here). Two coworkers and I headed out for dinner as we have a three day weekend and needed some way of celebrating Thursday night. On the way home, we noticed that the meter in the taxi cab was skyrocketing and was on level 3. We had never seen it before--1 is for daytime 2 is nighttime, 3 is ?? We tried to ask, even using the few words in Serbian that we thought might make sense, but the driver acted completely oblivious. Finally, Jamie leaned towards the front seat and tapped on the meter. The taxi driver immediately switched it to level 2--we aren't totally dumb Americans! The worst part was, as we left the cab, he started talking with us in PERFECT English--he totally knew what he was doing. Not to worry though, we showed him.... the total fare was 348 dins, and we only gave him 340- a difference of about 20 cents. That will teach him to mess with us. <div></div><br /><div>On a much better note, last weekend, some <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScSbHiPRt9fnIZ2ipLY7ebftDO04HEXDKadCvBy972aLMUuPgqQB3V0k29K1ZvUz17qI1foGkP5ucMMfwrehqhyphenhyphenK4atztOp8y4GoJKF8GGzSA2sdBX3Y-kM94xwYLK_A5EJyy0y7MSWFB/s1600-h/DSCF0480.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122801714315212338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="195" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScSbHiPRt9fnIZ2ipLY7ebftDO04HEXDKadCvBy972aLMUuPgqQB3V0k29K1ZvUz17qI1foGkP5ucMMfwrehqhyphenhyphenK4atztOp8y4GoJKF8GGzSA2sdBX3Y-kM94xwYLK_A5EJyy0y7MSWFB/s320/DSCF0480.jpg" width="273" border="0" /></a>friends of friends in Seattle were biking through Serbia (you may be asking who does that, but apparently these people do) and stayed with me for two days. They are on a year long biking trip around the world. We showed them how teachers live in fancy apartments and have country cottages. A couple of my coworkers bought a country cottage a few years back and had a pig roast for his birthday. They have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">adopted</span> the custom that to celebrate your birthday, you pay for all of your friends to party. The country was beautiful and the food was fantastic (all but the pig head with an apple in the mouth). I think the bikers enjoyed being able to speak the language. Check out their trip at <a href="http://erck.org/">http://erck.org/</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>This weekend, we are heading to Montenegro for some beach action and hiking. Too bad it is almost winter, the water looks beautiful.</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-1076117742821426652007-10-09T06:23:00.000-07:002007-10-09T07:19:17.020-07:00Buda and Pest<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9rSVZUqxJC14mDv4rJPU35ISmS6YuRAhZyU3HZ7HFbfxs92RbVMNWzpxRfuUO9-GDwrL7SrDsu0Vf_OjR7ksCLpPwNs7chZ7bSmIIJprydNIIoyMkfc11D5hyphenhyphen_4HNbBMpy8Ps-Oqf4K5/s1600-h/2007_0322Budapest0035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119338117719558994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" height="140" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9rSVZUqxJC14mDv4rJPU35ISmS6YuRAhZyU3HZ7HFbfxs92RbVMNWzpxRfuUO9-GDwrL7SrDsu0Vf_OjR7ksCLpPwNs7chZ7bSmIIJprydNIIoyMkfc11D5hyphenhyphen_4HNbBMpy8Ps-Oqf4K5/s320/2007_0322Budapest0035.JPG" width="253" border="0" /></a>For the past weekend, three coworkers and I went on a crazy fun weekend trip to Budapest (really Buda and Pest). We got on the train at 11 pm to arrive in BP at 5 am the next morning. Luckily, we had the forsight to reserve bunks as it would have been a miserable trip had we not slept. </div><br /><div></div><div>After arriving groggy due to lack of sleep and at least two 3 am wake-ups to check our passport (one out of Serbia, one into Hungary), we found a nice cafe and planned the day. We had to see the famous castle (we still aren't sure if it is real) and wanted to check out the spikey Parliament Building. One of the most interesting sights was an old church that had been <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XJJCyOD3U2q80-O084jpWWgJVrmgY5Ekum9zKkqtfU8z6p72u1IoOy4ZWhPGnpmoBMggyXSFPYY1zJQX6gmXTQg6ghbiIDR4EJummeq1IjGRgNAwiMUNFDif_-x7y_GwqT6XInoaeUce/s1600-h/2007_0322Budapest0041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119338126309493602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XJJCyOD3U2q80-O084jpWWgJVrmgY5Ekum9zKkqtfU8z6p72u1IoOy4ZWhPGnpmoBMggyXSFPYY1zJQX6gmXTQg6ghbiIDR4EJummeq1IjGRgNAwiMUNFDif_-x7y_GwqT6XInoaeUce/s320/2007_0322Budapest0041.JPG" width="251" border="0" /></a>destroyed during WWII. When the communists came into power, they decided that the church was a great setting for a fancy (i.e. ugly) hotel on the hill. Instead of completely destroying the church, they built around it. It now has remains of the church walls and floor right in the middle of the motel. Makes for a funny sight... what were the communists thinking?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKDlesA5LMaPbJoxSgRKIEgxlqxACY2BeF2wrkCHDIZFH_mJvN3isNkJosPikvX0kOXGnaQOcr2LoiBaB1MbgYIB7JeYBFApsc6deg02BeuJNsuxaFm5ygi34x-ERRUd9tQHBlUSI1OYG/s1600-h/2007_0322Budapest0045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119340226548501362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="163" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKDlesA5LMaPbJoxSgRKIEgxlqxACY2BeF2wrkCHDIZFH_mJvN3isNkJosPikvX0kOXGnaQOcr2LoiBaB1MbgYIB7JeYBFApsc6deg02BeuJNsuxaFm5ygi34x-ERRUd9tQHBlUSI1OYG/s320/2007_0322Budapest0045.JPG" width="255" border="0" /></a>After a marathon hike around castle hill and through the streets of downtown Buda and Pest (they are cities across the river from each other), we headed for one of the world famous baths. Of course we chose a "G" rated bath as after my experiences with nude beaches, I didn't need any more old men in the buff. The baths are a very intricate system of hot and cold pools. The hot pools range from luke warm (not my favorite as it was not all that warm outside) to smoking hot. It was fun to just try the different tubs. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaEEsXFjIeAvZ5dm8mUqrt-PmsTVXgJLUYZSbSTnQNpC-8H2YB4VMDeQFK2c7rJ3qqGRmNCMcmLN9Vwch05e8yUCvZd36n9yo7levkSkTJyo61QkgntyRv2O9Y5bpYJvaw1YXaU69MgUw/s1600-h/2007_0322Budapest0055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119340243728370578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="158" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaEEsXFjIeAvZ5dm8mUqrt-PmsTVXgJLUYZSbSTnQNpC-8H2YB4VMDeQFK2c7rJ3qqGRmNCMcmLN9Vwch05e8yUCvZd36n9yo7levkSkTJyo61QkgntyRv2O9Y5bpYJvaw1YXaU69MgUw/s320/2007_0322Budapest0055.JPG" width="241" border="0" /></a>Perhaps my favorite tub was a medium warm tub with strong jets pushing the water in the tub in a circle. All you had to do was lift your feet and you would bob along, hitting people as you went. It was quite fun until trying to get out when you are shoved into the wall as the current is so strong.</div><br /><div>After the refreshment of the baths. We headed back downtown for dinner and another walk (our muscles had been soothed by the hottubs). Parliment looked amazing at <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJuxX0Ie95l3J1eFhboE_vtl923HNW3MTaV-yoRUyJ5X9w7W0rl2_tnKF_DL3gJ_XMaCh5y5lL8DrrI0v-wAKtS2LFojGJXV9GMqrNuQYuQ3_cjQuGQopZ4xTeGBN1XIN-5PaFePyQSNP/s1600-h/2007_0322Budapest0079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119340235138435970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="174" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJuxX0Ie95l3J1eFhboE_vtl923HNW3MTaV-yoRUyJ5X9w7W0rl2_tnKF_DL3gJ_XMaCh5y5lL8DrrI0v-wAKtS2LFojGJXV9GMqrNuQYuQ3_cjQuGQopZ4xTeGBN1XIN-5PaFePyQSNP/s320/2007_0322Budapest0079.JPG" width="257" border="0" /></a>night and there were many live bands playing in various restaurants.</div><br /><div>Sunday morning, we continued our explorations of downtown Pest, and tried for an art museum, but were shut down as the tram track was under construction so we couldn't make it to the right part of town. Mom, I did really try to go to a museum. It amazed me how much English is spoken in BP. There were easy to recognize tour groups all over the city. Without fail, the guide had a funny hat, balloon, or umbrella and a group of foreigners following. I had forgotten how many tourists are outside of Belgrade.</div><br /><div>The train ride back took us through the not so pretty country side of southern Hungary and northern Serbia. It was.... Flat. Lots of corn and pheasants.</div><div></div><br /><div>We arrived back in Belgrade just in time to go to bed. It was nice to know my way around and actually understand a few words on the streets. I hope to go back to Budapest sometime this year!</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-35934132949204600252007-09-23T03:35:00.000-07:002007-09-23T03:53:55.147-07:00Downtown Belgrade<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIz0cQaI6gkhRO20ki5lxqzGtIUrLXuSofDXQ1F4uJuWX-BfAJd1LSOojKEGEtyD94LoN5FRFdI4rELb-TWuqn61HF4h6DYxVf_7NzzINcRBcHEuDNMohrl90tXDv3xyM9BdUb0xNIS1Y/s1600-h/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113347294751604434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="148" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIz0cQaI6gkhRO20ki5lxqzGtIUrLXuSofDXQ1F4uJuWX-BfAJd1LSOojKEGEtyD94LoN5FRFdI4rELb-TWuqn61HF4h6DYxVf_7NzzINcRBcHEuDNMohrl90tXDv3xyM9BdUb0xNIS1Y/s320/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0001.JPG" width="250" border="0" /></a> I finally bit the bullet and headed downtown to take touristy photos of Belgrade. Downtown Belgrade is bustling at all hours of the day with tons of people shopping, lounging and enjoying the city. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmPySI-FRawSKgrE4z0p0rVjsTRTLlvHknebjbhBg8YIxpwOAx7_t7G7yvWXDjFqOO72SMfr_SRzFr7EEba-9EcTCFLI2gQSQ-VApSZJonrZxvq3VO71xVj_UdnJiuzQjGlOtyU56FOwf/s1600-h/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113348368493428466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmPySI-FRawSKgrE4z0p0rVjsTRTLlvHknebjbhBg8YIxpwOAx7_t7G7yvWXDjFqOO72SMfr_SRzFr7EEba-9EcTCFLI2gQSQ-VApSZJonrZxvq3VO71xVj_UdnJiuzQjGlOtyU56FOwf/s320/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0007.JPG" width="258" border="0" /></a>There are many parks and beautiful buildings right next to communist era buildings. One of the better traditions of Serbia is their ability to enjoy a cup of coffee or soda. There are many cafes with street seating. You are expected to sit and chat for hours.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C92LDnUDtaQD9dAgSjTeYeY8Wah6aqAgp3KcmQdu2GCa7mH4KpR7-osIAtijOdcrgy1xmcrEazuG5jSKlCXsH-8vK_1r3mQTKSAUIFYfIxer7EgFZ0br7FBZfxBAnf-J48cFmSvgvUxq/s1600-h/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113347299046571746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C92LDnUDtaQD9dAgSjTeYeY8Wah6aqAgp3KcmQdu2GCa7mH4KpR7-osIAtijOdcrgy1xmcrEazuG5jSKlCXsH-8vK_1r3mQTKSAUIFYfIxer7EgFZ0br7FBZfxBAnf-J48cFmSvgvUxq/s320/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0006.JPG" width="181" border="0" /></a>There are also many orthodox churches in Belgrade. These churches are massive and beautiful. One church, Sveti Sava has been under construction since the early 1900's. Construction keeps being delayed by wars and lack of funding during the communist era. I believe it is finally almost completed and is a huge church (not the one in the photo). </div></div><div><div> </div><div>Apparently people really like to get married here because every church I have seen has had a wedding in progress. The good news is they don't mind tourists and other church goers in the church during the ceremony.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGrE43oGY8AJrLVsGge8zyEjdXvJbVT7i0tDapTMu6AvXRSelLFinKaeT3jItTjiMVmhnr_wHFzN-TThXb4ngJ_ecA5s4azN_HXXuDLl9PbU8hY7kIiDLjIJ9-YTu2qEYfP5OaokjQxnd/s1600-h/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113350202444463906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" height="160" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGrE43oGY8AJrLVsGge8zyEjdXvJbVT7i0tDapTMu6AvXRSelLFinKaeT3jItTjiMVmhnr_wHFzN-TThXb4ngJ_ecA5s4azN_HXXuDLl9PbU8hY7kIiDLjIJ9-YTu2qEYfP5OaokjQxnd/s320/2007_0307BelgradeDowntown0020.JPG" width="234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Perhaps the most intruiging aspect of Belgrade for me are the buildings bombed by NATO in 1999. The buildings still stand with the scars of the bombs, while the other half of the building may still be used as office space and apartments. It is a wonder that they do not hate Americans here.<br /></div><div><br /><br /> </div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-24832163332951926642007-09-12T08:57:00.000-07:002007-09-12T09:40:01.405-07:00Country Refreshment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnX9RivmOCWHVik9OIC1BfepbAxg4J94goa5XJ_ajLfx3y65_m91O1_Ig_6Soox1I1nnzsf-T6f2kYxpgej76DDg7Ee7XQs4a7FGW254maf0UlcZ3L2kSSKLN_vQAQ0QDiJ-L72wMqn_k/s1600-h/2007_0222zlatibor0037.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62A1QP4jd6spCFPnPGGIF2pitUwSxkbfY5Hv55Ypfn0L61nLWEP0JytxQ5qe1Xjtfmfi7b-0ytnGPuKIJ58iGmYbem4f-fG9M707Lu2oQwb1FoDdP7sslL_OaMjVzMxIEfKNlWCEN7Tk6/s1600-h/2007_0222zlatibor0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109353263817829842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="179" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62A1QP4jd6spCFPnPGGIF2pitUwSxkbfY5Hv55Ypfn0L61nLWEP0JytxQ5qe1Xjtfmfi7b-0ytnGPuKIJ58iGmYbem4f-fG9M707Lu2oQwb1FoDdP7sslL_OaMjVzMxIEfKNlWCEN7Tk6/s320/2007_0222zlatibor0001.JPG" width="258" border="0" /></a>The past weekend was the first venture out of Belgrade.... and the trip went quite seamlessly (well almost). Zlatibor, as it turns out is quite the Serbian vacation spot. Picture a mini Aspen. It is in the hills (which they call mountains) and is a quite touristy spot with lots of comfy chairs to sit and drink coffee in. After showing up and realizing that no motel would let us stay there because they couldn't register our paper copies of our passports with the police (our originals are still in lockup at the embassy), we found a small apartment that would rent to us for a reasonable rate. The apartment was complete with doilies and scary baby dalls (see picture). <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBGGyBiPZbfbFvpzYC2YMd9vshURYlj4NL77g2fjZ4GhVXllBzu9fEjjCRaYbsH7UJU97eMBElPcRzdJpJO6X5HCmtgCcQSgruM5HBR7ghwOU0QexAyBN0Hx85ukUgjmhZOAd2yIdm56v/s1600-h/2007_0222zlatibor0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109353276702731746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" height="175" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBGGyBiPZbfbFvpzYC2YMd9vshURYlj4NL77g2fjZ4GhVXllBzu9fEjjCRaYbsH7UJU97eMBElPcRzdJpJO6X5HCmtgCcQSgruM5HBR7ghwOU0QexAyBN0Hx85ukUgjmhZOAd2yIdm56v/s320/2007_0222zlatibor0004.JPG" width="267" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Saturday, we went on the Mountaineering trail for a hike. Aparently mountaineering means a stroll through the forest to the top of a few wooded hills. It was quite an adventure as the trail was not well marked, and a stray crippled dog made his way with us. It was great to get out of the city and into fresh air though, and Jamie, Ethan and I all thought it was just right for us.<br /></div><div></div><div>Sunday, we headed to Uzice (with lots of accents over the z and c). This is almost a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcyVpm9i0MAi0xn7OA7pj7wKFyDhyEqQL9aVjDoWOXAz-t5UDCVbBRRRlGFmF4Sl3WORx8deQs8iK-IDFgSOacVEPbQL6MP5yesI8zm97Gx-AsMcQDIa4LjQqIivY76Qc7DYDwME17XA9/s1600-h/2007_0222zlatibor0050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109355024754421266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcyVpm9i0MAi0xn7OA7pj7wKFyDhyEqQL9aVjDoWOXAz-t5UDCVbBRRRlGFmF4Sl3WORx8deQs8iK-IDFgSOacVEPbQL6MP5yesI8zm97Gx-AsMcQDIa4LjQqIivY76Qc7DYDwME17XA9/s320/2007_0222zlatibor0050.JPG" width="282" border="0" /></a>very quaint little village had it not been for the communist building sticking out of the center of the city. The highlight of this town were the ruins of a mideval fort on the outskirts of town. We hiked around the fort and practiced our newfound rock climbing moves on the walls.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't until the way home that our real adventure started. We thought it would be fun to take the train back even though it was about an hour longer. When we stepped on the train, we immediately realized why everyone recommended busses.... it was standing room only. We ended up finding enough room to sit on the floor at the very back of the tr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFi5z3w3EZxdJZcyjEk_-vElOGv7OyLGsyGXMccrIA4kAD5sInmqmV2eXIeAcoOeV5_QIjGLpOGXuVvK2Zi3_xJCmmkfuOTWuwT5vBegFV5sKYTfvKNcMLme9Ln6n2JyYmkAx3kzdy-XP/s1600-h/2007_0222zlatibor0064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109355016164486658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px" height="185" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFi5z3w3EZxdJZcyjEk_-vElOGv7OyLGsyGXMccrIA4kAD5sInmqmV2eXIeAcoOeV5_QIjGLpOGXuVvK2Zi3_xJCmmkfuOTWuwT5vBegFV5sKYTfvKNcMLme9Ln6n2JyYmkAx3kzdy-XP/s320/2007_0222zlatibor0064.JPG" width="260" border="0" /></a>ain next to the WC (toilet in case you were wondering). We opened the back sliding doors for some ventillation and it wasn't entirely uncomfortable unless someone needed to use the restroom at which point it was an AWEFUL smell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, we made it back to the rainy Belgrade. We had missed all of the bad weather. This week has been a whirlwind of activity with open house last night, student council elections today and preparations for a middle school dance on Friday. I have also now convinced six unknowing middle school students to run cross-country, so it sounds as if we will be able to travel to Kiev in October. More later..... Serbian Lessons call!</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-3687929676929617002007-09-07T02:46:00.000-07:002007-09-07T02:58:07.932-07:00Zlatibor or Bust!<div>Life in Belgrade is becoming somewhat routine. I can now ride a bus everywhere I need to go (and actually usually make it there), I can generally order food that I enjoy in restaurants, and I still can't speak Serbian! It has gotten quite a bit cooler here (maybe 50's although I am not sure because I don't get Celsius), but I very much enjoy the cooler weather even though I no longer see naked men at the beach on my runs.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lsYCbXpsJNZSOqAY0V_J-1Q5K_GZhIFTsh9_KaGDIQtzAF9A637qQXjNIr0jCq6Q1nRL8HvIN6MyOREwQiAD0blugL8kopPuIWvhpEeesTfYDEPchTtQWsn9qD-CagFXeaStRl27YuOO/s1600-h/2007_0214Ada0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107398709707253138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="247" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lsYCbXpsJNZSOqAY0V_J-1Q5K_GZhIFTsh9_KaGDIQtzAF9A637qQXjNIr0jCq6Q1nRL8HvIN6MyOREwQiAD0blugL8kopPuIWvhpEeesTfYDEPchTtQWsn9qD-CagFXeaStRl27YuOO/s320/2007_0214Ada0013.JPG" width="184" border="0" /></a>We have been climbing with a local climbing club a bit at a place very near my house (very near is less than a mile). It apparently used to be one of Tito's summer theaters, and the cut they did into the earth provides for six or eight climbing routes along with some bouldering. It is a great afterschool activity, and fun to hang out with Serbians!</div><br /><div></div><div>School is as always going well, although sometimes I have to ask my kids to call out so that I feel like I am really teaching. I'm not used to having such polite kids, and so few! An interesting thing I have started to notice is that the foreign hires (me) at my school are by far the least qualified. From what I understand, Belgrade has around 20% unemployment, which means ISB hires incredible locals. Some have law degrees and masters degrees in engineering. Even our aides and receptionists all are college educated, and many of them have teaching credentials. All of this, and the local teachers still make 40% less than I do and don't get their living paid for... equitable right? </div><br /><div></div><div>This afternoon, two coworkers and I are headed south and west to get out of the city and go for a few hikes. Hopefully the buses work... it should be about a 3-4 hour ride to Zlatibor. I am excited to see a different area of Serbia, and to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city!</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-40652584321227210792007-09-03T12:38:00.000-07:002007-09-03T12:57:15.780-07:00Market Mania<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWto1xMPDfYEXycF3faIYkZ-Yl98Q882t50-dtDoX6iwQrdbzMvD0b8j2jvLxt4V0F8iX9DaSCsSIpzTh_MF7SiaPpK3qJdreHi-T9Ab6ggkbCkrrcx1LjlFQ4yknpqhYSK-nrA_AGajl/s1600-h/2007_0214Ada0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106067802421437794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWto1xMPDfYEXycF3faIYkZ-Yl98Q882t50-dtDoX6iwQrdbzMvD0b8j2jvLxt4V0F8iX9DaSCsSIpzTh_MF7SiaPpK3qJdreHi-T9Ab6ggkbCkrrcx1LjlFQ4yknpqhYSK-nrA_AGajl/s320/2007_0214Ada0018.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have now been teaching for a full week (hence the no "blogging") and have been enjoying myself with wonderful students. I teach four classes, two sixth and two seventh, with between 9 and 13 students in each class. I end up having students call out a lot because it is too quiet in the room. Sixth graders are quite the joy as they are very excited to be given their math books and their first homework assignments. What happens to them by eighth grade?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-09irsj1WtibB6tfQmX3CMVJB7oyY5e3PB8nS_ZIpq05yng_t_ejGFRfrd_cSndm3ks0EXkURb1dSB9uslrBYt1GXMEhV4qiwDO5I7eUOOMujvJE6bwo0Wc4uFlfo_PoMm_vvDlVZ3z6/s1600-h/2007_0214Ada0021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106068283457774962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-09irsj1WtibB6tfQmX3CMVJB7oyY5e3PB8nS_ZIpq05yng_t_ejGFRfrd_cSndm3ks0EXkURb1dSB9uslrBYt1GXMEhV4qiwDO5I7eUOOMujvJE6bwo0Wc4uFlfo_PoMm_vvDlVZ3z6/s320/2007_0214Ada0021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After my first week with students, I ventured farther from Senjak (the upscale neighborhood that I live in) than I have in the past. There is a charming town, Zemun, that has become a suburb of Belgrade but retains its small town feel. In Zemun, there is a huge market with all sorts of vegetables and goods. I decided to start on my house plant collection (forgetting that I would be bringing it all back on the bus). A coworker and I spent the entire day milling around the town, and walking along the river (there is lots of water in Belgrade). In all an enjoyable day.</div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbmXMcH7AblxtaYI8YMVH_4MAvQn2YZtGHTd4Chs6t65pH9OqN8TcxSKD9Ey4FqB1pU8-tv85eLpVznrlSSS63nn6FnAWlq31jMOYa8GkIuzOf7ArFR5pNlMpmfiN0gQX2VmtxHnsntq/s1600-h/2007_0214Ada0024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106068923407902082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbmXMcH7AblxtaYI8YMVH_4MAvQn2YZtGHTd4Chs6t65pH9OqN8TcxSKD9Ey4FqB1pU8-tv85eLpVznrlSSS63nn6FnAWlq31jMOYa8GkIuzOf7ArFR5pNlMpmfiN0gQX2VmtxHnsntq/s320/2007_0214Ada0024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For Saturday night, we headed downtown, trying to find the underground scene in Belgrade we have heard so much about. After finally finding the black gates to an apartment complex, we were buzzed into a dark hall. We searched until we finally found the door of the Federal Association of World Travellers, a hot night spot. Unfortunately, there was a private party, so we had a late dinner and called it a night. Apparently, we are not hip to the local goings on yet--next weekend a local coworker has promised to show me some local spots.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-89468351252716801242007-08-26T02:59:00.000-07:002007-08-26T03:19:20.077-07:00Ada<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp56R-pEBn948zbfTdYXKVX_qlqj566XU8K8fKAYO8h9T7AcYF0wSP1H8J5pOUnb_Di1hJy89hUK_96ExNwFEIH0SBNN_YTHx1GcfqMd0X7qWRdCdOGzl9CBAFxAi9r-4QgqHwtJXMNIhj/s1600-h/sda.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102951404216231234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="190" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp56R-pEBn948zbfTdYXKVX_qlqj566XU8K8fKAYO8h9T7AcYF0wSP1H8J5pOUnb_Di1hJy89hUK_96ExNwFEIH0SBNN_YTHx1GcfqMd0X7qWRdCdOGzl9CBAFxAi9r-4QgqHwtJXMNIhj/s320/sda.JPG" width="278" border="0" /></a> On a hot Saturday in Belgrade, my coworkers (<span style="font-size:78%;">three shown at right</span>) and I took advantage of the only appealing option- swimming. Belgrade has an incredible park (Ada) that runs around a lake. While locals have warned us that the water may not be pristine (all of Belgrade swims in the stagnant water), we have decided that Ada is very underrated. The park is a recreationists dream, complete with beaches, cafes, carnival rides and even bungi jumping. The people watching is also incredible as European men all enjoy sporting very tight speedos. <div></div><br /><div>Not only is Ada enjoyable for cooling off on a hot day, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HNUGJnjxIa7KHK4FJAMkmXqd6aSW_n9wVPSdwmz8ZCvRqS-ZMCFJodkFoMn-LykGmf6XvjZHCF_5jpeP6S47rb_NxH780RlRC1UeyOH9E_04IREx_c6kjjMQ24fz9hj8zoRpOSJixWP_/s1600-h/asdfa.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102951528770282834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="172" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HNUGJnjxIa7KHK4FJAMkmXqd6aSW_n9wVPSdwmz8ZCvRqS-ZMCFJodkFoMn-LykGmf6XvjZHCF_5jpeP6S47rb_NxH780RlRC1UeyOH9E_04IREx_c6kjjMQ24fz9hj8zoRpOSJixWP_/s320/asdfa.JPG" width="290" border="0" /></a>it is also the perfect distance from my house for a nice run. There is a trail the entire way around the lake which is preferable to risking my life with the crazy drivers on the road. Additionally, I will never get bored as there are often old men out performing their morning yoga in the buff (yuck).</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-85336014115542885402007-08-22T02:26:00.000-07:002007-09-24T23:02:26.764-07:00Boat Cruise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6cGZ3_kkVSXYv9DCybfYeH2RUn_VEMw1SyiIWuSTo7mVzaFJ8yTF-_k0bODsQh-iw_ndtCdo9qpzi3AnoiJ05yHyrH2mhkuDB4jn7VP4btveYVbDZ2NDHpy1GvGSumWqjoZZOfxp1q3L/s1600-h/2007_0203BelgradeApt0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101459322430003762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" height="192" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6cGZ3_kkVSXYv9DCybfYeH2RUn_VEMw1SyiIWuSTo7mVzaFJ8yTF-_k0bODsQh-iw_ndtCdo9qpzi3AnoiJ05yHyrH2mhkuDB4jn7VP4btveYVbDZ2NDHpy1GvGSumWqjoZZOfxp1q3L/s320/2007_0203BelgradeApt0004.JPG" width="291" border="0" /></a><br />International School Belgrade continues to amaze me in their treatment of teachers. Although we are in "severe budget <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsL_Aa8-XpqlhgmHMvPq0dn3iHKQMJ-BW5l5cnOVxp9LPK0E5xTefoXJV8SB9Kdx-HKb_qX4R4WQc0dA7CAyOKv5dbY1OhyphenhyphenMvFNaZSRLLjHZUDZgtsuY3Guwbcj3Wx3KvFSk2vd3kDjOY/s1600-h/2007_0203BelgradeApt0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101458991717521954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" height="147" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsL_Aa8-XpqlhgmHMvPq0dn3iHKQMJ-BW5l5cnOVxp9LPK0E5xTefoXJV8SB9Kdx-HKb_qX4R4WQc0dA7CAyOKv5dbY1OhyphenhyphenMvFNaZSRLLjHZUDZgtsuY3Guwbcj3Wx3KvFSk2vd3kDjOY/s320/2007_0203BelgradeApt0008.JPG" width="285" border="0" /></a>crisis" (the students only pay 20,000 to go here--quite a bargain), we took a boat cruise on the Danube as a staff. It was beautiful with views of the city. <div><div><div><br /><div>We also went past Kalamegdan, the fortress in the center of town (also the site of the beerfest where a man ended up in the bear's cage--check it out on CNN <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorNK2tSf2orwDmrpOJ7GuzgjQWal-he_24H9KxvSwbdAWd-H1jdEjvoOaq0XPgjM7LZCjecRdoEep0Lo4r_xTlU8C8Je_dhIiAXXJb8rJT5UA8kNPsTFYdWBPxzeexBxXAceStlNxTg2g/s1600-h/2007_0203BelgradeApt0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101459803466340930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" height="156" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorNK2tSf2orwDmrpOJ7GuzgjQWal-he_24H9KxvSwbdAWd-H1jdEjvoOaq0XPgjM7LZCjecRdoEep0Lo4r_xTlU8C8Je_dhIiAXXJb8rJT5UA8kNPsTFYdWBPxzeexBxXAceStlNxTg2g/s320/2007_0203BelgradeApt0012.JPG" width="272" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJhZe3R3ng_62PY5QPiNBe3wc-GUrsrXczXAegHIMVB4MA-KvrY32s7OOqJl72jqikB-PvOnEPWxazOW0ZbJ5cZENuAMoZpzh4ObUeGLf_5ICedsgBC9o9dOwXWcUYY0Km_462ckBArfj/s1600-h/2007_0203BelgradeApt0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101457810601515506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" height="124" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJhZe3R3ng_62PY5QPiNBe3wc-GUrsrXczXAegHIMVB4MA-KvrY32s7OOqJl72jqikB-PvOnEPWxazOW0ZbJ5cZENuAMoZpzh4ObUeGLf_5ICedsgBC9o9dOwXWcUYY0Km_462ckBArfj/s320/2007_0203BelgradeApt0002.JPG" width="265" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Belgrade is also surrounded by parks and green areas that I have yet to explore. Perhaps after I pick up my bike this afternoon--hot off the black market.</div></div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-27630122163347674262007-08-20T05:56:00.001-07:002007-08-20T06:23:05.930-07:00In BelgradeI finally have my computer hooked up to internet so can begin my accounts of life in Belgrade. <div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNM86Eank0yT52eSh3_0dcOG3MsWq7tU9rNmQOzqxqMLNe2qFOXaXKVLYj27_K63e2IhM1pG0M3CzsWnVXMEb8rS1n6XpOU-ciOcFnbmjNkAhGNVRxnnpAyTnCLmsuu9VJ7fzlkvXNI8i/s1600-h/2007_0201BelgradeApt0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100772101892839890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" height="139" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNM86Eank0yT52eSh3_0dcOG3MsWq7tU9rNmQOzqxqMLNe2qFOXaXKVLYj27_K63e2IhM1pG0M3CzsWnVXMEb8rS1n6XpOU-ciOcFnbmjNkAhGNVRxnnpAyTnCLmsuu9VJ7fzlkvXNI8i/s320/2007_0201BelgradeApt0049.JPG" width="241" border="0" /></a></div><div><div>ARRIVAL: After a full day of travel, I arrived in Belgrade smelling of smoke (in Munich and Belgrade, smoking is allowed in the airports and restaurants—is this 1950?), and with an unbelievable amount of stuff (yes, even my kayak made it). Luckily, I was greeted by four school staff members to help me move into my apartment. It is a beautiful apartment in a VERY upscale neighborhood. I will never be able to move back into the slums where I used to live.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1dh3JwMc1q92DHoGaIZx2nF5CeT2RAuiybxr8Xg2fbKoEd1bflVnGDuaD8Llpn4kGTrMmsoozdcXFp7DldckW1WgLb7l3bAfC4oseG3xGzB1MhRIjmNv4RBXMgYIlIyING_CnS_0uytn/s1600-h/2007_0201BelgradeApt0057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100768824832792994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1dh3JwMc1q92DHoGaIZx2nF5CeT2RAuiybxr8Xg2fbKoEd1bflVnGDuaD8Llpn4kGTrMmsoozdcXFp7DldckW1WgLb7l3bAfC4oseG3xGzB1MhRIjmNv4RBXMgYIlIyING_CnS_0uytn/s320/2007_0201BelgradeApt0057.JPG" width="237" border="0" /></a>While Serbian is a very difficult language, just about everyone here speaks some English. This is very helpful in trying to do things such as riding the bus (more difficult than you would think) and set up cable internet, but not so helpful trying to learn the language.<br /><br />After misreading a map, I found myself on a marathon walk to downtown Belgrade. When I realized my mistake, I tried to get my bearings and realized all road signs are in the Cyrillic alphabet where c’s are k’s and s’s are c’s (yep, it is confusing!). With a few new blisters I finally reached my destination then braved the bus back.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn4NsageMFYZPDZjudTTIj4TMeWhVnKm5jaI3io6Pcg-tc5Yn1rCCb5sMRtqaTqEj4lcmeM2HesVhdNn3m7h2evIG1G1d2L-AlwonKfcD8aSDAq1FXC-Qq2q6ZIFTfT9ILthvBc_tEqIA/s1600-h/2007_0201BelgradeApt0037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100769675236317618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" height="167" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn4NsageMFYZPDZjudTTIj4TMeWhVnKm5jaI3io6Pcg-tc5Yn1rCCb5sMRtqaTqEj4lcmeM2HesVhdNn3m7h2evIG1G1d2L-AlwonKfcD8aSDAq1FXC-Qq2q6ZIFTfT9ILthvBc_tEqIA/s320/2007_0201BelgradeApt0037.JPG" width="251" border="0" /></a><br />SETTLING IN: After a few days in Belgrade, I have met a few coworkers who are incredibly fun and helpful. My principal even took me to the Merkatur (similar to Walmart, but more expensive). It seems odd to have my boss know what I eat and which brands of sheets I prefer. I tried to buy some aluminum foil and was not successful. There were boxes that looked like foil and had the word folije on them (similar to foil). Apparently, this means saran wrap.<br /><br />I have also spent some time exploring the city. There is a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmWzAl3sAnU_9jOaCnzTYDZuq78i1NcT1-dKtN2CWDJiGLDhaJvLRud9EWgezLYD8RW_-Vi_6GpygDGXkw_wYKIzeMnkHr5C1XvmACY0c5hFK2y0qlwyPV_nrhOj2tsPJS9FlK_yCuDO2/s1600-h/2007_0201BelgradeApt0059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100770173452523970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" height="180" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmWzAl3sAnU_9jOaCnzTYDZuq78i1NcT1-dKtN2CWDJiGLDhaJvLRud9EWgezLYD8RW_-Vi_6GpygDGXkw_wYKIzeMnkHr5C1XvmACY0c5hFK2y0qlwyPV_nrhOj2tsPJS9FlK_yCuDO2/s320/2007_0201BelgradeApt0059.JPG" width="301" border="0" /></a>beautiful bike trail that I have been running on that runs around a city island/park. The park is complete with a bungee jump station (I am chicken) and nude sun bathers in the afternoons—this really isn’t the US.<br /><br />Downtown Belgrade is very interesting as it has just about every type of building you can imagine. There are beautiful churches and old style buildings right next to communist era ugly cement buildings right next to buildings that were bombed by the US less than ten years ago (why don’t they hate us?). There is also a walking street through the middle of downtown lined with cafes with outdoor seating—wonderful because I don’t come away smelling like an ash tray. However, just because an item is on a menu, does NOT mean they serve it. </div><div> </div><div>Overall, the transition has gone quite smoothly. It is frustrating when something that should be easy (i.e. setting up internet) is incredibly hard because you do not know where to go or how to ask for help. The good news is that my coworkers are incredibly helpful!</div></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-17407254930448019362007-08-07T14:52:00.000-07:002007-08-07T15:10:07.420-07:00South Fork Salmon and other Summer Adventures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOqLysMk00TiUzofIjundTTH80K8_d6ZGCpdXFZ-5KFMQv8m5HaiWdDSvqfEijWPBT65QfSi2xuJr9b1bia4ZBuyJCGGZW13KUH3fF4m92x48LuSBZNqf5I-Vv4haKQfeUSxpSa97zbdv/s1600-h/Andy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096082784520229330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOqLysMk00TiUzofIjundTTH80K8_d6ZGCpdXFZ-5KFMQv8m5HaiWdDSvqfEijWPBT65QfSi2xuJr9b1bia4ZBuyJCGGZW13KUH3fF4m92x48LuSBZNqf5I-Vv4haKQfeUSxpSa97zbdv/s320/Andy's+pics+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>In my quest to run as many rivers as possible, I found the best multi-day river trip around--the South Fork of the Salmon. After sneaking around the Forrest Service Fire Fighters who wanted to stop our trip, we had four amazing days on the river. The whitewater was incredible, and the scenery beautiful. (Yep, that's me running Fall Creek)</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEL_Z8Dh_uWMIl8uUVQOHtbtVt_gxmt3ZF-oEfm28E9QwQp0QR9s3S4K4Efr-LCKP1P8OU6k1O1-Cbo2Re7bJyO4fqWI3fkTClymyPTczdJUb3F1c-yx6v3jYu9XPpHalhXz_yCrnvl7/s1600-h/Wolf.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096083239786762722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="223" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEL_Z8Dh_uWMIl8uUVQOHtbtVt_gxmt3ZF-oEfm28E9QwQp0QR9s3S4K4Efr-LCKP1P8OU6k1O1-Cbo2Re7bJyO4fqWI3fkTClymyPTczdJUb3F1c-yx6v3jYu9XPpHalhXz_yCrnvl7/s320/Wolf.JPG" width="313" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Perhaps the most amazing part of the trip was seeing a wolf in the wild (and no, it isn't a coyote). The wolf was ready to come have breakfast with us, but we preferred it on the other side of the river. Instead, he was kind enough to pose a few times for us.</div><div></div><div>The summer is now coming to a close, and I am missing people and places already.... come visit me in Belgrade!</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037506712197460076.post-15907890246129394352007-07-10T17:54:00.000-07:002007-07-10T17:59:51.071-07:00Mt. Rainier<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD2Wo6tN4jZdSWR95dYGT8BsIqHm6O-6U7Zx6WyGa9dw_jzjXmyIj8iZyfu1G_csh3NUp2T1Tjp99A_h51wupz_NNO7YHaYzcSjadMet1Pw_SVzXweZYj0zYcfrboErl69JwErW_kaxKG/s1600-h/2331917_R2_034_15A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085737273336117698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD2Wo6tN4jZdSWR95dYGT8BsIqHm6O-6U7Zx6WyGa9dw_jzjXmyIj8iZyfu1G_csh3NUp2T1Tjp99A_h51wupz_NNO7YHaYzcSjadMet1Pw_SVzXweZYj0zYcfrboErl69JwErW_kaxKG/s320/2331917_R2_034_15A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I am not actually moving to Belgrade for another month, I thought I would try getting this thing started early. I am, as always, enjoying my summer off. I started the summer with an ascent of Rainier, 14,410 feet in a BLIZARD. Thanks to our trusty guides, my brother and I both made it to the top.</div><div> </div><div>I also just returned from an awesome kayaking trip to Banff Canada. I boated on Toby Creek, Kicking Horse River, and Upper Pack River. I also am ready to move to Golden, BC.... a beautiful little town with a steep ski hill, and a pumping river running into town. Now I need to figure out how to become a Canadian citizen, eh?</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17146614971679427878noreply@blogger.com0