Advertising Manager Needed...

Unfortunately this picture is a bit fuzzy, but it shows a local gentlemen's club's sign, which says: "hot beer, cold women, home away from home!"

Bonn, Germany

A couple of weeks ago, I got to go to Bonn, Germany -- first time I've been in Germany despite having gone through Frankfurt Airport many times. I loved it. Or at least the parts I saw.

First of all, I stayed in the city center. I love being able to walk to places -- no need to find a parking space (or pay for one), just walk to where ever I want. There were bars, restaurants, banks, shops, and McDonald's everywhere. (I counted at least 4 different McDonald's restaurants in the city center area across from the train station -- 1 up the main street from the train station, 1 up the main street from the university, 2 more a bit further into the city center.) Also, staying where I did meant listening to all the sounds of city life -- from the folks going home after a late night at the bars (complete with hiccups and singing!) to the early morning street sweepers and trash pick up.

This is the sign for the bar that was on the ground floor immediately next door to my hotel. Speaking of hotels, I do believe my room in Bonn was actually smaller than ones I've stayed in in Japan. I didn't think it was possible.

Doggie Photos

Okay, as many of you know, I have a huge soft spot in my heart for pooches. Here are a few of the sweet doggies I've come across recently:

Treva, Golden Retriever, Oregon, USA


Blue Bellini, Cocker Spaniel, Canberra, Australia

Introducing...

our new blog. This is a place where we can share observations on life around us, ponder some of the patently unusual things we occasionally see around us, and simply muse about whatever topic suits us at the time.