tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24727713672530599642024-03-05T05:02:54.527-08:00Life With S and KA cooking, home, and travel blog.Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-77405224539684743412018-01-21T20:43:00.000-08:002018-01-21T20:43:49.234-08:00Peru's Sacred Valley on Four Legs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whenever we're planning vacations we seem to be inundated by offers and recommendations for guided tours. There isn't anything especially wrong with guided tours per se, but climbing out of the back of a minibus and being herded around with other English speakers - as is typical on many tours - is decidedly ungraceful and conspicuous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we were planning our trip to Peru S and I decided we wanted a different experience. No minibuses for this couple, not on this trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't even remember where I found <a href="http://www.haciendadelchalan.com/" target="_blank">Hacienda del Chalán </a>(probably on another blog or TripAdvisor), but I am so glad that I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A tour of the Sacred Valley on horseback? Sign me up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We booked a 1-day ride that would take us around the Sacred Valley and past the sites of Salinas, Maras, and Moray. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our group consisted of our guide, S and I, and a mom and daughter from the Netherlands. The ride began by roughly following the Vilcanota River through the fields at the bottom of the valley. We crossed over the “Tarabamba” and “Paucarbamba” suspension bridges and it wasn't long before we started the climb to Salinas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another special aspect of this tour? We would get to ride Peruvian Paso horses - a special breed that isn't too common everywhere - and known for their smooth, four-beat gait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After climbing steep and sunny hills we could see the blinding white of Salinas in front of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our group was alone on our approach to Salinas. More and more of the terraces revealed themselves to us as we climbed the quiet hills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We tied the horses at the top of the hill and walked down toward the pools. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz2Pq3-pPquPjLD7v9CBQIvFvDTf7LP2rKlFPvkGyxSZ-R97-tTAfFuGxkTMsuRsfukXUl7WChU8o2AziSoVziJ6la7mtxBQlVkUFUYGUCEYdDqAgx54xoGuGWkBfU92nuSBV4qhH6F8/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz2Pq3-pPquPjLD7v9CBQIvFvDTf7LP2rKlFPvkGyxSZ-R97-tTAfFuGxkTMsuRsfukXUl7WChU8o2AziSoVziJ6la7mtxBQlVkUFUYGUCEYdDqAgx54xoGuGWkBfU92nuSBV4qhH6F8/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we made our way through the gift shop that you have to walk through to get up close to the salt ponds we were also met by groups of other tourists. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were here in the off/shoulder season. It doesn't look that busy in these photos, but I had to wonder: how many people are pushed off the narrow path into the salty ponds during the crowded high season?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are 3,000 pools owned by a collective of 300 families. The terraced pools are flooded with water from a spring in the hills. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As the water evaporates the salt stays behind to be harvested by the families who own them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These pools have been in use for hundreds of years and there are no signs of stopping.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcHQD6pqn1Gs04rLexBv4tSQJm4BVq5I27REl4pQVgweI0KoL8XrH5UaC0m446CHJF_e-qN-KjrzlIsFi69Ft9G3WJ8sDsslp4_jLtvgw1XUt5CdwYiO6Az4UR-jV8aKV7IN1vJydSpE/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcHQD6pqn1Gs04rLexBv4tSQJm4BVq5I27REl4pQVgweI0KoL8XrH5UaC0m446CHJF_e-qN-KjrzlIsFi69Ft9G3WJ8sDsslp4_jLtvgw1XUt5CdwYiO6Az4UR-jV8aKV7IN1vJydSpE/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had lunch at a restaurant near the entrance to the salt ponds and then mounted up to continue our ride.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tixY4SZnSeaoTMtUDGl3yEenkxepJ_yvZKmvUju4UgnHU2HtuA2kOx-tE_uiptWjnrsbCWCT1JT4TkTP4Ar_HKcBu7n3tNRIN0hO4A8qt7aouoFhPeu19cOasy-wUC3dyiNl2h3Zayo/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tixY4SZnSeaoTMtUDGl3yEenkxepJ_yvZKmvUju4UgnHU2HtuA2kOx-tE_uiptWjnrsbCWCT1JT4TkTP4Ar_HKcBu7n3tNRIN0hO4A8qt7aouoFhPeu19cOasy-wUC3dyiNl2h3Zayo/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had seen photos of Salinas and Moray before leaving on our trip. It was the riding through towns, villages, and the fields around Moray that surprised us with their beauty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My photos don't do justice to the colors of the hills. I knew Peru was beautiful, but I couldn't stop looking at the hills and mountains as we rode through the quiet fields. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was on this ride that I first noticed how gorgeous the sky in Peru was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the kinds of things we would have missed if we had just signed up to be shuttled around in the back of a minibus.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9UpOH2orj0G7bCbitDYTlkrbhDoAHuwvZDZyEuBcZK0BW_JKEAFk67QNCdWo8-Qr4B_v2FmvJC2K5JPeGhYuyVMBBp1BtcN8BffxP0e2MyiU4IQkrHYSngt0NqlX9IcXgIBXyBZVHY/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin9UpOH2orj0G7bCbitDYTlkrbhDoAHuwvZDZyEuBcZK0BW_JKEAFk67QNCdWo8-Qr4B_v2FmvJC2K5JPeGhYuyVMBBp1BtcN8BffxP0e2MyiU4IQkrHYSngt0NqlX9IcXgIBXyBZVHY/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We arrived at Moray and our group were some of the only visitors. Again we tied up the horses and explored on foot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The exact purpose behind the terraced ruins is unknown.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJtAoUBLrUwpaoin5RVbEBynjtfRWVtGcJMTLI1WSmYPKras4u0wkm7oH3sVbfheANpR0iJ1N5BooWDn_ZYLWvlkO5igKj7C-bXmS6828XkjVbUZDJ6QY9AnVdHtvaQ-kRdvqEZnDNR4/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJtAoUBLrUwpaoin5RVbEBynjtfRWVtGcJMTLI1WSmYPKras4u0wkm7oH3sVbfheANpR0iJ1N5BooWDn_ZYLWvlkO5igKj7C-bXmS6828XkjVbUZDJ6QY9AnVdHtvaQ-kRdvqEZnDNR4/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The leading theory is that these concentric rings served as an agricultural laboratory. Plantings were made at the bottom of the pits and gradually moved up the terraces to observe how they handled the changes in altitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was windy and chilly at the top of the terraces and warmer and still at the bottom. In fact, temperature can vary as much as 15*F from bottom terrace to the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we explored further we noticed the same ingenious staircases in the terrace walls here at Moray that we had seen at <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2016/03/ollantaytambo-intro-to-sacred-valley.html" target="_blank">Ollantaytambo</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, we were here in the off season and arrived later in the day so we had Moray mostly to ourselves and a few small clusters of other travelers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">We mounted our horses again and headed back down the valley toward Urumbamba where we had started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was an amazing experience that got us beyond the minibus, which was exactly what we wanted. Sometimes, I still daydream myself away from my desk at work back into the saddle in the mountains of Peru.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">That being said, this is a <u>full day</u> tour designed for intermediate to advanced riders. This is not the right tour for you if your riding experience consists wholly of a one-hour trail ride you took that one time. The length can also be challenging physically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't say these things to scare anyone off, but to hopefully help you see if this is right for you or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope this post inspires you to get off the bus and get out there in a different and unique way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tour details:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our all-day tour cost us $95 each (in October 2015) and we added on extra for pick up/drop off at our hotel and a boxed lunch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://www.haciendadelchalan.com/">http://www.haciendadelchalan.com/</a></span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-87454415509155306102017-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:002017-06-12T21:16:09.004-07:00Ollantaytambo: Intro to the Sacred Valley<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I started worrying about the altitude from the first day we started planning our trip to Peru. S was less concerned. In his experience, the people most affected by altitude were the uber fit, not the moderately fit like us. I was still worried. I didn't want to get all the way to Peru only to end up spending days in bed with nausea and dizziness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the blogs I read in preparation for our trip recommended seeing Cusco last. Of all the typical sites people visit in this area of Peru, Cusco is the highest at an elevation of 11,152 feet. Ollantaytambo sits at 9,160 feet, with other Sacred Valley destinations also in the 9,000 foot rage, and Machu Picchu the lowest at 7,972 feet. Their suggestion, visit these other areas first, allowing your body to acclimate. By the time to get to Cusco, you should be fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We planned our itinerary in Peru with this in mind. After spending two nights in Lima we flew to Cusco and then immediately took a cab to Ollantaytambo in the Valle Sagrado. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We booked one night at <a href="http://www.elalbergue.com/" target="_blank">El Albergue Ollantaytambo</a>. We paid $99 US in October 2015 booking directly through the hotel via email. El Albergue is literally at the train station that will take you to Machu Picchu/Cusco. Instead of showing a train ticket, tell the guy at the gate that you're staying at the hotel and they'll let you onto the platform. Not just a hotel, there are beautiful gardens, and an onsite restaurant that serves produce from the on-property farm. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Looking up the stairs to our second-floor room.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The garden at El Albergue.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are cheaper options in Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley for sure, but we felt El Albergue was a great value. The hotel is a beautiful white stuccoed building with a tiled roof, and charming, creaky, wide-planked wood floors. Our room was exceptionally clean and the bed very comfortable. Water for the shower is exclusively solar heated which means it can be scalding hot in the late afternoon or frigid in the early morning. The hotel prides itself on this and other eco-friendly aspects of it's operation. We ate dinner in the hotel's restaurant and it was one of our favorite meals of our trip. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Bedroom area of our standard room.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We dropped our bags in our room and spent a little time shoes-off, consulting our guide books before heading out on foot to the ruins at Ollantaytambo. El Albergue is at the train station and next to the Urubamba river, but only a 10-15 minute walk from the ruins at Ollantaytambo and the center of town.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>S on the walk into town from El Albergue.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Walking from El Albergue toward town and the ruins.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Originally built for religious purposes, Ollantaytambo was important in the resistance against the Spanish. In fact, Ollantaytambo was the site of one of the only Spanish defeats by the Incas. It's not hard to see why the steep terraces would have made an ideal military stronghold. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>View of the terraces from the ticket line at the entrance.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From the top of the ruins you also get a sense of the shape of the valley and the Urubamba river that flows through it. During the Inca's successful battle here they flooded the valley, forcing the Spanish to retreat and giving the Inca time to escape to the stronghold of Vilcabamba further in the jungle. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">View from the top of the ruins over the town of Ollantaytambo.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp2CIKGSuotvbb_MfGpAE0Yz4Pa060t-H9Vcwfte5Pw6CAtkAn2FDMM_ySmSvL36k4bWJNadlU9dAJSfXjl0eeREIKjJ1yCNKJX40hPHwl-hGq4ZT5pJVEd6RePtmU_-RFUOvSBHwj10/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp2CIKGSuotvbb_MfGpAE0Yz4Pa060t-H9Vcwfte5Pw6CAtkAn2FDMM_ySmSvL36k4bWJNadlU9dAJSfXjl0eeREIKjJ1yCNKJX40hPHwl-hGq4ZT5pJVEd6RePtmU_-RFUOvSBHwj10/s640/IMG_4185.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ollantaytambo is a great first site to get a sense of the scale, engineering, and impressiveness of the Incan building projects. Climbing the massive terraces shortens your breath and reminds you that even though this is lower than Cusco, you are still at altitude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Getting close to the walls lets you see first-hand what your guidebook means when it says that the stones are laid so precisely that a piece of paper can't be forced between them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The wall of the six monoliths in the Sun Temple.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While there was a good sized crowd when we visited we were able to get away from the groups of people and find some quieter spots on our own or with just a few other visitors. We were here in October, shoulder season, and I was glad. I can only imagine how crowded this place must get in high season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was also thankful that we weren't with a guide. While we probably missed out on insights and information only available on a guided tour I enjoyed wandering on our own, stopping to read our guide book and reference the map to see where within the complex we were. It was a good chance to feel out how we wanted to explore the other ruins to come on our trip. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">A simple solution for a staircase.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ollantaytambo also has an underground water system that for whatever reason went mostly unnoticed by the other tourists here. We tried to follow the open drain vents to the edge of the complex where we saw the stream we assumed fed the underground irrigation system. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On our walk to the ruins we had seen stone structures on the hillside across from the main complex. The view from up closer was even better. These are open air granaries that take advantage of the winds that whip down the valley, funneling them into these structures to keep them cool. It is possible to climb up to these for a view down onto the rest of the ruins, but we ran out of time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>You can see the granaries on the hill opposite the ruins.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Racing against the setting sun, we quickly visited the main town area of Ollantaytambo surrounding the Plaza de Armas. Ollantaytambo is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning with these cobble stone streets having been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. The system of irrigation we saw at the ruins continues in these narrow streets offering a quiet background noise of running water. While there were still tour groups at the ruins when we left, we didn't see any of them walking the streets of town. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">Looking back toward the entrance to the ruins.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Looking toward the center of town, heading away from the ruins.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We only spent one night in Ollantaytambo, but we definitely could have spent more. At the far end of the Sacred Valley (from Cusco) most people only see Ollantaytambo from the window of a train or bus. The ruins here were impressive and the pace relaxed. It was an interesting contrast to other stops on our trip with a more hurried and crowded atmosphere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We loved it as a first stop on our tour of Inca sites over the next few days. If we get the chance to return to Peru I think Ollantaytambo might make the list of places to revisit.</span><br />
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Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-63296738920087430262016-08-22T20:35:00.000-07:002016-08-23T18:06:43.805-07:00Our First Home - Before & After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 2012 S and I bought a condo in Los Angeles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our first home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was exciting and scary at the same time, but with the market the way it was, it felt like we needed to buy or be prepared to rent for the long term.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It might have been scary, but I'm so glad we jumped in feet first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our condo was a 60's beige box when we bought it. We got to work right away giving it our own unique style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought it would be fun to put together a little before and after post to reminisce about our first home. Sorry for the quality of the before photos - they're from my phone from our showing, not the best, but I think you'll get the idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The "after" photos are from the awesome team at <a href="http://www.ascentla.com/#introduction" target="_blank">ASCENT LA Real Estate</a> who helped us sell our condo in record time. Thanks, Travis and Greg (and Alice!)! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Isn't S cute unlocking our door for the first time? I think so. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The living room screamed boring apartment when we first saw it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNoqkR53rnqWXbOeCAucNs6rdezS3-Ipqiyb9fjrWx6ER7oMbLTPI_ByeiN9DZr5Y87x34wI2FYwxsmCBwvYwcsqwe6JqzWIireutfSPnTn9LuC4hmOFXv8lfs811w1DHaGg0m24bxWo/s1600/Living+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNoqkR53rnqWXbOeCAucNs6rdezS3-Ipqiyb9fjrWx6ER7oMbLTPI_ByeiN9DZr5Y87x34wI2FYwxsmCBwvYwcsqwe6JqzWIireutfSPnTn9LuC4hmOFXv8lfs811w1DHaGg0m24bxWo/s640/Living+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For a condo, the living room was spacious. We fell in love with the 9 foot ceilings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JV7-ho3m1RlC_R9NUNdlQYbRnCIZDDpUY7zL4zlGeTtwaocLKw4qc3OaF500xOWlqGkF_j61WU2SB5cPCgBhpKGlTPMuZvhu6r4rrritihl-u4Vtjw-QU0p06P63z7QRvsZ5M7SZ4EQ/s1600/Living+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JV7-ho3m1RlC_R9NUNdlQYbRnCIZDDpUY7zL4zlGeTtwaocLKw4qc3OaF500xOWlqGkF_j61WU2SB5cPCgBhpKGlTPMuZvhu6r4rrritihl-u4Vtjw-QU0p06P63z7QRvsZ5M7SZ4EQ/s640/Living+1.jpg" width="476" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The biggest change? We added custom built-ins. Thanks, Dad! Seriously, I had separation anxiety pretty bad leaving our built-ins when we moved out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They totally anchor the room and added a great focal point that was missing before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I love them! (and I miss them!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9-UehwXqdRU-xBjnpJe6xfStpZSDRXqy6LsnKMhLtNAE887-WFfeT9B4T0gmRkSozWvivD5V82HFMtyqpI_oLdlAycc5QbKVXyF-cWtirVTTqBbS8n70WO2-AT5o7d3ahIq6wDaN6ro/s1600/Condo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9-UehwXqdRU-xBjnpJe6xfStpZSDRXqy6LsnKMhLtNAE887-WFfeT9B4T0gmRkSozWvivD5V82HFMtyqpI_oLdlAycc5QbKVXyF-cWtirVTTqBbS8n70WO2-AT5o7d3ahIq6wDaN6ro/s640/Condo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We painted the room a soft, buttery yellow, too. I always loved walking in the front door and seeing our friends and family in our gallery wall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd-HJ0-vJf8q6-EV1ilZXq5Wf1i5aC255WnZfeBIz5o66O7WXZynGCCA_Qm8YmfOdGOCaEDxhV3hEFY7_LwklcS2tOQwwYVDGDzBA_zfDS4UqXG3pxJNKB2fumfj_LlFbYQ5pi7r1qnY/s1600/Condo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd-HJ0-vJf8q6-EV1ilZXq5Wf1i5aC255WnZfeBIz5o66O7WXZynGCCA_Qm8YmfOdGOCaEDxhV3hEFY7_LwklcS2tOQwwYVDGDzBA_zfDS4UqXG3pxJNKB2fumfj_LlFbYQ5pi7r1qnY/s640/Condo+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The dining room was definitely not a cozy, inspired space when we moved in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4lnbGtUKAIb5dBiAV9-MNbvHfeDDlXbOzvP9BfSnwsRWUPr5BrUCyl3nAbRCsiOMJA56J4taH0YItAjHLwZEgjrBabIYIDQ5iet6Jv1dgHXsLqNQQ5pYoM5UzB997SEt-BQulatqEQs/s1600/Dining+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4lnbGtUKAIb5dBiAV9-MNbvHfeDDlXbOzvP9BfSnwsRWUPr5BrUCyl3nAbRCsiOMJA56J4taH0YItAjHLwZEgjrBabIYIDQ5iet6Jv1dgHXsLqNQQ5pYoM5UzB997SEt-BQulatqEQs/s640/Dining+1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Plain Jane and inoffensive beige...yawn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oX2mJpUzB3QR3CGKKvYw4bHX_FeJgQpg7cLbiVF5BnzM12T7ZmMQIiwPWzP2AEuI6GG6938coopiLiVlS28mijiCFBQip83HA9eq0quGYnxNpZ9Nnpif5N576SczIu_pEoNTXFGiAkU/s1600/Dining+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oX2mJpUzB3QR3CGKKvYw4bHX_FeJgQpg7cLbiVF5BnzM12T7ZmMQIiwPWzP2AEuI6GG6938coopiLiVlS28mijiCFBQip83HA9eq0quGYnxNpZ9Nnpif5N576SczIu_pEoNTXFGiAkU/s640/Dining+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We painted the dining room 'Jungle Trail' by Behr and swapped out the light fixture for a classic style from Pottery Barn. I loved our gold silk curtains and the natural fiber rug.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99r0YeeZRW-PBU5K8hMAhvkzwQEt082qMkt1vB5zIfibBe9BDIuM8QCshACz0tQ3y-B5nZw2kg1xGyEHGBypVDxTYrx97uvVZGRYYSFXJrkmjIJEYyxNFaMhLrEzi8KKvBFJGxVANeVA/s1600/Condo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99r0YeeZRW-PBU5K8hMAhvkzwQEt082qMkt1vB5zIfibBe9BDIuM8QCshACz0tQ3y-B5nZw2kg1xGyEHGBypVDxTYrx97uvVZGRYYSFXJrkmjIJEYyxNFaMhLrEzi8KKvBFJGxVANeVA/s640/Condo+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The faux board and batten helped the room feel like it wasn't in a boxy condo/apartment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nlCYwBVhdw7SFOTlgDzW2apXVSKvT1lniCNL1aQE5aWLLCS0f8TPTw-UaaEJpmI2fZOoc4kv1ujTup8yt82qaAziYepUHgN47o-ngppzZKjHUMNyVGPQYfpetpBD3MtUjz6ERlmqsoc/s1600/Condo+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nlCYwBVhdw7SFOTlgDzW2apXVSKvT1lniCNL1aQE5aWLLCS0f8TPTw-UaaEJpmI2fZOoc4kv1ujTup8yt82qaAziYepUHgN47o-ngppzZKjHUMNyVGPQYfpetpBD3MtUjz6ERlmqsoc/s640/Condo+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The condo was a flip, so some renovations had already been done when we moved in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtsiiYaAxk6Occnb_lnXmK8hYkIVYESfRmed_S866nCNMsWeJ1oae9ETuGdwePjR-fTwhEhsftO8Gx-mAJCSxLL-l40_qNmyDBjLNw5xiQJEMBo-gsK1sdbyK8Oh6XTDEoj4Tr1bScrU/s1600/Kitchen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtsiiYaAxk6Occnb_lnXmK8hYkIVYESfRmed_S866nCNMsWeJ1oae9ETuGdwePjR-fTwhEhsftO8Gx-mAJCSxLL-l40_qNmyDBjLNw5xiQJEMBo-gsK1sdbyK8Oh6XTDEoj4Tr1bScrU/s640/Kitchen+1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All the appliances in the kitchen had been replaced with shiny new ones. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE1QfjInaNEzB2tQqtBMQAJ-esF2RxNg8E-xDsFgLtd3XY3Ryo2a75RIrY1ou8x0OKn3V2Whut48P5QDaSIHHD4zr5Xelh0sKUjXQths4buEiqW0ir6ZQFyWqkGsKbcOchKBdE2tEk-Q/s1600/Kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE1QfjInaNEzB2tQqtBMQAJ-esF2RxNg8E-xDsFgLtd3XY3Ryo2a75RIrY1ou8x0OKn3V2Whut48P5QDaSIHHD4zr5Xelh0sKUjXQths4buEiqW0ir6ZQFyWqkGsKbcOchKBdE2tEk-Q/s640/Kitchen+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They had repainted the cabinets, installed granite counter tops, and put in a random outdoor light fixture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk1qyN0bWM2reqKejVa8_YifjI4Nc8nVmvFI8EWQEtdQThpUzuloEwmcuIaXuZ0dCC2SL_0MgbuCLgfo9qUbiXXtikaVR8Hroj-_IPU6sF0_m1c5XsaUG98_5BdSBsGuyLs_6XNS_29E/s1600/Kitchen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk1qyN0bWM2reqKejVa8_YifjI4Nc8nVmvFI8EWQEtdQThpUzuloEwmcuIaXuZ0dCC2SL_0MgbuCLgfo9qUbiXXtikaVR8Hroj-_IPU6sF0_m1c5XsaUG98_5BdSBsGuyLs_6XNS_29E/s640/Kitchen+3.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We continued the Jungle Trail green paint into the kitchen and added a new light fixture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciO3TfKR6YyECjD1mcZR55jgB1GtPJVve27F_OdJWvf2kO6PEDvyTYsJbEcLwYSc5fIgZsJmiLoT21ZDHSBrYG6qF96UgM3XNeDcHq8BTtQjC0_mEN64smMpNd-1vtLQmIUBrEKeJ84A/s1600/Condo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciO3TfKR6YyECjD1mcZR55jgB1GtPJVve27F_OdJWvf2kO6PEDvyTYsJbEcLwYSc5fIgZsJmiLoT21ZDHSBrYG6qF96UgM3XNeDcHq8BTtQjC0_mEN64smMpNd-1vtLQmIUBrEKeJ84A/s640/Condo+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had an red buffet that matched the counter height almost perfectly and gave us additional prep, storage, and serving space leading into the dining room.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTeou2eRfXhVdvT0cjqrcD_DNP3hM2APMnvULdtovxEDH-0pBsyEzonSjLwPHLaG_ZPluDykWd3raI8AHyowk5fq6dcCIpXiAgOFwH3YpCf7TJv2VDzie8ugGQBovr8iFtyAUnuHhQmY/s1600/Condo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTeou2eRfXhVdvT0cjqrcD_DNP3hM2APMnvULdtovxEDH-0pBsyEzonSjLwPHLaG_ZPluDykWd3raI8AHyowk5fq6dcCIpXiAgOFwH3YpCf7TJv2VDzie8ugGQBovr8iFtyAUnuHhQmY/s640/Condo+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">S travels a lot for work so we also added a clock over the window that shows the 4 time zones he is in most often when he isn't at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We couldn't make the kitchen any bigger, but I think we succeeded in making it a welcoming place to prep meals and be with friends.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-Piq43NsCy3zvmNS9h4JykCWHqTZX15tkOCuicyYONZxThnlue5Y8vb2up2d6pSDj_7YqBT5-9PcrSp0Y8OyTbAApNYLDh-urRRx8H391okHCb_H-IPeQsbpO7LZ9tk-Hx6dtyAx_iU/s1600/Balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-Piq43NsCy3zvmNS9h4JykCWHqTZX15tkOCuicyYONZxThnlue5Y8vb2up2d6pSDj_7YqBT5-9PcrSp0Y8OyTbAApNYLDh-urRRx8H391okHCb_H-IPeQsbpO7LZ9tk-Hx6dtyAx_iU/s640/Balcony.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The balcony was a drab outdoor space with peeling floor paint and nothing but cobwebs when we moved in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY68RoqwoEXgQxlgquf8w91NCZa6Enj6CEtK0M1Gh637q8Oo-enoFTT6KUHVwolilablVarL2FisaU2k53Bk_gpYTYc3_-ASPkKi4TVypr-esrKbAofM8Z4rtPlYGfsn6_sJ3ZSeUK44/s1600/Condo+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY68RoqwoEXgQxlgquf8w91NCZa6Enj6CEtK0M1Gh637q8Oo-enoFTT6KUHVwolilablVarL2FisaU2k53Bk_gpYTYc3_-ASPkKi4TVypr-esrKbAofM8Z4rtPlYGfsn6_sJ3ZSeUK44/s640/Condo+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We added a pink outdoor rug, patio chat set, and mason jar candles.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuV5Zb-1Aiqi3gMraY2fQdenuTxs9x6qLqna4APA40fA7adFmfP_jgwcHfx_3D3j1580ej3mmbdS0yRK9pcvY0L7Ny8xIjnnMUQoWBXXhHC6qjFUAG40SJy56T0JRV8hTGMdhnZ9qlZc/s1600/Guest+bath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuV5Zb-1Aiqi3gMraY2fQdenuTxs9x6qLqna4APA40fA7adFmfP_jgwcHfx_3D3j1580ej3mmbdS0yRK9pcvY0L7Ny8xIjnnMUQoWBXXhHC6qjFUAG40SJy56T0JRV8hTGMdhnZ9qlZc/s640/Guest+bath+1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The guest bath had the same counters and cabinet paint color as the kitchen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7ghufj1IwrSF6NyVpKspGsYKBA07rgQP-VADWz9s_it8dxfcejYoZHRZUXwNUGcqORby9wHapnjZ8GliIyQH_nuJ_h0xEmWJkqeNiYbNyo2rB6sO7T1Pg-_i3Kkxn92_IXHLgpPb-ic/s1600/Guest+bath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7ghufj1IwrSF6NyVpKspGsYKBA07rgQP-VADWz9s_it8dxfcejYoZHRZUXwNUGcqORby9wHapnjZ8GliIyQH_nuJ_h0xEmWJkqeNiYbNyo2rB6sO7T1Pg-_i3Kkxn92_IXHLgpPb-ic/s640/Guest+bath+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The inoffensive beige paint was in here too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqUllV3UohunFCw46OwdY2wDPMrar5hysMJWqhDk-JzSs9SXeH7JCjVGb3tk-LwbcwFZn3Yh3M2cZGBYO2YiTlgKfte1nMuFXUO00FuaQTu2Vc4n0RXV1gpNIt9ckZhIj_rwj9i1hx1c/s1600/Condo+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqUllV3UohunFCw46OwdY2wDPMrar5hysMJWqhDk-JzSs9SXeH7JCjVGb3tk-LwbcwFZn3Yh3M2cZGBYO2YiTlgKfte1nMuFXUO00FuaQTu2Vc4n0RXV1gpNIt9ckZhIj_rwj9i1hx1c/s640/Condo+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We painted the walls a deep purple, added glass drawer pulls, and swapped out the boring rectangle mirror with a smaller, oval mirror and wall mounted candles. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPAt63yu0bj0IxgHlolcR0HLliRIETQK9-mo2P5GUnt9cCk8bWoSIAtu60HM0IzMQt-0kafu64gAGSu74Gc4Pe8KAD1P4pKKofbB3MByf3LP7JgTZNkw-ar2wFYh0MHeevr33Wz8XgMk/s1600/Master+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPAt63yu0bj0IxgHlolcR0HLliRIETQK9-mo2P5GUnt9cCk8bWoSIAtu60HM0IzMQt-0kafu64gAGSu74Gc4Pe8KAD1P4pKKofbB3MByf3LP7JgTZNkw-ar2wFYh0MHeevr33Wz8XgMk/s640/Master+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The master bedroom was more beige walls and brown carpet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Master bathroom was more of the same with an ugly, cheap light fixture that had been mounted off-center.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKTgEMuHqzruYOikwC29vzmG6Jq5wo91BWa0Q9xM2gOLi3mkAlYeBtp0oDHAYQTtqwxGgsnvWtpogKCh3T5O7aXfkezWvfpqpomt7vAH7ipdMk-og3YaSCc157MabDz-XiUXiIhszNi0/s1600/Condo+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKTgEMuHqzruYOikwC29vzmG6Jq5wo91BWa0Q9xM2gOLi3mkAlYeBtp0oDHAYQTtqwxGgsnvWtpogKCh3T5O7aXfkezWvfpqpomt7vAH7ipdMk-og3YaSCc157MabDz-XiUXiIhszNi0/s640/Condo+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We painted the mater bedroom a light grey, Pewter Mug by Behr. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our furniture fit perfectly, especially with the little bump-out that seemed like it had been made to fit our dresser.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk_5HsPSPnnpj3v967Gym2fgW0cCwCCz_SpC3-oqhvx04Nwf_IlnNg3TLlExWXCjmS0Aq8iAgBBiK4EJ84Z589f_emDH-PW2Z1ACpslvAU1RpzF1frH9c1vINtXJ4Vc8lsomIrek0-08/s1600/Condo+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk_5HsPSPnnpj3v967Gym2fgW0cCwCCz_SpC3-oqhvx04Nwf_IlnNg3TLlExWXCjmS0Aq8iAgBBiK4EJ84Z589f_emDH-PW2Z1ACpslvAU1RpzF1frH9c1vINtXJ4Vc8lsomIrek0-08/s640/Condo+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the master bathroom we painted a deep navy blue, swapped out the mirror for a framed version, and changed the light fixture to be much more our style.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are quite a few limitations when you're in a second floor condo with an HOA to answer to, but I think we did a pretty good job of giving it our own style and transforming it from the beige box it was when we moved in. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We loved our first home and had so much fun making it our own.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you decorated your own apartment/condo? What is your favorite trick for adding character and style?</span></span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-44643112976416206242016-06-01T21:50:00.000-07:002016-06-02T11:52:02.646-07:00Spicy Chile Chili<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">June gloom got you down?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not me. I love it. Who doesn't look better under the softly-diffused light of an overcast sky?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Also, it means its not hot. I hate hot. I savor June gloom each year and dread the coming of Los Angeles' long, hot summers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you're like me and want to pretend that it is actually November or if you're not a fan of the cold and want something to warm up with, this chili is the answer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spicy, a bit smokey, very yummy and perfect on a chilly evening. Did I mention that it is really easy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spicy Chile Chili</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From: Me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Servings: about 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Time: about an hour</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 lb ground beef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 lb Italian sausage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 (14oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 (14oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 cup tempranillo wine (you can sub another red wine or more beef broth)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1.5 cups beef broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 large yellow onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 6 cloves garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 (8oz) can diced jalapenos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 chipotle chile (chopped into small pieces) + 2 tsp of adobo sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 tsp cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 tsp ancho chile powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 tsp oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes and garlic, with juices</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- shredded cheddar cheese, to garnish (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cook onion in a dutch oven over medium heat until soft. Add garlic, ground beef and sausage and cook until mostly brown, breaking up as the meat cooks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Add remaining ingredients and stir chili to combine. Increase heat and bring to a boil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Reduce to a simmer and cover. Let cook for about 20 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Remove from heat and divide into bowls to serve. Top with cheese and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Calories 527, Fat 14g, Saturated Fat 5g, Protein 30g, Carbohydrates 64g, Fiber 22g, Cholesterol 55mg.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-86541578915019002902016-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:002017-04-28T09:52:19.534-07:003 Days (Too Many?) in Lima<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When travelling to Peru it is likely that your international flight will first stop in Lima. When we were booking flights it was seemingly impossible to find a flight that didn't have a stop here. Rather than fight it, we decided to embrace it and book-ended our trip with nights in Lima. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3 days total. Too many? For us, yes. Read on to see how we used our 3 days in Lima and why we wouldn't recommend budgeting so much of your time in Peru to the capital city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While researching our trip I noticed that many blogs and guidebooks didn't recommend spending much time in Lima. In fact, some blogs flat out recommended against it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought that was funny. It's a capital city with many important historical sights, vibrant neighborhoods, a large stretch of coastline, and it is famous for its ceviche. How could this city not be a great place to spend a few days?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not wanting to believe, combined with flights with layovers here anyway, led to 3 days and 3 nights of our Peruvian adventure being spent in Lima.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our first stop after our late-arrival international flight? Plaza San Martin in central Lima and the Gran Hotel Bolivar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to like it. The aging grand hotel that once hosted dignitaries and celebrities? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I really wanted to like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'll save the details for our TripAdvisor review, but the Gran Hotel Bolivar was not so grand and definitely not at all what we were expecting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were supposed to stay two nights, but we checked out after one, which in hindsight was a better plan because we got to see more of the city.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhQJMVW5pA7UaTYQyDE3XPrrGThegOeDUJQdyBmsyLng-Xtp4DtGhOHGZQpbcsN1gpJjuGcx5AfT7QIXtu9n4pU4D6F105gbZewhlKihq8R5NkGjNggH9JstQzI_gDomPrF4tLj9RDEM/s1600/IMG_4129.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhQJMVW5pA7UaTYQyDE3XPrrGThegOeDUJQdyBmsyLng-Xtp4DtGhOHGZQpbcsN1gpJjuGcx5AfT7QIXtu9n4pU4D6F105gbZewhlKihq8R5NkGjNggH9JstQzI_gDomPrF4tLj9RDEM/s400/IMG_4129.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The hallways were super creepy at night, too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNLdlAb4LiF2kKhKTTktDQBjc4yGamO2jzqMQ_ZxiklAvk4CKOH92VR5AotEUajAWWnzjBgNUXNY5shhDPo1Lp_jyJyq4zSPCr83IADRyYSoNTa5prUhbvlHB48ac_mEsZ7AQCw5Qh50/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNLdlAb4LiF2kKhKTTktDQBjc4yGamO2jzqMQ_ZxiklAvk4CKOH92VR5AotEUajAWWnzjBgNUXNY5shhDPo1Lp_jyJyq4zSPCr83IADRyYSoNTa5prUhbvlHB48ac_mEsZ7AQCw5Qh50/s400/IMG_4130.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The lobby though, beautiful!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo8dm36Y7qWrsqRxagaVWQidaMT85lsgurybvidbKp5dE44ldSffOfTDfQLy_QbTo3Vb4hV7yBiqFg6uKwiZWx44rms8DRrMarSJgZCr4kDdbux5tyDCIeshlMIcmuSEFATJbU1-zgyQ/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo8dm36Y7qWrsqRxagaVWQidaMT85lsgurybvidbKp5dE44ldSffOfTDfQLy_QbTo3Vb4hV7yBiqFg6uKwiZWx44rms8DRrMarSJgZCr4kDdbux5tyDCIeshlMIcmuSEFATJbU1-zgyQ/s400/IMG_4132.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The ceiling in the lobby rotunda was gorgeous.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1Mxu34PKil5UxXv_VYregFJimD3L57vz9PnVqdy62I126k_E0tB-Z7lsqnxXM5Zt6Z_IkttKMYBqssELSinKL6nBO6cE6sT5B5Izbzm4gJE4OYNVf9rIg7b0IOUTCFyX0BRTZXUKAUE/s1600/IMG_4133.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1Mxu34PKil5UxXv_VYregFJimD3L57vz9PnVqdy62I126k_E0tB-Z7lsqnxXM5Zt6Z_IkttKMYBqssELSinKL6nBO6cE6sT5B5Izbzm4gJE4OYNVf9rIg7b0IOUTCFyX0BRTZXUKAUE/s400/IMG_4133.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So pretty.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJWhrK_jhTMpCQy6glca3XrNJxjBDH4i85BLHgSQiAUHRqNywi6kLe7bBD0Y5pFPx9xIGV8RujgDA0OsUHCCFXljbD7_1GfPdSeWsQYHvVwg1aBfJreqMVUIfHryw7dakRnZ2UvsUGKA/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJWhrK_jhTMpCQy6glca3XrNJxjBDH4i85BLHgSQiAUHRqNywi6kLe7bBD0Y5pFPx9xIGV8RujgDA0OsUHCCFXljbD7_1GfPdSeWsQYHvVwg1aBfJreqMVUIfHryw7dakRnZ2UvsUGKA/s400/IMG_4135.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While the luster has faded at the Gran Hotel Bolivar, it is still quite a pretty building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is hard to see here, but there is electric fencing around the hotel's patios. Central Lima does not have the best reputation. Something that was made very clear when our cab driver from the airport dropped us off and with a concerned look on his face told us to be safe and not to walk around at night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We booked our taxi from the airport in advance at taxidatum.com. It was simple and easy and someone was waiting for us when we landed. Taxis can be complicated to hail in Peru, especially Lima. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Non-licensed taxis are common and can be dangerous, with taxi muggings not common, but not unheard of. It is recommended that foreign travelers do not hail a taxi on the street, but instead book ahead of time or use a licensed service often provided at hotels, restaurants, and major sights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had decided to stay in central Lima despite the advice of blogs, guidebooks, and the concerned look on the face of our cab driver. We wanted to make the best of it and judge Lima for ourselves. We headed out the next morning on a slef-guided (from our guidebook) walking tour of this part of the city.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bx-HSfBqm3VQet-_fLYhuisVCxCjb1KIl6z1xZEZ8wVkTxI6qmwjFVpOFYlkYcT_VqB02rfYg_RrEvTBRuYAyQzlF8Yx850zMUzJ4GOl902soCuuNC3_-O-2PzmcmzrM-qD9EK1vOf8/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bx-HSfBqm3VQet-_fLYhuisVCxCjb1KIl6z1xZEZ8wVkTxI6qmwjFVpOFYlkYcT_VqB02rfYg_RrEvTBRuYAyQzlF8Yx850zMUzJ4GOl902soCuuNC3_-O-2PzmcmzrM-qD9EK1vOf8/s400/IMG_4136.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Gran Hotel Bolivar is located on Plaza San Martin and so that was our first stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This Plaza is named after Jose de San Martin, the liberator of Peru. The statue in the center of the square honors him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzscuNsNwZErzWz9e0U2iMXDpoJe1F9zwWM8ve0Nw6cTppK1_ecouPdNKDL7DSfv5Ge2mlk5KWFbJqF65VfuxajxRdztGY-FBTMjonKiZLrds5RMmpSQiYs4IurCOhnz0yEDLfhpogws/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzscuNsNwZErzWz9e0U2iMXDpoJe1F9zwWM8ve0Nw6cTppK1_ecouPdNKDL7DSfv5Ge2mlk5KWFbJqF65VfuxajxRdztGY-FBTMjonKiZLrds5RMmpSQiYs4IurCOhnz0yEDLfhpogws/s400/IMG_4137.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At the base of the statue is Madre Patria, the symbolic mother of Peru. The statue was commissioned in Spain and the instructions were to give the lady a crown of flames. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, flame and llama are the same word in Spanish and so the local craftsmen put a llama on her head. It is a funny and adorable mistake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSoTMslw3iHgjgUXzBjrfW_xfgwSGPLwE8pXRpOkrF0YT6GA7JFAMLGU95TI5xr3Xnfk_Lpx6LP6kXT9NSDpSNuiBignkS0aLNSPyNbBf6Ct3-yWug-vssHHgmObcVbw07Hnj2VpP1m8/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSoTMslw3iHgjgUXzBjrfW_xfgwSGPLwE8pXRpOkrF0YT6GA7JFAMLGU95TI5xr3Xnfk_Lpx6LP6kXT9NSDpSNuiBignkS0aLNSPyNbBf6Ct3-yWug-vssHHgmObcVbw07Hnj2VpP1m8/s400/IMG_4138.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There is a pedestrian-only walkway between Plaza San Martin and Lima's Plaza de Armas, the Jiron de la Union. It is lined with shops and the next stop on our walking tour, the Iglesia de la Merced.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHOVo1nTbhU7f8skjqbrzVOLfso5Ug-OOjfdSb0Z87JjmJPxAWL1n8nv0ZuGmWpLTFS23Fh5wvJOPHCuo64i7nyY7RvQUlEFyYuTHUajwJ7pM5mu7vVQdUH8g_CRZh4Bm_2IdYcWp4Zo/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHOVo1nTbhU7f8skjqbrzVOLfso5Ug-OOjfdSb0Z87JjmJPxAWL1n8nv0ZuGmWpLTFS23Fh5wvJOPHCuo64i7nyY7RvQUlEFyYuTHUajwJ7pM5mu7vVQdUH8g_CRZh4Bm_2IdYcWp4Zo/s400/IMG_4139.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This church stands on the site where the first Latin mass was held in Lima in 1534. First constructed in 1541, most of the church dates to the 18th century.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQBKIHp1q_FEu1wY1vnIp2Qk7lQYFv6ZOWtOwSte32hma6HIJ6W9qQu0CoCpPbVYIFLWnDdW4wm901bNWHkB8BGRv_LiisJraKA-XA_dK4xPJlLTG2Qvsd2fOvlYURr3N4LJGyfOdQfk/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQBKIHp1q_FEu1wY1vnIp2Qk7lQYFv6ZOWtOwSte32hma6HIJ6W9qQu0CoCpPbVYIFLWnDdW4wm901bNWHkB8BGRv_LiisJraKA-XA_dK4xPJlLTG2Qvsd2fOvlYURr3N4LJGyfOdQfk/s400/IMG_4140.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The style is highly ornate and the main altar is quite impressive.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajGRGLVu8FzLkm2kcaobDG4cIFNxYLbnPULF5APQXWufrkr_1s4vRC-uNKAoIFoUk3r4dx74IikFnOehg_u12xTlZFHl8h_FuvxGQuIbsG48LGpyp2Sun1hWmqWxPrlxaDwOG_qWNx68/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajGRGLVu8FzLkm2kcaobDG4cIFNxYLbnPULF5APQXWufrkr_1s4vRC-uNKAoIFoUk3r4dx74IikFnOehg_u12xTlZFHl8h_FuvxGQuIbsG48LGpyp2Sun1hWmqWxPrlxaDwOG_qWNx68/s400/IMG_4141.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We continued down the Jiron de la Union to the Plaza de Armas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0SGmVfVGIEbbNSCpCLSFC2KodLLW4PkYNsrh1EvreSg9etzcgbZl9J0bmvO76tB0jmWHVB7L2fTpH4AfW_pwuatm2Og28DVjdeSTH4KvkCruGIhP7q82ybzFLcr5vjm7R7qw_uw75nk/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0SGmVfVGIEbbNSCpCLSFC2KodLLW4PkYNsrh1EvreSg9etzcgbZl9J0bmvO76tB0jmWHVB7L2fTpH4AfW_pwuatm2Og28DVjdeSTH4KvkCruGIhP7q82ybzFLcr5vjm7R7qw_uw75nk/s400/IMG_4144.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">La Catedral de Lima is beautiful and has a commanding presence on the square.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6pdb-TX-mbJt2fma0kh4JsST6RKoH7-DHlx1gM__Y0sYMyIuW14Tqdrd-3dOvFRw-SdSzXaTIUaR7tQ2UumTZO4wOCcZ2YMpvPqEARNKQow5k19AedtLSi1PLFUlfdQPUNJZXYv3hP0/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6pdb-TX-mbJt2fma0kh4JsST6RKoH7-DHlx1gM__Y0sYMyIuW14Tqdrd-3dOvFRw-SdSzXaTIUaR7tQ2UumTZO4wOCcZ2YMpvPqEARNKQow5k19AedtLSi1PLFUlfdQPUNJZXYv3hP0/s400/IMG_4145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The bright yellow buildings are distinctive and bring a great atmosphere to the square. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSgSyX0P6frXqXCSeSpyfs_4C03G6JpbVQJIHvKFL1Hb5PiW6E1ET5GSDke0JobsVkzvZHQ11k_G4qB2NzsqmJYlRw4ob4TYJGYRvWnHKugWPYYOxQihm1vty9HbrcowhqCie-2VfTMQ/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSgSyX0P6frXqXCSeSpyfs_4C03G6JpbVQJIHvKFL1Hb5PiW6E1ET5GSDke0JobsVkzvZHQ11k_G4qB2NzsqmJYlRw4ob4TYJGYRvWnHKugWPYYOxQihm1vty9HbrcowhqCie-2VfTMQ/s400/IMG_4146.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Palacio del Gobierno looks onto the Plaza de Armas. We watched the changing of the guard at noon, which was a fun experience.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fNF6LK1tqKjC50pnNwcwXQ8bwmHQrp9eHi9waFbgDDRD3RdWy4bHHu5Ac6vpmFnigpxJlsnu_tvkP3N93nVuCCO-OTAwfur5chB7VK_vC6bG90iIGzr521fHzjq8fwYyZaNDfEaFpyE/s1600/IMG_4147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fNF6LK1tqKjC50pnNwcwXQ8bwmHQrp9eHi9waFbgDDRD3RdWy4bHHu5Ac6vpmFnigpxJlsnu_tvkP3N93nVuCCO-OTAwfur5chB7VK_vC6bG90iIGzr521fHzjq8fwYyZaNDfEaFpyE/s400/IMG_4147.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Also called the Plaza Mayor, this plaza marks the center of the settlement established by Francisco Pizarro in the 16th century.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6YZwRE-aEa4GJvIJl8ZY2-VTQyGANV5tuc_JiEQ7WMeLKu17kl64HrtcvHWIbi1SgoHnSn4DO2tjt_P6EIDKkftpumslfQgY-lUiUoF2J51iMJnnhwC2lp9VSaZ0MVA32xgjePgXj4k/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6YZwRE-aEa4GJvIJl8ZY2-VTQyGANV5tuc_JiEQ7WMeLKu17kl64HrtcvHWIbi1SgoHnSn4DO2tjt_P6EIDKkftpumslfQgY-lUiUoF2J51iMJnnhwC2lp9VSaZ0MVA32xgjePgXj4k/s400/IMG_4148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The cathedral wasn't open on the day we visited, so we meandered next door to the Palacio Arzobispal, the Archbishop's Palace. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI3gUIBaY9hd9U1E_qkD5bF632_zWoXIiQMZeA1OAsrxfykSE9VEOv4e7Tt4suNgicKG5dEsKq-xnvTZm6Ya8ocywEA-6gGL66jijFVNWJpnBINuG8zQYBDfDL6e-KntG-o_FAq9ChtY/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI3gUIBaY9hd9U1E_qkD5bF632_zWoXIiQMZeA1OAsrxfykSE9VEOv4e7Tt4suNgicKG5dEsKq-xnvTZm6Ya8ocywEA-6gGL66jijFVNWJpnBINuG8zQYBDfDL6e-KntG-o_FAq9ChtY/s400/IMG_4149.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The carved wood balconies are gorgeous. Its easy to imagine centuries of veiled people-watching happening from their intricate windows.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiREZBDLs-r_nSJPn5suzF2rf7kOENSFEzFW-X2BXRsIGPTNox_7UyddXeG6kA9QaWA1k6PS4n4Uf-72cNzv5ibV0z64GLtSHNn0spuMXCK0KHeZK7VWLiin5Xik1nwinigs7mLtIHCjc/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiREZBDLs-r_nSJPn5suzF2rf7kOENSFEzFW-X2BXRsIGPTNox_7UyddXeG6kA9QaWA1k6PS4n4Uf-72cNzv5ibV0z64GLtSHNn0spuMXCK0KHeZK7VWLiin5Xik1nwinigs7mLtIHCjc/s400/IMG_4152.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed a moment sitting on the stairs of the cathedral just taking in the atmosphere of the plaza.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xLX-ceY1tpawtLmvEYibYmlzUC57mHQKC8DsA-B6MQ-oLQjw-W-BDRmFn56_0yHFQQV2WYFhs_9DladGa5MiLE2wix_XjUbqoaYu4_RaCEZrwz-PplIJIXnlcsSpuD4f4NN0tbhzVq0/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xLX-ceY1tpawtLmvEYibYmlzUC57mHQKC8DsA-B6MQ-oLQjw-W-BDRmFn56_0yHFQQV2WYFhs_9DladGa5MiLE2wix_XjUbqoaYu4_RaCEZrwz-PplIJIXnlcsSpuD4f4NN0tbhzVq0/s400/IMG_4156.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Monasterio de San Francisco is just a block or two beyond the Plaza de Armas and has a simple, but impressive facade.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7Mf4w5e67WUlT01tuAfyh-Fq4UGFlOk07yy7JmY5Upu-4fpbDiwH3MWyaHq0eCHAPZE4YbKCnTeR9-mr9RmCDAKDORDP1kxtVxsHV30JaAhpYBNkvrakViD_tXmwLb2svqWRmPwcXRQ/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7Mf4w5e67WUlT01tuAfyh-Fq4UGFlOk07yy7JmY5Upu-4fpbDiwH3MWyaHq0eCHAPZE4YbKCnTeR9-mr9RmCDAKDORDP1kxtVxsHV30JaAhpYBNkvrakViD_tXmwLb2svqWRmPwcXRQ/s400/IMG_4157.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The interior of this church is simple compared to its baroque neighbors, but it is still beautiful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk5mY3vbBjddGLurDDu6UUsufvCVNst6Ej1TXK1GB1Nn3Ye0zp36yPzO9Q1q5ORe9J7oR5YblzrnkXJIKIBFCcF2HC-OsXVseBZjiFDWq6X7rPfldrTKmA2ExblKFrr8AuPFa6uB6vjo/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk5mY3vbBjddGLurDDu6UUsufvCVNst6Ej1TXK1GB1Nn3Ye0zp36yPzO9Q1q5ORe9J7oR5YblzrnkXJIKIBFCcF2HC-OsXVseBZjiFDWq6X7rPfldrTKmA2ExblKFrr8AuPFa6uB6vjo/s400/IMG_4158.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, this qualifies as simple when it comes to Peruvian churches. Admission is 7 soles and includes a guided library/catacomb tour in English or Spanish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Monastario de San Francisco also has an amazing library with over 25,000 texts, some dating from before the Spanish conquest as well as a catacombs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The library and catacombs can only be seen on the guided tour. We did the tour and enjoyed it. The catacombs may not be for everyone; along with the macabre visuals, many of the spaces are small and cramped. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgdyKffFTC9z2A8Lczv9mDclG3osyLyM-rw75jnox-xNJJpOpmR-4r0xO8Xez4umsLN_HoLsMV310dOCD7EhKecZvLFrN19el6SC9OCbX2YvQqHccXn7HDs-jlspNIL69-aqjGCHdikk/s1600/Ibis+Lima.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgdyKffFTC9z2A8Lczv9mDclG3osyLyM-rw75jnox-xNJJpOpmR-4r0xO8Xez4umsLN_HoLsMV310dOCD7EhKecZvLFrN19el6SC9OCbX2YvQqHccXn7HDs-jlspNIL69-aqjGCHdikk/s400/Ibis+Lima.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After our walking tour and lunch back on Plaza San Martin, we collected our bags and headed for our second hotel in Lima, the hotel Ibis Larco Miraflores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were still tired from our flight the night before and our <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/11/12-hours-in-panama-city.html" target="_blank">12 hour adventure in Panama City</a> so we took a nap. I know, we wasted valuable vacation time napping, but it felt so good after a not-great night of sleep the night before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Refreshed from our nap, we got a cab from the desk in the lobby (no worrying about illegal cabs here) and headed for the Museo Larco.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQcOqUMCjlaDU9KPQMEiy-Ejg4VW0IKfwBN2ZBwt5R3hRqKnn4-VTvH104vGmLjDqVUyct9bXvsbKUvEbUTJN9iBc7ZwIw2ccOjMwkiGQiV-p6bIBjnm38zfR7-blGll25ElDvnm-VV4/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQcOqUMCjlaDU9KPQMEiy-Ejg4VW0IKfwBN2ZBwt5R3hRqKnn4-VTvH104vGmLjDqVUyct9bXvsbKUvEbUTJN9iBc7ZwIw2ccOjMwkiGQiV-p6bIBjnm38zfR7-blGll25ElDvnm-VV4/s400/IMG_4164.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The gardens here are beautiful! I wish we had come earlier so we had more time to just sit and enjoy it. There is a restaurant with garden views that looked perfect for leisurely loitering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I also wish I had taken more photos. I was trying the 'being present' thing where I don't spend so much time behind my camera. While I had a great time at the museum, I wish I had a few more photos.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme4SXN04IBlgV1urHq4pecoqToEycdZASmzFwGR9qtxUgVh7HNthJYDaWxJcwQdDvbpYOX-mNPgtf_PKCKExDiF5ceSTJnNepPQ3tQ4Y6F9h1Pm1o9dt-g3wi0Dm-aExZ74hquybOck8/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme4SXN04IBlgV1urHq4pecoqToEycdZASmzFwGR9qtxUgVh7HNthJYDaWxJcwQdDvbpYOX-mNPgtf_PKCKExDiF5ceSTJnNepPQ3tQ4Y6F9h1Pm1o9dt-g3wi0Dm-aExZ74hquybOck8/s400/IMG_4166.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Museo Larco is unique where their storage rooms are open to visitors. After going through the museum it was fun to wander through the isles and be able to notice and point out features that we had learned in the museum</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVGwiND9Z8QZPwbtWp-YBWo027E-BUv7G5dmv8gClyfeW7rNRVRgeYUHaRdx3QKGvU8CMf2DM-x_MIJVbukAXXywo9ZqU2yYTcODtR0Oa5khwsBNlhWzRlF6gsk_lFcOuY9DUGiYr_lU/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVGwiND9Z8QZPwbtWp-YBWo027E-BUv7G5dmv8gClyfeW7rNRVRgeYUHaRdx3QKGvU8CMf2DM-x_MIJVbukAXXywo9ZqU2yYTcODtR0Oa5khwsBNlhWzRlF6gsk_lFcOuY9DUGiYr_lU/s400/IMG_4167.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the entrance to the museum as we were preparing to leave. It had gotten dark while we were inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We really enjoyed the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, the collection highlights all eras of Peruvian people and development. It is extensive and comprehensive. A great way to get your bearings before visiting any ruins or other sights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The museum also has an erotic gallery that tastefully displays various pieces of erotic art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We left for Cusco and the Sacred Valley the next morning, but gave ourselves another night and day in Lima at the end of our trip before our late-night flight home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YRMqRya8jR4Y2m6OkitPfeVtd7c6M-_2vbvFX1wkBcVfYMAd4mOhOu3rGxR909KT45B-LLNtSkBI11Zo8qbUSJ6TTjU6e5j-VJaoInbndoPW01hAtPAgvsqjvslT0dNehGMbKlDT4W8/s1600/Second+Home+Lima.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YRMqRya8jR4Y2m6OkitPfeVtd7c6M-_2vbvFX1wkBcVfYMAd4mOhOu3rGxR909KT45B-LLNtSkBI11Zo8qbUSJ6TTjU6e5j-VJaoInbndoPW01hAtPAgvsqjvslT0dNehGMbKlDT4W8/s400/Second+Home+Lima.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We chose to stay at Second Home Peru because it offered the feeling of staying at a distant family member's home. It has a funky, homey atmosphere with the main house belonging to an accomplished artist. (You can see many of his pieces scattered throughout the property.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The guest rooms are across the expansive backyard and cling to the side of the cliffs with beautiful views of the ocean. Located in Barranco, a fun and nightlife-friendly area, this seemed like the perfect place to spend the last night of our trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had visions of a delicious meal followed by wine on our balcony over looking the ocean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Instead, I got food poisoning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After eating nearly the entire stash of Pepto that we had brought with us, getting sick multiple times, and trying to nap it off, I wasn't feeling better. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcnOOBJCCKp4lRmV5rHRok7YRwfCChkXKfEZ_pWfKmfTtiVka_Of8-cFPBgVDxAkQeNOzpjq0IQwvFSm0FVY1NvftR67BOhyphenhyphen1F6ghd-ZxRQBrMqrPBwTCPa3HYOr2tZMtnLYhB6KTlzE/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcnOOBJCCKp4lRmV5rHRok7YRwfCChkXKfEZ_pWfKmfTtiVka_Of8-cFPBgVDxAkQeNOzpjq0IQwvFSm0FVY1NvftR67BOhyphenhyphen1F6ghd-ZxRQBrMqrPBwTCPa3HYOr2tZMtnLYhB6KTlzE/s400/IMG_4748.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We ventured out for dinner, but ended up at a pharmacy trying to explain in our broken Spanish what was wrong with me. Thankfully, a local took pity and helped translate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So instead of romantic and scenic, we spent the night in our room with the sound of the ocean coming through the open window, magical pills from the pharmacy that made me feel better, anise flavored liquid to keep me hydrated, and dubbed re-runs of animal videos on TV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not quite what we had planned, but definitely memorable. =)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFERUP2vtS_JKVsqrPAdPKXuEDpJt2gv4bwFfvl8I9lIp9xCIkjBk8cCCAk-9A8-NmPgZiA1lvPhMWg34wgeqOI-kTYsGvxg744Ht1ietvdgUgghU5hxJ2PpVP_IZ7qUzJK_yUiprwxfU/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFERUP2vtS_JKVsqrPAdPKXuEDpJt2gv4bwFfvl8I9lIp9xCIkjBk8cCCAk-9A8-NmPgZiA1lvPhMWg34wgeqOI-kTYsGvxg744Ht1ietvdgUgghU5hxJ2PpVP_IZ7qUzJK_yUiprwxfU/s400/IMG_4749.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was feeling much better the next morning and we decided to make the best of our last day in Peru.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We set off on a walk around the Barranco neighborhood of Lima.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjaShxFmrywbGxeNrplTQZnJOSXEkCZpnbHIKDw3E1aAY5XUChyphenhyphennXh3zLE34hhKRQamMBslV6DU86OHuOGrahg6qkzpdQNMJAwHMgytDPDrA6WTmrQeztqgIm4pdD0PxTrPj3TtMzylQ/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjaShxFmrywbGxeNrplTQZnJOSXEkCZpnbHIKDw3E1aAY5XUChyphenhyphennXh3zLE34hhKRQamMBslV6DU86OHuOGrahg6qkzpdQNMJAwHMgytDPDrA6WTmrQeztqgIm4pdD0PxTrPj3TtMzylQ/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We crossed the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) headed for the Parque Municipal.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCPiXw-vmkb9C_uUTYoghEt4-zkA0SawVe5z5lcCMnm5nRl936ly4L4Hp6r-RyC8IrKGzTt4H1vvDj7fC1yYH-oSJEspHY446QFSdNPc1DwuvR4Mq7thf1RGp6jAIxFZwa2rzrYCttiY/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCPiXw-vmkb9C_uUTYoghEt4-zkA0SawVe5z5lcCMnm5nRl936ly4L4Hp6r-RyC8IrKGzTt4H1vvDj7fC1yYH-oSJEspHY446QFSdNPc1DwuvR4Mq7thf1RGp6jAIxFZwa2rzrYCttiY/s400/IMG_4751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We passed the Iglesia la Santisima Cruz along the way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTj8psMqdpc6oj_ltgdqoEqTm-9pJeRNmlz7NjxP3o9syDgaxsyIA-hI7_XnJaUHQegmBRpUvlY-jIYVrCf83iqprceozUi3WNjCPTaJWjPH4jUlA5hxdF7r-_cb4qem8Y40pzFTadVo/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTj8psMqdpc6oj_ltgdqoEqTm-9pJeRNmlz7NjxP3o9syDgaxsyIA-hI7_XnJaUHQegmBRpUvlY-jIYVrCf83iqprceozUi3WNjCPTaJWjPH4jUlA5hxdF7r-_cb4qem8Y40pzFTadVo/s400/IMG_4752.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Parque Municipal was a lovely little park with an old library and reflecting pool with fountains.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-LtUvjhNGgL6TDyZuROHsWR0mfESyrXGwnEwakRYNw_7bvWsUd7gAldEtec5lveQE2n-thwAPzPKam1stbwI6YzP5od6u-Nmko-oD8nGBA-mDrDMlLtf6-V1CIhGR0XJEdG0KXWCQfQ/s1600/IMG_4753.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-LtUvjhNGgL6TDyZuROHsWR0mfESyrXGwnEwakRYNw_7bvWsUd7gAldEtec5lveQE2n-thwAPzPKam1stbwI6YzP5od6u-Nmko-oD8nGBA-mDrDMlLtf6-V1CIhGR0XJEdG0KXWCQfQ/s400/IMG_4753.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought this little spot was really pretty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We continued past the park to the Museo Pedro de Osma.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOt075vNyB8_JbNgT1mDFmsho4QkjO7eiWz-NFXoLY8UsauigPxbyoJu8JVxMf3eKHfEpk2kJJqKu2R42lChp7X6SJB6b1WyOIs8HDTEtIVJqr3jTJoTdsFG5ZPawW6wLOqY3BAaL6kU/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOt075vNyB8_JbNgT1mDFmsho4QkjO7eiWz-NFXoLY8UsauigPxbyoJu8JVxMf3eKHfEpk2kJJqKu2R42lChp7X6SJB6b1WyOIs8HDTEtIVJqr3jTJoTdsFG5ZPawW6wLOqY3BAaL6kU/s400/IMG_4755.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Housed in a gorgeous mansion, this museum's collection features art, furniture, and silver.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1nT18ShtTR0E-vb4tpPgo0_ECO9qQciG_h1uVRt9V9llbjqE5224Hb2qX-RQA8yDyElhTThlD8N8uEoIXbXW3Fmd55tp1ptQZ27hNM_78YdA0F_UFbxdFyQqDFeJF3Q3oJAnuC-1JI/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1nT18ShtTR0E-vb4tpPgo0_ECO9qQciG_h1uVRt9V9llbjqE5224Hb2qX-RQA8yDyElhTThlD8N8uEoIXbXW3Fmd55tp1ptQZ27hNM_78YdA0F_UFbxdFyQqDFeJF3Q3oJAnuC-1JI/s400/IMG_4756.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought the bike rack at the entry was fun and funky.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFlx9NXqkEd34cQufV0ZR1wBeuYnNVmjfeV2tk2J9kz3pc3zx7T5SZsMvDWmUfb8lVKRKWeXVNpN4pxqDdOoFmXUi-PMIutyhPV10TAysdzLU-GbhV_WuX1d3_ASvuOmf0NUmmWtfUTM/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFlx9NXqkEd34cQufV0ZR1wBeuYnNVmjfeV2tk2J9kz3pc3zx7T5SZsMvDWmUfb8lVKRKWeXVNpN4pxqDdOoFmXUi-PMIutyhPV10TAysdzLU-GbhV_WuX1d3_ASvuOmf0NUmmWtfUTM/s400/IMG_4757.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Admission is 10 soles each, and I feel well worth it for the chance to wander nearly alone through the beautiful galleries.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntVoiJgm2omz8uIzBqWmff9F-WnK5oZqlVlJqwbYHEnoijgyLCjBDH-aNHmw093_DsTKPCye9nGHTQwj4RZikDLwAynqKTAGt0MILXvO6GzOlNDkrHKmWL96qFyesGYEquUvWeDVEaTs/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntVoiJgm2omz8uIzBqWmff9F-WnK5oZqlVlJqwbYHEnoijgyLCjBDH-aNHmw093_DsTKPCye9nGHTQwj4RZikDLwAynqKTAGt0MILXvO6GzOlNDkrHKmWL96qFyesGYEquUvWeDVEaTs/s400/IMG_4758.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Some of the collection dates back to the 16th century.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCqrzYCpMy2VvS5rm0xbbCRaeTHPjilIFpqJQMtqFNbMAuePRaDykwTUMaR31T1uWRRfhDk8EL5THsibr50oO9cqPv8y1tpi8zHj0NITnqP5RLeJiGX-dZwztemqxgBlyLSTS4i1xrWk/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCqrzYCpMy2VvS5rm0xbbCRaeTHPjilIFpqJQMtqFNbMAuePRaDykwTUMaR31T1uWRRfhDk8EL5THsibr50oO9cqPv8y1tpi8zHj0NITnqP5RLeJiGX-dZwztemqxgBlyLSTS4i1xrWk/s400/IMG_4759.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It really did feel like we had the place to ourselves. There were one or two other visitors, but we spent most of our visit on our own. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67rgrd0bjiwwDVMn5BVA2pOxkNV-A1YjZztfZ7n6EpHteby08OYsYtTIfMESmUVeptAVQSn9lo-eL6ohVRK0YoUHr15Ac8VP8TUcdy9sLzuRWVxq9Ea05XvD1_QciVXImndY97PB1uvQ/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67rgrd0bjiwwDVMn5BVA2pOxkNV-A1YjZztfZ7n6EpHteby08OYsYtTIfMESmUVeptAVQSn9lo-eL6ohVRK0YoUHr15Ac8VP8TUcdy9sLzuRWVxq9Ea05XvD1_QciVXImndY97PB1uvQ/s400/IMG_4760.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The silver collection capped a relaxed visit to this museum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUyFzPM8VrORCGDRIMYinIhY2bLBqFgHXl1dv5YN_S1Cf8k35J72f6ddXOZPfh7AIPHukFy_3W8g7B7d8zDZndfcpxWUYBnUIm__zQnlqNjg2azC-l5jdWNwhQT4EFHQA-QArfbvhaQ/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUyFzPM8VrORCGDRIMYinIhY2bLBqFgHXl1dv5YN_S1Cf8k35J72f6ddXOZPfh7AIPHukFy_3W8g7B7d8zDZndfcpxWUYBnUIm__zQnlqNjg2azC-l5jdWNwhQT4EFHQA-QArfbvhaQ/s400/IMG_4761.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We killed some time relaxing in the backyard back at Second Home Peru before heading off to our scheduled chocolate making class.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b5rBe3K1bDzWDrkW857BWi8WNXLR9BQzAG2RMAkozpa0P6TcKKntbFdQuE6w7T-z8yd3qGyWOMG18xes8K-Ubiwr3KpijkPg-5OithhHXasIbuf69K4iS_O3MWMATtzEIrOyPm2-QOY/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b5rBe3K1bDzWDrkW857BWi8WNXLR9BQzAG2RMAkozpa0P6TcKKntbFdQuE6w7T-z8yd3qGyWOMG18xes8K-Ubiwr3KpijkPg-5OithhHXasIbuf69K4iS_O3MWMATtzEIrOyPm2-QOY/s400/IMG_4763.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our reservation had gotten lost at the ChocoMuseo location in Barranco, but the kind staff there whisked us into a pre-paid cab over to their Miraflores location for a later class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We arrived early, which meant we had time for some ice cream before the class started.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY8mkSLhZuse38CZrXcSIwSh8UupFp_06Y0ZK1TjOZhUeh2g377BUQUrz2TaP1o761yLhQVl5HKISwqRAtZ7HRWxSuDLrfb_MsLJZDd6mjMfSnRzqlDaMQhkocyJCJOzeHFvGXWvTMHk/s1600/IMG_4777.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY8mkSLhZuse38CZrXcSIwSh8UupFp_06Y0ZK1TjOZhUeh2g377BUQUrz2TaP1o761yLhQVl5HKISwqRAtZ7HRWxSuDLrfb_MsLJZDd6mjMfSnRzqlDaMQhkocyJCJOzeHFvGXWvTMHk/s400/IMG_4777.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The class starts here with a discussion of how and where cocoa grows.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquzHVqbBzXLnXNU80Fkc7eD0gy1qmFVOSbkLndfh1rv_NZ-uee2MQODQzlHSmI3NjRoDlKudaHf6bM7zIe107KSByZvZKunYie9JgERYQ0EzcGcsf5L1jBe14_4eWVft2qGs8MGsZocI/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquzHVqbBzXLnXNU80Fkc7eD0gy1qmFVOSbkLndfh1rv_NZ-uee2MQODQzlHSmI3NjRoDlKudaHf6bM7zIe107KSByZvZKunYie9JgERYQ0EzcGcsf5L1jBe14_4eWVft2qGs8MGsZocI/s400/IMG_4778.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You move into the next room to hear more about the history of cocoa cultivation, chocolate making, and which countries have the greatest appetite for the sweet treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last, you head to the kitchen to try your hand at making chocolate.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNMwy2SyhWvfoZjsIJnzLfsV9YZHQekr0Ercg0up2dRb5Snj0OV8Wj7LoATe2bqPYdIkYcNc41iq3KaivKP0V5Y7_jgnlC0pcso82xD8yLuOK7BsQGB3XxkHfeZxDRRtET1VS4I86qWo/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNMwy2SyhWvfoZjsIJnzLfsV9YZHQekr0Ercg0up2dRb5Snj0OV8Wj7LoATe2bqPYdIkYcNc41iq3KaivKP0V5Y7_jgnlC0pcso82xD8yLuOK7BsQGB3XxkHfeZxDRRtET1VS4I86qWo/s400/IMG_4766.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You start by toasting the cocoa in a clay pot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEnPFnjxpN8INQiCUceloyM8_Yvvwo_5Vv8-13DoV5zcOre_thyphenhyphencNmMhPxARjtovLEybI6HXiyqyPwQSMokcrzGaafunvY3H_HH_tAyVzBT6QJJ7_P2_4M_nFgUL_dlcoVPROx5xcO0I/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEnPFnjxpN8INQiCUceloyM8_Yvvwo_5Vv8-13DoV5zcOre_thyphenhyphencNmMhPxARjtovLEybI6HXiyqyPwQSMokcrzGaafunvY3H_HH_tAyVzBT6QJJ7_P2_4M_nFgUL_dlcoVPROx5xcO0I/s400/IMG_4768.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once toasted, you peel the beans. We saved the skins to make chocolate tea.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyPA5TE19VgkstJ5IHjxN_KLKEA_IZs3w2v2vxu4lw4aNnEi335r0OJXVObyHF2mqudVTsBkceyQEviEqbx7tfi2msz0ZBVwyg31FZd3UR0weHwvXdP-MrR9cX0_BGGtOXeWUEwacvyk/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyPA5TE19VgkstJ5IHjxN_KLKEA_IZs3w2v2vxu4lw4aNnEi335r0OJXVObyHF2mqudVTsBkceyQEviEqbx7tfi2msz0ZBVwyg31FZd3UR0weHwvXdP-MrR9cX0_BGGtOXeWUEwacvyk/s400/IMG_4769.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The tea was light, with just a hint of chocolate flavor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then we ground the beans.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw9E2f4ooH6B7pho5ndoaRkJ6U3eQbA5mOq3gJ1hBUcAbn1MMV4CYq9FKovqKZ-giSyWuGPxEG8LyJpEaDWDp52l6wd3LitQBg2yNPeiQUtmC6wnKlzRTXi-kPY9lPg8ESjP-_bXar5U/s1600/IMG_4770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw9E2f4ooH6B7pho5ndoaRkJ6U3eQbA5mOq3gJ1hBUcAbn1MMV4CYq9FKovqKZ-giSyWuGPxEG8LyJpEaDWDp52l6wd3LitQBg2yNPeiQUtmC6wnKlzRTXi-kPY9lPg8ESjP-_bXar5U/s400/IMG_4770.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was not great at this part. I needed a little help from S to finish and not hold the rest of the class up.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl4PgltBaah5BFCmNniKzIwMlp7E6meghYwK0t_pny1c1wrYFbln0tqhrt0yzkVbramZ0zFOLaN-OO7_-ZK7qqdCyad66B7NuEh6q9sHE57rnS97sYIIUGprZZHinOMEc0tO4KYihMkw/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl4PgltBaah5BFCmNniKzIwMlp7E6meghYwK0t_pny1c1wrYFbln0tqhrt0yzkVbramZ0zFOLaN-OO7_-ZK7qqdCyad66B7NuEh6q9sHE57rnS97sYIIUGprZZHinOMEc0tO4KYihMkw/s400/IMG_4773.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We used some of the ground chocolate to make hot chocolate, mixing back and forth between two pitchers until the drink was ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This chocolate used spices and had a little heat. Very yummy, not like what we have at home. Similar to what we would call Mexican Hot Chocolate in the States.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRmrA1dEuZ-NowcJ-DulqS5e7f0RUHz6kJhwfs6XdqWuthRD27H6jz1X4EMQW2coG7hs9vaGZAiDvCgJgECobb2tncM97L0aQJZpEOUaBE8SdbPinkMEyW-pUuok7wzfJEDOwEDOOzF4/s1600/IMG_4775.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRmrA1dEuZ-NowcJ-DulqS5e7f0RUHz6kJhwfs6XdqWuthRD27H6jz1X4EMQW2coG7hs9vaGZAiDvCgJgECobb2tncM97L0aQJZpEOUaBE8SdbPinkMEyW-pUuok7wzfJEDOwEDOOzF4/s400/IMG_4775.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next we made 'conquistadors chocolate' which had a much more familiar flavor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This version was made with milk and less spice. It had a creamier, cinnamon flavor.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2aXn3TD6ohMXDyUHO83iwauPLeVk_COXaocc_Vzo2Le0hPAVGQsnS2CVmEi73G9V_Qj8MJtiA6gYbXakiEcdpR4rj3Oew80CU-v7jX5jOlSB4r7cl154Z4-2KH6WeWCcEVUuXmMH2tU/s1600/IMG_4776.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2aXn3TD6ohMXDyUHO83iwauPLeVk_COXaocc_Vzo2Le0hPAVGQsnS2CVmEi73G9V_Qj8MJtiA6gYbXakiEcdpR4rj3Oew80CU-v7jX5jOlSB4r7cl154Z4-2KH6WeWCcEVUuXmMH2tU/s400/IMG_4776.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lastly, we got to try our hand at making chocolate bars. They had all kinds of things we could put into the bars like nuts, coconut, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and more. This was a really fun souvenir to bring home and share with our families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Did we enjoy our time in Lima? Sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Would we have preferred more time in other places in Peru? Yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is 3 days and 3 nights too much time in Lima? For us, yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lima is a difficult city. It is very spread out and many of the sites are hard to see because of this. The distance is only compounded by the taxi situation and not feeling comfortable hailing one on the street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's not just that though. It isn't what I would describe as a beautiful or charming city. It isn't ugly, it isn't unlikable, but I didn't find myself falling in love and wishing I had more time to spend like I did in other places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I felt like I was obligated to see Lima. It is a capital city with lots of history and millions of residents. It must be important, right? You can't come to Peru and not see Lima, can you? With flights passing through here on both ends of our trip, doesn't it make sense to see a little of the city?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sure, see some of Lima. However, give yourself permission not to spend so much time here. I don't regret our time in Lima, but I really do wish I had had more time in other places on our trip to Peru. Perhaps fewer days in Lima would have allowed that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, Lima: it has much to offer, but if you're in a rush, don't feel bad skipping it and spending your precious time resources in other locations you're more excited about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Feel the same? Feel like I totally missed the allure of Lima? Let me know in the comments below.</span></div>
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Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-80970776902123985602015-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:002015-11-17T08:00:05.424-08:0012 Hours in Panama City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we started researching flights early this year for our trip to Peru, S was initially discouraged by the lack of options without a long layover somewhere. I wondered, though, if it could be turned into an opportunity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Instead of settling for sitting in an airport somewhere for 4 to 6 hours, what if we actually chose a flight with a day-long layover?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's how we ended up with 12 hours in Panama City, Panama. We embraced the inconvenient flight schedule and turned it into a mini vacation on the way to our vacation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wondering what the heck to do with 12 hours in Panama City? I'm so glad you asked.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjbd4kSA49cN8sNrB0-JAWemIZLbqAhhX8exhEkQsTrtRfCbxfELkQqHylhXYV2bFblY2Jcye55a_LOp-d_9HjIk0WoOdZhpdqKtwC1FAyUY0IBOezeYFu_2Ij1E2Y2bMhUPbRGjRGH8/s1600/12+Hours+in+Panama+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjbd4kSA49cN8sNrB0-JAWemIZLbqAhhX8exhEkQsTrtRfCbxfELkQqHylhXYV2bFblY2Jcye55a_LOp-d_9HjIk0WoOdZhpdqKtwC1FAyUY0IBOezeYFu_2Ij1E2Y2bMhUPbRGjRGH8/s1600/12+Hours+in+Panama+City.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This might seem a little obvious, but Panama City is tropical. Maybe you already knew that, but if you're on your way to somewhere not tropical like we were, its worth noting that you'll want to make an appropriate outfit change before you leave the airport. Also, don't forget the sunscreen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We arrived in Panama City around 6am and shed our long pants and shirts from our red-eye flight before heading for the rental car counter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Panama City has a decent public transportation system, plenty of legitimate taxis and a supply of Uber drivers, but we opted to rent a car and drive ourselves. For $75 all-in it was nice to have the autonomy to go wherever we wanted, when we wanted, and to not have to worry about bus schedules or anything like that when it was time to head back to the airport to catch our flight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Driving in Panama City is not difficult per se, just be ready for a little bit of chaos, prepare to be a little aggressive, and rent the optional GPS like we did so you know where you're going.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkcnAHtKmRaJ0RjVG-RYjWDc_XJ41JrtOlebDLPk0n75oCjax-I6uApJo0UlmCZmBC2VGjWsfqWItMraPuHWdMK9QOXXhCQAZ2RRdt6y3KzAlsX1eK8uzUVJKm9UW8-ED57Q4sH4NGUg/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkcnAHtKmRaJ0RjVG-RYjWDc_XJ41JrtOlebDLPk0n75oCjax-I6uApJo0UlmCZmBC2VGjWsfqWItMraPuHWdMK9QOXXhCQAZ2RRdt6y3KzAlsX1eK8uzUVJKm9UW8-ED57Q4sH4NGUg/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First stop: the <a href="http://visitcanaldepanama.com/centro-de-visitantes-de-miraflores/" target="_blank">Miraflores Locks</a> at the Panama Canal. (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294480-d547531-Reviews-Miraflores_Locks_Visitor_Center-Panama_City_Panama_Province.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It may seem like an obvious place to go, because, well, it is. Its obvious and popular for a reason though</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZbM5jvu5i7jKg1KCP4cbs4eFLa3qPEoC5laewabI6isEvvxNDOL7Eqg8cNukXOAGSZeuyvIIh5hl6ygUTnnYEGSyXAsG8u5gfiTilc9DFgK611JPGumP5b24eQ4wApCAtgbS_zS94A/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZbM5jvu5i7jKg1KCP4cbs4eFLa3qPEoC5laewabI6isEvvxNDOL7Eqg8cNukXOAGSZeuyvIIh5hl6ygUTnnYEGSyXAsG8u5gfiTilc9DFgK611JPGumP5b24eQ4wApCAtgbS_zS94A/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The locks originally opened in 1914. They've had a little work done since then, but they are still an engineering marvel that will make you feel small in comparison.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPEKyIBczKZ_-RVk8TrvkC6roC5AsFhgr1xC2bz8IS1ObmWg0HBZP5lyWzDPChwH79DYNlzRCVLqQMn_ptfKwYDSjGRubIGaU_f66Wmkc6wQTk6iZ26Dg5VnBlh1S98ZUCw5mwQqBuLY/s1600/IMG_4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPEKyIBczKZ_-RVk8TrvkC6roC5AsFhgr1xC2bz8IS1ObmWg0HBZP5lyWzDPChwH79DYNlzRCVLqQMn_ptfKwYDSjGRubIGaU_f66Wmkc6wQTk6iZ26Dg5VnBlh1S98ZUCw5mwQqBuLY/s1600/IMG_4083.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Entrance to the visitor center is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and children. The visitor center has a multi-level viewing platform and a multi-floor museum. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ_nZ3QiAukVhcjaFm-Nf4S4e1F0DCJc4sgKRah67AWF0i5q6pGfmhBPDA6vbzwXxVEDvPKJg1iVWL78hgcDGhKpKcU5p49lSub97uG5rVRhvbL9x_8iJKrY9BSaGSZToqspXUBVpDa4/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ_nZ3QiAukVhcjaFm-Nf4S4e1F0DCJc4sgKRah67AWF0i5q6pGfmhBPDA6vbzwXxVEDvPKJg1iVWL78hgcDGhKpKcU5p49lSub97uG5rVRhvbL9x_8iJKrY9BSaGSZToqspXUBVpDa4/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were here at about 9am and the ships were lined up coming through the locks one after the other. The crowds were light and we were able to dominate a spot on the rail for our entire visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We really enjoyed watching the water levels rise and fall, the lock doors open and close, and the ships slowly moving past with their cog-rail escorts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtrhkkwgUrxOnszboTEUivs7Xohe-M41gss_SvY79T-ReIZ1XAllhby0vN6BxYJYUQykvs0kWbUEiwsLt7zVoJxcBFIXPBbRIC3TDbh7nGnNK8b6humdlG_hDF4JyuoNSpFXKAL4eMWM/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtrhkkwgUrxOnszboTEUivs7Xohe-M41gss_SvY79T-ReIZ1XAllhby0vN6BxYJYUQykvs0kWbUEiwsLt7zVoJxcBFIXPBbRIC3TDbh7nGnNK8b6humdlG_hDF4JyuoNSpFXKAL4eMWM/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you love things with moving parts then you must visit here. The locks, trains, and well-coordinated staff make for a great show to start your day in Panama City.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we were here, there was a docent-type man with a microphone on the loud speaker explaining all the action. He was informative and punny, a perfect combination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The attached museum has exhibits related to the locks like this one showing the old mechanical mechanism for opening the gates and the newer hydraulic ones that replaced them. There are also exhibits about the rain forests and oceans that are not far from the Panama Canal. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd-nGs5j-LDKg5EalCS2caEDnGknmy2lKekRQiSiJrre_9XRaJmJei1iN_ar6tp2ptsodcwrwcx5stcNRNRgyiWQ5A-WgX1_ndciIOV4bzPEOZ7AJrpnt8YbfIepYqLmxN8I3TGVZv4E/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd-nGs5j-LDKg5EalCS2caEDnGknmy2lKekRQiSiJrre_9XRaJmJei1iN_ar6tp2ptsodcwrwcx5stcNRNRgyiWQ5A-WgX1_ndciIOV4bzPEOZ7AJrpnt8YbfIepYqLmxN8I3TGVZv4E/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We left the canal and headed to Casco Viejo, the second oldest neighborhood</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> in Panama City. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We parked the car and set out on Frommer's walking tour of the neighborhood which you can <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panama-city/275639" target="_blank">find for free here</a>. Give yourself 1-2 hours to do the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We did the tour in reverse, having parked at the north end of the neighborhood in Plaza Herrera. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First stop: the Iglesia de San Jose. No photos allowed, but the altar is a gold leaf masterpiece.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Next, the Iglesia de la Merced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Originally built in the area known as Panama Viejo, the oldest settlement of the city, the stones were moved and reconstructed on this site in 1680 after a pirate attack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I loved these doors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next stop, the Catedral Metropolitana in the Plaza de la Indepentencia. Construction began in 1688, but wasn't completed until 1796.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The interior is simple, but lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Casco Viejo is an interesting neighborhood to visit. On the one hand, there are beautiful colonial style buildings lining every street.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand, many of the buildings sit in various states of disrepair and decay. As if they have been forgotten about for decades. Its easy to wander in wonder through the streets snapping photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Plaza de Francia sits on the tip of the peninsula, jutting out toward the Pacific Ocean. It was the original Plaza de Armas or main square of Panama City, but is now a commemorative monument to the French effort to build the Panama Canal. (<a href="http://www.history.com/news/7-fascinating-facts-about-the-panama-canal" target="_blank">You can learn more about the canal's history here.</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Its a great spot to see the ships lined up waiting for their turn in the canal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another picturesque spot. (This long layover thing was paying off!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Built in 1678, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo burnt in 1781 and was never rebuilt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The arch, known as the Arco Chato survived the fire and seems to defy gravity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We saw these other ruins on our walk back to the car. Again, everywhere you look in Casco Viejo is another beautiful building just waiting to have its photo taken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we got back to to car in Plaza Herrera ominous clouds were gathering. Our plans were to stop by <a href="http://www.patronatopanamaviejo.org/ppv2014/es/" target="_blank">Panama Viejo</a> on our way back to the airport. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">However, clouds quickly turned to heavy rain, which were then joined by pretty epic lightening. Not wanting to stand in an open field in a thunder and lightening storm, we opted to go back to the airport early. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm really glad we embraced the long layover. It allowed us to see a beautiful and interesting city that we otherwise would have missed. Or at least not visited for a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I may have required a large cafe con leche frio to stay energized after a red-eye flight, but it was worth it. The next time you're faced with a flight schedule that seems intent on stranding you somewhere, roll with it. Take a deep breath, check the weather, and choose the adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever had a long layover that you turned into a day of sightseeing? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.</span><br />
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-1699617336962197132015-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:002015-11-09T11:08:24.578-08:00Slow-cooker Smoked Sausage Cassoulet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm in love with my crock-pots. Yes, crock-pots plural. They make preparing a yummy meal a breeze. I mean, who doesn't like the concept of set it and forget it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now, most of us know a good crock-pot recipe is rarely just set it and forget it. There is usually some sort of prep like browning your roast that needs to happen before the cock-pot can work its magic. This recipe is no different, but like all good crock-pot recipes it is so worth a little prep to come back a few hands-off hours later to a hot meal that's ready to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is no roast to brown in the recipe. Prep includes getting the delicious sauce base going on the stove, getting all your meat chopped and ready for action, and smushing some of your beans to set yourself up for a nice, thick stew consistency later. I'd say that's worth it for being able to walk away for 5 hours and come back to a meal that is perfect for a work night, but also worthy of company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ladies and gentlemen, start your slow cookers! This one is a winner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoked-sausage-cassoulet" target="_blank">Slow-cooker Smoked Sausage Cassoulet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Cooking Light</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: about 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 30 minutes active, 5 hours inactive</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 slices of bacon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 cups onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 tsp of dried thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 tsp of dried rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 cloves garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 cans (14.5oz) diced tomatoes, drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 cans (15oz) great northern beans, rinsed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 lb lean, boneless pork roast, trimmed and cut into 1 ince cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 8 tsp finely shredded Parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside until cool, then crumble.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In pan with bacon drippings, add onion, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Saute three minutes or until tender. Stir in the crumbled bacon, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place one of the cans of beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until chunky. Add the remaining can of beans, pork and sausage to the bowl and stir well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place half of the bean mixture in the bottom of your 3.5 quart slow cooker. Layer half of the tomato and onion mixture on top of your first bean layer. Repeat the layers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is my before shot. Beautiful layers just waiting to be braised into deliciousness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After! Liquid from the veggies has cooked out to create a yummy, thick sauce.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIWgIpnzn_Tcofpv6Wquf10O7BqfIP12NQzWrdc6UHVWZD0ySNffZYbbGfBHfpqvyNkotY5gHevoF0w38K3hpW6llhmvNcQt67B0-fMoA4PxcxtNHw54_soYwneeP43cV3691eBjTOrw/s1600/IMG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIWgIpnzn_Tcofpv6Wquf10O7BqfIP12NQzWrdc6UHVWZD0ySNffZYbbGfBHfpqvyNkotY5gHevoF0w38K3hpW6llhmvNcQt67B0-fMoA4PxcxtNHw54_soYwneeP43cV3691eBjTOrw/s1600/IMG_3152.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ladle into bowls and top with the Parmesan cheese.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is perfect for an easy, week night supper or you could serve with crusty bread and wine for an easy dinner with guests. I hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts: (based on 6 servings)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 409, Total Fat 15g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 75mg, Sodium 1196mg, Potassium 14mg, Total Carbohydrate 34g, Fiber 9g, Sugars 8g, Protien 33g. </span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-43578528737068607502015-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:002015-11-05T10:53:33.282-08:00Roll Tide Road Trip Weekend<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Roll Tide! I may have only attended the University of Alabama for a short amount of time, but the love for the Crimson Tide took root. It wasn't that hard to convince S to cheer on the Tide with me. Its not just the winning, there is a history and a fan family that makes Bama football special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As members of the Bama fan diaspora cheering from California, the allure of seeing a game live calls every year. Last year we answered the call and booked a roll tide road trip weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We booked a red-eye flight to Atlanta and borrowed a 2015 QX70 from S' friends at Infitini USA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First stop: the Alabama state line! Perfect spot for our first photo op of the trip. (watch for fire ant piles in the grass!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While it may not be fine dining, Waffle House is basically required if you're on a road trip in the south. S had never been to one before so we pretty much had to pull off for breakfast when we saw this one in Oxford, AL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The restaurant was full of other patrons in Alabama gear. This is probably a normal scene for a Friday morning before a game day in Alabama, but it made us really excited. Its not everyday we get to blend in as Bama fans. Our crimson t-shirts and my houndstooth elephant earrings usually earn us a few stares while out in public, but not this weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dega! <a href="http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/?homepage=true" target="_blank">Talladega Superspeedway</a> is just a few minutes off Interstate 20, the main freeway connector between Atlanta and Tuscaloosa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We stopped for a track tour and a quick walk around this famous race track. There is also a museum, but we didn't have time to visit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS63KH5L2kyixMb-niX0Xs82bgZI-Mzfs8w-tco8yzTxmXk_AfBk-etPC0YbMjU-EciqMIeyjuaUxv9IG2bc-ryCyIkPUpSC5Hhv4XzI00nEB61WrXrfIVUkt7LFtc8PC0y7S__7EGMD8/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS63KH5L2kyixMb-niX0Xs82bgZI-Mzfs8w-tco8yzTxmXk_AfBk-etPC0YbMjU-EciqMIeyjuaUxv9IG2bc-ryCyIkPUpSC5Hhv4XzI00nEB61WrXrfIVUkt7LFtc8PC0y7S__7EGMD8/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next stop, <a href="http://www.barbermuseum.org/" target="_blank">Barber Motorsports Park</a> in Leeds, AL. This place was great! There is a world-class museum with thousands of historical motorcycles and cars. The collection is absolutely amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The museum looks out over the racetrack through floor-to-ceiling windows. The track hosts the Porsche driving school and while we explored the museum's exhibits we got to watch a class doing laps around the track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Barber Motorsports Park is also right off Interstate 20 making it a perfect second stop on our Bama road trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A few minutes down the road is the <a href="http://www.irondalecafe.com/" target="_blank">Irondale Cafe</a>. This is the real Whistle Stop Cafe from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. The fried green tomatoes here are amazing. Add in the fried chicken and chocolate chess pie and this is the perfect lunch stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(I forgot to take a picture while we were here so this screen grab from Google street view will have to do)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We made it to Tuscaloosa and rounded out our afternoon with me giving S a tour of campus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I also got really excited about the opportunity for an impromptu tour of the DZ house. Sisterhood is forever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">S has heard endless tales of the magic that is <a href="http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" target="_blank">Dreamland Barbecue</a>. This is the stuff dreams are made of. It just might be worth a trip to Alabama just to eat here. Ya, its that good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had to bring S to this legend of an eatery. Of course we came to the original location. He wasn't disappointed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Up bright and early-the streets around the stadium started closing at 8am-we walked the quad and took in the excitement from all the tailgaters. Trust me, you haven't been to a tailgate until you've been to a tailgate in the south.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We met up with S' friend/co-worker and fellow Bama alumnus and Tide fanatic for breakfast on the lawn of his fraternity house. (That just happened to be on the front lawn of the stadium!) Breakfast consisted mostly bourbon and Coke Zero...when in Rome, er Tuscaloosa, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Bryant-Denny is a dry stadium so plan on doing all your drinking before or after the game. I say that in the most have-responsible-fun kind of way...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I could barely contain my excitement at being back in Bryant Denny Stadium! When I was a student here I was also a member of the Million Dollar Band. It was such a treat to get to watch them from the stands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was wonderful to share the excitement of Alabama football with S in real life. There is an energy in the stadium that just doesn't quite come across on TV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are no bad seats in Bryant Denny. We sat in the top row and loved it. Our seats were covered so no baking in the sun and we were also covered when the rain started. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The game ended early under a lightening delay. The officials called the game early in favor of Bama. Final score 41 - 0. Sorry Florida Atlantic Owls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We celebrated the blow-out win with a few rounds of yellow hammers at Gallettes on the strip. Its tradition! (and delicious and fun!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">San Jose State University (SJSU) was playing Auburn University for the night game. (S and I met at SJSU.) By the end of the night we basically had the whole bar cheering on SJSU with us. Auburn still won...but it felt good to watch the SJSU boys give them a run for their money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had an early flight out of Atlanta in the morning (a result of an error with Delta's booking system) so we didn't stay out too late. We thoroughly enjoyed our roll tide road trip weekend and hope to make it happen on a more regular basis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any tips for college football weekends? Share them with me below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-26536621744505866502015-11-03T08:00:00.000-08:002015-11-03T08:00:03.944-08:00Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Onions<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've always wanted to go to Morocco. (Its next on the travel bucket list!) Short of actually travelling somewhere, eating the food is a pretty good consolation prize, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I saw this recipe in the <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/moroccan-spiced-roasted-chicken-sweet-onions" target="_blank">January 2015 issue of Cooking Light</a> I got excited. While it isn't exactly traditional Moroccan cuisine, this is the kind of recipe that allows you to try something new and different-peek into another culture-in an accessible, comfortable way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention it is completely delicious?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXDJUen77WRkwgwQN_U0BMCSeB-2Ni_D1BAdKsoXzM90IzvVAWeDNpiXI0nbPG3Y2cJ7dP1FT0ynROy4ecf-lFfguYHyukpKv1Otu5W4FEqxKQxkLF-nJVFJRoo9NnM_91D2GTf_DKPE/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXDJUen77WRkwgwQN_U0BMCSeB-2Ni_D1BAdKsoXzM90IzvVAWeDNpiXI0nbPG3Y2cJ7dP1FT0ynROy4ecf-lFfguYHyukpKv1Otu5W4FEqxKQxkLF-nJVFJRoo9NnM_91D2GTf_DKPE/s400/IMG_2831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The key flavor in this dish is the spice blend ras el hanout. Its a spice bled from North Africa that combines cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, dry ginger, chili peppers, coriander seed, peppercorn, sweet and hot paprika, fenugreek, and dry turmeric. Quite a blend! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wasn't going to try making it myself, but finding it in the store was a challenge too. I struck out at three grocery stores including Whole Foods before finally finding it at William Sonoma. This one is worth the investment to add to your spice cabinet, guys. It is GOOD!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sweet and smoky at the same time this was an interesting new flavor combination for me. It is perfectly complemented by the onions in the dish. This is real good guys, like real good. Like, go to William Sonoma tonight and get yourself some ras el hanout so you can make this asap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you're like me you'll instantly start thinking about all the other things you can make with this spice blend. Whole roasted chicken anyone?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJDPJP4nv0NsVEEZN4F8A51XZHoTkZXGbAQHyqxHVcTutEVtR4u24NBB6EhBe8pjsyhN9U_HSZzCOaYmd0jcRrCO99VYiWTec_BrCuDmDMWzwz0IiRGKVuvlQ8x0_2ElDvwt-m3cF540/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJDPJP4nv0NsVEEZN4F8A51XZHoTkZXGbAQHyqxHVcTutEVtR4u24NBB6EhBe8pjsyhN9U_HSZzCOaYmd0jcRrCO99VYiWTec_BrCuDmDMWzwz0IiRGKVuvlQ8x0_2ElDvwt-m3cF540/s400/IMG_2828.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I served this with broiled broccolini with lemon juice. The citrus flavor on the crisp veggies went great with the aromatic chicken and onions. Alright, enough from me, check out the ingredients and directions below and get cooking! =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/moroccan-spiced-roasted-chicken-sweet-onions" target="_blank">Moroccan-spiced Chicken with Onions</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Cooking Light</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 30 minutes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 Tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 Tbsp ras el hanout</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 6oz each)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 Tsp salt, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 Tbsp butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 cups sliced yellow onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tsp honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat. Add olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add the ras el hanout to the oil in the pan and toast 3 minutes, stirring frequently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Combine the chicken breasts and spice-oil mixture from the pan in a zip-top bag. Seal and shake well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Remove the chicken from the bag and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of the salt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Return pan to medium-high heat on the stove. Spray your pan with olive oil or cooking spray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add chicken to the pan and cook for 4 minutes. Turn an cook one minute longer. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add butter to the pan and swirl until melted and pan in coated. Add onion and remaining 1/4 tsp to the pan. Saute 2 minutes or until the onions start to get brown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Return the chicken to the pan and drizzle with the honey. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Serve with the lemon wedges. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiVRWM3BGcebCjEqSloXZA4bgoubXAym6w2W4HQNqvJMllZv-MuuShMSpoPMzMNXaNCMwtd_1kHb-EOiFP3F5_A_tso_xYrmKRJQcQkn3IiVZd1DFrn7CZg1nJuT1NSnvdRkTkU-tvPw/s1600/IMG_2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiVRWM3BGcebCjEqSloXZA4bgoubXAym6w2W4HQNqvJMllZv-MuuShMSpoPMzMNXaNCMwtd_1kHb-EOiFP3F5_A_tso_xYrmKRJQcQkn3IiVZd1DFrn7CZg1nJuT1NSnvdRkTkU-tvPw/s400/IMG_2830.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We drank a drier riesling and it paired well with the sweet-smoky chicken and onions and bright, citrusy broccolini. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 308, Fat 13.6g, Saturated Fat 5.1g, Sodium 490mg.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-70421212579484569172015-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:002015-10-27T10:38:16.290-07:00Thai-style Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wow! It has been a while since I have posted! Since the last post S and I have sold our condo, bought a new house and moved, I have a new job, and we went on vacation to Peru for two weeks. Phew! It has been a whirlwind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, in honor of being crazy busy and it still not feeling like fall here in LA I wanted to share with you one of our favorite quick, warm-weather recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is one of our favorite recipes when it gets hot. Its quick and easy to throw together and super yummy. Spicy peanut dressing is amazing. I kinda want to put it on everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This salad is in our regular rotation and you should definitely try it soon. Its not like California is in any hurry to get to roasting weather. Might as well enjoy a few more light, tasty salads. Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yah, no. I'm a few days away from rebelling and roasting something in my bathing suit with all the fans in the house on. I'm over summer, y'all. Can we please just have fall weather already?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While I pout, you should seriously make this salad...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuo7wHTFo3WtVuvraVlkpoluv3ifjwwS3RqUYCg3tytQmo8qIzGqddbz57YybhEJTOcSAPKjc8a4YKh0fLyvZALbJiZR015qBHl8h6acjUm3O4F0ShGeI-gpKWeDyUk9E1f80mH4-gZn0/s1600/thai+salad+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuo7wHTFo3WtVuvraVlkpoluv3ifjwwS3RqUYCg3tytQmo8qIzGqddbz57YybhEJTOcSAPKjc8a4YKh0fLyvZALbJiZR015qBHl8h6acjUm3O4F0ShGeI-gpKWeDyUk9E1f80mH4-gZn0/s400/thai+salad+6.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/chopped-thai-chicken-salad" target="_blank">Thai-style Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Pinch of Yum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: about 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 20 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients: (I changed the ingredients a little from the original)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 4 cloves garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 habanero peppers, seeded and minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 5 Tbsp soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tbsp vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tbsp sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- juice of two limes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 Tbsp olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 cup water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 bag cole slaw mix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 cup sliced green onions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Okay, I'm gonna try something new. Directions with pictures. Here goes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 1: gather all your stuff. Its annoying to stop stirring your dressing together to grab something you forgot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCemZLvL4JEYf5oq1mkHE-VPYVwXzmP2rvErgngzDg_cx9c7Jehi_I3oUC1JifuwOBU0m8oSY1Q15ryDBT76mbv63q6_-9fXn7Q4LS13mdzcXEF3BOjtX_w2e4v6VBOglaoePMAhbERUE/s1600/thai+salad+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCemZLvL4JEYf5oq1mkHE-VPYVwXzmP2rvErgngzDg_cx9c7Jehi_I3oUC1JifuwOBU0m8oSY1Q15ryDBT76mbv63q6_-9fXn7Q4LS13mdzcXEF3BOjtX_w2e4v6VBOglaoePMAhbERUE/s400/thai+salad+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 2: grill your chicken and then shred.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I usually do this outside, but I've done it in a grill pan too. You can also skip this step and swap in rotisserie chicken if you'd like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 3: prep your lettuce. The original recipe calls for a bunch of ingredients. I cheat and use bagged cole slaw mix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Prep = open bag and dump in a bowl. I told you this was easy. =)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiTilLhCKtny1ic4zmrHd1B9ISxP0NGblyBeSnhlDDm-4I2pteK8M3tOjT42EPI23JLY5wdiZtGpLbe6pvZEIkKVi0ww1Gt3Eib7edc5tw3npP5BqEr_dye3nJOzpiX83DB3WZr5n5EQ/s1600/thai+salad+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiTilLhCKtny1ic4zmrHd1B9ISxP0NGblyBeSnhlDDm-4I2pteK8M3tOjT42EPI23JLY5wdiZtGpLbe6pvZEIkKVi0ww1Gt3Eib7edc5tw3npP5BqEr_dye3nJOzpiX83DB3WZr5n5EQ/s400/thai+salad+3.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 4: Whisk/stir together the first 9 ingredients (through water) to make your dressing. Work at the peanut butter, it is worth it to spend the time to get rid of as many chunks as you can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can heat the peanut butter for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to stir.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A note about the peppers: these are hot. Like I wear gloves when I chop them 'cuz I wear contacts and even 5 hand washes later my fingers still burn my eyeballs hot. (I recommend wearing gloves when you chop these, btw) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adjust the number of peppers to your liking. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I tried 4 once and that was too much, two wasn't enough, but 3 peppers is just right for S and I. The heat from the peppers adds a whole different layer of flavor that is totally worth it, but you don't want you're nose running and lips tingling while you eat. If you're not sure how much is too much start with one pepper and give the dressing a taste test. You can always add more before tossing everything together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another note about the peppers: try to mince/chop them into as small of pieces as possible. You'll totally understand why I say this if you get a bite with a big ole piece of pepper in it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 5: toss everything together! Serve immediately.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTbtjnXD3yYkQBM2SZDNKbJCsFz5O6Nj5sJSDGcpitg5nOF1Jezd8OJ6TumygcGDzUzzOH6R3W5P2QoO8EV2OWYVyrCOQTdneHiKoyhRWfWRtNQ_duviWGE59l8Amy98rPQok2P2p9u8/s1600/thai+salad+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTbtjnXD3yYkQBM2SZDNKbJCsFz5O6Nj5sJSDGcpitg5nOF1Jezd8OJ6TumygcGDzUzzOH6R3W5P2QoO8EV2OWYVyrCOQTdneHiKoyhRWfWRtNQ_duviWGE59l8Amy98rPQok2P2p9u8/s400/thai+salad+5.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love this salad and I hope you will too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can store leftovers before tossing together and dress before serving for the crispest salad. I've also stored leftovers already mixed together with the dressing and the cabbage in the cole slaw mix holds up fairly well. Its not quite as crisp as freshly tossed, but it doesn't turn into a soggy mess either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Info:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 302, Total Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 1374mg, Potassium 404mg, Carbohydrates 30g, Fiber 4g, Sugars 20g, Protein 18g. </span><br />
<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-11233756533575525642015-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:002015-07-21T08:00:03.913-07:00Fried Egg Tostadas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I saw these fried egg tostadas in the May issue of <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoky-egg-cheese-tostada" target="_blank">Cooking Light</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They are quick, easy, delicious, and healthy - basically the perfect weeknight dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Use the recipe below as a guide, but feel free to get creative with what you have in your pantry or fridge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoky-egg-cheese-tostada" target="_blank">Fried Egg Tostadas</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Cooking Light</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 2 (3 tostadas)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: About 10 minutes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 6 6-inch corn tortillas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 6 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 6 Tbsp shredded part-skim cheddar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 12 Tbsp salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- sliced green onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Diced onions and sliced olives would also be great on these!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place the tortillas directly on the oven rack and back for 8-10 minutes or until crisp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fry eggs until desired level of done-ness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place a fried egg on top of each crisp tortilla and then top with one sixth of the cheddar, salsa, and green onions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 540, Total Fat 29.1g, Saturated Fat 10.4g, Sodium 873mg.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-5620107241835673352015-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:002015-07-16T08:00:03.431-07:00Quinoa Veggie Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm a woman who is know for my love of roasting...but during the summer when it gets hot and the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven, I love a good salad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love this salad because it requires very little cooking. It is colorful, crunchy, and tasty. It can be eaten hot or cold. It makes great leftovers. And, to top it all off, it is healthy and diet friendly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I adapted the recipe slightly from <a href="http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2013/02/quinoa-vegetable-salad-with-lemon-basil.html" target="_blank">The Garden Grazer</a>. Let's be honest, basically I added cheese, because everything is better with cheese.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is a great gateway dish if you've been looking to try quinoa too. The flavors are simple and delicious, the texture is light and fluffy with crunchy veggies, this shouldn't offend or turn off anyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We make this at least a few time throughout the summer as a quick, simple dinner and yummy lunches to take the next day. (I feel like the dressing flavors come out even more after a night in the fridge.)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2013/02/quinoa-vegetable-salad-with-lemon-basil.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Quinoa Veggie Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: The Garden Grazer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 30 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 cup uncooked quinoa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 14.5 oz can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1.5 cups frozen corn kernels, defrosted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- the juice of two lemons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 4 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cook the quinoa according to package directions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While quinoa is cooking, combine olive oil, lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once the quinoa is done cooking let cool slightly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add bell pepper, garbanzo beans, corn, and feta to the quinoa and stir gently to combine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pour dressing over quinoa/veggie mixture and stir to combine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 461, Total Fat 17g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 19mg, Sodium 407mg, Carbohydrates 66g, Fiber 10g, Sugars 6g, Protein 17g. </span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-58217379770044650112015-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:002015-07-13T08:00:07.406-07:00Basic Greek Yogurt Dip<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Snacks. Everybody loves 'em. Amiright?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When heading to a summer potluck recently, I knew everyone was going to bring chips. Everybody loves those too. To be a little different, I brought veggies and this basic Greek yogurt dip.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLFgkJYa_a-dxhmkmeCuRPBu8mHZvf8n5hNFPL4LSM2JV_VdtR5JnIG7zo_TnYgcwL2N9Yu_CSJh0urIHsF6sP5weGBQ8IxxKlksJmOCuC6PR1mHUaty-4FXfpJsWLD9iJMLT29spN9Y/s1600/greek+yogurt+dip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLFgkJYa_a-dxhmkmeCuRPBu8mHZvf8n5hNFPL4LSM2JV_VdtR5JnIG7zo_TnYgcwL2N9Yu_CSJh0urIHsF6sP5weGBQ8IxxKlksJmOCuC6PR1mHUaty-4FXfpJsWLD9iJMLT29spN9Y/s1600/greek+yogurt+dip+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Alright, I know a veggie tray is hardly revolutionary. This dip clocks in at a whopping' 90 calories per serving though. Nice and light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, yeah. Not a crazy new idea, but a delicious, healthy alternative to the rest of the chips and dips on the table at a party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is super easy to throw together before people come over or before you run out the door. I did go for some extra over-achiever-points by cutting the tops off some red bell peppers to serve the dip in. #fancy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I adapted the recipe a little from the original at <a href="http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/dill-icious-greek-yogurt-dip-dip-your-chips-and-vegetables-with-wild-abandon-this-is-good-for-you/" target="_blank">Foodie With Family</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Crudite tip: Think outside carrots and celery. I love noshing on broccoli, bell pepper, and cauliflower. The radish and endive made the tray pretty, but were less popular choices. Maybe your crowd will be bigger radish fans than my peeps were.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMHdxAlKU8n7tiNegnKHh7xP8t1VEgzuyZY4nA8K5PLu4Va8_NCcG5Fzp5Vbk1lNjDdyBdEd0ClckxsiMU_CwkH580DXXhM8VdrsIIaehQul1kuSYPjjxPIX2lL9hbInIeqj-i94NpvE/s1600/greek+yogurt+dip+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMHdxAlKU8n7tiNegnKHh7xP8t1VEgzuyZY4nA8K5PLu4Va8_NCcG5Fzp5Vbk1lNjDdyBdEd0ClckxsiMU_CwkH580DXXhM8VdrsIIaehQul1kuSYPjjxPIX2lL9hbInIeqj-i94NpvE/s1600/greek+yogurt+dip+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/dill-icious-greek-yogurt-dip-dip-your-chips-and-vegetables-with-wild-abandon-this-is-good-for-you/" target="_blank">Basic Greek Yogurt Dip</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Foodie With Family</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 30 minutes (including chopping all the veggies)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: about 8-10</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 17.6 oz container of plain Greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 Tsp dried parsley flakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 Tsp garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tsp onion powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3/4 Tsp paprika (I used sweet, but hot would make for a fun variation)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 Tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 Tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 Tbps dehydrated onion flakes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stir all ingredients into your Greek yogurt. Taste and adjust to your liking. (More garlic, perhaps?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let dip sit in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld and the dehydrated onions absorb some moisture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Serve with your preferred veggie(s), crackers, whatever you want to dip!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 90, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 12mg, Sodium 191mg, Carbohydrates 12g, Sugars 10g, Protein 3g. </span><br />
<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-43495397662789444392015-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:002015-07-10T08:00:07.901-07:00Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't know why, but I used to be intimidated by the thought of making my own salad dressing. I shouldn't have been and you shouldn't be either.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFGtuZKZixUJCby_oAIP5TKRv04jDI2EQEHlXnUOTa3uqyFxv0fkMAAg2qzkZS_W3W-h_HV1dAnDncSxryLnxBJVo8peVX4K3KwrMCcog3Y0vuFYPusnA7cHfxsQzEHkpF187h_a3jKQ/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFGtuZKZixUJCby_oAIP5TKRv04jDI2EQEHlXnUOTa3uqyFxv0fkMAAg2qzkZS_W3W-h_HV1dAnDncSxryLnxBJVo8peVX4K3KwrMCcog3Y0vuFYPusnA7cHfxsQzEHkpF187h_a3jKQ/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Making your own salad dressing is easy. You probably already have all the ingredients in your fridge and pantry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It takes a little more time and energy to make your own dressing than it does to just open a jar or bottle, but it is totally worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Homemade tastes great. You also don't have to wonder what is in it. Don't get me wrong, there are some store-bought dressings that I love, but I don't love trying to read the label. Homemade is fresh and natural. Yum. =)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINoGTwh-DdTdehIIAlErjBLTiXk-wiTPIi9YBzCJkm_aT_UuhE3rMZWlqbMslz2H-TEek7NzByZXreignZYfqKe9S34GvEhm4fPJm9yoKcjfPj1bj2YTmCQOVweAvzGRqE7jCu6ac_Rw/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINoGTwh-DdTdehIIAlErjBLTiXk-wiTPIi9YBzCJkm_aT_UuhE3rMZWlqbMslz2H-TEek7NzByZXreignZYfqKe9S34GvEhm4fPJm9yoKcjfPj1bj2YTmCQOVweAvzGRqE7jCu6ac_Rw/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This dressing is bright and tangy. We had it on a peppery arugula salad, but I feel its flavors are versatile and could be adapted to whatever you're throwing into your salad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM92IYgB79uWrbQq69JBkT6O6BZ7bCrX6omKUM5ihZjHwgPvbqEQB3cyGKr23f9753XFtCVQsVUl4Vg7yYHVBuGwVz-VTKVK_JAytY72xRq3TKez0nzaSLhr8KB1lEh9nqme7dRbPufI/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM92IYgB79uWrbQq69JBkT6O6BZ7bCrX6omKUM5ihZjHwgPvbqEQB3cyGKr23f9753XFtCVQsVUl4Vg7yYHVBuGwVz-VTKVK_JAytY72xRq3TKez0nzaSLhr8KB1lEh9nqme7dRbPufI/s1600/lemony+vinaigrette+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: less than 5 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: about 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 Tbsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tsp Dijon mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 2 Tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 Tbsp chopped shallots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/8 Tsp ground thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 Tsp garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 Tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/2 Tsp salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or other seal-able container and shake to combine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let dressing to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Refrigerate any leftovers. Bring to room temperature again before serving. (Leftovers should last about a week in your fridge.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts: (based on 3 servings)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 95, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 475g, Carbohydrates 4g, Sugars 1g.</span><br />
<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-21865301973424935912015-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:002015-06-18T21:02:20.712-07:00Willkommen in München<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Willkommen in M<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ünchen! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">We were so excited to have made it to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Beer, sausage, Christmas markets - the other places we visited in Germany had those too, but Munich felt like the cherry on top of our our German vacation. The perfect place to spend the last few days of our trip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">We took the metro as close to our hotel as we could. We'd learned our cobble-stoned lesson in <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-night-in-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber.html" target="_blank">Rothenberg odT</a> and <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/cobblestone-streets-local-history-and.html" target="_blank">N</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/cobblestone-streets-local-history-and.html" target="_blank">ürnburg</a>. We weren't going to play that game in Munich.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">We'd taken a morning train so we dropped our bags at the hotel and went out to explore. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We headed for <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120347.html" target="_blank">Marienplatz</a>, the heart of Munich's old town. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdmcVRvxrIz4dRRq9v05nPLzM9K-c-ZRmohj3fU49oZPpFP1YHoouOT_dNz9k-aMVvu8sfT5kPkG8HDF7waBuIOpoC1ptXb-E2LLD0lX5_thCn_PEi8fpmCCnVfr27cHINbyv1NMv3GE/s1600/Germany+2014+233+ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdmcVRvxrIz4dRRq9v05nPLzM9K-c-ZRmohj3fU49oZPpFP1YHoouOT_dNz9k-aMVvu8sfT5kPkG8HDF7waBuIOpoC1ptXb-E2LLD0lX5_thCn_PEi8fpmCCnVfr27cHINbyv1NMv3GE/s320/Germany+2014+233+ps.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Munich was largely destroyed during WWII bombing raids, but like N<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ürnburg (and unlike Frankfurt) Munich chose to rebuild the old city much as it was before the war.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Munich's rathaus is the centerpiece of Marienplatz with it's famous jousting clock above the main entrance.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ljYf5fLzaMFnz3N_-pA3m4wqIXT61RsiDTmCgNuv6fK80jGKW0hyphenhyphen2qrI0fDDTznpMSf_cCEwewiPztHOUEQ19hWfyoemUK4_vHtzOIv3ufp1PrVeOCBS2DC7rSN2rnFC4E03hJS3CE/s1600/Germany+2014+235+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ljYf5fLzaMFnz3N_-pA3m4wqIXT61RsiDTmCgNuv6fK80jGKW0hyphenhyphen2qrI0fDDTznpMSf_cCEwewiPztHOUEQ19hWfyoemUK4_vHtzOIv3ufp1PrVeOCBS2DC7rSN2rnFC4E03hJS3CE/s320/Germany+2014+235+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Marienplatz is a mostly pedestrian-only zone. Keep your eyes peeled though for delivery trucks and the occasional taxi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In December, the epicenter of Munich's Christmas market is here and spills over to other parts of the city through some of the wide pedestrian streets. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1dy6n8UspwwS63aiCOToPv-HumILrX5aucGyftcsF7_25yu1CcbevdeJwSBCmjeAP39RjlmQu3sXgmy43ZT2F_osN75aoYLiD6EmlPbQtOCMqKDDaj6bU5zewQwgJaSsPkhEtB6bcZ4/s1600/Germany+2014+236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1dy6n8UspwwS63aiCOToPv-HumILrX5aucGyftcsF7_25yu1CcbevdeJwSBCmjeAP39RjlmQu3sXgmy43ZT2F_osN75aoYLiD6EmlPbQtOCMqKDDaj6bU5zewQwgJaSsPkhEtB6bcZ4/s320/Germany+2014+236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The market in Marienplatz has stalls selling just about everything whereas some of the other markets specialize in just one type of item. Did you know there is an entire market in Munich dedicated to nativity scene figurines? True story.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKFaCsYrlzxStEAvpoeVvctgXFC9jed4PFsswG54MKUcex1dHFnZhpeu2nJZKX9MBRzR6Ab3KCxcQK60K6B7dC8WVIZ03V1xd_SubzLa2TZQ4AvLqxl7-H9tQ-4QD3JXejPYNv7Z4juQ/s1600/Germany+2014+237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKFaCsYrlzxStEAvpoeVvctgXFC9jed4PFsswG54MKUcex1dHFnZhpeu2nJZKX9MBRzR6Ab3KCxcQK60K6B7dC8WVIZ03V1xd_SubzLa2TZQ4AvLqxl7-H9tQ-4QD3JXejPYNv7Z4juQ/s320/Germany+2014+237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked around the market for a little while taking in the festive energy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We got in line to take the elevator to the top of the <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120394.html" target="_blank">neue rathau</a>s. They limit the number of people at the top at one time so the line can get long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The lady taking tickets said that noon was the most popular time - the time that we were in line, of course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Its 2.50 euro to ride the elevator to the top, but the view is great.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYSaiPsB3L3MzNEHMejZfYtfSXSmU4ImIeq6-5LT_ES-ZTC2qrHW2Qkg5X12tbEL9VaXf9Q0Fs5fuoE9ZXQS7Y4HdQ37DsMlSGHxaBXTTHQl_kYDe_nCyAY_SzrBUsQZG8nVXagMXPlk/s1600/Germany+2014+238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYSaiPsB3L3MzNEHMejZfYtfSXSmU4ImIeq6-5LT_ES-ZTC2qrHW2Qkg5X12tbEL9VaXf9Q0Fs5fuoE9ZXQS7Y4HdQ37DsMlSGHxaBXTTHQl_kYDe_nCyAY_SzrBUsQZG8nVXagMXPlk/s320/Germany+2014+238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean, just look at the view. Pretty great.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaak1EGKiBgTuYXjfVvczQYexZ8u44Y64hAhyphenhyphen0ex-mAn9N0FEonsHlZeV84Kpa86dQTLIldbvjvRfib2R-Wg7MSg3Om4P9km-unORhIAd3XsvnqIIiZOekpYJxTIFX6vophrO3Wiycy8/s1600/Germany+2014+239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaak1EGKiBgTuYXjfVvczQYexZ8u44Y64hAhyphenhyphen0ex-mAn9N0FEonsHlZeV84Kpa86dQTLIldbvjvRfib2R-Wg7MSg3Om4P9km-unORhIAd3XsvnqIIiZOekpYJxTIFX6vophrO3Wiycy8/s320/Germany+2014+239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can get a roughly 360 view of the city from up here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASSYDbFZf-n9BfedcwTIP1ynPsEphJ6cUb9cN-1KsUNsi55wFdap-LS8ek07cPIRUfQ1kwdebw4HM9_FVKkDgk92repX2IKwimNHT8SENRysdA-cyYHAk38aEQycYLROV5mcObiv9pyE/s1600/Germany+2014+240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASSYDbFZf-n9BfedcwTIP1ynPsEphJ6cUb9cN-1KsUNsi55wFdap-LS8ek07cPIRUfQ1kwdebw4HM9_FVKkDgk92repX2IKwimNHT8SENRysdA-cyYHAk38aEQycYLROV5mcObiv9pyE/s320/Germany+2014+240.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Munich's famous glockenspiel 'jousts' daily at 11am, 12 noon, and 5pm (May-Oct only). You can't see it from the top, but you can see all the people looking up to watch in the square below. Which is a show in itself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYUYv4-3H0EgEfCMJRxM19Vd3ix0ShIZfrqAm-bEYRXZ2hOOuN-BOcTlbMORQLtE2OdRrbdLM96tMByutA3JyQadFlDmBpR7fXYY8EkTff-aCO4YSHEpQkiZQFO4dn9jnmuyPT-X0RB0/s1600/Germany+2014+241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYUYv4-3H0EgEfCMJRxM19Vd3ix0ShIZfrqAm-bEYRXZ2hOOuN-BOcTlbMORQLtE2OdRrbdLM96tMByutA3JyQadFlDmBpR7fXYY8EkTff-aCO4YSHEpQkiZQFO4dn9jnmuyPT-X0RB0/s320/Germany+2014+241.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention that the views from up here are pretty great?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0i41_je3oaPmrAONn_ZsKktrZx1qY4JBNJlHQQ3yyhQyh2r_AsJePBnQviWpdyvPnqoOQr9ylVX2hTPsZeVSh0Lw7hEki593bdzeyW1Ru9IRpzDzPohuHtN7QyRa4D-zVHtftZDzayo/s1600/Germany+2014+242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0i41_je3oaPmrAONn_ZsKktrZx1qY4JBNJlHQQ3yyhQyh2r_AsJePBnQviWpdyvPnqoOQr9ylVX2hTPsZeVSh0Lw7hEki593bdzeyW1Ru9IRpzDzPohuHtN7QyRa4D-zVHtftZDzayo/s320/Germany+2014+242.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Check out the views of the old town hall on the other end of Marienplatz.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp-MGGoTam-ALjYDYRDEoJ2Dm17nKXXg0dlEzCg_SyMe-2iiy45QvWJz9KNP0vvpme4LCkomJ1VSmQjNNH6F5XbaBnq4b2cnuy20joL44fF7O9hUVLebzjv4QcvlxZ4bnkP5tf1uMlBY/s1600/Germany+2014+243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp-MGGoTam-ALjYDYRDEoJ2Dm17nKXXg0dlEzCg_SyMe-2iiy45QvWJz9KNP0vvpme4LCkomJ1VSmQjNNH6F5XbaBnq4b2cnuy20joL44fF7O9hUVLebzjv4QcvlxZ4bnkP5tf1uMlBY/s320/Germany+2014+243.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Despite the sun, it was pretty windy and chilly up there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJzGpxL6voCy-IYWOhlgcqqIN3KOY6EoNcFUsTKBS4kfQM7lN3yJ3MWqBUpS3uEbWi8hO91PXlYLd555HpXQIDjHsJr6hcOs9holdztI-jNULkukZ0EziTTHedq60HER8hNtUY6FwUgo/s1600/Germany+2014+244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJzGpxL6voCy-IYWOhlgcqqIN3KOY6EoNcFUsTKBS4kfQM7lN3yJ3MWqBUpS3uEbWi8hO91PXlYLd555HpXQIDjHsJr6hcOs9holdztI-jNULkukZ0EziTTHedq60HER8hNtUY6FwUgo/s320/Germany+2014+244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When not looking down, looking up ain't too bad either.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65zLB_4UVjMyA47BFmVXxNiSmKZo42QIlWceAj48-LgipjNz6ZkbZvl64FyYyI9nqE0bFCcGY5ksJjoIFDYdWKa7e21IFhOHorak-0G5yjU2BzhPqb1Rg4wKxwopmBCk-xG7ZVEUN1hM/s1600/Germany+2014+246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65zLB_4UVjMyA47BFmVXxNiSmKZo42QIlWceAj48-LgipjNz6ZkbZvl64FyYyI9nqE0bFCcGY5ksJjoIFDYdWKa7e21IFhOHorak-0G5yjU2BzhPqb1Rg4wKxwopmBCk-xG7ZVEUN1hM/s320/Germany+2014+246.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The inner courtyard of the neue rathaus had its own little Christmas market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We rode the elevator down and walked across the square to <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/church-of-st-peter.html" target="_blank">St. Peter's church</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplVL8lIWGouxeqqj-67diFzRlpuQlHVDyGOomDv-SvEF3sSLrhXGXGhII-znScviWxJIpeV8NLXA4sgVaje3hSgvlulKfrAgkKuxuFA_rqswod_JuqgRr5KCes4vCWP1aBlAMXZcMYzI/s1600/Germany+2014+248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplVL8lIWGouxeqqj-67diFzRlpuQlHVDyGOomDv-SvEF3sSLrhXGXGhII-znScviWxJIpeV8NLXA4sgVaje3hSgvlulKfrAgkKuxuFA_rqswod_JuqgRr5KCes4vCWP1aBlAMXZcMYzI/s320/Germany+2014+248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is quite lovely inside. We sat in a pew for a few minutes taking it in. The light was perfect.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPZSruJ4C-AGIg85XC_SIify_XACW2N5YK-oQMKr7bG9pDiI8ZVUT0Ak5k9hznNHK07dCD4anmhgw4oZ7dbzAtb_Mk1gd05ilYmrYSMeXJ9B4yApKLtjjvJzHnfCBsU1KsgH9HC_Nmq8/s1600/Germany+2014+249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPZSruJ4C-AGIg85XC_SIify_XACW2N5YK-oQMKr7bG9pDiI8ZVUT0Ak5k9hznNHK07dCD4anmhgw4oZ7dbzAtb_Mk1gd05ilYmrYSMeXJ9B4yApKLtjjvJzHnfCBsU1KsgH9HC_Nmq8/s320/Germany+2014+249.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I always love organs in churches. They seem so grand and regal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We left the church and headed to the <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/rathaus/Stadtverwaltung/Kommunalreferat/markthallen/viktualienmarkt.html" target="_blank">Viktualienmarkt</a> for lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We sat at one of the giant communal tables and savored sausages and delicious, dark German beer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't throw your beer bottles away - they're collected to be cleaned and reused - look for a large tray of empties near the stand where you bought your beer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After lunch, our hotel room was ready so we grabbed our bags from reception and headed upstairs to drop everything off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stayed at the aptly named <a href="http://www.hotel-am-markt.eu/" target="_blank">Hotel Am Markt</a> (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187309-d190297-Reviews-s1-Hotel_Am_Markt-Munich_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor here</a>) which is right on the Viktualienmarkt. Great location.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The room was a little small, but it was cute and cozy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The bathroom was also pretty small, but clean and had everything you needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Definitely a European-size shower, but clean and good water pressure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After dropping our stuff at the hotel we headed south to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187309-d242775-Reviews-Asam_s_Church-Munich_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Asam Church</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Asam brothers were architects who used this church, their personal chapel, as a convenient showroom for clients to see all that was available to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's all Rococo all the time in this place, quite a bit to take in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We continued south to the <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120455.html" target="_blank">Sendlingor Tor</a>, one of Munich's original city gates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the square around the Sendlinger Tor was another Christmas market. Perfect for afternoon perusing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We followed the ring road back toward the center of old town Munich.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stopped for a look inside <a href="http://www.st-michael-muenchen.de/index.php?id=23" target="_blank">St. Michael's Church</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Christmas market dedicated to nativity figurines is right outside this church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's huge vaulted ceiling and Renaissance decor are quite impressive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For 2 euro you can visit the church's crypt which is the final resting place of King Ludwig II.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Outside the church, on a little side street, we stumbled upon a Munich police band playing Christmas music. We stopped and listed for a little while, it was such a neat discovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can't go to Munich without visiting the <a href="http://www.muenchner-dom.de/startseite.html" target="_blank">Frauenkirche</a>. (Ok, you can, but do you really want to? Things are iconic for a reason...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) has been Munich's cathedral for nearly 200 years. It was built in only 20 years (note the brick instead of large stones) and was where Joseph Ratzinger served as archbishop before moving to the Vatican and eventually becoming Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This church and its domes are so much a symbol of the city of Munich that by law no building in the old city center can be taller than the two spires. They're meant to dominate the skyline. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We continued our self-guided walking tour to Max-Joseph-Platz, which is the home to the <a href="https://www.staatsoper.de/index.html" target="_blank">National Theater</a> and the <a href="http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/" target="_blank">Residenz</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We would be back for a tour and an opera later during our visit, so we kept walking after a few photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We turned south and headed back toward Marienplatz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We wandered a little until we found this charming little square.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Which is also home to the world-famous Hofbr<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 37.2000007629395px;">ä</span>uhaus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pro-tip: If you need a bathroom on your walk around Munich, stop in here. The bathroom is large so you can pop in and out quickly and the Hofbr</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 37.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">äuhous is always so busy that no one will notice you making your way to the back of the building.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 37.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We really enjoy doing little walking tours like this on our first day/afternoon in a city. It is a great way to get our bearing in a new place and gives you a great opportunity to check our restaurants, bars, shops, and sights that you might want to come back to later.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next day, Saturday, we took a train and then a bus about 45 minutes outside the center of Munich to the city of Dachau, which is the site of the <a href="https://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html" target="_blank">Dachau concentration camp</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A guided 2.5 hour walk is offered twice daily for 3 euro. We did the tour and would highly recommend it. Signage is in English and an audioguide is available, but we really liked having a real person show us around and tell us about the history and significance of the camp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of S' former coworkers and his wife who had both recently moved to Austria joined us on this day trip. I didn't feel right taking photos in the somber atmosphere of the camp, but I'm glad I got this shot of all of us together before we parted ways for the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On the way back into central Munich, we got off the train a few stops early to visit the <a href="http://www.augustinerkeller.de/home/" target="_blank">Augustiner Beer Garden</a> and Restaurant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We climbed down the tight, spiral stair case to peek in the keller (cellar) before settling into a table upstairs for a snack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Augustiner Beer Garden is best known for its expansive outdoor area - it has 5,000 seats! During December though, indoors sounded like a much better option. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We headed back to our room to change into something nicer than the boots we'd been trekking around in all day. We were headed out on the town - advent music in St. Michael's Church!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(This photo took several tries with the self-timer feature on my point-and-shoot and precarious placement on the headboard of the bed.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vDR6rW3pWrpzxZfEjmQU5s9eODEiTdxYp8WD9226mhG85AqDzpijfUcf20GMM0IKN7kIMph0U-kZHv2DHUp0b6arE3LnlV4obExEORJjf4RAV3MX-1qZqVKRTfopL9XAacRNZImmk7s/s1600/Germany+2014+277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vDR6rW3pWrpzxZfEjmQU5s9eODEiTdxYp8WD9226mhG85AqDzpijfUcf20GMM0IKN7kIMph0U-kZHv2DHUp0b6arE3LnlV4obExEORJjf4RAV3MX-1qZqVKRTfopL9XAacRNZImmk7s/s320/Germany+2014+277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The church that had been so breathtaking by day was even more so at night. Seats were packed to watch brass musicians from the opera and the church's organist play and hour and a half of advent music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not a Christmas carol sing-along, think more festive classical music. The setting couldn't be beat. We loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even with me in a dress and heels we took our time walking back to our hotel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCR2joNj9EW45987IUuBxPZ2Eqw_sBliXv84KInBffLwgxpN1lckoWDO-lKodeaQUwZezot2wDh5lzsh_60tLO4LKJ3Qb3PGOdwms3c3UNBVxrGHH1n51lrVfiWx0m_2k9KDxO3aJFLY/s1600/Germany+2014+280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCR2joNj9EW45987IUuBxPZ2Eqw_sBliXv84KInBffLwgxpN1lckoWDO-lKodeaQUwZezot2wDh5lzsh_60tLO4LKJ3Qb3PGOdwms3c3UNBVxrGHH1n51lrVfiWx0m_2k9KDxO3aJFLY/s320/Germany+2014+280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The atmosphere of the Christmas market at night is something quite special. Full of crowds, but also of holiday cheer. It is so nice to just wander and sip gl</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">ü</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein late into the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next morning we hopped on a tram and headed just outside the city to the <a href="http://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/palace/" target="_blank">Nymphenburg Palace</a>. This photo is basically taken from the tram stop - it gets you pretty close.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Nymphenburg Palace was built in 1662 on land gifted from Bavarian ruler Ferdinand Maria to his wife Henriette Adelaide to celebrate the birth of a son after 10 years of trying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Entrance is 6 euro for just the palace or 11.50 euro for a combo ticket that includes the Royal Stables Museum and some outlying buildings. The palace is also included in the 14 day Bavaria ticket that we bought back in W</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We waved our <a href="http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/jahresk.htm" target="_blank">Mehrtagestickets</a> and walked right past the crowds in line for tickets...or we would have walked right past them had there been any. Traveling off-season does have its benefits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Originally, this would have been the first room you entered in the palace. It served as foyer and dining room. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtC3GnAIPj3lEa-dUx39VTf4rWXlg5KqnGHN6H6i-NHoTJR0xKcCVpkgu3TaJWno8CBSrLcP8DbY9wKlZsS6djjCJG1hF4Ft3-MpvjKp9KVCeicO29dxKeuNseDbPg559llz1DUYqHs/s1600/Germany+2014+288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtC3GnAIPj3lEa-dUx39VTf4rWXlg5KqnGHN6H6i-NHoTJR0xKcCVpkgu3TaJWno8CBSrLcP8DbY9wKlZsS6djjCJG1hF4Ft3-MpvjKp9KVCeicO29dxKeuNseDbPg559llz1DUYqHs/s320/Germany+2014+288.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The painting on the ceiling is massive, and beautiful, and depicts pagan gods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After touring the palace we took the tram back into the center of Munich and walked to the <a href="http://www.pinakothek.de/en/alte-pinakothek" target="_blank">Alte Pinakothek</a> and the <a href="http://www.pinakothek.de/neue-pinakothek" target="_blank">Neue Pinakothek</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On Sundays both museums are only 1 euro each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were glad we went on a Sunday. Don't get me wrong, collection of art was nice, but we had an unfortunate and confusing run-in with a temporary exhibit and a rude museum employee that soured our visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They're both worth a visit if you enjoy European art, and if you can make it on a Sunday the cost of your visit is virtually free.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRsUCjnlXVqRu2jMr-6OX9z9MXw0-BWf6SGZNZrSFz367lz8ns9VXUKNTFBhm4LWGNbx3Ar_vMWivu6CP8sZ5dda7Hhhg8Jt1B9qINEWAlSgSw5-9oa_XTRPsPCA7chCBsfM5EzBPrSU/s1600/Germany+2014+289+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRsUCjnlXVqRu2jMr-6OX9z9MXw0-BWf6SGZNZrSFz367lz8ns9VXUKNTFBhm4LWGNbx3Ar_vMWivu6CP8sZ5dda7Hhhg8Jt1B9qINEWAlSgSw5-9oa_XTRPsPCA7chCBsfM5EzBPrSU/s320/Germany+2014+289+p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After wandering the halls of two art museums we decided it was time for more Christmas market action. We had passed this small market on our walk to the museums and decided it was perfect to explore on our way back to our hotel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhk3kunJzdTEYYxuqdR5q1RT9wn8OIsmdieEFk_Nr5Ed6TS8Nj8SL-jdW7Wt-Pd-jyECs7Vwtk4UuXswnhfzJ_q1pj7XVrvjzXlOHXhImFLHAdAKHnM_RM8Y5g6wAJAImo20KjA8fhm8/s1600/Germany+2014+290+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhk3kunJzdTEYYxuqdR5q1RT9wn8OIsmdieEFk_Nr5Ed6TS8Nj8SL-jdW7Wt-Pd-jyECs7Vwtk4UuXswnhfzJ_q1pj7XVrvjzXlOHXhImFLHAdAKHnM_RM8Y5g6wAJAImo20KjA8fhm8/s320/Germany+2014+290+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was at this market that we got to experience feuerzangenbowle or flaming gl<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ühwein.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">We saw people wandering the market with these earthenware chalices with flames coming out the top and wondered aloud what they were. A nice local woman stopped to explain and pointed us in the direction of the booth where we could get one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Basically, it is a mug of gl</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ühwein with a rum-soaked sugar cube that is lit on fire and then drips into your drink.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">It was pretty tasty and definitely entertaining.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD31-gv29FB7kndg_b1E0PImwl_zKNf5NswvPzee39kDqzgKxx6XGkkDSXzm1RvM93V5OXs6q6Hw5xJU9xQpwjp_SrvC7ttQLB67ucRUd-TipRQ6rKwoGbXCK7LbEO2FTLMJJaOHqgjlQ/s1600/Germany+2014+292+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD31-gv29FB7kndg_b1E0PImwl_zKNf5NswvPzee39kDqzgKxx6XGkkDSXzm1RvM93V5OXs6q6Hw5xJU9xQpwjp_SrvC7ttQLB67ucRUd-TipRQ6rKwoGbXCK7LbEO2FTLMJJaOHqgjlQ/s320/Germany+2014+292+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After our feuerzangenbowle experience we walked back toward the center of town and perused the Christmas market housed in a courtyard in the Residenz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From there we made our way toward another Christmas market we'd seen in a small square on one of our earlier walks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjPTZtR6U_gABSXqa1EIAUwvIlG9un7pmJu1qHc5DCnEfD09xpEJYYPpaC3Z6nfD4wmHTo-KhR48YglQeGMX_Sw3A_tHtmrI2qxyvA7GBUN-SmSR0fsEurr0J51XxGKiCrGK7lDBtR8M/s1600/Germany+2014+293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjPTZtR6U_gABSXqa1EIAUwvIlG9un7pmJu1qHc5DCnEfD09xpEJYYPpaC3Z6nfD4wmHTo-KhR48YglQeGMX_Sw3A_tHtmrI2qxyvA7GBUN-SmSR0fsEurr0J51XxGKiCrGK7lDBtR8M/s320/Germany+2014+293.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There in the Rindermarkt, we stumbled on Spockmeier's Christkind St</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">berel serving a spiced, hot beer called Stachelbier (sting beer). You pick a beer/spice flavor and then the woman behind the counter used glowing-hot metal rods to warm your beer. You can see foam forming on the top of the beer as she stirs them with the rods above. Spockmeier's poured exclusively Hacker-Pschorr beer, but the internet says any bock will do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It may sound odd to us Americans, but hot, spiced beer was actually pretty good. Mmmm, Stachelbier</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs25keiOHgF0bghR-VI2yFR5V55l7nK4tpf9u7yvVlglHYY9ArlELqn9W3tBL6SCrnTnoMCBEzOuIBn3SPfSX9cmTuqUXXlRTzdHKW7tQD-4TxqK6NPobHOnfPUvwCZbbgnzUBI4jeC18/s1600/Germany+2014+296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs25keiOHgF0bghR-VI2yFR5V55l7nK4tpf9u7yvVlglHYY9ArlELqn9W3tBL6SCrnTnoMCBEzOuIBn3SPfSX9cmTuqUXXlRTzdHKW7tQD-4TxqK6NPobHOnfPUvwCZbbgnzUBI4jeC18/s320/Germany+2014+296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After a day of touring and walking we were happy to have an early reservation - before the dinner rush - at the <a href="http://www.ratskeller.com/" target="_blank">Ratskeller</a>. (The restaurant in the cellar of the new town hall.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The food was delicious German fare and our waiter was great. He nodded approvingly every time we ordered another glass of German wine and at the end of our meal told us with a think accent to come back and visit him again. He would be easy to find he said, he would be the old guy running around in the cellar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a great end to a long day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJGR1QH8tAOraiSIHr2ytRChv9aitLHaQxXBEWudAbEkvINhM1W_v7wg_OOyTRZ4CP84SH-BXpaTRLLJPCPm9w-UKRGJsww78NI-gFENlQ6SHWVWlykC8VttZ1mXQx-i4ZYbPAMvHQJI/s1600/Germany+2014+297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJGR1QH8tAOraiSIHr2ytRChv9aitLHaQxXBEWudAbEkvINhM1W_v7wg_OOyTRZ4CP84SH-BXpaTRLLJPCPm9w-UKRGJsww78NI-gFENlQ6SHWVWlykC8VttZ1mXQx-i4ZYbPAMvHQJI/s320/Germany+2014+297.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For our last day in Munich we'd planned to spend much of the day at the Residenz. Immediately after entering my camera was out of my pocket. How could I not take a photo of this...er, interesting, fountain decorated entirely with shells. =)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-EgKbbEROwZfAOjFyq-8_e1xbtGLWq8CFwUbJhOCYH1vW6SJ503E8C6508FPmI_2yFALbWLLsrBIy_kvFhNne-SufcE2GKAA7QhaDMHwGHPGhZi3DlCTcHYMzBHqSkKHHJltCHuFTfs/s1600/Germany+2014+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-EgKbbEROwZfAOjFyq-8_e1xbtGLWq8CFwUbJhOCYH1vW6SJ503E8C6508FPmI_2yFALbWLLsrBIy_kvFhNne-SufcE2GKAA7QhaDMHwGHPGhZi3DlCTcHYMzBHqSkKHHJltCHuFTfs/s320/Germany+2014+298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are many rooms to visit in the Residenz and you don't have to wait to see one of the grandest and most famous. The antiquarium is early on the self-guided tour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAUIo_NGV8y58HwdnzI7aiCxt09UGab41NJOLBIa9ZtWY3xUWlJNPzK1sHM83B06XusQIl_YkImxEVE-270Zk7NxiWurFfeOOj5thAJiGHMtOKTyWQy9aTutHqy6XQzaQW5sq8u1TzSg/s1600/Germany+2014+299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAUIo_NGV8y58HwdnzI7aiCxt09UGab41NJOLBIa9ZtWY3xUWlJNPzK1sHM83B06XusQIl_YkImxEVE-270Zk7NxiWurFfeOOj5thAJiGHMtOKTyWQy9aTutHqy6XQzaQW5sq8u1TzSg/s320/Germany+2014+299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The antiquarium is a banquet hall that can seat 200. It also houses the Wittlesbachs collection of busts of Roman emperors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The ceiling is decorated with allegories of the goodness of just rule (a little self-affirmation with your giant dinner party?) and paintings of 150 Bavarian villages as they looked in 1550. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is quite an impressive room.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZsHC5UVDei2JjVu2DlDMsJK2oaVhGh8sxFP0V6haeW3LhXaiKzghbT0iOWegqjVojLbNtwPOm159KfCk8B9TMBZaAPsKrG2ng4TbcVHL13uVAkTG8KPVOu8NvPAbAuhH99ijuoUJoeI/s1600/Germany+2014+302+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZsHC5UVDei2JjVu2DlDMsJK2oaVhGh8sxFP0V6haeW3LhXaiKzghbT0iOWegqjVojLbNtwPOm159KfCk8B9TMBZaAPsKrG2ng4TbcVHL13uVAkTG8KPVOu8NvPAbAuhH99ijuoUJoeI/s320/Germany+2014+302+p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another benefit of travelling off-season? Being able to dominate this platform for 7 long attempts at a selfie in this room. (We are a strictly NO selfie-stick family and sometimes it takes us a few (dozen) tries to get it right.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the end, a boy who looked like he could be no older than 14 offered to help us out and nailed it on the first try. Thanks for the photo, kid!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JfHb3Dl_aLZz-iiM_R_8nUa5Rp9TdEd3iBZj4MUrxWm1p_sUxatw5RKvuz746XoNFdUFOq2ZGi_eWSmu4S-nWme8B5A9zSCNjtMAgnOaw5KARg_cFXcnmBH9J0YFStxdwgnFeEJfaEo/s1600/Germany+2014+303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JfHb3Dl_aLZz-iiM_R_8nUa5Rp9TdEd3iBZj4MUrxWm1p_sUxatw5RKvuz746XoNFdUFOq2ZGi_eWSmu4S-nWme8B5A9zSCNjtMAgnOaw5KARg_cFXcnmBH9J0YFStxdwgnFeEJfaEo/s320/Germany+2014+303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We'd seen this before in other parts of Germany, but this room was a great example of 3D painting on a ceiling, trying to trick the eye.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVw98kbRS2gQo_nCuCrcDb3s1kqAYSB36mVAWunA0GcyzZfJwKjdVXrEjTluKFrAqfq8DQwqtR_0jSTWZprAZS49IAMt56OM_Vve7Z-tYWGs7G_N1TqpxB070doTaFwyaPfFm0ZakSGU/s1600/Germany+2014+304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVw98kbRS2gQo_nCuCrcDb3s1kqAYSB36mVAWunA0GcyzZfJwKjdVXrEjTluKFrAqfq8DQwqtR_0jSTWZprAZS49IAMt56OM_Vve7Z-tYWGs7G_N1TqpxB070doTaFwyaPfFm0ZakSGU/s320/Germany+2014+304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not only is it a cool technique, the level of detail is amazing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-x5thyphenhyphen_Kt6_XSKZQIqUfjV88UTXZeyCqBVfpch1T87N16KTuZThexn6fUqzstIJ-RhLKARO1f_eQ1ElFE9x0ZMNzSgKjYlRpQRU7fAw_QQi7xos9cDSxNypTHBtuNzGEQYECbj9_K6c/s1600/Germany+2014+305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-x5thyphenhyphen_Kt6_XSKZQIqUfjV88UTXZeyCqBVfpch1T87N16KTuZThexn6fUqzstIJ-RhLKARO1f_eQ1ElFE9x0ZMNzSgKjYlRpQRU7fAw_QQi7xos9cDSxNypTHBtuNzGEQYECbj9_K6c/s320/Germany+2014+305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We wandered the halls of the Residenz pretty much alone...I promise this is the last time I will say it (in the post), but seriously, people, travel off-season!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Room after room was lavishly decorated.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUx7q4tui2YOlQoj5EQMsPuP7NUvPydvgZd7NPgGV1ql7hS1wAx4cly4z_HQiqf1HM7szPwuyuBWY226zv6bc3z2iN9lQ3yO4zWLESS2lLqV7smKTr-24L9KT0CgbDUG9lQeU5wyYnE8/s1600/Germany+2014+309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUx7q4tui2YOlQoj5EQMsPuP7NUvPydvgZd7NPgGV1ql7hS1wAx4cly4z_HQiqf1HM7szPwuyuBWY226zv6bc3z2iN9lQ3yO4zWLESS2lLqV7smKTr-24L9KT0CgbDUG9lQeU5wyYnE8/s320/Germany+2014+309.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was the music room. I'd chill here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEA9O5Be3UuswuLdXjDhXfzSbUtbZskZU2VnLtTdqyAU8Yj__iPYsKdpada9ZrjS-VFU7kmKtt6X66TSP7glp3sn9RTLwCUaVfbhpMdBTgwresF0xXBF-wtbHRm3OTYU_TfWzb6aIzho/s1600/Germany+2014+310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEA9O5Be3UuswuLdXjDhXfzSbUtbZskZU2VnLtTdqyAU8Yj__iPYsKdpada9ZrjS-VFU7kmKtt6X66TSP7glp3sn9RTLwCUaVfbhpMdBTgwresF0xXBF-wtbHRm3OTYU_TfWzb6aIzho/s320/Germany+2014+310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean, the Witteslbachs do know how to decorate. If impress and overwhelm is your goal, they have that down. Take notes, its about to get real.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZZSGUdCy_Gl27A4zyGN3QYlGrnZprl1qB5rbrydLESDOu6VoP1JmWIDehRpnEf_-JU6vm6LSuRc9_02hHeQ4wBgN_k_1DobEuZHA26TuLD1AWhBldQA7dnsr4XiBs66Hubl-2A74x8/s1600/Germany+2014+311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZZSGUdCy_Gl27A4zyGN3QYlGrnZprl1qB5rbrydLESDOu6VoP1JmWIDehRpnEf_-JU6vm6LSuRc9_02hHeQ4wBgN_k_1DobEuZHA26TuLD1AWhBldQA7dnsr4XiBs66Hubl-2A74x8/s320/Germany+2014+311.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But first, S interpreted the meaning behind this painting to be: "Come at me, bro." </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbaeF8TMbJS4zzwVivzEO7ymcIfxJdAmVK-SslV9FmleEdJUmoUwFEdQT9s_LntB_ruhZlzQsEHLuMdjlM8Ab26o0RoOK6_J2LTmQcs2sB4z8IOtj__IBZBBf4h8rfHL2JTHhQCY3lp8/s1600/Germany+2014+312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbaeF8TMbJS4zzwVivzEO7ymcIfxJdAmVK-SslV9FmleEdJUmoUwFEdQT9s_LntB_ruhZlzQsEHLuMdjlM8Ab26o0RoOK6_J2LTmQcs2sB4z8IOtj__IBZBBf4h8rfHL2JTHhQCY3lp8/s320/Germany+2014+312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and then I got a little distracted view into the courtyard Christmas market we'd visited the night before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Alright, here we go. Ready to be impressed? First, I present these doors. That's all inlay work.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirldTo3hkNLYggy4Jnb-a_lUa_KPrd85Vb8ls6VmIjuaU11TXPD_7JhYzBzdWkec39Pbef1l5QWpMYNvGgtk0pdFNb3Fj7eaGWlJNXN7g0JPHDmw04LTEGOMGjaFtWA3XClPoVCDhW3L4/s1600/Germany+2014+315+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirldTo3hkNLYggy4Jnb-a_lUa_KPrd85Vb8ls6VmIjuaU11TXPD_7JhYzBzdWkec39Pbef1l5QWpMYNvGgtk0pdFNb3Fj7eaGWlJNXN7g0JPHDmw04LTEGOMGjaFtWA3XClPoVCDhW3L4/s320/Germany+2014+315+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Those doors lead to a little meeting room in your house. For when you want to conduct state business in your jammies. Imagine you are the leader of Bavaria, you can't be bothered to go outside.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgxOGc4HFag3q1Rj0Nkzew-Q6cGBEfKefN9lfPHKpFhDka1dUvbj-j1N0Kel-hb-3zJFWdsAV7RLeOP68SniCO-YvVqr95SWMO5BKOUn-qJqBy_JquttU4MZdfL-hIiWJpM-r2458N7Y/s1600/Germany+2014+316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgxOGc4HFag3q1Rj0Nkzew-Q6cGBEfKefN9lfPHKpFhDka1dUvbj-j1N0Kel-hb-3zJFWdsAV7RLeOP68SniCO-YvVqr95SWMO5BKOUn-qJqBy_JquttU4MZdfL-hIiWJpM-r2458N7Y/s320/Germany+2014+316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One more look at the roof in this room, remember your goal is impress and intimidate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next, we visited the palace's private chapel. Never mind that the cathedral is like 2 blocks away. This is way more convenient. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNFTRtS0nRYOC63oG0a9H30QPo8YsNXFUXPWc4fXAmZ6WbsRYNDlBIQxZn6cF0B3MgdCfDPzRCIcjK3wXMNWlZ_X2C2DUlomxJoPiZx5Yfez4xe26ipHbIJZvZ-l9gD8w4icBiM2Cma4/s1600/Germany+2014+318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNFTRtS0nRYOC63oG0a9H30QPo8YsNXFUXPWc4fXAmZ6WbsRYNDlBIQxZn6cF0B3MgdCfDPzRCIcjK3wXMNWlZ_X2C2DUlomxJoPiZx5Yfez4xe26ipHbIJZvZ-l9gD8w4icBiM2Cma4/s320/Germany+2014+318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How about a second chapel decorated entirely with marble scenes depicting the life of Mary? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Complete with gilded ceiling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sad story about this room? It was completely destroyed during WWII. It has been meticulously restored to its former glory. We paused here for quite a while to take in all the detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After the chapel your visit continues down this simple, drafty hallway toward this unassuming door.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZvT1aw04G4jEuD0lGkdLHl7tuuGmeEWc8MwHSn4wwkDtLhVsGVnsZFalUcxBaz6jBCuop4C-twRc0ZnChENjpGQLHDZpfPxART9iC7sUh76Fw4Ex6P4Rl7lZhWrgAHKg83u7xsOkAj0/s1600/Germany+2014+322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZvT1aw04G4jEuD0lGkdLHl7tuuGmeEWc8MwHSn4wwkDtLhVsGVnsZFalUcxBaz6jBCuop4C-twRc0ZnChENjpGQLHDZpfPxART9iC7sUh76Fw4Ex6P4Rl7lZhWrgAHKg83u7xsOkAj0/s320/Germany+2014+322.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On one side, it is just a boring old door.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLvgk7wUXNmyxAfaAhDQZF-_X2M4sP1xz2O3FT5USTyiyDEgDXK69QHeT2hXHcFW0lw4Q43_ODFdwzHdCeY9HYpnH-lvsREr8S947WFp8RdYuNAAgHZrFeLbBOUo8KJW9n56sWyxTja8/s1600/Germany+2014+323+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLvgk7wUXNmyxAfaAhDQZF-_X2M4sP1xz2O3FT5USTyiyDEgDXK69QHeT2hXHcFW0lw4Q43_ODFdwzHdCeY9HYpnH-lvsREr8S947WFp8RdYuNAAgHZrFeLbBOUo8KJW9n56sWyxTja8/s320/Germany+2014+323+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The other side though is a sweet hidden door that fades into the lavish decor. I was really excited that we were allowed to use it and made S take photos as I went back to walk through it again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The room that the door leads into is pretty nice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Residenz also has an impressive picture gallery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You need quite the chandelier and windows to light your collection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directly off the picture gallery is a ceremonial bedroom, a necessity, really. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOs4IxNIIRFPbJEDgzruNv-1QjHGmbbsoVbDqAEKDd7Xp6adYouohhRs9hOs6kSNJo9acWIwOb5hOc_wJHbxuQFkyQk84w0SmpxXe4UYkOM51z-eK35B31R9BJKTIqqAP4SqMYdAt6rY/s1600/Germany+2014+329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOs4IxNIIRFPbJEDgzruNv-1QjHGmbbsoVbDqAEKDd7Xp6adYouohhRs9hOs6kSNJo9acWIwOb5hOc_wJHbxuQFkyQk84w0SmpxXe4UYkOM51z-eK35B31R9BJKTIqqAP4SqMYdAt6rY/s320/Germany+2014+329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know you're hot stuff in European royalty though when you can have an entire room dedicated to your Asian ceramic miniatures.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb-qrHlXnYJJPm2g7QhJnuaWRDZv8OJZVfLj3a00a0BumwH5xPlbzKfk4OZyiOyCvtgROxRdIhp-0tWDdP7R2Ewwu8ng6eNCRrqnCwgc9JCdx93_y-vYTBPU4e500TMN43L1e7j9Xmf4/s1600/Germany+2014+330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb-qrHlXnYJJPm2g7QhJnuaWRDZv8OJZVfLj3a00a0BumwH5xPlbzKfk4OZyiOyCvtgROxRdIhp-0tWDdP7R2Ewwu8ng6eNCRrqnCwgc9JCdx93_y-vYTBPU4e500TMN43L1e7j9Xmf4/s320/Germany+2014+330.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">...AND a completely separate room dedicated to your collection of miniature paintings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nlY90oxV5IjEADNZmVWvfLvWh-gU3bCwjO4dcPtfIRoqoTcv0Yb46uGaB0SJMoKJ03FBtD0oH8oYsmYbNYRoUGrpFeDk_IWHELFg6NYNaTvloJHhlitbFJrAtSn1akCY3I7PffpMAa4/s1600/Germany+2014+331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nlY90oxV5IjEADNZmVWvfLvWh-gU3bCwjO4dcPtfIRoqoTcv0Yb46uGaB0SJMoKJ03FBtD0oH8oYsmYbNYRoUGrpFeDk_IWHELFg6NYNaTvloJHhlitbFJrAtSn1akCY3I7PffpMAa4/s320/Germany+2014+331.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lastly, to really send home the impress-and-intimidate theme, how about a hall devoted to family portraits? I told S we should build ourselves one of these in our condo when we got home. Haven't started that DIY project yet...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After our visit to the Residenz palace we toured the <a href="http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/treasury/" target="_blank">Residenz treasury</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaDMY0kOvgG7LjJVlPd3z08wG5BdMjWf8Ma2I32PCOLlEUZcALJbrH99F6FW2P5Iv1BuRUiEVZWVatN0A-jylfzeNYl8erhYoIeJB7O20pOgzR6-Obz66ePL_wkD7OT42CyzMWyvG5FA/s1600/Germany+2014+333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaDMY0kOvgG7LjJVlPd3z08wG5BdMjWf8Ma2I32PCOLlEUZcALJbrH99F6FW2P5Iv1BuRUiEVZWVatN0A-jylfzeNYl8erhYoIeJB7O20pOgzR6-Obz66ePL_wkD7OT42CyzMWyvG5FA/s320/Germany+2014+333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The treasury houses a thousand years of Wittlesbach crowns, jewelry, and decorative items.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pYNeD1O4lZeV0X3PJSo08nq_QWicWgsSTYzklwOwH-Ur0UgbxmPIYYER0nRpiqRw9j_Y-dVKR7L62j1TZ2mMEMvG4zWG7r0GyiyzZJgdj-dYsvL755roE7O6_4obCHvK59uKEgla7P4/s1600/Germany+2014+335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pYNeD1O4lZeV0X3PJSo08nq_QWicWgsSTYzklwOwH-Ur0UgbxmPIYYER0nRpiqRw9j_Y-dVKR7L62j1TZ2mMEMvG4zWG7r0GyiyzZJgdj-dYsvL755roE7O6_4obCHvK59uKEgla7P4/s320/Germany+2014+335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is a reliquary designed to hold the remains of Saint George.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMY-uTDZInof6Mt6ohNtYaqycJCZIKOvoIuReRL4yLGNZpmuXgcTpHKLWmnb7y6L2KBFTcN8QaeikaIbLQ_VWAEszPhxkC3hfnvlcSxDjsjfWQcPOWhwJYMPtHhV4k3SjPekc9fvZDvU/s1600/Germany+2014+336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMY-uTDZInof6Mt6ohNtYaqycJCZIKOvoIuReRL4yLGNZpmuXgcTpHKLWmnb7y6L2KBFTcN8QaeikaIbLQ_VWAEszPhxkC3hfnvlcSxDjsjfWQcPOWhwJYMPtHhV4k3SjPekc9fvZDvU/s320/Germany+2014+336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is decorated with more than 2,000 stones.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTGTU1pI6kNFE2IZnEEzLJE46cOqPDvmWqOgmpFbGBlKeeLRB3Qjfn463R5SMyG-aOUfYaPI6h6V8pHH_hy6s_7Rg71Dyggwo22hi8PWJmyZVe3JLT0ClZF8XvfP7PSzOnT-JlRSjNFY/s1600/Germany+2014+338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTGTU1pI6kNFE2IZnEEzLJE46cOqPDvmWqOgmpFbGBlKeeLRB3Qjfn463R5SMyG-aOUfYaPI6h6V8pHH_hy6s_7Rg71Dyggwo22hi8PWJmyZVe3JLT0ClZF8XvfP7PSzOnT-JlRSjNFY/s320/Germany+2014+338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The collection of jewelry is extensive and impressive.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn8PM3tfCxodkrelGUrEoRkE0ef3TwNWGOvm-CBCCYHNYIbx36Tzx7LB3vLtYRwr46ePz1AhCPZkP43cqgi4HdK1Dqvf2pNf2lgEpohTZ_RlKBZ9EE0SQ_sXb4zJVWQNiaI-4Tj55JRM/s1600/Germany+2014+339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn8PM3tfCxodkrelGUrEoRkE0ef3TwNWGOvm-CBCCYHNYIbx36Tzx7LB3vLtYRwr46ePz1AhCPZkP43cqgi4HdK1Dqvf2pNf2lgEpohTZ_RlKBZ9EE0SQ_sXb4zJVWQNiaI-4Tj55JRM/s320/Germany+2014+339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Each case is filled with baubles that glitter and delight.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU-C8D_IQnAeR769ALuVQkLoxrQ-TsXnmupSdsCDRX6Eh5sOo0ymnO-bsdxjbQ4_r3IRvQBBYhJdy8LInSq3m4OKe2idaFEZASCXZrtbyB1zkLHf7zvHbmaD_iLGIDvw18IGt1SiV-UE/s1600/Germany+2014+340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU-C8D_IQnAeR769ALuVQkLoxrQ-TsXnmupSdsCDRX6Eh5sOo0ymnO-bsdxjbQ4_r3IRvQBBYhJdy8LInSq3m4OKe2idaFEZASCXZrtbyB1zkLHf7zvHbmaD_iLGIDvw18IGt1SiV-UE/s320/Germany+2014+340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you have time, I would definitely recommend a walk through the treasury. The collection is beautiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NzKVyirR-Keoi3GSM-bFjOhEbFLqq0NROuBPy3kV5yGJ9in7RFRfIOcl3z6DuyBvIx-bpx7JHgbOdUvKrQ78ntvlIFRLG4UrdZHWSih4acGBXBuC3cm2yZ6pZSaLiqVT_pwD4BOxWck/s1600/Germany+2014+342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NzKVyirR-Keoi3GSM-bFjOhEbFLqq0NROuBPy3kV5yGJ9in7RFRfIOcl3z6DuyBvIx-bpx7JHgbOdUvKrQ78ntvlIFRLG4UrdZHWSih4acGBXBuC3cm2yZ6pZSaLiqVT_pwD4BOxWck/s320/Germany+2014+342.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A ticket to the Residenz is 7 euro, the treasury is another 7 euro, but you can purchase a combo ticket that also includes the Cuvilli</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">é</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">s Theater for 13 euro. Or, you can use your 14 day Bavaria Mehrtagesticket that covers all three.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3dFT6Uubjont1R1agPUyTrksTYclSiJ9M7AiNZcHz1c5IBtsX66zDoM42fHTaPtHwrXheMeO6uGYkBbNcVWSAx6mbWd4v76oJTWq4c8L2rDHz-YKVpK1kiHVbXiyU3Nt8xINVg6jREQ/s1600/Germany+2014+344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3dFT6Uubjont1R1agPUyTrksTYclSiJ9M7AiNZcHz1c5IBtsX66zDoM42fHTaPtHwrXheMeO6uGYkBbNcVWSAx6mbWd4v76oJTWq4c8L2rDHz-YKVpK1kiHVbXiyU3Nt8xINVg6jREQ/s320/Germany+2014+344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Cuvilli<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">és Theater was not open yet so we decided to walk out to the English Garden to check out the Christmas market out there.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2rgCk2djESuFu5F-SMwzuPLB2ZhVEKOyI4Wt0b3schnPFSSF7gDMYKyt8MDKxyWcPmbB28ZWAraiOc0lGBluhzyymUMJhCyiOAbVRXEt5abMX4vMDgwsBIAR-sxisYm85qRWrlGX9YI/s1600/Germany+2014+345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2rgCk2djESuFu5F-SMwzuPLB2ZhVEKOyI4Wt0b3schnPFSSF7gDMYKyt8MDKxyWcPmbB28ZWAraiOc0lGBluhzyymUMJhCyiOAbVRXEt5abMX4vMDgwsBIAR-sxisYm85qRWrlGX9YI/s320/Germany+2014+345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked past the National Theater which we'd be back to later that evening to attend the opera.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8xCNtrzipmpPNohXptIFGA7P0WTKWfrvkeLmAmltbUB-rBioN_nzy473KOY0sKM4EODYiqqB3y2ATxC44-vH16ijPvBMrPgturPCSCQMop8NO4lGltEU1oIK2MMaqw6hgjhovI1DyTk/s1600/Germany+2014+347+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8xCNtrzipmpPNohXptIFGA7P0WTKWfrvkeLmAmltbUB-rBioN_nzy473KOY0sKM4EODYiqqB3y2ATxC44-vH16ijPvBMrPgturPCSCQMop8NO4lGltEU1oIK2MMaqw6hgjhovI1DyTk/s320/Germany+2014+347+p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120242.html" target="_blank">English Garden</a> is the largest city park in Europe and home to the Chinese tower. In the shadow of the tower was a lovely Christmas market and in better weather is the home of a beer garden. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After perusing the market (and taking advantage of the great public bathrooms) we headed back to the <a href="http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/cuv/" target="_blank">Cuvilli</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><a href="http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/cuv/" target="_blank">és Theater</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ6lChJHLOhpGvC7nRKLDPwr947G3kEcPeA-CEmHA6pN5pADyvCgjpMNJlOPMrxC5K5Bm3zGafTR-bdsp36ZxQh7ZA6Nv90LM2ibCPH_1Jlkgk7XKocz7tdSj4Wb05kYQA4ZVb6CXioc/s1600/Germany+2014+348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ6lChJHLOhpGvC7nRKLDPwr947G3kEcPeA-CEmHA6pN5pADyvCgjpMNJlOPMrxC5K5Bm3zGafTR-bdsp36ZxQh7ZA6Nv90LM2ibCPH_1Jlkgk7XKocz7tdSj4Wb05kYQA4ZVb6CXioc/s320/Germany+2014+348.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wow.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMSTcstTd-IIVgg_ZlosM7zXX9x8FuY121etGH6_yDVOLcspkush2LhjS7PukHbyn80QrREmzKwECcn88Z-6XTPO6l9HOd36uG_XNVQ85RIURKzHrFLdcj8cTlJPmSL0h731R3VfEkhw/s1600/Germany+2014+349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMSTcstTd-IIVgg_ZlosM7zXX9x8FuY121etGH6_yDVOLcspkush2LhjS7PukHbyn80QrREmzKwECcn88Z-6XTPO6l9HOd36uG_XNVQ85RIURKzHrFLdcj8cTlJPmSL0h731R3VfEkhw/s320/Germany+2014+349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like, really wow. This is quite an impressive little theater.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAIp23h1d1Qzrfif-1Tl3BYpscS0HoU_hTu6Zz3X8W2t9r0yTM-xRIZrBanPFpXLyky8o4YRtH5FxXNEcnigQztcrw8K5LznegZZpj9EXFfJuVPDB8TWjn8o1UcmusI6-dWJ122CB2Cc/s1600/Germany+2014+350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAIp23h1d1Qzrfif-1Tl3BYpscS0HoU_hTu6Zz3X8W2t9r0yTM-xRIZrBanPFpXLyky8o4YRtH5FxXNEcnigQztcrw8K5LznegZZpj9EXFfJuVPDB8TWjn8o1UcmusI6-dWJ122CB2Cc/s320/Germany+2014+350.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fun fact: Mozart conducted here several times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took our time working our way back to our hotel, shopping, eating, and drinking at the M<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ü</span>nchen Weihnachtsmarkt. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZ4ibr1y3qAiBrtGMUyUNGAUnmx-e9e8mUNK_kgGng3kSG3CtDcX21bnrpaQFwN7ILH_FY5TmMl814bazjMr3W6Psng9JGmCiqu6Xa7RHUhsd0G9fXEX5a_R7L4G6XDUqwoyCs1ySga4/s1600/Germany+2014+352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZ4ibr1y3qAiBrtGMUyUNGAUnmx-e9e8mUNK_kgGng3kSG3CtDcX21bnrpaQFwN7ILH_FY5TmMl814bazjMr3W6Psng9JGmCiqu6Xa7RHUhsd0G9fXEX5a_R7L4G6XDUqwoyCs1ySga4/s320/Germany+2014+352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved the Christmas market. We revisited our favorite gl<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ühwien stand to imbibe one more time and collect a mug to bring home with us as a souvenir.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil40b7JIFhsOU0Kh14YIl78bCcwWTZ7USaKoMVS3c_qf2om17bKYwgSII5rSILvJdNtYeLsc6f7b94ZyLgQm-6SR52ytzA57cxHsBnqDMRMAPYwOYB44n4Qp1F9QJzVNmhR9XCq-3B2po/s1600/Germany+2014+353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil40b7JIFhsOU0Kh14YIl78bCcwWTZ7USaKoMVS3c_qf2om17bKYwgSII5rSILvJdNtYeLsc6f7b94ZyLgQm-6SR52ytzA57cxHsBnqDMRMAPYwOYB44n4Qp1F9QJzVNmhR9XCq-3B2po/s320/Germany+2014+353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Later that night, it was off to the National Theater for the opera.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK7mt6ZDgTkD6-fYK-fPB76wyn9p7mMFyIPV7UWT92tjQVKu6skklHKIte2_ZSDijEiwc6vTtLbpnTYBA4Msn_ASgaMJWVAb3eQvMBknn5n_5LWlZgmuA4cZtdi5J6HoLHhRkiyXvRZ4/s1600/Germany+2014+354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK7mt6ZDgTkD6-fYK-fPB76wyn9p7mMFyIPV7UWT92tjQVKu6skklHKIte2_ZSDijEiwc6vTtLbpnTYBA4Msn_ASgaMJWVAb3eQvMBknn5n_5LWlZgmuA4cZtdi5J6HoLHhRkiyXvRZ4/s320/Germany+2014+354.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We've learned that you can pay for a tour of the opera house in European cities or you can buy a ticket to a show, arrive a little early, and have a look around on your own. We prefer the later.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKKsa3B1aTzxkoaVx8W8msPDY0jgtAR1MTUast7kp0R5H0LAWAmtBy5jHUBI5KCg0mROFLzl1ubyMnx0xIIrwLGZdRMXsgi8cDVImLJnEmHWIY2cy5oVVZE2tMTw7NaEQObeskQYRTvE/s1600/Germany+2014+355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKKsa3B1aTzxkoaVx8W8msPDY0jgtAR1MTUast7kp0R5H0LAWAmtBy5jHUBI5KCg0mROFLzl1ubyMnx0xIIrwLGZdRMXsgi8cDVImLJnEmHWIY2cy5oVVZE2tMTw7NaEQObeskQYRTvE/s320/Germany+2014+355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Originally opened in 1818 the theater was rebuilt, restored and reopened after WWII in 1963.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gjPSOyZE2vj3I-UAP6DvWuhggClpmdhVo9AGGmUjiThBddqM366j6CssiQhI-qOeaP_LJsAMjd0l8jgR-IwB4THUHAJDVsmqhj4Q3v2f-2ljP5N0fz_nXULS3ihIaigzsT28enY8M8o/s1600/Germany+2014+356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gjPSOyZE2vj3I-UAP6DvWuhggClpmdhVo9AGGmUjiThBddqM366j6CssiQhI-qOeaP_LJsAMjd0l8jgR-IwB4THUHAJDVsmqhj4Q3v2f-2ljP5N0fz_nXULS3ihIaigzsT28enY8M8o/s320/Germany+2014+356.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is a lovely theater.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2LpuuAwHKl8DWGUvxjxvvjKsJzWaWO41ZUMrHZ8cy-3z1rh3p8fTj39tn4J3vlV0vAaquA5h36oJf57rDBuf3FY02QpM4ImqnDtb4YU8KNwZG9xKQJ4KrbuNRNDyckFd99tExjSVKwI/s1600/Germany+2014+357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2LpuuAwHKl8DWGUvxjxvvjKsJzWaWO41ZUMrHZ8cy-3z1rh3p8fTj39tn4J3vlV0vAaquA5h36oJf57rDBuf3FY02QpM4ImqnDtb4YU8KNwZG9xKQJ4KrbuNRNDyckFd99tExjSVKwI/s320/Germany+2014+357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed a glass of wine from the upper level bar as we waited for the show to start. The Marriage of Figaro was playing when we visited.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkDXZqOqXgpTHpO-qIMGPQbffL1xhY3Tlq0eegkIAPKHyicBYHviIYsQUFpbjwPWiByqO0sZ5fBIrIjHs4_gkMMtLyR8LlMsrCre8oZFxdLuUV_1T0qgXhrt_7J1EKwZSGjMq-5GU5MU/s1600/Germany+2014+358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkDXZqOqXgpTHpO-qIMGPQbffL1xhY3Tlq0eegkIAPKHyicBYHviIYsQUFpbjwPWiByqO0sZ5fBIrIjHs4_gkMMtLyR8LlMsrCre8oZFxdLuUV_1T0qgXhrt_7J1EKwZSGjMq-5GU5MU/s320/Germany+2014+358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a fun farewell to vacation to dress up on our last night in Germany and take ourselves out to the opera.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq_0iicaMYUsd-Lki7qxOeDn8FvU43D_yBkCXqsaq1xopPlIrf0cS82atDCz76PG-vWapdMSnB1IbQdzGmVLkHG7u-_zqUUp8A4-DA5HiHcFNhjo2IcZ27bOrW9SyO_zymVZMtXV2Lm4/s1600/Germany+2014+359+p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq_0iicaMYUsd-Lki7qxOeDn8FvU43D_yBkCXqsaq1xopPlIrf0cS82atDCz76PG-vWapdMSnB1IbQdzGmVLkHG7u-_zqUUp8A4-DA5HiHcFNhjo2IcZ27bOrW9SyO_zymVZMtXV2Lm4/s320/Germany+2014+359+p2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The final farewell to vacation happened the next morning, though, when I had a giant gingerbread cookie covered in chocolate for breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have enjoyed following along on our 4 days in Munich!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can check out the rest of our nearly 2 weeks in Germany by <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/p/adventures.html" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-38832299602056823452015-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-22T08:00:01.478-07:00Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chicken and waffles. Pretty widely accepted as a great combination. This recipe swaps fried chicken for the deli variety, but don't worry, it is still plenty delicious. Chicken, waffles, bacon, yummy mayo sauce, what's not to love?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We love making these on days when it's too hot to turn on the oven, or the stove, or really anything other than the grill or microwave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Crisp your bacon in the microwave, toast the waffles, mix up the sauce and maybe toss together a side salad and you have a quick, tasty meal in no time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This recipe has made it into our regular rotation. You should definitely try it soon!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTCWzNuW1-iWJggSqTo7gJ5idgnmbJ3xdqnTV7e9Y9UYAm5Hku9I7gTsIXG7k_OiGsOI81Q04yH7U38shGND00JUfgVadpDXVXjuQ8bSalTVMh9mcyNcBmtX1zD_JukvLAFPh6XQDOqA/s1600/chicken+and+waffle+sandwiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTCWzNuW1-iWJggSqTo7gJ5idgnmbJ3xdqnTV7e9Y9UYAm5Hku9I7gTsIXG7k_OiGsOI81Q04yH7U38shGND00JUfgVadpDXVXjuQ8bSalTVMh9mcyNcBmtX1zD_JukvLAFPh6XQDOqA/s1600/chicken+and+waffle+sandwiches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-waffle-sandwiches" target="_blank">Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Cooking Light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 10 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 4 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 4 slices of bacon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 3 tbsp of mayonnaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 tbsp buttermilk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1 tsp cider vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 tsp sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/4 tsp garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 1/8 tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 8 whole-grain waffles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 6 oz thinly sliced, lower-sodium deli chicken breast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strike>- 8 slices of ripe tomato</strike> (we left this out, not huge tomato</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> fans)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- 4 slices of red onion (added this in place of the tomato)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- 4 Boston bibb lettuce leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cook bacon between paper towels in the microwave to desired amount of crispy-ness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Toast waffles to desired level of crispy-ness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly over 4 of the waffles. Divide chicken, tomato, and lettuce evenly among the waffles with the mayo mixture. Break each piece of bacon in half and place on top of sandwiches. Top with remaining waffles and serve!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 355, Fat 19.5g, Saturated Fat 2g, Protein 16.3g, Carbohydrates 33.5g, Fiber 6.6g, Cholesterol 39mg.</span></div>
Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-59156558758322294742015-04-29T10:00:00.000-07:002015-06-08T21:26:28.591-07:00Fairy-tale Castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2QWWOLUWVkydNZF6qWoKKQ9fcDHqR472mXLnw40s841u9SVpKOxfAR4C1LNdEFNjhyBg20Otf5l1YoQGrJW7IFcpK14Pu6fiS4QwlCg5Ny_TBboK5HNVlGpcl3qrShXZM6ENWcsxkJ0/s1600/Neuschwanstein.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2QWWOLUWVkydNZF6qWoKKQ9fcDHqR472mXLnw40s841u9SVpKOxfAR4C1LNdEFNjhyBg20Otf5l1YoQGrJW7IFcpK14Pu6fiS4QwlCg5Ny_TBboK5HNVlGpcl3qrShXZM6ENWcsxkJ0/s1600/Neuschwanstein.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We’d seen <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/wanderlust-wednesday-wurzburg.html" target="_blank">Würzburg</a>, we’d seen <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-night-in-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber.html" target="_blank">Rothenberg</a>, we’d seen <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/cobblestone-streets-local-history-and.html" target="_blank">Nürnberg</a> – it was time to head to the real life fantasy world of King Ludwig the II, or as his friends know him, Mad King Ludwig. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKe7jp84qABdShBeapuMCjloqP4L6BlKFWlU18aHRbMRBp3FE1YiLBHdvK6Syik-fRMS_vn0SZkyLAvtDimXPg515TqQg4qqyxx_Qbxhtb6q-wYwmF9jLAOP-u_xheTgKbvpVdLXOq5s/s1600/Germany+2014+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKe7jp84qABdShBeapuMCjloqP4L6BlKFWlU18aHRbMRBp3FE1YiLBHdvK6Syik-fRMS_vn0SZkyLAvtDimXPg515TqQg4qqyxx_Qbxhtb6q-wYwmF9jLAOP-u_xheTgKbvpVdLXOq5s/s1600/Germany+2014+161.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was pretty pumped as we climbed on the train. Füssen and the land of fairy-tales was just a 5 hour ride away. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKsZLa6N2OS7xnS_I4VIVt2fgSN3QtYIHT7PChnbV-t-TPPG6x-Up-RM3Kr9wjUlCtzxhyphenhyphenwdK898BkNFpsODfDynKGZOsFUrh3apTNIVD0fZelV09GzvDWZuBrpd9S00CqyhEupGRzYA/s1600/Germany+2014+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKsZLa6N2OS7xnS_I4VIVt2fgSN3QtYIHT7PChnbV-t-TPPG6x-Up-RM3Kr9wjUlCtzxhyphenhyphenwdK898BkNFpsODfDynKGZOsFUrh3apTNIVD0fZelV09GzvDWZuBrpd9S00CqyhEupGRzYA/s1600/Germany+2014+162.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had one connection in Augsburg that was long enough for us to grab lunch in the station. German train station food is actually not that bad. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs7QhnmFzb0L2G_hiRHrL65Lze2E_vkIdSabYCFukWh637tH8ImlOZoe9DxA-gAlYRugVT5QBBlHscM67EZJM2ALJI2HaFmket-ZAuPpmn8aB4bNao0UdXnHR71UmDiYowZ1iiY9OkKk/s1600/Germany+2014+164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs7QhnmFzb0L2G_hiRHrL65Lze2E_vkIdSabYCFukWh637tH8ImlOZoe9DxA-gAlYRugVT5QBBlHscM67EZJM2ALJI2HaFmket-ZAuPpmn8aB4bNao0UdXnHR71UmDiYowZ1iiY9OkKk/s1600/Germany+2014+164.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mostly we just sat back and watched the Alps get closer. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwCIbx7wipEsAi3OErp7wsNA7QO9KKGTlOtDfBo2J6-JX0HU_KHkw5frw0uQDXCuopMUZsSL2M89dQQqeVHCbpQryfEyw43Sc04uljW_evzPP7TH0NMwoMnlHJCLmGI3ictrUR80tqQQ/s1600/Germany+2014+166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwCIbx7wipEsAi3OErp7wsNA7QO9KKGTlOtDfBo2J6-JX0HU_KHkw5frw0uQDXCuopMUZsSL2M89dQQqeVHCbpQryfEyw43Sc04uljW_evzPP7TH0NMwoMnlHJCLmGI3ictrUR80tqQQ/s1600/Germany+2014+166.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we chugged through smaller and smaller towns getting closer and closer to Füssen and the foot of the Alps we started making a list of friends and family we thought we could convince to go in on a property in Southern Bavaria with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who wouldn’t want to move to a quaint, idyllic village in Germany with us? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hopped off the train in Füssen ready to explore our fantasy future home. (Maybe there is something in the air there that leads people to listen to their imagination…)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our hotel was a just a short walk from the train station. Let’s be real, the old town is only a few blocks, pretty much everything is within easy walking distance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu5QYvbm0cqF4amgHRdmCHUjDhIbRKCzVEjV8ADlTvaZ3dWCirVO7wq1Ft1rCnhIR0D14o-I0LUwjWxIAi1yMERAEXqU7VfxRmdkvxhcj873Vug1o4FlTRAGaWDtaNrnDihF1UJrPb1w/s1600/Germany+2014+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu5QYvbm0cqF4amgHRdmCHUjDhIbRKCzVEjV8ADlTvaZ3dWCirVO7wq1Ft1rCnhIR0D14o-I0LUwjWxIAi1yMERAEXqU7VfxRmdkvxhcj873Vug1o4FlTRAGaWDtaNrnDihF1UJrPb1w/s1600/Germany+2014+167.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We’d picked <a href="http://www.hotelfantasia.de/de/" target="_blank">Hotel Fantasia</a> for our two nights in Füssen. The <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187316-d1913192-Reviews-Hotel_Fantasia-Fussen_Swabia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor reviews</a> were good, the photos looked good, and the price was right – about 70 euro a night when we visited.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6krNJXX3RZhIc7OOV9wKGpVMjlEbJh871tCJzasC0n8Vyp3Py-1Onz-OyFfc2uhPXNVPOSAKkIONxUeF0O8VzrZij-3MAqACA7t-L8Ei25t9vZZNdi8m2tZ6_7verYPF2kGe251Ojh8/s1600/Germany+2014+168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6krNJXX3RZhIc7OOV9wKGpVMjlEbJh871tCJzasC0n8Vyp3Py-1Onz-OyFfc2uhPXNVPOSAKkIONxUeF0O8VzrZij-3MAqACA7t-L8Ei25t9vZZNdi8m2tZ6_7verYPF2kGe251Ojh8/s1600/Germany+2014+168.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also, how can you not stay at a fun hotel with brightly colored rooms when you’re here to tour the fantastical castles of yore?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our room wasn’t exactly large.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile4dSq1FGzPwTIx8zgM0HgLqd-4Lts1zC_vheh2tWxiVa7GPxPuhRDK1x25559iVWypbrMoDDUSE84kzZScIUKggBk55kMOGxV29a4hzvKm5rtDds-CNbDyZTp1SRQOx07V_sRr_ryrA/s1600/Germany+2014+169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile4dSq1FGzPwTIx8zgM0HgLqd-4Lts1zC_vheh2tWxiVa7GPxPuhRDK1x25559iVWypbrMoDDUSE84kzZScIUKggBk55kMOGxV29a4hzvKm5rtDds-CNbDyZTp1SRQOx07V_sRr_ryrA/s1600/Germany+2014+169.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was though perfectly nice for us. Technically, it sleeps 3 with the bunk bed. The bunk made a nice place to store stuff to keep the floor a little clearer. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0rmUL8MAICjJgRscRQiwE-yPKH85jgNySPFoXMBSs8w0ekdCc3ZgaitQyyW3e7Ff5fGNGrdzgm54vyPMZd4q_NEMWixO6xi4vvNIMcj5Tarf92a_Nmy3UfTUQlGhZx5gDicyR8zww3Y/s1600/Germany+2014+171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0rmUL8MAICjJgRscRQiwE-yPKH85jgNySPFoXMBSs8w0ekdCc3ZgaitQyyW3e7Ff5fGNGrdzgm54vyPMZd4q_NEMWixO6xi4vvNIMcj5Tarf92a_Nmy3UfTUQlGhZx5gDicyR8zww3Y/s1600/Germany+2014+171.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The bathroom seemed more spacious than it looks here and the hot water was plentiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXj7uYdQ6m295uK0pGlJZ_u9K6-lFBxnps0iOr7LSKV2xGPDDvu8Dak5PkIEj5dARJ6BrDN6_4KWZeMrAhbQtphfV5mSmv5cAs8bkjfoRAX2vr1m22Ps8wxSeWZk4MHv-dwhiEFXwL8/s1600/Germany+2014+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXj7uYdQ6m295uK0pGlJZ_u9K6-lFBxnps0iOr7LSKV2xGPDDvu8Dak5PkIEj5dARJ6BrDN6_4KWZeMrAhbQtphfV5mSmv5cAs8bkjfoRAX2vr1m22Ps8wxSeWZk4MHv-dwhiEFXwL8/s1600/Germany+2014+172.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our room even had a little balcony/enclosed sitting porch. It was really cute and if it hadn’t been so cold out and we’d been in town longer I could definitely see us enjoying a glass of wine before dinner out here.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9fnd4IflAo40vlvJ8ioKOCYZBq_gtDY18lsSDM1B3tCaUZh0z206kCvNWQc01QWB3Z64uU-rzi16Mc5Bu8l1ts8y8gn9nm4rdfjCmq27uB5c10qMBFOgEoF70YQRE0WC_nl5sY0t6fA/s1600/Germany+2014+183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9fnd4IflAo40vlvJ8ioKOCYZBq_gtDY18lsSDM1B3tCaUZh0z206kCvNWQc01QWB3Z64uU-rzi16Mc5Bu8l1ts8y8gn9nm4rdfjCmq27uB5c10qMBFOgEoF70YQRE0WC_nl5sY0t6fA/s1600/Germany+2014+183.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is it from the outside. See that carved wood balcony? That’s our room! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This hotel also had a cool lounge area in the basement with TVs, computers and board games. We ventured down there to use the internet one night (had to upload our holiday card photo – more on that later) and it would have been a great space to hang out if you were travelling with a larger group.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NqdLNfloYsYWF3K-gM1lSJsWUVboC_xb2EQuTaTwIHVmkm9pm5mIHp08hJ278wv_hnOppsfIgxzcQcu8v-y6zUAuX1FylfEv-u7mr_Z_XWWXwnZ10_sQg5fGae2J3KVqqpGSYXbaGs0/s1600/Germany+2014+173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NqdLNfloYsYWF3K-gM1lSJsWUVboC_xb2EQuTaTwIHVmkm9pm5mIHp08hJ278wv_hnOppsfIgxzcQcu8v-y6zUAuX1FylfEv-u7mr_Z_XWWXwnZ10_sQg5fGae2J3KVqqpGSYXbaGs0/s1600/Germany+2014+173.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We left the hotel to do a self-guided walking tour before dinner. First stop, this charming roundabout and statue of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Luitpold ruled Bavaria after Ludwig II was declared unfit to rule until it was absorbed into the German Empire.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vH90B9mVncYOaJU403YVToZJ32soreieQpNYfP5_mZ27VNFbHh9RIP7t6araJLZ6rQ_pY-6QEELCKiXhpEhg0W1bKfOWu_4ZD_8kFp6Wi2KhcCLHPN7k4wsZyMG4eZ3i_HfjAD4fPs0/s1600/Germany+2014+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vH90B9mVncYOaJU403YVToZJ32soreieQpNYfP5_mZ27VNFbHh9RIP7t6araJLZ6rQ_pY-6QEELCKiXhpEhg0W1bKfOWu_4ZD_8kFp6Wi2KhcCLHPN7k4wsZyMG4eZ3i_HfjAD4fPs0/s1600/Germany+2014+174.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The old town is pretty charming. We wandered for a while, just taking it all in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69pKOldz8XPuG74JSvp5BB9TxbSM5loGVs13mPL8TyaGN6cTbWrmGPQzDN7N91PvWJ5oUNwwrZ5nw8R03SSmtCE40kUJ3LJ4mjmUhkCzcg-ihURAXfXylTUDhkhNPyrlq_VCd5Is6epk/s1600/Germany+2014+175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69pKOldz8XPuG74JSvp5BB9TxbSM5loGVs13mPL8TyaGN6cTbWrmGPQzDN7N91PvWJ5oUNwwrZ5nw8R03SSmtCE40kUJ3LJ4mjmUhkCzcg-ihURAXfXylTUDhkhNPyrlq_VCd5Is6epk/s1600/Germany+2014+175.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We found Reichenstraße, a pedestrian street, lined with shops and restaurants and decked out for the holidays. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WiwueaVaEXvYrlP_E2eWGPYjd6GWt-f3KkjDd_bpSqrIDRk8rBnTwjD3BDjONtk76pL_y-K8sXUIQgkzRKkV_2d3q1pbcuvIgawtA6An79KImxOEXnA_vaDCcveYyhz6eHLFtIkpRQw/s1600/Germany+2014+177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WiwueaVaEXvYrlP_E2eWGPYjd6GWt-f3KkjDd_bpSqrIDRk8rBnTwjD3BDjONtk76pL_y-K8sXUIQgkzRKkV_2d3q1pbcuvIgawtA6An79KImxOEXnA_vaDCcveYyhz6eHLFtIkpRQw/s1600/Germany+2014+177.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pretty charming. You can see Füssen’s castle/fortress peeking up on the hill behind us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU96-Jlpwhu73W4VPWBO27NcCzuABpJh_M_OZbwbA088vEJ8W4i_BvCPURxSPIbb0TyjukKiFgdB6LIjwHRIStpHOHyn6KpOwrilQ3O6vY2DymNZ-P-yPmyAuuYq2yFYtBj3_GXWjW9ms/s1600/Germany+2014+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU96-Jlpwhu73W4VPWBO27NcCzuABpJh_M_OZbwbA088vEJ8W4i_BvCPURxSPIbb0TyjukKiFgdB6LIjwHRIStpHOHyn6KpOwrilQ3O6vY2DymNZ-P-yPmyAuuYq2yFYtBj3_GXWjW9ms/s1600/Germany+2014+178.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Füssen had a small Christmas market in the courtyard of the St. Mang monastery. The market was only open on weekends though and we were visiting on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. We poked our heads in and kept moving. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eXibvZo47RvHH0pc8S7xy5jaXyOy5R6potGkbhyphenhyphen5GoIWaU7gsvhBTu08KpNOn6zG0g8oDNQDwTsXq36eKbeEQiRX1a3lnK_vDZI3_1F3o2j8NOQ56a9yqcF_qWhCA9H_B0xw2SBvwmY/s1600/Germany+2014+179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eXibvZo47RvHH0pc8S7xy5jaXyOy5R6potGkbhyphenhyphen5GoIWaU7gsvhBTu08KpNOn6zG0g8oDNQDwTsXq36eKbeEQiRX1a3lnK_vDZI3_1F3o2j8NOQ56a9yqcF_qWhCA9H_B0xw2SBvwmY/s1600/Germany+2014+179.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just around the corner from the monastery is the Church of the Holy Spirit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5TQuDbi6-BW6qZGogEMdwu_ethfiiSbPhpbFQw5cvmpY_QcKv-9CvrRumJl5z1BOIiaMWpUYaXIwCmcrSIiEM7g3vzJzoUFQ-e3kx2emeHYYsBX6ck68uaSwy98PnbU_FmpIHCL4UJ0/s1600/Germany+2014+181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5TQuDbi6-BW6qZGogEMdwu_ethfiiSbPhpbFQw5cvmpY_QcKv-9CvrRumJl5z1BOIiaMWpUYaXIwCmcrSIiEM7g3vzJzoUFQ-e3kx2emeHYYsBX6ck68uaSwy98PnbU_FmpIHCL4UJ0/s1600/Germany+2014+181.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It stands out from the rest of the buildings with its beautifully frescoed façade. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We went looking for the Füssener Markthalle, a market hall with stalls, and according to our guidebook, a wine bar. After walking down just about every twisting street in Füssen’s altstadt we found a wine bar, and a Google image search when we returned home confirmed that it is what we had been looking for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I couldn’t care less though because we had a great time. We ordered two glasses of wine and the man behind the bar spoke great English and gladly answered our questions about the wine. We chatted for a while and one glass turned into two and talking about wine turned into the man (who turned out to be the owner) telling us about his epic adventure renting a van and travelling around the United States for a year about a decade earlier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish I had a photo to share of this place, or even remembered the name. It was a great place for a pre-dinner drink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Warm, perhaps slightly buzzed, and armed with a local’s recommendations for dinner we headed back out into the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We ended up at the <a href="http://www.hotelfuessen.de/en/" target="_blank">Hotel Hirsch</a>, which came highly recommended by our new local friend. I wish I had a photo of the charming interior. (Can you tell I decided to start this blog AFTER we returned from our trip?) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We ate in the hotel’s Bierstube or beer hall, but this isn’t like the beer halls you’ve read about in Munich. The whole restaurant was a smallish room with a few wooden tables and carved wooden chairs. I would describe it as intimate, rather than raucous and rowdy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the food? Amazing. Bavarian style grilled and roasted meats with the traditional accompaniments. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhWGYCqRfuZZ0Z1WRad69JxhOqWCJvqeKvhavW7e1agmtWePS1gEDriDnKdWM_i0dF2IqY9UvfgzkYowgz90solvRKtafTmV15EvfQ2Ecbu1TLwLjKI0uykWEyluMjS2Fwviy7wMa4j0/s1600/Germany+2014+184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhWGYCqRfuZZ0Z1WRad69JxhOqWCJvqeKvhavW7e1agmtWePS1gEDriDnKdWM_i0dF2IqY9UvfgzkYowgz90solvRKtafTmV15EvfQ2Ecbu1TLwLjKI0uykWEyluMjS2Fwviy7wMa4j0/s1600/Germany+2014+184.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked back to our hotel through nearly empty streets. There is not much nightlife to speak of in Füssen.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNBV_tuf8zBr8SJEs6P5ljsdiszXWVn-liSlyGg1eOc7SbcrmHpjHPFZL45nKkmT7GiRpwtmTUod8uu-JK7uKJoHsX6banQaDgTn28bZsCKcwNvUocB28OI3gVqQyqlf1Ijwkqrf4RaU/s1600/Germany+2014+186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNBV_tuf8zBr8SJEs6P5ljsdiszXWVn-liSlyGg1eOc7SbcrmHpjHPFZL45nKkmT7GiRpwtmTUod8uu-JK7uKJoHsX6banQaDgTn28bZsCKcwNvUocB28OI3gVqQyqlf1Ijwkqrf4RaU/s1600/Germany+2014+186.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Füssen’s castle, Hohes Schloss, looked pretty impressive lit up at night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our guidebook and family who had visited before warned us of the long lines at <a href="http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/" target="_blank">Neuschwanstein</a> and <a href="https://www.hohenschwangau.de/430.html" target="_blank">Hohenschwangau</a>. We booked our tickets months in advance, selecting the first tour of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you <a href="http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/admiss.htm" target="_blank">pre-book tickets</a> you have to pick them up an hour before your selected time or they become void. The ticket office only opened an hour before our selected time so I lobbied and convinced S to be on the first bus out of Füssen to the village of Hohenschwangau – about a 15 minute ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was worried that a crowd and long line might keep us from being able to make it to the desk to pick up our tickets an hour ahead of time like the website had warned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The empty bus should have been my first sign that I had been a little over zealous about our punctuality. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1aR__tgU4egpuaA47DQGoVsM15aGZfSd5tAcnxrfdjc8O6tiRqxutE3O5AhZT659zjW-n9bRdRJX3hmJNwQeSJHgH7WEKkBH2AJex39m7pAVSKnVR0Q1-sVqn-h6feJ9LdvI0-hzLNs/s1600/Germany+2014+187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1aR__tgU4egpuaA47DQGoVsM15aGZfSd5tAcnxrfdjc8O6tiRqxutE3O5AhZT659zjW-n9bRdRJX3hmJNwQeSJHgH7WEKkBH2AJex39m7pAVSKnVR0Q1-sVqn-h6feJ9LdvI0-hzLNs/s1600/Germany+2014+187.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is S, behind the camera is me, and we’re the only two people who got off the bus in Hohenschwangau.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On a positive note, doesn’t Neuschwanstein look lovely in the crisp morning air over S’ shoulder? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Welp, alone on the street, we decided to look for some breakfast and started to walk up the hill into town. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I tried to convince S that this was part of my plan all along. Get there early and grab some breakfast to eat while we waited in line for the ticket booth to open. We were on the bus that got us here an hour before the ticket booth opened…</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B6Fy9JaD5sleHqRGv93-X2rb93n8MLhVx__T3ymmHUeM6sxDfuTtHc21vH204evLS0ZBLjtVKErACMplE3yNPbTrMN0gJQj9OzPgmA8StcNuHl4g_PUxtfLXJFyrkM8z84oIBhVOE4Y/s1600/Germany+2014+189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B6Fy9JaD5sleHqRGv93-X2rb93n8MLhVx__T3ymmHUeM6sxDfuTtHc21vH204evLS0ZBLjtVKErACMplE3yNPbTrMN0gJQj9OzPgmA8StcNuHl4g_PUxtfLXJFyrkM8z84oIBhVOE4Y/s1600/Germany+2014+189.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Luckily for me, S is the most charming and supportive husband ever, had a great attitude about the whole thing and quickly got distracted by this sign on our walk into town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eagle crossing?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eVpPPVmbvBk3fM300dh50WwYLjDw7nJl5StrA6rggm9CHyD9X3gGrvMbrANGLcQ2L-IBjIeKWyt87h7J3xwhk1rozbyqZBlNG_jbV9UfSuxTyDD-rncR1zLBuVNouGb3fgiBW_5oJGg/s1600/Germany+2014+190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eVpPPVmbvBk3fM300dh50WwYLjDw7nJl5StrA6rggm9CHyD9X3gGrvMbrANGLcQ2L-IBjIeKWyt87h7J3xwhk1rozbyqZBlNG_jbV9UfSuxTyDD-rncR1zLBuVNouGb3fgiBW_5oJGg/s1600/Germany+2014+190.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and the castles were pretty distracting as well. Here is Hohenschwangau on its hill overlooking the village. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0tS8zAHFyz9opIJJCCXuSGv6M-FVGQgtqvXP4MOoDJhLIwNYMKN80E0DXEWzKPp9KU1Jvq-wsJh8MwqUNy5JQNei9Qd6OfqCj7KJHvJ0_6cTEx5SKlLncTQF7AKk3Q3G3t2zn1qteek/s1600/Germany+2014+191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0tS8zAHFyz9opIJJCCXuSGv6M-FVGQgtqvXP4MOoDJhLIwNYMKN80E0DXEWzKPp9KU1Jvq-wsJh8MwqUNy5JQNei9Qd6OfqCj7KJHvJ0_6cTEx5SKlLncTQF7AKk3Q3G3t2zn1qteek/s1600/Germany+2014+191.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And across the street, a perfect photo op with Neuschwanstein on the opposite hill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xJeulDIjy8WhATeb8blyrKER32MyCZzysHegsi8g2zu0pMXeovS8NC3EQOJ5rjbzaXNHip_F_u6s2fgB_VR2aZ8rbtfwkxWwNbsDPythZUzdiVBlRZ3MBHtORL67shzZdzE3V10chYc/s1600/Germany+2014+193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xJeulDIjy8WhATeb8blyrKER32MyCZzysHegsi8g2zu0pMXeovS8NC3EQOJ5rjbzaXNHip_F_u6s2fgB_VR2aZ8rbtfwkxWwNbsDPythZUzdiVBlRZ3MBHtORL67shzZdzE3V10chYc/s1600/Germany+2014+193.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We forgot about how early we were and happily snapped photos as we walked through town. Note: the lack of other tourists did make this part a little easier.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-UHQUOJ50RNCfcIrYlbnTpKo1KdLjYbwUwt-dOXfTtUyd8291jUVCdWea-VH0ZWN2EprvL7yHqr4SoRN0D7hXKv2ylumqDzFkmN6UtKzhZ66AWzkTNWYV_Xew7UNMOERPgLZ1tjabP8/s1600/Germany+2014+194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-UHQUOJ50RNCfcIrYlbnTpKo1KdLjYbwUwt-dOXfTtUyd8291jUVCdWea-VH0ZWN2EprvL7yHqr4SoRN0D7hXKv2ylumqDzFkmN6UtKzhZ66AWzkTNWYV_Xew7UNMOERPgLZ1tjabP8/s1600/Germany+2014+194.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After a walk through town (there is really only 1 main street…) I proudly took my place at the front of the line to wait for the ticket booth to open. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then we waited…and waited. Breakfast had been a non-starter since nothing was open yet. So we stood in line taking turns to read the informational signs in the courtyard in front of the ticket both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Might I add that it was REALLY cold? There was a gift shop next to the ticket booth where I could see staff setting up for the day while we waited in line. In addition to something breakfast like I was seriously starting to wonder if they had socks on sale so I could double up. My toes were starting to go numb. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1aZLTQQQFQeBHY88Yv_qS9XHKFQPdRGOu4eKDfpNW9FfQx6XUv-1tK_hLVUKal7Dpun02E_1xs9yQfPzZVXe1KnBQhn-1AgrbYgm_n6c7Cm-rcVpCXr1MaDOLkC7rghHRfAUP6wcOT0/s1600/Germany+2014+196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1aZLTQQQFQeBHY88Yv_qS9XHKFQPdRGOu4eKDfpNW9FfQx6XUv-1tK_hLVUKal7Dpun02E_1xs9yQfPzZVXe1KnBQhn-1AgrbYgm_n6c7Cm-rcVpCXr1MaDOLkC7rghHRfAUP6wcOT0/s1600/Germany+2014+196.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eventually, tickets, giant bretzels, and hot chocolate (no socks) in hand we made our way up the hill to Hohenschwangau, our first castle of the day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokSl572qMueRLv-286R_kEE-Aee7bZosa-ciibWB_8IMkVUliMKv6sXqs81nDaC944hFKeMu89wDCKryGQ5rytTz9o-v5eNhK7I54zYsfsWp3ul4pYCZrbCxt95pdEVvcizL1reCBGSY/s1600/Germany+2014+197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokSl572qMueRLv-286R_kEE-Aee7bZosa-ciibWB_8IMkVUliMKv6sXqs81nDaC944hFKeMu89wDCKryGQ5rytTz9o-v5eNhK7I54zYsfsWp3ul4pYCZrbCxt95pdEVvcizL1reCBGSY/s1600/Germany+2014+197.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had plenty of time to take our time walking up and were again able to take advantage of the virtual aloneness for photo taking. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Y58ubWjB_2qoM3eVO-kCtJFbV52634VnzPuCob17gs3UQNriglattQix5pJYf8BpYg5wdrIQGabf_Sd0DjHFt1cdY1dD20321_3le2iUyHV7U5sW7y15WojN3tZ_hAeMIduFMwmwbc/s1600/Germany+2014+198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Y58ubWjB_2qoM3eVO-kCtJFbV52634VnzPuCob17gs3UQNriglattQix5pJYf8BpYg5wdrIQGabf_Sd0DjHFt1cdY1dD20321_3le2iUyHV7U5sW7y15WojN3tZ_hAeMIduFMwmwbc/s1600/Germany+2014+198.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let’s just say we were pretty charmed by the views. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYiufsoAjIumWdNUoxDrizQjPZuhgk6xVJgW0seJh1N4KTqygoWIuVcONMUB_bTilvEEDUAm1ZnHAJ45ec_nTO2yt70ML6pyKqYa2kXDXhEotGxLzIrZNKlSFdkp0BgMDI67XmI-qbwE/s1600/Germany+2014+199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYiufsoAjIumWdNUoxDrizQjPZuhgk6xVJgW0seJh1N4KTqygoWIuVcONMUB_bTilvEEDUAm1ZnHAJ45ec_nTO2yt70ML6pyKqYa2kXDXhEotGxLzIrZNKlSFdkp0BgMDI67XmI-qbwE/s1600/Germany+2014+199.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This photo is looking down at the <a href="https://www.hohenschwangau.de/844.html" target="_blank">Museum of the Bavarian Kings</a> and the bus parking lot which was just starting to see some arrivals while we were on our walk up the hill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCeDQkbc_uaToAY4l5ninf0hVtzgY-LvM4MU2JQRhFliNzz_Is_hc1NY6gK-JcC4VInLabt0vLzpV0AxLtvNa7md3CdNFKkIPDiK3NXwBHaGrbwX5xmdmwQ55LwR1p4yVf0dIbwXW3cI/s1600/Germany+2014+205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCeDQkbc_uaToAY4l5ninf0hVtzgY-LvM4MU2JQRhFliNzz_Is_hc1NY6gK-JcC4VInLabt0vLzpV0AxLtvNa7md3CdNFKkIPDiK3NXwBHaGrbwX5xmdmwQ55LwR1p4yVf0dIbwXW3cI/s1600/Germany+2014+205.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No photos are allowed inside the castles, but we had lots of time to take photos of the outside as we waited for our tour number to be called.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB76kdPdOodUo_7bnQYd_yfq7DfbPtkR1CNEuU59Xs1tpD6r3TtmxZCZxNFmQqrS7dA61mn1BaC4GL7QPE0Zt1ZQTzh7mdCa_0tRZaOAfnZszmgC3gOI8DlgC7_WsBK9Em6XT6kFRyqA/s1600/Germany+2014+206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB76kdPdOodUo_7bnQYd_yfq7DfbPtkR1CNEuU59Xs1tpD6r3TtmxZCZxNFmQqrS7dA61mn1BaC4GL7QPE0Zt1ZQTzh7mdCa_0tRZaOAfnZszmgC3gOI8DlgC7_WsBK9Em6XT6kFRyqA/s1600/Germany+2014+206.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From the hill where Hohenschwangau is perched the view north of the valley at the foot of the Alps is breathtaking. Anyone want to go in on that place in Bavaria with us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t skip Hohenschwangau. I know it’s not as famous or as glamourous, but it is very pretty, the views are breathtaking, and seeing where Mad King Ludwig grew up does kind of help you understand where he might have gotten his penchant for the fantastical. Hohenschwangau is a fairytale castle, even if it is the often forgotten older sister to the Disney-inspiration of Neuschwanstein. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The ticket website recommends an hour to make your way (walk, bus, or horse-drawn carriage ride) between Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein and we followed this. We chose to walk (The bus was not running when we visited because of icy road conditions) and without the crowds it only took us about 20 minutes to get to Neuschwanstein on the top of the other hill.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LIFufqS9YQi2zjFuxrBeUbaG286Q3MvcmolkbyvI5SFaMd7fWnanUr352RK9gzPCsf6HM6MOX6Juc2lCndFYlp_PcWOJ2kfT-AAKazmCXHD3-NCQc6yXzzvwy8TDmAAdgbuQCwyt198/s1600/Germany+2014+211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LIFufqS9YQi2zjFuxrBeUbaG286Q3MvcmolkbyvI5SFaMd7fWnanUr352RK9gzPCsf6HM6MOX6Juc2lCndFYlp_PcWOJ2kfT-AAKazmCXHD3-NCQc6yXzzvwy8TDmAAdgbuQCwyt198/s1600/Germany+2014+211.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a viewing platform just down the hill from the entrance where we stopped to take photos. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCWp8caDkOjxBZgsaJWipZA_hyTmDRLgZT-T1H9_kpwb9zKYSmVIJ2cJNdWNgyJKvnVHO4h_vgeWjlM0PY4O1SO2ukoXyveIVAws4gBeoODsWBXm36EVr3y6OQBNK_qrpSI8jfsuKZ0Y/s1600/Germany+2014+208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCWp8caDkOjxBZgsaJWipZA_hyTmDRLgZT-T1H9_kpwb9zKYSmVIJ2cJNdWNgyJKvnVHO4h_vgeWjlM0PY4O1SO2ukoXyveIVAws4gBeoODsWBXm36EVr3y6OQBNK_qrpSI8jfsuKZ0Y/s1600/Germany+2014+208.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Note the lack of crowds. While December might be the high season for cities with famous Christmas markets it is the low season out here at the castles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I ignored my numb toes and totally lost myself in the chance to take unobstructed photos of this popular historical site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know what made it even more magical? It started snowing right as we stopped to take these photos. I kid you not. It doesn’t get much more festive and charming than that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcA4uBg08B4yvGU3Os3pqfskH-PZDGoe9EKNYH-Ntq18GhIRIU4BSGjZh5iRloy_QN1eM2CYu9AnP5VGVq_PK2pQu23_XuqDlblwFC2PTogtDfk_DmA5KX6tz50uZHu4XBIZuzBHTX3A/s1600/Germany+2014+212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcA4uBg08B4yvGU3Os3pqfskH-PZDGoe9EKNYH-Ntq18GhIRIU4BSGjZh5iRloy_QN1eM2CYu9AnP5VGVq_PK2pQu23_XuqDlblwFC2PTogtDfk_DmA5KX6tz50uZHu4XBIZuzBHTX3A/s1600/Germany+2014+212.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked up to the castle looking for a bathroom, and there is one here, just through the entrance gate, but it was mobbed by a bus tour group that had come up the hill while we were taking photos.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOprBIlsd83j5UhHraTIjP5z0_MuEkZcUuuGQt247M30qwqVtNcVz2pIfmqYusLtDk7dVLOjGP4xwtRXCBRWgbivDZZ7xjv1NDK2MN54TVmrPO2il4hF4GrLmK6TWFcF12Z8ZEfBXsQ8/s1600/Germany+2014+214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOprBIlsd83j5UhHraTIjP5z0_MuEkZcUuuGQt247M30qwqVtNcVz2pIfmqYusLtDk7dVLOjGP4xwtRXCBRWgbivDZZ7xjv1NDK2MN54TVmrPO2il4hF4GrLmK6TWFcF12Z8ZEfBXsQ8/s1600/Germany+2014+214.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We decided to walk back down the hill and try our luck at a little restaurant/gift shop near where the carriage rides drop you off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YDSXA82GvaMbt05qbcDnQk-vjB6rfrbbvlDrDMArkBnwvkSA0ZWMXKlo6zOaAdRH3VXOGnGPjWAzNTyPYN2Ws0-vvyYZyFQpVeGj2TzxCRnLLkxXre8obyC_ND2wlf2sElJUFa42WpQ/s1600/Germany+2014+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YDSXA82GvaMbt05qbcDnQk-vjB6rfrbbvlDrDMArkBnwvkSA0ZWMXKlo6zOaAdRH3VXOGnGPjWAzNTyPYN2Ws0-vvyYZyFQpVeGj2TzxCRnLLkxXre8obyC_ND2wlf2sElJUFa42WpQ/s1600/Germany+2014+215.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No luck there. No WC. At least not that we could find. There was however a chance to take photos from another angle – a welcome time killer. Walking up and down the hill was also helping warm my toes. =)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsme0TY7c0UBbhNqgp45TC_rypQHkIGS3bjPADRSTrAnUw4w8aerGAnqLdXAS1CwtiDDhb8o7wLozxNqvCKfEXPNkNtMDKnNChYMkaVAsuc5ufAhsjegDUid3ZOWQ31d0yFWUlAqlIAs/s1600/Germany+2014+218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsme0TY7c0UBbhNqgp45TC_rypQHkIGS3bjPADRSTrAnUw4w8aerGAnqLdXAS1CwtiDDhb8o7wLozxNqvCKfEXPNkNtMDKnNChYMkaVAsuc5ufAhsjegDUid3ZOWQ31d0yFWUlAqlIAs/s1600/Germany+2014+218.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Through the main gate that you saw above in an inner courtyard where you wait for your tour number to be called.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ghtYJMffxCY9zdXIV17cIptn2M9-1121vwCNGaGnbfYwRaVWibFE7YDas1VhCyIkBnyjbXTSxthPi9xcIcZacqmXcC80NULUKEvUoJ7Gvx1xJkZxcl0aMuffykMYZPOzZe31T486Fo/s1600/Germany+2014+219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ghtYJMffxCY9zdXIV17cIptn2M9-1121vwCNGaGnbfYwRaVWibFE7YDas1VhCyIkBnyjbXTSxthPi9xcIcZacqmXcC80NULUKEvUoJ7Gvx1xJkZxcl0aMuffykMYZPOzZe31T486Fo/s1600/Germany+2014+219.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your ticket has a number and when it is time to like up for your tour it will show on the screen here and you line up behind the turnstiles to be taken inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I can only imagine how crowded and chaotic this inner area gets during the high season.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZ8jSixgKncRBcSBRLgKaQgrx_pC0xgMATLPe3gw2EE1jw-0LD38PNGN21HKXsJUoqcczZGZPUcH6zqgDqDeL7djTgYvzv_BDKogjVjGcJMXdoXvzgstwAoO7enTLBvsCHXHTKlrAY4/s1600/Germany+2014+220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZ8jSixgKncRBcSBRLgKaQgrx_pC0xgMATLPe3gw2EE1jw-0LD38PNGN21HKXsJUoqcczZGZPUcH6zqgDqDeL7djTgYvzv_BDKogjVjGcJMXdoXvzgstwAoO7enTLBvsCHXHTKlrAY4/s1600/Germany+2014+220.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We passed the remaining time before our tour by – you guessed it – taking more photos. This place is seriously pretty, y’all.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJDR0Zx3khZSmfYjwzOtME12uWrMU6na89LaO1nLM34-1A2SMUQoIIwd719ILXp_n6q2uOOozL8a1MxgSdMjrzSBG0NJ_ykim9mSoRLsih-mHGQxiRYVGFsNY-zi2mTgIuCgw2ToIOA4/s1600/Germany+2014+217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJDR0Zx3khZSmfYjwzOtME12uWrMU6na89LaO1nLM34-1A2SMUQoIIwd719ILXp_n6q2uOOozL8a1MxgSdMjrzSBG0NJ_ykim9mSoRLsih-mHGQxiRYVGFsNY-zi2mTgIuCgw2ToIOA4/s1600/Germany+2014+217.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It started snowing again while we waited for our turn to go in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeP3GvAHELYDFz5CKMpyzhqihns2KUuuAPHONpVapj97IwRJyyZSC3GuESQ0Gd9hPToo4vtd1EUZwdiGnZwg3_ed2hur2vCQIaG9zFztwHG9nRI42xwn_PQM4BMneqGj57FCKsoTwJuo/s1600/Germany+2014+221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeP3GvAHELYDFz5CKMpyzhqihns2KUuuAPHONpVapj97IwRJyyZSC3GuESQ0Gd9hPToo4vtd1EUZwdiGnZwg3_ed2hur2vCQIaG9zFztwHG9nRI42xwn_PQM4BMneqGj57FCKsoTwJuo/s1600/Germany+2014+221.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No photos are allowed inside Neuschwanstein, but rest assured, it is pretty amazing. The man made himself a grotto with a secret door to his bedroom…this place is like no other. The tour lasts about an hour. We felt it was the perfect amount of time to gape at the fantastical décor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Back outside again we decided to make the climb to Marienbrüke. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTbwSzB5Lt_jSQuWUk_SgnxmhDr1tF0cDq7JkqHYXOfnN-8Uer4Tv_JNN5DZ34d_D2-UEBQG01cRJFvRIGsmkYZP1ZYgLskJFWkKTtW1QIykDfcUPNsYAUU0wRZHXeHqfqbY799pqf5g/s1600/Germany+2014+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTbwSzB5Lt_jSQuWUk_SgnxmhDr1tF0cDq7JkqHYXOfnN-8Uer4Tv_JNN5DZ34d_D2-UEBQG01cRJFvRIGsmkYZP1ZYgLskJFWkKTtW1QIykDfcUPNsYAUU0wRZHXeHqfqbY799pqf5g/s1600/Germany+2014+222.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Technically, the path and bridge were closed due to icy conditions. S assured me that it was totally safe and if it did get really icy that we would turn back. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRL7FWvD-YUxidehd323RUx2XWeg2YgsGG_c95M6ljCo_6rAuFgSvzFqv9rQn6YvzlsHCbGVNLfnmjSOPz5vFBZmagOGln3rnTpMwxkEsAZUi_fhZhjerfdRqHBJGPZ5bIQyTPD1uZzk/s1600/Germany+2014+224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRL7FWvD-YUxidehd323RUx2XWeg2YgsGG_c95M6ljCo_6rAuFgSvzFqv9rQn6YvzlsHCbGVNLfnmjSOPz5vFBZmagOGln3rnTpMwxkEsAZUi_fhZhjerfdRqHBJGPZ5bIQyTPD1uZzk/s1600/Germany+2014+224.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was pretty easy for us to just walk right past the rope draped across the road that led up to the bridge. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf96gE49Mc2Anh4qpcYV2s6gNX-XHoNdkBNtL9YbBZejRUb8p8LWcGWWXN_DINyIM4HHwi3BL3mHZcl_O05FlkqBOBT70hnFl3y2Fo4Agz3aKH4SKazkBnku6xjPCJmQQReei5uTEo9U/s1600/Germany+2014+225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf96gE49Mc2Anh4qpcYV2s6gNX-XHoNdkBNtL9YbBZejRUb8p8LWcGWWXN_DINyIM4HHwi3BL3mHZcl_O05FlkqBOBT70hnFl3y2Fo4Agz3aKH4SKazkBnku6xjPCJmQQReei5uTEo9U/s1600/Germany+2014+225.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The view from the top was worth the 10 minute walk up. (It also wasn’t really that icy.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYby869Zo-06an7JDq4NDouoSoQ8wTfc2qiu-mzCLarcgFj3QbItubalIWx7ja1Kl8BqUBjoT4JwyY-GdTM5sGY6qMWEjvE1tOdCMzbKiQ4_c2To7lGLQ6IvsmQqU18zGj1BueiYHyUM/s1600/Germany+2014+226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYby869Zo-06an7JDq4NDouoSoQ8wTfc2qiu-mzCLarcgFj3QbItubalIWx7ja1Kl8BqUBjoT4JwyY-GdTM5sGY6qMWEjvE1tOdCMzbKiQ4_c2To7lGLQ6IvsmQqU18zGj1BueiYHyUM/s1600/Germany+2014+226.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Those of you who know us IRL will recognize this as our holiday card photo from last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It started snowing again while we were on the bridge which just made the view and the atmosphere that much more special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here we were on a bridge, practically alone, with a gorgeous view of a castle I’d spent most of my life wanting to visit and it was snowing – magical doesn’t quite begin to capture it. (File this to: yet another reason to travel off-season)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We rode the horse-drawn carriage down the hill. It was only 3 euro each to go down (its 7 euro each to go up) which seemed like a good deal after climbing hills and walking through castles for most of the day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqbsAb-h-RPbp3fjcqfxUO4QpSzf8_TD0Nf68i0QUg5jPFyaVwCJEQp8w0BwqqcrD3StMTBUOisee2cypWKRfs4-dSFIen3lgW07W29IWyxk_1qEkrB89RTRAanrp7OrnIvsp1QePoeQ/s1600/Germany+2014+228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqbsAb-h-RPbp3fjcqfxUO4QpSzf8_TD0Nf68i0QUg5jPFyaVwCJEQp8w0BwqqcrD3StMTBUOisee2cypWKRfs4-dSFIen3lgW07W29IWyxk_1qEkrB89RTRAanrp7OrnIvsp1QePoeQ/s1600/Germany+2014+228.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We popped into the Museum of the Bavarian Kings for a quick visit. Unless you are a huge genealogy buff and/or want to know everything there is to know about the Wittelsbach family this is a quick visit kind of place. It does make a nice book-end to a visit at the castles and is a nice place to warm up if you visit during a colder time of year like we did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We paused for a photo at the village maypole on our way back to the bus stop to catch the bus back to Füssen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a bike/walking path that connect Füssen to Hohenschwangau that looked like it could be a fun way to get between the two towns in the warmer months. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN7OXksYeO160QCgiZtCBreTD-_gVnLOjKJebPAAyebEZPX_cDbaks5xJr5jPhoOgp8eju5r3_x2Qx3RfmhAI-8gf6Z-CMHDEbXTwkvInzLfDqLO1A-ySvhsmKSw1Vi7OfQ3T4arjY2U/s1600/Germany+2014+232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN7OXksYeO160QCgiZtCBreTD-_gVnLOjKJebPAAyebEZPX_cDbaks5xJr5jPhoOgp8eju5r3_x2Qx3RfmhAI-8gf6Z-CMHDEbXTwkvInzLfDqLO1A-ySvhsmKSw1Vi7OfQ3T4arjY2U/s1600/Germany+2014+232.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We capped our visit to Füssen with dinner at <a href="http://www.madame-pluesch.de/" target="_blank">Madam Plüsch</a>. (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187316-d3568521-Reviews-Madame_Plusch-Fussen_Swabia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor here</a>) We enjoyed a lovely meal at a corner table on the first floor. There is a larger dining room upstairs. After spending much of our day outside and climbing hills the hearty Bavarian cuisine and beer was a very welcome end to the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved our time in Füssen and are glad we didn’t do a rushed day trip from Munich. Unlike the crowded Christmas markets it was nice to spend two days moving at a slower pace, never caught in a crowd, taking in historical sites, delicious wine, and great food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed reading about our time in Füssen, come back next week – we’ll be in Munich!</span><br />
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Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-45834767827387037352015-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-01T14:51:44.541-07:00Ham and Garlic Cheddar Pasta Bake<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Raise your hand if you had ham leftover after Easter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Does anyone not have their hand up? If so, please teach me your ways of perfect portion planning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Actually, on second thought, I’m glad I ended up with left over ham. It made it easy to make this <a href="http://www.missinthekitchen.com/ham-and-garlic-cheddar-pasta-bake/#_a5y_p=3581078" target="_blank">Ham and Garlic Cheddar Pasta Bake</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The recipe rests squarely in the comfort food camp and at only 550 calories per serving you can take comfort in knowing it is pretty healthy too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not only is this healthy, it is ridiculously easy to throw together and the leftovers taste great the next few days for lunches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Typing this has made me excited thinking about the (even more) left over ham I have in my freezer waiting for a rainy day. No really, the next time it rains here in LA I’m making this again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the kind of dish that tricks your tummy into thinking you haven’t changed your habits to be healthy or makes you realize that eating healthier doesn’t mean you can’t have old favorites like mac and cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’m gonna go hope for rain, you should bookmark this recipe so you’re ready as soon as it does. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6E9FTb6OXUrR-3eLcawDZbro_cKCguZ4WbQLlLb7z0vnB1_XjmBYn1Ky-4vr1chZDY5i_abQRS1_JUEHA4Tlj4Z-Uum4bEeP2pGF4AB_hKB1rbJxwTboQnlnD_W67-abasc2IRU8qUY/s1600/ham+bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6E9FTb6OXUrR-3eLcawDZbro_cKCguZ4WbQLlLb7z0vnB1_XjmBYn1Ky-4vr1chZDY5i_abQRS1_JUEHA4Tlj4Z-Uum4bEeP2pGF4AB_hKB1rbJxwTboQnlnD_W67-abasc2IRU8qUY/s1600/ham+bake.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pjeats.com/2015/03/ham-and-garlic-cheddar-pasta-bake.html" target="_blank">Ham and Garlic Cheddar Pasta Bake</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Petit Jean Eats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 45 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 8 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 pound of ham, cut into bite-sized pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 pound medium shell pasta</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 onion, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2 Tsp garlic, minced (I used about 5 cloves, but we’re garlic lovers)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 Tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">½ Tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2 cups 2% milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4 oz reduced fat cream cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">8 oz shredded cheddar cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cook pasta until slightly undone, about 5 minutes. (It will cook the rest of the way in the oven.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 Tbsp of the butter in the pan. Add the onion and cook until soft and just starting to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place a saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in that pot. And the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then whisk in the salt and flour. Let that cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly then whisk in the milk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Once the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is starting to thicken stir in the shredded cheddar until everything is melted and well combined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Combine the pasta, onions, cheese sauce, and ham together and pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated all the way through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Serve while warm and bubbly. Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 550, Total Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 56mg, Sodium 551mg, Total Carbohydrates 49g, Fiber 4g, Sugars 8g, Protein 17g.</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-49441809433042899862015-04-22T09:39:00.000-07:002015-04-30T16:35:55.229-07:00Castles, Trains and Nazis: Nürnberg Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Welcome to N</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">ürnberg part 2! You can check out part one by <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/cobblestone-streets-local-history-and.html" target="_blank">clicking here.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and grabbed coffee and hot chocolate from their self-serve to-go station before heading out for the day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvo7XCrdlFyxov0ZBn_IYEAySdzx55APUZLv7b6tm3PKtrJeH5TM-u7zQedV_6EN4kpyLBh_QM5lBmNAtSpBDmISfqZwrI9Xao7l4KmAzrgHIoqUOrGQYX6QfBipuZgoYx541YvXiW9E/s1600/Germany+2014+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvo7XCrdlFyxov0ZBn_IYEAySdzx55APUZLv7b6tm3PKtrJeH5TM-u7zQedV_6EN4kpyLBh_QM5lBmNAtSpBDmISfqZwrI9Xao7l4KmAzrgHIoqUOrGQYX6QfBipuZgoYx541YvXiW9E/s1600/Germany+2014+108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Christmas market has a completely different energy in the morning. Make no mistake, though, you can get glühwein at any time of the day. =)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hxt6MRAfIrZO8Z88laevqdzJFlSvKWz_JQAR5OXZ2d6cOKGIrzA3TV6ufIfSeK397naptJKhHzAPbvRUAyFaNZ04LQdZNK-CTnGuzSCxqYZMK_5UQoxuJPysPk7L221vsRnKWAT9G3M/s1600/Germany+2014+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hxt6MRAfIrZO8Z88laevqdzJFlSvKWz_JQAR5OXZ2d6cOKGIrzA3TV6ufIfSeK397naptJKhHzAPbvRUAyFaNZ04LQdZNK-CTnGuzSCxqYZMK_5UQoxuJPysPk7L221vsRnKWAT9G3M/s1600/Germany+2014+111.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took the long way around the market square and headed for the subway, stopping to take a selfie with this adorable tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Less adorable? The name of this bridge: fleischbrücke or flesh bridge, so named for the many butchers that used to do business nearby.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpTjMogSNWmrsyTW328X0zcJEhKO4rTOfTBGnWg2IImD9vVuKn1CorrXaoR9nvxgRFn7W2cVtxSt318v4WpYyoPLJAFTGMxoPcvnt8nJzMfEbbDqkv6GvkRSbvtRZrp_5J-GNyhVfhJI/s1600/Germany+2014+114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpTjMogSNWmrsyTW328X0zcJEhKO4rTOfTBGnWg2IImD9vVuKn1CorrXaoR9nvxgRFn7W2cVtxSt318v4WpYyoPLJAFTGMxoPcvnt8nJzMfEbbDqkv6GvkRSbvtRZrp_5J-GNyhVfhJI/s1600/Germany+2014+114.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After a train ride to a suburban area of Nürnberg and a quick exercise in getting lost and map reading, we ended up here: the <a href="http://www.memorium-nuremberg.de/exhibition/visitor-information.html" target="_blank">Nürnberg Palace of Justice</a>, site of the Nürnberg trials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was mostly happenstance that the trials of prominent Nazis were slated to take place in Nürnberg – the home of the Nazi Party. The allies needed a courtroom that was large enough for the proceedings and a jail that was large enough to hold all who would be on trial. Before the war, this might not have seemed like difficult accommodations to find, but immediately following the war, much of Europe’s landscape was in bombed-out shambles. The requirements weren’t great, but Nürnberg fit them. The irony came free of charge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The top floor of the courthouse has been converted into a museum that documents the trials and other human rights trials since WWII. Both S and I agree that the TripAdvisor reviews and the guidebook didn’t do this justice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We came expecting to do a quick walk through before seeing the actual court room. We ended up staying for nearly two hours. The exhibits are well done and the audio guide is excellent. You can skip ahead if it is too long winded for you and stop only at the places that interest you. We definitely recommend visiting the museum while you are here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Entrance to the museum was 5 euro for an adult when we visited. Nürnberg offers a special discount card called the <a href="http://tourismus.nuernberg.de/en/book-order/nuernbergcard.html" target="_blank">Nürnberg Card</a>. What it lacks in a creative title it makes up for as a great deal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Nürnberg card is 25 euro for an adult and good for 2 days at these sites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All city run-museums</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>German National Museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nürnberg’s Imperial Castle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Deutsche Bahn (Train) Museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nürnberg Trials Court Room</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All local public transit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s a deal. You can do the math if you’re not sure how many of the included sites you’re going to visit or don’t plan on taking the subway/trams, but we recommend getting it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After visiting the museum and fully understanding the gravity of the history we were witnessing, we headed downstairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a plain hallway is the sign that lets you know you’re here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Note: this is still a working courtroom. If you visit on a weekday it may be closed for a trial. You can call ahead to confirm if the room is open for viewing during your visit. There is a small window located upstairs at the end of the museum tour that allows you to look into the courtroom if it’s in use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As far as courtrooms go, I’d say this one is pretty impressive. And not just because of the history that took place here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is a beautiful space. On the day we visited it was bright with natural light, but still quiet and somber.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can see in the photo above that there are interactive kiosks in the front row. The screen changes depending on what you are pointing it at and shows additional information about the trials. They also display videos from the trial (headphones included) so you can watch and listen to a little of what took place here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took the subway back to the center of town and grabbed a sausage from the Christmas market for lunch before transferring to a tram to head out to the <a href="http://museums.nuremberg.de/documentation-centre/" target="_blank">Nazi Dokumentation Center</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Dokumentation Center is not included in the Nürnberg Card, and at 23 euros each, was a little expensive, but the weighty history it holds is worth the price of admission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This place is huge. You can spend hours here. We did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you’re a student of history at all, you probably already know the general outline of the story of how Hitler and his Nazis came to power in Germany. Unless you want a refresher, I say move quickly through those sections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S and I found the exhibits about life during the war and the effects of Nazi rule on the German people to be much more interesting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The exhibits and the audio guide are well done. We especially enjoyed the videos that showed real people talking about their experiences interspersed with news reel showing the events they lived through. The architecture of the building also echoes the twisted history detailed here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the time we ventured outside, the sun was starting to set. We poked our heads inside the Congress Hall to get an appreciation of how massive it was and then headed toward the parade grounds, hoping we’d make it before dark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did not. The paths are wide and flat and well lit, so if you, like us, end up here at night you can still complete your visit, but we’d recommend going in the daytime if it is really important to you to see these sites. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When it is light out, you can climb up on these stands and look out over the rally grounds you’ve seen in so many news reels, history documentaries, and movies. We snapped a quick photo and then just stood there in the dark trying to take it all in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The sheer size and scale of these Nazi sites is something best experienced in person. It really is hard to believe of massive they are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By now, it was real dark and real cold. We walked back to the main street and rode the tram back to the center of town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were hungry! We’d been distracted by our day of history and hadn’t eaten much.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bratwurst-roeslein.de/" target="_blank">Bratwurst Roslein</a> had been recommended to us and it did not disappoint. The restaurant is basically one large, warm room filled with long, shared tables. The food is traditional Bavarian and Franconian fare with a beer list to match. We shared a massive platter of sausages and potatoes and tried a new beer – Zirdorfer kellerbier – which was dark and delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took a lap around the Christmas market and headed to bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Day 3 in Nürnberg dawned cold and foggy and cold. Did I say foggy already? It was real foggy, people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I didn’t care though, today was castle day! I love a good castle, and Nürnberg’s? It’s pretty good. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just look at it. <a href="http://www.kaiserburg-nuernberg.de/" target="_blank">Kaiserburg</a>, majestically appearing out of the fog. S looks pretty cute (and cold) standing in front of it, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nürnberg’s castle sits on a hill overlooking the city. Usually the view from up here is pretty great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Funny thing, though: sometimes I prefer weather like this when visiting historical sites. Castles are old, the planet is getting warmer, and there is a good chance that there were more foggy and cold days than bright and sun-shiney days in this castle’s heyday, right? These are the things I tell myself as I shiver and appreciate the views…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We got here early, before the castle museum opened, to explore a little before going inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Most of the castle was destroyed during the bombing during WWII. Some of the exhibits here have photos showing the castle basically in ruins. The archway above and the wall it is holding up were pretty much destroyed and had to be rebuilt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s cold, can you tell by my face?
There is also a large tour group just off to the right waiting patiently for us
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No photos of the interior, but the
museum is nicely done. There are interactive stations that let you choose how
much information you’d like and how quickly you’d like to move through the
rooms. It is included in the Nürnberg Card, so why not step inside and take a
look?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After the museum, we headed toward the deep well and Sinwell Tower (Not included in the Nürnberg Card, but only 3.50 euro!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The deep well is, well, a deep well. Like, really deep. With your ticket, a guide takes you inside the well house and tells you about the history of the castle and the well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a demonstration where they pour
water down the well and you listen to see how long it takes to reach the
bottom. It sounds a little hokey, but I really enjoyed it. If you’re travelling
with kids, this would be a fun thing to do with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This ticket add-on also lets you climb
the Sinwell Tower. This tower, along with the Roman double-chapel inside the
castle, were the only structures to survive the WWII bombing.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The climb to the top involves a lot of stairs, but the views are worth it. The top is open-air and there are photos all around that show what the skyline of Nürnberg looked like in 1945. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just do the climb. You can tell yourself you earned an extra sausage and beer for it later.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9teKBY5UaiBJo2S-hw9oA4WJUmB30dQ3f7MBo77PMFtUOuI7cIOAgbN1UMxSsT2z8GlbJUS6arW1kISMq3yE_M61HIrUHIxTDWv15z8Vb_PweNFgH773QSvq3spo4SJGZYwdI0OQbNE/s1600/Germany+2014+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9teKBY5UaiBJo2S-hw9oA4WJUmB30dQ3f7MBo77PMFtUOuI7cIOAgbN1UMxSsT2z8GlbJUS6arW1kISMq3yE_M61HIrUHIxTDWv15z8Vb_PweNFgH773QSvq3spo4SJGZYwdI0OQbNE/s1600/Germany+2014+143.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After one more walk around the castle and foggy view out over the city, we started the hike back down the hill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Instead of going back toward the main square directly, we took the scenic route.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80U7Ci2kJbJaowtwrqGryW9Pi5O33tGjQDFcVC-ByK3zaU4mslE5HTCj1PM18wCqUYfpTNd52y_XtwhOk3gEuDTqxDQvgEqO-zXKG6MoM7pZ9Tz34aDdOe_ey9_wT10b9Fq4Iqo3t7po/s1600/Germany+2014+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80U7Ci2kJbJaowtwrqGryW9Pi5O33tGjQDFcVC-ByK3zaU4mslE5HTCj1PM18wCqUYfpTNd52y_XtwhOk3gEuDTqxDQvgEqO-zXKG6MoM7pZ9Tz34aDdOe_ey9_wT10b9Fq4Iqo3t7po/s1600/Germany+2014+149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Along the way, we passed part of Nürnberg’s old city wall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulv20iOh_nFxe4G-LC6oO4BEtwQ8CeXDUT2Nq1Wx4wGrEuUyAQPGOQEvGyVbiNOW9JEjXVAQMCytOQOQNqUi5Z0JpiZ3qO36Kpg30yDpqKEIcs__MLX_-leIKBeDw6PCTzjg1YcBlk5U/s1600/Germany+2014+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulv20iOh_nFxe4G-LC6oO4BEtwQ8CeXDUT2Nq1Wx4wGrEuUyAQPGOQEvGyVbiNOW9JEjXVAQMCytOQOQNqUi5Z0JpiZ3qO36Kpg30yDpqKEIcs__MLX_-leIKBeDw6PCTzjg1YcBlk5U/s1600/Germany+2014+148.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We paused for a photo in front of
Albrecht Durer’s house. This is a museum, but we chose not to go in.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just before entering the main square for lunch we found this, the Heilig Geist Spital. It’s a hospital, in a beautiful building that also happens to be a bridge. Love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are so many types of treats on offer at the Christmas market it is hard to try them all. We gave it our best shot, though, with a ‘snack lunch’ of goodies that had been calling our names for the last few days. My favorite? Battered and fried apple slices. So good! Sorry, no photos, too busy licking my fingers. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From here, we headed to the <a href="http://www.gnm.de/en/" target="_blank">Germanisches Museum </a>(German National Museum) and the <a href="https://www.dbmuseum.de/museum_de/home/" target="_blank">Deutsche Bahn Museum</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Germanisches Museum is awesome. It covers everything from art to furniture, musical instruments to clothing. It even have a recreation of an apothecary shop. There is a little something for everyone. The only problem is there is so much to see it can be hard to limit your time here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We used the map to identify the things we really wanted to see and only went to those rooms. You might also recognize and deploy this strategy at places like the Louvre and the Smithsonian. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Deutsche Bahn Museum is just down the street and we really enjoyed visiting. The exhibits detail the development of the German railway system – in great detail. You can breeze through the English descriptions if you’re not too concerned with knowing every last detail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The best part? The room dedicated to real train cars. There are special viewing platforms that let you get an up-close look at how Kaisers traveled back in the day. S loved explaining to me how a steam engine works using the life-size display that lights up with different colors to show the process. This is another do-not-miss if you’re traveling with kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked back toward the main square looking for dinner. <a href="http://www.spiessgeselle.de/Zum_Spiessgesellen/Willkommen.html" target="_blank">Zum Spießgesellen</a> is in the lower level of the old town hall. They have delicious käsespätzle here. S indulged in a plateful of Nürnberger rostbratwurst sausages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nürnberg is known for its special sausages. Unlike most of the rest of Germany, the town’s namesake sausages are small and thin, about the size of your finger. They’re protected and can only be made in Nürnberg. You can find them in other cities, but we made a point to eat as many of them as we could while we were here. Made with pork and flavored with marjoram, they are quite delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was our last night in Nürnberg, so we made a point to spend as much time as possible perusing the stalls in the Weihnachtsmarkt and taking in all the Christmas spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Deutsche Post offers rides around the market in a vintage, yellow Deutsche Post wagon. We didn’t pay to go for a ride, but I made S take a photo of me with the draft horses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Remember how I said Nürnberg has different themed markets that spill into the squares around the main market? They have one dedicated to children – the Kinderweihnacht. This is the largest Christmas market in Germany, they don’t mess around here; of course there is a market dedicated to kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We’re not kids, even though we may act like them sometimes, but we decided to check it out anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our tip? Go late, all the kids are asleep and the lines here are shorter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The stalls here are dedicated to toys and things that are attractive to kids. The food stalls, though, are about the same as the rest of the market. Meaning - yes, you can get glühwein in the Kinderweihnact and yes, the lines are WAY shorter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are also some fun rides and activities geared toward kids. We didn’t stay too long, but we did take advantage of the short lines to get a mug of glühwein to enjoy on our walk back to the hotel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next morning, we grabbed Nürnberg sausages im weckla (in a bun) for breakfast. It felt very appropriate for our last meal in the city.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCpu2jCKh8W3oI3Y3wnNS4RFzQ0MlPIHv5VFojYDsG0XtV3r_VUFPZyxXEWYmD1osQ1ayFpVengfdEu36sUFXqgIC1Mzmtmz1ghXkG0LnGMXiJXcAxSaz9B2i4GidBfIWxnVEJZ5OJJc/s1600/Germany+2014+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCpu2jCKh8W3oI3Y3wnNS4RFzQ0MlPIHv5VFojYDsG0XtV3r_VUFPZyxXEWYmD1osQ1ayFpVengfdEu36sUFXqgIC1Mzmtmz1ghXkG0LnGMXiJXcAxSaz9B2i4GidBfIWxnVEJZ5OJJc/s1600/Germany+2014+157.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stopped for a photo op in front of the Schöner Brunnen. Schöner Brunnen means beautiful fountain and it is quite beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was in the main square, just around the corner from our hotel, so we had passed it many times during our 3 days in Nürnberg, but this was the first time we really stopped to admire it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This fountain is actually a replica. The original stone fountain was built between 1386-1396 and has been moved to the Germanisches National Museum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a wrought iron fence around the fountain that has two brass rings in it. Legend has it that if you spin the rings three times (one represents wealth and one represents marriage), they will bring you good luck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S was our designated ring spinner. He’s
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The ring for wealth was easy to find. It
was located on the outside of the Christmas market, near the wide walking
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The ring for marriage, however, was a little harder to find. When we visited, it was hidden behind some of the market stalls. We were a little hesitant to poke around behind the stalls, but one of the owners came out and helped us pull back some of the tenting and decorations so S could slip through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He stood with me and we watched S reach for and spin the brass ring three times. After, he smiled at us and told us this meant we’d have good luck in marriage. It feels good to be validated by a brass ring and a little old German man selling traditional prune people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S and I wondered if it was on purpose that the ring for marriage is harder to find and harder to reach. Perhaps the point is that you have to work together and be willing to overcome some obstacles to have a happy marriage…but now I’m going on a tangent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We’d left our bags with the hotel’s front desk, so we picked those up and headed for the train station.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You might remember the exciting adventure it was to get to our hotel with our suitcases from last week’s post…but the walk back to the train station was much easier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe it was the luck from the brass ring, but I think the lack of crowds in the early morning and our knowledge of the smoothest path to the train station after 3 days of walking the streets of Nürnberg are what really helped us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next stop: <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/fairy-tale-castles-neuschwanstwein-and.html" target="_blank">Füssen</a>! Check back in next week to hear all about this charming town in the shadow of the Alps and mad King Ludwig’s castles.</span><br />
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Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-62165244860788121652015-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:002015-04-30T16:18:48.037-07:00Cobblestone Streets, Local History, and Weihnachtsmarkts: Nuremburg Day 1<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nuremberg! Or as the Germans spell it: Nürnberg! I was very excited to be in Nürnberg. Don’t get me wrong, I loved <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/wanderlust-wednesday-wurzburg.html" target="_blank">Würzburg</a> and <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-night-in-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber.html" target="_blank">Rothenburg ob der Tauber</a>, but I’d had a picture of the Christmas market at Nürnberg as the desktop photo on my computer for months before our trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were finally here. We decided against using the subway to get to our hotel from the train station. It only went about ¾ of the way anyway. We’re walking kind of people. If we’re not in a hurry we enjoy walking around a new city to get a feel for its layout; making note of things to come back and check out later once we aren’t burdened by luggage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is a photo of the train station that we took after using the tunneled pedestrian crossing. That is the last photo I have until later in the day. Why, you might ask? Remember how I mentioned being burdened with luggage?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When travelling to Germany in December it can be difficult to pack light. Sweaters, coats, scarfs, tall socks, and two pairs of boots each…we did the best we could, but I’ll never claim to be someone who packs light. On this trip we’d brought two full-size suitcases and a small backpack. (We folded an extra duffle bag into one of the suitcases in anticipation of Christmas market purchases.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My decade-old, trusty hard sided Samsonite (affectionately known as the yellow submarine) has roller-blade size rubber wheels and rolls over anything and everything with ease. Our newer, lighter, semi-hard sided Samsonite has those new-fangled small ‘spinner’ style wheels which will dance all over an airport terminal, but are almost useless on cobblestone streets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I didn't realize until I wrote this that it appears that we are a Samsonite family. There is a funny story as to how we came about buying that newer black Samsonite, and perhaps not surprisingly it involves cobble-stone streets in another European city. I promise to share it with you sometime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For now though, let’s just say that the walk to our hotel from Nürnberg’s Hauptbahnhof was what we like to call a ‘marriage building moment.’ It was full of attempting-to-be-reassuring-and-helpful smiles and sing-songy directions from me and thinly veiled contempt and muttered not-so-sweet-nothings from Scott to the suitcase. Let’s also add that it wasn't just the suitcase’s fault…there were the also the massive crowds that we had to Frogger our way through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did make it, too early to check in, but we were ready to be rid of our suitcases and get to the fun part of enjoying this city that we were both so excited to be in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First stop: the Nürnberg <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187310-d241803-Reviews-Handwerkerhof-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Handwerkerhof</a> and the Frauentor, back across the street from the train station.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Handwerkerhof is a kitschy area of little shops and restaurants that represent what old-time Nürnberg was like. It is a cute little area, perfect for strolling and window shopping. We didn’t spend too much time here though because the streets were even more crowded than the rest of the city and with all the Christmas market stalls so close I only felt the need to poke my head into one shop before we moved on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Frauentor marks one of the original gates in Nürnberg’s city walls. It was originally built with flat walls, but renovated later to be round so that cannonballs would deflect off more easily and leave less damage. Today it casts a shadow on the Handwerkerhof and makes a great spot for a photo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From here we walked back toward the center of the old town checking out the Christmas market booths along the way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlokIJTVE3b4V5PS91M9f08187fsvansOAPeN_eR6ruLsDpalhRgWIdh-ISJG7px9fcYs56PFXpR2Egkf5sUMNkWANU0Izk4BtuvLAlWV_OuBlyIk1gYcOEbYPaQW4QtZA6b8kt1zo1-E/s1600/Germany+2014+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlokIJTVE3b4V5PS91M9f08187fsvansOAPeN_eR6ruLsDpalhRgWIdh-ISJG7px9fcYs56PFXpR2Egkf5sUMNkWANU0Izk4BtuvLAlWV_OuBlyIk1gYcOEbYPaQW4QtZA6b8kt1zo1-E/s1600/Germany+2014+094.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stopped at the restaurant <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187310-d1363868-Reviews-Barfusser_Das_kleine_Brauhaus-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Barfüßer</a> in the old mauthalle for a round of beers. The building was originally built for grain storage. These days, there is a brewery restaurant in the basement. It has a loud and boisterous atmosphere. We enjoyed people watching and taking it all in over a few afternoon beers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just around the corner from Marienplatz (the main square) is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187310-d243417-Reviews-St_Lorenz_Church_St_Lorenz_Kirche-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">St. Lorenz Kirche</a>. It is a massive structure that you can’t miss. Wherever we were in the city it wasn’t hard to just head toward its towers and end up back in the main square. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My photo is kind of blurry, but it was hard to find an angle where I could fit most of the façade in the shot and also take the picture before another wave of crowd passed by.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyX8caPVJ_QWzYeDmJ8HB544EbH79CXyvQ0hyphenhyphenY4gwvnbV6peqtATibDTvBGWtHrMkvELRbUqtk-n2Wh8Cbmip7oYy7D1yf2c4r4Fxw5idCEaHGhAol-99G1iAvIRbsSk1qL7I3mXFq1A/s1600/Germany+2014+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyX8caPVJ_QWzYeDmJ8HB544EbH79CXyvQ0hyphenhyphenY4gwvnbV6peqtATibDTvBGWtHrMkvELRbUqtk-n2Wh8Cbmip7oYy7D1yf2c4r4Fxw5idCEaHGhAol-99G1iAvIRbsSk1qL7I3mXFq1A/s1600/Germany+2014+098.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The light coming in the church on this overcast afternoon wasn't much, but it cast shadows in just the right way. While our visit wasn't bright and glorious, the lighting highlighted the church's best features and gave our visit a weighty ambiance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You’ll notice though that both the inside and outside of this church are simpler than you might be used to seeing or expect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Originally built as a Catholic cathedral, St. Lorenz Kirche is now a Protestant church. Nürnberg is in the heart of Lutherland. Both the interior and exterior of this church were simplified during and after the Reformation to be more in line with Protestant beliefs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We passed through the main square and Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) continuing on our walk. You can see I was quite excited about getting my photo taken with Nürnberg’s famous golden angel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Along with his other beliefs, Martin Luther wasn’t a huge fan of Santa Claus or the idea that he brought gifts to good children on Christmas. He, like many others after him, wanted Christ’s birthday to be, well, centered on Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So he created the story that the baby Jesus was the one who bestowed gifts on people at Christmas time. To silence any doubters who would wonder how a baby would deliver toys Martin Luther decided that there must be a golden angel who lends a hand with gift delivery. At least here in Nürnberg this story has lasted through the ages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every year one lucky woman from Nürnberg is selected to preside over the Christmas festivities and the Weihnachtsmarkt as the golden Christmas angel. She attends public appearances, leads activities for children and families, and in general spreads the Christmas spirit to the millions of visitors that make their way to Nürnberg every December.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We rounded out our afternoon with a visit to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187310-d1953263-Reviews-Stadtmuseum_Fembohaus_City_Museum_Fembohaus-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_.html" target="_blank">Stadtmuseum Fembohaus</a> (the Nürnberg City Museum) which is just up the hill from the main square.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved this museum. It is located in an old house that was not damaged during WWII. (That in itself is pretty impressive.) The museum’s audio guide is narrated by historical residents of Nürenberg who explain the history of the city and this house as it was when they were alive. There are options to skip ahead so you can get as much detail as you want or just get a quick overview as you make your way through the rooms and exhibits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would definitely recommend stopping here if you’re in Nürnberg. The museum is well laid out and the exhibits well thought it. This isn’t your typical city museum and puts many others to shame. (Actually, its good city museums like this one that keep us coming back to city museums in general when we travel.) As much as I enjoyed it, it doesn’t look like I took any photos here, sorry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As it started to get darker and colder we headed back to our hotel to check in and warm up before dinner.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT_zfXIiw6vguXOtC_uAvd6Mem5OksDZ0uHNuFAEPfvhqNsd90WvixBDl-RueiR8uno7NETIptmrCSK8N9GB-g06yLWkeBIkm9wBjQKB_HPDwIrRlVl-HL0-XRWFH96JGw26WmDh4ia0/s1600/Germany+2014+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT_zfXIiw6vguXOtC_uAvd6Mem5OksDZ0uHNuFAEPfvhqNsd90WvixBDl-RueiR8uno7NETIptmrCSK8N9GB-g06yLWkeBIkm9wBjQKB_HPDwIrRlVl-HL0-XRWFH96JGw26WmDh4ia0/s1600/Germany+2014+100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stayed at the Hotel Sorat Saxx (<a href="http://www.sorat-hotels.com/en/hotel/saxx-nuernberg.html" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187310-d6352659-Reviews-Sorat_Hotel_Saxx-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>)which is literally right on the main square. If you’re lucky, you can get a room with a window that looks out at the Frauenkirche. This hotel was a bit of a splurge for us (we paid about $185 a night in December 2014), so we only sprung for the standard room which had a view over the roof of the building next door.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfqP8iiyW76D8fP_ThHgFwtsAaYq58tW6vwYg2P93ldGlvHwE-SppiNzrbCdVQBV9wcCNGVyzu-8WPd2eKAiL50qooxUMImhFodXrMrDsR5Y-zERHg2oqmuDEXIwuWW9BKVG5luhhx6k/s1600/Germany+2014+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfqP8iiyW76D8fP_ThHgFwtsAaYq58tW6vwYg2P93ldGlvHwE-SppiNzrbCdVQBV9wcCNGVyzu-8WPd2eKAiL50qooxUMImhFodXrMrDsR5Y-zERHg2oqmuDEXIwuWW9BKVG5luhhx6k/s1600/Germany+2014+099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The room was very small, but very nice.
Decidedly modern, the décor still gave a nod to the city’s history. The bed here was very comfortable and not
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2Yc5q8n9R92Oo4h4KM3aTXtu-H6tCvhb5SgNhHBxrnPf-2Sn6HP53alYO7ugRjmXn1b0fz3cOybQnOC0r1LB0R5WnGAI4MAp09f_bmvaM6KCGjbORSQ-7wphx8aoA_2h4MzfRyLAuDQ/s1600/Germany+2014+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2Yc5q8n9R92Oo4h4KM3aTXtu-H6tCvhb5SgNhHBxrnPf-2Sn6HP53alYO7ugRjmXn1b0fz3cOybQnOC0r1LB0R5WnGAI4MAp09f_bmvaM6KCGjbORSQ-7wphx8aoA_2h4MzfRyLAuDQ/s1600/Germany+2014+101.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The bathroom was also very nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Note: my decision of where to stay almost always comes down to bathrooms. I love travelling and getting outside of my comfort zone a little, but when it comes time to do some business or get clean? I like to know that I have a bathroom to come back to that inspires confidence.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At the hotel’s recommendation we went to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187310-d1523093-Reviews-Goldenes_Posthorn-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Goldenes Posthorn</a> for our first dinner in Nürnberg. Without a reservation in the busy season we were able to get a table quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Does that make you raise your eyebrows? Push ‘em back down. This place was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lots of traditional German fare on offer and reasonable prices. S had a pork belly dish and I couldn’t say no to the goose that was on the menu that night. Neither of us was disappointed. It may not be the highest ranked on TripAdvisor, but we’d definitely go here again and recommend it to others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After dinner we wandered up and down the aisles of Nürnberg’s Weihnachtsmarkt. Nürnberg is the home to the largest Christmas market in Germany. Over 2 million people visit during the month of December each year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So yes, there were crowds. However, there was also a thermometer-bursting amount of Christmas spirit in the air. On second thought, maybe that was all the glühwein we, and the thousands of others were consuming, either way, we LOVED wandering the Weihnachtsmarkt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nürnberg’s Christmas market spills from its main square on to the streets leading to and from the square and into neighboring square where there are other themed markets. The Markt der Partnerstadte is a market with stalls selling the wares of Nürnberg’s sister cities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was pretty cool to sip glühwein and peruse trinkets from just about every corner of the globe. The Atlanta booth was serving glühwein mit schloss or with a shot of whiskey in it. Because ‘Merica.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As you can see, we're loving N</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ürnberg. I hope you're enjoying reading about our trip. Check back next week for <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/castles-trains-and-nazis-nurnberg-part-2.html" target="_blank">N</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/castles-trains-and-nazis-nurnberg-part-2.html" target="_blank">ürnberg part 2: Nazi sites, museums, and of course, more Christmas market!</a></span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-41476244436879662072015-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:002015-04-08T19:31:28.070-07:00One Night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last week, I shared our two nights spent in <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/04/wanderlust-wednesday-wurzburg.html" target="_blank">Würzburg</a>, the beginning of our trip to Germany in December 2014. This week, we're going to Rothenburg ob der Tauber!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIWp98k3ZLXnEw7-4onTkYn2ttF2t1RLz3QF4N6RIrNJ5Hl03QUjy2aXRNHOxKp8okkHxq9nMbKccjPH-_ExA1YTuM1nSW-lEBc7I-CO2uKQTa7zt9mKKawQr7LZxRn2GAqVOrR8I6Ys/s1600/RodT+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIWp98k3ZLXnEw7-4onTkYn2ttF2t1RLz3QF4N6RIrNJ5Hl03QUjy2aXRNHOxKp8okkHxq9nMbKccjPH-_ExA1YTuM1nSW-lEBc7I-CO2uKQTa7zt9mKKawQr7LZxRn2GAqVOrR8I6Ys/s1600/RodT+16.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We took an early morning train from Würzburg to Rothenburg. In the past, we've booked our train tickets in advance through <a href="http://www.raileurope.com/index.html" target="_blank">RailEurope</a>. I'm a worrier and it makes me feel better to know when I head to the train station that I already have a pre-paid ticket on a specific train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For this trip though, my research revealed the <a href="http://www.bahn.de/p_en/view/offers/national/regional/laender-tickets/bavaria-ticket.shtml" target="_blank">Bayern Ticket</a>. This is a special regional class of ticket offered by Deutsche Bahn at a reduced rate. Tickets start at just 23 euro for one person and cover all regional trains and transfers (within Bavaria) for one day. You can travel in groups of up to 5 with one ticket, paying a just a little extra for each additional person. Day tickets are good for trains Monday - Friday from 9am to 3am the next day, and from midnight to 3am the next day on Saturday and Sunday. There are first class and night travel ticket options, too, if you're interested in that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our ticket for two people cost 28 euro. Using this ticket meant we were limited to regional trains, which were slower than other options available and that we could only take trains before 9am on weekends, but the price couldn't be beat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Purchasing these tickets was very easy. There were automated machines (with the ability to function in multiple languages) at every station we went to and any ticket counter also sells these tickets. The regional trains weren't fancy, but this is Germany - they were clean, quiet, and on-time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would definitely recommend using this ticket if you're travelling in Bavaria. I think it is totally worth it to save a little money on train tickets so you can allocate your travel funds to more important things like beer and sausage...or souvenirs at the Christmas markets. =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The train ride from Würzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is only about an hour. We knew we only had one night, so we wanted to get there early to give ourselves plenty of time to explore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took the scenic route to our hotel from the train station (outside the city wall), which sounded like a good idea to maximize our time spent ogling the pretty streets. Well, the cobble stone streets in Rothenburg are no joke. Instead of strolling to our hotel with our bags in tow taking in the beautiful old buildings, we attempted not to make eye-contact with any more people than we had to as we dragged our suitcases over the uneven streets making a ridiculous amount of noise and praying the whole time that we didn't break a wheel. Next time, we'll take the shorter route directly to the hotel and leave the sightseeing for when we've ditched our luggage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did make it to our hotel, eventually, and checked our luggage with the front desk. They gave us a map and helped us get acclimated with where we were in the city. Before heading off, we asked the staff if they could help us make dinner reservations at a restaurant we really wanted to try while we were in town. They promised to do their best and would let us know the result when we came back in a few hours when our room would be ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stepped back out into the street, this time delightfully unburdened by our luggage. We followed the crowds toward the main square.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rothenburg's Christmas market was set up here in the shadow of rathaus (town hall).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took a lap around the market making note of what was on offer in the various food stalls for lunch later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just up the street from the main square is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187319-d243426-Reviews-St_Jacob_s_Church_St_Jakobskirche-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">St. Jakobskirche</a>. We stepped inside to see it and enjoy the festive decorations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This church houses one of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilman_Riemenschneider" target="_blank">Tilman Riemenschneider's</a> famous carvings, the Holy Blood Altar. It is upstairs in the western gallery and on the day we visited we were lucky to have the space to ourselves to admire it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We headed back to the Christmas market for lunch: half-meter feuerwurst! Not only are they over-sized and fun to say, they are spicy (but not overly so) hence the name feuerwurst, or fire sausage. Very delicious; S and I highly recommend you try one if you get the chance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After lunch, we headed toward the city wall and the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187319-d4866471-Reviews-Klingentor-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html#MAPVIEW" target="_blank">Klingentor</a>, one of the gates to the city. This tower used to be the water tower for the city, in service from 1595 to 1910. It is a great spot for a photo-op, especially if a charming horse-drawn carriage passes by at the same time you're taking your photo. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(As we were taking this photo, the horses stopped and, um, relieved themselves...you can't see it, but we smiled through the smell and the steam...it was quite cold here, even in the middle of the day.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This spot is also a convenient location to climb the city wall. We walked along the wall for a little, enjoying the view outside the city and over the rooftops inside the wall. Even in chilly December this was a great (free!) way to spend some time walking off lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rothenburg is pretty much the epitome of charming, medieval towns. We spent most of the day just walking and marveling. I couldn't stop taking photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are four main gates to the city that allow access in and out of the old town. We headed outside the wall at one of the gates to explore the old moat, now a park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not very green during our visit, but still a nice place to stroll.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It didn't take long though before we wanted to be back inside the old town taking in the festive atmosphere. As the sun began to set, the lights started to come on. It seemed like every building was decorated for Christmas with a little tree (they have these genius wrought-iron stands to hold them onto the sides of the buildings), evergreen boughs, ribbons, and lights. Every window, doorway, light pole - pretty much anything and everything that could be decorated was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yup, our main activity of the day was exploring the city, walking the cobble-stoned streets and taking in the adorable old town with so much Christmas spirit it seemed to be bursting at the seams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also, we took lots of photos. Lots and lots of photos. Can you blame me? Look at how dang cute this place is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eventually, we ended up back at our hotel to check in, put our luggage in our room, and warm up before heading to dinner and then Christmas market! (They're best enjoyed at night when everything is all lit up, in my opinion.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.tilman-riemenschneider.de/" target="_blank">Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider</a> and loved it. (TripAdvisor listing <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187319-d629599-Reviews-Tilman_Riemenschneider_Hotel-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) It was the most expensive room of our trip (170 euro for one night), but the room was charming and the staff were wonderful. The room was spacious - it had the largest shower and bathroom of our whole trip - and comfortable. It was nice to have the sofa instead of just sitting on the beds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We weren't able to get reservations at our preferred restaurant. We got a play-by-play from the staff at the front desk of the whole conversation and the negotiation on our behalf; the restaurant though, was completely booked. After talking us through other restaurants they thought were similar and that they thought we would also enjoy, but that after a few more phone calls also happened to be completely booked, we ended up with a reservation at the hotel's restaurant. (Note: if you're going to be in one of the most festive medieval towns in the middle of Christmas market season on a Saturday...make dinner reservations in advance.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The hotel's restaurant was fantastic. A little on the pricey side, but well worth the splurge. We had a great table in a quiet corner. On top of being decorated in traditional Bavarian theme, the restaurant was also drenched in Christmas decor and candles. The food was excellent. I had goose and S had duck, and we enjoyed both dishes very much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After dinner, we joined the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187319-d808619-Reviews-The_Night_Watchman_Tour-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Nightwatchman's Tour</a> and loved it! The tour takes you around town and you get to see and hear about the history through the eyes of the nightwatchman. It is informative, but he is also funny and has lots of cheesy punchlines to keep you smiling as you shuffle from site to site (separate tours in English and German). The tour is 7 euro per person, paid in cash at the end of the tour. If you're staying the night in Rothenburg, I highly recommend it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">During our day in Rothenburg we also visited:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187319-d190848-Reviews-Imperial_City_Museum_Reichsstadtmuseum-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavar.html" target="_blank">Imperial City Museum</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, its a city museum. This one kind of fits your standard city museum formula: old maps + really detailed descriptions of some buildings + statues that used to be in city churches + art from homes of past city residents + random artifacts from industries within the city + weapons from different time periods. It's not bad; some of the exhibits are better presented than others. The entry fee of 4 euro isn't prohibitive. If you want to get inside for a while and have the time to spare, it is worth stopping here. If you're pressed for time, you should feel free to skip this without worrying about missing much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187319-d243433-Reviews-German_Christmas_Museum_Deutsches_Weihnachtsmuseum-Rothenburg_Middle_Franconia_Fra.html" target="_blank">German Christmas Museum</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is a fun museum with exhibits that explain many of the Christmas traditions in Germany and the origins of many of the decorations you see for sale at the Christmas markets. The exhibits are a little worn, some of them haven't aged well, but overall it is nicely put together. You enter the museum through the Käthe Wohlfahrt store and it is only a few euro entrance fee. Again, this is not a must-do in my opinion. We enjoyed it, but if you're pressed for time you could skip this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved our one day/night in Rothenburg and hope to visit again. Next week, our trip continues in Nuremberg! </span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-31755108735435055402015-04-03T12:00:00.000-07:002017-07-17T15:49:34.438-07:00Super Easy DIY Napkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It officially became spring a few weeks ago and I was itching to be creative. We've had a set of white, cotton napkins for years. They were a wedding gift and we have loved them and used them well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They're not quite so white anymore and there are some lingering mustard and red wine stains. At least I'm guessing mustard and red wine...after 4.5 years of trusty service they could be stains of anything really. We like to eat, a lot...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I decided it was time for some new napkins and that I was going to make them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6NgpcxwwOMPq8yEFGPEcyjyURXGQGFiHmFsf1E-ml49lDb0G3Pj5PqtbRXlHrHYTCZRI8TLC3KsKhTVL3BrVKfWMxHjd8SamPUro_u4Y1c4sq4NXmZ8gOQu-pNtu-_ipE3wk4TDXAKY/s1600/diy+napkins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6NgpcxwwOMPq8yEFGPEcyjyURXGQGFiHmFsf1E-ml49lDb0G3Pj5PqtbRXlHrHYTCZRI8TLC3KsKhTVL3BrVKfWMxHjd8SamPUro_u4Y1c4sq4NXmZ8gOQu-pNtu-_ipE3wk4TDXAKY/s1600/diy+napkins.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I got really excited as I planned a lunch-time trip to the Michel Levine's fabric store in downtown Los Angeles. I was even more excited about having my super creative colleague with me. I knew she'd be great at helping me make up my mind (Am I the only one who wants to #buyallthefabric ?) and keep us on schedule. No hours of ruminating in the isles for me, not on this day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I couldn't wait to get home with my loot from the fabric store and get to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvbMjWWZ1d4qC_5B1ff0SKHIYNYUDuBRrCaqEIjWqcSIF-dHTvMdwJj6VTELFOARkblt55lbdYCu-xfS6S8fDFB43ReZN7zE7r70nJPdBL8w1A5GzPKVAuLalm5efGvL1eRHCewgAnlY/s1600/napkin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvbMjWWZ1d4qC_5B1ff0SKHIYNYUDuBRrCaqEIjWqcSIF-dHTvMdwJj6VTELFOARkblt55lbdYCu-xfS6S8fDFB43ReZN7zE7r70nJPdBL8w1A5GzPKVAuLalm5efGvL1eRHCewgAnlY/s1600/napkin+1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For this project I got a little over a yard of pink chevron cotton (I took whatever was remaining on the bolt) and a yard and a half of another cotton with a bright pink, orange, and green pattern. The rest of this I hope to transform into dresses...stay tuned.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NoFztrIoOXtzmLewGXi7yhF2iGkwUzOhwMVPBqN_YZvAjO_Rbij2Wcektq6uytot0BKAsQKjvXllMVBZSHnQKdO4TxJne_Mk1rBll8Wv12ILdCI2i_7kZ3vs3PqUJXfxTV-bL028NQ/s1600/napkin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NoFztrIoOXtzmLewGXi7yhF2iGkwUzOhwMVPBqN_YZvAjO_Rbij2Wcektq6uytot0BKAsQKjvXllMVBZSHnQKdO4TxJne_Mk1rBll8Wv12ILdCI2i_7kZ3vs3PqUJXfxTV-bL028NQ/s1600/napkin+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First step: Ironing, Lots of ironing. My fabric was pretty wrinkly when I brought it home so I wanted to straighten everything out before I got to work.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4dH0zIAoBVZUI9wlaq6d6puWndeIO_bSZSLv91Xg68MrwajjDEfXHUZclaspYsS0UQt5HGMN60BTCgH4GH9HMfnmON0Rp6Au8CwdOxXn-NrH59yXFs1k9s_Uf4f67Ca-VU12gZf79nQ/s1600/napkin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4dH0zIAoBVZUI9wlaq6d6puWndeIO_bSZSLv91Xg68MrwajjDEfXHUZclaspYsS0UQt5HGMN60BTCgH4GH9HMfnmON0Rp6Au8CwdOxXn-NrH59yXFs1k9s_Uf4f67Ca-VU12gZf79nQ/s1600/napkin+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next, measure and cut your fabric into squares.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzAm8IEGFxYCJKEjH54hLmwQQqzi1sRFXvpA9_BcdGWhh1dSa7CL0-jiL206VQyZJy8s8xAWnYJJyPepgQaeEJprW64WhjJCo01LT2gy3i79rC-tBJjPSqYlvvIS8wASevqCB2F3P1yk/s1600/napkin+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzAm8IEGFxYCJKEjH54hLmwQQqzi1sRFXvpA9_BcdGWhh1dSa7CL0-jiL206VQyZJy8s8xAWnYJJyPepgQaeEJprW64WhjJCo01LT2gy3i79rC-tBJjPSqYlvvIS8wASevqCB2F3P1yk/s1600/napkin+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My fabric was 45 inches wide. I used my existing white cotton napkins as a guide. They're 20 inches square. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I cut the pink chevron into 4 21 inch squares. I reduced the size for the other pattern to 19 inch squares so I could get a set of 6.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkzJDVuuBu9J9DNjJIINddtgDOAvOtO1UuaC6Oj8tR3-vrxDUsd12-khzIyO4H3LvVuMKMut39g71EbHV7hmVtGvK2OtZNP_NHjqcT1cCjzn8zVTgm4mBfXBAtIle5s5L7MD88wA-PKU/s1600/napkin+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkzJDVuuBu9J9DNjJIINddtgDOAvOtO1UuaC6Oj8tR3-vrxDUsd12-khzIyO4H3LvVuMKMut39g71EbHV7hmVtGvK2OtZNP_NHjqcT1cCjzn8zVTgm4mBfXBAtIle5s5L7MD88wA-PKU/s1600/napkin+5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The seams on these napkins are folded twice, to offer a nice, substantial edge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With the right side of my fabric on the ironing board (wrong side facing up) I folded inward half an inch. Ironing as I went, I used my pointer finder as a guide to keep the width consistent. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHByzl5JqCeUAzUarBagHHmoMOCMXb5LYC89e6ZTeJPABW44IU9CaJShsF5qmKszqY5a6w2YABO2x8-EqAy_VUe3nSsUBQI7A7ty0IkrNyeNi6ZDH0QHK4FiLkBg_JG69qgapp0QDekOk/s1600/napkin+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHByzl5JqCeUAzUarBagHHmoMOCMXb5LYC89e6ZTeJPABW44IU9CaJShsF5qmKszqY5a6w2YABO2x8-EqAy_VUe3nSsUBQI7A7ty0IkrNyeNi6ZDH0QHK4FiLkBg_JG69qgapp0QDekOk/s1600/napkin+6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I folded the two sides that were parallel to each other first before rotating and folding the other two. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I made sure to tuck and iron the corners so they would be nice and neat when it came time to sew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't miter my corners, but you could if you wanted to.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQjYQxOo8YOFar-uF9Gl-N_0oNb2UrYnOoJ12pYccwVTnxodb68QyR0DnY1gCvar-g7M2owpEcw-hKlDHhWOZoeMFtKug5AeBE8Do0lRErXeXe6SpiPTQK6d86zEZqEdQZ4O0g5iEMhI/s1600/napkin+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQjYQxOo8YOFar-uF9Gl-N_0oNb2UrYnOoJ12pYccwVTnxodb68QyR0DnY1gCvar-g7M2owpEcw-hKlDHhWOZoeMFtKug5AeBE8Do0lRErXeXe6SpiPTQK6d86zEZqEdQZ4O0g5iEMhI/s1600/napkin+7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I repeated the process, using the first fold as a guide, folding over and ironing again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkn7Juvm36sqGamxmdMarKdizSdpSIgf9TCjD-fRw_yUyhpREsg5fhKD4r76uZ-EN05WphDnBH66PKxERkv3mhpWlTkANYFKThUOSu4HCk5bWrM5L5hKLjE00FrU1es52KmmjwnpAc8AU/s1600/napkin+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkn7Juvm36sqGamxmdMarKdizSdpSIgf9TCjD-fRw_yUyhpREsg5fhKD4r76uZ-EN05WphDnBH66PKxERkv3mhpWlTkANYFKThUOSu4HCk5bWrM5L5hKLjE00FrU1es52KmmjwnpAc8AU/s1600/napkin+8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Folding and ironing finished! Time to sew!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1wK5y9r0pQchCH206UYIUAVCQePNtC_5JDhc5vwUa39Cgwqauvckdi3SMJhS2K7QLTUMJ8SStqrUwkj18wRxuyKHf4sZcV-RwbN2F3QcIod-0NTPaLrVzbZsCadO6O1aOBVpOcE-jLk/s1600/napkin+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1wK5y9r0pQchCH206UYIUAVCQePNtC_5JDhc5vwUa39Cgwqauvckdi3SMJhS2K7QLTUMJ8SStqrUwkj18wRxuyKHf4sZcV-RwbN2F3QcIod-0NTPaLrVzbZsCadO6O1aOBVpOcE-jLk/s1600/napkin+9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I used a straight stitch and sewed close to the edge of the fold. That way, there wouldn't be a lot of seam to stick up or get caught on anything. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvZlVcopnu5VYB6K2aBAKFjXj6xceM0kWvWW4xX6h7-ke_SGuk-bsIkNvt571IiOhNEZSeg5OcCYe2wpjqUsjZFTrXzZAX22WTh7HFtsFUMa89UG6w62cgmnci1yzALNRXrfokB4jJQs/s1600/napkin+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvZlVcopnu5VYB6K2aBAKFjXj6xceM0kWvWW4xX6h7-ke_SGuk-bsIkNvt571IiOhNEZSeg5OcCYe2wpjqUsjZFTrXzZAX22WTh7HFtsFUMa89UG6w62cgmnci1yzALNRXrfokB4jJQs/s1600/napkin+10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I back-stitched at each of the corners leaving the needle down and pivoting the fabric to change directions. This gave me one continuous seam around the napkin and hopefully fewer possible places for the stitching to come undone with lots of use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(I used a pink bobbin and white top thread because that is what i already had ready to go in my machine. I'm hoping that because of the colorful pattern of my fabric no one will really be able to tell.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIMf5FzNDKKRBaZjKaREQwnrldc0kTSNpiSxgAKO_OrdhusHw5bRgjOkjb9J_L56FOmSqzYwDF8EHODY1_JnjC0VzLh4cANitSAkHiecwXKHtkpzZLNaiHPQ9HEb9K8m1RId6mUWKTME/s1600/napkin+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIMf5FzNDKKRBaZjKaREQwnrldc0kTSNpiSxgAKO_OrdhusHw5bRgjOkjb9J_L56FOmSqzYwDF8EHODY1_JnjC0VzLh4cANitSAkHiecwXKHtkpzZLNaiHPQ9HEb9K8m1RId6mUWKTME/s1600/napkin+11.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finished product! This was seriously super easy. Total project time was about 3.5 hours - including stopping to take photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Most of that was spent ironing. This project is more cutting and ironing than it is sewing, really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm pretty excited to brighten up my table and start using these!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-13135849084665872892015-04-02T08:30:00.000-07:002015-04-02T08:30:01.022-07:00Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lemon Leeks<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chicken thighs are my favorite. Seriously, dark meat is totally worth the extra calories. Chicken thighs are also super easy to cook and because they are less popular than chicken breasts the law of supply and demand is finally in my favor and they are usually a cheaper option at the meat counter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Win, win, win. For me anyway, sorry 'bout ya chicken thigh haters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">S and I loved this recipe from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-honey-lemon-leeks" target="_blank">Cooking Light</a>. It was in the April 2014 issue and I don't know how I missed it and just finally made it the other night. Chicken thighs, leeks, honey...its like all of my favorite things in one recipe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I played with the recipe a little as you'll see below. Most notable difference? I wanted skin on my chicken so I made just 4 thighs, one per serving, and picked bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. (Okay, chicken thighs with the skin? SERIOUSLY MY FAVORITE.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I do not regret my decision one bit and I highly encourage you to follow me down the path of crispy chicken skin delight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another tip: I sliced my leeks and then put them in a bowl of water to soak and de-sand themselves while I prepped the rest of the ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unless you're on team chicken breast (and I guess you could make this with chicken breasts, but I don't understand why you would) add this to your menu plan soon. Its tasty, easy, and quick!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5OON7nS3ATnw2JZqrEQZ2ak9QowtZPl3x2PXH_gglxIbA444JgCUo-Mmr03rsjPQhOEaIQIeEipykLyaQe385JDPL5RQNXlpePCHQO5t4f2m4qyB13PGGrrtzlF-Sgap5cDhY2xtep4/s1600/chicken+with+leeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5OON7nS3ATnw2JZqrEQZ2ak9QowtZPl3x2PXH_gglxIbA444JgCUo-Mmr03rsjPQhOEaIQIeEipykLyaQe385JDPL5RQNXlpePCHQO5t4f2m4qyB13PGGrrtzlF-Sgap5cDhY2xtep4/s1600/chicken+with+leeks.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I served this with <a href="http://lifewithsandk.blogspot.com/2015/03/lemony-roasted-asparagus.html" target="_blank">Lemony Roasted Asparagus</a> on the side and it was a great combination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-honey-lemon-leeks" target="_blank"><b>Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lemon Leeks</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Cooking Light</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: about 45 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 4 servings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4 tsp olive oil, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3/4 tsp salt, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strike>1 tbsp grated lemon rind</strike> (I left this out)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3 large leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">juice of one lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2 tsp honey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Heat a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tsp oil to pan and swirl to coat. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. <strike>Massage lemon rind into chicken.</strike></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place chicken in pan skin side down. Cook about 4 minutes or until skin is golden and crispy. Flip chicken and cook about 4 more minutes or until browned. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Add remaining 2 tsp of oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add leek and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and cook about 15 minutes or until the leeks begin to brown, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice and honey. Return chicken to the pan and mound leeks on top of chicken thighs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bake chicken for 15 minutes or until a thermometer registers 165 degrees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 339, Total Fat 15.6 g, Saturated Fat, 3.6 g, Protein 33 g, Carbohydrates 17 g, Fiber 2 g, Cholesterol 175 mg.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-28516104813045640582015-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:002015-04-08T15:22:28.687-07:00Wanderlust Wednesday: Würzburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Wanderlust Wednesday! As many of you know, S and I love to travel. I've decided to share a new destination here on the blog every Wednesday - Wanderlust Wednesday. I'll start with our trip to Germany in December 2014. I hope you enjoy following along!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kdeMlHfb6bXPZtVi_rysvEg3ZZeAP7Y1LDRJSeZ-M2WXwo35mFHSqiUT9nTFzlsd-lt_1gI163CiNUDhNCNdjJA8SsDyDi2pzvO53EPxx7Uek1Y4zG6YNUgCj3OnJT2GScbft4NC8gA/s1600/Wurzburg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kdeMlHfb6bXPZtVi_rysvEg3ZZeAP7Y1LDRJSeZ-M2WXwo35mFHSqiUT9nTFzlsd-lt_1gI163CiNUDhNCNdjJA8SsDyDi2pzvO53EPxx7Uek1Y4zG6YNUgCj3OnJT2GScbft4NC8gA/s1600/Wurzburg.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span>rzburg is only about an hour from Frankfurt. We flew direct from LAX to Frankfurt on Lufthansa arriving on a Thursday afternoon and took a train from the airport train station. We walked from the train station to our hotel by the river. The old town of W</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">ü</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg is very compact and walk-able. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stayed at <a href="http://www.hotel-alter-kranen.de/en/" target="_blank">Hotel Alater Kranen</a> which is right on the river and just a few short blocks from the main square. (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187321-d656300-Reviews-Hotel_Alter_Kranen-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor listing here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved this hotel. The rate was reasonable (85 euro a night) and the room was very nice. We visited in December 2014 and waiting in our room when we arrived were two tickets for a mug of gl<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span>hwein and a package filled with lebkuchen (chocolate covered and glazed gingerbread). Breakfast was included here and the variety was pretty good. The coffee was wonderful, served on request, as was the tea. Best part, the breakfast room has a great view of the river - perfect way to start your day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We dropped our luggage and went to explore. </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First stop, the main square and W</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg's christkindlmarkt (Christmas market). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved this market. Small enough to not be overwhelming, but large enough to have lots of variety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was our favorite gl</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein stand. Okay, we didn't actually drink any gl</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein from here, but this was the most creatively decorated stand. It even turned!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL73kIK2NzBTCE9IX6dOw85Q_akqCaaMJDklFB4rflhJcWA5xmJn_AF6X_qzsc2SiV82fWqPuxnPtTDro2cgCWBgvC-kF6rFD6INKjRW7bhIucM6VepzWO94CQBIDQBDC9At3nQ2rleU/s1600/Wurzburg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL73kIK2NzBTCE9IX6dOw85Q_akqCaaMJDklFB4rflhJcWA5xmJn_AF6X_qzsc2SiV82fWqPuxnPtTDro2cgCWBgvC-kF6rFD6INKjRW7bhIucM6VepzWO94CQBIDQBDC9At3nQ2rleU/s1600/Wurzburg+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Gl</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein is a must while enjoying the christkindlmarkt! In W</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg we found both white and red gl</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein. The white goes down a little easier if you're not a huge fan of the red gl</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hwein. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The jetlag quickly caught up to us and we were in bed by 7pm. Not a long or very adventurous first day, but we had arrived in Germany and were loving W</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">rzburg!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We started day two bright and early at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d190862-Reviews-The_Residenz-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">the Residenz</a>. We'd read that lines can be long and crowds really large so we got here early and were some of the first people in line waiting for the doors to open.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We beat the crowds. There were about 6 people in line in front of us when we arrived at about 10 minutes to 10. (Opening hours in December are 10am - 4:30pm) We knew the guided tour (included in your entrance ticket) was at 11am and we wanted time to explore on our own before joining the tour. I'd definitely recommend walking around on your own as not all rooms are included in the tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">W</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg amassed wealth as a trading city. Located on the Main river it was situated at a major crossroads of Europe. The Bishop of Wurzburg ruled the city as a prince-bishop. At first from the Marienburg Fortess on the west side of the Main river. In the 18th century it was decided that the fortress was just not grand enough and the Residenz was constructed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Admission to the Residenz is 7.50 euro each for adults. The Bavarian Palace Department also sells a <a href="http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/jahresk.htm" target="_blank">14 day ticket</a> for 24 euros for an individual or 44 euros for a family/partner ticket which is good at many sites throughout Bavaria including the Residenz in W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span>rzburg, the Residenz in Munich, the Nymphenburg Palace, the Cuvilli<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 28px;">é</span>s Theatre, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, and many, many more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you're planning to visit more than 2 or 3 of these sites and you're a couple/family the 14 day ticket is definitely worth it and will save you money and time. Instead of waiting in ticket lines you can flash your pass and keep walking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the largest ceiling fresco in the world. When it was constructed, everyone told the architect, Balthasar Neumann,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> he was crazy, that the ceiling would never say up. It was too large they said. Only it did stay up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In fact, when W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span>rzburg was heavily bombed during WWII and the roof of the Residenz suffered serious damage this fresco remained unharmed. Take that, haters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Its amazing not only for its size and resilience, but also its artistic techniques. To enhance the 3D effects of the fresco the artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, incorporated 3 dimensional stucco work that makes it hard to tell where the sculpture stops and the painting begins. Look at the bottom corners of the fresco in the photo above - the legs of the men in the corners are stucco. Pretty cool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Photos are not allowed inside the Residenz so this is my only one. I guess you'll just have to go and see it for yourself. (Or do a Google image search and benefit from those who don't follow the rules.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After spending the morning in the Residenz we were ready for a walking tour of W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span>rzburg. We stopped first back in the main square for a lunch of sausages and beer (of course) from one of the stands in the Christmas market before heading down to the river. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a nice walking path along the water front which I'm sure is even more lovely when it isn't December. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took a photo of the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d190865-Reviews-Marienburg_Fortress-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Marienburg Fortress</a> from across the river. We didn't venture up the hill to visit because although it is supposed to be wonderful, only the grounds, not any of the buildings, are open during the winter months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next we passed the Alte Kranen or old crane that our hotel is named after. (It is just across the street to the right.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMX9KSzuyVqYPBft61_yVMMGdBN6hdiWbZSJvo4f3iKpVeisGNslqyerESQeo3DHsnpoCva7aqiZZetTqntIqE_x9t2Lkm_MudzVuGDGwXifvmSQBI8aX4QBBssKuHJ3fV4q8inQKHos/s1600/Wurzburg+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMX9KSzuyVqYPBft61_yVMMGdBN6hdiWbZSJvo4f3iKpVeisGNslqyerESQeo3DHsnpoCva7aqiZZetTqntIqE_x9t2Lkm_MudzVuGDGwXifvmSQBI8aX4QBBssKuHJ3fV4q8inQKHos/s1600/Wurzburg+10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From there we walked across the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d1633922-Reviews-Alte_Mainbruecke-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Alte Mainbruecke</a> or old main bridge. It is often compared to the Charles Bridge in Prague because both connect two sides of the city via a beautiful bridge lined with statues of famous (or infamous) city residents and patron saints. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If we had continued up the hill this would have taken us to the fortress, but instead we turned around and headed back into the hear of old town W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span>rzburg. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The road that continues off the Alte Mainbruecke lead us directly to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d243434-Reviews-St_Kilian_Cathedral-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">St. Kilian Cathedral</a>. We ducked in here to look around before heading next door to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d2425379-Reviews-Neumuenster_Church-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Neumuenster Church</a> which is a little more colorful and decorated than the interior of the cathedral. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just behind both of these churches is the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d2549541-Reviews-Museum_am_Dom_Wurzburg-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Museum am Dom</a> which houses religious art from various periods. This is not your typical cathedral or church museum. Yes, there are some original sculptures and paintings on display, but the vast majority of the collection is modern religious art. Which, if you are a modern art or religious art fan might be fascinating, but we found it to be a little underwhelming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We headed back to the main square and visited <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187321-d190867-Reviews-St_Mary_s_Chapel-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Marienkapelle</a> which was built by funds collected by W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span>rzburg's merchants and residents to remain independent of the bishop. Unlike most other churches in Europe this one has little shops built into the sides of the church, a mixed-use attempt to show who held power and influence in W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span>rzburg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering stalls at the christkindlmarkt before heading back to our hotel to warm up a little before dinner. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbqgpbLyrn8Xum3fhR5aCMXMpHm_VcAXORX8My334cn3AmWXnU9BgQK6YA5pl5EWBCzU6okrBohRka5BQrAEF3R9oDO6LQ39_UrJoseXPgAJzFbhBpAoJS0jVlx3LrVW2qbHH5NLPUe8/s1600/Wurzburg+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbqgpbLyrn8Xum3fhR5aCMXMpHm_VcAXORX8My334cn3AmWXnU9BgQK6YA5pl5EWBCzU6okrBohRka5BQrAEF3R9oDO6LQ39_UrJoseXPgAJzFbhBpAoJS0jVlx3LrVW2qbHH5NLPUe8/s1600/Wurzburg+12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The region around W</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">rzburg is known as Middle Franconia and is known for the excellent wine it produces. We decided to do a little wine tasting before dinner and headed to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187321-d7183077-Reviews-Weinhaus_Burgerspital-Wurzburg_Lower_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html" target="_blank">Weinhaus Burgerspital.</a> Originally founded as a hospital, the Burgerspital now focuses on nursing home type care and uses the proceeds from the sale of the wine it makes to help fund its operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wine is available for tasting by the glass or in flights. We picked a flight and sat at a large, communal table. Eventually, we were joined at our table by locals meeting up for a glass of wine after work on a Friday night. We enjoyed a lively conversation with them before heading off to dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before leaving we bought a few bottles of wine to bring home as souvenirs and gifts. They will help you arrange shipping, or you can carry your purchases in your suitcase like we did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Day three: time to say good-bye to W<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">ü</span>rzburg. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had an early morning train to catch and the streets were empty as we walked to the station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The gl<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ühwein mugs are different in each city - at each stand really - and we had decided we wanted to bring a mug home from each city we visited on our trip. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Normally you don't keep the mugs. You pay a pfand, a 2-3 euro deposit to use the cup and you get your money back when you return the mug when you're done drinking your gl</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ühwein. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">We had forgotten to keep a mug here in W</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ürzburg, returning them for the pfand each time we visited the christkindlmarkt.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">On our early morning walk to the train S made the suggestion that we detour through the main square to see if any of the stands were open and willing to sell us a mug at this early hour. We found only one that was open. As I waited with our luggage, S ran across the street to purchase a mug for us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">I hope you enjoyed reading about our time in W</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">ürzburg. Check back next week for Rothenburg ob der Tauber!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472771367253059964.post-41702504381277187262015-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:002015-03-30T10:38:35.947-07:00Chile Relleno Bake<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meatless Monday! Okay, we're not always meatless on Monday, but we do try to eat vegitarian on a somewhat regular basis. This is one of my go-to recipes. I found it on the blog <a href="http://circle-b-kitchen.squarespace.com/food-and-recipes/2011/1/9/meatless-monday-chile-relleno-bake.html" target="_blank">Circle B Kitchen</a> years ago (like before I discovered Pinterest) and I have been making it fairly regularly ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's cheesy and the chiles give a tangy heat that is very satisfying. In fact, I would categorize this as comfort food. It's got the warm-from-the-oven-to-your-tummy thing going on, but without the meat and many of the calories. (Totally reheats well the next day for leftover lunches, too.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I also like this recipe because it is easy to make. It might take a while in the oven, but I look at it as time to multitask. I can make dinner AND fold laundry, do dishes, pay bills, or catch up on some Netflix...whatever is most pressing that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Give it a shot for your next Meatless Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or...well, you get the point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://circle-b-kitchen.squarespace.com/food-and-recipes/2011/1/9/meatless-monday-chile-relleno-bake.html" target="_blank">Chile Relleno Bake</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From: Circle B Kitchen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: a little over an hour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Servings: 4 servings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1.5 cups grated jack cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1/3 cup of flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 2/3 cups milk (I use 2%)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2 4oz cans chopped green chiles and their juices (I reduced from 3 cans in the original because I didn't like my bake to be as chunky.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1/3 cup tomatillo salsa</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. I use my Pyrex glass pie pan to make this and it fits great. I also never use cooking spray. Instead, I sub olive oil in a hand-pump sprayer. Works great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place 1 cup of each of the cheeses in the bottom of the dish. Pour the cans of chopped chiles over the cheese in the dish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and slowly whisk in the flour, salt, and then the milk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and chiles in the dish. Sprinkle the last of both cheeses over the top and drizzle with the tomatillo salsa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the center is set.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nutrition Facts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Calories 509, Total Fat 33 g, Saturated Fat 19 g, Cholesterol 305 mg, Sodium 1095 mg, Total Carbohydrate 16 g, Sugars 8 g, Protein 36 g.</span>Kathryn Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11797268790709631528noreply@blogger.com0