tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6146942427039465032024-03-05T06:02:42.227-08:00Crossroads in Abu DhabiLynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-46469100029155401582012-06-19T06:05:00.001-07:002012-06-19T06:05:09.189-07:00Father's Day Weekend 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We were so lucky for Father's Day weekend that it fell on an unexpected school holiday! Heather was able to come over and spend the night Wednesday night, and then I got to leave school at 9:00 on Thursday morning. We headed over to Muscat for a 4-day weekend and Steph was able to get her first real visit to Oman!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Started the weekend with a late birthday cake for Heather. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It's "Happy Bird-Day!"</span> </td></tr>
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We stayed at the Barr Al Jissah resort in Muscat. It has 3 parts, and we stayed in the family part, Al Waha. We were able to get a family suite, so it was really reasonably priced and fun to all get to be together.<br />
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This is the entrance to the whole complex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is looking from our balcony out toward the sea and the adult part of the resort up on the cliffs.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking from our balcony back toward the mountains</span></td></tr>
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Although we stayed in the family section, we spent most of our time at the middle section of the resort, Al Bandar. The beach there was almost deserted, and we had very few "neighbors" while sitting in our chairs looking out at the water.....ah....relaxation. The staff came around periodically to bring us coolers with iced-down water bottles, cold washcloths for refreshing, and delicious platters of freshly cut fruit......NICE!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The water was just cold enough to be refreshing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Couldn't get my camera flash to work right for night photos, so this is using Cory's phone as a flashlight---ha-ha!! This is looking back at our hotel from across the bay. There was a great paved walkway that was perfect for evening strolls</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lazy River that flowed between the 3 hotel sections</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Start of the Lazy River </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chess Board with a great view!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camels on beach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turtle nests</span></td></tr>
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Kim and Cory got to go scuba diving. This was Kim's first dive, and he was SO excited to see turtles, eels, a leopard shark, and MANY different varieties of fish and coral.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What will I see??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almost ready!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Castle on the beach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the boat</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, the girls are smiling!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Father's Day from your 2 girls!</span></td></tr>
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-81927977674045902132012-04-17T07:47:00.001-07:002012-05-01T07:27:23.941-07:00Thailand: Spring Break 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We had an amazing spring break in Thailand! I was able to get off work early on Thursday before Spring Break because my principal told me I "deserved" to leave at 9:00!! Ha-ha! What a hoot! I went home and packed my suitcase....yes, I left it until the last minute!<br />
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We met Heather at the Abu Dhabi Airport and flew out Thursday night, arriving in Bangkok early Friday morning. We were spending a few nights at the Banyan Tree. Everybody told us we wouldn't like Bangkok, but we needed to at least see it. We also planned a couple of things that would be more easily accessible from there, so it worked out. The Banyan Tree was a really neat place, with the MOST delicious breakfasts!! Every morning I had bacon, bacon, bacon! Mmmmmmm.....enjoying just remembering those breakfasts! :)<br />
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Walking around the city was great. There were small business vendors EVERYWHERE. They sold everything from clothing and jewelry to freshly cooked food. We were a little leery about trying street food our first day or two! We saw small temples on each corner. It was explained that they put up the temple and placed offerings there so the store would receive blessings and protection.<br />
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We also saw an unusual Ronald McDonald, with his hands in the greeting position for "<span class="st"><span class="ft">Sa-wàt dee." </span></span><br />
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We had a driver and guide who took us to the Bridge on the River Kwai. We actually took a boat ride that went under the bridge before we went up top.<br />
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We got to walk across the bridge. It was eery to think of all the men who had spent some miserable years here, and yet here were all these tourists flocking around buying souvenirs!!<br />
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We ate lunch at this floating restaurant: very enjoyable and breezy on a hot day!<br />
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We toured the Jeath War Museum, where they had photos of many of the men who were imprisoned there during the war and forced to build the Burma railroad, particularly the bridge over this river. They had a re-constructed barracks so you could see how the men lived day-to-day. They also had photos showing many of the survivors who returned later in life to see where they had suffered.<br />
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We traveled to the cemetery where many of the dead are interred.<br />
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Heather and Kim had their photo made with some of the monks who serve at the temple of this area. (Kim had to stand between Heather and the monks so it would be allowed to photograph them.)<br />
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After the bridge, we headed to the Tiger Preserve, where the monks care for tigers. This is the entrance, and our van about to head inside.<br />
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The monks have special relationships with the tigers. The oldest tiger there is believed to be the reincarnation of the monk's best friend.<br />
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We walked around and in among the tigers. This is Kim (can you see him?) petting one of the tigers from behind. I'm not sure what Kim was doing, but the tiger wasn't too pleased! Ha-ha! No, seriously, you had to hold the hand of one of the workers in the purple shirts to walk around, and they got quite upset with you if you did not walk exactly where they told you to. Then, when you pet the tiger, you had to use a very firm hand. Otherwise, they might think it's a pesky fly and try to swat you. That happened to me once. I was just gently rubbing the hair, and the tiger whisked around. I jumped and was told "firm hand!"<br />
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After they rounded us all up, they let us take turns walking the tigers down to their play area and the river.<br />
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Then, we got to pet a few of the tigers off their chains in their play area.<br />
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Here I'm squinting because we had to take off our sunglasses (in case the tigers thought the sunglasses were toys and would leap for them). Unfortunately, my sunglasses are also my prescription glasses, so I can't see a thing! Ha-ha!<br />
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We also got to pet some baby tigers! Awwwww.......<br />
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Then we watched some people who had paid to play in the water with the tigers.....uh-uh.....NOT ME!!<br />
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Karmen joined us the next day for some Wat viewing. We visited Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), which is the oldest and biggest temple in Bangkok. It has the most pagodas in the city and was the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage.....more about that later! We took a boat down the Chao Phraya River to get there.</div>
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To get to the next site, the Grand Palace, we had to take another boat ride and walk through a maze of SMELLY street vendors. Had to literally hold my breath and walk very quickly so I wouldn't get sick!</div>
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You +1'd this publicly. <a class="fl" href="http://www.google.ae/webhp?sourceid=toolbar-instant&hl=en&ion=1&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4TSNA_enUS388US389#"><span style="color: #1122cc;">Undo</span></a></div>
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<span class="st"><span class="ft">Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi's death was in the news while we were there</span></span>. She actually passed away in July of 2011, but the ceremony is only now being held. Kim had read about it in the newspaper and told me a few days earlier. Then, when we were walking to the Grand Palace, we saw what we thought was a big parade. It turned out to be the practice ceremony for her cremation.</div>
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After the ceremony ended, we were allowed inside the Grand Palace, but we had to be fully covered. So we donned our sweaters in the sweltering heat and toured the grounds.<br />
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Gotta love their signage: "Properly dresses must be held all the time"</div>
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We did a little shopping and then headed back down the river to our hotel.</div>
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For our last night in Bangkok, we ate some Sushi and headed out to see the strange happenings in dark-thirty Bangkok. It was..........interesting.......and that's all I'm gonna say 'bout that!</div>
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We flew to Krabi, and the worst that happened was that Karmen's was the only luggage that arrived! Kim, Heather, and I were each missing a bag. They said the best case scenario was that it would come in on the next plane from Bangkok and they would deliver it to us. Well, the best case happened, and our luggage arrived about 5 hours later.</div>
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We were staying at the Phu Petra Boutique Hotel in Krabi. It is a lovely little place that offered lots of quiet and gorgeous views of the cliffs. To get into town or to the beach, we could either ride in the back of a truck (which everybody does) or take a tuk-tuk. We used both options several times.</div>
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Our room and bath for 10 days:</div>
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We went on an elephant ride through the jungle, and our elephant was very sweet, so our driver let Kim and me do the driving. Heather and Karmen were on a very head-strong elephant, so their driver had to keep him on a short leash!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSshiMhwsqG9TZWcLI6mTkGTakNW_GE9hnQJwNSyzN2oi4mM5AdRChuBbFP6YmxrvsN2Gl2jiSNyAx8fx65jtiF72lgRYYdSReeLibFQ1VEttiFpiwrWF4VEeulLnphaJQYhPn9q0GAM/s1600/a+headstrong+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSshiMhwsqG9TZWcLI6mTkGTakNW_GE9hnQJwNSyzN2oi4mM5AdRChuBbFP6YmxrvsN2Gl2jiSNyAx8fx65jtiF72lgRYYdSReeLibFQ1VEttiFpiwrWF4VEeulLnphaJQYhPn9q0GAM/s400/a+headstrong+elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another day we took a speed-boat ride around some islands: Phi-Phi Don, Monkey Island, Bamboo Island, and more: GORGEOUS and FUN!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking in at Maya Bay (where "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vEmqaGPlxNxODvup7qsTMtsuEC1NGkVLl7_mNge8-_n0zAHqcsQkJg7-KyIR7twkd5eaY7OnqngEMRPk0aX2FF0tcpZOsbdU7bVg-IqPKkQvtedvtl0y72B4GRO9ihEZduelbQLyLmQ/s1600/a+beach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vEmqaGPlxNxODvup7qsTMtsuEC1NGkVLl7_mNge8-_n0zAHqcsQkJg7-KyIR7twkd5eaY7OnqngEMRPk0aX2FF0tcpZOsbdU7bVg-IqPKkQvtedvtl0y72B4GRO9ihEZduelbQLyLmQ/s400/a+beach+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amazing variety of fish and crystal clear water!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ha-ha! The boat almost ran us over!!</span></td></tr>
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Another day we took a long-tail boat over to Railay Island to spend the day and go kayaking to some sea caves.....again, DELIGHTFUL!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved the cliffs going right down to the water's edge. We took the kayaks around this point</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I want to live in the house with the red roof and look at this view each morning</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwmYVNhrnxM5BfDi-B3TXDZdiKUotaqPUEuZptcKRMSAhCGB2XFmiQRx2pKz4U4vPJmMHP55EAAQ8cB_ne_BHPdIwEIzVok0dyJ3GHHG1c4YCJodIojfd1OdCmnwigOyE5yx36Yojy8/s1600/a+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwmYVNhrnxM5BfDi-B3TXDZdiKUotaqPUEuZptcKRMSAhCGB2XFmiQRx2pKz4U4vPJmMHP55EAAQ8cB_ne_BHPdIwEIzVok0dyJ3GHHG1c4YCJodIojfd1OdCmnwigOyE5yx36Yojy8/s400/a+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We tried to keep well-hydrated.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAXte9Qh3qWRt9xO2oNLOYFrdrxPrwH1OM7AZjjo-oamq3AsQX6QU3GyYwszX6DdTq9KNM6Xye10a43p2UxN4bDPGazHlOxrRTZ1jMHwaolA-l6mlKfDagiAr3j7jMsgKJBN_yYCRI1E/s1600/a+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAXte9Qh3qWRt9xO2oNLOYFrdrxPrwH1OM7AZjjo-oamq3AsQX6QU3GyYwszX6DdTq9KNM6Xye10a43p2UxN4bDPGazHlOxrRTZ1jMHwaolA-l6mlKfDagiAr3j7jMsgKJBN_yYCRI1E/s400/a+drink.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">See??</span></td></tr>
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Then, we went to the Tiger Cave Temple and climbed 2,307 steps to the very top ~ Needless to say, we were in pain for the next few days!! We literally moaned every time we had to lift a leg to climb the 3 steps up to eat breakfast. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b7NMaUi834K2BhwY3vFpvTtX0yxU0FhbYBO4waWogH317BxGf5a_EygQKZurgAPjDBgxgcF7_rW1YlgncZSPoHcthxVwft5PmLrA8lG3pIf1Xefn2UlbdvAwWneKfdY6S1DRJjf8pTs/s1600/a+top+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b7NMaUi834K2BhwY3vFpvTtX0yxU0FhbYBO4waWogH317BxGf5a_EygQKZurgAPjDBgxgcF7_rW1YlgncZSPoHcthxVwft5PmLrA8lG3pIf1Xefn2UlbdvAwWneKfdY6S1DRJjf8pTs/s400/a+top+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the top: WE MADE IT!!!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsKbIq-lm-pnl5z1TJq8c1usb_WQT9l32kAyYoiOOGAMGsMr-iRQ7w8jrDC-Kp8TqBsZyqAhlnLQ0mMeUy8AA83YsuPPIIO1rxoZOo1KcMVJrWqKBq1AYXM5LmQ8TWtqXQg68orf2kbA/s1600/a+monkey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsKbIq-lm-pnl5z1TJq8c1usb_WQT9l32kAyYoiOOGAMGsMr-iRQ7w8jrDC-Kp8TqBsZyqAhlnLQ0mMeUy8AA83YsuPPIIO1rxoZOo1KcMVJrWqKBq1AYXM5LmQ8TWtqXQg68orf2kbA/s400/a+monkey2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The monkeys were NOT friendly. They would attack anyone who appeared to have food!! Scared three girls in front of us to death! Here is Kim right after he squirted the monkey with water!! Monkey is a little upset!! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaXFc-E7Zc94hXWS9wAjCZiTNv-H2q5ZUhnIK-PNsKUeleBb1VTlM9RXlxh35UX6Xvtbog9YMwcBxSwhKgH6_2BJhijPjM6mH2M3x8IHw_wRmRBsY-G6pn-eBNUVBuaCX4YgMklvlFVA/s1600/a+exhausted+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaXFc-E7Zc94hXWS9wAjCZiTNv-H2q5ZUhnIK-PNsKUeleBb1VTlM9RXlxh35UX6Xvtbog9YMwcBxSwhKgH6_2BJhijPjM6mH2M3x8IHw_wRmRBsY-G6pn-eBNUVBuaCX4YgMklvlFVA/s400/a+exhausted+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the climb....exhausted but proud!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27Z9a52wU367MJKCGruh6ICb_EgM8NNPZ2N13HbxnamFEwu96uAXUD2l7ehHrcSjg8J1WkYpvnOZNHPomObb6Vpl-C4JAPNZFEapmYKrAte9jRQtOFNa3jR-PJFoS-QFhBm_Lb0oTC7k/s1600/a+exhausted+lynn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27Z9a52wU367MJKCGruh6ICb_EgM8NNPZ2N13HbxnamFEwu96uAXUD2l7ehHrcSjg8J1WkYpvnOZNHPomObb6Vpl-C4JAPNZFEapmYKrAte9jRQtOFNa3jR-PJFoS-QFhBm_Lb0oTC7k/s400/a+exhausted+lynn2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can rule the world now! :)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDSKEIZum8JHCyl28UhwNXJpFruSiAVfiCVtiJrSpdauMRlKHepSHXENE5L616ZlcsF5RdsMqW9pgGxboTCP-pGJT7xOrQKJ8rTSBGuOLrS4tht_dzk6pwc4mazNyofSD0AbXKSrk5k0/s1600/a+pagoda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDSKEIZum8JHCyl28UhwNXJpFruSiAVfiCVtiJrSpdauMRlKHepSHXENE5L616ZlcsF5RdsMqW9pgGxboTCP-pGJT7xOrQKJ8rTSBGuOLrS4tht_dzk6pwc4mazNyofSD0AbXKSrk5k0/s400/a+pagoda2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pagoda of Guanshiyin, Goddess of Compassion</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI8-wIGMlOSMtEOtuWrKzudW4uTbObkricRDvpSmO4pdT2tfxstuo7k065YS0zc54Ngc35drqhXBmjv9sNECx-Ra0-1ieb88pxrazN2Bog4Zl0ACCc1Eez6gxeHtfBDn7ZEHs6KfDGIQ/s1600/a+tiger+cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI8-wIGMlOSMtEOtuWrKzudW4uTbObkricRDvpSmO4pdT2tfxstuo7k065YS0zc54Ngc35drqhXBmjv9sNECx-Ra0-1ieb88pxrazN2Bog4Zl0ACCc1Eez6gxeHtfBDn7ZEHs6KfDGIQ/s400/a+tiger+cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<span style="font-size: small;">iger Cave: the tiger lived here until the monks frightened him off</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi2rGmP2xy_kt2aEAPHFO4nUUOtN7BQKJeb13UQkGQMVFr-T5SNOF6SE2aKz8NGJWz72oqrxTLLn3OxfxDcxfFATqtvCrNyGE30Ja0eLGMOTn4hBtVxeDNaNOVb8Vm3HLC7m6IIsZQkk/s1600/a+inside+tiger+cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi2rGmP2xy_kt2aEAPHFO4nUUOtN7BQKJeb13UQkGQMVFr-T5SNOF6SE2aKz8NGJWz72oqrxTLLn3OxfxDcxfFATqtvCrNyGE30Ja0eLGMOTn4hBtVxeDNaNOVb8Vm3HLC7m6IIsZQkk/s400/a+inside+tiger+cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">People leave offerings here.</span></td></tr>
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That was our last day of physical exertion. We were ready for some down time. We enjoyed so many relaxing days at the beach and pool! I had never had a massage before, but I managed to work in 3 while I was there. I'm hooked! It was also a treat just to stay in one place for a while. Our last few vacations we have traveled to a new location every few days, so this was a real treat. We got to know the wait-staff quite well. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacb4srvxo8TU_t3_C_7KfgkiLW9gn7rx5yx8g8EQt1f0g9UZRxCnQZSUzDqOU2yHuGa-1-0DQSu7jk4DElboVsxvqI6kuvyv1w-OhH5uRhLhUE_AxFVqJLKjzvPGxFRkxIOr_d6sSUJA/s1600/a+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacb4srvxo8TU_t3_C_7KfgkiLW9gn7rx5yx8g8EQt1f0g9UZRxCnQZSUzDqOU2yHuGa-1-0DQSu7jk4DElboVsxvqI6kuvyv1w-OhH5uRhLhUE_AxFVqJLKjzvPGxFRkxIOr_d6sSUJA/s400/a+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What a view!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vgzKrmKtFC2PeeNvK1CjSlK6Q-QMsLn3YL_ju0o-jR6dHF4vvPYx3ccoPxqxe1jezF9M_3_T606P_AAh5nDTLVPmW2KHL-SfvCzzcyuIAzdfw3OHOlURXqS95vYdu5MFx34X3Vu1BxE/s1600/ood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vgzKrmKtFC2PeeNvK1CjSlK6Q-QMsLn3YL_ju0o-jR6dHF4vvPYx3ccoPxqxe1jezF9M_3_T606P_AAh5nDTLVPmW2KHL-SfvCzzcyuIAzdfw3OHOlURXqS95vYdu5MFx34X3Vu1BxE/s400/ood.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of our favorite guys....</span></td></tr>
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But I have to say, one of the things we were most excited about was the food. We had the best food we've ever had on vacation. From seafood, to steak, to Thai, to German.....we stuffed ourselves!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbBrELG37IigJ5vuT76HnQrH04xDCtcVRZlqGTWQeyIPIgItkgQ_D0CSkmHDqXBVTKYtIHqJgkcPFKDQOKotB08alqwSKHlmKxZxkH5s78hx_QHKnIxu7hMLlvvAXCn9YYPoW6RKG1S8/s1600/a+eating+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbBrELG37IigJ5vuT76HnQrH04xDCtcVRZlqGTWQeyIPIgItkgQ_D0CSkmHDqXBVTKYtIHqJgkcPFKDQOKotB08alqwSKHlmKxZxkH5s78hx_QHKnIxu7hMLlvvAXCn9YYPoW6RKG1S8/s400/a+eating+out.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheers!!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-dztLGWoHZE_rXptmZreULNkMqooGrjwyXmtL1Pz6hAZhVjaHX20Qaq_2B5YHO8nPGziH-2JXqnf0KY2FybBe6P_CMIUOUMVOKgZ0zurQ7gyaAVfRzqZWIyMqVgJPdve9d1NBZJm_fo/s1600/a+gorgeous+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-dztLGWoHZE_rXptmZreULNkMqooGrjwyXmtL1Pz6hAZhVjaHX20Qaq_2B5YHO8nPGziH-2JXqnf0KY2FybBe6P_CMIUOUMVOKgZ0zurQ7gyaAVfRzqZWIyMqVgJPdve9d1NBZJm_fo/s400/a+gorgeous+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, we headed home on the airplane. I wish I could sleep on a plane....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0130b5VjUhCUiH1QYUqDYUmIjMNI_PdmHU9zmaPvTjjIdgNeqWJ0TY21-a7ZgRC-SYj-aAzvx4OWXGCmLkPVSbw5yrOeaJI1QhbikhBvvX7tuNEyTPVSM0_qTH00mJgNYyu_L5bEWwMU/s1600/a+sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0130b5VjUhCUiH1QYUqDYUmIjMNI_PdmHU9zmaPvTjjIdgNeqWJ0TY21-a7ZgRC-SYj-aAzvx4OWXGCmLkPVSbw5yrOeaJI1QhbikhBvvX7tuNEyTPVSM0_qTH00mJgNYyu_L5bEWwMU/s400/a+sleep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ha-ha-ha-ha!!!</div>
</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-3668355316919903762012-02-16T23:29:00.000-08:002012-02-17T01:00:49.842-08:00My Baby Girl!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitek2WvgPyvhoptjfuPDfFia2g1G2AqGgtxwlXYVJVpSbHaQuZZvcxE3xhT0sbGRMFt84usEwtwBHo5IzODiRLDHS4GKOXRkSmyZnB-Xt7H7i3zRofnQ6v6flo-iPlOguR0zi4nPRxsbM/s1600/beach+with+kim+and+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitek2WvgPyvhoptjfuPDfFia2g1G2AqGgtxwlXYVJVpSbHaQuZZvcxE3xhT0sbGRMFt84usEwtwBHo5IzODiRLDHS4GKOXRkSmyZnB-Xt7H7i3zRofnQ6v6flo-iPlOguR0zi4nPRxsbM/s400/beach+with+kim+and+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and his girls....</td></tr>
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<br />
My youngest daughter <em>finally </em>came to visit, and we had such a wonderful time seeing her and catching up with the news. We tried to pack in as much as we could for her to see and experience while she was here, but we definitely left a few things for her <u><strong>next</strong></u> trip over.....got that, Steph, sweetie??!!<br />
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She flew into Abu Dhabi, where Heather picked her up and she stayed with them. Then, for the weekend, they joined us in Fujairah for some beach time! Heather, Kim, and I are trying to get scuba certified, so Steph and Cory got to lounge by the pool, while the 3 of us froze in the pool trying to demonstrate our basic techniques. Kim was doing great, but Heather and I both got stuck on clearing our masks, so we called a halt for the day. Then, the next day it was so windy we knew we couldn't go out for the open water dives, so we re-scheduled for a few weeks later and then got to just sit by the pool and chill all day Saturday!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH9cvn6buJWnqR4w2o6Y1epALZa3PtTqOMNBPoqLzM6_RhcA-DPOu1zLAvWKmAU-dTwHkBj1QRNA5Ui1WHBPKSZ2onjNys9m0HG5OhPjGdzFBTPhQTL8X8XrBpktWhbe82zQ74dZQ9kY/s1600/tent+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH9cvn6buJWnqR4w2o6Y1epALZa3PtTqOMNBPoqLzM6_RhcA-DPOu1zLAvWKmAU-dTwHkBj1QRNA5Ui1WHBPKSZ2onjNys9m0HG5OhPjGdzFBTPhQTL8X8XrBpktWhbe82zQ74dZQ9kY/s400/tent+on+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tent on the beach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWB57pKsY8F4-KYXoncgoJhqbScF3BNi-x-7gZwtd9L_y3km2N396sirPBd69zFNthWY3FjpgNFmBdu3wB_KgUFz7y9VIOHG9cGeeU8wTbjfRpsyHHjmUbl3aVljupnh6M3R4Pn2zVEE/s1600/waiting+for+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWB57pKsY8F4-KYXoncgoJhqbScF3BNi-x-7gZwtd9L_y3km2N396sirPBd69zFNthWY3FjpgNFmBdu3wB_KgUFz7y9VIOHG9cGeeU8wTbjfRpsyHHjmUbl3aVljupnh6M3R4Pn2zVEE/s400/waiting+for+dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little windy....are those the curtains you're using to keep warm, Cory??</span></td></tr>
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The weather was cool and windy, so sitting on the beach wasn't as comfortable as sitting up by the pool. Ahhhhh.....relaxation!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Whs-eGSpC9iJOYdY4P24qH5PKKJmIwLTq5rhkyv_3H3M3XUFVlRu4simF8So53iTrdctBQJ5m2-SvdKtmzg07z9y_m6yt9ZaRPEW7kk8CKKifCi_5ofOdoG8SVjMnsaN4sckxkJzocE/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Whs-eGSpC9iJOYdY4P24qH5PKKJmIwLTq5rhkyv_3H3M3XUFVlRu4simF8So53iTrdctBQJ5m2-SvdKtmzg07z9y_m6yt9ZaRPEW7kk8CKKifCi_5ofOdoG8SVjMnsaN4sckxkJzocE/s400/sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just LOVE those sunsets!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbXInGYGyHsnW2wCDbSlPF7ETFvsfTgDIPOqQgbFivPHxizbIKGVCncvQJrHZUDsP0EcxU3IkcMm3WOziqK-6s7Yt1SwBZYZQ6lAWzyEAmZ5taWA4iK_K-Ac36_1bxgnoL4CQQBrHcII/s1600/sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbXInGYGyHsnW2wCDbSlPF7ETFvsfTgDIPOqQgbFivPHxizbIKGVCncvQJrHZUDsP0EcxU3IkcMm3WOziqK-6s7Yt1SwBZYZQ6lAWzyEAmZ5taWA4iK_K-Ac36_1bxgnoL4CQQBrHcII/s400/sunset2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Second night....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We headed back to Al Ain and stopped at a little fruit stand to check out all the options. Some fruits we had never heard of, like Rambutan and Mangosteen, but we bought a ton to try!<br />
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Then we spent the next week showing Steph a little bit about our city. She went walking with Kim each morning to check on "his" camels! One day she got a little close and a camel stole a kiss from her! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97L4MpvO6iswIMHAHro9kXF3Bz_Q3j4C97hRiP3mszbESJIBM9Qn5SdpT8oPVvlbqxswTW8L4zIulSoSMzp-i6eZdc6P-5Ovuaq5nj44Bc86-HNEhkV2AIdeBahaL8z4OzbyyOfjX_gY/s1600/camel+kiss+small+for+fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97L4MpvO6iswIMHAHro9kXF3Bz_Q3j4C97hRiP3mszbESJIBM9Qn5SdpT8oPVvlbqxswTW8L4zIulSoSMzp-i6eZdc6P-5Ovuaq5nj44Bc86-HNEhkV2AIdeBahaL8z4OzbyyOfjX_gY/s400/camel+kiss+small+for+fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She and Kim went to visit the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, where Papa Zayed was born. Kim had not been there yet, so I think they both enjoyed seeing what the past looked like in the UAE--not so distant past!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT3B0k0CTPQQCbSOy0OzLB8yTyqyY8pMdMta2HjhSm_lp6tlhiUG7ts0gZzLqn31EYMPoYTxf8lckB59GqSKbBZmJj-jcZ31C24T6naaRhRxkJD5Q_p4JiVIpe0duN_y2bEtvg7Pgy6I/s1600/sheik+zayed+palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT3B0k0CTPQQCbSOy0OzLB8yTyqyY8pMdMta2HjhSm_lp6tlhiUG7ts0gZzLqn31EYMPoYTxf8lckB59GqSKbBZmJj-jcZ31C24T6naaRhRxkJD5Q_p4JiVIpe0duN_y2bEtvg7Pgy6I/s400/sheik+zayed+palace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheikh Zayed Palace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuJn_WItqCPgVKq6JyoENCKfa3kaBld9j5RAVd2lSCLUxejWzAq2CG1DlhzdUPw9zX78FCZYQuwgEkAbjZQlcdTyNK77m_Id-N55-8OKKyFtwK-2RmMq750-qpo1uX4w8mltiKqOqJD4/s1600/steph+jebel+hefee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuJn_WItqCPgVKq6JyoENCKfa3kaBld9j5RAVd2lSCLUxejWzAq2CG1DlhzdUPw9zX78FCZYQuwgEkAbjZQlcdTyNK77m_Id-N55-8OKKyFtwK-2RmMq750-qpo1uX4w8mltiKqOqJD4/s400/steph+jebel+hefee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and Steph climbed up Jebel Hefeet....without me! I had to stay at school later that day to make up for leaving early the day before.... :(</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTNT0HbMoyoU-Xg9upI3JergrFQIQZzmA6sXSKrvYlWgqBF5Lzt4tgoA8WxNijoCt4IgYKV3c68OVpOftlPW5aTx42nVhtBHgBiywOE36PKVTgXHr79aC1FRTd3blduVi8Y9fHkTpjbk/s1600/steph+desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTNT0HbMoyoU-Xg9upI3JergrFQIQZzmA6sXSKrvYlWgqBF5Lzt4tgoA8WxNijoCt4IgYKV3c68OVpOftlPW5aTx42nVhtBHgBiywOE36PKVTgXHr79aC1FRTd3blduVi8Y9fHkTpjbk/s400/steph+desert.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing in the desert </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BeH1HIzXiDs-zGwi6JQ8HcG0Hzw3LbNx0CgdfK0yH66CYC2OfdUdP53gkR5y6XJtwCr0PlW0crN1kc1MbWWymjPXvkeDiemXy0AajcVYVN5laSHVFnSiVa4yy9zW6Qc7Qk-_twsUyLo/s1600/steph+oasis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BeH1HIzXiDs-zGwi6JQ8HcG0Hzw3LbNx0CgdfK0yH66CYC2OfdUdP53gkR5y6XJtwCr0PlW0crN1kc1MbWWymjPXvkeDiemXy0AajcVYVN5laSHVFnSiVa4yy9zW6Qc7Qk-_twsUyLo/s400/steph+oasis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Checking out one of the oases</span></td></tr>
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Went to the Green Mubazzareh and put our feet in the hot springs..... way down from where the water first comes out of the ground. Still.....VERY HOT!!<br />
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We all went to visit the Paradise Hanging Gardens. They've added some new areas since last year--even more grand and beautiful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUmvh7AlloEUpizIX7biB-BE27h87yH62rZcFz2r4nyhk2RwJ8JT2BIjq56mtC5lN6UamhIuorMk4wv0544ETuwFWUh0Z44VH4KHR4FLOapn-I2FUJZwixjc1l-Qs8XcYKZVI5-uiDAI/s1600/gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUmvh7AlloEUpizIX7biB-BE27h87yH62rZcFz2r4nyhk2RwJ8JT2BIjq56mtC5lN6UamhIuorMk4wv0544ETuwFWUh0Z44VH4KHR4FLOapn-I2FUJZwixjc1l-Qs8XcYKZVI5-uiDAI/s400/gardens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers and butterflies....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_dgzfBM9bv8qEdydLMIipczGAERe998WFjA2uzBg2jmHqXpzAF5SlFh9JUNl3fxShhyqs4m66W2eE4xVCxZFKeBlbxGRalV5Ji99dh7-VhPqCZkWb7Kdz8lc7UuwnoeBDnTzq1N_BHY/s1600/gardens+steph+and+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_dgzfBM9bv8qEdydLMIipczGAERe998WFjA2uzBg2jmHqXpzAF5SlFh9JUNl3fxShhyqs4m66W2eE4xVCxZFKeBlbxGRalV5Ji99dh7-VhPqCZkWb7Kdz8lc7UuwnoeBDnTzq1N_BHY/s400/gardens+steph+and+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I "heart" Stephanie!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianYSktm3qCCYnjJtP5T-A4JnEA3TJH2uTJq0RfzH5wPyNBbLHS5OOY4uO71vnOMney8XJj11yVpbisG1ru1xhSKneuKjg3pGtqwhlqERt2AtnQoI7KqlXPkUN5DIIj8rLHNPzn3M5M0/s1600/steph+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianYSktm3qCCYnjJtP5T-A4JnEA3TJH2uTJq0RfzH5wPyNBbLHS5OOY4uO71vnOMney8XJj11yVpbisG1ru1xhSKneuKjg3pGtqwhlqERt2AtnQoI7KqlXPkUN5DIIj8rLHNPzn3M5M0/s400/steph+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower Tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Tbg29qscbWfT2namc4bTTFxzVmyKPNjcFbkNXHt1bniWPoqgIGLRw34ajEClGJa7ztFh9a6GYSA5ujOs-bI79hOVNvURQPsxPmyaCDhpR5XzgO3967U6jIzx6s_UZ4_cTSdkWMNVk4w/s1600/purple+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Tbg29qscbWfT2namc4bTTFxzVmyKPNjcFbkNXHt1bniWPoqgIGLRw34ajEClGJa7ztFh9a6GYSA5ujOs-bI79hOVNvURQPsxPmyaCDhpR5XzgO3967U6jIzx6s_UZ4_cTSdkWMNVk4w/s400/purple+girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple Girl!!</span></td></tr>
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Of COURSE we visited the zoo ~ <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes3gHTQYxbXyA5E0nhA11iF6YZMug0-1EtA5lsUFf9gM4_VPMlDvYR6JEk128OH_RZNiHEHLHQkc53mOnGJqal9bSYz98U_nFJyZclt4zDXwQaZq1vCDaLTE42KPepdRVFF5soMYxzaM/s1600/steph+and+lynn+at+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes3gHTQYxbXyA5E0nhA11iF6YZMug0-1EtA5lsUFf9gM4_VPMlDvYR6JEk128OH_RZNiHEHLHQkc53mOnGJqal9bSYz98U_nFJyZclt4zDXwQaZq1vCDaLTE42KPepdRVFF5soMYxzaM/s400/steph+and+lynn+at+zoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty flowers at the zoo, too!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL7WkRXzfUJxV1VwX5OUHlfY_ZAgpwiIgoNtMBuSSSw8O6kUIRbI5mEysBNBacsRw45zDK07LQjU52r8TE86hPB034TAq4f6efUTP0d7wM1UgH3DeWVSd58iInPnC2FSdVcGbjoSgJ_0/s1600/steph+with+lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL7WkRXzfUJxV1VwX5OUHlfY_ZAgpwiIgoNtMBuSSSw8O6kUIRbI5mEysBNBacsRw45zDK07LQjU52r8TE86hPB034TAq4f6efUTP0d7wM1UgH3DeWVSd58iInPnC2FSdVcGbjoSgJ_0/s400/steph+with+lions.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loved the lions...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6EkRA3clqHEHwjizK_ZfWY0DChA9vBP04mWJqmfdf-t12EfX5A_66uEcGMCq_bN_QIlkjxQxWpLkDhh0HS8WM5v2eMyqueeAbA1htB2ufMcA-VvsVt33Yc7LAjunYr6JIfDCN__OTFs/s1600/zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6EkRA3clqHEHwjizK_ZfWY0DChA9vBP04mWJqmfdf-t12EfX5A_66uEcGMCq_bN_QIlkjxQxWpLkDhh0HS8WM5v2eMyqueeAbA1htB2ufMcA-VvsVt33Yc7LAjunYr6JIfDCN__OTFs/s400/zoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful setting!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wheeeeerrrrreeee's Daddy? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, yes, he's doing his version of "Speed Zoo"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He joined us for a few more pictures...</span></td></tr>
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Our last weekend with Stephanie, we went to spend the weekend in Dubai. I got to leave school at 9, so we had a couple of full days there. We stayed in the downtown area, close to the Dubai Mall. We had lunch at the souk overlooking the Burj al Arab. Stephanie and I went shopping at the old souk on Deira Creek (Kim decided he didn't want to fight off the vendors). We visited the Emirates Mall, where Ski Dubai was built. Kim and Steph went up in the Burj Khalifa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0i2U0q2p8ojhHswhYptZBdrvbpt5wZpuuE265ZOWpIsMjCyWM2Gk96NX1V9aJpN3ugdpACqGe7s4vznT2rzPxW_w7tUT5AAzICCPqA_10qxCQKkWPHLD85HEPlcK5Ik2B3rvF2PjnTw/s1600/burj+al+arab+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0i2U0q2p8ojhHswhYptZBdrvbpt5wZpuuE265ZOWpIsMjCyWM2Gk96NX1V9aJpN3ugdpACqGe7s4vznT2rzPxW_w7tUT5AAzICCPqA_10qxCQKkWPHLD85HEPlcK5Ik2B3rvF2PjnTw/s400/burj+al+arab+lunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting outside for lunch at the Burj al Arab</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYCzJwwd-dT2qiwbCWq23Ir5TxWCV-nlG9m5LGYRZ-bxFXl7fJRCXZW_9bH4T9pXocJ-pKiQa0EQWNjxzOPS_WsgR2MK-TpVK6mG1bUa6e1k3UN4HdEmWmKIxMLQgwUksY4efMTzHO5Q/s1600/lunch+burj+al+arab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYCzJwwd-dT2qiwbCWq23Ir5TxWCV-nlG9m5LGYRZ-bxFXl7fJRCXZW_9bH4T9pXocJ-pKiQa0EQWNjxzOPS_WsgR2MK-TpVK6mG1bUa6e1k3UN4HdEmWmKIxMLQgwUksY4efMTzHO5Q/s400/lunch+burj+al+arab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along the river at Madinat Jumeirah</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPYmIiiHF_jhMAXKJevheXGu1knQhnfI_G4YyPgE-EwSpmEMyeBmvPxgeGjcca0LDwGwVTd_KBWPvIQRETLDRnroz2sDf1aJCpN1xQ6Aa1-DVqc_obs4q1oy7KwdAj7NYt2hAvCEMrCg/s1600/souk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPYmIiiHF_jhMAXKJevheXGu1knQhnfI_G4YyPgE-EwSpmEMyeBmvPxgeGjcca0LDwGwVTd_KBWPvIQRETLDRnroz2sDf1aJCpN1xQ6Aa1-DVqc_obs4q1oy7KwdAj7NYt2hAvCEMrCg/s400/souk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shopping for bargains at the old textile souk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hey, Grandma, this is where she bargained for your Pashmina shawl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FcjygiIE3TDqEwEf1jkdv8WcaLGSbgOYxKtRGMiHUvMfJNiRRqf1D5npnk31THMegamVNXwr5T-ayn8-lmZE8nz6ttXA0MNNbAnv2XvOSyMuap93DWhWT5F1YZVyfwg_sTP1LtKFpV0/s1600/ski+dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FcjygiIE3TDqEwEf1jkdv8WcaLGSbgOYxKtRGMiHUvMfJNiRRqf1D5npnk31THMegamVNXwr5T-ayn8-lmZE8nz6ttXA0MNNbAnv2XvOSyMuap93DWhWT5F1YZVyfwg_sTP1LtKFpV0/s400/ski+dubai.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ski Dubai--inside the mall!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArMKHPtXGHc9Z1xRH36jkFA3cgEIQ-SJ2Kem6kMXf9qnX5ZHaP_Pc_TvclfPxudadJIG0LNGi9nOFhoeVOUUD6S4VEjOn-PUC2TFRjHSXJV2ocCbBTGS9d512NRCE1eQaJw5txTtuCt0/s1600/shark+aquarium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArMKHPtXGHc9Z1xRH36jkFA3cgEIQ-SJ2Kem6kMXf9qnX5ZHaP_Pc_TvclfPxudadJIG0LNGi9nOFhoeVOUUD6S4VEjOn-PUC2TFRjHSXJV2ocCbBTGS9d512NRCE1eQaJw5txTtuCt0/s400/shark+aquarium.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aquarium--inside the mall! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hey, Steph, watch out for the shark over your head!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhruiAhFxOQfahqYin59nuRCSqJUUJ8H4x0TLzjLmOFY5urrWs2s0jjT1D_WcdqT0b2hw18Z4o2p8XzU2N9a2G6FJ7Pikw8-W1_3vinZCgdmOjEvtfo9kIoPTNpI4k9I0-KZT-nuemOio/s1600/divers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhruiAhFxOQfahqYin59nuRCSqJUUJ8H4x0TLzjLmOFY5urrWs2s0jjT1D_WcdqT0b2hw18Z4o2p8XzU2N9a2G6FJ7Pikw8-W1_3vinZCgdmOjEvtfo9kIoPTNpI4k9I0-KZT-nuemOio/s400/divers.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Divers Fountain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRX4FSlsb2f7WCljJucU9-JI0nCRXv7imykKyU-twfBvL5qDsBqD5EP8cqJynIZHuf7KAyBJEu8H7I7Fl-ybmxvhHGZ6dwjDU5d2476za8vgO_CK7boeUaDNAtxaPidJLcrNJTB6LmbY/s1600/fountains+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRX4FSlsb2f7WCljJucU9-JI0nCRXv7imykKyU-twfBvL5qDsBqD5EP8cqJynIZHuf7KAyBJEu8H7I7Fl-ybmxvhHGZ6dwjDU5d2476za8vgO_CK7boeUaDNAtxaPidJLcrNJTB6LmbY/s400/fountains+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just before the fountains begin dancing at 6 o'clock</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC89jVVeVOnKNwuurLrg7XogKnNX3gfdf_gLIvsPCtlYudHc9xX_ozngEKlZFwCECxD8SH05-WnSfC0WwgTZHrTd9XPbleqKxWDDVjlUNRnKiEuU1uECrAXlnd1jmXkzrNQtTSheqtkBs/s1600/fountains+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC89jVVeVOnKNwuurLrg7XogKnNX3gfdf_gLIvsPCtlYudHc9xX_ozngEKlZFwCECxD8SH05-WnSfC0WwgTZHrTd9XPbleqKxWDDVjlUNRnKiEuU1uECrAXlnd1jmXkzrNQtTSheqtkBs/s400/fountains+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the light and water shows choreographed to music</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNbIgWFotR1kBP3vJgY9aNJy_xnmDnAh7uh9eu4BJE01d55x5shWu_ReHHZ0gu65HKIkpRHYk3xjlTtbDCeXAGdnIVxuhrr2PNZUq6_dFS0KiwEkY2fwVCmcE_M6huTjufT1J9Ua52xQ/s1600/burj+khalifa+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNbIgWFotR1kBP3vJgY9aNJy_xnmDnAh7uh9eu4BJE01d55x5shWu_ReHHZ0gu65HKIkpRHYk3xjlTtbDCeXAGdnIVxuhrr2PNZUq6_dFS0KiwEkY2fwVCmcE_M6huTjufT1J9Ua52xQ/s400/burj+khalifa+drink.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting outside, watching the lovely sunset, listening to the music and the fountains, enjoying our first Thai food (actually, only the first time Kim and I have had Thai food: DEFINITELY a fan!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Steph in front of the Burj Khalifa at night...She was already feeling a little apprehensive about going up in it the next day!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8xZtnjo2Frh09Vpviwq-Ldn8ug96TGAXS6GUJ0JSv_dgdm53KmbCUOYdI9Iqm5xjw3fLdMu5Aq1XwSQCMXiaAvm_83tddfrsgd-ZjhDO5QytnnPKsUglXXMILTpPshtalpFKKUwkY1E/s1600/burj+tom+cruise+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8xZtnjo2Frh09Vpviwq-Ldn8ug96TGAXS6GUJ0JSv_dgdm53KmbCUOYdI9Iqm5xjw3fLdMu5Aq1XwSQCMXiaAvm_83tddfrsgd-ZjhDO5QytnnPKsUglXXMILTpPshtalpFKKUwkY1E/s400/burj+tom+cruise+poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Display at the top, showing the filiming of the movie <em>Ghost Protocol</em></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm23bnpzrVDbUvEwAeOyFPE1uPU7VRrd2qJfSsK9gsqNThoQccBrQQY7MD0krh2lsffi7_e0nibnWmiT7Y4m4EUUgBYlW2GvjgjuKXEz95LnhSEVAh11PBr2V2gnbjlAAgqWL5z-O49Nk/s1600/TomCruiseBurjKhalifa630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm23bnpzrVDbUvEwAeOyFPE1uPU7VRrd2qJfSsK9gsqNThoQccBrQQY7MD0krh2lsffi7_e0nibnWmiT7Y4m4EUUgBYlW2GvjgjuKXEz95LnhSEVAh11PBr2V2gnbjlAAgqWL5z-O49Nk/s400/TomCruiseBurjKhalifa630.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't wait to see the movie with Tom Cruise crawling up the side of the Burj!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_85E9MIQpyze3A5QSSLW8Xmv-rfA-XT0rI4bY-KHAe_GaXkONudkf21QI-0R1X4JPUK1omMP9yhWl52OKpyGr59-lc9uZ5aMSVKjOfil8J-0UcDbHq8uhBlR7EgCj2v0FmOSTZoCcqQ/s1600/fountains+from+the+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_85E9MIQpyze3A5QSSLW8Xmv-rfA-XT0rI4bY-KHAe_GaXkONudkf21QI-0R1X4JPUK1omMP9yhWl52OKpyGr59-lc9uZ5aMSVKjOfil8J-0UcDbHq8uhBlR7EgCj2v0FmOSTZoCcqQ/s400/fountains+from+the+top.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking down to where we were eating the night before</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAweVkFDlDRhwLaXM8lrryPRAo8qBrS_qt2CMFg1naAkIZWsctsNcGaHyvwjckGsESmSlkX6cpJGwUERjuTJaqdAfH0VXhu2Us1aTCUXuNKG6PDiRUy6a3iWqQbeXZGMh0nE9_7qCPeVo/s1600/burj+top+steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAweVkFDlDRhwLaXM8lrryPRAo8qBrS_qt2CMFg1naAkIZWsctsNcGaHyvwjckGsESmSlkX6cpJGwUERjuTJaqdAfH0VXhu2Us1aTCUXuNKG6PDiRUy6a3iWqQbeXZGMh0nE9_7qCPeVo/s400/burj+top+steph.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of the city</span></td></tr>
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Then, we had to leave to take her back to Abu Dhabi, where she stayed with Heather and Cory a few more days. We visited the Grand Mosque and then left her with Heather. That's when the crying started.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZUS_EANKuNq3cEf4NddTU2lta10BOi2wodHph89VukBdt9nktJpCXsGZCKVbDLZ7NiXMkcBui16lJkIXGgwu8p16rAfQFNctEaPUIadKyVx-Cq_iT-wAN7Z7Flzwx0HLpHGGE-thYiw/s1600/1+abaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZUS_EANKuNq3cEf4NddTU2lta10BOi2wodHph89VukBdt9nktJpCXsGZCKVbDLZ7NiXMkcBui16lJkIXGgwu8p16rAfQFNctEaPUIadKyVx-Cq_iT-wAN7Z7Flzwx0HLpHGGE-thYiw/s400/1+abaya.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fixing your sheila is an art form....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXZ99Ebo9dC3lN1AoxgQdkmiwoaUg5XeQcxqhwEntIWOLsSDsjCjUM1Yibgckpy6n0Oyf7zBr9SDpOA7lvvy8V0VdpK9SuTEnTIxL3eXsOKL5DNegdHWwq1MykQt08mDV5iXbMZkJBwA/s1600/2+abayas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXZ99Ebo9dC3lN1AoxgQdkmiwoaUg5XeQcxqhwEntIWOLsSDsjCjUM1Yibgckpy6n0Oyf7zBr9SDpOA7lvvy8V0VdpK9SuTEnTIxL3eXsOKL5DNegdHWwq1MykQt08mDV5iXbMZkJBwA/s400/2+abayas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim is putting on his shoes....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J7QhdrYk3XUVrFb4TJptgGMuQ72AVfCOyt43pV-vCSNl-ZnssxUD0ZdszT63dzq7u6dNwkKRvdDBb4drUJVq5c97isyc41-MwkIxdFEEPE45gu74S5Z9FpoaZcZQCKKmL60l0erXq7g/s1600/3+in+abayas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J7QhdrYk3XUVrFb4TJptgGMuQ72AVfCOyt43pV-vCSNl-ZnssxUD0ZdszT63dzq7u6dNwkKRvdDBb4drUJVq5c97isyc41-MwkIxdFEEPE45gu74S5Z9FpoaZcZQCKKmL60l0erXq7g/s400/3+in+abayas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 Abayas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9rRw9ai9gZNsGidh69_HzQSJv3coY_vuG67oV1FTeYWlZ6wiqwIYMn0PoPNi5IbfgSVd8jFeayhSrTONGiPr2SnU20TFUvoVv90V_oTAv-ALe-OZeTLv-2emiqawFNw1wd4jm7zUJTw/s1600/steph+in+abaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9rRw9ai9gZNsGidh69_HzQSJv3coY_vuG67oV1FTeYWlZ6wiqwIYMn0PoPNi5IbfgSVd8jFeayhSrTONGiPr2SnU20TFUvoVv90V_oTAv-ALe-OZeTLv-2emiqawFNw1wd4jm7zUJTw/s400/steph+in+abaya.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time to leave....sniff...sniff...</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-59318573489955957522012-01-27T02:06:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:45:19.801-08:00JordanWe headed to Jordan just after Christmas, and this time Cory got to go with us! We flew out of Abu Dhabi into Amman. Because of its dependency on tourism, we found all the Jordanians VERY friendly....except for the guy at the visa counter! He could use some classes in manners!<br />
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Our first two nights were spent in Amman. The day after we arrived, we drove up to Um Qais, a small city that overlooks the Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights, and the Sea of Galilee (now called Lake Tiberius). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s9fB2SvVba6N3YrRrHkjn3ANpTEN7KuG5JuYlvvPSujqgc4wrckhw4Bu2ayr5KnqPHm7TlMik1mavw-R2CqnyI1HKJd81ixagi-M8wzPS5QWHkT_HAA-TTs9IRR4Ec5AzvF48lVxiyw/s1600/kim+and+cory+in+roman+theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s9fB2SvVba6N3YrRrHkjn3ANpTEN7KuG5JuYlvvPSujqgc4wrckhw4Bu2ayr5KnqPHm7TlMik1mavw-R2CqnyI1HKJd81ixagi-M8wzPS5QWHkT_HAA-TTs9IRR4Ec5AzvF48lVxiyw/s320/kim+and+cory+in+roman+theater.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7Li5yEGoy-yUxzPdg0JZWghEtNlg-aMx0F1GKAcm1flxPReiqOVzz59Q6zruB73dssXWoZ4HkxzWaGg0EwwhKhDFpbOhntkzzH30sL2sksxKX15-4Zd9Gud-sC1ELo8skOlK6z9UAiI/s1600/um+qais+and+sea+of+galilee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7Li5yEGoy-yUxzPdg0JZWghEtNlg-aMx0F1GKAcm1flxPReiqOVzz59Q6zruB73dssXWoZ4HkxzWaGg0EwwhKhDFpbOhntkzzH30sL2sksxKX15-4Zd9Gud-sC1ELo8skOlK6z9UAiI/s320/um+qais+and+sea+of+galilee.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-z8z23a2KGdtyrSz7J8fiOh8joQAaTS8m4BrXpRj0NJV_qwsEqfxs8EUYEtWLr-3BnhdbsA-mmmTNaFeRfoZaoDzvkF7iomyFvoEBy5v4Hs9ywws2bt7EIkcRfBv9aUNgHTYxFp9g8Y/s1600/a+kim+lynn+sea+of+galilee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-z8z23a2KGdtyrSz7J8fiOh8joQAaTS8m4BrXpRj0NJV_qwsEqfxs8EUYEtWLr-3BnhdbsA-mmmTNaFeRfoZaoDzvkF7iomyFvoEBy5v4Hs9ywws2bt7EIkcRfBv9aUNgHTYxFp9g8Y/s320/a+kim+lynn+sea+of+galilee.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We went to Jerash next, a Greco-Roman site that has been preserved and has to be the most amazing archaeological site we've seen yet!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBiL667aOMy5kMjRq8ujgDGVHQMPEzOvZHOBaDfhOTzPTxCFllOJVjrRwrzdE9nE5wG-LO8H3vIc3S7oNx4xf7cl03PMIXPSeHAQhJJ-rlFh195jPUx0TCQ4Y7aRx1oCWiC_843SvR6M/s1600/a+jerash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBiL667aOMy5kMjRq8ujgDGVHQMPEzOvZHOBaDfhOTzPTxCFllOJVjrRwrzdE9nE5wG-LO8H3vIc3S7oNx4xf7cl03PMIXPSeHAQhJJ-rlFh195jPUx0TCQ4Y7aRx1oCWiC_843SvR6M/s320/a+jerash.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oqLKLXqIStMhL2GrYAKfj3HnWEdOCoudfok896NdfcwCL5VPpvVSSlo-bJKhc8QossgIDAb8Jpw_zk-PW1y4gSTliWIoWucqazBSdadyLG3BXJADAkE-AxMBLW-RDyuRSYIzmBiBudA/s1600/a+heather+and+cory+jerash+theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oqLKLXqIStMhL2GrYAKfj3HnWEdOCoudfok896NdfcwCL5VPpvVSSlo-bJKhc8QossgIDAb8Jpw_zk-PW1y4gSTliWIoWucqazBSdadyLG3BXJADAkE-AxMBLW-RDyuRSYIzmBiBudA/s320/a+heather+and+cory+jerash+theater.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our guide there was an archaeologist on the digs and showed us how the columns were balanced to "sway."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uu-LZz09ZRI4hKqSwCHNyXclht6JVk9ElHkDG_q8F8hgncS1uVmdON_0wDPzuDxz9GWyengqXY3uLzDsN_xBR5xw8EwTbH_7M7_bqv-BaEaEO3foBasMGe4-p1rs7err65C_ywSc8I/s1600/a+jerash+guide+with+column.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uu-LZz09ZRI4hKqSwCHNyXclht6JVk9ElHkDG_q8F8hgncS1uVmdON_0wDPzuDxz9GWyengqXY3uLzDsN_xBR5xw8EwTbH_7M7_bqv-BaEaEO3foBasMGe4-p1rs7err65C_ywSc8I/s320/a+jerash+guide+with+column.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaruNDyQmTUyT9WUiwCq0c4DMHQ8DlLVIYUHH3ug7rh3gOvN87ckm3rxDDb7xtdA36eyd_GMoWG5FsvG7dRFMrAn23f2iupSYPs63LUFWUaBU2xhD2ROk9e5gp8bUeld2JwJzTEoJq1Us/s1600/a+jerash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaruNDyQmTUyT9WUiwCq0c4DMHQ8DlLVIYUHH3ug7rh3gOvN87ckm3rxDDb7xtdA36eyd_GMoWG5FsvG7dRFMrAn23f2iupSYPs63LUFWUaBU2xhD2ROk9e5gp8bUeld2JwJzTEoJq1Us/s320/a+jerash+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ha-ha! The "band" played <i>Amazing Grace</i> and <i>Yankee Doodle Dandy</i> (when told we were Americans!)<br />
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Cory was getting sick, so the hotel sent him up a "get-well" fruit and vegetable tray. This hotel (Amman Mariott) was the BEST for customer service we have ever seen! Each day at breakfast, they brought us containers and told us to load up with snacks for our sight-seeing trips!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfI9mQz5VRZjMam_lz8T7elFlmOI1dns_xaj2E2VtHT60x_SsawpOcdAIngmF4OzFECLiQRwiHllHp2CCcBHI3cGt9x0BKxijWsT46TOF2KAqMJko2j74ge57-WfV_GmOWr08wmIB3t4/s1600/a+get+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfI9mQz5VRZjMam_lz8T7elFlmOI1dns_xaj2E2VtHT60x_SsawpOcdAIngmF4OzFECLiQRwiHllHp2CCcBHI3cGt9x0BKxijWsT46TOF2KAqMJko2j74ge57-WfV_GmOWr08wmIB3t4/s320/a+get+well.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The next day we visited the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and Umayyad Palace.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkUdKTDfhCcSdWOzmTz9HJ4mAKRzt-7SiMAf6i0R77ODe9EYIWY0OlW-uwJiCq12-YE4TAMAid8cqCTFfnnHQymISMqv3vmepSEnzloU9W-i_xgcQfDrKVnSsg-purrbySI6EluS5eME/s1600/a+umyyadd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkUdKTDfhCcSdWOzmTz9HJ4mAKRzt-7SiMAf6i0R77ODe9EYIWY0OlW-uwJiCq12-YE4TAMAid8cqCTFfnnHQymISMqv3vmepSEnzloU9W-i_xgcQfDrKVnSsg-purrbySI6EluS5eME/s320/a+umyyadd.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We also saw the remains of the Temple of Hercules.<br />
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We spent that afternoon swimming in the Dead Sea and taking a mud bath.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaK1BCUHcLoQb4fIkcODA3hjC9IyITyVHNdl0HRrIhX42w58lD24T4xEiYBhoLBzBb6_ibZrJMYljAirc1v9hJz1v3uQ3QsLzaHYEvdQCcHHAH9fa7xO1rBIEzN19cMczg4zAKueaxcw/s1600/aa+dead+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaK1BCUHcLoQb4fIkcODA3hjC9IyITyVHNdl0HRrIhX42w58lD24T4xEiYBhoLBzBb6_ibZrJMYljAirc1v9hJz1v3uQ3QsLzaHYEvdQCcHHAH9fa7xO1rBIEzN19cMczg4zAKueaxcw/s320/aa+dead+sea.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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If you look closely at Heather and Cory, it looks as if they are "sitting" up. The Dead Sea is so salty that it's almost like floating above the water!!<br />
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The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and was quite warm! The flowers were beautiful. Here, we're looking across the sea to Jericho.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERh97zHbl5Cx3v6EiOn_J0RXSdPQCnHC-YEKTzx2QIxtBZnVFuS0b6YgqJBO4Il1JGR49z64xsBUnXz9aHTGYZCC51NR0nERAVBVjPdOYs7UzsAVoLZvnogfTYxVXmgUgJpKMgYdZ9Js/s1600/a+look+across+dead+sea+at+jericho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERh97zHbl5Cx3v6EiOn_J0RXSdPQCnHC-YEKTzx2QIxtBZnVFuS0b6YgqJBO4Il1JGR49z64xsBUnXz9aHTGYZCC51NR0nERAVBVjPdOYs7UzsAVoLZvnogfTYxVXmgUgJpKMgYdZ9Js/s320/a+look+across+dead+sea+at+jericho.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We packed up the next day and drove to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. We got to touch the water and look across into Israel, where there was a group singing hymns. It was quite eye-opening to see the difference in the Jordan and the Israel sides. Both sides had armed guards.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zPMg3NbNdiBRrdSleJ1555cGF7zcThVWmWsJdL1l2NsXIK9cAk6EbmD8s2xelVg_5qRgoz-eL3_haSLlxh99MwQnn0O6r_gpzdFa6fHQ5zKFilwtRbOZLjjVNApOLmfmi14DRfHF_po/s1600/a+touching+waters+of+Jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zPMg3NbNdiBRrdSleJ1555cGF7zcThVWmWsJdL1l2NsXIK9cAk6EbmD8s2xelVg_5qRgoz-eL3_haSLlxh99MwQnn0O6r_gpzdFa6fHQ5zKFilwtRbOZLjjVNApOLmfmi14DRfHF_po/s320/a+touching+waters+of+Jordan.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We drove down the "King's Way" an ancient route of traders, armies, and pilgrims from centuries ago. We went through the Christian city of Madaba, the "City of Mosaics." Queen Rania has set up the Jordan River Foundation to help support the arts, particularly through the work of women and children. We took a look at some of the mosaics. The work is amazingly intricate and time-consuming. In the picture below, you're looking at the back of the work. When completed, it will be turned over to the smooth side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaEu03f4qDe2ixq8InvdyQFDuJsXm3o-M50PbJ2XiPWKFVNoTz1E6W1MRt_5mZPnZ9ervmFyoeobTumoXuObXqP70xqV2n2mDITzkJwu96IMR7MfOyIiWF6xY-noHP34mZYEflMjDJWM/s1600/a+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaEu03f4qDe2ixq8InvdyQFDuJsXm3o-M50PbJ2XiPWKFVNoTz1E6W1MRt_5mZPnZ9ervmFyoeobTumoXuObXqP70xqV2n2mDITzkJwu96IMR7MfOyIiWF6xY-noHP34mZYEflMjDJWM/s320/a+mosaic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPTVV6bVP5lhcRwVoO3iwEFX6RVP7ZkWE1FHd-FbUygZugdQq3f4KxQBFwjnJWBzk_B7sI1immSedfUfREuque1blSdt4VdPOaYWATSvSgI4jXeWdsZviEL4_0S-uPneqKvyuyYrnDbA/s1600/a+mosaic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPTVV6bVP5lhcRwVoO3iwEFX6RVP7ZkWE1FHd-FbUygZugdQq3f4KxQBFwjnJWBzk_B7sI1immSedfUfREuque1blSdt4VdPOaYWATSvSgI4jXeWdsZviEL4_0S-uPneqKvyuyYrnDbA/s320/a+mosaic+2.jpg" /></a></div>We lit candles in the Greek Orthodox church in Madaba.<br />
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Then we visited Mt. Nebo. This is where Moses (Deuteronomy 34) climbed the holy mountain at the end of his life to see the promised land.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-LzG2PC_HUppz0nlbeEi76hUio4B42MwLeNM4MDju46EqpD9ipCEetpgwVM2_nSnFBpjO-kAOjyvDENNDzTxDQhzT-QpPsSXzQc5LK2fSs4E_8He8PEQnkfdehmMAoNs7is3j2cotgQ/s1600/a+4+at+mt+nebo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-LzG2PC_HUppz0nlbeEi76hUio4B42MwLeNM4MDju46EqpD9ipCEetpgwVM2_nSnFBpjO-kAOjyvDENNDzTxDQhzT-QpPsSXzQc5LK2fSs4E_8He8PEQnkfdehmMAoNs7is3j2cotgQ/s320/a+4+at+mt+nebo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We arrived at Petra that night, ready for an early morning the next day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYxm-RNCglx1PE_vKeyTBRRhI2TlBb0jntDKE2PeE0QhVPl5B0Y98I5Tz0m98PxPxgChJM9Qkgpw9pG0mr9WPpWrszdru_XrKJhkZItrz4kFl0CvP-Iy6LjIM7Q2A1RlQ7R4cRsGk_0M/s1600/a+happy+new+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYxm-RNCglx1PE_vKeyTBRRhI2TlBb0jntDKE2PeE0QhVPl5B0Y98I5Tz0m98PxPxgChJM9Qkgpw9pG0mr9WPpWrszdru_XrKJhkZItrz4kFl0CvP-Iy6LjIM7Q2A1RlQ7R4cRsGk_0M/s320/a+happy+new+year.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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After an early breakfast, we headed to Petra. The first part was a short horse ride. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBmyKKg96f7UuVyEiD6Oloy6WwyusEep0ygVJrhmvYJIImvHTVGj23OdkoI4RAF75yxq66gakEvCi733tX4HzNtBX1sJ4YZIUHLmQ4Jxc14SG0wGBqSYz3ecRzlcFjy5seH07psN9Dgs/s1600/a+horse+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBmyKKg96f7UuVyEiD6Oloy6WwyusEep0ygVJrhmvYJIImvHTVGj23OdkoI4RAF75yxq66gakEvCi733tX4HzNtBX1sJ4YZIUHLmQ4Jxc14SG0wGBqSYz3ecRzlcFjy5seH07psN9Dgs/s320/a+horse+ride.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Then we walked through the "Siq" (long narrow fissure between 2 overhanging cliffs) for that famous first view of the Treasury. (Watch Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail!) <br />
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We had all day to explore the Red Rose City. We also hiked up to the Monastery ~ killer view AND killer climb!<br />
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And explaining to the little gypsy boy that I don't have any more money to buy postcards.....I spent it all on jewelry--ha-ha!!<br />
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Our last night in Petra, there was an amazing sunset: over the mountain it looked just like a volcano!<br />
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The next day we took a 4 x 4 ride through Wadi Rum and shared a cup of tea in a traditional Bedouin tent. I'm glad I re-watched Lawrence of Arabia before we came, because some of the views were familiar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHsC1__A6s0Y0UhLGUUEQvmjlD4LMMGsPo4d0SJ6DzrJP5Mu77KJ4EvaINk5DcpdGqzBrjERM0i47uue9JmNDoA-5DTfYaOmumz6qxJ3Lduup-Tu2ZoxSOMHSubQeXxPKL4vR1FK9m-8/s1600/a+friend+for+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHsC1__A6s0Y0UhLGUUEQvmjlD4LMMGsPo4d0SJ6DzrJP5Mu77KJ4EvaINk5DcpdGqzBrjERM0i47uue9JmNDoA-5DTfYaOmumz6qxJ3Lduup-Tu2ZoxSOMHSubQeXxPKL4vR1FK9m-8/s320/a+friend+for+kim.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GKgguM6EzZT8sKqDrIH9znLD9Jc_EGZDXjzlUcZUFdcDnniGHhrwlTr9an2JNTiM2rnxKIUPAtN0LIFBipkOLep0QNRgUN1uMUxUnwE8nd5VZ1TQUNPwpWVUYCUKVcswA44KW9S4VHw/s1600/a+wadi+rum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GKgguM6EzZT8sKqDrIH9znLD9Jc_EGZDXjzlUcZUFdcDnniGHhrwlTr9an2JNTiM2rnxKIUPAtN0LIFBipkOLep0QNRgUN1uMUxUnwE8nd5VZ1TQUNPwpWVUYCUKVcswA44KW9S4VHw/s320/a+wadi+rum.jpg" /></a></div>Here, our driver decides to let the car drive itself while he runs behind it.....hmmmmm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dVDAN4zYJ7qorEAv-CH2iYhxenSijVOIvW1MrC6wqzS7qfLoHjz34Cb_dfyXDhDhz8RNpHrir0cEFD-6AhLgZVxchM1u48_ekAxYjZhyiES-uNkrPOCqeq7yxdQdpoc2sGON6onrUrQ/s1600/a+driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dVDAN4zYJ7qorEAv-CH2iYhxenSijVOIvW1MrC6wqzS7qfLoHjz34Cb_dfyXDhDhz8RNpHrir0cEFD-6AhLgZVxchM1u48_ekAxYjZhyiES-uNkrPOCqeq7yxdQdpoc2sGON6onrUrQ/s320/a+driver.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Then we drove to Aqaba, where Jordan, Egypt, and Israel all look across the water. This was our first view from the hotel of the Red Sea, and you can see the view looking across at Egypt.<br />
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Cory got to SCUBA, and we got to swim in the Red Sea!<br />
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Then, our last day we toured Aqaba--not much to see, but it's a duty-free zone, so our guide thought we would like to buy some things. Then we drove back to Amman to board the plane. I was deathly ill on the way home. First time I've ever had to be sick on an airplane....don't recommend it!! Headed back to school, where I continued to be sick for the next 2 weeks. Just now recovering and doing the blog :)Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-55352400306485787422011-12-25T09:58:00.000-08:002011-12-25T10:07:44.596-08:00CyprusWe got out of school on Thursday, after having NO children all day!! Then, we packed and headed to Cyprus for a week. Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean and is at the crossroads of 3 continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Christ's apostles once walked here, and Cyprus was converted to Christianity by the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, starting in 45 AD.<br />
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In 1974, there was a military coup in Cyprus, and Turkey occupied the northern part of the island. In 2004, Cyprus became a member of the European Union. Although the northern part is still held by Turkey, negotiations are underway to try to resolve that. We did not travel to the Northern part!!!<br />
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We landed in Larnaka and then drove about 2 hours to Paphos. Larnaka is the seat of Christianity from its earliest years. It's the second home of Jesus' friend Lazarus. The Greeks settled the town in the 13th century BC, and the Phoenicians lived there from the 9th century BC. It's also the home of one of Islam's holiest places, the Hala Sultan Tekkesi Mosque, built in 648 AD. It is definitely a mixture of churches, mosques, monasteries. You almost can't turn a corner without seeing one!<br />
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The weather in Cyprus has been BEAUTIFUL! We've seen so many gorgeous landscapes. The contrast between the water and the sky has been breath-taking, and the sunsets just get better each day!<br />
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One of the funniest things that happened this week was watching Heather try to get in on the wrong side of the car when we went to get it at the car rental agency. She was "elected" to be the first driver, and cheerfully grabbed the keys and then opened the door on the left side of the car....oops! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-YuTGWVtNvEHZURptKwL0io9epCOHUrTggG6Au4gVtyxyr_XhgGhUMwnLwgelUYx_jCXGyGtXm2qe78rJckP0KbmweLOclZ62gz0lBJLTy_jZ53HAynOUzl-ReRAO-VYXO-y2eaWvxM/s1600/Heather+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-YuTGWVtNvEHZURptKwL0io9epCOHUrTggG6Au4gVtyxyr_XhgGhUMwnLwgelUYx_jCXGyGtXm2qe78rJckP0KbmweLOclZ62gz0lBJLTy_jZ53HAynOUzl-ReRAO-VYXO-y2eaWvxM/s320/Heather+drive.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Not only do they drive on the opposite side of the road here, but the steering wheel is on the RIGHT side of the car! Ha-ha! We had a good belly laugh on that one! The trip to our condo was a bit harrowing, due to the fact that she was a little uneasy about the driving and we had NO navigation system, and could not read any of the road signs.....hmmmmm....but we were told there were only 2 main roads on the island, so we shouldn't have any trouble. Well, we finally found the place--right before dark--thank goodness!<br />
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After that, the driving got easier each day. I drove one time, but I got sick right after we got here, and between that and the medication, my brain had a really hard time remembering to stay on the left. After one close call at the grocery store, nobody really asked me to drive again. Kim scared us REALLY bad the first time he drove, but then he got better too.<br />
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We've been staying in Paphos, which is on the southwestern part of the island. There are some great sea caves in the area.<br />
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There was also a rock memorial on the beach near us. People just write the names of their loved ones who have passed away on rocks and lay them at this memorial.<br />
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One day while we were walking there, a donkey came running across the field and "visited" the memorial. Then, some men came running after him, telling us he was dangerous. He started chasing us. Scary! A few days later he bit one woman who was in his way!<br />
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We thoroughly enjoyed the food---AND being able to sit outside to eat in the pleasant weather!<br />
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One day we went to Lemesos (2nd largest city on the island). It's the main port and the center of Cyprus' wine industry. We toured the Kourion Archaeological site. There is a breathtaking 2nd century BC Greco-Roman theater where they still have performances. Among the other excavations are a private villa and an early Christian basilica from the 5th century AD. There was also a "House of Achilles" and a "House of the Gladiators" which had mosaic floors.<br />
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We also toured the Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis (god of the woodland and protector of Kourion). He was worshipped here from the 8th century BC to 4th century AD. At the ruins we saw Apollo's temple, the palaistra, and a holy precinct. Got one really great shot of the moon through the columns.<br />
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We saw the Kourion stadium which is where they say ancient pentathlon events took place.<br />
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Paphos was the capital of Cyprus for a long time. It is near Paphos that Aphrodite is said to have risen. There is a medieval Byzantine fort at the port to protect the harbor. This fort was rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century when they conquered the island.<br />
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Paphos was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1980, which has helped to protect the remains, but it is amazing that you can walk all over and around the remains. <br />
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So many excavations have unearthed beautiful mosaics with the tiniest little squares. The first house to be discovered, the "House of Dionysus" was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1962. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BTTEnMxocQXMqtAct2eM4jBKDmu3sJjZr1VI-4MnqS6yhC16TOQzuBPRX98d2FmbHu2UTZ5KwFuDFNGdpjN3kpc0mlsMDFCY0zDq6aypwUbBIc76TWdEDjXbMjxYbti5-NyK1SbzunA/s1600/a+mosaic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BTTEnMxocQXMqtAct2eM4jBKDmu3sJjZr1VI-4MnqS6yhC16TOQzuBPRX98d2FmbHu2UTZ5KwFuDFNGdpjN3kpc0mlsMDFCY0zDq6aypwUbBIc76TWdEDjXbMjxYbti5-NyK1SbzunA/s320/a+mosaic+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xpVixUbpq2oa4uKSdEBYsKDFgS6rOLGBrMMOULdqH0de4Ohyphenhyphenwi7F2UeVX1isO-K2bG_WMQnsP2Jtx0Ew6EptRnqSYPj1_vTvB52HL_CalThHOJzotKxonloVUxbDD7C6eWLYPDOVM0c/s1600/a+mosaic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xpVixUbpq2oa4uKSdEBYsKDFgS6rOLGBrMMOULdqH0de4Ohyphenhyphenwi7F2UeVX1isO-K2bG_WMQnsP2Jtx0Ew6EptRnqSYPj1_vTvB52HL_CalThHOJzotKxonloVUxbDD7C6eWLYPDOVM0c/s320/a+mosaic+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaYSAEPZOCdJkrbx6Sdc7Hkwp8sLlUdqX2bNbBYp7uhNgNZsb8m_HJN20GDI_a3uHqO04EXXG5YNrhysOrF0zpR6R4hsXUnd49FWVtKNaYZ8w_5FoPfNwJZ9Z3U_Q4wWp05EtkOj89qw/s1600/a+mosaic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaYSAEPZOCdJkrbx6Sdc7Hkwp8sLlUdqX2bNbBYp7uhNgNZsb8m_HJN20GDI_a3uHqO04EXXG5YNrhysOrF0zpR6R4hsXUnd49FWVtKNaYZ8w_5FoPfNwJZ9Z3U_Q4wWp05EtkOj89qw/s320/a+mosaic+4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The "Tombs of the Kings" were carved out of solid rock in 3rd century BC. We walked all through this area, which overlooks the Mediterranean. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIudGU124UmckMWWAnZWTspNOl6j9Lg5AQ8kDofxOwKTmfLzVdNY_hNJEGdqa4kgU_FBcLoiVrQ7C1lCNWDFMis_9eZiFiRj-vKhHfGUGGnfJ1sGVIJ-FGFm-c7QvtRS1eT2fezLCTkA/s1600/a+tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIudGU124UmckMWWAnZWTspNOl6j9Lg5AQ8kDofxOwKTmfLzVdNY_hNJEGdqa4kgU_FBcLoiVrQ7C1lCNWDFMis_9eZiFiRj-vKhHfGUGGnfJ1sGVIJ-FGFm-c7QvtRS1eT2fezLCTkA/s320/a+tomb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1s-tahSCrY0jNydxSJJof7TADTmuhqhnh4krLzhu0DvDJwORNFiTUUHGIMMBeSBnPeCSuv394ZRMPefyuZJ6oC31XdaxFApJ2a6GPyCpWQnoDxupTqQT_6qHcaQWJQ-CdIqS-4yu7g/s1600/a+tomb+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1s-tahSCrY0jNydxSJJof7TADTmuhqhnh4krLzhu0DvDJwORNFiTUUHGIMMBeSBnPeCSuv394ZRMPefyuZJ6oC31XdaxFApJ2a6GPyCpWQnoDxupTqQT_6qHcaQWJQ-CdIqS-4yu7g/s320/a+tomb+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Petra Tou Romiou means "the Rock of the Greek." This is where the hero Digenis Akritas is said to have protected the area from Saracen Arabs by heaving a huge rock and tossing it into the sea to prevent them from landing. The rock still remains and is called the "Birthplace of Aphrodite." It is one of the most beautiful coastlines we drove along. Here is a picture looking down on the rock.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OWQCFKGbjA3-v3iG8_2v0Y6JDhNOtwj2ZcDtEEIayVkqZB3u2bXsX0YnQ_QKGZZYP4rui_sVidoEePDEYpCyH5up1vChDsfNwlE22Bnjw7YKpBTF-2ow05PPncs1aitozAmdLXGCs5o/s1600/aphrodite+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OWQCFKGbjA3-v3iG8_2v0Y6JDhNOtwj2ZcDtEEIayVkqZB3u2bXsX0YnQ_QKGZZYP4rui_sVidoEePDEYpCyH5up1vChDsfNwlE22Bnjw7YKpBTF-2ow05PPncs1aitozAmdLXGCs5o/s320/aphrodite+rocks.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After all the gorgeous weather we had for the week, a terrific storm came in on our last day. We enjoyed watching the storm all that day and night out over the water. Then, after it cleared, we went riding along the shore and discovered a ship that had been thrown up on the rocks near us. The waves were still crazy!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Iq0bG2pAuUWYaqoqJe7Iz0vKqw1oAjv0tneBAKv6SdLiGyE-nL7uG8HPEucyScDASsrKxy5DlsxjpiQ1XPLVWhwN7UKngjhb_u2c06SoPx_4a6MbfnW5Nx0pABE1FDQgiGVuEEpFHI/s1600/a+storm+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Iq0bG2pAuUWYaqoqJe7Iz0vKqw1oAjv0tneBAKv6SdLiGyE-nL7uG8HPEucyScDASsrKxy5DlsxjpiQ1XPLVWhwN7UKngjhb_u2c06SoPx_4a6MbfnW5Nx0pABE1FDQgiGVuEEpFHI/s320/a+storm+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGY3jHUN18BVUlv306GTzhpLOCDdwMJYbKQZCOCV0EGOarzCJPTVrbBYw78WLldIGqG3wJD3x2GQ7Uvp95ksw0L5xdL9zqc7hpaAHm1KahOQgxfdp5nBp1kV8J1e70oo9l-JeX1xTz78/s1600/a+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGY3jHUN18BVUlv306GTzhpLOCDdwMJYbKQZCOCV0EGOarzCJPTVrbBYw78WLldIGqG3wJD3x2GQ7Uvp95ksw0L5xdL9zqc7hpaAHm1KahOQgxfdp5nBp1kV8J1e70oo9l-JeX1xTz78/s320/a+storm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUXUBHZQmgs6cC9Hp6UTsQ-0j7nC2hSLzqJYJirPDxkpekioHaEnv0GSUkaFSWREoEcrGbVMIJmjdLKW7pTc7QliE6V8Bt_vgOZO8Faq82eR9UA8TwhQL0zQV0b706457Za6hV0PzU4Y/s1600/a+storm+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUXUBHZQmgs6cC9Hp6UTsQ-0j7nC2hSLzqJYJirPDxkpekioHaEnv0GSUkaFSWREoEcrGbVMIJmjdLKW7pTc7QliE6V8Bt_vgOZO8Faq82eR9UA8TwhQL0zQV0b706457Za6hV0PzU4Y/s320/a+storm+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then, we headed home for Christmas Day! We will head to Jordan next for some more history.....Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-82891031467660541012011-12-13T05:36:00.000-08:002011-12-13T05:36:59.407-08:00Last Week of School!Things have been quite hectic this week! I'm relieved to be coming to the end of it....and heading off for a nice long break!<br />
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Our Head of Faculty took us out for a nice luncheon to celebrate the end of Term 1. Here we are:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkWRpAa8hZhEKEoD_cO6U1imr7-zqdVSxlsSQKuAzt-VyvBXgsjAQPWaRDz9XAOcTkp8S7EdMs_znwKQyi6HpDzDqVvTVuSNa3PKoGRsgNf9yOLRcRdZ9a1_x2PVTFfKBpLQ9SU-N3wo/s1600/HOF+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkWRpAa8hZhEKEoD_cO6U1imr7-zqdVSxlsSQKuAzt-VyvBXgsjAQPWaRDz9XAOcTkp8S7EdMs_znwKQyi6HpDzDqVvTVuSNa3PKoGRsgNf9yOLRcRdZ9a1_x2PVTFfKBpLQ9SU-N3wo/s320/HOF+lunch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And this is the lovely drink I had....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswNhVK3InKXaIb-Vc5kEaPwjrtEQBk-2fziBnITDgWQQxz_-7IFadZD0qSrkV-nkFn3_noqc4e7ju9aj6Hj26oNdLYNuLQt2pfmKTxUo3KNXmG6TFkSX_8z3IVFIJik2kCQykDxRzfyw/s1600/drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswNhVK3InKXaIb-Vc5kEaPwjrtEQBk-2fziBnITDgWQQxz_-7IFadZD0qSrkV-nkFn3_noqc4e7ju9aj6Hj26oNdLYNuLQt2pfmKTxUo3KNXmG6TFkSX_8z3IVFIJik2kCQykDxRzfyw/s320/drink.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then, today our principal took us out for a nice luncheon, and many of the Arabic teachers went!! This is very unusual, as many do not like to go out in public without their husbands. Here is the picture of the Emirati teachers (who covered when I took the photo and just gave the 'peace' sign).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7NtrH2a1202gTLKK8cFJZv4nVhxJg9dPAor63qejeCwBfrx-cuEkhAKwu7Z9_wri5nvd_o1Lce1ZGFv4hcfoHY5NB4txfK15J_BoW3nRknxTS2U0iW2ekmJjPwrU6xkPp4EnIaWc-tI/s1600/Arabic+teachers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="282" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7NtrH2a1202gTLKK8cFJZv4nVhxJg9dPAor63qejeCwBfrx-cuEkhAKwu7Z9_wri5nvd_o1Lce1ZGFv4hcfoHY5NB4txfK15J_BoW3nRknxTS2U0iW2ekmJjPwrU6xkPp4EnIaWc-tI/s320/Arabic+teachers.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here are the rest of the teachers:<br />
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The restaurant had a "Gingerbread House" motif, so a few of us had our picture made in front of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA_a8KZlkwUiyokI-DZvJyQJZj_vQyCAQaGUYMZk6GYh7ihLckwYdzSy_pyWAUenU5zO3nxH27qIZtKqKaWT_bjjTFGq4pLpJwGIAD-cgQK_9DuxzgGkHzKxuNaMjX72IIPsTCWFuZVA/s1600/gingerbread+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA_a8KZlkwUiyokI-DZvJyQJZj_vQyCAQaGUYMZk6GYh7ihLckwYdzSy_pyWAUenU5zO3nxH27qIZtKqKaWT_bjjTFGq4pLpJwGIAD-cgQK_9DuxzgGkHzKxuNaMjX72IIPsTCWFuZVA/s320/gingerbread+house.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then, Karen and Dani decided they had to poke at it and be sure it was real....IT WAS! LOL<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL9kB7VHI7Zx8YBWRyk2ydRMMtrPf2DU6V3PK1R68f3O9KE3zgbToSZ8LnQ3X7Q-QzzLWq7JohhzxMa92a4jWzswDBr-Qg3gDZzIJGNu3d4Gi8aRD33YWgFKhjZmcvYXGbJRmVu3oWNs/s1600/ging+house+real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL9kB7VHI7Zx8YBWRyk2ydRMMtrPf2DU6V3PK1R68f3O9KE3zgbToSZ8LnQ3X7Q-QzzLWq7JohhzxMa92a4jWzswDBr-Qg3gDZzIJGNu3d4Gi8aRD33YWgFKhjZmcvYXGbJRmVu3oWNs/s320/ging+house+real.jpg" /></a></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-81378439176012326962011-12-09T06:38:00.000-08:002011-12-09T06:38:23.783-08:00Smilebox slideshow on what Tifl Al Emerat Kindergarteners Can Do!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a67794d5459324e7a633d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a67794d5459324e7a633d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows.html" target="_blank">free slideshow design</a> customized with Smilebox</td></tr></table>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-32724129122317862462011-12-06T08:08:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:50:38.227-08:00National Day: Celebrating 40 years!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><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/AVvXsEgW1HAx9mrCwGmIRU3QoVzMxVhHpVQW2PJD0Y_KuCA166IF1xYZUWO2DKqlJewtby2J02AwBDacIqYI_sjlidlR9X2yIRe-d8XuKbWF9T-ebtI7ZR9r8Yjq16sjCFM-sHoJz-xJo7qiH8M/s1600/UAE_Camel_by_thephotoartist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1HAx9mrCwGmIRU3QoVzMxVhHpVQW2PJD0Y_KuCA166IF1xYZUWO2DKqlJewtby2J02AwBDacIqYI_sjlidlR9X2yIRe-d8XuKbWF9T-ebtI7ZR9r8Yjq16sjCFM-sHoJz-xJo7qiH8M/s400/UAE_Camel_by_thephotoartist.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">LOVE this picture </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(Not mine, obviously, but I thought it represented the UAE turning 40 perfecctly!)</span></td></tr>
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</div>Last week the UAE celebrated its 40th National Day. I thought last year was wild, but it doesn't hold a candle to this year's celebration!! Cars and buildings were extravagantly decorated in red, green, white, and black: the colors of the UAE flag. There are red and green lights up all over town--just in time for Christmas! Ha-ha!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhvsQwmVBVCyAEEDpJuM-cyP3v7Fs8qNkNuOp5VWCHCfp9sXN1bpoBulJl9teilnA0TrbDRWY3R6sh1-B73AwCRgzque9ti6m73VZq8V2Dmj7q4x9PxdmOAa2rXZd27NUTedLBIvO9Yk/s1600/pimp+my+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhvsQwmVBVCyAEEDpJuM-cyP3v7Fs8qNkNuOp5VWCHCfp9sXN1bpoBulJl9teilnA0TrbDRWY3R6sh1-B73AwCRgzque9ti6m73VZq8V2Dmj7q4x9PxdmOAa2rXZd27NUTedLBIvO9Yk/s400/pimp+my+truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pimp my Truck: A Southern boy couldn't be prouder! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(This was riding home from school last week)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJP3LgZn6z3s7eFBfus-Pk6fMBJSIEIGDCaFlGdr1hvzC6MziCJODBIGJuu8NZnf6uoUejUq4_3xHACONssIbKagjHM7Eg-88SxBCj1SpgeF4trmnt9Y9P9vVJHwUgqFSpPFTFErLIH4/s1600/car-decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJP3LgZn6z3s7eFBfus-Pk6fMBJSIEIGDCaFlGdr1hvzC6MziCJODBIGJuu8NZnf6uoUejUq4_3xHACONssIbKagjHM7Eg-88SxBCj1SpgeF4trmnt9Y9P9vVJHwUgqFSpPFTFErLIH4/s400/car-decorations.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All lit up!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQc-nAN6cj-4-AjE0IuloSgpfRWXqyAYx7zDuL9_ypXBzktFkuG4qVbizVpp1pZ_HsmvySANQ_ToYLxz0UBK6oiVmIpRMf_sC8R1csgRBBQz15vwY6XxmJjWA9IAiFFyDLWmL3L62v3Y/s1600/03-Pg26-Ferrari-2-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQc-nAN6cj-4-AjE0IuloSgpfRWXqyAYx7zDuL9_ypXBzktFkuG4qVbizVpp1pZ_HsmvySANQ_ToYLxz0UBK6oiVmIpRMf_sC8R1csgRBBQz15vwY6XxmJjWA9IAiFFyDLWmL3L62v3Y/s400/03-Pg26-Ferrari-2-crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were articles in all the papers about the fines that would be assessed for people hanging out of cars...hmmmmm....guess they missed this one!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09h4JoKzlV6ZQeNYlTHqYHXVpu68MR-7qHbufB791e4boX5tr-MvdtPizkmYu3zODnHwzNNngrNdfk8fy4DjxCGNwWqdVHuIUS-SkQWI26F1f8Baso1dcOyebG1YQ2pgpsDZsqlb_bQ/s1600/SHCTForty1-670x374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09h4JoKzlV6ZQeNYlTHqYHXVpu68MR-7qHbufB791e4boX5tr-MvdtPizkmYu3zODnHwzNNngrNdfk8fy4DjxCGNwWqdVHuIUS-SkQWI26F1f8Baso1dcOyebG1YQ2pgpsDZsqlb_bQ/s400/SHCTForty1-670x374.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buildings were also decorated! </span></td></tr>
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<br />
Our school held its celebration on Wednesday, and then we had Thursday off for a 3-day holiday. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJDgawoHne2zzW5k2ztYIEZx3B181As2SVHX63XQJPoA2uebSOEHAAvtLt6BYt-5jyiy30zPN7LofIBKFwG-lVBm4p_di71P1lkaaidUvXBNQLEdU4Gf155FyDuFYtesnQnZytYlC0Ds/s1600/lynn+with+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJDgawoHne2zzW5k2ztYIEZx3B181As2SVHX63XQJPoA2uebSOEHAAvtLt6BYt-5jyiy30zPN7LofIBKFwG-lVBm4p_di71P1lkaaidUvXBNQLEdU4Gf155FyDuFYtesnQnZytYlC0Ds/s400/lynn+with+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Posing in our finery! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_1JBaYXkJDmnE1kRF_4Zm5Ro8BsHKMOLQS9oLeUp2B7SqA8-KX1O4FE43Qa8PdF7SU8xrPeRkMpx1IF35mVdcTAlBitdYoI_4kzBLOWFyVlOgmNSZmKa_vXD-JuT6PXbc9XNQRU6JVk/s1600/flag+waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_1JBaYXkJDmnE1kRF_4Zm5Ro8BsHKMOLQS9oLeUp2B7SqA8-KX1O4FE43Qa8PdF7SU8xrPeRkMpx1IF35mVdcTAlBitdYoI_4kzBLOWFyVlOgmNSZmKa_vXD-JuT6PXbc9XNQRU6JVk/s400/flag+waving.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flag Waving 101</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC3QpCSMwvaCTPto1RYgizJv1rmpfy7zSnf5Gts9LzkcQ6ISXeEdeoRqkabuKhqygfd_BbpkXkH8IcirYvLWmRr6Y-l4iJJtFcVE_iECGowSCkYVWnbQ7xBqzYlBwaS-O0y7M-IiQY2E/s1600/pompom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC3QpCSMwvaCTPto1RYgizJv1rmpfy7zSnf5Gts9LzkcQ6ISXeEdeoRqkabuKhqygfd_BbpkXkH8IcirYvLWmRr6Y-l4iJJtFcVE_iECGowSCkYVWnbQ7xBqzYlBwaS-O0y7M-IiQY2E/s400/pompom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fatima and the pom-pom crew</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVot9fb-CDk_541G_NZJ0kB1Mxmnv7CQk5v2I3jnNcC4EYMed32lVYm13Daft4y8yUm4_7-CTqc4W3BmIaZHIJMznAkmZVxT2R_ofc_dmwdXGLKeRv4dQK_6_67s-SIK3A_ZFAhCpqi6M/s1600/hair+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVot9fb-CDk_541G_NZJ0kB1Mxmnv7CQk5v2I3jnNcC4EYMed32lVYm13Daft4y8yUm4_7-CTqc4W3BmIaZHIJMznAkmZVxT2R_ofc_dmwdXGLKeRv4dQK_6_67s-SIK3A_ZFAhCpqi6M/s400/hair+dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Girls doing the traditional "hair dance."</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDkHMX89QqvmUzIaoQJ1vXLrWdhFoCecWF2oHzuPcdY-xygBVh4A9-RkHNYklZAwmUsOuTmUtYTSIM3iibs5lnpf7vbAOEEpscEBcMuJ7dBnZFUvzApGRhZBJc7ebf9qwpVoZg5Hm8kE/s1600/boys+in+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDkHMX89QqvmUzIaoQJ1vXLrWdhFoCecWF2oHzuPcdY-xygBVh4A9-RkHNYklZAwmUsOuTmUtYTSIM3iibs5lnpf7vbAOEEpscEBcMuJ7dBnZFUvzApGRhZBJc7ebf9qwpVoZg5Hm8kE/s400/boys+in+dress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sulaiman, Faisal, Hamdan, and Mohammed dressed in style.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduAv4RpVFum85EjQUWk88r900CudKJcVOoS98TUUDte4kUh3NIYa69K6nY4E3Sx7cvSyV22HbjkCQNEqDC0Trrp3Lm-l6Ok4VAmtuSrrywV1Ll7rx1Hw5ckUU4yhZ9SWLbr6ZEsyoFWk/s1600/girls+in+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduAv4RpVFum85EjQUWk88r900CudKJcVOoS98TUUDte4kUh3NIYa69K6nY4E3Sx7cvSyV22HbjkCQNEqDC0Trrp3Lm-l6Ok4VAmtuSrrywV1Ll7rx1Hw5ckUU4yhZ9SWLbr6ZEsyoFWk/s400/girls+in+dress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amna, Aysha, Mahra, and Shamsa--beautiful girls!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXA7WocpC5VklnJC8SWVS0LXClCmzrli9fkjC6moSS4erNKwhxFnDmBfulPuBqGbO3OWEQqOsKPp3dwX1DaVduNUsejJow4Ql0bP4M6ryjUvbdkswPztJwfeQDF96ZeAhmQ-D1Z1KGBM/s1600/fashion+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXA7WocpC5VklnJC8SWVS0LXClCmzrli9fkjC6moSS4erNKwhxFnDmBfulPuBqGbO3OWEQqOsKPp3dwX1DaVduNUsejJow4Ql0bP4M6ryjUvbdkswPztJwfeQDF96ZeAhmQ-D1Z1KGBM/s400/fashion+show.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dani's class put on a "fashion" show.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDIbM5-leiZedzuRXvJMDVcrQ9BSjWt4MS9PHzwmd0RSMZHdIm0skXDgBT0k7C2ocDlkLjD9FXE3rInRk5Hbs4QO7KGFIu3Z-6ybqfMiCWPLyfdpVEwAjqy5XQ1_HzwjVUYdIr61Ma1s/s1600/gun+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDIbM5-leiZedzuRXvJMDVcrQ9BSjWt4MS9PHzwmd0RSMZHdIm0skXDgBT0k7C2ocDlkLjD9FXE3rInRk5Hbs4QO7KGFIu3Z-6ybqfMiCWPLyfdpVEwAjqy5XQ1_HzwjVUYdIr61Ma1s/s400/gun+dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boys doing the "gun dance."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEirMdgTNrf3d0NWzBbrSjacjOthUpw22sMbLS0n6pjTjEEYWa5kxYNDy4svv3I62VdM8_ZpSAWr5Ob_suO5fqv-JqET7wZpnPrL-RrW_Kw-v5HfxI912bMeA4PmZ-rsCELEmKsY7Dm5rD8/s1600/blocked+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMdgTNrf3d0NWzBbrSjacjOthUpw22sMbLS0n6pjTjEEYWa5kxYNDy4svv3I62VdM8_ZpSAWr5Ob_suO5fqv-JqET7wZpnPrL-RrW_Kw-v5HfxI912bMeA4PmZ-rsCELEmKsY7Dm5rD8/s400/blocked+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One mother didn't like her view, so she and her children decided the best place to stand was right in front of where my class was sitting: CLUELESS!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFiIIGP6czTVqfOo0jRyY7s3ENMy2I7QrM0EO_IyEKKG-fp1kpeATMFkyWnHdQ6YCxds_GpWH5nmRI_8EAuYRoFVmOjPl8BJ6zKRQp5QuwVgYnc92FziO2x4cRGCJIznyK9VAr7hdyvE/s1600/cane+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFiIIGP6czTVqfOo0jRyY7s3ENMy2I7QrM0EO_IyEKKG-fp1kpeATMFkyWnHdQ6YCxds_GpWH5nmRI_8EAuYRoFVmOjPl8BJ6zKRQp5QuwVgYnc92FziO2x4cRGCJIznyK9VAr7hdyvE/s400/cane+dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional Cane Dance: The Al Ain Boys School came and demonstrated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp2B1I_e7sUzVc62xROfJi49wysxbGWT87sl9rlXvSILx3z8LgEuFELc8haxfzD2zoVUDtrppu2xTbF7ah3HxNXtKqt0iX4y9ymBUDj12dv-qctlLA6U6K_yz2X0Us8kr0scdVjvuux8/s1600/mock+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp2B1I_e7sUzVc62xROfJi49wysxbGWT87sl9rlXvSILx3z8LgEuFELc8haxfzD2zoVUDtrppu2xTbF7ah3HxNXtKqt0iX4y9ymBUDj12dv-qctlLA6U6K_yz2X0Us8kr0scdVjvuux8/s400/mock+wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mock Wedding</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was a LOOOOONNNNNGGGGG morning for the children!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHeB0v1NXJmUswVloak_bj-kiF9JNDvTEJK0OXXIl2kDwCAvTNfD5lT4QLtbBmHv97uemzyPE4GgJED_ZOGdHAjuU5Kp64KxtrHynUCb1BqNeE_-9-ACEq2joG0K_L_lc9TLQj0mJLnU/s1600/hamdan+tired+of+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHeB0v1NXJmUswVloak_bj-kiF9JNDvTEJK0OXXIl2kDwCAvTNfD5lT4QLtbBmHv97uemzyPE4GgJED_ZOGdHAjuU5Kp64KxtrHynUCb1BqNeE_-9-ACEq2joG0K_L_lc9TLQj0mJLnU/s400/hamdan+tired+of+sitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hamdan decides playing in the sand is SO much more fun than watching the performances!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP4FDhk-4BuNrPOT7WGQjs91Erqz79VWuJQqQdTUdLTIz2DHI9kSZ9UTw6VwM6GnzMuUjkpQBIBYpjDYdQSFGOJU4k9uguuiYMdg08fa8r6bdALGf1Wn6rShRVJqGiHL-hxKp8Iv8d14/s1600/amna+tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP4FDhk-4BuNrPOT7WGQjs91Erqz79VWuJQqQdTUdLTIz2DHI9kSZ9UTw6VwM6GnzMuUjkpQBIBYpjDYdQSFGOJU4k9uguuiYMdg08fa8r6bdALGf1Wn6rShRVJqGiHL-hxKp8Iv8d14/s400/amna+tired.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amna just plain wants to go home!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY3iyZ8HFyXJg3_ORGWu5g1jlnvACY7xyQMVktStrO6eAehtmGTiY-SuNS9HEHDrfroRijQyIhmBWxpc3czTTXeFx8aZQtprx5JVxolGrPW3wZ1TMUpDVq-cbjcUVH_yGbLDk3NkXD38/s1600/puma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY3iyZ8HFyXJg3_ORGWu5g1jlnvACY7xyQMVktStrO6eAehtmGTiY-SuNS9HEHDrfroRijQyIhmBWxpc3czTTXeFx8aZQtprx5JVxolGrPW3wZ1TMUpDVq-cbjcUVH_yGbLDk3NkXD38/s400/puma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a lot of hoopla over here about Puma issuing shoes with the UAE colors: very disrespectful to have the flag colors on your feet!</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As soon as the kids loaded on the buses, I headed home where Kim already had the car packed to head to Fujairah.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItU87OeT7DDkBA0zj0ztjmKxAmG3ctsVr3D3tJYk86PBPvWnDxaqN6JJsjBkshxZM51qQF3YZQVdvAlmg1U6ysfRvcnUqbOwhpfY_-S3qJZNDE51vPgIA-HJ3CanfOEsSWimm7i4y6Pk/s1600/driving+to+fujairah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItU87OeT7DDkBA0zj0ztjmKxAmG3ctsVr3D3tJYk86PBPvWnDxaqN6JJsjBkshxZM51qQF3YZQVdvAlmg1U6ysfRvcnUqbOwhpfY_-S3qJZNDE51vPgIA-HJ3CanfOEsSWimm7i4y6Pk/s400/driving+to+fujairah.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mountain view on the way there: the Hajar Mountains</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lots of the mountains had flags waving from the top!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtP-USBEZAFut80i4kWox6QZiTQMKdfJ70Q4fEUhNFRwjFMPuQnOeVBAUZUmp7cXiBeUJ3eoXLkVfjlPlm1YhZ65mxA-DNVd4IDWQLPFYjd1Ra-58Zptk_OpWK1vGxHxTMvoagwrErcY/s1600/rotana+fujairah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtP-USBEZAFut80i4kWox6QZiTQMKdfJ70Q4fEUhNFRwjFMPuQnOeVBAUZUmp7cXiBeUJ3eoXLkVfjlPlm1YhZ65mxA-DNVd4IDWQLPFYjd1Ra-58Zptk_OpWK1vGxHxTMvoagwrErcY/s400/rotana+fujairah.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stayed at the Rotana, and had a great ground floor room that looked straight out to the beach. Nice pool, but we didn't spend much time there--the waves at the beach were too enticing!</span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x8iaZjKRNJKwfhxXa1D_6s_IX49njR3Sk1nMjmsOgSe2WzETXtsjeXkCXnlTGFhRwL-yC52SSMIarb1bcf1BiMAaxtPeeDhcPH9KADK7W-m7F0f_jC4yz7THp06tZLIwECKPzS6TkRg/s1600/beach+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x8iaZjKRNJKwfhxXa1D_6s_IX49njR3Sk1nMjmsOgSe2WzETXtsjeXkCXnlTGFhRwL-yC52SSMIarb1bcf1BiMAaxtPeeDhcPH9KADK7W-m7F0f_jC4yz7THp06tZLIwECKPzS6TkRg/s400/beach+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beach with mountains in the backdrop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1SKRbjv1DFe27N2EPy_JDb7rZT9PS0x5bqEWG7LGYyo_TPc0VO8ILs0DgrDdrkGjjc_xugRDvIQiE4hf-hOMbRU40nvVjgabnASe7zOslPtw0Jc8RgEnBB86qApYQpIODIJh2WJgfKk/s1600/big+surf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1SKRbjv1DFe27N2EPy_JDb7rZT9PS0x5bqEWG7LGYyo_TPc0VO8ILs0DgrDdrkGjjc_xugRDvIQiE4hf-hOMbRU40nvVjgabnASe7zOslPtw0Jc8RgEnBB86qApYQpIODIJh2WJgfKk/s400/big+surf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big Waves!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXfNNkxhZMYqkW8kgi7CTblA5nIGU492WMCr58BwlJTN8gkKUSHHKJ7dbvkovW4kaC46hdimmCzgruKEI8WOs3VqRgDsrO4hIFbz8TYaST1jIByW7IY8qerz_vFmaiXUx0JZ4xq6eG6A/s1600/beach+view2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXfNNkxhZMYqkW8kgi7CTblA5nIGU492WMCr58BwlJTN8gkKUSHHKJ7dbvkovW4kaC46hdimmCzgruKEI8WOs3VqRgDsrO4hIFbz8TYaST1jIByW7IY8qerz_vFmaiXUx0JZ4xq6eG6A/s400/beach+view2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pRtIQqnkrEr1cCReQQZOVTP8tqJ9k7q-gs8s6hGsfo8Pl21IPYyoV7PqBUAlPbfAVFgFE2HikkZZz1bXFw9G6OGgvk20XjeptoRDvML04_-Gzo1JVqOk_I9QkrTngiYghz9B9UHdgAQ/s1600/cory+rides+wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pRtIQqnkrEr1cCReQQZOVTP8tqJ9k7q-gs8s6hGsfo8Pl21IPYyoV7PqBUAlPbfAVFgFE2HikkZZz1bXFw9G6OGgvk20XjeptoRDvML04_-Gzo1JVqOk_I9QkrTngiYghz9B9UHdgAQ/s400/cory+rides+wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory tries relentlessly to catch a big one! The rest of us got in the water, but we were trying to AVOID getting caught up in the waves. We stayed just far enough out that they didn't break over our heads.....until we tried to walk out of the water.....and then....well, let's just say that Heather gave some people a nice show!! LOL!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaQkZlX5oRcDwndgwO9usdtEvObxjhmXtZaaR_o7-46qYUo-0a9pVCCvV9_0yfsXKzePCYva0csOtFOHP3hp-0U8tiW9biX_And1aRra6-GLo_YOcabu_ObSiSwu7KaZ7_uoDydemS4c/s1600/mex+tex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaQkZlX5oRcDwndgwO9usdtEvObxjhmXtZaaR_o7-46qYUo-0a9pVCCvV9_0yfsXKzePCYva0csOtFOHP3hp-0U8tiW9biX_And1aRra6-GLo_YOcabu_ObSiSwu7KaZ7_uoDydemS4c/s400/mex+tex.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One night the buffet was Tex-Mex: this was a small section of the desserts</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNhKmx0aHgIeUtVaY2abf6jztF6TuLQsmBpDCcYf_C2Tbci27hfpv0RCv86pl_5mJcW4yAoWoP5dNbnNweR_-tqDP31Bh5oJV67yzK14rl46HPTvNZsyECydN9GWyKZxyWlKgxqSzdOc/s1600/3+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNhKmx0aHgIeUtVaY2abf6jztF6TuLQsmBpDCcYf_C2Tbci27hfpv0RCv86pl_5mJcW4yAoWoP5dNbnNweR_-tqDP31Bh5oJV67yzK14rl46HPTvNZsyECydN9GWyKZxyWlKgxqSzdOc/s400/3+on+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 on a beach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mfHx8reUqfSZ0NiJWyZuLwr26-HitIna3W3kzr_xsZWTLkm6fXffgjx4FKlvg-BgVWa916Gyu8biIRcVOOoYQqSrBeIDBwoK7HzWwr4-TXaUopYREeEY2pjge0gSR6P2MpXlfBHMBHo/s1600/heart+flag+on+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mfHx8reUqfSZ0NiJWyZuLwr26-HitIna3W3kzr_xsZWTLkm6fXffgjx4FKlvg-BgVWa916Gyu8biIRcVOOoYQqSrBeIDBwoK7HzWwr4-TXaUopYREeEY2pjge0gSR6P2MpXlfBHMBHo/s400/heart+flag+on+rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A heart painted on the side of one of the cliffs near Snoopy Rock</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i_R_gY7-0BpA8z_mPuu1UeM6sUhR6xh6hhK1zDKp9B8oJV4ohBHxztVOSWLztJz1UuqO_ZglvxVT8RIY61HBWKIFEOXriMB0pBlKhTB7wxfFjwVwRaDvHMkgYFG8pIr_Uel2oiY0UK4/s1600/snoopy+rock3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i_R_gY7-0BpA8z_mPuu1UeM6sUhR6xh6hhK1zDKp9B8oJV4ohBHxztVOSWLztJz1UuqO_ZglvxVT8RIY61HBWKIFEOXriMB0pBlKhTB7wxfFjwVwRaDvHMkgYFG8pIr_Uel2oiY0UK4/s400/snoopy+rock3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snoopy Rock: supposed to be some of the best diving/snorkeling in the UAE</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillyfQbrT2zvh0UYgmj3gMLslYCz2rlY_uHKmGDCLUfrD1-2WxSMtUVp99zz0WRAXQQSgc1OHxEtU9E3AAQ5l8Za_0TRGJwxynGXbUFNwU8uWOUFMw9bgkoQfd2GTNkNiROML530TvY9M/s1600/starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillyfQbrT2zvh0UYgmj3gMLslYCz2rlY_uHKmGDCLUfrD1-2WxSMtUVp99zz0WRAXQQSgc1OHxEtU9E3AAQ5l8Za_0TRGJwxynGXbUFNwU8uWOUFMw9bgkoQfd2GTNkNiROML530TvY9M/s400/starfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trying to save the oceans...one starfish at a time.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDN1P25wbKgY8L3i0h5AlFYUQcHU6VmUU9XF___Xo9bL4YIVw-ihwOqgET8iogBpX8VNEW_dqSs45955Fhfj-htVv6AyiPRUliQANjMMIul7lQQoxbAt3r8zruLbIj7ZR-4Kswwv2NwU/s1600/Cory+Scuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDN1P25wbKgY8L3i0h5AlFYUQcHU6VmUU9XF___Xo9bL4YIVw-ihwOqgET8iogBpX8VNEW_dqSs45955Fhfj-htVv6AyiPRUliQANjMMIul7lQQoxbAt3r8zruLbIj7ZR-4Kswwv2NwU/s400/Cory+Scuba.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory got to SCUBA. Kim and I are working on our certification: YEA!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIM58krbcagyUqmuB2lyj5aKiyrs1iQS1LQxB1OVbWaYvoyuvGMM72oQbjKEtoD0rizsY0kRzqhMw9nxORcWtnH6nnVEgZGIpbTF5Aup7zsvo4zPiCRr61iS2J1y5mbeoYFNonwpSCfo/s1600/sheikh+tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIM58krbcagyUqmuB2lyj5aKiyrs1iQS1LQxB1OVbWaYvoyuvGMM72oQbjKEtoD0rizsY0kRzqhMw9nxORcWtnH6nnVEgZGIpbTF5Aup7zsvo4zPiCRr61iS2J1y5mbeoYFNonwpSCfo/s400/sheikh+tent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan had a HUGE tent set up on the beach. He came to visit with the people of Fujairah so they could talk with him about what their needs are. I'm sorry to say you cannot fathom how large this tent is from the picture---truly sorry!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcac8QByVJZ6pLOSXOGyTjtEHP1f-sPDtMLMz7fTe3xCS1n65q64iCyBKd90WdB5npBtm-DNphQ8Vv5cXxwiYhykhgwCAk0A6Hx1m4VH-fOyWVZu7W6X9HOnbJVEFR1VHgZta-B2DYLE/s1600/flag+on+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcac8QByVJZ6pLOSXOGyTjtEHP1f-sPDtMLMz7fTe3xCS1n65q64iCyBKd90WdB5npBtm-DNphQ8Vv5cXxwiYhykhgwCAk0A6Hx1m4VH-fOyWVZu7W6X9HOnbJVEFR1VHgZta-B2DYLE/s400/flag+on+deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the last day, we woke up in the morning to find our view blocked by a flag draped from the balcony above us.....Did I mention CLUELESS????!!!! Gotta love the lack of worry about the consequences of your actions here.....Mafi Mushkila (no problem!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile....back in Al Ain....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4shyj_3SRTARwCGTt_qBKLOpOBi3-29gSd-CnBLFKkCl_1pPSBXgWnNo9ijJfviUa_ZDM0zT6Pd3XHGH0NIuwlgYgRAXE_W5giCyIG6CMl8ikv1Ogu01B6FOuBcWcmQ1tvWBo1QPjVvQ/s1600/camel+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4shyj_3SRTARwCGTt_qBKLOpOBi3-29gSd-CnBLFKkCl_1pPSBXgWnNo9ijJfviUa_ZDM0zT6Pd3XHGH0NIuwlgYgRAXE_W5giCyIG6CMl8ikv1Ogu01B6FOuBcWcmQ1tvWBo1QPjVvQ/s400/camel+truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How'd you like to be driving along the road and see this??! Yes.....I'm driving and taking a picture with my camera at the same time....and I'm STILL driving more safely than most of the people on the road!</span></td></tr>
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Now it's back to school for 2 weeks and then....we're off for Christmas (really, here, it's mid-term break....DUH!) We're planning to go to Cyprus and Jordan.</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-44227858552475008482011-11-27T08:08:00.000-08:002011-11-27T08:08:39.301-08:00Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After having Blue, our grandpuppy for the past two weeks, Heather came for the holiday and you can see how happy he was to see his Mommy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNOWpkGLn3y7KUOGxhizYEYg9T85eRnBaJtOfWD57S130HrU8GvOtL8TpcTPOK0gkfW7CyWAV7H3EmBAR7elR99VoY9cL9qr8-04anAXV8NYx7-AvnT8kQT3YZNIsZjmvagFKMBTw9M4/s1600/blue+misses+heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNOWpkGLn3y7KUOGxhizYEYg9T85eRnBaJtOfWD57S130HrU8GvOtL8TpcTPOK0gkfW7CyWAV7H3EmBAR7elR99VoY9cL9qr8-04anAXV8NYx7-AvnT8kQT3YZNIsZjmvagFKMBTw9M4/s400/blue+misses+heather.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
What an experience to cook a Thanksgiving meal here in the UAE! Kim and Heather shopped over a period of weeks in many different stores, trying to find different ingredients.<br />
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They finally managed to buy enough items and substitutions to put together a close approximation of a REAL Thanksgiving meal!!! We had to use "Cornbread Croutons" instead of cornbread to make the dressing. We also used liquid whipping cream (which had to be beat for about 20 minutes and then add sugar and vanilla) to make the Watergate Salad. Heather found sweet potatoes for a souffle and cranberry sauce. Here's our final product:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1MPYoUSD4MXA8Fmh-fOO_IF6c50abLDxB0kjB476Y-Ujp3B7dkywE9kzdr9hGN61ILiQuVTkcz216BWZ5gn3kFWkWH4_41oSrS8We7OldK_e2fnZtRJuJhbCOU-Z-wkEJJj6yP0DBBM/s1600/thanksgiving+meal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1MPYoUSD4MXA8Fmh-fOO_IF6c50abLDxB0kjB476Y-Ujp3B7dkywE9kzdr9hGN61ILiQuVTkcz216BWZ5gn3kFWkWH4_41oSrS8We7OldK_e2fnZtRJuJhbCOU-Z-wkEJJj6yP0DBBM/s400/thanksgiving+meal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turkey, ham, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(Grandma: Are those EGGS I smell??)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Not pictured: Pumpkin Pie and Watergate Salad</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V3q-9Lcs22o-vdU1wYW7L5tRxGPjKgvEe4vofLabd4BB9Sg8mNjMI11SXDmZGUvWKVC3LK1oKTB6-0-iN-uUCgyZKxBCJeARSewyxWu7XGK6c5oaztCSPl78ZO7I0m_4QsVD1LKChDE/s1600/camel+souffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V3q-9Lcs22o-vdU1wYW7L5tRxGPjKgvEe4vofLabd4BB9Sg8mNjMI11SXDmZGUvWKVC3LK1oKTB6-0-iN-uUCgyZKxBCJeARSewyxWu7XGK6c5oaztCSPl78ZO7I0m_4QsVD1LKChDE/s400/camel+souffle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camel Souffle: ha-ha!! (This was Heather's cooking and Kim's artistic addition)</span></td></tr>
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Cory, unfortunately, had to work, so we sent him a load of leftovers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWp5R21SRM7_aKjHlOD0xE1-R0QLBjfoXdjen23TCOJfVvbY_XnPQwUIbiKwf-4vJkF4iTmjVLge2tsDkalxJfKtgofLVbwPfQp5CcM4KfO6B7aiTjPTo3EuBfEXLhj7H3VN27DHFbxI/s1600/cory+eats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWp5R21SRM7_aKjHlOD0xE1-R0QLBjfoXdjen23TCOJfVvbY_XnPQwUIbiKwf-4vJkF4iTmjVLge2tsDkalxJfKtgofLVbwPfQp5CcM4KfO6B7aiTjPTo3EuBfEXLhj7H3VN27DHFbxI/s400/cory+eats.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZdjF6yKVnXWKubPypcst3fByqQaN-6u92PmLaEd1hwyLPK3jUDVdtkLDEyYsOn-8vk6yGY5p4IS-TK0Jcd9sDWBALHdy7SN6yCa5CBNvREBLZ3hg5pPV2I0YcGudnMRt7Mc6NcqQ0k/s1600/oman+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZdjF6yKVnXWKubPypcst3fByqQaN-6u92PmLaEd1hwyLPK3jUDVdtkLDEyYsOn-8vk6yGY5p4IS-TK0Jcd9sDWBALHdy7SN6yCa5CBNvREBLZ3hg5pPV2I0YcGudnMRt7Mc6NcqQ0k/s400/oman+sky.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beautiful sunset looking over Oman and Jebel Hefeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-45421198767909896132011-11-12T07:20:00.000-08:002011-11-12T07:20:45.114-08:00Eid al Adha Break: Muscat and Salalah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We headed back to Oman for the week-long Eid al Adha break. First, to Muscat for a few days, and then to Salalah. Last year, my students kept telling me how beautiful Salalah was, so we decided to fly there and check it out.<br />
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We drove to Muscat, Oman. This is our car's first trip across the border. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEGE22VYNwIyWfOtdvD8Gazx7zG1Nyn0RIXb6qxzACRuVMeCs9RWgDt636wE-KAz5QUgAAPNcysdkAZKiq-Mn7cKpn_yTrhU6DRPWYgIbh2nyEXOBWSzhjvzXlH1FOO2A_JpJp2IDkKI/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEGE22VYNwIyWfOtdvD8Gazx7zG1Nyn0RIXb6qxzACRuVMeCs9RWgDt636wE-KAz5QUgAAPNcysdkAZKiq-Mn7cKpn_yTrhU6DRPWYgIbh2nyEXOBWSzhjvzXlH1FOO2A_JpJp2IDkKI/s400/car.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out the proud "G" on the back!!! Goooooo, GEORGIA!!</span></td></tr>
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In Oman, we stayed at the Hyatt--our first time there. It has now become my favorite place to stay in Oman. It has a nice pool with a "river" and a nice view of the beach. The only drawback was that they didn't have chairs and umbrellas on the beach, I think because their beach is not private. It is shared by the embassies located along the same beach: Morocco, Bahrain, Iran, etc. The food was also some of the best we have had at the hotels there, especially a place called The Grill House----ahhhhh, a steak to die for!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXMZFLZfn_SrlUPybhKuZjbzOfR1cYWMuw9dWp95U_VW0yL-OfHJroi-9QdL9KjPCo3XXI5UXktn2Oe4ORGTla4BUsHY1XDXrHQUL1E1j9DHp228kSV7HSamNCqv2alfY19gm-KsapaU/s1600/hyatt+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXMZFLZfn_SrlUPybhKuZjbzOfR1cYWMuw9dWp95U_VW0yL-OfHJroi-9QdL9KjPCo3XXI5UXktn2Oe4ORGTla4BUsHY1XDXrHQUL1E1j9DHp228kSV7HSamNCqv2alfY19gm-KsapaU/s400/hyatt+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3Ttdt5lWm3zrRnRq-2dWm0Quj0XtLTjuQe-0VbA7RdV2hkotBQAzoxnG_YCSTohQX3s-KTtV1XLiB-blHt04fYWH1OFG6gyStfCp8oZO_TM7DQEo3gmq3fZtpOtu-13aJ_DLZ_OHjeQ/s1600/hyatt+pool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3Ttdt5lWm3zrRnRq-2dWm0Quj0XtLTjuQe-0VbA7RdV2hkotBQAzoxnG_YCSTohQX3s-KTtV1XLiB-blHt04fYWH1OFG6gyStfCp8oZO_TM7DQEo3gmq3fZtpOtu-13aJ_DLZ_OHjeQ/s400/hyatt+pool2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXA1GgFAbpjEcBf3BpHCPd7P7uTMJJ245idmtECm5K7y2Pr1CJvbpV_1iGNeZeb8mMpKIk6UanS1_H4YF2A8ybikJm4N64-XyxRgv4pCpxxmg-Q0u5rnja7FJSJ_xEjtpJeCrPWiDT9g/s1600/muscat+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXA1GgFAbpjEcBf3BpHCPd7P7uTMJJ245idmtECm5K7y2Pr1CJvbpV_1iGNeZeb8mMpKIk6UanS1_H4YF2A8ybikJm4N64-XyxRgv4pCpxxmg-Q0u5rnja7FJSJ_xEjtpJeCrPWiDT9g/s400/muscat+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmG9uMA51Twlo5MPkoJ_ziqkGXDUu8AnBgNsas0_VUQgF9htubDG5I3tuDnuT42OAoHqkcp7Ui6ZpXLPrCH2ErNMhtamdz56gh-HdYyCpNvDn8KXpP8PREEZwsXX1-EYD33B_GY2qOuc/s1600/lynn+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmG9uMA51Twlo5MPkoJ_ziqkGXDUu8AnBgNsas0_VUQgF9htubDG5I3tuDnuT42OAoHqkcp7Ui6ZpXLPrCH2ErNMhtamdz56gh-HdYyCpNvDn8KXpP8PREEZwsXX1-EYD33B_GY2qOuc/s400/lynn+tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evening tea in the Hyatt Lobby</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_t0OVWR-Of70XxQxq7FKPliHE8Rh0l0ex6j4QsTvlVBvTDBaE8B6m07GAs12qjr8BAb0sBRly0p9jzv42ZMPCVuilBByXpOIMSSzq8k5L0KjGL10cRKgz79PzCmN2CkQQyf8X-1DmMw/s1600/heather+piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_t0OVWR-Of70XxQxq7FKPliHE8Rh0l0ex6j4QsTvlVBvTDBaE8B6m07GAs12qjr8BAb0sBRly0p9jzv42ZMPCVuilBByXpOIMSSzq8k5L0KjGL10cRKgz79PzCmN2CkQQyf8X-1DmMw/s400/heather+piano.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This piano is one of only 3 like it in the world. Michael Jackson stayed here and wanted to buy the piano for over 7 million dollars, but they wouldn't sell it to him.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqvEOOti_u6fQ7FeGgH3YIXlgPnvNQMvP03jFoayj6iINLmMyGY6zeUTy-la0YUISP8nwSe07TcNCPdGHa2LQJcvxtMGfwihKmLnk3CFtnWcvKb4TgqqkQ4vco_idkTwb1fHWI3R6OGM/s1600/muscat+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqvEOOti_u6fQ7FeGgH3YIXlgPnvNQMvP03jFoayj6iINLmMyGY6zeUTy-la0YUISP8nwSe07TcNCPdGHa2LQJcvxtMGfwihKmLnk3CFtnWcvKb4TgqqkQ4vco_idkTwb1fHWI3R6OGM/s1600/muscat+sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset in Muscat</span></td></tr>
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</div>Cory got to SCUBA, and he got a few pictures of the dolphins!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1h0FRL_STo7sxnpGFQcUHCDON4G5ZWuKIU5Pz0GMXgCDgAbMXE-BBYexarTNukqh_0gN42JYfKdr-Cp-qe4YT_dTiBDhxQfrFXUd8lYhf4Fz0_m7HKpupEieOyPhDqWDERpqZdLfVUk/s1600/cory+scuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1h0FRL_STo7sxnpGFQcUHCDON4G5ZWuKIU5Pz0GMXgCDgAbMXE-BBYexarTNukqh_0gN42JYfKdr-Cp-qe4YT_dTiBDhxQfrFXUd8lYhf4Fz0_m7HKpupEieOyPhDqWDERpqZdLfVUk/s400/cory+scuba.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ivOL_4Jazg8tXAJG-R1xZk1TToJ2vmZfHiQ4L_DoDFPIBNP0TJD4NyZvrrCELT4XS9vTPSpn7RLWYbI6ZL6ORuuabHdNkUwVXc7vEQwd03g0ckXQw-2By7rf-QH77cJPJSCoLNs-PoA/s1600/cory+ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ivOL_4Jazg8tXAJG-R1xZk1TToJ2vmZfHiQ4L_DoDFPIBNP0TJD4NyZvrrCELT4XS9vTPSpn7RLWYbI6ZL6ORuuabHdNkUwVXc7vEQwd03g0ckXQw-2By7rf-QH77cJPJSCoLNs-PoA/s400/cory+ocean.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We enjoyed some relaxing days there and then boarded the plane for a short flight to Salalah. The hotel there overlooked a wildlife area, with LOTS of birds and sea turtles. We enjoyed swimming with the turtles! They had some HUGE heads, but I didn't get many good pictures of them because they were too quick for me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgbnVgQIemyO2mMzj55Ua2l-rdU9sK_363kfkuzr1j-JFlHNz1BjeVi3AvHfmwftnmUJY29K_o2pZV5lc5VXWjHvUtK6rkuhHF1Wkanyj2eNY_owBFrR6BNTRSQxg6p198gUpdf-IZS8/s1600/Salalah+balcony+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgbnVgQIemyO2mMzj55Ua2l-rdU9sK_363kfkuzr1j-JFlHNz1BjeVi3AvHfmwftnmUJY29K_o2pZV5lc5VXWjHvUtK6rkuhHF1Wkanyj2eNY_owBFrR6BNTRSQxg6p198gUpdf-IZS8/s400/Salalah+balcony+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our deck</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvvNLgl9-WXLUANiArsqFvv-JvGaSMJ8biDgIrtuxet_MUbTIuW_3KfioRH_MBuHhDffCoOtt7iIvF00uz9ayclEKvQVS0MYLz7lyqq4k_un8OEehIIQZ1ypdF_KhAkN6zkf8r_ItXjc/s1600/turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvvNLgl9-WXLUANiArsqFvv-JvGaSMJ8biDgIrtuxet_MUbTIuW_3KfioRH_MBuHhDffCoOtt7iIvF00uz9ayclEKvQVS0MYLz7lyqq4k_un8OEehIIQZ1ypdF_KhAkN6zkf8r_ItXjc/s400/turtle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turtle Head: couldn't get any good pictures!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIw2nqOSE2z2CHkn8n1Me5L9o15JuKA_jVSUV2565o4JYWBwx7PEqRzrcyzkEOjUbhyphenhyphenGaerwt4ozQK_x5Vr8eYOKERaZl3l-B3ksvPodnJ8Z9fcWZuxlnuN1TlDPWvP2W9tsAtiUJv7Xg/s1600/crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIw2nqOSE2z2CHkn8n1Me5L9o15JuKA_jVSUV2565o4JYWBwx7PEqRzrcyzkEOjUbhyphenhyphenGaerwt4ozQK_x5Vr8eYOKERaZl3l-B3ksvPodnJ8Z9fcWZuxlnuN1TlDPWvP2W9tsAtiUJv7Xg/s400/crab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Giant Crab: should have had Kim stand beside it for perspective--The crab was HUGE!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRROwQV11kvwwZUqBDzGY3KV9nVGvfT85NyhDzd2BvMspEZVvv9EvaRdCrVI9waEqXds6xfSqKEzmar1AhO_AyYSKom_98gpIJjIXM6mjd-R48B9aFD1eN-P45jMQdPuBUmVuVkEr7UeU/s1600/crab+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRROwQV11kvwwZUqBDzGY3KV9nVGvfT85NyhDzd2BvMspEZVvv9EvaRdCrVI9waEqXds6xfSqKEzmar1AhO_AyYSKom_98gpIJjIXM6mjd-R48B9aFD1eN-P45jMQdPuBUmVuVkEr7UeU/s400/crab+village.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is what Kim called the Teepee Village: ha-ha!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">These are the mounds of sand the crabs scooped out to make their holes.</span></td></tr>
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We got to use the Executive Lounge each day for drinks and desserts. Each night we usually tried several after dinner....to appease our sweet tooth. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyHY_hCLpy7HTvze-_P78qK1DH2xnsncG0vgxgDz2R5tQyg92wqypH-azjDd3i6nJkyMBg5jVqy-n0NvYTHDA9YioA6FtRfIibZYP0oVrn97vI4PuCHp-3E_Ub0jCga4hmrVfbmICIYM/s1600/salalah+dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyHY_hCLpy7HTvze-_P78qK1DH2xnsncG0vgxgDz2R5tQyg92wqypH-azjDd3i6nJkyMBg5jVqy-n0NvYTHDA9YioA6FtRfIibZYP0oVrn97vI4PuCHp-3E_Ub0jCga4hmrVfbmICIYM/s400/salalah+dessert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is Kim having one dessert. Heather has already finished her 2 or 3 desserts!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2SsUr8uJgTVnYfg4mCy3ETzSZF3ZCN0uFGWfctBwte3JX3B01ISRWZlLDEoDLqxUDRVLiv89Mhwjqb-2l185ARd_e6yvxW3xzvuXSQ43KcJ9LyvaOR5-KJ5Jcz_BuZegZi_3xfSlkWU/s1600/kim+in+sunset+salalah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2SsUr8uJgTVnYfg4mCy3ETzSZF3ZCN0uFGWfctBwte3JX3B01ISRWZlLDEoDLqxUDRVLiv89Mhwjqb-2l185ARd_e6yvxW3xzvuXSQ43KcJ9LyvaOR5-KJ5Jcz_BuZegZi_3xfSlkWU/s400/kim+in+sunset+salalah.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Salalah sunset: You can see Kim standing on the shore. I don't know if you can see how many birds there were: thousands!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our best day of sightseeing, we hired a guide named Ahmed, who took us to all the top spots to see in 1 day. First, we went to Bin Ali's tomb. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihonGrvX6ShVsNWXKM4VNgyI8HJeBqknEvvZTswPTAKlXEhgyRrFTAkAcppZNzTwUAi3TtYpjOPgc1sEkzax8o4CPUtoOWnzfQpFfnwuj4DXj8Pkeok-BqHLmRlr8Sn2SPqu7vOyfG1Tg/s1600/Ben+Ali%2527s+tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihonGrvX6ShVsNWXKM4VNgyI8HJeBqknEvvZTswPTAKlXEhgyRrFTAkAcppZNzTwUAi3TtYpjOPgc1sEkzax8o4CPUtoOWnzfQpFfnwuj4DXj8Pkeok-BqHLmRlr8Sn2SPqu7vOyfG1Tg/s400/Ben+Ali%2527s+tomb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then, we headed to an overview of the port city of Mirbat. This was famous in the 9th century for breeding and exporting of horses. They also traded in frankincense. Now it's a small little fishing village.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLY4tryA-Hmls5_uq3jWyxR5NsMqPRh2FoJcGqYThAPL3D7Pij6HLhRcFWe5rJn_uoCWKFgR-km5JRWqjRGS0SnUrowcH_b2Jw8D4F2bArYjcsU79KFwAw86r_COdEPZrQaQy12UriI/s1600/mirbat+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLY4tryA-Hmls5_uq3jWyxR5NsMqPRh2FoJcGqYThAPL3D7Pij6HLhRcFWe5rJn_uoCWKFgR-km5JRWqjRGS0SnUrowcH_b2Jw8D4F2bArYjcsU79KFwAw86r_COdEPZrQaQy12UriI/s400/mirbat+village.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We got to tour Khor Rouri and Sumhuram's Archaeological site, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The excavations there show a rectangular town where they have found inscriptions written in Arabic southern alphabet. These inscriptions show that the town was established to ensure the survival of the frankincense trade. Marco Polo and T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) traveled through here. It is also said that the Queen of Sheba built a palace in the ancient port of Samhuran along the trade route, where she would hoard large quantities of Frankinense for her own personal use.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ddLbUK29tEQwbAurA2zgq6zijfLF0DYBxatOEhH8_nVjEMPqWWi4QEhxPrMm2EkAoj7CtQsmxPJj0bRjIyxN5DbWJ29H0gBgixstStmXzpokCuShQOEnce9qiOKBe7w2RLfycgw4-38/s1600/Sumhuram+arch+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ddLbUK29tEQwbAurA2zgq6zijfLF0DYBxatOEhH8_nVjEMPqWWi4QEhxPrMm2EkAoj7CtQsmxPJj0bRjIyxN5DbWJ29H0gBgixstStmXzpokCuShQOEnce9qiOKBe7w2RLfycgw4-38/s400/Sumhuram+arch+site.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JqIuJCh8WlxFrvOuXnQ8m1ALiUAQDo1SFC6ZfT1v90UOJoMyHBA3-ByrnbxHU2h9O8WxrJ6sAWTo10c1DUvcma9tQTf8vkJuq1GpumvZRfM9ttGM3HnlYpcPgHYeR7aDKr3voqGFd2M/s1600/sumhuram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JqIuJCh8WlxFrvOuXnQ8m1ALiUAQDo1SFC6ZfT1v90UOJoMyHBA3-ByrnbxHU2h9O8WxrJ6sAWTo10c1DUvcma9tQTf8vkJuq1GpumvZRfM9ttGM3HnlYpcPgHYeR7aDKr3voqGFd2M/s400/sumhuram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We went to Wadi Derbat, where there is a natural park, 100 meter waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and caves. This was an amazing area to discover in the midst of the desert!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkpNw75SOMLiRbPxijTte18QkG8pguc-BwcpyysdEiKko0WuTxNNWDC5d8qP80H4CwOY89ESveCsyNkD8H5T3o0dDT6nz5CqCKmIbf9kTj9qgEh8oaQn8oT68XOk9Ueo73rfIDqXqOYk/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkpNw75SOMLiRbPxijTte18QkG8pguc-BwcpyysdEiKko0WuTxNNWDC5d8qP80H4CwOY89ESveCsyNkD8H5T3o0dDT6nz5CqCKmIbf9kTj9qgEh8oaQn8oT68XOk9Ueo73rfIDqXqOYk/s400/waterfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small Waterfalls</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI_fkppQsAK_BzmyMqxRkN-tC4RqfMS17LD7LFrw6iPsMt51gYY9IVX15aGJSRTOLssLS16lUS1Npyk5Kpmg5ChquE8npcpqvHVrT6iDG7I23Wg0J0-dXeBxolYboxCj1wuGIIZnesa8/s1600/heather+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI_fkppQsAK_BzmyMqxRkN-tC4RqfMS17LD7LFrw6iPsMt51gYY9IVX15aGJSRTOLssLS16lUS1Npyk5Kpmg5ChquE8npcpqvHVrT6iDG7I23Wg0J0-dXeBxolYboxCj1wuGIIZnesa8/s400/heather+waterfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJN0JvjkAO2moYzZip6Qs1wh-rcdxOZ7IuqIIKqPlSdYoT2RInY_GzpoJm4yaByPAPMIuz-dVczN9YBK5-VmY_6oRfI_MLeVC7dCeX3Kq5_LcSuH_2F5VsAMmemrl3egTiLTqpIPqDlM/s1600/heather+kim+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJN0JvjkAO2moYzZip6Qs1wh-rcdxOZ7IuqIIKqPlSdYoT2RInY_GzpoJm4yaByPAPMIuz-dVczN9YBK5-VmY_6oRfI_MLeVC7dCeX3Kq5_LcSuH_2F5VsAMmemrl3egTiLTqpIPqDlM/s400/heather+kim+waterfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The BIG waterfall (Shalal)</span></td></tr>
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We visited Taqah, where we toured the fort and castle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi884nqFabNQA8eC2fQb20rlsgd3aYxRpBGXyU0JulvTxnpUpVhwzKj3JhjFNIKOHNJX-0_RC1X3mvgwerdUcIdGoZMOs_n0qfifAKAe_IIgJFQgaHwLjUlOlQmJYjE_JQgVUneDXMnPwc/s1600/kim+with+taqah+fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi884nqFabNQA8eC2fQb20rlsgd3aYxRpBGXyU0JulvTxnpUpVhwzKj3JhjFNIKOHNJX-0_RC1X3mvgwerdUcIdGoZMOs_n0qfifAKAe_IIgJFQgaHwLjUlOlQmJYjE_JQgVUneDXMnPwc/s400/kim+with+taqah+fort.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7vK0iTxA5R_78pICsgW4DrEva3xOd4GLTLAaUPC7Km1vTeAV5WXl2SXFqwhrJK8untSY_0-FNXNePsdsOc8coqiqRvNF5O3L8WU3dz9pzQArm8Td94sh8C34AiWaJP4UWVOFQ2W838w/s1600/kim+with+sword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7vK0iTxA5R_78pICsgW4DrEva3xOd4GLTLAaUPC7Km1vTeAV5WXl2SXFqwhrJK8untSY_0-FNXNePsdsOc8coqiqRvNF5O3L8WU3dz9pzQArm8Td94sh8C34AiWaJP4UWVOFQ2W838w/s400/kim+with+sword.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3bGsYdXrwNu_y0JxG0eDBVcKD1X3WIXIVNYyRLqHqCMR0EVtBsMYdtgY4MD9EMjhR_Kf_l5bV-_qqUHCKt3Uerb3pR_1BTlAz4QO1kMF-JQ5ekVnA307_ZzTxF989Ues1VRQy75PxVM/s1600/sultan+qaboos+mother+tombstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3bGsYdXrwNu_y0JxG0eDBVcKD1X3WIXIVNYyRLqHqCMR0EVtBsMYdtgY4MD9EMjhR_Kf_l5bV-_qqUHCKt3Uerb3pR_1BTlAz4QO1kMF-JQ5ekVnA307_ZzTxF989Ues1VRQy75PxVM/s400/sultan+qaboos+mother+tombstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the burial site of Oman's Sultan Qaboos' mother, father, and brother. The men's burial sites have 2 markers; the women's have 3. Our guide said this is true of all Muslim sites.</span></td></tr>
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We also went to an overlook of Taqah beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMAkmpyCrvg57MDt-Zf-ZA2e4pxlTOvpDwViDTBMoaEw_HMuocWlHbEVIvVPIFb1XrMZgqVz7TiIAv1BwXfL0HaOQ_UApkN1A8FWzya5sBpbJjQS-C-UkheaoCZFs3SU75oD6kDc5Eb8/s1600/kim+and+lynn+taqah+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMAkmpyCrvg57MDt-Zf-ZA2e4pxlTOvpDwViDTBMoaEw_HMuocWlHbEVIvVPIFb1XrMZgqVz7TiIAv1BwXfL0HaOQ_UApkN1A8FWzya5sBpbJjQS-C-UkheaoCZFs3SU75oD6kDc5Eb8/s400/kim+and+lynn+taqah+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL24qcrfncZuFo9n5vlPCZUlNCqhtoQU2kEYyvc1ZU-n9LKtftCL6h-C4sBySrSTC15gfUj3z3CzvY88kL_Ke2T0wnCzj62mpbmlAaNTEvGdlAJCucHDLbL6mPB2UX2egXQHYww96XYWw/s1600/kim+and+ahmed+on+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL24qcrfncZuFo9n5vlPCZUlNCqhtoQU2kEYyvc1ZU-n9LKtftCL6h-C4sBySrSTC15gfUj3z3CzvY88kL_Ke2T0wnCzj62mpbmlAaNTEvGdlAJCucHDLbL6mPB2UX2egXQHYww96XYWw/s400/kim+and+ahmed+on+point.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and our guide, Ahmed, discussing whether we would see any dolphins or turtles.....We didn't!</span></td></tr>
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We drove up to the top of one mountain to see Job's Tomb. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQTrsZ5YdNV-LxYuWZbEmZzgPk0fRcJNdYIkYHZ018IpkYtO9ZB1gyLjrzJE43cX4Gr1CF60DxYExMjx1Bxhyphenhyphen_6jRw4mp_b9mVNaFX0SlxzFwULGhsp-QPFTBTKugK8fx07uEWcFjoHc/s1600/job+tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQTrsZ5YdNV-LxYuWZbEmZzgPk0fRcJNdYIkYHZ018IpkYtO9ZB1gyLjrzJE43cX4Gr1CF60DxYExMjx1Bxhyphenhyphen_6jRw4mp_b9mVNaFX0SlxzFwULGhsp-QPFTBTKugK8fx07uEWcFjoHc/s400/job+tomb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the view from across another mountain top. You can see the dome at the top of the hill.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55svrri9IlBXaPX95HmW1oG4NGJJYZQPn5uOk_aaWtLDzgUV9u1j6_obZCYkNDmPrYUafAUIJTXM3k9czLrXNuCd8GZapkVDBgBxjlZNafNYCiVijIsspPEAK1xFXonTOaNpd7ikMVjo/s1600/job+burial+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55svrri9IlBXaPX95HmW1oG4NGJJYZQPn5uOk_aaWtLDzgUV9u1j6_obZCYkNDmPrYUafAUIJTXM3k9czLrXNuCd8GZapkVDBgBxjlZNafNYCiVijIsspPEAK1xFXonTOaNpd7ikMVjo/s400/job+burial+spot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you walk inside (head and shoulders covered and shoes off), this is what you see. There were many worshippers there, both inside and out.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
We took a long, winding drive down into Wadi Aful, where we were able to see mountainsides full of Frankincense trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt6YTDz29CVbJqWdHcSeJTwbpoRY6DSFfdPtpIJ8R7fObNNRC-n_69L2zPkP81Nraz63Sx81M_uiiP3wntuALpVVJLH4Aub-DTKXOX4DMl7psa3g9PNiJc0F6mkqQdgvx0mOciRGqyhI/s1600/curvy+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt6YTDz29CVbJqWdHcSeJTwbpoRY6DSFfdPtpIJ8R7fObNNRC-n_69L2zPkP81Nraz63Sx81M_uiiP3wntuALpVVJLH4Aub-DTKXOX4DMl7psa3g9PNiJc0F6mkqQdgvx0mOciRGqyhI/s400/curvy+road.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Long, curvy road leading down into the wadi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4t0ZHViFF0vkVGQLMovp5ymwc7eyz6fcia2qOo-d3fDntIV1Y-Ku2DdwgHJrfjqvaW82rDuB86SKv4daOtg4v0q8OQF34Ep50wlk8gG-r1V7qeOAetnkMpKf10mSucHnCo0DMGnLwL4/s1600/frankincense+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4t0ZHViFF0vkVGQLMovp5ymwc7eyz6fcia2qOo-d3fDntIV1Y-Ku2DdwgHJrfjqvaW82rDuB86SKv4daOtg4v0q8OQF34Ep50wlk8gG-r1V7qeOAetnkMpKf10mSucHnCo0DMGnLwL4/s400/frankincense+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spots where you can see the frankincense has been harvested....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilW4A5uP4TRxkqmixwdYTgqkxFvTvnG68JpmIWY3QsI8rpKTmXHMhJ2CsE46zmacdcbMM9BY6IqOdfaO-z2MeS5ylf1eIV2o7LzZ20MDXY6YHZ5-ASBlkeGRi-Grhteklea-bmX3H3_o/s1600/framily+with+frank+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilW4A5uP4TRxkqmixwdYTgqkxFvTvnG68JpmIWY3QsI8rpKTmXHMhJ2CsE46zmacdcbMM9BY6IqOdfaO-z2MeS5ylf1eIV2o7LzZ20MDXY6YHZ5-ASBlkeGRi-Grhteklea-bmX3H3_o/s400/framily+with+frank+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the trees...</span></td></tr>
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Our last stop was at Mughsayl, where they have over 4 kilometers of white, sandy beach. There are sculptured cliffs with blowholes formed in the limestone rocks. Plumes of water can reach up to 30 meters or more. A lot of this area reminded me so much of Hawaii!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituU-u1ttDDyD3CYXlD8o96C8uwsVtYUxSQ42wz5hv7wE-ZUnB1taj-ajFPvM7VDZlNUpeJXhGEYMICQGdETc_yxiZ4OfFukjD8EwHYkeqQiRqie790G5-LpjBapdgRnpMhoNw6yqSVX0/s1600/mughsayl+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituU-u1ttDDyD3CYXlD8o96C8uwsVtYUxSQ42wz5hv7wE-ZUnB1taj-ajFPvM7VDZlNUpeJXhGEYMICQGdETc_yxiZ4OfFukjD8EwHYkeqQiRqie790G5-LpjBapdgRnpMhoNw6yqSVX0/s400/mughsayl+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-12104082285560278672011-11-03T05:28:00.000-07:002011-11-03T05:28:11.282-07:00Eid al Adha and Hajj<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><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/AVvXsEiqIEWxnKWfacDXJ8DxPL60FcibWkba3g4V6IFBR9oearb3wOW6Bi6UOQZQV1VMkvI20ABOaFFbwVml0fQ56LKvfd850XkQ3LZcnBkvoKmqbZNiVKgdnXH3ujFMHmVKqSZRwrFV-nAq1pg/s1600/Getting+Dressed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIEWxnKWfacDXJ8DxPL60FcibWkba3g4V6IFBR9oearb3wOW6Bi6UOQZQV1VMkvI20ABOaFFbwVml0fQ56LKvfd850XkQ3LZcnBkvoKmqbZNiVKgdnXH3ujFMHmVKqSZRwrFV-nAq1pg/s400/Getting+Dressed.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting dressed for morning assembly</span></td></tr>
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Our kindergarten re-enacted the Hajj at this morning's assembly. Dressed in traditional clothing, the children walked 7 times around the Kaaba, or cube-like structure in the center. This was a replica of the real thing at Mecca in Saudi Arabia. <br />
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The boys dressed in the <i>ihram</i>, which is two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with the top draped over the body. The ihram is meant to show equality of all, in front of God: there is no difference between a prince and a pauper. While wearing the ihram, they cannot shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, swear, fight, have sex, cover the head [for men] or the face and hands [for women], marry, wear shoes over the ankles, perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy5GT1-JW9sUQGrL5iDHk2zXRLxVPedTgKz-qtMwvzjpAolcMtO4tB05dxzpaGedkEYMtv2zUFV43MchybWIv9cBXJCoX-Mb6ynSb5xosuIVPMZAXYz2C3QraSoSRL5waQkAscecyZm4/s1600/boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy5GT1-JW9sUQGrL5iDHk2zXRLxVPedTgKz-qtMwvzjpAolcMtO4tB05dxzpaGedkEYMtv2zUFV43MchybWIv9cBXJCoX-Mb6ynSb5xosuIVPMZAXYz2C3QraSoSRL5waQkAscecyZm4/s400/boys.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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As they walk around the stone, they kiss it. If they can't because of the crowds, they point towards the stone with their right hand. Each time around this morning, the children said, "In the name of God, God is Great, God is Great, God is Great and praise be to God." (Bism Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd)<br />
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As we watched the children, it was explained to me that pilgrims also perform <i>sa`i</i>, running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. They are re-enacting the search for water by Abraham's wife Hajar. While she was searching, the Zamzam Well was revealed to her by an angel, and the water started gushing from the ground. As part of this ritual, the people also drink water from the Zamzam Well.<br />
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The girls wore the <em>hijab </em>which is modest, but does not cover hands or face. The girls had been bringing in their outfits for the past week and were "rewarded" with a prize when they remembered to bring it in.<br />
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For the final part of the pilgrimmage, they go to Mt. Arafat where they pray and recite the Qur'an. This is known as Wuquf, and is considered the highlight of the Hajj. They must spend the afternoon on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs8AJ1YluXtcOuBj5Ss4dQC4JkHequLsOzmikWViyt5jIdu2zw2kFEh2iAz9fxzfAf7XBXwH3D8f9DnV4X0VjNhbAGC82x45tj64g1IKzGlc1YJEWZyLusvscfcu4P5kpY4vQsJPyGHc/s1600/prayer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs8AJ1YluXtcOuBj5Ss4dQC4JkHequLsOzmikWViyt5jIdu2zw2kFEh2iAz9fxzfAf7XBXwH3D8f9DnV4X0VjNhbAGC82x45tj64g1IKzGlc1YJEWZyLusvscfcu4P5kpY4vQsJPyGHc/s400/prayer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the traditional time of year that many adults perform this pilgrimmage, and it's considered essential at least once in each person's lifetime. <br />
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Because of the Hajj, I only had 10 children in my class today. This was also the day that I got to leave at 9:30 as my "gift of time" for perfect attendance. So, I only had 10 children for about an hour today and then left school: a great start for Eid al Adha.<br />
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We're heading to Salalah, Oman for the break. Can't wait to post pictures. Everything I've heard about it sounds amazing!!!<br />
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-42060433220061235342011-10-30T07:12:00.000-07:002011-10-30T07:31:44.642-07:00Family Time!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We finally got to go to Abu Dhabi this weekend to stay with Heather and Cory. I can't believe we haven't seen them since we got back from summer vacation! To live so close and not visit more often is NOT acceptable!! (Of course, now that they have a bed for us to sleep in.....just might make those visits more frequent--ha-ha!!)<br />
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We left straight from school on Thursday (12:30.....ah......love it!), so we got there pretty early. I had an appointment for a haircut and highlights--no more Al Ain hair misfortunes for me!! Then we headed to El Sombrero for some delish Mexican food! As usual with the Hendrens and Peisels, there is no get-together complete without some drama. We got rear-ended on the way home in a 3-car pile-up. Some nutcases behind us decided to rush through the red light even though we were stopped on the other side and there was no place to go! We heard the screeching breaks....and then....crunch! Fortunately, the Peisel's car was only mildly scratched, so we left the scene of the accident. The car behind us wasn't as fortunate. Their rear-end was crunched up! This just reinforced for Kim and me how much we desperately don't want to drive in Abu Dhabi traffic. Heather and Cory are much better at it--I guess from the years of living in Richmond and Atlanta.<br />
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The next day, Friday, was BEACH day for Heather and me! I've really missed sitting in a beach chair and just reading. As much sun as I live in, my skin is white as it can be, or at least it was before Friday. The water was comfortably chilly and, helped along by some frozen Yogurt and fresh chopped fruit, heat was not a problem. My chair and umbrella was just what I had looked forward to all week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ha4ycIU9LxYzBdXa_ZW6Z0R8_VAmynpU4CEPYo4PbThh5SLMH7ZW9718Nc5lLZqU89KIqC4GGrNyN3RbbzJ0kwecngJvWgPTXjL74RiGhIR87_oef3x2s3upVtTz5ll4Ed2HLAD-bhw/s1600/beach+at+corniche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ha4ycIU9LxYzBdXa_ZW6Z0R8_VAmynpU4CEPYo4PbThh5SLMH7ZW9718Nc5lLZqU89KIqC4GGrNyN3RbbzJ0kwecngJvWgPTXjL74RiGhIR87_oef3x2s3upVtTz5ll4Ed2HLAD-bhw/s400/beach+at+corniche.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ahhhhh....the life!</span></td></tr>
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Kim and Cory took Blue out to a different beach, where we may plan to do some day-long trips later this year. They said it was perfect for setting up the chairs and grill for a beach cookout and swim. They also saw dolphins there, so definitely something else to look forward to!<br />
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They checked out a few other sights, including the circular Aldar building we watched being built on a TV special. Here is a picture of Kim and Blue in front of the building.<br />
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We also checked out the Central Market Souk--a place we had seen being built on a TV show before we came over here. Heather and I had looked for it last fall when we got here, but nobody knew what we were talking about. It was quite nice and had a lovely roof-top garden that we would like to go back to one night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r6csG8RPAvcTk-p5MoHYAosohY2pCigqNBZZRWpAUUY1yE4QqztU9lzoGnfv3B7q91ajfx7mtsVu4xAGHamfIXms71oR8h86SKUEZUtguCSVs2JkSAFXl39FrUiofzrL4Mk-PY4nDz0/s1600/Central+market+souk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r6csG8RPAvcTk-p5MoHYAosohY2pCigqNBZZRWpAUUY1yE4QqztU9lzoGnfv3B7q91ajfx7mtsVu4xAGHamfIXms71oR8h86SKUEZUtguCSVs2JkSAFXl39FrUiofzrL4Mk-PY4nDz0/s400/Central+market+souk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside of the souk--It's all wood and has gorgeous craftsmanship!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_a_wJynQOxjiQpRtoWl8VupFek5w-opWhDU-xfEXrRDAJzcd0eytNNKPkPm5EsK4k8TI4ElBzQwxXtlp8JhcKhOwXiIu9XwPj5REzSh6GkqicUzQX-7y_GucrSZPLhtwhWWlQ7Uelow/s1600/a+rooftop+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_a_wJynQOxjiQpRtoWl8VupFek5w-opWhDU-xfEXrRDAJzcd0eytNNKPkPm5EsK4k8TI4ElBzQwxXtlp8JhcKhOwXiIu9XwPj5REzSh6GkqicUzQX-7y_GucrSZPLhtwhWWlQ7Uelow/s400/a+rooftop+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Up on the roof</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkYBQJEP45oy4uEuMrPHB5XZVGPxVHW2LwSb-8CDoiabt-GtFyEOsBAtCAouLDfNYhhzdDcZ4sNx1oB9CFQXejIaG6uIRPVM6dGivJdchhLHaELporHrXr5Sg8-eOFk33brLJYZ6jmng/s1600/kim+tower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkYBQJEP45oy4uEuMrPHB5XZVGPxVHW2LwSb-8CDoiabt-GtFyEOsBAtCAouLDfNYhhzdDcZ4sNx1oB9CFQXejIaG6uIRPVM6dGivJdchhLHaELporHrXr5Sg8-eOFk33brLJYZ6jmng/s400/kim+tower2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the many skyscrapers being built in Abu Dhabi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASzStWkqV1K7FmCeNq1xRYPx6ke8Vuo0jR2orH1yUbq8ritv851xGLygfVAIuk1rfbqwWczsbLx9QqeqAdCHykKNlS5NtBplNfq2JfJ3NTw86-FubIhszfWr6CkCdnZ6mIg-W2MJMbkg/s1600/heather+and+cory+on+top+of+souk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASzStWkqV1K7FmCeNq1xRYPx6ke8Vuo0jR2orH1yUbq8ritv851xGLygfVAIuk1rfbqwWczsbLx9QqeqAdCHykKNlS5NtBplNfq2JfJ3NTw86-FubIhszfWr6CkCdnZ6mIg-W2MJMbkg/s400/heather+and+cory+on+top+of+souk.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rooftop Gardens</span></td></tr>
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</div>That night we ate at the Meat Company--a steak, baked potato, and salad. I haven't had that since I was home this summer. We had a great view looking out at the Grand Mosque over the water, with a beautiful sunset.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LVaeDcl6yRFY2revjcqqfLjirYGcSvAn0hlbrXYYO45df3_Q_oSUSDN1CzMS4tVN4TWInjstuEmw6Z9qUekXNLuL736PFLl_ZTZ5vOYAtnrmcXEkt4iaQHkMFgImMfSDpr43Qm2gp_A/s1600/sunset+at+meat+co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LVaeDcl6yRFY2revjcqqfLjirYGcSvAn0hlbrXYYO45df3_Q_oSUSDN1CzMS4tVN4TWInjstuEmw6Z9qUekXNLuL736PFLl_ZTZ5vOYAtnrmcXEkt4iaQHkMFgImMfSDpr43Qm2gp_A/s400/sunset+at+meat+co.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful sunset.....beautiful couple!!</span></td></tr>
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On Saturday, I got to hit a couple of stationery stores for some vital classroom supplies before we had to head home.<br />
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When I went back to school today, I told my carpool that I was hoping this would be the week that I would have a co-teacher for all 5 days. So far this year, that hasn't happened. Then, at morning assembly, guess what.....no co-teacher. When I asked if she had called in sick, they said no, she had training and should have told me last week that she would be out. Ha-ha!! As if...... So, my record continues.....<br />
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Random pic from school:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ffh4rC_0TwMOcZ00kv0C8s0O9tcD1DHxAzGbvwiTUhhBtH9CBrdK6BUlJJ9af_EfB2WOAMTtlIFDCr4zTL2EgAlRFFIbAJhoIk-VvSsEOu83cDK76M3uc5C7j10-XWplDtzD-xY5TOI/s1600/40+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ffh4rC_0TwMOcZ00kv0C8s0O9tcD1DHxAzGbvwiTUhhBtH9CBrdK6BUlJJ9af_EfB2WOAMTtlIFDCr4zTL2EgAlRFFIbAJhoIk-VvSsEOu83cDK76M3uc5C7j10-XWplDtzD-xY5TOI/s400/40+years.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acting out the number "40" to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the UAE</span></td></tr>
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-43213870454464488132011-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:002011-10-21T11:01:11.521-07:00Kindergarten Life...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So much is happening in the classroom each day! It is amazing how quickly these students are picking up English! Thought I'd catch you up on the first month of school.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqaT_NolnZ7sZZCOcgOAjesanIIL8U8xpw2O0IavqpxanT3kh9bcgcRG-uqbvThH-EnxbFVySmMX_01m0eqx9ls3SnQ36i5-Wqy6KTsGzy4ZwKAyD5_vB7FyZSz9JySqBZWt5b5ArjZA/s1600/fares+teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqaT_NolnZ7sZZCOcgOAjesanIIL8U8xpw2O0IavqpxanT3kh9bcgcRG-uqbvThH-EnxbFVySmMX_01m0eqx9ls3SnQ36i5-Wqy6KTsGzy4ZwKAyD5_vB7FyZSz9JySqBZWt5b5ArjZA/s400/fares+teeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">During our letter "T" week, we learned about toothpaste and brushing our teeth!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLaaCLfHDii7VZF4Dx3isV7fw4IpRJeL9YnUsKJKLoMllsDXs0nNEW4mR0gV41sJVPx5zpomkBcUr31APBDhJu3UEbOfg3BFlDSlAP0Iy8TTN-LZlK9Cj3eup3fyUs4cQWvk7gZrYcME/s1600/girls+teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLaaCLfHDii7VZF4Dx3isV7fw4IpRJeL9YnUsKJKLoMllsDXs0nNEW4mR0gV41sJVPx5zpomkBcUr31APBDhJu3UEbOfg3BFlDSlAP0Iy8TTN-LZlK9Cj3eup3fyUs4cQWvk7gZrYcME/s400/girls+teeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls especially enjoyed practicing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi14XYgokbObQUBBM3EvyvHnZd7pf6z6YeI1emBAj61_bLu7ZwHEN_VEjnILLgS-JgyL-iR4KIeYL6SMBUPlpTN_y5fb0obA6elfLU75xuxpLxRgwSveDU6zkpZsG8NgaHYiH-EsWEm8/s1600/health+lesson+with+nurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi14XYgokbObQUBBM3EvyvHnZd7pf6z6YeI1emBAj61_bLu7ZwHEN_VEjnILLgS-JgyL-iR4KIeYL6SMBUPlpTN_y5fb0obA6elfLU75xuxpLxRgwSveDU6zkpZsG8NgaHYiH-EsWEm8/s400/health+lesson+with+nurse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The nurse came in to give a talk about staying clean and healthy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOq3XNqYh9C-M3ZdrnF78uW-NjecROrNNgV8O1xsFmUl3cx8G5uVeIkTu1YBGpymQkIxIqiKpE0XpDUd5yXijT-LP5TYWmjCmGztM69TMuPsTis4G0-eozuaswOQ5BszUe_n-ZbszJsc/s1600/mansour+teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOq3XNqYh9C-M3ZdrnF78uW-NjecROrNNgV8O1xsFmUl3cx8G5uVeIkTu1YBGpymQkIxIqiKpE0XpDUd5yXijT-LP5TYWmjCmGztM69TMuPsTis4G0-eozuaswOQ5BszUe_n-ZbszJsc/s400/mansour+teeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I could tell he hadn't had much practice when he gagged putting the toothbrush in his mouth!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFJ0nDb9ICIrKxmZMRhyU-lGIDxqO-me0uEHAhn7y-S7g1jz5b-iAe9nDU-_2o0R5hLgqdG_ZJ1b14b1pmXCdBvY4ODStOZBTPpCbxeFU3I1XdlNkSVHsRspdjQkm1fPRJegJul-4av0/s1600/Sulaiman+blood+pressure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFJ0nDb9ICIrKxmZMRhyU-lGIDxqO-me0uEHAhn7y-S7g1jz5b-iAe9nDU-_2o0R5hLgqdG_ZJ1b14b1pmXCdBvY4ODStOZBTPpCbxeFU3I1XdlNkSVHsRspdjQkm1fPRJegJul-4av0/s400/Sulaiman+blood+pressure.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We checked our blood pressure....</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksKiutBgoi_ps3KItAyIEdEvblnFO82gamPHuZOlPJIE1NrQMU0yDzgJMC-cmIu2Yh6XqRbgVzPkd4F14RBzNcl8t8e6ckTyDV4y-U9mMWH1uWR79efSP7YlJLXtnrMGubHWiYyL8zqg/s1600/athla+blood+pressure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksKiutBgoi_ps3KItAyIEdEvblnFO82gamPHuZOlPJIE1NrQMU0yDzgJMC-cmIu2Yh6XqRbgVzPkd4F14RBzNcl8t8e6ckTyDV4y-U9mMWH1uWR79efSP7YlJLXtnrMGubHWiYyL8zqg/s400/athla+blood+pressure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In math, we've been working on numbers 0-10. We count, sort, and make patterns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9ADt-CUezmBPDo_3cTHoSNfw30iWQtLCg_nEZa5w48d9i5wlvDW6pPJxbIk5119KpNjNVGR-NIyZl3DukyzWqqOhj_cz4W4h16u_SsJS4hfjE9Ef_OuJcDdhyphenhyphen3b7K00LVF34gWMWyDA/s1600/hazza+math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9ADt-CUezmBPDo_3cTHoSNfw30iWQtLCg_nEZa5w48d9i5wlvDW6pPJxbIk5119KpNjNVGR-NIyZl3DukyzWqqOhj_cz4W4h16u_SsJS4hfjE9Ef_OuJcDdhyphenhyphen3b7K00LVF34gWMWyDA/s400/hazza+math.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Counting to 10</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx2TUq4Qywhv2raY4rQLbApicuM5Iy1CmFw2eYXTArmQiVA0m0l9QdCuDKGip1kbN5Mboi771913_DgpFhKvkWI3wMFPbiH5HhCgAt6VycHCkzlURxt1HWzNM1gnssGc8eztjRLKw2tg/s1600/math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx2TUq4Qywhv2raY4rQLbApicuM5Iy1CmFw2eYXTArmQiVA0m0l9QdCuDKGip1kbN5Mboi771913_DgpFhKvkWI3wMFPbiH5HhCgAt6VycHCkzlURxt1HWzNM1gnssGc8eztjRLKw2tg/s400/math.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirulUpMP1DXg-Qqf61RyVxW4tqV3vwYrbNrfZOVZ859pevphL_fIYbW1OEpcmoXSH45mqpBTxNw-WL82cvsKYZZcwm8rV8DKfU3WetvoM9ekg2c-CKIj2agVRKP20Pp1ktMQ1jf1E5Nqo/s1600/numbers+with+kandooras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirulUpMP1DXg-Qqf61RyVxW4tqV3vwYrbNrfZOVZ859pevphL_fIYbW1OEpcmoXSH45mqpBTxNw-WL82cvsKYZZcwm8rV8DKfU3WetvoM9ekg2c-CKIj2agVRKP20Pp1ktMQ1jf1E5Nqo/s400/numbers+with+kandooras.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matching numbers to pictures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoRd4kZh1qE7zkSCcud7-yieNCGvfyJNf9pvoiFPwgBHE_4ZbxqIbeA7x9R24Y55byGXLLCofNtOFTIjRw6chmOvQilDJfIMbfGLtVXdUdjtbrYYdHv2jaVr5O_YeCV5jECz6rLe5ATo/s1600/patterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoRd4kZh1qE7zkSCcud7-yieNCGvfyJNf9pvoiFPwgBHE_4ZbxqIbeA7x9R24Y55byGXLLCofNtOFTIjRw6chmOvQilDJfIMbfGLtVXdUdjtbrYYdHv2jaVr5O_YeCV5jECz6rLe5ATo/s400/patterns.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Color Patterns</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XzFoIyYtCAW4ngLYMjft1gp1XP6CIi9nDjHn2mWyq8xne1mqnvM6J5zDe_p7s9mFxgxiRXqHc3WCf4k7hz6FixlRjEn3EqLZr6D4YfaPRI4XnBVb86GsqX_DKlANQPMuSI4j6Kdi9BI/s1600/sorting+colors+and+counting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XzFoIyYtCAW4ngLYMjft1gp1XP6CIi9nDjHn2mWyq8xne1mqnvM6J5zDe_p7s9mFxgxiRXqHc3WCf4k7hz6FixlRjEn3EqLZr6D4YfaPRI4XnBVb86GsqX_DKlANQPMuSI4j6Kdi9BI/s400/sorting+colors+and+counting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sorting colors and counting objects to 10</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmdch9Yo_gukfcmYSOPMSwjaLMonLYwGTCSoUQ7o-9GO7q7oYbt-IZM1hwGQ7xQik9h0-p6iwcoeXWWpfHq7CfYewxdHIlx2Kvq6MWL8BX0q7XMe3RlOSWMmduo2_tc4HtRGzxf2FD5E/s1600/writing+numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmdch9Yo_gukfcmYSOPMSwjaLMonLYwGTCSoUQ7o-9GO7q7oYbt-IZM1hwGQ7xQik9h0-p6iwcoeXWWpfHq7CfYewxdHIlx2Kvq6MWL8BX0q7XMe3RlOSWMmduo2_tc4HtRGzxf2FD5E/s400/writing+numbers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Practice writing the numbers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr37LR3gQhyefKLdhIrYeHjJo33NC3mCm9WGqrKMxD8EAyDk-5ecQeFFps47-OUOaM6oeGfU50Tez4Zaz3I11HyoXgPAcClFf_8DJ01U3A0lrpPYnfBpPRGbII3noy65ls9MQy3J1IhY/s1600/amna+shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr37LR3gQhyefKLdhIrYeHjJo33NC3mCm9WGqrKMxD8EAyDk-5ecQeFFps47-OUOaM6oeGfU50Tez4Zaz3I11HyoXgPAcClFf_8DJ01U3A0lrpPYnfBpPRGbII3noy65ls9MQy3J1IhY/s400/amna+shapes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matching shapes</span></td></tr>
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In the role play area, they just got into buying food at the "market." Play money is a big hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFJvc3U_3QwNIK7xh7Ll3-vLpV0UwVbDBxC7mMvzOYWD837wMIdunH_IdXgAGfV1ZmOyQzBe33jqW74e15aaHFsPYrmSPbvVo9l-xS2lRmzXn0u18jUi6Hu3r2C03JJr5YQJED2GNYQo/s1600/buying+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFJvc3U_3QwNIK7xh7Ll3-vLpV0UwVbDBxC7mMvzOYWD837wMIdunH_IdXgAGfV1ZmOyQzBe33jqW74e15aaHFsPYrmSPbvVo9l-xS2lRmzXn0u18jUi6Hu3r2C03JJr5YQJED2GNYQo/s400/buying+food.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZy7ghN2VBqC8D_T9N-hFR6CWUUNok40ccf6GYXtQuP5X0j2LGo0hZbUhKo75BCYiy0M84lJknmGWxSzgaR__rBB7XrnUtSBAZ7cTnQz0pIx-lo9g_1eojju3GJjMys6n2oqK2gA2bbs/s1600/ironing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZy7ghN2VBqC8D_T9N-hFR6CWUUNok40ccf6GYXtQuP5X0j2LGo0hZbUhKo75BCYiy0M84lJknmGWxSzgaR__rBB7XrnUtSBAZ7cTnQz0pIx-lo9g_1eojju3GJjMys6n2oqK2gA2bbs/s400/ironing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ironing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0bT_ZzuIgDDSy-AxavCdhwGxNbO40ArKzxYtiPb4KJzIRw9YhaEPaXM98BP3bdI5z424j7Vit66fbFGjtYQJ96lms4SVFIktJtuLSHwVaJYTfJW54BgBSGDSOgMvspINbxgDcmEzaLE/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0bT_ZzuIgDDSy-AxavCdhwGxNbO40ArKzxYtiPb4KJzIRw9YhaEPaXM98BP3bdI5z424j7Vit66fbFGjtYQJ96lms4SVFIktJtuLSHwVaJYTfJW54BgBSGDSOgMvspINbxgDcmEzaLE/s400/reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've been learning about how to hold a book and how to locate the letters we've been studying. This week we also learned about a "full stop" or period at the end of a sentence.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbN3J8dJdTqfSR9UmxQ_0_m5W2Jo5V2qu37qx5-2zQW692AxGz3h5IFuyEwqTYXzNV3SHVLnyoJoLsFtUuctpjWTnYgIj7t-mX6i0T4XA5vW4BygH-7GKypa94axPss8g43jBt9TV94/s1600/paint+shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbN3J8dJdTqfSR9UmxQ_0_m5W2Jo5V2qu37qx5-2zQW692AxGz3h5IFuyEwqTYXzNV3SHVLnyoJoLsFtUuctpjWTnYgIj7t-mX6i0T4XA5vW4BygH-7GKypa94axPss8g43jBt9TV94/s400/paint+shapes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In IT, students use the Paint program to make shapes in different colors.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTaCfCYxhB92GuFvhbePsr_bih4C5ZwL9gg-4ZLdfsmA8lV9kj4wtQGxjmD17IBqmXxRASzK5xh8fS_6BEMH7DhY2-1fy83cQYuHLnM3HrDX9rDdBUpn3I-XWHGC2EytVPFhz5f-wLUU/s1600/pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTaCfCYxhB92GuFvhbePsr_bih4C5ZwL9gg-4ZLdfsmA8lV9kj4wtQGxjmD17IBqmXxRASzK5xh8fS_6BEMH7DhY2-1fy83cQYuHLnM3HrDX9rDdBUpn3I-XWHGC2EytVPFhz5f-wLUU/s400/pe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Classroom P.E.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUmecDLG9_l_QSk8bALHlNAldMve3nzttYFYzIf43pF8UjBX_9ELrjW41UmRXrSRYpV8IsoN2HpGU6Oiz8q7jmwMi1KgHTIITxnQl9Kba2Dw8UaEPlYG6Hd37xUfY3MMBzkC3C4r3M2E/s1600/pink+day+good+behavior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUmecDLG9_l_QSk8bALHlNAldMve3nzttYFYzIf43pF8UjBX_9ELrjW41UmRXrSRYpV8IsoN2HpGU6Oiz8q7jmwMi1KgHTIITxnQl9Kba2Dw8UaEPlYG6Hd37xUfY3MMBzkC3C4r3M2E/s400/pink+day+good+behavior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was "pink" day, so our Head of Faculty got in on the fun with her pink hair. These 3 girls have earned 10 stars for good behavior, so they get to pick a prize.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8HR9ZuCXxKRu84Z4gQkLJN6VXOfi9jsHMYhE7LLQ9uLso5GOlMqMvxNuXHeo9tw3xExTGVUbTlKCj1TWVrnlB7Cvie3Um8MHykm3eXUIzv0rLlknppfihT4HVA_NN3ZIpGfCm7woh4/s1600/yellow+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8HR9ZuCXxKRu84Z4gQkLJN6VXOfi9jsHMYhE7LLQ9uLso5GOlMqMvxNuXHeo9tw3xExTGVUbTlKCj1TWVrnlB7Cvie3Um8MHykm3eXUIzv0rLlknppfihT4HVA_NN3ZIpGfCm7woh4/s400/yellow+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yellow day</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqG1wr8bc45MWr1UG5zG8h_P02ErHemmQoh4PcdbEgEywyekzUE8LMP22pcFWuXddvfbv31hp89UJt7AgMWPBiJHoGNCh-Gu1gc57OVNSCrEuCrhsniIFCYtyV9VPHlT7uQgPPydn-s8/s1600/art+field+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqG1wr8bc45MWr1UG5zG8h_P02ErHemmQoh4PcdbEgEywyekzUE8LMP22pcFWuXddvfbv31hp89UJt7AgMWPBiJHoGNCh-Gu1gc57OVNSCrEuCrhsniIFCYtyV9VPHlT7uQgPPydn-s8/s400/art+field+trip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Field trip to see art by UAE students about their cultural heritage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWeYgqCZZUAMP-cRn0tjBRkGErQ7afyIbQk1dha1yHjyDed80_hMZC9FaU2bCV5v81cYvDb_VbkcwINkQ50Yg0909qlbHrRvF784ZqwiMlOVPxHuNk01DJEqWROTfGl1A5iihsrr-A3w/s1600/bus+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWeYgqCZZUAMP-cRn0tjBRkGErQ7afyIbQk1dha1yHjyDed80_hMZC9FaU2bCV5v81cYvDb_VbkcwINkQ50Yg0909qlbHrRvF784ZqwiMlOVPxHuNk01DJEqWROTfGl1A5iihsrr-A3w/s400/bus+ride.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the bus...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5NJqHSozbM-EJJAxH3Wfz87rsKj0FEH7AAjKXHFbqVXFmalSE3XwcGyoVjZ5LaUB5jXaJiI8wS7U7IZUOzJby54kembrgcWy2KLNFSvYpSDv0V0dSviYzBEsSNnanZu4g26tbYxth64/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5NJqHSozbM-EJJAxH3Wfz87rsKj0FEH7AAjKXHFbqVXFmalSE3XwcGyoVjZ5LaUB5jXaJiI8wS7U7IZUOzJby54kembrgcWy2KLNFSvYpSDv0V0dSviYzBEsSNnanZu4g26tbYxth64/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've been learning about "family," and how families love each other. These girls demonstrate The Barney Song, and their favorite part is "with a great big hug!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKHpqoVp4XdeuhVY4vONnTDD7DMt8JI4yEs7I7Z9ES5Hrm34R0aLyOLwrJdcLxnNz0MiRpBblaN0pa1t-pVSuNteZxzX715ZDP5ZZOzIFaHNefim4Xc9TmiMY0jpVLIiqLfTWTNn07WQ/s1600/class+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKHpqoVp4XdeuhVY4vONnTDD7DMt8JI4yEs7I7Z9ES5Hrm34R0aLyOLwrJdcLxnNz0MiRpBblaN0pa1t-pVSuNteZxzX715ZDP5ZZOzIFaHNefim4Xc9TmiMY0jpVLIiqLfTWTNn07WQ/s400/class+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Class</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2ZrKnHBaX3VlP2G5XK2Hlid2wRYQ3shDpPiNtWeYXbeMd5Laz8sr1PTV6ZSjxGWPZuhvp686qv5IVq3aqG_cphHMsaJcQoje07-YIQmYho14GwY75b0LTYRQZjpiqFtqRHFhOKgQDN0/s1600/sleeping+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2ZrKnHBaX3VlP2G5XK2Hlid2wRYQ3shDpPiNtWeYXbeMd5Laz8sr1PTV6ZSjxGWPZuhvp686qv5IVq3aqG_cphHMsaJcQoje07-YIQmYho14GwY75b0LTYRQZjpiqFtqRHFhOKgQDN0/s400/sleeping+boy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Awwww...Looking at art is tiring!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRAWvKu2gXSg7bs-HA4NdGUSliy9NKPvwY89n9akWWwMhX-c9NS5Eu_nqVqErJ1QTmexLRX1Fm78_L-qL4vOHPT5hmoFUowsT8QXipULgLp6jYtpAVWvuueVKkssGuzH3D58agwDkXPs/s1600/mansour+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRAWvKu2gXSg7bs-HA4NdGUSliy9NKPvwY89n9akWWwMhX-c9NS5Eu_nqVqErJ1QTmexLRX1Fm78_L-qL4vOHPT5hmoFUowsT8QXipULgLp6jYtpAVWvuueVKkssGuzH3D58agwDkXPs/s400/mansour+insect.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Letter "i" week: Insects in Ice</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobaR1IN_-ruFMMzXoeU8OROHaar-5so2qe3qs8vWJdnFfK76rIRHxj3kUBWxlIhCmiKfcU6o4H3Jag7g63MxxPBRodnPh365m5eaFUeodjofC7273WtVFKSyY7g6478KzOlFKkrfW9XA/s1600/yamama+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobaR1IN_-ruFMMzXoeU8OROHaar-5so2qe3qs8vWJdnFfK76rIRHxj3kUBWxlIhCmiKfcU6o4H3Jag7g63MxxPBRodnPh365m5eaFUeodjofC7273WtVFKSyY7g6478KzOlFKkrfW9XA/s400/yamama+insect.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd4i6CiMolvmDk0kVUhBVEA6R4CJqiY1j9s3dXg6N3dbQWNXguw_yGe9o0rpBSXWahX3WpvzQHjTiyiPV-JdG1kJ_S47-ZPmK5W6wbULkG3aw5KNeE-Q7N7hikmF6Pmjjo_ilImrUBXE/s1600/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd4i6CiMolvmDk0kVUhBVEA6R4CJqiY1j9s3dXg6N3dbQWNXguw_yGe9o0rpBSXWahX3WpvzQHjTiyiPV-JdG1kJ_S47-ZPmK5W6wbULkG3aw5KNeE-Q7N7hikmF6Pmjjo_ilImrUBXE/s400/spider.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbWviNYqMStKaE1zywJ9516lbgPMD_GbhnP-EG56vL0dlBD_yiLuz85Hr7Btm4pvnMx7-8Od67z8wu-sAFPDsMm2e_RVwoVLy7I7HX9M8Zl67ypNxc5OXTmLjfNU_dcKhykSKf_kPMxE/s1600/comparing+insects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbWviNYqMStKaE1zywJ9516lbgPMD_GbhnP-EG56vL0dlBD_yiLuz85Hr7Btm4pvnMx7-8Od67z8wu-sAFPDsMm2e_RVwoVLy7I7HX9M8Zl67ypNxc5OXTmLjfNU_dcKhykSKf_kPMxE/s400/comparing+insects.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Comparing insects</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHCpUkBBAu6KYA_dBaX_uuFMusimxy6BjHemRbIMhAVyWhaozlCyUFZKISOAwGUhoWhsVRKUNBfQM-myyhN9rHNB8otIJuKbO2GiDCZeu3FCwNhInQFYdplKLablwo8qCAGrbgsPpKls/s1600/drawing+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHCpUkBBAu6KYA_dBaX_uuFMusimxy6BjHemRbIMhAVyWhaozlCyUFZKISOAwGUhoWhsVRKUNBfQM-myyhN9rHNB8otIJuKbO2GiDCZeu3FCwNhInQFYdplKLablwo8qCAGrbgsPpKls/s400/drawing+insect.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drawing the insects and what was observed...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40Yp2OlCkbQ0Y6ph0FIFbuYR13GetQsFQ5iesryNUshm35ZHdC7rgO5SIOfPln3AplIZHNPoxHFwZydqZr5RSvbUOtbXRvDc3DlDZrfu14mhSYykhxwBdbsBmswNuejsK7FSkNbJakgE/s1600/igloos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40Yp2OlCkbQ0Y6ph0FIFbuYR13GetQsFQ5iesryNUshm35ZHdC7rgO5SIOfPln3AplIZHNPoxHFwZydqZr5RSvbUOtbXRvDc3DlDZrfu14mhSYykhxwBdbsBmswNuejsK7FSkNbJakgE/s400/igloos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Making "igloos" out of sugar cubes...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Znrgayf8IsZZOyMYbjspZVFaAx-AhRAQRFxNfWj_I9wPKExyn7q4Us4lM7icjLixFpPNS5u8DENVSFNMWGrB81nAEkKi5A4HkhLqPcz-ZQNVwdW5TTdmd1Bu92PmWqL8jIMWBKzdp5w/s1600/outdoor+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Znrgayf8IsZZOyMYbjspZVFaAx-AhRAQRFxNfWj_I9wPKExyn7q4Us4lM7icjLixFpPNS5u8DENVSFNMWGrB81nAEkKi5A4HkhLqPcz-ZQNVwdW5TTdmd1Bu92PmWqL8jIMWBKzdp5w/s400/outdoor+play.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside play time, otherwise known as Gross Motor Play</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAlZSvu3vJMRtI6pBBDsQuMMhVK52E6LbPjih7kBPs19ZIx8ADFMxzfdw1gU_GnuWShnPV09X5MMf1VlZkbaSeopQcwhmTctShKffOir5E9FuBralAXH-x_M2BoaaGF3Ksr_sPx9egWw/s1600/outdoor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAlZSvu3vJMRtI6pBBDsQuMMhVK52E6LbPjih7kBPs19ZIx8ADFMxzfdw1gU_GnuWShnPV09X5MMf1VlZkbaSeopQcwhmTctShKffOir5E9FuBralAXH-x_M2BoaaGF3Ksr_sPx9egWw/s400/outdoor+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying the slide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-3718226535189805972011-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:002011-10-10T17:14:06.135-07:00Field Trip to Student's Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday we took our first field trip. We are studying about family and home, so one of the mothers volunteered to have the students come to her home for a visit. It was quite fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ9vqd-fKJZs66jx2dSeBiLb4adsMWK8YHzX5RNY6SFEjEc_XOiOksyDRomGtaTJssIxKHgkWgm3vFVhzrAxBsnwD7rrU7_NrE2OU-frh-OxwRobZP6RVneb1eK6tSml-EJUNFAMa92k/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ9vqd-fKJZs66jx2dSeBiLb4adsMWK8YHzX5RNY6SFEjEc_XOiOksyDRomGtaTJssIxKHgkWgm3vFVhzrAxBsnwD7rrU7_NrE2OU-frh-OxwRobZP6RVneb1eK6tSml-EJUNFAMa92k/s400/bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anticipation....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbzdJirouXeHKjF16GX9AwsV_IvGsVmpJwFkYM2bs5JD9UB6nMBGOl6Kvq9ObLe8e-pAqWDRTM-p5-vmXePIpAyvM0eMI1sPmEtsSc5pZr5PUx0YX880Twjq1WST1YyQUL4VcfPaUErg/s1600/bus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbzdJirouXeHKjF16GX9AwsV_IvGsVmpJwFkYM2bs5JD9UB6nMBGOl6Kvq9ObLe8e-pAqWDRTM-p5-vmXePIpAyvM0eMI1sPmEtsSc5pZr5PUx0YX880Twjq1WST1YyQUL4VcfPaUErg/s400/bus2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrival</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ms2-y3YzXRPz_wSg-9LewFKqh-y0n0ETGdddD6UnyJgSPhkvrQnXtMXKYl4RVZWuLaaH50HCt9dSLF9HA8GxjK9tdC0wV7ygRIMYKyzUFWLyhhCwbuC8oR7EGtLFnEiHlAyHVNCqYBE/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ms2-y3YzXRPz_wSg-9LewFKqh-y0n0ETGdddD6UnyJgSPhkvrQnXtMXKYl4RVZWuLaaH50HCt9dSLF9HA8GxjK9tdC0wV7ygRIMYKyzUFWLyhhCwbuC8oR7EGtLFnEiHlAyHVNCqYBE/s400/house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We loaded up the bus and drove through the neighborhood to Aysha's home. Her mother and grandmother greeted us at the door. We went into the Majlis (sitting room) and the children sat on chairs around the room, while the adults sat in the middle of the room on the floor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignkJfPbd1oyaXZsESUgJWlOxXmjBLQWp0A2OKnNZs8CUrGiY4Ioza2vdJVwz1JFDQ1z6i54rXABcsUg0R75y7IGClYxvJ1tf8elD6MnvMlClRvZ7vWgIK_AmCmer8CzED_Fbjto9T5-E/s1600/majlis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignkJfPbd1oyaXZsESUgJWlOxXmjBLQWp0A2OKnNZs8CUrGiY4Ioza2vdJVwz1JFDQ1z6i54rXABcsUg0R75y7IGClYxvJ1tf8elD6MnvMlClRvZ7vWgIK_AmCmer8CzED_Fbjto9T5-E/s400/majlis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A HUGE room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sofas were lined up end to end all the way around 3 sides of the room. The 4th side held all the serving dishes and food.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrwRNJGJoJGAWxrvy7fr9il5uJVhU4UgOFB3_Uobqo7OI8xUae1YWdRKPKnZDVMsvJ031jUAwtSwmmn4Aie58DPz3sltI_ZEjA5LxIdbgQbPNRbCqQJ281WpX0ihG9-TUGDuSiWUvmvE/s1600/faisal+and+mariam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrwRNJGJoJGAWxrvy7fr9il5uJVhU4UgOFB3_Uobqo7OI8xUae1YWdRKPKnZDVMsvJ031jUAwtSwmmn4Aie58DPz3sltI_ZEjA5LxIdbgQbPNRbCqQJ281WpX0ihG9-TUGDuSiWUvmvE/s400/faisal+and+mariam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Faisal and Mariam sitting nicely.</span></td></tr>
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They served fruit kebabs, doughnuts, pastries, and juice to the children. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOMkTQu_ZgI1tiYK72Q05e9Xlvm-_RFxPJvZYyFMSrjP5vY83MWQNoziEIvY8f-WJx9yym6h4_MwRESAV84UTmkaqrgfF4zqWbDW7Tv4xfo4EvasStV16s4Yj0TB9hnB-bfN_llW4nFg/s1600/fruit+kebobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOMkTQu_ZgI1tiYK72Q05e9Xlvm-_RFxPJvZYyFMSrjP5vY83MWQNoziEIvY8f-WJx9yym6h4_MwRESAV84UTmkaqrgfF4zqWbDW7Tv4xfo4EvasStV16s4Yj0TB9hnB-bfN_llW4nFg/s400/fruit+kebobs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rauda and Khatera enjoy the kebabs.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CP7RqdqrHuv7ByTGjEp6W_NyAaqdrGARVx06Iv_ssCd0H2IVP0ZnqPHzxIhA2yu0y_k18uCP-J2u43bE6XtWnXjBmHREX2MOm5Y_Mb9Li5KpG9IZRE73Z_TlSDvCmk4aPIyEj3XEwkQ/s1600/doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CP7RqdqrHuv7ByTGjEp6W_NyAaqdrGARVx06Iv_ssCd0H2IVP0ZnqPHzxIhA2yu0y_k18uCP-J2u43bE6XtWnXjBmHREX2MOm5Y_Mb9Li5KpG9IZRE73Z_TlSDvCmk4aPIyEj3XEwkQ/s400/doughnuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sulaiman, Athla, and Mohammed preferred the doughnuts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPBuk05WHgMgWp_91RD5cH6gRC9Jkr3rpMSwl9HH_wTZpyAcRz5agK6LzvV_CusARi5tKBMI3c_l7AAceWsGvrG_O73Xr_TB_iPScJlsfXYsTbOnx-KSDPmHaYSudzs5uUxWHISPv1QM/s1600/amna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPBuk05WHgMgWp_91RD5cH6gRC9Jkr3rpMSwl9HH_wTZpyAcRz5agK6LzvV_CusARi5tKBMI3c_l7AAceWsGvrG_O73Xr_TB_iPScJlsfXYsTbOnx-KSDPmHaYSudzs5uUxWHISPv1QM/s400/amna.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amna found the perfect spot perched on the arms between 2 of the sofas!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtoAY_bSebOjizK-9ft-7B0dGpnk1Z9Xbq8YWaVvu3gzLRcuqsbVXcGmWx-cI1j3d6r_zOiwe1o1JCCM2mI4hTiGfFhABu15814uVbyewMIOORBE1VE3PYGzreZFBKx5My4TXhxy4ARg/s1600/hamdan+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtoAY_bSebOjizK-9ft-7B0dGpnk1Z9Xbq8YWaVvu3gzLRcuqsbVXcGmWx-cI1j3d6r_zOiwe1o1JCCM2mI4hTiGfFhABu15814uVbyewMIOORBE1VE3PYGzreZFBKx5My4TXhxy4ARg/s400/hamdan+writing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hamdan practices his writing skills! :)</span></td></tr>
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They served the adults tea or coffee, pastries, fruit compote, and some kind of noodles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO8wsFVWFzkvt4NwUQNGFO9OYfz5Okbr1lmcw4Whyphenhyphen0mPSYE1RLx0Rah9dhPNBu72GBVEdidqqRAPD-uAdSSDjJUaB6aPL_v9RR6G1_iSR6pnTv6lGMCkGgre3ftX2IYau4QzpcRoalmI/s1600/remnants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO8wsFVWFzkvt4NwUQNGFO9OYfz5Okbr1lmcw4Whyphenhyphen0mPSYE1RLx0Rah9dhPNBu72GBVEdidqqRAPD-uAdSSDjJUaB6aPL_v9RR6G1_iSR6pnTv6lGMCkGgre3ftX2IYau4QzpcRoalmI/s400/remnants.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The remnants of our repast....</span></td></tr>
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The children were well-behaved for the first half hour, and then the novelty wore off, and I was glad they were contained within the one room. Some kept trying to slip off and head into the rest of the house, but that's not easy to do with the big doors they had to open! Then, one of the adults handed Aysha a cell phone, so the kids were enthralled by that....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuUEMRAYqtJl8_yUSy41PEBeBG5gmoL8aNw6vZ4iCG_i2RC5nPAB7Q59YfAQnC9eoRlVDY5j_9LVUmquCqkjpy25RUV39oBmKwla4OgphrbOoqVNAbgH3OmDSxhtKOJWxQRZG3W6opPs/s1600/iphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuUEMRAYqtJl8_yUSy41PEBeBG5gmoL8aNw6vZ4iCG_i2RC5nPAB7Q59YfAQnC9eoRlVDY5j_9LVUmquCqkjpy25RUV39oBmKwla4OgphrbOoqVNAbgH3OmDSxhtKOJWxQRZG3W6opPs/s400/iphone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The I-phone holds their attention. Maybe I should take my I-pad to school so they will be just as attentive to our lessons! Ha-ha!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As we lined up to leave, each child was given a goodie bag with more candy and treats inside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTcLjtKdlC4lNtFjUBjuFrDQaw1dkwJI7IoQazMxzw8PNZFqay1GUT-g5LEmEMyfBivo7TnQvwsVx4Jdk0YAKTlw1r_ta1cszugxwWWWkbOkPLHEjzWue_2qXsR3BDl-SyOpgEKE4CWU/s1600/gift+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTcLjtKdlC4lNtFjUBjuFrDQaw1dkwJI7IoQazMxzw8PNZFqay1GUT-g5LEmEMyfBivo7TnQvwsVx4Jdk0YAKTlw1r_ta1cszugxwWWWkbOkPLHEjzWue_2qXsR3BDl-SyOpgEKE4CWU/s400/gift+bags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Then we headed back to school to eat lunch. We tried to keep them at the lunch table for 15 minutes to eat their sandwich and juice, but it was a losing battle. None of them were hungry or thirsty--imagine!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHHGtmpx82J2om45ZRm8bm1gxMB_eZHtV2tE-TFYlarMggkONiaKgUyuz5t7koDiLoI2KBIgBVU_cRh1xqJKko11qc01oII_tNa7h_kvSPMz_1D1_z6NfM0Epv0n5HFHPEG9lImjhuVY/s1600/bus+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHHGtmpx82J2om45ZRm8bm1gxMB_eZHtV2tE-TFYlarMggkONiaKgUyuz5t7koDiLoI2KBIgBVU_cRh1xqJKko11qc01oII_tNa7h_kvSPMz_1D1_z6NfM0Epv0n5HFHPEG9lImjhuVY/s400/bus+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-57762126864814680592011-10-07T20:25:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:25:28.260-07:0035th Anniversary in Muscat, Oman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We flew over to Muscat to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. What did we learn after 35 years together? Well, we definitely aren't 5-Star Hotel people....and especially not during Ramadan<br />
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We stayed at a gorgeous place called "The Chedi." Our room was great, the grounds were amazing, and the view was spectacular. The food, however, was not any of the 3: not great, not amazing, not spectacular. I have never stayed in quite so nice a place and almost starved to death! Lots of funny stories there, let me tell you! Fortunately, the mini-bar was complimentary, and they kept it well-stashed with drinks. We also depended quite a bit on room service, which was always "out" of whatever I wanted, but I did manage to order some basics off the kids' menu.<br />
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One night we decided to go pick up KFC. When we asked the Concierge about it, he got a horrified look on his face and said it would be better if we went there. (I could see the nightmare in his eyes of the delivery car pulling up to the lobby of this posh place!) We assured him we were not thinking of delivery! They called for us to make sure it was open....and then when we got there, of course it was NOT open. So we went straight back to the hotel and ordered room service.<br />
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Another night we decided to go to a Mexican restaurant. Again, we checked ahead, and they said they would open at 7:00 (after sunset for Ramadan). So, we got a taxi there and walked around the place until 7:00 and finally got some decent food. Most all of the restaurants serve "Iftar" to break the fast of Ramadan. This means they don't serve their regular menu until later. It is VERY difficult to wait until 7:00 pm to eat when you haven't had anything since breakfast!! By the way, the hotel did serve quite a nice breakfast!! Just lunch and dinner were lacking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSwlUvzvAyAKyiumEciGTqFk_bRIgu-3whxKSLmYuIZk1SwC2iIEf5us98Xp-t6D2CDpMcPLEclkvMxcmQjHQDtlGtuWZZRntUdyCp0UOn1hNi8FuPwCqVBUAxnMLRYFfUCXttdT1Ueg/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSwlUvzvAyAKyiumEciGTqFk_bRIgu-3whxKSLmYuIZk1SwC2iIEf5us98Xp-t6D2CDpMcPLEclkvMxcmQjHQDtlGtuWZZRntUdyCp0UOn1hNi8FuPwCqVBUAxnMLRYFfUCXttdT1Ueg/s400/cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choice of cake or champagne.....hmmmmm......Cake, every time!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3eKWxc3-DSAuzbLw_gIwuTJ3tdhOV1etSvWaHV-mVDqklnYoGlFhD-VRaHbJxYC8TYvHPRlkIGHUmfztOoTK07HkaIZtmshLUrFYkDtVOC4xdKM6-iuOITUe9-l8fCI9owAuIvASPEc/s1600/tent+lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3eKWxc3-DSAuzbLw_gIwuTJ3tdhOV1etSvWaHV-mVDqklnYoGlFhD-VRaHbJxYC8TYvHPRlkIGHUmfztOoTK07HkaIZtmshLUrFYkDtVOC4xdKM6-iuOITUe9-l8fCI9owAuIvASPEc/s400/tent+lobby.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Lobby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1FnuStGWabJT7F16I52Nfxt6CC4Ou5RBNhMmPVV-X0HK_srnD5kosKx5SswgkYPt6Suyy4R9WlpjpBJoNnwrUiHru1X3pEJEJm1FzFfglFnuAxkZca3cGOQ8bY6n-bjh8WZmw3wvCTs/s1600/Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1FnuStGWabJT7F16I52Nfxt6CC4Ou5RBNhMmPVV-X0HK_srnD5kosKx5SswgkYPt6Suyy4R9WlpjpBJoNnwrUiHru1X3pEJEJm1FzFfglFnuAxkZca3cGOQ8bY6n-bjh8WZmw3wvCTs/s400/Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at our room from the beach ~ We were in the middle section on the second floor.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8f2nxCffkNAsX0v7vt00DzS3i1D4z58ptTZf-Ph3C163KdsHxryhB0vZB-nUacjLANkONkQO33LIiXe8LSsLozd2D3basCE9VkzVTu_6HGRo-lVjOA5rizHj1rDmGuCac_3fPLSvNyY/s1600/adult+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8f2nxCffkNAsX0v7vt00DzS3i1D4z58ptTZf-Ph3C163KdsHxryhB0vZB-nUacjLANkONkQO33LIiXe8LSsLozd2D3basCE9VkzVTu_6HGRo-lVjOA5rizHj1rDmGuCac_3fPLSvNyY/s400/adult+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool closest to the beach ~ This is the pool where we spent the most time.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-ioPyZfdWoFgs3xsXZFiz_gzHlcGzo2tNMt1XGx47kYtbwT95_x3atuAp_0hk2jZKU20HCnud8GuPxY8NcKgUZo_ACUY-xCM_NbrJ0FHR8nvIlyd_v9U0MC8KNKfT-AamCCQCkvxi58/s1600/Infinity+pool+our+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-ioPyZfdWoFgs3xsXZFiz_gzHlcGzo2tNMt1XGx47kYtbwT95_x3atuAp_0hk2jZKU20HCnud8GuPxY8NcKgUZo_ACUY-xCM_NbrJ0FHR8nvIlyd_v9U0MC8KNKfT-AamCCQCkvxi58/s400/Infinity+pool+our+chairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chairs the first day ~ Until we realized how much nicer it was to sit in the grassy area so we didn't get sand all over the beach chair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD9eieQIMcqbmyoOWCEUAiLFYG4fS5_Xw5JA15CZ7JJVsmCZqU-oFvuWvHzKNFBWtmMauxbHOf1HqPS0naG6viW-quUjQzG0VwpCvxsst-5Kr76rXLPxyZJ8f_4vEZHOUcOuuwKuYz3k/s1600/grass+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD9eieQIMcqbmyoOWCEUAiLFYG4fS5_Xw5JA15CZ7JJVsmCZqU-oFvuWvHzKNFBWtmMauxbHOf1HqPS0naG6viW-quUjQzG0VwpCvxsst-5Kr76rXLPxyZJ8f_4vEZHOUcOuuwKuYz3k/s400/grass+chairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chairs the next 3 days!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiM92YezVN2dAortF0yNx6fnX75nlakI2yCe5jQIWsQLW_TvQ6Qyxo6hYuR_j4TPYLMAmDIvTgg1E7q9XXRaqF4Y3ilow49Pk1hbtb1bqy4k20bddxvb_tXPbTGQq5L9wMXiBuF7nzEzxg/s1600/looking+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM92YezVN2dAortF0yNx6fnX75nlakI2yCe5jQIWsQLW_TvQ6Qyxo6hYuR_j4TPYLMAmDIvTgg1E7q9XXRaqF4Y3ilow49Pk1hbtb1bqy4k20bddxvb_tXPbTGQq5L9wMXiBuF7nzEzxg/s400/looking+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up.....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RoiGKswKeSSWUIj2L5pDSJYjafI1GaC7H45-GFa-SFSkUMpjf1-nLicJssiYKqjY2x4FuhEV8y3Hkc1RBlBNP2WutPrH34e3kTUaCx5XrtlESABOt8sYW2tYjJxbDi1fj70ksSOaXo4/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RoiGKswKeSSWUIj2L5pDSJYjafI1GaC7H45-GFa-SFSkUMpjf1-nLicJssiYKqjY2x4FuhEV8y3Hkc1RBlBNP2WutPrH34e3kTUaCx5XrtlESABOt8sYW2tYjJxbDi1fj70ksSOaXo4/s400/bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVED watching all the wildlife. The birds were so entertaining!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOew2W3w1Qco1kcrxTkKWgN1n6vwCQyNrkTdEDqzMxi7NY2pz7O39ZapN7NZ89BOfgNVFvs_5Xi-1_rULUPvcPiQGXRq8iWFpHsgN6bRhfidreVtFBD2Sp9IiQg7jUgifi7wbA7Jz8QI/s1600/crabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOew2W3w1Qco1kcrxTkKWgN1n6vwCQyNrkTdEDqzMxi7NY2pz7O39ZapN7NZ89BOfgNVFvs_5Xi-1_rULUPvcPiQGXRq8iWFpHsgN6bRhfidreVtFBD2Sp9IiQg7jUgifi7wbA7Jz8QI/s400/crabs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crabs....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjoyEwD9YTpyfcY5egh9h5goqhMcg7NjEDXSLFYguNvh6M6igW7WUyAleWhztQxrsbHK_pDHr2UUSgq0ohyROcPJA0JiE7aiOGjz6C7AQ90VhsNb_gaLBcfoSrJYFY4yxrCSNhlqZJvM/s1600/lynn+in+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjoyEwD9YTpyfcY5egh9h5goqhMcg7NjEDXSLFYguNvh6M6igW7WUyAleWhztQxrsbHK_pDHr2UUSgq0ohyROcPJA0JiE7aiOGjz6C7AQ90VhsNb_gaLBcfoSrJYFY4yxrCSNhlqZJvM/s400/lynn+in+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new Inifinity pool in the newest section of the hotel. This pool opened up on our 3rd day, so we checked it out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFmD9vKFOWfMSmD9G_Xdq0nB5zk4pldbUlJqK2wPyK5_5nvxxyP12xxaiZp1Fp4g1DX-V6X6NEuHCQlga1a2mH7c07nJwUZwUmnVdKVawf2VOTP-3tW6qz7oo08b7ZvXYV2uTrzA5Pe4/s1600/newest+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFmD9vKFOWfMSmD9G_Xdq0nB5zk4pldbUlJqK2wPyK5_5nvxxyP12xxaiZp1Fp4g1DX-V6X6NEuHCQlga1a2mH7c07nJwUZwUmnVdKVawf2VOTP-3tW6qz7oo08b7ZvXYV2uTrzA5Pe4/s400/newest+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the new pool. Can you see Kim at the end??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHT9TEjQ43bTXLoyd3Di4k1xkLI5K6oKaIqCjquJNyWRIxHTD_AamOqvM8C1lQRsLjI7PE76OsWZdiGiA58O-yBFIjWpbFBAQXSpuERDgtkwN7lIbPbxL77oBmMSM5C3yu-EPDOE62OU/s1600/kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHT9TEjQ43bTXLoyd3Di4k1xkLI5K6oKaIqCjquJNyWRIxHTD_AamOqvM8C1lQRsLjI7PE76OsWZdiGiA58O-yBFIjWpbFBAQXSpuERDgtkwN7lIbPbxL77oBmMSM5C3yu-EPDOE62OU/s400/kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, here he is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLpgIPDRmk_QvIWgsniA7gk8iC1Z1STiJ4GVj7WQz48YHcdJbJM9w_XkqAfrqCpWhkvHVK0MJAbYorInLFsB5_Hk52UguZw69CYvgY2mXdApmwfOLdetRSphHK6SZx25i5qKoMnfqZ40/s1600/lounge+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLpgIPDRmk_QvIWgsniA7gk8iC1Z1STiJ4GVj7WQz48YHcdJbJM9w_XkqAfrqCpWhkvHVK0MJAbYorInLFsB5_Hk52UguZw69CYvgY2mXdApmwfOLdetRSphHK6SZx25i5qKoMnfqZ40/s400/lounge+chairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a quiet, peaceful place!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-44180475180464538472011-09-17T03:35:00.000-07:002011-10-07T21:31:33.549-07:00Viva Italia!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This summer's trip to Italy was the trip of a lifetime!! I have broken it down into 4 parts: Rome, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Venice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7-tNGROVYgZ66WcLbTRnMf1IxggV2rPyihNxr7XCn1oyW5I0lIubaygRNJ5faLpgOvD0LR-6Dlo4vw3tdcPZXQycxpsKYwbKoi-rlCLB_LBzFnb6E-h_EMJovpZ9FgIFdtvFOkAXBdt8/s1600/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7-tNGROVYgZ66WcLbTRnMf1IxggV2rPyihNxr7XCn1oyW5I0lIubaygRNJ5faLpgOvD0LR-6Dlo4vw3tdcPZXQycxpsKYwbKoi-rlCLB_LBzFnb6E-h_EMJovpZ9FgIFdtvFOkAXBdt8/s400/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to put this picture of the Eiffel Tower (taken from the plane) because Kim had been teasing Heather and me that he saw it the last time we were in Paris. Now I have at least seen it. Next time we have a connecting flight through Paris, we plan to stay a few days!!!</span></td></tr>
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Rome:<br />
We arrived in Rome to stay for 4 nights. We stayed on the Piazza Barberini at the Hotel Barocco. We could walk to Via Veneto, Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. On Friday we walked around Rome looking at the beautiful gardens and architecture. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn82WaMrx_qh5bMC__iSYubmCyHdfmndFH-CFzhGFX8fM192prrnDG7ppLLW8uSAWSnYsaTRZ9mS4C1JvxzUPfwIqJas7iZiTm1fe5lBVZCbySB8_8uAQOFgJFDrPxJh5glIKz-GMyi60/s1600/lynn+kim+spanish+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn82WaMrx_qh5bMC__iSYubmCyHdfmndFH-CFzhGFX8fM192prrnDG7ppLLW8uSAWSnYsaTRZ9mS4C1JvxzUPfwIqJas7iZiTm1fe5lBVZCbySB8_8uAQOFgJFDrPxJh5glIKz-GMyi60/s400/lynn+kim+spanish+steps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spanish Steps</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAvoVy-yJUd932EdEicpf5U6Wa6pRDycauKTCQMRm7Gqk5QgctjtBU57YlJOb9D_XZWKxRfvKtVMJqmQN8HN4LEWqC-bBCsaBITo6_RRixygOb6CohbwVElJfqKY5Fhyphenhyphenm96T5nuhadr3Y/s1600/trevi+ftn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAvoVy-yJUd932EdEicpf5U6Wa6pRDycauKTCQMRm7Gqk5QgctjtBU57YlJOb9D_XZWKxRfvKtVMJqmQN8HN4LEWqC-bBCsaBITo6_RRixygOb6CohbwVElJfqKY5Fhyphenhyphenm96T5nuhadr3Y/s400/trevi+ftn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trevi Fountain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT08pe23ssTQcTzlgneCPElkIxirgfYVrgsLoCuRICNdGGX7FYvkgV94-sVK4sZcw6tzBnRtmqbvhNquL9zjgQtH1uMJP5vb2l9pK83_xaabyM3JST_y98RaJkAlGltoswEKannMpUPFoB/s1600/pantheon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT08pe23ssTQcTzlgneCPElkIxirgfYVrgsLoCuRICNdGGX7FYvkgV94-sVK4sZcw6tzBnRtmqbvhNquL9zjgQtH1uMJP5vb2l9pK83_xaabyM3JST_y98RaJkAlGltoswEKannMpUPFoB/s400/pantheon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pantheon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcxdSDtQ8xIXC6X15GGCeH9PfyVTUJI8vxaVky3VrXJcKFYyjWij0R1EfuaKhyphenhyphenrrcIcfLSv6APlwZXRZJm3HamL7WHaJg3wZK1cBhyphenhyphenFR5QK2KkC6SH4oZaYCiMOUXqdqR2WqgMITv1qE3/s1600/lynn+over+rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcxdSDtQ8xIXC6X15GGCeH9PfyVTUJI8vxaVky3VrXJcKFYyjWij0R1EfuaKhyphenhyphenrrcIcfLSv6APlwZXRZJm3HamL7WHaJg3wZK1cBhyphenhyphenFR5QK2KkC6SH4oZaYCiMOUXqdqR2WqgMITv1qE3/s400/lynn+over+rome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking out at the Roman skyline: St. Peter's Basilica in the distance</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCBlHYu9KE2iGj3_DzXsDgp3pGq3BrID00xLXbP0KLuRxOWKC4hAhpv7xfREX1XMmFdRB6ZFFsBDIE45pCmt0nBMhlteQueKoeum7y89iJoV7dMqm-mbQ63MKBT5JPBFTlEjz4m8oyvSc/s1600/gelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCBlHYu9KE2iGj3_DzXsDgp3pGq3BrID00xLXbP0KLuRxOWKC4hAhpv7xfREX1XMmFdRB6ZFFsBDIE45pCmt0nBMhlteQueKoeum7y89iJoV7dMqm-mbQ63MKBT5JPBFTlEjz4m8oyvSc/s400/gelato.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gelato: Kim's favorite!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtPmogSQfgt8C94Rdf-BT7Qv242vJNfAumHN8_WstBysH7kwtBDXIwjpLeo6cTwvnIN3JU8-G2tcxA_T9UQ5SmEkfs-_awOQGt_DG6l8QafJgUCdM36aOh8_-LM4nZ64OnlE0ASyfhlZX/s1600/lynn+kim+tiber+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtPmogSQfgt8C94Rdf-BT7Qv242vJNfAumHN8_WstBysH7kwtBDXIwjpLeo6cTwvnIN3JU8-G2tcxA_T9UQ5SmEkfs-_awOQGt_DG6l8QafJgUCdM36aOh8_-LM4nZ64OnlE0ASyfhlZX/s400/lynn+kim+tiber+river.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tiber River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ClrHKZtokB5LNGSLHfOmnOxnUW3hbId98Uf5ulSkDIV2elhNrUktLsCIAvEaeRh8yoHhxSK8nbBkaYERhnkJ429vphalnGAx_dCFs9WkOQOWMc0yvnqdeb8qIHPJyqqqu5TTn0Gc272X/s1600/war+memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ClrHKZtokB5LNGSLHfOmnOxnUW3hbId98Uf5ulSkDIV2elhNrUktLsCIAvEaeRh8yoHhxSK8nbBkaYERhnkJ429vphalnGAx_dCFs9WkOQOWMc0yvnqdeb8qIHPJyqqqu5TTn0Gc272X/s400/war+memorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">War Memorial:Vittorio Emanuele II Monument</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Saturday we took a tour of the Vatican. We saw the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Square.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc3_lQp1-9EliYtn9dq9yTFj4wz_9-1aa8X9oGIINttZ2u30Rc0zbkixTfI_lqCpUADhEaG47FAe9YeXjTmY0XIROMHwXgFaoVsMFchT6a_2lgZbeX24osDfyb9U84JlU7vc5VVIfBdaR/s1600/chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc3_lQp1-9EliYtn9dq9yTFj4wz_9-1aa8X9oGIINttZ2u30Rc0zbkixTfI_lqCpUADhEaG47FAe9YeXjTmY0XIROMHwXgFaoVsMFchT6a_2lgZbeX24osDfyb9U84JlU7vc5VVIfBdaR/s400/chapel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiZqN08StSH0C6tVX9XRc0v11Z3aQidJYaBEY0Z-Ta2DsP3ta6i-GVyyYBj-ssQpUTAx0Wb0vXnhHfqdcMf-wONRWrniK6B9bjmVHRtSQUlj7S0xeAP5YvytfDb4nMGkekY56sZwynMYF/s1600/chapel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiZqN08StSH0C6tVX9XRc0v11Z3aQidJYaBEY0Z-Ta2DsP3ta6i-GVyyYBj-ssQpUTAx0Wb0vXnhHfqdcMf-wONRWrniK6B9bjmVHRtSQUlj7S0xeAP5YvytfDb4nMGkekY56sZwynMYF/s400/chapel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZR0sy5uZtbnASlRmPvd5PI0Xj8I9aGlGxfQNKV7RzLciwQGTT1J0gm-A9NDIWoz2BFL_UuRwmLAntGb8ZEg_jcYjRWEHU3mtLpkkvrTkbpfrw9jTHts0SOLrOHMbc6EhyQI91wzFGD8t/s1600/chapel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZR0sy5uZtbnASlRmPvd5PI0Xj8I9aGlGxfQNKV7RzLciwQGTT1J0gm-A9NDIWoz2BFL_UuRwmLAntGb8ZEg_jcYjRWEHU3mtLpkkvrTkbpfrw9jTHts0SOLrOHMbc6EhyQI91wzFGD8t/s400/chapel3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this one: the sun is like a halo behind the cross</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On Sunday we had a tour of Ancient Rome. Kim was in Heaven!! We saw all the ruins and finished with the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPsBFk8f_5cA_s3DboMBNQ1_2DhrHGRDHZ-CfgG3c03gLfku0BYqoTKf3RTM7YYXD13zVIWjRN5KuU75NOwyQohJN9mtnrb0J8GQUfAINkG3ZeEIaAi1TgSVQvF_Axtc2HyDoaM14bPk-/s1600/forum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPsBFk8f_5cA_s3DboMBNQ1_2DhrHGRDHZ-CfgG3c03gLfku0BYqoTKf3RTM7YYXD13zVIWjRN5KuU75NOwyQohJN9mtnrb0J8GQUfAINkG3ZeEIaAi1TgSVQvF_Axtc2HyDoaM14bPk-/s400/forum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_R5MoS3KA1nv8bxCw030NDVcDnRA_2iYlY1LtBhV5HLBW0_pJn5sCmIePPZvALP8fLQ36i19Jgu2dEyGoHwdX3D-LQnLX0cY6J0550JydFDrtvokxpvEEFoMEG3pBDTTSXLvpMEwnMRU/s1600/4+at+Colosseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_R5MoS3KA1nv8bxCw030NDVcDnRA_2iYlY1LtBhV5HLBW0_pJn5sCmIePPZvALP8fLQ36i19Jgu2dEyGoHwdX3D-LQnLX0cY6J0550JydFDrtvokxpvEEFoMEG3pBDTTSXLvpMEwnMRU/s400/4+at+Colosseum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOg6W5Ar0PrWlrPvUANbzeuqJNgIDaaetb-ji6CNmkHVkBP8LQ2hAk1F-NkfP31HW6AyQNp7XZIan__SyAtL-DgKH12jP1Q1QgeLTH-T5dUJ5jITD8DFlRFGtLXjjOS4uNMx7as14K0-/s1600/circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOg6W5Ar0PrWlrPvUANbzeuqJNgIDaaetb-ji6CNmkHVkBP8LQ2hAk1F-NkfP31HW6AyQNp7XZIan__SyAtL-DgKH12jP1Q1QgeLTH-T5dUJ5jITD8DFlRFGtLXjjOS4uNMx7as14K0-/s400/circus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Circus Maximus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Amalfi Coast:<br />
On Monday we drove to the Amalfi Coast, stopping by to see Pompeii on the way. Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried under 60 feet of ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. It was accidentally re-discovered in 1748 and has since been excavated. Since it was so well preserved, we were able to learn a lot about the Romans and how they lived. We had a guided tour of the Forum, the Thermal Baths, Vetti's House, and the Lupanare brothel. Our guide was hilarious and very informative.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4fzmN2IS7xfyKeS_GVwDzNbhbE-2rm-eRkTyxPRV7igMrytgaL4OeHP4dkllN3KyJHsINzd9D_J47X5RSpENrcJx9zp1j4PbxP9g-tJ88NE5N0pJpcMwHIusMMNP4VaQbPRxoSEabptJ/s1600/pompeii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4fzmN2IS7xfyKeS_GVwDzNbhbE-2rm-eRkTyxPRV7igMrytgaL4OeHP4dkllN3KyJHsINzd9D_J47X5RSpENrcJx9zp1j4PbxP9g-tJ88NE5N0pJpcMwHIusMMNP4VaQbPRxoSEabptJ/s400/pompeii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LK0GXZruz_szlKjx6UxBNTSdsMqU80hJW271AymsdCXTzhKTS3rLmb4S-WLob0lBDRqyw1AGEBRrA4I6sJtpd-YyEf0H0FSlD-WyK2sHA_u5bFfmyDQ4CUlobjO5WfqG_eTNS1WpXQQO/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LK0GXZruz_szlKjx6UxBNTSdsMqU80hJW271AymsdCXTzhKTS3rLmb4S-WLob0lBDRqyw1AGEBRrA4I6sJtpd-YyEf0H0FSlD-WyK2sHA_u5bFfmyDQ4CUlobjO5WfqG_eTNS1WpXQQO/s400/home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1lW6GlBj5fNv_JDiPt6cLZu0Kg_YquXyN-lD6mNSp5Cq3oRj2YGO1GyVe0MkPvAsJTykVeIC_H1ymNXG9hi2O-t4HgR7Vl3fe1luYGZMvRkF5DGmKeoeGwwBKrA4YnwXyz2YRMFRXTzh/s1600/preserved+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1lW6GlBj5fNv_JDiPt6cLZu0Kg_YquXyN-lD6mNSp5Cq3oRj2YGO1GyVe0MkPvAsJTykVeIC_H1ymNXG9hi2O-t4HgR7Vl3fe1luYGZMvRkF5DGmKeoeGwwBKrA4YnwXyz2YRMFRXTzh/s400/preserved+man.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4upm_VxJwCIxsKe9iqwLdbl3LlxwXafnUj3rhmbYj790_PeY9tN6_Kd0tVLEs9O6N0Kcctwsa1nOfjB_7zq2cJ2WzSr9mDoYnHKBpPNKkSr7G0kde5Ya2FfTpi9LBCb2S3V5Oh2PeTy0/s1600/vesuvius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4upm_VxJwCIxsKe9iqwLdbl3LlxwXafnUj3rhmbYj790_PeY9tN6_Kd0tVLEs9O6N0Kcctwsa1nOfjB_7zq2cJ2WzSr9mDoYnHKBpPNKkSr7G0kde5Ya2FfTpi9LBCb2S3V5Oh2PeTy0/s400/vesuvius.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mt. Vesuvius in the distance</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE_l11_L10YOHJeU0TWNicvFDzjOfJIAAhYZgN-0TbDAEGo67dY0EFBnVrokouQkGYitGZl3FBaQDeqbi5uw2hyphenhyphenKhZytRqLeHcupwga1tRKyeTbpoQI2BiXj94uOPDRMKkp_U3_c9xk/s1600/4+in+pompeii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE_l11_L10YOHJeU0TWNicvFDzjOfJIAAhYZgN-0TbDAEGo67dY0EFBnVrokouQkGYitGZl3FBaQDeqbi5uw2hyphenhyphenKhZytRqLeHcupwga1tRKyeTbpoQI2BiXj94uOPDRMKkp_U3_c9xk/s400/4+in+pompeii.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting in front of one of the longest streets from ancient times</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We then continued our drive to Positano to stay for the next 3 nights at Villa Rosa. We had a beautiful terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. We enjoyed our breakfast each morning watching the sun rise over the water!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GSg-3aTrYtorwIRctcwpVIdCd4ZIyZzlAxI5A6F5KP3KN9SqU8ubCwuRfmWa2YE68Tkk2wDHCeCJddKLjs4gnDWAc2pEMASU9RjDHIWH1Hr20jq_SNHk741eedXEehjcNZK-8rP-AAw/s1600/4+in+Positano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GSg-3aTrYtorwIRctcwpVIdCd4ZIyZzlAxI5A6F5KP3KN9SqU8ubCwuRfmWa2YE68Tkk2wDHCeCJddKLjs4gnDWAc2pEMASU9RjDHIWH1Hr20jq_SNHk741eedXEehjcNZK-8rP-AAw/s400/4+in+Positano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHCpS__GagiXWpqEtuLdISfqh-NSp36w_az74rFJf347NfW2C_F5A6WZ_RLgt5ztGJ_4n7Cj8GVZa2W4WkvQQ8CWCP6IoswY2pu2GI3rMEjJJwdkHBMa0sU2jOg85fyEOwJ7eeokfMMk/s1600/night+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHCpS__GagiXWpqEtuLdISfqh-NSp36w_az74rFJf347NfW2C_F5A6WZ_RLgt5ztGJ_4n7Cj8GVZa2W4WkvQQ8CWCP6IoswY2pu2GI3rMEjJJwdkHBMa0sU2jOg85fyEOwJ7eeokfMMk/s400/night+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Night view from the sidewalk overlooking the bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One day there we rented a boat and Cory captained us around the sea, boating over to Capri. We saw many of the small towns along the Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. We sailed into several tiny caves or grottos and swam. We also just stopped out in the middle of the water and jumped in--it was amazingly blue!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MKgSF7-gwXf7qcTp1tP2_AisICvjB5iG5CjtyvI60suCCnc-6ZaXP3Vj5y1cBE6K7eE5NKMKMbx9jozna2C-pV_xHNC6U_Wg2pJdNzM0EybB8twwGR07Ut0isdKGJL2a9jTp-WzqoRk/s1600/lynn+on+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MKgSF7-gwXf7qcTp1tP2_AisICvjB5iG5CjtyvI60suCCnc-6ZaXP3Vj5y1cBE6K7eE5NKMKMbx9jozna2C-pV_xHNC6U_Wg2pJdNzM0EybB8twwGR07Ut0isdKGJL2a9jTp-WzqoRk/s400/lynn+on+boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready to enjoy the day!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8nLCamtuiuLXNai5cNlUBsBBZsvSzVGv5v5up7RVhajL_yHCuIeRsJBXpaGhPMzu2NbnYr2ngnP7tR_B_uS6uWPGgTNhHxsj5sweLbKQHoly4FzbZq1liU8VqA3gNWeaE6ncMMdfiT4/s1600/captain+cory+and+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8nLCamtuiuLXNai5cNlUBsBBZsvSzVGv5v5up7RVhajL_yHCuIeRsJBXpaGhPMzu2NbnYr2ngnP7tR_B_uS6uWPGgTNhHxsj5sweLbKQHoly4FzbZq1liU8VqA3gNWeaE6ncMMdfiT4/s400/captain+cory+and+kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Captains of the boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmnRumaEwYQku9huACRXPRTzYPeXV9FCmD0z-OI1baw_xrTAkTHj8J3mDoF_aB28HHngB5DTlR1SUxWaytPYdTJMUrpDGIeE6fFzv5e1MeA8vDoQ5g3tAeoiSmUPEyellfJH01XbI1ZY/s1600/cory+diving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmnRumaEwYQku9huACRXPRTzYPeXV9FCmD0z-OI1baw_xrTAkTHj8J3mDoF_aB28HHngB5DTlR1SUxWaytPYdTJMUrpDGIeE6fFzv5e1MeA8vDoQ5g3tAeoiSmUPEyellfJH01XbI1ZY/s400/cory+diving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWBE-m1dEqoglaYXWb1BuMprqHIqOC0vkxwGxkW3P_vg6XeQFEJFCHObC-dUWt1iDRUJx_l5V5R2CDUo1dKzzqw3ohzrX5nFswgxx-3akzJNiBNsF36MUF7MqM73j2f3CKz92n_doOk8/s1600/kim+and+heather+in+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWBE-m1dEqoglaYXWb1BuMprqHIqOC0vkxwGxkW3P_vg6XeQFEJFCHObC-dUWt1iDRUJx_l5V5R2CDUo1dKzzqw3ohzrX5nFswgxx-3akzJNiBNsF36MUF7MqM73j2f3CKz92n_doOk8/s400/kim+and+heather+in+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beautiful blue waters of the grotto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6fYM1d_YT0thUgNGXel-qtDaN11FLIQu0SeL2avwOkfVURkXAHnuAjaTKpnXlP3CShYwA_TYw1F3nQKNk_GAV4HRhPAoshDlkpHYSK7YBY9W3PFqfaJJmnf_8TRg3RDwg-z1DP-_nS0/s1600/staircase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6fYM1d_YT0thUgNGXel-qtDaN11FLIQu0SeL2avwOkfVURkXAHnuAjaTKpnXlP3CShYwA_TYw1F3nQKNk_GAV4HRhPAoshDlkpHYSK7YBY9W3PFqfaJJmnf_8TRg3RDwg-z1DP-_nS0/s400/staircase.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We definitely got our exercise walking up and down stairs. This was the path to the beach from one of the resorts. The ones we had to walk were not this dramatic!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeITZHe2hZEVMJBFJs3NB4P97kNlSDo3B2Yr2lZfYHe6Cx6pNNitLOPWM-74auY9DRb_o_ldX38L9hselU4vIenPuZ9PUH3B7EujR3z-rixIdXezZejl8zXNr0ficxgilbY49yQm3MaEE/s1600/arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeITZHe2hZEVMJBFJs3NB4P97kNlSDo3B2Yr2lZfYHe6Cx6pNNitLOPWM-74auY9DRb_o_ldX38L9hselU4vIenPuZ9PUH3B7EujR3z-rixIdXezZejl8zXNr0ficxgilbY49yQm3MaEE/s400/arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Arch we rode through</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also had some amazing meals with gorgous views. It was difficult to decide where to eat each meal!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquf706wIGsOg5F0tNmJQRrlQ72h54PCOFwshFw3_oNvhK8A55GzFP_j7ik-1UwBF_PaOZW0k5vMzk_2BdGqFs2myTxre_u-H4McBbOkB_1irnri7Qyg4SxaPyJ7o8WnEgP_qe2fZSFkE/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquf706wIGsOg5F0tNmJQRrlQ72h54PCOFwshFw3_oNvhK8A55GzFP_j7ik-1UwBF_PaOZW0k5vMzk_2BdGqFs2myTxre_u-H4McBbOkB_1irnri7Qyg4SxaPyJ7o8WnEgP_qe2fZSFkE/s400/sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>Tuscany:</u></strong><br />
On Thursday we took a high-speed train to Florence. There we stayed at the Santa Maria Novella, another amazing hotel in the downtown area. The rooms are all decorated with different Florentine decor. We did a walking tour of Florence and saw the Duomo, Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, The Uffizi Corridor, Palazzo Medici, and many other sights! We enjoyed lots of pasta and gelato!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPfsLb9lfeAuKB8f2sxGHYkL-YnVsVseH93gZXJMw0rPZ_zMQWGZfjJRo0ycZj0bJdVuIKNqz6rMLjUjA_K8j9JjIBqYwwLSonWRaHKubH9PdFXtaozS3D5qryi8iI_akfM-r2tX8HkQ/s1600/train+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPfsLb9lfeAuKB8f2sxGHYkL-YnVsVseH93gZXJMw0rPZ_zMQWGZfjJRo0ycZj0bJdVuIKNqz6rMLjUjA_K8j9JjIBqYwwLSonWRaHKubH9PdFXtaozS3D5qryi8iI_akfM-r2tX8HkQ/s400/train+ride.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Train ride: NICE!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of our favorite places to eat was on the River Arno, looking out at the Ponte Vecchio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTIKbO0RPhCPhwpvsbuS3cdLewzG34iLDUrWv-gXmJblR8HkFMDfa-0IC5Dbz7xZ6M0lYZkyCF9TB5_ajKxgJITWRCIxTQ7rkrJPnnzd4vBo9E0d-MAKC_o7ybVLUqfnxLbve1nWNgTY/s1600/Ponte+Vecchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTIKbO0RPhCPhwpvsbuS3cdLewzG34iLDUrWv-gXmJblR8HkFMDfa-0IC5Dbz7xZ6M0lYZkyCF9TB5_ajKxgJITWRCIxTQ7rkrJPnnzd4vBo9E0d-MAKC_o7ybVLUqfnxLbve1nWNgTY/s400/Ponte+Vecchio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ponte Vecchio</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ka7U223gW8LMU5iljW0cbsHSPY-ovqejoMudSwJdr4tjWSVgHSaNVmIwNcfV0XPTBresulgc5dqtPigbXqoeNEZuuiVHup1TBzRu5yf6yufpKxjm8-8itslVqNunyX-_bYqb0pHLEHc/s1600/duomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ka7U223gW8LMU5iljW0cbsHSPY-ovqejoMudSwJdr4tjWSVgHSaNVmIwNcfV0XPTBresulgc5dqtPigbXqoeNEZuuiVHup1TBzRu5yf6yufpKxjm8-8itslVqNunyX-_bYqb0pHLEHc/s400/duomo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Duomo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXsPSrBVuT9kWg__pkTyXFX2EmaSTlugoaAWABX8DbliKf524DozxuT6nTvJXFTRU1d2D6EYv3h74Oi8dU3zLPqdre1RNln1UMstnzAQQOJkKMRc4IcqMTil_1nQJW4v4EqIBZLaYnJU/s1600/fruit+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXsPSrBVuT9kWg__pkTyXFX2EmaSTlugoaAWABX8DbliKf524DozxuT6nTvJXFTRU1d2D6EYv3h74Oi8dU3zLPqdre1RNln1UMstnzAQQOJkKMRc4IcqMTil_1nQJW4v4EqIBZLaYnJU/s400/fruit+market.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R<span style="font-size: small;">andom street market: It was all so delicious looking!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH7kruwPefKqUP2jyEhE0G7Sn2VA1LhT3M28GuBIUmSbItSv6SgfTrpDtbLu8yKXKfwbtrhdtc24CViK1u2-6uNwUsYuD6Ny_kczPKFUVKBgG8MGw75Ei1aC7j4s2qN_Fegn4DzIbZy4/s1600/heather+drinks+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH7kruwPefKqUP2jyEhE0G7Sn2VA1LhT3M28GuBIUmSbItSv6SgfTrpDtbLu8yKXKfwbtrhdtc24CViK1u2-6uNwUsYuD6Ny_kczPKFUVKBgG8MGw75Ei1aC7j4s2qN_Fegn4DzIbZy4/s400/heather+drinks+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One nice thing about Italy was that you could drink from all the fountains, which brought fresh water from the mountains.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScSMQj1jLEjD07s5RGaWnYfyI0UgTvwsHc2iSPIDA1qifbiof_9ReIwxCaC6nYZxg0Ueth7BH3PZE5WWdyv47aaGGhhlDmvkeQgIb5fnNEhIeEEdvIH-sc5tJ4cled8ZsS_j7hgxvLf8/s1600/Kim+Grafiti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScSMQj1jLEjD07s5RGaWnYfyI0UgTvwsHc2iSPIDA1qifbiof_9ReIwxCaC6nYZxg0Ueth7BH3PZE5WWdyv47aaGGhhlDmvkeQgIb5fnNEhIeEEdvIH-sc5tJ4cled8ZsS_j7hgxvLf8/s400/Kim+Grafiti.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim found his namesake....and notice the date: 1861 ~ LOL!!</span></td></tr>
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</div>We also did a driving tour of Montalcino (wine tasting) and Siena. In Montalcino we visited the castle where the Senesi were besieged for 4 years before surrendering to the Medici. This is where the Brunello wine first started. We went for a wine tasting of the "Brunello de Montalcino" considered the best Italian wine. We toured the winery and saw how they made the wine. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoS1nrRLuARrh6yzpzQa95-vNqF4jZn9mOa9whl4Jb5fS_iwz9_ikCV4r-iVJcIjV2wVbCOEmOlTVjWnMJMrZ05r968FBtsgRgV9-2rJOYqtxQ9cjuJeiEHpz39kkyXfO2ILcTF7eQf4/s1600/wine+tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoS1nrRLuARrh6yzpzQa95-vNqF4jZn9mOa9whl4Jb5fS_iwz9_ikCV4r-iVJcIjV2wVbCOEmOlTVjWnMJMrZ05r968FBtsgRgV9-2rJOYqtxQ9cjuJeiEHpz39kkyXfO2ILcTF7eQf4/s400/wine+tasting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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In Siena we saw the Duomo and visited the Piazzo del Campo, where the race track for the Palio is located. They bring in dirt so that the horses can run the race once each year, but it is hard to imagine how difficult it must be and how many horses end up injured.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDSbhv5FgeunXh_3HmKg0BTTplOl-tSA2I3X3IMhS_-tZOtWnQkjLUpDNVbphDeFr8Pjhyphenhyphen-O-PfVIvoLcyv95L-APXSOyICkcxbXNSO5RKtocF9khEZ1Sd2qMYdqW3D-qdRzd9P5UlZ0/s1600/4+of+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDSbhv5FgeunXh_3HmKg0BTTplOl-tSA2I3X3IMhS_-tZOtWnQkjLUpDNVbphDeFr8Pjhyphenhyphen-O-PfVIvoLcyv95L-APXSOyICkcxbXNSO5RKtocF9khEZ1Sd2qMYdqW3D-qdRzd9P5UlZ0/s400/4+of+us.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOai8OjZEwLlCRX8p1_dTUjdEBeegbMq4iMdUKD6l-NGd5noIJYGACLnw6NkMY7q7TpX7S2_V1sZxBaPyk9UVR374bkc0Ts80u-y8Rt0t812RFNg2YQx1TIeYE9ACim_6b6KN0uFgoc8/s1600/cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOai8OjZEwLlCRX8p1_dTUjdEBeegbMq4iMdUKD6l-NGd5noIJYGACLnw6NkMY7q7TpX7S2_V1sZxBaPyk9UVR374bkc0Ts80u-y8Rt0t812RFNg2YQx1TIeYE9ACim_6b6KN0uFgoc8/s400/cathedral.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK25-ID8XshbCaZu1mr8TmEA-Sc-s-0PKo2oSYCYuVwJ5xWsy6BfzxaznUNteSnXbCtSxgbBxX6Ju7WbqgASK4Ch2rsFMdJyf2O92wLNjE4rnsUVnfXI84v9iDKrihyphenhyphen-2VSjSkR4MbT70/s1600/flower+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK25-ID8XshbCaZu1mr8TmEA-Sc-s-0PKo2oSYCYuVwJ5xWsy6BfzxaznUNteSnXbCtSxgbBxX6Ju7WbqgASK4Ch2rsFMdJyf2O92wLNjE4rnsUVnfXI84v9iDKrihyphenhyphen-2VSjSkR4MbT70/s400/flower+balcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beauty in the midst of decay....</span></td></tr>
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Venice:<br />
On Sunday we took another train to our final spot--Venice. We traveled by water taxi to the Hotel Flora, on Calle XXII Marzo. It is a 17th century palazzo. The rooms are decorated in 16th-century Venetian style. On Monday we took a private gondola ride through the canals of Venice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMckrAeEVdJJF3U4z20yjjeSLowa4_nLqhxoSWYb4O_QlIQDtxdc-Syfq0ZKoICvsIsnG8w4S3IagmPeg0DB04mQWzJ56SpKnYpLfWDq2oIB29TxMbEPbf-rqJS9yAsq6lk_dVku_6FU/s1600/water+taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMckrAeEVdJJF3U4z20yjjeSLowa4_nLqhxoSWYb4O_QlIQDtxdc-Syfq0ZKoICvsIsnG8w4S3IagmPeg0DB04mQWzJ56SpKnYpLfWDq2oIB29TxMbEPbf-rqJS9yAsq6lk_dVku_6FU/s400/water+taxi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Taxi to our hotel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f9vOoQioe6zPnb6-cqmEzxjPSx2fuhvkOJWiya8N7n9cIR3jy1CYSsbwM7Ur4yorjU_exf90OCGxeNQcnad1j98Gn-JYWZpVu9PA7Q4n93SvxNel2gRjYEmIeyQ_pRxt26_Bh6yBy18/s1600/water+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f9vOoQioe6zPnb6-cqmEzxjPSx2fuhvkOJWiya8N7n9cIR3jy1CYSsbwM7Ur4yorjU_exf90OCGxeNQcnad1j98Gn-JYWZpVu9PA7Q4n93SvxNel2gRjYEmIeyQ_pRxt26_Bh6yBy18/s400/water+way.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View along the way....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeusx7RHSncpEdqbzwZyiVSDAjntVSQbEW_hSrCGQEepQJToiCKBA43mYxhZ2rY-UtIn5eLtfpKsvFfYp4pyoyMnKImwHGQE661V8GQTLQQKjR8rlvRBeBzfH8eFuc1QpEBzz3ZXZtZw/s1600/toes+in+the+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeusx7RHSncpEdqbzwZyiVSDAjntVSQbEW_hSrCGQEepQJToiCKBA43mYxhZ2rY-UtIn5eLtfpKsvFfYp4pyoyMnKImwHGQE661V8GQTLQQKjR8rlvRBeBzfH8eFuc1QpEBzz3ZXZtZw/s400/toes+in+the+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A whole new meaning to "toes in the water"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrZkv-nmK6tNJH119wH2NjSd3cdH17D8e7IeI47uDhi_CtbHgz9u6H71doPehG41dRy4oehB0i80eCQkU_H5b_30obi9snowMrYYubLSbRSmroY3PTZ1mAWP-XyRFCYZ5xUb6hF31NEk/s1600/gondola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrZkv-nmK6tNJH119wH2NjSd3cdH17D8e7IeI47uDhi_CtbHgz9u6H71doPehG41dRy4oehB0i80eCQkU_H5b_30obi9snowMrYYubLSbRSmroY3PTZ1mAWP-XyRFCYZ5xUb6hF31NEk/s400/gondola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeptwX1mhQvp2EAWoi2OkdD3aCb7cb-dY73omQ9WEtINF13rwwl6xbpm3j3rRwq6EX-lqHC_vM3gIDGHkbXgfhOaTGXKvCnIrwAeBN2Xrjk7qDkHg3jjo0rm_BEgByVACa6uWnUprFnd8/s1600/dont+sit+with+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeptwX1mhQvp2EAWoi2OkdD3aCb7cb-dY73omQ9WEtINF13rwwl6xbpm3j3rRwq6EX-lqHC_vM3gIDGHkbXgfhOaTGXKvCnIrwAeBN2Xrjk7qDkHg3jjo0rm_BEgByVACa6uWnUprFnd8/s400/dont+sit+with+ice+cream.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ha-ha: In St. Mark's Square, we went to get a gelato, and the sign said we couldn't sit......So.....guess what we did???!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dIaELQ5qZVAu1g7nnBM6NFXXbXci6MytucbsrUEnMFAfn9WrYv_UDvQALqwUFLhEmnhUVYc6wRyLcNPCt16dDIjIimoM5BSM9Mtr36kv0vMJ-4_qzI23wg5fO5x_jX4OFcIhaGL7Wu8/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dIaELQ5qZVAu1g7nnBM6NFXXbXci6MytucbsrUEnMFAfn9WrYv_UDvQALqwUFLhEmnhUVYc6wRyLcNPCt16dDIjIimoM5BSM9Mtr36kv0vMJ-4_qzI23wg5fO5x_jX4OFcIhaGL7Wu8/s400/dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dinner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZmHLAgelw9wxvIxzNzuwNYIe7KwXK56fJmlRxZAyC73EuTUQzwBQCoJZCLhde16czZUHPdXS1U84sBwE0451zQvKHLIJtblgcdEEwx3RpKu2d3tbEl3Kb26z2ybYQLm4xgg00DBRJVI/s1600/hotel+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZmHLAgelw9wxvIxzNzuwNYIe7KwXK56fJmlRxZAyC73EuTUQzwBQCoJZCLhde16czZUHPdXS1U84sBwE0451zQvKHLIJtblgcdEEwx3RpKu2d3tbEl3Kb26z2ybYQLm4xgg00DBRJVI/s400/hotel+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our hotel garden</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEugosaZUzbNIFyOzi2K7cASYAFEw93okKuglVJM_eiws5ydaby55zR6x59azF8Q-C-LBnwrqtt7n6FBv175wZZOmTTLeqjD00RG3BbTnRY_RRtTGltMYvZwt04G2J0rpe4Mupve6sPM/s1600/mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEugosaZUzbNIFyOzi2K7cASYAFEw93okKuglVJM_eiws5ydaby55zR6x59azF8Q-C-LBnwrqtt7n6FBv175wZZOmTTLeqjD00RG3BbTnRY_RRtTGltMYvZwt04G2J0rpe4Mupve6sPM/s400/mask.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Venetian Masks: a huge industry here!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjnykoaRgvIZOAvhpe-CJL1UNIMXwi4VHE02ifb3v_-ch0wj78ilNhU0tMm8JJhyphenhyphenpv3Q0lj24IgEFYnmmGxpANgoXothXsaRCqXPOS324Z_eRIxQPY8F04hDPDdMH8wswy1efdeSaTaHqk/s1600/first+night+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnykoaRgvIZOAvhpe-CJL1UNIMXwi4VHE02ifb3v_-ch0wj78ilNhU0tMm8JJhyphenhyphenpv3Q0lj24IgEFYnmmGxpANgoXothXsaRCqXPOS324Z_eRIxQPY8F04hDPDdMH8wswy1efdeSaTaHqk/s400/first+night+dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dinner the first night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WLWpEK2cGl7S5hz9_VwtkRLWCYdvPgzO2fJHeobc7dIadx5HR6t_5E6POgo-rgiM-ClxlJkzqIO8kxmSAgfQhSgCv5oiZI3bsSULTeLkDfDilVR-ybuXfMA8pFwyyu6Pe4mCqAwwnSE/s1600/cory+prostitute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WLWpEK2cGl7S5hz9_VwtkRLWCYdvPgzO2fJHeobc7dIadx5HR6t_5E6POgo-rgiM-ClxlJkzqIO8kxmSAgfQhSgCv5oiZI3bsSULTeLkDfDilVR-ybuXfMA8pFwyyu6Pe4mCqAwwnSE/s400/cory+prostitute.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory found a deal.....Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwan6VUix4iSq5Puf42aZbApcapVZSFDK6ici_DR17suDvTvPKBQFAPkjUeUSIE27NaoNwVYXGp3U4eClE3SSGhHO8nPL9XmUmRQaTGCuS-do1-1N6P4r8SzRhxGZr8VGlhbXYzjD7yhA/s1600/boat+garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwan6VUix4iSq5Puf42aZbApcapVZSFDK6ici_DR17suDvTvPKBQFAPkjUeUSIE27NaoNwVYXGp3U4eClE3SSGhHO8nPL9XmUmRQaTGCuS-do1-1N6P4r8SzRhxGZr8VGlhbXYzjD7yhA/s400/boat+garage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boat Garage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7RSRyN2-L9tIX-XYgOYgLDWs3W52TaowGCUcyCZr4fAGwfrsoANShmnsgaQQYLbxk-zhbyYiszQfbD4m50HBOrzmWpYVY3qTI_MFNXzJuatc-gt14LKmEGvh7rGDMZNg5O2rS57eXzE/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7RSRyN2-L9tIX-XYgOYgLDWs3W52TaowGCUcyCZr4fAGwfrsoANShmnsgaQQYLbxk-zhbyYiszQfbD4m50HBOrzmWpYVY3qTI_MFNXzJuatc-gt14LKmEGvh7rGDMZNg5O2rS57eXzE/s400/dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of our favorite spots with a view of the canals</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkmXlel8HXH7DTqKYwstqBszWiH7GpJPNHs7qcCSjTjUncI4O9fN_8L_F1mXz6YdvvuQVvOmu6ZR4_L6KitgIWyAjlZ9t6UXleLQ5qa5PDvEawgfKzQeT8MIgjisCrAYaHlHo9fD8wNM/s1600/gondola+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkmXlel8HXH7DTqKYwstqBszWiH7GpJPNHs7qcCSjTjUncI4O9fN_8L_F1mXz6YdvvuQVvOmu6ZR4_L6KitgIWyAjlZ9t6UXleLQ5qa5PDvEawgfKzQeT8MIgjisCrAYaHlHo9fD8wNM/s400/gondola+ride.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gondola Ride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBZYhpbTcmMvIVP8iLooqtF5A5KzpJEtC0RwaX8WRkWFYuq0Mi3GvdjHIKnm1eMBRmM9YB2eRqsnrkSoljDL-NYedjWTtw6wUhYG7ckYlZ5EkBgzlhahpmowRr4WZyVH6tVEi4fUERsc/s1600/gondola+ride+kim+and+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBZYhpbTcmMvIVP8iLooqtF5A5KzpJEtC0RwaX8WRkWFYuq0Mi3GvdjHIKnm1eMBRmM9YB2eRqsnrkSoljDL-NYedjWTtw6wUhYG7ckYlZ5EkBgzlhahpmowRr4WZyVH6tVEi4fUERsc/s400/gondola+ride+kim+and+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still riding the gondola....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ47drq5JX-USsno29ArSljVoXtbbnXIYyKEl-hcJJWomrhbhm19CuItEO5v2ABZl-XMAZsoAkJSChR1BxcU3YPLin1G8CUKjFJa6y95H4idfMW-4gOnVY_NBEI3kiS5xWfo4eudK-T4U/s1600/kim+and+lynn+canals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ47drq5JX-USsno29ArSljVoXtbbnXIYyKEl-hcJJWomrhbhm19CuItEO5v2ABZl-XMAZsoAkJSChR1BxcU3YPLin1G8CUKjFJa6y95H4idfMW-4gOnVY_NBEI3kiS5xWfo4eudK-T4U/s400/kim+and+lynn+canals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Canals...canals....canals..... Gorgeous!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wWrA5MWET21QkxEbAGGsFNQdyhxuUFSbT7p5oNYbXUQpZkGTM5HIrhTXGsTgD9up129IzUnzgaJ6lkeUmROBhwb-onB4BZo5VmF84BmeGMhFsd8QTnMFNUhC4sJV-k1Qc0Z5xM81Tx4/s1600/window+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wWrA5MWET21QkxEbAGGsFNQdyhxuUFSbT7p5oNYbXUQpZkGTM5HIrhTXGsTgD9up129IzUnzgaJ6lkeUmROBhwb-onB4BZo5VmF84BmeGMhFsd8QTnMFNUhC4sJV-k1Qc0Z5xM81Tx4/s400/window+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stopped to eat dinner one night and looking up above where we sat, I saw this....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgh3Z7yD_GvySqWAnsNfDNTzwwWmi4AD-R-H0yIHixcDgIXgVMKaSgJMn0M6H5w21eIc63X9_emigmfrUqalAcxpHSIQ3pWmVU9gbsqtABi7332dPL-mDx0ouOVW_D-T109m_HmitPXmIk/s1600/feeding+pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3Z7yD_GvySqWAnsNfDNTzwwWmi4AD-R-H0yIHixcDgIXgVMKaSgJMn0M6H5w21eIc63X9_emigmfrUqalAcxpHSIQ3pWmVU9gbsqtABi7332dPL-mDx0ouOVW_D-T109m_HmitPXmIk/s400/feeding+pigeons.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feeding the pigeons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2LNDYg_ZDsaYfN5BYbdwlp_uIxFD8Le1oYYMkO98BoVOYwh8qCLbEE9gdkrYHNRCxzbDT8Qq4WKBXm07HRv1eS0rDjybBEtd7nE77a0RVD-bAbuUogb3iomNMQyxtZLMicAgY7JVlRw/s1600/pigeon+kim+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2LNDYg_ZDsaYfN5BYbdwlp_uIxFD8Le1oYYMkO98BoVOYwh8qCLbEE9gdkrYHNRCxzbDT8Qq4WKBXm07HRv1eS0rDjybBEtd7nE77a0RVD-bAbuUogb3iomNMQyxtZLMicAgY7JVlRw/s400/pigeon+kim+head.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim's head made for a great landing spot....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS02DG-S5_mFVDNK5Whnr1IOeEojwi-C3gGGZYXLawj3LRHZkWRLlkl6zjm0Hr8CJbRefC6yp5sxmfnkGDnUMuPB6sIj13Bbqz2Ijkm07yFvfSoq7tfIMx428wLkXRQFm3JdMZ0MpX-E/s1600/pigeon+heather+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS02DG-S5_mFVDNK5Whnr1IOeEojwi-C3gGGZYXLawj3LRHZkWRLlkl6zjm0Hr8CJbRefC6yp5sxmfnkGDnUMuPB6sIj13Bbqz2Ijkm07yFvfSoq7tfIMx428wLkXRQFm3JdMZ0MpX-E/s400/pigeon+heather+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory tempted one into Heather's hair with some bread...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62Tkl8aoXCvTii9iFbTrEd71zUHHr5XFVBPrR1cRdrwX84Kv2sEJHSJf0M5iIDAbFTKPVyfgkSJ9v5Wg4vHPBjxdDYJGiM4RwC04L-418qHqAHaaHYpEXqY_lV87bSElEAbWSuCeNcWk/s1600/pigeon+cory+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62Tkl8aoXCvTii9iFbTrEd71zUHHr5XFVBPrR1cRdrwX84Kv2sEJHSJf0M5iIDAbFTKPVyfgkSJ9v5Wg4vHPBjxdDYJGiM4RwC04L-418qHqAHaaHYpEXqY_lV87bSElEAbWSuCeNcWk/s400/pigeon+cory+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everybody's favorite pigeon roost....LOL!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiW8VfyRodO82FE-nQE1x-EoWLLRZrEb4oAPpkx3xVg1JrMb-8_8R7ub7dRQ9QaLH3yMyWKSuLeMtVq62duPgHUkdUcd4XhgxutF3W1yr-O6jeBdXudJDPFN9aCYlbuCnLQZiEiToXZXxg/s1600/water+taxi+to+airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8VfyRodO82FE-nQE1x-EoWLLRZrEb4oAPpkx3xVg1JrMb-8_8R7ub7dRQ9QaLH3yMyWKSuLeMtVq62duPgHUkdUcd4XhgxutF3W1yr-O6jeBdXudJDPFN9aCYlbuCnLQZiEiToXZXxg/s400/water+taxi+to+airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then we took a final water taxi to the airport....to head back to the UAE!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
We had such an amazing time in Italy! It was over way too soon....and time to head back to work!<br />
<br />
</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-72777051469097144492011-09-12T08:38:00.000-07:002011-09-12T08:38:30.639-07:00Kindergarten fun--Who knew??!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've had two days in kindergarten, so I'm ready to start posting pictures and sharing my experiences. :)<br />
What a difference from last year!!! I co-teach with an Arabic teacher who is wonderful! She is so prepared and has been very welcoming. In fact, the entire school has been great, from the principal on down!!!! The school is beautiful and very well supplied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIit0kw7e0AXMq2y_HE_maiN068B_krO1pWKXg77_4QHm9ONnrkqvq732xXhDeKhA1Iyh6BwHL2i3RkErF4rf1s6acj89AkeuB3ybfSaVoTwSMHNBX0rUvtfibnHiZHSgz61wz0rnM34/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIit0kw7e0AXMq2y_HE_maiN068B_krO1pWKXg77_4QHm9ONnrkqvq732xXhDeKhA1Iyh6BwHL2i3RkErF4rf1s6acj89AkeuB3ybfSaVoTwSMHNBX0rUvtfibnHiZHSgz61wz0rnM34/s400/library.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Library</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O4dVpciTkvUOFRtPvaaZGXT5XUc031mdmc2uJsJjitedrHl7u_2M-XIv7Zy03ehHWiNwYMfiOjH2toYphVTqTu4i2LSs8iF7RXnJDIaR_Ve6qpqqf8NBTSL8qPzr1SwNbfIgTzDu5Wg/s1600/View+out+my+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O4dVpciTkvUOFRtPvaaZGXT5XUc031mdmc2uJsJjitedrHl7u_2M-XIv7Zy03ehHWiNwYMfiOjH2toYphVTqTu4i2LSs8iF7RXnJDIaR_Ve6qpqqf8NBTSL8qPzr1SwNbfIgTzDu5Wg/s400/View+out+my+window.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the view of the mountain outside my classroom. This little picket fence encloses my private outdoor play area for students.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHy05O1gVbeOL8fvTjQ1fALnQ6SVpjr9LBn5r9tJxSfZGkZf2akDxqNJVTao9Yao3S1vjYYurwgQzwwWojXlssoQUkNt3aVx1EJfU5x-R3BGToCAbzhtenkeqNIjcs9MdQFW-WYRnGNc/s1600/class+play+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHy05O1gVbeOL8fvTjQ1fALnQ6SVpjr9LBn5r9tJxSfZGkZf2akDxqNJVTao9Yao3S1vjYYurwgQzwwWojXlssoQUkNt3aVx1EJfU5x-R3BGToCAbzhtenkeqNIjcs9MdQFW-WYRnGNc/s400/class+play+area.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the view looking into the room from the outside doors. There are big areas for water and sand play.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We have 24 students, but so far only 17 have come to school. The 2 days have been exhausting for the kiddos, because they arrive around 7:30 and leave at 12:30. For me, the 2 days have been much easier to take than teaching the older students. There has not been nearly as much stress as last year's first 2 days.<br />
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We are not really teaching for the first 2 weeks, but are giving them an opportunity to get used to the classroom, school, teachers, new friends, and rules and procedures. I'm sharing a few pics from the first 2 days. Stay tuned for updates! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfszI_-TI-wMXiNN5917YOtd2xgz9y-P4cJwcKYPwjZ790gzoRms-Hu09UNR99ug8PJGriXZJ95Q-n1Kk9rb2yURT-Xt93poohRBkMwdKlaSVxWNt2uf7Eiy3BerTW5lZuA54Yob9Aa-8/s1600/reading+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfszI_-TI-wMXiNN5917YOtd2xgz9y-P4cJwcKYPwjZ790gzoRms-Hu09UNR99ug8PJGriXZJ95Q-n1Kk9rb2yURT-Xt93poohRBkMwdKlaSVxWNt2uf7Eiy3BerTW5lZuA54Yob9Aa-8/s400/reading+center.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reading Area</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2S9m6FjfqczxtUqx5L7ITVZ5ryHoamVHNcuk99ArVQr2s5ROy1FGHyMa3_uSyp8_S3RrkFi79X5-lgQejFZCVBLMcOXOcyXavjBhSQHWS4RtxFQ7PUhR6-2wpZ1o5Hz0zsTVYSwIoYjU/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2S9m6FjfqczxtUqx5L7ITVZ5ryHoamVHNcuk99ArVQr2s5ROy1FGHyMa3_uSyp8_S3RrkFi79X5-lgQejFZCVBLMcOXOcyXavjBhSQHWS4RtxFQ7PUhR6-2wpZ1o5Hz0zsTVYSwIoYjU/s400/reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Reading"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFAJqnQidSGoxAhlDTtLVg1tG0A9JBRrgBCUTM2HyFj-3D5U-4OyFnq6ZDG13NaTPpEtBSV3wjfigHDSnf5-bK96tekQNDqC_-fG-q7xzP8cHoPnRchuAR-DpLWf11BFADdCG0OGFVQ/s1600/role+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFAJqnQidSGoxAhlDTtLVg1tG0A9JBRrgBCUTM2HyFj-3D5U-4OyFnq6ZDG13NaTPpEtBSV3wjfigHDSnf5-bK96tekQNDqC_-fG-q7xzP8cHoPnRchuAR-DpLWf11BFADdCG0OGFVQ/s400/role+play.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Role-Play Area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y1M8m5Nj9vc8kzhkiZy44hGcX7UZwTdrzCK4KKJtU2ft1DgWv20xTNHopPCtUrcLXaXCJH1Z9V7-fw6Uk3SGb7YN1AUn7U6MeEOW3J-Awn-zNJ7ub2keBGDbBB-De-jlXAzfMRjODuo/s1600/role+play2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y1M8m5Nj9vc8kzhkiZy44hGcX7UZwTdrzCK4KKJtU2ft1DgWv20xTNHopPCtUrcLXaXCJH1Z9V7-fw6Uk3SGb7YN1AUn7U6MeEOW3J-Awn-zNJ7ub2keBGDbBB-De-jlXAzfMRjODuo/s400/role+play2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing dress up</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfQYAylQa9vrsO2Fhg6rf1oMVtImBW6p8tN0VVf1jV76V75pwKRq5OK6ufUmlFoujKtRmEMa8_PYBT0HUPPwGY6lpnr8LNMuOWhRjpUVGFj5gIiqcYk1enwcVRsIGJWC5fIx0mIBdTJA/s1600/roleplay4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfQYAylQa9vrsO2Fhg6rf1oMVtImBW6p8tN0VVf1jV76V75pwKRq5OK6ufUmlFoujKtRmEMa8_PYBT0HUPPwGY6lpnr8LNMuOWhRjpUVGFj5gIiqcYk1enwcVRsIGJWC5fIx0mIBdTJA/s400/roleplay4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They love to put on hats!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG_fZVeFNHlyOkjmdbzsJk-0FQ6ICVgUludNUZlJ-mIP8HudaiqTrcofv4xJu2u0kifCrA0bNDuvX629jBnvnwyx7s4KDS57iUgeXIT-5qETxU3watQbOxL3UgISMlys8itGj-33s79Q/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG_fZVeFNHlyOkjmdbzsJk-0FQ6ICVgUludNUZlJ-mIP8HudaiqTrcofv4xJu2u0kifCrA0bNDuvX629jBnvnwyx7s4KDS57iUgeXIT-5qETxU3watQbOxL3UgISMlys8itGj-33s79Q/s400/art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Art Area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KsQO79StLk89xqCK1cthRJd2AYnlfYfNjogWiOnfePUBa78y83ewSuiTehOeSNRaEqr3cPUhYBJi2C6A8hOYD_FX_Rzr1_iAMfiBcfyMeZeRhW9yIhIJVQnJzusDsmdVjjQTTegkrnw/s1600/playdough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KsQO79StLk89xqCK1cthRJd2AYnlfYfNjogWiOnfePUBa78y83ewSuiTehOeSNRaEqr3cPUhYBJi2C6A8hOYD_FX_Rzr1_iAMfiBcfyMeZeRhW9yIhIJVQnJzusDsmdVjjQTTegkrnw/s400/playdough.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Play dough fun!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithyphenhyphenOPu8eZi41N-cK8ddUHfMTS-5woP7bBB5yUsEf8VHICqqUYX66Vp_w4jI8Fp-qwAZVfqu91IHdkkW2WsUwWeKAKPT-J1vJ_E4qsz4aUNrfBy7hA7SvfHelgKy7qnO6WSv9ZoHitbig/s1600/water+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithyphenhyphenOPu8eZi41N-cK8ddUHfMTS-5woP7bBB5yUsEf8VHICqqUYX66Vp_w4jI8Fp-qwAZVfqu91IHdkkW2WsUwWeKAKPT-J1vJ_E4qsz4aUNrfBy7hA7SvfHelgKy7qnO6WSv9ZoHitbig/s400/water+play.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Play</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xt2N0R9KP_5iTGDx0pmOrEriboninbWXPxmf-SG_wj1wp-rFuutG77TGfYZ0ipqRqCInSUshH31oCX-Kw9NxpvGJMZT47P3gcFUSCH1mbMvrSm01ZEehTc38vEtcrQ2uzRKnE55GYu0/s1600/writing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xt2N0R9KP_5iTGDx0pmOrEriboninbWXPxmf-SG_wj1wp-rFuutG77TGfYZ0ipqRqCInSUshH31oCX-Kw9NxpvGJMZT47P3gcFUSCH1mbMvrSm01ZEehTc38vEtcrQ2uzRKnE55GYu0/s400/writing2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing Time: Many of them know their alphabet....but some don't know how to hold a marker! Check out the little boy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUysKWVuNMDfmMWeRDpPA7snfcjzWKH0eBkAWYokVFg9proZnDu-5z8cAhKQM32Hwu9s6T5Nd_i85558d_lGB1ZmdyfRs_P8IDWFqrOnwd5Fl3330rqSyNBt51wBM4YtAPOov8AbRO8M/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUysKWVuNMDfmMWeRDpPA7snfcjzWKH0eBkAWYokVFg9proZnDu-5z8cAhKQM32Hwu9s6T5Nd_i85558d_lGB1ZmdyfRs_P8IDWFqrOnwd5Fl3330rqSyNBt51wBM4YtAPOov8AbRO8M/s400/lunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch time! We also have a snack time when the school provides fresh fruit or vegetable to snack on. Day 1 was apples; day 2 was cucumbers.....Kids loved them! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFU0jTtztxW0kG71AXvJUb2iUS4I4lcdQabDptjrEw4aEgYiN_UpKhSpjMWXTCFroP0vvcILydJEBT4jnqXP4Dp_B_wr26c56QzVj96kLMGNcYy-alwZOk_yd7-x7VuFMVW6Z_xAclCs/s1600/playground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFU0jTtztxW0kG71AXvJUb2iUS4I4lcdQabDptjrEw4aEgYiN_UpKhSpjMWXTCFroP0vvcILydJEBT4jnqXP4Dp_B_wr26c56QzVj96kLMGNcYy-alwZOk_yd7-x7VuFMVW6Z_xAclCs/s400/playground.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our school is built like a big doughnut. The "hole" in the middle is a covered play area</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbnjaFnDFmnNxL9M9ANBxsF6Bho9lD31VS0J8dS5e28v5nq-4Jrr3MGAa2RXWv3UF0WxNB5DUuu5vOvB7K55bm3E6ncTvQVXYEsqI0uEGLdLvYk-2j0Iq110Qrc9CA4emT2bCt2Uwi6I/s1600/playground2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbnjaFnDFmnNxL9M9ANBxsF6Bho9lD31VS0J8dS5e28v5nq-4Jrr3MGAa2RXWv3UF0WxNB5DUuu5vOvB7K55bm3E6ncTvQVXYEsqI0uEGLdLvYk-2j0Iq110Qrc9CA4emT2bCt2Uwi6I/s400/playground2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a huge area with sand piles built in curving shapes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfxE0YFM5NPeaY4NDjm-mTTglP1pr3GtlYyhfLrgcbfsR59Wy5CvsEVYWgPDcT1ygJUEr2KAzKWTiWI7rO-TEb0fZ2scyaFlQLlXyrLWrGpWSdeOIdW7Vq9MdixBK7t09KCH3efc9N-A/s1600/playground3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfxE0YFM5NPeaY4NDjm-mTTglP1pr3GtlYyhfLrgcbfsR59Wy5CvsEVYWgPDcT1ygJUEr2KAzKWTiWI7rO-TEb0fZ2scyaFlQLlXyrLWrGpWSdeOIdW7Vq9MdixBK7t09KCH3efc9N-A/s400/playground3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It also has soft riding areas for wheeled play.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA-IdFiO_H1i3qOPQcHakZoqgyBkcEcObr0kH7qKAm0RRBXQ0UEvVNrLdhZ7gTbH9Ey2cTl580jKZ8hshR9AKzfihcxtejxyWWk-T_BnXGTnkGLruvFqNhdUBDvEr5X6t0HIPchRFPnM/s1600/playground4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA-IdFiO_H1i3qOPQcHakZoqgyBkcEcObr0kH7qKAm0RRBXQ0UEvVNrLdhZ7gTbH9Ey2cTl580jKZ8hshR9AKzfihcxtejxyWWk-T_BnXGTnkGLruvFqNhdUBDvEr5X6t0HIPchRFPnM/s400/playground4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bridge with room to climb</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTFCG1pZZ6z648kM5X_psMAKCkYHV6bWTnxe-qumaowg7gmSXG8mwaPAWmBzxIsnmwFa15QSQ0Vms3G7xNAdysuVrJKERQuFPS1zHGqYbeDQDyMQnmc-Jd2XVehB7jAEIKUBKjFDmY-0/s1600/playground5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTFCG1pZZ6z648kM5X_psMAKCkYHV6bWTnxe-qumaowg7gmSXG8mwaPAWmBzxIsnmwFa15QSQ0Vms3G7xNAdysuVrJKERQuFPS1zHGqYbeDQDyMQnmc-Jd2XVehB7jAEIKUBKjFDmY-0/s400/playground5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Houses and other play areas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-12858512774732154592011-08-06T17:16:00.000-07:002011-08-10T13:22:17.341-07:00Family and Friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We have <strong><u>thoroughly</u></strong> enjoyed our trip home this summer to visit with family and friends! Just a few pics to share with you of our loved ones in chronological order:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6IF7VYp_wkB-VtNKM4ldmDd8MLtTmX5a0WEArRwgU9Tq6pWluYHucPOEig7L-tI_nVD0mSNpZKSXn_zhgCt27np-ZNzqMq2rQWXa4yPJ3a5dTxb5R3h30zuioUtUykqmqn4YBv8ep-zc/s1600/jolaine+and+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6IF7VYp_wkB-VtNKM4ldmDd8MLtTmX5a0WEArRwgU9Tq6pWluYHucPOEig7L-tI_nVD0mSNpZKSXn_zhgCt27np-ZNzqMq2rQWXa4yPJ3a5dTxb5R3h30zuioUtUykqmqn4YBv8ep-zc/s400/jolaine+and+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jolaine (BFF) picked us up at the airport and brought us safely home! THANKS!!! <br />
(Can you tell I've been traveling over 16 hours by this point??) She's also crazy enough to be taking us BACK to the airport after her first day of school with kids. LOVE HER!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh-UEAA8Iw-m7GGcok3wX6cT8WE9a1NgSIeVE2bmZGNZ12Dx7MhevF8sewzW_MzeH8pdECMxQXi5WoSlT4_q-eBY2NTA83XQou37jY6pDX1UmiX-38eRoQ9fgJQGoP9jp60q4nRAPS_bc/s1600/kim+hokey+headdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh-UEAA8Iw-m7GGcok3wX6cT8WE9a1NgSIeVE2bmZGNZ12Dx7MhevF8sewzW_MzeH8pdECMxQXi5WoSlT4_q-eBY2NTA83XQou37jY6pDX1UmiX-38eRoQ9fgJQGoP9jp60q4nRAPS_bc/s400/kim+hokey+headdress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim adjusts Hokey's headdress to be sure he looks just right!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOicfra6RI2Qp-zrH6KQEKkcOyXcMNzHp60ArrIEds1oUYiK-R34T9dLd2eWXJWEEL8tdeo4XX9w4KpvwKM0Vd89UDcJaDiwkGWctVaFRPndqu3i7dT42CysquZ21LflZ5VdMPOZDJXe5/s1600/hokey+with+eric+and+june.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOicfra6RI2Qp-zrH6KQEKkcOyXcMNzHp60ArrIEds1oUYiK-R34T9dLd2eWXJWEEL8tdeo4XX9w4KpvwKM0Vd89UDcJaDiwkGWctVaFRPndqu3i7dT42CysquZ21LflZ5VdMPOZDJXe5/s400/hokey+with+eric+and+june.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hokey with Eric and June</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxwiEY5WKMU5jdJuSEIBZsHL1kO1NprrcuEwifDfKjUwnQUrI7VROsqvuT0P3Hpo8FIlftdfSu9Hoqj7lzlm8qdQZYbPkk6BlU7kEvboyRRmu_UD8lG4WTBETDWC23VVpPe1gyo-Alfkb/s1600/dody+and+hokey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxwiEY5WKMU5jdJuSEIBZsHL1kO1NprrcuEwifDfKjUwnQUrI7VROsqvuT0P3Hpo8FIlftdfSu9Hoqj7lzlm8qdQZYbPkk6BlU7kEvboyRRmu_UD8lG4WTBETDWC23VVpPe1gyo-Alfkb/s400/dody+and+hokey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hokey and Doranne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgznvUEes07xzArCqWDIrmZVWC_Fh972snM1S_ZNkJWa5vzvz9aeZ1r4xJUNwKvk8K24PA-2o9cGnEcanLsBZCkK5u3VFoeX-bE6Ekreot7uyE2VLDgNPDx9BQU3mehe6rAfl22RfKD1CA/s1600/heather+with+dody+and+hokey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgznvUEes07xzArCqWDIrmZVWC_Fh972snM1S_ZNkJWa5vzvz9aeZ1r4xJUNwKvk8K24PA-2o9cGnEcanLsBZCkK5u3VFoeX-bE6Ekreot7uyE2VLDgNPDx9BQU3mehe6rAfl22RfKD1CA/s400/heather+with+dody+and+hokey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather with Hokey and Doranne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2zK82gM6v48rWZ8Jt-J9wcaQ51FwKWm70aUKQyMWmr489dvf07FhB1kEOUG-LJYUg8TI7XSMHFVjuLfNFUMmHelbD3kOHOqPeoySvbKFaVBlKVbpWtmC50dYA8hElVu3dMQbU0W0MEDD/s1600/cathy+mom+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2zK82gM6v48rWZ8Jt-J9wcaQ51FwKWm70aUKQyMWmr489dvf07FhB1kEOUG-LJYUg8TI7XSMHFVjuLfNFUMmHelbD3kOHOqPeoySvbKFaVBlKVbpWtmC50dYA8hElVu3dMQbU0W0MEDD/s400/cathy+mom+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy and my mom with me at Mom's house ~ Do we look anything alike?!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVcGIj7Gq-KuzhwUymhRq88dL-87NaKYHAtqqRKK1ZMvQk4oT8j-JAuIWcPXWkc4IZBTtGh_ADSxWGB2NNHvnxaNboNeaOM4c89zYtfJNr8F1GqkNH8OrpxYxPtxYXL3BhCJEHWgC_muM/s1600/Mom+and+Sandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVcGIj7Gq-KuzhwUymhRq88dL-87NaKYHAtqqRKK1ZMvQk4oT8j-JAuIWcPXWkc4IZBTtGh_ADSxWGB2NNHvnxaNboNeaOM4c89zYtfJNr8F1GqkNH8OrpxYxPtxYXL3BhCJEHWgC_muM/s400/Mom+and+Sandy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Sandy and Mom in the pool </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZkV1NaryiL6Wqgg4BgAcRnaTQcrfZpaR-WWwQvaAXPqf9bm0zzM6LwTZxjTAbqhP-b7F7a6wmFGcNBtj2idzGhx8bU7E3A489xNvTUA5FjKSgA63cQlpHBZoTiPMT8JmYDZPe3AvWQ1D/s1600/Steph+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZkV1NaryiL6Wqgg4BgAcRnaTQcrfZpaR-WWwQvaAXPqf9bm0zzM6LwTZxjTAbqhP-b7F7a6wmFGcNBtj2idzGhx8bU7E3A489xNvTUA5FjKSgA63cQlpHBZoTiPMT8JmYDZPe3AvWQ1D/s400/Steph+hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter Stephanie in a hat ~<br />
(She's wearing it under protest because I was worried she'd get too much sun!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7kvdjBkJcmuqv_E7qYVlE0EDH14e_ZrRLIw4bLy5NaPg0qJaPQ5Aw8IkhYW9T_cApmA5hd9pp33qVyp6IVPnmCeZVZB43_cRbP9bgnwdABbYB1xlKsPG7ZefmsHZjBK1AaU2prqTXvO/s1600/girls+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7kvdjBkJcmuqv_E7qYVlE0EDH14e_ZrRLIw4bLy5NaPg0qJaPQ5Aw8IkhYW9T_cApmA5hd9pp33qVyp6IVPnmCeZVZB43_cRbP9bgnwdABbYB1xlKsPG7ZefmsHZjBK1AaU2prqTXvO/s400/girls+lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Stephanie down by the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2jYMhnqFhf4y8HDLvdJckvqqbT_eM9Gt5JkfVj0Syegu_uibDrILjhbCagcBHlg2qhHd608kVqbBjJ0a0zqZ0ZBxPz-4dXirUqYBOEZXLkxkGdZDIh2awX113NVvgWGbEMwetU6z5b2t/s1600/3+girls+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2jYMhnqFhf4y8HDLvdJckvqqbT_eM9Gt5JkfVj0Syegu_uibDrILjhbCagcBHlg2qhHd608kVqbBjJ0a0zqZ0ZBxPz-4dXirUqYBOEZXLkxkGdZDIh2awX113NVvgWGbEMwetU6z5b2t/s400/3+girls+lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom with Heather and Stephanie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhvIAI9EZ7enb14NS-B90TakTU0_5eA6TGb3YKFTR3dXLz5bM3cVBtzDHv96Mm-abfOQu8PurU39xQdvsljdqkUFLpDK3oblAq8h03QhJd8EKi9sCBRFEdqgHf4R-x7T70HYJWVSLp5Qq/s1600/3+in+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhvIAI9EZ7enb14NS-B90TakTU0_5eA6TGb3YKFTR3dXLz5bM3cVBtzDHv96Mm-abfOQu8PurU39xQdvsljdqkUFLpDK3oblAq8h03QhJd8EKi9sCBRFEdqgHf4R-x7T70HYJWVSLp5Qq/s400/3+in+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the girls in the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIRSyjgtO4DvdZqHL3qo4NdW5drHLMoN-TSMkFBirxuwEzOTxhbn4FWhFurwmNKRwGGzlWUYtOcJ33bp4QYgOHbhFpW2lW9nqby07kQkRc154fuKDiJaRu_50XyvlIMEWu5_7hOJoRo-F/s1600/mom+and+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIRSyjgtO4DvdZqHL3qo4NdW5drHLMoN-TSMkFBirxuwEzOTxhbn4FWhFurwmNKRwGGzlWUYtOcJ33bp4QYgOHbhFpW2lW9nqby07kQkRc154fuKDiJaRu_50XyvlIMEWu5_7hOJoRo-F/s400/mom+and+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l9n23EvMyQOHVLBIjdjJU-3B-ZeZh0YegYo55NQN4Y1BjEpi3cvYo4FRKyzvIw939ELUdnNybCRc2bcfWD4zwfQTiCmm9sggn0tMdl3xdtwffsbjxebhxeaB9K82CDpp-_dJwuM-RE0W/s1600/heather+and+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l9n23EvMyQOHVLBIjdjJU-3B-ZeZh0YegYo55NQN4Y1BjEpi3cvYo4FRKyzvIw939ELUdnNybCRc2bcfWD4zwfQTiCmm9sggn0tMdl3xdtwffsbjxebhxeaB9K82CDpp-_dJwuM-RE0W/s400/heather+and+mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS2BsEfrK3XA14U49O1_nR-WbJPFm9OEUouNcElD6ZEnEQ_E9ti_KSv-cXdqbWJsREZdHMcdWXtX_6Z_3x1worS0pgRQrY-vfnKu74hafqbMZEvAY_o1Mx-ASgy3lKcNNsZDySePjEuvg/s1600/seafood+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS2BsEfrK3XA14U49O1_nR-WbJPFm9OEUouNcElD6ZEnEQ_E9ti_KSv-cXdqbWJsREZdHMcdWXtX_6Z_3x1worS0pgRQrY-vfnKu74hafqbMZEvAY_o1Mx-ASgy3lKcNNsZDySePjEuvg/s400/seafood+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally getting some DELICIOUS seafood!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2t3x3Y4JPkN6d5VFHB0a_JZ9zLaPFfv32MVQrCLq2YgZJ31sw0O-4vQX0uPIbszDx5WCMDHYGUgzbCfsD94XcPbzszsROa0xccM3Vq7wf4vgYhEzrQF6O2izacRRuL93ltN4BA1rJQn1/s1600/team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2t3x3Y4JPkN6d5VFHB0a_JZ9zLaPFfv32MVQrCLq2YgZJ31sw0O-4vQX0uPIbszDx5WCMDHYGUgzbCfsD94XcPbzszsROa0xccM3Vq7wf4vgYhEzrQF6O2izacRRuL93ltN4BA1rJQn1/s400/team.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing Rocky Branch Team: Laura, Marsha, Lee, Gina, and Jennifer<br />
(Miss you all SO MUCH!!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoARMu94tbg5Na8xZ2hrClsOUonUCwQMr8YScr8KU1_v_xa-fgnJnr0qlhG67pgK8yz53KKSQohGLvEjN13MJ6h0H5EMTR29rvo_bycGikVb02UhFkpg8BNCRpm692uXwysgRLBgViCa4h/s1600/team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoARMu94tbg5Na8xZ2hrClsOUonUCwQMr8YScr8KU1_v_xa-fgnJnr0qlhG67pgK8yz53KKSQohGLvEjN13MJ6h0H5EMTR29rvo_bycGikVb02UhFkpg8BNCRpm692uXwysgRLBgViCa4h/s400/team+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Team: Tyler, Teresa, and Janie-Poo<br />
Anything could happen with these 3!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpSbL4vBTMxv3J6Lo5lxcRzy4nUjSngLq6Ucgsrrg7njIRHvrf3lOfoNf5wBw-Z6ygnfRnjnWc5tSwCIrUc-FL9duWt2_Evf2uxl3wrSJeai1IMCTpX327QYGAztJrDKVxGfzqiZq1SZY/s1600/team3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpSbL4vBTMxv3J6Lo5lxcRzy4nUjSngLq6Ucgsrrg7njIRHvrf3lOfoNf5wBw-Z6ygnfRnjnWc5tSwCIrUc-FL9duWt2_Evf2uxl3wrSJeai1IMCTpX327QYGAztJrDKVxGfzqiZq1SZY/s400/team3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWESOME Administrators: Evelyn and Laura</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxHW3kQf_GKdrQkwo_d9lh9i7a4zTb4jbwRzltEL_mLpfB8wDVr9joutSUmiPi8KnP9snM-tWo1zCG5W0MzO4pKIW3T6qIGqqp-XZOQ_DB6ABuz71jxG1Xsd3YtJo_OhcLgzZrXS3OypT/s1600/sherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxHW3kQf_GKdrQkwo_d9lh9i7a4zTb4jbwRzltEL_mLpfB8wDVr9joutSUmiPi8KnP9snM-tWo1zCG5W0MzO4pKIW3T6qIGqqp-XZOQ_DB6ABuz71jxG1Xsd3YtJo_OhcLgzZrXS3OypT/s400/sherry.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Best Mentor and Friend: Sherry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVZfxrdXnMUzYGBGAjgetjeFd4sJErXn6WK6wHcE_KUfEy2rrO0SaTrlqzq93J0teFmBpXlX6ljmHuY36CNvAmS9WYe0Sms_NQk_grPp8t-t1rbbgTyLkqHfXveOyOVUaG9TpBmPgwAD3/s1600/beck+and+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVZfxrdXnMUzYGBGAjgetjeFd4sJErXn6WK6wHcE_KUfEy2rrO0SaTrlqzq93J0teFmBpXlX6ljmHuY36CNvAmS9WYe0Sms_NQk_grPp8t-t1rbbgTyLkqHfXveOyOVUaG9TpBmPgwAD3/s400/beck+and+kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky and Kim</td></tr>
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I apologize to those friends I saw when I didn't have my camera!!! I also wish I had been able to see everybody during this short visit home. As I told one friend, imagine putting off all your errands and appointments for one entire year and not seeing any family or friends during that year. Then, you are given 2 weeks to run all errands, make appointments, and still have time to visit with everyone: can't be done! We've gone crazy trying to fit everyone in, and it's so sad that we have to head back before we succeeded! Thanks to all of you who made our trip home so special. Love you all!</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-10980004361365407602011-07-27T18:10:00.000-07:002011-07-27T18:10:48.697-07:00Madrid and Tenerife (Canary Islands)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Heading home for the summer from the UAE, we took a short side trip to the Canary Islands. On the way, we stopped off in Madrid. We enjoyed our short time in Madrid. We saw the Palacio de Cibeles and walked for ages, just admiring all the architectural detail. Then we found a little outdoor cafe and had some tapas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl-6gcVxAsVIHDVg3UVgkj8N88yjiwDqKYFcIhFw1d3tiDu7DltgrwtJV05NhzOoYfPDMp1oD9XszeYVu_uRqGFV5yjNJFlrA1Yd5YogkqPwm3yEX_tD5r3HfxvuRZxE6kseOYoHPKEBL/s1600/Palacio+de+Cibeles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl-6gcVxAsVIHDVg3UVgkj8N88yjiwDqKYFcIhFw1d3tiDu7DltgrwtJV05NhzOoYfPDMp1oD9XszeYVu_uRqGFV5yjNJFlrA1Yd5YogkqPwm3yEX_tD5r3HfxvuRZxE6kseOYoHPKEBL/s400/Palacio+de+Cibeles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palacio de Cibeles</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdggU0DRr4spCpaNdXvfOEQdhbcFCapmfp6s_C1dkFot8IxERFUWpAK1Symdv-z5Boj5-XqBereyLW0ip00iG1uLOkHu4heYi9t8K53fJvfIXl8-Rw6zwkzH4mnI2_ZX5YOoHsIFlLF5p5/s1600/statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdggU0DRr4spCpaNdXvfOEQdhbcFCapmfp6s_C1dkFot8IxERFUWpAK1Symdv-z5Boj5-XqBereyLW0ip00iG1uLOkHu4heYi9t8K53fJvfIXl8-Rw6zwkzH4mnI2_ZX5YOoHsIFlLF5p5/s400/statue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of ceiling</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhOnw1Qt3zVEb2y7Oj_mtt82_LxJrtyE05H3WYnxr8GtoBSj02MyfegjHZ4KbzkNvjosOObWWPW6WXWSMhrvqqMTryAHdYaeNOjeKTgEYy2leS06HYkzGxjjhwz-_LP-n7bObCrrvjxGb/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhOnw1Qt3zVEb2y7Oj_mtt82_LxJrtyE05H3WYnxr8GtoBSj02MyfegjHZ4KbzkNvjosOObWWPW6WXWSMhrvqqMTryAHdYaeNOjeKTgEYy2leS06HYkzGxjjhwz-_LP-n7bObCrrvjxGb/s400/gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk Cafe--one of hundreds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUBrm-iEztzP9yaDb93CiKn9egzJlIKbpNbdozRjIywT5iBPGaBSOn0oAJTnC1f5xC1-xt1PPAPTODXR-ZjOx6JYyHe4F8lk6iu5FiO6LenmJTFNrfmsyytmOmx279wB21Fh01_QIXvBr/s1600/tenerife+from+air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUBrm-iEztzP9yaDb93CiKn9egzJlIKbpNbdozRjIywT5iBPGaBSOn0oAJTnC1f5xC1-xt1PPAPTODXR-ZjOx6JYyHe4F8lk6iu5FiO6LenmJTFNrfmsyytmOmx279wB21Fh01_QIXvBr/s400/tenerife+from+air.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sighting of Tenerife as we flew in</td></tr>
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Tenerife is in the chain of the Canary Islands. These are located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 kilometers west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. <br />
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One of the most interesting places on the island is Mount Teide, located in the Teide National Park, a World Heritage Site since 2007. Mount Teide is the third largest volcano in the world and is the highest mountain in Spain at 3, 718 meters. In 2010, Teide became the most visited National Park in Europe and the second worldwide!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlaMhO9lB4aYF20Yl3GhbeFX_J9f-G3k1a3IyEOvUhyphenhyphenDwmtlvPtTxzjDChFqahBPnpCVof8jqnKyrH0ZFutjIlxIf3qsoKm3U5ji58LE9fDz9Wq_yJRhnSSkLIeioY1rFj0ZytLzpqDip/s1600/teide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlaMhO9lB4aYF20Yl3GhbeFX_J9f-G3k1a3IyEOvUhyphenhyphenDwmtlvPtTxzjDChFqahBPnpCVof8jqnKyrH0ZFutjIlxIf3qsoKm3U5ji58LE9fDz9Wq_yJRhnSSkLIeioY1rFj0ZytLzpqDip/s400/teide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just see the skylift heading up the right side of Mount Teide.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o1Z45n6nn6bC7kg-P-zhKtkDsU1P53_QVdG3yHuLzDuXkeEtSJfF03r3nX61lp1r5KG2iLwgO8WpHtsPlfrum-n87_KXOfIYAYFmnsUt6-hd7QVzpnMGrodO92jHJv7AZ90w5PtnZfVm/s1600/heather+points.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o1Z45n6nn6bC7kg-P-zhKtkDsU1P53_QVdG3yHuLzDuXkeEtSJfF03r3nX61lp1r5KG2iLwgO8WpHtsPlfrum-n87_KXOfIYAYFmnsUt6-hd7QVzpnMGrodO92jHJv7AZ90w5PtnZfVm/s400/heather+points.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather points back down to where we first entered the park in our car.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl990r-EZE_i_EZ2j5JgI-KCpUvCNpZgHkvPGrkuZA0zrF3ZFBvIYgpPBl1Isz-mICq9J0N6Xae0HZSyKNygz-WHFiVLL92JmLmhEVddFGKjuRCZ26WJh51nTtLdeEFD6Ekgpz1I86tjMV/s1600/skylift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl990r-EZE_i_EZ2j5JgI-KCpUvCNpZgHkvPGrkuZA0zrF3ZFBvIYgpPBl1Isz-mICq9J0N6Xae0HZSyKNygz-WHFiVLL92JmLmhEVddFGKjuRCZ26WJh51nTtLdeEFD6Ekgpz1I86tjMV/s400/skylift.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We enjoyed our pool each day and the different beaches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XNWm_goXRMK00gqEZLPAcRMWhjxyiPkR_ckdFHBDemz6p6pWQT7TMNc7PP-pwNVbBDIGBHNOGLbnpS0O2G7S6SNn2z2CzXtrc8BH5lrHRfuzjArrOGK8G6DzzrakBL0bv91s8rUToaEY/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XNWm_goXRMK00gqEZLPAcRMWhjxyiPkR_ckdFHBDemz6p6pWQT7TMNc7PP-pwNVbBDIGBHNOGLbnpS0O2G7S6SNn2z2CzXtrc8BH5lrHRfuzjArrOGK8G6DzzrakBL0bv91s8rUToaEY/s400/beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig6Tu4t1QyfnFGDAl_bvygCRf9mzaJkHur1W35xkGcdoqdHhoCZrHjSxxP49_1GDjTz1o7eYZqEP_53RZml7b44HXreM8NFXt9X1fUV7nUfTaxJRnh6Cig4ghBCXwxho5UojOqKIaGlTc/s1600/americas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig6Tu4t1QyfnFGDAl_bvygCRf9mzaJkHur1W35xkGcdoqdHhoCZrHjSxxP49_1GDjTz1o7eYZqEP_53RZml7b44HXreM8NFXt9X1fUV7nUfTaxJRnh6Cig4ghBCXwxho5UojOqKIaGlTc/s400/americas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the BLUEST water we have ever seen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting by the pool looking up at the mountains in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YVIuaLVhHbsIbBr4IHuWqd9d5JpMHakcrAyRJ-LDAIrZe40vyF-MfKKD9IZoI7ORGNjgZWGvdEaDNk7wbi9kB9hkOx9RnJn4DDJ7VyBQsgtXqvo0FE92ZjYWruR_ZLjRoXrk7Q9NSY54/s1600/dinner+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YVIuaLVhHbsIbBr4IHuWqd9d5JpMHakcrAyRJ-LDAIrZe40vyF-MfKKD9IZoI7ORGNjgZWGvdEaDNk7wbi9kB9hkOx9RnJn4DDJ7VyBQsgtXqvo0FE92ZjYWruR_ZLjRoXrk7Q9NSY54/s400/dinner+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jyi3EWiRFg4kUpM8LTmWxAsb2-sdtHNksuHbScjJoqWRlC2eX9nWRlZEOycmS3LUhHC3oyEXnNxZpQlE5bOzMBsbif3ktNVAO_P-pjygLo8HFLtA2gdXEvWGU4LjdCWnD9rq0aeMOJjP/s1600/heather+monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jyi3EWiRFg4kUpM8LTmWxAsb2-sdtHNksuHbScjJoqWRlC2eX9nWRlZEOycmS3LUhHC3oyEXnNxZpQlE5bOzMBsbif3ktNVAO_P-pjygLo8HFLtA2gdXEvWGU4LjdCWnD9rq0aeMOJjP/s400/heather+monkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the Monkey Club after hitting the casino. Heather and I made about 90 Euros at the slots! Kim made some....and then lost it! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Abrigos: we ate out and enjoyed a lovely view of the topless women sunbathing.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYqOcjpQHNz307-pTtNvdBvZPNGMZ_5JBK5EIWBm8Hnxvp4hWSZyMHGy1AEICjAtdssytZOKhCQniv9wF1JzctdQPTSBqW_y_x2WFxVgsX7VaLP8rz4RMuraMEbaU_qBi89Q0mubQ-a8B/s1600/montana+roja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYqOcjpQHNz307-pTtNvdBvZPNGMZ_5JBK5EIWBm8Hnxvp4hWSZyMHGy1AEICjAtdssytZOKhCQniv9wF1JzctdQPTSBqW_y_x2WFxVgsX7VaLP8rz4RMuraMEbaU_qBi89Q0mubQ-a8B/s400/montana+roja.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over the water with Montana Roja (Red Mountain)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO1rj0rbm2g_T7_v3lFc6HO0EfeS9aQHyJXDxCitZJuxbTHFtdE036hfSJxNGOjkglY7i6k_NWA_HFE-TZ6sGHKJQ1R5R67vSTWn2VlxDuv15VFwIF5wlic52MSbW3zTvro611PaFK8Vo/s1600/parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO1rj0rbm2g_T7_v3lFc6HO0EfeS9aQHyJXDxCitZJuxbTHFtdE036hfSJxNGOjkglY7i6k_NWA_HFE-TZ6sGHKJQ1R5R67vSTWn2VlxDuv15VFwIF5wlic52MSbW3zTvro611PaFK8Vo/s400/parking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After not driving for a solid year, I was elected to do the driving in Spain. When we arrived to get our car, I found out it was a stick-shift! I drove up and down the hills (to the highest point in Spain), and as you can see, I did an awesome job parallel parking.</td></tr>
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<h3 style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: none; color: black; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; height: 30px; margin: 0px 0px 0.3em; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: 32px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Tenerife"></span></span></h3><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em;"></div><div style="margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em;"></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-68703560059398757772011-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:002011-07-03T07:49:49.945-07:00Khasab, Oman خصب<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yea--another holiday!! We headed to Khasab, Oman for our 3-day weekend. This holiday was in celebration of Al Isra Wal Miraj, the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Heaven. The Isra and Miraj are the two parts of a Night Journey that Muhammad<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-1"> took </span>around the year 621. In the journey, Muhammad travels on a mythological steed Buraq (provided by the Archangel Gabriel) to a mosque (thought to be in Jerusalem) where he leads other prophets in prayer. He then ascends to Heaven where he speaks to God, who gives Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful on Earth about the number of times to offer prayers each day. The actual holiday was on Wednesday, but they gave us Thursday off to make a long weekend!! In the map below, you can see Khasab in red at the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn87nSpFQMb-fDRJc3Lgs0X7nZyQiBXPcCEFny6G0kj_jRIo6maJXLByBnmRu6xWAHEuBioX9pnSOedfywL1qPH_XTtMgA_s59lyszCbNI_PK147rn2sf_ce8ckDqPmHWa87JPTexCcuQ/s1600/khasab_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn87nSpFQMb-fDRJc3Lgs0X7nZyQiBXPcCEFny6G0kj_jRIo6maJXLByBnmRu6xWAHEuBioX9pnSOedfywL1qPH_XTtMgA_s59lyszCbNI_PK147rn2sf_ce8ckDqPmHWa87JPTexCcuQ/s320/khasab_map.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Khasab is the capital of the Musandam peninsula and is called the "Norway of Arabia." (Remember the "fjords" I wrote about from Dibba, Oman?) The Khasab Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 1600's. It has a natural harbor which protects it from the rough seas. Khasab was a supply point for dates and water for Portuguese ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KCSWR-FfXadvk1jVVP6Fv0hqj1BZruIyBpN5LILU2bJnxxVzI_5gGDjiFGleQEohzyKhhqaULpytUz2mQKWdgT3_zasTW2_Ljs57mPHqv_2Q1o6osjAsipjksI24PSp3BGbwgb6qe95X/s1600/hormuz.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KCSWR-FfXadvk1jVVP6Fv0hqj1BZruIyBpN5LILU2bJnxxVzI_5gGDjiFGleQEohzyKhhqaULpytUz2mQKWdgT3_zasTW2_Ljs57mPHqv_2Q1o6osjAsipjksI24PSp3BGbwgb6qe95X/s400/hormuz.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see how close we were to Iran--only 68 nautical miles!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Khasab has an interesting trading position because it is just across the strait from Iran. Iranians import sheep and goats into the local port, and then the animals are sent to the UAE and Saudi Arabia in trucks. Heading back to Iran, the boats are loaded up with electronic items and American cigarettes. They have to get to Khasab after sunrise and leave before sunset because of Omani immigration laws. Since the trading is illegal, they have to avoid the Islamic Republic's coastguard and all the other ships in the busy waters of the Strait of Hormuz. It's very dangerous because the boats are loaded down and they have to pass through the trading routes of ships.<br />
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For this trip, we went to Abu Dhabi to hitch a ride with Heather and Cory, since we had to cross the border into Oman. They already have insurance, so it saved us some money....not to mention it is so much more fun to get lost or face the border guards with back-up--ha-ha!! The whole trip, including the border crossing, took about 4.5 hours, so it is definitely better to do this on a 3-day weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODI2xnZ2SU87Qc9fab99HY49efwMa9Ule8TMkv-jHOw6YPpqEWLLMUryf0L72m3mKq-DOQ4L4ecSMQJuawVeWyZmVeINcCRK8IJhZcpY4l5_WmYoewp54l16efmitUXvxa_3XmP915Gj3/s1600/hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODI2xnZ2SU87Qc9fab99HY49efwMa9Ule8TMkv-jHOw6YPpqEWLLMUryf0L72m3mKq-DOQ4L4ecSMQJuawVeWyZmVeINcCRK8IJhZcpY4l5_WmYoewp54l16efmitUXvxa_3XmP915Gj3/s400/hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking across the bay at the hotel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6sLidu_uOclKTBmOaqjCiuDz4BlKK7HJHdG9lePsq91jpcEpXttgMgRGOLiNdQNUlOgH14EquKXorrdoRo7Z-P3fI3owGEupvTxyo5ey5QD1sOFBPusaGM2SIlaCDHjqTaRmSkmLY6cD/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6sLidu_uOclKTBmOaqjCiuDz4BlKK7HJHdG9lePsq91jpcEpXttgMgRGOLiNdQNUlOgH14EquKXorrdoRo7Z-P3fI3owGEupvTxyo5ey5QD1sOFBPusaGM2SIlaCDHjqTaRmSkmLY6cD/s400/pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The first day, Cory got to go scuba diving. He's been wanting to dive since he got here, and we were excited he finally got to go. I tried to imagine how beautiful it must have been as he described it to us. Heather, Kim, and I went snorkeling around the rocks near our hotel. The fish were varied, but the coral was mostly dead. We definitely plan to get certified to scuba dive!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNlQmHvrr1EWJJUP4Bqa9Z5-qP5UM-34C1LYYx2nMGS24qXd8xgqTUBzstokc2IxVDqgLejUAtfX4fEgS25PuK4YIUkpm5ztp2_FCtsRsI1AlKbUNxfRA-nNNcD2bhjPzqWfySgfI3Gyq/s1600/rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNlQmHvrr1EWJJUP4Bqa9Z5-qP5UM-34C1LYYx2nMGS24qXd8xgqTUBzstokc2IxVDqgLejUAtfX4fEgS25PuK4YIUkpm5ztp2_FCtsRsI1AlKbUNxfRA-nNNcD2bhjPzqWfySgfI3Gyq/s400/rocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rocks down below our hotel...and the lonely little tree...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhIE1Reig7YVNifeD0WvPWYsv4742RLb0MQs9lUHEh7AoicpwG8Yx8HJqqAWcxk_2GwRcvnCxtD9ipmfYatmBvMPCOzJgdnMFrQ-loH_ulaXPizTh3FX5yqTplM_U1Yv2jbz0j7FaQoGy/s1600/snorkel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhIE1Reig7YVNifeD0WvPWYsv4742RLb0MQs9lUHEh7AoicpwG8Yx8HJqqAWcxk_2GwRcvnCxtD9ipmfYatmBvMPCOzJgdnMFrQ-loH_ulaXPizTh3FX5yqTplM_U1Yv2jbz0j7FaQoGy/s400/snorkel1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting ready to snorkel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Later that day, we rode down to the town and saw Khasab Castle. On the way, we saw men marching with flags, but by the time we turned around to see what was happening, they had dispersed. We thought it might be a protest march, but then decided it was more likely a religious tribute to Muhammad (since it was the holiday).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtwAuOklLmcrGREQhtKZx_s2JoszCRxGIHQKiS8GBXCBS4USN4oZz5MR5dJjdiosPLwgZN24kVfG7TpdxhAUZOg1scQgR-VbT85Y90JXW-igYeJb6bDAVGzCYjhvwUnSeRTC97__Jagp-/s1600/khasab+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtwAuOklLmcrGREQhtKZx_s2JoszCRxGIHQKiS8GBXCBS4USN4oZz5MR5dJjdiosPLwgZN24kVfG7TpdxhAUZOg1scQgR-VbT85Y90JXW-igYeJb6bDAVGzCYjhvwUnSeRTC97__Jagp-/s400/khasab+castle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Khasab Castle with a dhow in front</span></td></tr>
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That night after dinner, we decided to check out the Shisha Bar. We discovered a great spot at the top of the hill overlooking the hotel and the bay below. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB252b1lIN8Rqojae3TOtBrRMAaTCzYYVYESzizmfbn0_oIfqKlXT6ywq48QST33xQUhH2RCRIhwmXycoTQM52iwjIxcBoLC40ivVa_W98zjL1qpe0mhqnlEaFtbtk7QNS8eF3elTgzUs/s1600/shisha3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB252b1lIN8Rqojae3TOtBrRMAaTCzYYVYESzizmfbn0_oIfqKlXT6ywq48QST33xQUhH2RCRIhwmXycoTQM52iwjIxcBoLC40ivVa_W98zjL1qpe0mhqnlEaFtbtk7QNS8eF3elTgzUs/s400/shisha3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deck overlooking the bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We sat outside and tried Strawberry Mint Shisha (I didn't inhale--ha-ha!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsYhqwp7w0IuiV5a6S6nEgOu8_cbkJ1GJmsdXTUII_bwWeeyvJ7sSQ-_Naflrh-pXwYWJFYkKQlyFKfMdA5siI2nIneWONd0uwYSmM4_PRL346TJqowWI8qmNq6OhwengFZv125ZK_cwM/s1600/shisha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsYhqwp7w0IuiV5a6S6nEgOu8_cbkJ1GJmsdXTUII_bwWeeyvJ7sSQ-_Naflrh-pXwYWJFYkKQlyFKfMdA5siI2nIneWONd0uwYSmM4_PRL346TJqowWI8qmNq6OhwengFZv125ZK_cwM/s400/shisha.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim took to this pretty quickly...hmmmm.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRKgrbh9AdKfDgK5Q5OK2g7nX1HLQ5rJw-VxeORin5ALOaaebudEay4BWXJwmxXH5AJwEpzKLCuUImTGOZh3T6P_CSBx1nVjO92rpEBmNn5dLBrbJSXqybS7dwuPaqk8NJNLfg5mKzqtd/s1600/shisha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRKgrbh9AdKfDgK5Q5OK2g7nX1HLQ5rJw-VxeORin5ALOaaebudEay4BWXJwmxXH5AJwEpzKLCuUImTGOZh3T6P_CSBx1nVjO92rpEBmNn5dLBrbJSXqybS7dwuPaqk8NJNLfg5mKzqtd/s400/shisha2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first attempt at smoking shisha....flavored....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpk2AjKUc1NBMkkiq5L2fbf2DOXC6R5DBf8MW9r1Wo3BClH3VOQZZ2mAxAM23pRFw-BWK6rXFqzuypVR2JKmyO140sEy8fTIJ1zX4u9uZBrxZBSTNFUSFrQXkQy4AphHGbDvHR37kZXO1/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpk2AjKUc1NBMkkiq5L2fbf2DOXC6R5DBf8MW9r1Wo3BClH3VOQZZ2mAxAM23pRFw-BWK6rXFqzuypVR2JKmyO140sEy8fTIJ1zX4u9uZBrxZBSTNFUSFrQXkQy4AphHGbDvHR37kZXO1/s400/sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset over the Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day we signed up to go on another dhow cruise for better snorkeling. We learned our lesson last time getting to the boat late, so this time we were the first on and had the pick of the seats. We also took Dizzinil for seasickness...just in case!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8aq7gPUA-4kw-LuZCZ0OORyHE0x1Kw522LO5UbjZSwRrErlUv3kRnmWDRxNHbX1Z7Ovt8xKTX56T6Pv8JSjUEAKZMp770kWTJboILerfc4R2DZzXcgIoRL_M9kkXe19FnrXU2qoI9kCq/s1600/khasab+castle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8aq7gPUA-4kw-LuZCZ0OORyHE0x1Kw522LO5UbjZSwRrErlUv3kRnmWDRxNHbX1Z7Ovt8xKTX56T6Pv8JSjUEAKZMp770kWTJboILerfc4R2DZzXcgIoRL_M9kkXe19FnrXU2qoI9kCq/s400/khasab+castle2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking back at Khasab Castle as we head out into the deep water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-MBPFD2PTPKr-MbGorplevOL-Txrf1iTao0O31llumi6-IQnrlWXoPy79GejGcGx8L4JZFmRfCDy35ucWCMx8oW6Le_L1ycGJaLNkHt_p0Hp6V7wj7G-kiVaYtwQ8hC2drg6KmT07jxT/s1600/dhow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-MBPFD2PTPKr-MbGorplevOL-Txrf1iTao0O31llumi6-IQnrlWXoPy79GejGcGx8L4JZFmRfCDy35ucWCMx8oW6Le_L1ycGJaLNkHt_p0Hp6V7wj7G-kiVaYtwQ8hC2drg6KmT07jxT/s400/dhow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had a trio of boats, and this boat was in the lead. This picture gives a good look at the rocks nearby.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cztfHCwb-WZoFFKhMfA0vpCl8d9LXyMKzOdqQHsu4JCVrGHCQR1ORqb38ixKCnRo2qAsUMaSJ_JXTX4GEZG4DmERlh56K-VrUBuhlSUv-jEdjmrVkG_RM3istDDYha6Xw9UqeT_IWnz9/s1600/dolphin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cztfHCwb-WZoFFKhMfA0vpCl8d9LXyMKzOdqQHsu4JCVrGHCQR1ORqb38ixKCnRo2qAsUMaSJ_JXTX4GEZG4DmERlh56K-VrUBuhlSUv-jEdjmrVkG_RM3istDDYha6Xw9UqeT_IWnz9/s400/dolphin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the first dolphins we spotted. We saw them off and on during the day. Later that night, we saw more dolphins while we were in our room, looking out the patio doors. We saw sea turtles in the seas around our hotel also!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx08dQVRYSvC0RV2YfSLbcMOsWIuNm2vDymBv2bGDAy4Pcm9wf0H5XZSdo8ERpvDV_IqMSYkPYEOC-3WT6f8MpSCFmtsIq47r3Pv4qUrgzZAknS8vqvxUBRkEzj8jyqsDfH_DjqcLiZU-G/s1600/3+dolphins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx08dQVRYSvC0RV2YfSLbcMOsWIuNm2vDymBv2bGDAy4Pcm9wf0H5XZSdo8ERpvDV_IqMSYkPYEOC-3WT6f8MpSCFmtsIq47r3Pv4qUrgzZAknS8vqvxUBRkEzj8jyqsDfH_DjqcLiZU-G/s400/3+dolphins.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trio of Dolphins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lIMbc3msB7S0HRxFVGj_qY4sqHeWxaW0n1KY6puyPEOKOaD2mPW5LJiT7AcA2nmX5-ne3c0g9wk5Li5ggvao0ZblYmvSCFGPR2xTQXG7ToZS-0KvuTxHQNF6w0O-UVJtqROuQAD8FPau/s1600/dolphin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lIMbc3msB7S0HRxFVGj_qY4sqHeWxaW0n1KY6puyPEOKOaD2mPW5LJiT7AcA2nmX5-ne3c0g9wk5Li5ggvao0ZblYmvSCFGPR2xTQXG7ToZS-0KvuTxHQNF6w0O-UVJtqROuQAD8FPau/s400/dolphin2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The dolphins were such fun to watch! They followed our boat for a while, answering to the claps and whistles of the crew. They would swim from one side to the other, leaping into the air.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa2qHV_wAcYWlman2T5VQnPKFEGdQHncpYU8VdNkiqSEASz5Pod8bStjPcOqyKTJrYX2N91ofVWxO1NCWCMQWfbIN-GiME94bcKje0G2Cka-ZsMp5JLqLBZOU9-Lf5N80uxStFn-f3bEL/s1600/telegraph+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa2qHV_wAcYWlman2T5VQnPKFEGdQHncpYU8VdNkiqSEASz5Pod8bStjPcOqyKTJrYX2N91ofVWxO1NCWCMQWfbIN-GiME94bcKje0G2Cka-ZsMp5JLqLBZOU9-Lf5N80uxStFn-f3bEL/s400/telegraph+island.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our first stop: Telegraph Island--(Buildings date from 1864)--Linked India and England for communication. </span><span style="font-size: small;">They built out on the island for security from the warring Arabic tribes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIzinz8dHb-6pWd0oJCiBQl4Elrw3zSrBpg26fCRJnwpXYoCNwfqG8KJuRTwCDBm4vmvRtovhU65hQGlu-Sp1DHA7FiqJ9P2nNAF2jGy35HgaFYSHWnfAdOyoq3H4HcUHX65EDf5Cgedr/s1600/village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIzinz8dHb-6pWd0oJCiBQl4Elrw3zSrBpg26fCRJnwpXYoCNwfqG8KJuRTwCDBm4vmvRtovhU65hQGlu-Sp1DHA7FiqJ9P2nNAF2jGy35HgaFYSHWnfAdOyoq3H4HcUHX65EDf5Cgedr/s400/village.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small village nestled in the foothills. There are electric lines, but no roads leading in or out, so all access is by boat</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCoUD2pvXeKmJJbmPuYc61RCGRnSuUBfnrWeJF05XCg2y62R3oi12KA2PB4A4jwB2SnMs9CaAJkbgO84eXdldsUmSuBL2o6Gr2ZMm2teuvsEF0ajhcrDqEjNqBGMLFSMwj6koNr3TD40E/s1600/cory+dive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCoUD2pvXeKmJJbmPuYc61RCGRnSuUBfnrWeJF05XCg2y62R3oi12KA2PB4A4jwB2SnMs9CaAJkbgO84eXdldsUmSuBL2o6Gr2ZMm2teuvsEF0ajhcrDqEjNqBGMLFSMwj6koNr3TD40E/s400/cory+dive.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory asked if we could dive into the water. The man says, "No Dive." Cory hears, "DIVE!" And....he's off!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizolLgK3jJgTnh2dx-4EgRC7OhETe8OjrbhLx9K3Wl5wultW4-Vw5LXRTK-ZHyamLD8cIIas1VhQ4644Ehc93FKdeq4XOlqNR_sFlO-LncBQeru0WnQ8B-WDxU7qWwO997Ozn6e7j_oqvv/s1600/snorkeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizolLgK3jJgTnh2dx-4EgRC7OhETe8OjrbhLx9K3Wl5wultW4-Vw5LXRTK-ZHyamLD8cIIas1VhQ4644Ehc93FKdeq4XOlqNR_sFlO-LncBQeru0WnQ8B-WDxU7qWwO997Ozn6e7j_oqvv/s400/snorkeling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snorkeling around Telegraph Island</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNSIqv8mRjIUhAPdrxogr6_MJPRcAN8GljlLs1m8C0f4ZYTox8xEDJDcAxgfqPXnSYsGkvaintDmXlmpnseeDa8WwJnj0qHAw4Xo3Jg4RZ6TrODxqb1VOarJRsq7-mxMN_1wctVhPEYmA/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNSIqv8mRjIUhAPdrxogr6_MJPRcAN8GljlLs1m8C0f4ZYTox8xEDJDcAxgfqPXnSYsGkvaintDmXlmpnseeDa8WwJnj0qHAw4Xo3Jg4RZ6TrODxqb1VOarJRsq7-mxMN_1wctVhPEYmA/s400/fish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking down from the dhow at the fish in the water. It was so clear you could see a long way down!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYIN8owHrZvKne7v0uqL7JfMvKWOtUKQDc0HQeIFEUpFhMmeEME5skz0Bd0lOQ4Z5_qZv9-i0McXxCzha2TWlNBsYFQ1SeNFc0hWr0w2FOuTXHErKQUsiPOGTA0WVSR7XjqWkoquQs-Nd/s1600/kim+hurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYIN8owHrZvKne7v0uqL7JfMvKWOtUKQDc0HQeIFEUpFhMmeEME5skz0Bd0lOQ4Z5_qZv9-i0McXxCzha2TWlNBsYFQ1SeNFc0hWr0w2FOuTXHErKQUsiPOGTA0WVSR7XjqWkoquQs-Nd/s400/kim+hurt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You could climb the steps up Telegraph Island. Kim thought you could also jump off! He received emergency care from the Advanced Care (Tackle Box) First-Aid Kit: ha-ha!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4zDoWmdM0fSqInUp5n4HSo9CGw4AT4PW8xElT0yLZHcWRLV3FNoWmye3NU2VNZN2nMNh_7tJvle78ryuZ2LvZkJc5mD95KXfvoAiZr5uzm0Yk590THxtduL6BXerGotLwKopgsU42nHf/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4zDoWmdM0fSqInUp5n4HSo9CGw4AT4PW8xElT0yLZHcWRLV3FNoWmye3NU2VNZN2nMNh_7tJvle78ryuZ2LvZkJc5mD95KXfvoAiZr5uzm0Yk590THxtduL6BXerGotLwKopgsU42nHf/s400/home.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We saw many living areas built along the rock edges. These people subsist on fishing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69SfGCVgVTYl1JEtGLTsTsuZ_ePZZvG0K8Aa3B1M-30CdRtCNF-VPjzU7NN8AseEOYkCny8HCtaHJ1EJeq3lVW7O8gzOmcSb7OnJU-P4SAUIM4Hz_bTCgr895o9yxNLSZRu9ucLlCPlI3/s1600/cormorants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69SfGCVgVTYl1JEtGLTsTsuZ_ePZZvG0K8Aa3B1M-30CdRtCNF-VPjzU7NN8AseEOYkCny8HCtaHJ1EJeq3lVW7O8gzOmcSb7OnJU-P4SAUIM4Hz_bTCgr895o9yxNLSZRu9ucLlCPlI3/s400/cormorants.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was definitely the land of cormorants. They were huddled on the rocks around every curve. This beach was covered with them.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UdFhNcrPIE-GQhlxuc0OHd5eZnwfWWKAVagIDH-N0of7lrHChW3RvFtXieIxbL3V4tVdjF7Y39I7LdmDHrhneeJchYT2f5QM_syKcnQvBpfKU5BDD3u6gsGGwU27QcEjpkXv6H8jiom7/s1600/cliff+cormorants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UdFhNcrPIE-GQhlxuc0OHd5eZnwfWWKAVagIDH-N0of7lrHChW3RvFtXieIxbL3V4tVdjF7Y39I7LdmDHrhneeJchYT2f5QM_syKcnQvBpfKU5BDD3u6gsGGwU27QcEjpkXv6H8jiom7/s400/cliff+cormorants.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cormorants crouched on the rocks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52brUAonlPv4sS4x1WcoLpluNDmGs7Xtwx7xvSptscih2K7wl2Zh6BHQ32kr-HR0EDKG8aXx6I3fefkh2b3CpRVu8ORBB_ayC_2rMfrn_iBPRtAhs4vVw6izz_cQ6zJkCrH1zWqjVtWS7/s1600/fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52brUAonlPv4sS4x1WcoLpluNDmGs7Xtwx7xvSptscih2K7wl2Zh6BHQ32kr-HR0EDKG8aXx6I3fefkh2b3CpRVu8ORBB_ayC_2rMfrn_iBPRtAhs4vVw6izz_cQ6zJkCrH1zWqjVtWS7/s400/fog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early morning fog on the day we had to leave</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYHxowwdPwpdwkVO-BWvL9dgbPFcD2H6pQksDcXXFoBlMwWttn85412-HIujvJLHm8RcZ60wDq3VODUKBhTHByC5EnvRPp3cO8MYVcOtH9yNkJbk2_nfaGsxTphg66HBVUBdJ7g8bBY5x/s1600/bukha+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYHxowwdPwpdwkVO-BWvL9dgbPFcD2H6pQksDcXXFoBlMwWttn85412-HIujvJLHm8RcZ60wDq3VODUKBhTHByC5EnvRPp3cO8MYVcOtH9yNkJbk2_nfaGsxTphg66HBVUBdJ7g8bBY5x/s400/bukha+castle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bukha Castle (on our way home)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was open, so we decided to explore the inside.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwZj2RoZGLHLV17PSRMepWx6j31L8nZc1z5dbG2XNwW6GfJwhdIbKe6naToT5-N9PLzdlHVZtTDOIRszK2nOLVWRaNf_nYevzf3LcawGSIi6k-BHwQ38NV1BsB5shHuAu3SL_ktq6mf8b/s1600/bukha+castle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwZj2RoZGLHLV17PSRMepWx6j31L8nZc1z5dbG2XNwW6GfJwhdIbKe6naToT5-N9PLzdlHVZtTDOIRszK2nOLVWRaNf_nYevzf3LcawGSIi6k-BHwQ38NV1BsB5shHuAu3SL_ktq6mf8b/s400/bukha+castle2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On top of the castle</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt0JEnhSDTR2SyZa9fD5wNUYYbGfaJ3xviQF_TepLpoTCdAgJmI8IaESX5zuqMFsQDDth9DShXeAAJZkXaHSySPFa1_yWQJim9T-NAKfVGbvj-hiiJZQNAl2itzS2krpUKNhvrkG6e092/s1600/bukha+castle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt0JEnhSDTR2SyZa9fD5wNUYYbGfaJ3xviQF_TepLpoTCdAgJmI8IaESX5zuqMFsQDDth9DShXeAAJZkXaHSySPFa1_yWQJim9T-NAKfVGbvj-hiiJZQNAl2itzS2krpUKNhvrkG6e092/s400/bukha+castle3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHOBgPdnqtrYnRX9RJwK5i-zG8SZqC062nefRVbEjDpkUglU4u25QPYufdZ6-fHVDAfiJ9MwHRA3dbzGN-Ui4tX1TIP5TovKV0buOWBphEl8lpd_UHIERQlyfOrvMEjJPAesb37Dyz5jT/s1600/bukha+castle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHOBgPdnqtrYnRX9RJwK5i-zG8SZqC062nefRVbEjDpkUglU4u25QPYufdZ6-fHVDAfiJ9MwHRA3dbzGN-Ui4tX1TIP5TovKV0buOWBphEl8lpd_UHIERQlyfOrvMEjJPAesb37Dyz5jT/s400/bukha+castle4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Climbing up the ladders inside the watch tower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdKrhT6hhmOmavO-yb2b3k2rtQFKGZySqcJ1eHh-Gk8RnHVHPhGQmRvvPq-zQVR6f0D3p9WMn_wp8ACrEXVZx04N_tSoX76ENYxur54V72GUsblC0x-tkgLBuOICg366grKD9qqCVlv3k/s1600/goats+in+a+cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdKrhT6hhmOmavO-yb2b3k2rtQFKGZySqcJ1eHh-Gk8RnHVHPhGQmRvvPq-zQVR6f0D3p9WMn_wp8ACrEXVZx04N_tSoX76ENYxur54V72GUsblC0x-tkgLBuOICg366grKD9qqCVlv3k/s400/goats+in+a+cave.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Goats in a cave on the side of the road...enjoying their freedom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhGkKniupYAIXEi_Sg95SbtHkML5GjrbEcxZC74fa_eIbwCgrnp4S1TsaBZWJRsfpcZl_e3yFpiO4_39pjN4yjUqPGJqKqQr8wOtx-A1EfjbJJ3Gm_Rb7r-trhPfZ4vgfcq66Uh1ICvxO9I/s1600/goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkKniupYAIXEi_Sg95SbtHkML5GjrbEcxZC74fa_eIbwCgrnp4S1TsaBZWJRsfpcZl_e3yFpiO4_39pjN4yjUqPGJqKqQr8wOtx-A1EfjbJJ3Gm_Rb7r-trhPfZ4vgfcq66Uh1ICvxO9I/s400/goats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, goats on the back of a truck bound for the UAE. These are the goats I referred to at the beginning of the blog....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhzazRnU3RD3tVRt_yVl4fCisFbsJjQwZThKpI-dBpkvfN2dYhbZd2-2bsDG5cDT9CGbc698EXK3GuBBzsQI6pG7PT3gZj3qnSb_G46WdujKWEJou8KMFxK6ibW_LD83Sa5Gzo4e-TaHRyj/s1600/cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzazRnU3RD3tVRt_yVl4fCisFbsJjQwZThKpI-dBpkvfN2dYhbZd2-2bsDG5cDT9CGbc698EXK3GuBBzsQI6pG7PT3gZj3qnSb_G46WdujKWEJou8KMFxK6ibW_LD83Sa5Gzo4e-TaHRyj/s400/cafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Streetside cafe near Ras Al Khaimah on our way home. Can't you picture the ambiance as you sit by the highway to enjoy the sights and sounds?!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgjcPh9LlE-Ob0LGj8AaaamIKrByKQrESLD5wb96J9oNGcJfoBPikZ_1OkzAIRIJz3rnYxIIPBRlYNPZ-mYGXa39CzJKaJV5xjVTFMXlzR0m77qbeRu2mu1w_2EMJtV4NZnKb2fyiY7VESh/s1600/camel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcPh9LlE-Ob0LGj8AaaamIKrByKQrESLD5wb96J9oNGcJfoBPikZ_1OkzAIRIJz3rnYxIIPBRlYNPZ-mYGXa39CzJKaJV5xjVTFMXlzR0m77qbeRu2mu1w_2EMJtV4NZnKb2fyiY7VESh/s400/camel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camel Transportation</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes they are in small white pick-up trucks with no sides!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Now, our next adventure is HOME to the U.S.A.! Can't wait to see family and friends!!!!</span><br />
<br />
</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-90976348236741603662011-06-20T18:48:00.000-07:002011-06-20T18:54:55.461-07:00Graduation!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><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/AVvXsEjPiV-NMNOSI2tRLPySGC9Q9pJWk7UTAQYytt31SSP7rITk5M2b7SNGdCJIYkERjw2u2Qp1pKSQKEJnk75YwjeI1ziabtyK0bpxTs3rLGogHNLBYcliL8XuPYd4dD9eXi4cSfqB938dV7pk/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiV-NMNOSI2tRLPySGC9Q9pJWk7UTAQYytt31SSP7rITk5M2b7SNGdCJIYkERjw2u2Qp1pKSQKEJnk75YwjeI1ziabtyK0bpxTs3rLGogHNLBYcliL8XuPYd4dD9eXi4cSfqB938dV7pk/s400/sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This week we had our grade 1-4 Honor's Recognition and our 5th-grade Graduation. Needless to say, it was QUITE different than our ceremony would have been in the states. <br />
<br />
First, students have quit coming to school already. We have not had students for a week now. They just came back today for the ceremony....and only the top 3 students from each class came. The other girls are finished for the year.<br />
<br />
Second, there was no practice or planning for the ceremony. It seems to be a "decide as you go" process. Also, people (mothers, children) were milling about all around the room during the whole thing. Teachers were talking during the whole ceremony and phones were ringing. They passed out food, tea, and water all through the audience during the presentations. My head was swiveling constantly watching the whole process. There were so many distractions, I forgot the girls were going up for their certificates. Before the 5th-grade girls could be called up to "graduate," all the younger girls were leaving, their mothers and siblings were walking right in front of the microphone and talking and taking pictures.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gAhabPFdWiV9ewuwW8x2zOKPR6lA7Ab-VFjJ6VJECTlPCEL30BpdlOdOenC3xJfFQnIiBbR-hjgD3TVslcME0HF0k7ibH9rPgdjY0Gj9hi_HrTOdERJZ5KLbbOA6bdMCYVXp-E2Gt39S/s1600/stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gAhabPFdWiV9ewuwW8x2zOKPR6lA7Ab-VFjJ6VJECTlPCEL30BpdlOdOenC3xJfFQnIiBbR-hjgD3TVslcME0HF0k7ibH9rPgdjY0Gj9hi_HrTOdERJZ5KLbbOA6bdMCYVXp-E2Gt39S/s400/stage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The stage was decorated and gifts for all the girls were placed on a table at the edge of the gym. During the ceremony, they decided it would be better for the gifts to be front and center, so they moved them.....and dropped many of them....during the ceremony.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP26lNDpdCP5_3Zvx2U5MmXogj6xr0xAQfy2WOJKQOeIMRHgjkGX4LKiVuwl8rZmFXlGU2QQ106peDIgkB7hldzYa3BGGi_Ca9RBoKAuuTeV9BQd_ej-1qdWR0CfIFbU0hYZ86h5dkzUG/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP26lNDpdCP5_3Zvx2U5MmXogj6xr0xAQfy2WOJKQOeIMRHgjkGX4LKiVuwl8rZmFXlGU2QQ106peDIgkB7hldzYa3BGGi_Ca9RBoKAuuTeV9BQd_ej-1qdWR0CfIFbU0hYZ86h5dkzUG/s400/gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The workers trying to move the table full of gifts. This is right before the "Great Fall."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The girls were all dressed in their Celebration Clothes!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHewsb7iChycyowmsSt3sFLB2VvTjvS6b4V5IBWd5gWKaORY9aCF1sgM_DnCSLvmZZz0hOp_J6xxT_igx6yjBCasF-AfTT5cXwEBsloZX7ET_hTkEaz_jlGiUKimTOR6ARoOUAq4x2zR5g/s1600/honors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHewsb7iChycyowmsSt3sFLB2VvTjvS6b4V5IBWd5gWKaORY9aCF1sgM_DnCSLvmZZz0hOp_J6xxT_igx6yjBCasF-AfTT5cXwEBsloZX7ET_hTkEaz_jlGiUKimTOR6ARoOUAq4x2zR5g/s400/honors.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Girls waiting to go up to get their certificates and gifts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnxdmqhWdwwK1d0y4K-kHa9CxrZrTejyggUH1GAUDN3bgJ2S8oNyLj9FGdcHM8O8u2bn5yO-fm_su9mQ1KyaAHiKibYqIGqt-XBHAsRIAaAtpBZgaEQLfmKbzGZEMqj0RXxMvuAzLwExL/s1600/stage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnxdmqhWdwwK1d0y4K-kHa9CxrZrTejyggUH1GAUDN3bgJ2S8oNyLj9FGdcHM8O8u2bn5yO-fm_su9mQ1KyaAHiKibYqIGqt-XBHAsRIAaAtpBZgaEQLfmKbzGZEMqj0RXxMvuAzLwExL/s400/stage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are the Grade 1-4 Honor Students on stage (top 3 from each classroom)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfceamVx5IvB6C8u5D5bzjp3XAM56Wj1g4FrHlh58jr4a6S4FS0DngoN2CvQzDS2X6_6_2B-DO1JtvYusyIAamdGaAmBzr_zSfnN1iHpoeHjCyo2OVHaExALVeQccrE0_ZlCUgvmQeo87-/s1600/graduates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfceamVx5IvB6C8u5D5bzjp3XAM56Wj1g4FrHlh58jr4a6S4FS0DngoN2CvQzDS2X6_6_2B-DO1JtvYusyIAamdGaAmBzr_zSfnN1iHpoeHjCyo2OVHaExALVeQccrE0_ZlCUgvmQeo87-/s400/graduates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">5th-grade Graduates</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As the ceremony ended, teachers shot "poppers" (or confetti) on the girls and sprayed what looked like shaving cream on them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVUf_A67Bra_Kf6zGU0w9QOI_D0-aFZetNTk2hFUM1kZHl3IF3FhwRgi7MHf9dv6cMQg8p_dAwK3seXBdCjQKhYCfJ6t7W5IBTbNmR9zreXiLzJIiBzJqpZByMjEUG4l6_nepV9z_TmdZ/s1600/poppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVUf_A67Bra_Kf6zGU0w9QOI_D0-aFZetNTk2hFUM1kZHl3IF3FhwRgi7MHf9dv6cMQg8p_dAwK3seXBdCjQKhYCfJ6t7W5IBTbNmR9zreXiLzJIiBzJqpZByMjEUG4l6_nepV9z_TmdZ/s400/poppers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Poppers going off!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H7a3FwwygUWJgT9ekT7tW6ZEeCp1AgEA4_pjPlhyphenhyphen3P0gjiVPRIvCeGtgLlSwu_iZoCkOrnq7tj6hX34GXd-_TfANbGlWvbWkk7D5Sh1DWISwXJHVwK6tgC9V_ukjRz9Q8dDnXzWP8eT_/s1600/3+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H7a3FwwygUWJgT9ekT7tW6ZEeCp1AgEA4_pjPlhyphenhyphen3P0gjiVPRIvCeGtgLlSwu_iZoCkOrnq7tj6hX34GXd-_TfANbGlWvbWkk7D5Sh1DWISwXJHVwK6tgC9V_ukjRz9Q8dDnXzWP8eT_/s400/3+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are 3 of my top 6 students. These girls were SO wonderful this year!! I know they will go on to be excellent students!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB1xzDzfdKiXcB-o2vyDAiZFV57HWlbU0D20a-j1-liIqBK1nfswH8PVLa725rFY6SbcjEj9EnnzxPL2C7owx8gmN0izi2nNix6rCmNeNaeQqVPB9NIIm5jdbrusxOgHGqim5X3cxkpGJ/s1600/roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB1xzDzfdKiXcB-o2vyDAiZFV57HWlbU0D20a-j1-liIqBK1nfswH8PVLa725rFY6SbcjEj9EnnzxPL2C7owx8gmN0izi2nNix6rCmNeNaeQqVPB9NIIm5jdbrusxOgHGqim5X3cxkpGJ/s400/roses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the graduation, Malak presented me with roses. She's such a sweetheart!!</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjdKzBzL3zO1e1jxuMWNzk9OR6Ns_XOxyB7nnJQCKnztj2RMCWuZ2Hzp86OP-XrTqv6zV7Q_J81t8FpQVpPRgBVwzAE8mo2qLNC5HbGOmdDSansgC8C-MpHWKxHc3scpXCXJJEtq45CsXJp/s1600/roses+for+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKzBzL3zO1e1jxuMWNzk9OR6Ns_XOxyB7nnJQCKnztj2RMCWuZ2Hzp86OP-XrTqv6zV7Q_J81t8FpQVpPRgBVwzAE8mo2qLNC5HbGOmdDSansgC8C-MpHWKxHc3scpXCXJJEtq45CsXJp/s400/roses+for+kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went home and presented the roses to Kim for Father's Day--LOL!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Kim also had a visit from the Grandpuppy for Father's Day.....Oh, and Cory and Heather came too! LOL!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNIDsX7QNu-lIvHWoHyhve92knnK2bU_67kO322bPfzkXxRi8AJcn_zoaWSD82qFCIXhoNRaPOtcB80rStSRh9OrpWFsYqQDhGu3rJu4R8mCWfvZ3vR3u2Tediq5fKWfiaSVfP1K7kfHV/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNIDsX7QNu-lIvHWoHyhve92knnK2bU_67kO322bPfzkXxRi8AJcn_zoaWSD82qFCIXhoNRaPOtcB80rStSRh9OrpWFsYqQDhGu3rJu4R8mCWfvZ3vR3u2Tediq5fKWfiaSVfP1K7kfHV/s400/lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was "back to the lake" for Blue!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5sKKN6YYKynSxbdk3wiMgIYtVr69spdcKsnFCyjLVfynQcy4vrssJeCXgrmrYNk6epcNMhkDnmdgIWhEEY58EE-ctpt_e2-M6X9PvM1lwXhae3D-CB3tt3lKQT0Zh1KmZv1vk2Bp0d6z/s1600/lake+Cory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5sKKN6YYKynSxbdk3wiMgIYtVr69spdcKsnFCyjLVfynQcy4vrssJeCXgrmrYNk6epcNMhkDnmdgIWhEEY58EE-ctpt_e2-M6X9PvM1lwXhae3D-CB3tt3lKQT0Zh1KmZv1vk2Bp0d6z/s400/lake+Cory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best stick-thrower award for Cory</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYAaItdQYWlunVsQ7s98_anlE6ZkNepa_E4kg4ZY9PrVkRMGeIVuRPHBjqH0xcBgb9y2e5JKs7oQTOUkDjJK2I4OjBvQlLD64U5bnxhPdspgAT8c6ziyuKQplb-vCDkafZ17gzKeg6o9q/s1600/lake+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYAaItdQYWlunVsQ7s98_anlE6ZkNepa_E4kg4ZY9PrVkRMGeIVuRPHBjqH0xcBgb9y2e5JKs7oQTOUkDjJK2I4OjBvQlLD64U5bnxhPdspgAT8c6ziyuKQplb-vCDkafZ17gzKeg6o9q/s400/lake+dog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Come on, Daddy, Where's my stick??!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl-jaiWjhnDSTJaSuRbhsufXDrbKcEIuh0s3Vnm3-nw369IEMakr6LXPWY4Dg8cIMtHLANgHnwz8miKcy565qVkcz23FRLjcykJoroG1PwrMa5mEnXqdItxKbCn3tgk4j5FKJQIubDZMR/s1600/gift+for+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl-jaiWjhnDSTJaSuRbhsufXDrbKcEIuh0s3Vnm3-nw369IEMakr6LXPWY4Dg8cIMtHLANgHnwz8miKcy565qVkcz23FRLjcykJoroG1PwrMa5mEnXqdItxKbCn3tgk4j5FKJQIubDZMR/s400/gift+for+blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, Blue got a banana toy, hamburger toy, and squeaky toy surprise from the mall!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-45547106971767323812011-06-15T20:24:00.000-07:002011-06-15T20:24:11.023-07:00Lunar Eclipse: June 15, 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was excited last night to see the total eclipse of the moon......hmmm.....sounds like a song--ha-ha!! I had read that it would be one of the two longest lunar eclipses of this century, with the longest one happening in 2018. Just in case....thought I'd try to see it.<br />
I went to bed fairly early (since I've been up at 3:00 a.m. the past two days!), so I planned to wake up before midnight. The best viewing time was between 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. It really was a sight to see!! <br />
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As you can see on the map, we are in a prime viewing location!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcaHtkqNZqedhTUeofO-8L3ILIfcXQq6au6-eWtWhLEyLc3R79VQxKq9c4fXgmTQbYgYT7YVEDwAOGQiKikvohwdFokokE1DHKd03GwfAH6Q9uym3hQvKgHR-21gmF1Gc7SSnbaksBoL3/s1600/map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcaHtkqNZqedhTUeofO-8L3ILIfcXQq6au6-eWtWhLEyLc3R79VQxKq9c4fXgmTQbYgYT7YVEDwAOGQiKikvohwdFokokE1DHKd03GwfAH6Q9uym3hQvKgHR-21gmF1Gc7SSnbaksBoL3/s640/map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I was reading up on why the moon appears to be so red. The earth's atmosphere filters out most of the blue colored light, leaving orange and red colors visible to our eyes. Pollution and particles in the atmosphere make the moon look an even darker shade of red. The eclipse is caused by the earth lining up between the sun and the moon. Earth blocks the sun's rays and casts a shadow on the moon.<br />
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My camera is not equipped with enough strength to take pictures with as much detail as I'd like, but Kim and I did snap off a few decent photos. The red color was beautiful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlw6rgJxnIP2ioPe1FPwvI7BA5VyPCsvXMgYe6GSm8G3SQNSdTkuwhZd4RYD_eR7gCJ3xCc9Qh48SBqnFgY7spUoTxbI8mdi7Wna-h9TE2fjEKD1vKEJfylq67lL3C_oCiSDQBjHyMiFM/s1600/eclipse+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlw6rgJxnIP2ioPe1FPwvI7BA5VyPCsvXMgYe6GSm8G3SQNSdTkuwhZd4RYD_eR7gCJ3xCc9Qh48SBqnFgY7spUoTxbI8mdi7Wna-h9TE2fjEKD1vKEJfylq67lL3C_oCiSDQBjHyMiFM/s400/eclipse+kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Partial eclipse: This was Kim's version of taking a photo through the sliding glass doors....thus, the reflection....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgR-zXyk5CrnR9y7_BaUmFR7MU4klrD_nyE6tOGVbKvAwQhknW74g6vvnBbNjyIiWYUNWlfZksBxtQtKDX3hFfgF4slTFWe7DrGZu9Hx_0PXIcG1ok9VFqhr5mCSKVgzMLUd1rz-KNT2j/s1600/eclipse+lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgR-zXyk5CrnR9y7_BaUmFR7MU4klrD_nyE6tOGVbKvAwQhknW74g6vvnBbNjyIiWYUNWlfZksBxtQtKDX3hFfgF4slTFWe7DrGZu9Hx_0PXIcG1ok9VFqhr5mCSKVgzMLUd1rz-KNT2j/s400/eclipse+lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was not a very clear shot of the moon, but the stars were gorgeous. I don't think they show up well in this reduced resolution photo (reduced so I can upload to the blog).</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo79DUzVIIE5JIL_Z7_z15Cfue-P_sdjmjuZS_-l4wcS7A-CHpe3nspNZKLv3s5AV7sdu5KpNO5aWWa_6lidrSdoock9AcRxS0r7VKpW2GlDQ04vh5oWKxqcBGRYriJKtkUywRcf1qmlB/s1600/eclipse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo79DUzVIIE5JIL_Z7_z15Cfue-P_sdjmjuZS_-l4wcS7A-CHpe3nspNZKLv3s5AV7sdu5KpNO5aWWa_6lidrSdoock9AcRxS0r7VKpW2GlDQ04vh5oWKxqcBGRYriJKtkUywRcf1qmlB/s400/eclipse1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPknbt3JoFtwEZk6Y0HZNCoHveGjrhMBHWbxiAw03q6ro-VKZIVLS8iqGXey75SHhGx1WM0r8oRq_XTyCvh_0vdrVfwHlM1V5BEYoMirBsm3K1v7FcfevnQQktmLOzij1H5oF4FeSyh-y/s1600/eclipse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPknbt3JoFtwEZk6Y0HZNCoHveGjrhMBHWbxiAw03q6ro-VKZIVLS8iqGXey75SHhGx1WM0r8oRq_XTyCvh_0vdrVfwHlM1V5BEYoMirBsm3K1v7FcfevnQQktmLOzij1H5oF4FeSyh-y/s400/eclipse2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgACnhGGcG2O3UAtFaBHfBy8KazokhGF6giKN9lIQiS2aJoemdukdhdmH-s6y2S7SOgO5OdSpv1V_auC2mENvkIX52WNd4jIrhyy-Zk0ktpudtgrFmNgK-O-FTUPkxX1PU9SpMRJ8NqMx/s1600/red+eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgACnhGGcG2O3UAtFaBHfBy8KazokhGF6giKN9lIQiS2aJoemdukdhdmH-s6y2S7SOgO5OdSpv1V_auC2mENvkIX52WNd4jIrhyy-Zk0ktpudtgrFmNgK-O-FTUPkxX1PU9SpMRJ8NqMx/s400/red+eclipse.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one is not my photo! I couldn't capture the bright red color with my camera....so I cheated! :)</span></td></tr>
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I was interested in how the eclipse is perceived over in this part of the world. In our local paper, it said <br />
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<em>"In Islam, though no superstition is associated with the eclipse, Muslims do offer prayer at the time of the eclipse, storms, and any natural phenomenon that can horrify human beings," said Hassan Ahmad Al Hariri, president of Dubai Astronomy Group.</em><br />
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It was also intriguing to see how many children were riding their bikes and scooters around on the sidewalks at that hour of the night! Not too many parents or nannies to be seen, but lots of little kiddos! Guess they're taking advantage of school being out for many of them. Or maybe it's just because of the eclipse. I guess we'll find out if this will be a regular nightly excursion for them over the next few nights....stay tuned.....<br />
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-59004567722330656752011-06-12T07:57:00.000-07:002011-06-13T04:14:52.864-07:00Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This weekend, for Heather's birthday, we headed to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the northern emirates. They call it the "Wild West" of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has mountains, dunes, and of particular interest to me, a 40 km beach!<br />
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The hotel we stayed in, the Al Hamra Fort Hotel, resembles a fort and is constructed like an Arabic Village with an Arabian Nights theme. It is a huge complex, so just checking in required a golf cart ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lEcMzP_V85eBHjsB9Qp62V3eU5MzL9v18CTttPS6QpDvI1RsjwI73vcl-v0LQ5UIUcwkJnOBrQ7bsUkDqV7snLCN1Ll52wGW0rEh093XTeGPqwVkpqC0Aa349AR7aAyiIv6niElcHmS1/s1600/golfcart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lEcMzP_V85eBHjsB9Qp62V3eU5MzL9v18CTttPS6QpDvI1RsjwI73vcl-v0LQ5UIUcwkJnOBrQ7bsUkDqV7snLCN1Ll52wGW0rEh093XTeGPqwVkpqC0Aa349AR7aAyiIv6niElcHmS1/s400/golfcart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Time to check in....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TP6EbU-nOLUPn6xwTD1N8U1Q8vOmq8RXsvaAMK6cGo3OU-MiXrJMAOrCqu-k5wOVrF9ryCxC9xbwht8FHskAWdlQcqnLsjH5ko_1ttVE01SQRIK1QGIzhwTlwskUgwgXSPS2NxFbJNVj/s1600/kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TP6EbU-nOLUPn6xwTD1N8U1Q8vOmq8RXsvaAMK6cGo3OU-MiXrJMAOrCqu-k5wOVrF9ryCxC9xbwht8FHskAWdlQcqnLsjH5ko_1ttVE01SQRIK1QGIzhwTlwskUgwgXSPS2NxFbJNVj/s400/kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kim checks out the digs...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H8O-Hypkj5gsMsuKXhgVqqI-Gx5WcvfO-jAM5m28mDT5A0PBwIVGzkZV-uHkF5cOB6iy7CeeYWcwyRRO1uTpLdOtVp3fV6Nu1ujq3HoEm7KXYWmp1Ne-RwcGHmRHZKK07Yue-XYp6riW/s1600/villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H8O-Hypkj5gsMsuKXhgVqqI-Gx5WcvfO-jAM5m28mDT5A0PBwIVGzkZV-uHkF5cOB6iy7CeeYWcwyRRO1uTpLdOtVp3fV6Nu1ujq3HoEm7KXYWmp1Ne-RwcGHmRHZKK07Yue-XYp6riW/s400/villa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our villa on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It also has a gorgeous beach with a natural lagoon. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireidl0XrjOXSq1qrJ9ZyWWn0Jn_JdFoaSw3Cvmhpvi7G1GSYSvGBPBqHuwE29jFhsoFtnDgaSlttq6UA0S9_Ix2-o4I3Xg0X1Vcpp9LO_cmnjYQlIVpZEMfLGsoCMNTZ363f3Uve1jVWD/s1600/beach+villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireidl0XrjOXSq1qrJ9ZyWWn0Jn_JdFoaSw3Cvmhpvi7G1GSYSvGBPBqHuwE29jFhsoFtnDgaSlttq6UA0S9_Ix2-o4I3Xg0X1Vcpp9LO_cmnjYQlIVpZEMfLGsoCMNTZ363f3Uve1jVWD/s400/beach+villa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">View from the beach looking at our villa</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hm39Q5jqSSjk3TSXeU-sunOU59QU-S9PQax6KTTvkuDe3obyjz4ajW8sZubbqw7swr1vOTYiCGE15tPzT2p1A3WO3t9ChUEbxhfv8dDPQSvETvR_ysBr4c0eI9_CJFgPFB_l4k_FOF1E/s1600/lagoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hm39Q5jqSSjk3TSXeU-sunOU59QU-S9PQax6KTTvkuDe3obyjz4ajW8sZubbqw7swr1vOTYiCGE15tPzT2p1A3WO3t9ChUEbxhfv8dDPQSvETvR_ysBr4c0eI9_CJFgPFB_l4k_FOF1E/s400/lagoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lagoon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We took a birthday cake decorated with penguins....inside joke..... Kim packed frozen water bottles all around it, trying to keep it cool enough for the trip there. It worked!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5gKnrtZ-hbxTTirJxkGWN0HNfzWEDuOA8qabxO9zWDccZtigI6RQwMdCmmaghotVIYxk4UqxjGjEYKxNV1FAi087SScmKsmN-DoyX4gMcgEZgLjkc_eG4nxSp3dB5c6vo1DqGQE995qX/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5gKnrtZ-hbxTTirJxkGWN0HNfzWEDuOA8qabxO9zWDccZtigI6RQwMdCmmaghotVIYxk4UqxjGjEYKxNV1FAi087SScmKsmN-DoyX4gMcgEZgLjkc_eG4nxSp3dB5c6vo1DqGQE995qX/s400/birthday+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Birthday to Heather!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTscOLmyrRd2avoaxwv1NlkRINVKcj2NNfHiynvgO8VEbZRVCh_Xc7IytuYKhwwsvnhZVE9gJpUq96c1BS6FvSyF05sdnyPZBEKThDt4KOm8HS_djGNe4NyA1eyrpMiQQgvMUb4_Mn4kBe/s1600/cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTscOLmyrRd2avoaxwv1NlkRINVKcj2NNfHiynvgO8VEbZRVCh_Xc7IytuYKhwwsvnhZVE9gJpUq96c1BS6FvSyF05sdnyPZBEKThDt4KOm8HS_djGNe4NyA1eyrpMiQQgvMUb4_Mn4kBe/s400/cake2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Before......</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrD5fn1iteLadgtYnzgLTSjpG5zyZ4IsZ16GViKjGQftntLVoxd1lS2QmaeY02XfJJg8n2en-Y105ktw0tjo6g87gY_CKli7m00_XeFlqsVU80QgTYT7r7MLq2moCPxn_G8c5r1VcwCrN/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrD5fn1iteLadgtYnzgLTSjpG5zyZ4IsZ16GViKjGQftntLVoxd1lS2QmaeY02XfJJg8n2en-Y105ktw0tjo6g87gY_CKli7m00_XeFlqsVU80QgTYT7r7MLq2moCPxn_G8c5r1VcwCrN/s400/cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...and After</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jGSo3elEg-Tt4OBOY-rChqBBYph4P4_m_U1e_p7i9bM_bZqQSvTlV1DO66_2-xWDLR5aQD6z7TKKMI6x757w5OEcLEc95mg5PVM5Ko0g1S62LZp3zLB3yPyBMfnYXS-DUpRiD4DRUCZF/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jGSo3elEg-Tt4OBOY-rChqBBYph4P4_m_U1e_p7i9bM_bZqQSvTlV1DO66_2-xWDLR5aQD6z7TKKMI6x757w5OEcLEc95mg5PVM5Ko0g1S62LZp3zLB3yPyBMfnYXS-DUpRiD4DRUCZF/s400/beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beach--gorgeous!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Heather had warned us about the jellyfish in the water! Fortunately, they were BRIGHT blue and easy to spot. Of course, Kim and Cory thought it was hilarious to keep touching our legs, making us think a jellyfish had us! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc5AHb4w_XeGTzHQLFiVpWhI_Mdo7S8X4rP1JA5A370Vx1P5vygDxrsK0_Q1zRRUC-piueHG7brNX_g5HwuRogApJAien5vrZZLObd9sVIx_KTphcjDe1laoyUq1oZxMwwxwxoZ3hWE5K/s1600/a+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc5AHb4w_XeGTzHQLFiVpWhI_Mdo7S8X4rP1JA5A370Vx1P5vygDxrsK0_Q1zRRUC-piueHG7brNX_g5HwuRogApJAien5vrZZLObd9sVIx_KTphcjDe1laoyUq1oZxMwwxwxoZ3hWE5K/s400/a+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Warning sign....uh....they're BLUE, not RED!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEy7gAUAEU-DMn43GpZfSTcpRObZcYSFEiL_vWjwe05RmWgdhaXfZoMVbnFvoTqFHopCjSjHsHhNqcy6x6xJxJ3bgF45-uMLdn52LWe73h7534ew_erPY9rkDSKDp8iyG6OmFUb5wTQqh/s1600/blue+jellyfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEy7gAUAEU-DMn43GpZfSTcpRObZcYSFEiL_vWjwe05RmWgdhaXfZoMVbnFvoTqFHopCjSjHsHhNqcy6x6xJxJ3bgF45-uMLdn52LWe73h7534ew_erPY9rkDSKDp8iyG6OmFUb5wTQqh/s400/blue+jellyfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The only good jellyfish is a DEAD jellyfish!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCROwuZF0GAQfQ5lmjjruoD0P4x1dOie3kV-W71UBvxLC0TtXeQuW-OZp03LjRdj7UesT7HPYMqGaWF144Iscbd7BBLHicJbbz5JDDQmiu-u8pz6VIelgPyg7Swsuje_P6Y0Qy-SrA_kn/s1600/jellyfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCROwuZF0GAQfQ5lmjjruoD0P4x1dOie3kV-W71UBvxLC0TtXeQuW-OZp03LjRdj7UesT7HPYMqGaWF144Iscbd7BBLHicJbbz5JDDQmiu-u8pz6VIelgPyg7Swsuje_P6Y0Qy-SrA_kn/s400/jellyfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ooooooh! Touched it!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We played in the water all day Friday. It was calm...and 115 degrees! That whole day we kept our eyes turret gunning, searching for the elusive jellyfish! I got so paranoid, but none of us got stung!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcYS-gogmHahuM2M12H9d0xP46upQabd3nG6KgD6qWrrtF7yqvwZgrdfqIxt_BYb7rX5XKISNtMjTwyomewsabZhDFOBZEFdF9gAyy6kTp5EFErRJnBiaH5SKofIfAqpsdd06RgGUM3Gy/s1600/pool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcYS-gogmHahuM2M12H9d0xP46upQabd3nG6KgD6qWrrtF7yqvwZgrdfqIxt_BYb7rX5XKISNtMjTwyomewsabZhDFOBZEFdF9gAyy6kTp5EFErRJnBiaH5SKofIfAqpsdd06RgGUM3Gy/s400/pool2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the pools: <br />
We ended up here for the afternoon because it was just TOO HOT on the beach!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eCv5c2DWznb8W_4JOgc1XvpCIpxreeEIAzoO6vSGfM5d0AXGjsNYH7OM-BQ6Dd6B4r9XTwCmkGxS9AfLhwYyb2lNpsVsBkuJ57lih6-IoUnEoao-BPyDDJtzSeJkGyPKZIZCY3cE4sNA/s1600/balcony+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eCv5c2DWznb8W_4JOgc1XvpCIpxreeEIAzoO6vSGfM5d0AXGjsNYH7OM-BQ6Dd6B4r9XTwCmkGxS9AfLhwYyb2lNpsVsBkuJ57lih6-IoUnEoao-BPyDDJtzSeJkGyPKZIZCY3cE4sNA/s400/balcony+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Balcony View</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhZSTjBowjFKLcXkb_R49YcVu34QOF1vIeSXNCFk5_Kla6px3kJhi51Rr65GuVTCRRELFpgMuzwjG5L-dFYj6Fq7OHXOdGcTPsrW3UiFhV1z7u7goRd0M8MtXi23X3_SnrGGiseaiu-8_vY/s1600/heather+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSTjBowjFKLcXkb_R49YcVu34QOF1vIeSXNCFk5_Kla6px3kJhi51Rr65GuVTCRRELFpgMuzwjG5L-dFYj6Fq7OHXOdGcTPsrW3UiFhV1z7u7goRd0M8MtXi23X3_SnrGGiseaiu-8_vY/s400/heather+sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Later that night we walked over to the Al Hamra Residences to check them out and see if we would be interested in coming back one weekend to stay in them. While we were inside we decided to use the restroom. After walking around for a while and not seeing one, we headed through an open door down a short hallway and saw a man coming out. I asked which one was men's and which one was women's. About that same time, I spied a room key card plugged into the electric controls......meaning this was his residence and we had just walked in on him and tried to use his bathroom!!!! We whipped around and walked out just as fast as we could, trying not to die laughing! He wasn't as amused.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cUTV106FAAwqSp75Gi7mKWNv9wSTy_Jxyz_zXL1WGsKBQFcAwx_F1Tu99c3Wee-xtbY7oMlwOLlDsa-Gen776jLPTrxEOocH3fmew432cDV-yPrcJbNpV4AuYb0aZZAHM7d6CHw2CAn5/s1600/al+hamra+residences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cUTV106FAAwqSp75Gi7mKWNv9wSTy_Jxyz_zXL1WGsKBQFcAwx_F1Tu99c3Wee-xtbY7oMlwOLlDsa-Gen776jLPTrxEOocH3fmew432cDV-yPrcJbNpV4AuYb0aZZAHM7d6CHw2CAn5/s400/al+hamra+residences.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Al Hamra Residences at night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Had a good meal at Le Chalet, where you pick out your own food and they grill it for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9ISQRN4VwFcnwUVJw47jutnJe1csmkCxdu6Zc1et57KtygjAydfIzu2JcXJOkQjoJv7woohqsRvj6tkUkSe92f7hyphenhyphenKDsJ3G84g6-envzmpkCf5sB-u1Cm1DrLhW9Sxb1n7AzJVy-B9A8/s1600/dinner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9ISQRN4VwFcnwUVJw47jutnJe1csmkCxdu6Zc1et57KtygjAydfIzu2JcXJOkQjoJv7woohqsRvj6tkUkSe92f7hyphenhyphenKDsJ3G84g6-envzmpkCf5sB-u1Cm1DrLhW9Sxb1n7AzJVy-B9A8/s400/dinner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Le Chalet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjMipuTeRnxrnAjkLiUdQzl9WELWlHsPeyxAu0wlhWfJjriGfp7FnAGg_T2kDw8maN0cv5MGsmIMs0NvPdQX9t9ipKf1RuUZ-4fs42n8T6XflWpDHSBX_Cv2TSzaqzwoh7WEQOu4P3hfPze/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMipuTeRnxrnAjkLiUdQzl9WELWlHsPeyxAu0wlhWfJjriGfp7FnAGg_T2kDw8maN0cv5MGsmIMs0NvPdQX9t9ipKf1RuUZ-4fs42n8T6XflWpDHSBX_Cv2TSzaqzwoh7WEQOu4P3hfPze/s400/dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Salad Bar....and aquarium</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We did check out a few other places....including this one that you picked out your own seafood--<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fZXwUEUpF3cWIHZU7KmTu1uz31PMCXMpjP2osWq86wximtePtqNG8YjcUugwtuZ1Y9t1QULqg8p7AwELAXlttWvCp6SSL7Y8yBIXox46BYHEAS-ABjW8BXkZElBH9MVvNmRnpoHB8cZ2/s1600/crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fZXwUEUpF3cWIHZU7KmTu1uz31PMCXMpjP2osWq86wximtePtqNG8YjcUugwtuZ1Y9t1QULqg8p7AwELAXlttWvCp6SSL7Y8yBIXox46BYHEAS-ABjW8BXkZElBH9MVvNmRnpoHB8cZ2/s400/crab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiL65NoUaSKN2i67enQNI8bQRG1sWp2u6xG25_2rykMcugzlKS1Cxd0uCnrl3Qnh8qHm2Ig9lxZHBaNX9wwryJAZYy6HnZugmKzKWnlzmRacpCWNo1SBY7gDBv2g85qVsi7y9BRnTuOyc/s1600/crab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiL65NoUaSKN2i67enQNI8bQRG1sWp2u6xG25_2rykMcugzlKS1Cxd0uCnrl3Qnh8qHm2Ig9lxZHBaNX9wwryJAZYy6HnZugmKzKWnlzmRacpCWNo1SBY7gDBv2g85qVsi7y9BRnTuOyc/s400/crab2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then, Saturday, the waves churned up and the weather turned a little cooler...106!! We heard that Tropical Cyclone Keila was heading up from the Arabian Sea, so we weren't sure if the waves were a forerunner of that storm. Because the water was so cloudy, we couldn't see the jellyfish, so we just tried to forget about them and have fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybfO88G_ic0Q0M_4Jn__uRt_tpYSMMm-DTFwuiIzwz6wZ1L83RKMmXfiynKcymCGdl-fO7PTQfC-vtf5YJkysMbVg3w3scPAgPn1gS4s-wsbiKOnj1s1G-TgZlo4d8cK83dJhGw_awD-U/s1600/wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybfO88G_ic0Q0M_4Jn__uRt_tpYSMMm-DTFwuiIzwz6wZ1L83RKMmXfiynKcymCGdl-fO7PTQfC-vtf5YJkysMbVg3w3scPAgPn1gS4s-wsbiKOnj1s1G-TgZlo4d8cK83dJhGw_awD-U/s400/wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We had the BEST time riding these waves! I lost my Georgia baseball cap, and Heather lost her sunglasses--knocked right off our heads ~ ha-ha! Kim found my cap floating in the water, but the glasses are gone-gone!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is my new favorite place in the UAE. The beach is gorgeous and it's only about a 2-hour drive!! HEAVEN!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-43165259754588193752011-05-30T09:10:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:22:14.550-07:00Dibba-Daba-Doo!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, it has been 2 weeks since our last adventure, so it must be time for another fun weekend with Heather and Cory!! This time we decided to head over to Oman, to Dibba (as it is called in the UAE), or Daba (as they call it in Oman). Dibba is a picturesque little fishing town located in the Musandam Peninsula, on the tip of Arabia.<br />
<br />
We drove over (about a 2.5 hour trip). Driving and navigating is always a "fun" experience here. You're never quite sure (even with a map) which way to go and for sure, the roads are mostly unmarked. Even when you turn onto a road and think it might possibly be the correct road, sometimes you can drive for miles before you see any signs....and then find out it's the wrong road!! Along the way, we drove through a little place called "Friday Market" and then through the Masafi mountain area. We had to go through the Omani checkpoint, but it was quick and easy. Our final leg of the journey was on a road Kim fondly (NOT) called "Mario Kart" road. It was under construction and had so many different one-way directions and speed "humps" that we were both cursing the decision that sent us that way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMtClLT_AaxWs-PZTiHC1XbaGIOL7dXPyzVXynmTcCe0-PVu48R-bUBfuM5RYZdwbrDa00WHMGdB-U7jfQ-gnsVoWxoD3G_4OA7vJvLopPyVU_peUowIIgRlptm1SWOHAekGwI3D9s7kT/s1600/sand+dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMtClLT_AaxWs-PZTiHC1XbaGIOL7dXPyzVXynmTcCe0-PVu48R-bUBfuM5RYZdwbrDa00WHMGdB-U7jfQ-gnsVoWxoD3G_4OA7vJvLopPyVU_peUowIIgRlptm1SWOHAekGwI3D9s7kT/s400/sand+dunes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traveling on one road, we encountered these "mobile" dunes (Seriously, that's what the sign says!!) They travel and take over the roads..... They don't look that bad, but when you hit the sand, it can be like driving on snow or ice. Some crazy drivers pass on these dunes, and make driving even more hazardous!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r4p3yNoxBy0bDSiP9u-WXGwE2UsoYcs3xd6IEK3NFVUN9hyphenhyphenXEA34UxH7yPI3l8-6qMgZr_6Sv-KsKy4fT9P8HFd1CKO66LobPzIkkeQ9WAvnfPS6mOJ59Bkc3eEPBKXzLpbKfFbJk9T8/s1600/dune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r4p3yNoxBy0bDSiP9u-WXGwE2UsoYcs3xd6IEK3NFVUN9hyphenhyphenXEA34UxH7yPI3l8-6qMgZr_6Sv-KsKy4fT9P8HFd1CKO66LobPzIkkeQ9WAvnfPS6mOJ59Bkc3eEPBKXzLpbKfFbJk9T8/s400/dune.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is a HUGE dune that formed up against the side of a mountain on the "mobile dune" road.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3yQHkaj8WjZE8852W7zow0iByeY93n9quw3nXrMqhn918byvyMJdKUdaYbq2GhYgMeoD_Gnr2CvH7UvqcN9rqoSJLDKNXfVLi6llViADfRvca3yNoh6hFP2Wouoa7ZmfHciKNgB5eOBn/s1600/camels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3yQHkaj8WjZE8852W7zow0iByeY93n9quw3nXrMqhn918byvyMJdKUdaYbq2GhYgMeoD_Gnr2CvH7UvqcN9rqoSJLDKNXfVLi6llViADfRvca3yNoh6hFP2Wouoa7ZmfHciKNgB5eOBn/s400/camels.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Same road: Poor camels....searching for a little cooler shade...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpT4ob9_fFhQREGAU0sdcJ650VGLqmxszt4-ed-iD3pV0Kw7IV-Fgn17SlBdvADnOEtqRPGakuojprp0jw_RsG9ItaUHdI6Uv0lmy76gZJZ6QtxesPGBe1RSZEOSt80lcE5SkEKy1-Pmf/s1600/goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpT4ob9_fFhQREGAU0sdcJ650VGLqmxszt4-ed-iD3pV0Kw7IV-Fgn17SlBdvADnOEtqRPGakuojprp0jw_RsG9ItaUHdI6Uv0lmy76gZJZ6QtxesPGBe1RSZEOSt80lcE5SkEKy1-Pmf/s400/goats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here the goats came to greet us. You can see the Gulf of Oman in the background. I don't think I can ever be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 19px;"><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">blasé</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">about seeing the beach: I get so excited every time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbtqNhQNQZLCa9doMFv7uCFIl5bmVAWfKYstD6tZnJuG5YtLX_Ygphg1g7vcfoi0kB-cHV8jm7ZP1vlgTIfywxFpYzOjmcmIqu9VJpa9CARB5VwFIOJoq75cI5Rk2VMVKsO_PQ6rBYxr/s1600/kim+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbtqNhQNQZLCa9doMFv7uCFIl5bmVAWfKYstD6tZnJuG5YtLX_Ygphg1g7vcfoi0kB-cHV8jm7ZP1vlgTIfywxFpYzOjmcmIqu9VJpa9CARB5VwFIOJoq75cI5Rk2VMVKsO_PQ6rBYxr/s400/kim+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">La Brea Beach (you know, like the Tar Pits)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kim walks along the beach at the hotel. This is just before we found out there was tar/oil on the beach. How disappointing! (That could be why we got such a good deal, right??!) When we got back from our walk, our feet were coated with black tar. You can't see it on the sand. It's just below the surface, but it sticks to anything it touches!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvx-9SFqWy0ChyphenhyphenHjgJO0gMM3mjrbabgb8S6Gza9yZNmUNDjBRYKvJybJ0taZd3OomecKJTnZQw1Cah-6M3VtMbhuTDd5RrKFrK0s6PZUqF1Jvu1sxXu1RVRg_U3-p-xa69-_AX_ieaBuG/s1600/hotel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvx-9SFqWy0ChyphenhyphenHjgJO0gMM3mjrbabgb8S6Gza9yZNmUNDjBRYKvJybJ0taZd3OomecKJTnZQw1Cah-6M3VtMbhuTDd5RrKFrK0s6PZUqF1Jvu1sxXu1RVRg_U3-p-xa69-_AX_ieaBuG/s400/hotel3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our deck, overlooking the pool and Gulf. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievQOrfzoKmphnJnSPKBShLWaRT7qMeV_TLsueJcPVyY7tdLJU6DGS0nVgQQiEI2i4JS2TAaTZzTnYRD1RFh4LnmCcpRnNsPTQ98Id3on2IBhDF_zgH5UTVMqQKB95lBpudAOYW8HyYEEO/s1600/hotel+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievQOrfzoKmphnJnSPKBShLWaRT7qMeV_TLsueJcPVyY7tdLJU6DGS0nVgQQiEI2i4JS2TAaTZzTnYRD1RFh4LnmCcpRnNsPTQ98Id3on2IBhDF_zgH5UTVMqQKB95lBpudAOYW8HyYEEO/s400/hotel+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the Gulf, looking back at our hotel, nestled at the foothills of the mountains.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT8GU1oNYrX48bxzPpg4FVqYHWhreRo5qEEzz9WPZ5ASzZT6W3x23_D_DwdWHBppaiIT__6EI-oIxAZV2jYGa7LHIGAN8rp-2O7YHPjx0pGNFtMuMwqJ7MDJC863XeR3vwUUGUm3oq6Hx/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT8GU1oNYrX48bxzPpg4FVqYHWhreRo5qEEzz9WPZ5ASzZT6W3x23_D_DwdWHBppaiIT__6EI-oIxAZV2jYGa7LHIGAN8rp-2O7YHPjx0pGNFtMuMwqJ7MDJC863XeR3vwUUGUm3oq6Hx/s400/sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunrise over the Gulf</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLZbNI0ldoUdRe84r9deG576ec-PD3G4wXR4XNsqPJbTykNBbD-nRh5cYdm200JOtUOA3z_TXEZTXcPvl__DNkiGojnhTiAmSD3xSZ6gLjKwV43fC6mfGfWY1oxU6i1S9h_XWkIHkINaU/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLZbNI0ldoUdRe84r9deG576ec-PD3G4wXR4XNsqPJbTykNBbD-nRh5cYdm200JOtUOA3z_TXEZTXcPvl__DNkiGojnhTiAmSD3xSZ6gLjKwV43fC6mfGfWY1oxU6i1S9h_XWkIHkINaU/s400/breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim was so excited to get a full breakfast.....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">uh-oh....the bacon and sausage was beef jerky and hotdogs--ha-ha!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day, we decided to take a dhow cruise along the coast of Musandam. Along the way we could see the white, salty mountains and beautiful carved caves. We ended up anchored inside a fjord at a deserted village, named Haffa. These little inlets in Musandam give it the nickname of "Norway of the Middle East" because they resemble the fjords of Norway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUyHin9Iq9LaZsydF37aUNajMcbUQLBu-AMYS8wPOW9DySOgBKZrOqiJSt4TxEhJYaEwQ4zP5I0Iz9is1up0GAasP6qD5IkqPtwkhTF7Pa11n-WRj1DaBGGYY-pX2UEd_entgiQHm7bi_/s1600/dhow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUyHin9Iq9LaZsydF37aUNajMcbUQLBu-AMYS8wPOW9DySOgBKZrOqiJSt4TxEhJYaEwQ4zP5I0Iz9is1up0GAasP6qD5IkqPtwkhTF7Pa11n-WRj1DaBGGYY-pX2UEd_entgiQHm7bi_/s400/dhow2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here we are loading onto the Dhow--not yet aware of just how rough the waves will be!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlNAg2eKHogh4l_EhtTTb1sf1qTTZl603NbCoDFoIag2naoe9hE-rrKIzY2R-BM8cjNprABUrpGAY_3rMiO950av68IFFZ5rtZKqR1XKMjPRI2Rz40JQ7ysOoXx-s5qISdQfvVBDIinqA/s1600/dhow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlNAg2eKHogh4l_EhtTTb1sf1qTTZl603NbCoDFoIag2naoe9hE-rrKIzY2R-BM8cjNprABUrpGAY_3rMiO950av68IFFZ5rtZKqR1XKMjPRI2Rz40JQ7ysOoXx-s5qISdQfvVBDIinqA/s400/dhow3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kim and Heather get ready for "take-off." We're sitting under a canvas shade on Bedouin style pillows and carpets, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">à la</span></em><em style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </em></span>Sindbad the Sailor.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRwEfADq0aqkeV-uKT3dhnnNkDyihjXZuON0knIPvMNoE4ZjQ9DxPpF2GLkIHSuZ9lgv6bSgIu5JSk2UTdV14Y8IdPMBCV7le_8qXvTsdSX8HyfhDBBnMIP-f6EjrwUrqf6-0TmiGIzH9/s1600/sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRwEfADq0aqkeV-uKT3dhnnNkDyihjXZuON0knIPvMNoE4ZjQ9DxPpF2GLkIHSuZ9lgv6bSgIu5JSk2UTdV14Y8IdPMBCV7le_8qXvTsdSX8HyfhDBBnMIP-f6EjrwUrqf6-0TmiGIzH9/s400/sick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">30 minutes later, the only one still smiling is Cory. Even the hardiest of us were just barely holding on! For some reason, the dhow captain took the waves side on, so we rolled side to side as well as front to back. The wooden dhow was creaking and weaving like a drunk sailor....ha-ha!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLVaZtiG_vDPH4p3RHZ3S5hHVF_xD7QdZy6CdRbE9kvCOq5dtxQF6jc9x1BGy9YLKogqueJJmMLN2ZV5z0EiKSq5AixkGV-GLlCS2wxV6KZqoMKF5fe_U7-Qt-awcFbiZVVSIsE1uyjq_/s1600/cory+crawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLVaZtiG_vDPH4p3RHZ3S5hHVF_xD7QdZy6CdRbE9kvCOq5dtxQF6jc9x1BGy9YLKogqueJJmMLN2ZV5z0EiKSq5AixkGV-GLlCS2wxV6KZqoMKF5fe_U7-Qt-awcFbiZVVSIsE1uyjq_/s400/cory+crawl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was Cory crawling to the stairs so he could get us some seasick pills. Everyone who tried to stand ended up falling down...HARD! He was our HERO!! When he came back with a packet of pills, all the people around us were desperate to have some.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8eyyCBibAiDiHaDFTMxj_gQYhGlaLSMY1BslULY7vzc6YnNE951OyF1GfoMfwi6Y_OYirxsBIH_Fs7SmN00IZMFkO5pw7ZdPIcWU4aWD-8MF37-yhx5sa2H1iIg8FdisUEjNcErOsaIt/s1600/cory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8eyyCBibAiDiHaDFTMxj_gQYhGlaLSMY1BslULY7vzc6YnNE951OyF1GfoMfwi6Y_OYirxsBIH_Fs7SmN00IZMFkO5pw7ZdPIcWU4aWD-8MF37-yhx5sa2H1iIg8FdisUEjNcErOsaIt/s400/cory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cory's excited we are finally about to head into the fjord, which means NO MORE ROCKING WAVES!! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEgb2OLGGWUtKyWDz19GXbR2eaghe2hhzAPjCcZDFiuacr7Edx93TKURFjqSIbnqZulBzX_oQo6XBtM8yfcSjTI9rgATYlQOxg03IF025qMUaYCRYf5TiPO344oJLC2pUbeiBDDabccc_HiU/s1600/dhow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2OLGGWUtKyWDz19GXbR2eaghe2hhzAPjCcZDFiuacr7Edx93TKURFjqSIbnqZulBzX_oQo6XBtM8yfcSjTI9rgATYlQOxg03IF025qMUaYCRYf5TiPO344oJLC2pUbeiBDDabccc_HiU/s400/dhow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dhow on the water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbFTYwlWwI_e1OIembVnPcdrn1bmaEbr5GAVBzL-jl47LaZ4jwryVGfgg6ZEaOvjihf76Mpd83Pfi9kMG32HgYhWPPcS7xHzHY_7r8nPqS9gLa4kQq3uLeU8kKgMd0-vdGCZELKFRjbDR/s1600/fjord+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbFTYwlWwI_e1OIembVnPcdrn1bmaEbr5GAVBzL-jl47LaZ4jwryVGfgg6ZEaOvjihf76Mpd83Pfi9kMG32HgYhWPPcS7xHzHY_7r8nPqS9gLa4kQq3uLeU8kKgMd0-vdGCZELKFRjbDR/s400/fjord+overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking down into the Gulf</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8Br7gLE9qwvjJJcCr3mdRSdgQqDkCb6e1MPBXD5wJdlJbehMa3z9fU2sy-9u_qjPn7CV6vnLmLyAsRvcqxp2lPMvar354ibHADwelPRpHRN6EqaqPWR_qScrX0AWHORVWJEPHRyBLPXP/s1600/fjord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8Br7gLE9qwvjJJcCr3mdRSdgQqDkCb6e1MPBXD5wJdlJbehMa3z9fU2sy-9u_qjPn7CV6vnLmLyAsRvcqxp2lPMvar354ibHADwelPRpHRN6EqaqPWR_qScrX0AWHORVWJEPHRyBLPXP/s400/fjord.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The color of the water in the fjord </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAElUTWrzB7r96pzJKBUyuKULy3_ljKKiZtYFcp3JcvNT70bHsdHdRc5Uv96LKZvK1xwuoA38UWZwqfszK3lea0YuWev83K2KWFE_WRe9Nkxu_HbshCWloxqUvtg_Yqg28pGxeDGTfgm8T/s1600/limestone+fjord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAElUTWrzB7r96pzJKBUyuKULy3_ljKKiZtYFcp3JcvNT70bHsdHdRc5Uv96LKZvK1xwuoA38UWZwqfszK3lea0YuWev83K2KWFE_WRe9Nkxu_HbshCWloxqUvtg_Yqg28pGxeDGTfgm8T/s400/limestone+fjord.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The naturally carved limestone cliffs were truly breathtaking against the turquoise water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14JlDdUeyVDXow2Am4xPvm7n06Zd-jDwPKdiZ_qp0Se9Z_jQ7nejKDLmxfKyUkyBSSXr1LHX6pP4W3OATyVUzt9xafDWguapfPlQGHSSP0eAe7luu_PVr0wwiPP4IHfUpmhoiIEc339FQ/s1600/fjord2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14JlDdUeyVDXow2Am4xPvm7n06Zd-jDwPKdiZ_qp0Se9Z_jQ7nejKDLmxfKyUkyBSSXr1LHX6pP4W3OATyVUzt9xafDWguapfPlQGHSSP0eAe7luu_PVr0wwiPP4IHfUpmhoiIEc339FQ/s400/fjord2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking back out of the fjord into the big water and the mountains</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIDZVnKaFDISB0Q81WVVslR58STNvWt_OJWuN4YEsrTKxB7k4DaUUhwzhIXO49LnJg1Y7a7aBAc4ZkGN8E76Ag3b64j6nNBpKkbgotTDDS_OpnERA-0vrZMnrOmJl9knR6y2BTh7K9YaB/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIDZVnKaFDISB0Q81WVVslR58STNvWt_OJWuN4YEsrTKxB7k4DaUUhwzhIXO49LnJg1Y7a7aBAc4ZkGN8E76Ag3b64j6nNBpKkbgotTDDS_OpnERA-0vrZMnrOmJl9knR6y2BTh7K9YaB/s400/kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aren't they cute? And happy, now that the boat was anchored!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The snorkeling was disappointing. I learned that in 2008 there was an algal bloom near Dibba, which destroyed 95 % of the coral reefs. The reefs looked really bad. We heard the snorkeling is much better in other areas of Oman, so we'll try out some of those another time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1__mSOhYENBQsne7frW54g9vdUI6W79-ctCuHDHU0To3w1MsAG7Zn5KkCOXKhHHTzqOqfGj7Cjj1sQ9JKH9i_Sp1lx1TuksfF7Xr7_6hb5EbjVVZodVQmxanegd88dtKLE6qLmJ4IyUq/s1600/dhow+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1__mSOhYENBQsne7frW54g9vdUI6W79-ctCuHDHU0To3w1MsAG7Zn5KkCOXKhHHTzqOqfGj7Cjj1sQ9JKH9i_Sp1lx1TuksfF7Xr7_6hb5EbjVVZodVQmxanegd88dtKLE6qLmJ4IyUq/s400/dhow+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking over the boat's rail at the shore: this was truly beautiful country!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgGzSRBqrWcqTMt_kZKoxMykwx-zGP8-SoDYfXDht6Tbr6SxIxNoVAqXHGHIp6-3MPE0NBb7Nak3VWYRnRY4lHpS13bpH-dZB8nPRcSVToaSHaKjeYeCg2ITLUAxuiQr2EIIlruVOiU46/s1600/lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgGzSRBqrWcqTMt_kZKoxMykwx-zGP8-SoDYfXDht6Tbr6SxIxNoVAqXHGHIp6-3MPE0NBb7Nak3VWYRnRY4lHpS13bpH-dZB8nPRcSVToaSHaKjeYeCg2ITLUAxuiQr2EIIlruVOiU46/s400/lynn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just before swimming </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Par for the course, there were no instructions. We had no idea how long we would be snorkeling, whether we were taking a boat to the beach or fishing (which was part of the deal), how to get in/out of the water, what to do if we needed help, etc. Apparently we were just supposed to "jump" off the side of the boat--ha-ha! When we did leave to head back home, the dhow had to stop after about 10 minutes and wait for a small boat to pull alongside to pass off some people who were apparently left behind......go figure!!</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMrjduvNnfX58vmfd4RwfxIQLgVEGRNBh6TELV7DHjrE028NBqqlRKQvnrWsTJT5W1WQwq0PuipOX9E5yVtA8EnrUaHvNkS6E1ryf_rjlYxN26OQT0_U8aKAIRIrDTygT1hXaLJnfYmgI/s1600/shells+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMrjduvNnfX58vmfd4RwfxIQLgVEGRNBh6TELV7DHjrE028NBqqlRKQvnrWsTJT5W1WQwq0PuipOX9E5yVtA8EnrUaHvNkS6E1ryf_rjlYxN26OQT0_U8aKAIRIrDTygT1hXaLJnfYmgI/s400/shells+on+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shells on the beach at the hotel. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Heather and I each sacrificed a pair of Old Navy flip-flops so we could walk on the tar beach. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have quite a nice collection of shells and coral now from various beaches.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLhhpkt8BiR_qWukEeAhFqZPT_fpkUMFjE4qteL_et6VBBq83unWVLaqdTxnwoVp2ejS_2xZoQ4aWRTzoWHgPjFq_mQTD-h81gybgOYk18aYrVxjX8RNPJM-DWs1qHnyZE_-SzzRyqc7v/s1600/starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLhhpkt8BiR_qWukEeAhFqZPT_fpkUMFjE4qteL_et6VBBq83unWVLaqdTxnwoVp2ejS_2xZoQ4aWRTzoWHgPjFq_mQTD-h81gybgOYk18aYrVxjX8RNPJM-DWs1qHnyZE_-SzzRyqc7v/s400/starfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lonely starfish...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26uyPEGP48qQdYN1qw8cnI8ZknDfQxMDWWoFUvJOQhsDPf4Jv-QW9F6qj4CmPNizblYmEknSnSLs16Whr-NKCcCLJpunHGmcJDsVQ_-cceMoMrHsP8ZAlePVr0SDc-3MWrq880WpKVuk1/s1600/heather+starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26uyPEGP48qQdYN1qw8cnI8ZknDfQxMDWWoFUvJOQhsDPf4Jv-QW9F6qj4CmPNizblYmEknSnSLs16Whr-NKCcCLJpunHGmcJDsVQ_-cceMoMrHsP8ZAlePVr0SDc-3MWrq880WpKVuk1/s400/heather+starfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heather "saves" him! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD75nZT8k1QsfCtxEB3sfGOEd7fl0KpcyKSNqcSpOuU4kJo5ftn9pXPC5lmAtGp8rX8TPnTd7YctdprK8nibiFu9Er6rsooAaQFw21Cm2KGCSVQ8VtJFpnNJHRSWH13D99lf4QfRge_aKM/s1600/goats+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD75nZT8k1QsfCtxEB3sfGOEd7fl0KpcyKSNqcSpOuU4kJo5ftn9pXPC5lmAtGp8rX8TPnTd7YctdprK8nibiFu9Er6rsooAaQFw21Cm2KGCSVQ8VtJFpnNJHRSWH13D99lf4QfRge_aKM/s400/goats+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Goats on the beach ~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As we walked toward them, they headed into the small opening you see on the left side. Sadly, there was lots of debris for the goats to eat. Nobody throws trash in a can. Even on our dhow cruise, people got off the boat at the end and left all their trash wherever it fell, even though there was a big trashcan right beside them!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZDdoB30G3AsqceAT1tcvn7zBf4nfc2gS5fnTpvw95OtK9N70gC26-WtJEvF9lNjYrU9IOlW6mD5LvgeW67Y8dm4KERvOm7o314YUo-4rXqHNTK47AHnVu7YW0DMbOWddRaxCH9HJeXV4/s1600/hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZDdoB30G3AsqceAT1tcvn7zBf4nfc2gS5fnTpvw95OtK9N70gC26-WtJEvF9lNjYrU9IOlW6mD5LvgeW67Y8dm4KERvOm7o314YUo-4rXqHNTK47AHnVu7YW0DMbOWddRaxCH9HJeXV4/s400/hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can just see our hotel in the distance at the foot of the mountains</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSNV62ZzVP5UQCi2Whaw9oSzDaF3ZvBq1XSLBr9vQvwF9p4_VBrdgi1LNHo_bIBf641DB21rXwUw4vaCZKw_8LkhuO7CddUV3OWmPuqRPREwwpQPym_sz5nMpZmkWbQQKlWMFq-GANi-W/s1600/jeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSNV62ZzVP5UQCi2Whaw9oSzDaF3ZvBq1XSLBr9vQvwF9p4_VBrdgi1LNHo_bIBf641DB21rXwUw4vaCZKw_8LkhuO7CddUV3OWmPuqRPREwwpQPym_sz5nMpZmkWbQQKlWMFq-GANi-W/s400/jeep.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking back at our hotel from the farthest point we walked. You can see the jeep that came roaring down the beach to check out what we were doing with the goats...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NpK6eJYJqnu2cqRQzZUznULMF6RVuZQILSrvggHUBw56z-3sD5lzO5X6RYJU6g5aE8MnbTj1HOBtJQWfLM7xdjz5KMw09R04PBJTLjDOAcM8N4uC5OP2olIUnlgEbX3D-A-0hQUYiXL/s1600/zebra+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NpK6eJYJqnu2cqRQzZUznULMF6RVuZQILSrvggHUBw56z-3sD5lzO5X6RYJU6g5aE8MnbTj1HOBtJQWfLM7xdjz5KMw09R04PBJTLjDOAcM8N4uC5OP2olIUnlgEbX3D-A-0hQUYiXL/s400/zebra+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hit the "Zebra Bar" and had a fun evening talking and catching up on the news. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hmmm....I wonder where they came up with that name....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyW42MytA5PUJ2xgaNTzUXBBw5nD7TrzQ8IbYx5R3YCohkajbqO93OrJpangvJCmarohlX2L5C2AlHldXi_lWqHBKN0gL0m0Z6xgch0WSl1CADsFmNCSbLAN3ryP0TUFye4Hc-THq1clB/s1600/gecko2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyW42MytA5PUJ2xgaNTzUXBBw5nD7TrzQ8IbYx5R3YCohkajbqO93OrJpangvJCmarohlX2L5C2AlHldXi_lWqHBKN0gL0m0Z6xgch0WSl1CADsFmNCSbLAN3ryP0TUFye4Hc-THq1clB/s400/gecko2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sitting outside one evening, Kim found this cute little gecko. He brought him to the deck, and then the little guy jumped on me. Heather was trying to snap a picture and laughing so hard because he kept running up and down and all around my shirt. Amazingly enough, when we got back to the UAE, we realized he apparently stowed away inside our wet bathing suit bag and Kim found him crawling around on our floor! Uh-oh, that means we brought a live animal across the border.....yikes!</span>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C594ftEktPSul1Zv1MFremT5638JDAxo3GWI-r9wWH7Ts0Rkf1YyVE2ASqpg1PdN2E1GMN1p2B6Jad3AgeAWAo0v1oNWt7RqOTEeGMkRbdWX2E7m7c2CyXoT1le3rwZeilVhN_y4PUxS/s1600/gecko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C594ftEktPSul1Zv1MFremT5638JDAxo3GWI-r9wWH7Ts0Rkf1YyVE2ASqpg1PdN2E1GMN1p2B6Jad3AgeAWAo0v1oNWt7RqOTEeGMkRbdWX2E7m7c2CyXoT1le3rwZeilVhN_y4PUxS/s400/gecko.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He's currently living in the lemon tree on our deck</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SbFzUIOnXFRXklTyUGTrX2OahxX2TeyjUqPqb_VAOaHpxbN89VSIiXmMhwqW_NZIqGPcygGem-iIrkzFp6rC61huUHKJ-wklDsn_NXQAZmkAomT85JpDvR4y4wCRIvU5NE9SsqklJJrd/s1600/dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SbFzUIOnXFRXklTyUGTrX2OahxX2TeyjUqPqb_VAOaHpxbN89VSIiXmMhwqW_NZIqGPcygGem-iIrkzFp6rC61huUHKJ-wklDsn_NXQAZmkAomT85JpDvR4y4wCRIvU5NE9SsqklJJrd/s400/dates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside the hotel, we saw date palms with these green bags around them. The dates are covered with bags to protect them from the birds or to keep the dates from falling to the ground (I've been told both versions).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the fun weekend, it was back to school for the final week of exams. Our "graduation" is supposed to be next week, so it will be interesting to see if the students quit coming. Not sure what to expect.... <br />
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But stay tuned for the next exciting installment of the adventures of Kim and Lynn.....<br />
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<br />
</div></div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614694242703946503.post-49091453229760467262011-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:002011-05-19T09:09:46.733-07:00Action Zone: Field Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's Thursday.....Field Trip Day!! We loaded up the buses with over 100 girls to take them to the "Action Zone," an indoor amusement park in the mall. We had requested field trips throughout the year that went along with our teaching objectives, but were never able to schedule one. Now, it's the end of the year, so we take a field trip to play games!<br />
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First, I have to say I'm impressed with the size of the area and the entertainment provided. All the malls here have these indoor places for the kids, but I've never checked one out. Today was my chance to see it all.....for a couple of hours....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYjIto0Fzfwu1JT5YmL1kqCDNK5QOjzpAWSJKUMQwXDA3DZoSs5BK1k0B02ekqSsw12k-J9YA0OtI_a4cUubFyAMRavh9scxO009-CcijpKWQcHymH0xYHdKKs5UAC99oNyhtmbvTvZ_B/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYjIto0Fzfwu1JT5YmL1kqCDNK5QOjzpAWSJKUMQwXDA3DZoSs5BK1k0B02ekqSsw12k-J9YA0OtI_a4cUubFyAMRavh9scxO009-CcijpKWQcHymH0xYHdKKs5UAC99oNyhtmbvTvZ_B/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And....they're off! The gate opened, and the girls took off running. Notice the big Sponge Bob pack--All the girls carry them. They are full of chips, gum, candy, and sodas....in case the girls get hungry on the 15-minute ride to the mall.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHmt10AAz_E9IdHgzcesR-kRpybsowhWIRGSF4W0aL-d6lyiDCRd7RXxpQvDHvhJZMgSDWUfwgJkB9DSOkAuEgAqm1nkVEvMMxh5MzFSHbOLvbvykRcSHcV3yh7w4368oVP06bb2AWB3X/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHmt10AAz_E9IdHgzcesR-kRpybsowhWIRGSF4W0aL-d6lyiDCRd7RXxpQvDHvhJZMgSDWUfwgJkB9DSOkAuEgAqm1nkVEvMMxh5MzFSHbOLvbvykRcSHcV3yh7w4368oVP06bb2AWB3X/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bumper Cars</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi1_Sjz0IoPTprF-9fyK7TOaopyLvNYDz64dsyS8NJBK-tpbFj72oY3R7rCT2Oc552F1L0qHr0f8OZyaXen-S9e9bT-hpPD9z__wQLdj0D1u-d-9fFlefKngv8aPuq2gK7bFozcBaBhBC/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi1_Sjz0IoPTprF-9fyK7TOaopyLvNYDz64dsyS8NJBK-tpbFj72oY3R7rCT2Oc552F1L0qHr0f8OZyaXen-S9e9bT-hpPD9z__wQLdj0D1u-d-9fFlefKngv8aPuq2gK7bFozcBaBhBC/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Hockey Stadium"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEijlPNh7tjm8-JCDJh5s8Ygejuy6bTymeQHH8ztEjDd6HCd0yMaUvQ59yYf1-zJ2hPsezNfS8wNVmFgxi5lOCae_qgxTBITJfAIawXrzFD5TZPsLZC97OvzggIZp3B2YJQSqySfJTGdTNSC/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlPNh7tjm8-JCDJh5s8Ygejuy6bTymeQHH8ztEjDd6HCd0yMaUvQ59yYf1-zJ2hPsezNfS8wNVmFgxi5lOCae_qgxTBITJfAIawXrzFD5TZPsLZC97OvzggIZp3B2YJQSqySfJTGdTNSC/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jumbo slide--This is my smallest little girl</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgNwbQi95MrFs9poqwgg0BC6HC-guRHE4ETaWNfDuJDgNR0EXjTZfvG6IxnBIOqLoQ2-VhaII6LO9HjOeTLMv4vk9iDlS4WFAHWeNexzo8cSmlSAQ_RWZMOqB1qDv5VS3gB99DZIppT6GG0/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwbQi95MrFs9poqwgg0BC6HC-guRHE4ETaWNfDuJDgNR0EXjTZfvG6IxnBIOqLoQ2-VhaII6LO9HjOeTLMv4vk9iDlS4WFAHWeNexzo8cSmlSAQ_RWZMOqB1qDv5VS3gB99DZIppT6GG0/s400/a4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Simulated Cars</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgRCPPjSWa2EhVaC-cYIHcuVJKQLHHBM8uM7BuBHyHxLLC7pZGmd35kNN1SyZR_AG2tyr307OA49PLmME4PPT4yVQ-JzvrUIzCIAhEFlll6WZH-xfGyFO-cRqhba6cbHgyNoWGMWtoVyTlQ/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCPPjSWa2EhVaC-cYIHcuVJKQLHHBM8uM7BuBHyHxLLC7pZGmd35kNN1SyZR_AG2tyr307OA49PLmME4PPT4yVQ-JzvrUIzCIAhEFlll6WZH-xfGyFO-cRqhba6cbHgyNoWGMWtoVyTlQ/s400/a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Motorcycle Mania</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgvE3t0hi4B75qgdTZ52HKovd4nAgdh4yjVJeUTSFpxKPhXmn2OTyyLEo4mAq395O2gjOhSIOJ2mfwzmBhEvSftAvYUGBXk2GuL2AR4n0ITxOx6PxKmbQrMdiAdb7rfryGSkvrOm0967S7e/s1600/a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE3t0hi4B75qgdTZ52HKovd4nAgdh4yjVJeUTSFpxKPhXmn2OTyyLEo4mAq395O2gjOhSIOJ2mfwzmBhEvSftAvYUGBXk2GuL2AR4n0ITxOx6PxKmbQrMdiAdb7rfryGSkvrOm0967S7e/s400/a6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dance Fever</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhkA2-00dkcTXuea5g0uxGd0EqII_tDmYBs2CXvXMPdLh4EpCqqHauHg1RFxsBewHK8uGcgwH0AV8dHP_Wm741-Eqi0UYir6xKQdd5oNPHIzSTkpfcKnFCByl2sdkJL2LfbGwsPY-jPteH6/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkA2-00dkcTXuea5g0uxGd0EqII_tDmYBs2CXvXMPdLh4EpCqqHauHg1RFxsBewHK8uGcgwH0AV8dHP_Wm741-Eqi0UYir6xKQdd5oNPHIzSTkpfcKnFCByl2sdkJL2LfbGwsPY-jPteH6/s400/a7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Obstacle Course</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjdEGoLsDlOEajKVkut8tpv2_tgZ6T0fzzLFRD0K_fBnGysMYYCuMVLJS3lx4-zZTSCNJJonaMwhbWqaQOUrJq9bTpfPrr1e01olxYYP-9KimMXPFau5a3mxBkOHkvB9vWI6le05UvDYe/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjdEGoLsDlOEajKVkut8tpv2_tgZ6T0fzzLFRD0K_fBnGysMYYCuMVLJS3lx4-zZTSCNJJonaMwhbWqaQOUrJq9bTpfPrr1e01olxYYP-9KimMXPFau5a3mxBkOHkvB9vWI6le05UvDYe/s400/a8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mmmmm....Good!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuGnNruQSdrkj4MBNZR_gVqJU-s7fILLXGvKpC921fMhfM4h7XPs4JDNXuMt8HIK3ykZkyWMYqOcdg4-QLrrvNFojVPFNEehxbo1xUlQ81q2wicxn_UZetYTDd1sLWp-iZTVp4ZGXAcs4/s1600/a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuGnNruQSdrkj4MBNZR_gVqJU-s7fILLXGvKpC921fMhfM4h7XPs4JDNXuMt8HIK3ykZkyWMYqOcdg4-QLrrvNFojVPFNEehxbo1xUlQ81q2wicxn_UZetYTDd1sLWp-iZTVp4ZGXAcs4/s400/a9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IZpMFGa8h_am_70Si74wZDCNEuVthkI9Gyko7iarzhOmAo-7sOEZxe8Ef05Q89lutdQ4QfzyrUXMoDBUlnSjn-SfOhfEHRiI9imi72mb3tFtIVrtKsS4yywpgXvCqIC47JRgMLDwBtqX/s1600/a10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IZpMFGa8h_am_70Si74wZDCNEuVthkI9Gyko7iarzhOmAo-7sOEZxe8Ef05Q89lutdQ4QfzyrUXMoDBUlnSjn-SfOhfEHRiI9imi72mb3tFtIVrtKsS4yywpgXvCqIC47JRgMLDwBtqX/s400/a10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><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/AVvXsEhm6VFX40WxO6R-C5orbYTWe93x4DyIn02WoKxylkfOFmPBJHjS7mWceedcOfxIgiwXii2yzxCN8fimwbNQrM8YB8QXzHxfIThpY2YW4vQAq0rKuZOqOimfuPFcc6P5QwqYhrVNnxvS1P_w/s1600/a11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6VFX40WxO6R-C5orbYTWe93x4DyIn02WoKxylkfOFmPBJHjS7mWceedcOfxIgiwXii2yzxCN8fimwbNQrM8YB8QXzHxfIThpY2YW4vQAq0rKuZOqOimfuPFcc6P5QwqYhrVNnxvS1P_w/s400/a11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Squirt the Clowns....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQojg693EKoLBZq5G5kMSCXLfWceLzxxm8kIbEy2FEq4USYjS6gjItIDGJz5sU6uP4YUw_Xt8LPFN3BHw_Bf10jMOz68WxSon0SO8pxp7jBdMarEVGHjxmIR36Ii7gfGugT8_9ztGbqcCB/s1600/a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQojg693EKoLBZq5G5kMSCXLfWceLzxxm8kIbEy2FEq4USYjS6gjItIDGJz5sU6uP4YUw_Xt8LPFN3BHw_Bf10jMOz68WxSon0SO8pxp7jBdMarEVGHjxmIR36Ii7gfGugT8_9ztGbqcCB/s400/a12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of the Loot...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiKgM1-Uk7XMWurD9TURAB-u6AYzuPs5KqZ00UxSvsWTwT7qiVwC-8VssI0htbxik6qelYWtY4ohBRQ1LU9PrRT-7QNJWwRCckakufuvaOSzGw3Pn-tMR0Ia5RZP5DTAslkMUDQ0RhkKuJI/s1600/a13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgM1-Uk7XMWurD9TURAB-u6AYzuPs5KqZ00UxSvsWTwT7qiVwC-8VssI0htbxik6qelYWtY4ohBRQ1LU9PrRT-7QNJWwRCckakufuvaOSzGw3Pn-tMR0Ia5RZP5DTAslkMUDQ0RhkKuJI/s400/a13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bungy Jump</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj1XZ197Vj64lM8__gbhHX84m-9b0EpedwfCw5doG_AlrWk-lm_FO6o4OBeAYLX3UyHDjXeRQ_jNti3VA5BJFluJmIviUW1-jhkiRC1n1DXeKtE99291O7y35YUDwviTnA0hD4jhLL4gOJd/s1600/a23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XZ197Vj64lM8__gbhHX84m-9b0EpedwfCw5doG_AlrWk-lm_FO6o4OBeAYLX3UyHDjXeRQ_jNti3VA5BJFluJmIviUW1-jhkiRC1n1DXeKtE99291O7y35YUDwviTnA0hD4jhLL4gOJd/s400/a23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jumping Star</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj_1PtZ5hjigUr6tTvs4BQjA4L5BeBf94EFjDYjKHnM3ApduJyfhvYYamYo4CsAeS8FOXOsvffKXOKy5wPX1IyJzp0-G7x4vfwWJdIiVPjxbXhWXKmzvKBsDITEiCI-m0nkgBQM9A7nAPS-/s1600/a24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1PtZ5hjigUr6tTvs4BQjA4L5BeBf94EFjDYjKHnM3ApduJyfhvYYamYo4CsAeS8FOXOsvffKXOKy5wPX1IyJzp0-G7x4vfwWJdIiVPjxbXhWXKmzvKBsDITEiCI-m0nkgBQM9A7nAPS-/s400/a24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whirly Cars</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgjYa_ETNA2OvfJ57_AWEsEx107_Rmm_gRgz0hmwPoWWMhe80zVvg9IpmzaDVOZl8e-eDPw6cBfBs1WodzvdAMikpaHM9gNWkRGuVA-_5RGwKaMC11Ha2u93se8Pe8tR05kPUVwTgkpQmf-/s1600/a14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYa_ETNA2OvfJ57_AWEsEx107_Rmm_gRgz0hmwPoWWMhe80zVvg9IpmzaDVOZl8e-eDPw6cBfBs1WodzvdAMikpaHM9gNWkRGuVA-_5RGwKaMC11Ha2u93se8Pe8tR05kPUVwTgkpQmf-/s400/a14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roller Coaster</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi78SRnScD5ytCKMTmON1389oNcSIJmiH1ysy7EeZGYa52NpRh1ZilYEsnhBC8VMN4spEbwpDzzzjBFxn4YViB8rbbnDjfhEj8DzOmMTtrSb_qXHcT_LUKjE9r8uJC4yVft0ntsVtUQiXTQ/s1600/a15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78SRnScD5ytCKMTmON1389oNcSIJmiH1ysy7EeZGYa52NpRh1ZilYEsnhBC8VMN4spEbwpDzzzjBFxn4YViB8rbbnDjfhEj8DzOmMTtrSb_qXHcT_LUKjE9r8uJC4yVft0ntsVtUQiXTQ/s400/a15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3D Motion Theater: Girls went inside and you could watch them on the big screen outside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjwQ-Bp35GgPh9UfPhsAIzndHIJmIrQjVn2zIaWIzRyAROz18pkOCUKxlst2txb73FGBIXHfU9oE2EZM_ZALS9x6zPj2lfHf5Q7bQiIPhdI-2Ocs89SjHSYdARwTxyzAbSScMwZqeX4Hrke/s1600/a16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQ-Bp35GgPh9UfPhsAIzndHIJmIrQjVn2zIaWIzRyAROz18pkOCUKxlst2txb73FGBIXHfU9oE2EZM_ZALS9x6zPj2lfHf5Q7bQiIPhdI-2Ocs89SjHSYdARwTxyzAbSScMwZqeX4Hrke/s400/a16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Trying to give you a sense of how large this place is--even with several schools here the same day.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjzrkPBR3-IEHLw4IDjC-IxLAQALpOIiazOF-Pql2g84J57Tgx4I8pIGbEiNQgucFIygAMVidwX_7m3riXM1x6Xps2neUgmZF4TLxAb0NIoOf4BzDo32LEpNNaEu98iIFc04Ihl4m9w2YTx/s1600/a17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrkPBR3-IEHLw4IDjC-IxLAQALpOIiazOF-Pql2g84J57Tgx4I8pIGbEiNQgucFIygAMVidwX_7m3riXM1x6Xps2neUgmZF4TLxAb0NIoOf4BzDo32LEpNNaEu98iIFc04Ihl4m9w2YTx/s400/a17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Camel Racing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41O2x5qkd80iaoV7oPCzO1uYmdLoJxbJD0dwUfO11zDNpV8tpAGDF8W4PreX4VE0xP6Md0LLibSsb4gw3DzomNWvBi5Lvgwj6RBusk9MXn9tBaBbyAOU0QHHxealH4hR63ieBpmNGmTda/s1600/a18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41O2x5qkd80iaoV7oPCzO1uYmdLoJxbJD0dwUfO11zDNpV8tpAGDF8W4PreX4VE0xP6Md0LLibSsb4gw3DzomNWvBi5Lvgwj6RBusk9MXn9tBaBbyAOU0QHHxealH4hR63ieBpmNGmTda/s400/a18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Back to the Bungy (Bungee??)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIhQZxGt8qvlbVjtKrGVkPBruHPWltyRkf4TwQ5hio_SabR3HC2Vs6C3uKSEEPTTZcBM_qj6KacW5z64Q_hHulqVJ3vuG-o256V7bOsgP4Ia62AzVA0qSiXpXKcFiBhN_lnZf_FalmmPb/s1600/a19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIhQZxGt8qvlbVjtKrGVkPBruHPWltyRkf4TwQ5hio_SabR3HC2Vs6C3uKSEEPTTZcBM_qj6KacW5z64Q_hHulqVJ3vuG-o256V7bOsgP4Ia62AzVA0qSiXpXKcFiBhN_lnZf_FalmmPb/s400/a19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After spending 2 hours splurging on ice cream, cotton candy, gum, soda, and everything else you can imagine, we sat the girls down for their lunch--catered by Hardees.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyorTx0UFiudIxMvirSakmnqjpgB6ov_Otnux4XV1nKtWAKnb9nM4OJD9vNfS73_LHUWL14mcpr8p6z2f5NZvElJpV5kd5kEZ6Il4KbPrgKtflIhCXUAmwIVj32KqaCzEHcfeB3cmg3Zd/s1600/a20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyorTx0UFiudIxMvirSakmnqjpgB6ov_Otnux4XV1nKtWAKnb9nM4OJD9vNfS73_LHUWL14mcpr8p6z2f5NZvElJpV5kd5kEZ6Il4KbPrgKtflIhCXUAmwIVj32KqaCzEHcfeB3cmg3Zd/s400/a20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do they look full yet?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5yXMzilBneVs2m7kZpJEFcmSFSarMHJqnOTJEBR8XJWXSgFC6bCzicJ75eNQxWqVZQQW6hpSRJUuR0_ofoZ3V769BBhGZvdTsCOnKz6Tqlo895F19U1_YYyQiRUCwcPDaSa8_WUFDxz-/s1600/a21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5yXMzilBneVs2m7kZpJEFcmSFSarMHJqnOTJEBR8XJWXSgFC6bCzicJ75eNQxWqVZQQW6hpSRJUuR0_ofoZ3V769BBhGZvdTsCOnKz6Tqlo895F19U1_YYyQiRUCwcPDaSa8_WUFDxz-/s400/a21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We could do this all day!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYuaRbNwz0GK1aJmjRiR7Ogosjc1wmZQ7K0piNLym2NeSVvZRECz-QjG6tDQFGZ62l_095hP8x2bB51Iq4Rs4OQqm8WJVQqajhRXBsdMKE248fxM-9Tej4ebc5Uv0EF_3ENdh7dSd3M53/s1600/a22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYuaRbNwz0GK1aJmjRiR7Ogosjc1wmZQ7K0piNLym2NeSVvZRECz-QjG6tDQFGZ62l_095hP8x2bB51Iq4Rs4OQqm8WJVQqajhRXBsdMKE248fxM-9Tej4ebc5Uv0EF_3ENdh7dSd3M53/s400/a22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, let's load them up on the bus and head back to school.....where I still have to teach them for another 2 1/2 hours. You know the punch line? This was my last day with them before our big end-of-the-year test on Sunday.....so you can imagine how our last review went...Ha-ha!! Ah....gotta love it! :)</span></td></tr>
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</div>Lynn Hendrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05591384393082362426noreply@blogger.com3