tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42103603656850063652024-02-22T08:09:16.566-08:00The Matrix of World TravelFunny adventure stories from various exotic countries around the world.Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-42213042797922659052022-04-16T09:57:00.007-07:002023-03-08T16:35:04.690-08:00Costa Rica-- the Positives and Negatives of Living There + Why We Chose to Leave<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Our previous host country (Thailand) went into full Covid fear mode; mandating a PCR test at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Should an </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">unlucky to-be </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">mother test positive, an immediate </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">forced</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> C-section would be performed, and afterwards both baby and mother would be quarantined; but not together, in separate rooms, and Mommy would not touch her baby, nor would the baby be fed her milk, for 14 days. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Even assuming a 1% risk, we deemed it waaayyyy too high, so at 32 weeks pregnant, we hopped on a plane to Costa Rica.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having moved far too much for my liking in the 5 years, we really wanted to make it work there, especially since, as parents to a baby born on Costa Rican soil, we would be given the right to apply for permanent resident status, and our baby would automatically be granted Tico (the local slang word for Costa Rican) citizenship.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, with that, let's go over the positives and negatives of living in Costa Rica, and why we ultimately ended up leaving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Positives<br /><br /></b></span><b>The weather</b>- I spent most of my life in California, between the Bay Area, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, and the climate in the central valley of the Costa Rica, puts the Golden State to shame. It is perfect, year round. 64-80 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />It’s more hot and humid in the beach areas, but the climate here in general is <i>unbeatable</i>.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKMo-15akvVhbo56kd-lYkT7vwlQNseu5y97TWNhObEEc3dBS7VgQmBbUYKuuBf_wU4w6k6eUDvigOnmw36fEF0IoTm40Fn_3ZDjuTcurbqD-NoF3lM-0CybN5JRDgc-8W-LsqQs_iMdl02myhLtzAmE4Y8VPYFovlKJbMPGlccWTKJQCgrQcQQYE/s4032/IMG_6060.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKMo-15akvVhbo56kd-lYkT7vwlQNseu5y97TWNhObEEc3dBS7VgQmBbUYKuuBf_wU4w6k6eUDvigOnmw36fEF0IoTm40Fn_3ZDjuTcurbqD-NoF3lM-0CybN5JRDgc-8W-LsqQs_iMdl02myhLtzAmE4Y8VPYFovlKJbMPGlccWTKJQCgrQcQQYE/w640-h480/IMG_6060.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">waterfall in the distance amidst the emerald forest</div><br /><b>Nature</b>— one of the last places on the planet with actual wildlife in its forests.<br />In Asian countries, like<a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2011/11/trekking-through-se-asian-laotian.html"> Laos, much of the animal life</a> has been hunted out of existence- the jungles sit silent, and neutered.<div>The opposite is the case here. Just looking for housing in a wealthy gated community along the coast in Guanacaste, I encountered a Howler monkey walking the golf course, who decided I was a little too close and bared his teeth at me to back away, a coati-mundi (South American version of a raccoon,) and two different species of snakes as well. <br />If you want to interact with the planet as it once was, you won’t find much better than Costa Rica.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6yzJK1cJIj0" width="320" youtube-src-id="6yzJK1cJIj0"></iframe><br /><b><u>video</u></b>: Howler monkey warns me on the golf course to put my mask on<br /><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5PkluQ9C_9U" width="320" youtube-src-id="5PkluQ9C_9U"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: venomous coral snake eats a competing snake on the forest floor near Arenal volcano</div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Beauty</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">- the country is gorgeous, particularly the area around </span><a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2022/01/a-look-taste-feel-osa-peninsula-of.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Uvita</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">, near the Panama border, where the rainforest descends down the </span><a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2022/01/a-look-taste-feel-osa-peninsula-of.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">mountains to meet the sea</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">. The emerald hues, and many waterfalls make it a paradise to behold.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K8gPtkod6tk" width="320" youtube-src-id="K8gPtkod6tk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: sliding down the jungle waterfall in Uvita</div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Negatives</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Expensive- </i></b>My friend, who is Filipina but living in Costa Rica, described the country as the most expensive on earth, and she’s lived in Norway.<br />“There is no way Costa Rica is more expensive than <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2014/09/oslo-norway-stunning-beauty-search-for.html">Oslo</a>,” I gently corrected her, “Or <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2018/11/lost-in-bermuda-triangle.html">Bermuda</a>,” —<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“No, it is,” she rightfully interrupted, “Because in Norway I got paid far more, and even though things cost more, I could still save.”<br />And I stood corrected, understanding her paradigm completely.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jkf_eM2QTI8" width="320" youtube-src-id="jkf_eM2QTI8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: Costa Rica- the world's most expensive country</div><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><br />Costa Ricans earn very little, and staples like cars, gasoline, and food (both groceries and restaurants) cost more than in the US. And again, the prices <i>in relation</i> to the median salary makes survival here very difficult for the average Tico.<br />It also means that the money I worked so diligently to save, has a burn rate much higher than I am comfortable with.<br /><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Food-- </b>The country wins the world bronze for least tasty food, (Colombia- gold, Myanmar- silver.) It's not particularly healthy either. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The Roads</b>— Costa Rican roads are notoriously bad, aside of the main highway connecting San Jose to the beaches, where they have toll booths every ten miles or so to extract more out of the underpaid Ticos, driving here means constantly keeping your head on a swivel to avoid the potholes that dream of destroying your car’s suspension.<br /><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Government corruption</b>— Even in <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2021/09/pura-vida-in-san-jose-costa-rica-look.html">Los Laureles, the wealthiest area</a> of the capitol city, potholes are plentiful. And should the government, by some miracle, authorize repairs, like everything in Costa Rica, they’ll take <i>at least </i>twice as long as they would in the United States.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To boot, there is a high rate of taxation, and the government offers little in return except an ever expanding bureaucracy, and a government health care system that is spurned by the wealthy in favor of private providers. <br />100% of the Ticos I spoke with on the subject affirmed the story of massive corruption, they only differed in the level of visible frustration outwardly expressed on the topic.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />To add injury to insult, none of the taxes go towards paying for a military, which the country has successfully eschewed since 1948, meaning a greater percentage of revenue collected is able to find its way into the pockets of government bureaucrats.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Covidiots</b>— In December 2021, <b>outside </b>the national airport, I was nearly arrested for not wearing a mask. I was, once again, OUTSIDE.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Inside, when leaving the country by way of SJO, my mask was below my nose, the police gave me an incredibly stern warning, and their anger was palpable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">True, outside of the capitol things are a lot more lax, and most people dislike the mandates, but nearly everyone complies, often for fear of being fined.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n0Avj41bUu0" width="320" youtube-src-id="n0Avj41bUu0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: a store owner scared of being fined, chases my business away</div><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br />Also, in terms of our decision to leave, it definitely did not help that the school we were sending our 4 year old to, banned us from attending the end of the semester party that was, again, an <i>outside</i> event, after determining we were not vaccinated.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><b>Leadership</b> — Until the election of April 2022, the ruling party had the same blueprint for the country as the incredibly successful socialist paradise of Venezuela, and its President was a disciple of Klaus Schwab’s World Economic Forum.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The Vaccine</b>— the government has been trying to mandate the vaccine for 5 year olds and up, and rumors (unconfirmed at this moment) are they are making it a mandatory <b>Annual</b> vaccine for everyone. We know the vaccine doesn’t even prevent transmission …<br />What happened to "my body, my choice?" <br />No, this is Communism in action, where a centralized power believes they know what is best for everyone.<br />Also, who is to say that Pfizer didn’t pay a massive bribe to a couple well placed government officials? Imagine a yearly revenue stream from millions of people. The amount needed to bribe, pales in comparison.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>It’s a Giant pain in the Ass</b> — The bureaucracy of Costa Rica is slow, expensive, and deadly. Examples:<br />In order to purchase a 2005 Honda with 178,000 miles on it, it cost nearly $700 in taxes and lawyer fees.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> That prices rises dramatically with newer cars, adding substantial friction and expense to the process. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Applying for permanent residence, the number of documents needed is startling. We spent thousands of dollars, and, partly due to our extensive travels, we were unable to procure all the necessary paperwork.<br />Want to stock up on food en masse and live outside the capitol- good luck. The Pricesmart (Costco like warehouse ) are few and far between, and the prices there aren’t even good.<br />A 13% sales/VAT tax is applied to nearly everything (and who knows the import taxes,) and because Costa Rica is a small, hard to get to country, it simply costs more to ship and distribute within, but gosh darn it, if you value efficiency, this country is not for you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The beauty of Costa Rica is the nature. It’s gorgeous and wild. There are large amounts of water as rainfall is plentiful, and the climate of the central valley is positively unbeatable.<br /><br />Unfortunately, even as nature lovers, the negatives outweighed the positives, especially because we refuse to subject our children to the Covid vax, the government seems so eager to impose on everyone, and well, for us Costa Rica is an amazing country to visit, but I’ll chose to live in a more efficient country with greater personal liberty.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9CxEWuGp44" width="320" youtube-src-id="i9CxEWuGp44"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: rainfall of the central Valley</div><br /></div>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-86838087401189326792022-03-04T18:36:00.004-08:002022-04-28T13:20:57.524-07:00Mexican Taxi Angrily Rejects My Cash- Sends it Flying<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">-- Puerta Vallarta, Mexico</i></div><p></p><p>Taxis, hard to find this area of town. Gotta meet my wife a mile down the road. Decide to walk. <br />Right then a cab pulls to a stop. Knows exactly where I am going, I get in. <br />Friendly banter, seems nice enough. Two minutes later we arrive. </p><p>"How much do I owe you?"<br />"80 pesos."</p><p>It's not a lot of money, but for such a short ride ... I'm familiar with the general taxi fares, the normal price should be half. </p><p>"80 pesos? Demasiado (too much)" <br />"How much will you give me?"<br />"50."</p><p>Now he gets mad. Gritting his teeth, "Okay, I'll give you the ride for free." <br />"No, no, not for free." <br />"Get out of my car!" <br />"What?" <br />"Get out of my car!" <br />"Here is 70, okay?" </p><p>He won't take it. I place it on the front seat next to him. His anger is palpable. I'm glad he's not carrying a gun.<br />"CIERRA LA PUERTA!" (close the door) </p><p>I follow his orders. The taxi begins to pull away, I turn and begin to walk away. Out of the corner of my eye, something flutters through the air. <br />An old woman sitting on the corner alerts me further. <br />"Sir, sir, moneda." <br />Still levitating off the ground, perhaps in a vortex of anger, are the 50 and 20 peso bills. I watch as gravity overtakes them, and look in dismay at the mess created. <br />I walk over, pick them up, nod at the elderly lady who eyes me wearily, and continue on to my destination. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkt6fuXgdrpMsBGC8yNQXovHaWqxZUnNBSUQQrrB9EGVGvVa77eczBqpH6Dylu-KQdpqE0SGgjs15ouKwekQ2RQvC16tVkz78g1ecMROacZHGDQ-XvGqc6gayRCxCA0Zn6XAwucG9lxl4gXyvXiEkTBhGRKdhu-A4dqpZwRKqJOzORMGQOdjtnTyWM=s543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="543" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkt6fuXgdrpMsBGC8yNQXovHaWqxZUnNBSUQQrrB9EGVGvVa77eczBqpH6Dylu-KQdpqE0SGgjs15ouKwekQ2RQvC16tVkz78g1ecMROacZHGDQ-XvGqc6gayRCxCA0Zn6XAwucG9lxl4gXyvXiEkTBhGRKdhu-A4dqpZwRKqJOzORMGQOdjtnTyWM=s320" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8tkEqgCo2Xc" width="320" youtube-src-id="8tkEqgCo2Xc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video</u></b>: the story as I remember it, without rereading before relating to camera</div><br /><p><br /></p>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-85313167967722349772022-01-29T22:21:00.006-08:002022-01-30T10:11:20.252-08:00The Whale's Tail + the Emerald Coast- Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica<p>A patch of dark sand separates the rolling waves of the Pacific and the soaring rainforest above, rising into the clouds above on back the coastal mountains. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOomX4fcbxyLONq5h9jngL6y7KM4YwV3LbJEewDwxYvIzUaQeUrNG1VFiVn9G1WTpBeEhIDZn3XU-hYwsZG2VqT8s6juJw-lk-UwursH88Z_k9P1Dv5iArC8SgHsCWV5z9MA-5mXCgImNTL9NHkvRiaaV_QDTVGKvBGx3DXhcMxY3EtGim1hFNegd5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOomX4fcbxyLONq5h9jngL6y7KM4YwV3LbJEewDwxYvIzUaQeUrNG1VFiVn9G1WTpBeEhIDZn3XU-hYwsZG2VqT8s6juJw-lk-UwursH88Z_k9P1Dv5iArC8SgHsCWV5z9MA-5mXCgImNTL9NHkvRiaaV_QDTVGKvBGx3DXhcMxY3EtGim1hFNegd5=w534-h403" width="534" /></a><br /><br />The vibrant hues of the emerald green jungle are nurtured by near daily rains, water managed to be absorbed as it leaps down cliffs, hurrying to be reunited with its source. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K8gPtkod6tk" width="320" youtube-src-id="K8gPtkod6tk"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">me going down the waterfall "slide" of Uvita, Costa Rica</span></p> It's one of few areas on the planet where the forests are truly alive. Monkeys, sloths, deer, jaguars, toucans, abound. On the downside so do snakes. <br />If you're a nature love, you've found your paradise. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc_w4ubF7Sj0Bf_BLthpQRh8KKMN_PMNnloxAEA7ShtXkhtdJkSpibdqgncCFjy_krGLDTmbQjp93q9pCKxW0N1Yb5zmwd1QQSJyPbPytidOKo3s4ImertihXtHdqo8o12nd2PkBdLa4R7jDDQkqVt1MHFgFWNgYqqmItd798t_tIAoiRf9BjLwePH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc_w4ubF7Sj0Bf_BLthpQRh8KKMN_PMNnloxAEA7ShtXkhtdJkSpibdqgncCFjy_krGLDTmbQjp93q9pCKxW0N1Yb5zmwd1QQSJyPbPytidOKo3s4ImertihXtHdqo8o12nd2PkBdLa4R7jDDQkqVt1MHFgFWNgYqqmItd798t_tIAoiRf9BjLwePH=w559-h420" width="559" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There isn't much here infrastructure wise, and what exists caters almost exclusively to tourists, be they surfers or nature lovers. <div>That's not likely to change much; developers' dreams of building a larger town in this seaside paradise are dashed on the steep hills which hem in the two, on occasion three, lane highway running down the coast to the Panamanian border. <p></p><p>If you are okay with a slow paced existence, it could be a great place to move to, albeit pricey. <br />There is, however, one requirement for living here -- a 4x4 vehicle. Aside of the highway, and the road up to San Ysidro, a mountain town of 40,000 people, the roads are best, "difficult," to traverse. </p><p>We are on our way to check out a 271 acre property, including a ten thousand square foot mansion, with a huge pool, two smaller guest houses, a 5 acre coffee plantation, fruit trees (albeit with monkeys and toucans snatching much of your produce) all 100% powered by hydro-electricity, harnessing the currents from one of the the three waterfalls on the property. <br />The price- $2.4 million, which might get you a 3 bedroom house on the West Side of Los Angeles. <br />It's only twenty minutes off the main road, but our car's dashboard warning lights blink wildly going over the uneven, rocky terrain, forcing us to exit and get into our realtor's truck to complete the journey. </p><p>I ask whether there is helipad on the premises, "Yes," comes the answer. (see below video) Ultimately the current implausibility of the daily commute to school made our decision for us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tcoz5OpjcYg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Tcoz5OpjcYg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>video: </u></b>"location, location, location"- a rule of real estate that might be nearing its end</div><p>Aside of the nature, the one tourist attraction that exists here is a geographical oddity, a sandbar jutting out into the Pacific known as the Whale's Tail. <br />The area surrounding is designated a natural park; pay a few bucks to enter and walk a couple km on the beach out to the end of the tail. <br />Sit there, take in the silence and the calm waters lapping up towards you during low tide. Rest your mind, gaze at the beauty around you, feel heaven now. Meander back before the tides rise, and the sea reclaims Monstro. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-UDlDMRqtnc1X3qnSLuGL6RvTngM5zWEvtWWYxUCRFdHEvpXZYB5izrB4mxBHcM22fwJvqsca_521BfAsRl3RkXOBpv9T911VsRtg0B4tA_1grOglu8LWAw-DiFjHheOU9Jlx9rDiFIWgi2BKOc6Yk2zTFg4H9Jb5U3hJn2rFxqXKWb6LmUdZJuOG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="the Whale's Tail- of Uvita, Costa Rica" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-UDlDMRqtnc1X3qnSLuGL6RvTngM5zWEvtWWYxUCRFdHEvpXZYB5izrB4mxBHcM22fwJvqsca_521BfAsRl3RkXOBpv9T911VsRtg0B4tA_1grOglu8LWAw-DiFjHheOU9Jlx9rDiFIWgi2BKOc6Yk2zTFg4H9Jb5U3hJn2rFxqXKWb6LmUdZJuOG=w641-h427" title="the Whale's Tail- of Uvita, Costa Rica" width="641" /></a></p><p>the Whale's Tail- of Uvita, Costa Rica<br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Puntarenas Province, Uvita, Costa Rica9.1635008999999989 -83.7358514-19.146732936178847 -118.8921014 37.473734736178841 -48.5796014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-90337842789510151292021-09-14T22:40:00.006-07:002022-01-30T12:23:34.268-08:00Pura Vida in San Jose, Costa Rica- a Look, Taste, + Feel of the Central Valley<p>Breathe in deeply, and fill your lungs with the pristine, 72 degree Fahrenheit air. If peace had a smell and taste, this would be it; "Pura Vida" it's called by locals.</p><p>Lush, green, cloud shrouded hills rise from Costa Rica's central valley. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefRM_Jo2HMsnYXoTcSkI_Q2heDxywhvzb_lhvjsoI0_8krBtmvyACo7zrkXmC544zLHdNFB7RWpINrKwAlhRPGVq8kCP44KP0LJWTQ63W0nE53dXGigCBxcpBrYfdnQly5aoQQasOyDg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="737" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefRM_Jo2HMsnYXoTcSkI_Q2heDxywhvzb_lhvjsoI0_8krBtmvyACo7zrkXmC544zLHdNFB7RWpINrKwAlhRPGVq8kCP44KP0LJWTQ63W0nE53dXGigCBxcpBrYfdnQly5aoQQasOyDg/w640-h370/mountains+of+escazu.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the mountains of Central Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Climbing the mountain it quickly dons on me that driving here is, challenging. Even in the "Beverly Hills" of the country, street lights are sporadic, leaving far too many opportunities for the numerous potholes hiding in the shadows to snatch your wheels.<br />The roads often narrow, making for tense moments as cars literally slide by each another, occasionally trading paint. Angle your vehicle a little too much towards the mountain to avoid oncoming traffic and risk falling into the drainage ditch built to siphon away the daily tropical downpours, which come unfailingly at 3 PM daily, during what Ticos consider their "winter."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9CxEWuGp44" width="320" youtube-src-id="i9CxEWuGp44"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a Costa Rican afternoon shower</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The vibrant emerald colors radiating from the plants are straight from the Garden of Eden. Bright butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds forage for pollen and nectar, while fallen leaves magically float across the ground, as leaf-cutter ants work around the clock to turn nature's debris into fuel for their colony. Harmony. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uVjPnLCBksA" width="320" youtube-src-id="uVjPnLCBksA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">leaf cutter ants moving their fuel</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiJ8_EvRb2wdOzhjIhgavK9I8WPVO_8bbf62nVUJO5VjeQ6rxaXnl9DaxRpMIwneK3daSwEgfaZqBuhOr74-aRxNLV-l5Kkj_wQmUjz8evItkuPYZvN8UmioluAfe5PpPvofdpxBpXiA/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiJ8_EvRb2wdOzhjIhgavK9I8WPVO_8bbf62nVUJO5VjeQ6rxaXnl9DaxRpMIwneK3daSwEgfaZqBuhOr74-aRxNLV-l5Kkj_wQmUjz8evItkuPYZvN8UmioluAfe5PpPvofdpxBpXiA/w320-h240/IMG_4986.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="text-align: left;">emerald green colors of Costa Rica</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div><br />The locals are friendly and inviting, though I'm warned by the person I'm doing business with,"The Tico is always late." I quickly calculate I'd be better off doing an extra ten minutes of work at home. I still beat them to the meeting. Can't fault them for honesty.<br /><br />While there is a genuine feeling of tranquility and safety here, it stumbles badly when juxtaposed against the visually noticeable barb wire and electrical fencing protecting all houses. This is not the two foot high white-picket fences of suburbia America. </div><div>I ask an expat who has lived here for years about my observation. <br />"It's just the style of housing in Latin America, the beauty of the house is all within." <br />I roll my eyes. No one would add to the expense of building while concurrently diminishing the curb appeal of their property; without reason. </div><div>Whatever crime exists is undoubtably exacerbated by the sky high prices which rival the US and Europe, with the exception of automobiles, where Costa Rican rates nearly double American by way of heavy taxation. </div><div>The good natured man behind the desk at the rental agency tells me the car I've chosen goes for more than double his monthly salary, making it impossible for him to afford the less than extravagant product he's paid to peddle. </div><div>"The money is all robbed by the politicians," he informs me. </div><div>"It's the same throughout most of the world," I sigh, "even more so in Latin America."</div><div>Looking through the glove compartment, I remove and unfold an ancient, paper map of Costa Rica. It's like the world atlas that they give children to draw on at Denny's. Outside the capitol, there are maybe two roads cutting through the rainforests of the country. </div><div>But that's what expats here are bargaining for, a simple life, with emerald colors, perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, cloud forests, and friendly souls. Breathe it in, it's called "pura vida."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-20320073644564848452020-05-24T20:43:00.003-07:002020-05-24T20:44:51.717-07:00Triple Your Spending Power- Go Have an Adventure in a Cheaper Country. The Financial Arbitrage of Living Abroad <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><strong>Video</strong></span>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">triple Your Spending Power- Go Have an Adventure in a Cheaper Country. The Financial Arbitrage of Living Abroad (video 14 min with text below. Channel is about FREEDOM- politically, of though and speech, and financially)</span></div>
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Look, this station is all about Freedom- of speech, of thought, of finances and ability to act on our dreams.<br />
I want to speak briefly about breaking free of the Matrix like rat race the West generally is.<br />
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We go to work to support our, not even lavish, just expensive lifestyles. If you live in a major Western city, you are paying a ton in rent, going out to eat costs a fortune with all the taxes, regulations, salaries that they have to pay for, and if you live in the USA- health insurance.<br />
Most people are just working to live. Work, eat, watch TV, grow older; <i>repeat</i>.<br />
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Then you say to yourself, I'm going to take my two weeks vacation, and go somewhere amazing, and have the time of my life.<br />
And you do, you buy that plane ticket probably to coincide with a holiday when tickets are most expensive, you go to Hawaii, or some other resort area, have fun, come back, and get right back on the hamster wheel so you can do it again next year.<br />
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I'm sure you know people that live in constant materialistic competition. Who can get the promotion, the most desirable mate, the slightly bigger house, the fancy car.<br />
Let me blow that paradigm up!<br />
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What if I told you, take a fricking year long vacation or make that tropical paradise your home, and live a far better, more relaxed life. Leave the rat race and experience something new.<br />
Look, everybody can tell you the benefits of travel. It forces you out of your comfort zone. It opens minds, helps you grow, gives you new experiences. And it absolutely does if you don't stay at some all inclusive resort and drink for a week straight.<br />
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How am I equipped to talk about this: I saved most everything I earned in my twenties. started to travel, and have explored 60 countries around the world on every continent. I've also lived abroad, in the Czech Republic and Thailand.<br />
So let me tell you, you DON'T NEED TO LIVE THE WESTERN PARADIGM.<br />
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Let's say you make a $60,000 a year. That's a decent living, nothing to sneeze at right. But in most major cities you're just getting by.<br />
Now what if I told you I'm going to tell you, you don't have to make any more, but I'm going to help you be able to spend like you make $180,000 a year?<br />
Warren Buffett defines investing as consuming less today so you can consume more in the future. That's kind of what we're doing here but instead of waiting a decade to triple your spending power, we are doing that almost instantaneously.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzVbCRMV9Yr0nmsGH4p5iQjeQ2xdJ1_UrMk7iR4A6BP8IWA4UzCqREX5w88jQt5x15vHKWLEtSuAqW9RSilZxuAe6oNGdlhOtVHC0NkVo1LvEy6TKSKMemdKlSx6vDdB0EIQyib_R3BI/s1600/IMG_0112.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzVbCRMV9Yr0nmsGH4p5iQjeQ2xdJ1_UrMk7iR4A6BP8IWA4UzCqREX5w88jQt5x15vHKWLEtSuAqW9RSilZxuAe6oNGdlhOtVHC0NkVo1LvEy6TKSKMemdKlSx6vDdB0EIQyib_R3BI/s640/IMG_0112.HEIC" width="640" /></a><br />
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How? Basically it's a form of financial arbitrage. You earn that 60k in the USA or Europe, and you spend it where your money can get you the same buying power as earning several multiples of that amount in the west.<br />
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The US dollar still has tremendous strength, which frankly is highly questionable in my mind giving how much we are printing and borrowing, but that's another discussion, so let's say you started saving every dime you could.<br />
Is it inconceivable to save $2,000 a month after taxes if you make $5,000 a month? It's doable I think, you just have to cut back on dinner out, Starbucks, a few other things.<br />
You bank it, after a year you have $24,000 saved.<br />
Now you get the hell out of Dodge.<br />
You take advantage of the fact that money will buy you way more abroad.<br />
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<b><u>Why is this available?</u></b><br />
Simply because you were lucky to have born into a wealthy country while the majority of the world wasn't. It's not white privilege, it's American privilege. You have the world's reserve currency, you have wealth creation from companies like Ford, General Motors, Microsoft, and Google.<br />
What is a middle class salary in America allows you to live like a king elsewhere. So save your money, and arbitrage where it spends like you made way more.<br />
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That said, these places are getting more expensive. With globalization and reduced barriers, with companies moving overseas, these areas are becoming wealthier, and the people move rapidly out of poverty and into the middle class. That's a good thing.<br />
If you were lucky enough to be born in the West, hell, take advantage of it. This opportunity will not last forever as levels of wealth around the world are equalizing more quickly than ever.<br />
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<b><u>Where Should you Go?</u></b><br />
Well, of course that depends greatly on your interests, but your best bets are either Latin America or South East Asia, or maybe a former Eastern Bloc country. You can live pretty decently in either of these for $1,000 a month in these places. At $2,000 a month you're living very well.<br />
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Personally, I love SE Asia. I have lived in Thailand for maybe three years total of my life, my latest stint lasting 15 months so far. It's safer than Latin America, and the Eastern Bloc still suffers from the Hangover of Communism. Plus it's cold. Not only the weather, but the people as well, though I hear they are slowly warming up.<br />
On the other hand, Prague is the most stunning city in the world architecturally.<br />
But that's my personal preference.<br />
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<b><u>So What Exactly will my Savings get Me?</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>My friend Nick who founded a business that he did very well in in Los Angeles, I guess credits me with inspiring his travels. Today he lives on the beach in a spacious two bedroom, 3 bath condo, with gorgeous views of the beach, with pools, a movie theater, sauna, steam, and massage room, 24/7 security and underground parking for $840 a month rent. The food is organic, and great he reports, he's all in for $1,200.<br />
What would that cost in an American city for that condo on a beach that outside of Florida isn't going to be as nice, with organic food? I'm going to say that's costing you at least 3-4k in total to live like that.<br />
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If you live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I lived for 6 months, you could get by on less if you tried, and Vietnam is even cheaper, though Thai people are generally friendlier.<br />
Look, I lived 7 months in Chiang Mai, Thailand and went out to a great local restaurant. You can get really tasty meals for $1 if you try. At $5 you're eating a ton of food. Of course you can go more expensive, but it's not necessary.<br />
I've also lived down in Southern Thailand where the beaches are amongst the most gorgeous in the world. If you live in a heavily touristed area the prices can be higher, but you can still live very well, and Thai food and people is delectable, and the people incredibly friendly.<br />
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You can live in the coffee region of Colombia, which is too high in altitude for mosquitoes and absolutely gorgeous, or go to Pablo Escobar's old town of Medellin and learn to dance salsa. The prices might even be cheaper there. Medellin has amazing weather, it's referred to as the city of eternal spring.<br />
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<b><u>Additional Savings</u></b><br />
As for health care, if you're going to be abroad for a year, dump the insurance. You can cover yourself. To share with you a a little story, my daughter was born in Northern Thailand, and had to go in for emergency surgery, recovering after three weeks straight in the NICU. The total bill in America for the surgery, medicine, care, likely might have totalled 100k. Oh, and the hospital, we were lucky, was great. We could have easily lost her. In fact, I spoke at length to the amazing pediatrician that helped save her life, who worked for 30 years to stock the hospital, train people and doctors, get equipment. She would have certainly perished if this had happened at an earlier date.<br />
This is an example of the benefits of technology and the rising tide of humanity.<br />
If you're spending a year abroad as an American, you get to dump your insurance and save money there too.<br />
Not to mention, if you make some money overseas, you won't pay US state tax on that money since you aren't living there.<br />
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So, you take that $24,000 and go live abroad for a year. Leave the rat race and consumer culture behind. Even if you don't get a job that keeps you there (like teaching English,) make no money and come back at the appointed time, you still experienced a new culture, saw new places, and were able to take a year long vacation, not 2 weeks.<br />
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<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-17397108632119445102020-03-20T09:28:00.003-07:002020-03-20T09:48:40.267-07:00Traveling via Air in Thailand; During the Time of Corona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With so many people stuck at home due to the Chinese Corona Virus, brought to you courtesy of their totalitarian government which lied and suppressed information that could have given the world greater time to prepare as well as their countrymen to suppress virus initially, you might be wonder what it is like to travel during this time.</div>
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I can safely (an interesting word choice perhaps) tell you that it was the easiest and best experience I have ever had. The airports and planes were nearly empty. Last minute (12 hours before) tickets for 5 people, including an infant were $125.</div>
You can see below just how empty the airports were. You waltz up to the counter, through security, and onto the plane.<br />
Bangkok's main airport, which would take over an hour to get to in the morning in the city's infamous traffic, took twenty-five minutes with zero delays.<br />
This might not be the safest time to travel, if the mainstream media is finally right about the "wolf" they've been invoking and calling for the last several years, but it certainly was the most pleasant and easiest travel experience I have Ever had.<br />
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Still, take precautions and know our trip was necessary for visa and passport services ... <br />
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I've just been approached by *gulp* Chinese security ... "I'm sorry I recant all I said about your wonderful country, and especially your government. Yes, I agree, Xi does not look <i>Exactly </i>like Winnie-the-Pooh. I'm sorry, I swear, it won't happen again.<br />
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Now excuse me as I turn away and *COUGH COUGH COUGH*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baggage claim in Bangkok- we had to wait for something and not a soul wandered through in half an hour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check in leaving Bangkok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOvTRP93fzlDs_P1f68Nvzc4W24d5LnQIFTXNWWUaxPw8ujbs-GbK0mUHY5ztm6MJguK5Qw-gU_ZZnwWkPFN0CnvNbU7mQCHSh9V9k8414KDxWcvCXmFLf6X2ON0vO18Wy73GE_TWJdw/s1600/9DF682F3-AB3F-4822-AC7A-E0A9310CC917.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOvTRP93fzlDs_P1f68Nvzc4W24d5LnQIFTXNWWUaxPw8ujbs-GbK0mUHY5ztm6MJguK5Qw-gU_ZZnwWkPFN0CnvNbU7mQCHSh9V9k8414KDxWcvCXmFLf6X2ON0vO18Wy73GE_TWJdw/s640/9DF682F3-AB3F-4822-AC7A-E0A9310CC917.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie and Grunty-Goo NOT practicing social distancing. Someone's gotta tell them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSahBRdsoAqUBTCbthLhiWiPg3JBCt92wh5lh4MbKhdYrnKsDU0e2aUhD0HCjAomVHmBz07-xMT_U9yorMejsqo79DSOOK6Vu58UsdY0MZpMPGpV6XSuJECTg6C_ZuxUvQsV81Pq3PhQ/s1600/49B741FA-545A-4DE1-BF5E-9C02554E74DE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSahBRdsoAqUBTCbthLhiWiPg3JBCt92wh5lh4MbKhdYrnKsDU0e2aUhD0HCjAomVHmBz07-xMT_U9yorMejsqo79DSOOK6Vu58UsdY0MZpMPGpV6XSuJECTg6C_ZuxUvQsV81Pq3PhQ/s640/49B741FA-545A-4DE1-BF5E-9C02554E74DE.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the security line in Chiang Mai</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qoFCgXp0JgfG3NYjROWmP_rz2aTRglVstCgqDMXx8VMGkBxhwfNw6cjnaR38KJ8QGTXHrwNTktImNx5WhyphenhyphenRNeK60pRRpK1Jujv4v5w9u20kJOQT7jqlWTPFz8q-qYvcr69XVwnoCLx0/s1600/A8641227-59E0-45EA-9FC6-98EBF9699F40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qoFCgXp0JgfG3NYjROWmP_rz2aTRglVstCgqDMXx8VMGkBxhwfNw6cjnaR38KJ8QGTXHrwNTktImNx5WhyphenhyphenRNeK60pRRpK1Jujv4v5w9u20kJOQT7jqlWTPFz8q-qYvcr69XVwnoCLx0/s640/A8641227-59E0-45EA-9FC6-98EBF9699F40.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check in Chiang Mai</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/AVvXsEhSw66MSAlNOs6jPy4uidkAhPXnA4xblxgh5fxDbO5OTAQl4B0ZLdXca3JuNlaCWMWMS33O9ZJpruSj_FzG6N0kOq-PbkNholj2DWdpljeFZFUfiDIVLlIDFsWBVybC5HDaagmBenShdco/s1600/D0F0EE07-A2FD-453F-B3A3-CD4F14F63B2C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw66MSAlNOs6jPy4uidkAhPXnA4xblxgh5fxDbO5OTAQl4B0ZLdXca3JuNlaCWMWMS33O9ZJpruSj_FzG6N0kOq-PbkNholj2DWdpljeFZFUfiDIVLlIDFsWBVybC5HDaagmBenShdco/s640/D0F0EE07-A2FD-453F-B3A3-CD4F14F63B2C.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a nearly empty plane. No one seated in front of us. </td></tr>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Thailand15.870032 100.9925410.21741150000000076 80.338244 31.5226525 121.646838tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-92207373464511521332019-12-23T04:09:00.003-08:002022-04-28T20:38:50.663-07:00Why You Should Be Optimistic about the world<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When people tell you real wages haven't increased, they are lying. You can buy way more for the same amount of money in many cases then you could in the past. The future will be absolutely amazing, so long as we don't nuke ourselves, destroy the environment past the point of reversal, have Skynet take over, or develop some completely destructive biological agent. </span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HrN7CprYOes/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrN7CprYOes?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>VIDEO</u></b>:: This is why I am so optimistic about the world, our future, and why it is so great to be born today! </span>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-22202575985607972018-11-27T17:19:00.003-08:002023-01-16T20:45:56.350-08:00Lost in the Bermuda Triangle<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/AVvXsEgfGG9mNa_UHBdzaJEbe23yoB67uhGsgIG1HcE4wKhOeCcZaqH5RMLtd1pzQ97kDTdWLWWUogkG6Efu_LnZSskNRe8mKv5Hwpf_6yTjKTBDqtcrP-neuKqe_I0pqRbRZP3H80JZO32g1EE/s1600/IMG_7021+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="the aqua water off the Bermuda coastline" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGG9mNa_UHBdzaJEbe23yoB67uhGsgIG1HcE4wKhOeCcZaqH5RMLtd1pzQ97kDTdWLWWUogkG6Efu_LnZSskNRe8mKv5Hwpf_6yTjKTBDqtcrP-neuKqe_I0pqRbRZP3H80JZO32g1EE/s640/IMG_7021+2.JPG" title="the aqua water off the Bermuda coastline" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
the aqua water off the Bermuda coastline<br /><br /></td></tr>
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"The Rock" sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 650 miles off the mainland, no other islands near, no other islands far. The sound of waves softly rolling onto the deserted shore amplifies my sense of isolation.<br />
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Solace is momentarily broken, a head pokes out of the crystal waters. I wade out to say hello to my only friends here, a pair of sea turtles, who, frankly, make me do most of the talking. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMcTD-QQg-Mm67JQDLHldrAoJxZWvtj7NO2f36WXPr1B8D9_dd8L34PaR6d9nPGU4me672qNGMDz7adzuruglYrGCzphYzpBRxvr39UJffXbX3ovXQeeoMuxl0-MJTMmxFFGpLuYDRVU/s1600/IMG_6850+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMcTD-QQg-Mm67JQDLHldrAoJxZWvtj7NO2f36WXPr1B8D9_dd8L34PaR6d9nPGU4me672qNGMDz7adzuruglYrGCzphYzpBRxvr39UJffXbX3ovXQeeoMuxl0-MJTMmxFFGpLuYDRVU/s640/IMG_6850+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">sea turtles just off the coast</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">I walk back to our Airbnb in Somerset Village. Few sidewalks exist on the island and I find myself squeezing up against walls and gates to offer vehicles the safest passing lanes. Fortunately there is little pressing to do for most islanders, and they treat their gas pedal accordingly. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJBNyEkjz9Nwq-4quUBq4Fz2uW30K3vH9auTK1QKqbbjGVrPhT8Ty8bvWEMS9zC11lHxvqYZ0drKnp90xy2hWJLadiHTw4AgKU7JD7PpGLM0wn8z4b0x96BrQK7lmvva-KDLMV0WMpMw/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" style="clear: left; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Bermuda vegetation- bright flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJBNyEkjz9Nwq-4quUBq4Fz2uW30K3vH9auTK1QKqbbjGVrPhT8Ty8bvWEMS9zC11lHxvqYZ0drKnp90xy2hWJLadiHTw4AgKU7JD7PpGLM0wn8z4b0x96BrQK7lmvva-KDLMV0WMpMw/s400/IMG_1458.JPG" title="Bermuda vegetation- bright flowers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bermuda vegetation- bright flowers</td></tr>
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Plant life flourishes and vivid colors accent the emerald green base; it feels like the Garden of Eden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkBczI1H9w09qQ0nkH8mpN6q3azB_aZt5i7qifUH78UkeAsJp1S_rmV422zH-aLuY2kYHgflU221hMDnVIjmk8VUGGnaQ_-nO3Jd_AsCMS3RLV2P2rd5XKHh7KQNjX_Zz56ecx0R7SdQ/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkBczI1H9w09qQ0nkH8mpN6q3azB_aZt5i7qifUH78UkeAsJp1S_rmV422zH-aLuY2kYHgflU221hMDnVIjmk8VUGGnaQ_-nO3Jd_AsCMS3RLV2P2rd5XKHh7KQNjX_Zz56ecx0R7SdQ/s400/IMG_1357.JPG" width="300" /></a>You'd be hard pressed to find a building painted less brightly than the surrounding vegetation, with pink, orange, green, and blue hues being the most common. Whatever you can critique Bermuda for, drabness is not on the list</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/AVvXsEhbKWHy3ekG6JW4MzlEgRRKA1tydpeuejJ_i70cCEpt6UnLkdRN0JW5JY0-KSqUrxlf3Hy9WZxwOz39bwEqDXB0gQrP7VOpjEKSI3AlU7TyBw54DboBVe24OyZ4KYUR938fyocGfUFRZfc/s1600/IMG_5025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKWHy3ekG6JW4MzlEgRRKA1tydpeuejJ_i70cCEpt6UnLkdRN0JW5JY0-KSqUrxlf3Hy9WZxwOz39bwEqDXB0gQrP7VOpjEKSI3AlU7TyBw54DboBVe24OyZ4KYUR938fyocGfUFRZfc/s320/IMG_5025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a Jamaican restaurant, note the colors </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69dQXrmd5zwRHHrc6zceo5zXWzSpQehdL6RwP12VyuWST9ZTTjKzdTQh5sMih2K1xaFoUqqf8d6CqkgjJMjqsSUf8fXPUXwZHOgZ95rrSxKVT-EjDz6RTDRHjxmyZwtPf3guoUcDLzEM/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="$18 for less than a gallon of water" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69dQXrmd5zwRHHrc6zceo5zXWzSpQehdL6RwP12VyuWST9ZTTjKzdTQh5sMih2K1xaFoUqqf8d6CqkgjJMjqsSUf8fXPUXwZHOgZ95rrSxKVT-EjDz6RTDRHjxmyZwtPf3guoUcDLzEM/s200/IMG_4589.JPG" title="$18 for less than a gallon of water" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">$18 for less than a gallon of bottled water. <br />
Tap please</td></tr>
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At night, the melody of insects and birds helps create a sense of pure tranquility. Walk down to the beach to add the sounds of the ocean for an unparalleled meditative experience.<br />
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I meander to the store in the morning and my reflective state gets concussed by sticker shock. At least in part due to the isolation of the island, Bermuda was ranked as the <a href="https://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0001c7.htm" target="_blank">world's most expensive country</a>, handily beating out <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/search/label/Switzerland" target="_blank">Switzerland</a> and <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/search/label/Norway" target="_blank">Norway</a>.<br />
Groceries cost anywhere from double to triple what they do in the US. A small house starts at 800k, and a half hour taxi ride will run you $70-80.<br />
Dining out is almost a non-starter, due to the food being both exceptionally high in cost and terribleness.<br />
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The island is tiny- 20 square miles. Even with the windy, hilly roads, driving from tip to tip takes less than an hour; width wise you can walk from one side to the other in half that. </div>
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Fortunately, no matter your location you're surrounded by spectacular aqua water and some gorgeous beaches, which is frankly the best reason, and likely the only reason, for anyone to visit "The Rock." Just make sure your savings account is flush when you land, it won't be upon exit. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little crab heads towards the clear water</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIdr-aK6h4u5y0bBPQaeLML_ZqvWKMxlSIxZV__MXpqCSJxdlTTB5b8AqPpW83Mi8RfNW9Do5zpDD1sRZLJKWJ0HU3qq5YgaAJlWO62X6O9b2PsLH4GNg4vNzj8IIcixcpN8agl5APTY/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIdr-aK6h4u5y0bBPQaeLML_ZqvWKMxlSIxZV__MXpqCSJxdlTTB5b8AqPpW83Mi8RfNW9Do5zpDD1sRZLJKWJ0HU3qq5YgaAJlWO62X6O9b2PsLH4GNg4vNzj8IIcixcpN8agl5APTY/s640/IMG_2298.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7Zpjp-nz0kv1fJrBCtCNtsTNupynN_pcuvaJLs88d_ASONSjsvNdvHK5LAN8yL6ChdMUgoBlivfT5draOlGIWGk3j-gd2PpOXKc5STWnntz_vvxGu8c82rCvU185_85d7g3S2eVlzwM/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7Zpjp-nz0kv1fJrBCtCNtsTNupynN_pcuvaJLs88d_ASONSjsvNdvHK5LAN8yL6ChdMUgoBlivfT5draOlGIWGk3j-gd2PpOXKc5STWnntz_vvxGu8c82rCvU185_85d7g3S2eVlzwM/s640/IMG_6903.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">palm trees swaying on the Bermuda shore</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My son enjoying himself down a a tubular slide in Bermuda. 7 seconds of bliss</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Bermuda tips</u></b>- if you do decide to see Bermuda, SKIP Hamilton altogether, sit yourself down on a nice beach around Somerset Village, and only come for a couple days. The beaches are very nice, but that's all there is really. </span></div>
Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Bermuda32.3078 -64.75049999999998832.0931 -65.073223499999983 32.5225 -64.4277765tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-26039288367271088152018-10-01T08:48:00.003-07:002023-01-16T20:49:33.668-08:00A Taste, Look, and Feel of Toronto, Canada<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgcK61MJu2qbIe-23TjuFR51Q1a6JbHJDkV03fD4TbWP8v9qLI4AYuv1K4n8Oyi3GXl2gV39Kvd0G0DYLscR2Bp3N7K1Xh9sKMbc0pL3nfYVDMjmd9B3fzdAQDQ2qpesx0qAcUo8-xrw/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lake Ontario- spooky sky" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgcK61MJu2qbIe-23TjuFR51Q1a6JbHJDkV03fD4TbWP8v9qLI4AYuv1K4n8Oyi3GXl2gV39Kvd0G0DYLscR2Bp3N7K1Xh9sKMbc0pL3nfYVDMjmd9B3fzdAQDQ2qpesx0qAcUo8-xrw/s640/IMG_1923.JPG" title="Lake Ontario- spooky sky" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">spooky yet gorgeous skies around Lake Ontario at sunset</td></tr>
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The beaches of Lake Ontario lap up its ferocious waves on this windy evening as I stand on her shores gazing up at the setting sky. Although the most polluted of the Great Lakes, it still contains a number of water enthusiasts; tonight that number is "one." I strip and dive in, but am quickly ejected by the frigid waters. I dress and retreat back up the hill feeling slightly defeated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto street car</td></tr>
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I hop in a street car, its civic purpose to slow Queen Street traffic to the speed of an octogenarian jogger taking a coffee break.<br />
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As we continue west, large green parks start popping into view; people toss frisbees back and forth, as some set picnic baskets atop their large beach towels, while others meditatively practice tai-chi, breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly until they literally start flying through the air, upended by a linebacker of a dog chasing a squirrel through their circle.<br />
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Noting the lush landscapes combined with substantial summer humidity my wife declares Toronto, "The ideal place to grow a garden;" ... failing to factor in the snow which blankets the Great White North during its harsh winters.<br />
There's a for sale sign in front of an old, three story red brick house near the downtown, which will undoubtably sell for a pretty penny. Toronto real estate is in bubble territory, bid up by Chinese money anxious to park itself in safer lands. Escalating rents, high grocery prices, and an Ontario sales tax of 13% on top of all other purchases apply substantial pressure to your finances. After 4 months of living here, my wallet is as flat as a penny left on the rail road tracks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA6sSLVqJ37yhRDLYVI5XKDYNlRDBVAwoijpy9sEvFMoTpYqS85OX1afMxqsQ0os-6NHfYTc18ycDEpg81yJDP8wh0rxNnl48tSl0Mwkl_cEbV2yWYrZzRju9oNCYm6zg6aukFiyA0_g/s1600/emperor-penguin.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA6sSLVqJ37yhRDLYVI5XKDYNlRDBVAwoijpy9sEvFMoTpYqS85OX1afMxqsQ0os-6NHfYTc18ycDEpg81yJDP8wh0rxNnl48tSl0Mwkl_cEbV2yWYrZzRju9oNCYm6zg6aukFiyA0_g/s200/emperor-penguin.jpg" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto street scene, late January</td></tr>
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Walking between the downtown sky-scrapers, it's notable how the pedestrians seem to represent every country on earth, and during winter months Antarctic penguins round out the continents; no one in this ethnic melting pot gives them so much as a second glance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downtown Toronto</td></tr>
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Presenting our e-tickets, we enter Scotiabank Arena to watch the "hockey" (whatever that is) game. Molson beer flows in greater and greater volumes through the stands, until finally, during the 2nd period intermission, the generally milquetoast and polite Canucks start flapping their mouths, bragging about:<br />
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<li>Canada's greatest invention and contribution to the world- the zamboni</li>
<li>how they have the worst traffic on the planet. </li>
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Canadians are funny, ey? Toronto moves like the Indy 500 compared to most large cities around the globe. Even on a Friday night, downtown, with several events going on, traffic here still moves faster than a Christmas morning in Los Angeles. (provided you don't find yourself behind the aforementioned Queen Street cable car) </div>
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But through and through Toronto is an eminently livable city, with its friendly people, large green spaces, plethora of restaurants, and the feeling that no matter who you are or where you are from, you're likely to find a little niche for yourself here. </div>
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The only dilemma I have is whether I should inform my newfound Canadian friends that the zamboni was, in fact, invented in Southern California. .... </div>
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Nah, I just don't have the heart. Let them have it. The game just started again and my amigos are decrying a penalty against the Leafs. When I join in and deride the call, one of them offers me a beer. I love these hosers.<br />
So much so I married one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX8iTHREO02tUVjVZ9xx2MZaYNYHoYBnlCWudUQ5SJoDBlxLKEsgkRH0rEYH82X6kcg7Mi4-TqndJb01hVAJ9BVx0B2NFqIlpM3_eWfX4Xk46Qjz78u1HrwTSr-ILEJbmAYy9M1A3xzo/s1600/IMG_0748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX8iTHREO02tUVjVZ9xx2MZaYNYHoYBnlCWudUQ5SJoDBlxLKEsgkRH0rEYH82X6kcg7Mi4-TqndJb01hVAJ9BVx0B2NFqIlpM3_eWfX4Xk46Qjz78u1HrwTSr-ILEJbmAYy9M1A3xzo/s640/IMG_0748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see one Hoser or two? </td></tr>
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</div>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com2Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.38318429999998243.2856095 -80.028631299999986 44.020842499999993 -78.737737299999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-32135017823074363602017-08-21T08:06:00.002-07:002021-10-26T14:01:23.814-07:00The Lighter Side of Police Corruption in Bangkok, Thailand<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My very pregnant </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">friend, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">craving fruit in a way that only the pregnant can, managed to convince her husband to take her to market on the back of his motorbike. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Somehow deciding that their sole helmet should be worn by the driver, the choice in judgement was heavily questioned by the policeman who pulled them over. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Amenable and apologetic, they paid the fine of 300 baht directly to the policemen, as is the Thai custom.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0bIFU6E6Svm3s6jN8DSmOtmFA3R9HJBZCrHlFXJi5GRmyU-ySDCIUCJ-ltbtNROsscknwpPgBYsWFpg8YPbCmcgcaeMkOtu2UmRfhIbXimeLJEwQRNWr9N8ZsMtGt5G7qHKoecExdOPI/s1600/Royal_Thai_Police_officer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0bIFU6E6Svm3s6jN8DSmOtmFA3R9HJBZCrHlFXJi5GRmyU-ySDCIUCJ-ltbtNROsscknwpPgBYsWFpg8YPbCmcgcaeMkOtu2UmRfhIbXimeLJEwQRNWr9N8ZsMtGt5G7qHKoecExdOPI/s400/Royal_Thai_Police_officer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Thai policeman</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Continuing onwards, they realized upon arrival that they had no money left to spend. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Lacking bank cards, instead of returning home, they went back the short distance to the policeman, nicely approached him, and asked if they could get a rebate on the bribe so that they could afford some fruit. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">He pulled </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">100 baht out of his pocket, and handed it to them with a smile. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Even corrupt police are friendly in Thailand. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mhR7Og5b8Hw" width="320" youtube-src-id="mhR7Og5b8Hw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><u>video</u></b>: differences in police forces around the world</div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com2Bangkok, Thailand13.7563309 100.5017651000000613.2627269 99.856318100000053 14.2499349 101.14721210000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-42338839629716386112017-08-13T04:21:00.000-07:002019-06-21T20:25:22.696-07:00Kilim Geo-Forest Park on Langkawi Island, Malaysia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPioXop17AvFs5Ek8vCjGoBBI9mhuNitRW9BhUQBSiDu5jKRFXh6krCtBpRlgS8_XEHfdee_NOXb7z2h1H1WV6Y-zZ1uRNXHxHEITSMll9qRZD_QcyETsIiK0p-ppngdV-YgxwzVf4cMQ/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPioXop17AvFs5Ek8vCjGoBBI9mhuNitRW9BhUQBSiDu5jKRFXh6krCtBpRlgS8_XEHfdee_NOXb7z2h1H1WV6Y-zZ1uRNXHxHEITSMll9qRZD_QcyETsIiK0p-ppngdV-YgxwzVf4cMQ/s640/IMG_0950.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the park sign as sign from the ocean</td></tr>
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Langkawi Island, an island till covered by tropical rainforest off the coast of Malaysia. The locals are mellow, the island Islamic, and though slightly off the beaten off, if you're a nature lover it's well worth the visit as the island has much natural beauty as well as protected regions, and one the biggest attractions is Kilim Geo-Forest Park.<br />
Take a slow (and fast) boat with a guide down the river and see the mangrove jungle for yourself. From the bat caves (hard to get any decent photos) to the monkeys you might see playing and feeding along the forest.<br />
Check the video below, and then the photos, of what you're liable to find here in a pleasant half day excursion.<br />
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<b><i>Video</i></b>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">the sights and animals of Kilim Geo-Forest Park (see the monkey?)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">archer fish- they actually shoot water from there mouths to knock insect out of the air so they can feed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwPf2gKqjKUMfMGoXhZ2cl7O7YPEtafiarZRCQErU4HW6rqp4wSJ1_vPlMfJ7Y3zN-qTN-xSyagN1TNNyp67s7K8PwkBwNOR3E-FdlNhQNSqwrpLDl93c9D7DSTkYr5eH_Emmi9H8TLg/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwPf2gKqjKUMfMGoXhZ2cl7O7YPEtafiarZRCQErU4HW6rqp4wSJ1_vPlMfJ7Y3zN-qTN-xSyagN1TNNyp67s7K8PwkBwNOR3E-FdlNhQNSqwrpLDl93c9D7DSTkYr5eH_Emmi9H8TLg/s640/IMG_8933.JPG" title="Shoe island- Langkawai, Malaysia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoe island- Langkawai, Malaysia. See it? See it???</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the spectacular scenery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">monitor lizard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7fYEO4zeGD5TOPjOuc5CXVvfMic5QsMxmKFqoyKPHSb0bMzqfhqZDh1WilkAs_BKKLdWYvwuIg9KO2avNoRJJtCFDWcRfCXKCEKEZO-l2Eewe38NzmMGl4rUKoEAUc0SmO3YvuJsNfw/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7fYEO4zeGD5TOPjOuc5CXVvfMic5QsMxmKFqoyKPHSb0bMzqfhqZDh1WilkAs_BKKLdWYvwuIg9KO2avNoRJJtCFDWcRfCXKCEKEZO-l2Eewe38NzmMGl4rUKoEAUc0SmO3YvuJsNfw/s640/IMG_1461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an eagle, the symbol of Langkawi flying overhead</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGC6durkpDim_9e5ZmELJSEaJLdiaEQ8SITWyrJO4ONcejFU2K8ySOpjc6Uk_wUQi29bYgUwv2QxJlVPVkjEZvxYuUNaIfkFQAbSF8bp69Bm0QQ9F-iS76n5yOU9Z7irQGwtS-RBXZ0o/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGC6durkpDim_9e5ZmELJSEaJLdiaEQ8SITWyrJO4ONcejFU2K8ySOpjc6Uk_wUQi29bYgUwv2QxJlVPVkjEZvxYuUNaIfkFQAbSF8bp69Bm0QQ9F-iS76n5yOU9Z7irQGwtS-RBXZ0o/s640/IMG_2316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the dense, and smelly, mangrove forest up close</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">slightly common macaque monkey handling a crab it caught<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">baby faced rock- lock left and bottom jutting out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more rare species of monkey- would blend in perfectly if not for the white faces<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">monkey up close- has muscles</td></tr>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Langkawi, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia6.35 99.799999999999955-19.172034500000002 58.491405999999955 31.872034499999998 141.10859399999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-2525078057609890052017-07-28T04:42:00.000-07:002018-12-27T00:07:59.806-08:00A Look, Taste, + Feel of Odessa UkraineMy overnight train pulls into the station at 6:10 AM. I offer a surly cab driver more than he can refuse, though he does initially until I make the offer to someone else.<br />
The farther from the city center my taxi takes me, the more run down the roads, the cars, and the buildings become. The architecture swiftly morphs into pure Communist Vomit, and my hostel/hotel, while getting a decent location rating online, is out in the middle of nowhere, the streets a maze of windy, twisty passageways all alike.The cabbie has troubles finding my lodgings, irritating this unhappy man even more than usual.<br />
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I get dropped off in an impoverished neighborhood. No one speaks any English. and I'm no better at reading Cyrillic. There's no reception at the hostel, and no one to let me in. I explore the surroundings in the meantime, the breeze blessing me with the fragrance of raw sewage as stray dogs eye the unusual foreigner walking their neighborhood with interest. There is little if any beauty to be found in this rapidly decaying concrete jungle. Eventually I ask someone to call me a cab, which arrives a good 40 minutes later. I ride back to the center of town, switching hostels.<br />
It's much nicer downtown, although I'm certain that the poverty I witnessed in the outskirts is how most Ukrainians live.<br />
Restaurants catering to foreigners abound, and the architecture in this part of town is largely pre-Soviet, and therefore quite beautiful. A large church acts as my geographical marker, and the surrounding square has children's rides draw which draw me in like the Pied Piper.<br />
"Get off the trampoline!!" yells a woman in Ukrainian, translatable merely via voice tone and body language, "50 kilos maximum." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Get OFF the trampoline Rich! But I'm not "on it"</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Odessa Communist Market</u></strong><br />
I meet a tall Russian girl , Anna (20), her father ex-KGB. Should be interesting to hang out with. We bring with us Claus, a Danish <em>giant</em>, to insure our safety I assume. Anna wants to go to a flea market. Normally the idea of shopping makes me nauseous but this market is exceptionally cool, a sort of outdoor mini-museum to Communist Times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lady selling her wares at Odessa Communist market</td></tr>
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I find a plethora of World War II Nazi Germany and Soviet Medals. I pick up an Iron Cross, "Is it real?" I ask the seller, with Anna translating.<br />
"Yeah, yeah, real of course."<br />
Everything about it says it's brand new ... "It doesn't look real," I retort, "The paint, the colors are too fresh."<br />
"No no. Real. Old. Real."<br />
"Fake."<br />
"Real."<br />
"Fake!"<br />
"Real!"<br />
"Fake!!"<br />
"Okay, you want real?" he calls over to a neighbor vendor, "Oksana, this guy wants real. Show him real."<br />
It ain't easy trusting people out here.<br />
And that goes for me too apparently. Now, I am trying to purchase a cute little backpack for my Goddaughter. The old lady offers it to me for 20 grivnas ($2.50.) All I have are 200 grivna ($25) bills, the largest denomination in the Ukraine. I offer her one, immediately she shies away, telling me she has no change.<br />
Anna tells me the lady is a pensioner, and her income is $100 a month, which she augments by selling her superfluous items on the street. The woman is worried that she'll get stuck with a fake bill, which are common in the Ukraine, and be out 25% of her monthly income.<br />
Eventually she makes change for me.<br />
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<strong><u>Just Ain't No Debating</u></strong><br />
While Claus and I see eye to eye on many subjects, our female companion views the world "differently." We attempt to engage Anna in a discussion about her beliefs that women should largely be subservient to their men, killing is not such a big deal, and that democracy is "unnecessary." While it's interesting to see such a different model of the world, a completely foreign reality, she's also very rigid in her beliefs, Claus and I wave the off-white flag of truce pretty quickly. We're not changing her mind. Change after ossifying Communism, is difficult here in the former Eastern Bloc.Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Odessa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine46.482526 30.72330950000002846.132503 30.077862500000027 46.832549 31.368756500000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-27880272055974979852017-07-08T03:17:00.002-07:002017-07-18T06:29:44.255-07:00Exhilarating Flight of the Gibbon- the #1 Recommendation of Thailand<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/AVvXsEhzsVwSGsvY_7sWNxlLRRnxlBybGyKMB9gkPIZWj3GlEPEjpWuXzOt4VaJruiYiq6n6BkJVBCxPPKGm-iBiXs91yjZjzmrQ2w7gECPG-hpRZ2tNX1hglCCGc3YVC6qn13n97QDL9vo36zg/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsVwSGsvY_7sWNxlLRRnxlBybGyKMB9gkPIZWj3GlEPEjpWuXzOt4VaJruiYiq6n6BkJVBCxPPKGm-iBiXs91yjZjzmrQ2w7gECPG-hpRZ2tNX1hglCCGc3YVC6qn13n97QDL9vo36zg/s640/IMG_3823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a small waterfall in the Thai jungle</td></tr>
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There are certain moments in life that we remember with fondness forever. Near the northern Thai town of Chiang Mai is a one of the world's longest ziplines, <i>Flight of the Gibbon</i>.<br />
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The natural beauty of old growth forest viewed from high above the ground combined with the exhilaration as you speed, almost flying above the canopy, has the necessary ingredients to create such a memory. </div>
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check out the below video to see why it might be so memorable for you.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gS8K3ZutppE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gS8K3ZutppE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b><u>Video</u></b>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">Flight of the Gibbon</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3N5YS9PYNh8-1hHBFREFif3EdiLHGNvnwcJm-WHGPWnIivQR4i05H7vJCGpDW4fjx_bEScd7rl9Xqncc0ZIRQVK_wUqSV1iVN2ak5aF-93XqamJMQSC0TRlWr6GmNnvCTOTLB33v_UU/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3N5YS9PYNh8-1hHBFREFif3EdiLHGNvnwcJm-WHGPWnIivQR4i05H7vJCGpDW4fjx_bEScd7rl9Xqncc0ZIRQVK_wUqSV1iVN2ak5aF-93XqamJMQSC0TRlWr6GmNnvCTOTLB33v_UU/s640/IMG_3313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a zip line sprung between trees in the jungle</td></tr>
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By participating, you are helping to preserve the nature surrounding, as the locals profit from keeping the rainforest in tact. To boot you will likely be able to see wild gibbons frolicking in the trees which comprise their territory.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadYYztU_Z7AX8gzuAz36pV5UPbYy-omku6hURCR2oXcz0p3gISt6k-Td7xzV0_j7Cio_0ZjhShl5mGhVyPKy2EUMNF0ntdox3PP9w40IHr_IuCrjtlamG7pJIHaG0NO93V7_7WUh9pr8/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadYYztU_Z7AX8gzuAz36pV5UPbYy-omku6hURCR2oXcz0p3gISt6k-Td7xzV0_j7Cio_0ZjhShl5mGhVyPKy2EUMNF0ntdox3PP9w40IHr_IuCrjtlamG7pJIHaG0NO93V7_7WUh9pr8/s640/IMG_4460.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mist coming up from the jungle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpycJQHau5aXAldoIqXpxqFd_AFJfltHaUgda6kyBXJXUqS5RmcSHlcOUi1ULadAhAfZIhLv2tAnbUFnA0MX3N788GoiaNz3ZQVt2uySz3vws_qdVSpscO32ovOXYy9pg9NAELs0WiSU/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpycJQHau5aXAldoIqXpxqFd_AFJfltHaUgda6kyBXJXUqS5RmcSHlcOUi1ULadAhAfZIhLv2tAnbUFnA0MX3N788GoiaNz3ZQVt2uySz3vws_qdVSpscO32ovOXYy9pg9NAELs0WiSU/s640/IMG_2994.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zip-lining from tree to tall tree</td></tr>
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I cannot recommend this zip line enough. If I could tell you to do just one thing in all of Thailand, Flight of the Gibbon would be it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasuTBv4Wf840ZGfVIpSysPSdTNzkYnQqtv21pCNV-Ki4tGJ1ItQyySVj-zjZwFvLmC8VdM9otAdkxc6xxgllJvO3THo4oXib9Mf66yJBCkYRz5mtZxX0zH9qCfwS9ghhESnMDJbdIYYQ/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasuTBv4Wf840ZGfVIpSysPSdTNzkYnQqtv21pCNV-Ki4tGJ1ItQyySVj-zjZwFvLmC8VdM9otAdkxc6xxgllJvO3THo4oXib9Mf66yJBCkYRz5mtZxX0zH9qCfwS9ghhESnMDJbdIYYQ/s640/IMG_1030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the misty forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WHft3iKByYXj8BGsB-7qke-6nDPe9b3gkurEXXRNcs7kE20Vzt3XxjwfxH86qG8QbXHHtopW63VS40NvF32RIFhy7Tb15I4XlGUjxE1G-wK40nuif_FDincvw9eWksbswf6aFF5h8nM/s1600/IMG_2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WHft3iKByYXj8BGsB-7qke-6nDPe9b3gkurEXXRNcs7kE20Vzt3XxjwfxH86qG8QbXHHtopW63VS40NvF32RIFhy7Tb15I4XlGUjxE1G-wK40nuif_FDincvw9eWksbswf6aFF5h8nM/s400/IMG_2055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the jungle</td></tr>
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The waterfall below you can go to after you finish zip-lining. Enjoy your time in the gorgeous greenery.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkhUGeyE3yNipo48pguCXvYX5cMfpNOUySVay8uV9wc0zp7gCY22Bt9JoqhT_xwGEDBkPGnnSVg8j5bfObR5L__14zZO1nzWRPezDjMTeeQg43zpf-mDIH0nLeMylXgkBZTz4w1H_z_M/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkhUGeyE3yNipo48pguCXvYX5cMfpNOUySVay8uV9wc0zp7gCY22Bt9JoqhT_xwGEDBkPGnnSVg8j5bfObR5L__14zZO1nzWRPezDjMTeeQg43zpf-mDIH0nLeMylXgkBZTz4w1H_z_M/s640/IMG_3311.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">waterfall at the end of the tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHMJWZGnhbPwA2vYlk0yhyphenhyphen34WHau91iN6Wg7soaRMJ_yscheAaNwiYJ-OzZXs-FKYNX85-0yHEsiW-U9gaSQPsUJIJWIYr96MZeryCzgrlYzlmiizSIIiCz-PswuwMQ2HTnlXFFr50Dc/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHMJWZGnhbPwA2vYlk0yhyphenhyphen34WHau91iN6Wg7soaRMJ_yscheAaNwiYJ-OzZXs-FKYNX85-0yHEsiW-U9gaSQPsUJIJWIYr96MZeryCzgrlYzlmiizSIIiCz-PswuwMQ2HTnlXFFr50Dc/s640/IMG_0807.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">waterfall of the Thai jungle</td></tr>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand18.7060641 98.98171630000001618.4655196 98.658992800000021 18.946608599999998 99.304439800000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-39523920401270570832017-07-03T00:54:00.000-07:002018-02-09T22:31:05.388-08:00Your Two Week Vacation Itinerary for ThailandHaving lived in abroad in Thailand I get many requests for itineraries and advice. Wanting to help my friends (and friends of friends of friends) I have spent umpteen amount of time on the subject, and thus merely wish to write my recommendations here once that will benefit the broader internet. <br />
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Here is the first question I want to <b>annihilate</b>: "I'm planing on coming to for 8 days, what should I do?"<br />
A: The <u>minimum</u> amount of time you want to spend is two weeks if you're traveling from America. Coming here for less is a total waste. The expense of the plane tickets, the 24 hour journey from door to door each way, the jet-lag, and then the time returning to the airports when moving around the country, you'll feel positively cheated if you spend less time here.<br />
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With that in mind, here is your two week recommended itinerary, with three weeks being preferable.<br />
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<b><u>Day 1</u></b>- Fly to <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2015/06/a-whole-lotta-bangkok-why-i-freaking.html" target="_blank">Bangkok</a>. </h3>
It might say your flight is 19 hours, it's still 24 hours door to door when you include traveling to the airport, immigration, bags, and getting to your hotel.<br />
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<b><u>Day 2, 3, 4</u></b>- <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2015/06/a-whole-lotta-bangkok-why-i-freaking.html" target="_blank">Bangkok</a>- </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Getting around in a taxi during rush hour (or worse- rain storm + rush hour) can be murder. You'll want to use the BTS Skytrain when possible. That said, taxis are cheap and efficient, but if you get unlucky, the taxi will take you for <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2013/12/three-taxis-from-airport-plus-hike.html" target="_blank">a <i>ride</i></a>.</span></h4>
It really doesn't matter what order you do these in, but I have grouped things together that are <u style="font-style: italic;">Close</u> to one another to minimize the amount of time you spend taxiing about.<br />
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1. <b><u>Silom District</u></b>--<br />
a) <i>Lumpini Park</i><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">-</b> see the famed Monitor Lizards casually meandering around the Park as you stroll around Bangkok's most famous green space.<br />
b)<i> Snake Show</i>- Walk over to Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute for the snake show where you'll see ultra-skilled/ brave handlers avoiding strikes from King Cobras. There are also a variety of snakes in cages as well as an accompanying museum. You can also witness venom extraction while you are there. Check the <a href="http://www.saovabha.com/en/snakefarm_service.asp" target="_blank">times of the shows here</a>.<br />
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recommended restaurants in area: Beirut (Lebanese), Eat Me (fancy Western fare)<br />
Night life: Maggie Choos (famous/ popular bar), <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2015/06/a-night-of-sm-in-patpong-bangkok.html" target="_blank">Patpong </a>(as Borat would say, "Sexy time.") <br />
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2. <u style="font-weight: bold;"> </u><b><u>Downtown/ Suhkumvit</u></b><br />
a) <u><i>Terminal 21 Food Court</i><b>-</b></u> the cheapest food court in one of Thailand's fanciest malls. You could easily eat lunch here for $2 a person, and $5 will positively stuff you. It will give you an idea of how cheaply you can live in Thailand. On the 5th floor.<br />
b) <u><i>Lavana Spa</i></u> - There are millions of places to get massages in Bangkok, and most are cheaper, but Lavana Spa is one of the nicest and most professional.<br />
c) <u>Soi Cowboy</u>- probably Bangkok's most famous adult entertainment areas, take a walk along the street and check out the bars. It's an ... experience. <br />
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Recommended restaurants: Charcoal Grill (Indian, fancy, excellent,) Marriott Breakfast Buffet (Thong Lo Soi 57. Really high quality, $20 a person, well worth it if you are hungry)<br />
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3. <b><u>Khaosan Road Area (full day)</u></b><br />
a) <u><i>Wat Pho Reclining Buddha</i></u>- a number one attraction on many Bangkok lists, the Golden Buddha is nearby as well.<br />
b) <a href="http://crazyinbangkok.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-bangkok-flower-market-vivacious.html" target="_blank">Bangkok Flower Market</a> - put a smile on the face of your honey buying some freshly cut stems directly from the wholesalers while taking in the rainbow of colors. Best in the evening.<br />
c) <i style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><u>Khaosan Road</u>-</i> If you're a backpacker you might stay here. Most alive at night, as long as you're in the area you might as well see it in case someone asks.<br />
d) <u>Grand Palace</u>- Built in 1782, and home to the Thai King for the last 150 years, the architecture and detail here is really exquisite. It currently has a shrine to the late Thai King who passed in 2016.<br />
e) <u><i>Taling Chan Floating Market</i>-</u> retains a local Thai flavor despite being a tourist favorite. You'll gain a first-hand appreciation of how some Thais live as you traverse the canals.<br />
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Recommended restaurants: Ethos (vegetarian) with a great apple crumble desert. Cheap. Right by Khaosan<i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">.</i><br />
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<i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Days 5, 6, 7</i><i><b>- Krabi </b></i></h3>
Fly in the morning from Don Muang Airport to Krabi, which in my opinion is one of the most <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2014/02/stunning-gorgeous-take-your-breath-away.html" target="_blank">beautiful places in the world</a> with stunning tropical forest covered cliffs jutting up from an utterly tranquil ocean.<br />
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<u><b>Day 5-</b></u> <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2014/02/stunning-gorgeous-take-your-breath-away.html" target="_blank">Railey Beach area</a><br />
Get a place to stay in Ao Nang (40 minute taxi ride from Krabi airport,) check in, go to the pier and buy a round trip ticket (10 minutes) for Railey Beach, one of the jewels of Thailand. Make sure to walk around to Phra Nang Beach which I consider even prettier and go for a swim. If you want, there is a climbing school nearby and you can with the assistance of instructors safely attempt to ascend some of the cliffs described earlier. At night purchase tours for the next two days for ...<br />
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<b><u>Day 6</u></b>- The Islands Tour<br />
You'll get on a boat in the morning destined for several islands off the Thai coast, with the final stop being either James Bond Island or Koh Phi Phi. Both are spectacular and you'll be given the chance to snorkel in warm, crystal waters. It's a highly enjoyable trip and you'll return with photos that will be the envy of many.<br />
You also could rent a private boat and go to Hong Island before the tourists flood the beaches. Some of these islands (Hong amongst them) <i>are Stunning</i>.<br />
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<b><u>Day 7</u></b>- The Emerald Pool<br />
Choose between climbing to the top of a cliff where a cool Buddhist temple awaits, or take a ride on an elephant. Then head through the jungle on a short walk to the emerald pool which is quite spectacular. Cool off in her waters.<br />
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Days 8, 9, 10 - Phuket or Koh Samui </h3>
Phuket is Thailand's largest and most famous island. You can get there by car from Krabi, it will be about the same amount of time as flying when all is said and done.<br />
Frankly I'd prefer you to go to Koh Chang or Koh Kood, but they are so much harder to get to, and you're the one who only budgeted two weeks, so Phuket is the logical choice. There are lots of things to do on the island, and really all I can recommend is that you <i>avoid</i> Patong Beach, which is just a big brothel.<br />
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If you chose to spend the time on Koh Samui, you can still fly there from Krabi and spend a day on Koh Phangan which you can reach by boat from Samui. <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<b>Days 10, 11, 13 - Chiang Mai </b></h3>
<u><b>Day 11</b></u> - Fly to Chiang Mai, check into your hotel, then spend a few hours at Wat Phra Singh Temple, a gorgeous Buddhist Monastery up the mountain which is well worth seeing. Then come back, grab some food and make sure to book an excursion for-<br />
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<b><u>Day 12</u></b>- <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/07/exhilarating-flight-of-gibbon-1.html" target="_blank">Flight of The Gibbon **** (#1 recommendation for Thailand)</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJ51jEKl6y0y5OdZLMf9G_-nTHOBZ4nlOGzZ-GdF5ROkPto_kC9YSQa3yZcwTvcJiLVlcbrM1uO8tnDidjQUp4BfhS6WR-VlQ8fdLchKPnYolnPEMqzx9LuZT8s0EroA-kvyzLrD5co/s1600/IMG_2782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJ51jEKl6y0y5OdZLMf9G_-nTHOBZ4nlOGzZ-GdF5ROkPto_kC9YSQa3yZcwTvcJiLVlcbrM1uO8tnDidjQUp4BfhS6WR-VlQ8fdLchKPnYolnPEMqzx9LuZT8s0EroA-kvyzLrD5co/s640/IMG_2782.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the jungle of <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/07/exhilarating-flight-of-gibbon-1.html" target="_blank">Flight of the Gibbon</a>, you can see one of the platforms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy1YO3yMhTC7B88CKvpUzEsrXN4q7l3aOqaTwAeS9uurfuW0ac2ZHb_p_lwt-Z4LA-VrezKWNYQhBKwLLZkrciEKbODxlK5QZIUjSymGhereUeHrhpx4QGyAYFop6HfuuRWp58DkABqs/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy1YO3yMhTC7B88CKvpUzEsrXN4q7l3aOqaTwAeS9uurfuW0ac2ZHb_p_lwt-Z4LA-VrezKWNYQhBKwLLZkrciEKbODxlK5QZIUjSymGhereUeHrhpx4QGyAYFop6HfuuRWp58DkABqs/s640/IMG_3311.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the northern Thai jungle</td></tr>
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Easily the <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/07/exhilarating-flight-of-gibbon-1.html" target="_blank">best zip-lining experience</a> I have ever been on. Experience the heart of the jungle zipping from tree to tree. Exhilarating, beautiful, and you're likely to see wild gibbons. Simply the best thing you can do in Thailand. That said it's not cheap (in excess of $100 a person) but it honestly is well worth the money, and it helps preserve the forests as they are. It's a majority of the day.<br />
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<i><u><b>Day 13- </b></u></i>if you wish to spend an extra day here, then go to the <a href="https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/" target="_blank">Elephant Nature Park</a>- worth the experience. <br />
Avoid the Tiger Kingdom though. Waste of time and money.<br />
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<i>Chiang Mai notes</i>- when I first went in 2007 the night market was awesome, with a lot of cool local crafts and art. Today, it's almost all Chinese factory made trinkets and super-crowded. You can find cheap Thai handi-crafts outside the city if you seek them out.<br />
If you wish to spend an extra day/ something else to do, Thai cooking classes are quite popular, or if you're adventurous then do the mountain biking experience. (both bookable with any local tour company)<br />
Make sure to try khao soi soup while you're here, it is a staple of northern Thailand.<br />
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<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Day 14- Fly Home</b><br />
Fly directly to BKK airport (<u><i>Not</i></u> Don Muang serviced by Air Asia) and allow a little time to connect to your flight as you'll have to go through immigration. It will cost you a few dollars more to fly into BKK but you'll more than save that in taxi fare and time avoiding Bangkok's infamous traffic.<br />
Fly home and enjoy the jetlag. <br />
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Notes: if you are a nature lover and have extra time I highly recommend a trip to <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/05/the-gorgeous-waterfall-of-thailand.html" target="_blank">Erawan National Park</a> and the more hidden <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/05/maekhamin-waterfall-national-park.html" target="_blank">Maekhamin Waterfall + National Park</a>. This is nature in SE Asia at it's best, and you can swim in the pools around the falls. A lot of fun. They aren't the easiest to get to, but well worth it.<br />
Enjoy your trip. Have a comment/suggestion enter it below!<br />
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com2Thailand15.870032 100.992541000000070.21741150000000076 80.338244000000074 31.5226525 121.64683800000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-79214775883551599512017-06-08T21:08:00.000-07:002017-12-07T02:59:41.581-08:00The Cherry Blossom is in Full Bloom- Stunning photos of Japanese SakuraEach year the sakura (cherry blossom) is celebrated in Japan, a tradition dating back thousands of years, signaling the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and optimism. Their short lived bloom, representative of the fleeting beauty of life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQlBzIByBHalFRSSvuCmKiAbWJI_72CdK9mG66IFvffzB8i9zO368f8VBeMqe7TCndWuHNWeBdAZ-vYFFi7kCkwGy2xM7djk3fkqV4D0BgIBelbpTxwiA4LiUg6qbBGvoWpcEi_PTyYI/s1600/brilliant_cherry_tree_kyoto_park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQlBzIByBHalFRSSvuCmKiAbWJI_72CdK9mG66IFvffzB8i9zO368f8VBeMqe7TCndWuHNWeBdAZ-vYFFi7kCkwGy2xM7djk3fkqV4D0BgIBelbpTxwiA4LiUg6qbBGvoWpcEi_PTyYI/s640/brilliant_cherry_tree_kyoto_park.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cherry blossom in full bloom</td></tr>
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Groups of people gather round the budding trees to eat, drink, and socialize with another, an occasion known as "hanami." In a culture where interaction is generally stilted, especially amongst those unfamiliar, the sakura acts as a bridge of engagement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, and when they are they are stunning</td></tr>
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To stand in the midst of sakura; one's mind disappears into the gaps of thought as focus shifts to the delicate beauty around you. </div>
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An electric feeling of awe might infuse your heart and spirit from this meditative experience. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARqOYgFOg54YQTey_1s7NGimFiIi0Mo1yVK2BIqK_WRtE0GkhlhqXnNJZPzAkEHoFm5HhnYTzfgEc2tWhXuC_rXXBP3Fbx8xo35vNjii49bZRurrC3yqUCg04zz5SLjLgmV7S2pFS2Gs/s1600/Cherry_blossoms_Kyoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARqOYgFOg54YQTey_1s7NGimFiIi0Mo1yVK2BIqK_WRtE0GkhlhqXnNJZPzAkEHoFm5HhnYTzfgEc2tWhXuC_rXXBP3Fbx8xo35vNjii49bZRurrC3yqUCg04zz5SLjLgmV7S2pFS2Gs/s640/Cherry_blossoms_Kyoto.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cherry trees in Kyoto with temples in the background</td></tr>
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If you seek a moment's inspiration, might I suggest visiting Japan in early April- the season of the Sakura.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's early spring, and other trees are barren- which makes the bright pink stand out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cherry blossoms at night lit up in Kyoto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philosopher's path in Kyoto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">colors which help counter the grey skies on Kyoto streets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNJ8ZfKrNL-UHeWDyjnFjhDLNAkzU-DOxo-ndZ_IMTcOxN2s1kIOx-yhIhsgFDdrl4C5bWsdf5fQKoyaTX8WY-_cnMhJsjdkh274D5oK3CaMxUK1MKwZTJ_D-A85cFbdj7PTEtDK9xGk/s1600/Japanese_cherry_blossoms_up_close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNJ8ZfKrNL-UHeWDyjnFjhDLNAkzU-DOxo-ndZ_IMTcOxN2s1kIOx-yhIhsgFDdrl4C5bWsdf5fQKoyaTX8WY-_cnMhJsjdkh274D5oK3CaMxUK1MKwZTJ_D-A85cFbdj7PTEtDK9xGk/s640/Japanese_cherry_blossoms_up_close.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beauty of cherry blossoms up close</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy19wRUnV-0UMNGPHBR8sLfrL9w2iCw94KxO4AOAzdTgAhO2cC43vPCrqb4_P4qf1lMf3Jve4BsCrV5g9rHn72Zb0LVXCnzC-Z8TfCc7rmHL-ijuzWx1SLxQuRk9roA10OQTt0jZkfvMo/s1600/cherry_blossoms_river_bank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy19wRUnV-0UMNGPHBR8sLfrL9w2iCw94KxO4AOAzdTgAhO2cC43vPCrqb4_P4qf1lMf3Jve4BsCrV5g9rHn72Zb0LVXCnzC-Z8TfCc7rmHL-ijuzWx1SLxQuRk9roA10OQTt0jZkfvMo/s640/cherry_blossoms_river_bank.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cherry trees on the river bank at the base of the mountains surrounding Kyoto<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ULoE8LROWQc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ULoE8LROWQc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<u><b><i>Video</i></b></u>: cherry blossoms in Nara Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful girl under weeping cherry blossoms</td></tr>
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The sakura has special significance for me as it is amidst them, the branches from the tree inches above our boat, that I asked this beautiful girl to marry me. The answer was yes. It's easy to get inspired. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most canals in Kyoto have blooming cherry trees at the start of April</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBS1GNIKR4V7QkqI-CohjUS4rKbxQbkFUaO6CCt_P0DthsOzh-qR5T9q44JjmEXCB_HlaXapdFg5lgm3E3Y3KfeyziRMHjA-N1672-WY4R64Zhz-BouNgY4E4HwsSgWj4v7NE2_rWFjM/s1600/weeping_cherry_tree_over_grave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBS1GNIKR4V7QkqI-CohjUS4rKbxQbkFUaO6CCt_P0DthsOzh-qR5T9q44JjmEXCB_HlaXapdFg5lgm3E3Y3KfeyziRMHjA-N1672-WY4R64Zhz-BouNgY4E4HwsSgWj4v7NE2_rWFjM/s640/weeping_cherry_tree_over_grave.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a cherry tree weeps over Japanese graves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecaTLi4Wuf42t95eTLfLuF1iKFu5xTHzl401fdWvVER8a6GOa418DBoUTVizf7FwrCZztIKAo2z-DZPo-A3LcAn0s2HIc_a0I9mddc01biH2xzH3JfPsoXHqw4jo5WIhKAei7xrBSCgo/s1600/gorgeous_cherry_tree_blossoms_kyoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecaTLi4Wuf42t95eTLfLuF1iKFu5xTHzl401fdWvVER8a6GOa418DBoUTVizf7FwrCZztIKAo2z-DZPo-A3LcAn0s2HIc_a0I9mddc01biH2xzH3JfPsoXHqw4jo5WIhKAei7xrBSCgo/s640/gorgeous_cherry_tree_blossoms_kyoto.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a stellar tree in a Kyoto park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJYfKKMwrh6BIHc819w2K4gf9lHvnXGH37VZChuUOEfqepH8JLq6a1GyssAhuIEOyMCl0qhkFQkHYel9prlufjv_ZxkPP1GBwHhsqULjpUx0wUOUnLBGQmZEm1wMX3DTHe-OQnSQjG80/s1600/beautiful_girl_cherry_tree_blossoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJYfKKMwrh6BIHc819w2K4gf9lHvnXGH37VZChuUOEfqepH8JLq6a1GyssAhuIEOyMCl0qhkFQkHYel9prlufjv_ZxkPP1GBwHhsqULjpUx0wUOUnLBGQmZEm1wMX3DTHe-OQnSQjG80/s640/beautiful_girl_cherry_tree_blossoms.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my pretty girl whom I love so much</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkkXx6ZNqm3vtiYZQwskSpSuqYcR-Ako08m3BpKhoyRxIHo1b-nh_l_gGHSCpusp4KmihR8iU3FjDFcGHiUyMOyvvEBHRAEe-r1ow2DmEZwDm2UK8eBmWRQPPfSgakaYh8slp2EF42nI/s1600/splendid_colors_cherry_blooms_kyoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkkXx6ZNqm3vtiYZQwskSpSuqYcR-Ako08m3BpKhoyRxIHo1b-nh_l_gGHSCpusp4KmihR8iU3FjDFcGHiUyMOyvvEBHRAEe-r1ow2DmEZwDm2UK8eBmWRQPPfSgakaYh8slp2EF42nI/s640/splendid_colors_cherry_blooms_kyoto.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brilliant colors of Japan in the early spring<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZxmD9on8AoT0wwAfwdu0ZxUwKzrVdDUH-fkZ9OFZhUFBvceINvs_fnLysyJ7l9rEaB6qSGGWPC9yFcQfQ3DeZBfvABeax5X5NYsbWspjHMMQnjYUDNdFQ6FSxxa1j9iVdzvwel9d4E/s1600/weeping_cherry_tree_rock_garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZxmD9on8AoT0wwAfwdu0ZxUwKzrVdDUH-fkZ9OFZhUFBvceINvs_fnLysyJ7l9rEaB6qSGGWPC9yFcQfQ3DeZBfvABeax5X5NYsbWspjHMMQnjYUDNdFQ6FSxxa1j9iVdzvwel9d4E/s640/weeping_cherry_tree_rock_garden.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">a weeping cherry tree in full bloom over a rock garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF7hBO9sRqk1UFC0X5BcMMgYym3RL_KuyFFX3DQv-6OHRgeuzO1QWSeYnG0ezp3yfCOTSzdxPxP02Os70YlHEwl5TOLzCw8OLn9uDtQY4st9ncB049p7N9IPzlyzHW2EkfuFsI4E74HY/s1600/pink_cotton_candy_under_cherry_tree_kyoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF7hBO9sRqk1UFC0X5BcMMgYym3RL_KuyFFX3DQv-6OHRgeuzO1QWSeYnG0ezp3yfCOTSzdxPxP02Os70YlHEwl5TOLzCw8OLn9uDtQY4st9ncB049p7N9IPzlyzHW2EkfuFsI4E74HY/s640/pink_cotton_candy_under_cherry_tree_kyoto.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink cotton candy under a blooming cherry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Also, check out the <a href="http://livetravelteach.com/2017/03/22/best-places-for-spring-in-korea/" target="_blank">South Korean version of Sakura season</a> at my friend Mike's blog. </div>
Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Japan36.204824 138.2529249.549143 96.944330000000008 62.860505 179.561518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-39910519540550683042017-06-07T16:38:00.000-07:002017-06-18T06:48:09.810-07:00Are Japanese the Most Polite People on Earth? Omotenashi is the Answer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuVbJQpZpskPHtlcyVkipdr1g-iSk2zffwmUHVViNycgv-APVN1qgY12n0ivpozjNvz0OC343z42Mo_n96nU9BFERyxlxRVuBZkn9a483Mv96JOkeEzVVdXDIFgZsFN400y0C7z63hdw/s400/IMG_2708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chidorigafuchi park/ Moat- cherry blossom season Tokyo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Unrequested help at the Store</u></b><br />
We've read you can purchase tickets to the Nippon Professional Baseball League at <i>7-11</i>. The clerk doesn't understand a word we utter, but a younger Japanese woman behind us responds affirmatively with one word of broken English, "Yes," then leads us by the hand upstairs to the automated kiosk. But does she stop there? <i>Noooooooooo</i>, this is Japan, thus she navigates us through the hieroglyphics, translating as she punches the buttons for us, insuring we get our exact desires. About seven minutes later, we have tickets for tomorrow's Tokyo Giants game.<br />
(<i>Editor's note</i>: "Noooooooooo" is almost always sarcastically negative, not this time)<br />
<br />
Based on her blushful, embarrassed reaction to my thanks, I'm concerned If I tried to tip her she might suffer a heart attack. Not wanting to be arrested for murder, I decide to save some money.<br />
The likelihood of a complete stranger overhearing you, and volunteering to spend 7 minutes of their lives performing the identical task in the city of Los Angeles- approaches zero (mathematically speaking.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Taxi</u></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxUSA-klAtQtnkL1sLhJWZr_4WoXFq3TzzShFKDGjobzXVXjK6nQChZB7HOFaqPYnpCSrW-Hq6ayR7YIHuoYq1CqH68bCAwjKqGZEg2HWCokpw1e6FA0V1pmKsCiybrY33z6tNVsKRhI/s1600/Japanese_taxi_driver_at_your_service.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxUSA-klAtQtnkL1sLhJWZr_4WoXFq3TzzShFKDGjobzXVXjK6nQChZB7HOFaqPYnpCSrW-Hq6ayR7YIHuoYq1CqH68bCAwjKqGZEg2HWCokpw1e6FA0V1pmKsCiybrY33z6tNVsKRhI/s320/Japanese_taxi_driver_at_your_service.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">uniformed white gloved Japanese taxi driver</td></tr>
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The taxi door automatically swings open, the immaculately dressed driver's pressed uniform includes white gloves. Deferential and accommodating, he respectfully bows his head and thanks you after receiving his exact fare. While Japanese find tipping confusing/uncomfortable, failure to tip an American cabbie will often result in him spitting swear words into your face.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Make it Seen</u></b><br />
At a Kyoto Temple, I drop my wife's sweater to free my hands to take a photo. After several shooting angles we walk away, leaving it on the ground; ten minutes later she feels a chill. I race back up the trail, scanning the ground, huffing and puffing, doubting I'll find it. To my surprise it's in the most visible place imaginable, nearly eye level on the gate!<br />
Someone picked it up, and intentionally put it in a location the poor sap who lost it would be most likely to see it. Talk about thoughtful. Time and time again, similar occurrences play out.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sparkling Streets</u></b><br />
The streets of Tokyo are as clean as Singapore's, but unlike the harsh penalties used by the SE Asian island nation to discourage litter, Japanese are taught early and often to pick-up after themselves; littering laws are unnecessary.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Omotenashi</u></b><br />
Deeply embedded into Japanese culture is "<i>omotenashi</i>-" exquisite politeness with a desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.<br />
The needs of an individual are subservient to those of the group/ society at large. No one will push you out the way or cut in front of you. Japanese never brag, especially about themselves. You'll rarely, if ever, witness a public disagreement. No one will rev their Harleys in the middle of the night (please commit hari-kari if <i>you</i> do;) as such behavior is simply at odds with the culture.<br />
<div>
While other cultures are of the world are quickly becoming homogenized, Japan remains an island of propriety and self-sacrifice in an ever rising sea of selfish deuchebaggery. When it comes to politeness and hospitality, the land of the rising sun wins the gold, and it's not even close. Take a bow, Japan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O6RIWQjGDME/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O6RIWQjGDME?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Video</u></b>: My omotenashi- honoring Japanese deer ancestors</span></div>
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<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com3Japan36.204824 138.2529249.549143 96.944330000000008 62.860505 179.561518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-14186774981913350532017-05-28T22:31:00.000-07:002018-10-30T17:58:05.179-07:00Maekhamin Waterfall + National Park- the Hidden Jewel of Thailand<div style="text-align: center;">
<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/AVvXsEiPywFxnc6B3cR5oesUWYF-BqYxexKDSWfbUWrh00FL8ve4gq03-qBTGbN-y37Ee1glBe4GmVHND79kGs8ab3cInDEvkuDUiwx1mribBcCynWSbVpxghOyYLG9IqvnRruXqRH9VHTlVu3w/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPywFxnc6B3cR5oesUWYF-BqYxexKDSWfbUWrh00FL8ve4gq03-qBTGbN-y37Ee1glBe4GmVHND79kGs8ab3cInDEvkuDUiwx1mribBcCynWSbVpxghOyYLG9IqvnRruXqRH9VHTlVu3w/s640/IMG_1124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">welcome to Maekhamin Waterfall</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
A couple hours away from <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2017/05/the-gorgeous-waterfall-of-thailand.html" target="_blank">Erawan Falls</a>, lies Maekhamin Waterfalls. Again, for nature lovers, this is a must visit, but has the advantage of being far less crowded than Erawan. Rent a car and get there, it's stunning and gorgeous, and dip off in the pools. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is little to any English spoken in the area, and there are no ATM's so make sure you bring enough cash. That said, the area is cheap and inexpensive, and is a great experience. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Watch the video below and sift through the photos to get an idea of the area's beauty. Enjoy! :)</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6dnYNmo9mQY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dnYNmo9mQY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maekhamin Waterfall- all levels of the falls: National of park Thailand</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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/AVvXsEhA7qxVrDwiJzBfLl0Kc2VRC7JiF8Ttr_ystWQM2yi2jAuTPn0krVMK7dPKcKD07lhcFsGV2iO2dHKiwfzhP9L1Bdcwo24pLXuMKV9PFfOL95VKhbtzEGHLMT6juJRCbyeWN9RZWZYiw8k/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small waterfalls at the upper levels of Maekhamin" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7qxVrDwiJzBfLl0Kc2VRC7JiF8Ttr_ystWQM2yi2jAuTPn0krVMK7dPKcKD07lhcFsGV2iO2dHKiwfzhP9L1Bdcwo24pLXuMKV9PFfOL95VKhbtzEGHLMT6juJRCbyeWN9RZWZYiw8k/s640/IMG_1049.JPG" title="small waterfalls at the upper levels of Maekhamin" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a gentle flow down</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/AVvXsEisrw7OlEdzdtrnOQt8eHTnXscEMVit-HOWSAy5MHcEda2UZ-5GupZhpThb7w0OsL12p6Cu-rwH05g1JVDGE4odpILzW9O9_-zldqBK_XXpEXdy0NmHntuvFXeUEb9zbXYd93tkmgeHAik/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" the thick jungle around the Maekhamin Falls" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrw7OlEdzdtrnOQt8eHTnXscEMVit-HOWSAy5MHcEda2UZ-5GupZhpThb7w0OsL12p6Cu-rwH05g1JVDGE4odpILzW9O9_-zldqBK_XXpEXdy0NmHntuvFXeUEb9zbXYd93tkmgeHAik/s400/IMG_1060.JPG" title=" the thick jungle around the Maekhamin Falls" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the thick jungle around the Maekhamin Falls</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/AVvXsEgq1517PDlkWin7F6ISeA8KQ1aO5h98QMG7rOjXAC2EGJsaAyUxECxkZMo1v3QDcJPA3eGoPQtrRpmNplNdsfK1m-0vSxozcUwvFCAzDVTgNecMFRGrfaNPHtMx675Zyu683dj8KBYUSnM/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="large funnel web spiders wait for you if you misstep in the SE Asian jungle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1517PDlkWin7F6ISeA8KQ1aO5h98QMG7rOjXAC2EGJsaAyUxECxkZMo1v3QDcJPA3eGoPQtrRpmNplNdsfK1m-0vSxozcUwvFCAzDVTgNecMFRGrfaNPHtMx675Zyu683dj8KBYUSnM/s400/IMG_1061.JPG" title="large funnel web spiders wait for you if you misstep in the SE Asian jungle" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">large funnel web spiders wait for you if you misstep in the SE Asian jungle</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/AVvXsEht17tTt-AR_iIQGyMkQqcDIJPh7GHLD4KQxWlqLRgXG1e6HKfJkZ6ak8kmilXZMRETkGrlztI9ZccCMzduGI25zG6Ip7GKkAm6AO9uJ-lzRN4kx-MPLbOmiZv1SMhCIcSArjBXxX1UlH8/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht17tTt-AR_iIQGyMkQqcDIJPh7GHLD4KQxWlqLRgXG1e6HKfJkZ6ak8kmilXZMRETkGrlztI9ZccCMzduGI25zG6Ip7GKkAm6AO9uJ-lzRN4kx-MPLbOmiZv1SMhCIcSArjBXxX1UlH8/s640/IMG_1063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie sits on a branch cooling her feet in the water below</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/AVvXsEiV2KVpN19ne0cohOLkXM7tHkSsfiFSW-r90yvUJuhXek0TLnfygeghBCThArbnCqmcGfOsQnP3xAQeovqMg1334dDDQ_A84OAUQ4dFVU92PcGVy42H85oMgwj6Hz6AUXDpW29q8jQy4VM/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2KVpN19ne0cohOLkXM7tHkSsfiFSW-r90yvUJuhXek0TLnfygeghBCThArbnCqmcGfOsQnP3xAQeovqMg1334dDDQ_A84OAUQ4dFVU92PcGVy42H85oMgwj6Hz6AUXDpW29q8jQy4VM/s640/IMG_1052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maekhamin Falls</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/AVvXsEjEKeCn_15MciKgXJF999JXlhwKxvPOhLgQarbXh_QVB_b-jJp34Iuq05s3VZxGsRyDCzbG7eEXMQuu12Ca1vNhIdtuhgbzm22ntLrXarJa1kSgdv8Px0pr4QUbaVUBtvF1-tlxvk9EFdc/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maekhamin Falls" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKeCn_15MciKgXJF999JXlhwKxvPOhLgQarbXh_QVB_b-jJp34Iuq05s3VZxGsRyDCzbG7eEXMQuu12Ca1vNhIdtuhgbzm22ntLrXarJa1kSgdv8Px0pr4QUbaVUBtvF1-tlxvk9EFdc/s640/IMG_1069.JPG" title="Maekhamin Falls" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so beautiful here</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/AVvXsEhhEx5Az9qpqzyKeod6vOC-5HiQPC_pI2nfWeibTJXesn6nhzvQgmMrQKzbQcoTgyYNuRMgD7RbQ72VwixrdRDtXLwENRyjeZJYn6W1upBS32_ct9XkDuEo4WFSOla4EUeu4z7rnuIjz3M/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="light blue water of the Thai Jungle" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEx5Az9qpqzyKeod6vOC-5HiQPC_pI2nfWeibTJXesn6nhzvQgmMrQKzbQcoTgyYNuRMgD7RbQ72VwixrdRDtXLwENRyjeZJYn6W1upBS32_ct9XkDuEo4WFSOla4EUeu4z7rnuIjz3M/s640/IMG_1081.JPG" title="light blue water of the Thai Jungle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the water looks like a mirage- such gorgeous colors</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/AVvXsEgmwb0RUnV6FHMDCC11oqKNTkYU3Ant8tQxp_vS0xSWx2ClXX_PXXzR1CidYdbFs3acP-l2mHyPGCZf8SqZ9ZPjNUx_YrhEJ9Tho2oPPqwWJ_aEx9RVhSV2Aqh2MhK1iZrhgWVfPkr0y6g/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mesmerizing and gorgeous" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwb0RUnV6FHMDCC11oqKNTkYU3Ant8tQxp_vS0xSWx2ClXX_PXXzR1CidYdbFs3acP-l2mHyPGCZf8SqZ9ZPjNUx_YrhEJ9Tho2oPPqwWJ_aEx9RVhSV2Aqh2MhK1iZrhgWVfPkr0y6g/s640/IMG_1100.JPG" title="mesmerizing and gorgeous" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mesmerizing and gorgeous</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/AVvXsEgpbO87_9W3B0RNTgDClyj_sdybwuXisLlOfqQW9d6fwtSxXlXgmYeXPP1z-ri0hJP0g_FhDgMkvctdhYd7rrt02wsF7vTbmZO_-Ok9cXHj_w6gGDdR83mxBu5BMM72QEWk6mjE0XmwSto/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a great swimming hole :)" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbO87_9W3B0RNTgDClyj_sdybwuXisLlOfqQW9d6fwtSxXlXgmYeXPP1z-ri0hJP0g_FhDgMkvctdhYd7rrt02wsF7vTbmZO_-Ok9cXHj_w6gGDdR83mxBu5BMM72QEWk6mjE0XmwSto/s640/IMG_1092.JPG" title="a great swimming hole :)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a great swimming hole :)</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/AVvXsEixXY0W7IQybjbRk00IHyq4LDOSXuPbavuZ9rgjBq-yYKTQlqWSsf463aqvoHbKXYvPOHOPZlNLcpoWRPmcqpGBPUWWUjY_v52BZzMwGMxZT6Ig64NspX3W2I9HeHRG76QkmcTiFCBRY94/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="if the mosquitoes attack, dive into the water" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXY0W7IQybjbRk00IHyq4LDOSXuPbavuZ9rgjBq-yYKTQlqWSsf463aqvoHbKXYvPOHOPZlNLcpoWRPmcqpGBPUWWUjY_v52BZzMwGMxZT6Ig64NspX3W2I9HeHRG76QkmcTiFCBRY94/s640/IMG_1117.JPG" title="if the mosquitoes attack, dive into the water" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">if the mosquitoes attack, dive into the water</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/AVvXsEiI8uxux79O3i-_nXDIQR383gPF9NxTGLIrgVRM4sqZy42PH6gwmLTMapXAZet8Khn_1svKkHsm3Oaf_4Qn-t2MjmKSbi9E7WLxJjyxzWF2xZm1B84SJDklDusjuM5vKBHtm63HvMQEtN4/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="under the jungle canopy" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8uxux79O3i-_nXDIQR383gPF9NxTGLIrgVRM4sqZy42PH6gwmLTMapXAZet8Khn_1svKkHsm3Oaf_4Qn-t2MjmKSbi9E7WLxJjyxzWF2xZm1B84SJDklDusjuM5vKBHtm63HvMQEtN4/s640/IMG_1112.JPG" title="under the jungle canopy" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">under the jungle canopy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sN1pJIpLcL2gL76xIMcbEF7EI_LsG_w49_JbU-dIzSq2-zi5-3M9yv5TDh8hOg39mK31F2rtkE-mksUkQFz86i_o3hQlm9fiBa9LOcwOwq71aY9DwBQhjMyGC1t33XRW1_SHA5r1uk8/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sN1pJIpLcL2gL76xIMcbEF7EI_LsG_w49_JbU-dIzSq2-zi5-3M9yv5TDh8hOg39mK31F2rtkE-mksUkQFz86i_o3hQlm9fiBa9LOcwOwq71aY9DwBQhjMyGC1t33XRW1_SHA5r1uk8/s640/IMG_1082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous ey?</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/AVvXsEiS0N7Z2CmX3kr4c9ecs6Fy7oUTmxH-PlsWYrLsrwQPuEswWLSmiWaTI4mCByBa0ox_0V8YTRx1oKxOg97RQd6EJcDFkoQZ9PKqfaSQZPxTFbLQW2GZWRSnucnbKI1Dw4FmJOu6JGLKNaU/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0N7Z2CmX3kr4c9ecs6Fy7oUTmxH-PlsWYrLsrwQPuEswWLSmiWaTI4mCByBa0ox_0V8YTRx1oKxOg97RQd6EJcDFkoQZ9PKqfaSQZPxTFbLQW2GZWRSnucnbKI1Dw4FmJOu6JGLKNaU/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this place</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KJ2koRWYScMtHUr_KB2NjcD5_RoY-z4eKb-_Jxn38KQjuBk6G45f8cPimccghALSTYMNwO2DMsfJy6Sek7AxuBVshZDS6dffWHr86CWW1ZAJ17q2JuUn_i7YHWbRkYkqoaj1LwuKBew/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KJ2koRWYScMtHUr_KB2NjcD5_RoY-z4eKb-_Jxn38KQjuBk6G45f8cPimccghALSTYMNwO2DMsfJy6Sek7AxuBVshZDS6dffWHr86CWW1ZAJ17q2JuUn_i7YHWbRkYkqoaj1LwuKBew/s640/IMG_1044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The sun sets over a large lake nearby</td></tr>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall, Unnamed Rd, Tambon Mae Kra Bung, Amphoe Si Sawat, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand14.6380825 98.986615900000061-15.538376500000002 57.678021900000061 44.814541500000004 140.29520990000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-28467294886511972632017-05-28T21:37:00.000-07:002017-05-28T22:42:21.762-07:00The Gorgeous Waterfall of Thailand- Erawan National Park<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/AVvXsEisOV6jmv_WpFe9UfXEPvPJ-hnlUhmU5Lx70a36EtYxFdaOO9bVyHyYEpJJwhKMxE19_sGrtm1d-mvTvP3IP_uPfdh413Su-fYZwotL_WA2soXccxqwrLY467k1wTP-A0tPa2xfCEuD6Bs/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOV6jmv_WpFe9UfXEPvPJ-hnlUhmU5Lx70a36EtYxFdaOO9bVyHyYEpJJwhKMxE19_sGrtm1d-mvTvP3IP_uPfdh413Su-fYZwotL_WA2soXccxqwrLY467k1wTP-A0tPa2xfCEuD6Bs/s640/IMG_0941.JPG" title="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">one of 7 levels of Erawan Falls<br />
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There is a vast dichotomy between the loud, sprawling, and often ugly cities of Asia and the quiet, beautiful nature which still surrounds them. Only a few hours away from Thailand's sprawling capital lies Erawan National Park, home to a 7 level waterfall. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's a meditative experience watching the light blue water cascading down the mountains, cleverly changing its course as the jungle's obstacles present. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnOrTJ-4KNc-FxqoAazenRjmPA6AhmkQdG9kKsg9r2ZDPJqcxO8Jy2VlzlXqsksl55mRM1nkl830svVmttETrWtY_T4YaFLTkrW0KGN9QxWEMQQ9x0Rcuu8LFwggO6r9xtcn7tFhv9Go/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnOrTJ-4KNc-FxqoAazenRjmPA6AhmkQdG9kKsg9r2ZDPJqcxO8Jy2VlzlXqsksl55mRM1nkl830svVmttETrWtY_T4YaFLTkrW0KGN9QxWEMQQ9x0Rcuu8LFwggO6r9xtcn7tFhv9Go/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the fish doctors will nibble at your feet</td></tr>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Dip your feet into the pools and have the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">"doctor" fish nibbling upon them within seconds. Instinctually you pull your feet away, squeamish like a child. Moments later you place them back in a water on a dare, and see how long you last with the jungle "sharks" having at your feet.</span></div>
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Walk up the mountain to the various levels of the falls, cooling off in the pools forming below them, showering under their flowing heavy deluge if you dare. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8jVk4GGZVwM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jVk4GGZVwM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><u><i>Video</i></u>:</b> Highlights of Gorgeous Erawan Waterfall all 7 Levels - national park Thailand</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMjXhJmQdQRMUKyFJkDzQ_Crs_gDjQOXhDdvAeqsLabjnLbIF1K1EkwJb3WaMBSRT4puX-PcOK62NROxkO-jVj1rdkmKs7JqSx05MUQWT6cRYf0SkBRfvo6g0sa1rqdEXKjmjZkB8CTo/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMjXhJmQdQRMUKyFJkDzQ_Crs_gDjQOXhDdvAeqsLabjnLbIF1K1EkwJb3WaMBSRT4puX-PcOK62NROxkO-jVj1rdkmKs7JqSx05MUQWT6cRYf0SkBRfvo6g0sa1rqdEXKjmjZkB8CTo/s400/IMG_0903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMWtIO-JaWZ422mJYN-tGmAJAEP5Tj4VRYE-vE3GXWcLqJw9Bti7-vrIU-aat7jb-8YjKt3G0nWmWBp1DzLLCp9Z6BJRTSPp2O7GaMlqHbJK8at-YywPOLBwMt8Gn9oOk1hxbwHbpkiI/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMWtIO-JaWZ422mJYN-tGmAJAEP5Tj4VRYE-vE3GXWcLqJw9Bti7-vrIU-aat7jb-8YjKt3G0nWmWBp1DzLLCp9Z6BJRTSPp2O7GaMlqHbJK8at-YywPOLBwMt8Gn9oOk1hxbwHbpkiI/s640/IMG_0909.JPG" title="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large pool on level 1 of the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN4i-KG3L2fr4kSOI901niRMe10VFdosDwDxuEnYnOum7ywDRUZabf2dmzKbaG9Mi4LurjdHnUzJtF_STRd8vu4ZYunmOx7rNd3T0AcLLNPW22G1o_IogZlZwV844kOwTo6mIaaASFeI/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN4i-KG3L2fr4kSOI901niRMe10VFdosDwDxuEnYnOum7ywDRUZabf2dmzKbaG9Mi4LurjdHnUzJtF_STRd8vu4ZYunmOx7rNd3T0AcLLNPW22G1o_IogZlZwV844kOwTo6mIaaASFeI/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" title="Gorgeous Erawan Falls" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">standing behind the falling water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJol5-8d5DBavIE-TzIiJ3o9ghgCejzQf4xg66gwqs5xnOJER1pL9SZuFgNYT0kRZUk-tX_jPIYxd7AdEK1l0D-QkxrGN_GiBzNJe4YgHPwCZoGr8l-RaxDLNDpVGO4ISnPNvKlo8Qs/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJol5-8d5DBavIE-TzIiJ3o9ghgCejzQf4xg66gwqs5xnOJER1pL9SZuFgNYT0kRZUk-tX_jPIYxd7AdEK1l0D-QkxrGN_GiBzNJe4YgHPwCZoGr8l-RaxDLNDpVGO4ISnPNvKlo8Qs/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's a rainforest, but the surrounding area was not super wet when we were there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz2IvPxvjW3MWEO04J0WIA6mTOw-IWFxIJgrJLQ3nt8w0iSiqug-oCzZVAz8jMJGMt58Fh2wHdXXp_liDWRZ4Yf8MnUkM4i6YgpPCWtxTGRc81LDYjjEFuSjB30WSIXUDjP6EqW0fPTs/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz2IvPxvjW3MWEO04J0WIA6mTOw-IWFxIJgrJLQ3nt8w0iSiqug-oCzZVAz8jMJGMt58Fh2wHdXXp_liDWRZ4Yf8MnUkM4i6YgpPCWtxTGRc81LDYjjEFuSjB30WSIXUDjP6EqW0fPTs/s400/IMG_0966.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seated upon a jungle vine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6fvcMUTMUgMGabvYrodZiCqOaMt8Ux6vrfGqN06IgpMZT8-PiCCsMQQcakZBvjVYuh3YfBGNoIWjKAw-GmML90cwMJR0aKuQhlYtLkKdzJG6GROUGAHijbL4pGy1gTnFpVcZHBRcVkU/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6fvcMUTMUgMGabvYrodZiCqOaMt8Ux6vrfGqN06IgpMZT8-PiCCsMQQcakZBvjVYuh3YfBGNoIWjKAw-GmML90cwMJR0aKuQhlYtLkKdzJG6GROUGAHijbL4pGy1gTnFpVcZHBRcVkU/s640/IMG_0978.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZSiqM4Br-eae86WAeOUIRgjC0d7hBBWqvC8MApPCHzMVn_yLT0IPmOeti_wpOyBqjv54tGilfIY2oBauzXmVBHZm03gev2saCq9TOE559q-jEwsuWwGlidDap7hnQ-l0v0bqFirfqfs/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the Erawan Jungle" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZSiqM4Br-eae86WAeOUIRgjC0d7hBBWqvC8MApPCHzMVn_yLT0IPmOeti_wpOyBqjv54tGilfIY2oBauzXmVBHZm03gev2saCq9TOE559q-jEwsuWwGlidDap7hnQ-l0v0bqFirfqfs/s640/IMG_1001.JPG" title="the Erawan Jungle" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Erawan Jungle surrounding a level of the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQe0kAdSvh2WyVcKD-HWhyQTYGePBi_u8XP2XZO18C-NwHmpOVY72GvcvVLzvVrLyXlKEIKlzLY0sYDbCOMK3nRnUWqAGHAsNGPZQuBWLVi928wZKv6zjiSSM67Ud0TNEyOgbh0uj7F0/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the Erawan Jungle, Thailand" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQe0kAdSvh2WyVcKD-HWhyQTYGePBi_u8XP2XZO18C-NwHmpOVY72GvcvVLzvVrLyXlKEIKlzLY0sYDbCOMK3nRnUWqAGHAsNGPZQuBWLVi928wZKv6zjiSSM67Ud0TNEyOgbh0uj7F0/s640/IMG_0990.JPG" title="the Erawan Jungle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's so beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L1ynIDXuDsMCcyBWg7JinxOlIm46sCuF_7DuFoYvhdM68CxwkcQLq7e1lmtxjkIOnjXAZ0Xkq7K35iRrNI4u4UjSUIefRaQYb4AIajoiuNV4VSMHVQanUFBDrXkAVRYhr0hzfSZwOyg/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the Erawan Jungle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L1ynIDXuDsMCcyBWg7JinxOlIm46sCuF_7DuFoYvhdM68CxwkcQLq7e1lmtxjkIOnjXAZ0Xkq7K35iRrNI4u4UjSUIefRaQYb4AIajoiuNV4VSMHVQanUFBDrXkAVRYhr0hzfSZwOyg/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" title="the Erawan Jungle" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the light blue of the jungle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNa4mVSg0_bQgDc1FqBi1pD-HXmquR9wbS9qUOzvR7rrI8_6-QCOAJb5XP5ghHuWY84WdeTCYIRjSpF_KNQTRlEhjjVYEZGo4cXkwUd49_OZ4BBwYJqfAGIVT4plU2e8jywWA3yaHRfM/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNa4mVSg0_bQgDc1FqBi1pD-HXmquR9wbS9qUOzvR7rrI8_6-QCOAJb5XP5ghHuWY84WdeTCYIRjSpF_KNQTRlEhjjVYEZGo4cXkwUd49_OZ4BBwYJqfAGIVT4plU2e8jywWA3yaHRfM/s400/IMG_0893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie does yoga on a log above the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIufaQWewMQ2VUESTojgq39sYjcdOJpzDZ4VbCj93S8ogLRcr_eUGcLMJAW1fjAvjovjWXWGuDVyT2fVAOsRlUbQkykz0t4xGfejnvwfKvuZ5YSS8kvmZFkrq9uSl8k58kQYCE1vNwaY/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the Erawan Jungle" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIufaQWewMQ2VUESTojgq39sYjcdOJpzDZ4VbCj93S8ogLRcr_eUGcLMJAW1fjAvjovjWXWGuDVyT2fVAOsRlUbQkykz0t4xGfejnvwfKvuZ5YSS8kvmZFkrq9uSl8k58kQYCE1vNwaY/s400/IMG_1006.JPG" title="the Erawan Jungle" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the Tarzan vines you can swing on around the falls</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVbmhE0OZV5sxcM80q3lveKiGBEdHVJn7fjsVoBhb2xKRGXNM86zPBLfLEe3ma-a-isWWFO24gFafpwyDCkUp3hN1j4OtnLwGtH7rhfml3x-wuiH8DFLkb7G75OwVThro9B9534Kj8JU/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVbmhE0OZV5sxcM80q3lveKiGBEdHVJn7fjsVoBhb2xKRGXNM86zPBLfLEe3ma-a-isWWFO24gFafpwyDCkUp3hN1j4OtnLwGtH7rhfml3x-wuiH8DFLkb7G75OwVThro9B9534Kj8JU/s640/IMG_0900.JPG" width="640" /></a>Erawan National Park- just gorgeous</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyjvpelm1JDaKoiXPrPiCJnHW7OYvKokqkfliiRBiZ6tLDvIz6Uc-ML2eteKLXBcK013aApN5OyhpdbMBpmHB20jCEudsIgBXXkmMnvx9UFrWe_YkVI_b1RaxSvINjv2zP_NwXR3nbZw/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyjvpelm1JDaKoiXPrPiCJnHW7OYvKokqkfliiRBiZ6tLDvIz6Uc-ML2eteKLXBcK013aApN5OyhpdbMBpmHB20jCEudsIgBXXkmMnvx9UFrWe_YkVI_b1RaxSvINjv2zP_NwXR3nbZw/s400/IMG_1033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai wooden elephant near the park entrance waves us goodbye</td></tr>
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Seriously, if you're a nature love, Erawan Falls + National Park is a <i>Must See. </i>Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Erawan National Park, Tha Kradan Sub-district Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand14.3377055 99.074610500000063-15.838753500000001 57.766016500000063 44.5141645 140.38320450000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-33252471642800323212017-02-14T22:50:00.001-08:002017-02-14T22:50:13.155-08:00Fun Things to Do + See the Island Of Bali<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;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348900998569938226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVhWNyzqfIYQu4wnG4kb_flGWyWUwHmjF5MCbF4ggJZBalFZA9evNd7u5pHgcVVp0HL03XnC8cGcJYZIh_zRxF8GnvN3mJy45QfuvKRppjk47i1qDBiMXaXdDq8396MS9VT_BGaBBhV6q/s400/Bali+001.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the black sand beach of Bali</span></td></tr>
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<br />
I had seen the volcano and it’s the massive lake, the Bali Zoo, the black-sand beach, Monkey Forest, and been to Jimbarran for the sunset and fresh sea food. Looking for something new, I listed my adventures to a local. “Wow! You’ve seen everything!” he exclaimed.<br />
Booking ten days in Bali alone is a little excessive, four should suffice, as nice as it is, and as friendly as the people are.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348901002392551154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhednCxiXjXhrSWmJxlqkYJgi1-efSh06M_ndsIubyJrm472OcRgyXRCTqUdPnE47x14uvhN2PIMKXpydBljxQE3EMgKT2we6MtnrD0KX7kz4HSsxLDO0f19sBKgdse1FwnUlbrZ2wwpYiQ/s400/Bali+005.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">volcano and surrounding lake</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Apparently, I fell under the Bali haze, felt incredibly lazy, and didn’t pursue my eco-trips of visiting the Komodo dragon or flying to Borneo to visit the forest of the orangutans. I actually regret not doing so … on the other hand, I did get a lot more sleep than normal.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Night Life</u></b><br />
<br />
Only in Kuta, the rest of Bali is incredibly sleepy. It’s rare to see Balinese girls in the clubs. They are very modest, pure, and believe in sex only when married (in general.) The Indonesian girls you’ll see on the club scene are nearly 100% from the nearby, and much larger island of Java.<br />
The Balinese are not at all fond of Javans. Any crime on Bali- Javans. Prostitutes- Javans. Hatred- Javans.<br />
Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia, Javans are all Muslim. Balinese want to date a Javan girl, they have to convert. “Javans are fanatics, all they do is create trouble” stated my driver.<br />
Russians were voted “worst tourist sub-species by far” according to anyone I met. The only people the Balinese like less than the Russians are the Javans; they must be pretty bad.<br />
<br />
I stop at the memorial built on the spot of the discotheque that was bombed in 2002 by the Russians … no wait, it was the Muslim Javans!<br />
I see the names of the 252 people who perished in the blast. Some people are taking pictures of the monument. I am not. For some reason I feel emotional. I see the monument as a tribute to the egoic nature of mankind, and the separation and hatred that exists. I take it in for several minutes.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of clubs, and especially on Saturday night, a ton of people circling the streets. I’m still thinking about the monument.<br />
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<b><u>Friendly Meetings</u></b><br />
<br />
The Balinese, if they speak decent English, are exceedingly friendly and easy to talk to.<br />
Their dream-- to be able to go to America and earn what for us is minimum wage. If you earn $120 a month in Bali you’re doing better than average. To have the sum of $10,000 is Unthinkable. “You could buy a hectare of land, build a house, and pass it on it on to your kids.”<br />
A cab driver I meet claims to have known Barrack Obama as a child. “I look one day on TV, and I see Barrack!” He exclaims joyfully. “I knew him as a child!” I note that Barrack is at least fifteen years older than my cabbie. It’s a good story though, so I let him have it. All over the world Barrack is a loved man.<br />
Without tourism there would nothing in Bali besides seafood and fruit. That’s why the Balinese were hit so hard in the 2002 Bali bombing; the flow of tourists dried up.<br />
<br />
I meet a pretty 20 year old Dutch girl named Joleen who’s travelling with her Mom. They too, have been all over the world, though her impression of Egyptian men is not the highest.<br />
“Where ever I went, they would just grab me. It was very uncomfortable. They were very rude.”<br />
Prophet Mohammed: “Guys, guys, will you please stop grabbing women’s asses like they are baboons in heat.”<br />
(blank looks from the crowd of men)<br />
Mohammed: “I order you to behave like civilized human beings … I am after all, your prophet!”<br />
(more blank looks)<br />
Mohammed: “Screw it. It's easier to just impose a subordinate dress code on women.”<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348966308730222738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hX_80_A5GPESDpHqHwL2QJPshrIaXb14hvKAdBndVrjTT3UBPn0kV8qT9_zCHJMq5eT4ar9V2VskQBSlLl4cwtXFBEXZIfwFBbEdNwYe2qFMyWQgjqgFQWYcpmmS3ySA7jl8O-s5UFBz/s400/Egypt+and+Bali+137.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">baboon in heat. That is actually her rear end. One of nature's more subtle signs of sexual receptivity</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348901014561337458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktIu7Qe0GASEznbPP_-JXtdmR3MkXw1ezuTs0ZDuX2EoAavrNNPGe4R6oHZfw287BUnbxn9zTH3TIVFwFcjPDgFySYegN-yKwjUXD-jgQ73tQLw76SVVrMtptRnamn-ixn0uXAVR5_Dil/s400/Bali+025.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The baskets pile atop one another. I think there might be more baskets than worshippers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348901010477440066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WgFxKPW9hBbSkuVKynseeegGN0kkY99xNmH0dWpDdqzqDs6XzQBkM1ysgR_s2azkMWgPiN6c1Q-EqimTDySibs_ZvMN9JqxpLwndzBNqSrFOzfgfe3F2mRDTPEGh2bnXj0qNUiZ3xip2/s400/Bali+016.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Balinese women balance baskets of fruit on their head, taking it to a Hindu ceremony</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Motorbikes line the streets. Unless you’re a cabbie or very wealthy, you’re driving a moped.<br />
A policeman pulls over a tourist on a motorcycle, and extracts a bribe out of him for not having a license, a favorite tactic of a corrupt police force. Get caught driving drunk in the states you got to jail, on Bali you’d better have $20 cash on you.<br />
Being a policeman is so lucrative on the island, they actually charge people for the position. $1,200 gets you a uniform. You’re sure to make it up pretty quickly if you follow proper police protocol.<br />
<br />
<b><u>ATV Riding + Jetskiing</u></b><br />
<br />
Never had gone ATVing. Really the dumbest thing I did on Bali. Go down a steep slope at zero miles an hour, my hand on the brake the entire time. Climb over slimy rocks, increase my carbon footprint, waste $65. If I had one do-over in Bali this would be it.<br />
I also nearly killed myself jetskiing. Going less than mach 6 is simply unacceptable, and when you hit a wave wrong, you'd better have a damn good grip on the handle bars. Still, this is always a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
<b><u>White Water Rafting</u></b><br />
<br />
The river had many waterfalls, some a lot higher than you’d think would be safe to go over in the slender inflatable canoe for which I was responsible, second in command. Jagged rocks stuck their fearsome heads out the shallow water, warning us of the inherent danger of our mission. This was the dry season, making traversing these level three rapids that much more risky. Adding to the peril, there was no shore. The far too narrow river ran down a high gulley, a slick, steep wall of rock flanking the river on either side, making escape impossible.<br />
Several times we had been close to capsizing, but somehow, due to the maritime skill of the crew, managed to stay afloat. Now we had come to the last leg of our journey, a double waterfall, one fall, with another following not more than three feet later.<br />
This is the type of thing that I would only have needed to look at as a child and my Mother would materialize out of nowhere and yell, “No Richard! Absolutely not!” and she’d forcefully drag me away, and then ground me for a week. “Mom,” I’d complain, “I was only looking!” But she knew better.<br />
But with Mom on an entirely different continent, and thus the threat of being grounded greatly reduced, unless I were to be so stupid as to report my activities, our boat surged towards the falls at breakneck speed.<br />
The thrill of gravity’s acceleration as we plummetted down the first fall. Clear. Hitting the water/bedrock several feet below, we bounced up, and immediately plummeted down waterfall of doom, flinging our boat sideways in the air, and throwing the crew from relative safety and into the rocky water.<br />
Ouch! There are more pleasurable feelings than landing on rocks covered with a layer of one foot water. I'm tending to my wounds.<br />
“What’s that? … Come on! Not fair! Pleeeaaassseee.<br />
<br />
Sorry guys, can’t talk now. Gotta go. I’m grounded.Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Bali, Indonesia-8.3405389 115.09195090000003-9.3456764 113.80105740000003 -7.3354014 116.38284440000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-43959566697447756422016-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:002019-10-01T02:50:09.492-07:00Lake Como and the Path to the Sighignola- The Balcony of ItalyMy train leaves from Zermatt, Switzerland and navigates its way through the Alps to somewhere near the border. My connection leaving late, offers proof I must have crossed to the Italian side.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCIo8DmcpzZ9IxgBsd7KmJiCjxyOEouwRnwCitLSQnp0U1EejGSjxZl6-dWGqlyz_W_qFPIM8nF3ebNPVFIeeBiNezEjEJMnh6ezRqEU7T6Kqq7wCmGpa_92FypBTAya5Gx7WYIHVSpI/s1600/IMG_20160730_204521651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCIo8DmcpzZ9IxgBsd7KmJiCjxyOEouwRnwCitLSQnp0U1EejGSjxZl6-dWGqlyz_W_qFPIM8nF3ebNPVFIeeBiNezEjEJMnh6ezRqEU7T6Kqq7wCmGpa_92FypBTAya5Gx7WYIHVSpI/s640/IMG_20160730_204521651.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lake Como</td></tr>
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I arrive at Lago Como quite late after my second connection in Milan leaves tardier than the first. Missing the last bus, my AirBnb host <i>very</i> graciously offers to pick me up.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJn7QSoTz9_qnIOQgcMPXM6f2R94kZ2dAVQEPG4GibxaC5RuZJKolurSuVQQK3zw3h1aP7VQiweJ7gh2t1Ppc3aqANmgFbAy7tw3qFu69tZ6fq22nugLg5e3q386GJQ9VouGwFOqtuks/s1600/IMG_20160730_204611709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a large villa on Lake Como used for high profile gatherings/ events" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJn7QSoTz9_qnIOQgcMPXM6f2R94kZ2dAVQEPG4GibxaC5RuZJKolurSuVQQK3zw3h1aP7VQiweJ7gh2t1Ppc3aqANmgFbAy7tw3qFu69tZ6fq22nugLg5e3q386GJQ9VouGwFOqtuks/s640/IMG_20160730_204611709.jpg" title="a large villa on Lake Como used for high profile gatherings/ events" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">a large villa on Lake Como used for high profile gatherings/ events</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteYYpjsqbgh3wVWf-NbDrmgbJAuvDstJp3XnBMZ3Cnb0cEEb3Y85-0jjqpyXDaUkXrzqfzaA_ZgVYEimHDVHU72yDgK2HFses7RX85UrIZ71dQjNygr2NiNR6Qhw7MD-E87Fpmm8xeIE/s1600/IMG_20160731_104559334_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My hosts chickens- fresh eggs each morning" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteYYpjsqbgh3wVWf-NbDrmgbJAuvDstJp3XnBMZ3Cnb0cEEb3Y85-0jjqpyXDaUkXrzqfzaA_ZgVYEimHDVHU72yDgK2HFses7RX85UrIZ71dQjNygr2NiNR6Qhw7MD-E87Fpmm8xeIE/s400/IMG_20160731_104559334_HDR.jpg" title="My hosts chickens- fresh eggs each morning" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">My host's chickens- fresh eggs each morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQAxTyXuXt3st8Gm_iGwdujhcZO0g_DeLs3BanKaV61tZNyQ1vZyeqzf1dAs1va9p4JnujsLOkWBA-diCmwDG2gNX9eK6-dRnsSZ2anSh8bx6EK_LgPULYK-hoMQoOq1GmUAzS8IHu78/s1600/IMG_20160802_104516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQAxTyXuXt3st8Gm_iGwdujhcZO0g_DeLs3BanKaV61tZNyQ1vZyeqzf1dAs1va9p4JnujsLOkWBA-diCmwDG2gNX9eK6-dRnsSZ2anSh8bx6EK_LgPULYK-hoMQoOq1GmUAzS8IHu78/s400/IMG_20160802_104516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host's proud country home from the outside</td></tr>
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It's a mystery how I ended up here, a function of price and AirBnb estimating distance by how the crow flies, which is, frankly, much closer than the forty-five minute drive through the windy hills to to the tiny town of Pellio D'Intelvi.<br />
<br />
I set out the following morning having been woken by, of all things, a honking goose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I quickly arrive in the town's center, highlighted by an artificial turf soccer field and a single cafe, wifi not provided.<br />
I enter inside- locals gathered around the bar, shoveling out 2 euro coins for cappuccinos in the morning, and beer and wine in the evening. The ubiquitous slot machines sit in the corner, their flashing lights attempting to attract suckers like a bug zapper does moths.<br />
Within a couple hundred meters of leaving the cafe, I'm back on the empty, windy road; walking it is a perilous proposition. Italian motorists, who are about as cautious as the ocean is dry, peel around the many blind curves as though they were on a racetrack. When I hear the revved out engine of a car approaching, I race up the embankment for some measure of safety.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZJ9H06HJlXLp1vLLbErYgPd99ZB8TjUVxrWlak9ub7KKtQy8sheTUACJ32LMq4_wloG9cdOZTkLmPxbMXqa5CI_HrIA0R-lAWNv-aWuZFsuN7MWXt3kvDwjz6cf5vz1K8PR5kDL9ABM/s1600/IMG_20160801_110710210_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hills on the Italian countryside" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZJ9H06HJlXLp1vLLbErYgPd99ZB8TjUVxrWlak9ub7KKtQy8sheTUACJ32LMq4_wloG9cdOZTkLmPxbMXqa5CI_HrIA0R-lAWNv-aWuZFsuN7MWXt3kvDwjz6cf5vz1K8PR5kDL9ABM/s640/IMG_20160801_110710210_HDR.jpg" title="hills on the Italian countryside" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">hills on the Italian countryside</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D7NIqcsKrAbrcMnWnkubq41Ih9MeIX3BtMrn6myPVK2LxfrUWK7DGrUidxBlBQ-mJ3hBAzaCP0NnLPrBgX1dVWmuafXMJf-4CQqzFwZf0uzniPhehJPYZFMjNPh49mQvOppC4kcFqmo/s1600/IMG_20160802_104210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="frequent Italian balcony/ windowsill decoration- flowers" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D7NIqcsKrAbrcMnWnkubq41Ih9MeIX3BtMrn6myPVK2LxfrUWK7DGrUidxBlBQ-mJ3hBAzaCP0NnLPrBgX1dVWmuafXMJf-4CQqzFwZf0uzniPhehJPYZFMjNPh49mQvOppC4kcFqmo/s320/IMG_20160802_104210.jpg" title="frequent Italian balcony/ windowsill decoration- flowers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">frequent Italian balcony/ windowsill decoration- flowers</td></tr>
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I pass a golf course, a ball flies at me through the trees flying by me by no more than a meter. Once again, the random number generator of the Universe just misses.<br />
I pick up the small white ball, and attempt to dribble it like a basketball for entertainment purposes. After a couple kilometers I lose her as she takes a bad bounce and rolls down the steep hillside.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kO72vyYUO-ITzDet_qSdIHy3LnsLDGUnP7BM7dcagrSokAFzDFXMMcnW4bnc7JToHmS7fMLhXKy93Y7s3yyA2dhUdYIPcrMtfn8N6j4AVFax6zh1qIT1Ecwl6uPjdasErGC5f5jlRyY/s1600/IMG_20160731_133526930_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a cemetery in the Italian countryside" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kO72vyYUO-ITzDet_qSdIHy3LnsLDGUnP7BM7dcagrSokAFzDFXMMcnW4bnc7JToHmS7fMLhXKy93Y7s3yyA2dhUdYIPcrMtfn8N6j4AVFax6zh1qIT1Ecwl6uPjdasErGC5f5jlRyY/s640/IMG_20160731_133526930_HDR.jpg" title="a cemetery in the Italian countryside" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">a cemetery in the Italian countryside</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ru5-pGUG8pY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ru5-pGUG8pY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<u><i><b>video</b>:</i></u> the countryside of the Lake Como area</div>
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I'm content to make my way slowly up the 10 km it takes to get up the hill. The birds chirp, and the insects buzz, and there's little to do here but relax and appreciate my surroundings; plus every few minutes seeking protection up the embankment.<br />
I walk for a couple hours before arriving at my destination- the Sighignola, known in English as "The Balcony of Italy," which overlooks the Swiss border town named after Lake Lugano. On a clear day one can see the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn. Not today though.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f7AGMxrO6NAVjCCKWWOJqQBS6Xkrzze_wKCpQybV_hbY9bSkmESbhRViFiiBmSiQTsiALq2YOC6QCBSQNOGY8R0HZU9jBkuAdID8jGC9tMoVCxLaTWdbVnIr5OIfUaizhpUNDZV3tiM/s1600/IMG_20160731_150826012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Literally overlooking the Swiss border on the Italian side. Just below me- Swizterland" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f7AGMxrO6NAVjCCKWWOJqQBS6Xkrzze_wKCpQybV_hbY9bSkmESbhRViFiiBmSiQTsiALq2YOC6QCBSQNOGY8R0HZU9jBkuAdID8jGC9tMoVCxLaTWdbVnIr5OIfUaizhpUNDZV3tiM/s640/IMG_20160731_150826012.jpg" title="Literally overlooking the Swiss border on the Italian side. Just below me- Swizterland" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Literally overlooking the Swiss border on the Italian side. Just below me- Switzerland</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xIZYewWHSD0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xIZYewWHSD0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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<i><u><b>Video</b></u></i>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">The Balcony of Italy, overlooking Lake Lugano and Switzerland</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWKY-scUSDtwyOpa_mxC2eMSInk-oSjp0MNqCxo4bbDzzWHa-2MIYn-wok6svG6qiarfybPK4zr_hVQ2piZVRTAQrYtTB-2dlfuBLdNa6EfSVriCVtMhrIZNUaRekrB8DfslsD0uDIC4/s1600/IMG_20160731_151747587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The city of Lugano, on Lake Lugano " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWKY-scUSDtwyOpa_mxC2eMSInk-oSjp0MNqCxo4bbDzzWHa-2MIYn-wok6svG6qiarfybPK4zr_hVQ2piZVRTAQrYtTB-2dlfuBLdNa6EfSVriCVtMhrIZNUaRekrB8DfslsD0uDIC4/s640/IMG_20160731_151747587.jpg" title="The city of Lugano, on Lake Lugano " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The city of<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Lugano, on </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lake Lugano </span></td></tr>
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I gaze at the view over Lago Lugano and beyond for half an hour, before returning and starting my walk back to town. It starts to pour, big droplets. I seek refuge in a rustic restaurant, which specializes in locally harvested wild boar. </div>
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I depart an hour later as the rain abates momentarily, soon returning accompanied by rolling thunder. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S2vvQS6xWHw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S2vvQS6xWHw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<i><u><b>Video</b></u></i>: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">THundER</span> on a lonely Italian countryside road</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipToPISnhqRr-nvA7OusJf9k5esH6kIQrA0z7jbAUS5TVpn9X0j0OEcHTAp6sHi7Om_VXJYRitbO0aGDfRVI64OZWsCUhq40x7Au01Tdo7bLi_CgNoFGYTjSLuJhk3ck1pbpTt-uK20mc/s1600/IMG_20160731_203928975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Italian countryside- quite peaceful. High above the lake" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipToPISnhqRr-nvA7OusJf9k5esH6kIQrA0z7jbAUS5TVpn9X0j0OEcHTAp6sHi7Om_VXJYRitbO0aGDfRVI64OZWsCUhq40x7Au01Tdo7bLi_CgNoFGYTjSLuJhk3ck1pbpTt-uK20mc/s640/IMG_20160731_203928975.jpg" title="Italian countryside- quite peaceful. High above the lake" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Italian countryside- quite peaceful. High in the hills</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapDOi071w8jAIBlhUTHCpPbqCmG76ScktT2HRLESzv23J0YyuswZE2USRovKHOn0Ial_ceGickWQz8lS4jiP5UakZc1WECoQRoaNPBDYgmtzc_7FsBuQ3YbnCXJdbwh_9hYYm_yFHZoE/s1600/IMG_20160731_114603707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapDOi071w8jAIBlhUTHCpPbqCmG76ScktT2HRLESzv23J0YyuswZE2USRovKHOn0Ial_ceGickWQz8lS4jiP5UakZc1WECoQRoaNPBDYgmtzc_7FsBuQ3YbnCXJdbwh_9hYYm_yFHZoE/s320/IMG_20160731_114603707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I make it back to town, the day passing quickly. I'm not sure what I could look back on and say I "accomplished," but in the Italian countryside, it really doesn't seem to be a requirement to have enjoyed the day immensely.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwFC7Ux2sLlmFYLhiaddte8XF_rw0m9t9MwwVm3HjMrMqmxm9NRFu8QjFGkpSTB2Ab_gXS28gnPUJsJj2MCsF0T7_Efvk4RPzw9qTnwFYWpKYdAVMfHiIR0pTQcKC6u9Qo4lg35S4kv0/s1600/IMG_20160731_204835547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwFC7Ux2sLlmFYLhiaddte8XF_rw0m9t9MwwVm3HjMrMqmxm9NRFu8QjFGkpSTB2Ab_gXS28gnPUJsJj2MCsF0T7_Efvk4RPzw9qTnwFYWpKYdAVMfHiIR0pTQcKC6u9Qo4lg35S4kv0/s640/IMG_20160731_204835547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the sun begins to set late in the summer evening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrgEcODxtdTwSIZJ5xMqMPsRvwzFdIszvyb1kj5r_WkUjFH7xXpoN_8ue0B3Tps3bdsNfS0eRq056xkP6JwSBE2-uYgD2q6Ui16BG5ByG9sGPjDZA3Bf3hlnYKYtMVQ7SbKdAuOnjjiQ/s1600/IMG_20160801_113418889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrgEcODxtdTwSIZJ5xMqMPsRvwzFdIszvyb1kj5r_WkUjFH7xXpoN_8ue0B3Tps3bdsNfS0eRq056xkP6JwSBE2-uYgD2q6Ui16BG5ByG9sGPjDZA3Bf3hlnYKYtMVQ7SbKdAuOnjjiQ/s640/IMG_20160801_113418889.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Lake Como, Italy46.0160486 9.257167600000002545.6630281 8.6117206000000017 46.3690691 9.9026146000000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-83717863427629682642016-09-19T22:13:00.000-07:002017-01-04T22:26:04.139-08:00The Matterhorn + Zermatt- Hiking in the High Alps of Switzerland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b><u>Zermatt, Switzerland</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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Located on the Italian border, (the Matterhorn is a shared border with Italy) I arrive in this small town nestled between some of the Europe's tallest peaks. This includes the pyramid, almost bent backwards peak of the Matterhorn which is the area's main attraction. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Zermatt itself is a ski resort town, and extremely expensive with limited lodgings and high demand due to the natural beauty of the area. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPFLh-LrxdkJptocYVlXZmDqoJZYmag897yMXvX1CnVbeGYEteypMYNEv3Cn3ENx1xLNvVzbLtAcwEXkA_7_FHdM3OJLrXPbcAqAp6OZeuZu-XGXNsIArArhMCbz3i4DqUcPlfJEnlc4/s1600/IMG_20160729_105448987_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img alt="the Matterhorn" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPFLh-LrxdkJptocYVlXZmDqoJZYmag897yMXvX1CnVbeGYEteypMYNEv3Cn3ENx1xLNvVzbLtAcwEXkA_7_FHdM3OJLrXPbcAqAp6OZeuZu-XGXNsIArArhMCbz3i4DqUcPlfJEnlc4/s640/IMG_20160729_105448987_HDR.jpg" title="the Matterhorn" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the best shot I have the Matterhorn- an unusually clear day it was I tells ya! </td></tr>
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Looking to save, I don't know, a few thousand bucks, I book an <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2016/05/argentinas-1-host-airbnb-in-bariloche.html" target="_blank">AirBnb</a> "just" outside of Zermatt. Yes, technically it is less than 2 miles away, but unfortunately, I didn't take into account the mountains. I literally had to carry my gear after a long train ride up an incredibly steep trail. </div>
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But honestly I don't mind. It is so quiet and peaceful up there, a kind of upscale of upscale hostel where I have a private room for $90 a night or so. </div>
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The nature surrounding is magnificent. While not quite as astounding as <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2016/05/the-worlds-most-spiritual-place.html" target="_blank">Barriloche Argentina</a>, with her huge bodies of water, if you enjoy nature, this is an absolutely exquisite place to be. I am only here for two days due to my pricey Swiss Rail Pass expiring and wanting to get to Italy, but in retrospect, I wish I had stayed longer. </div>
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Below you find some photos and videos of this amazing area of the world. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Whx1oAlOf0w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Whx1oAlOf0w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<u><i>Video</i></u><span style="font-size: x-small;">: Why you Absolutely MUST Visit Zermatt, Switzerland</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp31RZzkJLCHL-hsDj5VGN7t0JSLqhvwSDjSuGKLnzijKZ0ik2H8OYCShUj9TLIuC7jizZQqke10KK876MHErllIGDjkj4O-_BcoXqxtC9seJ7sQSWVMxIYgLQdYAw6C_Gtr-P98JtiRk/s1600/IMG_20160729_130850521_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp31RZzkJLCHL-hsDj5VGN7t0JSLqhvwSDjSuGKLnzijKZ0ik2H8OYCShUj9TLIuC7jizZQqke10KK876MHErllIGDjkj4O-_BcoXqxtC9seJ7sQSWVMxIYgLQdYAw6C_Gtr-P98JtiRk/s640/IMG_20160729_130850521_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there are a few very small (less than 100 residents) in the mountains around Zermatt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zoLzk3Jsy2aVKYK5MY7m_XYjunxAfrodhuDIHxToIr2n97BlmCEBt1G_1yN0PKUg5E_VBdiZ4HDbC4RiEW4f9eq8_txbMpZfNIsl4_JkFmxKUbrFR7Hp90uk5CljmCYEEYxqB5UEGnE/s1600/IMG_20160729_121922556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the trail with wildflowers around the 5 Lakes" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zoLzk3Jsy2aVKYK5MY7m_XYjunxAfrodhuDIHxToIr2n97BlmCEBt1G_1yN0PKUg5E_VBdiZ4HDbC4RiEW4f9eq8_txbMpZfNIsl4_JkFmxKUbrFR7Hp90uk5CljmCYEEYxqB5UEGnE/s640/IMG_20160729_121922556.jpg" title="the trail with wildflowers around the 5 Lakes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the trail with wildflowers around the 5 Lakes<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xKw5cR4upjY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xKw5cR4upjY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<u><i>Video</i></u><span style="font-size: x-small;">: hiking the 5 Lakes trail around the Matterhorn</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTHc9Qx3eXeVY5VlLeytEQDJZ__1_5uODVouQqsyxDzoDBKPXjpMk8tK81bVOyQJdW_iKMKJCH6mbc25NZysELeYILrW_oUZasuEaOojyvMEacgbNVcKm-ce_xDon0bkhMH6kSz0fwtQ/s1600/IMG_20160730_113852486_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTHc9Qx3eXeVY5VlLeytEQDJZ__1_5uODVouQqsyxDzoDBKPXjpMk8tK81bVOyQJdW_iKMKJCH6mbc25NZysELeYILrW_oUZasuEaOojyvMEacgbNVcKm-ce_xDon0bkhMH6kSz0fwtQ/s640/IMG_20160730_113852486_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the rugged mountains- would look better in snow I am sure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju99K7RR73_FsdNN0dXJnpxkf_YhDUbmOUJWOsPNKj-438uyWCuIQZuEpgHuhHUZZHLUpD9KpkOpju2TvjyyQ26n_Kvmp7C46my84z9Z-hvHpBa_AFi21uf8_v4SOtQ84b4pWASzgxW0k/s1600/IMG_20160729_183657744_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju99K7RR73_FsdNN0dXJnpxkf_YhDUbmOUJWOsPNKj-438uyWCuIQZuEpgHuhHUZZHLUpD9KpkOpju2TvjyyQ26n_Kvmp7C46my84z9Z-hvHpBa_AFi21uf8_v4SOtQ84b4pWASzgxW0k/s640/IMG_20160729_183657744_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Swiss Alps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF4rjfuP_Uscv3NE_8pnr6zNnar2rad3vQLbRdn8q77QltlUNZVDEsAI_SYNl6Pg7YG936mwdyOXPBaKTp61dmszhVhTu_UTxC5CNe20_SfGDUCP25rfkxOJ3A-7XpsdhvjcZ2kWyuf0/s1600/IMG_20160729_164435902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF4rjfuP_Uscv3NE_8pnr6zNnar2rad3vQLbRdn8q77QltlUNZVDEsAI_SYNl6Pg7YG936mwdyOXPBaKTp61dmszhVhTu_UTxC5CNe20_SfGDUCP25rfkxOJ3A-7XpsdhvjcZ2kWyuf0/s640/IMG_20160729_164435902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sitting by the lake on a warm Swiss afternoon</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/AVvXsEgCWCrH0zxpPwrleroOHLzKOH6qwzxRfvPFw-8bQsrVCDMve-thupsercanbriryBkIJXjrIOSqsfOYUV7-XUCa2Dj0_4Unm4kOCcHMUVWM8TJ9GUEcIuA_u0NXN1lUBb6oYZlJv-zCpeQ/s1600/IMG_20160729_132034378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWCrH0zxpPwrleroOHLzKOH6qwzxRfvPFw-8bQsrVCDMve-thupsercanbriryBkIJXjrIOSqsfOYUV7-XUCa2Dj0_4Unm4kOCcHMUVWM8TJ9GUEcIuA_u0NXN1lUBb6oYZlJv-zCpeQ/s640/IMG_20160729_132034378.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the blue lake (of the 5 lakes)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0nD7ZrQOCiI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0nD7ZrQOCiI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;">
<u><i>Video</i></u><span style="font-size: x-small;">: the Matterhorn from different angle</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAruaD6EbDa8cv3BAXnItf8gBvsbICDKEegUxAKYkebpbBUmOS07aDBrfyFoE-3FQjgok5TAKwGw0eFqRlX68gggD1j1ptRJjKeDxx20GIJDZ5nU-6DucwN7nel6J5rtGUlyjqY-0hW0/s1600/IMG_20160729_162638799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAruaD6EbDa8cv3BAXnItf8gBvsbICDKEegUxAKYkebpbBUmOS07aDBrfyFoE-3FQjgok5TAKwGw0eFqRlX68gggD1j1ptRJjKeDxx20GIJDZ5nU-6DucwN7nel6J5rtGUlyjqY-0hW0/s640/IMG_20160729_162638799.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful blue flower in the summer</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/AVvXsEiUJ1X2xXWCc5KTEL0NVPPl4EHihOwd4YcL3YPkDuKhjNGaQfKQmcKXvXfCY8frILbmADTG2fbZSgLIHR5Kl-rE_UmBh1mb7BeOVDNo0wyC9VKPBk_zZRGZ9OAQLBJsqj_LjovYH1xcjRk/s1600/IMG_20160730_115013771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ1X2xXWCc5KTEL0NVPPl4EHihOwd4YcL3YPkDuKhjNGaQfKQmcKXvXfCY8frILbmADTG2fbZSgLIHR5Kl-rE_UmBh1mb7BeOVDNo0wyC9VKPBk_zZRGZ9OAQLBJsqj_LjovYH1xcjRk/s640/IMG_20160730_115013771.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an alpine stream running down the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="the glacier around Zermatt" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIhpiq4y4YmSncKeyfA-JI-eEpPIr8aAKDuSfjR2dyzkjiXl24ugM7MRsxqBQGNcQB0DCLdyixGQs8SwgivCpYR2LbWYe2Q0IG1eFQls3WofVlFVbXV6869PcqbpT6SC52kdLRXua5qY/s640/IMG_20160728_210427144_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="the glacier around Zermatt" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the glacier around Zermatt</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/AVvXsEhiCUfsuGL04JeHoY7gMuSUzoxy4LWj2P-SWth8p1Wn06jbg4l0kzuIzuvm814uPaHLaKZdObwl5CHwj3eU0pKB_pJNwyIMDLSaYs-U-3NZz55e4KwnFaMahvmJNnOykcJJAgDikOCgogo/s1600/IMG_20160730_111020697_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCUfsuGL04JeHoY7gMuSUzoxy4LWj2P-SWth8p1Wn06jbg4l0kzuIzuvm814uPaHLaKZdObwl5CHwj3eU0pKB_pJNwyIMDLSaYs-U-3NZz55e4KwnFaMahvmJNnOykcJJAgDikOCgogo/s640/IMG_20160730_111020697_TOP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a stream leads down the forested mountain to Zermatt</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/AVvXsEh6xa3wMAPxjtsXBHvskYHMLaP6bi9FFwAXjySjJf6EWzTy8oDhsvaAjdITGEfcOJWr_Fu8YuN1i99mRNmBzPpcFyMESLxE0cfDcxa38yXasjsbaMfQvxlww2nqVSVgoYqKfNz3gh0jTmM/s1600/IMG_20160729_155545317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xa3wMAPxjtsXBHvskYHMLaP6bi9FFwAXjySjJf6EWzTy8oDhsvaAjdITGEfcOJWr_Fu8YuN1i99mRNmBzPpcFyMESLxE0cfDcxa38yXasjsbaMfQvxlww2nqVSVgoYqKfNz3gh0jTmM/s640/IMG_20160729_155545317.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard to be mad here, it is so beautiful</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/AVvXsEhvMRiduhNYS6yYl7wVlEsv_-O_qx4IbYwILJpuQvvKoatU-7wRIlnzUIseZ5yup88JYfQ-Cr3A3jn4C3-oX6uWQcT70-kRAAiMlicQ5jeNph8ufEIej_JVaTzZy0CwF1zbKxjfWCgYlpo/s1600/IMG_20160729_155543747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMRiduhNYS6yYl7wVlEsv_-O_qx4IbYwILJpuQvvKoatU-7wRIlnzUIseZ5yup88JYfQ-Cr3A3jn4C3-oX6uWQcT70-kRAAiMlicQ5jeNph8ufEIej_JVaTzZy0CwF1zbKxjfWCgYlpo/s640/IMG_20160729_155543747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</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/AVvXsEhfn0HDpMLCXGfH0EaDgUonzsIAuW5QmWWx7TW6m3uY9hH4qq7PhMIpcFO-WWGQwmcFmFxtk7RgmcvuxefPCkuIOZA_zS9UMYIRKQhuOkeyqYrwdd6ubJpq9fUs7Im6cZESRBZV1_Ja3No/s1600/IMG_20160729_103915593_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn0HDpMLCXGfH0EaDgUonzsIAuW5QmWWx7TW6m3uY9hH4qq7PhMIpcFO-WWGQwmcFmFxtk7RgmcvuxefPCkuIOZA_zS9UMYIRKQhuOkeyqYrwdd6ubJpq9fUs7Im6cZESRBZV1_Ja3No/s640/IMG_20160729_103915593_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's a sight to behold</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/AVvXsEhfGNzKL4noYMVX_qNJ6v17LodmdpA2rirFYVJyKlLo9gW12EZLVJELuLupNu7s5d4mzNjFKKDGggiGvT3NjcsSt1450m-i_TgyDaQwO1_-Ib7iIdDhR23OHtwUPcxj_-ijKqJHPj5fYm4/s1600/IMG_20160730_113905632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a fast moving stream rushes down the mountain slope" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGNzKL4noYMVX_qNJ6v17LodmdpA2rirFYVJyKlLo9gW12EZLVJELuLupNu7s5d4mzNjFKKDGggiGvT3NjcsSt1450m-i_TgyDaQwO1_-Ib7iIdDhR23OHtwUPcxj_-ijKqJHPj5fYm4/s640/IMG_20160730_113905632.jpg" title="a fast moving stream rushes down the mountain slope" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a fast moving stream rushes down the mountain slope</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/AVvXsEijkrTkD-8rLBh-CrIg1tUqiUM81MiAEEg-KHKMADpyWY77DcxM5SvvqErVei02DQupw-c6n2SMEiNnIRNsEGg6uF3CH4TRKFCUeGz6vqMnW6TU1NwuLPA4KntFpU5sMDJFZiLWkIBDUKw/s1600/IMG_20160730_113029866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkrTkD-8rLBh-CrIg1tUqiUM81MiAEEg-KHKMADpyWY77DcxM5SvvqErVei02DQupw-c6n2SMEiNnIRNsEGg6uF3CH4TRKFCUeGz6vqMnW6TU1NwuLPA4KntFpU5sMDJFZiLWkIBDUKw/s640/IMG_20160730_113029866.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">many colorful alpine flowers lined the Alps in summer</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/AVvXsEj6gfQ543jZm_sRM146U2yCuTQ2DQatJUlAg7HOl9isfCGN9qMIESr1pRzwodl8uWQzO6Urj5mZW8oB2fN7gj-Gg0ZVHJpqfhRGNe2iukXKDWHXYbr-9wheyStCNrpZ7WH1j9hANTy_rMY/s1600/IMG_20160729_183657744_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gfQ543jZm_sRM146U2yCuTQ2DQatJUlAg7HOl9isfCGN9qMIESr1pRzwodl8uWQzO6Urj5mZW8oB2fN7gj-Gg0ZVHJpqfhRGNe2iukXKDWHXYbr-9wheyStCNrpZ7WH1j9hANTy_rMY/s640/IMG_20160729_183657744_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rugged summer scenery</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/AVvXsEjzU10agJ262rtKobTTSBr6cLu-mrnTsYTqU_edGj_hdhskkUnKJ0b35V5qw1rEtf3SI7wDWeYZ9y_xAhU2SDJS421UPfrqXLpv-wbfAkYiJH7bsg3l8JA50wKXsfU7uCM8qT3Xn9dSAoA/s1600/IMG_20160730_113859065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU10agJ262rtKobTTSBr6cLu-mrnTsYTqU_edGj_hdhskkUnKJ0b35V5qw1rEtf3SI7wDWeYZ9y_xAhU2SDJS421UPfrqXLpv-wbfAkYiJH7bsg3l8JA50wKXsfU7uCM8qT3Xn9dSAoA/s640/IMG_20160730_113859065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of these mountain streams. Feel free to refill your water bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIhpiq4y4YmSncKeyfA-JI-eEpPIr8aAKDuSfjR2dyzkjiXl24ugM7MRsxqBQGNcQB0DCLdyixGQs8SwgivCpYR2LbWYe2Q0IG1eFQls3WofVlFVbXV6869PcqbpT6SC52kdLRXua5qY/s1600/IMG_20160728_210427144_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7K392KFTUKRB8bM9ft4r1E1pFElBc7jeg3RTi5J6Ys4Uelj5k5igPqOVN_dzRbbuj3wVVsxcO3k9PZc02OGkI8U8-Vc-RYemIwHcEJ9KoQJ3TEyGZ2fsQloI0gqIFp6bSc24wxa7Eqg/s1600/IMG_20160729_153154342.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7K392KFTUKRB8bM9ft4r1E1pFElBc7jeg3RTi5J6Ys4Uelj5k5igPqOVN_dzRbbuj3wVVsxcO3k9PZc02OGkI8U8-Vc-RYemIwHcEJ9KoQJ3TEyGZ2fsQloI0gqIFp6bSc24wxa7Eqg/s640/IMG_20160729_153154342.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUo3TJIfjOWkq8v4Hz7IwkTUQRkvTOjXEYkBPpYfMrFDQ4EOnCwcgtocuONujEQP67fgsJkXuSwUUoWl1xRlA6r_g4-kHE3570WPWRce01QnNIAp4D0DTGYtFBGhe1x0SBphxg7sfrsE/s1600/IMG_20160729_153202474_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUo3TJIfjOWkq8v4Hz7IwkTUQRkvTOjXEYkBPpYfMrFDQ4EOnCwcgtocuONujEQP67fgsJkXuSwUUoWl1xRlA6r_g4-kHE3570WPWRce01QnNIAp4D0DTGYtFBGhe1x0SBphxg7sfrsE/s640/IMG_20160729_153202474_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a>ru<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5m73_jzGROgLyV79ppPejx2eiIj8AY2Bz5rRQeg1-a6aXn2gSiVlmam_wJg5huYaqAB36C-yy0ugkQaRG30ETrtXrLIOyEg3fecHkEh80mgcI32U-FCgdyeO7NgBnPxHWbOZrVi1dnc/s1600/IMG_20160730_105537732_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5m73_jzGROgLyV79ppPejx2eiIj8AY2Bz5rRQeg1-a6aXn2gSiVlmam_wJg5huYaqAB36C-yy0ugkQaRG30ETrtXrLIOyEg3fecHkEh80mgcI32U-FCgdyeO7NgBnPxHWbOZrVi1dnc/s640/IMG_20160730_105537732_TOP.jpg" width="640" /></a><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/AVvXsEjHkfwD63FhuwYXcoLbGR7ydysbY8OR3HG7EV4qJGeymV58lLE-w7C1s40oBVpZM6QDT0Bz7DE_VwcXj4FzwcjRbqtO5J4ZgV-jjGzAdKyFMpjuQpSJKyc3vLjWCA_joPTOR8zkHh9vX9A/s1600/IMG_20160730_105933669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkfwD63FhuwYXcoLbGR7ydysbY8OR3HG7EV4qJGeymV58lLE-w7C1s40oBVpZM6QDT0Bz7DE_VwcXj4FzwcjRbqtO5J4ZgV-jjGzAdKyFMpjuQpSJKyc3vLjWCA_joPTOR8zkHh9vX9A/s640/IMG_20160730_105933669.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the trail to Hotel Trift- another hour + away from desolate lodgings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbEaGvNfzGas6cSTkOeOVdNtvu3U0cOjSBv-l2ovKDGAoc6zoHXhPdRr2rQ7LLdB7rRU_oJMH6uLw9cREUqW6qdrF7WOZuIxxllXDSV9LrWO6c-pZUSSdeeZyz4ZoJnGO6zSIr3j3Mgc/s1600/IMG_20160730_115018820.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbEaGvNfzGas6cSTkOeOVdNtvu3U0cOjSBv-l2ovKDGAoc6zoHXhPdRr2rQ7LLdB7rRU_oJMH6uLw9cREUqW6qdrF7WOZuIxxllXDSV9LrWO6c-pZUSSdeeZyz4ZoJnGO6zSIr3j3Mgc/s640/IMG_20160730_115018820.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbH5AX3jcBCfPFklI-g1p60qqcM4zz2fGnmi8yN4fpydAA3Jh8VZnl_NspJXSKbN_sVaXDOjELXfRSHfFcYuW-vdX4VySbrV-Y6AL-hPl_ozxpJqq3rYF72hbfquVAhKMp9XgMXg60U4/s1600/IMG_20160730_115926729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbH5AX3jcBCfPFklI-g1p60qqcM4zz2fGnmi8yN4fpydAA3Jh8VZnl_NspJXSKbN_sVaXDOjELXfRSHfFcYuW-vdX4VySbrV-Y6AL-hPl_ozxpJqq3rYF72hbfquVAhKMp9XgMXg60U4/s640/IMG_20160730_115926729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hotel Trift- 2+ hours steep hike from Zermatt, the quietest place you'll ever stay</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yBI9cYOd5cLhgFvBYinoIsmt0QF20f9hgBbN36tztrC_Z7yaI3HicvJ8lV22Jyn5NAJjS6652jxZAtCRWpH9GH1BPWGdOoBlN29V4s8p7Czbte-8W57a1GiOZLBhOAgicLQuudLe_iA/s1600/IMG_20160730_115407934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the Swiss flag up by Trift where I say my goodbyes to Switzerland" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yBI9cYOd5cLhgFvBYinoIsmt0QF20f9hgBbN36tztrC_Z7yaI3HicvJ8lV22Jyn5NAJjS6652jxZAtCRWpH9GH1BPWGdOoBlN29V4s8p7Czbte-8W57a1GiOZLBhOAgicLQuudLe_iA/s640/IMG_20160730_115407934.jpg" title="the Swiss flag up by Trift where I say my goodbyes to Switzerland" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the Swiss flag up by Trift where I say my goodbyes to Switzerland</td></tr>
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Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com03920 Zermatt, Switzerland46.0207133 7.749117000000069345.8441993 7.4263935000000689 46.197227299999994 8.07184050000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-37841403747455231162016-09-19T16:31:00.001-07:002016-10-12T22:54:03.040-07:00Lucerne, Switzerland- the Alps + the peaks of Mount Rigi + Pilatus<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Lucerne is an idyllic town in the Swiss Alps, located a little more than 50km from Zurich. As I spent but one night, in a hotel which was formerly a jail (which, while not the most comfortable was both very cheap for Switzerland @ $70 and served as a useful reminder to stay out of trouble) both days I was there I explored the nearby mountains named Pilatus and Rigi which you get to most quickly by boat across Lake Lucerne. </div>
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Below are photos and two videos of the beautiful area. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfGQ48sqTMrcE_XBNdGsnpvThtQQUvN-z-6YrJIawt7qqjlqMnAHTX5Cd8gmFBwKc3k7zPpks_5Dq0-0R6z2pRq9e7Z823wAIRVSTZu_mMXBZxK-P3yUsstTw93RCNdkGDzv8HCOeqjY/s1600/IMG_20160727_150601042_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a view back on this idyllic Swiss town from Lake Lucerne" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfGQ48sqTMrcE_XBNdGsnpvThtQQUvN-z-6YrJIawt7qqjlqMnAHTX5Cd8gmFBwKc3k7zPpks_5Dq0-0R6z2pRq9e7Z823wAIRVSTZu_mMXBZxK-P3yUsstTw93RCNdkGDzv8HCOeqjY/s640/IMG_20160727_150601042_HDR.jpg" title="a view back on this idyllic Swiss town from Lake Lucerne" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view back on this idyllic Swiss town from Lake Lucerne<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4dqtPvuMh00dtjH3hfzpKB6Kg8oiQLUBaF1B3tnCv0H1jxaVd10nLn6N9XnLddngG9xkklXHOCt5eidZRlxle_kMbSbR_eT3ncgfDUy88V0rqk55EHQm3IzbxtcKGTOSvb5TE_IgaDU/s1600/IMG_20160727_130021556_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img alt="the ferry passes by downtown Lucerne" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4dqtPvuMh00dtjH3hfzpKB6Kg8oiQLUBaF1B3tnCv0H1jxaVd10nLn6N9XnLddngG9xkklXHOCt5eidZRlxle_kMbSbR_eT3ncgfDUy88V0rqk55EHQm3IzbxtcKGTOSvb5TE_IgaDU/s640/IMG_20160727_130021556_HDR.jpg" title="the ferry passes by downtown Lucerne" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the ferry passes by downtown Lucerne<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP-KB5cOeB0oYzArThopnK8bzbxBK2D2Sz3o_6Ldyl4CxOmFd8ft-iFp8XefMvaOlqbe0qzmYQhFKC3JW41ySxjaKyjDGlCRK4AMet2dQBz1AGY5D3gtyxTdRUVJIneNqGSOaG92BSA0/s1600/IMG_20160727_125435917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP-KB5cOeB0oYzArThopnK8bzbxBK2D2Sz3o_6Ldyl4CxOmFd8ft-iFp8XefMvaOlqbe0qzmYQhFKC3JW41ySxjaKyjDGlCRK4AMet2dQBz1AGY5D3gtyxTdRUVJIneNqGSOaG92BSA0/s640/IMG_20160727_125435917.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
looking across the lake<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zt8dXZGe6aI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zt8dXZGe6aI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<i><u>video</u></i>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">The Center of Beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvHJ1oYstt9ULQr1HQukb82_4WKZlohJWNTmhuvOxoaGWqYRe21_goq6YfPkJSRWJAuaOcwdOYEE683xNVpKEv4equFQHN481I9aXQYmWfYnSs5BhEHNyb-4olpEaLmQQxhYKVN4Ajk4/s1600/IMG_20160727_130712142_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><img alt="downtown Lucerne" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvHJ1oYstt9ULQr1HQukb82_4WKZlohJWNTmhuvOxoaGWqYRe21_goq6YfPkJSRWJAuaOcwdOYEE683xNVpKEv4equFQHN481I9aXQYmWfYnSs5BhEHNyb-4olpEaLmQQxhYKVN4Ajk4/s640/IMG_20160727_130712142_HDR.jpg" title="downtown Lucerne" width="360" /></a><br />
downtown Lucerne<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15fJNM99rXULDUFPiANGKL97_lvIhCxey-u8c6KYZChikBW7NK7i9QPy5E3GIlnVUjZbulNBkgR_DgwB8MiReUOETKIjnyYFg-p__8ey-YkVxVsrBzQwFhyphenhyphenOwPHhK2blF38gaOC1az04/s1600/IMG_20160727_122618538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15fJNM99rXULDUFPiANGKL97_lvIhCxey-u8c6KYZChikBW7NK7i9QPy5E3GIlnVUjZbulNBkgR_DgwB8MiReUOETKIjnyYFg-p__8ey-YkVxVsrBzQwFhyphenhyphenOwPHhK2blF38gaOC1az04/s640/IMG_20160727_122618538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">mansion/ castle atop the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4UAMqCTtWvdiZzxW7uhGe0bax1_YI-vAmQrg9p4sy9US0pqXirEyTW8s9j1JTcOIb1eaRSwr2ClDWGZz9sBIALqy1AT7hHfrBW3l2EKytgZOEy62HK78vfsjKHn5HP8VnIR_m7WnP78/s1600/IMG_20160727_125753794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the bridge across the lake in the center of Lucerne" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4UAMqCTtWvdiZzxW7uhGe0bax1_YI-vAmQrg9p4sy9US0pqXirEyTW8s9j1JTcOIb1eaRSwr2ClDWGZz9sBIALqy1AT7hHfrBW3l2EKytgZOEy62HK78vfsjKHn5HP8VnIR_m7WnP78/s640/IMG_20160727_125753794.jpg" title="the bridge across the lake in the center of Lucerne" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the bridge across the lake in the center of Lucerne<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uyU1C0zEqAhHq3yRHF2Om5mKafpmDQXivd0lgYUChmxpKMgiiW5apHjXy3T32OTXI1BPJ6h4JcqafxL7GOqFBY0xau4HwW1E-X9xFXDWbUCNwBFqcMQVwTwZBPMYK7ehzesMLYgCws/s1600/IMG_20160727_125041763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the flower bridge diagonally crossing the lake" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uyU1C0zEqAhHq3yRHF2Om5mKafpmDQXivd0lgYUChmxpKMgiiW5apHjXy3T32OTXI1BPJ6h4JcqafxL7GOqFBY0xau4HwW1E-X9xFXDWbUCNwBFqcMQVwTwZBPMYK7ehzesMLYgCws/s640/IMG_20160727_125041763.jpg" title="the flower bridge diagonally crossing the lake" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the famous flower bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJiRQfu-Hbl3RbL_1Tik5NntholFjf4r9ZE6tJKAlp5MeBaceevuUbQ7bbORzLVNZUFjYhyphenhyphenw6FyCqODzS7Ffij-8Scxt5ny8oVRbgRhRRSdIpHw6lnd0vV4ApysRJ6ffhJ8b-MA1kJ7Y/s1600/IMG_20160727_123913678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><img alt="a swan keeps me company at the edge of the lake" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJiRQfu-Hbl3RbL_1Tik5NntholFjf4r9ZE6tJKAlp5MeBaceevuUbQ7bbORzLVNZUFjYhyphenhyphenw6FyCqODzS7Ffij-8Scxt5ny8oVRbgRhRRSdIpHw6lnd0vV4ApysRJ6ffhJ8b-MA1kJ7Y/s640/IMG_20160727_123913678.jpg" title="a swan keeps me company at the edge of the lake" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">a swan keeps me company at the edge of the lake</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-Aglj_QGFJvnnRV_HxwcU-3M109S5K1mazU4lwBpKxjzy0TT8YNyTsUbeowFQ5eonDiIAhebZXbPQ9qX4NvrmD5ugvX6W4mMFsiwCsYEs1BO03m96JfRc1dNxVh8dceYHoLasUzzM1A/s1600/IMG_20160727_130349709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-Aglj_QGFJvnnRV_HxwcU-3M109S5K1mazU4lwBpKxjzy0TT8YNyTsUbeowFQ5eonDiIAhebZXbPQ9qX4NvrmD5ugvX6W4mMFsiwCsYEs1BO03m96JfRc1dNxVh8dceYHoLasUzzM1A/s640/IMG_20160727_130349709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the train station in Lucerne- beautiful building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiwS4aGuIhXekOG2uozYuWuvLMWph7u6lj0Rvc7MHuGmUio7eiOOCAzxOl5zh1vzDwaBV4wJ7A0dAugPo9Jl-QQpgGS7B_lN2vQJ1RbUd-yxfKqzxZJK9FH8YTm7BCgN1j63yBonlsPM/s1600/IMG_20160727_175016435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="flowers in Lucerne" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiwS4aGuIhXekOG2uozYuWuvLMWph7u6lj0Rvc7MHuGmUio7eiOOCAzxOl5zh1vzDwaBV4wJ7A0dAugPo9Jl-QQpgGS7B_lN2vQJ1RbUd-yxfKqzxZJK9FH8YTm7BCgN1j63yBonlsPM/s640/IMG_20160727_175016435.jpg" title="flowers in Lucerne" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flowers in Lucerne<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are photos (and a video) of the the Swiss mountains around Lucerne. Look how green. The area is incredibly tranquil and quiet, and has a calming effect on the soul as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the big cities of the world.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mR0pc8vNc5w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mR0pc8vNc5w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<i><u>video</u></i>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">views of Lake Lucerne and areas around Mount Rigi and Pilatus</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ8Untmz6QWbvB8P7NFj5urFuVGmEgEvX7m0IxS64MzUpWAorEqoj3owOYqM51ohruWyb8zFOsRqVcMFj7Ow8Gtwekq-VfSHYtULaZqlgcdKJPNOSQXMeIn8rrC2DoS89roo9aanryE0/s1600/IMG_20160728_101012345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ8Untmz6QWbvB8P7NFj5urFuVGmEgEvX7m0IxS64MzUpWAorEqoj3owOYqM51ohruWyb8zFOsRqVcMFj7Ow8Gtwekq-VfSHYtULaZqlgcdKJPNOSQXMeIn8rrC2DoS89roo9aanryE0/s640/IMG_20160728_101012345.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flowers at the edge of a mountain ledge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw2NPerus2dV70Ns4uy3f0ACe89mzf36ldW8XKw_VT_pHwAPCjc1W3v7Dt_C8gAtdYhoxHKtVeobjydagTRttiluKnl6IPeMx1tlP-3xp7GZqMqsoQIn_9NzKa4NDlT_M2tSkGfe-qqA/s1600/IMG_20160728_105900497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw2NPerus2dV70Ns4uy3f0ACe89mzf36ldW8XKw_VT_pHwAPCjc1W3v7Dt_C8gAtdYhoxHKtVeobjydagTRttiluKnl6IPeMx1tlP-3xp7GZqMqsoQIn_9NzKa4NDlT_M2tSkGfe-qqA/s640/IMG_20160728_105900497.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a friend sits next to me on the mountain bench</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKL4zffFpAB0oRjxBTb46bq-sn37R5R4wSFZ4YzRM0BY1SfI3t7s14xHMe5ngANm9ljImOXRWiet5clj0ytdLLRjyeNRhDb_GMmWfzMlMt6cdd_MVPSe9Wbpgzq82z_gKWnwFxL11b5_M/s1600/IMG_20160727_162819546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="beautiful alpine flowers in the Alps" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKL4zffFpAB0oRjxBTb46bq-sn37R5R4wSFZ4YzRM0BY1SfI3t7s14xHMe5ngANm9ljImOXRWiet5clj0ytdLLRjyeNRhDb_GMmWfzMlMt6cdd_MVPSe9Wbpgzq82z_gKWnwFxL11b5_M/s640/IMG_20160727_162819546.jpg" title="beautiful alpine flowers in the Alps" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful alpine flowers in the Alps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTEpkeo03AI8bEghlR6dEFDfEsR70ASIoue96noAgdXaBQQw3HYAkmb0-tqQIUxnH4w17zomlJPCikb9gq5RsSPPAU9Hm7kvqMnK7CYVbow4LmimAh12lWbWHfxfdDmoWNtQD3DQofY/s1600/IMG_20160727_160918268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a cow rests atop Mount Rigi" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTEpkeo03AI8bEghlR6dEFDfEsR70ASIoue96noAgdXaBQQw3HYAkmb0-tqQIUxnH4w17zomlJPCikb9gq5RsSPPAU9Hm7kvqMnK7CYVbow4LmimAh12lWbWHfxfdDmoWNtQD3DQofY/s640/IMG_20160727_160918268.jpg" title="a cow rests atop Mount Rigi" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a cow rests atop Mount Rigi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoc-TYIxzye2bTlxGHc0wGTemzQuEDh3UWFnSo74qLKtzk5PE7GaX0KYow6qY10BuRuLdpC8_l5G0_iIoX9HWd2nBJEK7h8tfTFNvTRQ8dukFpeYtReA7KJ2Gv60lFFfBJDVqoDDr3Fc/s1600/IMG_20160727_172737228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a look down at Lake Lucerne" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoc-TYIxzye2bTlxGHc0wGTemzQuEDh3UWFnSo74qLKtzk5PE7GaX0KYow6qY10BuRuLdpC8_l5G0_iIoX9HWd2nBJEK7h8tfTFNvTRQ8dukFpeYtReA7KJ2Gv60lFFfBJDVqoDDr3Fc/s640/IMG_20160727_172737228.jpg" title="a look down at Lake Lucerne" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a look down at Lake Lucerne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFshs2bWXwmrY7xXKeIUpOdsF2tCcSZsjE3PX4Kk3dpYSh1LcQoYLPUHO5pIBvDGYGWcKNi523Ne_36Tm82s3WDQTNIc6jZosYGC8Jo3pTY1YNbYL3ydebu8-3O_jNcF0V4WTeQf9x5wE/s1600/IMG_20160727_154813783_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="atop Mount Rigi!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFshs2bWXwmrY7xXKeIUpOdsF2tCcSZsjE3PX4Kk3dpYSh1LcQoYLPUHO5pIBvDGYGWcKNi523Ne_36Tm82s3WDQTNIc6jZosYGC8Jo3pTY1YNbYL3ydebu8-3O_jNcF0V4WTeQf9x5wE/s640/IMG_20160727_154813783_HDR.jpg" title="atop Mount Rigi!" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">atop Mount Rigi! Great wooden carved statue :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyacaH6yjjX4ap3BWAFfQUBpUPHyIu5Zh9kH5Bytrh1qo2Jq5i6TvZI6vCSuwU5gGdAQdDYSdiAK2OBNvO66LxCzPOqSfi1IHcMX3axhFmSwPDiILeo_vsGzLgYal6nNwR0ITGlto_6M/s1600/IMG_20160728_104209292_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyacaH6yjjX4ap3BWAFfQUBpUPHyIu5Zh9kH5Bytrh1qo2Jq5i6TvZI6vCSuwU5gGdAQdDYSdiAK2OBNvO66LxCzPOqSfi1IHcMX3axhFmSwPDiILeo_vsGzLgYal6nNwR0ITGlto_6M/s640/IMG_20160728_104209292_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the path through the Alps, a long way down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6Ax8nqNEUUNeaI6rI6o4AskJHqhpV0p32yxey9vWjwBGNxumxKhKzmj35pNjoZhHIFOLqLx00DCyj637QcAg6KQ3ug6xFZFAZtvWNa7wrQHq6Ech2OFWRblIFURp7Qy_oFSgZ3-W8oE/s1600/IMG_20160727_150610323_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6Ax8nqNEUUNeaI6rI6o4AskJHqhpV0p32yxey9vWjwBGNxumxKhKzmj35pNjoZhHIFOLqLx00DCyj637QcAg6KQ3ug6xFZFAZtvWNa7wrQHq6Ech2OFWRblIFURp7Qy_oFSgZ3-W8oE/s640/IMG_20160727_150610323_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">large Swiss flag</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8i0aDX46_VlLt5cB9kg6FN2D-oHUseMQpH25ZvPRec8fE4GWSmjO433D2I1S4c8Ss1cRrrAN1c9_jTF8mrZTqeqLvoOn12hgQfIIMHhx80vXLbdcKJz_2hBzPp7SGwury5ZS9smYDe4/s1600/IMG_20160728_104944687_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8i0aDX46_VlLt5cB9kg6FN2D-oHUseMQpH25ZvPRec8fE4GWSmjO433D2I1S4c8Ss1cRrrAN1c9_jTF8mrZTqeqLvoOn12hgQfIIMHhx80vXLbdcKJz_2hBzPp7SGwury5ZS9smYDe4/s640/IMG_20160728_104944687_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoyOQJ3mF5BMHEp_46Kx3oNZueOm8l6sf1ybKSAZsH6KG47bFnBercNwmhdpmNk2KMbyVwBQWarMwwigG_WaN6Ajmmleim_gYTrHmdsxMpx6pJ44pVhJtxQ7BN45PRbmh2-kGSI7CO24/s1600/IMG_20160728_103208738_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoyOQJ3mF5BMHEp_46Kx3oNZueOm8l6sf1ybKSAZsH6KG47bFnBercNwmhdpmNk2KMbyVwBQWarMwwigG_WaN6Ajmmleim_gYTrHmdsxMpx6pJ44pVhJtxQ7BN45PRbmh2-kGSI7CO24/s640/IMG_20160728_103208738_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxmtFXgp_KeYRjN4WEokvpc4i6gYRnYOFEPq2-7UmSntSbCMtrnQ1zVxE8rYymZPc6IzwsEIEcWPHsoeVwuGujwLHmh7tKVIMUa-YhSaH4jw11-MIYM8YC2Zxrio7oHyJArOBvh3tzZ0/s1600/IMG_20160728_101907025_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxmtFXgp_KeYRjN4WEokvpc4i6gYRnYOFEPq2-7UmSntSbCMtrnQ1zVxE8rYymZPc6IzwsEIEcWPHsoeVwuGujwLHmh7tKVIMUa-YhSaH4jw11-MIYM8YC2Zxrio7oHyJArOBvh3tzZ0/s640/IMG_20160728_101907025_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_5BZKgXk_IiTRx7V88LylGgO6_ODuX0uEUxls8fSKwQeCeoGQVj7bWzTqeBNXgxig2eux_PSnl2YoVLJUgDUsKs_PXqTX-9R9tBmvJVLQu3zCnqXfV7P82BJGcLHZ3nd99yvLBhA410/s1600/IMG_20160728_101400190_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_5BZKgXk_IiTRx7V88LylGgO6_ODuX0uEUxls8fSKwQeCeoGQVj7bWzTqeBNXgxig2eux_PSnl2YoVLJUgDUsKs_PXqTX-9R9tBmvJVLQu3zCnqXfV7P82BJGcLHZ3nd99yvLBhA410/s640/IMG_20160728_101400190_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nkJ0OZYs_JH1umvoYbVXv4fRuMJ6tFkL6_Fqs29pn2x-F8MCV_Ra8HYCKAi0Gw4I2dnNJzlHGFmaXd16Teux_W2eVQkKBBBPxwY6fmZgVKmwvzhLbOk4JvWFu7sUPdqd27ZU-Vdli3E/s1600/IMG_20160728_091407877.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nkJ0OZYs_JH1umvoYbVXv4fRuMJ6tFkL6_Fqs29pn2x-F8MCV_Ra8HYCKAi0Gw4I2dnNJzlHGFmaXd16Teux_W2eVQkKBBBPxwY6fmZgVKmwvzhLbOk4JvWFu7sUPdqd27ZU-Vdli3E/s640/IMG_20160728_091407877.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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On the whole the area is beautiful and well worth seeing for a day or two.<br />
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<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com1Lucerne, Switzerland47.050168199999987 8.309307200000034846.963623199999986 8.1479457000000348 47.136713199999988 8.4706687000000347tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-54685435301528670942016-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:002018-08-08T08:38:33.024-07:00Switzerland + The Invention of Time. Efficiency + the Swiss Rail SystemSwitzerland has long been, per capita, one of the world's wealthiest nations. While a tiny country like the <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/search/label/United%20Arab%20Emirates" target="_blank">United Arab Emirates</a>, with its vast oil reserves ranks higher, the Swiss have thrived despite having virtually no naturally resources, unless you count snow.<br />
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So how does this small, central European nation stay atop the charts? Yes, Switzerland's national pride, her labyrinthian banking system which hides trillions of dollars each year from the tax-man, earns the good Swiss citizens a nice commission. Plus there's chocolate.<br />
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Then there's the billions in annual royalties Rolex and Cartier earn from the country's invention of time. It should be noted, not every region of the world cuts a check when Switzerland's intellectual property department invoices. The <i>entire</i> continent of Africa scoffs at time even being "a thing," which explains why, in Ghana, some people are still waiting for the second party to show for meetings scheduled for November 4, 1998's.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6H3xCfgP0s-CDOhrMxyO7qVhj9vVSpsznZsBv2jE9vmsDgWhAE6T0Cy_diKif5Xn51x91CsLKakhrtxTeZxfgAsOUwjC4eeA6PPrrgQfoeaQ3DJjCbD36e89jEm1gJuo-tQKNNcJCFY/s1600/IMG_20160727_150444639_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6H3xCfgP0s-CDOhrMxyO7qVhj9vVSpsznZsBv2jE9vmsDgWhAE6T0Cy_diKif5Xn51x91CsLKakhrtxTeZxfgAsOUwjC4eeA6PPrrgQfoeaQ3DJjCbD36e89jEm1gJuo-tQKNNcJCFY/s640/IMG_20160727_150444639_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But being the inventors of time, being leaders in banking and insurance, points to a larger cultural gestalt and that's the <i>Efficiency </i>of Swiss society<i>. </i>Everything in Switzerland operates with absolute precision from the ornate mechanical watches still produced, to the cities and countryside being kept sparkling clean.<br />
Another manifestation is the Swiss railway system. Yes, like all things in this wealthy nation it's expensive, but the sun has missed more days rising than trains in Switzerland have arrived late. And the mode of travel is a pleasure, and an expedient way to <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2016/09/lucerne-switzerland-alps-peaks-of-mount.html" target="_blank">visit the idyllic towns</a> which line the sides and valleys of the Alps.<br />
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<u><i>video</i></u><span style="font-size: x-small;">: The train ride through the Alps on the way from Bern to Zermatt</span></div>
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In interest of keeping society running smoothly, rule breakers are heavy penalized. Boarding a Swiss train without a ticket is guaranteed to earn you a hefty fine. To boot, ticket inspectors here are not only extremely efficient, but sadly, non-bribable; unlike their Eastern Europe counterparts who will gladly throw in a massage.<br />
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On the whole, it makes Switzerland an incredibly easy place to visit and live. A wealthy country, where things on to do lists, both governmental and private, get done promptly, where people are reliable and socially conscious. <br />
On the other hand, it is true that the Swiss have been voted the world's most boring people (source Richipedia 2016,) even beating out Saudis who at least develop and incubate some of the world's top terrorists. <br />
So despite its dullness and being ridiculously expensive, it's still a beautiful country, and well worth seeing. "Ticket please."<br />
<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com0Lucerne, Switzerland47.050168199999987 8.309307200000034846.963623199999986 8.1479457000000348 47.136713199999988 8.4706687000000347tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-13980813698939711732016-09-16T16:00:00.000-07:002017-05-27T16:42:09.116-07:00Feeling the Bern in the Heart of Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My stay in Bern was a hurried one, as I needed to quickly catch my train for Zermatt (the Matterhorn area) as I desired to get there before dark. Nevertheless, I had some time to sprint around the city center. This post will be unusually light on dialogue, and, hopefully, much more "picturesque."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowADuq53w2QWxnzUhEFsR28fwJSyMlum8Ack0GdrjpAKEDHB02bDJIOa75eqXsJOyFHGHdaAd646J_WNJqCbX7s1fV-FBINSKwivZ8FnikC9GWwY7XTvHbgeJ974uac__GpL0xP1sZ2w/s1600/IMG_20160728_152801913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowADuq53w2QWxnzUhEFsR28fwJSyMlum8Ack0GdrjpAKEDHB02bDJIOa75eqXsJOyFHGHdaAd646J_WNJqCbX7s1fV-FBINSKwivZ8FnikC9GWwY7XTvHbgeJ974uac__GpL0xP1sZ2w/s640/IMG_20160728_152801913.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px; text-align: justify;">Kultur Casino Bern</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQoFxFYQRuKPL5FpeHfE_5mdkYjXxSoUhUVBvAs4kqgMlg-tlZEO54tUgkV6h4Bc2rgFkB2Ux6oH-hXnOMTAqPt2PdRbk4QAohlkFxbTQ3pacntYyLy8lv4SUj8aR_ViQm0klAugLMVw/s1600/IMG_20160728_153137756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQoFxFYQRuKPL5FpeHfE_5mdkYjXxSoUhUVBvAs4kqgMlg-tlZEO54tUgkV6h4Bc2rgFkB2Ux6oH-hXnOMTAqPt2PdRbk4QAohlkFxbTQ3pacntYyLy8lv4SUj8aR_ViQm0klAugLMVw/s640/IMG_20160728_153137756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little summer color</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6Zql9oRWgLthH4my-dmh6uzEcvNGYXNr1wO_6tj8oJJ8UM6SAGtSX8YXOPd-LIxOXVJvoxfwmnNunoT8xzgIrU2hqd8REAkJSQZ06ADId1wR56zWmPg110U3KLwg_EROt5k_FMSBb_E/s1600/IMG_20160728_153644606_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="city clock of Bern" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6Zql9oRWgLthH4my-dmh6uzEcvNGYXNr1wO_6tj8oJJ8UM6SAGtSX8YXOPd-LIxOXVJvoxfwmnNunoT8xzgIrU2hqd8REAkJSQZ06ADId1wR56zWmPg110U3KLwg_EROt5k_FMSBb_E/s640/IMG_20160728_153644606_HDR.jpg" title="city clock of Bern" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">city clock of Bern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY7_DRFm2h5A-Z6xQKlnDzGGr7UUUlODVSIATy2r-DrEIP1LRLVYcFpiorXciyRecVXP1ndNBQorayam7W2j8Pvt2MSlwex4WyBN5lkgJsLHlIBkpVGhwLfRLIEH1VQ_fTfhJ4zVgtpE/s1600/IMG_20160728_151003109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY7_DRFm2h5A-Z6xQKlnDzGGr7UUUlODVSIATy2r-DrEIP1LRLVYcFpiorXciyRecVXP1ndNBQorayam7W2j8Pvt2MSlwex4WyBN5lkgJsLHlIBkpVGhwLfRLIEH1VQ_fTfhJ4zVgtpE/s640/IMG_20160728_151003109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the city of flag of Bern is Da Bear</td></tr>
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<b><u><i>video</i></u></b>: a look around Bern, Switzerland</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK9XEMPkTC0LFzKJTtNX5I2xlBqCTWTaUzyN3Vq1BWBSUlKw1PnL0EMOZcEZiPmsGRBa-pLNTKnH9q-G80W46Lyv8aMLpwrjrrOLeZ5lZ6OvXBBzPIFvnw2UyN2dJtogiYWXCpLIHjNM/s1600/IMG_20160728_153517090_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK9XEMPkTC0LFzKJTtNX5I2xlBqCTWTaUzyN3Vq1BWBSUlKw1PnL0EMOZcEZiPmsGRBa-pLNTKnH9q-G80W46Lyv8aMLpwrjrrOLeZ5lZ6OvXBBzPIFvnw2UyN2dJtogiYWXCpLIHjNM/s640/IMG_20160728_153517090_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite piece of art I saw in the city of Bern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVzohJXxFoz0JslWm5-tZ9bEj-Lf4HIQFiZgRXRXClX6XJ9e6DRLmfT20egWV2McQA_MTUmC7-CBjgr_pe6hMfdWAJZSrabTAECpASa93lS-Q2FbIC-sTnO1ZPpbaX208ymx97p6Tdow/s1600/IMG_20160728_151614524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="children playing in the fountains" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVzohJXxFoz0JslWm5-tZ9bEj-Lf4HIQFiZgRXRXClX6XJ9e6DRLmfT20egWV2McQA_MTUmC7-CBjgr_pe6hMfdWAJZSrabTAECpASa93lS-Q2FbIC-sTnO1ZPpbaX208ymx97p6Tdow/s640/IMG_20160728_151614524.jpg" title="children playing in the fountains" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">children playing in the fountains</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/AVvXsEjaDkBCsKPg86TqOvrNh_feVWKjciMvwi6itGLPV1HzS_10Ne2UscTe74u0gVO9l3q1Jti9bfbdIToipONKhI4_PPMSR_1Gp8KME043e6FEGX3zo-asu5WOotrpHkm9tNwibfdw2F7nIC8/s1600/IMG_20160728_151624091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a beautiful government building of Bern. I think?" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDkBCsKPg86TqOvrNh_feVWKjciMvwi6itGLPV1HzS_10Ne2UscTe74u0gVO9l3q1Jti9bfbdIToipONKhI4_PPMSR_1Gp8KME043e6FEGX3zo-asu5WOotrpHkm9tNwibfdw2F7nIC8/s640/IMG_20160728_151624091.jpg" title="a beautiful government building of Bern. I think?" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful government building of Bern. I think? (The Bundeshaus in fact)</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/AVvXsEiQCZTgSE-J5KTPnusIzFgLtvvUJUUAWQxIUivLrianknYUB_jLa_brWHw25Gp9whx5d7XOJj03kMq7bJqVboj6JCJ7bsG_7cUr06mnRh5lS2VL_joKarPaAiY9GMYrEwIThLzJVVnhv3o/s1600/IMG_20160728_153259447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCZTgSE-J5KTPnusIzFgLtvvUJUUAWQxIUivLrianknYUB_jLa_brWHw25Gp9whx5d7XOJj03kMq7bJqVboj6JCJ7bsG_7cUr06mnRh5lS2VL_joKarPaAiY9GMYrEwIThLzJVVnhv3o/s640/IMG_20160728_153259447.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">like clockwork baby!</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/AVvXsEifm_bTydtL385R7ybyN2w6uB67mjzLMANzrkiliasfQJyedofXR7vVJoR5EbO470LdX49Io07RdmluNKxaRvIWBTWxihmHcWm4ABm9D2nEfJxK9Ji4EptN1JvRcnszOa8bH76v-9F3dkw/s1600/IMG_20160728_151212129_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm_bTydtL385R7ybyN2w6uB67mjzLMANzrkiliasfQJyedofXR7vVJoR5EbO470LdX49Io07RdmluNKxaRvIWBTWxihmHcWm4ABm9D2nEfJxK9Ji4EptN1JvRcnszOa8bH76v-9F3dkw/s640/IMG_20160728_151212129_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Switzerland's pied piper</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/AVvXsEjoaRcz8y-wOXevR_0UY9xuVdzDQzv-VMBlzgin3meaCmNz7-loOP7GJIzbGqfJY7pkKp1VL_Fc-bnR8_jjn_0E1240jD1RADguj9vlUQ7hWyvzpk_KlbxeYjq8HrD_il9bGnB1MLiP4eM/s1600/IMG_20160728_153353079_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaRcz8y-wOXevR_0UY9xuVdzDQzv-VMBlzgin3meaCmNz7-loOP7GJIzbGqfJY7pkKp1VL_Fc-bnR8_jjn_0E1240jD1RADguj9vlUQ7hWyvzpk_KlbxeYjq8HrD_il9bGnB1MLiP4eM/s640/IMG_20160728_153353079_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful street near the center of Bern</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/AVvXsEg8WJhvfH1-oexCnS1XYCSN5kdPtj74MOyUoXJ6ahN40Op9DcSzlxZJzd_HGzXQj5T3GmI4OZbPSIVAakkWGIC5DzNV7e0r7KcLWZq1C5og7J2PhbAP-2s7oRBihRGumzao9_dVWXP9wo8/s1600/IMG_20160728_152046305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WJhvfH1-oexCnS1XYCSN5kdPtj74MOyUoXJ6ahN40Op9DcSzlxZJzd_HGzXQj5T3GmI4OZbPSIVAakkWGIC5DzNV7e0r7KcLWZq1C5og7J2PhbAP-2s7oRBihRGumzao9_dVWXP9wo8/s640/IMG_20160728_152046305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a lookout over Bern</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/AVvXsEgiraKxoTA_wi7B88nMy-gp2PDiICc5xVOgfCzWwp0FhO9nn5arcgZdtwZUolaQS-tz6cBj1Ww_Eqqf5eek8hfCOdaWb14GR3Fox2bW7FHlCzwqAwFQ3yLeWz3a3WQNTZK4eMQcGIuwD-c/s1600/IMG_20160728_151824730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="nice architecture- adding flavor the flags and floral balconies" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiraKxoTA_wi7B88nMy-gp2PDiICc5xVOgfCzWwp0FhO9nn5arcgZdtwZUolaQS-tz6cBj1Ww_Eqqf5eek8hfCOdaWb14GR3Fox2bW7FHlCzwqAwFQ3yLeWz3a3WQNTZK4eMQcGIuwD-c/s640/IMG_20160728_151824730.jpg" title="nice architecture- adding flavor the flags and floral balconies" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nice architecture- adding flavor the flags and floral balconies</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/AVvXsEg8pRohbRDkonTIuvWxTEdIvnDxP8eRHpwdGlH-s8qZWOpLxFSKUupyJTORfD7g-fzBzE3f9uhxyYMjUK2Z7nstuq0jqb4ciBmWicqQXeh4QcdvTpeT078oVgXwsTmIAV9yauOz0k4ZGG8/s1600/IMG_20160728_150643227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="near the train station" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pRohbRDkonTIuvWxTEdIvnDxP8eRHpwdGlH-s8qZWOpLxFSKUupyJTORfD7g-fzBzE3f9uhxyYMjUK2Z7nstuq0jqb4ciBmWicqQXeh4QcdvTpeT078oVgXwsTmIAV9yauOz0k4ZGG8/s640/IMG_20160728_150643227.jpg" title="near the train station" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">near the train station</td></tr>
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<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com2Bern, Switzerland46.9479739 7.447446799999966146.8612664 7.2860852999999661 47.034681400000004 7.608808299999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210360365685006365.post-16759306304818964902016-09-15T18:32:00.000-07:002018-02-14T21:22:08.996-08:00Storms + Sunshine in Zurich- A Tale of Two Cities<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/AVvXsEgw6cLoDYEe9zcR3gXeL8ZM6oaJF0F351yyCthmir7_X0IKwvZw2yNeirRkGgAUM0LpOmDRCf8zFBeiJjopN_xZvvec66ZMKPQIV-kOClI6fOqdK6RWX418MUV1ukOSkuvE2oGoBKdzhNU/s1600/IMG_20160725_204816559_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An empty street in Zurich's shopping district @ 8 PM" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6cLoDYEe9zcR3gXeL8ZM6oaJF0F351yyCthmir7_X0IKwvZw2yNeirRkGgAUM0LpOmDRCf8zFBeiJjopN_xZvvec66ZMKPQIV-kOClI6fOqdK6RWX418MUV1ukOSkuvE2oGoBKdzhNU/s640/IMG_20160725_204816559_HDR.jpg" title="An empty street in Zurich's shopping district @ 8 PM" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An empty street in Zurich's shopping district @ 8 PM</td></tr>
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A wind rustles up the leaves which I brush away from my face as I walk down the nearly deserted streets of Zurich. A flash of lightning sears the sky. Before the clap of thunder reaches us, the dark clouds burst. Despite being mid-summer it's nowhere near warm enough outside to enjoy the precipitation. The downpour quickly transforms into a gale, blowing the large water droplets sideways, like taking a horizontal shower. </div>
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An elderly lady on a bicycle and I seek cover under the awning of a building. "We haven't had much of a summer," she remarks. </div>
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As the downpour abates, I head back out on Zurich's mean streets. Her restaurants are mostly empty, possibly on account of the weather ... Well, that and the window promotions featuring $28 Caesar Salads.<br />
I'd rather donate to charity than to waste so much green on greens, so I head to the Coop brand grocery store. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqtmHnsSTu9AeULy8faDh9p_CkmJbPCmGlqnu_V-lOR2nOXvrITBlhV09UsbplT0ObhDbvosKxaDcR9SK_HFu1WCWxLWFIYTx3WIYGL-6Qlhe7f9k7bSlX6sMZ9jplyYqy7cWeyuHMOo/s1600/IMG_20160725_155515892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqtmHnsSTu9AeULy8faDh9p_CkmJbPCmGlqnu_V-lOR2nOXvrITBlhV09UsbplT0ObhDbvosKxaDcR9SK_HFu1WCWxLWFIYTx3WIYGL-6Qlhe7f9k7bSlX6sMZ9jplyYqy7cWeyuHMOo/s320/IMG_20160725_155515892.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">$6 mangoes- </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(the Swiss Franc is just about on par with the US Dollar.)</span></span></td></tr>
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There I witness a crime- $6 mangoes.<br />
Zurich is magnitudes more expensive than any other city I have visited, with only <a href="http://www.richtrek.com/2014/09/oslo-norway-stunning-beauty-search-for.html" target="_blank">Oslo, Norway</a> keeping pace. Swiss citizens living near Germany will often head over the border to stock up on groceries and other staples to insure healthier bank accounts.<br />
The sky high-prices are absolutely correlated with the world's highest salaries, as the <i>average</i> hourly salary in Zurich is $33 an hour. Take that America! <br />
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Companies with offices in Switzerland adjust the pay of their employees upwards (a cost of living multiple.) Many foreigners working here take advantage of this by living as frugally as possible, smartly saving the extra money to spend in countries where it will buy much, much, much, much, much ... much much more. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SyYpKJvBvDU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SyYpKJvBvDU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><i>video</i></u>: the quiet, empty streets of Zurich, Switzerland</span></div>
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At 8:10 PM, almost all the shops and restaurants are closed ... and this is in the center of town. I walk back home. My AirBnb host warned that the neighborhood is a little loud. I hear the same amount of noise outside as I would if I were floating through outer space, in a vacuum, wearing my Bose noise canceling headphones. I awake the next day wondering why I decided to book two nights in this boring town.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXuGlgr_Mcy70aPzN0I1KgXLgHAgqiOaJlQKwSDql6NQWBjNeS2dtPrZuuk3L20_DxJ9EIeq92ocgYNLnpZwaNwyXC8GSDmxWHjUGY_FRtZsj2aN7MyR0ouY3NqjZdoipVykzAo5TNtI/s1600/IMG_20160726_115705676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Prime Tower- Zurich's one "skyscraper"" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXuGlgr_Mcy70aPzN0I1KgXLgHAgqiOaJlQKwSDql6NQWBjNeS2dtPrZuuk3L20_DxJ9EIeq92ocgYNLnpZwaNwyXC8GSDmxWHjUGY_FRtZsj2aN7MyR0ouY3NqjZdoipVykzAo5TNtI/s400/IMG_20160726_115705676.jpg" title="Prime Tower- Zurich's one "skyscraper"" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Prime Tower- Zurich's one "skyscraper"</td></tr>
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The architecture quickly becomes far more utilitarian, as I walk away from the city center, towards Prime Tower, Zurich's sole "skyscraper," which at 125 meters (410 feet) is not even a third the height of the Empire State Building. On a good day, I could leap over Prime in a single bound.<br />
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I walk inside and attempt to take the elevator to the top floor for a lookout over the city. A young man in a navy blue suit at the desk stops me, refusing me entry.<br />
"I cannot let you up as you are wearing shorts."<br />
"Look, it's actually sunny today. I walked all the way here, can you just let sneak up for a quick lookout?"<br />
"No, I cannot," he states.<br />
He's by no means rude, but he's very firm. Not following protocol, whatever extenuating circumstances, is simply not an option. I seriously doubt a $100 bribe (or 16 mangoes) would have made a difference. A little disgruntled I walk back towards the lake. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95MVNZy3Oxaob2ECHmqNDSUrYNz_njKQyCVXZVcJMhVcmNyy45u-uWUHSDpILuH48trv1QWyRkiJlXlA56U5mufFLv0QLcV_bhyghYJFeMn3KgpBgzyLY89DuMy44MwWu5-y9fSgTu2I/s1600/IMG_20160725_194421496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95MVNZy3Oxaob2ECHmqNDSUrYNz_njKQyCVXZVcJMhVcmNyy45u-uWUHSDpILuH48trv1QWyRkiJlXlA56U5mufFLv0QLcV_bhyghYJFeMn3KgpBgzyLY89DuMy44MwWu5-y9fSgTu2I/s400/IMG_20160725_194421496.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the canal leading to Lake Zurich- with swans as decorations<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nZqg3CgvMBWsg2yZkimZLD3OhR0lsB5COXfGN93v7W6RS4W1lAWqLfaEzyV5Z32vZ_qNGp61ngbBhyphenhyphenFwpqAz2jROdXuifDbRtL85Wz3qN9TzrmNf47DMAi4nHnDygkibW2mPvTlwuA8/s1600/IMG_20160725_184211639_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nZqg3CgvMBWsg2yZkimZLD3OhR0lsB5COXfGN93v7W6RS4W1lAWqLfaEzyV5Z32vZ_qNGp61ngbBhyphenhyphenFwpqAz2jROdXuifDbRtL85Wz3qN9TzrmNf47DMAi4nHnDygkibW2mPvTlwuA8/s640/IMG_20160725_184211639_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
a mansion I believe. Right by Lake Zurich</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZfN2sV1bsNgKkJehixAWddQaZmS_vC0xy7ucaxPQsdcefC5gMaP7HPqjqnqJGBmubSWEf7aUwvEPB9lvUbWel-swmoxaAu4ZoNHCawzqDx6tUgpL2O049fLgvEl1BIshoxP0eBVDIEo/s1600/IMG_20160725_192503871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZfN2sV1bsNgKkJehixAWddQaZmS_vC0xy7ucaxPQsdcefC5gMaP7HPqjqnqJGBmubSWEf7aUwvEPB9lvUbWel-swmoxaAu4ZoNHCawzqDx6tUgpL2O049fLgvEl1BIshoxP0eBVDIEo/s400/IMG_20160725_192503871.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">having fun by the Lake on a warm day<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The area around </span><span style="font-size: small;">Lake Zurich</span><span style="font-size: small;"> features the cities most opulent buildings, perfectly hedged bushes, and </span><span style="font-size: small;">elderly </span><span style="font-size: small;">trees scolding me for treading on their manicured grass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">People are outside enjoying this beautiful afternoon. Sure they're paying $30 for a salad right in front of me, but at least there is life and activity, unlike yesterday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the lake, people are jumping off high-dives built over the water, swimming, kayaking, and boating. </span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I swim in the lake, meditate, and watch people enjoying their day; wh</span><span style="font-size: small;">at a difference a little sunshine can make.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Nevertheless, I'm not sad to leave the following morning. Zurich has a dull feel to it, a stiffness if you will. Unless I'm opening a bank account I want to keep hidden, I'd have little interest in returning. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzhIJhv3BhfkWB8fjBPxFNRbu_Jc_H4YfWsFEvJMgGwFj1HRFvKXu822lvI1Ej3DvoDM_GzB5DJQnAWHXbGPYJ5XhSZaX76Kmabbq20y4daSor8eTA9loSYpKYzJkZijYCRlIASaf9jg/s1600/IMG_20160725_184102006_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzhIJhv3BhfkWB8fjBPxFNRbu_Jc_H4YfWsFEvJMgGwFj1HRFvKXu822lvI1Ej3DvoDM_GzB5DJQnAWHXbGPYJ5XhSZaX76Kmabbq20y4daSor8eTA9loSYpKYzJkZijYCRlIASaf9jg/s640/IMG_20160725_184102006_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful tree by Lake Zurich</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2twDfssQMpoi4IfacTkyFdp9xLF5YZZJJ64_Y0D-vCuEc__o70Pp5QY1rQewPcLR3DhYYreBkzPqXX_dS47JmjD-IfHyX5ql1oYboxhQHMouU0zvQ5z5AY_-enZZRgKY5GYHvPydxe78/s1600/IMG_20160726_123707199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2twDfssQMpoi4IfacTkyFdp9xLF5YZZJJ64_Y0D-vCuEc__o70Pp5QY1rQewPcLR3DhYYreBkzPqXX_dS47JmjD-IfHyX5ql1oYboxhQHMouU0zvQ5z5AY_-enZZRgKY5GYHvPydxe78/s400/IMG_20160726_123707199.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a monster emerges from the ground</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/AVvXsEitnlBgRUVlLDHOPQf5mkUq06-ezhUD9-Z_ZuBfVx9n9ekmuoCtsFji5b-svRN4L8Ip4mZzL2h2QJ1wMdkf505MaEZRtkW3deQJrC-iX7bPBQlsKAR2XaTkYZoootS_jYzq9FgjaalVJpQ/s1600/IMG_20160725_204122416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnlBgRUVlLDHOPQf5mkUq06-ezhUD9-Z_ZuBfVx9n9ekmuoCtsFji5b-svRN4L8Ip4mZzL2h2QJ1wMdkf505MaEZRtkW3deQJrC-iX7bPBQlsKAR2XaTkYZoootS_jYzq9FgjaalVJpQ/s640/IMG_20160725_204122416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beautifully decorated shop window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd4omxiknTKhZUnCZ_wVFT5KQ-gvDNhtaXKG0yMpcnZ9apxiwCfmKtJUg8QBeACpBloZ27iG3_9XKKDtz3YUIIYOT1OD35TG4ma9__OrEQzH2ZgXHDbDd3S1mXvqApf03V1NH_knGBzA/s1600/IMG_20160725_170435925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd4omxiknTKhZUnCZ_wVFT5KQ-gvDNhtaXKG0yMpcnZ9apxiwCfmKtJUg8QBeACpBloZ27iG3_9XKKDtz3YUIIYOT1OD35TG4ma9__OrEQzH2ZgXHDbDd3S1mXvqApf03V1NH_knGBzA/s640/IMG_20160725_170435925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zurich's Opera house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICTvGUu8wLyQm2D-ER3PGA1WpoX1BgTCzEzJtnH-7_UUY2TA9W-0Q-fxOnXUHDv4rxY1YBNrFVhqmycxAxz5RxNOTu1NbR-VDZBQGPmGccRblpF_3tY5LEvafCecNMp101w_6-5VdUTc/s1600/IMG_20160725_165518444_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICTvGUu8wLyQm2D-ER3PGA1WpoX1BgTCzEzJtnH-7_UUY2TA9W-0Q-fxOnXUHDv4rxY1YBNrFVhqmycxAxz5RxNOTu1NbR-VDZBQGPmGccRblpF_3tY5LEvafCecNMp101w_6-5VdUTc/s640/IMG_20160725_165518444_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the nicest buildings are as always near the center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95er5zwO834Dss-jNq0A2SicKPq22mg8Q2IEWrIWHIPqf2M1GVoS3SFmvp-etP67veFcI5tsUvoU1XEIclVmSxdm8ak38mDaEALzHlkaVAXfdwBl8jq4WXleL5GvlZnaZ9B7GtD5zynA/s1600/IMG_20160725_164456587_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95er5zwO834Dss-jNq0A2SicKPq22mg8Q2IEWrIWHIPqf2M1GVoS3SFmvp-etP67veFcI5tsUvoU1XEIclVmSxdm8ak38mDaEALzHlkaVAXfdwBl8jq4WXleL5GvlZnaZ9B7GtD5zynA/s640/IMG_20160725_164456587_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by the river feeding into the Lake</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEpRnKiPbC7pM41aET13Dv63aGB8mxpTsPxmOxJpd7-Y_vUUOs4MWjqF8w7KoQFOv50YGDVQMYtz3tyHvYDulSnFTfbzRS9OtyVICX2br2gJk3UhnWgVExvLSzoBdM1goC0xWcV2WbL4/s1600/IMG_20160725_204030551_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEpRnKiPbC7pM41aET13Dv63aGB8mxpTsPxmOxJpd7-Y_vUUOs4MWjqF8w7KoQFOv50YGDVQMYtz3tyHvYDulSnFTfbzRS9OtyVICX2br2gJk3UhnWgVExvLSzoBdM1goC0xWcV2WbL4/s640/IMG_20160725_204030551_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUhu3VzqFVJXbi1vcCG-tXcsKU3YefSCkk-XhK3r3dPlw2a0UDXKY4ZR4WfgVLvEm3rv-QiUPWMjfM3NZs4RGOoHZmFR6aZVIJqUQ7DW36q9PojhYLYS7MQvM70D3PzyEH75Kkiji8rg/s1600/IMG_20160725_144902072_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUhu3VzqFVJXbi1vcCG-tXcsKU3YefSCkk-XhK3r3dPlw2a0UDXKY4ZR4WfgVLvEm3rv-QiUPWMjfM3NZs4RGOoHZmFR6aZVIJqUQ7DW36q9PojhYLYS7MQvM70D3PzyEH75Kkiji8rg/s400/IMG_20160725_144902072_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Your movie guru, Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359713825295765545noreply@blogger.com2Zürich, Switzerland47.3768866 8.541694000000006847.204846599999996 8.2189705000000064 47.5489266 8.8644175000000072