tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66670767019012148212024-03-13T12:21:26.501-04:00Natalie the ExplorerNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-38039847137929930442020-06-03T17:50:00.001-04:002020-06-03T17:50:52.695-04:00Moved to WordPressHello blog friends! Hope all's well with you.<br />
<br />
I moved my blog to WordPress about a year ago.<br />
<br />
Feel free to drop by and say hello at <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/">https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/</a><br />
<br />
See you there.<br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-75504109812624999642019-06-30T20:00:00.000-04:002019-06-30T20:00:05.741-04:00Malta Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYyNSFGSPN6tqkZKpyvjowmnZLysH9Ub8nqTqs4Ak9kJTP7fnRGnFVz0J-FiYFBBBdB7N-EghwJaOh0rHN95etGPleqioi9fY8QUrhXo1VK-qqMb3dNUgv2u8_4YpaFJEGY3rWuDFFFJz/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYyNSFGSPN6tqkZKpyvjowmnZLysH9Ub8nqTqs4Ak9kJTP7fnRGnFVz0J-FiYFBBBdB7N-EghwJaOh0rHN95etGPleqioi9fY8QUrhXo1VK-qqMb3dNUgv2u8_4YpaFJEGY3rWuDFFFJz/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings! A friendly reminder that I'm gradually moving from Blogger to
WordPress. I plan to blog regularly on WordPress starting July 1. In
the interim, I'm redirecting readers from this blog to my new blog
location.<br />
<br />
If you've been following my blog, thank you. I hope you continue to follow me at <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">my new site</a>.<br />
<br />
If you have listed my blog in your blog roll, thank you. Please kindly update it to reflect my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">new blog location</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm sharing the highlights of my trip to Malta earlier this month. I hope to see you <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2019/06/30/malta-highlights/" target="_blank">there</a>!<br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-4804907602221601082019-06-22T20:00:00.000-04:002019-06-22T20:00:13.258-04:00What Have You Been Reading?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9MB6wdTUfgRwJdrsijQNuRrh1yNWdnrrq9p3LpMkh0r9nYWKDOmfPpUWx12aVEwZB9k14P9-bMvH5b3d0k2NN8t2qHEITYqa5rfRpZO3scZDyuSK647ZS61Gho24glOu9xMl_Q35r4KI/s1600/Books2019FirstHalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9MB6wdTUfgRwJdrsijQNuRrh1yNWdnrrq9p3LpMkh0r9nYWKDOmfPpUWx12aVEwZB9k14P9-bMvH5b3d0k2NN8t2qHEITYqa5rfRpZO3scZDyuSK647ZS61Gho24glOu9xMl_Q35r4KI/s320/Books2019FirstHalf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings! A friendly reminder that I'm gradually moving from Blogger to WordPress. I plan to blog regularly on WordPress starting July 1. In the interim, I'm redirecting readers from this blog to my new blog location.<br />
<br />
If you've been following my blog, thank you. I hope you continue to follow me at <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">my new site</a>.<br />
<br />
If you have listed my blog in your blog roll, thank you. Please kindly update it to reflect my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">new blog location</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm sharing what I've been reading since January this year. Plenty of good books, various book genres, and many award-winning authors from different countries. I hope to see you <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2019/06/21/what-have-you-been-reading/" target="_blank">there</a>!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-45697930395768949892019-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:002019-06-12T00:00:00.353-04:00Wellness Post #6: Mid-Year Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s1600/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s320/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the 6th Wellness link-up of 2019! I'm in Europe at the moment and have scheduled this post before leaving home. Thank you to <a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/" target="_blank">Leslie</a> who set up the link-up for us. The optional prompt for June Wellness topic is Mid-Year Review. It gives me the opportunity to review how I'm doing with my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/goals-for-2019.html" target="_blank">goals for 2019</a> that I set out in January.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>GOALS FOR 2019 - MID-YEAR REVIEW</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY & FRIENDS</span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Do four fun family outings, tentatively in January, April, July, and August:</b> Four fun outings done and more to come. We did one in January, two in April, and one in May so far. We have a few trips planned for the summer. I'm looking forward to all of them. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Go on a trip with my sister in March</b>: Done! We went on a guided tour to Croatia and Slovenia and had a wonderful time.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Visit a cousin who lives abroad, tentatively in June:</b> In progress. I'm visiting my cousin who lives in Munich, Germany this week.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Get together with my family clan, approximately every two months:</b> In progress. We had one get-together in February. I missed one family event in April as I was out-of-town. I'm looking forward to the next family gathering at the end of June.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Meet up with my friends as many times as possible throughout the year:</b> So far so good. I had about thirty meet-ups with my friends in the first five months of 2019. I'm expecting more meetings in the summer. I gave myself a bonus point for stepping outside my comfort zone and going to <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2019/05/31/my-first-blogger-date/" target="_blank">my first blogger date</a> in May!</li>
<br />
</ul>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Meditate 15 minutes daily</b>: Perfect score so far. This is habitual, relaxing, and short enough that I make time for it every day.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Find humour to smile or laugh daily:</b> Yes, I feel happy and am grateful for all the good people and things that are present in my life. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Walk 45 minutes near nature 6x/ week:</b> Perfect score so far. I've been living a car-free lifestyle for many years. I enjoy my outdoor walks and go out in all four seasons.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Strength workouts 3x/ week</b>: As of June 1, I've got in sixty strength workouts. When I travel and don't have access to a gym, I use my body weight and a resistance band to do strengthening.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Yoga 2x/ week:</b> As of June 1, I attended thirty seven yoga classes. I've been practicing yoga since the mid-90s so I'm familiar with the poses. When I'm at home, I attend yoga classes. When I travel, I practice the poses myself. It may not be as good as a class but it keeps my mind clear and my body flexible.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Swim 1x/ week:</b> As of June 1, I completed twenty swimming sessions. When I'm at home, I swim laps every week. When I travel, most of the time, I don't have access to a nice swimming pool so I substitute the activity with a walk or yoga or simple stretches.</li>
<br />
</ul>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">LEISURE</span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>View three art exhibits/ month:</b> So far so good. As of May 31, I've viewed seventeen visual art exhibits. Most of them were in Toronto, and some were abroad such as the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/art-discovery-in-ljubljana-slovenia.html" target="_blank">Pratneker art exhibit</a> in Ljubljana.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Blog weekly, except when I travel:</b> As of May 31, I published twenty four blog posts, or about one post per week. I plan to switch from Blogger to WordPress after I return home at the end of June. I did write two short posts on <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">my blog on WordPress</a> to see how they look and to get used to WordPress features. Same blog name, slightly different URL. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Read three books/ month:</b> Exceeded. As of May 31, I read thirty books, or six books per month. I've been using the proposed categories in the <a href="https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/bookbuzz/2019/01/join-our-2019-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank">Toronto Public Library 2019 Reading Challenge</a> as a guide to read more widely. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Listen to three concerts/ month:</b> So far so good. As of May 31, I listened to nineteen concerts. Most of them are classical piano music although there were other types as well (guitar, violin, cello, drums, voice, etc). I plan to attend free outdoor concerts in the summer months.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Learn French and Spanish, 15 minutes/ day for each language:</b> Yes, no day off so far. The lessons are taking me longer to complete as they get more complex. I just keep working on them. I know my vocabulary has expanded and the words have stayed in my mind as I learn every day.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Watch three movies/ month:</b> So far so good. As of May 31, I watched twenty movies, most of them at home, and a few were in-flight.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Travel to explore five new-to-me countries this year:</b> Yes! I visited Guatemala, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and would be in Malta when this post goes live. Each trip has been amazing.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Try at least one new food dish in each of the countries I visit:</b> Yes! I enjoyed Guatemalan breakfast food which had beans, tortilla chips, fried plantain, egg and sausages, Croatian <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-delightful-dalmatian-coast.html" target="_blank">pasticada with gnocchi in Split</a>, Croatian <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-delightful-dalmatian-coast.html" target="_blank">bureks in Zadar</a>, Slovenian <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/3-walks-to-take-in-slovenia.html" target="_blank">cream cake at Lake Bled</a>, and Slovenian sheep cheese in Ljubljana. I intend to try a local dish while I'm in Malta.</li>
<br />
</ul>
I try to stay fit and make each day as enriching and fulfilling as
possible. I plan to continue with the same goals in the next six months, and keep using a simple sheet to track my progress.<br />
<br />
In case you missed my previous five Wellness posts, they are as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>January: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">A Fresh Start</a> </li>
<li>February: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">Icefest 2019</a> </li>
<li>March: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/wellness-post-3-ice-breakers-2019.html" target="_blank">Ice Breakers 2019</a> </li>
<li>April: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/wellness-post-4-how-i-keep-my-mind.html" target="_blank">Healthy Mind</a> </li>
<li>May: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/wellness-post-5-best-care.html" target="_blank">The B.E.S.T. Care</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>How are you doing with your goals? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-43173002087068520882019-06-02T08:00:00.000-04:002019-06-02T08:00:00.339-04:00May Wrap-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzGGOA7mkGqD9B9tf4jVCD2NlCEFoftFcS3f2uNbZ61C83JIU34-ETjc78yaCDCKXcQGrWAla483McfbD4y8KSb2K2a_AEzRGVLZbTfhjGeat029Mpl6vmiA4255WIGB2_XdLZxsKFodg/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzGGOA7mkGqD9B9tf4jVCD2NlCEFoftFcS3f2uNbZ61C83JIU34-ETjc78yaCDCKXcQGrWAla483McfbD4y8KSb2K2a_AEzRGVLZbTfhjGeat029Mpl6vmiA4255WIGB2_XdLZxsKFodg/s320/IMG_4710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello June and goodbye May! May was a good busy month with lots of enjoyable activities. I'm relying on my calendar to keep track of what's coming or going. <br />
<br />
For readers who are new to my blog, this is my 5th
monthly wrap-up in 2019. My previous wrap-ups in 2019 are here: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/february-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">March</a>, and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/april-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">April</a>. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>MAY 2019</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">ARTS</span><br />
<br />
For visual arts, I chose to see the Sputnik photo exhibit and two architectural tours that examine the architecture and history of the big banks in the Financial District, and Osgoode Hall, home of the Law Society of Upper Canada. All three events were very interesting and well organized. I may write up a separate post on the last two architectural tours at a later time.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BLOGGING</span> - Quite a few blogging-related events in May. <br />
<ul>
<li>I was pleased to finish five posts, especially the three posts about my Croatia adventures along the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-delightful-dalmatian-coast.html" target="_blank">delightful Dalmatian Coast</a>, the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-stunning-plitvice-lakes-and.html" target="_blank">stunning Plitvice Lakes and Istria Peninsula</a>, and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-postcard-from-zagreb.html" target="_blank">Zagreb highlights</a>. It took me a while to decide on which photos to include in the blog posts to hopefully give a sense of the places without overwhelming the readers with photos.</li>
<li>I had my first blogger meeting with Ann from <b><a href="https://theunretired.life/" target="_blank">The Unretired.life</a> </b>blog. Ann was in
Toronto for a few days and would like to meet a
local blogger. We enjoyed a Thai buffet lunch at Bangkok Garden while talking about
blogging, travels, adventures at home and abroad, etc. It was quite fun. </li>
<li>I played with a free blog template in WordPress to eventually move my blog from Blogger to WordPress. I'm thinking to have a couple more posts on Blogger to wrap up June, and starting from July, I'll be writing my regular posts on WordPress. I'll announce again closer to the date and will keep my Blogger blog open for a while.</li>
<li>A friendly reminder that the next Wellness Wednesday link-up is on June 12. Optional prompt is Mid-Year Review. Please feel free to join in on the fun. I'll be travelling at that time so I plan to schedule my post in advance. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BOOKS</span><br />
<br />
I read seven very good books written by authors from Australia, Canada, England, Japan, and the USA: <br />
<ul>
<li><i>Boy Swallows Universe,</i> by Trent Dalton, 452 pages.</li>
<li><i>What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank</i>, by Nathan Englander, 207 pages.</li>
<li><i>Ru</i>, by Kim Thúy, translated from French by Sheila Fischman, 143 pages. </li>
<li><i>Book Love</i>, a graphic book by Debbie Tung, 140 pages.</li>
<li><i>When Breath Becomes Air</i>, by Paul Kalanithi, 228 pages. </li>
<li><i>The Remains of the Day</i>, by Kazuo Ishiguro, 299 pages. </li>
<li><i>Norwegian Wood</i>, by Haruki Murakami, translated from Japanese by Jay Rubin, 296 pages. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-33EAOBML_yTgsOdwxE7SKOFAKJ9J5ChLijuxOU5nN4qrZNlQol770bteqM29NF2ErBKuy5JHiiMW2XTWDraa114a1PHz52F0fgFQcd4HGbDb3bKfCWwcQGHrJ-BXrRK2e3_gGDNGNXT/s1600/BooksReadMay2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="750" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-33EAOBML_yTgsOdwxE7SKOFAKJ9J5ChLijuxOU5nN4qrZNlQol770bteqM29NF2ErBKuy5JHiiMW2XTWDraa114a1PHz52F0fgFQcd4HGbDb3bKfCWwcQGHrJ-BXrRK2e3_gGDNGNXT/s320/BooksReadMay2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books read in May 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCERTS</span><br />
<br />
I attended four classical concerts with a friend. The musicians are all winners at various musical competitions both in Canada and abroad. Each concert ended with standing ovation from the audience. <br />
<ul>
<li>Kimberley Jeong, cello and Tristan Savella, piano </li>
<li>Brian Hsu, piano </li>
<li>Vlad Solovie, piano </li>
<li>Dr. Su Jeon Higuera and Jessie J. Lee (piano duo) </li>
</ul>
From June to September, I plan to attend outdoor concerts to take advantage of the nice weather and warmer temperatures.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY</span><br />
<br />
We took time out for a nice family getaway on the Victoria Day long weekend. Around mid-May, we celebrated when one nephew bought his first home, and one niece graduated with a Bachelor's degree. We have a few birthdays coming up and relatives visiting us this summer so I'm looking forward to our big family gatherings.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FRIENDS</span><br />
<br />
I met up with my friends seven times for coffee or tea. On one occasion, we tried a new Japanese restaurant named Sushi Inn. The food and service were good so we'll be back.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF-9-P4OSgCY-JMOBLoD8DaC_eOHuBF3Wfyx1QERVefxtwo4MoCmTCMd90o5fWjbW0KzS52CiH9Kcso2X0C-A943RF4MG4TKsIq5QNMVDj29w1VZBgCA5Hc1jP9Eoc7NLow1vLD4A6qfh/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF-9-P4OSgCY-JMOBLoD8DaC_eOHuBF3Wfyx1QERVefxtwo4MoCmTCMd90o5fWjbW0KzS52CiH9Kcso2X0C-A943RF4MG4TKsIq5QNMVDj29w1VZBgCA5Hc1jP9Eoc7NLow1vLD4A6qfh/s320/IMG_4719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span><br />
<br />
I was at home most of May and was able to complete daily meditation, twenty-nine outdoor walks, thirteen strength workouts in the gym, nine yoga classes, and five swimming sessions.<br />
<br />
Walking outdoors in the spring is a joy as I can see flowers everywhere. I hope to add a few bike rides in the next four months while the nice weather is here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLc10xWywVfOh9eb9FVFWDpe3PMCdmx-_y2snTrpfTouL7SsTd_DzJEEo9p_xg-6aMN-HfhPGdfxnpJ__pVMvyhXCceYp2VRwqlGRE_Ua6zBXsDMGRUcKa9ujHKGzOiEQSf43x7Lm8x8C/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLc10xWywVfOh9eb9FVFWDpe3PMCdmx-_y2snTrpfTouL7SsTd_DzJEEo9p_xg-6aMN-HfhPGdfxnpJ__pVMvyhXCceYp2VRwqlGRE_Ua6zBXsDMGRUcKa9ujHKGzOiEQSf43x7Lm8x8C/s320/IMG_4716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty spring flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">LEARNING</span><br />
<br />
I continued with my online French and Spanish lessons every day in May. I also started learning more about WordPress (see Blogging above) and about my upcoming travel destinations (see Travel below).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">MOVIES</span><br />
<br />
I watched four movies with my neighbours. Coincidentally, Nicole Kidman starred in two of them. We agreed that <i>Aquaman</i> had great visual effects and Matthew McConaughey's character in <i>Serenity</i> was weird! The comedies were just OK. <br />
<ul>
<li><i>Second Act</i>, starring Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Nudgens.</li>
<li><i>Serenity</i>, starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.</li>
<li><i>Aquaman</i>, starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, and Willem Dafoe.</li>
<li><i>The Upside</i>, starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, and Nicole Kidman.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavm8UfI6z37bqFtirY9sfPkx75QKdXywguidYYQ7MfHZsRh9LQEL_0dCdMAcE5sy3ibbrdbiK66s-exv7KC4f7BOb9B8bqGF1PB3KnStCNm0eoA0fVLjN9OpiesZKeXq8dDZUtI6W9J8V/s1600/MoviePostersMay2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavm8UfI6z37bqFtirY9sfPkx75QKdXywguidYYQ7MfHZsRh9LQEL_0dCdMAcE5sy3ibbrdbiK66s-exv7KC4f7BOb9B8bqGF1PB3KnStCNm0eoA0fVLjN9OpiesZKeXq8dDZUtI6W9J8V/s320/MoviePostersMay2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movies watched in May 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">TRAVEL</span><br />
<br />
May felt like t'is the season for trip planning. Where to? I'm going to Malta and Germany in June. I've also booked flights or train tickets, and accommodations for trips to three different Canadian cities (Regina in July, Kingston in August, and Victoria in September). New adventures await!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Overall, May was a splendid month for me. I felt I got a lot done. I look forward to enjoying new adventures in June. It will be quiet on this blog for the next three weeks until I return at the end of June.<br />
<br />
By the way, if you'd like to take a quick preview at my blog on WordPress, it's <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/" target="_blank">here</a>. Same blog name, slightly different URL. If you see something that doesn't work right, please let me know. I'd love to have you follow my blog on WordPress so I have real data to work with while I'm getting used to WordPress.<br />
<br />
<i>How was May for you? What good things happened? I look forward to hearing your comments.</i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-8360451752675260712019-05-26T17:55:00.000-04:002019-05-26T17:55:05.123-04:00Croatia: Postcard from Zagreb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDWH7hkMMs9Q3L1011vyvETmrksW9cPifTqduQ_gUxp51DLyUok_VTkNgFRXGfMNO-92g2_T_r4Dr2WsWzt4GVGTCWmFlEQqEXvXSYCn_UiqqGXd20Z2lRs5JfIGX5ka7vdAJON7TAg6-/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDWH7hkMMs9Q3L1011vyvETmrksW9cPifTqduQ_gUxp51DLyUok_VTkNgFRXGfMNO-92g2_T_r4Dr2WsWzt4GVGTCWmFlEQqEXvXSYCn_UiqqGXd20Z2lRs5JfIGX5ka7vdAJON7TAg6-/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings! After our adventures along the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-delightful-dalmatian-coast.html" target="_blank">delightful Dalmatian Coast</a>, and our multiple day trips to see the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-stunning-plitvice-lakes-and.html" target="_blank">stunning Plitvice Lakes and Istria Peninsula</a>, my sister and I continued to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.<br />
<br />
Today I'm sharing some photos that I took during our walks to explore Zagreb. We happened to be there on Friday and Saturday when the locals were out in full force to enjoy the sunny and warm weather.<br />
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We began our first walk at Kaptol Square in Zagreb's Upper Town, dominated by the huge Zagreb <b>Cathedral</b>, with its soaring twin spires, its cobblestone streets, and red tile roofed buildings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgZSGpQ6ykjTUJWsRN_cZaf892oOkpsqKmB036X3BE69f0AqzqxqmU722tn_kT-S3AycXvLbu1uYrZVMsvfZm3iu_XKTYJd7T_Vo3spuEAm9rJj8pyiRg3AsmD-wGK-CA_louSW3Jvhr9/s1600/ZagrebCathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgZSGpQ6ykjTUJWsRN_cZaf892oOkpsqKmB036X3BE69f0AqzqxqmU722tn_kT-S3AycXvLbu1uYrZVMsvfZm3iu_XKTYJd7T_Vo3spuEAm9rJj8pyiRg3AsmD-wGK-CA_louSW3Jvhr9/s320/ZagrebCathedral.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zagreb Cathedral and surrounding buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the Cathedral, we walked to the large <b>Market</b> with red umbrellas and many stands offering flowers, fruits, veggies, meats, as well as puppet toys, souvenirs, and household items. The streets near the market were packed with restaurants, trendy cafes, and a vibrant shopping scene.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpmHfruBsQe5FYda-JWo3lYAKMBcRhnC3RM6y3nlrjjBTHI93SYiZZOEt5gHDcLXIqNT1AILKrt9BFnaUnta4H8Y3eNUumNBij2BHNZ3B_nNqKm-JkiDNlQtv0if1m0IXldsaIePdbALN/s1600/ZagrebMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpmHfruBsQe5FYda-JWo3lYAKMBcRhnC3RM6y3nlrjjBTHI93SYiZZOEt5gHDcLXIqNT1AILKrt9BFnaUnta4H8Y3eNUumNBij2BHNZ3B_nNqKm-JkiDNlQtv0if1m0IXldsaIePdbALN/s320/ZagrebMarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zagreb Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the market, we walked to <b>St. Mark's Church</b> with its brightly coloured roof, Stone Gate (the stone gate into town with a Virgin Mary shrine popular for prayer and candle lighting), Strossmartre Gate, and Lotrscak Tower. This is a large tower with daily cannon blasts and an observation area providing panoramic city views and the view of the funicular.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AfOkR0mm3XRuEx39sYVEaHCUKDBklamn298idBYaTRR9hrLUSUtIrQi2_49mVjw38ZQ7QYmcNyF8_b3gpqPylzEYiStujBzdubKDRFL1FPufG2_42-y8uk0MSGriJngm_zyKtDNMoOVw/s1600/ZagrebUpperTown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AfOkR0mm3XRuEx39sYVEaHCUKDBklamn298idBYaTRR9hrLUSUtIrQi2_49mVjw38ZQ7QYmcNyF8_b3gpqPylzEYiStujBzdubKDRFL1FPufG2_42-y8uk0MSGriJngm_zyKtDNMoOVw/s320/ZagrebUpperTown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mark's Church, Stone Gate, Lotrscak Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzU6IqqPcBdMxmuCGVSe4BOPohG4tcZnghjTb04irbgI0dJvtO1Boya6-zoRGYrZGXDI6M52G-v6o13vuIHSgzxZVolU39stfChyJVaAcJnyp5XWgT-nlOCv2V4XF6MScSYKbCYOB-AZS/s1600/ViewsofZagreb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzU6IqqPcBdMxmuCGVSe4BOPohG4tcZnghjTb04irbgI0dJvtO1Boya6-zoRGYrZGXDI6M52G-v6o13vuIHSgzxZVolU39stfChyJVaAcJnyp5XWgT-nlOCv2V4XF6MScSYKbCYOB-AZS/s320/ViewsofZagreb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of Zagreb and the Funicular</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We continued to explore the winding streets of the Old Town and reached <b>Ban Jelacic</b>, the city's main square, accessible only by foot and by tram. It’s a popular meeting spot thanks to the giant statue of Josip Jelačić on his horse that acts as a convenient landmark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Gp3poVm-Hs9VTeY-xce-ndM-fcttl3Dk2ffCeRBMzA9JVmZYw0jARx5lfduh07Lj4ELZit8DuPGQdctoLSjVbFmhaH2bx1VGZZnpQb3gmb0tEo1F7K7NjO-8-2RUBWpNsYEyqpw4Bq80/s1600/ZagrebMainSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Gp3poVm-Hs9VTeY-xce-ndM-fcttl3Dk2ffCeRBMzA9JVmZYw0jARx5lfduh07Lj4ELZit8DuPGQdctoLSjVbFmhaH2bx1VGZZnpQb3gmb0tEo1F7K7NjO-8-2RUBWpNsYEyqpw4Bq80/s320/ZagrebMainSquare.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ban Jelacic, Zagreb's Main Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For our second walk, we started from the main square, and walked south towards Zagreb Central Train Station and the Botanical Garden in Zagreb's Lower Town. The parks, gardens, and fountains along this stretch are beautiful. On the weekend when we were there, the locals were out to enjoy the green space, outdoor art exhibits, blossoming trees, and sunshine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ8oKmgJdYOhWWEwI9hjqR1qsH_PZlt-wxETDa2OXyWTW16VcrqQyrPQZxyXkI7d1rUtTUGMyaeicb-Ic7Tne2OjAetSaqJ4w7kj33q0RVc2AMoDcOp5ZxmqheR6Q3GKrYU5t4Hgu4Ett/s1600/ZagrebLowerTown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ8oKmgJdYOhWWEwI9hjqR1qsH_PZlt-wxETDa2OXyWTW16VcrqQyrPQZxyXkI7d1rUtTUGMyaeicb-Ic7Tne2OjAetSaqJ4w7kj33q0RVc2AMoDcOp5ZxmqheR6Q3GKrYU5t4Hgu4Ett/s320/ZagrebLowerTown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park and Central Station in Zagreb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The main streets in Zagreb's Lower Town form a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped area with many beautiful and big buildings. It would be time well-spent to explore the history and the architecture here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i0pUD5BeHdbYDC5u0_UW1JB8B_QCQPGdrBo_yc0xCK8_3Po9wKzRtyfPBu1HukldRCwZHJxvYCvwfj2AQXQSd9cNet90wCrCxVe8A7Pva6ZpAtzfQy_QZ8WR2o76Cs9L27RJSlcW2CWA/s1600/ZagrebBuildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i0pUD5BeHdbYDC5u0_UW1JB8B_QCQPGdrBo_yc0xCK8_3Po9wKzRtyfPBu1HukldRCwZHJxvYCvwfj2AQXQSd9cNet90wCrCxVe8A7Pva6ZpAtzfQy_QZ8WR2o76Cs9L27RJSlcW2CWA/s320/ZagrebBuildings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buildings in Zagreb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-nxldIQ3BaBFO6ap8nV-q9HzC4cvNY0-oLUpAL1EmJvadcUiEJOl2V7LeYcEKeXePWzk_EAfxosQCB9Er7u95wN158JJ0ne_v4MG1IT6qpnWFhwHG8uRRW464bFbpWrYTPzT0s2Go-wY/s1600/IMG_4572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-nxldIQ3BaBFO6ap8nV-q9HzC4cvNY0-oLUpAL1EmJvadcUiEJOl2V7LeYcEKeXePWzk_EAfxosQCB9Er7u95wN158JJ0ne_v4MG1IT6qpnWFhwHG8uRRW464bFbpWrYTPzT0s2Go-wY/s320/IMG_4572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building in Zagreb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Zagreb is a charming and pedestrian-friendly city. We enjoyed our walks both in the Upper Town and Lower Town. The weekend was beautiful so even though there was an extensive tram network in Zagreb, we decided to walk and did not use the trams. <br />
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This city was our last stop in Croatia, before flying home from Zagreb International Airport. Our time in Croatia was amazing. I hope you've enjoyed visiting (or revisiting) Croatia through my lens.<br />
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<i>I'd love to hear your comments</i>.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-67033190423002635202019-05-21T17:06:00.003-04:002019-05-22T08:03:54.977-04:00Croatia: Stunning Plitvice Lakes and Istria Peninsula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Llx_C6H9RkAg_ipFIpLaWt1mq4spXNYu5uXfqvFJSFNVHpMKenaXFKT10JeK4AHYnifsmZDOm88PqI4QsPJiPA28kWf4erNotncwrbXBE3TwtqVt2PkRJc8w8lbPvWCJw4V3ou2MDwcq/s1600/20190326_124841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Llx_C6H9RkAg_ipFIpLaWt1mq4spXNYu5uXfqvFJSFNVHpMKenaXFKT10JeK4AHYnifsmZDOm88PqI4QsPJiPA28kWf4erNotncwrbXBE3TwtqVt2PkRJc8w8lbPvWCJw4V3ou2MDwcq/s320/20190326_124841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Greetings! After our adventures along Croatia's <b><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/croatia-delightful-dalmatian-coast.html" target="_blank">delightful Dalmatian Coast</a></b>, my sister and I continued with our tour to visit Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park and three towns on Croatia's Istria Peninsula (Opatija, Rovinj, and Pula).<br />
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We stayed overnight at Plitvice Lakes and spent a full day in Plitvice Lakes National Park. From there we moved on to stay overnight in Opatija, and took day trips from Opatija to Rovinj and Pula. We had a few stunning surprises waiting for us at each of the four locations, shown as blue markers in the map below. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the far right blue marker.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j7X2rKWjLRwd0VVY002TjG01p-KTUSIFvATxR5ELLZDGijZE4WieUpCGDw30vJTNwVfNRL7j2jOrH3yJO2lQ7A_Z1c2BBx7z1CUNhgtDEHDTHUqEfF1S0U2M09oQtNjtnSxCEJ30uR0F/s1600/PlitviceLakesandIstria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="837" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j7X2rKWjLRwd0VVY002TjG01p-KTUSIFvATxR5ELLZDGijZE4WieUpCGDw30vJTNwVfNRL7j2jOrH3yJO2lQ7A_Z1c2BBx7z1CUNhgtDEHDTHUqEfF1S0U2M09oQtNjtnSxCEJ30uR0F/s320/PlitviceLakesandIstria.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croatia's Plitvice Lakes and Istria Peninsula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK</b><br />
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Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. It was designated as a national park in 1949, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park is famous for its sixteen turquoise-coloured lakes and numerous smaller lakes, separated by travertine barriers. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_GXT51tGM-8cHMoDiGAGWk0_Rm_ugufM-NgKD2Vl8igo_MdyZQo1SpMf_TEM6scD6lPQiGQe-B-MXiWPLNXi79CAa703HrzmHe04cdwa_76ZchxeQlmYpgu_w7kDAYriTW2SzPx8sDbm/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_GXT51tGM-8cHMoDiGAGWk0_Rm_ugufM-NgKD2Vl8igo_MdyZQo1SpMf_TEM6scD6lPQiGQe-B-MXiWPLNXi79CAa703HrzmHe04cdwa_76ZchxeQlmYpgu_w7kDAYriTW2SzPx8sDbm/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Plitvice Lakes National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On the day of our visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, we woke up to an
overcast
sky and a dusting of fresh snow which melted as the temperature rose. I
had read about the Plitvice Lakes and was excited to explore this magnificent
natural wonder.<br />
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Our tour guide got tickets for the group and walked us through various sections in the park. The park entrance ticket includes a 20-minute ride with the electric boat and a panoramic train as the park is a large area to discover. Raised wooden footpaths zigzag and curve to lead us through this natural beauty. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3BMDI7LOWERLLuRGsD7Y3cGINl23MXyxTuF-8Fd2vH36ezbC1cZ0bHSlMx5ZV3URYz7dcBeMPM1zSc8bO9gVuY8ETIgeJgQfCFOc4lFQKzFQI2yDf6lHdhjCx2BZJ8rnKv9kQ2iKCOVH/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3BMDI7LOWERLLuRGsD7Y3cGINl23MXyxTuF-8Fd2vH36ezbC1cZ0bHSlMx5ZV3URYz7dcBeMPM1zSc8bO9gVuY8ETIgeJgQfCFOc4lFQKzFQI2yDf6lHdhjCx2BZJ8rnKv9kQ2iKCOVH/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden path at Plitvice Lakes National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-2-VYLTfoEIglKfDV2EibEm8aoTIrS4TTOiHn17M9FXOS-KwVzKqwZILlhanAmjUiKi3VyS_y5Ids5uCoYDOCTWTbSsE4d-7L0rLp-ktKlP_2pVpFRwf3awBSKc_9rMlAW7VR8TJdF-T/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-2-VYLTfoEIglKfDV2EibEm8aoTIrS4TTOiHn17M9FXOS-KwVzKqwZILlhanAmjUiKi3VyS_y5Ids5uCoYDOCTWTbSsE4d-7L0rLp-ktKlP_2pVpFRwf3awBSKc_9rMlAW7VR8TJdF-T/s320/IMG_0851.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zigzag wooden paths at Plitvice Lakes</td></tr>
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The views were spectacular no matter where we looked. The sixteen lakes terrace
their way down a hillside, each one
connected to the last via cascading waterfalls, caves, springs, and
chutes. The highest falls, Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall in Croatia, tumble some 78m. Altogether, the string of
lakes is almost eight km (five miles) long.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzv4_NRQco8X-ew5L2YU2EM2FBv13jWLsGcoZuh0sxfXl40rQJdrCTrV-LEgHGDwB5NJxlMuyutfmDFVTjf6COKjD-auumn45h4Pl_9tXJvj9cELjHcZMHMVgP17qS7NFJK3ylVqn0ISm/s1600/PlitviceLakesEmerald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzv4_NRQco8X-ew5L2YU2EM2FBv13jWLsGcoZuh0sxfXl40rQJdrCTrV-LEgHGDwB5NJxlMuyutfmDFVTjf6COKjD-auumn45h4Pl_9tXJvj9cELjHcZMHMVgP17qS7NFJK3ylVqn0ISm/s320/PlitviceLakesEmerald.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBPcbM1-ctVqafYA51I4DijHkAKVQ4L5tM_lemwaxnZRC_Kcv-3ppx9YfX8xJfRwSRAusjrTF3sJ2b6KbeCE2PvMmDltkyMRZIck1hloOfTIv7OGchDO8d5rl9YeTSkDguwxpbUVegc6_/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBPcbM1-ctVqafYA51I4DijHkAKVQ4L5tM_lemwaxnZRC_Kcv-3ppx9YfX8xJfRwSRAusjrTF3sJ2b6KbeCE2PvMmDltkyMRZIck1hloOfTIv7OGchDO8d5rl9YeTSkDguwxpbUVegc6_/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veliki Slap tall waterfall at 78 m</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo6m84xXULeLt25-E4VR-qUwoNEVmlenWOVvkpBtJUWLHpfSUo87fhyphenhyphen8syELmsYfD5jiieqtbVIURsvcHshMT3upqcAB4i3Zn9SHgRDTvmtzqpyAjCw699fN-WBFE4QIWGl729tz9rArh/s1600/PlitviceLakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="750" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo6m84xXULeLt25-E4VR-qUwoNEVmlenWOVvkpBtJUWLHpfSUo87fhyphenhyphen8syELmsYfD5jiieqtbVIURsvcHshMT3upqcAB4i3Zn9SHgRDTvmtzqpyAjCw699fN-WBFE4QIWGl729tz9rArh/s320/PlitviceLakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls and chutes at Plitvice Lakes</td></tr>
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There are four hiking trails, three caves, and a special beech-fir forest reserve for visitors to explore. I truly enjoyed our visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a sunny day, or in the Fall, I imagine the park and colours of the lakes must be quite stunning.<br />
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<b>OPATIJA</b><br />
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Opatija is about two hours drive north west of Plitvice Lakes. It's a charming town located on Croatia's Istria Peninsula, along Adriatic shores near the tip of the Gulf of Kvarner. Opatija has a fascinating cultural blend, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, Yugoslavian, and Croatian, over the centuries. With its close proximity to Italy, many Italians come here for rest and relaxation.<br />
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During our stay in Opatija, the sunny skies and warm temperatures returned. We strolled along Opatija's seaside promenade, the <b>Lungo Mare</b>, and soaked in the small city’s ambiance and lovely setting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6StLoOzsJcNUOsSn12Xcf9JTRSJvxhPOy4rpifm6MMsQkZqvfBw4amtlvE7jTb9h2OLJA3_KFXorzplWWZiAVqvfeyENuMpdoFaOIYKmqynK_goB4KCt8vw8OjGn9bNHDngLdAkN57lCo/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6StLoOzsJcNUOsSn12Xcf9JTRSJvxhPOy4rpifm6MMsQkZqvfBw4amtlvE7jTb9h2OLJA3_KFXorzplWWZiAVqvfeyENuMpdoFaOIYKmqynK_goB4KCt8vw8OjGn9bNHDngLdAkN57lCo/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opatija, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Some of Opatija's landmarks include the Maiden with the Seagull statue, the Boatman statue by the small harbour, Kvarner hotel, and the gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQt5AhDeYCE0i_NtwHEGAEStoI0IG0ImeXBnPehgBw5MK3wfUnlZ8xX5Yz9JzkQU4-EhojLftc-OO-u39Z1txLCNP5-b36GBXF-RBcbGjJ-y63WRXqcsm_dx62Fx_z2U7mDbmTltrZVXm/s1600/OpatijaLandmarks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQt5AhDeYCE0i_NtwHEGAEStoI0IG0ImeXBnPehgBw5MK3wfUnlZ8xX5Yz9JzkQU4-EhojLftc-OO-u39Z1txLCNP5-b36GBXF-RBcbGjJ-y63WRXqcsm_dx62Fx_z2U7mDbmTltrZVXm/s320/OpatijaLandmarks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opatija's landmarks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH09i0jR7Vd0McgTNeldLWk9rcH_cpnDL5QgLzie_IZD0TsYhtbCfpfF1FiG45ANAOFnbRYS7x_Hr02JKs_eZjjYTH6zGbM47zrTjbmHq74e9TIWCEqMGVOAFZnKIwcsxNwv_LWWLqAKR/s1600/OpatijaGardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH09i0jR7Vd0McgTNeldLWk9rcH_cpnDL5QgLzie_IZD0TsYhtbCfpfF1FiG45ANAOFnbRYS7x_Hr02JKs_eZjjYTH6zGbM47zrTjbmHq74e9TIWCEqMGVOAFZnKIwcsxNwv_LWWLqAKR/s320/OpatijaGardens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opatija Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>ROVINJ</b><br />
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From Opatija, we took a day trip to Rovinj, located about an hour drive south west of Opatija. Rovinj delighted us with its stunning sea views, Venetian architecture, and cobbled streets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZeyZfplIhFMdmJERpNigbrOi6IBHLb803I991bqf8jd68i6Gmnk4v6dFH-dm-BH6Q5jP7Wt1LTbBf0EEOq4BCvAhh8CD1U_LsHzvKfPXGAJOANQgCzZKI_20aYwzgmnUzsbsAtVGqlb/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZeyZfplIhFMdmJERpNigbrOi6IBHLb803I991bqf8jd68i6Gmnk4v6dFH-dm-BH6Q5jP7Wt1LTbBf0EEOq4BCvAhh8CD1U_LsHzvKfPXGAJOANQgCzZKI_20aYwzgmnUzsbsAtVGqlb/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rovinj, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was a pleasure to walk and wander the small alleys in and around Rovinj. The houses all seem to exude charms and present numerous photo opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejVlozqhCZEWhNMUX9FFEiaOVJUGY2OTFC7AthF8KBz6g3IW8FRChT2QgX6btUuP6TpG0dbUCWmfJa-duCOc5OTMVgMxsgkjh3eJGNLkYVSFS28LDULWfJDVPFiG1p3Sl-vfKSNGRL1ME/s1600/RovinjSights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejVlozqhCZEWhNMUX9FFEiaOVJUGY2OTFC7AthF8KBz6g3IW8FRChT2QgX6btUuP6TpG0dbUCWmfJa-duCOc5OTMVgMxsgkjh3eJGNLkYVSFS28LDULWfJDVPFiG1p3Sl-vfKSNGRL1ME/s320/RovinjSights.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sights in Rovinj, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For a panoramic ocean view, we climbed the stone steps leading to Rovinj's church and walked the pebbled grounds before going towards the market. The local specialities include truffles, sauces, fruit jams and herbs such as lavender.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75ks7-PYzQsRUzBgZ_79_gMDoKC0YjYVvwMXnJxp72TtquXqd-uAT4o7Rpj-cakMW3ybylRbZnu7b-recNvYqzZSjepVkZTwILYBP0l-9WMXtVWIE-JLVeKtITy_xjxu3Oqoc9-6WXByN/s1600/RovinjSights2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75ks7-PYzQsRUzBgZ_79_gMDoKC0YjYVvwMXnJxp72TtquXqd-uAT4o7Rpj-cakMW3ybylRbZnu7b-recNvYqzZSjepVkZTwILYBP0l-9WMXtVWIE-JLVeKtITy_xjxu3Oqoc9-6WXByN/s320/RovinjSights2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sights in Rovinj, Croatia </td></tr>
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<b>PULA</b><br />
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From Rovinj, we took a side trip to Pula, about 40 minute drive south of Rovinj. Walking towards Pula's centre, we were delighted to see Pula's remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater (or arena), where performances are still held today. It is the 6th largest amphitheater in Europe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrpuD2qldAe-SnU_Ib26HFFN-X4eu1I_Cfvaq0A1acdew-rW8nOZ7Trtdi2xTLHogj-_SGbDF_fX5jjaJTHhyphenhyphenaUUCkFH-QSuB07iRhP4lfnHvZYUh4kOEP0ZzAq9MCFoaUd-2u9g_Kfxv/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrpuD2qldAe-SnU_Ib26HFFN-X4eu1I_Cfvaq0A1acdew-rW8nOZ7Trtdi2xTLHogj-_SGbDF_fX5jjaJTHhyphenhyphenaUUCkFH-QSuB07iRhP4lfnHvZYUh4kOEP0ZzAq9MCFoaUd-2u9g_Kfxv/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia</td></tr>
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Without any tourist crowd, we were able to spend some time walking around the Roman arena and examining its structure in details. We could see the Adriatic sea through the arena's openings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4sqeZ1ea_qjCIC1JWo7f98tkvTykK_arpo9jnpauAIiu-cWlv_GmNxs5IFK53JOUNdBDHndeRmAX4UmpzjWX8mauRhDyHw7necx0n3zcZ9Kv2bUk6q88xXbBWppSBk_D-zgsV8Pe1jCz/s1600/PulaArena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4sqeZ1ea_qjCIC1JWo7f98tkvTykK_arpo9jnpauAIiu-cWlv_GmNxs5IFK53JOUNdBDHndeRmAX4UmpzjWX8mauRhDyHw7necx0n3zcZ9Kv2bUk6q88xXbBWppSBk_D-zgsV8Pe1jCz/s320/PulaArena.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman arena in Pula, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Further wanderings let us see more of Pula's interesting and historic landmarks such as the four shown in the photo below the Cathedral (top left), Temple of Augustus (top right), Town Hall (lower right) and Twin Gate (lower left).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD7xk0JaEgPa1HjhC0hJEgPbPMusOzhUeb4UEzpQ4W0vPe4Vl2WqChL56nEKVcR6sxCWrYLyDTM91XqljC4NlAHjMPDlyYvVN0MwuKjrN3uo2TPOxug_c76yD5BbmNvEDibVvLh5azrhU/s1600/PulaLandmarks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD7xk0JaEgPa1HjhC0hJEgPbPMusOzhUeb4UEzpQ4W0vPe4Vl2WqChL56nEKVcR6sxCWrYLyDTM91XqljC4NlAHjMPDlyYvVN0MwuKjrN3uo2TPOxug_c76yD5BbmNvEDibVvLh5azrhU/s320/PulaLandmarks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pula's Cathedral, Temple, Town Hall and Twin Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our time in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park, Opatija, Rovinj, and Pula was truly amazing. I hope this post and my selected photos reflect the beauty of these places in Croatia. I plan to have one more post on Zagreb.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for travelling with me. I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-15099050890099641252019-05-12T22:18:00.001-04:002019-05-20T19:51:31.651-04:00Croatia: Delightful Dalmatian Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Greetings! In March, my sister and I took a guided tour to visit Croatia and Slovenia. Our itinerary included one stop in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I wrote about our day trip to Mostar <b><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/day-trip-to-mostar-bosnia-herzegovina.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>, and our wonderful time in Slovenia <b><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/3-walks-to-take-in-slovenia.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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While in Croatia, we started from Dubrovnik, travelled north with overnight stays along the Dalmatian Coast, Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Istria Peninsula, and ended with a two-night stay in Zagreb, Croatia's capital, before flying home.<br />
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At each location we had about one to two hours of walking with a local
guide, followed by free time on our own until we met again to return to
our hotel. The old towns are all cobble stoned and the best way to
explore them is by walking. One exception is Plitvice Lakes National Park where our tour guide was with us for close to a full day.<br />
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We lucked out on at least three things:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Our group size</b> was twelve, including my sister and I, even though the tour was advertised with a maximum of twenty-two people. The participants were all Canadians, from various Canadian provinces. Everyone was friendly and prompt, which means no wasted time waiting around at meet-up times.</li>
<li><b>The weather</b> was superb for March, a transition month from winter to spring. We had sunny skies and pleasant temperatures throughout the entire trip, except one overnight stay at Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a couple of days, it felt like summer at 25C (77F).</li>
<li><b>The tour </b>went smoothly from beginning to end. We received all the services as outlined in our tour package. In hindsight, my sister and I both feel that we've got very good value for the 'flash sale' price we paid. In addition, by travelling in shoulder season, we didn't encounter any crowd or long queues at the main sights, or traffic jam on the highways, or delays at border crossings.</li>
</ol>
I'm sharing my Croatia's Dalmatian Coast highlights in this post and the remaining Croatia highlights in the next post(s). Will you join me on these walks?<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>DALMATIAN COAST</b></span><br />
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Croatia's coastline is 1778 km long, with over a thousand islands dotted
the Adriatic Sea, waiting to be explored. We flew from Toronto to Dubrovnik and started our guided tour in
Dubrovnik. Our Dalmatian Coast adventures included four stops, shown as
blue markers in the photo
below: Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, and Zadar. <i>Click to enlarge the pictures</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH1WlAT-NGOfB7WLeUueh9y6J5v7GZRn-SCnpOBkik97fJ7X9JUc-miN59phRmX_omS4rUrrv627krB8_9zusTc2A4BGWP4M5XfxKqtjsRZVXdjc2sskZuV_LtgTwgYHGklz5tn2QhiF5/s1600/DalmatianCoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1032" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH1WlAT-NGOfB7WLeUueh9y6J5v7GZRn-SCnpOBkik97fJ7X9JUc-miN59phRmX_omS4rUrrv627krB8_9zusTc2A4BGWP4M5XfxKqtjsRZVXdjc2sskZuV_LtgTwgYHGklz5tn2QhiF5/s320/DalmatianCoast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalmatian Coast, Croatia</td></tr>
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<b>DUBROVNIK</b><br />
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<span class="s1">My first sight of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was from a hill top, and it was as beautiful as I imagined it to be. The well-preserved citadel completely encircles the city, with red-tiled roofs within its 800 year-old medieval wall. On a clear and sunny day, Dubrovnik is a jaw-dropping beauty with the blue Adriatic Sea as its background, dotted with a few green islands. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Before entering Dubrovnik's Old Town, we stopped to take in the views of Fort Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac. Without a doubt, Dubrovnik is Croatia's gem. Its image is on the back of Croatia's 50 Kuna bill (Croatian's currency is the Kuna or HRK).</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3vI2G6RPxylnCipCsRraa1HFPOB_nn9E6gf3a2nUESCZN5uqXROJtP5XVJA7YbERVSEl515eiNquhv4CjssFJghHd0PaZNASzro8w5z8gonHoNmurKUoE6Y-209uozj4nHZCScIeTLnl/s1600/Dubrovnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3vI2G6RPxylnCipCsRraa1HFPOB_nn9E6gf3a2nUESCZN5uqXROJtP5XVJA7YbERVSEl515eiNquhv4CjssFJghHd0PaZNASzro8w5z8gonHoNmurKUoE6Y-209uozj4nHZCScIeTLnl/s320/Dubrovnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik: Fort Bokar, Fort Lovrijenac, on 50 HRK bill</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">We entered Dubrovnik's Old Town from Pile Gate (top left in the photo below). The pristine marble streets in the Old Town are lined with baroque buildings, beautiful Renaissance fountains, and facades. Some of the important landmarks include: Stradun (the main street in Dubrovnik's Old Town), with the Franciscan church and monastery at one end (top right), Sponza Palace at the other end (bottom right), Rector's Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral (bottom left). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRANEQmRjc_-txDZ2sPF-NegQARug9K75d6xgaUisSoNJwCzxf5_YnMZ0fHL_bK5LPXLNShizYPhBhjxVSovM2UZcza_cQDXKBKZldDkJx5Qs-TutAJdy1c4tUx4QBUFLqiCFFel1bAzdG/s1600/DubrovnikLandmarks%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRANEQmRjc_-txDZ2sPF-NegQARug9K75d6xgaUisSoNJwCzxf5_YnMZ0fHL_bK5LPXLNShizYPhBhjxVSovM2UZcza_cQDXKBKZldDkJx5Qs-TutAJdy1c4tUx4QBUFLqiCFFel1bAzdG/s320/DubrovnikLandmarks%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile Gate, Stradun, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral</td></tr>
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We walked along the underpass of the Bell Tower to reach Dubrovnik's Old Port. From here we could see fantastic views of the sea, St. John Fort, and the City Walls. The walk way that hugs the Old Port also has benches for visitors to sit down and enjoy the Adriatic sun and sea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCuTNPLje0OOFdDqPftHfTnaXVdYnzSKPmg3kTm_RSaApH5gswEuDKop8f-YK6ZT9O3iPkWDF41gQNa2r2BGPNXyltckXPAA-pJhEobFqSHFhC4Jn-nNvb9h9LvsaM2jdZBfykGE4w2XG/s1600/DubrovnikPortViews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCuTNPLje0OOFdDqPftHfTnaXVdYnzSKPmg3kTm_RSaApH5gswEuDKop8f-YK6ZT9O3iPkWDF41gQNa2r2BGPNXyltckXPAA-pJhEobFqSHFhC4Jn-nNvb9h9LvsaM2jdZBfykGE4w2XG/s320/DubrovnikPortViews.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik's Bell Tower, Old Port, and City Walls </td></tr>
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At Dubrovnik's market, we tried a delicious local snack consisting of dried figs, orange rinds, and nuts. Then stopped by the Terrace by the Sea coffee shop by the Old Port for a good cappuccino while soaking in the views. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFcnzwzPJjz43JQP_gNlVDVtCXX-GaEc7z7_k9In_FhvmyWPqnbr6VZFMxUzzD8bkdZTbpMe8eXtp3B6vDm0wEnsMNWmcRCd183kCY8E8QaFI6bOs-8lhH4NDiuiagv3IqCpcbX9zRvj9/s1600/DubrovnikSnacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFcnzwzPJjz43JQP_gNlVDVtCXX-GaEc7z7_k9In_FhvmyWPqnbr6VZFMxUzzD8bkdZTbpMe8eXtp3B6vDm0wEnsMNWmcRCd183kCY8E8QaFI6bOs-8lhH4NDiuiagv3IqCpcbX9zRvj9/s320/DubrovnikSnacks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried figs, orange rinds, nuts, and cappuccino</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Dubrovnik's main attraction is the City Walls which are
approximately 2 km long. With renewed energy after our coffee break, my sister and I decided to climb the narrow
streets of the Old Town up to the northern walls for
great views, and walked along the perimeter of the Old Town before meeting our group to return to our hotel. </span>It was a gorgeous day in a beautiful city!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj57RSww3_0WlQrfTEG-y9qcf1XbtPOrDPFqebuk9UemaLkZBSLMNuUra7pLESRsTc55R7AySCs3lZ-O0ScHnLbGWAzTBjS-wltRZJtiPoQJAjt70xDWqeOemjpARMbZU-gSYB9ra9uZt/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj57RSww3_0WlQrfTEG-y9qcf1XbtPOrDPFqebuk9UemaLkZBSLMNuUra7pLESRsTc55R7AySCs3lZ-O0ScHnLbGWAzTBjS-wltRZJtiPoQJAjt70xDWqeOemjpARMbZU-gSYB9ra9uZt/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>SPLIT</b><br />
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Split is Croatia's second largest and lesser known city. It's a town steeped in ancient history preserved over the course of 1700 years by its inhabitants. Emperor Diocletian chose Split as his retirement destination in 305 AD and had a grand palace built here to <span class="s1">accommodate his
post-imperial court. Today, the ancient Roman palace – a UNESCO World
Heritage Site – serves as Split’s vibrant marketplace and its city center. The ancient narrow streets are alive with people, shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFDpTDFp5G-CS3H8g9jGuee8BphvCmEGcWtT5l9nv33cw5lNDpklm1ppxLPBsVPS9U23C48flvOSo6cff7U2uUxTNU8014Gi0SXtZvS8qrdZGlHBfmLB0OaBPsCITf5Q4tVNy7MMauX-V/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFDpTDFp5G-CS3H8g9jGuee8BphvCmEGcWtT5l9nv33cw5lNDpklm1ppxLPBsVPS9U23C48flvOSo6cff7U2uUxTNU8014Gi0SXtZvS8qrdZGlHBfmLB0OaBPsCITf5Q4tVNy7MMauX-V/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columns at Diocletian Palace, Split, Croatia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3kqXjyr6t-kvnTztY5T_x6CEb0_fgGRHLhfvJpdjZ-BvOnCg_Z-oUfbtd8y0wv4jZU6qyhoMicQcW-CVlswzNlYHu0jBJVYI9yY9zHc0WCjgWKWO3tWys7pKfhITEtrTGaGaAblQJDrD/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3kqXjyr6t-kvnTztY5T_x6CEb0_fgGRHLhfvJpdjZ-BvOnCg_Z-oUfbtd8y0wv4jZU6qyhoMicQcW-CVlswzNlYHu0jBJVYI9yY9zHc0WCjgWKWO3tWys7pKfhITEtrTGaGaAblQJDrD/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church and Statue of Gregory of Nil, Split, Croatia</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhyphenhyphenSQvq-wdzUB3m011lxMWol5r2pO0MjwpgUAoK91Df_AtJjQSrQtA_LCP-tiho6axZbbr7WHwO_80LKPFUPAHglx7JXClQDMJYZZCyQes7wQvc3B1tISv5FcolkrHdzYrOu21_-rlehE/s1600/SightsinSplit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhyphenhyphenSQvq-wdzUB3m011lxMWol5r2pO0MjwpgUAoK91Df_AtJjQSrQtA_LCP-tiho6axZbbr7WHwO_80LKPFUPAHglx7JXClQDMJYZZCyQes7wQvc3B1tISv5FcolkrHdzYrOu21_-rlehE/s320/SightsinSplit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split Cathedral, Alley, Theatre, and Fish vendor</td></tr>
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Split is also known as the jumping off point for a visit to the magical Mediterranean islands. Unlike Dubrovnik which has unfortunately become full-on touristy, Split is the place to discover real Dalmatian life in an atmospheric setting. On a beautiful sunny day, we strolled Split's seafront promenade which is lined with palm trees. We savoured the views of dramatic coastal mountains and shimmering sea, and mingled with the locals. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqBucKOFVNOly_JbLMHL2ez6-rDx2rAQVxRsdVZZqR4HqMZGfft_gz18QLuasd7Hihma5VglMAsYQTnHrYKey9hJvLCGo3KrrzoljActF6nJFX8POJJiufnBoKCd8jZLNl_zw5AsaxEzg/s1600/IMG_20190324_102011788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqBucKOFVNOly_JbLMHL2ez6-rDx2rAQVxRsdVZZqR4HqMZGfft_gz18QLuasd7Hihma5VglMAsYQTnHrYKey9hJvLCGo3KrrzoljActF6nJFX8POJJiufnBoKCd8jZLNl_zw5AsaxEzg/s320/IMG_20190324_102011788.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split, Croatia</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLSRvzv0rvoBx16lGiwYLq3R50lf2rvproNYnySRrxr8-Xfr3JJkVlsafeVQW2gNDdZ8br_ZDMF46tnBvUtTuAyKYjdzXwgUaLfPwTB1BFx8oWcsr-QXW7Uf2hGQG9n498v10fpuQs4wk/s1600/IMG_20190324_103218889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLSRvzv0rvoBx16lGiwYLq3R50lf2rvproNYnySRrxr8-Xfr3JJkVlsafeVQW2gNDdZ8br_ZDMF46tnBvUtTuAyKYjdzXwgUaLfPwTB1BFx8oWcsr-QXW7Uf2hGQG9n498v10fpuQs4wk/s320/IMG_20190324_103218889.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split, Croatia</td></tr>
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At our tour guide's recommendation, my sister and I ordered traditional Dalmatian pasticada with gnocchi and local wines for dinner. Pasticada is a stewed beef dish slow cooked in special sauce and served with homemade potato gnocchi for special occasions. We quite enjoyed this flavourful dish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRokW5xJn6uiYS8cChMSXjzcYyrksWL1O25dclLACoF0fPDuCkiETcFadlVVsp1emXwlQDvLZpc-7NGL0qxGtgKxM-chsVj4qvA4hFP3vFiNftLD3OUokf2kTtTeIdYmSvcJdKgc72VJT/s1600/pasticada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRokW5xJn6uiYS8cChMSXjzcYyrksWL1O25dclLACoF0fPDuCkiETcFadlVVsp1emXwlQDvLZpc-7NGL0qxGtgKxM-chsVj4qvA4hFP3vFiNftLD3OUokf2kTtTeIdYmSvcJdKgc72VJT/s1600/pasticada.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasticada with gnocchi in Split, Croatia</td></tr>
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<b>TROGIR</b><br />
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Trogir is a medieval town developed in the 13th to the 15th centuries and another UNESCO World Heritage site. It's located about 29km west of Split.<br />
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We entered Trogir historic town centre via the Renaissance city gate. Above the gate is a statue of the town's protector, the Blessed Ivan Orsini. Trogir historic town centre is pedestrian-only and is like an outdoor
museum. We walked to explore the beautiful facades, elegant churches and
palaces, and medieval streets. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaeZEirtIN9CrQbR1v6iQ9FgkjZc0nsZg3uJkNQI7zCBdaoP7nB14KEPr-jWHS03FABHkgCnNOMLW7V-_hT69mF2mBypoJCCcoqALmVcn4tg7vwCpZ0gkZ7XwucQlJBi-P5jC_76mGLlo/s1600/TrogirLandmarks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaeZEirtIN9CrQbR1v6iQ9FgkjZc0nsZg3uJkNQI7zCBdaoP7nB14KEPr-jWHS03FABHkgCnNOMLW7V-_hT69mF2mBypoJCCcoqALmVcn4tg7vwCpZ0gkZ7XwucQlJBi-P5jC_76mGLlo/s320/TrogirLandmarks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trogir city gate, cathedral, and palace</td></tr>
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Trogir waterfront has a wide promenade perfect for walking. At one end is the Kamerlengo fortress which was built in the 14th century and used to be connected to the city walls. From the promenade, one can see the Trogir-Ciovo bridge and many sailboats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrcXVP3gUptJTH35DAvZJR7E0jUH9Y2S4mPpQNH0VLG-lBJKURDsxDnSihTX4eP3R6t6YVM5X3jkKMi3U1q8x69bmZyoQMOm_iEJeGZ-_waVayPSGEW3k1VLL8dgWT7m4FKHS8yoV72xv/s1600/TrogirWaterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrcXVP3gUptJTH35DAvZJR7E0jUH9Y2S4mPpQNH0VLG-lBJKURDsxDnSihTX4eP3R6t6YVM5X3jkKMi3U1q8x69bmZyoQMOm_iEJeGZ-_waVayPSGEW3k1VLL8dgWT7m4FKHS8yoV72xv/s320/TrogirWaterfront.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trogir waterfront</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At our tour guide's recommendation, we took a coffee break at Dovani restaurant which has a great pastry selection and coffee bar on the ground floor. The cake and coffee were some of the finest that we've had.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLOVJxx-s-lAvkKwGEXBh8s6V_tJ__9x6g_Mz13cmPPLecX5Acwo_KGSfCcJtPR4VEf_dZ99fuKaLMUiltslAQ_FPImoLpuQcehcwnyhx4RxmUZ9XjCpDPoHB9KKZxymjv4fmGXnedbZv/s1600/IMG_20190324_084656284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLOVJxx-s-lAvkKwGEXBh8s6V_tJ__9x6g_Mz13cmPPLecX5Acwo_KGSfCcJtPR4VEf_dZ99fuKaLMUiltslAQ_FPImoLpuQcehcwnyhx4RxmUZ9XjCpDPoHB9KKZxymjv4fmGXnedbZv/s320/IMG_20190324_084656284.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake and coffee in Trogir, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>ZADAR</b><br />
<br />
Zadar is a walled Adriatic town like Dubrovnik, with Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, and a rich cultural heritage found on every corner. The city was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2017.<br />
<br />
One of the main attractions in Zadar is the <b>Roman Forum</b>, constructed from the 1st century BC until the 3rd century AD. It's the largest forum in Croatia. Here we see St Donatus church (the round pre-Romanesque church in the photo below), St Anastasia's Cathedral (right), column ruins (front), and the Pillar of Shame (left) which was used to punish evildoers during the Middle Ages.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibROFc7OArB_RSg_zd5S4K2FGaoYrzRPxmbP1HkM7XhWifAne_QiHR0qPBzRNcaWa40F-CPW0k2ciV8szxVkqTsLPf2qOLyARAScq9JlLCYWmWTytdaWvo3F54UnKGGzdM4ib9n2x6Fz-V/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibROFc7OArB_RSg_zd5S4K2FGaoYrzRPxmbP1HkM7XhWifAne_QiHR0qPBzRNcaWa40F-CPW0k2ciV8szxVkqTsLPf2qOLyARAScq9JlLCYWmWTytdaWvo3F54UnKGGzdM4ib9n2x6Fz-V/s320/IMG_0769.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Forum in Zadar, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Zadar historic centre is pedestrian-only. The streets lead to several beautiful public squares. One of them is the <b>People's Square</b> (top left in photo below).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfM5g73VPTKLn2Z1lKA0NNenMUQEildPBMJyEUoGgenX0MZNJC4Wz1hyphenhyphen7aF20m_HOLcfl8LH7VGXhicN0gnDrODkXh85_PM7EHjWGXOTPQofABMFU8nNUNIT7QOrDpE8WQtESEnGyDXeL/s1600/ZadarPublicSquares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfM5g73VPTKLn2Z1lKA0NNenMUQEildPBMJyEUoGgenX0MZNJC4Wz1hyphenhyphen7aF20m_HOLcfl8LH7VGXhicN0gnDrODkXh85_PM7EHjWGXOTPQofABMFU8nNUNIT7QOrDpE8WQtESEnGyDXeL/s320/ZadarPublicSquares.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public squares and Roman ruins, Zadar, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other landmarks shown in the photo below: <b>St Mary's Church</b> and the Benedictine Convent (top left), the ornate, late-Renaissance <b>Land Gate</b> dating from 1543 with a snarling Venetian lion over an effigy of St Chrysogonus on horseback (bottom left), the Captain's Tower and the <b>Square of the Five Wells</b> (bottom right).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O5KGndyg6aMPz_6hSg7ID7RXtoGTuNz8CoI6XERlre7SRa-FcJZ_Hj0q5_MfrwRGcbJALV7DFsNRmZzu5scRq6W7qo8JTf8JRwZWpmNl64ONYa0kcpWz5xnyHpgOL0IpgykHNQqnYSO5/s1600/ZadarLandmarks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O5KGndyg6aMPz_6hSg7ID7RXtoGTuNz8CoI6XERlre7SRa-FcJZ_Hj0q5_MfrwRGcbJALV7DFsNRmZzu5scRq6W7qo8JTf8JRwZWpmNl64ONYa0kcpWz5xnyHpgOL0IpgykHNQqnYSO5/s320/ZadarLandmarks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mary's church, Buildings, Five Wells, Land Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Zadar's waterfront is a great spot for strolling and watching the sunset. On the southwestern quay, we sat on the steps to listen to the <b>Sea Organ</b>. It's an urban installation and a musical instrument. Tubing within the stone steps transforms the movement of the waves and the sea breezes into a series of musical chords.<br />
<br />
Nearby is the <b>Greeting to the Sun</b>, a remarkable installation made out of 300 photo-sensitive glass plates that absorb daylight and transform into a wondrous light show at night. Both the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installations are designed by Nicola Basic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUKnBwFcB3hgDKDYp9866SIw-YX2tloZNEZ4wreklqX30dz5UJA9-QuO8USbUJHUa13QRewbdEc7unAASjmEWKWxC03hR1wtPzcYM-vxhJjmGw5zkKNiPLsJEbBgqqQGX_E0TyiGsOUbb/s1600/ZadarWaterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUKnBwFcB3hgDKDYp9866SIw-YX2tloZNEZ4wreklqX30dz5UJA9-QuO8USbUJHUa13QRewbdEc7unAASjmEWKWxC03hR1wtPzcYM-vxhJjmGw5zkKNiPLsJEbBgqqQGX_E0TyiGsOUbb/s320/ZadarWaterfront.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun and Boardwalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While in Zadar, we tried a popular Croatian snack called Burek at the local Mlinar bakery. Burek is phyllo pastry filled with meat or spinach and cheese or just cheese in spiral shape. It's inexpensive and tasty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4Ibj7GUOLIrtzy5LLekkHXsHyTn6DvFzDJhY46v1Y9EbgsnzFexgNFAjWb3jJzuLYMD5zBKUzWFD_cdxU172miWKJI9NyjSp0uCSNxeDCoNDGmgUS-lqBBoFbheSmGqDgf7-dv88GjGb/s1600/Burek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4Ibj7GUOLIrtzy5LLekkHXsHyTn6DvFzDJhY46v1Y9EbgsnzFexgNFAjWb3jJzuLYMD5zBKUzWFD_cdxU172miWKJI9NyjSp0uCSNxeDCoNDGmgUS-lqBBoFbheSmGqDgf7-dv88GjGb/s1600/Burek.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burek in Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope this blog post and my photos reflect how delightful Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is. In my next post(s), I plan to share my highlights of Croatia's Istria Peninsula, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Zagreb.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for travelling with me. I'd love to hear your comments.</i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-15965909500601256082019-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:002019-05-08T00:00:09.921-04:00Wellness Post #5: The B.E.S.T Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s1600/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s320/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the 5th Wellness link up of 2019! In case you missed my previous four Wellness posts, they are here: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">A Fresh Start</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">Icefest 2019</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/wellness-post-3-ice-breakers-2019.html" target="_blank">Ice Breakers 2019</a>, and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/wellness-post-4-how-i-keep-my-mind.html" target="_blank">How I Keep My Mind Healthy</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>HEALTH GOAL UPDATE</b><br />
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In my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/05/april-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">April Wrap-Up</a> post, I shared how I've been doing with my health goals. April was a very good month when I got perfect score for my planned fitness routine. In total, I completed thirty meditation sessions, twenty-six outdoor walks, thirteen strength workouts in the gym, nine yoga classes, and four swimming sessions. Each activity is an hour long. I enjoy the activities and they make me feel great.<br />
<br />
<b>B.E.S.T. CARE</b><br />
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The optional prompt for May Wellness topic is B.E.S.T. Care<b> </b>(BEST is for Breasts, Eyes, Skin, and Teeth). I thought I would share a round-up of posts that several fabulous bloggers have written below.<br />
<br />
<b>B</b>reast Care:<br />
<br />
Let's start with appearance and comfort. Jo Castro at Lifestyle Fifty wrote the <b><a href="https://lifestylefifty.com/buying-a-bra-online/" target="_blank">Ultimate guide to buying a bra online</a></b>. While you're dressing up, remember to do self-check regularly for changes. This helps you get to know what is normal for your breasts and notice when something may be wrong. Oh, and that mammogram appointment that your doctor has advised you to book, make sure you go. Breast cancer is unfortunately common. When it's detected early, the chances of successful treatment are better. <br />
<br />
<b>E</b>ye Care:<br />
<br />
Min at Write of the Middle shared her thoughts on <b><a href="https://writeofthemiddle.com/beauty-making-eyes/" target="_blank">Beauty: Making eyes</a></b>. In addition, if you're reading this and have been looking at a screen for a while, remember to do eye exercises like squeeze and release, or look at a distance, to relax your eyes. When you go outside, protect your eyes from harmful sun rays or seasonal pollen by wearing sun glasses. On sunny days, wear a sun hat as well since the brim gives more protection. Our eye sight changes over time. Check in with your optometrist if you notice vision changes or headaches that may be caused by eye strain.<br />
<br />
<b>S</b>kin Care:<br />
<br />
Sue at Sizzling Towards Sixty and Beyond shared the <b><a href="https://www.sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au/7-sun-safe-tips-from-skin-care-experts/" target="_blank">7 Sun Safe Tips from skin care expert</a></b> and Min's helpful <b><a href="https://writeofthemiddle.com/beauty-skincare/" target="_blank">Skin care tips</a></b>. Take a little bit of time each day to clean, moisturize, and protect your skin from harmful elements. Similar
to breast care, do skin self-check regularly for changes. When you find any unusual changes on your skin, see your doctor as soon as
possible. Skin cancer is common. When in doubt, check it out.<br />
<br />
<b>T</b>eeth Care:<br />
<br />
Jodie, a retired cosmetic dentist, at Jodie's Touch of Style did an informative review of <b><a href="https://www.jtouchofstyle.com/best-oral-care-products/" target="_blank">The Best Oral Care Products</a></b>. Get regular dental check-ups by your dentist, and follow their advice on dental care (e.g. flossing, brushing, type of toothpaste to use). Avoid eating hard
food items that can chip or crack your teeth. Most people don't like to go to the dentist but early detection is key and it can save you from much pain, suffering, and high dental cost down the road.<br />
<br />
I know when I take care of my B.E.S.T., I feel good, and I keep my health care costs down.<i> </i><br />
<br />
The next Wellness link up is on Wednesday June 12. Optional prompt:
Mid-Year Review. Feel free to join in on the fun with your recent or
past wellness-related posts every second Wednesday of the month. <i><br /></i><br />
<i>Any new B.E.S.T. tips to share? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>
<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-21100931931871610732019-05-02T12:00:00.000-04:002019-05-09T07:33:50.680-04:00April Wrap-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C731SxrQTLGPjaFF4ypqVrZNUi5-80s0Ku2EQYBmlS5CQbF0AFacXXuVgrY4sEkkAoH6au3GT4ctHPiTss1jdQ5eL108RRwEvl0r4xSJn-nJtkcF6jOK_ke7NI9oMoRcCg6GsBj_UGu2/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C731SxrQTLGPjaFF4ypqVrZNUi5-80s0Ku2EQYBmlS5CQbF0AFacXXuVgrY4sEkkAoH6au3GT4ctHPiTss1jdQ5eL108RRwEvl0r4xSJn-nJtkcF6jOK_ke7NI9oMoRcCg6GsBj_UGu2/s320/IMG_1478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings! April seemed to pass by at the speed of a bullet train. It was a month full of simple yet new experiences that stretched me. I'm sharing what was new to me below.<br />
<br />
For readers who are first-time visitors to my blog, this is my 4th monthly wrap-up in 2019. My previous wrap-ups in 2019 are here: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/february-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">February</a>, and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">March</a>. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>APRIL 2019</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">ARTS</span> - I went to view three new exhibits and revisited the <i>Same Dream</i> exhibit by Omar Ba that I had seen in February to see it in more details. Each exhibit is blog-worthy, except that it would take me forever to write so I'm enclosing a sampling photo collage below. From top left and clockwise:<br />
<ul>
<li>Elephant in an Indian wedding<i> (The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India</i> exhibit). </li>
<li>Zuul's real body, the remarkably well-preserved ankylosaur discovered in Montana, USA (<i>Zuul Dinosaur </i>exhibit). Zuul was recently identified by paleontologists as a new species.</li>
<li>Assorted vases and tea pots by Leopold L. Foulem (<i>The View From Here</i> art exhibit).</li>
<li>Close-up of one of the paintings by Omar Ba (<i>Same Dream</i> exhibit).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6On3FCemFoVVJScz6UotO57O_QH0ceaATkdfQqhQszh1RuKxCjMzJGmCato2KE3lO_6_rgaJrHgOemgwZUzZ-astZQ30sz8w7gEhcmLdtc4tTIDLs6ZN7GIs97rf4asS5l0xIWUzhNPSO/s1600/ArtsinApril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6On3FCemFoVVJScz6UotO57O_QH0ceaATkdfQqhQszh1RuKxCjMzJGmCato2KE3lO_6_rgaJrHgOemgwZUzZ-astZQ30sz8w7gEhcmLdtc4tTIDLs6ZN7GIs97rf4asS5l0xIWUzhNPSO/s320/ArtsinApril.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arts seen in April </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BLOGS</span> - I added the <b>Subscription</b> gadget on the right side bar on my blog, in case any reader would like to subscribe to my posts or comments. <br />
<br />
In April, I wrote five blog posts to <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">wrap up March</a>, and share my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/art-discovery-in-ljubljana-slovenia.html" target="_blank">art discovery in Ljubljana</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/wellness-post-4-how-i-keep-my-mind.html" target="_blank">how I keep my mind healthy</a>, my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/day-trip-to-mostar-bosnia-herzegovina.html" target="_blank">day trip to Mostar</a>, and the <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/3-walks-to-take-in-slovenia.html" target="_blank">three walks to take in Slovenia</a>. My sincere thanks to all commenters. Your comments encourage me to keep improving my writing and photography skills. <br />
<br />
A friendly reminder that the next Wellness Wednesday link-up is on May
8. Optional prompt the B.E.S.T. Care (for Breasts, Eyes, Skin, and
Teeth). Please feel free to join in on the fun. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw5JyDWEFam1litsEhbpR-dt8YkF_wFbuAZZQpMCP9GDyFwMjz23EjD58e2jGo-gDdu9OMD3q91ZNHkP6pu2L1pjLcveQq6Yp7ao-0WRDZ5ngzigMW505khGaQ6Boen_ViqDKAsI7QQ22/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw5JyDWEFam1litsEhbpR-dt8YkF_wFbuAZZQpMCP9GDyFwMjz23EjD58e2jGo-gDdu9OMD3q91ZNHkP6pu2L1pjLcveQq6Yp7ao-0WRDZ5ngzigMW505khGaQ6Boen_ViqDKAsI7QQ22/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BOOKS</span> - I read five thought-provoking books by authors from Canada, the USA, and the UK. The first three are mystery fiction novels that kept me wondering about what was going to happen next to the characters. The last two books are inspirational and empowering. <br />
<ul>
<li><i>The Bishop's Man</i> by Linden MacIntyre, 399 pages (2009 Giller Prize winner)<i>. </i>This novel is about a priest's struggles with his past and his job to clean up delicate situations involving scandals, sexual abuse allegations, and wayward priests.<i> </i></li>
<li><i>Before The Fall</i> by Noah Hawley, 390 pages. This novel is about how a down-on-his-luck painter's life is changed after he survived a plane crash with a four year-old boy who is the last remaining member of an immensely wealthy and powerful media mogul's family.<i> </i></li>
<li><i>Panic Room</i> by Robert Goddard, 371 pages. This novel is about how a housekeeper's life becomes invaded after the discovery of a panic room in the house and people come looking for the house owner, a missing rogue pharma entrepreneur.</li>
<li><i>In Pursuit of Excellence</i> by Terry Orlick, PhD, 373 pages. Orlick, a professor and sport psychologist, shares how we can adapt the most effective strategies that high performance athletes or top performers use in pursuit of excellence and apply them in our lives.</li>
<li><i>The Choice: Embrace the Possible</i>, a memoir by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, 288 pages. Dr. Eger, a Holocaust survivor, tells her unforgettable story in this moving testament to the resilience of human spirit and the power of choice in our lives.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8IxDMRmzUl7tpJC5lyu14yty4COIMd6x8BHZK6nm4vP-C9wHO-ab8_EnnpVey1m-ihw9WxEJXK4L-uKgBy01WbiC_YZ-qUianfiriZIjQeQbLizxKHlvY8rND8WahP0L538qSa6PnOie/s1600/5BooksinApril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8IxDMRmzUl7tpJC5lyu14yty4COIMd6x8BHZK6nm4vP-C9wHO-ab8_EnnpVey1m-ihw9WxEJXK4L-uKgBy01WbiC_YZ-qUianfiriZIjQeQbLizxKHlvY8rND8WahP0L538qSa6PnOie/s320/5BooksinApril.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books read in April</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCERTS</span> - I attended three classical piano concerts performed by Asher Armstrong, Lisa Tahara, and The Bedford Trio, plus one performance by the Toronto Mass Choir. The pianists' performances were superb and the vocals by 35-40 choir singers were powerful. They all have my complete admiration.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY</span> - We took time out around Easter long weekend and travelled by train to Kingston, a city about 2.5 hours east of Toronto. The train ride was relaxing with free Wi-Fi on board. We had a lovely time in Kingston focusing on family activities.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBqgKFZvKjs3nZRjEi1qTWaqnQNurwouITJqNEgg359h3ZUOY85ukDnJre9fs49FHOOn3Ga_qAhyphenhyphen5WpFMw6Xz-bOymqbXTv7xm3qtJmUTUOneebDMjT9GSBTjJb4G51OANwdiFc_KpkQc/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBqgKFZvKjs3nZRjEi1qTWaqnQNurwouITJqNEgg359h3ZUOY85ukDnJre9fs49FHOOn3Ga_qAhyphenhyphen5WpFMw6Xz-bOymqbXTv7xm3qtJmUTUOneebDMjT9GSBTjJb4G51OANwdiFc_KpkQc/s320/IMG_2133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIA train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FRIENDS</span> - April felt like a socially active month. I had nine fun meet-ups with my friends, a record for 2019 so far. I think after the winter season, everyone is more eager to go out. I love that we have many coffee shops for friends to get together casually and catch up without breaking the bank. I wrote about my favourite coffee shops <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2017/11/5-favourite-coffee-shops.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span> - In April, I got a perfect score for my fitness routine which includes daily meditation, walk 6x/ week, gym 3x/ week, yoga 2x/ week, swim 1x/ week, and one rest day/ week. <br />
<ul>
<li>30 meditation sessions - Nothing new other than a consistent practice.</li>
<li>26 walks - My outdoor walks are so much fun in the spring as I have been spotting various birds in the gardens. They move too quick for me to take good photos. The signs of spring flowers are refreshing. We typically have pansies, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and tulips at this time of the year.</li>
<li>13 strength workouts in the gym - I changed a couple of exercises and
increased the number of repetitions on some existing exercises. </li>
<li>9 yoga classes - My yoga class instructor always makes each class unique so we are not on auto-pilot. </li>
<li>4 swimming sessions - I kept the same duration and mixed the
strokes. I love that I'm free to create a unique swimming session every
time.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1_h868fM2zfyavcYkrVunFPIqKhNBoxHWcaRhIWUBpf4gp-VOWw95kjKf5p2_fKI6LqHchHrKXvNzIo22hGGiKZQYmu0iigmDvTtsV_V0fuylzSO8Jw7oXY-sAPQINnsTZN4hDV5D2p4/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1_h868fM2zfyavcYkrVunFPIqKhNBoxHWcaRhIWUBpf4gp-VOWw95kjKf5p2_fKI6LqHchHrKXvNzIo22hGGiKZQYmu0iigmDvTtsV_V0fuylzSO8Jw7oXY-sAPQINnsTZN4hDV5D2p4/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely spring day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">LANGUAGES</span> - I took online French and Spanish lessons every day in April. Duolingo added new updates so there are plenty of new lessons for me to learn.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">MOVIES</span> - I watched three movies with my neighbours. Coincidentally they were all about well-known or powerful Americans. <br />
<ul>
<li><i>Stan & Ollie</i><i> - </i>a movie about the Laurel and Hardy comedy duo.<i><br /></i></li>
<li><i>Vice</i><i> - </i>a movie about former US vice-president Dick Cheney<i>.</i></li>
<li><i>On The Basis of Sex</i> - a movie based on a true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETTX0JvnFqCxg-X9VRVuZpsKIp4u5JeXKDWFo8vx4tPVt5PfsJmfaiE6xGObcvN1gCZxF1J0PnrDT7vOYmPiBhbZoIyALlmFZCiXmXMBh94hLtIRRBuutuU98ISDGkNUTgpxDNQA8PCWR/s1600/MoviesinApril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETTX0JvnFqCxg-X9VRVuZpsKIp4u5JeXKDWFo8vx4tPVt5PfsJmfaiE6xGObcvN1gCZxF1J0PnrDT7vOYmPiBhbZoIyALlmFZCiXmXMBh94hLtIRRBuutuU98ISDGkNUTgpxDNQA8PCWR/s320/MoviesinApril.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movies seen in April</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">TRAVEL </span>- While my family and I were in Kingston at Easter, we enjoyed visiting Kingston's waterfront, Shoal Tower National Historic Site, Kingston City Hall, and the former Market Battery.<br />
<br />
Shoal Tower, a circular stone defensive tower, was built by the
British government from 1846 to 1847 as one of four Martello towers and
the Market Battery, in order to reinforce Kingston’s existing defence
system in response to the anticipated American threat during the Oregon
Crisis.<br />
<br />
The historic sites in Kingston are open to visitors starting mid-May. I hope to return in the summer to further explore Kingston Fortifications.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPreUiIGl4FOcCTmOqBpwj11RgrMn86UX824Chbfcg6bPf5Xr6rlHRXSo9p-ybrTIRNICFgCE4RJw3rB_op3DK638AY8ZcKPLdCBkepBZAi7a3cFu0qICIntPXcYRWmFqajcrMG3X9UYx/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPreUiIGl4FOcCTmOqBpwj11RgrMn86UX824Chbfcg6bPf5Xr6rlHRXSo9p-ybrTIRNICFgCE4RJw3rB_op3DK638AY8ZcKPLdCBkepBZAi7a3cFu0qICIntPXcYRWmFqajcrMG3X9UYx/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoal Tower, Kingston, ON Canada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall, April was full of ordinary activities that made up a very good month for me. I look forward to enjoying May and planning for summer travels. New adventures await!<br />
<br />
<i>How was April for you? What good things happened? I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-90651446929214816122019-04-25T21:35:00.000-04:002019-04-26T07:38:53.625-04:003 Walks To Take in SloveniaGreetings! Last month, my sister and I went on a guided tour to visit Croatia and Slovenia. Our itinerary included a day trip to historic Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I wrote about that picturesque and interesting day trip <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/day-trip-to-mostar-bosnia-herzegovina.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Slovenia is a small country in south central Europe, with Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, and Croatia to the south. Slovenia's population is about two million. Its official language is Slovenian, and its currency is the euro.<br />
<br />
Today I'm sharing three fun walks that visitors would enjoy in Slovenia. I'd allow at least half a day for each walk since there are lots to see. Feel free to pick one, or two, or all three. The first walk is an urban walk in Ljubljana (Slovenia's capital), and the next two are nature walks by the lakes. Will you join me?<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>WALK #1 - LJUBLJANA OLD TOWN</b></span><br />
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Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. It is not to be confused with <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2018/01/top-10-sights-in-charming-bratislava.html" target="_blank">Bratislava</a>, the capital of Slovakia. Ljubljana means beloved. The best buildings are in and around Ljubljana's finely preserved Old Town, along the Ljubljanica River, with bridges linking the two banks.<br />
<br />
A good place to meet and start our walk is at <b>Presernov Square</b> by the bronze statue of France Peseren (1800-1849). From the statue, it's fun to watch the constant ebb and flow of people, or admire the architectural details of the buildings around it, such as the red <b>Franciscan Church</b> of the Annunciation, or <b>Centromarkur</b>, Ljubljana's oldest department store, marked by an Art Nouveau awning over the entrance. <i>Click to enlarge the pictures</i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9NMEVJYtNscCWetyb0jUe4MgG7Jdx5mxbiX3V-5GXNV8QJ1V7sQejPx1KAIr9ZGb5b_yCQ_PboUErBrmhWM09XVajQOnr7oKFR9YolpvFEEK0HLX_yVnUL3d7JM9_V90g9AnM4zcfroF/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9NMEVJYtNscCWetyb0jUe4MgG7Jdx5mxbiX3V-5GXNV8QJ1V7sQejPx1KAIr9ZGb5b_yCQ_PboUErBrmhWM09XVajQOnr7oKFR9YolpvFEEK0HLX_yVnUL3d7JM9_V90g9AnM4zcfroF/s320/IMG_1101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franciscan Church, Presernov Square, Triple Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Running south from Presernov Square to the Old Town is the much celebrated <b>Triple Bridge</b>. The bridge was originally called Špital (Hospital) Bridge and was built as a single span in 1842. Between 1929 and 1932 architect Jože Plečnik added the two pedestrian side bridges, furnished all three with stone balustrades and lamps, and forced a name change. Stairways on each of the side bridges lead down to the poplar-lined terraces along the Ljubljanica River.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6wRN2qEVR2AjAggUgmRkI2RicVKWBxOKhir9aBPfIs2kqc4lJvHQP8TQqWctmf_fQb4gxiroCI-99_CGM37ht3l01yyDX6OxZMbmngkaRPw5-V0IOpxIdAgJ0XzuXsv9yppOrW1JQZXJ/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6wRN2qEVR2AjAggUgmRkI2RicVKWBxOKhir9aBPfIs2kqc4lJvHQP8TQqWctmf_fQb4gxiroCI-99_CGM37ht3l01yyDX6OxZMbmngkaRPw5-V0IOpxIdAgJ0XzuXsv9yppOrW1JQZXJ/s320/IMG_1096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ljubljana, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After crossing the Triple Bridge, we're in the Old Town where some of the interesting landmarks include the Robba's Fountain (1751), and the <b>Town Hall </b>which we can visit for free. Exhibitions are occasionally held in the interior courtyard, like the lovely <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/art-discovery-in-ljubljana-slovenia.html" target="_blank">Pratneker's art exhibit</a> that I discovered here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-UqPcmW9TmrC77ysSfR3Jav5FQmVh50AWaqReehOfQxhkBuOhdh5-5NC0bCnp0ur5I7ZUgsh-K5L6nZDFZ7LL4cXiQEXtl5liYzM3qp1_URnFl-48f5Mgh7fKuu12u2xEWw020al5TCP/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-UqPcmW9TmrC77ysSfR3Jav5FQmVh50AWaqReehOfQxhkBuOhdh5-5NC0bCnp0ur5I7ZUgsh-K5L6nZDFZ7LL4cXiQEXtl5liYzM3qp1_URnFl-48f5Mgh7fKuu12u2xEWw020al5TCP/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ljubljana Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Among several important religious buildings in Ljubljana's Old Town is the <b>Cathedral of St. Nicholas</b>, in baroque style, defined by its high dome and massive bell towers. The cathedral was designed by Andrea Pozzo in 1701. Its interiors are famous for frescoes by Quaglio, depicting miraculous moments in the life of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of all seafaring people. Worth a look are the bronze sculpted church doors, added for the 1996 visit of Pope John Paul II, whose image can be seen looking over the history of Slovene Christianity on the main doors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuniEJdoPEJB0ebNexszeSydz7itcECTumQ5wD-q-CkXrTxeD7W0YdauAAMCz9ckeuZbnmfgqXR7EU_lTaEjl29CyZUKnkQu3RdTZa6Ndc4RSEkEjNXH4RIWVhbluoVHTUAinQMGRS3rf/s1600/St+Nicholas+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuniEJdoPEJB0ebNexszeSydz7itcECTumQ5wD-q-CkXrTxeD7W0YdauAAMCz9ckeuZbnmfgqXR7EU_lTaEjl29CyZUKnkQu3RdTZa6Ndc4RSEkEjNXH4RIWVhbluoVHTUAinQMGRS3rf/s320/St+Nicholas+Cathedral.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St Nicholas' bronze sculpted doors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Adjacent to the Cathedral is <b>the Market</b>. Just north of the market, crossing the Ljubljanica River out of Old Town, is <b>Dragon's Bridge</b>, designed by Jurij Zaninovich and completed in 1901, with four fabulously sculpted dragons adorn each corner of the bridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8uDYEx9gwt8OSbBcSK_-VWGWJQJHu9xwm6rqD_ms3WC7ds9QrSB75HNMRVIUI3E0l-afd6Q_dND6TQsaAz5RrUrgAIqq693XSCO21X2FHXy2lx7YHKnAoSGc1MSsyFYBgHvJ3Ejg9GCY/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8uDYEx9gwt8OSbBcSK_-VWGWJQJHu9xwm6rqD_ms3WC7ds9QrSB75HNMRVIUI3E0l-afd6Q_dND6TQsaAz5RrUrgAIqq693XSCO21X2FHXy2lx7YHKnAoSGc1MSsyFYBgHvJ3Ejg9GCY/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market in Ljubljana, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb9I52asU8roP1uP0SQLfNGtX6avtZGJiOi7qAW6wrHzWsP40UtKIm2s20Zo6YcgpcIVNY5f6VlKuTaIOA-tCoX17LYpmXgucND6ENYXsFVxL2wAY6aXxfU3UGkM1AMrZ0cEuPRTKZh-_/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb9I52asU8roP1uP0SQLfNGtX6avtZGJiOi7qAW6wrHzWsP40UtKIm2s20Zo6YcgpcIVNY5f6VlKuTaIOA-tCoX17LYpmXgucND6ENYXsFVxL2wAY6aXxfU3UGkM1AMrZ0cEuPRTKZh-_/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpted dragon at Dragon's Bridge, Ljubljana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Leaving the Old Town, we can walk uphill or take a funicular to reach <b>Ljubljana Castle</b> which overlooks the entire city. It’s free to ramble around the castle grounds, but you’ll have to pay to enter the Watchtower and the Chapel of St George, and to see the Slovenian History Exhibition, visit the Puppet Theatre, and take the Time Machine tour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7zqeUtP_aTYv8QMSApiUZ8JK1OulSXJMAu7UV4R2xC60k8ELtoosSoLSXyoWqLZecRtKoPiK3s15SnF5yz9o5fVyaV3yi2Eb84XMw1Eik4TR4D5NNqjDi-aoxWvwGRLFMVChT7gQQa8G/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7zqeUtP_aTYv8QMSApiUZ8JK1OulSXJMAu7UV4R2xC60k8ELtoosSoLSXyoWqLZecRtKoPiK3s15SnF5yz9o5fVyaV3yi2Eb84XMw1Eik4TR4D5NNqjDi-aoxWvwGRLFMVChT7gQQa8G/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This discovery walk #1 gives an introduction to charming Ljubljana. The city is small and compact so one can see plenty of it with little effort. Aside from the various visually interesting and historic landmarks in the Old Town, what I enjoy is the vibrant, youthful, and relaxing atmosphere along the river. There are plenty of coffee bars and restaurants to take a break or linger until sundown and mingle with the locals.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>WALK #2 - LAKE BLED</b></span><br />
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From Ljubljana, it's an easy drive to Lake Bled. Bled is located 50km (31 miles) NW of Ljubljana, and Bohinj is 26km (16 miles) SW of Bled. It's doable to combine walk #2 and walk #3 on the same day. <i>Click to enlarge the pictures.</i><br />
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<b>Lake Bled</b> is a lake fit for a fairy tale, complete with dramatically situated cliff-top castle, an island church, and wraparound mountain scenery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQgG8tdrlRTDueQ_-FugjTnj7swLMhSl7UzwbP8o2d0YNnnFW7k4ve19f6QDmmUHO_nQU32iJDc9SCMONcBZh7fBqmeJ9ZdoznCJIbQIwzVSSX1bPrXD0nL3zJt2haXBKcBOHp_JinmpP/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQgG8tdrlRTDueQ_-FugjTnj7swLMhSl7UzwbP8o2d0YNnnFW7k4ve19f6QDmmUHO_nQU32iJDc9SCMONcBZh7fBqmeJ9ZdoznCJIbQIwzVSSX1bPrXD0nL3zJt2haXBKcBOHp_JinmpP/s320/IMG_1224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Bled and Bled Castle, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let's start from <b>Bled Castle</b>, located atop a sheer cliff, 138m (or 460 ft.) up. One can reach Bled Castle by foot (a 15 minute uphill walk) or 5 minute by car and a short climb up the final stretch. Bled Castle traces its history back to 1004. Today it houses a museum, a chapel, a historic wine cellar, a printing shop showing how printing was done in medieval times, a restaurant, and an ice cream shop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cH1zKlZwvFltFyezBSopABfkJfS3sVs26uUoNv5TSvGIzOjbutnp-X2uOE6O4eTGuPYoPwdNc9xkIBMtpWR4H_atOj44kOoXBssNj1o0gqNE6mOCd7vzrUuJFOZ62DwrML3wcwkoh5Tl/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cH1zKlZwvFltFyezBSopABfkJfS3sVs26uUoNv5TSvGIzOjbutnp-X2uOE6O4eTGuPYoPwdNc9xkIBMtpWR4H_atOj44kOoXBssNj1o0gqNE6mOCd7vzrUuJFOZ62DwrML3wcwkoh5Tl/s320/IMG_1152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bled Castle, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The views from the castle ramparts are magnificent: Mount Triglav (Three Heads) the highest peak of the Julian Alps on one side, Bled Island and Lake Bled in the middle, and the Karavanke mountain range on the other side.<br />
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<b>Mount Triglav (Three Heads):</b> The 2864m limestone peak has been a source of inspiration and an object of devotion for Slovenes for more than a millennium – it even appears on the country's flag. The early Slavs believed the mountain to be the home of a three-headed deity who ruled the sky, the earth and the underworld.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNIzUhRT2haRXPfmBj1Zgy1lFFsjvbXW1np3yc4VnSusZLabA0IDttfs6o8e3js0gjAYKfRQbxvQ4XALH8Qiww4aRcyArsul3WQs2uznPnyAB7MM8slJDOSCDkqj5Sj4BJaGkf2VN2bBL/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNIzUhRT2haRXPfmBj1Zgy1lFFsjvbXW1np3yc4VnSusZLabA0IDttfs6o8e3js0gjAYKfRQbxvQ4XALH8Qiww4aRcyArsul3WQs2uznPnyAB7MM8slJDOSCDkqj5Sj4BJaGkf2VN2bBL/s320/IMG_1129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Triglav (Three Heads), Slovenia</td></tr>
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<b>Bled Island: </b>As the only island in Slovenia, Bled Island forms a perfect centerpiece in Lake Bled. You can row (or be rowed) to Bled Island. On the island is the delightful Church of the Assumption, dedicated to both Mary the Virgin and Mary Magdalene. People from all over Slovenia come here to tie the knot on Saturdays. The tradition includes the groom carries the bride up the 99 stairs to the church.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4HoWJ_mtT9IMHbYw0vzE1UlckaVgJJ0kZrAIBvslJ0uDmu4BRb0XF0CKBS7yfH4OGOQVwSSBETDuLiysTjNQnI6uV3IYLYutlP6D6eO-_70eStvYOfmzGEx6mQOB9RCenJEyMwcm5Eaz/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4HoWJ_mtT9IMHbYw0vzE1UlckaVgJJ0kZrAIBvslJ0uDmu4BRb0XF0CKBS7yfH4OGOQVwSSBETDuLiysTjNQnI6uV3IYLYutlP6D6eO-_70eStvYOfmzGEx6mQOB9RCenJEyMwcm5Eaz/s320/IMG_1148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bled Island, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCNrJMhUHLxM989hPy-_ikUyGn602DB1z0LyPZ9ghWPocxE2eTxPBhQzMePL65PECkkxQay3e3AbrKfaBHFbtPYE7IZ1vv8HeQaNfaFoo6uix5Gir0LKOG_DeRp_S4hp13cv0dlLoUDsi/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCNrJMhUHLxM989hPy-_ikUyGn602DB1z0LyPZ9ghWPocxE2eTxPBhQzMePL65PECkkxQay3e3AbrKfaBHFbtPYE7IZ1vv8HeQaNfaFoo6uix5Gir0LKOG_DeRp_S4hp13cv0dlLoUDsi/s320/IMG_1153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bled and Kavaranke Mountain Range, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Going from Bled Castle down to the ground level, there is a lovely walking path and boardwalk along the shore of Lake Bled to enjoy its beauty. The surface of the water changes through the day, wearing its striking turquoise facade when the sun is brightest, and maturing to a silver-blue as dusk descends.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE-z_v6qh4d0SWWfkv8VD0nJW02aRgOc0XDgf4U-FsLbZ6y0xi2FaNfauipmDRKwJTRW1EsOSQi9kS4lFSfWB1KKOdYfRrBxJb9tsqtgjF0gRnCLUO8RAdmnACak4hD443a3N73g5VET8/s1600/Lake+Bled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE-z_v6qh4d0SWWfkv8VD0nJW02aRgOc0XDgf4U-FsLbZ6y0xi2FaNfauipmDRKwJTRW1EsOSQi9kS4lFSfWB1KKOdYfRrBxJb9tsqtgjF0gRnCLUO8RAdmnACak4hD443a3N73g5VET8/s320/Lake+Bled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Bled, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The reward for walking the entire perimeter of Lake Bled (6km or 3.7 miles) is the famous local <b>cream cake</b> at a lakefront restaurant. I had the cream cake with a sweet wine as recommended by the waiter and it was divine!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cuosr2T_v4P1yehlKS6wOJ4aaLWMrZG_IqmR0fYDR61YOJuhwkggZxdBoWhe8pIKNnxgz3EKE58kFqDIAHIk0PK4AYlD_czBv-5AmWuM4EnWbUansa3_ppsaz6N5VlQe4_EnxULooYq2/s1600/IMG_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cuosr2T_v4P1yehlKS6wOJ4aaLWMrZG_IqmR0fYDR61YOJuhwkggZxdBoWhe8pIKNnxgz3EKE58kFqDIAHIk0PK4AYlD_czBv-5AmWuM4EnWbUansa3_ppsaz6N5VlQe4_EnxULooYq2/s320/IMG_1221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream cake at Lake Bled, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you prefer a different dessert, the choices are staggering so no worries :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOU58R0ZZQOjHSStV8TWeU4wyohCs94ZoeaVEysKYnox3fFPq5286i4NK2sBa7raqnPKYTDtqWG2acegWQycCAJq4uc2FTTMUz67egT7q1RpFjP7hEcU9dXBKR4ZfYOHnYMUPJWPfcZip/s1600/Desserts+at+Lake+Bled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOU58R0ZZQOjHSStV8TWeU4wyohCs94ZoeaVEysKYnox3fFPq5286i4NK2sBa7raqnPKYTDtqWG2acegWQycCAJq4uc2FTTMUz67egT7q1RpFjP7hEcU9dXBKR4ZfYOHnYMUPJWPfcZip/s320/Desserts+at+Lake+Bled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slovenian sweets by Lake Bled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>WALK #3 - LAKE BOHINJ</b></span><br />
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As mentioned earlier, Bohinj is 26km (16 miles) SW of Bled. It's doable to combine visits to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj on the same day, or do separate visits and stay longer at each. <i>Click to enlarge the pictures.</i><br />
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Measuring over 4km (2.5 miles) long, <b>Lake Bohinj</b> is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. Because it's inside Triglav National Park, it has been protected from development which has affected Bled, so there's no town on its shore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UWaHdizEtLNU4x3nmg1G27VEyF7MntupXtMIGeSgBUyYehVVfT4QmtridFnXRwhpZp-9k-Q3HoJc4ecp1LzktDyWzsUV-hKXqLjF6yJ9FI5USSqheYMmVoM6zLBEBd4iCR-e9M0iHcqo/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UWaHdizEtLNU4x3nmg1G27VEyF7MntupXtMIGeSgBUyYehVVfT4QmtridFnXRwhpZp-9k-Q3HoJc4ecp1LzktDyWzsUV-hKXqLjF6yJ9FI5USSqheYMmVoM6zLBEBd4iCR-e9M0iHcqo/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The walk to the lake is flat, scenic, and tranquil. On a sunny day, a few kayaks are out on the lake. Spring flowers start to appear on the ground as some shown in the photo below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyFkDn4QCEPTZI6JEPehL_p9kdXBCVOjVMaFlQzGJ_kxhYHTJYFV9XzrHSfkwcYmUjxkcOAgkIo-Tb6xwTQntkLpTmQ9m0bQeBSbi-JZzrAwDu6_bG8EKY3Rqozg6s6mbyLWZzLXgf6i3/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyFkDn4QCEPTZI6JEPehL_p9kdXBCVOjVMaFlQzGJ_kxhYHTJYFV9XzrHSfkwcYmUjxkcOAgkIo-Tb6xwTQntkLpTmQ9m0bQeBSbi-JZzrAwDu6_bG8EKY3Rqozg6s6mbyLWZzLXgf6i3/s320/IMG_1207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak on Lake Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSAu9oXKOXtluKxGNB_fut2RY6JpizWRVB0fwpRct1yiHDCAhh8pDiNg8y3nV8Nl20AE-DXbShy7I8TB91qQ-vaOHySDgSARwIa1fY9OxbfelPWv-64g3LuR9Q1reyvOHlbOS_ItBnVzz/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSAu9oXKOXtluKxGNB_fut2RY6JpizWRVB0fwpRct1yiHDCAhh8pDiNg8y3nV8Nl20AE-DXbShy7I8TB91qQ-vaOHySDgSARwIa1fY9OxbfelPWv-64g3LuR9Q1reyvOHlbOS_ItBnVzz/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring flowers, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Jezernica, the second shortest river in Slovenia, flows from Lake Bohinj, and after it joins the Mostnica river (100 metres from the bridge), it is called the Sava Bohinjka. The water is incredibly clear and the reflections of the surrounding scenery are stunning. It's easy to see why Slovenians love to come here to enjoy nature, relax, walk, hike, or swim.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3lEly6dLPFKTt948NkT7w2O1c62Eodo9EKwGZ0NbEsL1-3fbt93F6P_94CYRxtxDjCJjHH8XKBrD_yPljvjcFgtIvkHW_y_wSEgNP58nf6AC5ievYMvTXTQHm1eHKqhQCxSY2gbg4Rtx/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3lEly6dLPFKTt948NkT7w2O1c62Eodo9EKwGZ0NbEsL1-3fbt93F6P_94CYRxtxDjCJjHH8XKBrD_yPljvjcFgtIvkHW_y_wSEgNP58nf6AC5ievYMvTXTQHm1eHKqhQCxSY2gbg4Rtx/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jezernica river, Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0t3PgdEYIsn8v_UNrHyl0fySNuJWehCi_36miF7MiDM-18ay83-bViSpe-KaG9BmvL5TPBEQWTw9fckc7srO-6cer_7oUynqt-Rpt52u7VfLyt4a9_ap5diwF9auiF1NTKu5aqVb02lv/s1600/Lake+Bohinj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0t3PgdEYIsn8v_UNrHyl0fySNuJWehCi_36miF7MiDM-18ay83-bViSpe-KaG9BmvL5TPBEQWTw9fckc7srO-6cer_7oUynqt-Rpt52u7VfLyt4a9_ap5diwF9auiF1NTKu5aqVb02lv/s320/Lake+Bohinj.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenery by Lake Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the head of the lake, visible on the local flag, the Church of St. John the Baptist, is Bohinj's best-known man-made attraction, mostly
built in 1520 and renowned for its interior frescoes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti07HNlcr5puJL6R_rW4O_pzD7BL_pW4pyBXPwvLDNR0CY6Bvl7eFCkqahAj8OrL4V5cBPu93_nLU_QounHY0CUsW9ci8VWbSm9YGKrobqpK3bgivotSoEMPfSfvLfVO66nf1-QBDH6Zg/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti07HNlcr5puJL6R_rW4O_pzD7BL_pW4pyBXPwvLDNR0CY6Bvl7eFCkqahAj8OrL4V5cBPu93_nLU_QounHY0CUsW9ci8VWbSm9YGKrobqpK3bgivotSoEMPfSfvLfVO66nf1-QBDH6Zg/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Near the Bohinj green sign in the photo below is a statue of three Slovenian guides and an Austrian mountaineer
who climbed from Bohinj to reach the Triglav summit in 1778. I find this story truly inspiring!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_ENdJKLUBO75HnwKpNLgsJPAoS6xZsM_UUs27p_AStqywNv7FAJr1V-TWaMObqdwschLbKpVuFAhFkE_AP3_GBeA80fjff4UGqw3cRDmD64ZMQCkV7a_KPO4XGupPGIgiMcsTl6DzzDW/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_ENdJKLUBO75HnwKpNLgsJPAoS6xZsM_UUs27p_AStqywNv7FAJr1V-TWaMObqdwschLbKpVuFAhFkE_AP3_GBeA80fjff4UGqw3cRDmD64ZMQCkV7a_KPO4XGupPGIgiMcsTl6DzzDW/s320/IMG_1181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohinj, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I enjoy the three walks in Slovenia very much. Each walk offers something unique. The capital city is charming. The mountains and the lakes are simply stunning. I look forward to returning to Slovenia and exploring other parts of this beautiful country.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for joining me. I'd love to hear your comments. </i><br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-74106139835311337472019-04-14T08:00:00.000-04:002019-04-17T07:27:25.055-04:00Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and HerzegovinaGreetings! In March, my sister and I went on a guided tour to visit Croatia and Slovenia. Our itinerary included a day trip from Dubrovnik in Croatia to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We knew little about Mostar and were curious to have an introduction to the city.<br />
<br />
In this post, I'm sharing a few quick facts about Mostar, and the main sights that we explored during our walk in the historic centre of Mostar. On the day of our visit, the weather was unusually warm, with sunny skies, and the high temperature reached 24C (75F).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">QUICK FACTS:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Mostar is located just inland from the Adriatic Coast, about two hours drive from Dubrovnik. </li>
<li>Mostar is on the banks of the River Neretva, in the Herzegovina region, in the south east part of Bosnia & Herzegovina. </li>
<li>The historic Old Town of Mostar was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">ATTRACTIONS:</span><br />
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<b>1. The Old Town:</b> Under sunny skies, the historic Old Town of Mostar on the banks of the Neretva River looks picturesque with Islamic and medieval features. Some of the main mosques and their minarets dot the landscape. The walk through the historic Old Town is straightforward by following the cobble stoned main street. Sturdy shoes with good grips are essential as the stone surface is smooth and slippery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLmAdxyY1CcqIOskS1qhwmusakTbpLnZHrSHKRkbcRS2meb_n7xyRTFYNLQ4BAUu2H7uD2rOyJvoA1YrpbMagnR_exnOOqzVBBMZEJ2kt2s6utdkHOnCh4RYhdYl3M9PNcpllGR4wf-G2/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLmAdxyY1CcqIOskS1qhwmusakTbpLnZHrSHKRkbcRS2meb_n7xyRTFYNLQ4BAUu2H7uD2rOyJvoA1YrpbMagnR_exnOOqzVBBMZEJ2kt2s6utdkHOnCh4RYhdYl3M9PNcpllGR4wf-G2/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar and the Neretva River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2. Stari Most (or Old Bridge)</b> - This striking single-arch stone bridge is the main attraction. The original bridge was built from 1557 to 1566 during the Ottoman Empire. It connects the left and right banks of the Neretva River. On the east bank, the semi-circular Tara Tower was used as a deposit for ammunitions in the Ottoman era and, today, houses the Museum of the Old Bridge. On the west bank, the Halebija Tower, was once the prison on its lower floors, and small barracks on its upper floors, also used as a look-out post.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG4Uqgi_Ypuf8swkZVEOLCS1jnFaf8V9jBbUBvDHLjhd0iUrUsMQnJjGPsFWwx5lt6GscUxKplmxmPuv9MJQMrtxtoSdf1dgGLEcRLCJ3PNOKkqNckaLixqeuSqEQwe1g3Kkna8ftgd0t/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG4Uqgi_Ypuf8swkZVEOLCS1jnFaf8V9jBbUBvDHLjhd0iUrUsMQnJjGPsFWwx5lt6GscUxKplmxmPuv9MJQMrtxtoSdf1dgGLEcRLCJ3PNOKkqNckaLixqeuSqEQwe1g3Kkna8ftgd0t/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Old Bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Yugoslav wars. After the wars ended, it was rebuilt with stone from the original quarry in the exact way it was built so long ago. The rebuilt works were finished in 2004. The ground surface of the bridge is steep, smooth, and slippery, with raised ridges. We were advised to use those raised ridges to step on.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Bridge Diving: </b>One of the key activities of life in Mostar naturally revolves around its famous bridge: Bridge diving occurs mainly during the summer months, and involves trained professionals diving from the top of the Stari Most to entertain the crowds. The distance between the top of the bridge and the river below is about 20m, so bridge diving must only be undertaken by professionals or by tourists who have taken a training class beforehand.<br />
<br />
My sister and I happened to be on the Stari Most when a local professional diver did a dive from the top of the bridge to the cold Neretva River below. Once he finished the dive, he swam to the rocks on the river bank and got out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsx9CkivLAKr69NqKIuBxdn1L8UPUaow9z5GP76bnU92d4jwKpZnqk-wNawudtewiGGk3iW6pp3QSK4IT28Tn9ZesmPs-lJUuCk2JqFeYRkIJTaej4sSjOR0wfpFtLm8GfSF1aHZ62gcD/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsx9CkivLAKr69NqKIuBxdn1L8UPUaow9z5GP76bnU92d4jwKpZnqk-wNawudtewiGGk3iW6pp3QSK4IT28Tn9ZesmPs-lJUuCk2JqFeYRkIJTaej4sSjOR0wfpFtLm8GfSF1aHZ62gcD/s320/IMG_0592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar and the Neretva River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>4. Building Architecture</b> - The houses here reflect the Ottoman influence and Western medieval architectural features. There are a number of historic mosques and museums such as Nezir Aga Mosque, Tabacica Mosque, the Museum of the Old Bridge, or the Hamam Museum within short walking distance of each other.<br />
<br />
Near Stari Most (or Old Bridge) there is a small <b>‘Don’t Forget’ Stone</b> - This small stone serves as a gentle reminder of the civil war and the city's
tragic past. While tourism has ensured that Mostar has been able to
thrive since the war, not long ago it was under siege, and many of the
locals living in the city today would have lost friends and family
members.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KWmGgP5C4wNhp2kL8cAsOvXeBH2FihF-RnZI57QfbHZiaqhyphenhyphenVPE6Bwsof9dLJgyjZdk6ijwR6cZgeyRqCKcbiGegIxZIzfBQ4lDbJpaBbdg427lxNTuqk49C19yhvAMeK0FDRFH8f1JX/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KWmGgP5C4wNhp2kL8cAsOvXeBH2FihF-RnZI57QfbHZiaqhyphenhyphenVPE6Bwsof9dLJgyjZdk6ijwR6cZgeyRqCKcbiGegIxZIzfBQ4lDbJpaBbdg427lxNTuqk49C19yhvAMeK0FDRFH8f1JX/s320/IMG_0583.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar medieval architecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1ehDEipJK_jOtBCTovDEJjagS9_51ZvuHbxo91Nj9BwLLCjmiVNuiKQ-M2mUy4ljKQrQiDnJNBwxHMlA7uma49034EXafOPhzbvud7CEqv8USmqIEEf_cTfbLgmsWK4oaZQh9LUYq3RB/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1ehDEipJK_jOtBCTovDEJjagS9_51ZvuHbxo91Nj9BwLLCjmiVNuiKQ-M2mUy4ljKQrQiDnJNBwxHMlA7uma49034EXafOPhzbvud7CEqv8USmqIEEf_cTfbLgmsWK4oaZQh9LUYq3RB/s320/IMG_0558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful walls in Mostar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>5. Kriva Cuprija (or Crooked Bridge)</b> - For a smaller and less touristic version of the Stari Most, the Kriva Cuprija (or Crooked Bridge) is worth a visit. It is older than the Stari Most, and is thought to have been a test-run of sorts for the later construction of the larger and more famous bridge. It has only one arch so is relatively small, but still exemplifies typical Islamic architecture of the 16th century. The bridge was washed away by floods in the year 2000 but was rebuilt with aid from UNESCO a year later, and was relatively unscathed by the civil war.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6QbMM9UW-CBh4YxDfGQfLVbdsLgQ2wQn7UvMpKubTZD895t1A2PgLx-t7UIdUkAKMs4jqo7GKbCz4Tuk8hUozheEE6gMFMPYF9mN8nu1z7_A2SYPWy8hgBTfFUlci1bSnNDHmX-3-Rki/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6QbMM9UW-CBh4YxDfGQfLVbdsLgQ2wQn7UvMpKubTZD895t1A2PgLx-t7UIdUkAKMs4jqo7GKbCz4Tuk8hUozheEE6gMFMPYF9mN8nu1z7_A2SYPWy8hgBTfFUlci1bSnNDHmX-3-Rki/s320/IMG_0602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge), Mostar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>6. The Market</b> - In the heart of Mostar’s picturesque Old Town is its market. The market has a distinctly eastern feel, with stalls selling rugs, painted plates, copper items, and souvenirs. Some of the items, like the tea sets or lamps or jewel boxes, reminded me of the markets in Morocco. We were advised to be vigilante of pickpockets here. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmTG5miTnG3IMRyihRmdUYDvtnNAUMj2-XUL2E3VkNILh4eqUdcCcxODRB4topHgjugFhfLttFAR1QPA-pqLs15eNelKeFRjAjZbhxYaBL1_fwZm6RewuweVXWljYX4y4atBVgroZGQqK/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmTG5miTnG3IMRyihRmdUYDvtnNAUMj2-XUL2E3VkNILh4eqUdcCcxODRB4topHgjugFhfLttFAR1QPA-pqLs15eNelKeFRjAjZbhxYaBL1_fwZm6RewuweVXWljYX4y4atBVgroZGQqK/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar stone walled houses and cobblestone street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0dwMev9_cq-wIGm547DDdxIzA_kBkTqipevVt5ga2rvR0vpDtKDGfGnDdF6bSfpDo13CKI4-bdV04d3JGPx11FKWuy3LFGVmbkd5DuzLi8ToMYGdm1vvycOqZ1y2WrwlXpBUYLuL8Ir6/s1600/MostarSouvenirs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0dwMev9_cq-wIGm547DDdxIzA_kBkTqipevVt5ga2rvR0vpDtKDGfGnDdF6bSfpDo13CKI4-bdV04d3JGPx11FKWuy3LFGVmbkd5DuzLi8ToMYGdm1vvycOqZ1y2WrwlXpBUYLuL8Ir6/s320/MostarSouvenirs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>7. Mostar Peace Bell Tower </b>- Constructed in 2000, the height of the bell tower is 107.2 m. Visitors can climb 370 steps or take a lift to the top. The Franciscan church below is a replacement for an 1866 basilica that was badly damaged during the war.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq-hggUU0FRhz54kfZ8J_W601r_cJulqgBRvzAeZwk0k-bUkXszn7uSF48tTROAZ9USxf6-fZhyphenhyphenFdXeFrReK3aj_LfCCEafgjAZ7sWxhG7lSqRzmDfuzAzOqdqpvvW6edegalWd2MgSgT/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq-hggUU0FRhz54kfZ8J_W601r_cJulqgBRvzAeZwk0k-bUkXszn7uSF48tTROAZ9USxf6-fZhyphenhyphenFdXeFrReK3aj_LfCCEafgjAZ7sWxhG7lSqRzmDfuzAzOqdqpvvW6edegalWd2MgSgT/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostar Peace Bell Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The walk in the historic Old Town of Mostar is not long. However, it takes a couple of hours to pause and see the main attractions. This does not include time spent in any of the mosque or museum, or other sights, or souvenir shopping. <br />
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I'm grateful for the opportunity to visit this part of the world during peace time, with my sister by my side, and on a beautiful, sunny day.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for travelling with me. I'd love to hear your comments. </i><br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-80246066555888117992019-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:002019-04-10T00:00:01.628-04:00Wellness Post #4: How I Keep My Mind Healthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s1600/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s320/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the fourth Wellness link up of 2019! In case you missed my previous three Wellness posts, they are here: <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">A Fresh Start</a>, <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">Icefest 2019</a>, and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/wellness-post-3-ice-breakers-2019.html" target="_blank">Ice Breakers 2019</a>. Feel free to join in on the fun with your recent or past wellness-related posts every second Wednesday of the month.<br />
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The optional prompt for April Wellness topic is Healthy Mind. In this post, I'm sharing how I keep my mind healthy. I look forward to hearing your feedback and suggestions. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>HOW I KEEP MY MIND HEALTHY </b></span><br />
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I think of my brain as a muscle that needs regular exercises to stay strong. However, the type, the quantity, and the frequency of stimuli for my brain need to be just right for me so my brain does not get overloaded. It's also necessary to have some calm time to relax my mind and to give space for new sensory experiences. I'm sharing how I keep my mind healthy, in alpha order, below.<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Get enough sleep daily </b>- Sleep allows our mind and body to rest and recharge. As much as I love to be active during the day, I love my beauty sleep at night. Eight hours sounds good! </li>
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<li><b>Learn foreign languages and play word puzzles</b> - I've been taking online French and Spanish lessons on Duolingo daily and playing word games as time permits. I enjoy learning languages and I've had opportunities to use French and Spanish in my travels.</li>
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<li><b>Listen to, or view the creative ideas of others</b> - I listen to music recitals, view art works like <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/04/art-discovery-in-ljubljana-slovenia.html" target="_blank">this exhibit</a>, and watch movies on a regular basis. I'm grateful to live in a multicultural city that supports the arts. The concerts and art exhibits that I go to are free to the public. </li>
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<li><b>Meditate daily</b> - Sometimes I meditate in one chunk of fifteen minutes, sometimes I do 7-8 minutes in the morning and 7-8 minutes at bedtime. I focus on my breathing, inhale all the positives, and exhale anything that I don't want to take with me.</li>
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<li><b>Move daily</b> - In addition to thinking exercises, I believe my brain benefits from a good physical workout that can help improve learning and memory. I walk daily, attend yoga class 2x/ week, do strengthening exercises in the gym 3x/ week, and swim laps 1x/ week. I'm consistent with my fitness activities because I value my good health.</li>
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<li><b>Read as widely as I can</b> - This is to keep my brain sharp and to stay aware of what's happening around the world. This year I took on the Toronto Public Library's 2019 Reading Challenge and have been reading more widely than before. I'll do a check-in next week to see how I'm doing with the Reading Challenge. </li>
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<li><b>Spend some time each day reading, writing, or doing something creative</b> - I enjoy blogging, taking photos, creating photo collages, reading... to name a few. Meal planning and cooking are creative activities, too.</li>
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<li><b>Stay social</b> - I balance my 'me' time and time for my family, friends, and neighbours. Plus blogging time to connect with bloggers and blog readers :) </li>
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<li><b>Take a trip to a place I've never been and learn about another culture</b> - I always learn so much when I plan to go to a new-to-me place and when I travel. My most recent trip was to Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia in March.</li>
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<li><b>Visit nature on a regular basis</b> - By walking on a trail, visiting the lake front, or exploring a park like <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-walk-to-canoe-landing-park.html" target="_blank">this cool park</a>. Sunrise or sunset is lovely to see every day.</li>
</ol>
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The next Wellness link up will be on Wednesday, May 8. Optional prompt: The B.E.S.T. Care (BEST is for Breasts, Eyes, Skin, and Teeth). Hope you join in on the fun.<br />
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<i>How do you keep your mind healthy? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>
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<span style="display: none;"><script async="true" src="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=b0e9fc3e17d69ad00968"></script></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-18319633263318108072019-04-05T18:45:00.000-04:002019-04-05T18:45:06.965-04:00Art Discovery in Ljubljana, SloveniaGreetings! Last week when I was in <span id="react-root">Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, I stumbled upon Gregor Pratneker's <i>V Naravo</i> art exhibit. His art works were displayed in an intimate courtyard at </span><span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">Ljubljana's beautiful City Hall which was open to the public. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">I learned later that Pratneker (1973) was born in Maribor, Slovenia, where he currently lives
and works. <span class="details" style="display: inline;">In 2012, he received an MA at the Academy of Fine Arts
and Design in Ljubljana.
He participates in numerous group and solo exhibitions at home and
abroad. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><span class="details" style="display: inline;">Pratneker won several Slovenian awards, among them the Maribor Fine Artists
Association Award for Best Painting in 2013 and in the same year the May
Salon Award of the Union of Slovene Fine Artists Associations. </span></span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><br /></span></span>
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">I was so impressed with his paintings, most of them are oil on canvas, with a nature or landscape theme. I took a number of photos, some close-ups, and some at a short distance to capture how the paintings are displayed on two levels of Ljubljana's City Hall. I grouped my photos by the main colours that I saw in the paintings as I didn't see the painting titles.</span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><br /></span></span>
<b><span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">1. THE BLUE-THEMED PAINTINGS:</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0WBxW4p0mh0dc2CDuRD2NF1q-z7crT3vM3GmVPP6l4y-_DfLjdXyKW4vCdVANd-bcBeVXgBZZu0axH2XX1AmvvYBzmbgrQARMiPTSpuKfjPEIk-GgQmDtK75XBL-IFW6ammJ53Bc8WUG/s1600/IMG_4534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0WBxW4p0mh0dc2CDuRD2NF1q-z7crT3vM3GmVPP6l4y-_DfLjdXyKW4vCdVANd-bcBeVXgBZZu0axH2XX1AmvvYBzmbgrQARMiPTSpuKfjPEIk-GgQmDtK75XBL-IFW6ammJ53Bc8WUG/s320/IMG_4534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NV-L2JeVdQJZC-JLWqkiHt8vYMYxHrjCdzm34RoPhPgypKLmxPA3z4TBmbBnQO-l00doKYlFKLB3nZh4jvEgeHV_kPM1KSbOuQTc-Idjxx2qmhtWPT_iSfOcdct1mL14AGyQe3V801bb/s1600/IMG_4529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NV-L2JeVdQJZC-JLWqkiHt8vYMYxHrjCdzm34RoPhPgypKLmxPA3z4TBmbBnQO-l00doKYlFKLB3nZh4jvEgeHV_kPM1KSbOuQTc-Idjxx2qmhtWPT_iSfOcdct1mL14AGyQe3V801bb/s320/IMG_4529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>2. THE GREEN-THEMED PAINTINGS:</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fj9vxK0OTkjudVDQpXjkHoXcY31yO3RKZkL5fQOl3__TGYl6JRCMbVtrzdJyNE6-ZpVYV3121Vi-55R0XsOqdHpz95VaIgHEDcbAGvhDB70Oq0kEqPGpVg90WfnxnWYzVaWsZQtNaIol/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fj9vxK0OTkjudVDQpXjkHoXcY31yO3RKZkL5fQOl3__TGYl6JRCMbVtrzdJyNE6-ZpVYV3121Vi-55R0XsOqdHpz95VaIgHEDcbAGvhDB70Oq0kEqPGpVg90WfnxnWYzVaWsZQtNaIol/s320/IMG_4533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River in the Summer by Gregor Pratneker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3iScxKf6RCQvKN_IrRvd-MNNGrJB8fxH8L1DDmCsZwuJJCdmi5gfa3sFsN7IBJ4y_4Tx6GWZvP8zlwFV05bHBEpKVI0O15KIDi3SVeREyrpWhpHGibJT5fMijReBzSK5yVJI3lFo5KWd/s1600/IMG_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3iScxKf6RCQvKN_IrRvd-MNNGrJB8fxH8L1DDmCsZwuJJCdmi5gfa3sFsN7IBJ4y_4Tx6GWZvP8zlwFV05bHBEpKVI0O15KIDi3SVeREyrpWhpHGibJT5fMijReBzSK5yVJI3lFo5KWd/s320/IMG_4540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3. THE GOLDEN and WINTER-THEMED PAINTINGS:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDUzfYMCUDTEuyIi2yhMWLFmgNtElXKiLxcWLZ1cGFmlg8431g-FkKm_FQypgqfStooYPumKcUxxaN-HfLAMyqTXlolZ954YjBhZ6Lo2MkNWZOkpEm7scG2Cm8RNN4dZvRqQ7f9z3lGNV/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDUzfYMCUDTEuyIi2yhMWLFmgNtElXKiLxcWLZ1cGFmlg8431g-FkKm_FQypgqfStooYPumKcUxxaN-HfLAMyqTXlolZ954YjBhZ6Lo2MkNWZOkpEm7scG2Cm8RNN4dZvRqQ7f9z3lGNV/s320/IMG_4538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1vdXHR6MY6OMeSGKjVQ2noqgXMca19fdMsukIl96EiNqGZfm4HgPWTv_bRnEQbwXvdUAclkHgqUmWVA-9R1_Ja9M9UxHdydl0fjwSC_j9u2vI8cLjMpxXb1GGxH6GHlelGj9dCsHHpkF/s1600/IMG_4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1vdXHR6MY6OMeSGKjVQ2noqgXMca19fdMsukIl96EiNqGZfm4HgPWTv_bRnEQbwXvdUAclkHgqUmWVA-9R1_Ja9M9UxHdydl0fjwSC_j9u2vI8cLjMpxXb1GGxH6GHlelGj9dCsHHpkF/s320/IMG_4531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>4. THE YELLOW-THEMED PAINTINGS:</b><br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf56cvgFmMg11ESsspUqHHOteWeSGZNY2l29wIkggQ_JINbdxVs1RhBXM2k-QvPp1LNh9xHEl_rVLC-SnKvI9wuPZlJWn9rU1fZ77d02YKWzHr6-CgbOZx4Y8TiPA4Zd6-TClpYQJzTdi8/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf56cvgFmMg11ESsspUqHHOteWeSGZNY2l29wIkggQ_JINbdxVs1RhBXM2k-QvPp1LNh9xHEl_rVLC-SnKvI9wuPZlJWn9rU1fZ77d02YKWzHr6-CgbOZx4Y8TiPA4Zd6-TClpYQJzTdi8/s320/IMG_4535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g9XGEM_GCav-Hsk6VAwF_RkhW13Gg5P2qEWUmmlsWvrAlY7t_kAsPVwKd6NQwlYS-4I166278Ux_rQ0Qfzan-8YBOYIB0LmnripuooSEcyLgEDA5mL7HKRbkpdG-FDTctCoZjc_36486/s1600/IMG_4541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g9XGEM_GCav-Hsk6VAwF_RkhW13Gg5P2qEWUmmlsWvrAlY7t_kAsPVwKd6NQwlYS-4I166278Ux_rQ0Qfzan-8YBOYIB0LmnripuooSEcyLgEDA5mL7HKRbkpdG-FDTctCoZjc_36486/s320/IMG_4541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><br /></span></span>
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">What a pleasant surprise to discover Pratneker's beautiful art work! His exhibit was originally scheduled to end on March 13, however, it was extended to March 28, when I coincidentally was there in time to see it. This talented Slovenian artist's exhibit made my visit to Slovenia even more enjoyable and memorable.</span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><br /></span></span>
<i><span id="react-root"><span id="react-root">I'd love to hear your comments.</span></span></i><br />
<span id="react-root"><span id="react-root"><br /></span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-8351162499353109432019-04-01T15:30:00.000-04:002019-05-09T07:34:12.118-04:00March Wrap-UpGreetings! Welcome to April 1st and what a gorgeous, sunny spring day we have where I live today. March was a unique month since I spent part of it at home and part of it in Europe with my sister. We had an amazing trip visiting Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia. I just returned home on the weekend and am now catching up with my blogging.<br />
<br />
For readers who are new to my blog, this is my third monthly wrap-up in 2019. My January wrap-up is <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and my February wrap-up is <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/february-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>MARCH 2019</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">ARTS</span><br />
<br />
In March I viewed three colourful outdoor and indoor art exhibits in my home city, one indoor art exhibit in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and one outdoor art exhibit in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. There were also lots of beautiful art and architecture in Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Sample photos of the indoor art exhibits that I visited are below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqNXJY4CrX0EomRrf6InwFfYLhA9SZZu7aegiBN5ODTxjzP5AGP1NhsAGSPc2vPcoPxvuGC8M85Gbw71f31XBifTwevT_abeOj9o8ACBgIlFEfwU6aELnidIkk6cn4Z7Pw3EF0lZgWrv/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqNXJY4CrX0EomRrf6InwFfYLhA9SZZu7aegiBN5ODTxjzP5AGP1NhsAGSPc2vPcoPxvuGC8M85Gbw71f31XBifTwevT_abeOj9o8ACBgIlFEfwU6aELnidIkk6cn4Z7Pw3EF0lZgWrv/s320/IMG_4533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pratneker art exhibit in Ljubljana, Slovenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw-WaYKqKu0SRAZWSz2-3iEd8r4l8-JZI-r5YLxFZB2Kyj_hq6yugKcPvm6e7f0RC3o4J4C6ASoDMBDIpIlMwT2l4cfq45va5HrkeokWcosijGJGRr_cia9kXQNOvCj-gX-rjqeT9BGEm/s1600/MarchIndoorArts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw-WaYKqKu0SRAZWSz2-3iEd8r4l8-JZI-r5YLxFZB2Kyj_hq6yugKcPvm6e7f0RC3o4J4C6ASoDMBDIpIlMwT2l4cfq45va5HrkeokWcosijGJGRr_cia9kXQNOvCj-gX-rjqeT9BGEm/s320/MarchIndoorArts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paintings and Blown Glass Arts in Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BLOGS</span><br />
<br />
I wrote three posts in March before my trip to <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/february-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">wrap up February</a>, and to share my outdoor walks to <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-walk-to-canoe-landing-park.html" target="_blank">Canoe Landing Park</a> and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/wellness-post-3-ice-breakers-2019.html" target="_blank">Ice Breakers 2019</a>. I didn't blog while I was traveling in Europe :-).<br />
<br />
My thanks to everyone who have left comments on my blog and those who linked up with the Wellness Wednesday on March 13. A friendly reminder that our next Wellness link up is on Wednesday April 10. Optional prompt is Healthy Mind.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BOOKS</span> <br />
<br />
I read eight terrific books written by authors from Canada, Croatia, France, Sweden, and the USA. Most of the books are literary award winners or international bestsellers and are good reads.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkWgEJ6Q8EsCVQoeVrpvwBCD9EkG11HinVpPXOJsyV3l-NH4vk4-lhalHQAeN4Ngj6F9cUkKcMVaWp1XAwkcYsR8RFU92k6ighIgeiELX0PTDUOmCX7pSX88kor6rSYiAkEopSvOF4ScA/s1600/MarchBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkWgEJ6Q8EsCVQoeVrpvwBCD9EkG11HinVpPXOJsyV3l-NH4vk4-lhalHQAeN4Ngj6F9cUkKcMVaWp1XAwkcYsR8RFU92k6ighIgeiELX0PTDUOmCX7pSX88kor6rSYiAkEopSvOF4ScA/s320/MarchBooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books I read in March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Love Dishonor Marry Cherish Perish</i> by David Rakoff, 113 pages. This is a novel in verse with witty words that weave the stories together.</li>
<li><i>The Perfect Nanny</i> by Leila Slimani, translated from the French <i>Chanson Douce</i> by Sam Taylor, 228 pages. Leila Slimani is the first Moroccan woman to win France's most prestigious literary prize, the Goncourt, which she won in 2016 for <i>The Perfect Nanny</i>. A journalist, she was born in Rabat, Morocco, in 1981. She lives in Paris with her French husband and their two young children. I enjoyed this book and picked up a second book, <i>Adèle, </i>by the same author from the Best Bets section in my local library.</li>
<li><i>Adèle</i> by Leila Slimani, translated from the French <i>Dans le Jardin de L'ogre</i> by Sam Taylor, 216 pages. Leila Slimani won the La Mamounia Prize in 2014 for <i>Adèle</i>. The book tells the story of a woman afflicted by sexual addiction that loses control of her life due to her addiction. In this book cover, it states that the author is a frequent commentator for women's and human rights, and she is French president Emmanuel Macron's personal representative for the promotion of the French language and culture.</li>
<li><i>A Man Called Ove</i> by Fredrik Backman, translated from Swedish by Henning Koch, 295 pages. I've always meant to read this book and enjoyed reading it so much I couldn't put it down. I finished it in a day.</li>
<li><i>Bellevue Square</i> by Michael Redhill, 262 pages. This book won the 2017 Giller Prize in Canada. The book is set in Toronto with locations familiar to me. The story is about a woman's doppelganger and mental health.</li>
<li><i>Binti</i> by Nnedi Okorafor, 90 pages. This science fiction novella won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novella and the 2015 Nebula Award for the same category.</li>
<li><i>419</i> by Will Ferguson, 399 pages. This book won the 2012 Giller Prize in Canada. It's about the insidious Internet scam from Nigeria, and how the characters' lives intersect.</li>
<li><i>The Rough Guide to Croatia</i>, 479 pages, written and researched by Jonathan Bousfield who lives in Zagreb, Croatia.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCERTS</span><br />
<br />
I attended three wonderful concerts at home before my trip: <br />
• <i>A Taste of Mardi Gras</i> concert by Jordan Klapman, Gary Scriven, and Patrick Tevlin. <br />
• <i>Peace and Turmoil</i> piano concert by Jialang Zhu.<br />
• A classical piano concert by David Potvin.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY, FOOD & FRIENDS</span> <br />
<br />
In the first half of March, I met with one of my friends for a gym workout, and attended a fun social event that one of the yoga class participants organized to celebrate International Women's Day. <br />
<br />
I spent the second half of March travelling with my sister. We had a wonderful time together in Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Our tour package covered all breakfasts, and we were on our own for lunch and dinner so we tried different eateries in various towns and cities that we visited. There were plenty of food and drink choices to choose from, plus delicious desserts.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span><br />
<br />
In March, I meditated fifteen minutes daily, walked forty-five minutes or more every day. While at home, I completed ten strength workouts in the gym, five yoga classes, and three swimming sessions. On our trip, my sister and I walked on average three hours a day for sightseeing. I love my outdoor walks and when I get to see colourful art displays on sunshiny days, I'm a happy person :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7ipgFHhTwHdjmP2z3spp5-FcqUDWKS7Dff8rvi2yxcjD-iSqw3QB7N01uzMK5VMWtpMO9reeEeWkpipPC7guDOCaDCdN2KXifUOTW7_LdvFjdslc75c43DJAZ8O8XtcJP-t9YV9R2wcP/s1600/MarchOutdoorArts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7ipgFHhTwHdjmP2z3spp5-FcqUDWKS7Dff8rvi2yxcjD-iSqw3QB7N01uzMK5VMWtpMO9reeEeWkpipPC7guDOCaDCdN2KXifUOTW7_LdvFjdslc75c43DJAZ8O8XtcJP-t9YV9R2wcP/s320/MarchOutdoorArts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor arts for my fit and fun walks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">LEARNING</span><br />
<br />
I continued with my daily French and Spanish lessons on Duolingo, and learned about Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia before and during my trip. The tour leader and local tour guides gave us a lot of information about the three countries that we visited.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">MOVIES</span><br />
<br />
I watched two movies with my neighbours in early March (<i>Instant Family</i>, <i>Ralph Breaks the Internet)</i>, and two in-flight movies (<i>Venom</i>, <i>A Simple Favor</i>). They were entertaining.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">TRAVEL</span><br />
<br />
My sister and I visited Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia on a guided tour. The trip was wonderful with several stops along the Adriatic Coast and two capital cities (Ljubljana in Slovenia and Zagreb in Croatia). We also made one stop in Mostar, in Bosnia & Herzegovina.<br />
<br />
We lucked out with the group size (only twelve people), and the weather (mostly sunny days and only one cloudy day). Our itinerary was similar to the snapshot below. We had a good mix of guided time and free time to explore on our own. I plan to share my travel highlights and photos on my blog once I get my travel materials sorted out. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYp4fd_Yb354oRHSPtPFd8FCJRSKEDp_5t9Y_LqTgZ2KUB4xVRwRj-XKlsO_Ff5OwXsq7q6zTqaglV06Ay-Ghv4cIJL789modH6cHn8ZtPbzHnhG9de0eYXbX-1lmKubpMtqlYC4qMkye/s1600/AdriaticTour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="818" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYp4fd_Yb354oRHSPtPFd8FCJRSKEDp_5t9Y_LqTgZ2KUB4xVRwRj-XKlsO_Ff5OwXsq7q6zTqaglV06Ay-Ghv4cIJL789modH6cHn8ZtPbzHnhG9de0eYXbX-1lmKubpMtqlYC4qMkye/s320/AdriaticTour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adriatic Tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall, March was a month full of new and fun experiences for me, both at home and abroad. I welcome April and look forward to enjoying the Spring season :)<br />
<br />
<i>How was your March? What good things happened? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-62074804245312051212019-03-13T00:00:00.000-04:002019-03-13T09:21:19.660-04:00Wellness Post #3: Ice Breakers 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s1600/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K4-m17vIH9tc4WO6oOU3CtNOI0BtWNDlUWF8fVqAwXm18VaXfzAv09MFzs_kxlU5nCRRotxmgQL8eKRmO6ZM-8vL0oUNPGL2C7SVLI-QuclegRcSX3_yJkjX9VXrm7ktgQvsj6xCY2Fz/s320/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the third Wellness link up of 2019! You might like to read my January wellness post <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and February wellness post <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Feel free to join in on the fun with your recent or past wellness-related posts every second Wednesday of the month.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH GOAL UPDATES</span></b><br />
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I was at home the month of February which made it easier than when I travel to achieve my health goals. I use a simple sheet to keep track of all my goals for 2019, and write a monthly wrap up on my blog. My February wrap-up, including my Health activities, is posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/03/february-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">ICE BREAKERS for OUTDOOR FITNESS</span></b><br />
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For this month's Wellness post, the optional prompt is Indoor or Outdoor Fitness. I live in Ontario, Canada. In the winter months, the weather is unpredictable so it's necessary to do fitness activities both indoor and outdoor to stay healthy throughout the year.<br />
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Today, I'm sharing my 'fit and fun' outing to the <b>Ice Breakers 2019</b> event in Toronto's Waterfront area. This is an annual outdoor event that showcases five winners of the Ice Breakers International Design Competition. Let's take a closer look at the five installations. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">ICE BREAKERS 2019 - THE FIVE WINNERS</span><br />
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<b>1. Tweeta-Gate</b> by Eleni Papadimitriou and Stefanos Ziras of Space Oddity Studios SOS (Athens, Greece) - I like the yellow colour, the different shapes of the gates, and the small bells attached to the corners of each gate in this design. When you reach the end of the gate, you can see Lake Ontario.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGj5wPBQ90ms6W2nDX2zWrrVYq6XjWLD3c5Wl2J9YBW6dNLbz5n2XPvT_wIHO-y6Nea2RU22oD3wJ26lp4HiwJSlHEmfaDuOH6KSG0V1eAkdv0N5zu4RqDXJLk6_rm44LpvU6to65HXLj/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGj5wPBQ90ms6W2nDX2zWrrVYq6XjWLD3c5Wl2J9YBW6dNLbz5n2XPvT_wIHO-y6Nea2RU22oD3wJ26lp4HiwJSlHEmfaDuOH6KSG0V1eAkdv0N5zu4RqDXJLk6_rm44LpvU6to65HXLj/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweeta-Gate. Ice Breakers 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2. Chroma Key Protest </b>by Andrew Edmundson of Solve Architects Inc. (Toronto, Canada) - I like the green colour and the simplicity of this design. The twenty-five wood buoys are anchored in a basin so I can look at them from the bridge but cannot touch them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02U1BOA0KCgg5ris_enNurLNoM8M3YTAOOGIxNW3oZy4bS1U4kt6P08zcO8xuxT8aTJO8nuKerhbEkthDm9T84PVUOli00umy-sLih-PYbPZMjXPmFGT2DRtHsY2EuxwJqUVrvFRW13jg/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02U1BOA0KCgg5ris_enNurLNoM8M3YTAOOGIxNW3oZy4bS1U4kt6P08zcO8xuxT8aTJO8nuKerhbEkthDm9T84PVUOli00umy-sLih-PYbPZMjXPmFGT2DRtHsY2EuxwJqUVrvFRW13jg/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chroma Key Protest, Ice Breakers 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>3. Stellar Spectra</b> by Rob Shostak and Dionisios Vriniotis (Toronto, Canada) - I like how this art installation invites interaction. When I look at the two light grey columns from the side walk, they are not that interesting. However, when I step inside each column and look up, I see warm colours (red, orange, yellow) in one column, and cool colours (blue, green, purple) in the other. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhSVemU-4QRRovds0RDV5ZvsxEap2ui7gk5UatGwr6wXTNtSUV-HoNeE_4hXpsg_mDsnwWrLEdncs_ntKggCnzNl39rD_SaFqG1tiLl4Eeq_CLgZbaXPu5xioFkNuhkqr3-N6f1qlZIsk/s1600/Spectra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhSVemU-4QRRovds0RDV5ZvsxEap2ui7gk5UatGwr6wXTNtSUV-HoNeE_4hXpsg_mDsnwWrLEdncs_ntKggCnzNl39rD_SaFqG1tiLl4Eeq_CLgZbaXPu5xioFkNuhkqr3-N6f1qlZIsk/s320/Spectra.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stellar Spectra, Ice Breakers 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>4. Tripix</b> by Ryerson University (Toronto, Canada) - The modern look of this design is interesting. When I examine it closely, the reflective panels and how light gets through the gaps give a kaleidoscopic effect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y6_aD3S_Xy2dA8EE0BmFP0GoRtzBhMI58U5jR2AiNCEu9Ce38uBQtn3dsKa8boCAKQHhu4mJkXTvc8Wz9m7K2K7zvK0zwuU3_DFSsHO_JLZS8Jbkgy29sciiBZaXjiQ5IpPMkj0Abp-5/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y6_aD3S_Xy2dA8EE0BmFP0GoRtzBhMI58U5jR2AiNCEu9Ce38uBQtn3dsKa8boCAKQHhu4mJkXTvc8Wz9m7K2K7zvK0zwuU3_DFSsHO_JLZS8Jbkgy29sciiBZaXjiQ5IpPMkj0Abp-5/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tripix, Ice Breakers 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>5. Connector</b> by Alexandra Griess and Jorel Heid (Hamburg, Germany) - I like the striking orange colour of this design and how it invites interaction. I've seen children speak into the black mouth pieces at the corners and listen to the sound transmission.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu6sRkx40kY59d_tY_iZ4ThdkVoSYza5y0iQ_RLkHGkASNAbeJZ6pYY5VMBa3x56OxXSpVQehEHKFNPglLYXcgFQiUnvcCqA8MB4TUm_LksFu2oldPd-PYlvqOBEZb2vr5fzMnbCSXTv2/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu6sRkx40kY59d_tY_iZ4ThdkVoSYza5y0iQ_RLkHGkASNAbeJZ6pYY5VMBa3x56OxXSpVQehEHKFNPglLYXcgFQiUnvcCqA8MB4TUm_LksFu2oldPd-PYlvqOBEZb2vr5fzMnbCSXTv2/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connector, Ice Breakers 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">WHAT I GAINED:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Raised heart rate from the brisk walk outdoors. </li>
<li>An enjoyable walk along the waterfront on a sunny day. </li>
<li>Positive sensory experiences from the visual art exhibits, the clear blue skies, the lake view, the sound of the bells, the touch and feel of most exhibits, the sunlight, and the cold air.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">OVERALL RATING:</span> I gave this outing five out of five points, one point for each of the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Affordability: Admission to the event is free. </li>
<li>Elements that support wellness: The art installations are along the Waterfront Trail which is open year round to cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians. </li>
<li>Fun: The art exhibits are interesting and interactive.</li>
<li>New experience: It was my second visit to the Ice Breakers event so I'm familiar with the event but the exact locations of the art installations changed slightly. I wrote about Ice Breakers 2018 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2018/02/ice-breakers-2018.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>Uniqueness: The Ice Breakers event is once a year and each year five new winners are chosen. </li>
</ul>
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I was pleased with how well this winter outing turned out. I left the Ice Breakers art installations feeling energized and joyful. Another fun walk, another good day!<br />
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I look forward to doing more fit and fun walks in the Spring. The next Wellness link up will be on Wednesday, April 10. Optional prompt: Healthy Mind.<br />
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<i>Which of the above five winners do you like the most? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-41836109629361640672019-03-07T08:00:00.000-05:002019-03-07T08:00:02.601-05:00A Walk to Canoe Landing ParkTwo days after a major snowstorm, on the first day of March, we had sunny skies with calm wind and the high temperature near freezing point. It was perfect for my 'fit and fun' walk to Canoe Landing Park.<br />
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<b>Canoe Landing Park</b> is an urban park created in 2009 in downtown Toronto. Its total area is 8 acres (3.1 ha). Its location is adjacent to the Gardiner Expressway, a municipal expressway, running close to the shore of Lake Ontario.<br />
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What makes Canoe Landing Park visually interesting are the standalone art pieces by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Coupland" target="_blank">Douglas Coupland</a>, the Vancouver artist, author, and sculptor.<br />
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Here's a closer look at the art creations:<br />
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<b>1. The Red Canoe:</b> The canoe is large enough for people to stand in and see over the Gardiner Expressway to Lake Ontario. It's placed on a hill made from on-site excavated fill and geosynthetic reinforcements. Some 20,000-25,000 dump truck loads of fill were diverted from landfills.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCUlHDypD1TjvhSVxgyx9DK4aOE7qPlrPBf67JIdX7mKM5C0Vpdbg1nuM_zrWoC5BA5x2UnRBOUQGqOPMACSuOFvPDiMZ022kYNqVChus_NDdLNXS0UGWj0T2UQKXrSeJfyUq0_dtNU2N/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCUlHDypD1TjvhSVxgyx9DK4aOE7qPlrPBf67JIdX7mKM5C0Vpdbg1nuM_zrWoC5BA5x2UnRBOUQGqOPMACSuOFvPDiMZ022kYNqVChus_NDdLNXS0UGWj0T2UQKXrSeJfyUq0_dtNU2N/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Canoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2. Iceberg Benches</b> are a pair of benches situated near the canoe. On a clear day, one can sit on the benches and have a panoramic view of Lake Ontario to the south and the high-rise buildings surrounding the park.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN9PJ7r-XAU1iDRRJi_T_6dg3xYiHthABs9F402f8H3oVDqSdAIblDfZa5DQJ_M0rnXJyR0pJOriMlrrv6r-ITDoSfpUSyMSq4bTFpetSV0ci6QjLCoE9jGvAQdEy7jWfr8iRCA97lSVc/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN9PJ7r-XAU1iDRRJi_T_6dg3xYiHthABs9F402f8H3oVDqSdAIblDfZa5DQJ_M0rnXJyR0pJOriMlrrv6r-ITDoSfpUSyMSq4bTFpetSV0ci6QjLCoE9jGvAQdEy7jWfr8iRCA97lSVc/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceberg Benches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>3. Fishing Bobbers:</b> A colourful display of twelve large fishing bobbers adds visual interest, especially on the white snowy ground. In the summer, when sprinklers are turned on, this area becomes a fun splash pad. Imagine running around, or in and out of the fishing bobbers with water spraying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Knpaz7TzDZVe241hMrnZ_5sGTJvb0ViMpaU4Nm-ESmPsAnc5cu35ogS_0wj9OhBTR12v8lzPH8_lFMcOvzFGuQtBT0MOovG_17EZraS8jeCMLeV72LplyM_q83gk53EXEnh0_OSYl8LY/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Knpaz7TzDZVe241hMrnZ_5sGTJvb0ViMpaU4Nm-ESmPsAnc5cu35ogS_0wj9OhBTR12v8lzPH8_lFMcOvzFGuQtBT0MOovG_17EZraS8jeCMLeV72LplyM_q83gk53EXEnh0_OSYl8LY/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Bobbers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>4. Beaver Dam:</b> It's a sculptural beaver dam situated near the fishing bobbers, not a real one :) Due to the snow, my photo did not show the sticks and branches similar to what beavers use for their dams.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUR-h4fTE8IHcc9rCzn6cxQ2DSdV_EFMqyBuJQbeWp73aBNWUihlKI-JgCIoY61We8OP-A-ncqBWkP13l9zR2A9YBDwrqPybyaOwX16TkHW0p2Acl9voV_Nkf2BOUcJ2g2Zh1nWM0dXxG/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUR-h4fTE8IHcc9rCzn6cxQ2DSdV_EFMqyBuJQbeWp73aBNWUihlKI-JgCIoY61We8OP-A-ncqBWkP13l9zR2A9YBDwrqPybyaOwX16TkHW0p2Acl9voV_Nkf2BOUcJ2g2Zh1nWM0dXxG/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>5. Terry Fox Miracle Mile:</b> It's a one mile run named after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox" target="_blank">Terry Fox</a>, the Canadian athlete who ran the cross-country Marathon of Hope in April 1980 to raise money for cancer research. His life story and actions are incredibly moving and inspiring.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjvE22CAT7tdewkwgG3Ewn2WRl9Bct394QE67V4z9Jz6sMAM1pXw74bo70NYldtkqoXWsdEc1HhLJrzvQ8N5hW5rRtObEtMOUcQzGWyNrlf-A3toAkVm_6usiVI0IGg_rgmHaF88Nbm_E/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjvE22CAT7tdewkwgG3Ewn2WRl9Bct394QE67V4z9Jz6sMAM1pXw74bo70NYldtkqoXWsdEc1HhLJrzvQ8N5hW5rRtObEtMOUcQzGWyNrlf-A3toAkVm_6usiVI0IGg_rgmHaF88Nbm_E/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Terry Fox Miracle Mile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>6. Heart-Shaped Stone:</b> This bronze artwork was cast from a stone retrieved by Terry Fox's brother at the end of his journey. Terry Fox was forced to end his run after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi). He died at the young age of 22.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_OuLj0vJlIS1VzDWbMaZUIEtCqkSu9rqK6Ic7pkcd7D6GiF-MPpDszl5kfVGiiZaf8uLh4LGBVyZuQ4SOSSAmvunZZBWwrjhouPASVoDIz2f3hRpkfMAZJjw7jL5-lds02SBVy6o5rj1/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_OuLj0vJlIS1VzDWbMaZUIEtCqkSu9rqK6Ic7pkcd7D6GiF-MPpDszl5kfVGiiZaf8uLh4LGBVyZuQ4SOSSAmvunZZBWwrjhouPASVoDIz2f3hRpkfMAZJjw7jL5-lds02SBVy6o5rj1/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart-Shaped Stone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The beautiful sunshine encouraged me to continue my walk from Canoe Landing Park to the lake front. There I saw lots of seagulls, ducks, birds, and a few white swans. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf_7K-DHQztgCaieKe0n96S0hbcpzbItFcKmEm_XIHfn_v_vDu9E0U8WRPVLkoo3nBYiIhwFEtoBtlrhEv4WHkNq182sXudaVauSqYS-kyr3Tt5mRQd2luq6aQSMWhG-VFdWSEvYEtHiz/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf_7K-DHQztgCaieKe0n96S0hbcpzbItFcKmEm_XIHfn_v_vDu9E0U8WRPVLkoo3nBYiIhwFEtoBtlrhEv4WHkNq182sXudaVauSqYS-kyr3Tt5mRQd2luq6aQSMWhG-VFdWSEvYEtHiz/s320/IMG_0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seagulls on Lake Ontario</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhxLtU_qdwigpGwPJdTRs6yph7BFa0qrTva3MaXwlr7dSCIyqaCnAMKCAg91iwQleLg5M_keq_yylf9UKfieA_Gp-FhDVhvbfp4dUF8kVL3_HX4eyeTwFITfgyezKnpC6l-ceCowbLT_a/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhxLtU_qdwigpGwPJdTRs6yph7BFa0qrTva3MaXwlr7dSCIyqaCnAMKCAg91iwQleLg5M_keq_yylf9UKfieA_Gp-FhDVhvbfp4dUF8kVL3_HX4eyeTwFITfgyezKnpC6l-ceCowbLT_a/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swans in Toronto Harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then it was time to head home. I felt great and relaxed after walking outdoors in the sunshine and observing nature. Another fit and fun walk done, another good day!<br />
<br />
<i>I'd love to hear your comments.</i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-30301059292454224162019-03-01T20:00:00.000-05:002019-05-09T07:34:36.699-04:00February Wrap-UpGreetings! This is my second monthly wrap-up in 2019. My January wrap-up was posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">FEBRUARY 2019</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">ARTS</span><br />
<br />
In February I viewed two visually interesting outdoor art events titled <i>Icefest 2019 </i>and <i>Ice Breakers</i> <i>2019</i>, and two wonderful indoor art exhibits titled <i>Same Dream</i> by Omar Ba, and <i>Mapping Worlds</i> by Shuvinai Ashoona.<br />
<br />
I wrote about my visit to the Icefest 2019 event <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The Ice Breakers blog draft is in progress. Each of the two indoor art exhibits had about thirty or more beautiful paintings. Taking photos without flash was allowed so I took several photos and might share some of them in another blog post. In the interim, I included two photos below.<br />
<br />
Omar Ba is an artist born in Dakar, Senegal. He lives and works between Dakar and Geneva. His works have been shown in Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, and Senegal. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTFw-AgW8BdvCtks23RAVtxyh3qn6pFapdS7OoBdmj9FlrqHrtkbvw3a61EXgW_AkVYBluyapt-OgFkXZLoSjrXYdZe8pxrHtQzox4rtKa2vD41ZgavzgibEmmZkORX0NtnqL4DCeK2Kr/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTFw-AgW8BdvCtks23RAVtxyh3qn6pFapdS7OoBdmj9FlrqHrtkbvw3a61EXgW_AkVYBluyapt-OgFkXZLoSjrXYdZe8pxrHtQzox4rtKa2vD41ZgavzgibEmmZkORX0NtnqL4DCeK2Kr/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art by Omar Ba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Shuvinai Ashoona lives in Kinngait (formerly known as Cape Dorset) on the southern tip of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. Her work has been shown in various galleries and museums in Canadian cities.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ32gY9y3HaUIluFGRMsP488QJYZGYuD99V71XfBHs_swhO7e_eOhjIT11sMXpwpWbRz9hXvpcSXya_2h_DnPf8T3tPKzcgB5V6lAQt-L6gQYpVbUKVhhkQWpK0XsifzlXEcJii1J7qzI/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ32gY9y3HaUIluFGRMsP488QJYZGYuD99V71XfBHs_swhO7e_eOhjIT11sMXpwpWbRz9hXvpcSXya_2h_DnPf8T3tPKzcgB5V6lAQt-L6gQYpVbUKVhhkQWpK0XsifzlXEcJii1J7qzI/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art by Shuvinai Ashoona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">BLOGS</span><br />
<br />
In February I blogged about my travels to explore some of the main attractions in Guatemala, my fit and fun walk to see Icefest Hollywood North ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations, one monthly wrap-up for January, and one final update for my Winter Fun List. <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-trip-to-chichicastenango.html" target="_blank">Day Trip to Chichicastenango</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">January Wrap-Up</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/boat-trip-on-lake-atitlan-and-santiago.html" target="_blank">Boat Trip on Lake Atitlan & Santiago Village</a></li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">Wellness Post: Icefest 2019</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/winter-fun-list-final-update.html" target="_blank">Winter Fun List Final Update</a></li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/postcard-from-guatemala-city.html" target="_blank">Postcard from Guatemala City</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BOOKS</span><br />
<br />
I read seven books written by authors from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. I was kind of surprised that I could finish this many books in a short month like February. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4_3CN_pjUhBE1lM9vdkOHte5vzJG_zVrdP-de5OQLiEA2vy_9ypBHe_w6JKp3mgMi7k1Lhuu8rXa5Kj8m8-Fb4tLTpU1J0_kC8TvGCZ04eg6l4s_URqwCoY4osngeCQ0UqVKRZvpoQL0/s1600/7BookCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4_3CN_pjUhBE1lM9vdkOHte5vzJG_zVrdP-de5OQLiEA2vy_9ypBHe_w6JKp3mgMi7k1Lhuu8rXa5Kj8m8-Fb4tLTpU1J0_kC8TvGCZ04eg6l4s_URqwCoY4osngeCQ0UqVKRZvpoQL0/s320/7BookCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li><i>Scrublands</i> by Chris Hammer, 368 pages.<i> </i></li>
<li><i>Sea Prayer</i> by Khaled Hosseini, 48 pages<i> - </i>This book<i> </i>was inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis<i> </i>and the death of Alan Kurdi.<i> </i>The Afghan-American author<i>, </i>Khaled Hosseini, will donate author proceeds from this book to the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees and The Khaled Hosseini Foundation to help fund lifesaving relief efforts to help refugees around the globe.<i><br /></i></li>
<li><i>Gone Girl </i>by Gillian Flynn, 432 pages - This book was made into a movie starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck in 2014. The movie and the actress were nominated for several awards. It must be quite a thriller to watch.<i><br /></i></li>
<li><i>Washington Black</i> by Esi Edugyan, 419 pages - I was so pleased to pick up and read this book which won the 2018 Giller Prize in Canada. Last time I checked, there were 1685 holds for 399 copies in the Toronto Public Library system. If you're looking for an award-winning Canadian author, add this book to your reading list.<i> </i></li>
<li><i>Defending Jacob</i> by William Landay, 421 pages.</li>
<li><i>The Widow</i> by Fiona Barton, 336 pages. </li>
<li><i>Family & Other Catastrophes</i> by Alexandra Borowitz, 302 pages.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCERTS</span><br />
<br />
I attended two piano concerts performed by Rudin Lengo and Jean-Luc Therrien, one guitar concert by Louis Lawlor, and one choir and organ concert by Bach Children's Chorus at Roy Thomson Hall. The live singing and music were simply incredible. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0l-5RVsvBe4t-nBZjLma8Gu1zbbNKREcacLBnRPAVBgwE0QtSiQaVe37Q3TPNsl5TIyoe9onjYxQBD2Jy1yFtKPv8TNeE7riKAnaRb-2LZcZUOQIb94bW4BXIs0xD4IRBizdsH2StGwR/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0l-5RVsvBe4t-nBZjLma8Gu1zbbNKREcacLBnRPAVBgwE0QtSiQaVe37Q3TPNsl5TIyoe9onjYxQBD2Jy1yFtKPv8TNeE7riKAnaRb-2LZcZUOQIb94bW4BXIs0xD4IRBizdsH2StGwR/s320/IMG_4456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organ at Roy Thomson Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY and FRIENDS</span><br />
<br />
Sharing delicious food with my family and friends was the theme in February. Each week we had a food event: A potluck dinner with my family clan, followed by a potluck lunch with my yoga class, and a Mexican fiesta dinner on Family Day. There were desserts at each event, too. I also met up with my friends for three coffee and one lunch catch-ups. One of my friends is taking early retirement in March so it's an exciting time for her. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3dgjWbH3EBeEDPaZ8FSP9SkcTrlU0mWHSdFqg3dk-dU6bBRUlffxwotRniifJnpPfnb_GZ0atwBvHab8zcvXz6coXRvIZsdAHtK_iPKRieiHH9kZYXLF_9fMVhPjb1CQBFE8y-qsLFje/s1600/Potluck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3dgjWbH3EBeEDPaZ8FSP9SkcTrlU0mWHSdFqg3dk-dU6bBRUlffxwotRniifJnpPfnb_GZ0atwBvHab8zcvXz6coXRvIZsdAHtK_iPKRieiHH9kZYXLF_9fMVhPjb1CQBFE8y-qsLFje/s320/Potluck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potluck lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span><br />
<br />
Being at home the entire February means I can be consistent with my fitness routine. I got in all my daily meditation time, and walked outdoors for forty-five minutes or more every day, except three Sundays which were my rest days. I also completed thirteen strength workouts in the gym, eight yoga classes, and four swimming sessions. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">LEARNING</span><br />
<br />
I continued my French an Spanish lessons on Duolingo, fifteen minutes for each language daily. I also learned about the new artists when I went to see their art exhibits or attend their concerts, and new authors when I read books that are new-to-me. I usually end up researching more about the artist or the author and their works.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">MOVIES</span><br />
<br />
I watched four movies in February. As we know by now <i>Bohemian Rhapsody</i> won four Oscars for Best Actor, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing, and <i>Shallow </i>from <i>A Star Is Born</i> won an Oscar in the Original Song category. <br />
<ul>
<li><i>Johnny English Strikes Again</i> starring Rowan Atkinson</li>
<li><i>Bohemian Rhapsody</i> starring Rami Malek</li>
<li><i>The Front Runner</i> starring Hugh Jackman</li>
<li><i>A Star Is Born</i> starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">TRAVEL PLANNING</span><br />
<br />
My sister and I booked a guided tour to Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia in March. We're both looking forward to the trip. The weather forecast at our destinations definitely looks more spring-like than what we have at home at the moment.<br />
<br />
Overall, February was a fun-filled month for me. I enjoyed time with my family and friends, and the continuity of my health and leisure activities. March is off to a great start with plenty of new things for me to explore and learn. <br />
<br />
<i>How was your February? What good things happened? I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-42288153186118212802019-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-26T07:18:53.407-05:00Postcard from Guatemala CityGreetings! In January I took a trip to Guatemala in Central America. I wrote three blog posts on the first three stops in my itinerary as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">Exploring Antigua</a>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site </li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-trip-to-chichicastenango.html" target="_blank">Day Trip to Chichicastenango market</a></li>
<li><a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/boat-trip-on-lake-atitlan-and-santiago.html" target="_blank">Boat Trip on Lake Atitlan and Santiago village</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Today I'm sharing my tour and photos in <b>Guatemala City</b>, the capital of Guatemala and the largest city in Central America. Its official name is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción (New Guatemala of the Assumption). The population of Guatemala City is about two million, however, with the addition of the neighbouring municipalities, the total increases to about four million. <br />
<br />
<b>Guatemala City</b> is divided into twenty-two zones, which are numbered in a spiral fashion starting in downtown Guatemala City. I decided to book a half-day city tour to explore the various city zones. The tour included hotel pick-up and drop-off. There were eight people, including me, in the tour group, plus an English-speaking tour guide and a driver. Our shuttle van could accommodate twenty people so we had lots of room in the vehicle.<br />
<br />
Our tour began with a visit to <b>Plaza Berlin</b> which offers a good view of
Guatemala City and its surrounding mountains. From there, we made a few
stops to see <b>Iglesia Yurrita</b>, a Catholic church known for its ornate Gothic features, and the <b>Central Post Office</b> which has the arch
way similar to the Santa Catalina arch in Antigua. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGWU6VbNBCsNr5wus3M80BcC9xpmjywdGoKsTjA9XKW-Xc2AqIyABQZP5_RXVU8wB4iX-zIrJqTee7PePDvv_m4Dh8TKPTY7-OgWRgEenyf8n1-MBWXMtZJNhqXCP76kljCJ1TvXInZ0a/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGWU6VbNBCsNr5wus3M80BcC9xpmjywdGoKsTjA9XKW-Xc2AqIyABQZP5_RXVU8wB4iX-zIrJqTee7PePDvv_m4Dh8TKPTY7-OgWRgEenyf8n1-MBWXMtZJNhqXCP76kljCJ1TvXInZ0a/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Guatemala City from Plaza Berlin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNQVT0u2DOp6NdWWFKrhhaMlFcKhnOunMrUXxgwjAmCA2kw36MDYvT6CdmHTFRNUc6wVuWYSyE2EGPjl5QgX81gmFrB0W2H51DVKFHxtntzqCZsALx8ud7JW6PKCfF1IMVZzVdgBgLhSb/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNQVT0u2DOp6NdWWFKrhhaMlFcKhnOunMrUXxgwjAmCA2kw36MDYvT6CdmHTFRNUc6wVuWYSyE2EGPjl5QgX81gmFrB0W2H51DVKFHxtntzqCZsALx8ud7JW6PKCfF1IMVZzVdgBgLhSb/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Berlin, Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6GeEL43Kr4rkJTTV9Z_JtQqKqHDx2CiXZH1E8BlsAx8CVXTj2G_Twl5eJxsw1nZFii8MAYk5SbqcC0-CZkvBZn8IiBXyLar8ID9jS6R2c6OZOD35sQ5chkG0DcccZa9i2WkMj8Onht2C/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6GeEL43Kr4rkJTTV9Z_JtQqKqHDx2CiXZH1E8BlsAx8CVXTj2G_Twl5eJxsw1nZFii8MAYk5SbqcC0-CZkvBZn8IiBXyLar8ID9jS6R2c6OZOD35sQ5chkG0DcccZa9i2WkMj8Onht2C/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yurrita Church in Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLMz-BO0PgcAi_0TCHpm4mB904DQd8YrVd9LfR99HoJ5w5HCoYiKUo3syzyu1dCZ9RIRY-s8DNaA4xmnFh9f_O4W2xLXLlO3S2zA0zYwOt8VC6BllEzuVlBhS30lBFkVKZki7P-J8b8EK/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLMz-BO0PgcAi_0TCHpm4mB904DQd8YrVd9LfR99HoJ5w5HCoYiKUo3syzyu1dCZ9RIRY-s8DNaA4xmnFh9f_O4W2xLXLlO3S2zA0zYwOt8VC6BllEzuVlBhS30lBFkVKZki7P-J8b8EK/s320/IMG_0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Post Office in Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We continued on to <b>Central Plaza</b>, also known as
Constitution Plaza, at the heart of Guatemala City. Here, we viewed the
<b>Cathedral,</b> built between 1782 and 1815, and the <b>National Palace</b>, one of the most important Guatemalan architectural
achievements of the last century. Formerly the seat of the government,
it is now a museum and venue for government affairs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70IP2e-8wcb9-MNvmh6t8brStQwaNc5Qi4eklmbJR9EwHRkRmyrIvuVHQCsHpX96kZhLNMxi78rx6e-jaeyI6TfDm6CDKOXWiPzMrytwltqP_yeNBWolYtrzSNlXnKix5fCdGfyFbrWmX/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70IP2e-8wcb9-MNvmh6t8brStQwaNc5Qi4eklmbJR9EwHRkRmyrIvuVHQCsHpX96kZhLNMxi78rx6e-jaeyI6TfDm6CDKOXWiPzMrytwltqP_yeNBWolYtrzSNlXnKix5fCdGfyFbrWmX/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral in Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQppeMXtOCkdFDxZ427fT8ImWGXQRXWEMEy2_kv4BmbMPqn6DSacrLnLVzxFcZ3jXGQr_zXVzGA51MhBpZE2VVs_qmcH6dk9YC7aHk9Mvj01tid06YJNcnhXjGp37Xr6mJa8C8Fu_1N4V3/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQppeMXtOCkdFDxZ427fT8ImWGXQRXWEMEy2_kv4BmbMPqn6DSacrLnLVzxFcZ3jXGQr_zXVzGA51MhBpZE2VVs_qmcH6dk9YC7aHk9Mvj01tid06YJNcnhXjGp37Xr6mJa8C8Fu_1N4V3/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Palace in Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4KYqHoFkNIOXKiojfVzQ3qvmG9l4ySdXNwwnPofP1Fq-G8X7heUw0hF6IDWwhph9JjSC3UXDVuL2cc2oXqJ6OtdyD7K2Uub71bZap4aL92I7kEzAbvasKT0QRL655521qdGq0zlBBOOZ/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4KYqHoFkNIOXKiojfVzQ3qvmG9l4ySdXNwwnPofP1Fq-G8X7heUw0hF6IDWwhph9JjSC3UXDVuL2cc2oXqJ6OtdyD7K2Uub71bZap4aL92I7kEzAbvasKT0QRL655521qdGq0zlBBOOZ/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constitution Plaza , Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The tour also took us through the residential, the educational, and the business
districts of the city to gain a full understanding of life in Guatemala
City. We visited a gated residential district where many embassies and consulates are located. Photos are not allowed in this area. We also viewed at a distance zones that are deemed unsafe to visitors due to gang-related crimes, and passed by the Zoo.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5E6z5eR1nzAVOkTmvnxz81PLP0yyVlxedxn_6nSdSa6WJhNYB2o9QD5wffXZsIsraKGDcJXlVCKhffGFUvcjxE-DJMh7E6KLZvffQ0XZHVmEbIBcQgiz6ZN8sXsGy6q2WyZWKC9UJHmj/s1600/IMG_0005+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5E6z5eR1nzAVOkTmvnxz81PLP0yyVlxedxn_6nSdSa6WJhNYB2o9QD5wffXZsIsraKGDcJXlVCKhffGFUvcjxE-DJMh7E6KLZvffQ0XZHVmEbIBcQgiz6ZN8sXsGy6q2WyZWKC9UJHmj/s320/IMG_0005+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zoo, Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We walked through the city's Historic Centre, part of it is being converted to pedestrian-only area, and the Central Market where fresh produce and colourful handicrafts are visual treats.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOTiqMcRp8KW70xbpvaTmNweeCqzFz7R3eQuDe4WoPGY_lLEiqyLiG_2HzQH_jqb4A-IDm4vnm8-eVIar1JXcpmL8INKMCoCK9AaXcw-Avr-YsVDeQ2ZdFHaZxu8SDru_Pn9heu82syVa/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOTiqMcRp8KW70xbpvaTmNweeCqzFz7R3eQuDe4WoPGY_lLEiqyLiG_2HzQH_jqb4A-IDm4vnm8-eVIar1JXcpmL8INKMCoCK9AaXcw-Avr-YsVDeQ2ZdFHaZxu8SDru_Pn9heu82syVa/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit in Central Market, Guatemala City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8IrteJgBm_9lT-bbRv8FTAI2DDBUu1Q4T3Qn9b4zDuQsn0pK2v-unyy6Qkg9NKinMnsDKp-XZnLnLM4o6FIolNLgipLfrg1qDzFB15boeLYv5_ePaHUiulPJc4ZlcVjTmxPMiXMBvX5g/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8IrteJgBm_9lT-bbRv8FTAI2DDBUu1Q4T3Qn9b4zDuQsn0pK2v-unyy6Qkg9NKinMnsDKp-XZnLnLM4o6FIolNLgipLfrg1qDzFB15boeLYv5_ePaHUiulPJc4ZlcVjTmxPMiXMBvX5g/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit juice selection in my hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Guatemala City is a clean city as the municipal government has educated and encouraged its residents to keep the city clean. I was pleased with my decision to take the Guatemala City tour. It covered a lot of ground in three and a half hours. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and with a small group, the pace was relaxing. This is my last stop in Guatemala, before flying home from La Aurora International Airport (airport code GUA) the next day.<br />
<br />
My trip to Guatemala, known as the Land of Eternal Spring, was amazing! I hope you've enjoyed visiting (or revisiting) Guatemala through my lens.<br />
<br />
<i>I'd love to hear your comments.</i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-18560931530403094522019-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-20T12:10:06.386-05:00Winter Fun List Final Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatSjTUuSa9EP6n80gKU_DUYvjDSOGjCcmNFp9oa1DQEKLwKjCNTz8y4-88Z5xZpwlGZ7VW3FfebQsAwiPqExRN_njImW7NDTVHxpGPI4c443Gqt-VibR5vEmruDzoi4dwlHQqqnQBmoi0/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatSjTUuSa9EP6n80gKU_DUYvjDSOGjCcmNFp9oa1DQEKLwKjCNTz8y4-88Z5xZpwlGZ7VW3FfebQsAwiPqExRN_njImW7NDTVHxpGPI4c443Gqt-VibR5vEmruDzoi4dwlHQqqnQBmoi0/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Greetings! About two months ago, I posted my Winter Fun List for the period of 2018.12.21 to 2019.03.19 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2018/12/winter-fun-list.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and provided my first update <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-fun-list-update-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> where more than half of my list was checked off. Today, I'm sharing my Winter fun list final update. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>MY WINTER FUN LIST FINAL UPDATE:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>1. Enjoy my family holiday party:</b> Yes, as mentioned in my Update #1 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-fun-list-update-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Start the New Year 2019 at home:</b> Yes, as mentioned in my Update #1 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-fun-list-update-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Visit the Winter Flower Show:</b> Yes, as written <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-fun-list-update-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Explore Guatemala in January:</b> Yes, my itinerary took me to beautiful <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">colonial Antigua</a>, a colourful <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-trip-to-chichicastenango.html" target="_blank">market in Chichicastenango</a>, and a wonderful <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/boat-trip-on-lake-atitlan-and-santiago.html" target="_blank">boat trip on Lake Atitlan</a> to visit Santiago village. I was thrilled to see the active Fuego volcano. I plan to write a post on my stay in Guatemala City next week. The warm weather and vibrant colours in Guatemala made me feel happy while I was there and long after I returned home to our winter. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq-FdLBAd5ZaOTs5K75DoXZmDwOnsKUsOmJSJRvI4TzoezQ6p-YLn8TBX0jzfMjNg4VQIH7-5ZFzz8QIHfoD9GuLEf1AGL2dw4wRD9P_VjTMf3wEsJF_Uf3V0bSmA5nX3mfgimtsVoFHC/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq-FdLBAd5ZaOTs5K75DoXZmDwOnsKUsOmJSJRvI4TzoezQ6p-YLn8TBX0jzfMjNg4VQIH7-5ZFzz8QIHfoD9GuLEf1AGL2dw4wRD9P_VjTMf3wEsJF_Uf3V0bSmA5nX3mfgimtsVoFHC/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guatemalan woman in Santiago village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>5. Attend the Icefest event in February:</b> Yes! I greatly enjoyed a '<i>fit and fun</i>' outing to Icefest 2019 and wrote about it <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/wellness-post-2-icefest-2019.html" target="_blank">here</a>. This is an outdoor event that showcases incredible ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations in Yorkville Park, in the heart of Toronto. This year's theme is <i>Hollywood North</i>, inspired by the success of the film industry in Toronto, and Yorkville known as the home of the stars. On the day of my visit, the high temperature was minus 5C, with the windchill it felt like minus 10C so there was no chance for the ice to melt :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6zD6oVPYkqfhD8B3Ufh2HOO14UR2tq-M5hBRmaiyT80Edcag9OcqgEAO2q_4NrISVP0MhXvyiuX85B3pmD1roGf14WMkYORwBOI2Ymi_ANFnXmPoV8OCHE7CsY1JQVPtZlVhsEvEpDdT/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6zD6oVPYkqfhD8B3Ufh2HOO14UR2tq-M5hBRmaiyT80Edcag9OcqgEAO2q_4NrISVP0MhXvyiuX85B3pmD1roGf14WMkYORwBOI2Ymi_ANFnXmPoV8OCHE7CsY1JQVPtZlVhsEvEpDdT/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icefest 2019 Hollywood North</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>6. Check out the Ice Breakers 2019 winter exhibition:</b> Yes! I checked out the five
winners of the Ice Breakers 2019 International Design Competition. They were installed outdoors,
with the theme <i>Signal Transmission</i>. A post is coming up on this topic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6t0a-hgqQjp1k_5V3XmcwPB-ibDGbm8f-Oznya6tWKSJLrG9XyGDiKzv4TOs2hFkEf4cvKizQq8jXZId5JcFXvhwCARj6g3onCXaQj7j72grCvKr1SbK4JKNnxXs0rp_oItoK0sQHtwe/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6t0a-hgqQjp1k_5V3XmcwPB-ibDGbm8f-Oznya6tWKSJLrG9XyGDiKzv4TOs2hFkEf4cvKizQq8jXZId5JcFXvhwCARj6g3onCXaQj7j72grCvKr1SbK4JKNnxXs0rp_oItoK0sQHtwe/s320/IMG_4418.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of Christmas tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>7. Photograph snow-covered objects:</b> Yes, as shown in the header photo and in my photo collage below. We've had a few snow storms in the past four weeks so I got to enjoy the beauty of winter during my morning walks. Mother Nature is truly amazing because she usually gives us a break with several good days after each snow storm and all is right again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSObwMKWDsDC-cbiUkkuzb73Sf_37Fe6iuO1EeEE-EK1btBAhMynv3EdKPpmIG5bAbcai8WS1FjdErT7OdmpUjOdYiXnRGH9Y8B_bFgisEtxbzu97jtGZHf9g-p7j-XW651cay3rpkvxg/s1600/2019WinterScenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSObwMKWDsDC-cbiUkkuzb73Sf_37Fe6iuO1EeEE-EK1btBAhMynv3EdKPpmIG5bAbcai8WS1FjdErT7OdmpUjOdYiXnRGH9Y8B_bFgisEtxbzu97jtGZHf9g-p7j-XW651cay3rpkvxg/s320/2019WinterScenery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 winter scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>8. Book a trip in the Spring with my sister:</b> Yes! We've booked a guided tour to Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia. We're going in March. I'm very excited about this trip for the sights that we'll see and the memories we'll make.<br />
<br />
So I've completed all eight items on my Winter Fun List and winter is officially still here until March 20. For the next four weeks, I plan to continue with my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/goals-for-2019.html" target="_blank">goals for 2019</a>, read to prepare for my upcoming travel, and do some spring cleaning at home. <br />
<br />
A friendly reminder that our next monthly Wellness link up is on Wednesday, March 13. The optional prompt is <i>Indoor or Outdoor Fitness</i>. I look forward to reading what you have to say.<br />
<br />
<i>How are things going with you? I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />
<a class="inlinkz-widget" href="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/p/1389d94ef7de4da5b8e6e20d413510a2">Inlinkz Link Party</a>
<script async="true" src="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=bd46ee895fd41fe5b451"></script>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-77582599452143938452019-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:002019-02-13T00:00:02.443-05:00Wellness Post #2: Icefest 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dW-HMHpqe5SJbD8DQVyEGgxdk6YJ3r6pqwwsng5b5APHTz0e4WrfsqlrKcNv7m1ZIPVtukX7AfERFdcU2b76qyldD03i5UCVwQgk2_YmsC3gcDN5hAPk4EzvkCWNRYkCRrzr0VbyxfdB/s1600/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dW-HMHpqe5SJbD8DQVyEGgxdk6YJ3r6pqwwsng5b5APHTz0e4WrfsqlrKcNv7m1ZIPVtukX7AfERFdcU2b76qyldD03i5UCVwQgk2_YmsC3gcDN5hAPk4EzvkCWNRYkCRrzr0VbyxfdB/s320/2019WellnessWednesdayCopy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the second Wellness link up of 2019! We had a great kick-off in January. My first Wellness post of the year, <i>A Fresh Start with Winter Flowers,</i> was posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Feel free to join in on the fun with your recent or past wellness-related posts every second Wednesday of the month.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH GOAL UPDATES</span></b><br />
<br />
I believe I'm doing well with my health goals which include daily meditation, walking 6x/ week, strength workouts 3x/ week, yoga 2x/ week, and swimming 1x/ week. While my meditation is fifteen minutes long, my walks and swimming sessions are forty-five minutes each. My strength workouts and yoga sessions are one hour each. <br />
<br />
I use a simple sheet to keep track of all my goals for 2019, and write a
monthly wrap up on my blog. My January wrap up, including my Health
activities, is posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/january-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">ICEFEST for A HEALTHY HEART</span></b><br />
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For this month's Wellness post, since the optional prompt is Healthy Heart and February is Heart month, I planned a '<i>fit and fun</i>' outing to <b>Icefest 2019</b>. This is an outdoor event that showcases ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations. Its location is in Bloor-Yorkville area, in the heart of Toronto. This year's theme is <b>Hollywood North,</b> inspired by the success of the film industry in Toronto, and Yorkville known as the home of the stars. <br />
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The Icefest event sponsors also support the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Volunteers from the Heart and Stroke Foundation were on site to accept donations and answer questions. Their banner says "<i>Life. We don't want you to miss it.</i>" I'd encourage readers to have a look at the <a href="https://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy" target="_blank">Get Healthy </a>section on their web site for heart-healthy tips on how to eat well, get moving, maintain healthy weight, stop smoking (if you smoke), and manage your stress.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">HOW I PREPARED</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Choose a point of interest: Icefest 2019. </li>
<li>Bring what I need: Warm clothing, winter boots, a hearty winter spirit, my purse, and camera. </li>
<li>Arrive at the start time before the crowd arrives. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">WHAT I DID</span> <br />
<ul>
<li>Walk briskly for 20 minutes outdoors to arrive at the event location. </li>
<li>Walk around to view the ice sculptures and take photos for about 1 hour. </li>
<li>Choose a nice spot in a coffee shop to warm up and reflect after. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">WHAT FILLED UP MY SENSES</span> <br />
<ul>
</ul>
<b>1. Visual:</b> There were about thirty amazing ice sculptures on display and a dozen live ice carving demonstrations. I include some of the photos that I took below. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNQR5z0tXClM88gz87UBdvpb8kwjRuR9OeExYzBidQMDzW8Lp4mJm1C47MipH_HCzhxq4g79GPW5EEmKVqtPsrjr2sU3VklwWqvdZrozBNIy6Irw3Nl8UcKOLfVZKUEi2obYuOO0F8OXr/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNQR5z0tXClM88gz87UBdvpb8kwjRuR9OeExYzBidQMDzW8Lp4mJm1C47MipH_HCzhxq4g79GPW5EEmKVqtPsrjr2sU3VklwWqvdZrozBNIy6Irw3Nl8UcKOLfVZKUEi2obYuOO0F8OXr/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights, Camera, Action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDLd3amj9B7Yt55dKj9Qk-xpkbWP2dZ2lG5qoFWeUermWb2SYRrIgR_B-B6oCjAjP5UEaM2mWH7RmY5ppPRqct6hKaOWfXgily_2VGpt7aGQojK5N2eHXgp9LSqe4GdwbYRo3eeVqiLRX/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDLd3amj9B7Yt55dKj9Qk-xpkbWP2dZ2lG5qoFWeUermWb2SYRrIgR_B-B6oCjAjP5UEaM2mWH7RmY5ppPRqct6hKaOWfXgily_2VGpt7aGQojK5N2eHXgp9LSqe4GdwbYRo3eeVqiLRX/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film reels, paparazzi, and an iconic Oscar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpnTbUVBM3CvdlkAe0wekE1bt0tL4k3O-VaRU1DNZEPXgA3gVf-H1HQYOP0zlonBoUmMJ-qE0NZrHzzwgk8aeRzzuRCNeqiCDMdQpYcm-A2jZWMLTKEphrc4VUmZSfv7jyxHrmwXxejeJ/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpnTbUVBM3CvdlkAe0wekE1bt0tL4k3O-VaRU1DNZEPXgA3gVf-H1HQYOP0zlonBoUmMJ-qE0NZrHzzwgk8aeRzzuRCNeqiCDMdQpYcm-A2jZWMLTKEphrc4VUmZSfv7jyxHrmwXxejeJ/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An iconic Oscar, cinema facade, and a giant popcorn </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXAWrwE6jWWe18tUkxcQqEyEkxeyFv_18-W1rCpwPbMwty109mWP7I6tMEghhS9ym7gtuCw0QWWjQrwn2w_6K6Dudtr0fFRZWFiEf2a2VCuEwFKu7pVKUhEiOJaXoEP8MjkVPAszurAId/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXAWrwE6jWWe18tUkxcQqEyEkxeyFv_18-W1rCpwPbMwty109mWP7I6tMEghhS9ym7gtuCw0QWWjQrwn2w_6K6Dudtr0fFRZWFiEf2a2VCuEwFKu7pVKUhEiOJaXoEP8MjkVPAszurAId/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tickets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELsquJnSc9cWRrfJp1CNOzbyFBW9ndutREYdKTJVSQ7ghiWZHuGJYSKD6zWnI87sKX-6EA_HUr2xOU-yuC916hVK9N_3-2tvafz70D-WILvwcxWm1c3sR-ro6LZvpC73KpHxvz8cvKrHF/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELsquJnSc9cWRrfJp1CNOzbyFBW9ndutREYdKTJVSQ7ghiWZHuGJYSKD6zWnI87sKX-6EA_HUr2xOU-yuC916hVK9N_3-2tvafz70D-WILvwcxWm1c3sR-ro6LZvpC73KpHxvz8cvKrHF/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Director's chair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMpN9yC64mM7dh85mfgEpAoaGomH_jZV9Bc65WRGsoDcALl3JQ-tlrKzTGS5hagNJop4fFqY0Sg9-Ge_FDVPflk0fnd9uBElELWMPTp8DCNtPg6fOaHgZSXYS7mSBArvWn3BgGEoNIXQC/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMpN9yC64mM7dh85mfgEpAoaGomH_jZV9Bc65WRGsoDcALl3JQ-tlrKzTGS5hagNJop4fFqY0Sg9-Ge_FDVPflk0fnd9uBElELWMPTp8DCNtPg6fOaHgZSXYS7mSBArvWn3BgGEoNIXQC/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ggC6nInjq8o3N6cb9gmxg1qOJnkGvKhvsLbIgDtxc2VE4Hr_7nSx9jM7CWcKp0ntWWiUt_vky9k6yJuyacNuL08AyK4o7FUqg7HboTNgp5f9DQYZL6fuWK9xlA-ofIrokCwLufgq27C/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ggC6nInjq8o3N6cb9gmxg1qOJnkGvKhvsLbIgDtxc2VE4Hr_7nSx9jM7CWcKp0ntWWiUt_vky9k6yJuyacNuL08AyK4o7FUqg7HboTNgp5f9DQYZL6fuWK9xlA-ofIrokCwLufgq27C/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn Monroe ice sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxjX2tCoILBW0kLxVR4oS8UXD1S1JcuxEUkMvN0NeR3WXbpmTGzQEog_hAzg-JXdH2oC7F209HG53kc_ShvNOClEy96_R0DwUVN9tlgRpDo16j5aZANZoNgU07fFnr7Oux1lYUMD0OKPM/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxjX2tCoILBW0kLxVR4oS8UXD1S1JcuxEUkMvN0NeR3WXbpmTGzQEog_hAzg-JXdH2oC7F209HG53kc_ShvNOClEy96_R0DwUVN9tlgRpDo16j5aZANZoNgU07fFnr7Oux1lYUMD0OKPM/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjacbFlLmKRkTmxCcu3PH7PBCBh0mVT9fE_famLVJuEUSIko7zckHvdNmHZpmxOXLPr-pKJ8_yNkWdrfqcb8ysvBjxr2ZoD9FfE9D12k8RqgvHVu9_2vgjzHCEAIigrrytMyRw4uCpLn/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjacbFlLmKRkTmxCcu3PH7PBCBh0mVT9fE_famLVJuEUSIko7zckHvdNmHZpmxOXLPr-pKJ8_yNkWdrfqcb8ysvBjxr2ZoD9FfE9D12k8RqgvHVu9_2vgjzHCEAIigrrytMyRw4uCpLn/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcAcUiirCQrFxkf0qtFN7HoXvfi-EOwDm8SBwGSeTpJv33qxIGV_ABjoU7atURoSA30SBB7sLLznOVW0bKsUOLupmLgFZxULC3j58n2PgcQJHPHI9rHF0kO-9cL-SQoIn0D6a_SW1qi8G/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcAcUiirCQrFxkf0qtFN7HoXvfi-EOwDm8SBwGSeTpJv33qxIGV_ABjoU7atURoSA30SBB7sLLznOVW0bKsUOLupmLgFZxULC3j58n2PgcQJHPHI9rHF0kO-9cL-SQoIn0D6a_SW1qi8G/s320/IMG_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Leaf Hollywood North </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW-yJtuQh4NsgVwidSqbeq-ceH3hb9R1B3U68V3vfwp_aByPpNwqmel63aM4i9ASfwkNdo8Q-EuLjJwS_a-sdHksIka6gON2_6ucjyLsG3Sa8ouO9U6PFTQElcTXr78HKM0Y2muoiMz7-/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW-yJtuQh4NsgVwidSqbeq-ceH3hb9R1B3U68V3vfwp_aByPpNwqmel63aM4i9ASfwkNdo8Q-EuLjJwS_a-sdHksIka6gON2_6ucjyLsG3Sa8ouO9U6PFTQElcTXr78HKM0Y2muoiMz7-/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Car Crashing the Berlin Wall </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHnvY11HQkDnoIbK6HbKDRuOI73suvr-BU_4vr7Eg4mvdWy4ITW8q7NIyfiWaT4usTix1GlNPiPNa5ZWJyzOV9JnjFxWXgEfizFn0dWzbXys_PCMsvciQb6A9BIDGcGpBYXxBHfy1FrUH/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHnvY11HQkDnoIbK6HbKDRuOI73suvr-BU_4vr7Eg4mvdWy4ITW8q7NIyfiWaT4usTix1GlNPiPNa5ZWJyzOV9JnjFxWXgEfizFn0dWzbXys_PCMsvciQb6A9BIDGcGpBYXxBHfy1FrUH/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Leaf and Oscar </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There were several more ice sculptures to promote the local businesses. Yorkville Park was also nicely decorated with lights and red balls. The park must sparkle at night with the lights and the crystal-clear ice sculptures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKBSL-age3-1p-N_ONRcpAPqVCNvNhDvhfVzaUAm7yinnPnU_GdsnhLUTxkGqH3cyx1w6LnPd8a_QuNmyPrQHqLmuA3FpOeVRqZ9B4m3TFISrGWiQj6MVenbFquGs7goUniO8kVOoku3e/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKBSL-age3-1p-N_ONRcpAPqVCNvNhDvhfVzaUAm7yinnPnU_GdsnhLUTxkGqH3cyx1w6LnPd8a_QuNmyPrQHqLmuA3FpOeVRqZ9B4m3TFISrGWiQj6MVenbFquGs7goUniO8kVOoku3e/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light decorations at Yorkville Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fxbmyMO3nVq3fURPM5vPt0KGz3kPYQJ45Q6WN41yxcAxTpA5Snl3HqRUpZu0pspajHTkHQI5Tl3g2MR-smmXzqia-sEk6M8ZxVE4pTsh7pGpG5ENXplaJ2uBN8nJVoR5aDZ2L3JP9YsU/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fxbmyMO3nVq3fURPM5vPt0KGz3kPYQJ45Q6WN41yxcAxTpA5Snl3HqRUpZu0pspajHTkHQI5Tl3g2MR-smmXzqia-sEk6M8ZxVE4pTsh7pGpG5ENXplaJ2uBN8nJVoR5aDZ2L3JP9YsU/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red ball decorations at Yorkville Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gaxL5U_ZqRR7kTCsmAke7EYdFgsuLxzFzKiiy6dRph9C48mDUX7OjbWfqaKzJOB0kGwjQScQCzL9F2dBLsGgKf5t8v75W0N6SpTvEFRWrA3Ubaxq4MRoSgol3wYmKDqJbfnzgOsDfxG0/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gaxL5U_ZqRR7kTCsmAke7EYdFgsuLxzFzKiiy6dRph9C48mDUX7OjbWfqaKzJOB0kGwjQScQCzL9F2dBLsGgKf5t8v75W0N6SpTvEFRWrA3Ubaxq4MRoSgol3wYmKDqJbfnzgOsDfxG0/s320/IMG_0237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yorkville Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2. Auditory: </b>The ice carving competitors were working hard using various saws and carving tools. The spectators commented on the ice sculptures and the work in progress. Icefest Lounge had live DJs who played a special selection of music. It was a fun and festive atmosphere.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabU06U8r-gpi_pywvIqPZaMOUKqmjtCS2P6C6Zsie_u8R9LvFY1_v4kF541F-urWSfpyLjVgbILC7sGLk4LGTlGbYIuOYaMZDmDazOq6k__WBRiIAKaUI0cV_Vf3W1cJVypv_lgIpIiJ0/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabU06U8r-gpi_pywvIqPZaMOUKqmjtCS2P6C6Zsie_u8R9LvFY1_v4kF541F-urWSfpyLjVgbILC7sGLk4LGTlGbYIuOYaMZDmDazOq6k__WBRiIAKaUI0cV_Vf3W1cJVypv_lgIpIiJ0/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice carving in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNvQKLWfgQxbY1L3qdXx7bP0GeXgeWxTqG9mDmse2YWbGYpg-1Syws7ALBev_LWzVX1fO0rDwO-VdJw9SDOBMw-YC9mlE90jkWVsqALjYkcstSZR3syuDKsCIKlEht_gosBQGXt-OwxqA/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNvQKLWfgQxbY1L3qdXx7bP0GeXgeWxTqG9mDmse2YWbGYpg-1Syws7ALBev_LWzVX1fO0rDwO-VdJw9SDOBMw-YC9mlE90jkWVsqALjYkcstSZR3syuDKsCIKlEht_gosBQGXt-OwxqA/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice carving in progress</td></tr>
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<b>3. Olfactory:</b> The aroma from food trucks, hot chocolate stands, and surrounding coffee shops and restaurants were welcoming on a chilly day. Sassafraz Patio, one of the local restaurants, featured Icefest cocktails and hot beverages.<br />
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<b>4. Tactile:</b> Spectators could touch the ice sculptures. Many people posed to take pictures at the Icefest photo booth and next to the ice sculptures. Some even climbed to sit on the giant ice Director's chair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPCn3z1SSlL7ZUOSCGhqcSf1jRWbuAHTDkVhbzkoe9tOjMBpnhQX_43UM7G3ZPQMVSE3LgJ1i_XkNvGzaUVxna6_pq_wXFWeZ2yTFydLrHjR106WAtMbLjYgfFAdU15-QfJAWhDmiEQcS/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPCn3z1SSlL7ZUOSCGhqcSf1jRWbuAHTDkVhbzkoe9tOjMBpnhQX_43UM7G3ZPQMVSE3LgJ1i_XkNvGzaUVxna6_pq_wXFWeZ2yTFydLrHjR106WAtMbLjYgfFAdU15-QfJAWhDmiEQcS/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icefest 'Photo Booth'</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">WHAT I GAINED</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Raised heart rate from the brisk walk outdoors. </li>
<li>An enjoyable walk in Bloor-Yorkville area in the heart of Toronto. </li>
<li>Positive sensory experiences.</li>
<li>A coffee break to relax and warm up.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">OVERALL RATING</span> - I gave this outing 5 out of 5 points, one point for each of the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Affordability: Admission to the event is free. </li>
<li>Elements that support wellness: The site is walkable, with a small park nearby. </li>
<li>Fun: The ice sculptures were impressive and artistic.</li>
<li>New experience: It was my first visit to Icefest 2019. </li>
<li>Uniqueness: The Icefest is annual and its theme is unique every year. </li>
</ul>
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I was pleased with how well this winter outing turned out. I left the Icefest feeling energized and joyful. The brisk walk and the incredible ice displays were good for my heart and mind.<br />
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Be kind to your heart and have a happy Valentine's day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrWLBiJD7rSRfOKyXoNBsHD2S9gM1sNsb6tO6jMfugZZX-uKevEizSw643OOh1V-W6eQk72lR524lpvkHVFwR3qW65ukBu12cUSy_CW18rq0MmR3-x9qArC8UVRUP-XvBHqmDTZ8TO_4h/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrWLBiJD7rSRfOKyXoNBsHD2S9gM1sNsb6tO6jMfugZZX-uKevEizSw643OOh1V-W6eQk72lR524lpvkHVFwR3qW65ukBu12cUSy_CW18rq0MmR3-x9qArC8UVRUP-XvBHqmDTZ8TO_4h/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart-shaped #BeKind ice sculpture</td></tr>
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<i>How are you keeping your heart healthy? I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />
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Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-36551363077895819702019-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-09T08:00:06.001-05:00Boat Trip on Lake Atitlan and Santiago VillageGreetings! In January, I visited Guatemala in Central America. My itinerary took me to Antigua, Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlan, Santiago Atitlan village, and Guatemala City.<br />
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I had a wonderful stay in Antigua, one of Guatemala's former capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might like to see my post on Antigua <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">here</a>. From Antigua, I booked a shuttle van service to visit the open-air market in Chichicastenango. You might like to see the colourful handicrafts and textiles that I posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-trip-to-chichicastenango.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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From Chichicastenango, I continued on and stayed overnight in Panajachel, the gateway to Lake Atitlan and the twelve indigenous villages around the lake. The next morning I woke up to a beautiful view of Lake Atitlan at sunrise.<br />
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I took a boat ride across Lake Atitlan to visit Santiago Atitlan village and had a fantastic time there. I interacted with a few local women, visited the village church and market, and explored the village on foot, before taking another boat ride back to Panajachel.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">LAKE ATITLAN</span></b><br />
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Guarded by the volcanoes Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman, Lake Atitlan is a great combination of scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and rich in Mayan culture. The Lake is Guatemala's national and international main attraction.<br />
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On the morning of my visit, the weather was sunny, with clear blue skies, and the wind was calm as I waited for my boat to arrive. Knowing that Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, with its maximum depth at 340 meters (1,120 ft), I was pleased to see life vests handed out to the boat passengers. The boat that I was on could accommodate twelve passengers and three crew members. Fortunately, we had a smooth ride both ways and did not need to use our life vests. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjApBgY3R6XMkn6jNvKIpZ3yG3gDhi8HXSKrNHA-zZ-lPih36txKg9OIkHHI7FxOMLUGntIlhUhN-cJsdwKORykX0-ZE9kL2LMTHF_Z4QFB_gLye_OnXUjLE4yQL7Y9KACrvGqJl3zNMG/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjApBgY3R6XMkn6jNvKIpZ3yG3gDhi8HXSKrNHA-zZ-lPih36txKg9OIkHHI7FxOMLUGntIlhUhN-cJsdwKORykX0-ZE9kL2LMTHF_Z4QFB_gLye_OnXUjLE4yQL7Y9KACrvGqJl3zNMG/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Atitlan, Guatemala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat is coming!</td></tr>
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At first, the sound of water hitting the bottom of the boat seemed loud but I soon settled in the rhythms and enjoyed the spectacular scenery around us. The lake water glimmered in the bright sunlight. At a distance, I could see Fuego volcano actively spewed ash into the air every ten minutes or so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqryzQmUQhTH5APQsRO2kgdUhyphenhyphenLuthat0Y_EuW82iAVrHodzn_R4VDgeqGge3CnBSy8xemnGVdgHVTlHf7Yb2OJVELvoUaMi9lPHUNWsx9JOAE44JLy3-0JRobVm7qperSIGe-tdLF0uF/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqryzQmUQhTH5APQsRO2kgdUhyphenhyphenLuthat0Y_EuW82iAVrHodzn_R4VDgeqGge3CnBSy8xemnGVdgHVTlHf7Yb2OJVELvoUaMi9lPHUNWsx9JOAE44JLy3-0JRobVm7qperSIGe-tdLF0uF/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glimmering Lake Atitlan, Guatemala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of active Fuego volcano from Lake Atitlan</td></tr>
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As we got closer to our destination, I got a better look at the surrounding volcanoes and the local fishermen. It was very peaceful and beautiful. The boat ride lasted about twenty five minutes and we soon arrived at the dock of Santiago Atitlan village.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7w3YYE1Q6g2PcN2be7V3wjd_gW1IBAD0UWhyphenhyphenDUET8_RXqarpGYWBzdPTJ0Ko5K7zhji4yBv_tzh2zkxDH1wfSohFTwkB16eculW13t1atHBZLYch621a3IPQDh83eTSNVACu6u0hWdn6/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7w3YYE1Q6g2PcN2be7V3wjd_gW1IBAD0UWhyphenhyphenDUET8_RXqarpGYWBzdPTJ0Ko5K7zhji4yBv_tzh2zkxDH1wfSohFTwkB16eculW13t1atHBZLYch621a3IPQDh83eTSNVACu6u0hWdn6/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlSGmNbDv5H7JzBfoxhrRZp-hB6nVzxmpXQ71pgpaKVqQBvbce9a8T2xRVVI60AlShN8hsxCwtHC9iIo6y2CgaFvRiwYXnQYnwILIth-mppQlBV2KalGiirNuNKCQArk3tCTkL8jq7z9w/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlSGmNbDv5H7JzBfoxhrRZp-hB6nVzxmpXQ71pgpaKVqQBvbce9a8T2xRVVI60AlShN8hsxCwtHC9iIo6y2CgaFvRiwYXnQYnwILIth-mppQlBV2KalGiirNuNKCQArk3tCTkL8jq7z9w/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fisherman in Lake Atitlan</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">SANTIAGO ATITLAN VILLAGE</span></b><br />
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Santiago Atitlan (or shortened name Santiago) is one of the twelve lakeside Mayan villages around Lake Atitlan. The first inhabitants of the Lake settled here and it's where the Mayan villagers keep their traditions at its purest.<br />
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Upon landing, I followed the pier and walked slightly uphill to the main street of the village. There are small shops and local businesses lined up on both sides of the street. No matter where I looked, it was a visual treat. Fortunately, there was no tourist crowd so I took my time to walk and enjoy the village.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jm02xq1rrxPZuB9UiQgh12fJ3YW2Pkp39929l2ebvO6BQ_C8oiNb3j60d9I0cHqHeT-W9TriDbW0zgKMr1y0Bh5RE9KZap-Oicp_vbjFSAvuTPJz9-y2bKwQqvfQz1DjpwCXqbK7ZBaV/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jm02xq1rrxPZuB9UiQgh12fJ3YW2Pkp39929l2ebvO6BQ_C8oiNb3j60d9I0cHqHeT-W9TriDbW0zgKMr1y0Bh5RE9KZap-Oicp_vbjFSAvuTPJz9-y2bKwQqvfQz1DjpwCXqbK7ZBaV/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38kEit320IvKomdOWlMfctqwAQl6p5nXMG9k0en6HLSFemcN0mB1B7_67joBOEnNUGVjf7Klqf0B4CAQ_68tzu5cKnHz4U4m3SPfHEMiZxUVJ8tJoGSVw4pjN4u08xlE9luZ__wZWup4k/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38kEit320IvKomdOWlMfctqwAQl6p5nXMG9k0en6HLSFemcN0mB1B7_67joBOEnNUGVjf7Klqf0B4CAQ_68tzu5cKnHz4U4m3SPfHEMiZxUVJ8tJoGSVw4pjN4u08xlE9luZ__wZWup4k/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat by the pier, Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OlC0BSiE3loUxnJpMC6xrQcW4a2GdY0_lONvIVFW43eNM1MxIgc1cJGDzFFKaE1ZmGcE2IqkK_cBGz76GnHnBhf-l67Hz8b4kzxlMF9ksQJL7PuyWVWOE6SP9xUCrfLyjfuoOLHu7iJb/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OlC0BSiE3loUxnJpMC6xrQcW4a2GdY0_lONvIVFW43eNM1MxIgc1cJGDzFFKaE1ZmGcE2IqkK_cBGz76GnHnBhf-l67Hz8b4kzxlMF9ksQJL7PuyWVWOE6SP9xUCrfLyjfuoOLHu7iJb/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat dock, Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwMcWSUp1-SiNP3keWHBi9uo2ilWLzrhGt1kplytI7LkCBFgiUOxa3reSzSrTHx_smZMybFrBhCzexHiUX0_CEwHsfKTMARkNt7AZ9gtFfYWnm96qTPGfVNQARbVZjusL0uA4JBPpOBIk/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwMcWSUp1-SiNP3keWHBi9uo2ilWLzrhGt1kplytI7LkCBFgiUOxa3reSzSrTHx_smZMybFrBhCzexHiUX0_CEwHsfKTMARkNt7AZ9gtFfYWnm96qTPGfVNQARbVZjusL0uA4JBPpOBIk/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main street in Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOkPcf9SqK_SFuvzbh4-_oy6wGIwVjNDZMj1BSQ0k_-4ar_f0BBxwwTv_GZnGSJRVQFRqz_Xhp4USgYIIbbFfPCpQuxyrgSSXJGlz3wmJ8ZOZiSfF-Her5iRvSEJvRjQv3jlQ41G_0ksr/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOkPcf9SqK_SFuvzbh4-_oy6wGIwVjNDZMj1BSQ0k_-4ar_f0BBxwwTv_GZnGSJRVQFRqz_Xhp4USgYIIbbFfPCpQuxyrgSSXJGlz3wmJ8ZOZiSfF-Her5iRvSEJvRjQv3jlQ41G_0ksr/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paintings at a local art gallery</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">SANTIAGO ATITLAN TRADITIONAL CLOTHING</span></b><br />
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Santiago Atitlan village is known as a boat building and arts and crafts center by Lake Atitlan. The village is also famed for its striking purple clothing. <br />
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I had read that if possible, visit Santiago Atitlan village on a Sunday to see literally every
local woman wearing their best typical clothes as part of their
traditions. Well, I was there on a Friday so when I saw two local women in a textile shop, I stopped to browse and spoke to them with my basic Spanish.<br />
<br />
I learned that the older lady is 73 years old and was a mid-wife in the village. Both women wore colourful tops and long skirts with a fabric belt. Their tops showed embroidered birds and flowers. The fabric belt was a mix of Mayan red and purple, the colour of Santiago Atitlan village. The older lady gave me a shy smile and showed me how she created her head dress.<br />
<br />
First, she let her long hair loose on one side. Then she wrapped the thick and very long red band around her hair. Next, she wrapped the band around her head several times until she reached the end of the band and tucked it neatly into the folds. It was an interesting process. The best part was she calmly sat down with her complete head dress and gave me a smile with pride. I thought she looked beautiful!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBsR6kyWMtE9YI2-0GAI0ubOo3nuujzXQH3zT43XSUPtYwBNSwCScPV3xElb_Ef8IICfNEynbB-RGFA33moop4ZydutrLvV8WChdeMDILDKM4eBdkUNjxl1X6QAPlKIL6PtYVHJr6naV_/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBsR6kyWMtE9YI2-0GAI0ubOo3nuujzXQH3zT43XSUPtYwBNSwCScPV3xElb_Ef8IICfNEynbB-RGFA33moop4ZydutrLvV8WChdeMDILDKM4eBdkUNjxl1X6QAPlKIL6PtYVHJr6naV_/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Let loose of the hair to one side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWLMy3wTrabEk7s6DgIUAqv4t_JzxZBF1AC4oHXakyLZao81QGy2hITD21TyQQEZPzPsXEBfUc_VlampFzXWXfUtkd6MNfEgxna2CHCyYh9ygRHqO7m58z8-FwIPDBOjtc1VdJoxsiwst/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWLMy3wTrabEk7s6DgIUAqv4t_JzxZBF1AC4oHXakyLZao81QGy2hITD21TyQQEZPzPsXEBfUc_VlampFzXWXfUtkd6MNfEgxna2CHCyYh9ygRHqO7m58z8-FwIPDBOjtc1VdJoxsiwst/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Wrap the band around the hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrTGP6YE-qbj-g5MhAnnA7xhPbaHBExkzb1knpmAa4z15bdar4H3kA9QdXhWYxz6kaXscF2L7Jls3JOmiu3b-CqD8lV7VofFd9smOVa8SvEIkFtrwYfeRcSCGnnroxv-6V4Oy5wiUc6S_/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrTGP6YE-qbj-g5MhAnnA7xhPbaHBExkzb1knpmAa4z15bdar4H3kA9QdXhWYxz6kaXscF2L7Jls3JOmiu3b-CqD8lV7VofFd9smOVa8SvEIkFtrwYfeRcSCGnnroxv-6V4Oy5wiUc6S_/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Wrap the band around the head several times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF9CEKxJXtVl7LawZOsOc3uOlWymXZAW3KX0V95ppJioY4x0OvJj1pHkVkXgIuOWFYdJFqE7xRkhHf7LUxDfFF7_D-LoRYPaEaF3HWnG83zMB1K3dPvOJfeREQ8kfMEXIgY5WwT7XO4ih/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF9CEKxJXtVl7LawZOsOc3uOlWymXZAW3KX0V95ppJioY4x0OvJj1pHkVkXgIuOWFYdJFqE7xRkhHf7LUxDfFF7_D-LoRYPaEaF3HWnG83zMB1K3dPvOJfeREQ8kfMEXIgY5WwT7XO4ih/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Done! Here's the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgP50oA8aGvXzan9xWK1e8btRy0Mon-RnkE-X4qltyOzaiRB1tyMvMqQ5jm_sak7pp7mDh0BYdVPkCeUxC5drETnvmL0pf9GP3_xbNtFJb1PMy6c6ShFgG6CKy7gX3pzflj2yO_z_VVfs/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgP50oA8aGvXzan9xWK1e8btRy0Mon-RnkE-X4qltyOzaiRB1tyMvMqQ5jm_sak7pp7mDh0BYdVPkCeUxC5drETnvmL0pf9GP3_xbNtFJb1PMy6c6ShFgG6CKy7gX3pzflj2yO_z_VVfs/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Here's the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hxcCbE-9s3f_gVVii7gvsq0PT8qF030ftNCMBrF5rqlKDntdLgC33JH8qpSjIiQSKQBp3IgG33YuECYCGwnSA0A4TNBTjdVLlz9RerdSpp_Mu6O7YkDxRVmuuzf-RrhEcfeGDkes5g1V/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hxcCbE-9s3f_gVVii7gvsq0PT8qF030ftNCMBrF5rqlKDntdLgC33JH8qpSjIiQSKQBp3IgG33YuECYCGwnSA0A4TNBTjdVLlz9RerdSpp_Mu6O7YkDxRVmuuzf-RrhEcfeGDkes5g1V/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. A beautiful smile with pride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The women in the village keep the Mayan culture alive by wearing their traditional clothing. I saw a few men wearing traditional shorts or pants with embroidery, however, most village men were wearing khakis or jeans.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>SANTIAGO ATITLAN CHURCH and MARKET</b></span><br />
<br />
Santiago Atitlan village is known for its worship of Maximon, a
Saint created by Mayan priests back in the days. I visited the local
church but did not take any picture inside.<br />
<br />
The village market was busy and lively with many local villagers when I arrived. Once again, the colourful handicrafts were eye-catching. The vegetables and fruit were fresh and abundant. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-g0Iu791Ag3x-mcPXoS6UAGFRWepWkzPLdVaLXCufy1Unbjeg2bWGmfQmG0Wo8sDJC0SwYbxp0n7bJzWsyup74o3QFRGQPVYcsNC6wEPhSxOXpNt9JRGGYNpOvdEIzlulD4a0QVGQt9Z/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-g0Iu791Ag3x-mcPXoS6UAGFRWepWkzPLdVaLXCufy1Unbjeg2bWGmfQmG0Wo8sDJC0SwYbxp0n7bJzWsyup74o3QFRGQPVYcsNC6wEPhSxOXpNt9JRGGYNpOvdEIzlulD4a0QVGQt9Z/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santiago Atitlan village market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HQjrhzhnaWpMu1CgtAARWsDvT5Wi2hpoT7KiiuTptdGKmiBmDUpx6tgYm_eTvO_5pyczHESfRrpUyrepPMkO4ePloUrToE1UhpE3NBDgaMMc7xEq_0AerbEcO4NJhW0bQLT_hD2OZd6B/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HQjrhzhnaWpMu1CgtAARWsDvT5Wi2hpoT7KiiuTptdGKmiBmDUpx6tgYm_eTvO_5pyczHESfRrpUyrepPMkO4ePloUrToE1UhpE3NBDgaMMc7xEq_0AerbEcO4NJhW0bQLT_hD2OZd6B/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making corn tortillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteqhe01V-bvwO7ATHJLODewxffjTHuxHoJvlry_KWB50SRDerdMCOajAcpISAnMQjERLBaB8VEFy1XWpZMoZmm67XCP15VAA7FTqcFA-pxO-8U591dGfI91U7brwb8WENM0aEO-mkmvmF/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteqhe01V-bvwO7ATHJLODewxffjTHuxHoJvlry_KWB50SRDerdMCOajAcpISAnMQjERLBaB8VEFy1XWpZMoZmm67XCP15VAA7FTqcFA-pxO-8U591dGfI91U7brwb8WENM0aEO-mkmvmF/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woven baskets at Santiago Atitlan market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">LOCAL TRANSPORTATION</span></b><br />
<br />
There are many buses and tuk tuks in Guatemala. All the buses are painted in bright colours. One of the well-known local bus lines is Esmeralda. The public bus tickets are charged by kilometers and gas price! The tuk-tuks are usually red.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK4K82bHQ_m6YXxfEVRukLSiORxL778k30hv4gfJWdqxfnNQE61EJFTEZ-ABC9io9G9I4bzvuMNJBGcvAjH2qbanFqn6D2G5leYoQNzwOm_kilUW_YhrlODHc1t27CzHn0of9caXEH7By/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK4K82bHQ_m6YXxfEVRukLSiORxL778k30hv4gfJWdqxfnNQE61EJFTEZ-ABC9io9G9I4bzvuMNJBGcvAjH2qbanFqn6D2G5leYoQNzwOm_kilUW_YhrlODHc1t27CzHn0of9caXEH7By/s320/IMG_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Esmeralda bus in Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqktPjkK7KbrrvUa_EQK_aj4rRg7l5cy_Z3iNuU0dW_288W0B0TJDvb1bX3uUExHUgpWN2MW8WOOfz7ZJAjpUSnSNGPVQsV7EhTXyLAusZ_EgFxg-KooDAPdJZSfeLrbRb2XTqumP13pJ9/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqktPjkK7KbrrvUa_EQK_aj4rRg7l5cy_Z3iNuU0dW_288W0B0TJDvb1bX3uUExHUgpWN2MW8WOOfz7ZJAjpUSnSNGPVQsV7EhTXyLAusZ_EgFxg-KooDAPdJZSfeLrbRb2XTqumP13pJ9/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tuk-tuk in Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">SANTIAGO ATITLAN BOAT DOCK</span></b><br />
<br />
A boat ride is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery by Lake Atitlan and the surrounding villages. Once you arrive at any of the twelve villages, it's straightforward to walk from the dock to the village main street as I had done in Santiago Atitlan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUFqhf1oXKp3cRxLbZYMRTV8csaanzxl9yw9QJxlNFzXyotyjO0w1HEE-zLpbVmzmeOz8DpVYcmliwEAT4ATsPxELam97PxUlsOl3SbsErEYKFf6KxpMsy5crWLA5YKyjeJDD97EcT0Yr/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUFqhf1oXKp3cRxLbZYMRTV8csaanzxl9yw9QJxlNFzXyotyjO0w1HEE-zLpbVmzmeOz8DpVYcmliwEAT4ATsPxELam97PxUlsOl3SbsErEYKFf6KxpMsy5crWLA5YKyjeJDD97EcT0Yr/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santiago Atitlan boat dock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUR-6H84hrYAvZFPhaJ771ThmxK-n65XzrV5NtKLYQuB9dPH8V_rWl1L8gkh-J-iBsy9n1ICXegq6nFMvJhMHPg4HwUJwLYSF7fq9350pWUNkNGmITP18bp-u-Oku_ngA65e5v3JKaQPy/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUR-6H84hrYAvZFPhaJ771ThmxK-n65XzrV5NtKLYQuB9dPH8V_rWl1L8gkh-J-iBsy9n1ICXegq6nFMvJhMHPg4HwUJwLYSF7fq9350pWUNkNGmITP18bp-u-Oku_ngA65e5v3JKaQPy/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats by Santiago Atitlan village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all, I had a perfect day by Lake Atitlan and a wonderful visit to Santiago Atitlan village. The vibrant colours and what I experienced there will stay with me for a long time. My next and final stop is Guatemala City, before flying home.<br />
<br />
<i>What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments.</i><br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-58287927080684288132019-02-05T00:00:00.000-05:002019-05-09T07:35:01.036-04:00January Wrap-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcWjrDd-wP_8x0VJ5WQsaic2GxE_5U0CP_0nbrnfADOs5cxo1brlPHCbGcvNTLlySTYFwVIDekg5ushfJLJ2ZlptEphtPT2KAX0tX28u5PRXYR-ALxxEaef6cxlUXtLPza4Gehv3lFMB6/s1600/IMG_0103+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcWjrDd-wP_8x0VJ5WQsaic2GxE_5U0CP_0nbrnfADOs5cxo1brlPHCbGcvNTLlySTYFwVIDekg5ushfJLJ2ZlptEphtPT2KAX0tX28u5PRXYR-ALxxEaef6cxlUXtLPza4Gehv3lFMB6/s320/IMG_0103+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings! This post kicks off my first monthly wrap-up in 2019. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out.<br />
<br />
January was a wonderful month for me, with a mix of fun activities and events at home and in Guatemala. We had a beautiful New Year's Day. The weather was mostly mild and sunny for the first two weeks of the year. My adventure in Guatemala took me to Antigua, Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlán, Santiago village, and Guatemala City. The trip went very well from beginning to end. When I returned home, we had two major snow storms in a week but Mother Nature has since returned normal temperatures to us. Without further ado, here's my January with the topics in alpha order :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">JANUARY 2019 </span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">ARTS</span><br />
<br />
In January I saw a lot of beautiful and interesting art work at the Nordic Glass exhibit in Toronto, an art gallery in my hotel in Antigua, and another art gallery in Santiago village in Guatemala. Antigua Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site so the whole city is living art, mostly in colonial and baroque styles, as I posted <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe0FWi14NvOisyk241Qe0VMPLaYCBlIl7fOkNLxd_ZR8fMgEQ3hJhKxUe2gEbmEK3l3DlVBGvJMh6oYlLJd5E4VqLMACGuiS4XrCFVI5sDTP4ot4w5e7zrk8XLyp584ZNcg1fiAPs45-1/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe0FWi14NvOisyk241Qe0VMPLaYCBlIl7fOkNLxd_ZR8fMgEQ3hJhKxUe2gEbmEK3l3DlVBGvJMh6oYlLJd5E4VqLMACGuiS4XrCFVI5sDTP4ot4w5e7zrk8XLyp584ZNcg1fiAPs45-1/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nordic Glass exhibit in Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY62gidhIsepWWq0PJVwqQnsUcJC6xpKx1gOvYvAxHa1pE9ryPLl9RM8Nz1W8-R__7OZggwUDmMF2aPJXDhGlnuy9sUCtu_ZDSKG18tFVL1Nd2EEhWNXbxrpRN25pMeK9H_J-ly0RCgaW/s1600/IMG_0078+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY62gidhIsepWWq0PJVwqQnsUcJC6xpKx1gOvYvAxHa1pE9ryPLl9RM8Nz1W8-R__7OZggwUDmMF2aPJXDhGlnuy9sUCtu_ZDSKG18tFVL1Nd2EEhWNXbxrpRN25pMeK9H_J-ly0RCgaW/s320/IMG_0078+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironwork in Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib52qzHP_6TOpRXZ60ZEOfjPFbvVOvPE1BR4SSi-omm5FNvhNRwXbaIGWuVjSO4ZsosAC3QgGrfbP3nFuYEiO4A0Z8T-OEPIm3MdTZYcvzgqia5WoSRyFqbWx0bL-hQbYUH40N672-uDrH/s1600/IMG_0202+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib52qzHP_6TOpRXZ60ZEOfjPFbvVOvPE1BR4SSi-omm5FNvhNRwXbaIGWuVjSO4ZsosAC3QgGrfbP3nFuYEiO4A0Z8T-OEPIm3MdTZYcvzgqia5WoSRyFqbWx0bL-hQbYUH40N672-uDrH/s320/IMG_0202+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting seen in Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BLOGS</span> <br />
<br />
I blogged about my goals for 2019 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/goals-for-2019.html" target="_blank">here</a>, a progress update on my Winter Fun List <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-fun-list-update-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>, what made me smile <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/sunday-smiles-20190113.html" target="_blank">here</a>, a fit and fun post for the first Wellness link up of 2019 <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/wellness-post-1-fresh-start.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and my sightseeing in Antigua Guatemala <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The next Wellness link up is on Wednesday, February 13, with <i>Healthy Heart</i> as the optional prompt. Please feel free to join in on the fun.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhyEygzC8_S_J6bL6ekpvoUrhUUNLCAao0_webySJuyK74TXAyTbvXB2ZXBVqA5VxfvCBE-jwWr-QBKwN9t5NE3jq1LSnM1mwnffE0CRBAdT0FLCzjkHiDFkz1pKICs8tuatg4ksS9kG7/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhyEygzC8_S_J6bL6ekpvoUrhUUNLCAao0_webySJuyK74TXAyTbvXB2ZXBVqA5VxfvCBE-jwWr-QBKwN9t5NE3jq1LSnM1mwnffE0CRBAdT0FLCzjkHiDFkz1pKICs8tuatg4ksS9kG7/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fit and fun walk in Allan Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">BOOKS</span><br />
<br />
I enjoyed reading the following three books in January:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>On Writing: Memoir of the Craft</i> by Stephen King, 288 pages</li>
<li><i>The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart</i> by Holly Ringland, 400 pages</li>
<li><i>The Girl on the Train</i> by Paula Hawkins, 316 pages - This story was made into a movie with the same title, starring Emily Blunt. Have you seen the movie yet?</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8T1F_YQHWaKJJAYbYB9pNeJpEcuiC1XF-9foVXVBX2h-iTWUB24VY0WPSgvWNiw6SSYdN9PZCM4RJSmeX_lFFw5qLKkznsc0iMwA6je0XruQCsYklt6LoPEL1Jun-0_R9lLwkibU3cDT/s1600/TheGirlonTheTrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8T1F_YQHWaKJJAYbYB9pNeJpEcuiC1XF-9foVXVBX2h-iTWUB24VY0WPSgvWNiw6SSYdN9PZCM4RJSmeX_lFFw5qLKkznsc0iMwA6je0XruQCsYklt6LoPEL1Jun-0_R9lLwkibU3cDT/s1600/TheGirlonTheTrain.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCERTS</span><br />
<br />
I listened to three unique concerts and watched a dance under the Discover Dance program. Each of the performers listed below has very impressive biography. If you look up their names on the Internet, you'll see what I mean. I'm so grateful that I can experience these amazing cultural events for free.<br />
<ul>
<li>Aiyun Huang, percussion and Mark Fewer, violin</li>
<li>Payadora Tango Ensemble: Rebekah Wolkstein, violin/ voice, Drew Jurecka, bandoneón, Robert Horvath, piano, and Joseph Phillips, double bass </li>
<li>Judy Loman, harp and Nora Shulman, flute</li>
<li>Louis Laberge-Côté, dancer, choreographer, and professor of dance</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">FAMILY </span><br />
<br />
My family had our first long weekend getaway at the end of January. It was quite relaxing as we stayed in a hotel and ate out. No housework to do, just family time! There was an overnight snow storm during our getaway and it was winter wonderland when we woke up in the morning. We enjoyed walking on the fresh snow and checked the foot (or boot) prints we left behind :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtlksFlpBcmhYoNUtjaFCkOldusydVN9t8QxwExGWngQnj9ge-rBlmxyEPV4DbeYbZIiydwTwCpcgb_tlLcTb5ndlsHwCi8rheSiZdI8pa4SAaS3AABXzCUq_tRBlyWBM7bPnvG_eDNv5/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtlksFlpBcmhYoNUtjaFCkOldusydVN9t8QxwExGWngQnj9ge-rBlmxyEPV4DbeYbZIiydwTwCpcgb_tlLcTb5ndlsHwCi8rheSiZdI8pa4SAaS3AABXzCUq_tRBlyWBM7bPnvG_eDNv5/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter wonderland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">FRIENDS</span><br />
<br />
I had three fun meet-ups with my friends in January. Two of them were coffee chats to catch up, and the third meet-up included a gym workout with my friend. A fourth meet-up was cancelled due to a snow storm and to be rescheduled. I also wrote a letter to my longtime pen friend in the UK. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">HEALTH</span><br />
<br />
I was consistent with my fitness activities in January. When I was in Guatemala, I stayed at three different hotels and one of them had a usable gym. My rooms were all very spacious and comfortable so when I didn't have access to a gym, I did strength workouts or yoga in my room. In total, I did:<br />
<ul>
<li>Meditation: daily, fifteen minutes each time.</li>
<li>Walking outdoors: 6x per week, forty-five minutes each time. Plus walking around to get from A to B or to do sightseeing.</li>
<li>Strength workouts: 13 sessions done, one hour each.</li>
<li>Yoga: 10 sessions done, one hour each (seven yoga classes and three do-it-myself sessions when the classes were cancelled).</li>
<li>Swimming weekly: 4 sessions done, forty-five minutes each.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFWnIiTUWrJFwzybhWN0NvVUdQPURuSrFhhH6Z7wIf7bFz-cgRrYuXCfAywtFWHmUQBSai3tTLYl_Aex6rT2IsV4wyW3FMAgzypXvpWp2fMDavbBrHnUgg4wtilfqWSvnwYFpzGpC7DN/s1600/IMG_0045+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFWnIiTUWrJFwzybhWN0NvVUdQPURuSrFhhH6Z7wIf7bFz-cgRrYuXCfAywtFWHmUQBSai3tTLYl_Aex6rT2IsV4wyW3FMAgzypXvpWp2fMDavbBrHnUgg4wtilfqWSvnwYFpzGpC7DN/s320/IMG_0045+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hotel gym in Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">LANGUAGES</span><br />
<br />
I continued learning French and Spanish on Duolingo, 15 minutes per day for each language. While I was in Guatemala, I took advantage of my time in a Spanish-speaking country to read all the billboards, street signs, and store signs in Spanish and also to speak basic Spanish to local staff.<br />
<br />
I discovered that Antigua has many Spanish schools that offer Spanish lessons, cultural activities, and lodging with a Guatemalan family for a complete immersion experience at reasonable prices. I visited one of the schools and picked up a brochure just in case I decide to pursue this option in the future.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">MOVIES</span><br />
<br />
I watched five movies in January, four of them with my neighbours, and one in-flight when I flew home from Guatemala. I enjoyed all of them, except the first one.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>The House with a Clock in its Walls</i>, starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett</li>
<li><i>What They Had</i>, starring Hilary Swank and Blythe Danner</li>
<li><i>The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</i>, starring Lily James</li>
<li><i>First Man</i>, starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy</li>
<li><i>The Wife</i>, starring Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">TRAVEL</span><br />
<br />
I took a trip to visit Guatemala and had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect with sunny days and cool nights. The scenery and local people were nice. The food was tasty, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Guatemala produces good coffee and rum. The Mayan culture and their vivid colours are captivating. You might like to see my post on Antigua <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and do virtual shopping at the open air market in Chichicastenango <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-trip-to-chichicastenango.html" target="_blank">here</a>. More posts on Guatemala to come.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe6OZCAC3_TWf9WHite45v7YSiQWRgGL6oo8JlympNT-g1HVwZQDxUH42y0LhdzEUBaykyrqT7H6jQhqueVIjjy_MK4i4J7sCPi9tlKMDWcbIgPI4h6dbg7kPUqdRpsQg7wO4_38FTVo1/s1600/IMG_0126+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe6OZCAC3_TWf9WHite45v7YSiQWRgGL6oo8JlympNT-g1HVwZQDxUH42y0LhdzEUBaykyrqT7H6jQhqueVIjjy_MK4i4J7sCPi9tlKMDWcbIgPI4h6dbg7kPUqdRpsQg7wO4_38FTVo1/s320/IMG_0126+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crafts in Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">UNEXPECTED VIEWS </span><br />
<br />
While in Antigua, Guatemala, I saw Fuego volcano spewing ash every ten minutes or so. I've seen volcanoes in various countries during my travels but this was the first time I saw a volcano that is very active. Can you see the ash coming out of the Fuego volcano on the left in my photo below?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcWjrDd-wP_8x0VJ5WQsaic2GxE_5U0CP_0nbrnfADOs5cxo1brlPHCbGcvNTLlySTYFwVIDekg5ushfJLJ2ZlptEphtPT2KAX0tX28u5PRXYR-ALxxEaef6cxlUXtLPza4Gehv3lFMB6/s1600/IMG_0103+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcWjrDd-wP_8x0VJ5WQsaic2GxE_5U0CP_0nbrnfADOs5cxo1brlPHCbGcvNTLlySTYFwVIDekg5ushfJLJ2ZlptEphtPT2KAX0tX28u5PRXYR-ALxxEaef6cxlUXtLPza4Gehv3lFMB6/s320/IMG_0103+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active Fuego volcano, Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next, on my return flight, I got a perfect aerial view of another active volcano near Mexico City. It's Popocatépetl (or Popo) volcano, which is the second highest peak and the most famous in Mexico. I could see the smoke coming out of the volcano. According to Wikipedia, Popo volcano erupted two days later on January 22, 2019 and spewed ash up 4km high.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Bevrj5WE0LTorsdx2zvy4kZnKa_z1kDscFly58zyYpVC_qH7X8zC3swQkjXN03DomOweqWnFqECUitF694Y6Mi3OcFxbyPydJOOexgbNCtgRX7SW1fOH3E6xhOBNg_DO-MQBGeQ2iq5/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Bevrj5WE0LTorsdx2zvy4kZnKa_z1kDscFly58zyYpVC_qH7X8zC3swQkjXN03DomOweqWnFqECUitF694Y6Mi3OcFxbyPydJOOexgbNCtgRX7SW1fOH3E6xhOBNg_DO-MQBGeQ2iq5/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the same flight from Mexico City, I got to see the <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/4848613/lunar-eclipse-super-blood-wolf-moon-2019/" target="_blank">January 20-21, 2019 Super Blood Wolf Moon</a> for several hours, and the total lunar eclipse by the time I arrived home. This is the last total lunar eclipse until May 2021 so I was thrilled to see both the super moon while I was at 40,000 feet altitude and the total lunar eclipse. Amazing and unforgettable sights!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">OVERALL</span><br />
<br />
January was a wonderful month with a mix of fun activities and events at home and abroad. I gave it an A+ for sensory experiences. I'm on track with my <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/goals-for-2019.html" target="_blank">goals for 2019</a> at the moment. I look forward to enjoying February.<br />
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<i>How was your January? What good things happened? Let me know in the comments!</i><br />
<i> </i> <br />
<br />
<a class="inlinkz-widget" href="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/p/1f8c56a4cd3544acb0ab774faf0bbdbb">Inlinkz Link Party</a>
<script async="true" src="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=13af754c39ce15bc383b"></script>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-71748764176748138922019-02-01T20:18:00.000-05:002019-02-01T20:46:04.552-05:00Day Trip to ChichicastenangoGreetings! In January, I visited Guatemala in Central America. My itinerary took me to Antigua, Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlan, Santiago village, and Guatemala City.<br />
<br />
I had a wonderful stay in Antigua, one of Guatemala's former capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might like to see my post on Antigua <a href="https://natalietheexplorer.blogspot.com/2019/01/postcard-from-antigua-guatemala.html" target="_blank">here</a>. From Antigua, I booked a shuttle van service to visit the most fascinating and colourful open-air market in the country, located in Chichicastenango. <br />
<br />
The driving distance from Antigua to Chichicastenango is 93 km (58 miles). The drive took about two hours along winding mountain roads, with lush green scenery showing coffee plantations and farmland. The coffee harvest time runs from November to January. I saw fields of melons, carrots, and fruit stands selling a wide variety of fruit along the way.<br />
<br />
The market in Chichicastenango is on Thursdays and Sundays, with hundreds of vendors from the surrounding countryside gather here to sell handicrafts, textiles, candles, food, livestock, flowers, and pottery. Visitors come here for the vibrant colours and unique items.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HANDICRAFTS:</span></b><br />
<br />
Popular items include hand-made baskets and Guatemala's worry dolls. The story of the worry doll is a local Mayan legend. The origin of the <i>Muñeca quitapena</i> refers to a Mayan princess named Ixmucane. The princess received a special gift from the sun god that allowed her to solve any problem a human could worry about. The worry doll represents the princess and her wisdom.<br />
<br />
According to legend, Guatemalan children tell their worries to the Worry Dolls, placing them under their pillow when they go to bed at night. By morning the dolls have gifted them with the wisdom and knowledge to eliminate their worries. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYkCH_NSsjSw8tToDkXUr5CXc9HTDq5nUOerWzKVi0sTSx4JDNbsUtUKVOkoLzEvLLKyRyTc3zN3pEGrQ_cs2ob7I5yxXArFCWCAqHjAhD2QWal1auYUWinR5ArLdYw3BGpVQq-IB3irW/s1600/IMG_0252+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYkCH_NSsjSw8tToDkXUr5CXc9HTDq5nUOerWzKVi0sTSx4JDNbsUtUKVOkoLzEvLLKyRyTc3zN3pEGrQ_cs2ob7I5yxXArFCWCAqHjAhD2QWal1auYUWinR5ArLdYw3BGpVQq-IB3irW/s320/IMG_0252+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-woven baskets, Chichicastenango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErJ1jYDHh2_O_4I42mXNAPDGyPoqpoXRQXDRKGE6Ou8KdzzQyZw3zvVuWHjEaxJcYSqFsHIriKxNjSBEYZzlBumOb8eVVhRt58hh21p9MPHfvFVDJz1ylBbAz301DaGlmIaVWyjC0FE44/s1600/IMG_0248+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErJ1jYDHh2_O_4I42mXNAPDGyPoqpoXRQXDRKGE6Ou8KdzzQyZw3zvVuWHjEaxJcYSqFsHIriKxNjSBEYZzlBumOb8eVVhRt58hh21p9MPHfvFVDJz1ylBbAz301DaGlmIaVWyjC0FE44/s320/IMG_0248+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-made worry dolls and soft toys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">TEXTILES:</span></b><br />
<br />
Colourful table runners, napkins, clothing, and hammocks are common at the market. Each of the embroidered designs for women's tops identifies the village origin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4KnEz7kVSqu1xSsQwKqw5nN9KqzW1h05wHYlC8BlU14rCfkdMxrrtmDgrNG9RFlVJ1z4PKMenB7yCjhmXGxaygze4XkwD5-zBochU7MJAwYYgf9op4P8nqDqhaeDhxLQmG0JfQUfzVCR/s1600/IMG_0249+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4KnEz7kVSqu1xSsQwKqw5nN9KqzW1h05wHYlC8BlU14rCfkdMxrrtmDgrNG9RFlVJ1z4PKMenB7yCjhmXGxaygze4XkwD5-zBochU7MJAwYYgf9op4P8nqDqhaeDhxLQmG0JfQUfzVCR/s320/IMG_0249+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan textiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaM3Xmu9TjVtgsQ5_33KW6-qlGQSEPehLkWdjZKeHbYCZJd1x76ORTTsV0kq4i68hg-dNPgTXvLxRoXJOX3gXmJX7QqXl_UFObp9wPFhhluNT_DoGBmRPL5WqNOozdGo9muvFUoIiRWGp/s1600/IMG_0254+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaM3Xmu9TjVtgsQ5_33KW6-qlGQSEPehLkWdjZKeHbYCZJd1x76ORTTsV0kq4i68hg-dNPgTXvLxRoXJOX3gXmJX7QqXl_UFObp9wPFhhluNT_DoGBmRPL5WqNOozdGo9muvFUoIiRWGp/s320/IMG_0254+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table runners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujU7GapXjlGu42mKh9e-V6C-6Nxuautl6ecfUlBcBOKvIewmjdXkC1If78JcVLjcw1asUgs-0T5cHNnOhbCjYNlA5NixPCe2N3EKXehwVyo3Jg1ZNpD9rlVoImUOaYUPvdxki_4howY_l/s1600/IMG_0260+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujU7GapXjlGu42mKh9e-V6C-6Nxuautl6ecfUlBcBOKvIewmjdXkC1If78JcVLjcw1asUgs-0T5cHNnOhbCjYNlA5NixPCe2N3EKXehwVyo3Jg1ZNpD9rlVoImUOaYUPvdxki_4howY_l/s320/IMG_0260+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9_Wzg3o3byM0YxmlD9iQPI-BpghpG7zPTwVNWzyHNvwYGCYzZ4-pEl-nyuOaSSEhmqy1Xnr3uJ1GKHAWX4TiTKElVPmi8_D38S9SUd7QR-Wy9bPFqKhpX6VHGzH5eforOWkmUUR_ClH3/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9_Wzg3o3byM0YxmlD9iQPI-BpghpG7zPTwVNWzyHNvwYGCYzZ4-pEl-nyuOaSSEhmqy1Xnr3uJ1GKHAWX4TiTKElVPmi8_D38S9SUd7QR-Wy9bPFqKhpX6VHGzH5eforOWkmUUR_ClH3/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>FOOD:</b> </span><br />
<br />
Thanks to the rich volcano soil, Guatemala produces a wide variety of vegetables and fruit for their own consumption and for exports to other countries such as Canada. The carrots and avocados are huge and inexpensive. You can get six or seven big avocados for US$1 at the market. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh8g9jLqTV0MolW7omuWtM3q5INQrKevopy2jHpC0OlRxOKCW7F32yzScPAjGbOJCXhQdPE-MjGbP75FVFJXXAnfW1dSpBbW7aQQPaJ0A1_hC0fVyvis1Y7QABfq3MOnSoMdYdoT5NPew/s1600/IMG_0253+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh8g9jLqTV0MolW7omuWtM3q5INQrKevopy2jHpC0OlRxOKCW7F32yzScPAjGbOJCXhQdPE-MjGbP75FVFJXXAnfW1dSpBbW7aQQPaJ0A1_hC0fVyvis1Y7QABfq3MOnSoMdYdoT5NPew/s320/IMG_0253+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit vendor and buyers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYHn4u4U36hxs9d_wEaMjd8uIvy81wQ0ejI5jCHoXd0K4-DNOILUYdweOqkbMCtWuFsoBf0asex5V485BW_q1EepobM0IYkTiV5u9TPJz7Yu0hgP8CW_KoOhnmHdz9-ZzZhgxNiOOiOoh/s1600/IMG_0263+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYHn4u4U36hxs9d_wEaMjd8uIvy81wQ0ejI5jCHoXd0K4-DNOILUYdweOqkbMCtWuFsoBf0asex5V485BW_q1EepobM0IYkTiV5u9TPJz7Yu0hgP8CW_KoOhnmHdz9-ZzZhgxNiOOiOoh/s320/IMG_0263+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable and fruit section at the market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFRl58EUZ5KuFvfyg5JaZV0_C1c6j5oQOo5szTZJhw0j-THgthi2gtecG0f7ZZr4kkO-H1mSombjT2kNthPe-lAxJrBUQhrzfGHGlzhv8oyFlo_N8fiGI1_n5qHUf1p8GpBZwg9kLxX6g/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFRl58EUZ5KuFvfyg5JaZV0_C1c6j5oQOo5szTZJhw0j-THgthi2gtecG0f7ZZr4kkO-H1mSombjT2kNthPe-lAxJrBUQhrzfGHGlzhv8oyFlo_N8fiGI1_n5qHUf1p8GpBZwg9kLxX6g/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making corn tortillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">POTTERY:</span></b><br />
<br />
Nativity scenes made of clay as well as clay pots and plates are popular.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRiBuaffD00VRC56s3DNjmEBQlSZHwVyT-43QNAeHNg0ppP_5wm6-HO2XaoGnkwPVc-YLkE5VjM6JRAbcDS4j81csIB4WfLSZ1BepgcHpVqGFr1EsIqeLd8R8hUO5qiFAcCJoQZKq-0VO/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRiBuaffD00VRC56s3DNjmEBQlSZHwVyT-43QNAeHNg0ppP_5wm6-HO2XaoGnkwPVc-YLkE5VjM6JRAbcDS4j81csIB4WfLSZ1BepgcHpVqGFr1EsIqeLd8R8hUO5qiFAcCJoQZKq-0VO/s320/IMG_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay pottery, Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyI5eg6Xx9W9MjnuWSCCu9iYd-zUW9HeVBskF9XUX82_f2eqfSeLyKHCwInWDd_1eCBuW2bdf7GWI4YiZqKeYjtBA2r6gV2RyZYG2CkGLdaZB-hxxBkFg46o1bwxFHd34Q7r-nBvogY9K/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyI5eg6Xx9W9MjnuWSCCu9iYd-zUW9HeVBskF9XUX82_f2eqfSeLyKHCwInWDd_1eCBuW2bdf7GWI4YiZqKeYjtBA2r6gV2RyZYG2CkGLdaZB-hxxBkFg46o1bwxFHd34Q7r-nBvogY9K/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay pottery, Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">WOODEN MASKS & FIGURES:</span></b><br />
<br />
Wooden masks of human and animal faces are sold everywhere. Jaguar is an important animal element in Guatemala's culture. In Mayan mythology, the jaguar was seen as the ruler of the Underworld, and as such, a symbol of the night sun and darkness.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1Fg3FkDTsLkiaHuAKdNS8M2dQBBGRRH6uMy9EHcpiXG-U-QYBd5pflLdUSiBazw-rlq0N2pVetsv9p0kJ9SxjrHHvjrdFy6U7acLcM5nzj1tJ_fgKxTwG6UD4FgR1RSewMFJdkfjtaVF/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1Fg3FkDTsLkiaHuAKdNS8M2dQBBGRRH6uMy9EHcpiXG-U-QYBd5pflLdUSiBazw-rlq0N2pVetsv9p0kJ9SxjrHHvjrdFy6U7acLcM5nzj1tJ_fgKxTwG6UD4FgR1RSewMFJdkfjtaVF/s320/IMG_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden jaguars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1X33_9i4gSAINXsJiLUhBg0WWdoJvdaxHyaI8Xds4zkuzAGoyRBh1JpizEDVY_eBV3_5W8no6pzoQh4Tw1qvCpHrtSRkOJJQzAZEnKLVIRO_1CFMxb_yfzZRujJL0ugL40gosQjM0zfd/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1X33_9i4gSAINXsJiLUhBg0WWdoJvdaxHyaI8Xds4zkuzAGoyRBh1JpizEDVY_eBV3_5W8no6pzoQh4Tw1qvCpHrtSRkOJJQzAZEnKLVIRO_1CFMxb_yfzZRujJL0ugL40gosQjM0zfd/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood animal masks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ag3GF-b67P4PFsh6ZWWIyigNFsa24BlNEYQNxnszlWaYs_3HAOXAA9Vw9mZdl4ikGCWYwTL4SjFM18nAJ2AnM8_TnaJKUS5Jc8BBHu23l7O3tMd_yqJyo2N97wQZyBYw3UZ9hZpOfCmg/s1600/IMG_0257+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ag3GF-b67P4PFsh6ZWWIyigNFsa24BlNEYQNxnszlWaYs_3HAOXAA9Vw9mZdl4ikGCWYwTL4SjFM18nAJ2AnM8_TnaJKUS5Jc8BBHu23l7O3tMd_yqJyo2N97wQZyBYw3UZ9hZpOfCmg/s320/IMG_0257+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood face masks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Due to the size of the market, it can be overwhelming at first. Take time to browse and be prepared to haggle. If you find it overwhelming, take a break at one of the coffee shops that has upper floors or walk up the steps of Church of St. Thomas to get a good view of the market and to observe the interactions. By early afternoon, the market quiets down quite a bit, making it easier to shop and get a bargain as vendors want to carry less stuff home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz8ukTJmtqeX7Qm1BHKo7yQtA5xIlnX2RHal2PfWNRAWNO3d5OEldG-H6QjLur_mJe9UoLocAUZrerydu2QvyFIGwvddDHaUYgqXqfAG5XwiNAZNHrYBQ-f9Nz90xUGXDWOjcfBzrBfxX/s1600/IMG_0258+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz8ukTJmtqeX7Qm1BHKo7yQtA5xIlnX2RHal2PfWNRAWNO3d5OEldG-H6QjLur_mJe9UoLocAUZrerydu2QvyFIGwvddDHaUYgqXqfAG5XwiNAZNHrYBQ-f9Nz90xUGXDWOjcfBzrBfxX/s320/IMG_0258+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open air market in Chichicastenango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvON7rUGplHFjMk1QyuJY0yvUpK9S43RaRYtkUMay0l1DMvl38hD4VmQa4r2_7RVfGt35oNuikWmaO_pZNB1SoFpZAMutH3cs-HLgiAjYpxJUVbPYE8U8VF9EBy8d8JcZ2yqPjyya-vZc/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvON7rUGplHFjMk1QyuJY0yvUpK9S43RaRYtkUMay0l1DMvl38hD4VmQa4r2_7RVfGt35oNuikWmaO_pZNB1SoFpZAMutH3cs-HLgiAjYpxJUVbPYE8U8VF9EBy8d8JcZ2yqPjyya-vZc/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open air market in Chichicastenango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS:</span></b><br />
<br />
After browsing at the market, I headed to the Church of Saint Thomas (Iglesia de Santo Tomas). This historic church built in 1540 often plays host to Mayan rituals. Right on the steps of the church, captivating religious ceremonies take place with flowers and burning incense.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo4bXaMsuwx4JMHljDGKwei7vvTmtOYcYFkSeO9RV5whrxnfoQM2gdEewJ1uhy6gaVcCWdm6EO7HuOi4oTBpFh1hkaAcEhuenBLnA2KL1_TimaN1fwj494eOACsZlVJBD_dmKGMAFq0SN/s1600/IMG_0269+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo4bXaMsuwx4JMHljDGKwei7vvTmtOYcYFkSeO9RV5whrxnfoQM2gdEewJ1uhy6gaVcCWdm6EO7HuOi4oTBpFh1hkaAcEhuenBLnA2KL1_TimaN1fwj494eOACsZlVJBD_dmKGMAFq0SN/s320/IMG_0269+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of St Thomas, Chichicastenango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>CEMETERY:</b></span><br />
<br />
From the steps of the Church of Saint Thomas, to the left, walk downhill to the town cemetery. It's the most colourful cemetery that I've seen in my travels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXFznBRKlaadalnGtK6ILTmb7WvAcNwch6YD-vBJM6gFK74x0InREB4JWl0Bl4YcjGiQu43qwMImJ7V5jsn5zhvzj-Lfg_uF6Ql-NCwWdEP3meTXCrJE2YPg9kv4Mvc4w-Y0RJvL_LlX_/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXFznBRKlaadalnGtK6ILTmb7WvAcNwch6YD-vBJM6gFK74x0InREB4JWl0Bl4YcjGiQu43qwMImJ7V5jsn5zhvzj-Lfg_uF6Ql-NCwWdEP3meTXCrJE2YPg9kv4Mvc4w-Y0RJvL_LlX_/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery in Chichicastenango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>OVERNIGHT IN PANAJACHEL:</b></span><br />
<br />
Leaving Chichicastenango, I continued my shuttle van service to Panajachel, a small hamlet on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. This cozy town is known as a central hub for travelers as they make their way to the picturesque villages that dot the lake shore. If you click to enlarge the photo below, you can see a few boats crossing Lake Atitlan, and the white pier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHChCHd5bDbKW2gcjw9tA4biWkO77dFrM8WuspkscBpx0nffpEpCb77YqRR7yKp8V9sW_VJH9mg1thttywx1JFiorzDFWsZtX5ePrRQOITG8LKIiHGnOSVtYvstAD_RbpAMkld0DC0qGUB/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHChCHd5bDbKW2gcjw9tA4biWkO77dFrM8WuspkscBpx0nffpEpCb77YqRR7yKp8V9sW_VJH9mg1thttywx1JFiorzDFWsZtX5ePrRQOITG8LKIiHGnOSVtYvstAD_RbpAMkld0DC0qGUB/s320/IMG_0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Panajachel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My hotel room in Panajachel has a wonderful view of Lake Atitlan and the three surrounding volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman volcanoes). The natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZevUyaIseH_PtFo9faaH4jZUR-xp73t17DqNXUQvsZbQGJLMEvtb7WK8-jQaV0SqFv4V7WhkzmS4lckSkagqxjPtOC9SrNdbupw-e50WVbYc9p6X65srDXHYZlx5ltTjs2RK7a550B2N/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZevUyaIseH_PtFo9faaH4jZUR-xp73t17DqNXUQvsZbQGJLMEvtb7WK8-jQaV0SqFv4V7WhkzmS4lckSkagqxjPtOC9SrNdbupw-e50WVbYc9p6X65srDXHYZlx5ltTjs2RK7a550B2N/s320/IMG_4363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Atitlan at sunset</td></tr>
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My adventure in Guatemala has been fabulous so far. I look forward to viewing Lake Atitlan at sunrise and exploring one of the villages the next day.<br />
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<i>What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments. </i>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667076701901214821.post-46696611120856186472019-01-27T19:18:00.000-05:002019-01-31T18:01:14.888-05:00Postcard from Antigua, GuatemalaGreetings! Earlier this month I visited Guatemala in Central America. My itinerary took me to four of Guatemala's prime destinations and included Antigua, Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. It was a fantastic adventure from beginning to end. <br />
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Today I'm sharing my sightseeing experience in Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua). Founded in 1543 by the Spaniards, Antigua was Guatemala's former capital until a major earthquake in 1773 damaged most of the city. Antigua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It is the perfect starting point to my Guatemala adventure. <i>Feel free to click on the pictures to enlarge them.</i><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">GETTING THERE</span><br />
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Presently there are no direct flights from Canada to Guatemala so for this trip I took:<br />
<ul>
<li>A non-stop flight from Toronto to Mexico City, about five hours.</li>
<li>A non-stop flight from Mexico City to Guatemala City, about two hours. </li>
<li>A shuttle van service from Guatemala City to Antigua, about one hour.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">QUICK FACTS</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America, with an estimated population of 17 million.</li>
<li>Guatemala's official language is Spanish. However, more than twenty Mayan languages are spoken, especially in rural areas.</li>
<li>Guatemala's currency is the Quetzal.</li>
<li>Guatemala's capital is Guatemala City.</li>
<li>Antigua is located 40 kilometres (25 miles) south west of Guatemala City.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">SIGHTSEEING IN ANTIGUA GUATEMALA</span><br />
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<b>The Central Park and main square</b> in Antigua is a good starting point to explore the city. Three main buildings that occupy three sides of the main square include Antigua's City Hall, the Captain General Palace, and the Cathedral. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua Guatemala's City Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRJvbxWdO3U0DYHNaLJ8PgaF9qMrLvNldXQky8jkKFsyuMZiUQABtyc-Az3vcdHzIjmRcllsNFy0sEkXct93kRg3uExCeX_cvSIHR3iM8jilGoTISXIbl8BTD0d0IohjNQra0LoZ-sfEX/s1600/IMG_0157+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRJvbxWdO3U0DYHNaLJ8PgaF9qMrLvNldXQky8jkKFsyuMZiUQABtyc-Az3vcdHzIjmRcllsNFy0sEkXct93kRg3uExCeX_cvSIHR3iM8jilGoTISXIbl8BTD0d0IohjNQra0LoZ-sfEX/s320/IMG_0157+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain General Palace, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua Guatemala Cathedral</td></tr>
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<b>The Cathedral</b> has suffered many earthquakes over the centuries. Much of
the building was seriously damaged by the 1773 earthquake. Behind the front facade are the ruins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U73_8mC-HqtSdV7xjqfwS3f9x8DMp7yupYS_zOeeWqtE3KuKOwr9QP77HK4MQw4RC1QjwRb_BTo1oMkZtHdMc2uQzLHupzSPaGyWrYf8ZUNdBsA7ybhyphenhyphenKVAviY7iafqH9FlGs_qawjIU/s1600/IMG_0139+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U73_8mC-HqtSdV7xjqfwS3f9x8DMp7yupYS_zOeeWqtE3KuKOwr9QP77HK4MQw4RC1QjwRb_BTo1oMkZtHdMc2uQzLHupzSPaGyWrYf8ZUNdBsA7ybhyphenhyphenKVAviY7iafqH9FlGs_qawjIU/s320/IMG_0139+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua Guatemala Cathedral ruins</td></tr>
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A walk up to the second floor of Antigua's City Hall provides a good view of the main square. A fountain is located in the centre of the square. It's common to see local women selling crafts at the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-EJzL63DcMiwPuIZZ665_33nZWJzFsiFZczqEHdKFnaEzKYAvAthQrix6yOXcTA61PLliHOL16FGERll9_YJ5JY8zlEBmKyW58MS66BRnOhwRa1fsWHZoqbP4Q462FHmRHf3eQNgfwCH/s1600/IMG_0170+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-EJzL63DcMiwPuIZZ665_33nZWJzFsiFZczqEHdKFnaEzKYAvAthQrix6yOXcTA61PLliHOL16FGERll9_YJ5JY8zlEBmKyW58MS66BRnOhwRa1fsWHZoqbP4Q462FHmRHf3eQNgfwCH/s320/IMG_0170+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua's central park and main square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQPSASuT0HdED-hoDJ5cyYX3_gJPt1ozblnDxF-Bj-hqqx11HY1JHE2HebmiEXP-Alw80YJ11DSwq2QDLtRlgiG5vgjqzKN87fxiP6qIzPhg-5oQEOK2KkgPuru9BXdI3ZT5mw0CW3oYf/s1600/IMG_0161+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQPSASuT0HdED-hoDJ5cyYX3_gJPt1ozblnDxF-Bj-hqqx11HY1JHE2HebmiEXP-Alw80YJ11DSwq2QDLtRlgiG5vgjqzKN87fxiP6qIzPhg-5oQEOK2KkgPuru9BXdI3ZT5mw0CW3oYf/s320/IMG_0161+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guatemalan women selling crafts</td></tr>
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<b>El Tanque de La Unión</b> is a public laundry washbasin, located three blocks from Antigua's main square. In colonial times, public laundry washbasins served as the places for people to do laundry, and as a community gathering place. These washbasins still work and are in use today in dry season when water is less abundant in local homes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq7PyAe6l6K7vkF0OoNkhexgsDig_k_8HwfglhOVvi2NLHYLXH62PoRirBM24_dt7Dl9dMn4Ln21Ni71_h8CRaOIGDtZYteyrmD_tttQX-gnV9Vvby4eHZQMluYYdrokDl6ra6cciD9vF/s1600/IMG_0107+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq7PyAe6l6K7vkF0OoNkhexgsDig_k_8HwfglhOVvi2NLHYLXH62PoRirBM24_dt7Dl9dMn4Ln21Ni71_h8CRaOIGDtZYteyrmD_tttQX-gnV9Vvby4eHZQMluYYdrokDl6ra6cciD9vF/s320/IMG_0107+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public laundry washbasins in Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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Within ten blocks from the main square, visiting Antigua is like stepping into a time-machine that takes you back over three hundred years. There are many religious buildings, churches and convents, between short distances from one another. Each has a different design. Many of the buildings had been damaged by earthquakes or seismic activity since Antigua is located between three volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.<br />
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<b>The Santa Catalina Arch</b> is one of the iconic landmarks in Antigua Guatemala. Built in the 17th century, it connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school allowing the nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the 1830s. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBCs7jMP_hIz6tNQp0SgelOjOK4jPijb-fRoVKt8b5VfkZdjOBRH9_Rj9uMGl_sjx2dy5OtcVMGqxQP7xWfrRAsQfhwa_NxaWFtyIJElRPYJ6idgwakiZRkKthsuHsk0aLYcK7SnjDoBx/s1600/IMG_0182+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBCs7jMP_hIz6tNQp0SgelOjOK4jPijb-fRoVKt8b5VfkZdjOBRH9_Rj9uMGl_sjx2dy5OtcVMGqxQP7xWfrRAsQfhwa_NxaWFtyIJElRPYJ6idgwakiZRkKthsuHsk0aLYcK7SnjDoBx/s320/IMG_0182+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<b>St. Joseph (San José El Viejo) church ruins: </b>The church was built between 1740 and 1761. It suffered serious damages by the 1773 earthquake. The front entrance shows beautiful architecture. Most of the interior is in ruins and is not open to the public.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZABjQqRnAxdEOR9V9-yrNNuHRjR2NXKmXCvTDAfm5ojeMTHZU5G3BQuityLnuQ7rfbosFZ7Jv78MKdPiw5JpYDjCUOOROUvwvHTLOCvv1lkBdHIS0ul_xvv-epeVI285xxPCGc8r5XefF/s1600/IMG_0064+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZABjQqRnAxdEOR9V9-yrNNuHRjR2NXKmXCvTDAfm5ojeMTHZU5G3BQuityLnuQ7rfbosFZ7Jv78MKdPiw5JpYDjCUOOROUvwvHTLOCvv1lkBdHIS0ul_xvv-epeVI285xxPCGc8r5XefF/s320/IMG_0064+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San José El Viejo church, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<b>La Merced church</b> is Antigua’s most impressive colonial church. Construction began in 1548, and even though it was affected by earthquakes, it stands in great shape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm32jbtMv7wuyVtUR5UgEylpWyDyKeBLsmGvibsP-8xe5Hs7R-Gpp0_nGID6mlbw5n0D4VeRbaXryHKZZ4pyaZ1MIYQwbsKQjyRVUMfavbMUlx-qiScrn0viCgU6sPLOFQbTqGFNnIO57/s1600/IMG_0187+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm32jbtMv7wuyVtUR5UgEylpWyDyKeBLsmGvibsP-8xe5Hs7R-Gpp0_nGID6mlbw5n0D4VeRbaXryHKZZ4pyaZ1MIYQwbsKQjyRVUMfavbMUlx-qiScrn0viCgU6sPLOFQbTqGFNnIO57/s320/IMG_0187+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Merced, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<b>Santa Teresa de Jesús church ruins:</b> This edifice was initially built as a convent for the Carmelite order from Lima, Peru. Much of the interior was shattered by the 1773 earthquake and is not open to the public, but the facade remains standing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYveWA4f4-Soo3awsI9Q0jMutcSqIsHDOyqcsb-rVm5ilAyfhAMsEnSron5qXimSXvADKzfZrJcwUeOQuTWbF9AtaqmAtAAyGejjNISYSdN1jZMwd-OLpMPdeydbgOjrZLOBFKvusAJk1U/s1600/IMG_0193+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYveWA4f4-Soo3awsI9Q0jMutcSqIsHDOyqcsb-rVm5ilAyfhAMsEnSron5qXimSXvADKzfZrJcwUeOQuTWbF9AtaqmAtAAyGejjNISYSdN1jZMwd-OLpMPdeydbgOjrZLOBFKvusAJk1U/s320/IMG_0193+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Teresa de Jesús church, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<b>St. Peter's (San Pedro) hospital and adjacent church:</b> The hospital was founded in 1663. The adjacent church is dedicated to Peter of St. Joseph de Betancur.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PTdKkSDHrVXAN59fAJ2Ly6LDK4ohLcNbpU9n3o1UUs46YLlGLLWUBhtDCIHCEp07wgK_dwkF_lPcQvj2rsgXt-Vbz0SqQLnTH3rlmZyrO9U0YJmbuiocAJiSOGeEvLgMcBBx98eXZ-L_/s1600/IMG_0115+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PTdKkSDHrVXAN59fAJ2Ly6LDK4ohLcNbpU9n3o1UUs46YLlGLLWUBhtDCIHCEp07wgK_dwkF_lPcQvj2rsgXt-Vbz0SqQLnTH3rlmZyrO9U0YJmbuiocAJiSOGeEvLgMcBBx98eXZ-L_/s320/IMG_0115+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's church and hospital, Antigua</td></tr>
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<b>St. Francis (San Francisco El Grande) church</b> was completed in 1702. It is one of the most visited churches by local people in Antigua because of the shrine of Peter of St. Joseph de Betancur.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4x24wzHMg9OsdKN-OJWFMxHz2hFKWlNiHaa0bc2q9hCx7tlwMDtRZ8DRSSODFUlL3bC3ViejvozRLWhk1Qds_IhyphenhyphenlL2eHCVNNI343gb12hR7wz9qwR9M8QnrUeh8ADeNGHLlB7IygYbm/s1600/IMG_0080+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4x24wzHMg9OsdKN-OJWFMxHz2hFKWlNiHaa0bc2q9hCx7tlwMDtRZ8DRSSODFUlL3bC3ViejvozRLWhk1Qds_IhyphenhyphenlL2eHCVNNI343gb12hR7wz9qwR9M8QnrUeh8ADeNGHLlB7IygYbm/s320/IMG_0080+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Francis church, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
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<b>The Santo Domingo church and monastery</b> was destroyed in the 1773 earthquake. Part of the ruins was transformed into the five-star hotel Casa Santo Domingo. It is well worth a visit to see the preserved architecture from the baroque period of ancestral America and a number of treasures from this period on display throughout the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagCZ7VKIoWJM3PrhjyVpO0kJCuk1ZkPxEVWApdTppRO-TqLjlamcUqr-Boue0Twhe8wiRCn2HTGZ5iW4GwJCO1wwAqtaaUrkm1bpL0kR3fbKfNcg8bVJeiPiAVwtbidxVCdcTyJiQMXh9/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagCZ7VKIoWJM3PrhjyVpO0kJCuk1ZkPxEVWApdTppRO-TqLjlamcUqr-Boue0Twhe8wiRCn2HTGZ5iW4GwJCO1wwAqtaaUrkm1bpL0kR3fbKfNcg8bVJeiPiAVwtbidxVCdcTyJiQMXh9/s320/IMG_4318.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Antigua is a compact city with a beautiful blend of ruins, restored
colonial buildings, and modern colonial-style buildings. The city's main
streets are rough cobblestone so sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
are essential.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSBIjuT8onZ6ASFKYO2jiQsnTkGKMrh3qerIJUAWDKxqNDy4GoFlfNwPSEHMgXfanvg-dFaopJ1lgoRd1YxwLF2zuGJuy56Q4che9hqbzCH8Ce0J1gPwUSQL6a8z06Tf1WieIainH3MA-/s1600/IMG_0066+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSBIjuT8onZ6ASFKYO2jiQsnTkGKMrh3qerIJUAWDKxqNDy4GoFlfNwPSEHMgXfanvg-dFaopJ1lgoRd1YxwLF2zuGJuy56Q4che9hqbzCH8Ce0J1gPwUSQL6a8z06Tf1WieIainH3MA-/s320/IMG_0066+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi177yv58H5nM26Fg58uhix0IfpB815ANlZPRP2TlYq_xXVwvNrHbYh04G42LTP9SL5-gfbq6YmWy6o3QTxyMaTxuq0XyxN928CmbaiwAAVLuF5L2lZzCCN2-SztdZLnqgyteql1YXP-2pv/s1600/IMG_0075+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi177yv58H5nM26Fg58uhix0IfpB815ANlZPRP2TlYq_xXVwvNrHbYh04G42LTP9SL5-gfbq6YmWy6o3QTxyMaTxuq0XyxN928CmbaiwAAVLuF5L2lZzCCN2-SztdZLnqgyteql1YXP-2pv/s320/IMG_0075+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From Antigua, the Agua and Fuego volcanoes are clearly visible. Agua means water and Fuego means fire in Spanish. The most unexpected natural wonder that I witnessed in Antigua was Fuego volcano spewing plume of ashes every ten minutes or so. It is the volcano on the left as shown in my photo below. I later learned that its recent eruption on November 18, 2018 prompted a preventive evacuations of about 4,000 people from communities near the volcano.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBRtU7r5FU1TEc4xL1YJxlS4svnSAT7FWgON-VYLuQeCNyFFXXeX37E1VsRRtL28RkL12d2KgNLatAa6MqIOpwUmCQ8e2nJVgP-bEbgRnZIyT7jl8L9DDoZ9kVjoYSGUB_xtCWMqyHQh8/s1600/IMG_0103+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBRtU7r5FU1TEc4xL1YJxlS4svnSAT7FWgON-VYLuQeCNyFFXXeX37E1VsRRtL28RkL12d2KgNLatAa6MqIOpwUmCQ8e2nJVgP-bEbgRnZIyT7jl8L9DDoZ9kVjoYSGUB_xtCWMqyHQh8/s320/IMG_0103+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active Fuego volcano, Antigua Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">CONCLUSION</span><br />
<br />
I enjoyed exploring Antigua Guatemala very much. The best way to explore this city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is by walking. During my visit, the weather was beautiful with sun and clouds. The local people were laid back and friendly. I hope the city will be saved from further damages by active volcanoes and earthquakes so that visitors can come and enjoy this amazing and historic city.<br />
<br />
<i>What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments.</i>
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