tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400321559003011202024-03-13T06:05:41.889+01:00Adventures with JaapAdventures abroad in Maastricht and other places with Jaap, the Dutchman.Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-36634183601895497252014-08-18T18:06:00.000+02:002014-08-18T18:06:20.931+02:00Camping Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our month long vacation in New York included a three night camping stint. Saying it was great is an understatement. We had a blast! The only thing we regret was not making our camping trip even longer. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Falls on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with cousin Joey</td></tr>
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My first thought when planning this trip was that it could be really great or the worst idea ever. Turns out, Flora's a nature lover! She was happy as a clam anytime we were outdoors, hiking, roasting marshmallows (WAY past her bedtime), or hanging out in the campsite. She loved it. I'm glad that she is turning into one happy little traveler.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at the campsite</td></tr>
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I have so many great childhood memories of camping in Watkins Glen. I got a little nostalgic on our picnic lunch break while hiking the gorge trail. My father said it best, "Well, you've come full circle." So true. It's time to share these fun family traditions with our daughter. I already have ideas for next summer's camping adventure...</div>
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<br /><br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-50331264102531547642014-06-28T16:13:00.001+02:002014-06-28T16:14:40.833+02:00Delft!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several months ago we traveled to Delft during the Carnaval break. It's been on my to-do list of places to visit in The Netherlands since we moved here and we finally made it. What a cute place. Delft is a charming and atmospheric city. We had a quiet and relaxing weekend, a nice recuperation for Jaap following a busy Carnaval week. Here are some pics of our weekend. Sunshine and blues skies! And someone celebrated her seven month birthday while we were there. Feels so long ago...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nieuwe Kerk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oostpoort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling the beautiful canals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nieuwe kerk</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1854602198"></span><span id="goog_1854602199"></span><br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-62160516879576304842014-06-14T21:05:00.000+02:002014-06-14T21:05:13.958+02:00Wonderful Weekend in Den Haag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scheveningense bosje</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Den Haag</td></tr>
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A return to blogging...I was reading through my Croatia posts and started to think about how much I miss this blog. As I reread the posts, I realized there is so much from that trip I forgot about. It got me thinking about how much I miss documenting our lives and adventures. There is so much missing from this blog and I'm sad that I can't go back and read about it again. So enough of that. Back to the blog and <i>Adventures with Jaap.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15TTsi7csuuJ6n_JRITgQFT_b0T9TEKfSIqXroiC3C7T36l_uj9vqdckVEc75da27FOT5t27yc1yeAoHgD0q6-86IZfix6LfyXUoDrN0fXu_oZZqcs5G80jKUHRLeiW9L7nwl4mRQgc8b/s1600/DSC04158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15TTsi7csuuJ6n_JRITgQFT_b0T9TEKfSIqXroiC3C7T36l_uj9vqdckVEc75da27FOT5t27yc1yeAoHgD0q6-86IZfix6LfyXUoDrN0fXu_oZZqcs5G80jKUHRLeiW9L7nwl4mRQgc8b/s1600/DSC04158.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binnenhof</td></tr>
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Now that we are traveling with little Flora, our family weekend getaways and vacations are slightly less exotic, but just as fun. I knew that once we started a family we would be spending more time exploring The Netherlands and that's what we have been doing a lot this year. We went to Den Haag for the long Pinksteren wekend. I was once briefly in Den Haag for my immigration paperwork, but I have never spent a good amount of time here. This city is great. Very international, full of greenery, and a 20 minute bus ride to the beach. What's not to love?<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/AVvXsEgGhKsVaR0VpX76UBwOwVGDDFtXBW4Tu5FRb-zDtN3Blt-3WqQrUYTDTSYrG-_8bRXhmxAXq_4abIujrlubp0woC_rx9dhj2PqZvagyXcvid1GW2ssP0mxKJ2ZdLt-QcOfHidlFIFH5yFt0/s1600/DSC04170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhKsVaR0VpX76UBwOwVGDDFtXBW4Tu5FRb-zDtN3Blt-3WqQrUYTDTSYrG-_8bRXhmxAXq_4abIujrlubp0woC_rx9dhj2PqZvagyXcvid1GW2ssP0mxKJ2ZdLt-QcOfHidlFIFH5yFt0/s1600/DSC04170.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at the Escher Museum</td></tr>
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We had lots of fun at the<a href="http://www.escherinhetpaleis.nl/" target="_blank"> Escher Museum</a>. (Thanks for the tip, Mom). Here's Flora having some fun with modern art. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6rHNW6cvib_5LPWP5_URcNs384QZHtLqVlyLnjGwygrCfqaMA-umsiLMTwK2QpOeSwJaXommuV6MMSuUsCVqxEcqLQUXMwbfWvysdkyh056u9BG-VuUyyXUH-MI4FR6Tywwl_qdUiJsp/s1600/DSC04195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6rHNW6cvib_5LPWP5_URcNs384QZHtLqVlyLnjGwygrCfqaMA-umsiLMTwK2QpOeSwJaXommuV6MMSuUsCVqxEcqLQUXMwbfWvysdkyh056u9BG-VuUyyXUH-MI4FR6Tywwl_qdUiJsp/s1600/DSC04195.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Saturday was our beach day and we went to Kijkduin for the morning. Flora got to touch/feel and explore sand for the first time and we got to stick our feet in the freezing cold water. I love watching her face when she experiences something for the first time...the silent pause and questioning look. Of course she then proceeded to try and eat the sand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LttoSTY0pWUcxYaOPN3BAFtth4xKKECq3ZOF9aP3HBGJSPiSYVdqqskeZ4ktTVqZUDC3z0H6NifR6xHsmJmhud3_Vf16A67g_SOEoY4IuwSlWZYfor8g7jNneNF-9CEKV33Rol_LNxEl/s1600/DSC04196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LttoSTY0pWUcxYaOPN3BAFtth4xKKECq3ZOF9aP3HBGJSPiSYVdqqskeZ4ktTVqZUDC3z0H6NifR6xHsmJmhud3_Vf16A67g_SOEoY4IuwSlWZYfor8g7jNneNF-9CEKV33Rol_LNxEl/s1600/DSC04196.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0uQBylaqecARxRC3X_UnYp5D70NHLe8NeCEWS3dclgndYs2EgGMecoYkIhJrssrMdUEIO8Ces42TLRZS2oMuJmCJeC9TP8zYBEG932IV68m4Q9XN3Oo9QUqQCndZEI7qzf2xtQQqN0jr/s1600/DSC04209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0uQBylaqecARxRC3X_UnYp5D70NHLe8NeCEWS3dclgndYs2EgGMecoYkIhJrssrMdUEIO8Ces42TLRZS2oMuJmCJeC9TP8zYBEG932IV68m4Q9XN3Oo9QUqQCndZEI7qzf2xtQQqN0jr/s1600/DSC04209.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS0uHGBp30TPUj11f6JLj9cge1T39F803pG6ejkB1sHAB5BVJnXiyGBtD7QDx6UBT20y0jCurLAhGl-VfD0-b7K1i2J7OXFQDzh4lf4L6cmGGDzabCTE6o-QxYUzdQ3jOSb059F0xH8t3/s1600/DSC04213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS0uHGBp30TPUj11f6JLj9cge1T39F803pG6ejkB1sHAB5BVJnXiyGBtD7QDx6UBT20y0jCurLAhGl-VfD0-b7K1i2J7OXFQDzh4lf4L6cmGGDzabCTE6o-QxYUzdQ3jOSb059F0xH8t3/s1600/DSC04213.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace Palace</td></tr>
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My favorite part of Den Haag is all the nature. The city is full of parks, "forests", and tiny squares with greenery. It's truly unique and refreshing for city life. We had some beautiful walks with Flora through the Scheveningse Forest and the Clingendael.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzU9gJwwo4jMhn5gYLr9beQn0MuxQO1_awvSOZdST_b5G3ypRoI8U280kUvS3LrCRdZ_Bb1vWn4h1lY6vVNsD70sazlwQcXiWNp4u_sM45pfW2y9kTEYWeAjoKldqROjYpfiWQeGucvMr/s1600/DSC04247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzU9gJwwo4jMhn5gYLr9beQn0MuxQO1_awvSOZdST_b5G3ypRoI8U280kUvS3LrCRdZ_Bb1vWn4h1lY6vVNsD70sazlwQcXiWNp4u_sM45pfW2y9kTEYWeAjoKldqROjYpfiWQeGucvMr/s1600/DSC04247.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delicious dinner at ZOT!</td></tr>
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The Japanese Garden in the Clingendael was a nice treat. It's only open a few weeks every year, so we were lucky to catch the last weekend. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisjG0THsGgUQ-mvhQYa8yWzO3cAu_pHEkcID8bK_zg-TAZA7UYvL2No8Wtby0tNOOyUTk_ZsdV8vnNK1Z6g3HkPJDd_CbpyAV_DSnRYFNesZP-Vj5LeGXwTqniI4ql0Slj3QMvuUSERLu/s1600/DSC04132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisjG0THsGgUQ-mvhQYa8yWzO3cAu_pHEkcID8bK_zg-TAZA7UYvL2No8Wtby0tNOOyUTk_ZsdV8vnNK1Z6g3HkPJDd_CbpyAV_DSnRYFNesZP-Vj5LeGXwTqniI4ql0Slj3QMvuUSERLu/s1600/DSC04132.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our happy little traveler</td></tr>
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Traveling is a little different now with a baby. Dinner at 5:00 (!) and some early wake up calls, but these little smiles are worth it. I could just eat these chubby cheeks. </div>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-54334590181939832942013-11-25T09:10:00.000+01:002013-11-25T09:10:03.538+01:00Hoensbroek Castle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpfDoUJKxW6b9Y61AbiCnJLC0p6EBOjxIOLXkCYQ1VkbGLGBsSxSEC5g-_jrgF8TTKh7Y_nOKSG3ra5sUfm0Z8A41ZJBCRyPzWVdWMZ5GWvdwxmtMNjmrDdAiE1-1YNO3bwQiqJTD-yne/s1600/DSC02360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpfDoUJKxW6b9Y61AbiCnJLC0p6EBOjxIOLXkCYQ1VkbGLGBsSxSEC5g-_jrgF8TTKh7Y_nOKSG3ra5sUfm0Z8A41ZJBCRyPzWVdWMZ5GWvdwxmtMNjmrDdAiE1-1YNO3bwQiqJTD-yne/s640/DSC02360.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoensbroek Castle</td></tr>
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Now that we are slightly less mobile with a baby, we're exploring Limburg, the neighboring forests of Belgium and all that the region has to offer. I guess this was the plan all along. Have fun traveling and exploring other parts of Europe before we decide to have a family. Now is the time to enjoy what we have around us locally. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Py16j_5851es5gxIxbB-focik3zDKHGq8NjIIuOkfAJbcwoNyqYa0nESsouUHiU8ksJ-jD7sEtdRncDtv5GMgEzvXulT2ehrPKxyjqhTVjbZOu4Ta2T3tjq7ydmEkly0gd1987dKZLxz/s1600/DSC02321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Py16j_5851es5gxIxbB-focik3zDKHGq8NjIIuOkfAJbcwoNyqYa0nESsouUHiU8ksJ-jD7sEtdRncDtv5GMgEzvXulT2ehrPKxyjqhTVjbZOu4Ta2T3tjq7ydmEkly0gd1987dKZLxz/s640/DSC02321.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's not happy</td></tr>
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I'm an American obsessed with castles. Since we don't have any structures this old in the U.S., I'm fascinated by them. I've wanted to visit <a href="http://www.kasteelhoensbroek.nl/" target="_blank">Hoensbroek Castle</a> since we moved here. Three and a half years later...we made it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIpfugnW-PwnSJ4Nwh5t6Lq-1OxGAV52oCa-Jpz3ROUGqxEgVcHuOKrE710CVMOLUeBBd35_N6zXfXY9G3YORJRfPIWFYA1JUA2utI0a_92_1FWpOtSVEsP1tNpTQqSEBfibgtmdwnGYT/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIpfugnW-PwnSJ4Nwh5t6Lq-1OxGAV52oCa-Jpz3ROUGqxEgVcHuOKrE710CVMOLUeBBd35_N6zXfXY9G3YORJRfPIWFYA1JUA2utI0a_92_1FWpOtSVEsP1tNpTQqSEBfibgtmdwnGYT/s400/DSC02330.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling better :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1GdNQI9dnm-AvBpIqCYO-XZKYAc7SXLshlsjd2ZNldD81URvEuUz-gsh0HoGoDXsNhWyWr7YvvB7A9LTdGcR8NT8s3GtH2UsfDhVYir-ZWjgBrfYGYvodRFiYM_N8A2OXtCyioAp2icf/s1600/DSC02334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1GdNQI9dnm-AvBpIqCYO-XZKYAc7SXLshlsjd2ZNldD81URvEuUz-gsh0HoGoDXsNhWyWr7YvvB7A9LTdGcR8NT8s3GtH2UsfDhVYir-ZWjgBrfYGYvodRFiYM_N8A2OXtCyioAp2icf/s640/DSC02334.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scientist always has to stop to do a puzzle. :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZ-bxjnDYSIzmNXbjENVbfQQfJcP7sbbJgECb6Rh3Rtiw2WOVPeE8aYYTHOhiCi9G6cfIA_iOAT3kzExGQulZfiUUAVZJJGIxr0LiJjr9uvAiGx6mkS77Q4xIL8bRtygGNcUXM3dW_S5B/s1600/DSC02339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZ-bxjnDYSIzmNXbjENVbfQQfJcP7sbbJgECb6Rh3Rtiw2WOVPeE8aYYTHOhiCi9G6cfIA_iOAT3kzExGQulZfiUUAVZJJGIxr0LiJjr9uvAiGx6mkS77Q4xIL8bRtygGNcUXM3dW_S5B/s400/DSC02339.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time</td></tr>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-55824033409105299942013-10-28T10:45:00.003+01:002013-10-28T10:45:32.778+01:00Happy Anniversary Jaap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvtsgmh2kpwLBKT8LgqPLou3fkEcVhkJaNSdvfAoShUSNfBrZG9fXSnTudVMThw6G9jP3f8nxZmEnYlFXNKYdM5bdTmMgwoxFCC3W7D5cjBu29Jcd4RlXCFjJmffcHoPGHgetcmePuHXe/s1600/hudson-valley-weddings02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvtsgmh2kpwLBKT8LgqPLou3fkEcVhkJaNSdvfAoShUSNfBrZG9fXSnTudVMThw6G9jP3f8nxZmEnYlFXNKYdM5bdTmMgwoxFCC3W7D5cjBu29Jcd4RlXCFjJmffcHoPGHgetcmePuHXe/s400/hudson-valley-weddings02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy one year wedding anniversary to my partner in crime! A year ago (yesterday) we stood in front of our family and friends (me a blubbering mess) and entered this incredible journey of marriage together. What an incredible year it has been for us. You're an amazing husband and father. I can't imagine this adventure with anybody but you. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos by Caylena Cahill<br /><a href="http://ccphotoandmedia.com/">http://ccphotoandmedia.com/</a></td></tr>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-43230593323995134922013-10-24T08:41:00.000+02:002013-10-24T08:41:20.629+02:00Hikes in Hoge Kempen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XdcYB6anS2TDTzEY-yJi9PHbFKzJr4UhwsZC7aTI0aLQxUIktbaZkqqk2EJUYCKLMa0T5CCvJfJDTaJBfjsLU-WK2DmYKsbQXVxVz7sYWyg8EbL5-LnTkoCxGKPBjZY9HxvGn2A29mQK/s1600/DSC02267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XdcYB6anS2TDTzEY-yJi9PHbFKzJr4UhwsZC7aTI0aLQxUIktbaZkqqk2EJUYCKLMa0T5CCvJfJDTaJBfjsLU-WK2DmYKsbQXVxVz7sYWyg8EbL5-LnTkoCxGKPBjZY9HxvGn2A29mQK/s400/DSC02267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maastricht is very close to Hoge Kempen, a large National Park in Belgium with tons of hiking and bike trails. A few weeks ago we drove to Maasmechelen and had our first hike with Flora as a family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, she loves sleeping on Papa in her baby carrier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mountain man hiking the trail</td></tr>
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It was a weekend of firsts for Flora. Jeker Jazz was also in Maastricht with different jazz concerts throughout the city all weekend long. Flora enjoyed sleepig through her first jazz quartet at Cafe Falstaff while Papa enjoyed a beer. See... we can have a baby and still have a life. Yay for us!<br />
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I had to include this picture. I'm just in love with this cute little face. Flora too. :)<br />
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-50632873476020373972013-10-21T16:23:00.001+02:002013-10-21T16:23:11.682+02:00Mom in Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Mom's last full day in the Netherlands we decided to have a little day trip to Aachen. It was Mom's first visit to Germany and a special day for us. The last outing for the Pardo girls all together. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom in front of the Rathaus</td></tr>
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I feel very fortunate to have had all this quality time with my mother. It was the first time that we ever vacationed together without the rest of the family. I thought that adding an extra trip outside Maastricht following Amsterdam would be too much, but Flora was extra cooperative that day. She had a record number of naps and Mom and I got to explore Aachen "peacefully." :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aachen Cathedral<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's cuter than this?</td></tr>
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I was really hoping that Mom and I could experience something that was typically "German". Mom had some good German beer at an outdoor cafe and for a nice late lunch we had <i>flammkuchen</i>. This was surprisingly delicious!<br />
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Then it was Flora's time to eat, so we headed to Starbucks. Not very German, but I still enjoy drinking coffee in a to-go cup. It's a shame that it's still such a novelty here in Europe. (I sound very American now).<br />
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Thanks for a great visit Mom and for passing on all your great Mommy wisdom. These two weeks were very special for us. Flora's already looking forward to her first Christmas in NY!<br />
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-14628536825930532622013-10-18T10:16:00.003+02:002013-10-18T10:18:21.118+02:00Mom in Amsterdam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museumkwartier</td></tr>
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Part of Mom's visit to meet Flora included a two night trip to Amsterdam. Mom's trip was full of sunshine, blue skies, and warm weather. I told her this was very "un-Dutch".<br />
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Per Mom's request, we visited the Van Gogh Museum. I was happy to see it since it's renovation. Afterwards we enjoyed a sunny walk through the Museumkwartier.</div>
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We had lots of time to kill before our visit to the Amsterdam Expo, so we had a very leisurely stroll and rest in the Vondel Park. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Gogh Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora's first visit to a museum. She was unimpressed.</td></tr>
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It was a beautiful, crisp fall day. Perfect for some exercise in the park. After the walk I was craving a nice cup of coffee. As we turn a corner, there it was. My favorite little coffee place, Douwe Egberts. Perfect timing!<br />
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Jaap wanted to check out the Pixar exhibit at the Amsterdam Expo. My husband is really just a big kid at heart. I realized this very early in our relationship, since our second date was to a Pixar movie. Here he is with some friends.<br />
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On Sunday we went to the Anne Frank Huis (something new for me) and walked around the Negen Straatjes and admired all the beautiful canals. What's not to love about Amsterdam? I love this city.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora's favorite hold</td></tr>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-72367110967021236002013-10-09T09:05:00.001+02:002013-10-09T09:05:14.663+02:00Mom in Maastricht<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite pic of the week. Lunch at Grand Cafe Maastricht Soiron</td></tr>
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I feel like I waited all summer for my Mom to arrive for her official visit with Flora and it's already over. Time really flies when you're having fun (and busy with a newborn). Mom's visit came at the perfect time. Just when I needed a little Mommy confidence boost, my mother arrives to tell me that everything I'm doing is fine and to trust my "Mommy instincts". I needed that extra reassurance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long walk in the Stad Park</td></tr>
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I'm sure this visit was more special for my Mom than it was for me. Meeting your newest grandchild for the first time is a big deal. We had lots of relaxed quality time together. Our days were full of long walks, frequent trips to cafes all over Maastricht, home cooked meals, and of course, lots of cuddles with Flora. We even made it to Amsterdam for two nights. Our first overnight trip with Flora was a success!<br />
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And now I'm settling back into life without having my Mom around all the time. The first few days after saying good bye to my parents are always the hardest and this time it was particularly difficult. The thing I miss the most is the warm, cozy feeling my Mom gives me. Now it's my turn to share it with little Flora. :)</div>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-84395348725714557732013-10-03T11:38:00.000+02:002013-10-03T11:38:36.829+02:00Flora Grows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ5G0ni1wEY88PppIPf77EDEV5A1GQdWdEEZdO0xY41q2Tjdjgd_iXLi43gWr4K9pLsvimTichUldOcTOLFybzuyL1HoGBiCgut725pkld4Xbr1ibrH0bn7te66CSs2zYFh6qXyZODvs_/s1600/DSC01715.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ5G0ni1wEY88PppIPf77EDEV5A1GQdWdEEZdO0xY41q2Tjdjgd_iXLi43gWr4K9pLsvimTichUldOcTOLFybzuyL1HoGBiCgut725pkld4Xbr1ibrH0bn7te66CSs2zYFh6qXyZODvs_/s640/DSC01715.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
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Two months into parenthood and we're all still alive! Our little Flora is growing and changing everyday. I am with this little person 24/7 and it's so exciting to see how she develops from one day to the next. </div>
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It's hard to believe that she is already eight weeks old. I can't believe it. I sometimes feel that I'm learning more from Flora than perhaps she is learning from us. I'm amazed at how much this little being is teaching us.<br />
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I've had overwhelming feelings of love and gratitude these past couple of weeks. We feel so fortunate to have her in our lives. This picture below pretty much sums it up. Could the proud papa be any happier?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSJNkFSayzoqf_EoSGrAfLZFpuDdwXAXB7S_JnIYVDSvPrevWRyEzXaK9YLWlvjxyq2vhIlbVgKqMAEVW9Je8W_risr0butXosBFYYpOrIyhLE7qDh-y70iec5k2XR8QMlHwRLFqRVNEM/s1600/DSC02130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSJNkFSayzoqf_EoSGrAfLZFpuDdwXAXB7S_JnIYVDSvPrevWRyEzXaK9YLWlvjxyq2vhIlbVgKqMAEVW9Je8W_risr0butXosBFYYpOrIyhLE7qDh-y70iec5k2XR8QMlHwRLFqRVNEM/s400/DSC02130.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-69260587405041024502013-08-14T13:34:00.001+02:002013-08-14T14:16:42.164+02:00It's a girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Adventures with Jaap </i>is now officially <i>Adventures with Jaap +1! </i>Our precious little one finally arrived and we are very proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Flora. We are very fortunate to have her in our lives now. We can't describe the amount of love we feel. The past week and a half have been probably the most challenging days and at the same time most amazing days I've ever experienced in my life. </div>
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More to come about Flora and giving birth in the Netherlands on a later post, but for now some cute photos of Flora's first week at home. :)</div>
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<b>Flora Catherine Theresia Jansen</b></div>
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Born: August 4</div>
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3:48 a.m.</div>
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2930 grams</div>
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51 cm</div>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-85157159885482265222013-07-31T19:18:00.004+02:002013-07-31T19:19:02.392+02:00Home Sweet Home: Visiting Olana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXKH4aGw94tp2obQ4P3IrMGCapU_nVX3FdiLlvQFTRYh7uNBGY8SMsXwEeIBzVLTWSz4kQvYn8vrzCn_0Yc6k8pb54cIxnV58kgAH1rRVWAlmnyPlrMjSH9v7WhieM0b7ghlBS00C3WRZ/s1600/DSC00997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXKH4aGw94tp2obQ4P3IrMGCapU_nVX3FdiLlvQFTRYh7uNBGY8SMsXwEeIBzVLTWSz4kQvYn8vrzCn_0Yc6k8pb54cIxnV58kgAH1rRVWAlmnyPlrMjSH9v7WhieM0b7ghlBS00C3WRZ/s400/DSC00997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Our day at <a href="http://www.olana.org/" target="_blank">Olana</a> with my nephew was by far the best day of this vacation. Every time we travel to visit my family, Jaap and I like to explore something that we haven't seen together in the Hudson Valley. Having grown up in the Hudson Valley, many of the sites, parks, and places we visit are not new to me, but new for the two of us to explore together. I've developed a greater appreciation and admiration for the beautiful region that I grew up in. Jaap proposed to me two summers ago across the river. We could see Olana in the background up on the mountain. It's something we've wanted to go back and visit ever since.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoscJYbKOM6rFSG-sL1H2j9Wr7Z6lZ-UVtm4Bvwxw6brlkczsCPH0rO3FqYlye7cekFPueQulUx2quq4zwh9UNdYZPkdPKg8ks1k3G1tqSZtPIOzd0bTGKYutMv8mv5KtBrWrfZyZIInux/s1600/DSC00995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoscJYbKOM6rFSG-sL1H2j9Wr7Z6lZ-UVtm4Bvwxw6brlkczsCPH0rO3FqYlye7cekFPueQulUx2quq4zwh9UNdYZPkdPKg8ks1k3G1tqSZtPIOzd0bTGKYutMv8mv5KtBrWrfZyZIInux/s640/DSC00995.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Having grown up just across river from this site, I have many memories of Olana as a very young child. I was nervous about taking my nephew there because I wondered how much a 9 year old boy would really enjoy touring a historic site. I was impressed by how much he enjoyed it; asking questions to the tour guide and seeming to be genuinely interested in the life of Fredrich Church and the house itself. We were off to a good start!<br />
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Olana is a large, Persian inspired mansion built in the 1800s by Fredrich Church, one of the famous Hudson River School painters. We followed an indoor tour of the home and learned about the Church family's world travels and what inspired them to build Olana. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Hudson</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWnaFiZyWgCt3DBJOkwe-1J7N0NyQCtxbqerd94RHKcAvKECKSeM_AV81iHOistXQQPnEkvrFqEOAppFmHQYtvs4A6ZDUshMYRkng-J2i4iIqdMIXXL0ahbyv81gGaW7Ui4pinh3yI8-8/s1600/DSC01002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWnaFiZyWgCt3DBJOkwe-1J7N0NyQCtxbqerd94RHKcAvKECKSeM_AV81iHOistXQQPnEkvrFqEOAppFmHQYtvs4A6ZDUshMYRkng-J2i4iIqdMIXXL0ahbyv81gGaW7Ui4pinh3yI8-8/s400/DSC01002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, on to the fun stuff. After our cute little picnic lunch in the grass (complete with Jaap teaching Joey how to burn ants alive with a magnifying glass), I watched on as Jaap and Joey flew the kite we purhcased in Mystic, CT through the fields of Olana. Beautiful sunshine and the perfect amount of wind.<br />
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It was a day full of art, history, exercise, and nature, followed by a stop at Friendly's for some ice cream. (This was my favorite part). We finished our day together with an art project back home. Fun times.<br />
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Living in the Netherlands and being so far away from family make me appreciate these moments together much more. From beginning to end this day was perfect. And what better way to end the day with a free haircut from your 2 year old niece back at the house.Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-19083858827925836992013-07-29T09:36:00.000+02:002013-07-29T09:36:52.352+02:00Home Sweet Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe con leche at Floridita= best coffee in NYC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite New Yorker</td></tr>
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Jaap and I spent the first two weeks of May visiting family and friends in NY. It's always good to come home and this time we got to celebrate the pregnancy (complete with a surprise baby shower!) with family and friends. </div>
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No trip to NY would be complete without an evening with Shannon, my best friend, and our NY buddies. After a night out on the Lower East Side we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Floridita. If you want the best coffee in NYC, go to Floridita and order a cafe con leche. It's up on the West side on 125th St and Riverside Drive. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture art on Park Avenue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Elin enjoying the Baby Shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastura & Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFFs forever</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pardo Family</td></tr>
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What was planned as a casual lunch with my aunts turned out to be a surprise baby shower complete with Muppets! Thanks to my amazing sister and mother for organizing the day. It was such a great surprise to see our closest famiy and friends there. What a day. We got so much great stuff for the baby and Jaap was able to celebrate in Muppet style. We felt very loved. Now we just wait for the little Jansen-Pardo to arrive!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv-7Qx3LFYLKRJUU_lvS8WFs5g85Z5HNiAbSyTLsxxlbG3NlLH-6W8G567TTgdstro-DfqJAqGBFH5flCjMJeYowKpBksJ1odWJwqrcumgJRnd5UhH4pL0xmaTRNsAmw2yfCICksrZVbV/s1600/DSC00919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv-7Qx3LFYLKRJUU_lvS8WFs5g85Z5HNiAbSyTLsxxlbG3NlLH-6W8G567TTgdstro-DfqJAqGBFH5flCjMJeYowKpBksJ1odWJwqrcumgJRnd5UhH4pL0xmaTRNsAmw2yfCICksrZVbV/s400/DSC00919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kermit Diaper Cake made by Catherine Pardo</td></tr>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-18815009845055412182013-07-23T17:03:00.004+02:002013-07-24T11:44:07.215+02:00A Brussels Babymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Place</td></tr>
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As Jaap and I wait around for this baby to arrive, my mind is becoming more and more restless. I've only been on maternity leave for three weeks and yet it feels like three months! I told Jaap and I needed something to do this weekend to keep my mind occupied, so we planned a last minute trip to Brussels. I have never had a proper chance to explore the city and what better time to do it than now before our household goes from "just the two of us" to a family of three. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpydJQ33_IRPhVopSApQyIVqg-AzTZy4Xuhv4h-4NZwX9YWMhtPYmFHaj_77c7BKlerYN3DzV1C3Ogqlldcbcvx2s-1xwQADDQITng9-x8_P_Pt82z9X2UcegY6kKk8tskl_c1_A79QAm/s1600/DSC01367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpydJQ33_IRPhVopSApQyIVqg-AzTZy4Xuhv4h-4NZwX9YWMhtPYmFHaj_77c7BKlerYN3DzV1C3Ogqlldcbcvx2s-1xwQADDQITng9-x8_P_Pt82z9X2UcegY6kKk8tskl_c1_A79QAm/s640/DSC01367.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We arrived in Brussels and started exploring...first stop...Manneken Pis. An interesting choice for a city's mascot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKwaft-9trG1MscuWHA_7dnVjCE8psluOADm28A5ZSPhIuCC9LpgE2OCbO6FpZcLG3SuilfoGiH9xH5qFsjCDWhzwcOYk4iYaz32o8GmqqEWagY0N7NzgLAAAP6T7ySjPRuC2AmllHBXw/s1600/DSC01372.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKwaft-9trG1MscuWHA_7dnVjCE8psluOADm28A5ZSPhIuCC9LpgE2OCbO6FpZcLG3SuilfoGiH9xH5qFsjCDWhzwcOYk4iYaz32o8GmqqEWagY0N7NzgLAAAP6T7ySjPRuC2AmllHBXw/s640/DSC01372.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Europe's "greatest square", The Grand Place. Saturday was full of a lot of walking and I was happy that my very pregnant self was able to keep up with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7yF-nASO51pXfzt7MeKr1eKwz0JsWEKsXplOhW5QcvdunV3LztuBTidGLs33fb_UZGi5UQhuoJmQOsXKfWUTKblWXLPIaT2HhMLdFN6RtvpaxBZXKCbdYbpbdhYh3ElYFl0e3H-xM-2v/s1600/DSC01386.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7yF-nASO51pXfzt7MeKr1eKwz0JsWEKsXplOhW5QcvdunV3LztuBTidGLs33fb_UZGi5UQhuoJmQOsXKfWUTKblWXLPIaT2HhMLdFN6RtvpaxBZXKCbdYbpbdhYh3ElYFl0e3H-xM-2v/s400/DSC01386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a view of Galeries Roayles St. Hubert...Europe's oldest shopping mall. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ml_IPGXpYNEUAVNjLiHw8kK-4JnQAgqV68PQjexQdDGbWakDLnwDvvkjUnDgXpj5Y2tOJhmtZmvyhHhzBGzPNXky55BWipyBF5ibi3mf_J_pSE3Fh-5hdDZdkJWAg9SLj1HfcSSdPsvh/s1600/DSC01394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ml_IPGXpYNEUAVNjLiHw8kK-4JnQAgqV68PQjexQdDGbWakDLnwDvvkjUnDgXpj5Y2tOJhmtZmvyhHhzBGzPNXky55BWipyBF5ibi3mf_J_pSE3Fh-5hdDZdkJWAg9SLj1HfcSSdPsvh/s400/DSC01394.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
And finally a quick peak at St. Michael's Cathedral before it was time for me to rest my swollen feet at an art nouveau era cafe near The Bourse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLIy4AVdNxjz76qBoLzyei_TDocxgS9uNq3LH40176xPpy_qyn65s9qBuTNDgo0Af5xqo6VvRfuQ3NVaDIYZXvnsMh3YiYQzT8PxoR_2cbW6GdDIqoSm9AhtpStuG37Ohye6I-vcMBWxs/s1600/DSC01399+-+kopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLIy4AVdNxjz76qBoLzyei_TDocxgS9uNq3LH40176xPpy_qyn65s9qBuTNDgo0Af5xqo6VvRfuQ3NVaDIYZXvnsMh3YiYQzT8PxoR_2cbW6GdDIqoSm9AhtpStuG37Ohye6I-vcMBWxs/s400/DSC01399+-+kopie.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break time</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8SsCn8zkZkl34TgGKGmZgyx11dPpi4lfyhtBLQ5VN3lpodL62es5GARJh8vISdA6jpqSecgj2_iuoL5r53duFB7AhOu1HNBSKfju-q2WjGsDYCYtps4tm4mFeIiBm8P4yUi1AimbPVWZ/s1600/DSC01401+-+kopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8SsCn8zkZkl34TgGKGmZgyx11dPpi4lfyhtBLQ5VN3lpodL62es5GARJh8vISdA6jpqSecgj2_iuoL5r53duFB7AhOu1HNBSKfju-q2WjGsDYCYtps4tm4mFeIiBm8P4yUi1AimbPVWZ/s400/DSC01401+-+kopie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Afterwards we had a delicious little lunch at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.nl/Restaurant_Review-g188644-d784586-Reviews-Le_Perroquet-Brussels.html" target="_blank">Le Perroquet</a> in the Sablon neighborhood, after a recommendation from a friend (thanks Faye). We walked up to Place du Petit Sablon a nice, little, beautifully landscaped oasis. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OCaqk1Qcx8IbHQyIJdZmmJ0NZJvP9Am7CxTz3uB6xxUyi-K-BmxM6fNXs3z4Xev_n0Mys6aR8uc5SQZFP8O4j2cOUrOeWf3vkyLTtPL-P4s_Yn9CO3YMK2SF5FCN1a-5CN-hDrN9fYFF/s1600/DSC01403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OCaqk1Qcx8IbHQyIJdZmmJ0NZJvP9Am7CxTz3uB6xxUyi-K-BmxM6fNXs3z4Xev_n0Mys6aR8uc5SQZFP8O4j2cOUrOeWf3vkyLTtPL-P4s_Yn9CO3YMK2SF5FCN1a-5CN-hDrN9fYFF/s400/DSC01403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZhHglUVklA2L5HcmnTRs91nsg0e5mCN_PuofLNsyPuy1xOCZASlVdZITeO619qNgYmnHx3mqASbE9Z5fdirQAFW-2s5mGhNGQczQm42aEqSPK5uAxRupgw_sKDvyZ3N2m5p51q9XxPh/s1600/DSC01404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZhHglUVklA2L5HcmnTRs91nsg0e5mCN_PuofLNsyPuy1xOCZASlVdZITeO619qNgYmnHx3mqASbE9Z5fdirQAFW-2s5mGhNGQczQm42aEqSPK5uAxRupgw_sKDvyZ3N2m5p51q9XxPh/s400/DSC01404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame du Sablon Church</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0WIqYfwEj8XBuV_FQdKOdTEnxOczTlRkJl5LjLHL-wLgyht5FID5kFIxfakraGCEzW8wPTOtvjlAq-EZTyG3rPKlhHkM8SwdlLmd03zSFC6StOiowZMtG5kFzxNcChiW3TnQ0fY80hOK/s1600/DSC01405.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0WIqYfwEj8XBuV_FQdKOdTEnxOczTlRkJl5LjLHL-wLgyht5FID5kFIxfakraGCEzW8wPTOtvjlAq-EZTyG3rPKlhHkM8SwdlLmd03zSFC6StOiowZMtG5kFzxNcChiW3TnQ0fY80hOK/s400/DSC01405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL0mEWQU36X2OY8V-3szEZ6yqtoMsp71-5_pE4t19e369Ez3DbafRjTcIo6I7eG8psbWRhWIvDlk1SxAg9qjGOJxMs3WxYPk2bhp0fUO6bXqDVuW4cpgBFScHrXQTlTQV3xK4PEIv4Ezn/s1600/DSC01407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL0mEWQU36X2OY8V-3szEZ6yqtoMsp71-5_pE4t19e369Ez3DbafRjTcIo6I7eG8psbWRhWIvDlk1SxAg9qjGOJxMs3WxYPk2bhp0fUO6bXqDVuW4cpgBFScHrXQTlTQV3xK4PEIv4Ezn/s400/DSC01407.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mxwrh-tcuvUWlKS7jUa-eApCfaTWqKmyTC02KpEzu9oFpfAZSfe9JT3IlkpSklob2SoCGfUtYg86WUWOCTr3sUr_fdg0b7UqK-H8dnrsaTSoggjmCiyRnZlwEBMlA8BnKV-PNHNO0mpO/s1600/DSC01410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mxwrh-tcuvUWlKS7jUa-eApCfaTWqKmyTC02KpEzu9oFpfAZSfe9JT3IlkpSklob2SoCGfUtYg86WUWOCTr3sUr_fdg0b7UqK-H8dnrsaTSoggjmCiyRnZlwEBMlA8BnKV-PNHNO0mpO/s640/DSC01410.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The large statues throughout the garden are great Belgian thinkers that once called Brussels home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkCjwUbW9dEwLcCDFYwfMX_C0IWCjNl1zPCqMOQForJmDDEUCJEDUaE-ZWUDgKRIs1w00fuQjq7_dGwHYa7YwxcUzdGgpLd6iEY70CTU3tTwN18PK9-3qRZQn22XERK3o_g8Cn5h5ey6j/s1600/DSC01414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkCjwUbW9dEwLcCDFYwfMX_C0IWCjNl1zPCqMOQForJmDDEUCJEDUaE-ZWUDgKRIs1w00fuQjq7_dGwHYa7YwxcUzdGgpLd6iEY70CTU3tTwN18PK9-3qRZQn22XERK3o_g8Cn5h5ey6j/s400/DSC01414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And now for one of the best parts of our trip, the hotel. I gotta give props to my amazing-deal-finding husband who found this 5-star hotel at a very affordable price. Who knew Brussels would be so much cheaper in the summertime? Apparently when all the diplomats are out of town on summer holiday, you can get a great bargain. Nice find Jaap!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL-piX98sCDmAaEdhrKDzQew35itv1ncsBh98MCgym5_NfW8UHIePihJnZO9P9YpwCyEJubHU6ceqNNEzOGkcf2Rvj3g1gqf5WMwCk2sTvUHb7wv0hKxychqR-ATMMUiWWDL68fYZzbE/s1600/DSC01416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL-piX98sCDmAaEdhrKDzQew35itv1ncsBh98MCgym5_NfW8UHIePihJnZO9P9YpwCyEJubHU6ceqNNEzOGkcf2Rvj3g1gqf5WMwCk2sTvUHb7wv0hKxychqR-ATMMUiWWDL68fYZzbE/s400/DSC01416.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanhope Hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYuQY2ik8FK8PxtR3N_rCF6YFUFu-fbLxOP_jk9KNmwo780SWh0vhtQ2FqNMPJr4tK33AT-_cVC_NObhaFCBM7dbdXFLjwKW_Xq4gxUbm30-yNChB0HdYURemmSYAJvbU_NVJFQ0JW7on/s1600/DSC01419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYuQY2ik8FK8PxtR3N_rCF6YFUFu-fbLxOP_jk9KNmwo780SWh0vhtQ2FqNMPJr4tK33AT-_cVC_NObhaFCBM7dbdXFLjwKW_Xq4gxUbm30-yNChB0HdYURemmSYAJvbU_NVJFQ0JW7on/s400/DSC01419.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One bus ride away from a romantic evening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKsLclMflvkm_R6-rNO9dWNIdL2lSfEGLbfTt_Yum2dINQO6lQLV_C4hN4-UXC7-Cv9ERnNKGHR7FxzV6aWP_-fuIgFTD0cRGmkH3McB3dIqdgfP-jkXR6l8NzXUrVknR0HbgIh3K6n4S/s1600/DSC01421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKsLclMflvkm_R6-rNO9dWNIdL2lSfEGLbfTt_Yum2dINQO6lQLV_C4hN4-UXC7-Cv9ERnNKGHR7FxzV6aWP_-fuIgFTD0cRGmkH3McB3dIqdgfP-jkXR6l8NzXUrVknR0HbgIh3K6n4S/s400/DSC01421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks on the square</td></tr>
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Our dinner reservations weren't until 8:30, so we killed some time having drinks on the Grand Place and enjoyed some decent people watching with nice cool weather. Jaap enjoyed his Kwak beer and I sipped a decaf coffee looking on with envy. I was saving myself for my one glass of wine at dinner. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oKW0zEUjrZD-rvJyd1TlAWl4UijiVbXlVojFFpPaR6eeqa8nDMhDQ4tPuUu_zQRf9bjDvLP9D2vWLXl-z7Ec1-2BF4IZuQDdg72izW1wlFJnokY7ae9Lpi57xIQClOi9oFBgMMbMXwdS/s1600/DSC01433+-+kopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oKW0zEUjrZD-rvJyd1TlAWl4UijiVbXlVojFFpPaR6eeqa8nDMhDQ4tPuUu_zQRf9bjDvLP9D2vWLXl-z7Ec1-2BF4IZuQDdg72izW1wlFJnokY7ae9Lpi57xIQClOi9oFBgMMbMXwdS/s400/DSC01433+-+kopie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEFXgwN1kOYeA6xCxUIeNXRIN2-EOzyivpbTWXPhD5t82Mx4Hz4lRai1885uN-QPUQR5_epE8fKElEJoQld7XCy1wN0PBm2-fo1sa4KW5sCpmCR-aqKB4kGyqyOpfgBdhhJbjFTugPTWZ/s1600/DSC01434+-+kopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEFXgwN1kOYeA6xCxUIeNXRIN2-EOzyivpbTWXPhD5t82Mx4Hz4lRai1885uN-QPUQR5_epE8fKElEJoQld7XCy1wN0PBm2-fo1sa4KW5sCpmCR-aqKB4kGyqyOpfgBdhhJbjFTugPTWZ/s400/DSC01434+-+kopie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Dinner was at a simple seafood restaurant in the Sainte Catherine-Fish Market neighborhood. I highly recommend <a href="http://www.lamaree-sa.com/en/info.html" target="_blank">La Maree</a> on a visit to Brussels. This place rocks. Even though I debated getting some other type of seafood from the menu, I knew I would order "mussels from Brussels". I'm glad I did though...they were delicious!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlz07yaXTyzvb27TKeqcUWUP-Yy35xluOF_8kW4swei5-YoB67kE3xMnanESKsPjlsKFSXdpLWukkNWrAS0G7Wv5it8GlAWIfry9ZpQGtdW_4nVDGdB_fz2Acoc3cGqDBkUs4aErrh__W/s1600/DSC01435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlz07yaXTyzvb27TKeqcUWUP-Yy35xluOF_8kW4swei5-YoB67kE3xMnanESKsPjlsKFSXdpLWukkNWrAS0G7Wv5it8GlAWIfry9ZpQGtdW_4nVDGdB_fz2Acoc3cGqDBkUs4aErrh__W/s640/DSC01435.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussels "from the House"</td></tr>
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What does Jaap order at a seafood restaurant? The filet. :)<br />
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Our romantic evening was perfect. Excellent service, simple and delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere. Just when I thought the meal couldn't get any better, the chef comes out, walks around, and asks all the guests how their meal was. I told Jaap to pinch me because you never get great service AND good tasting food like this in Maastricht. And as much as I love little Maastricht, it's still the most expensive place to eat in Europe.<br />
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I was definitely "living in the moment" trying to take in all our remaining couple time we have left before our little baby arrives. The best part of the evening wasn't the delicious food, but the great company with my loving husband. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret family recipe from Chef--we have no idea what it was...but it was delicious!</td></tr>
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The Stanhope Hotel did not disappoint with their breakfast. Jaap and I both agree that it has taken over the number spot of best hotel breakfasts ever. Lekker!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good-bye King Albert</td></tr>
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Sunday was a quick sightseeing day for us, shortened by my fatigue from this horribly hot weather sweeping through Northern Europe. We just happened to be in Brussels the same weekend that Belgium inaugrates King Philippe to the throne and staying literally around the corner from the inauguration. We had a quick stroll around Parc de Bruxelles to enjoy the festivities before heading back to Maastricht.<br />
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Thanks Jaap for a great babymoon weekend!<br />
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-54058090426811888772013-07-17T08:31:00.003+02:002013-07-17T08:31:51.548+02:00In Flanders Fields: Ieper (Ypres), Belgium<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ieper at night</td></tr>
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<i>Adventures with Jaap </i>traveled to Ieper, Belgium on a chilly and gray weekend sometime in early April. My Australian friend Rosalie recommended it as a nice weekend getaway. This region of Belgium is probably most famous for the role it played in WWI. I will admit that a weekend trip to Ieper is probably only best for history buffs. I enjoyed visiting this little city and exploring the sad history around it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menin Gate Memorial</td></tr>
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We spent our first night walking around quiet Ieper. We visited the Menin Gate, a memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the battles around Ieper. There are over 50,000 names inscribed on this memorial. It's incredible. </div>
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Saturday began with a visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum in the Market Square. It's definitely the best place to go and learn more about WWI and the history of this region. Although we noticed that there was nothing mentioned about the poem itself, <i>It Flanders Fields </i>written by the Canadian soldier John McCrae. Weird.<br />
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Next was a yummy Belgian waffle and pancake intermezzo. :) I love eating in Belgium.<br />
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Followed by a walk around the outskirts of the city.<br />
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We bought a map of the Ypres Salient region and were off on our historical journey of WWI by car. First stop: Tyne Cot Cemetery. </div>
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Tyne Cot is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world. It's a powerful image. Driving through this region can be depressing. Maybe the gray weather added to this vibe. I couldn't stop thinking about the soldiers who died here and the local Belgians who lost their region to war.<br />
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Our history site tour ended with a visit to the Bayernwald Trenches. What an interesting place. Come here if you want to see the typical trenches that come to mind when you think of WWI. It's a restored trench system that was built and used by the Germans complete with sandbags, woven branches, and wooden planks. Another thought provoking place to see, but the only thing I could think of was Matthew Crawley from Downtown Abbey though.<br />
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I can't remember the name of this site. Sorry. But the lambs were cute!</div>
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Our Ieper stay ended with the dinner at <a href="http://www.deruyffelaer.be/index.html" target="_blank">De Ruyffelaer</a>. Eat here, if you ever come to Ieper. We enjoyed a delicious typical Flemish dinner with a very cozy, home-like atmosphere. Very rustic and simple, but yummy. Here's an action shot of Jaap's delicious Belgian beer as my pregnant self looks on with jealousy. :)<br />
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-51111763808735755842013-07-11T09:57:00.000+02:002013-07-11T09:57:03.155+02:00Weekend in Terschelling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Adventures with Jaap </i>has taken yet another hiatus. It's been long enough and it's time to get back to the blog. I miss this creative outlet even if Jaap is the only one who reads it. :) Love you babe. Our lives have been busy the past couple of months. Busy time of year at work, traveling to the U.S., and preparing for our biggest life change, Baby Jansen. In a few short (but feels very long) weeks, Jaap and I will soon become <i>Adventures with Jaap +1! </i>Our household is growing and if all goes smoothly, we'll be adding another little Jansen-Pardo baby to the mix. It's not necessarily an excuse for why the blog has been neglected (yet again) because I wonder how much I will blog once the baby comes. :) As I enjoy my maternity leave and the benefits of being a pregnant woman in the Netherlands, here's a little bit about one of our latest adventures up north to one of the West Frisian islands. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making our way to the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first trip to the North sea</td></tr>
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The Jansen family gave us a weekend getaway to Terschelling as part of our wedding gift. We had the most relaxing weekend I can remember and I enjoyed my first trip to Friesland.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terschelling via Wikipedia</td></tr>
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Traveling by car and then ferry forced us to get around the island by bike. A healthy choice for my 7 month pregnant self. I felt a sense of accomplishment that weekend riding around on that bike in those chilly temps. It was quite beautiful though.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a beer at the beach</td></tr>
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And since there's really not much to do in Terschelling except visit the beach, ride bikes, and apparently eat cranberries, the greatest sense of calm and relaxation came over me. Our hotel had this very cozy lounge area with a bar and fireplace. We spent one evening drinking tea and playing games by the fire. Can you feel the <i>gezelligheid</i>? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandaris </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">navigating through the "forest"</td></tr>
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With Jaap as our navigator we had a lovely bike ride from our hotel to West Terschelling on the other side of the island. Riding through sand dunes and the "forest" brought me into a sense of calm before the last few busy weeks of work before maternity leave. It was so peaceful and quiet there. <div>
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Terschelling, eat cranberries. We discovered the island is famous for their cranberry production. We found a "cranberry cafe" and enjoyed a hot cup of tea and some delicious desserts. This slice of cranberry cheesecake was <i>lekker</i>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We ended our stay in Terschelling with a great concert on Saturday. Only my husband could find a brass ensemble concert in the middle of nowhere. The music was top notch.</div>
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Thank you to the Jansens for this gift and thank you to my husband for a great "babymoon" weekend together before our little one arrives. :)</div>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-90243391128171257792013-04-17T09:03:00.002+02:002013-04-17T09:05:32.061+02:00Our musical tour of Vienna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Waltz King</td></tr>
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Wandering through the mecca of classical music is what we call a vacation. Home to so many amazing musicians and composers throughout the centuries, no culture appreciates this art form quite the same way the Viennese do. </div>
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Our trip to Vienna was based largely on musical hot spots. A walk through Stadtpark past the Strauss King and the famous Kursalon, a quick stop at <a href="http://www.wienmuseum.at/en/locations/location-detail//standorte/beethoven-pasqualatihaus-1.html" target="_blank">Beethoven's Pasqualatihaus</a>, <a href="http://www.wienmuseum.at/en/locations/location-detail/beethoven-wohnung-heiligenstadt-1.html" target="_blank">Beethoven's Heiligenstadt House</a>, and Sunday morning mass at St. Augustine's with a complete orchestra and choir. Beautiful!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter stroll through Wien's Stadtpark</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the straßenbahn around the Ring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-1wXWuVB_TodGkPcYF6zOXOqSHf5LgVXRjX_D_7YMItDbcqmri8u6OCRg5Utgm2JcXtKk_m83aEnL-okCw8opSg74uhY64BHh8s53yvLMT2J9cLhhiitWmBl7dBxmuEAIExYkEp87zpc/s1600/DSC00348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-1wXWuVB_TodGkPcYF6zOXOqSHf5LgVXRjX_D_7YMItDbcqmri8u6OCRg5Utgm2JcXtKk_m83aEnL-okCw8opSg74uhY64BHh8s53yvLMT2J9cLhhiitWmBl7dBxmuEAIExYkEp87zpc/s400/DSC00348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beethoven's Pasqualatihaus-- where he worked on many of his symphonies and his only opera, <i>Fidelio</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hofburg</td></tr>
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We spent our Sunday morning at the Augustinian Church around the corner from the Hofburg. Their Sunday morning mass is famous in Vienna, complete with a concert, full orchestra and choir. A beautiful (and chilly) way to start the day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Augustinerkirche</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lyqLumwcqvyQLDMXjB5g7WKTC3SnbXHG_tsO6HzNb6YInedJGYg0K9zxBcm9PyfrbTeZpkOP1yMz_UJuWzwGEh10tD-n7g337oGOa1HMdfg09SRKOPzP4xipLkuwvRriDdNX1KrOneXe/s1600/DSC00428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lyqLumwcqvyQLDMXjB5g7WKTC3SnbXHG_tsO6HzNb6YInedJGYg0K9zxBcm9PyfrbTeZpkOP1yMz_UJuWzwGEh10tD-n7g337oGOa1HMdfg09SRKOPzP4xipLkuwvRriDdNX1KrOneXe/s400/DSC00428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny ride to Heiligenstadt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Beethoven's Heiligenstadt house</td></tr>
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We took the straßenbahn out to Heiligenstadt to visit one of Beethoven's former residences. At the time when Beethoven lived here it was a rural district of Vienna. The Heiligenstadt house is where he composed the <i>Pastorale </i>symphony. It's a special feeling to visit a place where a musical master once lived and worked. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24klABDncuGaup2OxLVkCJr_9F3kXxzocXSKru8F5C5O8Bn8LoBSLkkDVYRyd19BpmYdFXOfFapvYhoHzu6lul_n1BSbdgqfIosEthhEcGNcRtaBA4ZJ7wBCUQu7Cg0WHTfVF5_h3EuXs/s1600/DSC00436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24klABDncuGaup2OxLVkCJr_9F3kXxzocXSKru8F5C5O8Bn8LoBSLkkDVYRyd19BpmYdFXOfFapvYhoHzu6lul_n1BSbdgqfIosEthhEcGNcRtaBA4ZJ7wBCUQu7Cg0WHTfVF5_h3EuXs/s400/DSC00436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our nightly strolls near the Ring brings us to the center of Vienna, the world famous <a href="http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/Content.Node/home/Startseite-Content.de.php" target="_blank">Staatsoper</a>. Hopefully our next trip to Vienna will include a performance in this amazing venue.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staatsoper</td></tr>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-59478857495158365612013-03-19T17:32:00.002+01:002013-03-20T16:50:02.956+01:00NYE in Vienna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdZSCtpALTly5qiVyaGApx3XXQYS5tSZ1BsAXs8MAclES1Djni3vIv8c1iWolxGcYtxq_FmXnBHXIZpCPpMb35-LlECGe1M8wwK9QyBl801vBk8_4EttyzM1PxpSYgnDEuWSiv4rYg262/s1600/DSC00483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdZSCtpALTly5qiVyaGApx3XXQYS5tSZ1BsAXs8MAclES1Djni3vIv8c1iWolxGcYtxq_FmXnBHXIZpCPpMb35-LlECGe1M8wwK9QyBl801vBk8_4EttyzM1PxpSYgnDEuWSiv4rYg262/s400/DSC00483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A New Year's Eve post in March...here it goes. Our New Year's Eve began with a visit to the <a href="http://www.belvedere.at/en/schloss-und-museum/oberes-belvedere" target="_blank">Upper Belvedere</a> to admire the Klimt and Schiele works. We had a cold and sunny stroll to the Belvedere from our apartment and a great visit to one of Vienna's most famous museums. Afterwards we headed to another Vienna institution to warm up, <a href="http://www.prueckel.at/" target="_blank">Café Pruckel</a>. </div>
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A few relaxing hours at Pruckel hit the spot. A delicious Wiener melange, some himbeer soda, and some dessert that we can't remember the name of. It was delicious! One of our favorite's of the trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nObC1AXEBDuD79mYr_o4V-femtWWQ5hbLdcOFxlTnhmXfN5VQWdBcKC56QJ6Oya73ylVHqhDIN9FnD3nHVEUJl38OQyNXK0rCPNp-bB6pCr_DI_C0K-bXrB8FYP4clqXxCliV1LoLqMK/s1600/DSC00498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nObC1AXEBDuD79mYr_o4V-femtWWQ5hbLdcOFxlTnhmXfN5VQWdBcKC56QJ6Oya73ylVHqhDIN9FnD3nHVEUJl38OQyNXK0rCPNp-bB6pCr_DI_C0K-bXrB8FYP4clqXxCliV1LoLqMK/s400/DSC00498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEW7EGchunnBLqAO4_jykzQGqd38X2UtGTmIhfBLTj7TkN4cvnfqL1GseV1CsJN5A1_-pDbdmGwhrqgPvF4Pv7MrzSMdt8SWQU9r1rjCPDyytXCw1mEErVi6UwxcD9zfACM-udeI0MdOf/s1600/DSC00497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEW7EGchunnBLqAO4_jykzQGqd38X2UtGTmIhfBLTj7TkN4cvnfqL1GseV1CsJN5A1_-pDbdmGwhrqgPvF4Pv7MrzSMdt8SWQU9r1rjCPDyytXCw1mEErVi6UwxcD9zfACM-udeI0MdOf/s400/DSC00497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZau43lUUxHFmtG1DUf6K3udrYMyqWjjzHMh-ie3YOiIe-Pz3CurzfwS2Meb7bPVHzb75vYy0RGsrf97skmQ1rXwNWSf2XPqOiqgOcxH1TfBDbkSNsHj7zP_qc24FoyVaK6r8gO00d2gHk/s1600/DSC00504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZau43lUUxHFmtG1DUf6K3udrYMyqWjjzHMh-ie3YOiIe-Pz3CurzfwS2Meb7bPVHzb75vYy0RGsrf97skmQ1rXwNWSf2XPqOiqgOcxH1TfBDbkSNsHj7zP_qc24FoyVaK6r8gO00d2gHk/s400/DSC00504.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
We walked to the Stephansdom, another Vienna icon. The city arranges free waltzing lessons on NYE. How fun. Half the square was waltzing while the other half was watching it on big television screens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the cathedral</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJPnlOJppd1CVYUvM12IWyxmpxSdAnK6TBR1yIkncUYkR__3IITaPfKgv0i9E-sTI1LKdoe3DiZN2-AqH0KDJ1diSg-g_wzfugITd2x2fbxXsyF_szX9qsyO10clucbpnc7wfc4Sr3Du/s1600/DSC00508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJPnlOJppd1CVYUvM12IWyxmpxSdAnK6TBR1yIkncUYkR__3IITaPfKgv0i9E-sTI1LKdoe3DiZN2-AqH0KDJ1diSg-g_wzfugITd2x2fbxXsyF_szX9qsyO10clucbpnc7wfc4Sr3Du/s400/DSC00508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Oper on New Year's Eve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQo5RRzSq0AvSWkcp3z_xPnobbey6ICq9-CqhKfcFyZ54LEQe4nVm72Vw0xSNs_IKZwVDSNGLiUgx57Myi8k5GZz4xDlvZ-1sSXt-BvzGECtJoR-CH-_0oWBAzZrbA-8EgcfX-EdsQG4y/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQo5RRzSq0AvSWkcp3z_xPnobbey6ICq9-CqhKfcFyZ54LEQe4nVm72Vw0xSNs_IKZwVDSNGLiUgx57Myi8k5GZz4xDlvZ-1sSXt-BvzGECtJoR-CH-_0oWBAzZrbA-8EgcfX-EdsQG4y/s400/DSC00525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hofburg</td></tr>
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To ring in the new year, we headed outside for some fireworks. Vienna just doesn't have one fireworks display, they have several. We decided to catch out the display at Heldenplatz. 2012 brought us lots of happy times together and we're excited to see where 2013 takes us!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgebs5DaWm-BWolBVh4AxFahgULSFKBC5deTDN1Txr8ZOLWLmOSj4IA83Y9UR33XgbCWZHy5s_xkFs1Vqv0LNuq1xXubZhu9r7-9-QpkYhxqUghLPfLAX0VNN1F1wzL9KgLd6_x_SDk18/s1600/DSC00537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgebs5DaWm-BWolBVh4AxFahgULSFKBC5deTDN1Txr8ZOLWLmOSj4IA83Y9UR33XgbCWZHy5s_xkFs1Vqv0LNuq1xXubZhu9r7-9-QpkYhxqUghLPfLAX0VNN1F1wzL9KgLd6_x_SDk18/s400/DSC00537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks above the Rathaus</td></tr>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-53219909972154734502013-03-07T17:49:00.000+01:002013-03-07T17:49:03.710+01:00Experiencing the best of Vienna<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QfAE68iVkGAuAycwy2QnXzjGNVwv8PFL5rcHqmO6MogG664XlpGlCW8txDwWWspGYFl9R5ah4R5eDa_Z8HQkFK8l2kLq-w7z27nD0ys1PaSwwcLkUoT9vii5kSTtDP_aMy5Q4tUGPT2Y/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QfAE68iVkGAuAycwy2QnXzjGNVwv8PFL5rcHqmO6MogG664XlpGlCW8txDwWWspGYFl9R5ah4R5eDa_Z8HQkFK8l2kLq-w7z27nD0ys1PaSwwcLkUoT9vii5kSTtDP_aMy5Q4tUGPT2Y/s400/DSC00463.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Musikverein at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV5FYhCt8rw9iFgdpJSsz0BeZUyzhkod9171Whr-bqyhr9CbJ-LzPvfArhRYnHdIAoDpXDFTSwghjL7S2xq5vu8MXR48vw_iyNiPb5xcUtz1SEr7u55XJ3sDPC-5Dv2GBJRoLFo8g2_EF/s1600/DSC00462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV5FYhCt8rw9iFgdpJSsz0BeZUyzhkod9171Whr-bqyhr9CbJ-LzPvfArhRYnHdIAoDpXDFTSwghjL7S2xq5vu8MXR48vw_iyNiPb5xcUtz1SEr7u55XJ3sDPC-5Dv2GBJRoLFo8g2_EF/s400/DSC00462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karlskirche</td></tr>
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An evening at the<a href="http://www.musikverein.at/" target="_blank"> Musikverein</a> is a musician's dream. Where better can you hear waltz music and Strauss? In short, no where. Vienna is the best place to celebrate and admire waltz music. We had so much fun. It was really a magical evening.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrwa5MzN4l753AZN8HqUOuXPBu2ho_ebeLbuj1P__lO6HuDL3dpK5hZp8T-Em1DZOeRz0QcMxQvw2Xtm9_HfJzFE2B6xvFIIs1x6NKPn6Ix0rqfQ8wrRpFxftVX7WA5h9xb-Qvm1FoqjN/s1600/DSC00464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrwa5MzN4l753AZN8HqUOuXPBu2ho_ebeLbuj1P__lO6HuDL3dpK5hZp8T-Em1DZOeRz0QcMxQvw2Xtm9_HfJzFE2B6xvFIIs1x6NKPn6Ix0rqfQ8wrRpFxftVX7WA5h9xb-Qvm1FoqjN/s400/DSC00464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We did not hear the Vienna Philharmonic, but attended a concert by the Wiener Ring- Ensemble. A smaller chamber group consisting of members of the Vienna Phil. We give the performers credit for trying to inject some humor into the performances. Perhaps it was geared towards a 75+ aged crowd, but still very entertaining. The very drunk man behind us found it hysterical. But of course, hearing such beautiful music and admiring top notch musicianship is always invigorating and inspiring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhES1QbbhVLxulxH5wNtF4XM6mDjY7qcMfWMCfHZvxmm2kRmiapk7mgmRC3XolgAGKnThlQ0jZ7JvueGo5hMXKK2ZfmvTUmffT_XOvmG4CoKUfzMJWqvdPsf16SjaWGHY9-Y7cUdejH3_/s1600/DSC00475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhES1QbbhVLxulxH5wNtF4XM6mDjY7qcMfWMCfHZvxmm2kRmiapk7mgmRC3XolgAGKnThlQ0jZ7JvueGo5hMXKK2ZfmvTUmffT_XOvmG4CoKUfzMJWqvdPsf16SjaWGHY9-Y7cUdejH3_/s400/DSC00475.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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At intermission, Jaap snuck a peak at the<i> Großer Saal </i>where preparation were underway for the big New Year's Concert that was going to take place two days later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q5ep2GfO6gY_uRytXQp3yv_A9ejDaXka0j771AlmSVdAFhw20NeNfdTu36S6s4FVzJLAeQ6ev0CfoDdKCzAWhTRRs2ML4Uirh4DHaFNWCNkpaUeJAyCW-n-eSH4e0cjMTB1wRZsPwd_B/s1600/DSC00478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q5ep2GfO6gY_uRytXQp3yv_A9ejDaXka0j771AlmSVdAFhw20NeNfdTu36S6s4FVzJLAeQ6ev0CfoDdKCzAWhTRRs2ML4Uirh4DHaFNWCNkpaUeJAyCW-n-eSH4e0cjMTB1wRZsPwd_B/s400/DSC00478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's Jaap at Café Museum before the concert. Not as funky and interesting as I remember from being a student. (It's now part of a franchise of cafés--blah). But what place isn't interesting when I have this handsome hubby to stare at all evening?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo2lrelUFwzfpJ6NNdLmww1mLDH2IarzITtfy6Xi547feV0pdxpk886NsbbirYRHOYtoukJRKGsMxM9BLpvg_wtgB3ulGsae6i-zIXbMWe_jn6emy8y80ULm6UoMGO3doojrX-rY16Uu3/s1600/DSC00461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo2lrelUFwzfpJ6NNdLmww1mLDH2IarzITtfy6Xi547feV0pdxpk886NsbbirYRHOYtoukJRKGsMxM9BLpvg_wtgB3ulGsae6i-zIXbMWe_jn6emy8y80ULm6UoMGO3doojrX-rY16Uu3/s400/DSC00461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-5214064215441481982013-02-20T09:08:00.001+01:002013-02-20T09:08:09.418+01:00A Wiener Melange Melange<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WZE9oJaeN-hx1Jhj7GkfHADQQdjquTID8bEM4yiFUb3z4hswJzttQQ2cuXBb7lvPf4WgUXEzukv97731I8qi__LMxD0Od-oGWYwb7M2MIUVRHyy8-5VVcanaa9AKATgAm0d5k_ywWNw1/s1600/DSC00416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WZE9oJaeN-hx1Jhj7GkfHADQQdjquTID8bEM4yiFUb3z4hswJzttQQ2cuXBb7lvPf4WgUXEzukv97731I8qi__LMxD0Od-oGWYwb7M2MIUVRHyy8-5VVcanaa9AKATgAm0d5k_ywWNw1/s400/DSC00416.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Café Landtmann</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h7MsKTRx4jysJChoHU_OYkkWAaWEOteY60KVOO_b7t09drciBBPunqzangwHusWkwt3fTlhu_fTzXcQFwFXnp7h8xgXvtx6StiyFu-jvPQXvop6dMeU4XJ4d3vt4lXoGygt-dAuqxjTZ/s1600/DSC00421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h7MsKTRx4jysJChoHU_OYkkWAaWEOteY60KVOO_b7t09drciBBPunqzangwHusWkwt3fTlhu_fTzXcQFwFXnp7h8xgXvtx6StiyFu-jvPQXvop6dMeU4XJ4d3vt4lXoGygt-dAuqxjTZ/s400/DSC00421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying lunch</td></tr>
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Who does coffee better than the Viennese? Okay, maybe the Italians and I'm sure you can argue many more. (I had some <i>amazing</i> coffee in Rome). But who has the best café culture? Hands down, the Wieners! Jaap and I spent a very romantic (and cold) holiday in Vienna to celebrate the New Year. The highlight for me...coffee!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87rkZvfjRCQxQWTSUPVfGjBbH3Yn_ywr_PA88X9bo2lzPvtZNE5Wuz-TW0A3Qph241nlGTRvMADkDbgC8f1PRP8mnycVs-ME5iMWmNogzFxXWe0ISRUvBEOxZKoCHu2FHuqUQp0eFxD8d/s1600/DSC00417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87rkZvfjRCQxQWTSUPVfGjBbH3Yn_ywr_PA88X9bo2lzPvtZNE5Wuz-TW0A3Qph241nlGTRvMADkDbgC8f1PRP8mnycVs-ME5iMWmNogzFxXWe0ISRUvBEOxZKoCHu2FHuqUQp0eFxD8d/s400/DSC00417.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Way too excited for this coffee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqALRqu-1J5hEI0wLsHVzWm8uTjxW79oEfySdC38zC3BSzWSAk_INsPlrIWRExTJnk5Htv0vZCxML5Lff5zGgVGJTxNjwoOV5V2tpXpYQQ3VVj98WAQWg5RyZU0TN_h-zeKjLOggnuIu_N/s1600/DSC00338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqALRqu-1J5hEI0wLsHVzWm8uTjxW79oEfySdC38zC3BSzWSAk_INsPlrIWRExTJnk5Htv0vZCxML5Lff5zGgVGJTxNjwoOV5V2tpXpYQQ3VVj98WAQWg5RyZU0TN_h-zeKjLOggnuIu_N/s400/DSC00338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A return to one of my favorite places as a student, Café Stein</td></tr>
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Sitting with Jaap in these these smoky places made me miss Vienna so much. I was amazed by how much the Viennese are still smoking up in cafés and restaurants. I guess old habits die hard.<br />
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All I could do was reminisce about my great memories from this beautiful city. So many good times to think about. I had such a love for this city when I left the first time that I was afraid it wouldn't be the same when we returned on this trip. And of course it wasn't. Vienna felt very different to me, but in a good way. It still felt like I was returning home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphytShTZbb1Ccf0PR6k_rWYJAZe4CCzaHClmRkZ3rBl5GPyEDhgrtOGwsLbVLeNoU1gBRPkiWwUFy3Wnv5hcFjSJ-ZernVAcrvDbSY2fMCAss9vMn87YBCjWzfnl05MOwiP1_VNBQzgGI/s1600/DSC00557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphytShTZbb1Ccf0PR6k_rWYJAZe4CCzaHClmRkZ3rBl5GPyEDhgrtOGwsLbVLeNoU1gBRPkiWwUFy3Wnv5hcFjSJ-ZernVAcrvDbSY2fMCAss9vMn87YBCjWzfnl05MOwiP1_VNBQzgGI/s400/DSC00557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch at Café Leopold</td></tr>
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[As you can see, I enjoyed documenting our hot drinks at various cafés. I've been inspired by one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.viennaforbeginners.com/" target="_blank">Merisi's Vienna for Beginners</a>. Visit her daily blog to see the beauty of Vienna and especially their café culture.]Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-32664590615020974252013-02-15T08:15:00.000+01:002013-02-20T08:49:48.524+01:00Alaaf 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KRNQozysbDDvQxICFSTmm-kE7UDx9njXH7RGNSDH4YaJDcEbvXjnKLWZ9somV7xed8W74uHEH1Od-oSh5qAAwJBcAzJ49Ny2Q7FWuBgIqM1A2zozC-7tHkZWLdeocp-CAzQIMvd5V6RC/s1600/P2090018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KRNQozysbDDvQxICFSTmm-kE7UDx9njXH7RGNSDH4YaJDcEbvXjnKLWZ9somV7xed8W74uHEH1Od-oSh5qAAwJBcAzJ49Ny2Q7FWuBgIqM1A2zozC-7tHkZWLdeocp-CAzQIMvd5V6RC/s400/P2090018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another Carnaval season has come and gone, but not without some celebration! It's one of the greatest perks of living in the southern part of the Netherlands. Here's a quick glimpse of our Sunday party. (Sunday is the beginning of the festivities, here in Maastricht). And since my camera died 20 minutes after we left the house (oopps) all photos are courtesy of my friend Erika Douma.</div>
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Now that the "Alaaf" season is done and winter has no end in sight, what's next? I guess we have to start looking forward to spring. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArc4ELT5kPM4Eb-gNq5chJVzhAIo3fGxbIlxPSWsjQ8fP8iLtlY8wQessG088shcUKOpm15CYmCkrs9ZH3mzZ5DPidHi7fCI4_6IKaNugw1lEMvxb3-y_VpNFfnwfge3ztANMukvyIKBQ/s1600/P2090045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArc4ELT5kPM4Eb-gNq5chJVzhAIo3fGxbIlxPSWsjQ8fP8iLtlY8wQessG088shcUKOpm15CYmCkrs9ZH3mzZ5DPidHi7fCI4_6IKaNugw1lEMvxb3-y_VpNFfnwfge3ztANMukvyIKBQ/s400/P2090045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiB9uwq9ft2A-PS9fvINurQoYImk96sewsxDOiPv8lGwrcAEzO5kBcXFFUsMtVo0FKgPud8Q7WJA1hP98X3E80lv2tYFDIybS85oArUuWW3yf8HoRPlTzgj9JH1XRI3QBcjQHtOHxyERF/s1600/P2090020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiB9uwq9ft2A-PS9fvINurQoYImk96sewsxDOiPv8lGwrcAEzO5kBcXFFUsMtVo0FKgPud8Q7WJA1hP98X3E80lv2tYFDIybS85oArUuWW3yf8HoRPlTzgj9JH1XRI3QBcjQHtOHxyERF/s400/P2090020.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old NYC buds reunite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4p4wHKV6XG8bLulgIBZaMy7BtfinlIiw7goXFcQQefvpMHr34p9Q7fAnVkO3kY0TjFkTA_bmvymbZud1qP5FVYlOe4XvoOjN5WsR2eBQ1Kw4wlXutR8CY4r8Dg-AJtDLiNHhGvvTt42I/s1600/P2090037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4p4wHKV6XG8bLulgIBZaMy7BtfinlIiw7goXFcQQefvpMHr34p9Q7fAnVkO3kY0TjFkTA_bmvymbZud1qP5FVYlOe4XvoOjN5WsR2eBQ1Kw4wlXutR8CY4r8Dg-AJtDLiNHhGvvTt42I/s400/P2090037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lance Armstrong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZqX_D08HkfCxevdETr7JCgXWBxhJLWEdXvfNMzupcQ4t9QbjtoejXMgJ8E7xuONwTecSnjHZRGGcv-SYPdMv9wOxw4HYOp6-j58_k0x6gJ_vAbtW4lg59qaUm08Owd9PPmJyblP4xkUW/s1600/P2100125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZqX_D08HkfCxevdETr7JCgXWBxhJLWEdXvfNMzupcQ4t9QbjtoejXMgJ8E7xuONwTecSnjHZRGGcv-SYPdMv9wOxw4HYOp6-j58_k0x6gJ_vAbtW4lg59qaUm08Owd9PPmJyblP4xkUW/s400/P2100125.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great costume!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamFuxS6Hc0hq_0-g59vmh2Ebcq96R3SoVRFxe6NnXZZFOZkdvDdnbZILJVP75wimAmVweDhKuAvB85hRopte7oEbTjJzn-gTdJUxIMOwCzsWt8oANvqKjArmyhqDQpez3oQOUsXAKxApg/s1600/P2090050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamFuxS6Hc0hq_0-g59vmh2Ebcq96R3SoVRFxe6NnXZZFOZkdvDdnbZILJVP75wimAmVweDhKuAvB85hRopte7oEbTjJzn-gTdJUxIMOwCzsWt8oANvqKjArmyhqDQpez3oQOUsXAKxApg/s400/P2090050.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Red Riding Hood drinking Jager</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-11014813255577725402013-02-08T17:26:00.000+01:002013-02-08T17:26:30.944+01:00The blog lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5xZHWRYdSaZJgtYrHLrMmsRv4GPxuWqm2tg580aIV9sdaa7KiQwH-1JIPgooWFFdU_mYUhOPtvuCOIBjB4yKOYkh4inV4nORwUjBL0wHXNeObfKBJJq42vecpTE7Pjc_L503nH69o-h_/s1600/P1000636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5xZHWRYdSaZJgtYrHLrMmsRv4GPxuWqm2tg580aIV9sdaa7KiQwH-1JIPgooWFFdU_mYUhOPtvuCOIBjB4yKOYkh4inV4nORwUjBL0wHXNeObfKBJJq42vecpTE7Pjc_L503nH69o-h_/s400/P1000636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw4kkrKso0U-9sfHQhEe7qVvK36G8EBjBGOfcegRs0RnL1-jh-fRjOsQ952DiIXkllf9c69oZob64i7v5QmZ7_25PyMPr75fX_CUuXoo8oBJw0yufw85NjDcgffjSHNjN6P2W99jiEyRq/s1600/P1000635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw4kkrKso0U-9sfHQhEe7qVvK36G8EBjBGOfcegRs0RnL1-jh-fRjOsQ952DiIXkllf9c69oZob64i7v5QmZ7_25PyMPr75fX_CUuXoo8oBJw0yufw85NjDcgffjSHNjN6P2W99jiEyRq/s400/P1000635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Adventures with Jaap </i>lives. I've had a super long hiatus from the blog. Life has been busy...our two weddings, the holidays, many gatherings with friends, a trip to Vienna, and now Carnaval. Time flies. So many things have happened and I've been too busy to keep up with it on the blog. The good news--I'm loving married life with Jaap! So <i>Adventures with Jaap</i> returns. But really...anybody out there reading this? </div>
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Here's a little bit more of our trip to New York this fall. Once stranded in NY thanks to Hurricane Sandy, we spent an extra week with Jaap's parents exploring the beautiful Hudson Valley. Here we are having fun seeing <a href="http://www.stormking.org/" target="_blank">Storm King Art Center</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1fMZege9YfNfO7sUrWpPRcGfADrEZ9fo-GEKp3ogKi0eFFO7VjOJ79VNNQ-isO42xnYZp-StUbBLG3M2YR1tjFUa4ywa_JWgPZtQEopn1tj_gcNj_APLw9eU7mFfbxi4Byg1Nfj62ObS/s1600/P1000602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1fMZege9YfNfO7sUrWpPRcGfADrEZ9fo-GEKp3ogKi0eFFO7VjOJ79VNNQ-isO42xnYZp-StUbBLG3M2YR1tjFUa4ywa_JWgPZtQEopn1tj_gcNj_APLw9eU7mFfbxi4Byg1Nfj62ObS/s400/P1000602.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNqVXOuhI7iYRz4dc1GnHi49DARdg6a4m1hoeyzsp_pYt83pUCEb37nnm3fAFyfs-zcIabVPqlRk3tOLL4PY3l12exs76_DLjpgxu0e83aeMyDPlRktBNnCt4clFB-o2fN1I0hK5jkDqZ/s1600/P1000614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNqVXOuhI7iYRz4dc1GnHi49DARdg6a4m1hoeyzsp_pYt83pUCEb37nnm3fAFyfs-zcIabVPqlRk3tOLL4PY3l12exs76_DLjpgxu0e83aeMyDPlRktBNnCt4clFB-o2fN1I0hK5jkDqZ/s400/P1000614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YKol_OoPk-jQRbdD5pmk6LvG58gpe3yGY-Nzp7769BNYM2VehY1L4L2hhMF-aQYtk_kC9POlgIl0pbxPodrDoq6B_DAIIGkkNpC-lhvfjntOstxx-b1vn2pLF-_3wWEH-UTEQQMKqfst/s1600/P1000627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YKol_OoPk-jQRbdD5pmk6LvG58gpe3yGY-Nzp7769BNYM2VehY1L4L2hhMF-aQYtk_kC9POlgIl0pbxPodrDoq6B_DAIIGkkNpC-lhvfjntOstxx-b1vn2pLF-_3wWEH-UTEQQMKqfst/s400/P1000627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs0I9wL8lqaiXKYRgtnAD4tzM6yEYFtNeW1Y5Y3aG3RGWMl8Ow6bVk1rh923Zw90Oy6ZwJSp6SCDEii8K-TjZ5lTe1w0zJgKuAN3nkd4PGsnzFkJQ6b-F81xpv3Qe2LztwZNw4BRNy4Ct/s1600/P1000632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs0I9wL8lqaiXKYRgtnAD4tzM6yEYFtNeW1Y5Y3aG3RGWMl8Ow6bVk1rh923Zw90Oy6ZwJSp6SCDEii8K-TjZ5lTe1w0zJgKuAN3nkd4PGsnzFkJQ6b-F81xpv3Qe2LztwZNw4BRNy4Ct/s400/P1000632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa7NGDgetncRfzwTX4WBE1_rsjNb8di5YSxhXpFNfVeBAYhM7Pitb5gWJgp7jZipKuS2XIcQ3wth5aebSOae8esqVMHioZf1BrhF-jax-Uz4cGDh8JjcFSrxUraZN6fA_UEPAWItb_QfO/s1600/P1000595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa7NGDgetncRfzwTX4WBE1_rsjNb8di5YSxhXpFNfVeBAYhM7Pitb5gWJgp7jZipKuS2XIcQ3wth5aebSOae8esqVMHioZf1BrhF-jax-Uz4cGDh8JjcFSrxUraZN6fA_UEPAWItb_QfO/s400/P1000595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-59441316146612688732012-11-18T10:58:00.000+01:002012-11-18T10:59:52.579+01:00Autumn in New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfqT4glgmkNB-Je2qptjKypOlFjXpiR7GljJbNmPCqY5z2HKd1RBvUfrqQbpLcEf6gMR_shixQYQ9e9U_L1-EZXdgY45M1Sp4mGzqR3r3p5PxeZ93TZFUXg030HG2p-01vkVm1DO2pMLb/s1600/P1000383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfqT4glgmkNB-Je2qptjKypOlFjXpiR7GljJbNmPCqY5z2HKd1RBvUfrqQbpLcEf6gMR_shixQYQ9e9U_L1-EZXdgY45M1Sp4mGzqR3r3p5PxeZ93TZFUXg030HG2p-01vkVm1DO2pMLb/s400/P1000383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Autumn in New York". Does life get any better than this? Fall is my favorite season and we could not have asked for a better day walking through Central Park in NYC. Sunshine, fall foilage in full bloom, and family. It was a nice relaxing day leading up to our wedding the following weekend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFJ_n7kl3P6JjCfTF3hywYu41tFLMfetRTPcDJoMP-8-J6fFLiIA0cB1OBv3WRQKnYgPemMnG4yfDAl6_IcFWqE5nBpHUy2EeDqj_UxaxCI_pfjOpeawQkU-kRC1OAYsEzhEbEUSXPFm-/s1600/P1000366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFJ_n7kl3P6JjCfTF3hywYu41tFLMfetRTPcDJoMP-8-J6fFLiIA0cB1OBv3WRQKnYgPemMnG4yfDAl6_IcFWqE5nBpHUy2EeDqj_UxaxCI_pfjOpeawQkU-kRC1OAYsEzhEbEUSXPFm-/s400/P1000366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunshine behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ4EP8ngZ3j3jLrHxQZcSDgAJSPNu40HWF-_Pxj8TlJAO2KqiRWmJ-FWFIJGNfhd-DHTwp5hXQx42JoRCbowxtpBeaL5HkzcbzCDFMH5Qtiv2Ruf2R9-QMTFmXhsPhXvSda3K62pM15CD/s1600/P1000379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ4EP8ngZ3j3jLrHxQZcSDgAJSPNu40HWF-_Pxj8TlJAO2KqiRWmJ-FWFIJGNfhd-DHTwp5hXQx42JoRCbowxtpBeaL5HkzcbzCDFMH5Qtiv2Ruf2R9-QMTFmXhsPhXvSda3K62pM15CD/s400/P1000379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop & Joey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2zZhyXJxizOi0J9xsoCN2kxRIAXwfwVeAR4FF3IEVwMdgi9TuDgKZnPFnFx6i6LPCWo_8bmoG0rn0bRhT1GkQ69pYM7SogQzPDRLwB4liOzS3jF6sFoQcx9_gIzuWNBoL1kV5ZPKyfez/s1600/P1000405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2zZhyXJxizOi0J9xsoCN2kxRIAXwfwVeAR4FF3IEVwMdgi9TuDgKZnPFnFx6i6LPCWo_8bmoG0rn0bRhT1GkQ69pYM7SogQzPDRLwB4liOzS3jF6sFoQcx9_gIzuWNBoL1kV5ZPKyfez/s400/P1000405.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a wish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFTDdxtvbvEudUfxToNA9erWeNKsoeH1D84mo8Vck2JkMVHQB5CjERjj86whh9jtAkt7NG0zBjrp0fUK73C4C91GY6aS1YFxDVTHsmXooNotMSVRYchlHTrK-cMNv6U97f8MWXYYgtTjT/s1600/P1000406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFTDdxtvbvEudUfxToNA9erWeNKsoeH1D84mo8Vck2JkMVHQB5CjERjj86whh9jtAkt7NG0zBjrp0fUK73C4C91GY6aS1YFxDVTHsmXooNotMSVRYchlHTrK-cMNv6U97f8MWXYYgtTjT/s640/P1000406.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Mom at the Bethesda Fountain</td></tr>
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Strolling the Mall in Central Park. I felt like we were walking through a painting. What's better than this? Okay- perhaps Paris in Fall is a close second. :)</div>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-11971081750997558062012-11-02T04:27:00.002+01:002012-11-02T04:35:04.780+01:00We're married--We zijn getrouwd!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Heather Costa</td></tr>
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It's official. Jaap and I are married! October 27, 2012 will be remembered as the best day of my life. A beautiful fall day on the Hudson River at <a href="http://mountgulian.org/" target="_blank">Mount Gulian</a> in Fishkill, NY. We're so grateful that everyone we love traveled near and far to celebrate with us. Having our Dutch family and friends there, who traveled from the Netherlands, meant so much to us. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world and I'm so excited to continue my "Adventures with Jaap" for many years to come. More about the wedding on another post.</div>
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Sadly enough, our wedding "high" has been grounded by the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy. Our vacation has been extended an extra week because of flight cancelations, but that's nothing. My hearts go out to everyone in the northeast especially people in NY, CT and NJ who have been affected by this storm. It's horrible and sad to see the city and region I love so much struggling during this scary time. Thankfully my parents have power back and all of our loved ones are safe. I only wish it was the same for the rest of the northeast. New Yorkers are tough, but please send these people some love. The last few days have made me feel extra lucky for what I have, especially my hubby. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by my beautiful sister-in-law Annabelle Jansen-Bak</td></tr>
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Thanks to my dear friend <a href="http://www.heathercosta.com/index.html" target="_blank">Heather Costa</a> for posting this picture on FB. Visit her website at <a href="http://heathercosta.com/">heathercosta.com</a>. She's an amazing voice over artist! XOXO</div>
Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340032155900301120.post-11932099940550737922012-10-03T08:43:00.000+02:002012-10-03T08:56:04.017+02:00In Bruges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of all the places I have been, Bruges is still one of my favorites. This small medieval city is simply gorgeous. <a href="http://adventureswithjaap.blogspot.nl/2011/01/bruges-belgium-part-i.html" target="_blank">Jaap and I traveled there after Christmas 2010</a>. It was nice to return and see the city with my friends who also appreciate good beer and chocolate! Go check out <a href="http://www.thechocolateline.be/" target="_blank">The Chocolate Line</a>. It was recommended to us by a local. We were literally speechless.<br />
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We toured the De Halve Maan Brewery, sampled some brew, and afterwards walked through the Markt. The weather was freezing for August, but we didn't care. We were so happy for all of us to be together. It was the perfect day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the brewery</td></tr>
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I'm glad we got to do some new things that Jaap and I missed our first time Bruges. We enjoyed a nice boat cruise to see Bruges by boat all while trying to understand the commentary by the driver. Apparently he was speaking in English, but we couldn't make out anything. Still fun though.</div>
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And no trip to Bruges would be complete without some mussels. <i>Lekker!!!!</i></div>
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<br />Elena Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074081804196273785noreply@blogger.com0