tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76145228644789958022024-02-19T01:08:19.148-08:00My Chris_toryKeep up to date on current books from around the world as well as future books yet to be written. Also, let me share with you my stories that are in the Deseret News and the Mormon Times on some of the places around the world I've been.triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-88943800351350757742022-09-27T17:54:00.002-07:002022-09-27T18:04:39.216-07:00<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>I think that people who have never been to the Caribbean often times think each of the various islands are pretty much the same. To some point, this can be true. They all have beautiful beaches. They all have palm trees with iguanas watching everything from the fronds. All of them are fantastic destinations during the cold and snowy winters in the United States during long winters. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>However, some of the islands can be incredibly different too. For instance, there is a huge difference between the arid climate of Aruba with its sparse vegetation and the lush rain forests and hilly terrain of Antigua.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>What makes the Caribbean fun, is that most of the islands have unique characteristics which makes it intriguing to visit all of them.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>For instance, when someone thinks of Jamaica, they may think of Dunn's River Falls and Jamican rum with plenty of places to party.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>The Cayman Islands are known for their snorkeling and scuba diving destinations, as well as a sand bar in the middle of the sea where you can stand up and pet sting rays.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Curacao, for its own intrigue which can be read in one of my Deseret News articles from years ago. You can check it out here </i></span><a href="https://www.deseret.com/2015/3/3/20559851/celebrating-in-curacao-a-couple-s-anniversary-trip-to-the-caribbean-island#kim-hale-hiding-in-the-o-of-the-welcome-sign-in-wilemstad" style="text-align: left;">Celebrating in Curacao: A couple's anniversary trip to the Caribbean island - Deseret News</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>For this blog, I want to share some of the special attractions on the island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. (Saint Martin on the French side of the island and Sint Maarten on the Dutch side of the island)</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>First things first. Many people who have never been to the Caribbean, or to Saint Martin specifically, still have heard of the airport. Magazines, travel articles, newspapers have dozens of pictures of people who stand at the end of the runway, on a beach, while jetliners fly overhead within a stone's throw straight up. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Let me testify it is really very exhilerating to experience it live and in person.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>The beach is Maho Beach on the Dutch west side of the island and is only separated from the airport by a chain link fence and a few dozen feet from the runway. Because it attracts so many visitors, there are hotels and places to eat right in the immediate area.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN4T5JI-R3A-FSy5PQSoA5GlmhKODMYudO4rJD824IZBwGgt4PT5JjlOrNzmzXTZISVnNbPwTAwvIkEH_A9weHGBG9wybOAwDeyV7H6gJ5DLkjTae7Obw8z38zvRolPrW8h3TQrzWwY1vib1nphjCrYAEo7yKZ9MhkTZvo9c05S0-312chdSWprewxw/s4608/P1050135.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN4T5JI-R3A-FSy5PQSoA5GlmhKODMYudO4rJD824IZBwGgt4PT5JjlOrNzmzXTZISVnNbPwTAwvIkEH_A9weHGBG9wybOAwDeyV7H6gJ5DLkjTae7Obw8z38zvRolPrW8h3TQrzWwY1vib1nphjCrYAEo7yKZ9MhkTZvo9c05S0-312chdSWprewxw/s320/P1050135.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Flying in over Maho Beach when Kim and I arrived on the island of Saint Martin. Top right of the picture is where we had lunch a couple of days later.</i><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_oSf5KFDdLeIy0FHv-52hK8nv38XXE6uH4HKP0D-R6eAz3Dr_7gy3Ciscc2d5G5eRqvfPBHgVoG4Q36xGHkrnPdUdB0Xbhuoo7Nk6S3st_9uPEJlMHq2-sARCrAgY-TqAGFmjHDuZx9es-i__1QUaACWL8Ufgebbc1L9kQ3GgExZgdxE--rwwQOmMg/s4608/P1050274.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_oSf5KFDdLeIy0FHv-52hK8nv38XXE6uH4HKP0D-R6eAz3Dr_7gy3Ciscc2d5G5eRqvfPBHgVoG4Q36xGHkrnPdUdB0Xbhuoo7Nk6S3st_9uPEJlMHq2-sARCrAgY-TqAGFmjHDuZx9es-i__1QUaACWL8Ufgebbc1L9kQ3GgExZgdxE--rwwQOmMg/s320/P1050274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Kim and I really enjoyed eating at Sunset Beach and watching the craziness of people try to hang on to the fence while planes took off without tumbling over the rocks and into the water. We didn't try this ourselves, and signs recommended that it not be done, but still there were plenty of participants.</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOVuGw4rXg2y1iJUJutx_vQ4DsRrH81tWu0lawHMrYAYd1_J2WSsUfOA8r8j19NT_u8IldyVxBgnyYqmkQPiowu9UilFyjcy8uJPU_3dIZQr3tcqZ5LYibMbeHYGlXgjrT8x1cLs9S5QZsqRFr-PE1EgOZkTt6YgxoCtocoMniLXdAR5Jf_gnRQiO2g/s4608/P1050280.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOVuGw4rXg2y1iJUJutx_vQ4DsRrH81tWu0lawHMrYAYd1_J2WSsUfOA8r8j19NT_u8IldyVxBgnyYqmkQPiowu9UilFyjcy8uJPU_3dIZQr3tcqZ5LYibMbeHYGlXgjrT8x1cLs9S5QZsqRFr-PE1EgOZkTt6YgxoCtocoMniLXdAR5Jf_gnRQiO2g/s320/P1050280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeN3w5_j6u8CAnB-Oz9sV48_Q-YJ7KQkJDcg3dRqK_EygSj1RdOoW_kb0CM4zwFg4yh1NIZqkgXasBFZjxhr73qttTjfacdJByJ9d_C5EfZ-i5p0SyW2RLLSOXP3ljGKf87xgDSh-npHxvUqF-gX-DOsy7spItc3w0w01FL2I7m_5v1iGCXjtDOYqnw/s4608/P1050278.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeN3w5_j6u8CAnB-Oz9sV48_Q-YJ7KQkJDcg3dRqK_EygSj1RdOoW_kb0CM4zwFg4yh1NIZqkgXasBFZjxhr73qttTjfacdJByJ9d_C5EfZ-i5p0SyW2RLLSOXP3ljGKf87xgDSh-npHxvUqF-gX-DOsy7spItc3w0w01FL2I7m_5v1iGCXjtDOYqnw/s320/P1050278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>I mentioned jets taking off, but there were also lots of regional turboprop planes that were just as close to the ground, if not closer, as they went over Maho Beach.</i></span><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIecXTwLNIpHhD7rDAe95RVuCqZ8OHk33vfP9pGlE9OC0OXNdIK1omJkKTuhfNPQMhkfuHdhOQV_eT69AzIcb7QAvAaF__zv_wZkRMv-xDTro-bRCKfnDc7iyvEqpKsZHEwqkgdD6MV9qLWapEXjUUXukuB-Ol2tkWJ_iqzg76cLPbshUZPm2JUnIExA/s4608/P1050279.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIecXTwLNIpHhD7rDAe95RVuCqZ8OHk33vfP9pGlE9OC0OXNdIK1omJkKTuhfNPQMhkfuHdhOQV_eT69AzIcb7QAvAaF__zv_wZkRMv-xDTro-bRCKfnDc7iyvEqpKsZHEwqkgdD6MV9qLWapEXjUUXukuB-Ol2tkWJ_iqzg76cLPbshUZPm2JUnIExA/s320/P1050279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Maho Beach, even without an airport attraction, is quite scenic and beautiful. We took a taxi to the beach from our hotel. On this journey, we saw several swamped or damaged boats from hurricane Irma in September of 2017. We visited in April of 2019.</i></span><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>As I mentioned earlier, the island is divided between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint Martin, with the airport being on the Dutch side. Both sides have their own flavor, but we stayed primarly on the southern Dutch side near Philipsburg on the Great Bay. We were lucky, our room was changed to an ocean view room (more expensive) because our original had not been cleaned properly.</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiOjWbs2vUr0drbNsruceoqqQ-3qUeS1wve0jvXUQvcruHIHAeEm2nniF2Q47lWf8lN5Y6ooMc1dqFEguZbDVKaC_VSihszrav4cO9vqzvuOnzDQ83Omrj3VZ504oXMEX2W6I8_0-PPisgyv_VI1xeF9-GuU_LvKfrTzHNSUft3LvGZA5JLyA0BvEBQ/s4608/P1050152.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiOjWbs2vUr0drbNsruceoqqQ-3qUeS1wve0jvXUQvcruHIHAeEm2nniF2Q47lWf8lN5Y6ooMc1dqFEguZbDVKaC_VSihszrav4cO9vqzvuOnzDQ83Omrj3VZ504oXMEX2W6I8_0-PPisgyv_VI1xeF9-GuU_LvKfrTzHNSUft3LvGZA5JLyA0BvEBQ/s320/P1050152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Holland House Beach Hotel where we stayed. There is something to be said about having a beach front property.</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukaEwfJ2PBM7GaadXWASapzDM5kTm60fqCD_zsH32B7E_aweOKCqQMmNzwSAKSUHFfwm3tWqpeP0hiQhNFKmqJpi8xC2RfuDR4ujdsAeuDC719XkaqYDBEMFZ9WnLjfqJTF0oa29NLi3989l8qVg95amNNAveZOWk-LWgk6hK1bXM-l0h_alRlqEBng/s4608/P1050159.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukaEwfJ2PBM7GaadXWASapzDM5kTm60fqCD_zsH32B7E_aweOKCqQMmNzwSAKSUHFfwm3tWqpeP0hiQhNFKmqJpi8xC2RfuDR4ujdsAeuDC719XkaqYDBEMFZ9WnLjfqJTF0oa29NLi3989l8qVg95amNNAveZOWk-LWgk6hK1bXM-l0h_alRlqEBng/s320/P1050159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>View of the beach from our hotel room.</i><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWVOKQDIOETpjsy2cumDqZ4DvM1rZ1o39l2wkfPrX-aLjJpN6jSyUuQLrCwxx0NWLJSY2f5IaucaNXch5dqx8KmVNXSQLhrI-qw3rJUqXXWBiW7F9RH0b8FrwqlnFS7TRNkclm5aOKQ0CDyKMB-QBnA5iyhWM6QCWd06Q9_6svgtNPMHpJU3VsT4jow/s4608/P1050161.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWVOKQDIOETpjsy2cumDqZ4DvM1rZ1o39l2wkfPrX-aLjJpN6jSyUuQLrCwxx0NWLJSY2f5IaucaNXch5dqx8KmVNXSQLhrI-qw3rJUqXXWBiW7F9RH0b8FrwqlnFS7TRNkclm5aOKQ0CDyKMB-QBnA5iyhWM6QCWd06Q9_6svgtNPMHpJU3VsT4jow/s320/P1050161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>View of cruise ships from our hotel in Philipsburg.</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfFvdNgtLDh1mf6wMG4jrI-13WRia0tDaIKCZ8DIbcLdhYvmf0azB2mDJ_RxvDh2Gs0VkepJgZ-crTp0Q-g7GxIsui-UU7FPGXEq3xyCp9lcGDe1daZmMzFvfM6EFu-L3ngXUVDmDtFgJTBAagkZjk2MlGiiWAJmMGeGEMfU_9VA-9CMVqKvONvlPEg/s4608/P1050143.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfFvdNgtLDh1mf6wMG4jrI-13WRia0tDaIKCZ8DIbcLdhYvmf0azB2mDJ_RxvDh2Gs0VkepJgZ-crTp0Q-g7GxIsui-UU7FPGXEq3xyCp9lcGDe1daZmMzFvfM6EFu-L3ngXUVDmDtFgJTBAagkZjk2MlGiiWAJmMGeGEMfU_9VA-9CMVqKvONvlPEg/s320/P1050143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Of course, the St. Maarten Hard Rock Cafe was in easy walking distance from our hotel.</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;">One of the best things we have done in several locations around the world, is rent bicycles and ride around, either by ourselves, or in a tour group. In Sint Maarten, it was an organized group. We walked a short distance to the cruise terminals to catch our tour. I think what made the experience so special was a combination of the sights we visited as well as being caught in a downpour. The rain was actually quite invigorating and, since we were already sweaty from the humidity and exercise, quite refreshing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcP23ul-RqwfsulzkRqm89gN016ceP2ncjGbv5SNQGtvySWeJUqC5sDE7D6uJ48NRXGEI_0nYKuphO6DFoPLsdjUznZqVQ8YuwNtlvU218o97KoKfrvEJs3eQvRm2S_ryuSlRLbEwS_W3fYw_w6Lh12RE0C6QpHdP67JpYP5_QqWCzD1P1fxkVv34Cw/s4608/P1050213.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcP23ul-RqwfsulzkRqm89gN016ceP2ncjGbv5SNQGtvySWeJUqC5sDE7D6uJ48NRXGEI_0nYKuphO6DFoPLsdjUznZqVQ8YuwNtlvU218o97KoKfrvEJs3eQvRm2S_ryuSlRLbEwS_W3fYw_w6Lh12RE0C6QpHdP67JpYP5_QqWCzD1P1fxkVv34Cw/s320/P1050213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Kim enjoying the rain, the sky, and the beautiful island of Sint Maarten.</i></span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeT3V-7VoGy-a73uZMHXV33PgzXlUE6rMWDKCL2gFYHuFoUgh7RsIzrwVdMjZjLwyE3Cue05qUCwbDK02siZN4BkKjtJSf46Oki-3IG73zY8NVsOcv2XpBWU2gDNiLBhBuBSyP_spg7mOCn-wQ4Vo07H2rQGofFr1UXka4ICgWPBrqK3kYw8_eBZ3Ow/s4608/P1050209.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeT3V-7VoGy-a73uZMHXV33PgzXlUE6rMWDKCL2gFYHuFoUgh7RsIzrwVdMjZjLwyE3Cue05qUCwbDK02siZN4BkKjtJSf46Oki-3IG73zY8NVsOcv2XpBWU2gDNiLBhBuBSyP_spg7mOCn-wQ4Vo07H2rQGofFr1UXka4ICgWPBrqK3kYw8_eBZ3Ow/s320/P1050209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Kim and I with our bicycle tour group after the downpour. This ride was only about a couple of miles but did consist of some hill.</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBkFlxo5b2CK1RjoABUPhuX9maHaVSyy3TClQRNzCYSiN2C_X2PiviHDPE-gJAhVdrKUGv61ioAv4CDycSTLmRYKVWfFf99YT09ky2elfjmFr5jvuEgtbZ0TwfHBuU1yN_dj_J1Y13pC15Z24OIXbGsbvf_wca-dN7nsvW3n9cEtcbdDsUgnnji-uEw/s4608/P1050235.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBkFlxo5b2CK1RjoABUPhuX9maHaVSyy3TClQRNzCYSiN2C_X2PiviHDPE-gJAhVdrKUGv61ioAv4CDycSTLmRYKVWfFf99YT09ky2elfjmFr5jvuEgtbZ0TwfHBuU1yN_dj_J1Y13pC15Z24OIXbGsbvf_wca-dN7nsvW3n9cEtcbdDsUgnnji-uEw/s320/P1050235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Kim in downtown Philipsburg pointing out where we were on Sint Maarten.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOM1QCK11hCPg8RrUbrrIi0l7YkvadKHqdY9C2LA0NYOtDci5FYAm7ArCcphRs0FhqmHKvoEgWAuOei28CANRJRucQ1MMXJCth_ZcXWUIIr8sF7RHvb6a44HyCGuYlsx6HFqka9k-gY9Pp-I_W6WXEI3GDe3zbsF195EIyEik7F3Wqe1Fv-vUOjXYZg/s4608/P1050213.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU9taVOAIEEGQxxiFjMgT2ye5KU_V-ESxKJuIHdDljWuZPxuAKNgiIIFdPV2pSKa8oVV10gkLr0_5gOiseO1zwo32VUbnA8WPUAdv_lakhUfjeJ0FGblnf5-078Lu0LPqFi67izaMgW0SoPIjrLkOvnd3CJfqpwMXYRRcPg3_IB9mGxkGD2bXPPe3hA/s4608/P1050215.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU9taVOAIEEGQxxiFjMgT2ye5KU_V-ESxKJuIHdDljWuZPxuAKNgiIIFdPV2pSKa8oVV10gkLr0_5gOiseO1zwo32VUbnA8WPUAdv_lakhUfjeJ0FGblnf5-078Lu0LPqFi67izaMgW0SoPIjrLkOvnd3CJfqpwMXYRRcPg3_IB9mGxkGD2bXPPe3hA/s320/P1050215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>See? I wasn't kidding about iguanas in trees.</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBP3Sh5hQFskK12pNhHAm_py3j7zvDwM-PEBxK2MNAWbD_jAMRr4tY3htRl-Ap_EW8KQqJFmPf8hQ0yIfzqbXsAxyf_jr7K2KZom8mEEjr5q00dmTAUHGLafmiW0dcTzYv4WYUEb75kO9YKKdpRtW98SPBbq0yBHtJ8aPcEZfXBLCm9l72GC4W5snIA/s4608/P1050206.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBP3Sh5hQFskK12pNhHAm_py3j7zvDwM-PEBxK2MNAWbD_jAMRr4tY3htRl-Ap_EW8KQqJFmPf8hQ0yIfzqbXsAxyf_jr7K2KZom8mEEjr5q00dmTAUHGLafmiW0dcTzYv4WYUEb75kO9YKKdpRtW98SPBbq0yBHtJ8aPcEZfXBLCm9l72GC4W5snIA/s320/P1050206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>I honestly never expected to see mountain goats near the cruise line terminal on our walk back to the hotel.</i></span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Marigot is the capital of the French side of Saint Martin. Even though the two countries share the island, the culture, architecture, and ambiance are completely different. I recommend if you want to see the French side, there is a bus people can catch that is much more economical than a taxi or some other means of transportation, and it's very reliable.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>There may not be as much to see and do in Marigot, but it is very quant and colorful. On a hill overlooking the town is Fort Louis with spectacular views of the surrounding area.</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Fort Louis, a short hike passed some beautiful homes</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudG6n6MyR6DOtAHn034szkGI3hP8RLfhBAAxTYw5mSlvyjyYTVZ9_uaz9ImYjuQjQSBPZbaDPZJBpbYjr49B3PtfeKVo9vb6F6eNu78qd1EdPWrtuSkcG-8wCZyQyTv28RhTdtufFh-h2RYPjA7kQA_85W8hvjvf8r14jXhxjZIjr3CsL5o6RnLA5qQ/s4608/P1050284.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudG6n6MyR6DOtAHn034szkGI3hP8RLfhBAAxTYw5mSlvyjyYTVZ9_uaz9ImYjuQjQSBPZbaDPZJBpbYjr49B3PtfeKVo9vb6F6eNu78qd1EdPWrtuSkcG-8wCZyQyTv28RhTdtufFh-h2RYPjA7kQA_85W8hvjvf8r14jXhxjZIjr3CsL5o6RnLA5qQ/s320/P1050284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31OiY-n6PRbGFXeinXCCJdNYqlg_qanW-SS4U5v5PrVfYenPzxnCz7V2rLgT1_us-eIKY1OH82bXB2b-tLRfPwztTlqdq9ivbJfrSqBzjpHU755hUvE3MIw2aKSUR402zh7_bmHShE2Y9hVLxzf5cw8OjxQPspz2ab-Z9y1ZTqvbEqlG1-JVZJdPrvA/s4608/P1050289.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31OiY-n6PRbGFXeinXCCJdNYqlg_qanW-SS4U5v5PrVfYenPzxnCz7V2rLgT1_us-eIKY1OH82bXB2b-tLRfPwztTlqdq9ivbJfrSqBzjpHU755hUvE3MIw2aKSUR402zh7_bmHShE2Y9hVLxzf5cw8OjxQPspz2ab-Z9y1ZTqvbEqlG1-JVZJdPrvA/s320/P1050289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim looking out over the Caribbean Sea from Fort Louis in Marigot, Saint Martin.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv2fC5LBu-uBt_Xx-5lB6A-NPQWTGc8pojVe_Dpxt19V8eQH6uwu2SuZ6gZEquuKqaE9nE1OeQZmbH6uLFwW7LC8UuxvpDIWRs_gBEz1j7y9IhoElTdMB7L6Ga1HUskzm8rd1xE5o9pJhX0ZAgT_n6DEyAM1WrDdoHbjKSMAgx8Mx6nSCpdv0DJtS2w/s3584/P1050288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="3584" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv2fC5LBu-uBt_Xx-5lB6A-NPQWTGc8pojVe_Dpxt19V8eQH6uwu2SuZ6gZEquuKqaE9nE1OeQZmbH6uLFwW7LC8UuxvpDIWRs_gBEz1j7y9IhoElTdMB7L6Ga1HUskzm8rd1xE5o9pJhX0ZAgT_n6DEyAM1WrDdoHbjKSMAgx8Mx6nSCpdv0DJtS2w/w400-h95/P1050288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Panaramic shot of Kim at Fort Louis overlooking Marigot, Saint Martin. What a naturally beautiful place that has only been enhanced with the quaint and colorful architecture. The north side of the island escaped much of the destruction from hurricane Igor.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>If you have never been to the Caribbean, you should make it a point to go if possible. The water is so easy to swim in because of the salt content and much warmer than the Med. Once in the water, you just never want to get out.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIiWB6A674tiDzKS5rH93fJtZxll_1WzRYpxVlBBAPpL6MAN4A0PGnoS6foEoXRapo18A1UqYbP75xUJ623mEVl0aX4225_zkjXGI-eN0NGB07c7LnafG-i93tWhApJM4JreWItVokBF5ZA8Qn9sCMcc4WPJvlx0LrV8E4y1R36EPLMU8RSzvnqsxqA/s4608/P1050299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIiWB6A674tiDzKS5rH93fJtZxll_1WzRYpxVlBBAPpL6MAN4A0PGnoS6foEoXRapo18A1UqYbP75xUJ623mEVl0aX4225_zkjXGI-eN0NGB07c7LnafG-i93tWhApJM4JreWItVokBF5ZA8Qn9sCMcc4WPJvlx0LrV8E4y1R36EPLMU8RSzvnqsxqA/w400-h300/P1050299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i>Kim had never experienced the Caribbean Sea prior to our trip to Curacao. Now it is one of her favorite destinations which I will write about in future blog posts.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-17855300921412777242022-09-23T20:36:00.000-07:002022-09-23T20:36:05.191-07:00<p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>The largest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea is Mallorca. Although it is not as well known as Ibiza, it is a very popular vacation spot for tourists from both Germany and England. (As I will mention a little more about later in this blog) Even though maybe not as well known, it is one of the most scenic places I have ever been and a perfect travel destination for Europeans and Americans alike.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Even though we didn't get to spend much time in the capital city of Palma, we did walk through a portion of it when we first arrived on the island. Probably the most recognizable structure is that of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Palma, which really is pretty cool with its Gothic Architecture exterior. Unfortunately, we didn't go inside because of time constraints, but the exterior is incredibly impressive, and also just a stroll from the Mallorca Hard Rock Cafe. (And by now, everyone knows about my desires to go to every HRC I can.)</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7t0xD3TjOXczXqUuzeXT_J2JaFWHhNxnmo_ao-MwbSkQC1fP2espqvMWqEqEtZklijKDlakTd7lVjMySQJbxpU3TXSmXWLwmukTU2JLHTH9nbK3A82houT6-SHaUtMhF86Yv1XS3ajy5_X6QQI4Wo8rth0BDtg1-HWglPsCGqIXbr2VxnPjCmwdxzQ/s4608/P1040608.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7t0xD3TjOXczXqUuzeXT_J2JaFWHhNxnmo_ao-MwbSkQC1fP2espqvMWqEqEtZklijKDlakTd7lVjMySQJbxpU3TXSmXWLwmukTU2JLHTH9nbK3A82houT6-SHaUtMhF86Yv1XS3ajy5_X6QQI4Wo8rth0BDtg1-HWglPsCGqIXbr2VxnPjCmwdxzQ/s320/P1040608.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Kim and Logan enjoying the Hard Rock Cafe in Mallorca Spain. Actually, the food is the same at all of them, but the ball caps are quite unique to each location.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iNxsy6jQ8Ktky61A0gIZ_Y_rK-6yj2qz__caked6I0gfD8oqJFhwDIbNvk_fCDhqz5KFFFhAZR0fZRAkjoIe1JgnnGgO2Em7CTFsbCdQQTqPgVF16zc33MV8RG2j75AssZePIQ6Fh29_VH_9br4j75nG7_sCibMJPeQlwvg3MyWNBa-fzvEA790taQ/s4608/P1040620.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iNxsy6jQ8Ktky61A0gIZ_Y_rK-6yj2qz__caked6I0gfD8oqJFhwDIbNvk_fCDhqz5KFFFhAZR0fZRAkjoIe1JgnnGgO2Em7CTFsbCdQQTqPgVF16zc33MV8RG2j75AssZePIQ6Fh29_VH_9br4j75nG7_sCibMJPeQlwvg3MyWNBa-fzvEA790taQ/s320/P1040620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>A front view of the the Cathedral of Santa Maria Palma. In September, the weather was totally beautiful and pleasant. Most people view and take pictures of the cathedral from the side which has a portion of the Mediterranean Sea in the foreground. (We didn't walk that far) </i></span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikowNeyVhnBhODNuSexIvLlTtO88cRlOxDENSC42n8QhAiYf2Fy2diJwipwtdTHESjq7vb8eWFLFH4sX5hPpjsy0SbBsfkQ9O6l8ZzuM7CQsQEtwVY4GW5m_YKXvY9-CyBcr-kRuF5noCmA53GHjgQEehzyS58n-OsHyR5wRWXhBaWFFSu3_mHZxgdLg/s4608/P1040697.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikowNeyVhnBhODNuSexIvLlTtO88cRlOxDENSC42n8QhAiYf2Fy2diJwipwtdTHESjq7vb8eWFLFH4sX5hPpjsy0SbBsfkQ9O6l8ZzuM7CQsQEtwVY4GW5m_YKXvY9-CyBcr-kRuF5noCmA53GHjgQEehzyS58n-OsHyR5wRWXhBaWFFSu3_mHZxgdLg/s320/P1040697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>This picture of the Cathedral actually taken through a car window while going to the airport for our flight to Madrid.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwcKc1AKEFM5DdlvupecXN0aWqec8ldsKVRkr7ibWXSX1aiF0lUqu_lnoaujozu2fdKSmWbHkN2vyJM6RDah5BgqR5zrHdw5O5c19cf1WhTYUwr2TUxYbLLwmuwW13G-GuwqweoIH3gvoeFDeOcO5iFjaoKCHZSPiyfwBOOvkBH1A0h30F6rbXASNUA/s4608/P1040621.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwcKc1AKEFM5DdlvupecXN0aWqec8ldsKVRkr7ibWXSX1aiF0lUqu_lnoaujozu2fdKSmWbHkN2vyJM6RDah5BgqR5zrHdw5O5c19cf1WhTYUwr2TUxYbLLwmuwW13G-GuwqweoIH3gvoeFDeOcO5iFjaoKCHZSPiyfwBOOvkBH1A0h30F6rbXASNUA/s320/P1040621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>View of the harbor with crew ships taken from nearby the HRC. Flowers and Palm Trees virtually everywhere we looked.</i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Our hotel was located on Platja de Palma Beach; an extremely long beach with British families on one end and German families on the other. I'm not sure I would recommend staying on this beach because of how crowded it was and so many better options available. But it was a good place to rent electric bicycles and explore.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwshvn2GWbEiMMr4UxKJPrCZxMOy99-O0g3PL4jxW0H1deV6U7rwAzJqlCCtMJmGIbod_yYr1Gu2C2NbDTS2wJSS0gjItbmx1cCQ8fHC9BYa6TwNx9uVRr9D3dekKbnAXq5RQ3kLssYU8k84zF402NN_pfwWjPKnnH5zCWwREZJ-x_dqdpyhg5PPFiXw/s4608/P1040632.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwshvn2GWbEiMMr4UxKJPrCZxMOy99-O0g3PL4jxW0H1deV6U7rwAzJqlCCtMJmGIbod_yYr1Gu2C2NbDTS2wJSS0gjItbmx1cCQ8fHC9BYa6TwNx9uVRr9D3dekKbnAXq5RQ3kLssYU8k84zF402NN_pfwWjPKnnH5zCWwREZJ-x_dqdpyhg5PPFiXw/s320/P1040632.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Also, it was pretty central to some of the other things you may want to do. The main drawback however, as told to us by people who live there, is the Germans were always drunk and the British were falling from balconies trying to jump from one balcony to another. (probably drunk also. one individual fell to his death while we were there)</i></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I will suggest different places to stay later which I wish I'd known about prior to booking our hotel.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Located in Palma, and one of the coolest things we did while we were in Mallorca, is the Ferrocarril de Soller. (Railway of Soller) it departs from the Palma railway station. This historical train's one-hour journey is through olive groves and beautiful scenery to the town of Soller on the northern coast with one scenic stop to take pictures.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvevmavUWbF5HeRCAQ9IMeeZutpwRW3d9xmoyP6HuodyrolYrR8QeSwYs-TK9tW7dyMwecuuxVIQ1vtp1Bh75tIF1nljiJla5hpEIR9xcnUkIif-K8jLsL6NEsShJde30RnfOTQjVgHBSCfWty8vK59aYRcNyhEk9_pMXin-L7r0UC-fsPXy1Q3aGNQQ/s4608/P1040634.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvevmavUWbF5HeRCAQ9IMeeZutpwRW3d9xmoyP6HuodyrolYrR8QeSwYs-TK9tW7dyMwecuuxVIQ1vtp1Bh75tIF1nljiJla5hpEIR9xcnUkIif-K8jLsL6NEsShJde30RnfOTQjVgHBSCfWty8vK59aYRcNyhEk9_pMXin-L7r0UC-fsPXy1Q3aGNQQ/s320/P1040634.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>How many people still get to ride on a wooden train? This was my only time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hDgzFGNvbfQG72nEyUdScmDZBCBieevLX3mMJyYhUlcnmeevGKF4L8SGD09uPQdUbdZODpQRuOe07nb_tK8wviczuDVyUC6e4XAgvJ0zTYWMSe_2MM5xB9JSNL44_gG-psMcQdAXtAHw2iHkOqVZ2Wf_1BC_OiTStn6Y7lpUJXsr5O1dcflib9BEGg/s4608/P1040635.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hDgzFGNvbfQG72nEyUdScmDZBCBieevLX3mMJyYhUlcnmeevGKF4L8SGD09uPQdUbdZODpQRuOe07nb_tK8wviczuDVyUC6e4XAgvJ0zTYWMSe_2MM5xB9JSNL44_gG-psMcQdAXtAHw2iHkOqVZ2Wf_1BC_OiTStn6Y7lpUJXsr5O1dcflib9BEGg/s320/P1040635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65Kti93C970WECwo-9DoWxK6ACp-u6bkoycuPm-x3EI57XB9nYTAqIuE8B0ufwevlPuSe5qrrMQzolMCyppVlxf06kj-XycEVDMsD7HaMR-ibiU6dGjn0ipKhyKX_qho-mIox0M3FcmJSidlQ_uLe9RRE8uHgGj134DZiPaOxNXuFU6_9D0iUs1p_yQ/s4608/P1040652.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65Kti93C970WECwo-9DoWxK6ACp-u6bkoycuPm-x3EI57XB9nYTAqIuE8B0ufwevlPuSe5qrrMQzolMCyppVlxf06kj-XycEVDMsD7HaMR-ibiU6dGjn0ipKhyKX_qho-mIox0M3FcmJSidlQ_uLe9RRE8uHgGj134DZiPaOxNXuFU6_9D0iUs1p_yQ/s320/P1040652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Kim and Logan both on the train, and the scenic stop where we could disembark and take pictures. Honestly, this train was so cool, and so relaxing, it alone would have made our trip. But then, the destination of the train, even added to the experience.</i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Soller is absolutely historical and beautiful at the same time. After disembarking from the train, we found a place to eat lunch and experience Soller life by watching wooden trolleys pass our outdoor dining experience within feet of our table. Lunch was good, and then taking one of these trolleys to the Soller Beach was fantastic. </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja23We5mao4_lorKZbevEUfQumkNiRNHKer7_69P2rfC3EmCZMKsLufbS7iDqDmH-p5ZjxaXKMtWgCQp22bV0V_ih5e3VaXiEAxjzJsHFz8xqg9hTo29QGIj9poftDLTGchgJ4OyFJH_oUqcqE7aP1jMJ7yfzIhvHbOL61hlA43PYbRt9hlR4NPRsvTA/s4608/P1040665.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja23We5mao4_lorKZbevEUfQumkNiRNHKer7_69P2rfC3EmCZMKsLufbS7iDqDmH-p5ZjxaXKMtWgCQp22bV0V_ih5e3VaXiEAxjzJsHFz8xqg9hTo29QGIj9poftDLTGchgJ4OyFJH_oUqcqE7aP1jMJ7yfzIhvHbOL61hlA43PYbRt9hlR4NPRsvTA/s320/P1040665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>Kim and Logan on the far right of this photograph. What a truly European experience. And then, the beach!</i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtHxpa9ZCNH-ds68r6QbB8je0-t_iday3SgWnR-xlwoGtIDoZ_CEWsPVBam9D2Y65KLLkbhwZwzn_-zJP1Hll_I96QJdCLNpmF5k8dyPhW39ivkgWj0hGJOyeJdzrfSmZokatLFY3cwDAVSdseXN-iQ-hlq8aisdR8NndBp2pI5lTM3vpMahDXEB3w/s4608/P1040667.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtHxpa9ZCNH-ds68r6QbB8je0-t_iday3SgWnR-xlwoGtIDoZ_CEWsPVBam9D2Y65KLLkbhwZwzn_-zJP1Hll_I96QJdCLNpmF5k8dyPhW39ivkgWj0hGJOyeJdzrfSmZokatLFY3cwDAVSdseXN-iQ-hlq8aisdR8NndBp2pI5lTM3vpMahDXEB3w/s320/P1040667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Church of Saint Bartomeu as seen from our table when the trolley was not in our way. Doesn't this look like so much fun?</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Several years ago, I had a melanoma on my back. Because of this, I don't always get in the water when Kim and Logan go swimming just to protect myself. This was the case in Soller. But</i></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i> Kim and Logan sure had fun in the picturesque town on the beautiful beach.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYj_bkjOSRYNIIsUcz_gieRU5uCZtiLNEK56WKHaOmS0-GG6V_FB1JAbggVynGPdhGkdETUm5LZ2UQG3NDvnb2f2_PpCzgqAeFO5DC1uNEqpH1M8rpRHxv_rQsdm-idNIKjoBygtP7X5XzXXK4CedoLc79R-uJlehDW1Bo3UzDPeFyGeuJfO7ojmiVQ/s4608/P1040672.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYj_bkjOSRYNIIsUcz_gieRU5uCZtiLNEK56WKHaOmS0-GG6V_FB1JAbggVynGPdhGkdETUm5LZ2UQG3NDvnb2f2_PpCzgqAeFO5DC1uNEqpH1M8rpRHxv_rQsdm-idNIKjoBygtP7X5XzXXK4CedoLc79R-uJlehDW1Bo3UzDPeFyGeuJfO7ojmiVQ/s320/P1040672.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Much less crowded, and more pleasant, the beach at Soller.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNnzogJOWAALyFM7RsPhlQD23hHUnJKMq_vorlrjVuZC1HGd1eMfxo0MHNQo6zoS86Xc_asqQaCHbkXz_J_hhLlU9fpy6BnXM9KVauz769siGlTx4tOO5w9TxhdqANH1uG6ndhklrlg6-Gcek9CURZMcM06m3LbXlO9vupIWhH1heVe3DhraM_-1L5Q/s4608/P1040673.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNnzogJOWAALyFM7RsPhlQD23hHUnJKMq_vorlrjVuZC1HGd1eMfxo0MHNQo6zoS86Xc_asqQaCHbkXz_J_hhLlU9fpy6BnXM9KVauz769siGlTx4tOO5w9TxhdqANH1uG6ndhklrlg6-Gcek9CURZMcM06m3LbXlO9vupIWhH1heVe3DhraM_-1L5Q/s320/P1040673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim and Logan enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprVZv31rgPYkS_coU_ymkDaquc1fqIPdCF7lHJLM0A1qWFSwCPSMmFBkUmKGGiisl9D89soIDRZgUzig-mm3MFMqwm0V8FlstWcdBur6q-g2dX-CrB-0b-y8hi7TCz7RHiq89Lt7e2cUbuKZDruxv_F6LrMOK6SsPiHDoLqtpMXvbiZ-bSG6MbEEcPA/s4608/P1040679.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprVZv31rgPYkS_coU_ymkDaquc1fqIPdCF7lHJLM0A1qWFSwCPSMmFBkUmKGGiisl9D89soIDRZgUzig-mm3MFMqwm0V8FlstWcdBur6q-g2dX-CrB-0b-y8hi7TCz7RHiq89Lt7e2cUbuKZDruxv_F6LrMOK6SsPiHDoLqtpMXvbiZ-bSG6MbEEcPA/s320/P1040679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Just taking pictures in my sun hat for protection. I wish I'd gotten in now, but at least I did go swimming a day or two later on another beautiful beach.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zmiAoTjYA3X8VyENxHMu2vCkD7dDkiAm3XS1FsgHlXqbYgBUII0qjY8b0i7c2QwjSd4q7zoorL4o0RZrcwYvnkBFJkOxJRmib2eiPjRm_7TNZjltSQfPQnkQE6TIAooJ0We-79fKX5PYSVKaroN_Yo-leAFQuocXIjW7YVZG8P8W6vJkZ2DT99T7VQ/s4608/P1040680.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zmiAoTjYA3X8VyENxHMu2vCkD7dDkiAm3XS1FsgHlXqbYgBUII0qjY8b0i7c2QwjSd4q7zoorL4o0RZrcwYvnkBFJkOxJRmib2eiPjRm_7TNZjltSQfPQnkQE6TIAooJ0We-79fKX5PYSVKaroN_Yo-leAFQuocXIjW7YVZG8P8W6vJkZ2DT99T7VQ/s320/P1040680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Lighthouses, both old and new, in Soller, Mallorca.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWO4Qrx2x1dDdeatDDg4mTWi17lj58aMFu4PPvE5uTisJ1tPSTC0MxpFaq8ZdUPW3RHt6_Kd439Z2tAv0D2Wp6dBaxmqE4cq7Ok65GqAdmqiGVZWLsEt4nf6rnb1uPMpc-42NfbDPSpBBiZoRwOU5tLM9j2PqxflYpxBpU-tCNQ3CzsjqUtCCLfgjSw/s4608/P1040681.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWO4Qrx2x1dDdeatDDg4mTWi17lj58aMFu4PPvE5uTisJ1tPSTC0MxpFaq8ZdUPW3RHt6_Kd439Z2tAv0D2Wp6dBaxmqE4cq7Ok65GqAdmqiGVZWLsEt4nf6rnb1uPMpc-42NfbDPSpBBiZoRwOU5tLM9j2PqxflYpxBpU-tCNQ3CzsjqUtCCLfgjSw/s320/P1040681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>The trolley passing me by to the train station of Soller.</i><br /><i><br /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBV5luB5b-wEfVx2qUVexamgbaCfoydjo3vHBAOD1MceBSemJWGCllFFoizS2zmGETdyuug6Yh7yanA9FgvRIb7LWVwbmobqU4Eoe8OsnWZC7qIJYyE7kdJHTH6pHpcPq4iu3IuqM5tXYI8hq2k-Eryhd98JoCRebe0JV46f9jacNA1aVVn5cEYQ9rA/s3840/P1040675.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="3840" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBV5luB5b-wEfVx2qUVexamgbaCfoydjo3vHBAOD1MceBSemJWGCllFFoizS2zmGETdyuug6Yh7yanA9FgvRIb7LWVwbmobqU4Eoe8OsnWZC7qIJYyE7kdJHTH6pHpcPq4iu3IuqM5tXYI8hq2k-Eryhd98JoCRebe0JV46f9jacNA1aVVn5cEYQ9rA/s320/P1040675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>Panoramic view of Soller Beach.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIJGvc7tTMb7hWZ-bQNJTzsX3rkXMuJ3ZM7mJZU-KVCoPbXuTRBM00fA2a5GMupJfs4RERNuuvLXk1hf7DUJ6OhtM5kAyVfFxfAWVuajbKlzb7eAHos2efvU8R-m4snQgPrXVchTuZQLAC6xnvpxIRfuPCbq3ycvjpScQPddlofLHXWyhVOMUetmPqA/s4608/P1040694.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIJGvc7tTMb7hWZ-bQNJTzsX3rkXMuJ3ZM7mJZU-KVCoPbXuTRBM00fA2a5GMupJfs4RERNuuvLXk1hf7DUJ6OhtM5kAyVfFxfAWVuajbKlzb7eAHos2efvU8R-m4snQgPrXVchTuZQLAC6xnvpxIRfuPCbq3ycvjpScQPddlofLHXWyhVOMUetmPqA/s320/P1040694.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /><i>The train to Soller makes for a long day, but so rewarding! I would recommend it to anyone. Honestly, I could see Kim and I retiring someday in Soller, or maybe one of the other beautifully scenic beaches in Mallorca.</i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>If you like to visit caves, Mallorca has their own tourist attraction to see. Drach Caves tours are available with hotel pick up and enjoyable to see. Honestly, I've been inside so many caves or salt mines, they all look the same to me and so I would probably pass on it myself at this point. Don't all caves look alike?</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88CQ7SCuq1Gaih13J0bALhysYswPVEt5Rrt_3rqJA2rTfl28A6y2GTVV-1PhPwOltZi7dsbWtlaBPGCAJdBPl2iNLs0ugdQTv7GaAR5UKHC0JLgKEn9zvTBh58fs-QtbJENNUA9f8SGLad0yngekmwVyI_niice2cevbtsLL8AUP41yAnoMtUVE-XSg/s4608/P1040709.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88CQ7SCuq1Gaih13J0bALhysYswPVEt5Rrt_3rqJA2rTfl28A6y2GTVV-1PhPwOltZi7dsbWtlaBPGCAJdBPl2iNLs0ugdQTv7GaAR5UKHC0JLgKEn9zvTBh58fs-QtbJENNUA9f8SGLad0yngekmwVyI_niice2cevbtsLL8AUP41yAnoMtUVE-XSg/s320/P1040709.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>One cool thing about the Drach Caves was that at one point on the tour, if you wanted to, you could take a subterranean cruise on a boat to deeper inside the caves</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--aPYElSt6fSKwtTSPtGxFCel9RSHz6Hxy3XRQJCJeZs_BSfG-l6h6AgwhzBh_ki31yEHefBdbph2eImzlphv5Mem2gF6BvctY9t01C4kWWLbTXNPlgVbfWti0cxd4p6VfxXg8iZpDwjR8RbKZK0yy2iiLX8wsLBzqYR8WWdavP1tg-gEZCp90FLiJA/s4608/P1040716.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--aPYElSt6fSKwtTSPtGxFCel9RSHz6Hxy3XRQJCJeZs_BSfG-l6h6AgwhzBh_ki31yEHefBdbph2eImzlphv5Mem2gF6BvctY9t01C4kWWLbTXNPlgVbfWti0cxd4p6VfxXg8iZpDwjR8RbKZK0yy2iiLX8wsLBzqYR8WWdavP1tg-gEZCp90FLiJA/s320/P1040716.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>All in all, the cave tour can be quite enjoyable if spelunking is your thing.</i><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>I mentioned prevously that you could rent electric bicycles or scooters on Platja de Palma Beach. (the most popular and crowded beach in Mallorca) The beach is so long, the electric assisted bikes are really quite fun. The scenery along the beach is spectacular, but keeps in mind it is a European beach and sometimes swimsuits may be missing.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEoobw3pBnGWMbWLUVKVFJeC6_htDQ81LjOLcYeZZWEyH-EtHCk_haMJZ3-H0veS_Pbdg1qSfsNfohvM28oBZYInTNtyqCqAMRI9wRlmi3VKDLewvUBmbXI6_zAimAIQ_4BEJ952RgDFfq-7itqkOuFoYgACFRHC1VaOiQvdADdr8uD7Sy0GFe4Zwtg/s4608/P1040738.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEoobw3pBnGWMbWLUVKVFJeC6_htDQ81LjOLcYeZZWEyH-EtHCk_haMJZ3-H0veS_Pbdg1qSfsNfohvM28oBZYInTNtyqCqAMRI9wRlmi3VKDLewvUBmbXI6_zAimAIQ_4BEJ952RgDFfq-7itqkOuFoYgACFRHC1VaOiQvdADdr8uD7Sy0GFe4Zwtg/s320/P1040738.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>The beach, while we were there, had several sand artisans and their work was really quite detailed.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dwGviVn0OipuCuqefHJVeeFkd9E0iHzJyT0ZFYnvJ98mDhZ4IvdzYcu3fNErd969rzbeFF1ejJ3xCOLBYubdkt3CYOn-cRwMqFoLBOcWG9PYBKM1ZwHxiD_MDAeEKiA5UV6MDWxjNQBT80pCAvJrLGKHM43V10wsQtbdOT3iT66AWp9I9pyBy8TNw/s4608/P1040739.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dwGviVn0OipuCuqefHJVeeFkd9E0iHzJyT0ZFYnvJ98mDhZ4IvdzYcu3fNErd969rzbeFF1ejJ3xCOLBYubdkt3CYOn-cRwMqFoLBOcWG9PYBKM1ZwHxiD_MDAeEKiA5UV6MDWxjNQBT80pCAvJrLGKHM43V10wsQtbdOT3iT66AWp9I9pyBy8TNw/s4608/P1040739.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dwGviVn0OipuCuqefHJVeeFkd9E0iHzJyT0ZFYnvJ98mDhZ4IvdzYcu3fNErd969rzbeFF1ejJ3xCOLBYubdkt3CYOn-cRwMqFoLBOcWG9PYBKM1ZwHxiD_MDAeEKiA5UV6MDWxjNQBT80pCAvJrLGKHM43V10wsQtbdOT3iT66AWp9I9pyBy8TNw/s4608/P1040739.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dwGviVn0OipuCuqefHJVeeFkd9E0iHzJyT0ZFYnvJ98mDhZ4IvdzYcu3fNErd969rzbeFF1ejJ3xCOLBYubdkt3CYOn-cRwMqFoLBOcWG9PYBKM1ZwHxiD_MDAeEKiA5UV6MDWxjNQBT80pCAvJrLGKHM43V10wsQtbdOT3iT66AWp9I9pyBy8TNw/s4608/P1040739.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dwGviVn0OipuCuqefHJVeeFkd9E0iHzJyT0ZFYnvJ98mDhZ4IvdzYcu3fNErd969rzbeFF1ejJ3xCOLBYubdkt3CYOn-cRwMqFoLBOcWG9PYBKM1ZwHxiD_MDAeEKiA5UV6MDWxjNQBT80pCAvJrLGKHM43V10wsQtbdOT3iT66AWp9I9pyBy8TNw/s320/P1040739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKszWDHDgcMgec4WI_0zkaL4oPi4vPPX2OzKHQlODUL0iW2DCiL-_G3kflbYOmZ5BVJjvRGn9Fauh2dV7odesxDP3QQ-Qru-d0jXT08H5N1d7wgLL7RIkaUngUB1PhxCZOLhD1Mzs8ThV-tZtgGdyncNJCj-wlY-9szrX_aA0_-gYUkauHcXVljZAymA/s4608/P1040743.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKszWDHDgcMgec4WI_0zkaL4oPi4vPPX2OzKHQlODUL0iW2DCiL-_G3kflbYOmZ5BVJjvRGn9Fauh2dV7odesxDP3QQ-Qru-d0jXT08H5N1d7wgLL7RIkaUngUB1PhxCZOLhD1Mzs8ThV-tZtgGdyncNJCj-wlY-9szrX_aA0_-gYUkauHcXVljZAymA/s320/P1040743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Kim and Logan on their electric bikes, and two beautiful sunset pictures, one with a parasailer.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3YWKPspOGH5INGtWWT6zd9q_HwTtG3s3M-ZKjG8tMYuiSR7zGL8mejtQgqJRwua6J-T1ugs3KDOZYuZePWewV_ldU5LW9N5wQLbN0xfshTrmpADMYAMhSkvHz4uKW-aX1nIiUbJiJIBB2fM3sUNKrYBcnKh0JKismBkbQLVxjUDFVnz9MyEtXzduOw/s4608/P1040797.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3YWKPspOGH5INGtWWT6zd9q_HwTtG3s3M-ZKjG8tMYuiSR7zGL8mejtQgqJRwua6J-T1ugs3KDOZYuZePWewV_ldU5LW9N5wQLbN0xfshTrmpADMYAMhSkvHz4uKW-aX1nIiUbJiJIBB2fM3sUNKrYBcnKh0JKismBkbQLVxjUDFVnz9MyEtXzduOw/s320/P1040797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqg_mp-l9VNMKfxw19oq239NS14c22dmPYffcu0Jt27KKQm7DAZgotuEpdG0jhLYbQom8_P8FW1AUcjZOhq8hg8rRbgU464NwxJt_vHS--hY86FOVGbciF0Hrr1I5Qt5YDzTiLUQWWBbCDyz8qwqBh2pv9nU6BtzGeq7YAfX8vrj5pcwm-ZPewKjQZQ/s4000/Chris%20Pic%203.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqg_mp-l9VNMKfxw19oq239NS14c22dmPYffcu0Jt27KKQm7DAZgotuEpdG0jhLYbQom8_P8FW1AUcjZOhq8hg8rRbgU464NwxJt_vHS--hY86FOVGbciF0Hrr1I5Qt5YDzTiLUQWWBbCDyz8qwqBh2pv9nU6BtzGeq7YAfX8vrj5pcwm-ZPewKjQZQ/s320/Chris%20Pic%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Really, isn't this beautiful?</i></span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i>On our last day in Mallorca, we rented a car so we could drive around the island. The rental process was quite easy and not really too expensive for the day. Being mobile, we were able to discover the Calas beaches which encircle the entire island. From Palma, we drove in a counterclockwise direction and were able to see a few of these unique beaches. What makes them unique, is they are generally a small beach area at the end of an inlet from the sea. They are very excluded and usually require a little hike down to them from the surface streets. Also, some of them are bathing suit optional. </i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l7X73mecGb1V5m_PUUcjmk9hmCTNuLxz0yYnvsj-im8vnQYEqfAeOcf_xaoyN0vQYbD9Td0lGP0TDcV0LDwdXczQoN2rqrpblCS6aZ3nwIMoSbo_z3Jtlyu3nzeHm_4DWjRNIJ8XCzPrwY2xbRZO-XeYniy9bAnMimIZh-2yvZpLZLdO9e0TN3Gv1A/s4608/P1040756.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l7X73mecGb1V5m_PUUcjmk9hmCTNuLxz0yYnvsj-im8vnQYEqfAeOcf_xaoyN0vQYbD9Td0lGP0TDcV0LDwdXczQoN2rqrpblCS6aZ3nwIMoSbo_z3Jtlyu3nzeHm_4DWjRNIJ8XCzPrwY2xbRZO-XeYniy9bAnMimIZh-2yvZpLZLdO9e0TN3Gv1A/s320/P1040756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Our ride around the island of Mallorca. Pretty tight little Fiat 500 built much better than Kim's Fiat at home.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-QdyCLWEqPViWrjuX6KWGaxYQv-ny5Sz4ZoXbT22LUJ0pYf6Z9RTX6qjpu_VKRuMNVh_7fjrteEtYcUoZ6sAgRV137NZnAuZbKpnLteSGpkcgc1yOairHIhxl5LyXYLN_25kPnxj3yFOfWdHNNWUw72SalSM7q8ty5wV2XFynxddG7W9jWcY2uJ8Vg/s4608/P1040763.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-QdyCLWEqPViWrjuX6KWGaxYQv-ny5Sz4ZoXbT22LUJ0pYf6Z9RTX6qjpu_VKRuMNVh_7fjrteEtYcUoZ6sAgRV137NZnAuZbKpnLteSGpkcgc1yOairHIhxl5LyXYLN_25kPnxj3yFOfWdHNNWUw72SalSM7q8ty5wV2XFynxddG7W9jWcY2uJ8Vg/s320/P1040763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>One of the many Calas we came across, but I don't remember the name of this one. It was clothing optional so we didn't stay.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJFk0Tj8wXoo6i9g1FmpHLd4Cf73d0HpCf382RDxGoQ2enPP7VK1z_ycoC6Uo_Kpym1gkqs2NE8EPBrmkCVhKNfEKUprd0t_ZgM6SurJeBlVWWaAja4dnfiW9iOOZQYDLy2iSLTWljFe_BqyAY6-ULt-PsFs87A753oadF2h_baaNbXWPWZjv9RGAIA/s4608/P1040766.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJFk0Tj8wXoo6i9g1FmpHLd4Cf73d0HpCf382RDxGoQ2enPP7VK1z_ycoC6Uo_Kpym1gkqs2NE8EPBrmkCVhKNfEKUprd0t_ZgM6SurJeBlVWWaAja4dnfiW9iOOZQYDLy2iSLTWljFe_BqyAY6-ULt-PsFs87A753oadF2h_baaNbXWPWZjv9RGAIA/s320/P1040766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Cala D'Or, a fantastic, and family oriented, Cala. We did go swimming here and the water temperature was perfect and easy to stay afloat in.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwrtWsyZFWCmyzwdr7-t0lkFoxemZ27mPe7hugRnsO3hMEuSxltTLcDSU8bTR-lT5qNOjPWAp8VVZqya1vgLzAhP4EFpk6j54amERC-u8bbYTXVi5buqvC5X2kdKFJJtfe3MmSjM11cF5K6jc_yV567QiH_RMgImIKsk5wdU6hbGFh7rPnN3NSRgZQg/s4608/P1040767.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwrtWsyZFWCmyzwdr7-t0lkFoxemZ27mPe7hugRnsO3hMEuSxltTLcDSU8bTR-lT5qNOjPWAp8VVZqya1vgLzAhP4EFpk6j54amERC-u8bbYTXVi5buqvC5X2kdKFJJtfe3MmSjM11cF5K6jc_yV567QiH_RMgImIKsk5wdU6hbGFh7rPnN3NSRgZQg/s320/P1040767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>View looking back at the beach of Cala D'Or. It would be so easy to live here. The beach was surrounded by homes. </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>All in all, Mallorca was a wonderful experience. I can't wait to return. Even though it is part of Spain, the island has its own identity. I don't know how it compares to other Spanish islands, but if I have the chance to visit again, I most certainly will.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>For more information on my trips, or on my writing in general, visit www.chrisahale.net. There you will find Deseret News travel articles and also information on my novels and non fiction works.</i></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p></div>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-73665447918028771682022-09-19T15:29:00.000-07:002022-09-19T15:29:37.500-07:00<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Before traveling to Vietnam three years ago, I wondered what kind of a reception we would get from the people there. I had heard the Vietnamese people liked Americans, but was skeptical because of the military conflict in Southeast Asia that ended just forty plus years earlier. After our experience, I am convinced the Vietnamese love Americans.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span> A poll was taken a few years ago that asked citizens from Vietnam how favorably they looked at fifty different countries. The United States was sixth out of these fifty. It was explained to me this was because of our common adversary; China. </span><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span><span> I'm sure another factor is they love Americans to spend their dollars there.</span><br /></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span><span><span> Whatever the reason, our experience in Central Vietnam was truly awesome!</span><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span><span><span><span> Logan, Kim and I arrived in September in Da Nang on an Asiana 747-400 from Seoul, South Korea and stayed in the cultural mecca of Hoi An.</span><br /></span></span></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span><span><span></span></span></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsQEkIJe36amt5Lt3VO2oJ3IhQE9gl8iJN9IgsWDzuTjR1utptRMJnYFXSEnTfNaSjjspMTOyOqpElVAa-ghgqHgNKLNdwUotya0Gst_p8SyZk5L7w_W3V4HW_Cj3TVXBiHTVs-G2s8HGTXbOlvEQaAeJGrNi4NOv0QclSCyLsI-v10CxsT4l5iMqlA/s4000/IMG_5012.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsQEkIJe36amt5Lt3VO2oJ3IhQE9gl8iJN9IgsWDzuTjR1utptRMJnYFXSEnTfNaSjjspMTOyOqpElVAa-ghgqHgNKLNdwUotya0Gst_p8SyZk5L7w_W3V4HW_Cj3TVXBiHTVs-G2s8HGTXbOlvEQaAeJGrNi4NOv0QclSCyLsI-v10CxsT4l5iMqlA/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /><span><br /></span></i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Our chariot to Da Nang, Vietnam</i></span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz0fr-0wg4sZsIdNQEZlbqhW8riARWMQqBpFyWccEwhK8G-Fc-6DtrSjb94MvFKu1wE2Qi3J0xHUjk_CEgy3EoJ2y-YnV3xWCKCh6BiIFiApNuFpMn3CDhVIaoVEar-fj4Nnkun3DZsxS_KLuHPkM4ZGuaMmY7WvDwZ8nt-wtoDwE_U0p6Mb7VAsmYQ/s4000/IMG_5014.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz0fr-0wg4sZsIdNQEZlbqhW8riARWMQqBpFyWccEwhK8G-Fc-6DtrSjb94MvFKu1wE2Qi3J0xHUjk_CEgy3EoJ2y-YnV3xWCKCh6BiIFiApNuFpMn3CDhVIaoVEar-fj4Nnkun3DZsxS_KLuHPkM4ZGuaMmY7WvDwZ8nt-wtoDwE_U0p6Mb7VAsmYQ/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Kim and Logan at our hotel swimming pool. The hotel was called the Orchid Garden Hotel along the banks of the Thu Bon River.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>If I have any complaints about Vietnam, it would be the oppressive heat/humidity. Other than that, it was the perfect vacation in a foreign country. Just be sure to take enough clothes for a change or two during the day.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>The first thing we did, on the very first day, was to take a river cruise in nearly personal basket boats. Kim and Logan with their guide, and me with my guide, were just two of seemingly hundreds of tourists heading down the river. </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ZRN9K9dnlYd4HudBoLj8Zk28ZuM1hMxYpyC1QUe83j0NprJwYScCb-EW-sfop5b3UwLj-wUGB2Cel4i5BD4ux-GGaUQZZBmwTSWx_NrslMaq33Ve3pmd3Af58Mnoo1A1hGPPDCMf7woR30ReNvGQRI4_cOMmaOo7xydfDbhS-zChlbyAFaeSeJMjg/s4000/IMG_5030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ZRN9K9dnlYd4HudBoLj8Zk28ZuM1hMxYpyC1QUe83j0NprJwYScCb-EW-sfop5b3UwLj-wUGB2Cel4i5BD4ux-GGaUQZZBmwTSWx_NrslMaq33Ve3pmd3Af58Mnoo1A1hGPPDCMf7woR30ReNvGQRI4_cOMmaOo7xydfDbhS-zChlbyAFaeSeJMjg/s320/IMG_5030.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>These boats were so much fun, literally! With paddles in the hands of the right person could spin in circles at a very high rate of speed. My guide allowed me to do this and, just like the teacups at Disneyland, probably went too fast for the person with me. She appeared to get light-headed and had to sit down. This is a video of Logan and Kim being spun by their guide.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWxoV6vyNELG0qnI5mFTXOV9QsoqN2JsSwWYuVVahuMOZimGvcQwGOjsRykSJoT7-sJbC-gWxYzGOHv2qhbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>While in our basket boats, we came across a fisherman that taught tourists how to cast a fishing net from his boat. Logan gave it a shot and did very well. The man was very friendly despite having half his foot missing. Apparently, according to our guides, he was the victim of an aerial bombing during the Vietnam conflict. No idea which side was responsible, and I didn't want to ask. Da Nang was just south of the division between the communist North and South Vietnam.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbiz6otuvRBy1Qjh4gd1IhtTsGTWDOVeNFy4hAE0Ea00g33Wm-Qs9ARy8sjY-LWAqaSOzIhcumE4NDOXTuS2rHhyenWAasObVkAOZikataBv-XIWbjT5Fa8sD5wC2ydamqXH8kA37_CJEdC2wFyno8JJXWrfZoLIJkeCPnI-WIcVDqcAgz1glAt7ODQ/s4000/IMG_5048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbiz6otuvRBy1Qjh4gd1IhtTsGTWDOVeNFy4hAE0Ea00g33Wm-Qs9ARy8sjY-LWAqaSOzIhcumE4NDOXTuS2rHhyenWAasObVkAOZikataBv-XIWbjT5Fa8sD5wC2ydamqXH8kA37_CJEdC2wFyno8JJXWrfZoLIJkeCPnI-WIcVDqcAgz1glAt7ODQ/s320/IMG_5048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6RSAAGFvowpPL25Ydy0eaAh1d8C_jWu0LsPjQOpbZqtlBeY57esGe9oQQuRNd0JY_7ZNkYeUFQQlLu5czf5g16pF7XYkCK34syX9_yxcQpG-ZMjSpZdaq_OU7wUbm5dPSgR0DCOMfIDvIUQpypE3oL2woe0l-bv7F8O93pLeq7G4ASqzvkhSnVcK1Q/s4000/IMG_5047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6RSAAGFvowpPL25Ydy0eaAh1d8C_jWu0LsPjQOpbZqtlBeY57esGe9oQQuRNd0JY_7ZNkYeUFQQlLu5czf5g16pF7XYkCK34syX9_yxcQpG-ZMjSpZdaq_OU7wUbm5dPSgR0DCOMfIDvIUQpypE3oL2woe0l-bv7F8O93pLeq7G4ASqzvkhSnVcK1Q/s320/IMG_5047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>The city of Hoi An has a fantastic "ancient town" section that everyone who visits Central Vietnam must see. There are several spots plotted out on an available map to help tourists or other visitors navigate the attractions. Here are just a few of the spots we were able to hit. Ancient town covers just a few blocks so everything is within walking distance if you can stomach that same heat and humidity. The entire section is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBquq6mSelgxXRcbHs7ThYL79V9fX1xGhZ8fHhhwUZO7A2Yv6boOb8Fdjyn9j55zA5DpL5gJGfhwfjNPaO1EpQVOlh9lBXDIrKnGb9uxdOFh5NE3Fle7sqQfGaELAqn-oJSXLHQox24genvI0hNvu1y9N6Scp_ejuRWEycm_53dfy88j2Kq3UFfxCTSQ/s4000/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBquq6mSelgxXRcbHs7ThYL79V9fX1xGhZ8fHhhwUZO7A2Yv6boOb8Fdjyn9j55zA5DpL5gJGfhwfjNPaO1EpQVOlh9lBXDIrKnGb9uxdOFh5NE3Fle7sqQfGaELAqn-oJSXLHQox24genvI0hNvu1y9N6Scp_ejuRWEycm_53dfy88j2Kq3UFfxCTSQ/s320/IMG_5084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Kim and Logan in front of the Japanese Covered Bridge</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEryVmx6e8JkB6qo0BubTSVPbZ81oiuK_Neo2cq1-4s38XxhSoOlGnYwkPlmWZJn2wIVIawwW6d3SDjbxbWNhYCEk7ynq_XeW_MKU_2td39ulOfqItOSwAG6gyUQQk-NdRNyHck9OH5f5djjRNaRk-Dajw1MPWwkfJZ7UiRBzHpltReXCtnsD6PwX3VQ/s4000/IMG_5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEryVmx6e8JkB6qo0BubTSVPbZ81oiuK_Neo2cq1-4s38XxhSoOlGnYwkPlmWZJn2wIVIawwW6d3SDjbxbWNhYCEk7ynq_XeW_MKU_2td39ulOfqItOSwAG6gyUQQk-NdRNyHck9OH5f5djjRNaRk-Dajw1MPWwkfJZ7UiRBzHpltReXCtnsD6PwX3VQ/s320/IMG_5061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fujian Assembly Hall Gate</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhrzN52aUtOnNLx3b1b5qZxqlcUZEemMdhcaLXCghtVaBmLzDF8aKnE_1Q0XnD9Wq2lsOEqvA9atLOlJ-k5IGYbZ3EVXbA_zYo2vaavx8jzMpOCzXedXvWxHCXU78nASN-abWuTUPlIxaCgv4PsRYznNMv2cDpNfnke8kWcb3k41AWTt7uKEMMqTTA/s4000/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhrzN52aUtOnNLx3b1b5qZxqlcUZEemMdhcaLXCghtVaBmLzDF8aKnE_1Q0XnD9Wq2lsOEqvA9atLOlJ-k5IGYbZ3EVXbA_zYo2vaavx8jzMpOCzXedXvWxHCXU78nASN-abWuTUPlIxaCgv4PsRYznNMv2cDpNfnke8kWcb3k41AWTt7uKEMMqTTA/s320/IMG_5069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fujian Assembly Hall</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHpDCh-MUrk8I4KbSfugGcdKVDCqGWNGSeEVuCMLFY2i1PHePXAYB1ZRthdaYjfcQgcSiQ4faJvuz28ZQY8BMz5BprF1Ny1CochNxPOGyjwf77NbywdHnaySsmHDFN3QmP8cH_hjpEWzrJDNNpeqYJS4y_5b8LnyXvDHSGnvWmgkSO94L-_cV_7plWA/s4000/IMG_5064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHpDCh-MUrk8I4KbSfugGcdKVDCqGWNGSeEVuCMLFY2i1PHePXAYB1ZRthdaYjfcQgcSiQ4faJvuz28ZQY8BMz5BprF1Ny1CochNxPOGyjwf77NbywdHnaySsmHDFN3QmP8cH_hjpEWzrJDNNpeqYJS4y_5b8LnyXvDHSGnvWmgkSO94L-_cV_7plWA/s320/IMG_5064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_psiQPs4HisTgw8Aw5o1XV5JhBZlV2Tz3Qfs3iMbSmc0l1mp-CX0S8N3fbNSTjBY8-Waz5l2QrxMupRXHm-OthsGiIxzAdY3G9HLEYRnilgq7pjDmOCPnto76qq9eLhfSlKjjzrzFIL0tTqYBTkYRPvOpIniqFe94_ettO_ccUFaePNDlS7kzrDnmUg/s4000/IMG_5070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_psiQPs4HisTgw8Aw5o1XV5JhBZlV2Tz3Qfs3iMbSmc0l1mp-CX0S8N3fbNSTjBY8-Waz5l2QrxMupRXHm-OthsGiIxzAdY3G9HLEYRnilgq7pjDmOCPnto76qq9eLhfSlKjjzrzFIL0tTqYBTkYRPvOpIniqFe94_ettO_ccUFaePNDlS7kzrDnmUg/s320/IMG_5070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>The cool thing about Hoi Ann ancient town is the Chinese and Japanese influences that have lasted for centuries and are virtually untouched. There are houses, temples and bridges you can photograph or explore. There are also shops to purchase genuine souvenirs from or places to buy a bowl of Pho.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrYCOCUtoVqw7FpEQn1m7VmG1yR6xa8DUXfbowtOoM_DyPEHlsMoVvFvZffPIzclltQr_zB46YL_OY3lDRaiQyCQuTUOaWKi4tK3ZYLOEl9fU69FhTnLSKzDwGJucpBA9PlVVSga05crFnDkduWRHjO98sypCqAQ1w_SoEqL4jazLLt76dU70vfueBA/s4000/IMG_5077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrYCOCUtoVqw7FpEQn1m7VmG1yR6xa8DUXfbowtOoM_DyPEHlsMoVvFvZffPIzclltQr_zB46YL_OY3lDRaiQyCQuTUOaWKi4tK3ZYLOEl9fU69FhTnLSKzDwGJucpBA9PlVVSga05crFnDkduWRHjO98sypCqAQ1w_SoEqL4jazLLt76dU70vfueBA/s320/IMG_5077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hoi An is also the site of a fantastic cultural show on a small island in the middle of the Thu Bon River. This show, which celebrates the origins of the city, has all the pageantry of a 4th of July celebration at home. It was incredibly enjoyable. The production is called the Hoi An Memories Show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBCw8p92XdD4_s8ZYTNQo_DsV03mZRztKV98gX3LYr3hbq1hiB4U7FqFGCejfwNRgYN2tn8lDB1RFeEUvgqnGRMjCLy6JQKQ9bFVcP5QkkN0nbsCr1iEyYUHDHWs2ExOH8cAp4O-vVhHNBXKpNSEVg_x15C2Q9enwtC65pdlyY5sK-4AGC9_HGc8Beg/s4000/IMG_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBCw8p92XdD4_s8ZYTNQo_DsV03mZRztKV98gX3LYr3hbq1hiB4U7FqFGCejfwNRgYN2tn8lDB1RFeEUvgqnGRMjCLy6JQKQ9bFVcP5QkkN0nbsCr1iEyYUHDHWs2ExOH8cAp4O-vVhHNBXKpNSEVg_x15C2Q9enwtC65pdlyY5sK-4AGC9_HGc8Beg/s320/IMG_5097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbYCRMffGWEuxqg-4HFCHJuEoD5eIwMNZDmpqTkv5ag0XPDlVvDKAW-9whp36vHih1ThZvQYgcs4WN3chf3oqdSIDoD_V4mTtPq0wTClEQjWuzIYN85_LdXU9OsHzZJquj1mM562wmNfBHDGMZZ8XBUF5dKLjdQBhkJAHK992jeh4Ri9YEi2g9kGzdg/s4000/IMG_5100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbYCRMffGWEuxqg-4HFCHJuEoD5eIwMNZDmpqTkv5ag0XPDlVvDKAW-9whp36vHih1ThZvQYgcs4WN3chf3oqdSIDoD_V4mTtPq0wTClEQjWuzIYN85_LdXU9OsHzZJquj1mM562wmNfBHDGMZZ8XBUF5dKLjdQBhkJAHK992jeh4Ri9YEi2g9kGzdg/s320/IMG_5100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WGTNXyRv3ChS1tcBeuVNrsSxZ-cnh3iVrAh2MEcs_1kq3F_-qHBBZHQCHW3oc_V35XNZtVW006n0BfYSszobyFEkK_YqP2zbXhhnNYHP2Yb_Kpnxh9p0zGV_hciqTaG_UGDMsR0mewDpqcpvD7IvWIMNFJTHLN6i_hdqFU1xuvyQ9c16c0v8paaOfw/s4000/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WGTNXyRv3ChS1tcBeuVNrsSxZ-cnh3iVrAh2MEcs_1kq3F_-qHBBZHQCHW3oc_V35XNZtVW006n0BfYSszobyFEkK_YqP2zbXhhnNYHP2Yb_Kpnxh9p0zGV_hciqTaG_UGDMsR0mewDpqcpvD7IvWIMNFJTHLN6i_hdqFU1xuvyQ9c16c0v8paaOfw/s320/IMG_5104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Vietnam has fantastically organized tours that will pick you up and bring you home after. One of the tours we took was to the My Son Hindu temple complex. The well-preserved buildings and temples were interesting to walk through and photograph. Here is a sampling of what is there.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtZWB-9WatFEQN-DItOg3czydEBx_dyyBlvYIAmu8q4d9jqfDoXkI15Jlr4ArwdFink7HNp7jAD18LuLCZeuUjCM4wy-nEwADq4UCdevX74iYTUrClI3OC-hDME0af2eFaeXmqK9uN1WitxpEExeEWWeJriq0yBWKhSq9GZjNmMRxLFgg5ocNOSg1Pw/s4000/IMG_5115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtZWB-9WatFEQN-DItOg3czydEBx_dyyBlvYIAmu8q4d9jqfDoXkI15Jlr4ArwdFink7HNp7jAD18LuLCZeuUjCM4wy-nEwADq4UCdevX74iYTUrClI3OC-hDME0af2eFaeXmqK9uN1WitxpEExeEWWeJriq0yBWKhSq9GZjNmMRxLFgg5ocNOSg1Pw/s320/IMG_5115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJzNhlpp_rfLDj9iWccSwLQtDUzIXxEOoDEg9hNBD28vHnCHRswnXrGoVnhgu9aZ-YFxODzThKZpbUkhjMpM4KEHsKJYEufgxpe8rswUYcuR9CdavaDHbigEhE3wvIlE-u319je55AJFINsPDuvirUMF5-W4TMO1psCSmfM2ZQuvI6xii0EX5P9Da2Q/s4000/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJzNhlpp_rfLDj9iWccSwLQtDUzIXxEOoDEg9hNBD28vHnCHRswnXrGoVnhgu9aZ-YFxODzThKZpbUkhjMpM4KEHsKJYEufgxpe8rswUYcuR9CdavaDHbigEhE3wvIlE-u319je55AJFINsPDuvirUMF5-W4TMO1psCSmfM2ZQuvI6xii0EX5P9Da2Q/s320/IMG_5116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim with tourists from around the globe exploring My Son.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsS--oS-q-x_RF6arI5gPTS3TNaWNVnkKfTQNtSau0FZGLwHjYa-y7FMPzeU-7J_EgYpTYILOPrPgXevxbxefJNopzJhbT2J90UH3_vSI2ymbFqO5vPtnA2OqAEVrW9APyKZzGKTjJSp86Qdv6XcXHM6ElGlnz5smOMuHbjK4ML_dY7qqe5X8j73GAg/s4000/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsS--oS-q-x_RF6arI5gPTS3TNaWNVnkKfTQNtSau0FZGLwHjYa-y7FMPzeU-7J_EgYpTYILOPrPgXevxbxefJNopzJhbT2J90UH3_vSI2ymbFqO5vPtnA2OqAEVrW9APyKZzGKTjJSp86Qdv6XcXHM6ElGlnz5smOMuHbjK4ML_dY7qqe5X8j73GAg/s320/IMG_5141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim appreciating not only the temple she is admiring, but also appreciating where she is at the time. </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwK_FxcCpEDHkKxqkJOsndfeiRX1MgTBfS6ojxL2qrMOKNdeOhoZad4j5Q66py9RDKBJBLriIcvxM6PlsJ559ZKyevJcFWPpLdDzILTKuGdimXEk1pDrbqvjxoQbO8pLLFzlj2cWgukguMqwsdofw1FEzGY8fFLjMbX9WulN3_jV9lkiHFjvBHxfI5Q/s4000/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwK_FxcCpEDHkKxqkJOsndfeiRX1MgTBfS6ojxL2qrMOKNdeOhoZad4j5Q66py9RDKBJBLriIcvxM6PlsJ559ZKyevJcFWPpLdDzILTKuGdimXEk1pDrbqvjxoQbO8pLLFzlj2cWgukguMqwsdofw1FEzGY8fFLjMbX9WulN3_jV9lkiHFjvBHxfI5Q/s320/IMG_5118.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>Kim and Logan in front of one of the temples.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv6sBnH5LWPCWDVcLRLg1DhCOBqSVGQ-ECkwlKMj37D4uKDRclmGkhUKx9v1MVIgDTzLs-yGRK-TD7HP0Ie1AINkZurQloDJdvubJ9l5WFKyT9FUwqjMHEIUxaOCFeChy0AGU9FdRNGDP3uG7Scjh8sr-bmRrS0ohS9EkJLjrdp7WRO06dRH-46-82Q/s4000/IMG_5136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv6sBnH5LWPCWDVcLRLg1DhCOBqSVGQ-ECkwlKMj37D4uKDRclmGkhUKx9v1MVIgDTzLs-yGRK-TD7HP0Ie1AINkZurQloDJdvubJ9l5WFKyT9FUwqjMHEIUxaOCFeChy0AGU9FdRNGDP3uG7Scjh8sr-bmRrS0ohS9EkJLjrdp7WRO06dRH-46-82Q/s320/IMG_5136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>In addition to seeing the temples, we were treated to musicians and singers performing traditional songs.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>The other tour we took was to Ba Na Hills which is basically Disneyland in the mountains. Because of the altitude, actually much cooler.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LnfqFDMW4rE95-PzoHSksljoplcYeyUXpszBxqdmMbe-qjxR09ktfGgR5AfM7Md1Tsa7vcrr_wS6i7Q-uD3X33DHbOU59yMe3MrnPdU-Mw1ha_T7LnnM2-A_rBjy39yqDZYx7TAcCR77Z2jFNB11jYDj6Z0v9r5idMT8J43Zvh8VDamui5mEPR_J-A/s4000/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LnfqFDMW4rE95-PzoHSksljoplcYeyUXpszBxqdmMbe-qjxR09ktfGgR5AfM7Md1Tsa7vcrr_wS6i7Q-uD3X33DHbOU59yMe3MrnPdU-Mw1ha_T7LnnM2-A_rBjy39yqDZYx7TAcCR77Z2jFNB11jYDj6Z0v9r5idMT8J43Zvh8VDamui5mEPR_J-A/s320/IMG_5155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>To Get to Ba Na Hills there are several gondolas to take above the plush vegetation.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7Kvr_ZyNuKmAah0TwuSQwVz7u_wDlQaVXCcjwfV2C688FIWjunW-q72_CPHJDOjRKtCb5xYsMzs8FVGJ1u95AuHQttIJE7QZwOYIee4oZ8e2HAVpip01VTD_OxuGnE4jqGOZ31dNRVCHebwsfAXDgCYCHdswUbItqN2xrKfHnTgoTZ6GjHrYPZGT5A/s4000/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7Kvr_ZyNuKmAah0TwuSQwVz7u_wDlQaVXCcjwfV2C688FIWjunW-q72_CPHJDOjRKtCb5xYsMzs8FVGJ1u95AuHQttIJE7QZwOYIee4oZ8e2HAVpip01VTD_OxuGnE4jqGOZ31dNRVCHebwsfAXDgCYCHdswUbItqN2xrKfHnTgoTZ6GjHrYPZGT5A/s320/IMG_5158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcibj-8b7ML0mbWTnp7SOrtW36VzLfYm0v9WdW07bUvHPb9B05JoCv24mhygHCoKor8Iyh26oEEHRnsZVMUalwYGizOXYyPME1xRjayaR97S84XMUomrnDxFheVvfiJK___KiqFZ_JvNfEwmx-vfwYJHFljn_-lVqBk5TrA2t-Ko_or-4KVpiHQKOEw/s4000/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcibj-8b7ML0mbWTnp7SOrtW36VzLfYm0v9WdW07bUvHPb9B05JoCv24mhygHCoKor8Iyh26oEEHRnsZVMUalwYGizOXYyPME1xRjayaR97S84XMUomrnDxFheVvfiJK___KiqFZ_JvNfEwmx-vfwYJHFljn_-lVqBk5TrA2t-Ko_or-4KVpiHQKOEw/s320/IMG_5162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>The amusement park was spotted with European like castles and various rides and attractions.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi5vfNbSZIidJp8geF2XYpC0jPQ0h7IzRDG4lIqn5Xdy5XF-j2uqcRBXBmxt1j6gwX2N_EMfSTZEWpO3EnXoHz9usOjCgyhkFQsawE6H_FF1ayP-w6bJoPGBfgFR7qcLvd72YpaSL4frcXdHPMo_A2--nrdJwHmBjaY9nWTw1xktBEJeuUZ8RJSYY_w/s4000/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi5vfNbSZIidJp8geF2XYpC0jPQ0h7IzRDG4lIqn5Xdy5XF-j2uqcRBXBmxt1j6gwX2N_EMfSTZEWpO3EnXoHz9usOjCgyhkFQsawE6H_FF1ayP-w6bJoPGBfgFR7qcLvd72YpaSL4frcXdHPMo_A2--nrdJwHmBjaY9nWTw1xktBEJeuUZ8RJSYY_w/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>One of the biggest attractions is the Golden Bridge, which is held up by two giant stone looking hands. Here Kim and Logan pose on the bridge.<br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBGkEzH4AjYo_UUv0p7OINwkISM14rFMCFrDqqGCDJye8Ai4KkIj27lOfZQNOu-gVuirU6Rgg-GuybgXyq8FlgAp2qLgP-Mr3UJx6p934zVC5eZc4iaQZwSopJ2OuchVho1mq0VulnmOhKo927LAweLypO-KE91pmqvp8L0RE7BSZGWXJa7SdH-yPpQ/s4000/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBGkEzH4AjYo_UUv0p7OINwkISM14rFMCFrDqqGCDJye8Ai4KkIj27lOfZQNOu-gVuirU6Rgg-GuybgXyq8FlgAp2qLgP-Mr3UJx6p934zVC5eZc4iaQZwSopJ2OuchVho1mq0VulnmOhKo927LAweLypO-KE91pmqvp8L0RE7BSZGWXJa7SdH-yPpQ/s320/IMG_5182.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div><i>Picture showing how</i> <i>the bridge is suspended by the 'hand' supports.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSbwVfuTNk8yZfcYItcEQh_eVoDox8lqHim5kZ8EWikAfUsITyt7t82pymNCIFk-RcAOIorsyB4DZzB7AvexUSw_hkTsjcmJEoLE8uYbKIai-Zgt9xTfeeu9LSoqYXqwM7uHao0Yp8cPdYd0deZnJbAdOJ5m41E3lCUS9xp6OyHpT7TBK3x4p97-2ug/s4000/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSbwVfuTNk8yZfcYItcEQh_eVoDox8lqHim5kZ8EWikAfUsITyt7t82pymNCIFk-RcAOIorsyB4DZzB7AvexUSw_hkTsjcmJEoLE8uYbKIai-Zgt9xTfeeu9LSoqYXqwM7uHao0Yp8cPdYd0deZnJbAdOJ5m41E3lCUS9xp6OyHpT7TBK3x4p97-2ug/s320/IMG_5177.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>There are several statues and artists depictions that you can climb on. Kim whispering sweet nothings into a rock.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh7JRgwwKQlSoeGjQpGTMpin0PaFYemrO8F-A3pKPzQX6XtfntyZMIs3p0QUO-4ng5pNCVt9JPZTI80cE4GHZ3CrAFi-YeX_vhdYrBi1pj05Pocgdq93FAEw9XvWX8n7XEbETAqICWE4CXHDLpXtLteA7y1zI1-0SfWKkEdRt-VX4dneSWFQSiOpVGw/s4000/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh7JRgwwKQlSoeGjQpGTMpin0PaFYemrO8F-A3pKPzQX6XtfntyZMIs3p0QUO-4ng5pNCVt9JPZTI80cE4GHZ3CrAFi-YeX_vhdYrBi1pj05Pocgdq93FAEw9XvWX8n7XEbETAqICWE4CXHDLpXtLteA7y1zI1-0SfWKkEdRt-VX4dneSWFQSiOpVGw/s320/IMG_5185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Does this look like Vietnam? I don't think so.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnLOEac_vAJJCEErCOS0Y4cbarZaFYf1ZHM9bUSeGwbNmsQcp77UAH3w6I8jT8lLc75IGf6RsVCXCKxnLjKdtfO3wIe6-7jw64klhcPwI2HPI5hqbjqmPZRA04rQ7sZLK-f7z4BD5-qxEp4pqizUORRoWQ1zLEs3LnLnSjmqI1aua5JneLRibUbPSLA/s4000/IMG_5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnLOEac_vAJJCEErCOS0Y4cbarZaFYf1ZHM9bUSeGwbNmsQcp77UAH3w6I8jT8lLc75IGf6RsVCXCKxnLjKdtfO3wIe6-7jw64klhcPwI2HPI5hqbjqmPZRA04rQ7sZLK-f7z4BD5-qxEp4pqizUORRoWQ1zLEs3LnLnSjmqI1aua5JneLRibUbPSLA/s320/IMG_5188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>A buhdha on the mountain at Ba Na Hills.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Da Nang Vietnam has several attractions worth seeing. It was relatively easy to get around by hop on/hop off busses and we took advantage. Here are just a few of the things we saw.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>China Beach, just like in the television series, is on the South China Sea. Logan was the only one that went in, but described it as very nice.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe6ObIHlImPoQHNPMmGokOgW4IkAxU5fB5gwvmjyxOeZmzUQ7oAjbnxnA6DYjbTSINyHez7TxvKSayT4Ix9o-wjE2xTeEbI-6aAOsDorbZ9onc-yMxFezukOtT1bfrWtPMpDRhocxslVJtCX4zR1UZSC_g_9_RCruUeaCtroc-dNY3KRbI3Qp48S19g/s4000/IMG_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe6ObIHlImPoQHNPMmGokOgW4IkAxU5fB5gwvmjyxOeZmzUQ7oAjbnxnA6DYjbTSINyHez7TxvKSayT4Ix9o-wjE2xTeEbI-6aAOsDorbZ9onc-yMxFezukOtT1bfrWtPMpDRhocxslVJtCX4zR1UZSC_g_9_RCruUeaCtroc-dNY3KRbI3Qp48S19g/s320/IMG_5237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim put her feet in, but that doesn't really count.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEjatcCWbXebCsY7KsekLyJCEh3OIbCIrXTzt-TONSFNp2f1IKHY4qNeE37BdRB5YV03H1qnmWlwX1wR90ZuyYt6gYCUNqp9OP2jiE-F_llCV9-7AYBqPJr6eNEAAFUA40DxaWyDO9Y43WsvHYaXB7gZxHi_N9i2h87I1MTFyuw05XWBsIkXU4ZqJ1Q/s4000/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEjatcCWbXebCsY7KsekLyJCEh3OIbCIrXTzt-TONSFNp2f1IKHY4qNeE37BdRB5YV03H1qnmWlwX1wR90ZuyYt6gYCUNqp9OP2jiE-F_llCV9-7AYBqPJr6eNEAAFUA40DxaWyDO9Y43WsvHYaXB7gZxHi_N9i2h87I1MTFyuw05XWBsIkXU4ZqJ1Q/s320/IMG_5244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Logan will go into the water no matter where it is. Unfortunately, on this day he was the only one to have a swimsuit.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhggV3jwtna87IMj6RqapvQFJzOjHTliWKxZAGPZx8xk4S7eLbq9iyylDRRnjMc5qrujvrxICoKMa2do33zUVttoToWDqM-4eAHbEboymGkIuQ7-7yN9Rr203tsqiKr9TAk0iHn3ilaitozNksV8fnqN7SeEMkOe4ZFdaTAjA7bsDYhQVaKImkQloT3w/s4000/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhggV3jwtna87IMj6RqapvQFJzOjHTliWKxZAGPZx8xk4S7eLbq9iyylDRRnjMc5qrujvrxICoKMa2do33zUVttoToWDqM-4eAHbEboymGkIuQ7-7yN9Rr203tsqiKr9TAk0iHn3ilaitozNksV8fnqN7SeEMkOe4ZFdaTAjA7bsDYhQVaKImkQloT3w/s320/IMG_5248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>China Beach. We were there in September and the beach weather was beautiful.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>The Zone 5 Military Museum in Da Nang is probably not for everyone. Kim and Logan were affected by the poignant displays and photographs from a war we spent nine years fighting. I enjoyed it for the military aspect, but was still bothered by some of what I saw. The museum is easy to get to by bus and very interesting to visit.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL4vKcxogi35iZWzE1XomkWTise8S8B6kSz0R_Q7pvLAn6hnDKqzCfdAtS_fbghKGTiUFy0u8WQYwZGdnYnjHwOfqSfRRKBm4fx0Ox9IX24sibzktVEcT6KnvoMav3XvuPa0RnDuOLTnJaVedniWNA8JGKiEB08jDVIoWDqrUHwhld3n67EZa9aevPA/s4000/IMG_5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL4vKcxogi35iZWzE1XomkWTise8S8B6kSz0R_Q7pvLAn6hnDKqzCfdAtS_fbghKGTiUFy0u8WQYwZGdnYnjHwOfqSfRRKBm4fx0Ox9IX24sibzktVEcT6KnvoMav3XvuPa0RnDuOLTnJaVedniWNA8JGKiEB08jDVIoWDqrUHwhld3n67EZa9aevPA/s320/IMG_5212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>There is quite a collection of USA military vehicles either abandoned or captured by North Vietnam. </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaqA-y4fkpM-nXq5hvWPCwkSlMo0Gu81-xbltd_Z0TotIEQGmven2_yy7v-X3M6Af48n0C9sR_SkuqP5Hnc7mObmVMJBRbibUab6z5XJjIxJbdVWzHacC84hNrE45w2BdfnOlJ6HDDBGxV90k6sKGd_s0K_VT1XL50hxI72F29xz_IkLe1aBw_Mdw3Q/s4000/IMG_5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaqA-y4fkpM-nXq5hvWPCwkSlMo0Gu81-xbltd_Z0TotIEQGmven2_yy7v-X3M6Af48n0C9sR_SkuqP5Hnc7mObmVMJBRbibUab6z5XJjIxJbdVWzHacC84hNrE45w2BdfnOlJ6HDDBGxV90k6sKGd_s0K_VT1XL50hxI72F29xz_IkLe1aBw_Mdw3Q/s320/IMG_5211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>The museum is actually on an active military base and we were watched closely the entire time we were there.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGfrBCxnT96ZIbgt09TYTHqTbH6VZA0MU9U2i27XEMNdkoPwicLhSOKnUpW5SyR8AhAGGQJ3Paibg111OgWHKxQTPyxYwpFnLCGBqCdbj0g4otDxHS7qALUo4FD8YIdWUgFEthlwf_kvVcVeULnb29GHtU0aKJZLVJ8oHAANN24eRh24ECyhbS7QYwA/s4000/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGfrBCxnT96ZIbgt09TYTHqTbH6VZA0MU9U2i27XEMNdkoPwicLhSOKnUpW5SyR8AhAGGQJ3Paibg111OgWHKxQTPyxYwpFnLCGBqCdbj0g4otDxHS7qALUo4FD8YIdWUgFEthlwf_kvVcVeULnb29GHtU0aKJZLVJ8oHAANN24eRh24ECyhbS7QYwA/s320/IMG_5216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB75K_-cgIaigdQo7KE1stpq_wjWq43lrKmhgCpSRDRmDBjdMfhaPtSBhGCipM7mZISb46bimd9TJyafOt9XmMLFb-i_SF3QY8c9OGTLqXScUNwYbi-UAQq5Xj-bjLQYqxQySUx0Pg9IB0G7NvP_IvLWI7aWh7MwczzTXwOghgQs2yihQjm_zdLK_-uw/s4000/IMG_5217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB75K_-cgIaigdQo7KE1stpq_wjWq43lrKmhgCpSRDRmDBjdMfhaPtSBhGCipM7mZISb46bimd9TJyafOt9XmMLFb-i_SF3QY8c9OGTLqXScUNwYbi-UAQq5Xj-bjLQYqxQySUx0Pg9IB0G7NvP_IvLWI7aWh7MwczzTXwOghgQs2yihQjm_zdLK_-uw/s320/IMG_5217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>This blog is just scratching the surface of what one can see in Da Nang, Hoi an Vietnam. Overall, the people were incredibly friendly although communication was sometimes strained. In conclusion, a few more pictures with brief explanations. All of these things can be found on the web and worthy of further investigation and visiting if possible.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Igg-fbxXicSrhU5nx85fcasJ2uKo974d1rv7ESyJR5Q370bR6XuOsucqCU278aeZiNyDQ9j1NumkTq0PtdJGJITT2Xb9Kx5K43Qp5lbM02QGv5laaArruxBVoA1ra3_9g59zTVDEF75GbqxzLYkF7TkIAjPcAOUGAObjqVMgffCBRbb3cuoK00gvUQ/s4000/IMG_5228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Igg-fbxXicSrhU5nx85fcasJ2uKo974d1rv7ESyJR5Q370bR6XuOsucqCU278aeZiNyDQ9j1NumkTq0PtdJGJITT2Xb9Kx5K43Qp5lbM02QGv5laaArruxBVoA1ra3_9g59zTVDEF75GbqxzLYkF7TkIAjPcAOUGAObjqVMgffCBRbb3cuoK00gvUQ/s320/IMG_5228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Dragon Carp Fountain in Da Nang near the Love Bridge. We saw it during the day, but at night it is lit up with alternating colors and actually acting as a fountain.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLCUfk23W_WjiL5EvfF2Acp0juuy7Cqe7mME14z1lHwD37FmApfhupOHWhRXLUhg90NVhXLNmPu1Wh7_GH3gEsph-k_uYqK8jgN_X6-oQfkfOkhBRBz06GG7xXASRu5eERfg8-Xu4jLGiRQLg2g6qazyWJMlEtv6qrk7ovOGy2IFtRAX1hxlHQDMaiA/s4000/IMG_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLCUfk23W_WjiL5EvfF2Acp0juuy7Cqe7mME14z1lHwD37FmApfhupOHWhRXLUhg90NVhXLNmPu1Wh7_GH3gEsph-k_uYqK8jgN_X6-oQfkfOkhBRBz06GG7xXASRu5eERfg8-Xu4jLGiRQLg2g6qazyWJMlEtv6qrk7ovOGy2IFtRAX1hxlHQDMaiA/s320/IMG_5275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj836H02kGOobQjI39TKR5FAFqvBuAPo6LUNQgs3i_FjEAywBAHs6rxbMJRK1guNxnNR5KM9XNrSwm14BL9pfq3VOUOB56Zd45iRjwfdrXCpWcgFi8heP7TMrljFMhbxgXY4iYze8_fg_IRo4yQkY5Ln5IO9NtS44pa2Cv6rB2p5JBL7pJcsiNolz-BvQ/s4000/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj836H02kGOobQjI39TKR5FAFqvBuAPo6LUNQgs3i_FjEAywBAHs6rxbMJRK1guNxnNR5KM9XNrSwm14BL9pfq3VOUOB56Zd45iRjwfdrXCpWcgFi8heP7TMrljFMhbxgXY4iYze8_fg_IRo4yQkY5Ln5IO9NtS44pa2Cv6rB2p5JBL7pJcsiNolz-BvQ/s320/IMG_5276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>We happened to be in Hoi An during the time they celebrate their Chinese Lantern festival in a local garden/park. They had interesting food available that I personally was not brave enough to try and the most colorful lanterns both hanging and floating on water. It was really a treat to see and really not far from our hotel.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGGJ2CTiSj6KmI3GQ0ECxsBac1yR_f7GlKJjJ7rIzNtVs783jb2ltbus3jzfH4MXZmS0ZbBfSb7P4vp0ZhXtMfuWmFGR53GaPhYKGJUCdKEqpXPQfq6-BqjkZbCgDvWeGKDULkqn-4OmUh84Piqke-2aMDtVY8cbKdOOyk-A6FIEmgbQoMtKnaoI4ZQ/s4000/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGGJ2CTiSj6KmI3GQ0ECxsBac1yR_f7GlKJjJ7rIzNtVs783jb2ltbus3jzfH4MXZmS0ZbBfSb7P4vp0ZhXtMfuWmFGR53GaPhYKGJUCdKEqpXPQfq6-BqjkZbCgDvWeGKDULkqn-4OmUh84Piqke-2aMDtVY8cbKdOOyk-A6FIEmgbQoMtKnaoI4ZQ/s320/IMG_5286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>On the way to the Da Nang airport for our flight to Seoul, we stopped at the Da Nang Caves. It is a mixture of beautiful outside gardens and intriguing caves with all kinds of artwork and carvings. Here Kim and Logan pose for a quick picture.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlCxxl7cJ4E1LwgQ--dZA55ywzt5Q_60P0y8tGMs2Z10N0YHR_Vn6MHwroHgz3VxFlxnHzXnKyWefdRf8KbRNh4cWvKqLa2ELEpqGIAuZ7k2RcMTlFxksXXXIvNhRnwhWr0rMLJtqSJqqrH7eLN1c78wezt2TvV7HCikAXT6vZK-Ji2AQy5ARpG1byA/s4000/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlCxxl7cJ4E1LwgQ--dZA55ywzt5Q_60P0y8tGMs2Z10N0YHR_Vn6MHwroHgz3VxFlxnHzXnKyWefdRf8KbRNh4cWvKqLa2ELEpqGIAuZ7k2RcMTlFxksXXXIvNhRnwhWr0rMLJtqSJqqrH7eLN1c78wezt2TvV7HCikAXT6vZK-Ji2AQy5ARpG1byA/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kim at Da Nang Caves.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zG-XrpuOTZUjNcYadZ1uWWmjzHrOsGPRONsKPw3m6Ny8WENWgjMEbe2xokqqyOVB0id6lL1-6Amj1l3hEwYrpsX8BnvJzhPLFobHSkspNcMa_2rdXooR5LcOl-F59ANpfmAGbZ70H1DJUvl85II48TwtBHPfoGmA7xJjt2yFY-tlrqs-xqiqYtXBOw/s4000/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zG-XrpuOTZUjNcYadZ1uWWmjzHrOsGPRONsKPw3m6Ny8WENWgjMEbe2xokqqyOVB0id6lL1-6Amj1l3hEwYrpsX8BnvJzhPLFobHSkspNcMa_2rdXooR5LcOl-F59ANpfmAGbZ70H1DJUvl85II48TwtBHPfoGmA7xJjt2yFY-tlrqs-xqiqYtXBOw/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>Inside one of the caves at Da Nang Caves.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZifeLDtg_--Z01SJpszs279JlzyvglOhBSH326f4ZRWaYIfXDr9Vt0W-bWrxnqMWx32Q-ysRo10SLULdWcxR4Sv5iKO3FBNkuxL8NGiEYbx1WltuSF27pNJafztTTL-YRYlGn_FlOc8zJpgNMGwDbArRn06DxpmJcdt-BRImIEfNQMkgE4JUIua4gw/s4000/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZifeLDtg_--Z01SJpszs279JlzyvglOhBSH326f4ZRWaYIfXDr9Vt0W-bWrxnqMWx32Q-ysRo10SLULdWcxR4Sv5iKO3FBNkuxL8NGiEYbx1WltuSF27pNJafztTTL-YRYlGn_FlOc8zJpgNMGwDbArRn06DxpmJcdt-BRImIEfNQMkgE4JUIua4gw/s320/IMG_5285.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>A picturesque temple at Da Nang Caves.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyESy8NC3bkyhWENjv2ygktnBRqdZEF7RGmeVVndFpzOZItnvE407qJOazFbTisqcdVEh5LqyfHRjPogGFYYK3RZqbQ41yOl5J1enTQU4p-PVNh0sOTQijpUOdnfvSNd0SMSNHWxBl7tNGCrqNQE2Z4UwcFzCx8NcoLGPJvRB51qZ-rcILEjkj4TzJOw/s4000/IMG_5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyESy8NC3bkyhWENjv2ygktnBRqdZEF7RGmeVVndFpzOZItnvE407qJOazFbTisqcdVEh5LqyfHRjPogGFYYK3RZqbQ41yOl5J1enTQU4p-PVNh0sOTQijpUOdnfvSNd0SMSNHWxBl7tNGCrqNQE2Z4UwcFzCx8NcoLGPJvRB51qZ-rcILEjkj4TzJOw/s320/IMG_5304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>One of the larger caverns inside Da Nang Caves.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span> </span>All in all, central Vietnam is spectacular, and I feel we only scratched the surface of what there is to see and do. And this is just central Vietnam. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>To the north is the city of Hanoi, and from what I understand, it is equally impressive. In the future, we plan to visit Hanoi also.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvfHjjVScVp5iJjmFaSgSUkEimwrQBCSZMsueG7rZUcsyQGqEqzoHHJK52Guy2DKxq0IOBOCuv83AZuj2Sjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-7299549910698597412022-09-16T18:53:00.005-07:002022-09-16T19:12:19.181-07:00<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Travel Blog #1 - Helsinki Finland</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span> </span>Just around six years ago, the Deseret News of Salt Lake City stopped publishing their travel section in both their online and print editions. Without a publication to submit to, I didn't write any more articles dealing with my travel experiences. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span> Honestly, I've missed it. For that reason, I've decided to continue with my articles and only publish them here on my blog. I hope you all enjoy reading them.</span><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span> This past week, my wife Kim and I flew to Helsinki, Finland. The reason we chose this destination is because Finnair flies to Finland non-stop from DFW where we live. I'm an airline employee and for that reason we fly standby and need to be selective concerning where we decide to travel; and Finnair looked the best. Definitely better than the carrier I work for.</span><br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span> First, the weather was perfect the entire time we were there even though it was the second week of September. The temperatures ranged from high 40's to low 60's depending on the time of day. It was absolutely gorgeous.</span><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span> Second, Finland is as clean a place as I have ever been. The air was pristine! Even the tap water is rated the best in all of Europe. The streets of Helsinki, as well as the buildings, were clean and well kept. It was really quite impressive.</span><br /></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span> We knew within a short time that we would someday want to return, even possibly move there for a period in our retirement.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span><span> Before we ever arrived on our flight, we were over Greenland when we saw the northern lights for the first time in both our lives. The view, as spectacular as it was, will never be forgotten. I've wondered how many times I could have seen them while flying to Europe, but never bothered to look.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcpN9ucq9LsCWk4ZXC2E5cBJPqNOhMyNQnsBYDYjSDj_jTKIiVDHv3l_JX5lqhpTDrieHWW6bHloxgsQL8nojAe2USwPuiVKnoab6ZlpiMj5W6zCRLA0t8ULfpFiXAHeMwWHCiKzgv4bBvUvlC0xo2-qIuy-TApiGN8rIanGfwX5hxrYrJMXdymDbWw/s4032/IMG-0104.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcpN9ucq9LsCWk4ZXC2E5cBJPqNOhMyNQnsBYDYjSDj_jTKIiVDHv3l_JX5lqhpTDrieHWW6bHloxgsQL8nojAe2USwPuiVKnoab6ZlpiMj5W6zCRLA0t8ULfpFiXAHeMwWHCiKzgv4bBvUvlC0xo2-qIuy-TApiGN8rIanGfwX5hxrYrJMXdymDbWw/w213-h320/IMG-0104.jpg" width="213" /></a></i></div><i><br /><br /><span><br /></span></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span><span> Flights to Europe normally go so far north that the lights should be visible during the correct times of the year. These best times for viewing are in the spring and the fall.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i> I can't wait to for my next vacation to Europe to see if this rings true.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> One thing I didn't know, is that you normally don't see the lights if you look straight at them. They may appear as just white thin clouds to the naked eye. In our case, this was true. But the pictures taken with my I phone were truly exciting!</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span> </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span> </span><span> On day one in Finland, since we had not slept on the overnight flight, was a little sluggish. We first went to the LDS Helsinki Finland Temple, and then had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Both of these things are a staple if our destination has either or both. I like to collect caps from the HRC and currently have 60.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgAP0mkINt7Jmv3n5ReTq3sP3X7wzTY6t9-DvuZnVP5ZLojvoa3hA0cEJrg4Dq4wiaaMgOEaC67f9Pgex2buF3bSMChjnCjxjXKfNAwplN-Nq5olBT0b-hAq55ry8y8St6MEA2xrQ2d1XhmmKLwy0M-VDujKfAEzhv6awV9_QJCs-CCUqE-B-Dt4wIg/s4032/IMG-0156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgAP0mkINt7Jmv3n5ReTq3sP3X7wzTY6t9-DvuZnVP5ZLojvoa3hA0cEJrg4Dq4wiaaMgOEaC67f9Pgex2buF3bSMChjnCjxjXKfNAwplN-Nq5olBT0b-hAq55ry8y8St6MEA2xrQ2d1XhmmKLwy0M-VDujKfAEzhv6awV9_QJCs-CCUqE-B-Dt4wIg/w400-h300/IMG-0156.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Kim and I at the beautiful LDS Helsinki Finland Temple</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9hCuUv17vv3lt09IzLhJODSycB6AH-PXAUtW03JhKI5mvvqqsRUhgXHemtPm6LIdAZZyhGO9nCw0aDLaD152D1X4SrSLmUkIZjW6dM5p_a9LDh6khEDeliEXLonXJfMIakWYI33ZCyXXUuesvhS4xTGG9Ylel-kYuiFaUabGW2R4iAHACU-Qc7B2rw/s4032/IMG-0167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9hCuUv17vv3lt09IzLhJODSycB6AH-PXAUtW03JhKI5mvvqqsRUhgXHemtPm6LIdAZZyhGO9nCw0aDLaD152D1X4SrSLmUkIZjW6dM5p_a9LDh6khEDeliEXLonXJfMIakWYI33ZCyXXUuesvhS4xTGG9Ylel-kYuiFaUabGW2R4iAHACU-Qc7B2rw/w400-h300/IMG-0167.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Not quite so beautiful Helsinki Finland Hard Rock Cafe</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span> After awakening at four in the morning the next day (jetlag) we boarded the MS Finlandia for a two- hour trip to the Medieval capital city Tallinn in Estonia, one of the three Balkan states and former Soviet country. The Finlandia is operated by Eckero and the journey takes approximately two hours and one hundred miles. It is well worth the trip.</span><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><span> In Tallinn is the first onion domed church Kim and I have ever seen. Although not quite as colorful as St. Basil's in Moscow, St. Aleksander Nevsky Katedraal in Tallinn is really quite beautiful. I wish they had allowed us to take pictures on the inside, but it wasn't to be. The exterior was pretty impressive as you can see.</span><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIVIMa5_W8f2HU5gR__StMAlVN77x3-gxaSIGleX0qssQsr3qPAxwz05q1ydhjWDK5xIDHaZXAJOhj-w5s2AMB8X0ZUwYLLcXWIktv7oLeThC8Su5LkQTCTg633QlDnQucWDZCEp2ukYH5v5LLOGPRihFeDOagDV7YGfDH9wA5rU9HotS3JUDqWtXfw/s4032/IMG-0225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIVIMa5_W8f2HU5gR__StMAlVN77x3-gxaSIGleX0qssQsr3qPAxwz05q1ydhjWDK5xIDHaZXAJOhj-w5s2AMB8X0ZUwYLLcXWIktv7oLeThC8Su5LkQTCTg633QlDnQucWDZCEp2ukYH5v5LLOGPRihFeDOagDV7YGfDH9wA5rU9HotS3JUDqWtXfw/w400-h300/IMG-0225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlKWHRFjnMMulO2bPqPvfLEss41DjIc5MfDTeZk1bLz32tRvEk9tp4-jj15e_NB4WPMk8LGI3q7FN3TpF3bGygCEnzEdMiJQfPB_jws3SbhSZDROe41fad5z4aTynzOzGSeoS7BZwe7D_i_wHjcNvKJ7jvwuAsu0x8V3N5HmTPgavo3O__gqXb9Q4Jg/s4032/IMG-0230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlKWHRFjnMMulO2bPqPvfLEss41DjIc5MfDTeZk1bLz32tRvEk9tp4-jj15e_NB4WPMk8LGI3q7FN3TpF3bGygCEnzEdMiJQfPB_jws3SbhSZDROe41fad5z4aTynzOzGSeoS7BZwe7D_i_wHjcNvKJ7jvwuAsu0x8V3N5HmTPgavo3O__gqXb9Q4Jg/w400-h300/IMG-0230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span> The best part of the cathedral was the numerous places to grab lunch while it was still in view. The interior was just as impressive, take my word for it.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><span> Other sights in Tallinn that we saw were the KGB Prison Cells, with its own history, the various gates through the city walls, and the spectacular view of the surroundings from the tower of St Olaf's church. The tower requiring a long journey up a set of precarious spiral stairs. Again, the journey well worth the effort. </span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X-XzR0wIkUNSKxSfIyaYsCbhf-CkaFXg3ofibyVpFCRS7CMah8kby6NQ6CI4pet13cS8gdHr69w0OkEh-6kP-af12Um38xO419THhFA0zzPz-Ti0sQrOMWrltIxWXDR__CzYCmUEuA932xocs6y7WdH83G8IFaefmEgKE6BJ7zi9JepSAFTv_aIs9Q/s4032/IMG-0241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X-XzR0wIkUNSKxSfIyaYsCbhf-CkaFXg3ofibyVpFCRS7CMah8kby6NQ6CI4pet13cS8gdHr69w0OkEh-6kP-af12Um38xO419THhFA0zzPz-Ti0sQrOMWrltIxWXDR__CzYCmUEuA932xocs6y7WdH83G8IFaefmEgKE6BJ7zi9JepSAFTv_aIs9Q/s320/IMG-0241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8xigy_9APqyxrNfgUnK7gZxTPk2b8uHh-LWs6qigrzzLi1bJTBGk4RaZ__8ZqWsDFhYEIPsmwZ8ZQycfGxwMzr5zeuNnyEGytp5GhpPgULcYoqa6m6n-Yjz183_O7mZ8kyjcOlIlXIBXwocN6wBXqo7FkUOOK20TQWxOUbnmWRUbrk4NKDJnb0OPWQ/s4032/IMG-0224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8xigy_9APqyxrNfgUnK7gZxTPk2b8uHh-LWs6qigrzzLi1bJTBGk4RaZ__8ZqWsDFhYEIPsmwZ8ZQycfGxwMzr5zeuNnyEGytp5GhpPgULcYoqa6m6n-Yjz183_O7mZ8kyjcOlIlXIBXwocN6wBXqo7FkUOOK20TQWxOUbnmWRUbrk4NKDJnb0OPWQ/s320/IMG-0224.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsANSyogeWBiytTYQL3VNG1ShBP3WdTBmZQ0d-fJuJeWdhCe1Vqk7AGymEFibIH4fJ1lBEGGYJLd0O8XmtGuKBLdjBHMpFBRQavUxpTxForshBevHaQJ_MsLvaGtt1Cvv9A0ZakuaNqtfoLuDqrPbdbO2xXt7VM--XT0y3LuZAyucH3PG6ZcyDYpT8Qw/s4032/IMG-0253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsANSyogeWBiytTYQL3VNG1ShBP3WdTBmZQ0d-fJuJeWdhCe1Vqk7AGymEFibIH4fJ1lBEGGYJLd0O8XmtGuKBLdjBHMpFBRQavUxpTxForshBevHaQJ_MsLvaGtt1Cvv9A0ZakuaNqtfoLuDqrPbdbO2xXt7VM--XT0y3LuZAyucH3PG6ZcyDYpT8Qw/s320/IMG-0253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCeaTllRx0NkSWjWmmUUnd0K7zP0JyN8urclNPmpDRpyOGTU6NViBHNiMvYyecYQMkykKIxYV6_G-Ypjm9yAcfesvMNdBXzXyokfvlKGbnqelKU1tQmWhhANOq8jLuIKuFT55vNEre8ve3m3zoypsqdyEmDlmKW3KTF-POLE08kJVrYoCfZbLyvxiLg/s4032/IMG-0221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCeaTllRx0NkSWjWmmUUnd0K7zP0JyN8urclNPmpDRpyOGTU6NViBHNiMvYyecYQMkykKIxYV6_G-Ypjm9yAcfesvMNdBXzXyokfvlKGbnqelKU1tQmWhhANOq8jLuIKuFT55vNEre8ve3m3zoypsqdyEmDlmKW3KTF-POLE08kJVrYoCfZbLyvxiLg/s320/IMG-0221.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no idea what this instrument is,but had to add it to my photo blog for Tallinn. She knew how to play it well too, whatever it is.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While on the ferry back to Helsinki from Tallinn, we saw the prettiest sunset ever. Unfortunately, my photos don't really do the even justice. Overall, the ferry cruise was impressive. They had several places to eat or drink, and on the return cruise we paid for the buffet consisting of seasonal foods. Kim had caviar, reindeer liver, and all types of fish, fruits, and vegetables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_81EooTU6CHY6XvClyOn2eplryuwsF59OkRHDeNTdonyxqrUQOTvlpg5YfEz1lN0GQpmdvg6ICbJFkaNs71pV8oiKF-fOhz7XUMACsDoURg0cW1gB7HfhxcOyJDGhVs2hQBBUN9zJ0ldoVa2nb5B0ITSlYkWG-jSmB8EPPrAdv8qffEuLyKKDQBcs_Q/s4032/IMG-0272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_81EooTU6CHY6XvClyOn2eplryuwsF59OkRHDeNTdonyxqrUQOTvlpg5YfEz1lN0GQpmdvg6ICbJFkaNs71pV8oiKF-fOhz7XUMACsDoURg0cW1gB7HfhxcOyJDGhVs2hQBBUN9zJ0ldoVa2nb5B0ITSlYkWG-jSmB8EPPrAdv8qffEuLyKKDQBcs_Q/s320/IMG-0272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV23gqr7buOIcUYw_IV6h5jDhNpBuy94TUnj01QYDZfjv7GYmw1Fv6h7w6RR-O_RULvkdjtdnJxuvV-gGkytXMTeE5FkqeO8nT5WUy7QYFtfAYrrkFRatkbE11HzjNrL4MjDNXSOp6P2LkfnXpXNvBjdZd29j1k-C8T4wdTC_e6pjH335mQMLQ0f40g/s4032/IMG-0268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV23gqr7buOIcUYw_IV6h5jDhNpBuy94TUnj01QYDZfjv7GYmw1Fv6h7w6RR-O_RULvkdjtdnJxuvV-gGkytXMTeE5FkqeO8nT5WUy7QYFtfAYrrkFRatkbE11HzjNrL4MjDNXSOp6P2LkfnXpXNvBjdZd29j1k-C8T4wdTC_e6pjH335mQMLQ0f40g/s320/IMG-0268.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are three other things I really want to mention that we saw/did that I recommend for anyone traveling to Helsinki.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">1) A smaller ferry from Helsinki to the island fortress Suomenlinna. First built by Sweden, it most recently was used in World War 2 to defend against an attack from the sea. It consists of two islands and several buildings including an impressive church. There are World War 2 cannons pointing towards the sea on all the outer edges of the fortress. There is also a Finnish WW2 submarine that you can go inside called the Vesikko. It sank at least one Russian vessel. There are plenty of places to eat and even a small beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90WkkZn8L0ifeH1pMG6ii8GuTl-9Of56Z_8wx-MDtGsb4TkZKBjRc4uAbFpcUpWwOJnx-DSIZ_9jgGOjOwA-ti9XTyD3lq_WWpzw6nNl2hrMb4qOXosduYuudj8sPrIyj_rj86ubeH2IgWq-tZpsUN1yzCvH10XfnRBehCwYYjzTZrhOJRUBZJxac4w/s4032/IMG-0421.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90WkkZn8L0ifeH1pMG6ii8GuTl-9Of56Z_8wx-MDtGsb4TkZKBjRc4uAbFpcUpWwOJnx-DSIZ_9jgGOjOwA-ti9XTyD3lq_WWpzw6nNl2hrMb4qOXosduYuudj8sPrIyj_rj86ubeH2IgWq-tZpsUN1yzCvH10XfnRBehCwYYjzTZrhOJRUBZJxac4w/s320/IMG-0421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iZDQ5_Z0h1OChzhMWmfUvl7kSpxrTVTlGyo8G65CSf9OKwSKD8qYeZujb_yECyE8tTS147vJxE_6kqq0TTSNl1oPkqcZNrnaP9VX8O0TY9DD9P23JfvPFIq4mmGN9WYpuKU3bS8FhG0tU33Oq-P6IfN6AEQOaozKLHvm4ToZJ32Zz2MNgKM47hwYWQ/s4032/IMG-0425.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iZDQ5_Z0h1OChzhMWmfUvl7kSpxrTVTlGyo8G65CSf9OKwSKD8qYeZujb_yECyE8tTS147vJxE_6kqq0TTSNl1oPkqcZNrnaP9VX8O0TY9DD9P23JfvPFIq4mmGN9WYpuKU3bS8FhG0tU33Oq-P6IfN6AEQOaozKLHvm4ToZJ32Zz2MNgKM47hwYWQ/s320/IMG-0425.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin68GUHufBOF75M_nvF5JPneMGCCo8BHjx-QtBqQZbNZnbZYrt7Pa8n4lKUzG5VsN3CrJ5mC-ts9kTifyGMgJm5HK24Ma9Hg__118gMvgEuXx2mS77A5iKDf_2DkKvMyl-lk5NmLbZe_hAE8viGCQxJN25Jle7r1V_DLZm6YxU4soJ7osLiR72aW4IgQ/s4032/IMG-0431.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin68GUHufBOF75M_nvF5JPneMGCCo8BHjx-QtBqQZbNZnbZYrt7Pa8n4lKUzG5VsN3CrJ5mC-ts9kTifyGMgJm5HK24Ma9Hg__118gMvgEuXx2mS77A5iKDf_2DkKvMyl-lk5NmLbZe_hAE8viGCQxJN25Jle7r1V_DLZm6YxU4soJ7osLiR72aW4IgQ/s320/IMG-0431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg1ZruS5U9g3J1mRl3t_MSMoQQPqnjwWjJjEepdOe_cvHjywyQsO_B29NfRnv3csuCD44lPK0_mObZaJC_pbkdUEExMbnWgvy2nebYCquh6tMCfsx-gCadlNUjeLkizWKcfuaPBeGW_iQhNo4xccuT4mIGaxsVxezftbzGmmJ2a57JKRMDUIeej1V6A/s4032/IMG-0436.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg1ZruS5U9g3J1mRl3t_MSMoQQPqnjwWjJjEepdOe_cvHjywyQsO_B29NfRnv3csuCD44lPK0_mObZaJC_pbkdUEExMbnWgvy2nebYCquh6tMCfsx-gCadlNUjeLkizWKcfuaPBeGW_iQhNo4xccuT4mIGaxsVxezftbzGmmJ2a57JKRMDUIeej1V6A/s320/IMG-0436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2) The rock church in Helsinki. Called Temppeliaukio, is pretty fascinating. The Lutheran church was opened in 1969 and is one of the most unusual churches to see anywhere. It's an easy one block walk from one of the stops on the hop on/hop off bus tour. It was designed in the 1930's but construction delayed due to World War 2. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTCtyVBB10pEF3Pymbk_cycKV_ZRGhlkSaQ-Wxn_D-ChGPz6mBndIa0RCi5EqljoTydC8rOuyS1d-ApiCWPJB69Vvwwk5Au5luoC89iONqp_UIkh328usEe5Gza9dizM6KhLVR2bktTsJvFE-RlG9OSrPTe27URFOPCChj7_cLQOVbnEuuHGpkKcaCA/s4032/IMG-0356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTCtyVBB10pEF3Pymbk_cycKV_ZRGhlkSaQ-Wxn_D-ChGPz6mBndIa0RCi5EqljoTydC8rOuyS1d-ApiCWPJB69Vvwwk5Au5luoC89iONqp_UIkh328usEe5Gza9dizM6KhLVR2bktTsJvFE-RlG9OSrPTe27URFOPCChj7_cLQOVbnEuuHGpkKcaCA/s320/IMG-0356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d4vs8OGkK4WMrXRl4um17F_s8oub5qvq2EPIOM6sgw4jMtR_0kzE_gZuFJ1FzaHJlT9zExaJyORzf4I5uogrXmBJmFG_UjQZZzEnIiNPV13LIRXglHspw0nX3S3ZBWUM24X7mlEEtn_i0ou-rFwwGG9-53VKdSLtND5KfxVyPjnaItrS_TiAOnU05Q/s4032/IMG-0358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d4vs8OGkK4WMrXRl4um17F_s8oub5qvq2EPIOM6sgw4jMtR_0kzE_gZuFJ1FzaHJlT9zExaJyORzf4I5uogrXmBJmFG_UjQZZzEnIiNPV13LIRXglHspw0nX3S3ZBWUM24X7mlEEtn_i0ou-rFwwGG9-53VKdSLtND5KfxVyPjnaItrS_TiAOnU05Q/s320/IMG-0358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVoONvBVeLtNE17RLz7M1UCZWlmF32pVmOlV7UjBOqY_SdBJUPg_GWx9mXqRa9PT7aBkDazP-nwbENcgEVqrr4cCZD7touCcx3fvH3RIlbk1v3xa-oTu6QcUo74CKsw8e1Q04jZ8aVCoQNL8tD_CvKx-yt4TTk4Q1dFbpIDWoRe3fdzK3WJShznqizQ/s4032/IMG-0370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVoONvBVeLtNE17RLz7M1UCZWlmF32pVmOlV7UjBOqY_SdBJUPg_GWx9mXqRa9PT7aBkDazP-nwbENcgEVqrr4cCZD7touCcx3fvH3RIlbk1v3xa-oTu6QcUo74CKsw8e1Q04jZ8aVCoQNL8tD_CvKx-yt4TTk4Q1dFbpIDWoRe3fdzK3WJShznqizQ/s320/IMG-0370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The church has a capacity of 750. The rock walls are impressive, but the copper roof is extraordinarily exquisite and heavy (I'm sure) One of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Helsinki, it is well worth a look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">3) I've saved the best for last. There are several Finnish Saunas in Helsinki. These traditional saunas are loved by residents and tourists alike. The one we visited on our last night in Helsinki is called Loyly Sauna and has three separate rooms to enjoy. The smells are fantastic, the health benefits unequaled, and the best part is you can participate with your wife. (All patrons wear swimsuits) There are adequate showers and even a pretty good restaurant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Other places I would recommend seeing in Helsinki, but really don't have the patience to write about, are the Jean Sibelius monument with its interesting pipes, the many fantastic restaurants serving a variety of ethnic foods, seasonal treats, and even Burger King.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bmljbCpLW1KtaoiQoEuHhJfqmz8OsLPJ9Ta7gdDqQvU0bUXtubpgqbm-e8Nlz0mVjYWzwHxaOsR2eSQsC5u3woiMxDeuP2jWIpTBp4iObQ-BpLUiPc3FBtcGTJhZ5hxz2kOqYgriykG39F9jCCY6vprG0nQaD-HE8vxJOTmSKSzDqFUoQ4rZ6x2RaQ/s4032/IMG-0378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bmljbCpLW1KtaoiQoEuHhJfqmz8OsLPJ9Ta7gdDqQvU0bUXtubpgqbm-e8Nlz0mVjYWzwHxaOsR2eSQsC5u3woiMxDeuP2jWIpTBp4iObQ-BpLUiPc3FBtcGTJhZ5hxz2kOqYgriykG39F9jCCY6vprG0nQaD-HE8vxJOTmSKSzDqFUoQ4rZ6x2RaQ/s320/IMG-0378.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I recommend getting around with Uber which was actually just taxis, but very reliable and not too expensive. The best way to get to downtown Helsinki is the reliable commuter train straight from the airport, also not too expensive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I hope you all enjoy this article. Feel free to make comments and I look forward to seeing you all again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Check out some of my other writing, both travel articles and even some novels from around the world at ChrisaHale.net.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i3z17d5vlCvYWnfflkagfroUYMNWAVba_NjGTG5sH-JvkOSzWqGCZqUirtWKTh5LvEt6x2VWK_bQOFyyP78mXYNxh0YCj-NLE11rMgL7AQT7eXddUMDr81gx796dPQTJH6LduDF_pSSM8fU-gEv3bjUm8xaSwanaPJhqu5EC9-GPaKLvb-EaYCCLiA/s4032/IMG-0503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i3z17d5vlCvYWnfflkagfroUYMNWAVba_NjGTG5sH-JvkOSzWqGCZqUirtWKTh5LvEt6x2VWK_bQOFyyP78mXYNxh0YCj-NLE11rMgL7AQT7eXddUMDr81gx796dPQTJH6LduDF_pSSM8fU-gEv3bjUm8xaSwanaPJhqu5EC9-GPaKLvb-EaYCCLiA/w400-h300/IMG-0503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span><span> </span><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /></span></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-88532983261330266462021-11-02T21:05:00.001-07:002021-11-02T21:16:16.634-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">52 shopping days to Christmas<span style="color: #2b00fe;">!!!</span></span><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DDkD_IGfKxCp9aB7_Cf_S0mzMnGgAlUqzHzHg8xzs2gpccPy2FLYOLIX-jlxa7VjcL4w7K7le6vSW3BFD2k-8dbh5zF8K_1nUsCVovHavDLToZdvvqBg3tgS2QQyymg2WVtXQa8zBOTc/s799/f.eu1.jwwb.nl_public_y_k_o_temp-qmsvaxdvcssniuupkbnf_fiy5ro_61pPSMSV4nL.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: xx-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Pick up a copy of my book, or all five today at amazon.com</span></a></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOx645nQjMM5HAcclqcu7hZ9nfQkYmJwOLV1kcqlVuvIvkBtgQ7e4nEsbTJVsbbl5F9x1AM0CxoHwvSboPDPk0BvmWGuWip8LDWguywk5dEtNO02Yc6Yqp6hDPDre1m5kDC43LRn55DDJ/s1491/71i8Q4AI5yL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOx645nQjMM5HAcclqcu7hZ9nfQkYmJwOLV1kcqlVuvIvkBtgQ7e4nEsbTJVsbbl5F9x1AM0CxoHwvSboPDPk0BvmWGuWip8LDWguywk5dEtNO02Yc6Yqp6hDPDre1m5kDC43LRn55DDJ/s320/71i8Q4AI5yL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFzZHKGf7_be9e_Es20ujVGzAotWwmVI-AdrMmNonKg-wXB3q0N8nKSyvLWdchiRsGel10K5-S9wcAJAk-J6RAsUNcX7auBI3WrAjcA5kZjiP1pPc8cMnCB5Hvmf55q6G-TkUHhzu7Ak4/s1491/618gZx79oHL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFzZHKGf7_be9e_Es20ujVGzAotWwmVI-AdrMmNonKg-wXB3q0N8nKSyvLWdchiRsGel10K5-S9wcAJAk-J6RAsUNcX7auBI3WrAjcA5kZjiP1pPc8cMnCB5Hvmf55q6G-TkUHhzu7Ak4/s320/618gZx79oHL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCufDi1jOOmzflDTbAfDha0UvVs-4IXR1SU4deObtVCttUGTfsLRGFw5QsHnoCmc1TkN6MN2uCN44an5I0XJ6pmcQeEzcW1nO8xaitxTB_oY3EOEBI3vWzhK_Fj_9lqEeEf93LcIgbk7E/s1491/716J79njjYL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCufDi1jOOmzflDTbAfDha0UvVs-4IXR1SU4deObtVCttUGTfsLRGFw5QsHnoCmc1TkN6MN2uCN44an5I0XJ6pmcQeEzcW1nO8xaitxTB_oY3EOEBI3vWzhK_Fj_9lqEeEf93LcIgbk7E/s320/716J79njjYL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdH0C621Cyz5g8Bqj9aa4ljfLGW6a2-j1nanNFOrn4UyzSzw21fu54ryZKgKPM0VU7on-rh4bquAGPTZ90mmAoIGLOy6GJsxoXjp8RliXU0EJcx6LjpMGVFfeoVsizP8qCFy86OTJPF1U/s799/f.eu1.jwwb.nl_public_y_k_o_temp-qmsvaxdvcssniuupkbnf_fiy5ro_61pPSMSV4nL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdH0C621Cyz5g8Bqj9aa4ljfLGW6a2-j1nanNFOrn4UyzSzw21fu54ryZKgKPM0VU7on-rh4bquAGPTZ90mmAoIGLOy6GJsxoXjp8RliXU0EJcx6LjpMGVFfeoVsizP8qCFy86OTJPF1U/s320/f.eu1.jwwb.nl_public_y_k_o_temp-qmsvaxdvcssniuupkbnf_fiy5ro_61pPSMSV4nL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FUGLL3uwgY0Crdx-W4PiOUqLVJYVi4hGiBadf5MVa53zLfWyUU7Z1lYr-NIH-HIZAQrQM6d1Dvx6zN0EMzO5oZfqUY-SpyP42bq05PlEhZ_1DY2WhdLUCJ0_yCF2mgLJQovlsUdexAFG/s1491/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FUGLL3uwgY0Crdx-W4PiOUqLVJYVi4hGiBadf5MVa53zLfWyUU7Z1lYr-NIH-HIZAQrQM6d1Dvx6zN0EMzO5oZfqUY-SpyP42bq05PlEhZ_1DY2WhdLUCJ0_yCF2mgLJQovlsUdexAFG/s320/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" width="215" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /></span><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-44374819345652295582021-10-15T08:37:00.045-07:002021-10-15T12:37:10.138-07:00<p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Now Available in Hardback, Paperback, and Kindle........all 5 of my novels at Amazon.com. </span><span style="color: red;">Check this out!</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgN7nYZiQdd1Olc_ZuSGvm4O2ZsSvwWHM2aDCxpJsNRZAO-R0mZC2toOL9vXhzOzCkMQU8YvvfM2lkuCW4WYDasLETexUNzgZolnCicEs4nba5HR5P2l7gc5g1w_McasQbLPFjfL_CTTh/s1491/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgN7nYZiQdd1Olc_ZuSGvm4O2ZsSvwWHM2aDCxpJsNRZAO-R0mZC2toOL9vXhzOzCkMQU8YvvfM2lkuCW4WYDasLETexUNzgZolnCicEs4nba5HR5P2l7gc5g1w_McasQbLPFjfL_CTTh/w430-h640/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" width="430" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><strong style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Often called the Greatest Generation, they grew up during the depression and then served their countries in WW2 with courage, sacrifice, and honor. They were those who, whether they were soldiers or not, banded together to see to the end of Nazi aggression, no matter the personal cost.</span></em></strong></p><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0.8em;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Captured, a Moment in France is the story of two of these unheralded heroes. First, it is the experience of Robert Mourand, who antagonized the German soldiers at every opportunity while doing his best to take care of his family in German occupied France. The second tale is that of Sergeant James Weldon Mellody of the United States Army Air Corp who was captured by the Germans after his B-26 was shot down and he parachuted into Robert's town.</span></strong></em></span></h3><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0.8em;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Based on actual events taken from family archives, and one timeless photograph of their meeting, learn how two honorable men rose to the occasion of war with determination and grit, and of their families who became bonded through their extraordinary, shared experience.</span></strong></em></span></h3><div><span style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></strong></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrL1O4Hl8wfFHVAHD6zmA1ymtNbMqmcZozqLD8m-2oPMuFv9tTDjHTKibCtMqmCVHfDaVlBIxzvySuoNw-goalIB1nZ3hRZbG_J3jMo7pbBkz1p3arzW8U0W58XHyVSHju_hRPQioHUjq/s1491/71i8Q4AI5yL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrL1O4Hl8wfFHVAHD6zmA1ymtNbMqmcZozqLD8m-2oPMuFv9tTDjHTKibCtMqmCVHfDaVlBIxzvySuoNw-goalIB1nZ3hRZbG_J3jMo7pbBkz1p3arzW8U0W58XHyVSHju_hRPQioHUjq/w430-h640/71i8Q4AI5yL.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;">Daniel Richards and his eleven-year-old daughter Kylee travel to the Netherlands on a daddy/daughter vacation. While enjoying the usual sights around the country, they also witness several things that are terribly out of place: things that should have only been seen decades before. While attempting to piece the strange puzzle together, they are mysteriously transported back in time to Nazi-occupied Holland. As they attempt to survive their dangerous surroundings, they are sheltered by members of the Dutch resistance who are fighting to liberate their country from the grasp of the German occupying force. Kylee quickly befriends a mute Dutch girl, and Daniel shares his expertise in aviation with her freedom-fighting brother. Although they become separated, they work independently to preserve the textbook history of the days leading up to World War II.</span></em></span></h3><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchx7lvyYLCYGM4ArLWyeMjzhNdR_CSjUqNmD5Bhyphenhyphenplco-h-PINUrkfU7KOdIUoqMe1wUYul3OX1ofOYS8hIctMFgTrzbcBCCAyNFehPhD2EYHo0xqr4_4BSDaH0LQpKuxnT8C2c17zM5D/s1491/618gZx79oHL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchx7lvyYLCYGM4ArLWyeMjzhNdR_CSjUqNmD5Bhyphenhyphenplco-h-PINUrkfU7KOdIUoqMe1wUYul3OX1ofOYS8hIctMFgTrzbcBCCAyNFehPhD2EYHo0xqr4_4BSDaH0LQpKuxnT8C2c17zM5D/w430-h640/618gZx79oHL.jpg" width="430" /></a></div></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #9a1e1e; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">After arriving in South America, twelve year old Kylee Richards and her father Daniel notice that they are the subject of unexpected attention from many of the people they come into contact with. Little do they know that Kylee is the spitting image of a young peasant girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods over three hundred years earlier setting off 100 years of prosperity and peace. Kylee finds herself in danger because of a rival tribe’s determination to regain the ancient favor of the gods. Now Kylee and Daniel must struggle to survive in the mystical country of Peru.</span></em></span></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE-4dWhfVsA5CTP3S3T56Qlbsmd1_wIJ8-NlakDJHesC0WfIzbj6qrk3uWofbbjsTl_Js4ALOxMH1mFnnfe3c1nP3ESe2e9Dgk6UXYgo2Fj33dMDEDfJZeUFD5GPUkcszprPGR0jrWFZO/s1491/716J79njjYL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE-4dWhfVsA5CTP3S3T56Qlbsmd1_wIJ8-NlakDJHesC0WfIzbj6qrk3uWofbbjsTl_Js4ALOxMH1mFnnfe3c1nP3ESe2e9Dgk6UXYgo2Fj33dMDEDfJZeUFD5GPUkcszprPGR0jrWFZO/w430-h640/716J79njjYL.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #9a1e1e; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thirteen year old Kylee Richards, and her father Daniel, love the time they spend travelling the world together. They have chosen the lush islands of New Zealand for their latest journey and are thrilled by the natural beauty, the friendliness of the people, and the death defying activities they find all over. Unfortunately, the danger they find themselves in is not of their choosing. they have unwillingly been witnesses to the plan of two heinous criminals, men who will stop at nothing to accomplish their blood-thirsty mission. Now that Kylee and Daniel know who they are, they too become part of their evil scheme. Join Kylee and Daniel as they try to elude danger and thwart the plans of cold blooded killers.</span></span></h3><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX7j5p7CurMIdT3O97htG4ejmKKmXd6Co8HCqt-juylAz2aN8tMGZCOvxE3Xu5_bZTv91k2Yi1gZ3d8gqEBM48axAgJkfxJXN80mtQs83obR7KM_fcTKd_-bAxtS6-wt_FtJ1TpT97bnr/s1491/71e4L8n0dML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX7j5p7CurMIdT3O97htG4ejmKKmXd6Co8HCqt-juylAz2aN8tMGZCOvxE3Xu5_bZTv91k2Yi1gZ3d8gqEBM48axAgJkfxJXN80mtQs83obR7KM_fcTKd_-bAxtS6-wt_FtJ1TpT97bnr/w430-h640/71e4L8n0dML.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div></em></span></div></em></span></div></strong></em></span></div><div><span style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">After two wonderful days in Ireland with his fourteen year old daughter Kylee, Daniel Richards is convinced they will finally have a normal daddy-daughter vacation. Then, inexplicably, Kylee’s help is enlisted to find an ancient Gaelic talisman needed to complete a ritual started centuries earlier. With a young man’s very existence in jeopardy, the Richards throw themselves head first into their latest adventure to help; not knowing whom they can trust along the way. It becomes a race against time as deception, greed, and treachery motivate those who want to find the Eye of Magog for themselves.</span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Information on all my books and my Deseret News articles are all on my website! Check it out here!</span></span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://chrisahale.webador.com/">Chrisahale.webador.com</a></div></strong></em></span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #737373; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><p></p><h3 class="jw-heading-70" style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></h3><div><span style="color: #3490ae; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></i></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-22583330233443830312021-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:002021-10-11T09:45:18.017-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzlhh7nE3EKV-PutDlePo5vnvle3QOhGIRH5mkfYql57NQL61i5gT8gGySoOF8lJfayRh2JI7lHHFEIQivfACI8CQMoMlygsbjAyXzD65AAroM6bf7kpLz93-SOraLahCKjuiV92JsGp/s1491/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzlhh7nE3EKV-PutDlePo5vnvle3QOhGIRH5mkfYql57NQL61i5gT8gGySoOF8lJfayRh2JI7lHHFEIQivfACI8CQMoMlygsbjAyXzD65AAroM6bf7kpLz93-SOraLahCKjuiV92JsGp/s320/71NMiNnWq%252BL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Prologue<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">February 2011<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Royse City, Texas<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Countless people around the world, not to
mention around </span>the Dallas Metroplex, were talking about Superbowl XLV that
had been played the day before in Arlington. It was the topic around business
watercoolers and school classrooms alike. Even stay-at-home moms shared tweets
and emails chatting about their favorite commercials. Ultimately, Packer fans
basked in their team’s victory while Steelers fans experienced bitter
disappointment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even
though Jim sometimes enjoyed football, and of course the commercials, he was
thinking of something completely different and unrelated while driving home
from work that day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Instead
of watching football, he had spent his Sunday afternoon with family celebrating
his youngest daughter Casey’s twenty-ninth birthday. He and his wife Jo Nell
found much more happiness with loved ones surrounding the dinner table than in watching
grown men throwing an inflated pigskin around a field.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was actually dinner Jim was thinking about; or rather, the leftovers he hoped
to find in the refrigerator.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jo
Nell was an excellent cook. Casey had requested chicken and dumplings, fresh
spinach salad, and crescent rolls made from scratch, but it was dessert that
was Jim’s goal. The peach cobbler made him salivate like one of Pavlov’s dogs
when his house finally came into view.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
he turned into his driveway, he noticed the grass was finally showing signs of
recovery after the winter’s uncharacteristic ice. He made a mental note that it
would soon be time to fertilize.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Leaving
the engine running, he got out to check the mailbox. Since he usually beat Jo
Nell home from work, this had been his job, which he had performed faithfully
and lovingly for years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Expecting
to see nothing but bills and advertisements, he scanned the various letters
until his eyes came across something he couldn’t immediately identify.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Who
would be writing me from Mauritius? Where the heck is Mauritius, anyway?” he
said to himself.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
sender was someone named Phillipe Mourand. He lowered the hand holding the mail
and looked down the street trying to remember if the name was familiar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
was a good chance it was junk mail. Jim frequently got mail that looked
different on the outside than the advertisement on the inside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
got back in his car and pulled it forward into the garage. Still not
recollecting the sender’s name he was tempted to drop the letter into an open
garbage can but took it inside with the rest of the mail. Something prompted
him to keep it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even
though he intended to put the mail aside and go to the kitchen, his curiosity
got the better of him. He sat down in his living room recliner and opened the
envelope—his stomach growling in protest.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Opening
the folded pages revealed a black and white photograph he’d never seen before.
He sat the picture on the table next to him and began to read the enclosed
letter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James W Mellody<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2071 Oak Ave.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Royse City, Texas <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">United States<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">January 3, 2011<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear James<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My name is Philippe Mourand. I am French, and I currently live in
Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My aunt recently forwarded me the fascinating photo herewith attached;
the photo was taken during WWII in Élisabethville, Aubergenville, twenty-five
miles west of Paris. You can see six German soldiers with an American POW that
they just arrested. Facing the soldiers, a French civilian makes a military
salute to cheer up the POW and tease the German soldiers: Robert Mourand, my
grandfather.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The POW landed in a tree near Aubergenville-Élisabethville railway
station and was immediately arrested by the Germans.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am currently doing some historical research in order to identify the
POW, get in touch with him and his family, and forward them a copy of this
photo. The evidence I have gathered so far indicates that the photo was
probably taken on June 24, 1944, shortly after the successful bombing of the
railway bridge between Sartrouville and Maison-Laffitte.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">During the mission, two B26 bombers crashed in the Paris area. Thirteen
American airmen bailed out. ten were made prisoner. and three managed to avoid
being captured. Sgt. James Weldon Mellody is among the ten that were made
prisoner and there is therefore a slight possibility he could be the man on the
photo. The MACR (Missing Aircraft Report) filed in the USAF archive indicates
that he is from Royse City. I found your address in the phone book and thought
you could be related to Sgt. Mellody. I apologize if this letter reached you in
error.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I would be very happy if you could email me back so that we can further
discuss this fascinating subject.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will be looking forward to hearing from you.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wish you all the best for 2011.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best regards,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Philippe</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94u6pVtsSeOUF4_NcCdBGlouh_hxIoqPck9wH6_n5QiqkFzNbet61ve0qIJo1u1MOXBBBBC2jJUs6lnnb_HLZ-SPuPzeZOe18qYVoeGX9NvkYBVJHccIyeXTuxQP7oJymYHGe7-BiETpS/s2255/Sgt.+Mellody+300+dpi+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="2255" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94u6pVtsSeOUF4_NcCdBGlouh_hxIoqPck9wH6_n5QiqkFzNbet61ve0qIJo1u1MOXBBBBC2jJUs6lnnb_HLZ-SPuPzeZOe18qYVoeGX9NvkYBVJHccIyeXTuxQP7oJymYHGe7-BiETpS/w492-h275/Sgt.+Mellody+300+dpi+%25282%2529.png" width="492" /></a></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><o:p></o:p></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stunned,
Jim picked up the old photograph and studied it for a long moment. Was it
really possible the man being marched through the city was his father? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
was so lost in thought he didn’t hear Jo Nell’s arrival home and her calling
him from the garage door.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jim,
can you help me with these groceries?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
could see her husband sitting in his chair and became a little concerned when
he didn’t respond or even acknowledge her.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
tried again. “Jim, can you help me please?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again,
there wasn’t any response from her husband. She became very concerned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
assumed something was wrong and quickly closed the gap between them. She
noticed a letter in one hand and an old black and white photograph in the
other. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
time, standing right above him, she tried again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jim,
is there something wrong honey?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
stress in her voice was enough to bring his mind back to the present. He looked
up at her but didn’t know what to say.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally,
he managed, “Nothing is wrong. Either someone is playing a joke on me or I’ve
just been given the surprise of my life. Do you think this looks like my dad?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
took the picture from his hand and worriedly looked at Jim’s face before
glancing at it. After just a few seconds of studying the photograph, she
commented, “That is Weldon. You can tell by how tall he is compared to those
around him, and those ears are definitely his. Where did this picture come
from?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
handed her the letter and watched her face as she read it. She finished it and
looked at Jim again for a moment before re-reading it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
noticed her eyes become moist and realized he was feeling emotional himself.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jim,”
she said. “This is incredible! Your father never talked much about the war and
now, years after he’s gone, you can find out what happened to him yourself. Maybe
this is a chance to fill in some of the gaps.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jim
nodded. He knew his dad had been shot down over France, and that he’d been a
POW for almost a year, but not much more than that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
old photograph whispered to his spirit. He suddenly felt closer to his father
than he had in years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
peach cobbler wasn’t thought about again that night and Jo Nell found her
groceries in the car the next morning before she left for work.<o:p></o:p></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-34566596962884507002021-10-07T11:52:00.002-07:002021-10-07T11:52:52.281-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtchsVaW-Uk8NmYlJFXuAAZr_c_R6eCaxeyiIowoqX8Flrm42o9DUgq2RG60F6JW7vqSksHqBUzaoXByVf8f2qAe7yDDO74h_cH8t2Tro0DrQ75Tdu-c4lZvEcRubR33GWtA5TMtl30QxM/s1491/61mhTXdHnGL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtchsVaW-Uk8NmYlJFXuAAZr_c_R6eCaxeyiIowoqX8Flrm42o9DUgq2RG60F6JW7vqSksHqBUzaoXByVf8f2qAe7yDDO74h_cH8t2Tro0DrQ75Tdu-c4lZvEcRubR33GWtA5TMtl30QxM/s320/61mhTXdHnGL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">The Eye of Magog now available in hardback on amazon.com. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Magog-Chris-Hale/dp/B09HG19V1J/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+eye+of+magog&qid=1633632482&sr=8-2">Get it here!</a><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">After two wonderful days in Ireland with his fourteen year old daughter Kylee, Daniel Richards is convinced they will finally have a normal daddy-daughter vacation. Then, inexplicably, Kylee’s help is enlisted to find an ancient Gaelic talisman needed to complete a ritual started centuries earlier. With a young man’s very existence in jeopardy, the Richards throw themselves head first into their latest adventure to help; not knowing whom they can trust along the way. It becomes a race against time as deception, greed, and treachery motivate those who want to find the Eye of Magog for themselves.</span></span></p><p><br /></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-73637986817174481482021-10-02T13:46:00.002-07:002021-10-02T13:46:56.168-07:00<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Inca Prophecy </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #cc0000;">After arriving in <st1:place w:st="on">South America</st1:place>,
twelve year old Kylee Richards and her father Daniel notice that they are the
subject of unexpected attention from many of the people they come into contact
with. Little do they know that Kylee is the spitting image of a young peasant
girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods over three hundred years earlier
setting off 100 years of prosperity and peace. Kylee finds herself in danger
because of a rival tribe’s determination to regain the ancient favor of the
gods. Now Kylee and Daniel must struggle to survive in the mystical country of <st1:place w:st="on">Peru</st1:place>.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX1gKiAN-ONs6TLuTOQ1PTf8BtW-Ut4ZwDZwPseWZbVugw3yiNMBsBGlr_hPWhHbxwAA295bpHe6PeL3_L8APCbPTsLUfbSi13VtvMzyBc5tBD4lxuQfwWvVupTsY9G2MM35xOIi6GhXQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX1gKiAN-ONs6TLuTOQ1PTf8BtW-Ut4ZwDZwPseWZbVugw3yiNMBsBGlr_hPWhHbxwAA295bpHe6PeL3_L8APCbPTsLUfbSi13VtvMzyBc5tBD4lxuQfwWvVupTsY9G2MM35xOIi6GhXQ/" width="161" /></a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>and the Kiwi Conspiracy</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Thirteen year old Kylee Richards, and her dad Daniel, love the time they spend travelling the world together. They have chosen the lush islands of New Zealand for their latest journey and are thrilled by the natural beauty, the friendliness of the people, and the death defying activities they find all over. Unfortunately, the danger they experience is not of their choosing. They have unwittingly been witnesses to the plan of two heinous criminals, men who will stop at nothing to accomplish their blood-thirsty mission. Now that Kylee and Daniel know who they are, they too become part of their evil scheme. Join Kylee and Daniel as they try to elude danger and thwart the plans of cold blooded killers.</span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NMz4bupooFR6Jl6bgsBTQ6MDWKCMUkhZj9JDfLJt4URRoeBClLdrRWAdlgkIJowU-xqx2zjxmo4yoHWU6fKcLNHSKrd0Nu4KYYsWwAMebayIOkc4c7xDKZ3TAJKga8O9GftLLLtVZvnm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NMz4bupooFR6Jl6bgsBTQ6MDWKCMUkhZj9JDfLJt4URRoeBClLdrRWAdlgkIJowU-xqx2zjxmo4yoHWU6fKcLNHSKrd0Nu4KYYsWwAMebayIOkc4c7xDKZ3TAJKga8O9GftLLLtVZvnm/" width="161" /></a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>both available in hardback editions on amazon.com</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HG6H3ZS/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631676301&sr=1-3" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HG6H3ZS/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631676301&sr=1-3</a><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HG5581H/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631676318&sr=1-1">Amazon.com: The Kiwi Conspiracy: 9798480813012: Hale, Chris A.: Books</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></i></span><p></p><p> </p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-67502238832614216542021-10-01T09:51:00.009-07:002021-10-01T10:00:40.892-07:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>My first book, "Whispers from the Past" is now available as a hardcover on amazon.com. Check this out!</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO4Ux0OzLOG1OwmIHM1Cllws07WpmH6ph1odcwDatzLa4FkAQxJ-bKtVMS-0oFw26BRVBEZG6Fg7Wk_UK0II__hJSXhagg1du7EozwbcKrPpVUvN6zGIk4I7AVTJgf9CAOHOscpRrMDf-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="335" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO4Ux0OzLOG1OwmIHM1Cllws07WpmH6ph1odcwDatzLa4FkAQxJ-bKtVMS-0oFw26BRVBEZG6Fg7Wk_UK0II__hJSXhagg1du7EozwbcKrPpVUvN6zGIk4I7AVTJgf9CAOHOscpRrMDf-/" width="161" /></a></i></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></span></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Daniel Richards and his eleven-year-old daughter Kylee
travel to the Netherlands on a daddy/daughter vacation. While enjoying the
usual sights around the country, they also witness several things that are
terribly out of place: things that should have only been seen decades before.
While attempting to piece the strange puzzle together, they are mysteriously
transported back in time to Nazi-occupied Holland. As they attempt to survive
their dangerous surroundings, they are sheltered by members of the Dutch resistance
who are fighting to liberate their country from the grasp of the German
occupying force. Kylee quickly befriends a mute Dutch girl, and Daniel shares
his expertise in aviation with her freedom-fighting brother. Although they
become separated, they work independently to preserve the textbook history of
the days leading up to World War II.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Past-Chris-Hale/dp/B09HG58JSR/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=whispers+from+the+past&qid=1633106852&s=books&sr=1-16">https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Past-Chris-Hale/dp/B09HG58JSR/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=whispers+from+the+past&qid=1633106852&s=books&sr=1-16</a><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><p></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-23027281520330159372021-09-19T21:50:00.000-07:002021-09-19T21:50:03.926-07:00<p> Captured, a Moment in France is based on this photograph taken in 1944. If anyone has questions about the photograph, feel free to contact me. Chris</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU55Xihihf9LO3aw0u7wCAkUSvSkdMHDBTAf1VvU3-t2s78Imy0aA6Z6oYmE4-0_x7PgFLKd8vsyyj07_f0YbRlLQr2u93OvZVWU03z4ve_mkNwUNq0eClVApOs0ZQX8S22-kciqv7f12f/s2255/Sgt.+Mellody+300+dpi+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="2255" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU55Xihihf9LO3aw0u7wCAkUSvSkdMHDBTAf1VvU3-t2s78Imy0aA6Z6oYmE4-0_x7PgFLKd8vsyyj07_f0YbRlLQr2u93OvZVWU03z4ve_mkNwUNq0eClVApOs0ZQX8S22-kciqv7f12f/w400-h181/Sgt.+Mellody+300+dpi+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>Original photograph - Sgt. James Weldon Mellody being escorted by six German soldiers through the town square in Elisabethville, France.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qmwv-Zjf0pefMIjErkDShJpHfnh8gjrQK-B-emTLkGVa9K4kJOZsZG_exJfGaH_9XsTyegyVM_6FbqpE3fgDyq-bDQ8ZzfbjKMupBCOr_VhVIQzLaK8Po6dhIEY7uDBBzF6Bl9whS_n7/s1400/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qmwv-Zjf0pefMIjErkDShJpHfnh8gjrQK-B-emTLkGVa9K4kJOZsZG_exJfGaH_9XsTyegyVM_6FbqpE3fgDyq-bDQ8ZzfbjKMupBCOr_VhVIQzLaK8Po6dhIEY7uDBBzF6Bl9whS_n7/w400-h200/untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>Colorized Original photograh, - Much easier to see Sgt. Mellody as well as Robert Mourand, a Frenchman saluting Robert from the far end of the square.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adaptation of the original photograph. In it, a recent photograph of Sgt. Mellody's family visiting the square while being escorted by the Elisabethville Mayor. Pictured is Jo Nell Mellody, Jim Mellody, and Casey Mellody.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sSiayC3qw08DOTG2RZWI3I-1em-GEqWPn0bf4MzmbyKtlXHLKfvnBTLpuAp2-pVV2Or5X5D3R8E7Potr1vxeTUhOcbSt04MjK9KnTCPs4xvHLHWLpzYlH_60FRgERMo8d17fIoF1OYfR/s2048/BookCover_Final+%25282%2529+300dpi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sSiayC3qw08DOTG2RZWI3I-1em-GEqWPn0bf4MzmbyKtlXHLKfvnBTLpuAp2-pVV2Or5X5D3R8E7Potr1vxeTUhOcbSt04MjK9KnTCPs4xvHLHWLpzYlH_60FRgERMo8d17fIoF1OYfR/w400-h268/BookCover_Final+%25282%2529+300dpi.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQuvfy57tekIYn5OvZ__cuJqFQJIFBLemDAgIV97jHF4ZCIzvV-mDXiuCTMAFyFenMZ-_CFn-k5RANgLhs872T-StTrbBBR0_Ie2J8Un8fci08KP6l2Q6jcM-u1xl_0tUErtiKiIVK3Fs/s1731/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="1317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQuvfy57tekIYn5OvZ__cuJqFQJIFBLemDAgIV97jHF4ZCIzvV-mDXiuCTMAFyFenMZ-_CFn-k5RANgLhs872T-StTrbBBR0_Ie2J8Un8fci08KP6l2Q6jcM-u1xl_0tUErtiKiIVK3Fs/w304-h400/Picture1.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>In this photograph is Robert Mourand on the right and Jean Mouginot, Philippe Mourand's two grandfathers and both featured in my book. Philippe is the person who discovered the original photograph. it was through his research that made it possible for this story to be told.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ARflQ3cu47N0joRuQuCik1AfJTU0jC6xVhe-_aNHvsBzGMRAqyti4pUq0vuwefDthQbjRZdm_C8SdlthH2yTHIY1K-QU7zKSbLxo-TjAtHJCHT5eJ5oOn1TxXdm9fWnMtWe1xtELPdBZ/s378/mellody1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ARflQ3cu47N0joRuQuCik1AfJTU0jC6xVhe-_aNHvsBzGMRAqyti4pUq0vuwefDthQbjRZdm_C8SdlthH2yTHIY1K-QU7zKSbLxo-TjAtHJCHT5eJ5oOn1TxXdm9fWnMtWe1xtELPdBZ/w318-h400/mellody1.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Sergeant James Weldon Mellody.</p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-32708592304320407252021-09-01T15:29:00.000-07:002021-09-01T15:29:01.381-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6ROv165BUeyIT9yGKtEg1QlX5-lpoJvurqLBmmkydP6RJFdWz-jyZclPQua6gIOiGsUmL8DhXvQUvj0KJA7N1-IJ-djaszJmtM851K5VDjsaV0py2OzBEAHuK3F5LA-RcqrayP5hhLq7/s1545/61QOHXjlChL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6ROv165BUeyIT9yGKtEg1QlX5-lpoJvurqLBmmkydP6RJFdWz-jyZclPQua6gIOiGsUmL8DhXvQUvj0KJA7N1-IJ-djaszJmtM851K5VDjsaV0py2OzBEAHuK3F5LA-RcqrayP5hhLq7/s320/61QOHXjlChL.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><i>After almost eight years of writing this story, it is finally available on amazon and for the kindle. Based on actual events that happened during World War 2, it's the story of Robert Mourand, a Frenchman, and Sergeant James Weldon Mellody, an American shot down over Elisabethville, France. It is a story </i></span><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;">that depicts two examples of the Greatest Generation. </i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYra2wQsbKCyefg0QzYoP8M5BWCbuG_Gglo7sKgIimRuq8rRVv-_WRJxWA6Pw9_6417q3KoLNCT6Sw-yM3LKdDJFDc_00wAUqHEOZtM1h4q09qHIZkPIZsdFBbVvA7n_DE2G79XMg5-KmN/s1400/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYra2wQsbKCyefg0QzYoP8M5BWCbuG_Gglo7sKgIimRuq8rRVv-_WRJxWA6Pw9_6417q3KoLNCT6Sw-yM3LKdDJFDc_00wAUqHEOZtM1h4q09qHIZkPIZsdFBbVvA7n_DE2G79XMg5-KmN/s1400/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYra2wQsbKCyefg0QzYoP8M5BWCbuG_Gglo7sKgIimRuq8rRVv-_WRJxWA6Pw9_6417q3KoLNCT6Sw-yM3LKdDJFDc_00wAUqHEOZtM1h4q09qHIZkPIZsdFBbVvA7n_DE2G79XMg5-KmN/s1400/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></i></span><p></p>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-14956849022056016162020-04-10T15:30:00.002-07:002020-04-10T15:32:28.051-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">For the last eight years, I've been working on a 'based on true story' book about this photograph. The book is written, an now being edited. However, I still don't have a title. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">In this photograph, you can see an American airman being escorted by six German guards after he parachuted into a tree in Elisabethville, France. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">My story, is about how he got there as well as a separate story of the Frenchman saluting him from across the square. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">The stories are about them individually before and during World War II until they are intertwined in this captured moment on film</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">The book continues on with their lives up until the European war ended. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I'm quite proud of this story. I only hope I've done both men justice in my telling of such a somber, yet encouraging moment in history.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">This is for James Weldon Mellody and Robert Mourand, two heroes from the greatest generation.</span></i>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-85019883912106645372020-04-10T15:20:00.000-07:002020-04-10T15:20:38.837-07:00<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">This past month, Kim and I took the opportunity to travel to the island of Malta for our summer vacation. Honestly, neither of us knew much about the place other than they specialize in a certain docile breed of long haired dog and their own cross symbol. We knew it was in the Mediterranean Sea, not far off the coast of Sicily and it that it is one of the filming locations for the HBO series 'Game of Thrones'. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">Once we got there, it really became so much more. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">This history alone is incredible. Starting with the Knights of Saint John who came out of Jerusalem and were given the island of Malta. They fortified it and withstood an extensive siege by the Ottoman Empire to the importance the island was for both the Germans and the allies during World War II. A fact we learned while there was Malta actually had more bombs dropped on it during the war than London did during the Blitz. They were on their knees and about to surrender when supplies finally made it through and they were re-fortified. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">The Nazi's wanted Malta as a launching point into North Africa and the allies wanted it for the invasion into Italy. The strategic location also controlled the entire Mediterranean, shipping etc.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">We stayed in a home that was built by pirates in 1620 and was more like staying in a museum than a hotel. Even more interesting is the home is still owned and run by the original family that built it.</span></i><br />
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Malta, here we come. Our Air Malta A320 and Kim on the tarmac at Valletta's International Airport.</div>
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The rooftop terrace of our hotel. The Grand Harbor in the background. We watched fireworks from here the evening of their independence day celebration.</div>
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triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-49319220183728374922018-03-02T15:28:00.002-08:002018-03-02T15:29:33.890-08:00<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Managed to salvage a couple of my days of vacation by taking Kim to Montego Bay, Jamaica!!! Had a great time with my young bride.</span></i><br />
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<br />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-40640152408202487052018-02-06T16:29:00.000-08:002018-02-06T16:29:38.468-08:00<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">It's been a really long time since I did any type of promotion for my four novels. Because it's been so long, I decided to write this entry with an explanation of each of them.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">All of my stories have two main characters, Daniel Richards and his daughter Kylee. Every year, the two of them go on a daddy/daughter trip to different places in the world. It is while on these trips they truly have some pretty cool adventures. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The first story, called </span><span style="color: #134f5c;">'Whispers from the Past' </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">takes place in the Netherlands. Here is a small blurb for this story.</span></i></div>
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Daniel Richards and his eleven-year-old daughter Kylee
travel to the Netherlands on a daddy/daughter vacation. While enjoying the
usual sights around the country, they also witness several things that are
terribly out of place: things that should have only been seen decades before.
While attempting to piece the strange puzzle together, they are mysteriously
transported back in time to Nazi-occupied Holland. As they attempt to survive
their dangerous surroundings, they are sheltered by members of the Dutch resistance
who are fighting to liberate their country from the grasp of the German
occupying force. Kylee quickly befriends a mute Dutch girl, and Daniel shares
his expertise in aviation with her freedom-fighting brother. Although they
become separated, they work independently to preserve the textbook history of
the days leading up to World War II.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">My second story, entitled </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">'The Inca Prophecy' </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">takes place in the country of Peru. I'm personally proud of this one because it was my father's favorite of the first three. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to see the fourth book come out. Here is a blurb for this one.</span></i></div>
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After arriving in <st1:place w:st="on">South America</st1:place>,
twelve year old Kylee Richards and her father Daniel notice that they are the
subject of unexpected attention from many of the people they come into contact
with. Little do they know that Kylee is the spitting image of a young peasant
girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods over three hundred years earlier
setting off 100 years of prosperity and peace. Kylee finds herself in danger
because of a rival tribe’s determination to regain the ancient favor of the
gods. Now Kylee and Daniel must struggle to survive in the mystical country of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Peru</st1:place></st1:country-region>. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I hope the reader likes ghost stories!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">My third novel is entitled </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">'The Kiwi Conspiracy' </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">and takes place in New Zealand. Perhaps this story is a little darker but it's still written for tween aged children. It does contain a story of murder and is pretty intense. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">And last, but not least by any means, is my favorite book entitled </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">'The Eye of Magog' </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">which is another ghost story that takes place in Ireland. This book is for lovers of animals as well as Celtic lore. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">My stories are all family friendly and exemplify the relationship I personally had with my daughters as they were growing up. Travel was always a very large part of their existence and personal one on one travel with me and incredible, and hopefully valued, experience.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Currently I am working on my first work of non-fiction, which I've been working on for over four years. It's the story of Weldon Mellody, a US Army Air Corp sergeant shot down over France during World War 2 and Robert Mourand, a French citizen who salutes him during their brief encounter.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thank you for visiting my page. All of my books are available on amazon.com, or for the kindle and nook libraries. Please let me know what you think. </span></i></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-45749577738451326192017-10-17T10:30:00.002-07:002017-10-17T10:30:59.709-07:00<i><span style="color: #351c75;">I really miss sharing my travel experiences in the travel section of the Deseret News. Since they did away with that section, I no longer have a medium to express my love for traveling and the places I've had the opportunity to explore and experience. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #351c75;">This last week, my wife Kim, my son Logan, and I visited Quito Ecuador. Talk about an amazing place and travel destination. I can honestly express it was one of the best places I've ever been.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75;">On day one we went to Termas de Papallacta Spa which is about a ninety minute drive from Quito. Although not as big as the Tabacon Hot Springs in Costa Rica, Papallacta was really cool. There were several thermal pools with varying temperatures that were awesomely relaxing and therapeutic.</span></i></div>
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<i>The facilities were clean and the grounds beautiful, again not as plush as Costa Rica but there is a huge difference in elevation and the ability to grow things at the vast difference in altitudes. </i></div>
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<i>And the water was perfect for aches and pains, including Logan's broken foot he sustained at wrestling practice within a week before heading to Ecuador. It was a fantastic experience and shouldn't be missed if traveling to Quito.</i></div>
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<i>On day two, the most amazing of our days, we did something I've wanted to do for more than a decade. I actually planned on taking my daughter Heather to Ecuador that long ago and riding on the horses of the Green Horse Ranch through the dormant crater of Vulcan Pululahua.</i></div>
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<i>We mounted our Ecuadorian bread horses, and with our fabulous guide Sarah, went on a ride that will never be forgotten. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTCajSyQzy98rERmxauMid2KgU_PT_ftC8vOnxVjqF7JWyE245PTEQ0IT3jHh321VqmdpOiJES2QWq0ZfEOtMYyqzpcuOeZuNmTMGLvSH0rSmQAfXOQ3Itk-s6gE1rptcz_DX3IajsnFI/s1600/P1030480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTCajSyQzy98rERmxauMid2KgU_PT_ftC8vOnxVjqF7JWyE245PTEQ0IT3jHh321VqmdpOiJES2QWq0ZfEOtMYyqzpcuOeZuNmTMGLvSH0rSmQAfXOQ3Itk-s6gE1rptcz_DX3IajsnFI/s320/P1030480.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<i>Since the ranch is located on the equator, actually termed middle earth, all the horses are named after Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. This picture is of me and my mount Samwise. (He was really shy about letting me take the selfie.</i></div>
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<i>This picture is not perfectly clear but you can see how he was leaning away from me and the camera.</i></div>
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<i>On the ride we experienced everything from different eco-systems to sunshine and fog. The rain started right at the end of the ride as the horses were being take care of. The entire ride was amazing. There is nothing like riding horses through the crater of a volcano. I really wish I had been able to pull this trip off earlier for Heather but eventually she got married. I am grateful Logan and Kim were there to experience it with me.</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Thank you Sarah for an incredible day and good luck in your adventures! Also thanks to Astrid, the owner of the ranch, for working with our uncertain travel schedule as standby travelers. Also thank you to Sam (Nitrus), Gimly, and Mithril.</i></div>
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<i>Day 3 was spent on a fantastic organized tour to Otavalo by Quito Bus Tours. This trip included stops at the Quitsato solar clock, Penuche Waterfall, a cruise on Cuicoha Lake, and the market at Otavalo.</i></div>
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<i>The Quitsato solar clock was really interesting. The guides there gave us a whole different perspective on how the world should be mapped, with the equator running north and south. Here we could actually stand in both hemispheres at the same time while surrounded by active volcanoes. (no eruptions while we were there though thankfully)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z96f1fUuk67GhyphenhypheneYm24kAhl85mdt0kMh8C1gF0mGT3dllAub9DVCWu9RSh2-nble9sTGSTqflm84I0LWXGBS-RWvcbAlsW5kFYhayATz5Utd6Qv0GnMKg64aAoT7J9T5b_pSHD7GvvvP/s1600/P1030539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKBPbb-a0WWihAIR_LHEWr_l3iLrEeEZlgDy6A8XxM3lms_bvkJ2UuTutEMIeuFCNkwXKIgCCP71FAAyLT2XHpjgG4CL8djoHlI9rkqlI3z_8JnDhawULndjwCBnrhNnEX1g7APUby1BT/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>Penuche Waterfall was a short walk/hike through some beautiful surrounding but a little difficult for Logan on his broke foot. He managed like a trooper and we enjoyed the falls a lot. The one thing I didn't appreciate was all the bites I got on my lower legs by some small bugs that believed me to be their next meal. I'm still itching 4 days later.</i></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The Quitsato Market was cool and also where we stopped for lunch for two hours and shopping. It was fun to see the indigenous market, the largest in South America as well as to eat authentic Ecuadorian food in a number of possible surrounding restaurants.</i></div>
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<i>The boat ride around the Cuicocha crater lake was pretty fascinating. The volcano is still active and you can see bubbles coming to the surface which prove it. I don't think I have the words in my vocabulary that would come close to explaining how beautiful and magical it was. Actually, looking around the lake for me was spiritual. Hopefully some of my photos will do a better job of displaying how I actually felt while there or maybe it wasn't the scenery but something more unexplainable. God does exist!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKBPbb-a0WWihAIR_LHEWr_l3iLrEeEZlgDy6A8XxM3lms_bvkJ2UuTutEMIeuFCNkwXKIgCCP71FAAyLT2XHpjgG4CL8djoHlI9rkqlI3z_8JnDhawULndjwCBnrhNnEX1g7APUby1BT/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jKDh0Zb72dC4g3HllpQ0MUTckXkwwwke0PMK2xaHo3hfbqNIUJIhXlvtGOAM2NL2RO7Tx5ZcOcgsnNLIRJ9-nwGBtl1PtTimOEIYdZs3-L5GgCyi4vdkx0aL3w0RIw8oyMMJK4T2DpuZ/s1600/P1030539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jKDh0Zb72dC4g3HllpQ0MUTckXkwwwke0PMK2xaHo3hfbqNIUJIhXlvtGOAM2NL2RO7Tx5ZcOcgsnNLIRJ9-nwGBtl1PtTimOEIYdZs3-L5GgCyi4vdkx0aL3w0RIw8oyMMJK4T2DpuZ/s320/P1030539.JPG" width="320" /></i></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0es9ONy-8OpVgeup0SOyTJIk2_Wmqrrz4uBg-HLLQKOBPFh728e3OsFWKo5KEsL0zJwEse84lmncnnfluI6ucoouqK2ZUl7VRhIeoRpLSND5sFyS1JAx0al6fSvNDoa2Pm6q7TnMrpx2y/s1600/P1030551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0es9ONy-8OpVgeup0SOyTJIk2_Wmqrrz4uBg-HLLQKOBPFh728e3OsFWKo5KEsL0zJwEse84lmncnnfluI6ucoouqK2ZUl7VRhIeoRpLSND5sFyS1JAx0al6fSvNDoa2Pm6q7TnMrpx2y/s320/P1030551.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKBPbb-a0WWihAIR_LHEWr_l3iLrEeEZlgDy6A8XxM3lms_bvkJ2UuTutEMIeuFCNkwXKIgCCP71FAAyLT2XHpjgG4CL8djoHlI9rkqlI3z_8JnDhawULndjwCBnrhNnEX1g7APUby1BT/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELXdUCI6jWRUIaIo47iFRg5MgqZ2pF1zTnaS8Ow8xCU8IfLIF34fkk62BJzf-RIvL0cDBZ_ROPyB2aOVnD_e3zkB3x2daHttcWWRP2hEqR5d1webJ_oISI-uEsWw14QgPiOVMeLdg0m8E/s320/P1030570.JPG" width="320" /></i></div>
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<i>Ecuador is an amazing land! There are over 40 volcanos and 30 of them on the mainland. Several of them active and there are daily earthquakes. It is truly beautiful and awe inspiring to be there.</i></div>
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<i>Day 4 was spent with us just traveling around Quito on the hop on - hop off tour provided by Quito Bus Tours and a taxi or two.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKBPbb-a0WWihAIR_LHEWr_l3iLrEeEZlgDy6A8XxM3lms_bvkJ2UuTutEMIeuFCNkwXKIgCCP71FAAyLT2XHpjgG4CL8djoHlI9rkqlI3z_8JnDhawULndjwCBnrhNnEX1g7APUby1BT/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>We were able to visit Teleferico which is a cable car that takes you way up on a mountain, providing beautiful views of Quito below.</i></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKBPbb-a0WWihAIR_LHEWr_l3iLrEeEZlgDy6A8XxM3lms_bvkJ2UuTutEMIeuFCNkwXKIgCCP71FAAyLT2XHpjgG4CL8djoHlI9rkqlI3z_8JnDhawULndjwCBnrhNnEX1g7APUby1BT/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHwCapA0g4Saugf9tK_qEYzkY4p6eds8GGKIGpd98paeHodX7nOMx0XF0TP3mcsa3mEbaRnwSgTV6Q4GTF8u1T7D65CbIylJqyQ1bMBrR2Tznp8jO3CrLz8Rw9XPESsbex8KS2i2AKgS4/s1600/P1030575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHwCapA0g4Saugf9tK_qEYzkY4p6eds8GGKIGpd98paeHodX7nOMx0XF0TP3mcsa3mEbaRnwSgTV6Q4GTF8u1T7D65CbIylJqyQ1bMBrR2Tznp8jO3CrLz8Rw9XPESsbex8KS2i2AKgS4/s320/P1030575.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<i>We also saw the Basilica del voto Nacional, an amazing gothic inspired church that looks a lot like Notre Dame in Paris. Kim was fascinated the gargoyles on the church were actually animals from the Galapagos Islands.</i></div>
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We were also able to see the statue of the Virgin Mary of Quito which provided even more spectacular views of Quito. <br />
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<i><b>We also were allowed into the an old Jesuit Church known as Compania De Jesus which had an incredible display of gold throughout.</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>Quito Ecuador is simply amazing! There is so much to see and</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>do and the people are friendly. I highly recommend it to anyone</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>thinking about going.</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><br /></i></a></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiV_vJRBb7eTsOJJ6RX-Qgmp9KC7O8UBgRWWeFVwitDMb3uciapgQ8GOuwM8ZN2gMk9oi5Gg4wE3RzPJy36F3XRWpkjqNp4HFR-dC6Kjk_uwBHkdwYgbQoZQl4rztIypFs5gX15i4wTFU/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><u></u><br />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-45048412462685037512017-10-04T14:54:00.001-07:002017-10-04T14:54:22.935-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">This fantastic picture was taken during World War II in Elisabethville, France. Two things are going on in the picture of great importance. First, Sgt. James Weldon Mellody has just been captured by six German soldiers and is being marched through the town square to be questioned. He ended up spending almost a year in a prisoner of war camp in Poland. Second, Robert Mourand, a Frenchman, is saluting the captured American who had just parachuted into a tree after his B-26. This picture is the basis of my next book; one I've been working on for 4 years up to this point. The good news is I'm half way through with my first re-write with the goal of having it ready by the end of the year for my editor. I'm really stoked for this story and the opportunity for me to write it. Thank to James for letting me know about his grandfather's story and also thanks to Philippe for letting me know about his grandfather. Please check back often for more updates about this story and my other books, both written and still in my head. Chris A Hale.</span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8OkhaPnMzYgQb0-6qHXpA0SVlOC6eRBcRufxDqNQiJZRi-NlFdpMJgjumfdMhfMXjHIvLtert8WUQjQfozt7v8XHkolhz0JGxtzhkIi9APCjmcHCMsJ1hyphenhyphenURVMzxAt_G9cz5ucB6av8s/s1600/Sgt.+Mellody.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1600" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8OkhaPnMzYgQb0-6qHXpA0SVlOC6eRBcRufxDqNQiJZRi-NlFdpMJgjumfdMhfMXjHIvLtert8WUQjQfozt7v8XHkolhz0JGxtzhkIi9APCjmcHCMsJ1hyphenhyphenURVMzxAt_G9cz5ucB6av8s/s320/Sgt.+Mellody.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-31861393628741539242017-04-26T19:12:00.000-07:002017-04-26T19:12:43.689-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>So it's been forever since I've really written anything. The last article I had published was a year ago in the Deseret News and was the depiction of our experience on the North Texas Pioneer Trek over spring break. I have not finished a novel in over three years or really anything else. Well, I do have an accepted submission for the LDS magazine 'The Ensign' which will hopefully come out before too long. The actual submission was eighteen months ago. Anyway, this blog post is for me and not you. I'm striving to get back to my writing; even though the Deseret News has done away with their travel articles. I am working on the second draft of my book based on a true story and I just need to buckle down and do it. Thanks for your patience.</i></h2>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, BTW, this picture is my family 7 1/2 years ago on the night of Kim's and my wedding reception at the Riverside Mission Inn. Just wanted to have some eye candy for the reader. :)</span></i></b></div>
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triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-63289257720260160492014-08-28T09:55:00.001-07:002014-08-28T09:55:43.701-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>I'm excited to announce the completion of my 4th novel 'The Eye of Magog'. It is now available from Amazon.com or from me personally. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>It is the completion of the series involving Daniel and Kylee Richards and has taken two years to produce. I hope you like it.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Very soon, it will also be available for both the Nook and the Kindle.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>If you would like a signed copy of the 'Eye' or any other of my books, simply ask and I'll put one in the mail. Each of them costs $10.00 and I'll take care of the shipping within the United States.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i> </i></span><br />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-18089479256441727982014-08-03T18:30:00.001-07:002014-08-03T18:30:36.149-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">July 1, 1690</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Edward walked into the cold and dimly
lit dining hall of Malahide Castle and strained to recognize any of the three
faces that glanced up to see who had joined them. Realizing none of the faces
belonged to his father, and not in the mood to talk to any of his relatives, he
spotted an empty table, walked across the room and sat down quietly on the
vacant handcrafted oak bench. The only illumination in the chamber was provided
by six wax candles held in place on the walls by intricately caste iron
sconces: three on one side of the room and three more on the opposite wall. He
brushed his blonde hair away from his light grey eyes and stared at his folded
hands, trying to keep to himself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although
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any other time when he had felt so much dread and foreboding. The negative energy
was as thick as a moonless night and seemed to emanate not only from the men
seated in the room but also from the castle walls themselves. He wished his
father would arrive soon to eat breakfast. At least his father would try
brightening the mood even though the prospects for the outcome of the day were
not all that good. He tried to concentrate on lighter things, but his mind
continually returned to thoughts of the imminent battle looming before him and
how it was interfering with what he really wanted to do and who he wanted to be
with.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How had
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several times over the course of the last month but an acceptable answer
continued to evade </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">him. He was simply unlucky. If things had worked out in
his favor, if luck had been on his side instead of against him, he would have
been in Kilkenny with Claire instead of at Malahide preparing for battle. At
this point there was no option; he needed to be with the men of his family who
supported the deposed King James II against the invading Protestant forces of
King William of Orange. His courtship of the beautiful daughter of Richard
Butler would need to wait until after the battle was won. He was young and had
plenty of time. What his family didn’t know yet was that the two had already
expressed their love and commitment in a very sacred and binding ceremony; one
which neither of their parents would approve of had they known.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
looked up as two more men slowly walked into the oppressive room. He lowered
his gaze back to folded hands after seeing that neither of them was his father.
He knew he needed to control his thoughts and steer them away from Claire
Butler. If he became distracted or daydreamed about the girl after the battle
started, then it could prove to be not only dangerous to him but to those
fighting around him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
thought that he could die later that day never entered his mind, primarily
because of his age. At only sixteen, he had previously been instructed by his
father that he was to stay off the front line of the battle and only assist the
commander as a courier. He wasn’t happy about not taking part in the actual
fighting but had long since given up on trying to talk his father into allowing
him to fight by his side; he was simply too young and inexperienced he had been
told. He never dared to ask why some of his friends of the same age were
preparing to fight with their fathers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Three
more Talbot men laboriously entered the room and sat down across from Edward.
Looking up this time, he was relieved to see the bright blue eyes of his father
looking back at him. John Talbot recognized his son’s anxiety and smiled
warmly. He reached a muscled arm across the table and clapped his son on the
shoulder. Immediately Edward felt bolstered and more confident than he had for
some time. He didn’t understand the political difference between King James and
King William. He really didn’t grasp why it was important that William was a Protestant.
What he did know was his father was a good man, endowed with thoughtful
judgment, and he would gladly lend his support to anything his father felt
strongly about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Edward!”
his father said loudly. “Have you had your morning meal yet?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No Father,
I was waiting for you.” He answered half as loudly as the question had been
asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
father smiled again and brushed a strand of long red hair out of his eyes. He
looked at the prepared fruits and breads on the table and grabbed a dark loaf
of something the baker had made that morning. He broke off a third and handed
the remaining portion to his son. “Eat, Edward. You’ll need nourishment to
sustain you though the day. I’m afraid it may be many hours before you have the
chance to eat again.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward took
the bread and broke off a smaller portion for himself. “Yes Father.” He handed
what remained of the bread to his father’s older brother Bartley, one of the
other two men sitting across from him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He felt
his father’s piercing eyes focus on him as he swallowed the first piece. He
looked up and asked, “What is it Father? Are you not well?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
Talbot sighed heavily. “Edward, where have the years gone? Just yesterday I was
bouncing you on my knee and now, what seems only a day later, you’ll go with me
into battle.” He chuckled before adding, “And, you are even old enough to
attract the attention of the redheaded daughter of Richard Butler.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
came close to choking on the bread he had just swallowed. “Father, you know?”
He was so surprised by the comment it was all he could do to utter the
question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aye
Edward, your mother and I have known for quite some time.” He smiled again,
trying to set his son at ease. “You could do far worse lad. Claire is a
beautiful girl from a good family and you’d be very lucky if you won her hand.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
was simply stunned. Up until that moment he believed that the budding
relationship between him and Claire had been a well-kept secret between the two
of them. Had Claire said something to someone? He didn’t believe so but how
else could their love have been discovered? He knew he hadn’t said anything to
anyone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They had
shared three short days together during the spring festival in Kilkenny. It was
then that everything had happened between them. What started as a mutual
attraction rapidly became true love within just a few short hours. It was the
only time in their lives they had been together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Father,
you approve?” Edward asked tentatively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aye my
son, as I said, you could do far worse. I happen to know she comes from a good
Catholic family too.” He winked and placed some berries into his mouth.
“However Edward, you do need to keep thoughts of the girl from your mind today.
It will be dangerous if you are distracted from the task at hand, that of
repelling King William and his men.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Father,
I know this and I will not disappoint you. I give you my promise.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
Talbot nodded his head approvingly. “I know you will son. I have not found you
lacking in any way since you were a small lad and dropped my best knife-sharpening
stone into the garderobe.” He chuckled as he reflected on their years together.
“I’m proud to be your father. You represent the Talbot name well.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank
you Father.” Edward lowered his gaze back to his hands, a little embarrassed by
the praise and knowing his father’s voice had been loud enough for all in the
room to hear what he said. There was no animosity or jealousy between cousins,
uncles, and brothers but praise was something generally reserved for private
moments in the Talbot family and not just for anyone’s ears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next
time Edward looked up there were a dozen male family members in the dining
hall. Each one of them ate the remainder of their meal in eerie silence. Even
though there was plenty of time for the men to eat, very little bread and fruit
passed their lips that morning compared to most.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sun
was starting to make its customary appearance in the eastern sky, lighting the
room beyond what the six candles could provide. Edward knew, as did the rest of
the family, the time for leaving the safe confines of the castle was soon
approaching. Edward noticed his rather robust father was not eating much
either, signaling that he was worried.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bartley
Talbot, the oldest of Edward’s uncles, placed his hands heavily on the table
and raised himself into a standing position. He looked around the room
appraising the family’s mood before speaking in a subdued but patriarchal tone.
“It’s time my brothers. We need to make our way to the river.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
and his father stood up simultaneously along with everyone else in the room. As
they made their way to the dining hall door, John Talbot placed a strong arm
around his son’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze, pulling him closer as he did
so. In a hushed tone that Edward didn’t know his father possessed, he said,
“Edward, you keep to the rear and do only what is asked of you. Do not think of
engaging any of the enemy in battle yourself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
Father.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
Talbot looked at his son closely and seconds later nodded his head, content in
the belief that his son was listening and would make it through the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Talbot men emerged from the castle and gathered outside the front entrance.
There they were met by several of the Talbot women as well as a local priest
who offered a blessing in behalf of the family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
looked across the expanse of the grounds and appreciated the beauty of the
trees reaching into the sky. The grass was as green as he could ever remember
it, and it was obvious the gardeners had been doing their best to take care of
the entire property. Flowers of different varieties seemed to be without end
wherever he looked. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
women hugged and kissed their husbands, sons, and brothers after which the men
mounted their horses that had been led to the castle from the stable some time earlier.
Everyone present noticed how regal and noble they all looked atop their mounts,
muskets held in one hand and the reins of each ride held in the other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite
their formidable appearance, Edward noticed the mood of the men had not
changed. Looking into their faces he could tell most were not optimistic and
actually quite grim. He thought what a contradiction everything was. The beauty
of Ireland normally uplifted his heart and overwhelmed his spirit; but on this
day, the opulent surroundings could not break through the encompassing
blackness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
ladies stepped away from their men and watched as they trotted away in the
direction of the river. The journey wouldn’t take long since they were
fortunate enough to have horses. For most of the soldiers in the Jacobite army,
the luxury of owning a horse was way beyond their financial means. The Talbots,
however, had the wealth and importance to warrant owning several of the
creatures and they were not embarrassed to indulge themselves. With their
affluence came respect, something that had not gone unnoticed by the Talbots,
and they hoped their arrival at the battle ground would inspire those fighting
on their side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sun
had not been above the horizon an hour when the river came into view and
already John Talbot saw there would be confusion. Both armies were dressed in
red which made it almost impossible to distinguish who the enemy was,
especially since both sides were positioned along the banks of the river. He
turned in the saddle to face his son. “Edward, you station yourself up on the
hill to the west and wait for further instructions.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
Father.” He looked in the direction where his father was pointing and noticed a
small knoll that appeared to be well out of danger. He kicked the flanks of his
brown mare and rode toward where he was assigned to wait. <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>He covered
half the distance in relative quiet when the stillness was shattered by the
loud crack of musket fire. He reigned in his horse and turned the mare in time
to see his father fall from the saddle and lie still on the ground, his horse
stepping nervously around him. More loud cracks and two more men from his
family fell to the earth while another listed to one side in the saddle as his
horse ran off in the opposite direction.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
was unsure what to do. From his elevated position he could see several enemy
soldiers lined up in two rows approximately thirty yards from the clearing. The
front row was reloading their muskets while the back row was stepping forward
to fire again. His family had not been expecting the attack and was just now
scrambling to react.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
kicked his heels and guided his horse back toward the clearing at a full run.
He could see Bartley dismount and bend over his father who, as far as Edward
could tell, had not moved since striking the ground. Other family members
jumped off their horses and prepared their own matchlock muskets to return
fire. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Disobedience
did not come easily to Edward and he hoped his father would understand why he
didn’t stay on the hill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As he sped
to where his family was now firing back at the enemy, a single soldier saw his
approach out of the corner of his eye and leveled his flintlock musket as he
rode from right to left. He led him perfectly and pulled the trigger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward
never knew he had been hit. He thought he heard a bird of prey screech in the
sky somewhere overhead but was unable to tilt his head to look up. He saw
Claire, a look of horror on her face, materialize right in front of him only to
disappear again. Then, along with all his hopes and dreams, Edward died before
he fell off his horse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Three
significant things happened that day on the banks of the River Boyne. First,
every male member of the Talbot family who ate breakfast together in the dining
hall that morning was killed during the battle. Second, and perhaps of more
importance, the deposed King James II would finally give up his ambition of
retaking the throne of England that he had lost two years before. Third, the
wheels that had already been put in motion to assure Edward and Claire’s union
were abruptly halted. Nobody could possibly know, at the time, what harm or
consequence would be the result.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-26681199245354258642014-08-03T12:26:00.001-07:002014-08-03T12:26:31.570-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7bDSXEx4jDjctB8HXp1ownmpmOWs1_TVQIoBzSpfqevC-1evA9iL69FVZbYBmHMa4JuNj6h73U5letBt-RSoAfBbguNWCY2U69CJy2KYizrOf6sDh8WOy4izalXLWRvBP4Fas_G4Jpbi/s1600/The+Eye+of+Magog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7bDSXEx4jDjctB8HXp1ownmpmOWs1_TVQIoBzSpfqevC-1evA9iL69FVZbYBmHMa4JuNj6h73U5letBt-RSoAfBbguNWCY2U69CJy2KYizrOf6sDh8WOy4izalXLWRvBP4Fas_G4Jpbi/s1600/The+Eye+of+Magog.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>It's getting so close I can almost taste it! This week I will receive two proof copies of my new work of fiction 'The Eye of Magog'. This novel has been two years in the making and I'm so excited to finally get it here. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Once the proofs are read (and errors marked in red) by two friends corrections will quickly be made. Soon after, and I'm talking very soon, the book will be available for everyone else. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>This book marks the final in the Daniel and Kylee Richards series of four. It is also my personal favorite and the one I'm most proud of.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Just because it's the end of this series, doesn't mean it is the end of my fictional writing. I am contemplating new characters and new stories every day.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>In between ending this series and starting a new one, I'm still working on my first non-fictional story about World War II. Currently, I'm 25,000 words into it and I honestly have no idea how many it will end with. I am motivated and excited to tell this story in the best possible way my talents will let me.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I hope The Eye of Magog excites you as readers as much as it exited me to write.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Chris A Hale </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i> </i></span>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-63599741801752796822014-04-22T18:41:00.001-07:002014-04-22T18:41:12.981-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdKpQyD_gKDPguVGQQ48NMHrPjglmW0ZsngeW8MSmDCpJxQ6lN5-OAGJSFZFA2ZQKMlbXWoS-4I1RFQYZtYx3T0yrxWnO1zG58BfoAwxybL27ce4pc9d7N3cD_vXgCTvhWLc0rU1sL6XL/s1600/Whispers+from+the+Past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdKpQyD_gKDPguVGQQ48NMHrPjglmW0ZsngeW8MSmDCpJxQ6lN5-OAGJSFZFA2ZQKMlbXWoS-4I1RFQYZtYx3T0yrxWnO1zG58BfoAwxybL27ce4pc9d7N3cD_vXgCTvhWLc0rU1sL6XL/s1600/Whispers+from+the+Past.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The fourth book in this series will be in print very soon!</span></span></i></span> <span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please stay tuned for the release of 'The Eye of Magog' sometime this late spring or early summer!</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIyjacENOe-eusCYyQ84UjeWIIn8RfvfXYaQJ2AotVxB4rj43GhDo-3k1ZVWPgcVL1efahUHYMmNSyfmzWGsDpj1sii8C5j8pkRnnQgYSBHHFL1WL-RnkUz3ojRBm5I3dhaGRtzijG8dP/s1600/The+Inca+Prophecy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBasvWD8cUu5zd8BE7cd3vnWXvR2tdTmxb7mlgAPPIipugKLz5efdc9ryKH20eTrQr3D4iWRwOpydvi5GoY_YPEbTzovCowaAeAhDVKBQ5zHq5EMh9lKptReRmdWQpYGBxe_avkHIGx-s/s1600/The+Kiwi+Conspiracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBasvWD8cUu5zd8BE7cd3vnWXvR2tdTmxb7mlgAPPIipugKLz5efdc9ryKH20eTrQr3D4iWRwOpydvi5GoY_YPEbTzovCowaAeAhDVKBQ5zHq5EMh9lKptReRmdWQpYGBxe_avkHIGx-s/s1600/The+Kiwi+Conspiracy.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIyjacENOe-eusCYyQ84UjeWIIn8RfvfXYaQJ2AotVxB4rj43GhDo-3k1ZVWPgcVL1efahUHYMmNSyfmzWGsDpj1sii8C5j8pkRnnQgYSBHHFL1WL-RnkUz3ojRBm5I3dhaGRtzijG8dP/s1600/The+Inca+Prophecy.jpg" height="200" width="131" />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-10640258762773830992014-02-21T08:21:00.000-08:002014-02-21T08:21:31.704-08:00<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Just had an extraordinary time with my wife Kim in San Jose, California. She had always wanted to see the Winchester Mystery House so I took her to celebrate her birthday. The house was amazing and so was our hotel, the 99 year old Claremont Hotel and Resort in Berkley where we could see San Francisco across the bay. Even though it was just one night, we had an amazing time!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Still working on my non fiction story from World War II. Honestly, it is taking much longer than I anticipated to write. I think my problem is that because it's non fiction, I'm trying to be as historically accurate as possible. I've also had so many distractions. Between traveling, moving into a new home, the holidays, and having some weird physical things happen the last few months, I've been pretty busy. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Rest assured however, I still am writing and thinking all the time about the best way to proceed. Maybe I need to set some goals to help me achieve writing this monumental story of courage, dedication, and patriotism. James and Philippe....I promise I am still working!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>The fourth book in the Kylee/Daniel series is almost complete. Kim is going over it one more time and I'll make the final changes before printing. Honestly, of the four, it is my favorite story.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I didn't write much about Romania in my blog but here is the link to the story I wrote in the Deseret News. I think the next international travel will be Switzerland/Austria with Kim and Connor this May.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span>http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865595339/Traipsing-around-Transylvania.html?pg=all<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I will try to be more diligent in updating my blog. Thanks for reading!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Chris </i></span>triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614522864478995802.post-56371511102299573192014-02-04T14:55:00.002-08:002014-02-04T14:55:49.238-08:00<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865595339/Traipsing-around-Transylvania.html?pg=all">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865595339/Traipsing-around-Transylvania.html?pg=all</a><br />triple7fixerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940778509880719489noreply@blogger.com0