tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18195255056139919112024-03-05T04:50:38.617-05:00Family TimeZubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-10836291515204402602018-04-15T13:20:00.000-04:002018-04-15T13:24:17.023-04:00Feruary 2018 Family Trip.<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-8191016e-ca50-1c0b-a76b-8af35114e574" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "amatic sc"; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Written By: Maheen Khan</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "amatic sc"; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;">London</span> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On February 10th, 2018 my Family and I arrived in Gatwick, England. From Gatwick my second cousin, Alizay apa picked us up in an uber and we got dropped off at Sumbal phupo’s house in London, England. We stayed in London for a week and part of the fun was that we stayed at Sumbal phupo’s house. Her home cooked meals are the BEST. Every day after walking for miles exploring London we would enter the house and instantly you could smell the delicious meal that Sumbal phupo had made that day. The first day was an adventure, we walked to churches, The Big Ben, and The London Eye. Part of what I loved about London is that it’s so diverse. There were Greek, Italian, Pakistani, and etc. restaurants. People of all cultures and ethnicity were walking the streets. Alizay apa and Ali bhai took us to ASDA and we shopped for some food and slippers, I got koala slippers! By the way, ASDA is Walmart's “sister company” but I think it's only in London. Since London is so diverse it even had a halal section in ASDA. I got two packets of halal gummy bears (my guilty pleasure). </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we walked around some more with Ali bhai (Alizay apa went to UCL to get some books from the library). That day we went to the Imperial War Museum. The museum was filled with so much of Great Britain's war history. I thought it was so cool how they saved </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> first missile to display in the museum. While mama and Baba went into a church to take pictures of the monument, Ali bhai got Zain and I a hot chocolate. I noticed that the Hot Chocolates of London are not extremely sweet, just as I like it. Next, we went to Birmingham Palace and saw the guards doing their job. As usual they were standing still, the flag on the palace was raised which means the queen was inside! At night my other cousin Elizay apa came to have dinner with us along with her husband Shamyl. It was really fun to meet a cousin I had never seen before!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the third day, Sumbal phupo decided to walk with us to the British Museum and National Portrait Gallery, some of the biggest museums in London. Before going to the museums Alizay apa decided to show us a tour of her college (UCL). The college was so big and people from all over the world there to study. After touring the college we all went over to the British Museum. The British museum was huge and had lots of natural artifacts from all over the world. There was a Chinese room, an Indian room, and an Egyptian artifact hall but that's only a fraction of what you could see there. The National Portrait Gallery had pictures that took a while to analyze and some pictures you could be understood in a second. My favorite picture was the one of the giant horse. It looked as if I could reach into the frame and grab the horse, the fur painted on the horse looked so real and I wanted to pet the picture. Under the portrait gallery was Trafalgar Square. The square was filled with people performing their special talents. There was one man who was making rings for free because he loved to give. There was also someone who could perform any national anthem on his trumpet. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday was me and Zain’s relaxing day. Our parents decided to leave us with phupo so we watched t.v. all day while Mama and Baba went to the London bridge and other places. Sumbal Phopo, Zain, and I all went to ASDA and got some food to make dinner. I helped phupo make some Chinese soup and rice. The food was soooo good!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> On the fifth day, my family and I went to all the major museums of London. We went to the Natural History Museum, it was super crowded so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I think I could have. The line to get inside was also pretty long and annoying to wait in. If I had to pick a favorite exhibit it would have to be the human body exhibit because that interested me a lot. The next museum that we went to was the Victoria and Albert Museum. This was a HUGE museum with many artifacts. The museum was a lot like the British Museum, there were many artifacts to look at. At night we went to a cafe and met with Elizay and Shamyl again. We ate a Nutella crepe, it tasted amazing. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our last day in London was Friday. Sumbal phupo, Mama, and I split up with Baba and Zain. We went to go shopping and Baba and Zain walked to Hyde Park and fed the geese. Sumbal phupo, Mama, and I went to Harrods, Selfridges, and many other fun stores. We didn't get anything but I enjoyed pretending to be a diva! Alizay apa came home from her dorm and stayed with us for our last night. We got up at 4 a.m. and went to Kings Cross Station (were harry potter got on platform nine and three quarters.) I couldn’t find platform nine and three quarters but I wish I would have. We got on the train to the airport and waited for our flight to Faro, Portugal.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "amatic sc"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Portugal</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The flight was about three hours on Easy Jet, but as soon as my Family and I got to Faro the warmth hit me like a punch to the face. London was in the 40’s but it seemed as if Faro was in the 70’s so it was an upgrade. Right after we got our rental car we drove to Fortaleza de Sagres. Fortaleza de Sagres is the edge of a tectonic plate which is super cool in my opinion! The viewing point was about one hundred feet from the ocean. It was so beautiful to look down and see the giant waves crashing on the rocks. There was a path from the standing point that led to a small hut. We decided to take the path and to get into the “hut” you had to walk thru a maze type of enclosure. When you got to the small enclosure there would suddenly be a gust of wind that would blow you away, by a gust of wind I mean a GUST of wind. The “wind” turned out to be the air that was produced when the waves crashed into the rocks. So you could tell that we were standing just above the ocean.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we drove to Sintra and Lisbon. In Lisbon, we walked around and discovered the streets. We walked along the graffiti-filled walls of the city. While we were at a cafe getting some local snacks we met this nice lady by the name of Ines, she worked for a travel company and offered to take us to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the Pena Palace. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was so much to see at the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, you could walk into caves carved in the bright green hills, there were deep wells that you could see and go into. At one point there was a waterfall, in order to see it from the inside of the hill you had to hop from one stone to the other. The reason you had to jump was because the stones were resting above an algae-filled pond. As we walked along we came to a duck pond, I tried to feed the ducks. When I threw a chip in the pond, the ducks seemed to ignore me. In my anger I reached towards the chip to grab it from the water so I could throw it too the ducks again. I didn’t realize that my jacket pocket was unzipped so I leaned forward. To my surprize my tablet fell from my zip pocket into the pond. I couldn’t do anything about it since the pond was filled with plant and algae, plus it was super dirty and kind of deep. I guess that's karma for annoying the ducks. Despite losing my tablet the scenery was beautiful and totally worth it! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our next stop was Pena Palace. Pena Palace is on the top of the Sintra mountains, on a clear day it can easily be spotted from Lisbon. This palace is a super brightly colored architecture with many rooms that you can see from the inside. The rooms were all connected, there were many many rooms… From the Music room to the Ballroom, any room you could think of was in that palace. The view from the Palace ledge was incredible and you could see the whole Natural Park of Sintra.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On February 18, we drove to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. We walked through a trail to get to to the palace on the top of the mountains. The trail was filled with plants and brightly colored flowers. We took the Mexican trail and found huge cactuses and other desert-like plants. When we got to the palace that was resting on a steep hill we decided to lay down and relax. Zain and I ran up and down the hill and climbed some trees at the bottom of the hills. As we drove farther we came across a mountain filled with autumn colored flowers. The mountain was beside a vast body of clear blue water. This place was called Colores which means colors in Spanish. The name made sense since the hill was filled with so much color. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then we drove to Espanha (Spain).</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "amatic sc"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spain</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our first stop in Spain was Cordoba, because we arrived at night we checked into our hotel right away. The hotel we stayed at was named “Eurostars Palace.” This hotel was very nice and the name definitely fit its description. That night, we ate at a restaurant named “Lahori kabab.” It was a Pakistani restaurant so we enjoyed it a lot. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we walked around Cordoba and found many great restaurants, shops, and monuments. Baba realized that nothing was open on Tuesdays in Cordoba so we just walked around that day.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday (FEB 20) my family and I visited all the mosques and churches of the city. We saw the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. The reason it is both a mosque and a cathedral is that it was once a mosque but Christians took it over and renamed it as a cathedral so now it's both! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We later drove to Granada and saw some more churches including Granada cathedral, and the Bib-Rambla. We walked to the Albanian Quarter which is kind of like a square but instead is next to the mosque on a ledge peering over the bottom of a mountain. People singing, people selling bags with intricate designs, people offering to do mehndi on your hand for two euros each. Baba and I decided to climb another mountain with a church on top while Zain and Mama stayed at Albanian Quarter. As we got to the top we noticed that people were living in little huts built on the peaks of the mountains. I thought it was very interesting how people live that way. When Baba and I got to the top, there were people sitting on the edge of the wall listening to music and dancing. It was really fun to experience everyone having a good time. At night Zain and Mama went home and Baba and I wanted to explore more so we walked along Granadas streets. I noticed that Granada really comes alive at night. All the restaurants and stores opened at night, even the drug stores open at night! Baba and I settled down in a Syrian Restaurant. We both ordered a lentil soup, the soup was super flavourful and tasted different than restaurants serve in the U.S. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Baba and I got to our hotel we got into sbut but there was one problem. Zain and I were sleeping together and every time we opened our eyes this red light would go on. Zain and I conducted many tests and later concluded that every time we opened our eyes the light would turn red but when we closed our eyes it would go off, this happened because it was a camera watching us at night. We got so scared and didn’t sleep at all that night. When we woke up that morning we told our parents and it was later determined that the “camera” was actually a motion detector… Zain and I freaked out about a motion detector.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we packed up and drove to Alhambra palace. This palaces ceilings were filled with designs of all colors. Murals were painted on the walls and water fountains lined the garden. Alhambra palace was my favorite place in Spain so far! After Alhambra palace, we drove to Ronda. In Ronda we booked an amazing hotel that was fit for a queen. The hotel had complimentary lotions and there was even a shoe shiner in the the bathroom! The bathroom in the suite was bigger that my room at home. The top of the hotel had an infinity pool and a jacuzzi, Zain and I really wanted to go in but it was much too cold to go swimming that day. We decided to walk around the city. We settled on a small hike down the Ronda mountains. The trail included ropes for us to get down, bushes of poison ivy everywhere, and slippery rocks. As much as the trail sounds horrible it also had a beautiful view, almond trees from which we ate almonds off of , and a great experience with my family. We decided to head back to our hotel and enjoy some sleep in order to wake up early for the drive to seville. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next morning we all woke up and got ready, our next mission was to find someplace to eat. After spending thirty minutes walking around the city in search of breakfast it seemed like all hope was lost….Until Mom asked to see our hotel receipt. I noticed that on the receipt it said </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Desayunos...25 euros. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It turned out that we had actually bought breakfast the day Baba booked the hotel and we simply just forgot. In shock we all ran back to the hotel and asked if we could eat breakfast despite the fact that we had checked out already. The problem was that we had only bought breakfast for one but since we checked out our name did not come up on the system. We had proof that we booked the hotel so the hotel staff let us eat breakfast (even if it was breakfast for one). The food was scrumptious and I think that was the best breakfast I have ever had in my life. My meal included, 1 slice of spanish omelette, 2 pieces of toast with nutella spread, 1 glass of chocolate milk and a sip of Mama’s coffee, 5 slices of pineapple with a raspberry on top, an assortment of cheeses, a chocolate cookie, and a bunch of other treats that I can't remember. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That day we went to the Cathedral of Seville witch was huge and the Tower of Seville. The view from the top was gorgeous. For lunch I went to a cafe and ordered “chocolate caliente” which means hot chocolate in spanish. Little did I know hot chocolate there is literally hot chocolate. When the waitress brang over the mug, I realized that it was a glass of melted dark chocolate. Even though the drink was delicious I couldn’t finish it all due to the thickness of the chocolate.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On February 24 our journey to home began, we flew back to Faro and ate at a local restaurant. The restaurant served a meal in which they showed us how a traditional Spanish family would prepare the meal. After having lunch we drove to the airport of Faro and waited for our flight to Gatwick. We stayed in Gatwick for a day at the Premier Inn. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the morning we walked about four miles to the local ASDA and got a few necessities which included, gummy bears, more gummy bears, new water bottles, and water to fill the bottles. That night was our flight to Boston. The flight was about seven hours and along the way I watching some movies to keep me entertained. We arrived in Boston at around eight (with a two hour delay).</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This trip was amazing and will definitely be the highlight of my 2018. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Here's the rank for this trip:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Peru:1</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Turkey:2</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Italy:3</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">London:4</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Spain:5</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Iceland:6</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pakistan:7</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Portugal:8</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Canada:9</span></div>
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Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-81716769759668190152017-08-23T13:21:00.002-04:002017-08-23T13:21:24.178-04:00Eclipse 2017Here is what we saw in MA around 2:30 PM.<br />
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I took these pictures with Sony a5000 with 18-50 mm lens.<br />
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I used these settings (lowest possible light to sensor settings on this camera)<br />
50 mm<br />
F/35<br />
1/4000<br />
ISO 100<br />
Manual Focus to infinity<br />
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I was surprised to learn that the Sun is so much smaller than it seems from the naked eye. I looked at the Sun through camera's LCD.<br />
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Things I wish I had:<br />
A tripod.<br />
A telephoto lens with at least 200 mm.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-52600764892399703152017-07-12T11:40:00.001-04:002017-07-12T11:40:15.767-04:00Perfect Start of Summer<b>Hikes</b> <br />
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Zain, Maheen, and I hiked Mt. Monadnock with some friends in April. Its an easy close-by hike.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch on Mt. Monadnock</td></tr>
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Zain, and I hiked Mt. Lafayette with friends in May. I love and hate this hike as its hard on the knees, coming down. However, Zain aced it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zain overlooking Franconia Notch (Mt. Lafayette)</td></tr>
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Our next hike this summer will most probably be Mt Washington.<br />
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<b>Yoga</b><br />
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Maheen and I started yoga in April. After a month of Yin, Tao, and flow yoga, we have switched entirely to aerial yoga. Most people give up on aerial yoga after their first class. Just like anything else, aerial yoga is tough in the beginning but you get used to it after a few classes. We persisted and now we enjoy it quit a bit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfxmFsb_VTmEhQFSdssPdlFu_n8NxLLwiGWpHEwvYuoEhwtPEb-n5gR44fb7HEZXZVgt8pi-Pe5osYMJ6CoXBDq_aKfgSLG-hiq3-j9M2Lda3qMy7mMUxk0yCqpFSb77uIqEU9_T7gbc/s1600/20170712_102358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfxmFsb_VTmEhQFSdssPdlFu_n8NxLLwiGWpHEwvYuoEhwtPEb-n5gR44fb7HEZXZVgt8pi-Pe5osYMJ6CoXBDq_aKfgSLG-hiq3-j9M2Lda3qMy7mMUxk0yCqpFSb77uIqEU9_T7gbc/s640/20170712_102358.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial yoga, I am standing on the ceiling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_pHpBfAGfkQsv2r87pUkmHow_iOc8g2wlAs63PlHJfeFh41vNKqpUT9nNG0EOTB95N0Q_Kp1UopAVNMtzSjODtkuqpUQGa5eyK5wfeJGN8Dxe9m6Ggald3VzajuU7qcwK6MPxAifd4U/s1600/20170712_102416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_pHpBfAGfkQsv2r87pUkmHow_iOc8g2wlAs63PlHJfeFh41vNKqpUT9nNG0EOTB95N0Q_Kp1UopAVNMtzSjODtkuqpUQGa5eyK5wfeJGN8Dxe9m6Ggald3VzajuU7qcwK6MPxAifd4U/s640/20170712_102416.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the air pigeon pose</td></tr>
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<b>Aviation</b><br />
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One of my students soloed in early June. Flight instruction has immensely helped me develop myself as a mentor. It has tremendously helped me with flying skills too. I love this new hobby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_Ynx_MDWPo8n66Kv0r09ufMWNwvDxmShVjqOQZqJZz_Dl0Fsircjt2VeOfvhBG7zmak3KoD4_ajq8Bv3ISKT6qB88Wzj7V3b7rjGK_LAXey-zJaaR75zDGw9CSVr7o278sh92gUfBkY/s1600/20170604_082939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_Ynx_MDWPo8n66Kv0r09ufMWNwvDxmShVjqOQZqJZz_Dl0Fsircjt2VeOfvhBG7zmak3KoD4_ajq8Bv3ISKT6qB88Wzj7V3b7rjGK_LAXey-zJaaR75zDGw9CSVr7o278sh92gUfBkY/s640/20170604_082939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letting him go free in third dimension</td></tr>
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So far this summer, I have made two trips of my own. First to Manhattan via Westchester County Airport in April with kids, second to Hampton in May with Maheen. The runway at Hampton Airport is a fun short field practice. However, it is far from the beach (4.5 miles each way). We walked as there are no cabs in that area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBtgysLclVOys4YwL99zUqt3NmNtCel_EwEUkh3O9thFpRGYbq4Q3A1rXTemoD6s5UJYRcEOoS5SaAeWOK4uBmx59Nds22mLfQZyUm6v-jctQePyWMM-VzRiiXfDstrEffNVrj98E0i8/s1600/20170527_165806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBtgysLclVOys4YwL99zUqt3NmNtCel_EwEUkh3O9thFpRGYbq4Q3A1rXTemoD6s5UJYRcEOoS5SaAeWOK4uBmx59Nds22mLfQZyUm6v-jctQePyWMM-VzRiiXfDstrEffNVrj98E0i8/s640/20170527_165806.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hampton Beach walk</td></tr>
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The best FBO I have ever been to is Million Air at Westchester County Airport. If you go there, stop by and feel like a billionaire for a few minutes. <br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-79777223430551553782017-03-01T16:58:00.001-05:002017-03-02T11:00:07.148-05:00Inca Ruins : Cusco, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Machu PicchuWe landed in Cusco on Monday evening.<br />
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The altitude gets you. Headache, and shortness of breath is common. I woke up in the middle of first night with feelings of suffocation.<br />
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Everyone felt better on the second day.<br />
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Our hotel was a few steps from Plaza de Armas, the best location to stay in. Its the city center which also means that it is noisy, a thing to consider if your sleep is easily interrupted. <br />
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The first thing you notice is how cheap things are. A twenty minute taxi ride from airport is 12 soles ($4).<br />
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We used local currency everywhere as dollars are not accepted out of major cities. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzMveLmNbyU_PqulQlL_F0kjkyuUlfu3sJJmgarSh2wC9LZSQQ5c-xEnpZVEY_7Pbm1xFMRQkw_fsS7Tj3Ya2wokaoTaeu7Vvn2Qz_XQ8ftjTtIWryyEIOsUrJyrRpYJ8lFBrH9-b-Ys/s1600/DSC00018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzMveLmNbyU_PqulQlL_F0kjkyuUlfu3sJJmgarSh2wC9LZSQQ5c-xEnpZVEY_7Pbm1xFMRQkw_fsS7Tj3Ya2wokaoTaeu7Vvn2Qz_XQ8ftjTtIWryyEIOsUrJyrRpYJ8lFBrH9-b-Ys/s640/DSC00018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room. These girls are offering cheap massage</td></tr>
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I came out of my hotel the next morning, and was immediately surrounded by people selling all sorts of stuff: Tours, pictures with baby lamas, food, and massages.<br />
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I signed up for Vinicunca tour, then I asked a girl for massage rate. She offered to do one hour massage for mere $6 (20 soles). Momina was suspicious so I signed Zain up too. Dad and son had a massage in a very shady place. We joked about strong incense smell in a dark area with smelly sheets afterwards. The massage itself was not bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AUgP46vYIeLTLFc3EG1FSurmoe3SuL6hzSdvYnUTeXJSi_49b582Rags4Fj4CCHb8rq4ORVoa_uyRpZG8MheHbJ9ZkKb8j2rFNnkofx5VXKwKtwDRRhU-xX3ASgYlfMlIdtrDBsxQN0/s1600/DSC00021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AUgP46vYIeLTLFc3EG1FSurmoe3SuL6hzSdvYnUTeXJSi_49b582Rags4Fj4CCHb8rq4ORVoa_uyRpZG8MheHbJ9ZkKb8j2rFNnkofx5VXKwKtwDRRhU-xX3ASgYlfMlIdtrDBsxQN0/s640/DSC00021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in Plaza de Armas</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr9O3z-pRlDC7_g37VbEh4Ao5nfjTJUo3hFCfDpN_-d5h8cx-0cnoAkRRD1dqrnCedN2jp7aeScQAn74GWksF-KVI3fDt-t_Bf798jhHB6iJVYK-ihenhlSwuZonZL4PVqyzoIht_QVM/s1600/DSC00040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr9O3z-pRlDC7_g37VbEh4Ao5nfjTJUo3hFCfDpN_-d5h8cx-0cnoAkRRD1dqrnCedN2jp7aeScQAn74GWksF-KVI3fDt-t_Bf798jhHB6iJVYK-ihenhlSwuZonZL4PVqyzoIht_QVM/s640/DSC00040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus at Saksaywaman is visible from Plaza de Armas</td></tr>
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The only expensive thing to do in this area is Machu Picchu (MP). It costs about $250 per person to visit it. There are more interesting things around compared to MP, but the most interesting ruin without doubt is MP.<br />
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MP can be reached from Cusco via a scenic train ride that runs from Ollantaytambo. <br />
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From Cusco, taxi to Ollantaytambo via Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Urubamba costs mere $40. Its a whole day taxi ride if you plan on visiting these ruins on the way to MP. Entry ticket to ruins other than MP costs $35 per person. Machu Picchu entry is about $70 per person.<br />
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If you take the first train at 6 AM from Ollantaytambo (trains are fully booked so plan on buying train ticket for $150 per person much in advance over the internet), you will be in Aguas Calientes at around 8 AM. From Aguas Calientes, you take a bus to MP for $25 per person. Some people skip the bus, and hike up, but that seemed a bit dangerous to me, considering the hikers and the buses share the same narrow road.<br />
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I was frustrated when I had to stand in lines to purchase all these tickets. A tour operator might be a better option but I cannot be sure. <br />
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I hate crowds, especially if I am visiting a nature wonder like MP. But you cannot escape crowds of thousands there. I suggest hiking to the Sun Gate to leave the lazy behind, and to enjoy the nature in seclusion. Hike to the Sun Gate starts at 7700 feet, and the Sun Gate is a few miles away at 9000 feet.<br />
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You may purchase the HP mountain hike or the MP mountain hike ticket for a little extra but for us, MP and Sun Gate was sufficient. You can buy MP entry tickets online, and in Cusco center.<br />
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-- <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWy6VyDvUug3ACoMhh9uVwlRbqobgjRwBpjXD8Uz-MWe95-7oU6DGI4UFMLUO6ymUnps1VvR5n1Ix1u5MNTyQlOdzDB0TkDmv6Z_9OFE7LszXCut_kCJ-bC8X7Qv_TT3WOkGrF27UV6Q/s1600/DSC00066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWy6VyDvUug3ACoMhh9uVwlRbqobgjRwBpjXD8Uz-MWe95-7oU6DGI4UFMLUO6ymUnps1VvR5n1Ix1u5MNTyQlOdzDB0TkDmv6Z_9OFE7LszXCut_kCJ-bC8X7Qv_TT3WOkGrF27UV6Q/s640/DSC00066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinchero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our journey towards MP started with first stop in Chinchero. Its a poor little town with good views of its ruins. There is a small hike here on ruin steps at 13000 feet that we did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg476CAkrBcBlvgBMVcxrghB1b3MnxaPPH2yDcF3qEhtwH5vBG5FwBjI_NLngVcPD-2DHfJh4J2Wh1JXMv2S7A9rQHBcmuGfuZVjINSfG766Dp-DVRVQPJHzXjdTyjbaYHwxAf3QlK2KGc/s1600/DSC00069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg476CAkrBcBlvgBMVcxrghB1b3MnxaPPH2yDcF3qEhtwH5vBG5FwBjI_NLngVcPD-2DHfJh4J2Wh1JXMv2S7A9rQHBcmuGfuZVjINSfG766Dp-DVRVQPJHzXjdTyjbaYHwxAf3QlK2KGc/s640/DSC00069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinchero Courtyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeJ7FmLHasUUIUv-U3TBUQITyEHWIkQ1dq7NPIKBx-oLjteQQkh95ZzCYFi1t9a55EMh9XgWU44sT_ZxgblJT0WSKo6LiotMTZDunpp4tbe40dR2ocCaKfP0X8f0Br8jvZYeNpMVYcoM/s1600/DSC00105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeJ7FmLHasUUIUv-U3TBUQITyEHWIkQ1dq7NPIKBx-oLjteQQkh95ZzCYFi1t9a55EMh9XgWU44sT_ZxgblJT0WSKo6LiotMTZDunpp4tbe40dR2ocCaKfP0X8f0Br8jvZYeNpMVYcoM/s640/DSC00105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinchero hike from the Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7FGLeVCzMEhNZDmG0Us_VkfTZn5yxW_EIAi94V6mUvdFhmMU0flwkEDzP0siy7HL8WwHiwJj4cfC-vV_B8-aTKZaOyeUZjQemBIl62BeS-oCMusZOoGfyWWcOPzkR0rkbjSPsc3cToY/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7FGLeVCzMEhNZDmG0Us_VkfTZn5yxW_EIAi94V6mUvdFhmMU0flwkEDzP0siy7HL8WwHiwJj4cfC-vV_B8-aTKZaOyeUZjQemBIl62BeS-oCMusZOoGfyWWcOPzkR0rkbjSPsc3cToY/s640/DSC00110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Chinchero courtyard</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way to Moray ruins, we passed through scenic areas with views of the Sacred Valley.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY1gzKEyCFqo8O9ORbnykuuzGeoqzr6S21yOW0F0AVuUvGRMkpGKWthEITLKCjGqdT9ZWPUu3gerBl71LBcoeKXZfRXnLCnxHsnpEeocAfUjKFk4vsvmIYZex2TAixCl_tH-M7x5sxhM/s1600/DSC00113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY1gzKEyCFqo8O9ORbnykuuzGeoqzr6S21yOW0F0AVuUvGRMkpGKWthEITLKCjGqdT9ZWPUu3gerBl71LBcoeKXZfRXnLCnxHsnpEeocAfUjKFk4vsvmIYZex2TAixCl_tH-M7x5sxhM/s640/DSC00113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzOIsLqzXALIwzQ29l1Mb3T15eFLtCdTEUaIlXmCeoL5x_EBpOp9XFWhlOEpEllq1yFnWZfwxrtY5FgfJ1FwaOeDx-jgF7hEQdyJYeAJMN7pgvZrIVOrCHRhQnLL6kg112ErhriiBlXU/s1600/DSC00117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzOIsLqzXALIwzQ29l1Mb3T15eFLtCdTEUaIlXmCeoL5x_EBpOp9XFWhlOEpEllq1yFnWZfwxrtY5FgfJ1FwaOeDx-jgF7hEQdyJYeAJMN7pgvZrIVOrCHRhQnLL6kg112ErhriiBlXU/s640/DSC00117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye contact</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Moray is another interesting ruin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwd1qvBqIc6Ip6Mtbu-0N25jzA8WqF5CSEVWlWBHKfN7sdctwqr2BZ8UoD6fUpmfPgmWdJLaxvHgFpS6nKfHRSvt8mw6n6Bb27Rd91bZcIE65RaAiPnQ9I5FylQTh-0Da_1XGCjFsKuY/s1600/DSC00122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwd1qvBqIc6Ip6Mtbu-0N25jzA8WqF5CSEVWlWBHKfN7sdctwqr2BZ8UoD6fUpmfPgmWdJLaxvHgFpS6nKfHRSvt8mw6n6Bb27Rd91bZcIE65RaAiPnQ9I5FylQTh-0Da_1XGCjFsKuY/s640/DSC00122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHyfX_8rBrI57ou06jJ-sx8ItnXlMkkpfbhP17GD-CAebntTyxzHS9-l80qy8YnsqapxIl1_8cPOr9BkDwrzVQpnq_EbTNFfR9ftPc8NLXr1b1fn9dj5zlJuiXwFaPb4JWUxJtoOZAQE/s1600/DSC00123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHyfX_8rBrI57ou06jJ-sx8ItnXlMkkpfbhP17GD-CAebntTyxzHS9-l80qy8YnsqapxIl1_8cPOr9BkDwrzVQpnq_EbTNFfR9ftPc8NLXr1b1fn9dj5zlJuiXwFaPb4JWUxJtoOZAQE/s640/DSC00123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inka planted vegetables here for experimentation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The most interesting place in this area in a salt mine in Maras called Salineras. Maras people harvest salt here. It is an active salt mine with exports world wide. We paid $3 (10 soles) entry fee per person.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vDPx60fftLYt8cKtRizOilU-G4-9Da7GgZWi9rqXt8kDWFjvBJOSuuvMSi7lzUyhnR5tV64MY19RZDcLoAgnih1hO-_q-GaRove49RQjWzRXfKa1VUqxDurCPl2jJlxKogwA0DSA6f0/s1600/DSC00132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vDPx60fftLYt8cKtRizOilU-G4-9Da7GgZWi9rqXt8kDWFjvBJOSuuvMSi7lzUyhnR5tV64MY19RZDcLoAgnih1hO-_q-GaRove49RQjWzRXfKa1VUqxDurCPl2jJlxKogwA0DSA6f0/s640/DSC00132.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt mine in Maras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva-JbfGB3qSd5omLycOuKUNLKhSqEMw11-r2dCIsEP6G7yrcTcEaJhywqz6RHpeWqcxzyRsB3f8kY5g5GeTFLvg7NhMDTEVJMEDmvhKj3PL0T67PNg_26WHjdBmVqTxD90dnd6EMzqOY/s1600/DSC00134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva-JbfGB3qSd5omLycOuKUNLKhSqEMw11-r2dCIsEP6G7yrcTcEaJhywqz6RHpeWqcxzyRsB3f8kY5g5GeTFLvg7NhMDTEVJMEDmvhKj3PL0T67PNg_26WHjdBmVqTxD90dnd6EMzqOY/s640/DSC00134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TCMlMNN27Ss1AyNFh4vYWGodG3PozRjPOHj6zQ5-tyXMhn-Pwx8dJpQkZKpf3SufLz90kWoeepk6JGteJ6Bc2zQI7XL-qkyZkQO2Dm0p8fHc7s_4tKvODI_AXPegPt1-1pL4vE0SYwQ/s1600/DSC00142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TCMlMNN27Ss1AyNFh4vYWGodG3PozRjPOHj6zQ5-tyXMhn-Pwx8dJpQkZKpf3SufLz90kWoeepk6JGteJ6Bc2zQI7XL-qkyZkQO2Dm0p8fHc7s_4tKvODI_AXPegPt1-1pL4vE0SYwQ/s640/DSC00142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWiVU3vK3zwG4Ov-Qb9p5-MHU3y-zaeM7D9_E0XrMljjcpSXN-TjSfCbjrZz21LXivtGucKzrdKyvmV7NuhiZ2IaEJhDjCih4K-c_xbiZKOLigSykpBNXk5aY7bKeJuL9qCbXL5K9FnI/s1600/DSC00145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWiVU3vK3zwG4Ov-Qb9p5-MHU3y-zaeM7D9_E0XrMljjcpSXN-TjSfCbjrZz21LXivtGucKzrdKyvmV7NuhiZ2IaEJhDjCih4K-c_xbiZKOLigSykpBNXk5aY7bKeJuL9qCbXL5K9FnI/s640/DSC00145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt mine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Maras, we reached Urubamba, then Ollantaytambo.<br />
We stayed overnight in Ollantaytambo for the first train to MP the next morning.<br />
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Ruins in Ollantaytambo are more interesting and there is a hike here with scenic views of the valley. We found a bunch of tourists there that were there for the train to MP.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0AwHJPp3ppDCjuLYIjM4kIQaUxMrbzHk6xMJ4KJK7C3Kdd4glk1jF4KN8iMc6jKYKADos0zz2kDmWjkpqQrfNO2G2Ao1EcagaMchd7UHoYPAq1J8hqH9MKKd4zfc9lAwNjFIK6gndc/s1600/DSC00160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0AwHJPp3ppDCjuLYIjM4kIQaUxMrbzHk6xMJ4KJK7C3Kdd4glk1jF4KN8iMc6jKYKADos0zz2kDmWjkpqQrfNO2G2Ao1EcagaMchd7UHoYPAq1J8hqH9MKKd4zfc9lAwNjFIK6gndc/s640/DSC00160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ollantaytambo ruins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvdtcWe5kZOL79FDyk-U71gGISU6VScBqLiOpQG1b5jgsRkcGjTi3YN-yisyJs62UUrfDDY_pF1Q-d1W_KV63xuDxDgEldi55OxHC10LyAg4vxjO30IhvKQwf3YjrctV5XJ6HMui-YCg/s1600/DSC00166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvdtcWe5kZOL79FDyk-U71gGISU6VScBqLiOpQG1b5jgsRkcGjTi3YN-yisyJs62UUrfDDY_pF1Q-d1W_KV63xuDxDgEldi55OxHC10LyAg4vxjO30IhvKQwf3YjrctV5XJ6HMui-YCg/s640/DSC00166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze8XWii370a2dDm43kexD9vZT89fXleEJR77ckagFLBoLiI-olbgWpjy5EaxXPTFfikorAkfQEAZTFPhnPKVJcdsJuxRsNKsMqM6IGYd8gIRN-u4RbqT9FuZtWbckh4cyk6Y72c0QxDc/s1600/DSC00172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze8XWii370a2dDm43kexD9vZT89fXleEJR77ckagFLBoLiI-olbgWpjy5EaxXPTFfikorAkfQEAZTFPhnPKVJcdsJuxRsNKsMqM6IGYd8gIRN-u4RbqT9FuZtWbckh4cyk6Y72c0QxDc/s640/DSC00172.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider in the ruins</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took the 6 AM train ride to MP the next day. Its a very scenic ride and is worth the money.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9UWT23jzvyQT6u2-C038nLJUPQGdXXl-p-u3JAIbR3ay2t9TOFW0ZacTP4NnqRD4J6ZMCZMatJA9WJw8p_Zj-g-PJ5pgqc5FCczNdDbW52m9hhrpRykTwkRIANlLo7CFOAR9L0ApjDg/s1600/DSC00200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9UWT23jzvyQT6u2-C038nLJUPQGdXXl-p-u3JAIbR3ay2t9TOFW0ZacTP4NnqRD4J6ZMCZMatJA9WJw8p_Zj-g-PJ5pgqc5FCczNdDbW52m9hhrpRykTwkRIANlLo7CFOAR9L0ApjDg/s640/DSC00200.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from the train</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
We arrived in Aguas Calientes at 8 AM, and proceeded to purchase the bus tickets. After a 15 minute bus ride, we were at the entrance of MP.<br />
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Another thing that annoys me about MP is that they check your passport at every corner. The numerous guards will yell at you if you wander off course.<br />
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Views from the entry are impressive. We proceeded to the Sun Gate hike. Momina decided to skip the hike, while I finished the hike with kids.<br />
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We were done by 1 PM. Given our train back was at 6 PM, we proceeded to a restaurant by the raging river in Aguas Calientes to kill time.<br />
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MP is tropical weather at high altitude so mosquito repellent and sun screen is a must.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbAnn_gTtDbgOhAe2saEWHkQ_rCHm_cc7-cpSNdozWIEkwuyxbSXa8C09oBZJE_uhzN40LXZypAB2DQJIIC9lPfu2vNlWudpN436jauYli3lg_mm8fK-ZLq833GQL7LnMcywL35nTR_0/s1600/DSC00255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbAnn_gTtDbgOhAe2saEWHkQ_rCHm_cc7-cpSNdozWIEkwuyxbSXa8C09oBZJE_uhzN40LXZypAB2DQJIIC9lPfu2vNlWudpN436jauYli3lg_mm8fK-ZLq833GQL7LnMcywL35nTR_0/s640/DSC00255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Sun Gate trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2YCEcqLosIP13cTKkhjZreXZ3zFCUbCexQek5FBMOcoy8ScEFu-LpQUHB68yR-UfxmCfxCBJp6abVgQjxSIew5q9s62tKJPPUJbryXbYByJS7Jg4YLldnhcKth3HiFI5AyEMjXVrcH8/s1600/DSC00309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2YCEcqLosIP13cTKkhjZreXZ3zFCUbCexQek5FBMOcoy8ScEFu-LpQUHB68yR-UfxmCfxCBJp6abVgQjxSIew5q9s62tKJPPUJbryXbYByJS7Jg4YLldnhcKth3HiFI5AyEMjXVrcH8/s640/DSC00309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road to MP for bus and hikers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MP and its mountain from Sun Gate hike</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MP6-YQyL0E7ySb8yLsrDZt05tTwuWPnAQ9LQN6Z0NaybR50jm4gRFCpAc9IbpOlJ5f96P1oDmx1nnFCJFjFnyP3y4yIqWd3CzBfWFXWZVI1GNOD4MSrMzdqkhgfygsM5VjwYp8g3RnA/s1600/DSC00339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MP6-YQyL0E7ySb8yLsrDZt05tTwuWPnAQ9LQN6Z0NaybR50jm4gRFCpAc9IbpOlJ5f96P1oDmx1nnFCJFjFnyP3y4yIqWd3CzBfWFXWZVI1GNOD4MSrMzdqkhgfygsM5VjwYp8g3RnA/s640/DSC00339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant by the raging river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk by the raging river in Aguas Calientes</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FGTzG0q8M8E7ANqNZZMyOWViHmtaVUikF6S-oDak7A2F3i4-3wlcVfmm1zPP-hXbOPmjAKtIius6ugBe5vpB7-1xRgIRkpB2p0cHZrPLslcHUNDjQuwJb5EUSR4DqjPmjvvPB1Zgdk0/s1600/DSC00365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FGTzG0q8M8E7ANqNZZMyOWViHmtaVUikF6S-oDak7A2F3i4-3wlcVfmm1zPP-hXbOPmjAKtIius6ugBe5vpB7-1xRgIRkpB2p0cHZrPLslcHUNDjQuwJb5EUSR4DqjPmjvvPB1Zgdk0/s640/DSC00365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took the train back to Ollantaytambo, then we took the taxi back to Cusco.<br />
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The best place to eat in Cusco is Organika. There are many good restaurants but price and quality wise its Organika. Kids may want to eat at McDonals or KFC at the city center.<br />
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The next day, we took the Cusco Grand Free Tour. This tour provides "free" tour guides at Plaza de Armas but tip of at least 10 soles is mandatory. The guide took us through Cusco for two hours, explaining its history. I recommend this tour as it was informative. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7T2XqeSCX7XnLFquvzhSPLsHDEnXrCPJ66fNqVLfC1QAJYbiqtYe60wpQZC_I-cEXTg6M1VDEm_-hK09KAHFLP9Fur39IZirgW6Yp-6Gk2SXrcEfx9xU3ddiTq9W2HLMtyjYgjEIRnQ/s1600/DSC00368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7T2XqeSCX7XnLFquvzhSPLsHDEnXrCPJ66fNqVLfC1QAJYbiqtYe60wpQZC_I-cEXTg6M1VDEm_-hK09KAHFLP9Fur39IZirgW6Yp-6Gk2SXrcEfx9xU3ddiTq9W2HLMtyjYgjEIRnQ/s640/DSC00368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a street with Cusco Grand Free Tour guide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top of the city</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFs6Zr9gJPq2whv0Q6Gb70tOgtuvTk6iQ2Ow0a69etEnuFyDfmhMSoD3XSi6ftUDFdwEvF1pL7BszSkr8fhGK08FyX7_GY3FIC6m8gaCxVnwE5RaWXioXUJ1hhggI8nEm6AJzeByK4ko/s1600/DSC00383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFs6Zr9gJPq2whv0Q6Gb70tOgtuvTk6iQ2Ow0a69etEnuFyDfmhMSoD3XSi6ftUDFdwEvF1pL7BszSkr8fhGK08FyX7_GY3FIC6m8gaCxVnwE5RaWXioXUJ1hhggI8nEm6AJzeByK4ko/s640/DSC00383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the tour, we ate at Organika, then hiked to Saksaywaman, where we saw the statue of Jesus up close.<br />
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Just as we were about to enter Saksaywaman ruins, we found ourselves in a massive hail storm. Weather changes quickly at high altitude and one should be ready for all weather conditions. We got our ponchos out, and walked down to Plaza de Armas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saksaywaman area</td></tr>
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Read Part2 here: <a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2017/03/rainbow-mountain-drama.html">Part2</a><br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-64863977546861417842017-03-01T09:40:00.001-05:002017-03-02T11:00:45.836-05:00Rainbow Mountain Drama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cusconians speak very little English.</div>
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The lady at our hotel during the day shift spoke adequate English, but the man at the night shift knew only one word in English which he combined with expressions and hand gestures to convey his ideas. He likes to be called Johnny Depp and the only English word he speaks is "yes".</div>
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"Is the breakfast ready at 5 AM?", I asked. "yes, yes", Johnny replied with confidence.</div>
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"Is the breakfast ready at midnight?", "yes, yes".</div>
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Jhonny's limited English language was key to our visit to the most beautiful place we have been to so far. The place is what locals call Vinicunca. Several layers of minerals on top of this mountain give it rainbow colors. It came into existence just over twenty years ago, when the ice layer on it receded.</div>
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Visiting Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) was the main goal of our trip. We knew Machu Picchu will not come close.</div>
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You do not have to move a foot to visit Machu Picchu, but hiking to Vinicunca is challenging. The itinerary begins in Cusco at 3 AM with a 3 hour bus ride on windy roads to arrive at 14000 feet base point. Then you hike to the summit, five miles away at 17000 feet. Then hike down, 3 hours bus ride back, and back to Cusco at 7 PM. Altitude sickness is the biggest concern.</div>
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We acclimatized in Cusco for five days. Cusco is at 11000 feet and there are some hikes around in sacred valley that climb to 13000 feet. We attempted hikes up to 13000 feet. </div>
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Saturday was the planned day of Vinicunca hike. By Thursday we were feeling fully acclimatized. Then I overdid it. I jogged around in Cusco on Thursday, and got up with fever and body aches on Friday. </div>
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All Friday was spent watching TV, and gulping down water. I had paid for the tour, and the trip was on. I felt I would recover by Saturday morning if I slept by 6 PM on Friday. </div>
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The tour guide informed me for a pick up from hotel at 3 AM on Saturday. I set the alarm for 2 AM, and closed my eyes at 6 PM but the anticipation would not let me sleep. Last time I watched the clock, it was 11 PM. All the family was long asleep, and I still had fever. Thoughts of cancelling were coming to my mind. Then I went to sleep. At 1 AM, Zain woke up the whole family. He was crying with severe headache. Two out of four were down.</div>
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Frustrated, I said, "Momina, cancel the alarm! We are not going to Vinicunca". </div>
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A few minutes later I was asleep.</div>
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The telephone rang at 3:30 AM.</div>
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Johnny was on phone. "Vinicunca", he exclaimed.</div>
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It was so that the tour guide waited in the street for half an hour, then told Johnny to call me.</div>
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I told Johnny, "No Vinicunca!", he replied "yes yes" and hung up the phone. He interpreted from my tone that I wanted the tour guide to wait. </div>
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The telephone rang again at 3:40 AM.</div>
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Johnny was on phone again. "Vinicunca", he exclaimed again. I said "No Vinicunca! Cancel, Cancel!" and hung up. </div>
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The telephone rang at 3:55 AM one more time. I noticed that my body aches and fever were gone.</div>
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Johnny made a speech in Spanish on the phone. I shook Zain and asked, "Zain, how do you feel?". "OK", he replied in his sleepy voice.</div>
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I yelled "LETS GO!", and ran down to the lobby in my under shirt to stop the tour guide from leaving.</div>
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The tour guide was furious as the bus was supposed to leave at 3 AM at it was 4 AM at that time. </div>
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"Five more minutes please", I told the guide.</div>
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I ran back up to the room, put on my shirt, yelled "LETS GO!" to the family, then ran to the lobby. The guide was gone. </div>
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I ran down to the street, and yelled at him, "Stop!". He turned back, and my family emerged from the hotel.</div>
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As we climbed the bus, we were angrily stared at by other hikers for being an hour late. </div>
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While I kept on telling Johnny to cancel, he kept on telling the guide to wait. Thank you Johnny. </div>
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The hike is time critical. If you do not make it to the peak by noon, you will be stopped.</div>
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We gained the lost time by taking shorter breakfast. Lunch and breakfast are complimentary in 80 soles ($25) we paid per person to the tour company. This meagre amount also covers the six hour bus ride, hotel pick up, and 10 soles entry fee to the hike.</div>
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Maheen started throwing up in the bus. She had motion sickness due to windy roads. Momina was the only person who has had a perfect trip so far (other than the usual sun burn). Since three of us had been ill, the guide offered us horses for the hike, which we gladly accepted for 80 soles per person. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYhkTg3SausJEME5Cd09TkUWAu43VJ1pAMRda0GUPuLPNlfhZiHgYsf9BLRESAQr4UaadCggW2zcFNcyGPQH3INHFDRkgfFQK6RIAuNX1nXPh5gXA6fQxNi8143vogALo5Y6cBYiXTxs/s1600/DSC00401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYhkTg3SausJEME5Cd09TkUWAu43VJ1pAMRda0GUPuLPNlfhZiHgYsf9BLRESAQr4UaadCggW2zcFNcyGPQH3INHFDRkgfFQK6RIAuNX1nXPh5gXA6fQxNi8143vogALo5Y6cBYiXTxs/s640/DSC00401.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the parking area</td></tr>
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We arrived at the starting point near the village of Chillca. We were disappointed to see snow all over. If Vinicunca was covered in snow, we would see no rainbow. The base point near Chillca has a parking area from where about a hundred people start their hike.<br />
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The horses only cover the flat lands. On climbs and descents, you get off and walk with the horses. You get horses after you do the first steep climb with an altitude gain of a few hundred feet. A woman fainted on this first climb, and had to be taken back on oxygen.<br />
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Hike at this altitude requires patience for sea level dwellers like us. We took ten steps, then enjoyed scenery for ten seconds, then repeated.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOP0HCVD-u6nIyopBsc2IWmEVFbepNE2s9U_0ixUh8mJ1TUBzJV00Z0td57cDUT3qBYAUndvrBzshhxpXWW7JpTEszvFbxHC6LbuQ1yoaviX-ldrOTFXVpKTVNcQ3FLQhsGikXfH581Q/s1600/DSC00403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOP0HCVD-u6nIyopBsc2IWmEVFbepNE2s9U_0ixUh8mJ1TUBzJV00Z0td57cDUT3qBYAUndvrBzshhxpXWW7JpTEszvFbxHC6LbuQ1yoaviX-ldrOTFXVpKTVNcQ3FLQhsGikXfH581Q/s640/DSC00403.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen is throwing up and not happy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xonCQtuDTDJoj0xOM4hTqvTvL484FobYqQVx5c-bxfJJJLbbysCiKTv_1-WiE9SjG_ItqCqweY5dgZ-OExjELbWjwc6Jk_3JzZViYsLgbjwh8vTtIgOUjZqH22mpSr-5RRGMI2VFtc/s1600/DSC00408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xonCQtuDTDJoj0xOM4hTqvTvL484FobYqQVx5c-bxfJJJLbbysCiKTv_1-WiE9SjG_ItqCqweY5dgZ-OExjELbWjwc6Jk_3JzZViYsLgbjwh8vTtIgOUjZqH22mpSr-5RRGMI2VFtc/s640/DSC00408.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magestic peaks around the parking area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfUua8S4H8PZHgK4cvCgYDb2CUwRGYyrISRAP6nOc1B1JVaYIt56E1k6QYaFpKD8uVkjMFHr6wvZLj2cp2HBaKvi94ioedYdY-422_tFHNml53hYx5Jv3XtIIveK3O0xro-omfiAuLxM/s1600/DSC00409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfUua8S4H8PZHgK4cvCgYDb2CUwRGYyrISRAP6nOc1B1JVaYIt56E1k6QYaFpKD8uVkjMFHr6wvZLj2cp2HBaKvi94ioedYdY-422_tFHNml53hYx5Jv3XtIIveK3O0xro-omfiAuLxM/s640/DSC00409.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First climb up on foot, Maheen and Momina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX_Qy_rbKv-LR4e1QVOTzK_YsrNwQcXAS3gC6dvJWhAtvU8O4czmdPb-4oiJ-ABx4-e37eQQYNTzpwPhfcf58ZGyjOyWB1VhAS5tVaoe3uDOpaY-gZCoTwFglUc5c-lZNlOKdD3Mk9pA/s1600/DSC00429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX_Qy_rbKv-LR4e1QVOTzK_YsrNwQcXAS3gC6dvJWhAtvU8O4czmdPb-4oiJ-ABx4-e37eQQYNTzpwPhfcf58ZGyjOyWB1VhAS5tVaoe3uDOpaY-gZCoTwFglUc5c-lZNlOKdD3Mk9pA/s640/DSC00429.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses in the valley</td></tr>
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After the first climb up, we entered a valley where elevation was around 15000 feet. Surface was mud and grass, and it was easy to walk on. Everything was shades of white and green.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3xB3Hfd_yKboY-HN4QWp3iVCABaZdEtLTaDGKUCoyqkV8-BWuBw_EiEbZcsrFLdOMzOxmFZ6pQjDy_9SBQZZ-T6rYE8sb2HOyxknxXMqNXbcc7nGZA80fpEX1tlNg7dF_XLyUzwgTUk/s1600/DSC00454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3xB3Hfd_yKboY-HN4QWp3iVCABaZdEtLTaDGKUCoyqkV8-BWuBw_EiEbZcsrFLdOMzOxmFZ6pQjDy_9SBQZZ-T6rYE8sb2HOyxknxXMqNXbcc7nGZA80fpEX1tlNg7dF_XLyUzwgTUk/s640/DSC00454.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaded of white and green</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik69Wq69wkpIv6RK-Lgpau7x3pKC9ilcFBtiut5tY5xPC-23utEb1ryzjP0KgOL6NW6dmHMqAhsvQQ26kr_DCcgELxYoBd_Xp6rINXhMG9RRoeuM8JTUHcDndl6H28wF1qvR0Z7MyeUVU/s1600/DSC00456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik69Wq69wkpIv6RK-Lgpau7x3pKC9ilcFBtiut5tY5xPC-23utEb1ryzjP0KgOL6NW6dmHMqAhsvQQ26kr_DCcgELxYoBd_Xp6rINXhMG9RRoeuM8JTUHcDndl6H28wF1qvR0Z7MyeUVU/s640/DSC00456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momina's horse moment</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc4OGibnicJbm_5BKDqwlaYauMLtFsHX5-IHJXQxD2E9BtaIq2afcNmOAxosO0tFOY5pesw-JzfeU1nYRIg8V2wvJnxQNtRsEvTYcj3e_KoAV5nJ_hFQAowOGx1EAp0JE2EWhJvdBaz0/s1600/DSC00457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc4OGibnicJbm_5BKDqwlaYauMLtFsHX5-IHJXQxD2E9BtaIq2afcNmOAxosO0tFOY5pesw-JzfeU1nYRIg8V2wvJnxQNtRsEvTYcj3e_KoAV5nJ_hFQAowOGx1EAp0JE2EWhJvdBaz0/s640/DSC00457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley is snow covered</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpRlcVWAdbRCz9c6N1JRIxNUwb1aDAcQsFE_NuXfY1q3D9VJ0bn28r24OqUxeQ_RZv03Cd6F7_QGww5vIcF2RD1Zrze0U86fuAtU9uWjZOsJbtxsTl3xhqnTw86FkcIXSOtQg7kSEKz0/s1600/DSC00470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpRlcVWAdbRCz9c6N1JRIxNUwb1aDAcQsFE_NuXfY1q3D9VJ0bn28r24OqUxeQ_RZv03Cd6F7_QGww5vIcF2RD1Zrze0U86fuAtU9uWjZOsJbtxsTl3xhqnTw86FkcIXSOtQg7kSEKz0/s640/DSC00470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second climb up, Zain ahead</td></tr>
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After the valley, the entrance, and a couple of small streams, we came up to our second hike up. We got off the horses and walked up. Walk up was becoming harder because of altitude gain.<br />
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After the second climb, and horse ride for a couple of miles on flats, we came to the bottom of Vinicunca. The sun was out, and the snow was starting to melt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgTZdbXT5S6VYVOkZDaXP4_xtStdNmdKy38LNUKmoMK0ne-Zj46NGaoADBLGtj3_38ZD5voH4tLdm2yMm2FK9Zyel2z323qBGEAHBWjiCRpWtlp5UB9dI4yyGRicOmn2kCpeOt2rWUeI/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgTZdbXT5S6VYVOkZDaXP4_xtStdNmdKy38LNUKmoMK0ne-Zj46NGaoADBLGtj3_38ZD5voH4tLdm2yMm2FK9Zyel2z323qBGEAHBWjiCRpWtlp5UB9dI4yyGRicOmn2kCpeOt2rWUeI/s640/DSC00479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow mountain. Some people are already on top</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The third climb of a few hundred feet to top of Vinicunca looked daunting. Maheen threw up again and gave up. With competition gone, Zain gave up too.<br />
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We decided to leave kids at 16500 feet and climb up to Vinicunca top. We thought we will keep watch on them from top of the mountain. At half way up, we lost them. "They will be OK", I told Momina.<br />
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We took our time to get to the top. Views from the top were stunning. Temperature was around 40F with zero winds. It was toasty by Boston standards. We stayed at the top for about fifteen minutes then descended back to the base of the final climb. Kids were sitting where we left them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrivOw6dYo5gYxmKYk9ZgjrGzg-CUhIo4cA2AQoxSZAObZY1UQVuK2OMl2Uogo5Y36UBq2kI8pnjV1iKHiJjMpPlPpWkNQaMYSWpJNO2LVG8cO_r5nDWy7xjhjjDkPq89wVpKXza0B3Fk/s1600/DSC00487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrivOw6dYo5gYxmKYk9ZgjrGzg-CUhIo4cA2AQoxSZAObZY1UQVuK2OMl2Uogo5Y36UBq2kI8pnjV1iKHiJjMpPlPpWkNQaMYSWpJNO2LVG8cO_r5nDWy7xjhjjDkPq89wVpKXza0B3Fk/s640/DSC00487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors of rainbow while on final climb up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLAyouzZNTf8TN7TW2Vvzs6wef_oR0znfb_VOtAdHiZRRUsyOpU5aI0iE4etOqYH5iLnwXZUZb0DPtGcxZKKbsiNOmDUTvON8KI9IAgunCFaExf2AU1gOjLUj1RpRkWNj8KARxyHzQtw/s1600/DSC00488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLAyouzZNTf8TN7TW2Vvzs6wef_oR0znfb_VOtAdHiZRRUsyOpU5aI0iE4etOqYH5iLnwXZUZb0DPtGcxZKKbsiNOmDUTvON8KI9IAgunCFaExf2AU1gOjLUj1RpRkWNj8KARxyHzQtw/s640/DSC00488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half way up on final climb. Kids are somewhere down there</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg4y2mAaMQQyy_TVpmQm9B0YXicomdPX0YomcoC1G6pT-PbzK9RVpyErWqCoL-Qm513fbI5USIVxYkTI5s4jBZrtFu2Sop6SPCVTBv8tYV-u0gAzAbLEdko8j0Y_YuN5y5gqkCSNWQrc/s1600/DSC00494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg4y2mAaMQQyy_TVpmQm9B0YXicomdPX0YomcoC1G6pT-PbzK9RVpyErWqCoL-Qm513fbI5USIVxYkTI5s4jBZrtFu2Sop6SPCVTBv8tYV-u0gAzAbLEdko8j0Y_YuN5y5gqkCSNWQrc/s640/DSC00494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At top of Vinicunca, valley on the other side has shades of red and white</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55V1g6EBE03MzRMe3ZgBNkr3Z09ccglUpVkZ_78wsaM6F06q2QESDkDsEXixIDANXll4tHay_evvI59P6KHJRd0uCABohWs358FXlpw4pywLNo6myzrjhlcPnU6GPpPtIkey7klk_cQU/s1600/DSC00495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55V1g6EBE03MzRMe3ZgBNkr3Z09ccglUpVkZ_78wsaM6F06q2QESDkDsEXixIDANXll4tHay_evvI59P6KHJRd0uCABohWs358FXlpw4pywLNo6myzrjhlcPnU6GPpPtIkey7klk_cQU/s640/DSC00495.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDSI1xQIP85IlMjjhbKOmv3-lGvDpokkp9gFuhA3pZHcAYlYaCGXWM3nmCI57TR4TQVAU4SclobTqGlV1ugHKc2iGCtgS3CHgTX7DuS7xAkhNIg0CoXUs-DPVMAzOmk4CU7L-mRWRxiU/s1600/DSC00497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDSI1xQIP85IlMjjhbKOmv3-lGvDpokkp9gFuhA3pZHcAYlYaCGXWM3nmCI57TR4TQVAU4SclobTqGlV1ugHKc2iGCtgS3CHgTX7DuS7xAkhNIg0CoXUs-DPVMAzOmk4CU7L-mRWRxiU/s640/DSC00497.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyrkXsZD3sgvIFDlprmo8lYUA3jYsvvM8ql3nwFJd912FR-OVV0eM4B8DSn3gwl9nRGuSLNhC43dhRFBCleDqJ02hHsbBS2_9zuw-MnX77_hq3iMpR-jbBKAxl25MNDx9nftBWPn15Gw/s1600/DSC00510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyrkXsZD3sgvIFDlprmo8lYUA3jYsvvM8ql3nwFJd912FR-OVV0eM4B8DSn3gwl9nRGuSLNhC43dhRFBCleDqJ02hHsbBS2_9zuw-MnX77_hq3iMpR-jbBKAxl25MNDx9nftBWPn15Gw/s640/DSC00510.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountain: Vinicunca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9DKM546GCzwC0mfWfvPriqt1YHx9CjfUpoFqp3zYE1YWd27oLsEFjwPGPYLJgkYpOjCuv7oqIM6jCYXo578Eu9XuBw1CVOPr0dGFg66U6HyD349DeSUjkFNvmwySAWeAXbZua3fmAEQ/s1600/DSC00514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9DKM546GCzwC0mfWfvPriqt1YHx9CjfUpoFqp3zYE1YWd27oLsEFjwPGPYLJgkYpOjCuv7oqIM6jCYXo578Eu9XuBw1CVOPr0dGFg66U6HyD349DeSUjkFNvmwySAWeAXbZua3fmAEQ/s640/DSC00514.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending back down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided to skip the horse coming back, and walked all the way to the parking area. I stopped frequently to take pictures of the stunning valley where snow had melted.<br />
<br />
I was back in the parking lot at around 2 PM.<br />
<br />
Altitude was taking its toll. While Maheen had recovered, Momina threw up. I started feeling a headache.<br />
<br />
Everyone was back in the bus by 3 PM. After the bus descended from 14000 to 11000, all of us started feeling energetic and high. After our lunch, we slept on the bus on our way back to Cusco.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYDubjgpq2bGeCjgjCD22x8B5CY2Evtu2BpGdbtHhlxryaHsQoA1nWW5lGQ598Nen5uEzkinnOvloB9cagywDU2o4ZFfvSYyoGJEOGY-hXM0_MdFCmU27jwSVmtUtaVzKxUpoKUeM7Q/s1600/DSC00523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYDubjgpq2bGeCjgjCD22x8B5CY2Evtu2BpGdbtHhlxryaHsQoA1nWW5lGQ598Nen5uEzkinnOvloB9cagywDU2o4ZFfvSYyoGJEOGY-hXM0_MdFCmU27jwSVmtUtaVzKxUpoKUeM7Q/s640/DSC00523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow is melting in the valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9PEbGWXZz4qRb3UcoU2wj8jCJK9dK6_MKic6VUoTYIIdrUTAuJ0Uh7F3XshKVWcdhlZASIHJhlXdbaBRwy4sPjB4nuLeMPYH4e_cH4dIoncxTWlePVvARcunWGa8NzL1N_Slv3iYF2I/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9PEbGWXZz4qRb3UcoU2wj8jCJK9dK6_MKic6VUoTYIIdrUTAuJ0Uh7F3XshKVWcdhlZASIHJhlXdbaBRwy4sPjB4nuLeMPYH4e_cH4dIoncxTWlePVvARcunWGa8NzL1N_Slv3iYF2I/s640/DSC00525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momina off the horse to cross a stream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5a0ioIbwl3NwdYa4CZy6Wgor7lh2Kf1eKM6PabyeN41qGwYGEVAqnH7j1jsnWPpAqW28hbpjVf-e-N8SlRAQEKgHZWkXvgTjXvLGbxxVpUEyyaU_5pImlS5NIKxfC3o4y3BR-6ShibE/s1600/DSC00533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5a0ioIbwl3NwdYa4CZy6Wgor7lh2Kf1eKM6PabyeN41qGwYGEVAqnH7j1jsnWPpAqW28hbpjVf-e-N8SlRAQEKgHZWkXvgTjXvLGbxxVpUEyyaU_5pImlS5NIKxfC3o4y3BR-6ShibE/s640/DSC00533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpacas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0xU0MOht2NNTVNEKlnjWlGtoUuNzLymsXlNsUEB08jn_bQomed_LR_29BkGMO175NUkssW9j9tr9ti9-oNFGIC0aGSm2TeyqtLZAn3U5u8GaxTWG_mDHCvDopLr0eBxKV4N2-kL6Hck/s1600/DSC00536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0xU0MOht2NNTVNEKlnjWlGtoUuNzLymsXlNsUEB08jn_bQomed_LR_29BkGMO175NUkssW9j9tr9ti9-oNFGIC0aGSm2TeyqtLZAn3U5u8GaxTWG_mDHCvDopLr0eBxKV4N2-kL6Hck/s640/DSC00536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All snow is gone by 1 PM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEfT6R3NFmZ4C9Mqyih2_SL1ZWOC8fTVaVxMaMcSLMc0yBSPOqImx5pZOpRaabmg0P83wUYlP7ohiEL9emJw3fVwPabtGbNZD02sqXGDixzHI-G-TLkFg2e4sVvyzF800MmIiJ9WbACk/s1600/DSC00544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEfT6R3NFmZ4C9Mqyih2_SL1ZWOC8fTVaVxMaMcSLMc0yBSPOqImx5pZOpRaabmg0P83wUYlP7ohiEL9emJw3fVwPabtGbNZD02sqXGDixzHI-G-TLkFg2e4sVvyzF800MmIiJ9WbACk/s640/DSC00544.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors of the valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUSTXke-ctdaCsHJbTcdQFtOj3WqKjDb1Oj6jGk3QevAb4BCGzeW1i5g31TRjLHcRdMGX_tNFGUD1muL7WdX888YIK7VRsIukplg1_hAd2znUwHa-ap-fPFxfDGbislMZmJLd8slymoI/s1600/DSC00556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUSTXke-ctdaCsHJbTcdQFtOj3WqKjDb1Oj6jGk3QevAb4BCGzeW1i5g31TRjLHcRdMGX_tNFGUD1muL7WdX888YIK7VRsIukplg1_hAd2znUwHa-ap-fPFxfDGbislMZmJLd8slymoI/s640/DSC00556.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My horse is way ahead of me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVa7bgMMErzIpUZ0c0EWYrXSUWP-1LlIWEbh8nqvirfZvB50fqVkwnYSUWWwNE4dHsYHc3TfvKtCv_dlkCDjI1idLyvrUyLDfxp3Nz42yftAFFJI_yaAEQQn10ybuJ6UCvCldIMn61DI/s1600/DSC00565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVa7bgMMErzIpUZ0c0EWYrXSUWP-1LlIWEbh8nqvirfZvB50fqVkwnYSUWWwNE4dHsYHc3TfvKtCv_dlkCDjI1idLyvrUyLDfxp3Nz42yftAFFJI_yaAEQQn10ybuJ6UCvCldIMn61DI/s640/DSC00565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzpaXG7TmuANMRny0xEGeYnK5_4XQY9rExYZ-zPJ0pWy2IjcmCx2WK7x_uwbAz_loS1SaQAv2pDlpa_SbtZqNWeWiu6ctSmOgRUMfJ_P4kFefpp3b63tp0Q2R43RWo2PdiesR9HMk1Ko/s1600/DSC00578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzpaXG7TmuANMRny0xEGeYnK5_4XQY9rExYZ-zPJ0pWy2IjcmCx2WK7x_uwbAz_loS1SaQAv2pDlpa_SbtZqNWeWiu6ctSmOgRUMfJ_P4kFefpp3b63tp0Q2R43RWo2PdiesR9HMk1Ko/s640/DSC00578.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Apu in distance at the parking area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If Jhonny knew English, we would not have made it to the
most scenic place we have been to so far. <br />
<br />
<br />
Read Part3 here: <a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2017/02/carnival-water-balloons-and-foam-cans.html">Part3</a><br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-29164245621722039002017-02-28T20:35:00.003-05:002017-02-28T22:29:12.781-05:00Carnival: Water Balloons, and Foam CansOur flight back from Cusco was at 5 PM. After check out from hotel at around 10 AM, we walked to Plaza de Armas to pass time.<br />
<br />
We noticed teams of adolescent boys and girls running around spraying each other with foam cans, all through the city center.<br />
<br />
We thought it was fun, and decided to join in. I bought foam cans for Maheen and Zain, and bought myself water balloons.<br />
<br />
Zain disappeared in the most fierce fight area in middle of Plaza de Armas, while Maheen and I stayed on the sides. Maheen sneaked behind people and sprayed them with foam, while I hurled water balloons at them.<br />
<br />
Soon our victims noticed and ganged up against us. Maheen was covered in foam when three boys her age surrounded her, while a woman grabbed me by my collar and poured a gallon of water in my shirt.<br />
<br />
Soon, the crowds grew, and no one was spared. Young, and old alike were sprayed from head to toe, and everyone was wet from flying water balloons.<br />
<br />
I dare not find Zain as he was in the center of fight. Thankfully, several hours later Zain emerged from the most animated part of the fight with an empty can. "Zain! I was worried! Where have you been? and is this the can I bought you?", I exclaimed.<br />
<br />
"A girl snatched my can, so I snatched it from another girl. I don't want to go home!".<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVijgaHQyQxvgQp1K5ErLPwfha5EKa5Gqdo2-KdPx8BmIX2LbiWe-sA-AncMnLOgK_yjwAUKU7QMpbQD_PFkjdbnRBmJ6LCi8i0UAo1JTkdD00CEn9TV5tf4qut6Hmu5cSKvo00ByBDQ/s1600/20170226_113054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVijgaHQyQxvgQp1K5ErLPwfha5EKa5Gqdo2-KdPx8BmIX2LbiWe-sA-AncMnLOgK_yjwAUKU7QMpbQD_PFkjdbnRBmJ6LCi8i0UAo1JTkdD00CEn9TV5tf4qut6Hmu5cSKvo00ByBDQ/s640/20170226_113054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25ZrqcSbBp0FtgW8Zb1KsYJ3zE8Zt07VUn0Hg4pnW3LEDhvvGqX0bYTFUggi5-wVqqvAW1zi2HbDSJkK3TjtzPgw_JK7rUmOV0YLP8GenTxitQ_SOVL5ZtEfM4vh9iWLNZ3ZLRXSKbNU/s1600/20170226_113136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25ZrqcSbBp0FtgW8Zb1KsYJ3zE8Zt07VUn0Hg4pnW3LEDhvvGqX0bYTFUggi5-wVqqvAW1zi2HbDSJkK3TjtzPgw_JK7rUmOV0YLP8GenTxitQ_SOVL5ZtEfM4vh9iWLNZ3ZLRXSKbNU/s640/20170226_113136.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza floor is covered in foam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE5ljKMM7FZkXTlKnOX2_1U36tteOlrjgv5oShHBm5GuR3wjXCLJVBaOQov7tQCaZNs3s95z_Sw538xSFTm_-5fJDEU_o3tZFkpyt13gk11JmIIdgeBhLytFioqI3QX3-vIuPFlmIdlE/s1600/20170226_113825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE5ljKMM7FZkXTlKnOX2_1U36tteOlrjgv5oShHBm5GuR3wjXCLJVBaOQov7tQCaZNs3s95z_Sw538xSFTm_-5fJDEU_o3tZFkpyt13gk11JmIIdgeBhLytFioqI3QX3-vIuPFlmIdlE/s640/20170226_113825.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen in foam fight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsaXZdjO6M06bcmNqgX-Dt4Pkp-d47zgzzCu17dm3TkdyKNVDBItrO6E_BV8_xFsVZ7hdgCCvIeDB1B7QgBzJx1pw0JRCueQJdFKLYZrDGD9yc5mUzLV4erlrZ3WonsyJsz9FkfP81Gs/s1600/20170226_113835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsaXZdjO6M06bcmNqgX-Dt4Pkp-d47zgzzCu17dm3TkdyKNVDBItrO6E_BV8_xFsVZ7hdgCCvIeDB1B7QgBzJx1pw0JRCueQJdFKLYZrDGD9yc5mUzLV4erlrZ3WonsyJsz9FkfP81Gs/s640/20170226_113835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen ready for revenge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tmPqRJImitd7YhVmG8bFMGsEMiMLwSst_qM5TZv_pNojZozXPHlhm0u5ocqsWPM8xX9u59LOaMMa__y_p_ZmdcKI37ySntNz5QSDldACv1tdzbq-x5WViAVoVnK2IMRGmKB-ONFEJoE/s1600/20170226_113928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tmPqRJImitd7YhVmG8bFMGsEMiMLwSst_qM5TZv_pNojZozXPHlhm0u5ocqsWPM8xX9u59LOaMMa__y_p_ZmdcKI37ySntNz5QSDldACv1tdzbq-x5WViAVoVnK2IMRGmKB-ONFEJoE/s640/20170226_113928.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen is sneaky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ9C8NGup19pDV5Uo-Ze-gbF7ldASUEZPFdcG4tLIpavhuHlyBFGK3u6g-qWwBCA6VXxxMyP3iDCrMn51fHG0yfByurL9UJRRLdnvMQngjgo70W3JmBFecIM_SJizc1LDHlOKBvHhDHk/s1600/20170226_113929%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ9C8NGup19pDV5Uo-Ze-gbF7ldASUEZPFdcG4tLIpavhuHlyBFGK3u6g-qWwBCA6VXxxMyP3iDCrMn51fHG0yfByurL9UJRRLdnvMQngjgo70W3JmBFecIM_SJizc1LDHlOKBvHhDHk/s640/20170226_113929%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen is sneaky - 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGCKE1naC2tDo4h-rGE6Wl4M9Oxhn439VmDRJBVag9hEOHLQz-HpWghL-B5aiR8PBhF5Kis0jeBTUJRKC2y5XJhJ7cEkFHg3M76LjVVVySgxY0UyOfWMr5YPGCdyae-DME1IZsHE5jws/s1600/20170226_113942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGCKE1naC2tDo4h-rGE6Wl4M9Oxhn439VmDRJBVag9hEOHLQz-HpWghL-B5aiR8PBhF5Kis0jeBTUJRKC2y5XJhJ7cEkFHg3M76LjVVVySgxY0UyOfWMr5YPGCdyae-DME1IZsHE5jws/s640/20170226_113942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foam everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnsRwiCp_cxCny_0H_DiRHiv46Pm2RHYvKAf1OT5lqbVTBAIB324UoGxHDqTDdlwOC-2j8uCPpuRvvMnJYzq9NrgqUveHCcTrVwVwZ8v-EFO8OxaM2IOf7GEmGMf-VmdiKrdPAZOQPNI/s1600/20170226_113943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnsRwiCp_cxCny_0H_DiRHiv46Pm2RHYvKAf1OT5lqbVTBAIB324UoGxHDqTDdlwOC-2j8uCPpuRvvMnJYzq9NrgqUveHCcTrVwVwZ8v-EFO8OxaM2IOf7GEmGMf-VmdiKrdPAZOQPNI/s640/20170226_113943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She got a kid, while his dad watches</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sprays a tourist who happens to be passing by</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zain is in there somewhere</td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-4900653817654165912017-01-12T09:58:00.002-05:002017-01-12T10:36:30.620-05:00CFII Rating CompleteI passed my CFII test yesterday.<br />
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This check ride is a replay of the instrument rating check ride with expectation to teach a few things while flying approaches from the right seat.<br />
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Things are easier now compared to when I took my instrument rating check ride as now you can use the GPS for VOR approaches (with some conditions).<br />
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The rating spanned over one and a half year, with most time spent on reading.<br />
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The pace was from slow at the beginning to rapid towards the end. <br />
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As always, I passed my written first.<br />
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I had not flown instruments for more than a year, so I started simulator work to get my instruments skills back in Executive Flyers. Spanned over two months, I did 9 hours of ground, 3 hours of simulator, and about 6 hours of flight time to get back to instrument proficiency.<br />
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Then I started studying. I studied like I tell my students to study: One hour everyday, at the end of the day.<br />
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I studied IPH, IFH, and AIM, and underlined important phrases for lesson plans. I prepared lesson plans on most common topics: holds, emergencies, en-route charts, flight planning, and terminal procedures. There is a lot to cover in these topics, so I called my lesson plans "introductory". For example, "First lesson on holds". I left rest of the lesson plan topics to on-spot preparation as examiners allow it (it is a necessary skill of practical teaching).<br />
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By the time I was done with study, I was instruments rusty again. Then I went rapid fire on approaches, flew three dozen approaches in 12 flying hours over two weeks at my club (NSAC). Then I took the test.<br />
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Costs:<br />
Executive Flyers instructor (18 hours): $1080<br />
Executive Flyers simulator (3 hours): $270<br />
Executive Flyers plane (6 hours): $900<br />
NSAC instructor (12 hours): $360<br />
NSAC plane (14 hours): $1400<br />
Examiner Fee: $300<br />
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Total: $4310.<br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-15662530535372019252016-10-20T21:11:00.001-04:002016-10-25T16:15:46.629-04:00Discovering the Aqueducts and Trails of MetrowestThis fall I have been walking a lot. There are numerous trails around Framingham/Sudbury area. You just have to get out and get lost, and before you know it, you are on a scenic trail.<br />
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I have discovered two aqueducts that run from Sudbury Reservoir towards East. There is no sign on these aqueducts that prohibit walking on them, hence I assume they are open to public.<br />
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Aqueduct #1 (Weston Aqueduct) starts in Framingham, and ends near Weston/Rt-20. Aqueduct #2 (Hultman Aqueduct) starts in Southboro, and ends near Waltham. Both aqueducts provide tens of miles of walking on them and on their adjoining trails (for example, Carol Getchell trail starts at Weston Aqueduct near Potter Road).<br />
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Topography of these aqueducts is smooth/grassy yet hilly, which is ideal for a good workout. I have seen people running on them.<br />
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The best place to discover these aqueducts is near Potter Road at Framingham/Sudbury border.<br />
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Many trails around this area are in Nobscot Boy Scout Reservation. There are two hills in the reservation. The taller hill (Nobscot Hill) has a tower on it, and it has a hike of about 500 feet gain in altitude. The smaller hill has a much easier hike and a vista point on it provides view of some buildings in Boston.<br />
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These are some pictures of remarkable trails around my house on and near these aqueducts.<br />
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Happy scenic walks!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raymond Reservation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weston Aqueduct Past Sudbury River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weston Aqueduct at Potter Road / Elm St.</td></tr>
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A Trail off Weston Aqueduct</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Trail off Weston Aqueduct</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mantis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Getchell Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFlYCPgLmcv0eT9t0GOTPrKZGBpZJId2PCnex9fiKc_cf4eiZWvyhOcUv1xjVlVZNxxO2A5Q0jiIRi59pCZH-u00Hwtvtruc9d_OvzdZ8jx2foeKmvRAr3vyGhaWEBs1akj7yNfYsIqA/s1600/20160923_175516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFlYCPgLmcv0eT9t0GOTPrKZGBpZJId2PCnex9fiKc_cf4eiZWvyhOcUv1xjVlVZNxxO2A5Q0jiIRi59pCZH-u00Hwtvtruc9d_OvzdZ8jx2foeKmvRAr3vyGhaWEBs1akj7yNfYsIqA/s320/20160923_175516.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudbury River / Carol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwUUKQf5Ky-7N69P6Fx5FJZMN7963ka5Q28sLxaP7hKK2KAbqAXKoTeTD-VCvpMS-Z7Uwj8QcrPdowgHPtsxLUAaVEKnfE51abjoY2IJ4Oti424jwdfy5FyjcwFQslPnjL94j_zCMx1U/s1600/20160924_164237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwUUKQf5Ky-7N69P6Fx5FJZMN7963ka5Q28sLxaP7hKK2KAbqAXKoTeTD-VCvpMS-Z7Uwj8QcrPdowgHPtsxLUAaVEKnfE51abjoY2IJ4Oti424jwdfy5FyjcwFQslPnjL94j_zCMx1U/s320/20160924_164237.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Trail in Nobscot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLVs9LiGthi2OkSHm9IyS0CUeV-HzbonKbkGRnvDenqqpux4wDOwGLJ8B0guR55ZW9nUBkHBYQPrJ4DxMSzRNfZGp8w5VK6UF_WVjSUjvpQwJIRclrVBGWQeJT4XwHYbx9Imn89i_ZpQ/s1600/20160924_170537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLVs9LiGthi2OkSHm9IyS0CUeV-HzbonKbkGRnvDenqqpux4wDOwGLJ8B0guR55ZW9nUBkHBYQPrJ4DxMSzRNfZGp8w5VK6UF_WVjSUjvpQwJIRclrVBGWQeJT4XwHYbx9Imn89i_ZpQ/s320/20160924_170537.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobscot Hill Climb</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq0T_YjGkA6_T-8JCp0SkY6o1IsMYyd2DFamqLyyqrjW4L0FGoRD9XxV8RIi5XV5wafoPrpcItrKz5TlsLlGh5u89zbIr6OUZsy2P7z8aKq6o6nebVMONOia68mMiT4qqOlH0E-3AH-c/s1600/20160924_171926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq0T_YjGkA6_T-8JCp0SkY6o1IsMYyd2DFamqLyyqrjW4L0FGoRD9XxV8RIi5XV5wafoPrpcItrKz5TlsLlGh5u89zbIr6OUZsy2P7z8aKq6o6nebVMONOia68mMiT4qqOlH0E-3AH-c/s320/20160924_171926.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobscot Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa7wGifmAalVnLtqSwwx6E2Djd3lrSlWhrQSNLeJrJPB9YSDIaWz2I2eoy4Pn0KdfJyoS1TKdqXGiAHQop122YcUfwF-6jRW3cFAh7GZQKER3IV6BXckBEwy3p27aOm-UOCUl_nA_Twg/s1600/20160924_172611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa7wGifmAalVnLtqSwwx6E2Djd3lrSlWhrQSNLeJrJPB9YSDIaWz2I2eoy4Pn0KdfJyoS1TKdqXGiAHQop122YcUfwF-6jRW3cFAh7GZQKER3IV6BXckBEwy3p27aOm-UOCUl_nA_Twg/s320/20160924_172611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMosH4xnd6AIOAHgWvmfP2Rxj_NYbqXuRLcEhXZO7g2ex2nqCYRpkXTGqLY-AuMw4ZsiNTP_LHJCwen88lBjxHoXsR36pX2ATv8SsHMcZ4xJ1Eem9aQgyjQGRcm9FXUa5HZEGBb6ZH540/s1600/20160924_172836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMosH4xnd6AIOAHgWvmfP2Rxj_NYbqXuRLcEhXZO7g2ex2nqCYRpkXTGqLY-AuMw4ZsiNTP_LHJCwen88lBjxHoXsR36pX2ATv8SsHMcZ4xJ1Eem9aQgyjQGRcm9FXUa5HZEGBb6ZH540/s320/20160924_172836.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy Scout - Nobscot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj7sJxCtCfI5F0hB8kBy7J-G9b5hsjpzBzxdnJRPBszAJ1D0mNGmJLENC3o8j6SOFv6V_PQ7x_1Bh02CDHPmdomFclhcESCy791R4l8kKJHwFbfNaRp6ozsFP-uuT2m8MVcZMjCyQiHQ/s1600/20160925_140109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj7sJxCtCfI5F0hB8kBy7J-G9b5hsjpzBzxdnJRPBszAJ1D0mNGmJLENC3o8j6SOFv6V_PQ7x_1Bh02CDHPmdomFclhcESCy791R4l8kKJHwFbfNaRp6ozsFP-uuT2m8MVcZMjCyQiHQ/s320/20160925_140109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Getchell Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-IZrrqtUZo1HuVGqbM7jaNjYtBlyxoiQS-LOiwjWyzouJvieggI7Ja0BLItR_aruf4K2_8rKDo5lzEVA3fHq4QCPQ_ngAQ8BZyyyBW2tt99MQ2ogyQbPTxRHYqf4n7Q6VOKQj_OYawA/s1600/20160928_170910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-IZrrqtUZo1HuVGqbM7jaNjYtBlyxoiQS-LOiwjWyzouJvieggI7Ja0BLItR_aruf4K2_8rKDo5lzEVA3fHq4QCPQ_ngAQ8BZyyyBW2tt99MQ2ogyQbPTxRHYqf4n7Q6VOKQj_OYawA/s320/20160928_170910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hultman Aqueduct</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59bOv1ot1kqO1yiP_Ta66lgW5H9ECXdqlmWzrt30UKDm5VkNYKgcK3UZANa5a3DbLtUf3qm4XwkXqN8XoqeQRxb1jFyjD-WL7m47r949zmjd-OFjQTAoDUOYAQ_jzZiE3Yl0JAUJ9nss/s1600/20160930_164937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59bOv1ot1kqO1yiP_Ta66lgW5H9ECXdqlmWzrt30UKDm5VkNYKgcK3UZANa5a3DbLtUf3qm4XwkXqN8XoqeQRxb1jFyjD-WL7m47r949zmjd-OFjQTAoDUOYAQ_jzZiE3Yl0JAUJ9nss/s320/20160930_164937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hultman Aqueduct</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzewftorXqQ5zFbK5K7oS-iUMLpDlTZBe461HYXPdf3zweEJBKcHxvINSpYgUuEYTXE4F73SbVhLMjgzKtVqKjEwlZzzv3QaXmffUXzFb9FVVAUlD2UTzO2K8vlfa5sROLEoaiJ4NmjcY/s1600/20161006_134651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzewftorXqQ5zFbK5K7oS-iUMLpDlTZBe461HYXPdf3zweEJBKcHxvINSpYgUuEYTXE4F73SbVhLMjgzKtVqKjEwlZzzv3QaXmffUXzFb9FVVAUlD2UTzO2K8vlfa5sROLEoaiJ4NmjcY/s320/20161006_134651.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR5PW4DSHLHmXiX0SgvJ7uonQ8bJeDhUG2cESHRn9HylD0h4ThXNSeahNtqKIWgntaLiQrU27v4mEyOYzmaR8Zw5lVbjPo3fNlUXa8oENIZwru8d_aj-9zKnOWPs9pOO4A9HcfEhAmpU/s1600/20161018_125712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR5PW4DSHLHmXiX0SgvJ7uonQ8bJeDhUG2cESHRn9HylD0h4ThXNSeahNtqKIWgntaLiQrU27v4mEyOYzmaR8Zw5lVbjPo3fNlUXa8oENIZwru8d_aj-9zKnOWPs9pOO4A9HcfEhAmpU/s320/20161018_125712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudbury-Concord</td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-37040150392476358072016-10-20T20:32:00.001-04:002016-10-20T20:32:13.443-04:00There's No Place On Earth Like YellowstoneThese are a few pictures of our trip to Yellowstone. We spent a week there in the summer of 2014.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-2582052773465511102016-10-18T21:57:00.001-04:002016-10-20T12:24:57.595-04:00Driving Ring Road in Iceland in October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring Road (Route 1)</td></tr>
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I was worried about driving the ring road in fall. Most of my worries were from Trip Advisor forums where users warned against icy road conditions in fall. I had a different experience. Although I did face strong winds and rains, all roads were open. I feel bad that I skipped Landmannalaugar due to fear of driving on F roads in fall.</div>
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I planned for the trip meticulously. In October, day light is ten hours and every hour must be used properly. Driving times to attractions, hike durations, and breakfast times were tallied. Lunches were to go. Dinners were planned to be at specific restaurants to save time in searching for food.</div>
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In the end we stayed true to our plan except that we skipped a few waterfalls, and cancelled drive to Snæfellsnes (Western Peninsula).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plan & restaurants for dinner</td></tr>
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WOW airline gets you to Keflavik Airport at a very odd time: 4 AM. By the time we got a SIM (Simmin SIM works on Verizon phones), and got the rental car (City Car Rental is the cheapest), it was 5 AM. We drove to Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik (40 KM drive), slept for a couple of hours in the car, then checked Hallgrímskirkja. The first day was rainy, and wind was howling. We were tired and sleepless. Hallgrímskirkja was not very impressive from inside (Compared to churches in Italy) but it has a very distinct shape and hence worth visiting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallgrímskirkja</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b></b>The statue of Leifur Eiríksson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallgrímskirkja</td></tr>
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As per our plan, we drove to Hveragardi. Hveragardi is about 40 km from Rekyjavik. We drove to parking location of Reykjadalur, then started 3 km hike to a warm river that you can bathe in. I thought it would be soothing and relaxing after a sleepless night, but Iceland weather had other plans. We met strong 60 mph winds, horizontal rain, zero visibility, and COLD. We had to turn back after 2 km hike and did not make it to the river. Then we drove back to Rekyjavik.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizontal rain, 60 mph winds (unable to stand steady), and cold/hazy conditions</td></tr>
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In just one evening, we realized that Rekyjavik is not what we went to Iceland for. We needed to head out on Ring Road ASAP.<br />
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We switched Devitos Pizza for Scandinavian Restaurant. Dinner was the only pleasant experience of the day. The next day, we loved our breakfast at Brauð & Co. (right next to Hallgrímskirkja), but their staff has a bad attitude.<br />
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Day 2 was all about Golden Circle drive. It was a busy day with lots to see. We added Haifoss to the Golden Circle and that made it a super busy day. We started from Reykjavik and arrived in Þingvellir park. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Circle + Haifoss</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep are everywhere in Iceland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Þingvellir Park (bugs ruined this picture) </td></tr>
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Þingvellir park has easy walking trails. Scenery around here is remarkable. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geese!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strokkur Geyser</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Driving clockwise from Þingvellir park we arrived at Strokkur Geyser. It erupts frequently and that makes it fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4erL2YmVDn_Rl3CJkAPgnMLilsWK9iOGf6mBdMmv-g4MN6FI2Cvf1cQxeZVDwla2H3UXvfULRS_oRKP5kbNDXOQWTjU5-4tgEQqSl_hk7Dk1bdBVMJxMn9TAG09r78P5Z9LXRYxxzdA/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4erL2YmVDn_Rl3CJkAPgnMLilsWK9iOGf6mBdMmv-g4MN6FI2Cvf1cQxeZVDwla2H3UXvfULRS_oRKP5kbNDXOQWTjU5-4tgEQqSl_hk7Dk1bdBVMJxMn9TAG09r78P5Z9LXRYxxzdA/s640/IMG_7187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulfoss</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A short drive from Strokkur Geyser is Gulfoss. It is an impressive waterfall and should not be missed.<br />
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Then we took a diversion from Golden Circle to arrive at Haifoss. Haifoss is the second tallest waterfall in Europe and it is our favorite waterfall. The last five miles of the road that leads to Haifoss is unpaved and bone breaking. A 4x4 is a must. It was worth the drive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Vipz_zH9Fw8mn-9ZHNn0aTYUYVY4wv7Kg5FTXVEnH9QKcEsJAD2lWBx7OYjMnCzWAKLLu3pzIWGtgjVfBGw3QjFBYJQzphRpfnq3QwnK1qsVyAdaOPzjaUo6NIHp78AbPZBEqwsDwM/s1600/IMG_7203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Vipz_zH9Fw8mn-9ZHNn0aTYUYVY4wv7Kg5FTXVEnH9QKcEsJAD2lWBx7OYjMnCzWAKLLu3pzIWGtgjVfBGw3QjFBYJQzphRpfnq3QwnK1qsVyAdaOPzjaUo6NIHp78AbPZBEqwsDwM/s640/IMG_7203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gjáin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A short drive from Haifoss on a difficult road is Gjáin. This is a beautiful valley of waterfalls and rivers. We did not have time to descend in the valley and we left its exploration to another day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC23fIPGz_99XKECNdWRyRoRcK61GxCk98dU82pHiTPefA2r4UHdIMqOGbOMhUXV9n-C2rgZZqsJT5ClNJZudiVBefYVc6p86nWAfggqT5GKXzWtQLqzcw5qzfBG4Lr6hqiIvxa0-R5bg/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC23fIPGz_99XKECNdWRyRoRcK61GxCk98dU82pHiTPefA2r4UHdIMqOGbOMhUXV9n-C2rgZZqsJT5ClNJZudiVBefYVc6p86nWAfggqT5GKXzWtQLqzcw5qzfBG4Lr6hqiIvxa0-R5bg/s640/IMG_7217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall to right of Haifoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6ozXcbXGy3Kd3dTZwut-Bkb287ZQZpYT3OivMb_8RHdicbikN1CKDPeRKE_h5902N3ocu91FW8-SveG_ZkdPYDN_7Mgkf_O0TJrphOZFOBF_nc8HEfpZXx2hevPE88Qqb2jEuCcwh4U/s1600/IMG_7221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6ozXcbXGy3Kd3dTZwut-Bkb287ZQZpYT3OivMb_8RHdicbikN1CKDPeRKE_h5902N3ocu91FW8-SveG_ZkdPYDN_7Mgkf_O0TJrphOZFOBF_nc8HEfpZXx2hevPE88Qqb2jEuCcwh4U/s640/IMG_7221.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haifoss is impressive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfEA2aR1MEKGK2PlUDT_I3vJcUzHVhwTz4EVoqyWiWdxOGkipmtEEV9ocNpXrAPCgCYmZH-WLgu_duijZq-jUjzpiUJTEsFTDnY-zLQmprrSxvq4Gq21_cDnXKqx1fHIv6POaNdRUGW4/s1600/IMG_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfEA2aR1MEKGK2PlUDT_I3vJcUzHVhwTz4EVoqyWiWdxOGkipmtEEV9ocNpXrAPCgCYmZH-WLgu_duijZq-jUjzpiUJTEsFTDnY-zLQmprrSxvq4Gq21_cDnXKqx1fHIv6POaNdRUGW4/s640/IMG_7232.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley from Haifoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We drove from Haifoss to Seljalandsfoss. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is unique because you can walk behind it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cvqnHEVm19pQbyWFRhtrFQqncT4NqHGzAZDfQnj8Qp0lEyJfmqcM7RNze3FbSd1oggmI53WP5P3l_4s8SWiF9MH6CidgNwkvxt8NNApXGPSSPU9s8_AOfavrLlTH8HzG8difkqjIPVA/s1600/IMG_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cvqnHEVm19pQbyWFRhtrFQqncT4NqHGzAZDfQnj8Qp0lEyJfmqcM7RNze3FbSd1oggmI53WP5P3l_4s8SWiF9MH6CidgNwkvxt8NNApXGPSSPU9s8_AOfavrLlTH8HzG8difkqjIPVA/s640/IMG_7247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun is out on day 2. Grounds of Seljalandsfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiqeTN17b3dBdqFWkw8ndxgx8ZUBrYHHKIRAu2JZxFpOjwpGtGhvW7F7CXf6A0EfucC5Yi9saHy_wsHDlwQctF5HG5AaQ_IPXtolQkILf5f_gfIlyEGWTxSZk0pt08rieDE31n1fRqUk/s1600/IMG_7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiqeTN17b3dBdqFWkw8ndxgx8ZUBrYHHKIRAu2JZxFpOjwpGtGhvW7F7CXf6A0EfucC5Yi9saHy_wsHDlwQctF5HG5AaQ_IPXtolQkILf5f_gfIlyEGWTxSZk0pt08rieDE31n1fRqUk/s640/IMG_7250.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family at Seljalandsfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpGS5vl75Q8jpe-jaNQ4Xkpuy_Wge5V6UUK4IHdPzBMicInhRqwHMf-jtcq0vRG3-ZyzU04Z7oagV7KX_yZtG6gg4Yxtilr-2C4meMjyj29Wnvks33Jp75MgV-qkrkrdBSdct-PfVb9c/s1600/IMG_7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpGS5vl75Q8jpe-jaNQ4Xkpuy_Wge5V6UUK4IHdPzBMicInhRqwHMf-jtcq0vRG3-ZyzU04Z7oagV7KX_yZtG6gg4Yxtilr-2C4meMjyj29Wnvks33Jp75MgV-qkrkrdBSdct-PfVb9c/s640/IMG_7251.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind Seljalandsfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZIzYwlR8mcQ2R1XuTIIWiRFPbY6NFEuW2GNCjt3LtNhCRO6P-CmGfN0KjL6i5BNlGiGppFN5wRmDlIoTSHdsYzpf_sLv0CY1qUoc9olqD7woRuU22owWOirk5E4LRFPYLkHqERMbimQ/s1600/IMG_7257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZIzYwlR8mcQ2R1XuTIIWiRFPbY6NFEuW2GNCjt3LtNhCRO6P-CmGfN0KjL6i5BNlGiGppFN5wRmDlIoTSHdsYzpf_sLv0CY1qUoc9olqD7woRuU22owWOirk5E4LRFPYLkHqERMbimQ/s640/IMG_7257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seljalandsfoss with fish eye lens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Seljalandsfoss was our last stop in Golden Circle. We drove by Skogafoss but did not stop because by that time we had seen twenty waterfalls. By the end of our trip we had lost our waterfall count. Rainbows and waterfalls are around every corner in Iceland.<br />
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We drove to Vik and stayed overnight. Our guest house made us take off shoes at the entrance. "What a wonderful idea", remarked Momina. From then on, we took off our shoes at the entrances of all places we stayed in.<br />
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South Iceland is probably the most scenic place in Iceland, if not in the world. While most of Iceland is made of black rock, black sand beaches around Vik are pure black.<br />
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Road number 215 climbs to a light house. Views at the light house are astonishing. A small hike takes you down to beach.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDme84T8AFFPySnlPu8SfK2xRYxjh26tgfYFz7ryMbf0Iu2RLK0QIPX6xEfye0AFFjmmwHpiTMcpQhaDkx9Ub0OOZ0pPMndu3VAaAarxuhD02RL3KEkqlUEo2idz96MxFxnf2TQ-48Dpw/s1600/IMG_7289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDme84T8AFFPySnlPu8SfK2xRYxjh26tgfYFz7ryMbf0Iu2RLK0QIPX6xEfye0AFFjmmwHpiTMcpQhaDkx9Ub0OOZ0pPMndu3VAaAarxuhD02RL3KEkqlUEo2idz96MxFxnf2TQ-48Dpw/s640/IMG_7289.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of a black sand beach from the light house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhjNdgIX3cqQFbD0SpJFIKKBkWKsX_CSyolEsc9dry40bTX7ZCbZyxo1t0CQ2eqw3iTpl818sOMPwWxB1XXswZkfyBwEpz8JKPNgJVSrKJQgv-ej5M1PmOSihPbAqpVN1yNrRK1_T1n8/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhjNdgIX3cqQFbD0SpJFIKKBkWKsX_CSyolEsc9dry40bTX7ZCbZyxo1t0CQ2eqw3iTpl818sOMPwWxB1XXswZkfyBwEpz8JKPNgJVSrKJQgv-ej5M1PmOSihPbAqpVN1yNrRK1_T1n8/s640/IMG_7295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of a black sand beach from the light house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfBCxNz5UkY5CoPvTGXECCP44To73xO4jXBpPnYgGrDhBjqTVSOi46JGav7aBP8MfQH80tCFfzYivssobYs0mfrMmLND0OECjxODOM5g97v3s7Tn9_ccEicQeDG0sQJARG7WvL7iq7Z4/s1600/IMG_7304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfBCxNz5UkY5CoPvTGXECCP44To73xO4jXBpPnYgGrDhBjqTVSOi46JGav7aBP8MfQH80tCFfzYivssobYs0mfrMmLND0OECjxODOM5g97v3s7Tn9_ccEicQeDG0sQJARG7WvL7iq7Z4/s640/IMG_7304.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea water meets fresh water</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MBmhagWv2p70EWt-jWeTgG7anTr9fhiVWo9ZYuOB4uPDlEpCmzeVHrPx3IivsF0ZVeDo8T2dL7nxP-F6JVy-IYxKokBeuHyqNVfipOOCAsbor5j-2lSggbYabINUsK1S1NnfIEDsXJg/s1600/IMG_7331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MBmhagWv2p70EWt-jWeTgG7anTr9fhiVWo9ZYuOB4uPDlEpCmzeVHrPx3IivsF0ZVeDo8T2dL7nxP-F6JVy-IYxKokBeuHyqNVfipOOCAsbor5j-2lSggbYabINUsK1S1NnfIEDsXJg/s640/IMG_7331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reynisfjara Beach Basalt Rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ALckGqom8elioo4is4cSLLXHO-tanOkrl60dT4JyII-bxTSFPzv82CtJByfpKdHtFn8GvKKIVDZoCjCi83lYT5ObyNHdrjN3u_OKhtW54pp3anrVhWDohZZ3KJSlVbDwAA4BbSWYI4/s1600/IMG_7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ALckGqom8elioo4is4cSLLXHO-tanOkrl60dT4JyII-bxTSFPzv82CtJByfpKdHtFn8GvKKIVDZoCjCi83lYT5ObyNHdrjN3u_OKhtW54pp3anrVhWDohZZ3KJSlVbDwAA4BbSWYI4/s640/IMG_7332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reynisfjara Beach<b> </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Road 218 from Ring Road gets to Reynisfjara Beach. Basalt rock formations are remarkable.<b> </b><br />
Momina showed me a song filmed at Reynisfjara Beach (also features other places in South Iceland, and in Golden Circle): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRCQEI4GGr8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRCQEI4GGr8</a><b></b><br />
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We drove to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qIhfy74YRSAqyrHZ9JfJSpYUyW1GE0QXj0il5EYd6xkrAVLei_lAi4-1r4N69sD3VffYIPCnly2PfrlQ_PpbEcS6fkvrlVqldHxOxX94TVuZwpkc6w6RbsZ__xL6M9crxpaaKu0f6zg/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qIhfy74YRSAqyrHZ9JfJSpYUyW1GE0QXj0il5EYd6xkrAVLei_lAi4-1r4N69sD3VffYIPCnly2PfrlQ_PpbEcS6fkvrlVqldHxOxX94TVuZwpkc6w6RbsZ__xL6M9crxpaaKu0f6zg/s640/IMG_7333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpq4Vu96PcWvUzFiIwiODy2RrcdQg0-HuxsXMrrMl_GgATGJw7AdSquK5wO8U6gSXzg-ceD18WacNsqbwmqI4J9RTYYD_b9G3SxqsYSd1LIRLpgzAdJZ5yADm1IZlZoTUjgVixRpH5js/s1600/IMG_7340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpq4Vu96PcWvUzFiIwiODy2RrcdQg0-HuxsXMrrMl_GgATGJw7AdSquK5wO8U6gSXzg-ceD18WacNsqbwmqI4J9RTYYD_b9G3SxqsYSd1LIRLpgzAdJZ5yADm1IZlZoTUjgVixRpH5js/s640/IMG_7340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenery along Ring Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fjaðrárgljúfur (Its fun when you ask kids to read it) canyon is a mile walk up and down on the side of a breath taking canyon with waterfalls.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu-dJTXe884xaydNO4ZbC6Jxy2-3aA1twt4DJrayvY1dD-_ZHgn_S4UVsUg6eYyE2-a6R4E-LOJEJVQCyIHNsv7m6gKELpRqpIxsUKS9QNtR5MSicL0CDssSGUE_hyluPnjmwHNKlglE/s1600/IMG_7341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu-dJTXe884xaydNO4ZbC6Jxy2-3aA1twt4DJrayvY1dD-_ZHgn_S4UVsUg6eYyE2-a6R4E-LOJEJVQCyIHNsv7m6gKELpRqpIxsUKS9QNtR5MSicL0CDssSGUE_hyluPnjmwHNKlglE/s640/IMG_7341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOPaap6SM8v_-0pJa1A8xFkbQ4RAAW832naepLw3KpRu1iVOA3BEHAsNEsdX0x57yXgEEdLAou3LhLHBtzUkoKNL1cRYMZi2k9_Z0GKfucAX-7Im3MBmCmVof-uTieK5kXXwefSy6y9E/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOPaap6SM8v_-0pJa1A8xFkbQ4RAAW832naepLw3KpRu1iVOA3BEHAsNEsdX0x57yXgEEdLAou3LhLHBtzUkoKNL1cRYMZi2k9_Z0GKfucAX-7Im3MBmCmVof-uTieK5kXXwefSy6y9E/s640/IMG_7342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family at Fjaðrárgljúfur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqE0k7lAT8Qn4OxTiUHoP3kFUCPLJ0hemZzm3MZ5yN3t9hfoG4WMmgyk8EfiXjxFpRMnsjGpp2b1eGwIy4JfasoshbHwYpEz49J6ImaaaE6ptnyhGtTouF4lOyxx22QukzDzYMnZOukw/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqE0k7lAT8Qn4OxTiUHoP3kFUCPLJ0hemZzm3MZ5yN3t9hfoG4WMmgyk8EfiXjxFpRMnsjGpp2b1eGwIy4JfasoshbHwYpEz49J6ImaaaE6ptnyhGtTouF4lOyxx22QukzDzYMnZOukw/s640/IMG_7343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vista point in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ring Road just before Hof meets the foot of VatnaJokull Glacier. We parked our car on a turn out on Ring Road and hiked to the base of the glacier. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe. It is impressive and spans as far as eye can see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nEQ3G6I_gQs26APiAIjhDGDLBlnwSqgOgyhOUeZEYd0HtoFwcvANMpGrB28w1tL8lXhoFCqE7ohf7aoWhxr1HJpzz2f0iZepIMNLZGCdvbAXfOSSZhrSDE9rlNSUiD4wOKeULG8-Dy8/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nEQ3G6I_gQs26APiAIjhDGDLBlnwSqgOgyhOUeZEYd0HtoFwcvANMpGrB28w1tL8lXhoFCqE7ohf7aoWhxr1HJpzz2f0iZepIMNLZGCdvbAXfOSSZhrSDE9rlNSUiD4wOKeULG8-Dy8/s640/IMG_7348.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vatnajokull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmWxnEiRRYCOoPLBUJAURguLPuPH4AK09Sp4A6QAYOlGpmLSkY0ym2gA6Nf7IMNBgfPHunugwxPNu6m3WaJ-c0U8oIbJpK_CiNnzeAMxHvWQP51ZOXxhFfk7jCFeQqxyE9Rf8dFxcoE/s1600/IMG_7355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmWxnEiRRYCOoPLBUJAURguLPuPH4AK09Sp4A6QAYOlGpmLSkY0ym2gA6Nf7IMNBgfPHunugwxPNu6m3WaJ-c0U8oIbJpK_CiNnzeAMxHvWQP51ZOXxhFfk7jCFeQqxyE9Rf8dFxcoE/s640/IMG_7355.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps away from the foot of Vatnajokull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vatnajokull melts into a lake called Jokulsarlon. We drove towards Jokulsarlon. <br />
<br />
Phil Collins started singing on Pandora...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord</div>
<br />
Jokulsarlon was the high point of our trip. I had never seen anything like it. Blue icebergs floating in a calm lake. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB7Ij_o_pelDS8yeKJYhacM0zpsI4UySoHhDMc0BZhwKjlIE89jBMgRs71JDpn8WtqK8h_5rFJ_Fi9e9vInFw__TWlLaYAB-jCYeedm7XDlpsi5CjJkdX69aTqzD4qsET_63UqbzQ03I/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB7Ij_o_pelDS8yeKJYhacM0zpsI4UySoHhDMc0BZhwKjlIE89jBMgRs71JDpn8WtqK8h_5rFJ_Fi9e9vInFw__TWlLaYAB-jCYeedm7XDlpsi5CjJkdX69aTqzD4qsET_63UqbzQ03I/s640/IMG_7361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jokulsarlon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksajYSbw5MZLvQPLuwIcD6Kv5uIGh_LeY58H_xuUPfgeWOmi4JrToc2wa2xCrjAaeurAgn9fJk9t_HhzWhAz4nwUoHT-DGV5UewsrId-UPLgF7Xf7wsj0tlVp-88ouA0NB6NJD5lWii4/s1600/IMG_7368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksajYSbw5MZLvQPLuwIcD6Kv5uIGh_LeY58H_xuUPfgeWOmi4JrToc2wa2xCrjAaeurAgn9fJk9t_HhzWhAz4nwUoHT-DGV5UewsrId-UPLgF7Xf7wsj0tlVp-88ouA0NB6NJD5lWii4/s640/IMG_7368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jokulsarlon icebergs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We took a ride on a boat in the lake, then drove to Hofn and stayed overnight in Hofn.<br />
<br />
On Day 4, we drove Eastern Iceland. Winds were howling and made things quite challenging, yet fun. We turned many corners around Fjords and each new valley brought wonderful scenes. Not a single moment was boring.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLhsuXtQZSeqeFH4RipPH2tSLgdRRlUFV0uNj7pNgkJYBi2ZnydP9hWPMuI7nWy4pv23WCMKKJAmYnHblTEpD2B9RkdK5TyTuiIpplw9SNyS1l_h27NWSW-4TvbMZ58bHqgHO2u4IhFg/s1600/IMG_7379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLhsuXtQZSeqeFH4RipPH2tSLgdRRlUFV0uNj7pNgkJYBi2ZnydP9hWPMuI7nWy4pv23WCMKKJAmYnHblTEpD2B9RkdK5TyTuiIpplw9SNyS1l_h27NWSW-4TvbMZ58bHqgHO2u4IhFg/s640/IMG_7379.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSczaoymJYx7sac4gH8AWUfmEk3oTtL0ei2WOB3sYJVR5hJhC-hEX7UcwkmWXAd2Q2cBHwQbCXJaypl0BDpe1sQS63DlqGLt7uhzbWC_BdG40_1lPUGuy6D9x8erPRA15mNJ5Ncnryxug/s1600/IMG_7386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSczaoymJYx7sac4gH8AWUfmEk3oTtL0ei2WOB3sYJVR5hJhC-hEX7UcwkmWXAd2Q2cBHwQbCXJaypl0BDpe1sQS63DlqGLt7uhzbWC_BdG40_1lPUGuy6D9x8erPRA15mNJ5Ncnryxug/s640/IMG_7386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoU1qJBMBEjvk1VH7Mkk_F6lIzwdkYshsjhHG_x1_IHIbOq7XOIsDUr6tSQR-fGtjYomlrBFHZ5aIaRqiKF2iK5-cdtaLEHXFxBw7G9bQZ_JIf8DE4Uk8ztB6sbBoqFNaanOGnvo2c6k/s1600/IMG_7391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoU1qJBMBEjvk1VH7Mkk_F6lIzwdkYshsjhHG_x1_IHIbOq7XOIsDUr6tSQR-fGtjYomlrBFHZ5aIaRqiKF2iK5-cdtaLEHXFxBw7G9bQZ_JIf8DE4Uk8ztB6sbBoqFNaanOGnvo2c6k/s640/IMG_7391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive coast line in East</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IeDi_wjyJ0dYErYZVQNGKtWknmH4HoJEYool3Hc7Jdokqugt0b2AQr8Otwp85GZrz29_pq_-oLIZeW1r_wK-UAf0-vFAj8PKgWyZ7Pvj-cUixh2Ef6d3eO5DtwcFiU879KHoqDI83Nc/s1600/IMG_7402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IeDi_wjyJ0dYErYZVQNGKtWknmH4HoJEYool3Hc7Jdokqugt0b2AQr8Otwp85GZrz29_pq_-oLIZeW1r_wK-UAf0-vFAj8PKgWyZ7Pvj-cUixh2Ef6d3eO5DtwcFiU879KHoqDI83Nc/s640/IMG_7402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sea is rough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCWJvF2QvDroPC7rd-a66o0daLKmQUWsXtWcdOZVWQ5P46atI-iDwQpe3Ck1HKuvzFlmg4xl0wk2lMA9My-GmgwjQmEu1459Tb_T4_DV1XRhhbNHeDpsY2GB1hZZDrnjREN0r-essc28/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCWJvF2QvDroPC7rd-a66o0daLKmQUWsXtWcdOZVWQ5P46atI-iDwQpe3Ck1HKuvzFlmg4xl0wk2lMA9My-GmgwjQmEu1459Tb_T4_DV1XRhhbNHeDpsY2GB1hZZDrnjREN0r-essc28/s640/IMG_7406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winds are challenging yet fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vtGHUPML-xZTA2lrXByxtNCpX4W6mlW6zsiJF-nHmz_x3L1bUmP000eQh49TUz6JBmU4ccOleE9yWpM-Hlus2Zic7GhGzb69kmPKx7iYbcAYs2VMWD-iVPGzLnk66qdjqJDYBmymq9E/s1600/IMG_7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vtGHUPML-xZTA2lrXByxtNCpX4W6mlW6zsiJF-nHmz_x3L1bUmP000eQh49TUz6JBmU4ccOleE9yWpM-Hlus2Zic7GhGzb69kmPKx7iYbcAYs2VMWD-iVPGzLnk66qdjqJDYBmymq9E/s640/IMG_7420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only picture of the car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkLRMaZ48I94PslzNknBDZirhZ62wcY0M3OqkO0ethku59l1kKLOj2npN-8o1GAKNqGFaRAurVNq2B1aDvEZ1T2uEtrfX7x6XMxPWbPXBNAKxRLprTx94eSKR4EG2T_Xpb2U7vXa4G88/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkLRMaZ48I94PslzNknBDZirhZ62wcY0M3OqkO0ethku59l1kKLOj2npN-8o1GAKNqGFaRAurVNq2B1aDvEZ1T2uEtrfX7x6XMxPWbPXBNAKxRLprTx94eSKR4EG2T_Xpb2U7vXa4G88/s640/IMG_7433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjords, low clouds, grass bales</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8X8gkN6idxW5DOa6H-wOi5Ubt6eNBlHa7AwFrxH98YX3Aj4Jgg3tU4dE625cjj3kBl0VGpa5PS2DiYr7ED0ForvWp74frxo7GcY_o_Zrcm6IzqKmaS5C3Usf3wDbwr3hDEs-vdpgk_4k/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8X8gkN6idxW5DOa6H-wOi5Ubt6eNBlHa7AwFrxH98YX3Aj4Jgg3tU4dE625cjj3kBl0VGpa5PS2DiYr7ED0ForvWp74frxo7GcY_o_Zrcm6IzqKmaS5C3Usf3wDbwr3hDEs-vdpgk_4k/s640/IMG_7444.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brown beach</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just before the village of Breiðdalsvík lies a large beach made of brown sand. Its sand was undisturbed as if no one ever walked on it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgH4b5I6Arwx8p1P0FKjguVaf-crRS0AUYsD22VFl7SQ5uonIzI0-xitYiKoEEZlg3iK0qUcCc2KywqGsCZHj-2Xi2ZeHX2-2gzJrnntCU-QkbbOqV69KCk8CN_Nv_8xYR4orlhpQOg/s1600/IMG_7458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgH4b5I6Arwx8p1P0FKjguVaf-crRS0AUYsD22VFl7SQ5uonIzI0-xitYiKoEEZlg3iK0qUcCc2KywqGsCZHj-2Xi2ZeHX2-2gzJrnntCU-QkbbOqV69KCk8CN_Nv_8xYR4orlhpQOg/s640/IMG_7458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small village of Breiðdalsvík, through its boat</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We stayed overnight in Breiðdalsvík. It is a small village of a few dozen houses.<br />
<br />
We drove to North Iceland on Day 5. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDDW3XRo7Gddwd-o8Fzl11GjfCpIomuc0DZGV8ky4itHiRnnU50RdNwiMZ9jFmHJe08wNW9lVpIa-wn8-V8S8hYwuZB2uCi_-SCEUsT_yC1WVNReHF2tfjHF3L0LYTMB5ytK1BLxePWs/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDDW3XRo7Gddwd-o8Fzl11GjfCpIomuc0DZGV8ky4itHiRnnU50RdNwiMZ9jFmHJe08wNW9lVpIa-wn8-V8S8hYwuZB2uCi_-SCEUsT_yC1WVNReHF2tfjHF3L0LYTMB5ytK1BLxePWs/s640/IMG_7473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls count -> infinity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had read about lenticular clouds in aviation books, but then I saw them. The storm that had brought strong winds on our trip created a marvellous sky filled with lenticular clouds. No one dare fly around these airplane shredders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cX5Dj9NfQJCnCbrTWi-uwgk6SgrHVSO5LJMP5ilMLLaw8jCOEHwlf4YJbG95H40XOuuTAExCGTAeVmuxlaTd_LR6bnLONvMdINWNy4Bi3O-c7ejkpixiVFIwCRhJi87l9AA7o2BFHuI/s1600/IMG_7484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cX5Dj9NfQJCnCbrTWi-uwgk6SgrHVSO5LJMP5ilMLLaw8jCOEHwlf4YJbG95H40XOuuTAExCGTAeVmuxlaTd_LR6bnLONvMdINWNy4Bi3O-c7ejkpixiVFIwCRhJi87l9AA7o2BFHuI/s640/IMG_7484.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turbulence -> infinity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oTPGX0jS7KlMv4_B6RUyQxnO4ZBs7y2o_qaygWKiMFSBeqEt79qqbeagi1ypob-1-H6J3UhxQB9NYOBrcBKRAJas9dnnfn8IGlkWJss0xHTG1O4_AARmJ7cU_Y1ffR0ySLPxuFmN3eA/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oTPGX0jS7KlMv4_B6RUyQxnO4ZBs7y2o_qaygWKiMFSBeqEt79qqbeagi1ypob-1-H6J3UhxQB9NYOBrcBKRAJas9dnnfn8IGlkWJss0xHTG1O4_AARmJ7cU_Y1ffR0ySLPxuFmN3eA/s640/IMG_7490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lenticular clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
North Iceland is dry and brown. It probably rains less there.<br />
<br />
We drove to the largest waterfall in Iceland: Dettifoss. Life began here per Promtheus <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vdnmhDJ8i8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vdnmhDJ8i8</a>. The drive to Dettifoss is 24 km of unpaved bone shattering road experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1gKEBCYxNY1l0iwwRWRO_GYEYKMLmuN0RszC8c0qFIvT9TMuUw2QFGxmh_IiHPveWjzum36B70QXaJuWsxbgGTdFYy52bp3ry1QNqpKBzz2nfhlfZmVZrQcUPuQSvM1z20I08SvBa7Y/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1gKEBCYxNY1l0iwwRWRO_GYEYKMLmuN0RszC8c0qFIvT9TMuUw2QFGxmh_IiHPveWjzum36B70QXaJuWsxbgGTdFYy52bp3ry1QNqpKBzz2nfhlfZmVZrQcUPuQSvM1z20I08SvBa7Y/s640/IMG_7504.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dettifoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A short drive from Dettifoss turn-out is Viti Crater area. The ground is hot here and steam is used to produce electricity. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX7OKni1AqBBfbdafSSIC7hPf_O93b701-XCKSu2zwB1p8k7daIG-MHPC6VqfeCaxnC7qtPnBgP-zkJxII4Bu_qFwot10UazCOTbzI5X7KlHL_z7XwIWtkw0892LFIb1CaIdEe5C3pt8/s1600/IMG_7512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX7OKni1AqBBfbdafSSIC7hPf_O93b701-XCKSu2zwB1p8k7daIG-MHPC6VqfeCaxnC7qtPnBgP-zkJxII4Bu_qFwot10UazCOTbzI5X7KlHL_z7XwIWtkw0892LFIb1CaIdEe5C3pt8/s640/IMG_7512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geothermal electricity generation plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIt1UjJKpcaeT08udWYyq9X_ZqT4R3CIXDUu2VZZNdFnQ72b-8VDfqFZnxpqoBTv7DgEF0YkpZ3FO-4nENhb1spAsxIGpYgmJosHvlX6TehihpJGXN1g-87LlqipghpKDJoeD7eD2ip0/s1600/IMG_7516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIt1UjJKpcaeT08udWYyq9X_ZqT4R3CIXDUu2VZZNdFnQ72b-8VDfqFZnxpqoBTv7DgEF0YkpZ3FO-4nENhb1spAsxIGpYgmJosHvlX6TehihpJGXN1g-87LlqipghpKDJoeD7eD2ip0/s640/IMG_7516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viti Crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgpSRdoY_QiWeZjOOXJfsai7t8v0OPHofqrsZJieq1NO0kaRYwCr0bG64KbgMXV4dEY8afBBXla7qaHFJwrvWrpWF8TVHM66tw9Lhpj1G0_bRfloPCDHUe6cg12PPMqk2IluqMjjpiL8/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgpSRdoY_QiWeZjOOXJfsai7t8v0OPHofqrsZJieq1NO0kaRYwCr0bG64KbgMXV4dEY8afBBXla7qaHFJwrvWrpWF8TVHM66tw9Lhpj1G0_bRfloPCDHUe6cg12PPMqk2IluqMjjpiL8/s640/IMG_7520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP99JscY4sWm9xESs4vhV0e0kZxZtnw1xRsEIZYxhpbcrtcA7HBl7xj7n4KczVeAmj6dDf2qOY5q34tERVeHahWj3Eke4OAVDOKUR9zk-k0gdtQRbcT4XZiO4fBgwn2hT2-b9jbAeGGg/s1600/IMG_7560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP99JscY4sWm9xESs4vhV0e0kZxZtnw1xRsEIZYxhpbcrtcA7HBl7xj7n4KczVeAmj6dDf2qOY5q34tERVeHahWj3Eke4OAVDOKUR9zk-k0gdtQRbcT4XZiO4fBgwn2hT2-b9jbAeGGg/s640/IMG_7560.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lava fields of Leirhnukur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next to Viti Crater is a hike to Leirhnukur. This contains a Caldera which erupted recently. The Lava has solidified but you can still feel some heat under the rocks. Its a good place for kids to learn about volcanoes. We found many volcanoes in this area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-Z5SP2XKVVjXrTbwl2firF4tuQOG9L1YEkdcjcfNLdVnSroxpu9h7I1PWjC8bm_BBbUt57AVC047BErOtwzC8zJoD6AeqlSk-eNHPtMmzZSrZ_JIZjp8PE3wk0VUgs5B0RrFTFV61Xc/s1600/IMG_7565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-Z5SP2XKVVjXrTbwl2firF4tuQOG9L1YEkdcjcfNLdVnSroxpu9h7I1PWjC8bm_BBbUt57AVC047BErOtwzC8zJoD6AeqlSk-eNHPtMmzZSrZ_JIZjp8PE3wk0VUgs5B0RrFTFV61Xc/s640/IMG_7565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leirhnukur boiling pools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MGRvSlMEIp4cW-ilpg8Lpy-lrQ_CdfQvasjLEhX7Iipba6Jl7AfsvhdLI5XygambBK4pEiMS9XHvEkMw0tp-MPPtBmOFHG0ADtoQvK0PCYMht7pQZk23uMGuepcroyAF5nqAWmpO5eY/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MGRvSlMEIp4cW-ilpg8Lpy-lrQ_CdfQvasjLEhX7Iipba6Jl7AfsvhdLI5XygambBK4pEiMS9XHvEkMw0tp-MPPtBmOFHG0ADtoQvK0PCYMht7pQZk23uMGuepcroyAF5nqAWmpO5eY/s640/IMG_7587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hverir</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We drove South of the Krafla area to Námafjall, a mountain, beneath which is Hverir, a geothermal area with boiling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. For anyone who has visited Yellowstone, this is less impressive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH8NnNLtpNnDZSTYLWEdKhNHxW3d4iByxNcrDmRYGimG3uOabLilOj5WSp84lK2HrdPvqoQD5LDd8Z97thyphenhyphenhcBSeY1Ee6X-KQQwNIMb1_zr8b9Y525GIFockFK-d8fJ-8O9iDogpOOeY/s1600/IMG_7594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH8NnNLtpNnDZSTYLWEdKhNHxW3d4iByxNcrDmRYGimG3uOabLilOj5WSp84lK2HrdPvqoQD5LDd8Z97thyphenhyphenhcBSeY1Ee6X-KQQwNIMb1_zr8b9Y525GIFockFK-d8fJ-8O9iDogpOOeY/s640/IMG_7594.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godafoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Hverir, we drove through beautiful lake Myvatn area. We drove past a large waterfall called Godafoss. We approached Iceland's second largest town: Akureyri. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96sgoBdLwSQ30opos9z1N8HWk6CMyQrrujlq146uNm7ToL5ygjinGORSR5dValBrM8X8MySCcRHbjUpfHtwpb0zxMotQFyKS9mTuukKJnB14sGVbAnMGBYA5z7HLA36JVxlUlTd5dH9g/s1600/IMG_7598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96sgoBdLwSQ30opos9z1N8HWk6CMyQrrujlq146uNm7ToL5ygjinGORSR5dValBrM8X8MySCcRHbjUpfHtwpb0zxMotQFyKS9mTuukKJnB14sGVbAnMGBYA5z7HLA36JVxlUlTd5dH9g/s640/IMG_7598.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before Akureyri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf71_MHh6GVV1Xjxi29SSZWAuQpVxgFVFkUYApB-HgTjHogHqjIyrs5qiFgJnMfktjbrZm53g-gH26oVFHayp3aWwAJTUIxt8wIYxvWg6ZxW68kgsm4mWeCuKD_83vsI7aiRfbOHUlRRg/s1600/IMG_7600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf71_MHh6GVV1Xjxi29SSZWAuQpVxgFVFkUYApB-HgTjHogHqjIyrs5qiFgJnMfktjbrZm53g-gH26oVFHayp3aWwAJTUIxt8wIYxvWg6ZxW68kgsm4mWeCuKD_83vsI7aiRfbOHUlRRg/s640/IMG_7600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busiest street in Akureyri</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Akureyri is neat. First, it is a city in an impressive Fjord of snow capped mountains. Second, it is trendy by Iceland standards. We stayed in Akyreyri overnight. The sky was clear and we saw Northern Lights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DQ3BMpPHTVelia9i7NfS-JmH-x4KaK1oxhsM5oLIVkogpOzozoliZZxBeaIbAyIQxsQ5u_oSrsETvE99ValX1fH4E4Vc0tKk0bRtW8-xPQfRmOZMDy5e8Qg34kDR4zoERhLlU_xJ5Nk/s1600/IMG_7601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DQ3BMpPHTVelia9i7NfS-JmH-x4KaK1oxhsM5oLIVkogpOzozoliZZxBeaIbAyIQxsQ5u_oSrsETvE99ValX1fH4E4Vc0tKk0bRtW8-xPQfRmOZMDy5e8Qg34kDR4zoERhLlU_xJ5Nk/s640/IMG_7601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfowl by the Swimming Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmvnEgMUQOW7qEZQLt8lfNrOSKlgosa4Gr2dmTWA9q83IJGxjWYBC4D7Jx2mi11GhUNKt3RhdzlByiyd6h8lobDF_z6jBl-6qbM-iZVhXFpmWYxfiFJiun_U85lUrc01gZiKEkvZKLk/s1600/IMG_7602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmvnEgMUQOW7qEZQLt8lfNrOSKlgosa4Gr2dmTWA9q83IJGxjWYBC4D7Jx2mi11GhUNKt3RhdzlByiyd6h8lobDF_z6jBl-6qbM-iZVhXFpmWYxfiFJiun_U85lUrc01gZiKEkvZKLk/s640/IMG_7602.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akureyri cultivation?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04Wg4EHh98jbb4MWg0h_qZc-JqYiieGharnzp-hQ9hgqCDOTwrWevroGSgGTppVlxleTeFqrofAW3_JIXeWgIRJrFlKOkczOWuWGHQPXYEbNYUteIcp1uoFvLIf_fZeOxceAyZqIJde0/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04Wg4EHh98jbb4MWg0h_qZc-JqYiieGharnzp-hQ9hgqCDOTwrWevroGSgGTppVlxleTeFqrofAW3_JIXeWgIRJrFlKOkczOWuWGHQPXYEbNYUteIcp1uoFvLIf_fZeOxceAyZqIJde0/s640/IMG_7603.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy city: Not</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh3uOxInUDSHmMoiVRqThjSpE2wyG28O2qXDOhEycN8Z9yY-_Hk5XHsPoX1rmXRVwkyUvT2KNSV5OiEUswR1Z527DzuuvYrCDXASSjd8gLQLLRVN_CqEZ423Tvc7HmtuZcoLqYos1Qm4/s1600/IMG_7618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh3uOxInUDSHmMoiVRqThjSpE2wyG28O2qXDOhEycN8Z9yY-_Hk5XHsPoX1rmXRVwkyUvT2KNSV5OiEUswR1Z527DzuuvYrCDXASSjd8gLQLLRVN_CqEZ423Tvc7HmtuZcoLqYos1Qm4/s640/IMG_7618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora in Akureyri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had plans to drive to Kirkjufellsfoss but we skipped it. It was adding four hours to our drive and we were tired of driving. Instead we drove to Hveragerdi to complete our mission to Reykjadalur.<br />
In the way we visited Grabrok Crater. It is worth visiting for its views of the surrounding valley.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-_YeeXm8vaV2p-YPQXn7b5UZEVUykZ_WOMvTxxvijzqvO8paEqIk2BHd0ViWzqN0lGVD7p8z-hjhpuV3OePwDlI-yRxeYlr-4Owp10m2aeBMGJwnSv2XKQH5KMJJaEJTQA6tna0K72g/s1600/IMG_7656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-_YeeXm8vaV2p-YPQXn7b5UZEVUykZ_WOMvTxxvijzqvO8paEqIk2BHd0ViWzqN0lGVD7p8z-hjhpuV3OePwDlI-yRxeYlr-4Owp10m2aeBMGJwnSv2XKQH5KMJJaEJTQA6tna0K72g/s640/IMG_7656.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabrok Crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next day, we once again started our ascend to Reykjadalur in much different weather conditions. The wind was calm, and the sun was shining. The scenery on the hike is remarkable. There is a large waterfall, and you cross a shallow river.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwBq-R30MaOMkjLnJo8p_9gg3doA1YphWgFxWwrjVf0xKqW7ru0iBI1T3CQUk143PJpB9Tgghgyn8FZbNBoGTgGGNztbrj3aCMHnaPH-H-p525Y58ICHLv3XLJBZUxmk-iOJYLy-uV5U/s1600/IMG_7683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwBq-R30MaOMkjLnJo8p_9gg3doA1YphWgFxWwrjVf0xKqW7ru0iBI1T3CQUk143PJpB9Tgghgyn8FZbNBoGTgGGNztbrj3aCMHnaPH-H-p525Y58ICHLv3XLJBZUxmk-iOJYLy-uV5U/s640/IMG_7683.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall (Reykjadalur hike)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we got to Reykjadalur, we put on our swim suits and found a good spot to plunge into the river.<br />
<br />
The river has hot water and the temperature depends on where you are in the river. River bottom and sides have boiling hot water vents. Hot water from vents mixes with cold river water to make the right temperature to bathe in. If you move too close to the hot water vents, the water become warmer, if you move away, the water becomes cold. You have to find your own comfortable temperature.<br />
<br />
We got there early so had many options to select our spot. Later in the day, people had less options as all good spots were taken.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBYn_SkQw2-ERcCU-X0zWn1tNb-RYHUSlWqqwzUaNTByR5nti_kvTQln3HBFLkB7Eq2kZY1KT7EVW030dsLxzwrU4ko2j-wO4OcomSOIswQ-tAr9PsvgAlhzBNviy74TYlA9AhpCGL88/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBYn_SkQw2-ERcCU-X0zWn1tNb-RYHUSlWqqwzUaNTByR5nti_kvTQln3HBFLkB7Eq2kZY1KT7EVW030dsLxzwrU4ko2j-wO4OcomSOIswQ-tAr9PsvgAlhzBNviy74TYlA9AhpCGL88/s640/IMG_7703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for a spot to settle in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAJm28r0BPW5ujcuYrQzuNjULFtaQv-0kuMBOCY2n4fSp6t5ZmW2wQoPCdslJjuEqeUm-8BP2O5_Yr17iogC7v805dglAb-DXBT9QwqvLEWxby0F_3JR7xrcFSKk4JCAw4LCuemm6Mzg/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAJm28r0BPW5ujcuYrQzuNjULFtaQv-0kuMBOCY2n4fSp6t5ZmW2wQoPCdslJjuEqeUm-8BP2O5_Yr17iogC7v805dglAb-DXBT9QwqvLEWxby0F_3JR7xrcFSKk4JCAw4LCuemm6Mzg/s640/IMG_7704.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzMD9hxVL9WdHkfrFCagfBM8P6b0BqcsJeOlIrl0mDPsudZrGZ6HzB9HZb25D3r2OzVzs3YUx0f7shSU56rLuqMjDp4IpUctxIdta2hzmdYlJtjqJdcqPi74iYqRlLk4j7qLdq9mihBY/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzMD9hxVL9WdHkfrFCagfBM8P6b0BqcsJeOlIrl0mDPsudZrGZ6HzB9HZb25D3r2OzVzs3YUx0f7shSU56rLuqMjDp4IpUctxIdta2hzmdYlJtjqJdcqPi74iYqRlLk4j7qLdq9mihBY/s640/IMG_7708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pile of clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_MVPMQH5Uq-4bqBLLdvRScf19QThMhabofuJ94CiuBKozeArZY7W1Bvfnvchnw4t7otDorOIxa2iijjVNEuXnEPM7we4n9qisJtmGeZmD1xZW-ZQ0yS68h_-AgAzJrmvBVau4Nt3H6w/s1600/IMG_7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_MVPMQH5Uq-4bqBLLdvRScf19QThMhabofuJ94CiuBKozeArZY7W1Bvfnvchnw4t7otDorOIxa2iijjVNEuXnEPM7we4n9qisJtmGeZmD1xZW-ZQ0yS68h_-AgAzJrmvBVau4Nt3H6w/s640/IMG_7721.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam valley of Hveragardi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB-XNNu1Ghy3tVVbfFBmtYyrGlAF1GbKUH0B65vkSkRe-HsiP2lRyWAHQsDrDeTkjrcUCH9bb3Paf2i_7XT_H96e5NteSOnQyLEsZ1Hr0wFykYqAXc_mR2ynRKb6UFK48Rqz8GAovSDI/s1600/IMG_7733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB-XNNu1Ghy3tVVbfFBmtYyrGlAF1GbKUH0B65vkSkRe-HsiP2lRyWAHQsDrDeTkjrcUCH9bb3Paf2i_7XT_H96e5NteSOnQyLEsZ1Hr0wFykYqAXc_mR2ynRKb6UFK48Rqz8GAovSDI/s640/IMG_7733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj6e2Et3rUdDQ4ZlOXu4a0ZuT1jQyxVnZbPUeRyTkuRzoj1iz8sP6OLKueb5J2GbHNjSONw65tEQK4aaRMKi8h6UFP98nDxoDVy1x-2m66gL3NL0iEGR9xbftsWOr_mm35Uai0T3WLf0/s1600/IMG_7738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj6e2Et3rUdDQ4ZlOXu4a0ZuT1jQyxVnZbPUeRyTkuRzoj1iz8sP6OLKueb5J2GbHNjSONw65tEQK4aaRMKi8h6UFP98nDxoDVy1x-2m66gL3NL0iEGR9xbftsWOr_mm35Uai0T3WLf0/s320/IMG_7738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam driven kitchens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can buy bread baked by the ground heat in Hveragardi.<br />
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There is a bunch of activities around Hveragardi. We borrowed head lamps from our hotel and tried to explore Raufarholshellir caves. They were too difficult for me due to my recent back surgery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefZ_FB_05RMqDjN5p_crDjsNmiJPVs9z-RoADxdsIQOG5fkk5kOjo_TCJGsabpExwo7znbva1Q5OTGCI5WGnZ1Eb1YKTFIPbRl0qVShwK9EfIinhH3QAIqjAOhlSEyTvmxNJ75jyoEtY/s1600/IMG_7746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefZ_FB_05RMqDjN5p_crDjsNmiJPVs9z-RoADxdsIQOG5fkk5kOjo_TCJGsabpExwo7znbva1Q5OTGCI5WGnZ1Eb1YKTFIPbRl0qVShwK9EfIinhH3QAIqjAOhlSEyTvmxNJ75jyoEtY/s640/IMG_7746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raufarholshellir Caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTVHBzF-3U-3VnBcYK2CCfJIxxb7UZj8pRXuojF7_C6DFtEYGJW0W5e5ED1X5FoQ0xn-qyN17Uao0Sjm-nqkLSV5Msi70zeBqDrmgobJGWazUy6Iy1f62dWyNHb1Jb3wphS2nkRkdZVE/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTVHBzF-3U-3VnBcYK2CCfJIxxb7UZj8pRXuojF7_C6DFtEYGJW0W5e5ED1X5FoQ0xn-qyN17Uao0Sjm-nqkLSV5Msi70zeBqDrmgobJGWazUy6Iy1f62dWyNHb1Jb3wphS2nkRkdZVE/s640/IMG_7763.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hlidarvatn Lake</td></tr>
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On our final day in Iceland, we drove to the airport along the coast. We stopped at Lake Hlidarvatn and at the Tectonic plates area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pdkw5Jtcg2CwpIzx64VD0E_kjEpR-FYqXRPGQYPYkZjpY0q6MVnxr0IihlLxF4wcPMDrrq3NTNLU4qtb78VtPbtkkcoTOYkGjcwm83-Mcu2DM3voCVXCdp-_4gUVpGaCHhXyi3hNgZg/s1600/IMG_7764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pdkw5Jtcg2CwpIzx64VD0E_kjEpR-FYqXRPGQYPYkZjpY0q6MVnxr0IihlLxF4wcPMDrrq3NTNLU4qtb78VtPbtkkcoTOYkGjcwm83-Mcu2DM3voCVXCdp-_4gUVpGaCHhXyi3hNgZg/s640/IMG_7764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the continents meet (Tectonic plates)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zt6QHhm3vWSJ0QiuWuwKkDYOYMsZ-5N2NqO8PKM9RoPE_UG5I6bV5cTf2qKgV-nxGV8Bkw5bM25QQNq5Q5kpw8P_A9lFKkOA3gw0M64-CRpwEmBZmLhcV_te9J1BgU4oDrlJmUSqfzM/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zt6QHhm3vWSJ0QiuWuwKkDYOYMsZ-5N2NqO8PKM9RoPE_UG5I6bV5cTf2qKgV-nxGV8Bkw5bM25QQNq5Q5kpw8P_A9lFKkOA3gw0M64-CRpwEmBZmLhcV_te9J1BgU4oDrlJmUSqfzM/s640/IMG_7765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids petting some horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4UFzhH_sTq2vBHBJbhKwHnQcjIn5CB21ZT71AVkPkFpe-OWzNwnDkl5PPZ1rKZvfj3U0HEm_53r1y7eFfvoTiYdZ4gmuDXdG8piEX4MnK23vg2ckiIRsdYslExy5WmGlZTx9OHEBnpg/s1600/IMG_7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4UFzhH_sTq2vBHBJbhKwHnQcjIn5CB21ZT71AVkPkFpe-OWzNwnDkl5PPZ1rKZvfj3U0HEm_53r1y7eFfvoTiYdZ4gmuDXdG8piEX4MnK23vg2ckiIRsdYslExy5WmGlZTx9OHEBnpg/s640/IMG_7766.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens of Hotel Hlid (we stayed here on our last day in Iceland)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnOdcOK_Rpn4kVSBEe7_LRyiqSVWRbO2-Yh9BGYTTHk5bW5gtH1_w4xtTJnjER9f02ksIByfCmMKSmFRM9fVjLX2t5OYgJ3YWnHEyQa6lzEXfVZtovPR146OYGdLS1aLP_mNKoacsSPo/s1600/IMG_7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnOdcOK_Rpn4kVSBEe7_LRyiqSVWRbO2-Yh9BGYTTHk5bW5gtH1_w4xtTJnjER9f02ksIByfCmMKSmFRM9fVjLX2t5OYgJ3YWnHEyQa6lzEXfVZtovPR146OYGdLS1aLP_mNKoacsSPo/s320/IMG_7245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of many single and double rainbows we saw</td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-34509271857707805642016-07-19T14:35:00.004-04:002016-07-19T14:45:01.868-04:00Update to my L5-S1 Discectomy RecoveryIts about eight months since I had L5-S1 discectomy.<br />
<br />
I have not written anything about my recovery since twelfth week after my operation. I was still suffering then, but a lot has changed since.<br />
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I am feeling great for last one month. I am just celebrating my first week free of pain.<br />
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The pain was ON and OFF till about seventh months after the operation, but it is now mostly gone. What little pain remains is what I call the "reminder pain" that reminds me to not do anything silly that will put unnecessary pressure on spine.<br />
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I started training with a trainer six months after the operation. I have made a gym at home. We do light weights and stretching three times a week. I have gained fifteen lbs since surgery but its mostly good weight. I needed some muscle.<br />
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My diet is strict. Using My Fitness Pal app, I am counting calories, and making sure I get right kinds of nutrition from fruit, vegetables, nuts, chicken, and fish. I eat six to seven meals a day.<br />
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I am keeping it very structured. I hope I can keep it going like this forever.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSR2MOYJxSDIpdukgHd2e-syEQJXCisWTyR6XH0Gyd4YXQji2ZHJM_wlr2fsotyqE-ZhRAVeUGxuHqRq8xf3U9jCN85clYDBfNC9EAigGNE9KNCvGNY_wKE4nczgs1Vftq46WbofFge8/s1600/20160718_190357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSR2MOYJxSDIpdukgHd2e-syEQJXCisWTyR6XH0Gyd4YXQji2ZHJM_wlr2fsotyqE-ZhRAVeUGxuHqRq8xf3U9jCN85clYDBfNC9EAigGNE9KNCvGNY_wKE4nczgs1Vftq46WbofFge8/s640/20160718_190357.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At "Fitness Together Sudbury"</td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-32072032954492105682016-05-05T14:56:00.001-04:002016-05-06T08:59:32.398-04:00Golden DaysMy boss once asked me, "Zubair, what is one thing that excites you about your job". I guess he was expecting a different answer as he seemed disappointed when I replied, "Its ten minutes away from my house". In sixteen years of my work life, I have never commuted more than ten minutes away.<br />
<br />
To all the people who choose to work for giants and leaders in software industry, commuting away hours of their life daily, I suggest re-evaluating priorities for them.<br />
<br />
My current job has been very kind to me. When I was sick and unable
to work for three months, I was granted sick leave without any
questions. I could have used that sick time-off better. I did manage to finish the long version of Arabian Nights (called Alif-Lela in Urdu), but I could have helped kids with school, read them books, talked to them, and cherished their young years. I burnt away most of that time doing nothing at all, and worrying about future, fully stressed out, and sad.<br />
<br />
Now that my physical pain is mostly gone, and I am back to joining the ranks of the healthy and the "young", I reflect on that time to find guidance for future.<br />
<br />
I leave for work when kids leave for school. They are in school till 3 PM. By the time I come back at 5 PM, they are done with their home work. Its all fun after that. We are on the seventh level of "Donkey Kong Country Returns Wii". We go out for a one hour walk almost daily, we snuggle in bed for half hour before they jump out to their own beds. There are only a few years left before they have no time for me but I hope this will never happen.<br />
<br />
Weekends need better management of my time. All social interactions happen on weekends, which means kids are busy playing with their friends while I chat away on politics with other parents. I have been pushing back with Momina that I need more time on the weekends, but I agree with her that kids need to play with kids.<br />
<br />
I love teaching. I can fly again, and I am teaching others to fly! Flying is easy, teaching flying is hard. Spending time with family means I cannot have more than one student at a time. I have two now, and I am struggling with time.<br />
<br />
I just booked a trip to Iceland in October with family. Hopefully I will be able to hike by then. I am looking to explore it on a Skyhawk which I can hopefully rent there. But with unpredictable weather, the plan may have to be executed on a rental car instead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvnq7hXW975_lnj45vxaV4GzhMAvrFo_faXlnCvtkhi_tgtXvEllhH4UMjjO0zZg1N065ancsf-MNY_RK2LSBt-tZn3USlWowXTPpYvDuDtZMafIk1IK8EfEW-Oy0rfD6AIP7DhBAivU/s1600/20151211_091433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvnq7hXW975_lnj45vxaV4GzhMAvrFo_faXlnCvtkhi_tgtXvEllhH4UMjjO0zZg1N065ancsf-MNY_RK2LSBt-tZn3USlWowXTPpYvDuDtZMafIk1IK8EfEW-Oy0rfD6AIP7DhBAivU/s400/20151211_091433.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suburban views on our walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2wEMlzqSALmj0qxAzbs-va7lBqRJ0MNGEL1hoPeW33MjTBWMl2wtpaDlOc4AoBAecpRr8Ljgeo3uSHx7YpP_aYwzTVkB7ZghiyR4KLjqVZ877q6xSgSkkCqOBOJMRzHIIkYp3UKEOz4/s1600/20151125_161531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2wEMlzqSALmj0qxAzbs-va7lBqRJ0MNGEL1hoPeW33MjTBWMl2wtpaDlOc4AoBAecpRr8Ljgeo3uSHx7YpP_aYwzTVkB7ZghiyR4KLjqVZ877q6xSgSkkCqOBOJMRzHIIkYp3UKEOz4/s400/20151125_161531.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why am I lying down in the car, and why are they not buckled in?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDw2hZDhqOafJ6vjSdRN59XoH0gbNnCb1IlVaLKKuEk0pLVVUNPVSMfp3QqjAv4sOXi0I-ZX0thDzq8ksr2po1PcnGMZ_XtjAWU5TMWIAbi_vkN0TrgRqeDYMxGG6RU3H2z7MtSrF_f8/s1600/20151113_184439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDw2hZDhqOafJ6vjSdRN59XoH0gbNnCb1IlVaLKKuEk0pLVVUNPVSMfp3QqjAv4sOXi0I-ZX0thDzq8ksr2po1PcnGMZ_XtjAWU5TMWIAbi_vkN0TrgRqeDYMxGG6RU3H2z7MtSrF_f8/s400/20151113_184439.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpxeQKzn2ER2Xsq3bkS276TZUh3D6wdxPJFKmxqPHSueAWzwAKMsKdKgtw9eZYh0mrZ5rjQ6ueBgAhR4e9LTiu-US4GEYSNRxkoMqNf2Az5goLy22v3_WjgbD0fI1JC7vvZAllbmvZ7c/s1600/20150911_185704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpxeQKzn2ER2Xsq3bkS276TZUh3D6wdxPJFKmxqPHSueAWzwAKMsKdKgtw9eZYh0mrZ5rjQ6ueBgAhR4e9LTiu-US4GEYSNRxkoMqNf2Az5goLy22v3_WjgbD0fI1JC7vvZAllbmvZ7c/s320/20150911_185704.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice day in Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRVkWo8MXwWRCr9DUAGxVpYNopgF_56A6rXBn2WyEJJFNEm7lTgk_Vzc3eTKgeiljVDHXXPP4Hc1ebuUWC2B89_MXwrR8F2_WfvD6ZjgPaDL8dYbLYt3w1gNIfLWHXppAx24WoUvoMXY/s1600/20160402_103420-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRVkWo8MXwWRCr9DUAGxVpYNopgF_56A6rXBn2WyEJJFNEm7lTgk_Vzc3eTKgeiljVDHXXPP4Hc1ebuUWC2B89_MXwrR8F2_WfvD6ZjgPaDL8dYbLYt3w1gNIfLWHXppAx24WoUvoMXY/s400/20160402_103420-1.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zain claims this to be his leg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bIFQekzf2E0B8gxx9lAtD326uozhxWIcByKR-jBg3xzl0Io4TE95Mui4AONY_TzyU_R011MWk65f7yzjKJcuSw-rwTmaBz50ZGoy95Loup93w55_VYRTOX4UHqzKixUBXLXfvE0Vgsg/s1600/20160418_205831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bIFQekzf2E0B8gxx9lAtD326uozhxWIcByKR-jBg3xzl0Io4TE95Mui4AONY_TzyU_R011MWk65f7yzjKJcuSw-rwTmaBz50ZGoy95Loup93w55_VYRTOX4UHqzKixUBXLXfvE0Vgsg/s320/20160418_205831.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSwvCU3Jg9DoAC8YHV5mAWe1li5ZCzJeyNEyvphk3jeTNUa_F5veSqwabsCItspvrnrA42zAMCcm4PuBl5lTY9MYtA53Gk0A8jwVagujNf5RM3z8f4lSWmyauTcU1ZpxNZgwsp6DH8A4/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSwvCU3Jg9DoAC8YHV5mAWe1li5ZCzJeyNEyvphk3jeTNUa_F5veSqwabsCItspvrnrA42zAMCcm4PuBl5lTY9MYtA53Gk0A8jwVagujNf5RM3z8f4lSWmyauTcU1ZpxNZgwsp6DH8A4/s400/index.jpeg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We cook Premium Meth and store it in our freezer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWLW3O1kR2Pd5k5044GDWtC8cvA9_8tj6QZxSoFLCpLWEUGObukWAknwqCQT0JnFg6LQ8qjABiUB1otoMQ3MJqKqBw9YjB-moxQEE9QB8f5JS5lfJhwkGwEDAVl7_fKKJIj3fpzoYUg/s1600/20160504_175226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWLW3O1kR2Pd5k5044GDWtC8cvA9_8tj6QZxSoFLCpLWEUGObukWAknwqCQT0JnFg6LQ8qjABiUB1otoMQ3MJqKqBw9YjB-moxQEE9QB8f5JS5lfJhwkGwEDAVl7_fKKJIj3fpzoYUg/s640/20160504_175226.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They use rollers but I walk faster<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-1429684854694614082016-02-23T12:47:00.001-05:002016-02-24T21:00:39.662-05:00Log of a DiscectomyThis is the story of a painful part of my life. I am writing it for the unfortunate few who have to deal with lumbar disc herniation. This story gives hope to people who suffer from sciatica, and it gives encouragement to people who are in the recovery phase of their discectomy surgery.<br />
<br />
Today, several years after my sciatica started, I am sitting in my chair, writing this story pain free. Memories of that October morning when it all started are fading.<br />
<br />
<b><b>--------------- </b>Pre-Discectomy</b><br />
<br />
<b>October 2013</b><br />
I woke up with a dull pain in my back. Sitting down makes the pain worse. I continue with my daily activities. It has happened before so I ignore it.<br />
<br />
<b>December 2013</b><br />
Months later, my back is still sore. This is unusual.<br />
<br />
<b>March 2013</b> <br />
The back pain has increased in intensity. Some days, my calf has a dull pain. I can relate this dull calf pain to growing up pain I had when I was in my teens.<br />
<br />
<b>April 2014</b> <br />
I tow a light aircraft by its strut, and suddenly I have a sharp pain in my back. I have to sit down. My friend drives me back home. The sharp pain is gone the next day, but the dull pain remains.<br />
<br />
<b>May 2014</b><br />
I am standing in my office with my hand on a cubicle wall. I sneeze and have a sharp pain from lower back to upper thigh that knocks me to the ground. It takes me fifteen minutes to get back up.<br />
<br />
I see my family physician who recommends physical therapy. I do four weeks of physical therapy. The dull pain remains.<br />
<br />
I am sitting and suddenly, I have sharp pain in the same general area. I take the day off from work. At night, I am watching Pulp Fiction for the twentieth time, and I am in tears. When I laugh, my abdomen muscles cramp up.<br />
<br />
My family physician recommends me to get an MRI. The MRI shows slight disc herniation/protrusion of L5-S1. Nothing to worry about.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTCtcbcQEBDitoO70WMcrkeGoNusg7eYWFn4tqGEoWjoRmrHe5CVW369-dYxjgK9c3Qst0r5Se1w0sS0FQyk8uhaaJtg4vS7yGJ7m5NLrRPuj__uXayJHv6UD5ldO5UmQgnAfRfsQNpw/s1600/emerson_5_30_2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTCtcbcQEBDitoO70WMcrkeGoNusg7eYWFn4tqGEoWjoRmrHe5CVW369-dYxjgK9c3Qst0r5Se1w0sS0FQyk8uhaaJtg4vS7yGJ7m5NLrRPuj__uXayJHv6UD5ldO5UmQgnAfRfsQNpw/s1600/emerson_5_30_2014.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slight disc herniation of L5-S1. S1 Right nerve is slightly compressed (on left side of image)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>June 2014</b><br />
Life goes on. I have accepted these occasional flare ups. I am particular about PT which I do at home now.<br />
<br />
<b>December 2014</b><br />
The pain in the back has decreased. The pain in the upper thigh area remains but is manageable. I travel to Utah and do bunch of driving and hiking.<br />
<br />
<b>April 2015</b><br />
I travel to Turkey. I walk ten miles a day. The back pain comes and goes. I can deal with it. I am still on physical therapy. My core is rock hard.<br />
<br />
<b>May 2015</b> <br />
The pain is gone from back and thigh. I feel cured. Then after one week of no pain, I have another flare up and the pain is moving downward in the leg.<br />
<br />
<b>July 2015</b><br />
I hike Mount Washington.<br />
<br />
<b>August 2015</b> <br />
I have a bad flare up. Sitting now brings a full blown leg pain on the right side, all the way to the calf. Standing or lying down is not an issue.<br />
<br />
<b>September 2015</b> <br />
I am unable to drive now. I grind my teeth while driving. The pain has moved down to the foot. I am still doing PT but it is painful. I am walking on treadmill to keep my cardio health.<br />
<br />
<b>October 2015</b> <br />
I travel to Italy. It is painful in the airplane. Advil does not help much. I am in pain throughout the trip. Pain runs from lower back to foot.<br />
<br />
<b>November 2015</b> <br />
The pain is now unbearable. I cannot walk/stand for more than ten minutes without pain. I cannot sit at all.<br />
I see a neurologist and have another MRI.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLfAC5i2by4gfFtNCm5FCqbvuTCOrqxSWypejtol1Z6jPJCJx61GeKVfjXfwcHc7fWmAP6kKldK30PyI2AfLt4RNtJGGUBinpqa6a_aXg383bsz6pLGIaRvJtneHVYYEnlZ2xVs2Boeo/s1600/newton_11_5_2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLfAC5i2by4gfFtNCm5FCqbvuTCOrqxSWypejtol1Z6jPJCJx61GeKVfjXfwcHc7fWmAP6kKldK30PyI2AfLt4RNtJGGUBinpqa6a_aXg383bsz6pLGIaRvJtneHVYYEnlZ2xVs2Boeo/s1600/newton_11_5_2015.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right S1 nerve (left on the image) is pushed out of view due to large herniation. Left S1 nerve is in correct location.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The herniation is pushing the S1 nerve. The herniation is much larger than a year ago. The neurologist recommends McKenzie exercises. I try McKenzie for a couple of weeks with no change. I am taking Medrol, and Advil. I have a lumbar epidural steroid (Depo-Medrol) injection.<br />
<br />
The ESI is painful but has no effect even after several weeks. Two weeks after ESI, I have had enough. I decide to go for discectomy surgery.<br />
<br />
<i>Depo-Medrol Shot: It was a painful experience. You lie face down, while
the doctor inserts a needle in your spine epidural area. It sounds
painful, and it was painful! It did not help, and I later found out that
this is a risky procedure with a small chance of relief.</i> <br />
<br />
<b>November 16, 2015</b> <br />
I have stopped going to office. I am working from home, lying on the bed. Lying down is the only pain free position.<br />
<br />
<b>--------------- Post-Discectomy</b><br />
<br />
<i>I had a rocky recovery from the L5-S1 discectomy.</i><b><i> </i></b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<b>Surgery Day</b> <br />
Life halts today completely. I have a L5-S1 discectomy operation. The operation was not painful. I enjoyed the medications that knocked me out.<br />
I am up and chatty a few hours after the operation. I will stay in the hospital for one night.<br />
<br />
I walk, then feel the same sciatica pain I had before the surgery. I have good amount of incision pain. The sciatica pain subsides in the next 24 hours, but incision pain is quite annoying. <br />
<br />
<b>Day 1 after surgery</b> <br />
I am at home. I am taking 30 mg of Oxycodone, and 3900 mg of Tylenol mostly for incision pain.<br />
<br />
I walk around the house.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 3 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I am walking outside on the road. I walk 1/4 miles. I have little sciatica. Sometimes I feel a little stretch in the sciatic nerve.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 4 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I walk a mile outside. I have no pain.<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<b>Day 5 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I walk three miles outside. I have no pain.<b><br /></b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<b>Day 6 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I walked five miles outside. I have no pain. I love my new found freedom. Freedom from pain. But I am naive because what lies ahead will change this. This was my last walk outside for next one month.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 1 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I go out for lunch and feel sciatica. I think I have re-herniated. I relax in the bed for next two days but sciatica intensifies. It is less than what I had before operation. I am pretty sure that I have re-herniated.<br />
I call my surgeon's office and am given Medrol (steroid). I take Medrol and the sciatica pain subsides on the last pill.<br />
<br />
Incision pain is gone. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 2 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
<br />
I am off of oxycodone and taking 1300 mg of Tylenol. My sciatica is gone (once again), so I did not re-herniate.<br />
<br />
I am lying down. I sneeze and hear a pop in my back. Sciatica comes back the night of the sneeze and now my back hurts too. Getting out of bed is quite painful now. This time I am certain that I re-herniated. I call my surgeon's office and was prescribed another steroid Decadron. I do not take it because I am beginning to hate pills by now.<br />
<br />
I do not feel like eating. I feel tired. I know its the stress from not getting well that is making me feel sick.<br />
<br />
I will be wrong in everything I assumed.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 3 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
Its day before Christmas morning. My back pain is so bad that I call my surgeons office again. They tell me to come to ER for an MRI. I am excited as now from the MRI they could tell if I re-herniated.<br />
<br />
I am admitted to ER, and am taken for MRI. I am barely able to stay on the MRI table due to back pain. After I return to ER, they admit me indefinitely. I start shivering uncontrollably. I get up to get some water from the ER bed and faint. I am confused as to why they admitted me. I just need to be assured that there is no re-herniation, and then be sent home.<br />
<br />
They took blood samples and fluid from my back to check for infection. They admitted me for three days till infection culture comes back, and put me on Vancomycin IV. They told me they suspect infection because CRP was eight times the maximum limit, and Sed rate was quite high too.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 4 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
After being on Vancomycin for a day, my back pain reduces. I stay on Vancomycin for three days in the hospital. I am walking in the hospital with little sciatica and little back pain.<br />
<br />
Since the MRI is done so close to surgery, it is inconclusive. The radiologist suspects a small re-herniation, scar tissue, inflammation, and a fluid collection that might be infected.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMTG-IBX4CJeNR5ZujCc7EBB3NSI9FwjS_M2OaA5r0_WlCJ5PmdZvX7PrP01UBjpzbNdaFSER5XPkJWLOU__5n5p6rd7C6qFm8RdgT75H4lLbzNSTXEb6U7PHH442IYqxuy49uaPKj04/s1600/tufts_12_24_2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMTG-IBX4CJeNR5ZujCc7EBB3NSI9FwjS_M2OaA5r0_WlCJ5PmdZvX7PrP01UBjpzbNdaFSER5XPkJWLOU__5n5p6rd7C6qFm8RdgT75H4lLbzNSTXEb6U7PHH442IYqxuy49uaPKj04/s1600/tufts_12_24_2015.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRI at week 4. Right S1 nerve is not visible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Culture from my back comes positive for Staph (MSSA). I am excited to learn that its not MRSA. Surgeon's assistant assures me that I will be sent home with couple of weeks of oral antibiotics.<br />
<br />
Then the nurse comes in with an X-Ray machine, and an ultrasound machine. She breaks the news to me that I will be put on IV antibiotics for 6 to 8 weeks. The machines are brought to insert a PICC line in my arm. I will be tied to a pump 24/7 for the next 6 weeks. The pump will continuously pump Oxacillin near my heart.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it takes time to digest all this bad news, and I lash at the nurse for I was told something else.<br />
<br />
PICC line is inserted and I am discharged from the hospital. An IV company comes home to hook me up with the IV pump and medication.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOwW1NGcugTcxXHZal6z7SKn-NKRZQ2NV7kr2rInmqP1kMOc24jW_ng0DGOjfakMGvPHNCuYhjKhGNFDVLGbt_XGxfGdoC44UQ5BTQpUrJ3SdOnuNu2vwNI0yr2cRueLg3aaTojjXbk4/s1600/20160118_102039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOwW1NGcugTcxXHZal6z7SKn-NKRZQ2NV7kr2rInmqP1kMOc24jW_ng0DGOjfakMGvPHNCuYhjKhGNFDVLGbt_XGxfGdoC44UQ5BTQpUrJ3SdOnuNu2vwNI0yr2cRueLg3aaTojjXbk4/s640/20160118_102039.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PICC line. It goes from arm to top of heart. It "bites" for a couple of days but then you do not feel it. Used for Oxacillin 6 weeks course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Back home (Week 4)</b><br />
<b></b><br />
I am beginning to digest the reality of being tied to a pump for next 6 weeks. This night I wake up with excruciating pain in my leg. The sciatica has returned and this time its several times worse than before the operation. I am screaming with pain. I cannot move an inch on the bed. The pain is equal in intensity to the pain I had when I fractured my elbow. I call surgeon's office and am told by the surgeon's assistant that I probably re-herniated and I need to come back to ER. I hate hospital by now so decide to wait a couple of days. I take full oxycodone, and other pain killers. I wake up the next morning and am afraid to get off the bed. It takes me half an hour to get off the bed, then on to my dad's walker. I am barely able to walk.<br />
I start Gabapentin 300 mg, three times a day.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 5 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
Sciatica is manageable again. I get another MRI. There is no change from last MRI. I am happy that a small herniation from the last report has not increased in size.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZb3WWLq_hdo77fGEZcIHIWmTa6cc0yaIFMEQoEo9K7E-wIka3Xu3Aiw0z7b6NPNiC9y1z90rdjIcNiScQiXkuZUmSG3VIYlPYtzUcGu5r3fVLlyUeZYrAaqJKuuTbYbHaLJWjd1qXD0/s1600/tufts_1_05_2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZb3WWLq_hdo77fGEZcIHIWmTa6cc0yaIFMEQoEo9K7E-wIka3Xu3Aiw0z7b6NPNiC9y1z90rdjIcNiScQiXkuZUmSG3VIYlPYtzUcGu5r3fVLlyUeZYrAaqJKuuTbYbHaLJWjd1qXD0/s1600/tufts_1_05_2016.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRI at week 5. Right S1 nerve is barely visible, and still compressed/displaced. The inflammation/collection is reduced compared to last MRI.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The surgeon assures me that all this is temporary, and I am one out of a hundred that have a rocky recovery.<br />
I hate the sound of the IV pump. Its hard to sleep when the pump is going. I make a box for it to mute its sound. The IV incision site of the PICC line oozes blood all the time but does not hurt.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 6 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I am coming off medication. I still have constant sciatica. Good sleep is a distant dream now. I get Charly horses at night. I feel like there is something crawling in my feet under the skin along with awful cramps.<br />
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<b>Week 7 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
Sciatica is gone for a day then comes back. Its manageable but I cannot walk much. I cannot sit for long either. I cannot sleep due to back discomfort and IV line. I am in worse shape than before surgery.<br />
Nurse from IV company comes for blood draw, and gives me cold. I am hating myself.<br />
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<b>Week 8 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I had my wife drive me to work so I can say hi to my colleagues. I show them my pump and gather sympathy. I have not worked for two months.<br />
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<b>Week 9 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
Sciatica is ON and OFF. The duration of ON is getting shorter than the duration of OFF. I work for 4 hours in office on Friday.<br />
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<b>Week 10 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I work in office for five days, four hours each day.<br />
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<b>Week 11 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
I get another MRI to confirm that the infection has not affected the bone. It has not.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItOtJ_K5OHyy5Ov7tKtR1Ir58erFns4lYOVlB3VOJF4uvxnerccFaDzhTM8fvxQFjC2oEUze4azaKdctGDrSAy-l85d4_UWwWbw_H_e011pDOWdfRZ_sgBFcRTmGBSXGAr6WvdkXT6Vk/s1600/tufts_2_2_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItOtJ_K5OHyy5Ov7tKtR1Ir58erFns4lYOVlB3VOJF4uvxnerccFaDzhTM8fvxQFjC2oEUze4azaKdctGDrSAy-l85d4_UWwWbw_H_e011pDOWdfRZ_sgBFcRTmGBSXGAr6WvdkXT6Vk/s400/tufts_2_2_2016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRI showing Right S1 nerve almost back to its original place (place where it is supposed to be).</td></tr>
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The doctor decides to stop my IV, and remove the PICC line on Wednesday. Is this the happiest day of my life?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicubElXceKg6llAlvX5Tr3qrsQMQj2WqPhHOvfI7b0KDwvDV_4Rb6T6pNX2BzVayt8AvkMIgHm2NdD30z7-IujGNlier53L0ryNV0kg8RIp47-iKwDc3WoW_n62g5Onpiqwa2f-spBvWY/s1600/Image+from+Zubair+Khan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicubElXceKg6llAlvX5Tr3qrsQMQj2WqPhHOvfI7b0KDwvDV_4Rb6T6pNX2BzVayt8AvkMIgHm2NdD30z7-IujGNlier53L0ryNV0kg8RIp47-iKwDc3WoW_n62g5Onpiqwa2f-spBvWY/s640/Image+from+Zubair+Khan.jpg" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PICC line removal day. Removing PICC line does not hurt.</td></tr>
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I am told by the surgeon that I will make full recovery and the nerve will heal. The ON/OFF pain, and cramps is the nerve healing. He thinks that the earlier MRI report of a small re-herniation may be incorrect.<br />
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I go out flying with friends. This is my first day out for fun after first week of surgery. Sciatica bothers me for next two days.<br />
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I have started swimming and PT. Both these physical activities irritate the nerve. I am trying to figure the right amount of activity through experiments.<br />
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<b>Week 12 after</b><b> surgery</b><br />
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On the pain scale I am at 1, but sometimes it goes to 3. Before surgery it was 8. For some days after surgery it was 10.<br />
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I worked 35 hours this week at office.<br />
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I am swimming 30 minutes (14 laps of back stroke), and doing light PT every day. I am not doing PT portions that irritate the nerve.<br />
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On the weekend, I am out and about all day long, walking in Newbury street, flying aircraft with friend, and eating out. I have one instance of sciatica (3 out of 10) that lasted half hour.<br />
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The more I am out and about, the better I sleep. I am off of ALL medication for one week.<br />
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I am sitting, typing this from my chair pain free. I get up and walk about. I feel a stretch in my sciatic nerve. I know it will hurt again, but I know it will get better like it always did.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-44997729828715465612015-10-27T13:28:00.000-04:002015-10-28T09:08:42.182-04:00Italy(Edit: Some pictures appear hazy. Click on any picture to see it at full resolution)<br />
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Italy is magnificent, and it is no secret to tourists as they flock to it. To avoid crowds, we took the kids off school for a week in October. The teachers were not happy. If they resisted an iota, I would have complained tit-for-tat about wasting three schools days on a trip to Salisbury Beach.<br />
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Out first stop was Rome via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines.<br />
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The trip started rather scary. My dad got ill, and we were just about to cancel when some timely family help gave us the confidence to move on with the plan.<br />
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<h2>
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Rome</h2>
The flight arrived in Rome at 11 PM, and then Turkish Airlines lost our bag. We had no clothes for our first day in Rome other than what we wore on our flight.<br />
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We took the taxi to Airbnb condo in Rome, slept for a few hours, then off to exploration.<br />
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Day - 1<br />
Rome has excellent public transportation. We got to Piazza Venezia on a tram, then walked all day to everywhere we wanted to go. We walked 14 miles on the first day, then took the tram back from Piazza Venezia to the condo. <br />
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The White Marble Memorial is at Piazza Venezia. You can climb its stairs up to get views of the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum from high up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxNNp1w-RDuRtH3xYtjcjli-3zocwMyHCqDAoO0O5D7-Td2MaFEZdZD6zipt-2TuBshbcpWOK-jriccZGT0WmH0H3WmL2MNU1tR3YxLqhCkjuonI_kDvOg30AWQ9ApjsPhyscJujl5Es/s1600/IMG_6103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxNNp1w-RDuRtH3xYtjcjli-3zocwMyHCqDAoO0O5D7-Td2MaFEZdZD6zipt-2TuBshbcpWOK-jriccZGT0WmH0H3WmL2MNU1tR3YxLqhCkjuonI_kDvOg30AWQ9ApjsPhyscJujl5Es/s640/IMG_6103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Marble Memorial</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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A short walk from Piazza Venezia is St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica near the Pantheon. The church is worth visiting if Pantheon is closed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div id="widget-pane-section-header-title">
St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJooTsLuy4OJuyq4xc4PbBdKXzidfigiWGip5mZynfMucHmO9IG6INeM9TglXUZdDyvPsgCJ0S2U_Kb6vjTjfpZtZacQNZlKAfzeH5frZk2L_biVYp480T3ui_XNJT-QB9VXvyXTNuXLU/s1600/IMG_6129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJooTsLuy4OJuyq4xc4PbBdKXzidfigiWGip5mZynfMucHmO9IG6INeM9TglXUZdDyvPsgCJ0S2U_Kb6vjTjfpZtZacQNZlKAfzeH5frZk2L_biVYp480T3ui_XNJT-QB9VXvyXTNuXLU/s640/IMG_6129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clever lighting in the Sopra Church</td></tr>
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Right next to St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica lies Pantheon. This is a must see building made by Romans two thousand years ago. You Marvel at the grand scale of its dome. It has been converted to a church.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon Dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in Pantheon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCIHOhIDcq7knKrkAxYDgltyVKrsDPTMELUT0NWywAbOEmYcfVKOXwo1heUpty0AFX7EAqfNfAPgEEbat7fRiteLHaPWDraXtvnhWUxUW8ACpDZv5u9UYh-e-_OTOl62L-4IAl2vvFEo/s1600/IMG_6138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People looking up at the Pantheon Dome</td></tr>
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Right next to Pantheon is Piazza Novona. This is worth visiting. Its a nice place to relax on a marble bench if your back is hurting from all the walking. Kids can feed the pigeons. You can wait here if Church of St. Louis of the French is closed. </div>
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Note: All churches close several times during the day for prayers and lunch, and reopen for tourists close to the advertised times. I researched the schedules beforehand to reduce or avoid waiting times.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momina at Piazza Novona</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of St. Louis of the French</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of St. Louis of the French (family on the right)</td></tr>
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You can walk to Spanish Steps from Piazza Novona. Spanish Steps is a shopping area with abundant brand name clothing. Keep the wife distracted, otherwise be ready to waste time on shopping. When you climb up on the steps, you have good city views.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Spanish Steps</td></tr>
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There is a church on top of the Spanish Steps area that is worth visiting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFfGoqNskztqp_opnVBMocCxZss8AALOJk0jn7VCM6zB3KVbVxm2m45yk4DdJO9l4tjb7me92H4mmTepK8Dly3L1Sd_hZI92P_e1DHN_NSpQOEzrocOB3ogGRjLqT1t1Miw71HkNNLow/s1600/IMG_6177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFfGoqNskztqp_opnVBMocCxZss8AALOJk0jn7VCM6zB3KVbVxm2m45yk4DdJO9l4tjb7me92H4mmTepK8Dly3L1Sd_hZI92P_e1DHN_NSpQOEzrocOB3ogGRjLqT1t1Miw71HkNNLow/s640/IMG_6177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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From Spanish Steps, we walked to Trevi Fountain. Since we were ahead of schedule, we visited it during the day, and found no real attraction. The fountains were closed for repairs and the place was full of tourists. You throw coins in the fountain so your wishes come true. We wished for timely delivery of our clothes by Turkish Airlines.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcIizlbfSbC3gefUolyH2lXRe3e1nH2SK_IzqSTtDi9i4Diw8GHwa0QDw3U68GXTJuVc_XIymaYrrYZC2tj-osTx5Zffb1o8IF_GBXrnCouR_fJoIyq4qVeb-zlBq8Bw-WfNkU7sZ2Rs/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcIizlbfSbC3gefUolyH2lXRe3e1nH2SK_IzqSTtDi9i4Diw8GHwa0QDw3U68GXTJuVc_XIymaYrrYZC2tj-osTx5Zffb1o8IF_GBXrnCouR_fJoIyq4qVeb-zlBq8Bw-WfNkU7sZ2Rs/s640/IMG_6178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevi Fountain</td></tr>
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From Trevi Fountain, we walked back to Piazza Venezia. Since we had plenty of time, and had seen everything we wanted to see on the day 1 list, we relaxed at Piazza Venezia, then walked to the river.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlqPpFpMrzrdRlqEAKJBerM4bI1fkakjO1wuphurPRLi8gzEkwZIuwx60pbMRoJDKMm5TabV9W_uTC4aroZRhe9gDAOZXYA6Ei0yuvquy8aLthUz-PBBrmwh8gQ5nZ-cllmovyzMHX90/s1600/IMG_6184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlqPpFpMrzrdRlqEAKJBerM4bI1fkakjO1wuphurPRLi8gzEkwZIuwx60pbMRoJDKMm5TabV9W_uTC4aroZRhe9gDAOZXYA6Ei0yuvquy8aLthUz-PBBrmwh8gQ5nZ-cllmovyzMHX90/s640/IMG_6184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza Venezia</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb1wRc9PvK_XjNRaLGMvn7bCyO0XN07GQo9WqVjjBpd03xuw9CEN7yd4Zg13bgu49EjVjlD1rF3qhMMVDM2ear-zgY6Mp-usm6ao2BgKHv1a0Ncjf5qets83AYB1DsYrYqQYoboul1ug/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb1wRc9PvK_XjNRaLGMvn7bCyO0XN07GQo9WqVjjBpd03xuw9CEN7yd4Zg13bgu49EjVjlD1rF3qhMMVDM2ear-zgY6Mp-usm6ao2BgKHv1a0Ncjf5qets83AYB1DsYrYqQYoboul1ug/s640/IMG_6189.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins near Piazza Venezia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDEIo8VtvpD8-WcS-Pji_qwfN4qbhdNPlend7fYiAKe8p1MYA8jNc0ZxtXQ8DyzPdx6_QIBsZudGbxrFwx7jBns_FN0c16HMAqX57pFGw4oX6gh1dtFac_G5vsQcPIclNyxMY8y2p830/s1600/IMG_6203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDEIo8VtvpD8-WcS-Pji_qwfN4qbhdNPlend7fYiAKe8p1MYA8jNc0ZxtXQ8DyzPdx6_QIBsZudGbxrFwx7jBns_FN0c16HMAqX57pFGw4oX6gh1dtFac_G5vsQcPIclNyxMY8y2p830/s640/IMG_6203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Marble Monument</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ZxdnUjsw3lXB4mEniX8chMDiNyhdfnvHWrwcaQj9qm0YESdFkmLRy3iHcLXzS81J8AfY-cJzwLTzlCM4alhVHh7VnLtW-5akYWIcN6ZVAGvyYdoDJzhxhoC2zKpyqu81Y4PZVySaEI/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ZxdnUjsw3lXB4mEniX8chMDiNyhdfnvHWrwcaQj9qm0YESdFkmLRy3iHcLXzS81J8AfY-cJzwLTzlCM4alhVHh7VnLtW-5akYWIcN6ZVAGvyYdoDJzhxhoC2zKpyqu81Y4PZVySaEI/s640/IMG_6206.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the Marble Monument</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0JIslaGDp7VIvyKuwO5XiVFqjCNzRXOymSSCkDXc49xKTR0wMAgRRUgRJtxrhiV-Lv3VEQtT1-5BmrL69AMCpAwiX9qeFfITBK47LC59BttDfIuVrshgBVkYxCYM1-v7erxh6aMyJL0/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0JIslaGDp7VIvyKuwO5XiVFqjCNzRXOymSSCkDXc49xKTR0wMAgRRUgRJtxrhiV-Lv3VEQtT1-5BmrL69AMCpAwiX9qeFfITBK47LC59BttDfIuVrshgBVkYxCYM1-v7erxh6aMyJL0/s640/IMG_6227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Piazza Venezia, we walked across Tiber River to Trastevere area.<br />
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Trastevere is less touristy, and offers good food. The narrow, winding streets of Trastevere lead you to Basilica de Santa Maria. This is a magnificent church. We got to it when it was in session. Since I had a camera, I got some stares in the church, and hence I decided to leave. I visited it again on day 2 when it was not in session.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO1IUcsY6v7WJXPhtesPhZr344Rj_swPNPKy_2Sgwo7-IC1jSsHYWabTImmvOe1Ilcb7Kt5dl_RIl8Freotx4RZ7Aa0BXGjyp5qbcgt92OgORUpBXsCNDAg36wZoyDfFJt7j2V50fTaU/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO1IUcsY6v7WJXPhtesPhZr344Rj_swPNPKy_2Sgwo7-IC1jSsHYWabTImmvOe1Ilcb7Kt5dl_RIl8Freotx4RZ7Aa0BXGjyp5qbcgt92OgORUpBXsCNDAg36wZoyDfFJt7j2V50fTaU/s640/IMG_6235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Tiber (Family in the middle-left)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8g51VWEU1x2b1zIhUuTNf3u3IlgH1oAKnlEjjTFLCSzb5iBZ6Y9796TxuiH90Oo3QVLNVttfL4mZzlPQVcckSNLRcwAUdpj-W0mrvyygAhctoT7V63tgaO2m1P9RyAwLUYkKPC2VWnc/s640/IMG_6323.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">A church (Too many churches to remember by name)</span><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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We were told that Trastevere is not a good place for kids at night so we ate our dinner and took the tram back.</div>
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Day-2<br />
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Thanks to the God at Trevi Fountain, Turkish Airlines delivered our clothes and perfumes.<br />
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We took the tram to Piazza Venezia, then walked to the Roman Forum. The Forum, the Colosseum, and the Palatine Hill are co-located, and are paid sites. One ticket per person covers the entire area, and kids are free. We took the audio guide, and explored the Forum. The Forum and the Palatine Hill is a large area, and requires a lot of patience to cover. After all, its ruins, and if you are not interested in history, it will turn out to be very boring. So read something about Roman history before going there. I enjoyed it because I have some knowledge of the Roman history.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQNuxbznZ5c5VgVqIj9Qqkn-omwWMfs-4AabPTU0VdegV6S_1T8XPlKuglcK3MHeByy8tEC4uBUvC2bIgOlWHAhQsSjayVH8TewKwUx5rmqD8h5_ZlUKXth7C10GX_s9YLpEz9YuthXc/s1600/IMG_6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQNuxbznZ5c5VgVqIj9Qqkn-omwWMfs-4AabPTU0VdegV6S_1T8XPlKuglcK3MHeByy8tEC4uBUvC2bIgOlWHAhQsSjayVH8TewKwUx5rmqD8h5_ZlUKXth7C10GX_s9YLpEz9YuthXc/s640/IMG_6265.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Forum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU24-qinvVvtYNEpMtEtZCDQ9nbAQDQTOZlBq9_rUv7VMDGGg5P9WFO3Bt5f4jOeG60VVGMt1btkFaN1XksukE0y3uVAP4fz9SS1PLr1txmOcDOAB5M5F2aOP5quGn_uTsRVePzDG3CTI/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU24-qinvVvtYNEpMtEtZCDQ9nbAQDQTOZlBq9_rUv7VMDGGg5P9WFO3Bt5f4jOeG60VVGMt1btkFaN1XksukE0y3uVAP4fz9SS1PLr1txmOcDOAB5M5F2aOP5quGn_uTsRVePzDG3CTI/s640/IMG_6272.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forum from Palatine Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTqweR5uRd89hNz2K6Qy0frfhhfzEg2U858UK3f66OfQD9Z6W_9q2UwRorQW-dgkWreH1PWBrtf-Vp0OUThlIe8G-hUxQ-HuraI_RCFrewKfBfCay7LP7AvnUnyBdmjGz7DAs4yMsSEw/s1600/IMG_6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTqweR5uRd89hNz2K6Qy0frfhhfzEg2U858UK3f66OfQD9Z6W_9q2UwRorQW-dgkWreH1PWBrtf-Vp0OUThlIe8G-hUxQ-HuraI_RCFrewKfBfCay7LP7AvnUnyBdmjGz7DAs4yMsSEw/s640/IMG_6280.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chariots raced here - killing the damned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ojdGBnIoi390aEocyhLjbTzBb60x5JEJf6DDi0IgNTsY7RUNakl1HpMWC7MyVBVN-vL6QGqcOT1JabZyBVJKlrDOi46LU2db1MZgl484MAarNAzk-0AE7baDL5R2JsQTuLqgMfidF3I/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ojdGBnIoi390aEocyhLjbTzBb60x5JEJf6DDi0IgNTsY7RUNakl1HpMWC7MyVBVN-vL6QGqcOT1JabZyBVJKlrDOi46LU2db1MZgl484MAarNAzk-0AE7baDL5R2JsQTuLqgMfidF3I/s640/IMG_6281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to Colosseum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrntJoqlWXuKMfBRmPbx_xRK5CLp3xFUaYcTGktFr9HmvLdBOeGUQVPYTeurZCpzR-E0GYDFP3cjI5lJLitpnbYVAjGad0XjAR8exwxDfN49ugiAkuIunDEXhPbkMJFm5rwf4BRZ93UVg/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrntJoqlWXuKMfBRmPbx_xRK5CLp3xFUaYcTGktFr9HmvLdBOeGUQVPYTeurZCpzR-E0GYDFP3cjI5lJLitpnbYVAjGad0XjAR8exwxDfN49ugiAkuIunDEXhPbkMJFm5rwf4BRZ93UVg/s640/IMG_6285.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half of it fell due to an earthquake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YLA8_OWVagcHPnnuA4Sl49DRP6QFwOISQ61Mn6dmQKSk3LMkGc7uretKWjjihvDj3bdIwBpwGjchReK_YlwJrY2OcQTFeHmIwRVARyHmCsYIJN2DGfQuf7qNFXL2NsOXbOjKsXNNx6Q/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YLA8_OWVagcHPnnuA4Sl49DRP6QFwOISQ61Mn6dmQKSk3LMkGc7uretKWjjihvDj3bdIwBpwGjchReK_YlwJrY2OcQTFeHmIwRVARyHmCsYIJN2DGfQuf7qNFXL2NsOXbOjKsXNNx6Q/s640/IMG_6290.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long lines at Colosseum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CGGT-BnNcnGfdrHlQZLBb9zX9M3Sg2Ah8v0jQJ3TKLUfZms-MClJnkTzrjqAH60-Qqt1eFcWxagsh1RmP9y2RtM8TLjTXkah_nq4tjO5rbowq3BURnsCAaLD5NyrLLAQIbai5GYkf1I/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CGGT-BnNcnGfdrHlQZLBb9zX9M3Sg2Ah8v0jQJ3TKLUfZms-MClJnkTzrjqAH60-Qqt1eFcWxagsh1RmP9y2RtM8TLjTXkah_nq4tjO5rbowq3BURnsCAaLD5NyrLLAQIbai5GYkf1I/s640/IMG_6301.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun shining on the Colosseum ruins</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw4gBpJkcbcWCRe36NiIWKassfnJss5mCtudikqAr8GU_CKwNrFeUh8Dm8G4ucdckJFzvKEx7smLf7qIuEvZ94msA1xL_JSOIHJu9B_DVAtebr-C1qqj6nVwPLrEBscexmlZtRFITMsE/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw4gBpJkcbcWCRe36NiIWKassfnJss5mCtudikqAr8GU_CKwNrFeUh8Dm8G4ucdckJFzvKEx7smLf7qIuEvZ94msA1xL_JSOIHJu9B_DVAtebr-C1qqj6nVwPLrEBscexmlZtRFITMsE/s640/IMG_6333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well here we are! at the Colosseum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Exploring the Forum area took about three quarters of the day, then we walked to Trastevere to eat, and to photograph Basilica de Santa Maria.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pf2lPX8H4JzIxFlhmfk6WzwK-vygFVCJVOjiSjdaezw8eCVjL_nH0b61PW24E3pNvWCe7J13nuTwQoR5q0KCd0ibLMX8sHT0bzY2vA9LYsS-3XVYekU8qB42G9BCSRSoll27qYOmNzQ/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pf2lPX8H4JzIxFlhmfk6WzwK-vygFVCJVOjiSjdaezw8eCVjL_nH0b61PW24E3pNvWCe7J13nuTwQoR5q0KCd0ibLMX8sHT0bzY2vA9LYsS-3XVYekU8qB42G9BCSRSoll27qYOmNzQ/s640/IMG_6334.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Santa Maria ceiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIxlqiHZjTUa71hIoK3dle_4xSSoPYjkykM1yfQGAfA8Z9GVRi3JMWiNCwy_Eg9chXni79eFEe69-2p5vqYWpmL-IzF-q54ausjbKpP9l7gTQ8PY2lPzdBCbdSPLicYI6qLjRF8ZmuIg/s1600/IMG_6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIxlqiHZjTUa71hIoK3dle_4xSSoPYjkykM1yfQGAfA8Z9GVRi3JMWiNCwy_Eg9chXni79eFEe69-2p5vqYWpmL-IzF-q54ausjbKpP9l7gTQ8PY2lPzdBCbdSPLicYI6qLjRF8ZmuIg/s640/IMG_6340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Santa Maria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlWZwKVYaNtZy0jvNRJMn0pmhAwrdOLWLhEYhvJvkamFB3tihUtXqYs7wVz2sdbjtTbkHG04EwUWX1o-3LJezxhW6zgOF-GlAnuoD683FT9ZuxBc9kHXMNKheFZDW8fdmYKgmgvQa-zI/s1600/IMG_6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlWZwKVYaNtZy0jvNRJMn0pmhAwrdOLWLhEYhvJvkamFB3tihUtXqYs7wVz2sdbjtTbkHG04EwUWX1o-3LJezxhW6zgOF-GlAnuoD683FT9ZuxBc9kHXMNKheFZDW8fdmYKgmgvQa-zI/s640/IMG_6343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Santa Maria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnwXsAaYR0xMfeUs_qvBgVQZd4yXV6LTKy0z3Ze58otTlqClNmHXqQkFLdTfM1EnvC6SMpbQYQl0yuMFZrrgpgASzdDzQcVP7et6dgYCGGBdwQxRGvpTUPgxVnP2o_rW5EsvkkBbXP_0/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnwXsAaYR0xMfeUs_qvBgVQZd4yXV6LTKy0z3Ze58otTlqClNmHXqQkFLdTfM1EnvC6SMpbQYQl0yuMFZrrgpgASzdDzQcVP7et6dgYCGGBdwQxRGvpTUPgxVnP2o_rW5EsvkkBbXP_0/s640/IMG_6347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Santa Maria, one of several ceilings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLXwjlkceXKWJgsA6x1w7wGvdEL_jfLvQuf_-WexRE7SDISlmwt4jedTn16v0KHAOjLUqCQ45jsKa8-ONhZ7XigbNamsK8F4O5H3VyKCk3rZmxSFcB5NGxAEbiLv1J-D-nPOVb5vy94s/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLXwjlkceXKWJgsA6x1w7wGvdEL_jfLvQuf_-WexRE7SDISlmwt4jedTn16v0KHAOjLUqCQ45jsKa8-ONhZ7XigbNamsK8F4O5H3VyKCk3rZmxSFcB5NGxAEbiLv1J-D-nPOVb5vy94s/s640/IMG_6348.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Santa Maria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJL0zXEmTD56vqeNO_JiOBG28gtqtNohbQOHFXxzl8-XD5FuAsHx6iMfVEq9urFQMvsFy4xxw1JgKTRCdnP-p04Gjvmm2rbmBNGBPkdnPa6fjk2_n6WgDHLeGhRnj4qqXpyIpgmC5yWU/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJL0zXEmTD56vqeNO_JiOBG28gtqtNohbQOHFXxzl8-XD5FuAsHx6iMfVEq9urFQMvsFy4xxw1JgKTRCdnP-p04Gjvmm2rbmBNGBPkdnPa6fjk2_n6WgDHLeGhRnj4qqXpyIpgmC5yWU/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiber at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we took the tram back to our condo.<br />
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These last two pictures are view of the Colosseum area at night after we visited Vatican on Day 3.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz1nVQyerTarVqDpI3Pk2McTiXe6Mck30VPYNn4L9DpN1COnIM2X8BT0_FRcJF31_U7A0PYjw10gaIFWGanW4tbZTNBGCGa7BEeZ1KUSIfmLB-QPQDV_TsAWOg47ufJewOpvPABO-CRo/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz1nVQyerTarVqDpI3Pk2McTiXe6Mck30VPYNn4L9DpN1COnIM2X8BT0_FRcJF31_U7A0PYjw10gaIFWGanW4tbZTNBGCGa7BEeZ1KUSIfmLB-QPQDV_TsAWOg47ufJewOpvPABO-CRo/s640/IMG_6470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgDxUuO2tJ4Zps84Ec4QBm_dMqQTQmfBcil5R_VQ7S2ZoYpwc5cFR7P3A1CCkZkO3JypARQG9ji-TzIcbHk03ugYMm3Ti3qYUjkVLE56uJepgD_mHcUra-4aUqsFNoie3ghuiUI4e0lw/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgDxUuO2tJ4Zps84Ec4QBm_dMqQTQmfBcil5R_VQ7S2ZoYpwc5cFR7P3A1CCkZkO3JypARQG9ji-TzIcbHk03ugYMm3Ti3qYUjkVLE56uJepgD_mHcUra-4aUqsFNoie3ghuiUI4e0lw/s640/IMG_6477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Vatican</h2>
Day - 3 <br />
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Vatican Museums. Magnificento! This was the highlight of our days in Rome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EhqQFMZCYSU0pVmQB5Gqv5BYyAN7QTra04bSmWYJKtd4CgUUmetZwsS4Mcx5WIBIzcor1v3oxhO3Tbt0usOtEekwA1FhO8Ey-kCMSV8Dr0HzRNk_QO1AdHpUYJ3K9-YOVtYVjkUNH78/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EhqQFMZCYSU0pVmQB5Gqv5BYyAN7QTra04bSmWYJKtd4CgUUmetZwsS4Mcx5WIBIzcor1v3oxhO3Tbt0usOtEekwA1FhO8Ey-kCMSV8Dr0HzRNk_QO1AdHpUYJ3K9-YOVtYVjkUNH78/s640/IMG_6355.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line to St. Peter Basilica starts under the lion on the left, curves behind me, then to the right into the dome behind Momina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached the Vatican from Saint Peter's Basilica side. This is a large courtyard. The line to St. Peter Basilica starts under the lion on the left, curves
behind me, then to the right, then into the dome behind Momina. The line was a quarter mile long, and this too in off season. The museums are on the other side of the Vatican.<br />
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Hint: Purchase Vatican Museum tickets online several weeks before arrival, then visit the museums to avoid long lines, and a possibility of denied entry.<br />
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The Vatican Museums are a must see, although the Egyptian Museums in it are a waste of time.<br />
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The grandest of all is the Sistine Chapel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R3Mh4UlIIS5zyv_1eM5t2pwGpCdZ2UarcO3xoGT914VvIvVH1IYqewa8lVba5jk7VQwUXJwoDfZP68lE6XEtMxVzcmQOkuYFGCy1dN0vzoGHnV5uryfQ6_5lXVwH3GDBBSjD_JmSypY/s1600/IMG_6369.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R3Mh4UlIIS5zyv_1eM5t2pwGpCdZ2UarcO3xoGT914VvIvVH1IYqewa8lVba5jk7VQwUXJwoDfZP68lE6XEtMxVzcmQOkuYFGCy1dN0vzoGHnV5uryfQ6_5lXVwH3GDBBSjD_JmSypY/s640/IMG_6369.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raphael! This place has so much art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nKUOdPaVXONAfulB2YElB8-tSdNAQ9_98i6qxtRqvlDVwzHpUbobiAEM5jUkvVC77_kLznIWL9t3ur3Wa6SS25xu8pIWCWCcb1c5vAYagEhyXlyLQWOxb7OhaKXngCj4wAod7pfBKw/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nKUOdPaVXONAfulB2YElB8-tSdNAQ9_98i6qxtRqvlDVwzHpUbobiAEM5jUkvVC77_kLznIWL9t3ur3Wa6SS25xu8pIWCWCcb1c5vAYagEhyXlyLQWOxb7OhaKXngCj4wAod7pfBKw/s400/IMG_6370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7E6Zc0jJPwFLv60etM4w-t1P32bWJXsXdpadiRQEVs-ShAn1czei94NTO8r5euyxmn1Qwt3o6xKqRFN9QkHJ_b80eiQLbtNZu4WCAdm8LzPIAmd3ixwhyphenhyphenNgz0h5vcd__c24eRuMzcVA/s1600/IMG_6386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7E6Zc0jJPwFLv60etM4w-t1P32bWJXsXdpadiRQEVs-ShAn1czei94NTO8r5euyxmn1Qwt3o6xKqRFN9QkHJ_b80eiQLbtNZu4WCAdm8LzPIAmd3ixwhyphenhyphenNgz0h5vcd__c24eRuMzcVA/s640/IMG_6386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon like dome in Vatican. Statue of Hercules on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVeomAcN0BIZ3VlSjMKdTrFEYQF6KbpOmFOp4rJ4JCdg7tlf_ZsNj4ZmBki3GshkTStxEKlSbaf-86trJcCitOUb0tgn6DD_PWL_etSlb-fUgyl65npXIMXB17BBwqgWhzPXgRcoeZOI/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVeomAcN0BIZ3VlSjMKdTrFEYQF6KbpOmFOp4rJ4JCdg7tlf_ZsNj4ZmBki3GshkTStxEKlSbaf-86trJcCitOUb0tgn6DD_PWL_etSlb-fUgyl65npXIMXB17BBwqgWhzPXgRcoeZOI/s640/IMG_6399.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More art. More gold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jbRLkhveTwLItXSQPZXjWGqH5-Fu-FyGb4Olv9D-mgv69DoQhX6dCphJWkHmY7sWoLEIJ0oflUaJAijCzUP4iJaY8SkJX3-tlzdEDQrULZXAw8jvsHq-BvyZE0U-abVxWsb1tYhjZkA/s1600/IMG_6402.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jbRLkhveTwLItXSQPZXjWGqH5-Fu-FyGb4Olv9D-mgv69DoQhX6dCphJWkHmY7sWoLEIJ0oflUaJAijCzUP4iJaY8SkJX3-tlzdEDQrULZXAw8jvsHq-BvyZE0U-abVxWsb1tYhjZkA/s640/IMG_6402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quarter mile long ceiling, full of art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuAV_LlOMSjeH5JCBgLgZPlA1AzypzVPM_FcVVC5Ig6GdzQ8S4JLaCOd6aDaQnR582Fyy2M9lQ5lEsBUZwXlnk-HpIYF_3JMBxm8WjM6BewHHTqAi1ToRE3L0IHn5D-7K0RSlV_FmgSA/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuAV_LlOMSjeH5JCBgLgZPlA1AzypzVPM_FcVVC5Ig6GdzQ8S4JLaCOd6aDaQnR582Fyy2M9lQ5lEsBUZwXlnk-HpIYF_3JMBxm8WjM6BewHHTqAi1ToRE3L0IHn5D-7K0RSlV_FmgSA/s400/IMG_6405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Largest canvas that is not a wall. 30 square meters?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaHjFwbzCfunxAQAuVUl7LnCbkck16bU0h_2b90qUqaYWhWDiT0ZI2zV72ClqB4JBczqokjAB4CEQYNCghEkrXhq2BhO8mNo8cNdpXvXR0awPvVBhZjerJ2_0A-WJv4dFvEzi-cih1Dw/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaHjFwbzCfunxAQAuVUl7LnCbkck16bU0h_2b90qUqaYWhWDiT0ZI2zV72ClqB4JBczqokjAB4CEQYNCghEkrXhq2BhO8mNo8cNdpXvXR0awPvVBhZjerJ2_0A-WJv4dFvEzi-cih1Dw/s640/IMG_6411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More work by Raphael. This is a ceiling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTwB2pbGrL7FPM66wv9qsdiD4k-4n82t0-TqaUIhuAxkdWEeAe0y2wHu-mVctFfglBmNYrnumFgMKPkXDnvdFKpsioDko3qXu9YbrbaTHO40NtD0-zqgk1ZKVgUtmB1-9wUTstUIYFjI/s1600/IMG_6412.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTwB2pbGrL7FPM66wv9qsdiD4k-4n82t0-TqaUIhuAxkdWEeAe0y2wHu-mVctFfglBmNYrnumFgMKPkXDnvdFKpsioDko3qXu9YbrbaTHO40NtD0-zqgk1ZKVgUtmB1-9wUTstUIYFjI/s640/IMG_6412.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another ceiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fewbuNuesAxAaRkSoZpWLn3PTQOYhlRsuj8maDc6JZiryMzDglmLNEdLNquPq9JKSowXT3xXc3wdUKFyxKmePBB6Tj41DayT8S4Lun0humXjOuG9tKKHAjKg39PJ07p8OXuFTayc8lY/s1600/IMG_6413.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fewbuNuesAxAaRkSoZpWLn3PTQOYhlRsuj8maDc6JZiryMzDglmLNEdLNquPq9JKSowXT3xXc3wdUKFyxKmePBB6Tj41DayT8S4Lun0humXjOuG9tKKHAjKg39PJ07p8OXuFTayc8lY/s640/IMG_6413.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another ceiling. These paintings tell stories.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sistine Chapel is the highlight of the museum. Expect half of Rome present there, looking up.<br />
<br />
Taking pictures are not allowed in Sistine Chapel. However, I placed my camera on timer, and left it in a corner, then acted like I was just relaxing. The aperture was open for thirty seconds because flash was off, and ISO was low. The Chapel is so grand, that a multi story ladder fails to reach the roof in the picture below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimtEUV1MVNsL5oPNB4_xzog3MWBhMUj2pD2P2_s4NlVzkJW1TmmlUm1E_p95o1RpaqNcIdLC06Rsn5kQ-EE_TERtwHNTu3_PpNAg2nrIg0Xk8s8jhkhZ25rrjz0qcNyGLliRH4-pK17U/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimtEUV1MVNsL5oPNB4_xzog3MWBhMUj2pD2P2_s4NlVzkJW1TmmlUm1E_p95o1RpaqNcIdLC06Rsn5kQ-EE_TERtwHNTu3_PpNAg2nrIg0Xk8s8jhkhZ25rrjz0qcNyGLliRH4-pK17U/s640/IMG_6420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandest canvas of all. Sistine Chapel. Michaelangelo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtszuMidTMvuq1coxPdWWDJfWGx_WofUOFGEP28GjIjcgRig4LDC2FSffiYWbS0U8Jbf8EKGz8YnA6BbEJFGj4Sasqv92dNPZ_8LGdJSzHCl-WklzrvYImj4So9UpYj75HftGxiOgwBE/s1600/IMG_6421.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtszuMidTMvuq1coxPdWWDJfWGx_WofUOFGEP28GjIjcgRig4LDC2FSffiYWbS0U8Jbf8EKGz8YnA6BbEJFGj4Sasqv92dNPZ_8LGdJSzHCl-WklzrvYImj4So9UpYj75HftGxiOgwBE/s640/IMG_6421.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sistine Chapel. Bible in Paintings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweI7AUAkNMDPIJNTyFNkZ4k-u5wffqq8WJUzTFh06w03ntJHgELPxlrTisE9nsMHjEwWgRc1dR4OiL3xSHN_L2_xrlPKeLSvQK6G0c6oyn9x9F458J-A1wSq0JrGHV2GIJ14YPOWOI0Q/s1600/IMG_6426.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweI7AUAkNMDPIJNTyFNkZ4k-u5wffqq8WJUzTFh06w03ntJHgELPxlrTisE9nsMHjEwWgRc1dR4OiL3xSHN_L2_xrlPKeLSvQK6G0c6oyn9x9F458J-A1wSq0JrGHV2GIJ14YPOWOI0Q/s640/IMG_6426.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Sistine Chapel, all art looks ordinary in comparison, and you quickly walk through the remaining hallways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Either the blue cheese pizza in the Vatican Museum Cafe was excellent, or we were too starved from a long walk in a crowded museum, or both. We came out, then headed back to St. Peter Basilica.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KA_L1AjFIAoY1mVRCtPZAc1Cb4DJPu2CkDawHcr7a9UlA-KifnfHpWU9JJm6DrUQXg5fVzt1YD0Xu8E0vP9F_DLMLPzv23fO3mLV50sFufaZ5_R51WsnnKBWUl9o876aS4USaHvPqfM/s1600/IMG_6430.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KA_L1AjFIAoY1mVRCtPZAc1Cb4DJPu2CkDawHcr7a9UlA-KifnfHpWU9JJm6DrUQXg5fVzt1YD0Xu8E0vP9F_DLMLPzv23fO3mLV50sFufaZ5_R51WsnnKBWUl9o876aS4USaHvPqfM/s640/IMG_6430.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Pope, no audience?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After sitting, standing, and lying in the line for several hours, we entered St. Peter Basilica.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZY3OyCwe60a_q2hhmEQYfx882I6GFwfZ30Gm3QZgPZ2UsH1qcBrJ_QOT1uaXBDK-hz6q7jxgHTmAHRtfFuCk3kpZcF7MnTREbLO94svoOvxGTHIdzoWkIbToc_wjrjsDlp2nTdXrTHc/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZY3OyCwe60a_q2hhmEQYfx882I6GFwfZ30Gm3QZgPZ2UsH1qcBrJ_QOT1uaXBDK-hz6q7jxgHTmAHRtfFuCk3kpZcF7MnTREbLO94svoOvxGTHIdzoWkIbToc_wjrjsDlp2nTdXrTHc/s640/IMG_6434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandest church of all: St Peter Basilica (ceiling)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPTK8DWvb2NpvI_CGl-w5MZCkyV9yD5g8TQHePF7rpZwtdhgdaKGtx60HjXkBclS5IW9r0lVQW_zrDxfUZQ-7Jh57v4mtqeTVx216C5kQ16AQ_RmDllL0gncRtjYFXvvktnX1AlYHjXY/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPTK8DWvb2NpvI_CGl-w5MZCkyV9yD5g8TQHePF7rpZwtdhgdaKGtx60HjXkBclS5IW9r0lVQW_zrDxfUZQ-7Jh57v4mtqeTVx216C5kQ16AQ_RmDllL0gncRtjYFXvvktnX1AlYHjXY/s640/IMG_6438.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is much bigger than it looks in the photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXdMtpjzCRcF-d78hChLe2xVkicV_ccOSi1SIj9IoAqMXvI3l2aOuW5Z9Unl-bSNDElOCA7C2TGIkqEUTQLC-adf5RCvfUDyoyqWBFSYSF7d2ZYJGYJQdZFbo2AYTRQ1lpciu-2g-giI/s1600/IMG_6444.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXdMtpjzCRcF-d78hChLe2xVkicV_ccOSi1SIj9IoAqMXvI3l2aOuW5Z9Unl-bSNDElOCA7C2TGIkqEUTQLC-adf5RCvfUDyoyqWBFSYSF7d2ZYJGYJQdZFbo2AYTRQ1lpciu-2g-giI/s640/IMG_6444.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter Basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn7LIUkFNB4EyaMVuHqWR9vGU5CRZ67NSkC3JVp9eZfFFMb_Wp9EY4cL_YMS8uZTX_5hASHL7dOIimM0T43Am7rz-5bXRP49Vclzlx7QOn4aZtX_eAKo793PC-vveqWBogEJyJr-6zjQ/s1600/IMG_6449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn7LIUkFNB4EyaMVuHqWR9vGU5CRZ67NSkC3JVp9eZfFFMb_Wp9EY4cL_YMS8uZTX_5hASHL7dOIimM0T43Am7rz-5bXRP49Vclzlx7QOn4aZtX_eAKo793PC-vveqWBogEJyJr-6zjQ/s640/IMG_6449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzaOfJPovBX9eLWKMV70ydbjZ2ueLo8bGP29wrQa6qqpNHjFe30gBUmS2IZZeWYbmfSUWs14Laf-lJzU5LJ4yFvvMBWsIv-lWurWa1Ol2lYXc2p99FyTniNCRod9c566H0VaGGMwGaOQ/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzaOfJPovBX9eLWKMV70ydbjZ2ueLo8bGP29wrQa6qqpNHjFe30gBUmS2IZZeWYbmfSUWs14Laf-lJzU5LJ4yFvvMBWsIv-lWurWa1Ol2lYXc2p99FyTniNCRod9c566H0VaGGMwGaOQ/s640/IMG_6456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dome of St. Peter Basilica rises 180 feet as seen here</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took the bus back to our condo. Packed up, then on Day 4, took a train to Venice.<br />
<h2>
Murano and Venice</h2>
Day - 4. Travel and stroll around Murano.<br />
<br />
I like to stay away from tourist hustle-bustle. I chose to stay away from touristy Venice and got an Airbnb condo in the Island of Murano. This was the best decision of the trip. Murano is mini Venice, about ten minute boat ride from Venice. Yet Murano offers what Venice does not... World class glass factories.<br />
Our Airbnb host was Marco. Marco's condo is right on the water where the water bus stops. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoq0vdCKOkafnaRMefRrhQYvA-8-CPHvqnSGH6Rwq2mSsDNop06GCIuI5CHIDt-7Ew5_ozwKW7dBLNAg47uiWzyRUexw9cOgJXF50sMciSBDJCTMXEf_rLZKPTRcWVh3uLDs4ufEHLsI/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoq0vdCKOkafnaRMefRrhQYvA-8-CPHvqnSGH6Rwq2mSsDNop06GCIuI5CHIDt-7Ew5_ozwKW7dBLNAg47uiWzyRUexw9cOgJXF50sMciSBDJCTMXEf_rLZKPTRcWVh3uLDs4ufEHLsI/s640/IMG_6487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids in Murano, in front of the condo we stayed in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Day - 5. <br />
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Our host, Marco took us to his uncle's factory where kids learned how to make glass figures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9031z_OT1izw5gHIxnsGykgOuj50QOncKZzu4-AWNpFI6JQ8qb1uyehSU07hdkViP0_UUFOgu2cXwB9FQBd9NPcI7kvj11cEP_4s2NkWqs4nfts8qauBk9O-TCKaQeqdUayl3m6UmSZM/s1600/IMG_6492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9031z_OT1izw5gHIxnsGykgOuj50QOncKZzu4-AWNpFI6JQ8qb1uyehSU07hdkViP0_UUFOgu2cXwB9FQBd9NPcI7kvj11cEP_4s2NkWqs4nfts8qauBk9O-TCKaQeqdUayl3m6UmSZM/s400/IMG_6492.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of a one man glass factory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDl1xuRd4R2-5VK8hsFcQnIBZIzRNkepGMUEqprfgW74EnwO_LZ55suoS0SgCf2d9Tr5h3wfUzCDW0CSJ-hyntcGgz8dMP8rS39tJ61j8fuqD3vvCpn-gYqPMJPw1M5yQzt6AGlkQgko/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDl1xuRd4R2-5VK8hsFcQnIBZIzRNkepGMUEqprfgW74EnwO_LZ55suoS0SgCf2d9Tr5h3wfUzCDW0CSJ-hyntcGgz8dMP8rS39tJ61j8fuqD3vvCpn-gYqPMJPw1M5yQzt6AGlkQgko/s400/IMG_6494.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glass elephant under the flame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bRKSLjPeEwp8xHBRqRzOA4rNwWi1GxNNklF2pqfMdr95cDRXHPQJRdyL6nGjOPv35Zhn7-IDx4gA2hIFpu5o4I77jk381IMJwMVwmqTMrS48xe4U6c_VUM3EvITcxssQ-2CyjmZH5nQ/s1600/IMG_6498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bRKSLjPeEwp8xHBRqRzOA4rNwWi1GxNNklF2pqfMdr95cDRXHPQJRdyL6nGjOPv35Zhn7-IDx4gA2hIFpu5o4I77jk381IMJwMVwmqTMrS48xe4U6c_VUM3EvITcxssQ-2CyjmZH5nQ/s640/IMG_6498.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt water corrodes everything. In the streets of Murano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOSu24_yEbybH2Pe6024PqAE1m8pC1JfVsg2q1nr0OSOiBzQtoEOuLIGZpaXbKTAIn1EMB_YPIkXzpaPS_J3Tk4Nj5uy1vpOcMPQdsX_4e7RhvU3FUa42AH4jGCBaDKQpjq3dYZ2h1_A/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOSu24_yEbybH2Pe6024PqAE1m8pC1JfVsg2q1nr0OSOiBzQtoEOuLIGZpaXbKTAIn1EMB_YPIkXzpaPS_J3Tk4Nj5uy1vpOcMPQdsX_4e7RhvU3FUa42AH4jGCBaDKQpjq3dYZ2h1_A/s640/IMG_6507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for coffee. Wonder what is being explained.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGKCx7CIm1kFU0ZspfIj_hqsGs-hadPWmufuYEwP3tPFwaZ7vBfAskTNiAQRsZcZ0pq0SpxeXA4nXAjHXAzJ1-IiwQIb-12vZB6h52bb9HgLn_2W_UFVqonjlNjhq31kdzDBzpotYlgs/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGKCx7CIm1kFU0ZspfIj_hqsGs-hadPWmufuYEwP3tPFwaZ7vBfAskTNiAQRsZcZ0pq0SpxeXA4nXAjHXAzJ1-IiwQIb-12vZB6h52bb9HgLn_2W_UFVqonjlNjhq31kdzDBzpotYlgs/s640/IMG_6508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of Marco's glass shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocHdKLsLzRIdJPBOCT1xl24S4naKZwRunvEH63guTwePHInTbYvbYSin4iRvhcbWcnbHQJO5D2Q0DeWe7eeMmFbga9HP8fWf1-velY5zihFFuuKTgH2qoqJOj0eHoT4wbo-WNon_j3aI/s1600/IMG_6518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocHdKLsLzRIdJPBOCT1xl24S4naKZwRunvEH63guTwePHInTbYvbYSin4iRvhcbWcnbHQJO5D2Q0DeWe7eeMmFbga9HP8fWf1-velY5zihFFuuKTgH2qoqJOj0eHoT4wbo-WNon_j3aI/s640/IMG_6518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a bigger glass factory, a ceiling fixture under work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We got to blow the glass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq2loIV1yC3jJJJvu0Vs8_ynpxIbQV-6DgpJUcU3LC_bnZEFasdGT9tXi0KgPjk8oXL2odAq0en1ybjK7rCbnL-mnSlA6bJYPfbJDo-IfRic3prmqOh-syiSCRLwPNQw3fs7hdfNmDP8/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq2loIV1yC3jJJJvu0Vs8_ynpxIbQV-6DgpJUcU3LC_bnZEFasdGT9tXi0KgPjk8oXL2odAq0en1ybjK7rCbnL-mnSlA6bJYPfbJDo-IfRic3prmqOh-syiSCRLwPNQw3fs7hdfNmDP8/s640/IMG_6520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting glass/gold chandelier under work </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswsSgdQ8n8Z1LHRjfnD-GRfNnEghxPql2USu1d5YgVDKE9y7jd-Nw88nZOUcWPKoThRFQdPK_nUuECmUNcv8QKSniLZqTPtJZ7QK6fksGAiRDq5-Sm5BuFKOhz40GpCOkEORyqa2s4SY/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswsSgdQ8n8Z1LHRjfnD-GRfNnEghxPql2USu1d5YgVDKE9y7jd-Nw88nZOUcWPKoThRFQdPK_nUuECmUNcv8QKSniLZqTPtJZ7QK6fksGAiRDq5-Sm5BuFKOhz40GpCOkEORyqa2s4SY/s400/IMG_6524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass kiln</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By the time we were done with Marco's glass factory tour, the water had risen several feet, and was covering the side walks. What fun for kids, and nightmare for parents!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwU_3H_f7z4C420OSOwG1OQASuKNqBhNYP-rSTuOn7jV0biVwZBRQk0z49rH95bJ_OiGLCNq076km-XaCZou1WTKSeSh818DuayImN-lhUM_sP2W8h8IAtGwOHWPJrZhbqDahxnsvVbM/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwU_3H_f7z4C420OSOwG1OQASuKNqBhNYP-rSTuOn7jV0biVwZBRQk0z49rH95bJ_OiGLCNq076km-XaCZou1WTKSeSh818DuayImN-lhUM_sP2W8h8IAtGwOHWPJrZhbqDahxnsvVbM/s320/IMG_6526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheen looking for ways to cross the street</td></tr>
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We took the water bus from Murano to Venice, then through the narrow Venice streets to Realto Bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpHNh5CvSYTC40hiTrzxC3jRgAzvczRFJMa_Uf5ICzxIgTKFcVCjeDZbdKNL-yS2pj__wEeItfjn3tJHj9CD-QoFTwv_kURGGayF4QcZdQW-IHouJJfrQWghfphojvr6MBo9gQQOyUD8/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpHNh5CvSYTC40hiTrzxC3jRgAzvczRFJMa_Uf5ICzxIgTKFcVCjeDZbdKNL-yS2pj__wEeItfjn3tJHj9CD-QoFTwv_kURGGayF4QcZdQW-IHouJJfrQWghfphojvr6MBo9gQQOyUD8/s320/IMG_6531.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow alleys of Venice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets near Realto Bridge are flooded, and people are walking on tables. </td></tr>
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Realto Bridge was not very impressive. Its under construction and there was a large photo of a model on it. Probably the construction was sponsored by that advertiser. There were too many people on it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the restaurants are flooded</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canal trip in the city bus/boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water entering the buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrQluNIT1G7vf4CcquYDBgGJiOZZHZqJFRFREHFxbU1zoqQHDsAgBZnEVhRoxJ49eVbnAaTrY9LVIx4Oa3lyK5Kur28yK1uQ5so55Tye8HRAknL-fk6GOnkV_csrmABdn1dtwS-bgrMA/s1600/IMG_6589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrQluNIT1G7vf4CcquYDBgGJiOZZHZqJFRFREHFxbU1zoqQHDsAgBZnEVhRoxJ49eVbnAaTrY9LVIx4Oa3lyK5Kur28yK1uQ5so55Tye8HRAknL-fk6GOnkV_csrmABdn1dtwS-bgrMA/s640/IMG_6589.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gondola at Grand Canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Marco Square, full of tourists</td></tr>
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Some info about the public transport in Venice / Murano: Water taxi is expensive. No matter if you get a pass, or go ride by ride, it will cost a lot. I bought the official water bus pass for 36 hours (kids are not free) so I do not have to think about going broke on every ride. Then I used/abused the pass to go back and forth on Grand Canal couple of times, and stop in many places. The pass is the way to go. The ride to the airport is not included in the pass, and on the Alilaguna bus, you pay a fortune to get to the airport. The only other option is swimming.<br />
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The following pictures are taken at or near Grand Canal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessings of sea creatures!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A church on the other side of the canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5outWIkehpXvyFsOgYoJ08rfm4fcUzCCA-bNKctdZKbasdrrPSQ8peNrP9-v58yA_ad2_tMYZKdXxclEBsTxeZfPKSMby_gnslg3NkcBZ45ppI6ccxU0jqW2t4bmjHYjrjOPWiUHufCc/s1600/IMG_6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5outWIkehpXvyFsOgYoJ08rfm4fcUzCCA-bNKctdZKbasdrrPSQ8peNrP9-v58yA_ad2_tMYZKdXxclEBsTxeZfPKSMby_gnslg3NkcBZ45ppI6ccxU0jqW2t4bmjHYjrjOPWiUHufCc/s640/IMG_6671.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuz-fGv35uIirpWVpv9N7CsRfZibn5alq3pwHICxz1knGlR6QkZ1UII-IS-U3GRbFMsXkVoGN40hxOf-V7lFIgB7ZbrZwpIurx_BsbJY3ElFQlPZUK94Y3ODBt2zNvUv4S5tgPWQkiA0/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuz-fGv35uIirpWVpv9N7CsRfZibn5alq3pwHICxz1knGlR6QkZ1UII-IS-U3GRbFMsXkVoGN40hxOf-V7lFIgB7ZbrZwpIurx_BsbJY3ElFQlPZUK94Y3ODBt2zNvUv4S5tgPWQkiA0/s640/IMG_6695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXInOzyYgYDDWdlua76hlDuBN1mmaumu810_LG99aIQu3pR9fIgAFesAOi9IBjnJMwbSzimxXziuqqijgf4EpyGOPbDpso71wQSik_AGaT52DAThEuYhrLGk04koOkjpUNCLFdpOkYpw/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXInOzyYgYDDWdlua76hlDuBN1mmaumu810_LG99aIQu3pR9fIgAFesAOi9IBjnJMwbSzimxXziuqqijgf4EpyGOPbDpso71wQSik_AGaT52DAThEuYhrLGk04koOkjpUNCLFdpOkYpw/s320/IMG_6741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church on grand canal is big but ordinary in decorations by Italian standards</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy6filondOr_2oFqi0KNBlkBFAOz2wXWMwk90YJ2xUudxhF9H62L7A6_UnY6a6SiTYxFNFBuvTafoHPn6J2OGLgqhC-pb3SkF4_OYEKQ_bzHVtv-gMfz2xC7dpl1V0RwR_1jMtOwF70Q/s1600/IMG_6743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy6filondOr_2oFqi0KNBlkBFAOz2wXWMwk90YJ2xUudxhF9H62L7A6_UnY6a6SiTYxFNFBuvTafoHPn6J2OGLgqhC-pb3SkF4_OYEKQ_bzHVtv-gMfz2xC7dpl1V0RwR_1jMtOwF70Q/s640/IMG_6743.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side of canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcUISPbl55G8rapFxoqiPXEy8JrWOMPEb-97oIgmafOwbOQ5Hr7WPTB05Jv1h3bEIn6VlnBoEHw8tTBwbOnEjo6nrSkbv0OHwm34DlrEgk44fjOGFueJUNLZ_Ufc_GdE9M6yePZBe_YE/s1600/IMG_6747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcUISPbl55G8rapFxoqiPXEy8JrWOMPEb-97oIgmafOwbOQ5Hr7WPTB05Jv1h3bEIn6VlnBoEHw8tTBwbOnEjo6nrSkbv0OHwm34DlrEgk44fjOGFueJUNLZ_Ufc_GdE9M6yePZBe_YE/s640/IMG_6747.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at the grand canal</td></tr>
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The next day, we took the water bus to the airport on our flight to Naples.<br />
<h2>
Pompei</h2>
Day-6. We rented a car from Naples airport and drove to nearby Pompei. This is the ruins of an ancient city buried in 79 AD by volcanic ashes of Mount Vesuvius. There is a Hollywood flick on it which I have not seen. I parked in the hotel we had just checked in, then walked to the ruins entry.<br />
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A human guided tour is a must. The site is big, and its all ruins. Without the guide I can imagine anyone getting lost and/or bored pretty quickly. The guides will show you places, then explain their significance in the ancient society.<br />
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This is a place kids were looking forward to throughout the trip. This was kids day. They learned a lot here through our guide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Myqoe1P-WHBXNICNEb0Ra2TNrLIM01fQvJGEhvg9SsaMgl5v2S5tY5OwnMsuqhtVXujVLz1ocMCy51avcpEL4mao3f9d2U13lyJtLs9NFbGUMqLwqXRCD3QnuoTXu72EDpVoIyKWxkI/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Myqoe1P-WHBXNICNEb0Ra2TNrLIM01fQvJGEhvg9SsaMgl5v2S5tY5OwnMsuqhtVXujVLz1ocMCy51avcpEL4mao3f9d2U13lyJtLs9NFbGUMqLwqXRCD3QnuoTXu72EDpVoIyKWxkI/s640/IMG_6768.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its all ruins. This is a theatre.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb7T1aenCwve_hdsp6eBysrMAVoaGTXjiA5eToqfzoLZY-_tHYmH9PVOBgP80vT6yu0zkP29NmF2dIFRvEgMFGvwfLvDw2yAzMCvmXwptZCQDnlaKyM-5Pa6glh_RH3crx7GcAPKz6dQ/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb7T1aenCwve_hdsp6eBysrMAVoaGTXjiA5eToqfzoLZY-_tHYmH9PVOBgP80vT6yu0zkP29NmF2dIFRvEgMFGvwfLvDw2yAzMCvmXwptZCQDnlaKyM-5Pa6glh_RH3crx7GcAPKz6dQ/s400/IMG_6773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ1apCMnWb4PyndKtGk6SKEiB39SG-pzZJJ8N8RM-KzGGenISafqEiskRP1vxKszXDEH3u22iBJV_8K5wDE4DtL08mTpf04JMEcED7WBaCKe57IcRbpFRjt-zSMiztSQQ_MhwXSrqVik/s1600/IMG_6779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ1apCMnWb4PyndKtGk6SKEiB39SG-pzZJJ8N8RM-KzGGenISafqEiskRP1vxKszXDEH3u22iBJV_8K5wDE4DtL08mTpf04JMEcED7WBaCKe57IcRbpFRjt-zSMiztSQQ_MhwXSrqVik/s640/IMG_6779.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All this was buried under seven feet of ashes. This is the only roof that did not buckle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuX_wvPny1rE7bieAkpgs4XCPLXce_KiQSinyfw10W1GRLcqfT4_X_QT4tq2nmJrmTD3t_HPneCagUywSLfZoNs-V5mXOdYgJB5HXp_EMh8Wx2l0fJHB8nv5JHhS7t8i2j28QMxYtGAE/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuX_wvPny1rE7bieAkpgs4XCPLXce_KiQSinyfw10W1GRLcqfT4_X_QT4tq2nmJrmTD3t_HPneCagUywSLfZoNs-V5mXOdYgJB5HXp_EMh8Wx2l0fJHB8nv5JHhS7t8i2j28QMxYtGAE/s640/IMG_6789.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A symbol near a brothel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37lp3scdeXvecJOk2GIuIWDQ-bi875Bg_m08pnfNDRkjF7DVxYq7zjrFMEYu6Fl4gSqkiUs1ZwSjkfsDp68povZWnCApILk0OPfg-a8pTk80ZIOHp4wHtxK7SfJZ5AZ-bwkZQCQI4PE8/s1600/IMG_6791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37lp3scdeXvecJOk2GIuIWDQ-bi875Bg_m08pnfNDRkjF7DVxYq7zjrFMEYu6Fl4gSqkiUs1ZwSjkfsDp68povZWnCApILk0OPfg-a8pTk80ZIOHp4wHtxK7SfJZ5AZ-bwkZQCQI4PE8/s640/IMG_6791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Vesuvius from Pompei ruins</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__gXlj1VTcfEiB7q3GSKnAP4QxDAxCBnP-CRS96rirH4jtqew5VArcaPxzmz3w0S01d_q2vUfKDdTcU9q4xTFCp67elCuScidMpDWWBht4us7HULBdfacD-zibvgT7Vhm8Gi_zg6x-3o/s1600/IMG_6801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__gXlj1VTcfEiB7q3GSKnAP4QxDAxCBnP-CRS96rirH4jtqew5VArcaPxzmz3w0S01d_q2vUfKDdTcU9q4xTFCp67elCuScidMpDWWBht4us7HULBdfacD-zibvgT7Vhm8Gi_zg6x-3o/s400/IMG_6801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCINICSwmlPUMFbe4b30lfg80wq6bDtxGUmpDWJfwYKakglKeDcDoqvHnUQNOBzfjNeb32iNcR4A5QGTb0NnLx2ZFzcvTOt7rUsbMUy4RhuhrEF16Z8x6rPreolSR3KeUsJrnDPkKXYzQ/s1600/IMG_6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCINICSwmlPUMFbe4b30lfg80wq6bDtxGUmpDWJfwYKakglKeDcDoqvHnUQNOBzfjNeb32iNcR4A5QGTb0NnLx2ZFzcvTOt7rUsbMUy4RhuhrEF16Z8x6rPreolSR3KeUsJrnDPkKXYzQ/s640/IMG_6811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People of Pompei?</td></tr>
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There is no town in Italy without a church, and Pompei has an impressive one. Pompei is a small city so I was surprised to see this big a church there. Its a short walk from the ruins, in the city centre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzNqHCXqOUDub_BzcvuzQLnySU0QoTxPAJKDMJGIHVD00NGlETSvpy-6tfS5Vv_mph2A53tZFhR55Udsq0mNsD2RxIA_ht5gHJ6h_9N72HS5ho9AUfPK0CeaYwFaFvXT3P_JtvdP03Ow/s1600/IMG_6819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzNqHCXqOUDub_BzcvuzQLnySU0QoTxPAJKDMJGIHVD00NGlETSvpy-6tfS5Vv_mph2A53tZFhR55Udsq0mNsD2RxIA_ht5gHJ6h_9N72HS5ho9AUfPK0CeaYwFaFvXT3P_JtvdP03Ow/s640/IMG_6819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in Pompei</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkhBWrs6VL-hopvJuq2NHIbbK32Sg02X16ihTvnFXuA5b9wEVGZ3OGlgO9WiYphZUZX0msnb3yTSqDh29ijzDbiv4i_CX7j0NP_J83ELKvpjBnhm_6nh4UumCo358XZ5JK3CWTJmbU60/s1600/IMG_6822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkhBWrs6VL-hopvJuq2NHIbbK32Sg02X16ihTvnFXuA5b9wEVGZ3OGlgO9WiYphZUZX0msnb3yTSqDh29ijzDbiv4i_CX7j0NP_J83ELKvpjBnhm_6nh4UumCo358XZ5JK3CWTJmbU60/s640/IMG_6822.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling with art in Pompei</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo3jJjafZU4_eoE7qDRy_Aq7Q_5VEPHEhcAyRG0J5FGyfMstiIMCmjHvp1DM_ay7hyphenhyphenWl3HsGE2EYTJlVfsRup5I9PWl64rjyqRw_DFfWKNDOMkt8JRXmbGhqsVwoY4sE1ApnEEUsViAw/s1600/IMG_6826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo3jJjafZU4_eoE7qDRy_Aq7Q_5VEPHEhcAyRG0J5FGyfMstiIMCmjHvp1DM_ay7hyphenhyphenWl3HsGE2EYTJlVfsRup5I9PWl64rjyqRw_DFfWKNDOMkt8JRXmbGhqsVwoY4sE1ApnEEUsViAw/s640/IMG_6826.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive but its not St Peter Basilica</td></tr>
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We spent one full day in Pompei, although the ruins require one half day to see.<br />
<h2>
Ravello and Positano </h2>
Day - 7.<br />
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We got up early to spend a day in Amalfi Coast which is half an hour drive from Pompei near Salerno.<br />
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We were warned about difficulties of driving the Amalfi Coast in rental car. I think it was no big deal. In fact I had fun driving the SS163 road that visits several small towns on Amalfi Coast.<br />
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I got an automatic car (quite unusual in Italy), and folded its side mirrors. The road is narrow and you do not want to lose a side mirror to a car from the opposite side, or to a speeding Vespa.<br />
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Just practice common sense driving rules and you will be fine. If you cannot drive fast enough, slow down or stop to let people pass from behind. There are plenty of places along the road where you can stop for views but while driving, concentrate on the road. <br />
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Parking is quite expensive, but pay up and do not waste time in finding free parking as there is none.<br />
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We decided to visit Ravello and Positano. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw77RJYjp0WfB6a53SnzidX3W1AZ06mf2RmePZtKVQKibm-mb677Q-ekvYUciT-WmT-GK7QU51vqa-2P6faSZTFXAOPT103P3C9qTS_cpkfVhXHASk_FN9E-xrR7TPzbkCb1hof4CsrJE/s1600/IMG_6840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw77RJYjp0WfB6a53SnzidX3W1AZ06mf2RmePZtKVQKibm-mb677Q-ekvYUciT-WmT-GK7QU51vqa-2P6faSZTFXAOPT103P3C9qTS_cpkfVhXHASk_FN9E-xrR7TPzbkCb1hof4CsrJE/s640/IMG_6840.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of serpentine road SS163</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwGGs0LR5lYStXpoePWPRXg33FrckqPwoQ6G16v4kEaEOFBSPhUKostCqAJWm22K63kDPviGBKv4mGvxcw1yGJ9LwlXDhdMsUKLf1kcZkUberQYeq-LeS9FEAo6seV3zBWxRRZv6T9t0/s1600/IMG_6843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwGGs0LR5lYStXpoePWPRXg33FrckqPwoQ6G16v4kEaEOFBSPhUKostCqAJWm22K63kDPviGBKv4mGvxcw1yGJ9LwlXDhdMsUKLf1kcZkUberQYeq-LeS9FEAo6seV3zBWxRRZv6T9t0/s640/IMG_6843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beach on Amalfi Coast</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf9sV8v5dMmAkYj3i0t8qyG4XzPzH5h4xVlBYsmSmAkLHLZbQwtJbrWfK1BqQmUOpwiBmAnWfJU-g9UFV-HkKvD6tCfcSo10mK8CiUnbwm4bjgydBTnEwNDCGkWx-y05Oq8Uw7LVME7E/s1600/IMG_6850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf9sV8v5dMmAkYj3i0t8qyG4XzPzH5h4xVlBYsmSmAkLHLZbQwtJbrWfK1BqQmUOpwiBmAnWfJU-g9UFV-HkKvD6tCfcSo10mK8CiUnbwm4bjgydBTnEwNDCGkWx-y05Oq8Uw7LVME7E/s640/IMG_6850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens of Ravello.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Gardens of Ravello is a must see. There is an entry fee to the gardens. The gardens have a spectacular unrestricted view of the coast from a high up vista point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s8DRFDhqo_pLuVNd_Vscs2nYpAiNpX30BpRvDWoE7qX5aelPG6PoCGV-taLnHXixZrZ9Tx9im639RFLCmjPpbnKv195auCScxE8g8KgkhiauD0EBw8vY8wT3y7GpHIuo9uKGERlQ7To/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s8DRFDhqo_pLuVNd_Vscs2nYpAiNpX30BpRvDWoE7qX5aelPG6PoCGV-taLnHXixZrZ9Tx9im639RFLCmjPpbnKv195auCScxE8g8KgkhiauD0EBw8vY8wT3y7GpHIuo9uKGERlQ7To/s640/IMG_6858.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views from the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjF8Zi0qReI47842bxdvVfVuw110PBjqxg8BkQxMwdJ6fDWHcdWcuCpJtR8UCDnt4XSZrJ9GAHKdZTLF8LZjZZ_MslLnvE0ZMGgaNRyBfpd_zpeP0yys28BZ1ScVkys2qA7xCTUPzdc/s1600/IMG_6878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjF8Zi0qReI47842bxdvVfVuw110PBjqxg8BkQxMwdJ6fDWHcdWcuCpJtR8UCDnt4XSZrJ9GAHKdZTLF8LZjZZ_MslLnvE0ZMGgaNRyBfpd_zpeP0yys28BZ1ScVkys2qA7xCTUPzdc/s640/IMG_6878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I know where Kiwi comes from</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn1mPSgswhzEJ1bm413cTpfEB_Ol69j2IdVp7WZ2oXBXrIwnRzCOyy6ON2xfPU94aTfMGo5KqTpwgY_6y_68NikiRYtymZvodwAErfp0Zb9RUI8W83NluKamthY9ahk_OimS5BM3T4s4/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn1mPSgswhzEJ1bm413cTpfEB_Ol69j2IdVp7WZ2oXBXrIwnRzCOyy6ON2xfPU94aTfMGo5KqTpwgY_6y_68NikiRYtymZvodwAErfp0Zb9RUI8W83NluKamthY9ahk_OimS5BM3T4s4/s640/IMG_6884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z9T-3ykvhlE7O8Lig7XtXCaCrY-1EU0e3l3SH5VMojTt41NN8EjFuDm4z74a5yX0DIWIUmqUkMauMmHMVHyFq5xKtlpUlVEzlJ86-2gy1e2KGgd1yvVR1fa2mGtPr1FLAbV1vhpA2jI/s1600/IMG_6895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z9T-3ykvhlE7O8Lig7XtXCaCrY-1EU0e3l3SH5VMojTt41NN8EjFuDm4z74a5yX0DIWIUmqUkMauMmHMVHyFq5xKtlpUlVEzlJ86-2gy1e2KGgd1yvVR1fa2mGtPr1FLAbV1vhpA2jI/s400/IMG_6895.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuck van! Now thank me and back up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9zriPk_cObDpKbghJEnBRNV5KbEV2BfabKm9_bgTGNLqBOavbFoD1xNdLOfwyhqzuh9Jv5L7kiOZKG_wytLIi91SfWPXGtFu4-avRhJ9ZTaOE6B_Qvxegwr-9TClSUxioxdIp3aX2iM/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9zriPk_cObDpKbghJEnBRNV5KbEV2BfabKm9_bgTGNLqBOavbFoD1xNdLOfwyhqzuh9Jv5L7kiOZKG_wytLIi91SfWPXGtFu4-avRhJ9ZTaOE6B_Qvxegwr-9TClSUxioxdIp3aX2iM/s640/IMG_6899.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah so clear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW1T2rVy5SJ8tmNgt8ADF5hz7_AICyIznKWTi_etPw5ynsCw9T56TH24utlzNubEssZk1ETBOqyMGrp8y1EpyeGfHFvl2ERIv-uR9_MRnbHnRbL7gCEfRLK4UNeEJyxF06cbl993n-tg/s1600/IMG_6900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW1T2rVy5SJ8tmNgt8ADF5hz7_AICyIznKWTi_etPw5ynsCw9T56TH24utlzNubEssZk1ETBOqyMGrp8y1EpyeGfHFvl2ERIv-uR9_MRnbHnRbL7gCEfRLK4UNeEJyxF06cbl993n-tg/s640/IMG_6900.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0l_yK5gtukWLdOL-StBLSPZ6NHqnTGe3cnOHQEqiAgqwz1OO7VZQw1C_T_uzfTTDeIFSmkAVKgzV7TFEZDZIsSnF32ro0T_lBCrugY64plQKzkuihczO_fmrRZaqP6Ek4jJQn08Op6Y/s1600/IMG_6904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0l_yK5gtukWLdOL-StBLSPZ6NHqnTGe3cnOHQEqiAgqwz1OO7VZQw1C_T_uzfTTDeIFSmkAVKgzV7TFEZDZIsSnF32ro0T_lBCrugY64plQKzkuihczO_fmrRZaqP6Ek4jJQn08Op6Y/s640/IMG_6904.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky people live here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfTRLyzD9VKnyC2a9tLr35RjwfCrjKnQUofXu3UPFNixPlu8iVunFRXnhiHWj0-jCUR-yb58m2FvBF-yJCnLrgrd_Fl_ee9hrGgGkbp57KKuIsGfN6QdcDlOxHclRMbKtNCay45NDCtE/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfTRLyzD9VKnyC2a9tLr35RjwfCrjKnQUofXu3UPFNixPlu8iVunFRXnhiHWj0-jCUR-yb58m2FvBF-yJCnLrgrd_Fl_ee9hrGgGkbp57KKuIsGfN6QdcDlOxHclRMbKtNCay45NDCtE/s640/IMG_6910.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A church not visited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLNnXia4IRS4kgBQmaMxjjPsvgzaa0XBrqim4feU_LezRHpZPzK8JXghBSuJvaepcibCObkowsonZstBnKSHhBpl9cs8W5WsPOxwdK1Ogx8qAsH6-H6l5xsQJsToUtL8jWREn0zr3DF4/s1600/IMG_6912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLNnXia4IRS4kgBQmaMxjjPsvgzaa0XBrqim4feU_LezRHpZPzK8JXghBSuJvaepcibCObkowsonZstBnKSHhBpl9cs8W5WsPOxwdK1Ogx8qAsH6-H6l5xsQJsToUtL8jWREn0zr3DF4/s640/IMG_6912.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Positano from SS163</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSypVEdS7eIqC5nJ-4LGHNqDRbxl0UjuUtW93FQghSCBrpA598rlyA2eUjLJg9C6NxEQ7-bICArjiKpD2IAOy4wLCHt3YkTceEd4uB7_SFbTVohqH-2P5dJ3ZnQbqFMLCuKbhailzXUM/s1600/IMG_6916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSypVEdS7eIqC5nJ-4LGHNqDRbxl0UjuUtW93FQghSCBrpA598rlyA2eUjLJg9C6NxEQ7-bICArjiKpD2IAOy4wLCHt3YkTceEd4uB7_SFbTVohqH-2P5dJ3ZnQbqFMLCuKbhailzXUM/s640/IMG_6916.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caves near Positano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag7JZ5i8XO60GqHj2_WILzqN0c56qXvpUc11OxDHBAqsOs3JAYpx1iFMeS6VWWDJ957dm-sXZRwxzG57fBRXWUe8o09HwdayLCHTx1SY6ngqBQ0EYjgzSjtt0kE2hLHng4dZOaimPhHE/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag7JZ5i8XO60GqHj2_WILzqN0c56qXvpUc11OxDHBAqsOs3JAYpx1iFMeS6VWWDJ957dm-sXZRwxzG57fBRXWUe8o09HwdayLCHTx1SY6ngqBQ0EYjgzSjtt0kE2hLHng4dZOaimPhHE/s640/IMG_6919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got to Positano, we parked on the road then descended to the beach through narrow alleys.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9TQGg1JaAyigeSut7PYF0I_iVuZWR-5okHdDqw_dVSSvhKqgEzuKyhFLYJV8nTzsKOwF6ki_P3eDpZtT_uihNBLrmn54ufUbQ3wjq2IAZs53dM062DQbAwGyRczDwJjSJzuN1GiL5qQ/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9TQGg1JaAyigeSut7PYF0I_iVuZWR-5okHdDqw_dVSSvhKqgEzuKyhFLYJV8nTzsKOwF6ki_P3eDpZtT_uihNBLrmn54ufUbQ3wjq2IAZs53dM062DQbAwGyRczDwJjSJzuN1GiL5qQ/s640/IMG_6925.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending to the beach in Positano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YFNur9YtuotRZCXJqygDwgAWz6zW1QtQ-Yj3Hv9cSPX65v95gqU2Ds4rJmcMcpzK6z3pVQ1FBerpvFDVCXzvwuFVM1brnkaJNDuR9oTf1w_9tIRm2otHPJWS2S1N_B1ZLd8soGMQx-Y/s1600/IMG_6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YFNur9YtuotRZCXJqygDwgAWz6zW1QtQ-Yj3Hv9cSPX65v95gqU2Ds4rJmcMcpzK6z3pVQ1FBerpvFDVCXzvwuFVM1brnkaJNDuR9oTf1w_9tIRm2otHPJWS2S1N_B1ZLd8soGMQx-Y/s640/IMG_6929.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climb back up will be quite strenuous. It was not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVUMmjIrLGODMUdlSYeY0fhDSAFcEk_DhPHt3XD7WDhk2t7KZBRfoJcsRAWMfF1v32QcbEssjxIwGb2jj9muufnkGLydWOoPM8HsvygqOHvMepPeW1bYifZyIk-eNsIq11IzzzO4varE/s1600/IMG_6930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVUMmjIrLGODMUdlSYeY0fhDSAFcEk_DhPHt3XD7WDhk2t7KZBRfoJcsRAWMfF1v32QcbEssjxIwGb2jj9muufnkGLydWOoPM8HsvygqOHvMepPeW1bYifZyIk-eNsIq11IzzzO4varE/s640/IMG_6930.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another church not visited. Positano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC34n7c1Rxvv40K6M3CDtsrdsjQ00lRYa_KlRpJpyQ-L6e00nYolKQP7cXQ_y7W5QpKPoHlHAlHvZz1A6H9jJs08SdRVip2PSKGS9WzetF-WJ8LGUtp0E2OzrAKseFZiUm2L04lWHOL4/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC34n7c1Rxvv40K6M3CDtsrdsjQ00lRYa_KlRpJpyQ-L6e00nYolKQP7cXQ_y7W5QpKPoHlHAlHvZz1A6H9jJs08SdRVip2PSKGS9WzetF-WJ8LGUtp0E2OzrAKseFZiUm2L04lWHOL4/s640/IMG_6932.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids having fun on the Positano beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h_alqBPv2DySnEhwFbs2TdthdiA1RUK7pmn8fs-2B5o0kJ-6NhRE-OKqMQYV_cTyTmIkfOmUbY5u2J14LoQ16K7PHpoNaz_2tnL0BckamVp6wtexfK0UH9Rc7Kw68G9DZJjNuRngGSA/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h_alqBPv2DySnEhwFbs2TdthdiA1RUK7pmn8fs-2B5o0kJ-6NhRE-OKqMQYV_cTyTmIkfOmUbY5u2J14LoQ16K7PHpoNaz_2tnL0BckamVp6wtexfK0UH9Rc7Kw68G9DZJjNuRngGSA/s640/IMG_6957.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorrento. End of our trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN88jxO1iQiTtqtszAxmVx1Lx06skxly_xtBTmpXTq8WJ4pkrHG9ZlAmN7oevwPStly2drPbSYVlfSiLpG4n1dP3MbdiNqZ0VeTj7Tb6CNYtiEGwhzeqVsQ62SHKEEpkzM54T3xjxv5A/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN88jxO1iQiTtqtszAxmVx1Lx06skxly_xtBTmpXTq8WJ4pkrHG9ZlAmN7oevwPStly2drPbSYVlfSiLpG4n1dP3MbdiNqZ0VeTj7Tb6CNYtiEGwhzeqVsQ62SHKEEpkzM54T3xjxv5A/s640/IMG_6960.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SS163 at Sorrento.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Sorrento, we drove to Naples, then continued on to Rome. Driving a car in Italy was a good experience and it was not difficult at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
Day - 8.<br />
<br />
Flight back to Boston. We were dead tired, and I slept on the floor of the aircraft cabin, under my family's feet. Our next trip will have lot less travel.<br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-50700579038311155422015-10-02T21:44:00.003-04:002015-10-02T21:46:38.886-04:00The Cheapest AND the Most Stable EFB / ADS-B SolutionIts ready folks! This is the cheapest navigation solution with ADS-B to date. It provides pretty much anything you could realistically need in the air.<br />
<br />
One time cost of $75, and no recurring fees. This includes hardware.<br />
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The solution is based on the most popular Android EFB app. Avare. ADS-B is provided by Mike's ADS-B app. based on RTL dongle. Mike has successfully decoded UAT on the dongle which completes the solution with ground based weather and traffic.<br />
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So what can you expect from this solution? Anything iPad/ForeFlight and Stratus provides. I admit that the hardware is not as shiny and slick as the Apple hardware, but that is a cosmetic issue.<br />
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A comparable solution of ForeFlight/iPad, and Stratus is $1200 for hardware, and $175 annual fee for software.<br />
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Here is the cost break down for this solution:<br />
<br />
<b>Hardware</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Touch-Bluetooth-Pre-installed-TabletExpress/dp/B00WE38TS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443834999&sr=8-1&keywords=m7+tablet+dragon+touch">Tablet</a> ($55)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/TaotreeTM-Digital-Receiver-RTL2832U-Support/dp/B00XXQ30QO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1443835060&sr=8-4&keywords=dvb+receiver">Dongle and Antenna</a> ($12)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/niceeshop-Degree-Female-Converter-Adaptor/dp/B00871Q5PI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1443835100&sr=8-7&keywords=usb+otg+cable">USB OTG Cable</a> ($5)<br />
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<b>Software</b> <br />
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ds.avare&hl=en">Avare</a> (Free)<br />
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bs.Avare.ADSB.Pro&hl=en">HIZ ADS-B</a> ($3) <br />
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This is how you can assemble the solution:<br />
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Buy all the above, download the software, connect everything up as shown in the picture, and take it up in the air.<br />
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The picture is taken in my house, and even inside, you can see several aircrafts. <br />
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Some argue that flying is not cheap so why bother? Depends on who you ask, an executive, or a student on loan.<br />
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One final note: ALL hand held solutions (Android or iOS) are not certified for use in IFR flights. Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-43387196238677596942015-09-28T13:43:00.004-04:002015-09-28T15:13:56.655-04:00CFII startsI guess I am addicted to training, but on a serious note, I am diving into the CFII rating to get IFR current. The rating is easy because by the CFI rating, you already know how to teach and how to fly IFR.<br />
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The CFII test is administered by DPE if the CFI test was done with the FAA. I can testify that the DPEs are an order lenient than the FAA inspectors.<br />
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I started CFII rating by passing the written test today. I had studied so thoroughly in the CFI that without preparation, I got only two out of fifty questions wrong. You do not need instructor permission to take any CFI written tests and that is one less formality.<br />
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Its now time to find a competent instructor, and a school to go to. Winter is the best time to train.<br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-68889124920933789932015-09-21T20:22:00.001-04:002015-09-23T08:58:08.422-04:00CFI Rating DoneI am a CFI now.<br />
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After fourteen months of flying, studying, and dealing with thoughts of quitting.<br />
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Somehow I kept on going.<br />
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I passed my FOI and FIA written tests before starting the training. The school provided a syllabus that included proficiency at commercial air work from the right seat, followed by discussion on FOI, followed by teaching on ground, then teaching in air, and lastly an end of course evaluation.<br />
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You cover everything in the FAA AFH, FOI, and PHAK books. I read the FOI book three times, AFH once, and PHAK twice - cover to cover. I read parts of FAR and AIM to familiarize myself of where to find the information. If you read FAR 61, 91, and AIM in its entirety, you will go insane, so use it as a reference to prepare your lesson plans. For example, my lesson plan on airspace used AIM for visibilities, transponder, and speed restrictions.<br />
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I highly recommend reading all the <a href="http://www.flybetter.com.au/">flybetter</a> books.<br />
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I wrote thirty four lesson plans, each covering a topic in PTS. I prepared lesson plans for PTS special emphasis areas.<br />
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I started teaching these lesson plans to my instructor, then modified them based on his input.<br />
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After you have prepared and reviewed all your lesson plans, you wonder if you are ready to go take the test. Make no mistake here. You are not ready till<br />
<br />
1. You can pick up the CFI PTS and <b>teach</b>/talk about any topic in the FOI recommended way<br />
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2. You can <b>teach</b> from right seat, your hands reach for controls without looking, and you say the minimum words required to convey the idea<br />
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I failed the first attempt for (2)<br />
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This is the only test that the FAA conducts itself. You call your FSDO, and get a time set up with an inspector. There is no fee for the test. The test has an oral portion, and a flight test portion.<br />
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The FAA inspector I was assigned is very thorough. He goes by PTS. On the oral part, he picked up the PTS, and started discussion on the FOI topics. He asked me to go to specific FOI areas of the PTS, then explain them to him as if he was a <b>CFI student</b>. Then he asked me to explain weather topics from the PTS as if he was a private pilot. Then he presented a scenario to me, asking me to teach him decision making process. The scenario was to fly from a non towered airport to Logan airport (Class B), flying through C, and D airspaces, <b>without a transponder</b>. He asked me to include lessons on airspace, runway incursion avoidance, LAHSO, hotspots, and "anything he needs to be taught to successfully complete the flight". Then he asked me to teach him steep spirals from my lesson plan. Then he asked me to list all endorsements for a private pilot. The oral part was five hours long. We decided to stop the test and meet the next morning for the flight portion. He said that I did well on the oral portion.<br />
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Surprise: Nothing was asked about aerodynamics. I spent half of my study time on aerodynamics.<br />
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The next day, we started by looking at the aircraft books.<br />
I prepared to take the test in two aircrafts. An Arrow for takeoffs/landings/emergency, and a Skyhawk for the rest. Tip: Do not use two aircrafts. It complicates the already complicated process.<br />
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He did not ask me much about the aircraft inspections, but instead asked me to prepare weight and balance and performance sheets for both aircrafts we were using. He asked me if there was something else that needed to be done before the flight. I told him that I had checked NOTAMs, TFRs, and weather. Then I briefed him.<br />
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We walked out to the Skyhawk, and he asked me to teach him preflight as if he was a student pilot. I taught in much detail. He remarked that if I gave so much detail to the student pilot, she will be so lost that she will not come back for the next lesson. We climbed into the plane, then I taught him how to taxi. Just before run up, he asked me why nose wheel was kept straight for run up. I had never thought about it before so I started <b>guessing</b> at which he said "You do not bullshit in this test. Ask if unsure!". Hence the flight portion began quite badly. Shaken by his last comment, I took off with the window open. It all became a big mess. I failed on my first maneuver (the steep spiral). I taught it wrong then kept on teaching it wrong. I was very verbose, confused, shaken, and speaking without thinking. I asked for <b>another try</b> and he said, "No! Lets go back to the airport. Law of primacy requires you teach it correct the first time".<br />
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I was devastated. But you analyse your mistakes then come back with much more preparation. I realized<br />
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1. All the never-ending ground work made me rusty at flying<br />
2. I did not manage my time properly. Too much or too little detail and you are going to irritate the examiner<br />
3. Not to bull shit. Ask, or offer to answer later<br />
4. Asking for "another try" does not work in CFI test. Instead stop doing what you are doing wrong, explain why it did not work, and repeat the correct way.<br />
5. Inspectors know you are nervous on the test, and they try to help you, but they will not let you use nervousness as excuse. I had to teach myself to relax (easier said than done).<br />
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I failed then changed the school. It took me two weeks to find an instructor. Then one more month training. The new instructor had me do all the air work again. We flew ten hours (1), covered ground, air, and then he endorsed me. I flew ten more hours (5) solo. I practised so much that I could reach for the controls without looking for them. I memorized all the check lists, and gained much confidence in my ability to fly at the automatic response level (4). Memorizing check list is easy when you put the steps in a flow. Automatic response is good because it makes multi-tasking easier (CFI is multi-taking to its limit). <br />
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The test was re-scheduled with the same FAA inspector. The re-test started the same way as the original test did. W&B, performance, briefing etc. Then at run up the plane did not develop enough vacuum pressure and we had to taxi back. The test was stopped before it started. There was another Arrow available, but at run up it failed the idle check. After four hours of effort, the test concluded without a result.<br />
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I scheduled the re-test three days later as I was running out of 60 day limit to pass the test. The only airplane available was at a different airport. I ferried it to the test site a night before. The FAA inspector arrived at the airport on time the next day. The school was clumsy and had not updated the aircraft maintenance books, and it took them an hour and a half to figure everything out. I was afraid that the inspector was going to leave, so I engaged him. I asked him about his work, told him about myself, introduced him to Avare and its volunteer based model. Then when I had nothing else left, I told him that he was going to taxi, and that I was going to give him a lesson on how to do that, so I did, while we were waiting for the books. All that talking gave me tremendous confidence (5) and showed him my organization skills (2). I felt that he had opened up and become much friendlier.<br />
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He started taxi, I caught him using unnecessary brakes, then asked him to visually and vocally clear at intersections. Instead of saying "clear right" on clearing right, he said clear left. I caught it. I took charge, and told him that I will show him short field take off. After the short field take off, we stared at steep spiral near 6B6 on 495. He exclaimed, "much better at doing and explaining compared to last time". Then we went to the practice area. He told me to teach him instrument scan. Then unusual attitudes, then lazy eights. I screwed up lazy eight, but stopped it at 90 degree point, gave the reason, then performed it again. He said that that was the best lazy eight he had seen in a while. Cross control stall, landing stall, four fundamentals (visual and on instruments), eights on pylons, emergency engine out. Then he took controls and had me teach him steep turns. He did some steep turns and I caught his intentional errors. I think the only maneuvers not visited were chandelle, and slow flight. He asked me to head back and teach him landing. Near the airport he started asking me random questions about systems,
like "what happens to propeller pitch when oil pressure is lost". I felt
like he was trying to distract me (I may be wrong) so I asked him to let
me concentrate on traffic scan and that I will answer his
questions later on ground (I answered the question correctly a few moments later anyway). I taught him landing. Then he took controls, and asked me to teach him soft field take off. He did not accelerate in ground effect so I caught that and he corrected. He made an unstable approach and I asked him to forward slip, then when he did not, I asked him to go around. He was still flying and I was operating the radio. The tower asked for short approach and I accepted, then I asked him to make a short approach so I can teach him that. He did everything correct and landed right at the agreed point on the runway. Then he exited the runway and asked me to taxi back to parking.<br />
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I asked him if I had passed at which he exclaimed "yes!". It was 2.3 on hobbs. My back was hurting, and I climbed out, sneaked under the wing, and laid there on my back for ten seconds to straighten it, and then I took some deep breaths.<br />
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He offered me a very valuable advice when handing over the temporary CFI certificate. He said, "Zubair, make each lesson as safe as possible, make it a repeatable process so you can go back to your family after every lesson". That is exactly what I will do. <br />
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-9069948751034180962015-04-28T21:58:00.001-04:002015-04-29T08:33:08.479-04:00Istanbul on Spring BreakIstanbul is grand. Istanbul is majestic. There is no other city like it. If you have not been to Istanbul, you are not born (a quote stolen from Punjabi for Lahore "O nai jummeya, Jinne Lahore Ne Wekhya")<br />
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We spent six nights and five days in Istanbul. This is the recap of our trip with guidance for the visitors-to-be.<br />
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Turkish Airline flies direct flights from Logan to Ataturk, and fares are cheap for a ten hour flight. Its cheaper than flying to London! They have a red-eye from Boston, plus you lose seven hours, and arrive late afternoon the next day.<br />
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Ataturk Airport is a very busy airport, and there are long lines to get to immigration. It can take several hours to get out. We had applied and received our Turkish visa online.<br />
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As you walk out of the baggage claim, you can get cash from the ATM machines. My bank does not charge any ATM fees, and the conversion rate at the ATM is close to the cash conversion rate anywhere in Istanbul. Although Euros and Dollars are accepted everywhere, I suggest carrying the local currency (Lira).<br />
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We stayed at Hotel Erguvan in Sultanahmet. Most hotels run taxi service, and someone will pick you up at the airport if you make prior arrangements with your hotel. You can also take the tram if you have energy left in you after a long flight (more on trams later).<br />
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Sultanahmet should be the place to stay as it is the most convenient place to launch all your excursions.<br />
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After we settled in our hotel on <b>Sunday</b> night, we walked to the Hippodrome to get familiar with the area. We ate our dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel manager. Hotel managers at small family hotels are the most valuable resource you have. They will go out of their way to guide you.<br />
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Our agenda was museums, mosques, and Bosphorus.<br />
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We purchased two museum passes from
the Turkish-Islamic Museum at the Hippodrome (<a href="http://museumpassistanbuldistributor.com/faq/">http://museumpassistanbuldistributor.com</a>). For eighty five TL, you can see a dozen museums. The pass is valid for five days, and once for each museum. The passes also let you skip lines at the museums. Children's entry is free if accompanied by a pass holder.<br />
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<b>Monday</b><br />
Most museums are closed on Monday. <b></b>It was a sunny day, and we decided to take the Bosphorous cruise. There are several options, but the cheapest and the most comprehensive tour is on the city's official commuter called Sehir Hatlari (<a href="http://en.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en">http://en.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en</a>). Fare for each adult with museum pass discount was twenty TL. Kids are half the price. The Sehir Hatlari water bus starts at Eminonu. We walked to Eminonu (about two miles from Sultanahmet) by following the tram line. Sehir Hatlari tour starts at 10:30 AM, and they take you all the way to Black Sea.<br />
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Other ways to get to Eminonu is via tram (three TL per person) or via taxi (about twenty TL). Always ask your hotel to call the taxi, and always negotiate a fixed price with the taxi driver.<br />
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Sehir Hatlari will take about two hours, with about six total stops on the European and Asian side of the Bosphorous. There are numerous buildings and castles on both sides. We got off at the last stop - A Kavagi. Then we climbed a moderate hike to the Yoros Castle. This castle is at the opening of Bosphorous at Black Sea. You are about twenty miles from Sultanahmet. The last sea bus leaves at 4:30 PM, so you have about four hours to do this hike, eat, and relax before you head back to Istanbul.<br />
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We walked back from Eminonu to Sultanahmet through the spice Bazar, and then through Arasta Bazar. We prayed in Eminonu Mosque, then in Blue Mosque on the way.<br />
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We walked about seven miles on our first day in Istanbul (including the hike to Yoros Castle, and back and forth Sultanahmet-Eminonu). We walked to get a feel of the city. If you do not plan to walk this much then you can take a taxi or a tram. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bosphorous cruise starts: view of Eminonu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly fish abounds in Bosphorous</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sehir Hatlari stops in Kanlica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final stop: A Kavagi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike up to Yoros Castle: A cafe at mid point of hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuiQ5o8wdrtmyR-nvhesKmstTxYbl-iPaYFLuNXVyOOKGj_WstbQsUhiyaAk3yJhxa7SIx8BwMCispO2UYknIc4PDeGWyNZdgQbRmyyiqEzeKK5ArsCrREmTYZJHeDF-BH6LzGZxQxDk/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuiQ5o8wdrtmyR-nvhesKmstTxYbl-iPaYFLuNXVyOOKGj_WstbQsUhiyaAk3yJhxa7SIx8BwMCispO2UYknIc4PDeGWyNZdgQbRmyyiqEzeKK5ArsCrREmTYZJHeDF-BH6LzGZxQxDk/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids climbing stairs to Yoros Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GATYMMyqCwCmqCFwcjs3UqibZzdKQxgRlVWk0mczlV9jD3Xw0mncJqczTI3Fdq6CMfzHdS_8X3mkjq5FHMXm0KWvc29ihwKt6P5eE2Cczw07ECiFD53RHF2jvKpqS9l_nqxq1XZW8hk/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GATYMMyqCwCmqCFwcjs3UqibZzdKQxgRlVWk0mczlV9jD3Xw0mncJqczTI3Fdq6CMfzHdS_8X3mkjq5FHMXm0KWvc29ihwKt6P5eE2Cczw07ECiFD53RHF2jvKpqS9l_nqxq1XZW8hk/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" height="640" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoros Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xj0B-1biox_ZXmk1n5TNsf-RWAbBYBXHEUYuxzc40iTIKHiYq0vFKjkJmexvDh_JWZPwWStzYDucADBDEbaI8sa74kMW8_2iluvR625yuxg85qcxOsviSD-ddWx8O4QkJFiHlNoFiSo/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xj0B-1biox_ZXmk1n5TNsf-RWAbBYBXHEUYuxzc40iTIKHiYq0vFKjkJmexvDh_JWZPwWStzYDucADBDEbaI8sa74kMW8_2iluvR625yuxg85qcxOsviSD-ddWx8O4QkJFiHlNoFiSo/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stray dog enjoys views of Black Sea </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF-Bwd6iUverMU-4TD-OIKgN6mmUsndssRzqIssBxBHVrIf7YeGt955nHafFjH8gJN6wBSnnnDTsSEYFgOihtR75QLxYznYAyhfbEJ3Yn1E4RuatT3lGr5Sb7nFf8PbHBzAK3is7YD0w/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF-Bwd6iUverMU-4TD-OIKgN6mmUsndssRzqIssBxBHVrIf7YeGt955nHafFjH8gJN6wBSnnnDTsSEYFgOihtR75QLxYznYAyhfbEJ3Yn1E4RuatT3lGr5Sb7nFf8PbHBzAK3is7YD0w/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flower grows at Black Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w7oAjJLmb_mQJm7qsPY3WjxuLwoOWQ7pRBhiU4rZ-nyO71GIPY7YpoaqgNmUPnqfYyOyOHPr2yuH3wM5Pj9EoIOknfeZ_JnEwpLPGJuarIH_esEhRAZQYXRr1KIBkh4G-OmTj3Vn7zI/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w7oAjJLmb_mQJm7qsPY3WjxuLwoOWQ7pRBhiU4rZ-nyO71GIPY7YpoaqgNmUPnqfYyOyOHPr2yuH3wM5Pj9EoIOknfeZ_JnEwpLPGJuarIH_esEhRAZQYXRr1KIBkh4G-OmTj3Vn7zI/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bridge between continents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P6BZVM2vZDFzjAJsFKOyUkTkIpRLLWad-A-iiz0NIveD_NaEkzIoNO-saBGa3lfKTwPo-ky0_tkT1J5NvOsVAGMQC71kvM05Mtmjvec5i41eWnbtMDKlIP-J_yAzKh2jFK2_6ppS1E8/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P6BZVM2vZDFzjAJsFKOyUkTkIpRLLWad-A-iiz0NIveD_NaEkzIoNO-saBGa3lfKTwPo-ky0_tkT1J5NvOsVAGMQC71kvM05Mtmjvec5i41eWnbtMDKlIP-J_yAzKh2jFK2_6ppS1E8/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views on European side of Bosphorous: Chiragan Sarayi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDXWe5H8vF1bNpKozd6ktQYD8laZC8pr9XfjjGl0uNqHPx6rkPlXwB8zxeEnkiE8dYMKhdq6lZKsk_1S7p7o3hDEF6RRN1JGvqZ8t2OZ8WhzcboC_O4gKMRg7ZgRvlqMwLY6v6o-2HWc/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDXWe5H8vF1bNpKozd6ktQYD8laZC8pr9XfjjGl0uNqHPx6rkPlXwB8zxeEnkiE8dYMKhdq6lZKsk_1S7p7o3hDEF6RRN1JGvqZ8t2OZ8WhzcboC_O4gKMRg7ZgRvlqMwLY6v6o-2HWc/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphins abound in Bosphorous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XGd_fL1fW20tZnlxR1q6xMlm3pAvzIpq_8aoz7lk-vjKK3peycwQN7KpkbOfajZlcwgSxknfFY4YbY_5KXqS70FzbsSCQSrt90CarXMOR03YvhUZFnTre3_Kei5QCFTcYcfJWq95YC4/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XGd_fL1fW20tZnlxR1q6xMlm3pAvzIpq_8aoz7lk-vjKK3peycwQN7KpkbOfajZlcwgSxknfFY4YbY_5KXqS70FzbsSCQSrt90CarXMOR03YvhUZFnTre3_Kei5QCFTcYcfJWq95YC4/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dome of Eminonu Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP_zUiMtSsTCieccpuO7hIKJiKLQmNfmsHtpnr2wzwSlIo5u8jwFf9noXxLIpZfdBqn-arBUpaqVitgONABofM2rtDroY6HyWfr6XeEfZXl9zQMK6LqHfqfc3FP2b7DB0p0Blb6BZh50/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP_zUiMtSsTCieccpuO7hIKJiKLQmNfmsHtpnr2wzwSlIo5u8jwFf9noXxLIpZfdBqn-arBUpaqVitgONABofM2rtDroY6HyWfr6XeEfZXl9zQMK6LqHfqfc3FP2b7DB0p0Blb6BZh50/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer times at Eminonu Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic16thEHaU1HQNhg7z0KSxD6O5jDf_xnk7F1ETpphoC4-1tH1bLxnKp655dmmBC04tNTgIove_2MdYfSGOUnhZRjoC5AEIiJBmy-mN71zsuE00zjodVY4gFZpHGKrdJQkniHQLy8FHk0M/s1600/IMG_5703.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic16thEHaU1HQNhg7z0KSxD6O5jDf_xnk7F1ETpphoC4-1tH1bLxnKp655dmmBC04tNTgIove_2MdYfSGOUnhZRjoC5AEIiJBmy-mN71zsuE00zjodVY4gFZpHGKrdJQkniHQLy8FHk0M/s1600/IMG_5703.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three sixty of Eminonu Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U-9Qt73eVfI0URKjAUBhq3IVzW1xERH2goUJDdW3bKib4s7rLVwqWODU-rfHoQVBFStwljsd9dqSdgTKbuoQ0Axqvnoyo0Xt-ldrVEl4wiMJZoGYqBdOhArMFQDEhCyFMI1p-ThTlw8/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U-9Qt73eVfI0URKjAUBhq3IVzW1xERH2goUJDdW3bKib4s7rLVwqWODU-rfHoQVBFStwljsd9dqSdgTKbuoQ0Axqvnoyo0Xt-ldrVEl4wiMJZoGYqBdOhArMFQDEhCyFMI1p-ThTlw8/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spice Bazar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphGkWxab0mQR2kQCWsaLqbynsc7wOpCx2xQvqXypZYDyrVWQSqDjPIoREZnsqVkgw01gOzmzO80rP-X1WITblLOBXZrI3RIztMnRhyVTeVrJ7B9cZW4LBf4bTVsfSn9oqbP2oRN_rRso/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphGkWxab0mQR2kQCWsaLqbynsc7wOpCx2xQvqXypZYDyrVWQSqDjPIoREZnsqVkgw01gOzmzO80rP-X1WITblLOBXZrI3RIztMnRhyVTeVrJ7B9cZW4LBf4bTVsfSn9oqbP2oRN_rRso/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips selfie near Hagia Sofia </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_Ehu30UyWk1AaY-3siWQ6K1EihOxlJVaWm5Ah1GshTcvMrrm0ZYhBLU4cZK4T3fTocDIxmRBK0ctUnnB6HClf8qUI52uGQ8WuafDAI82d-Amw7ywJbegniCVf3f5kDyvFjHVZprkj5w/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_Ehu30UyWk1AaY-3siWQ6K1EihOxlJVaWm5Ah1GshTcvMrrm0ZYhBLU4cZK4T3fTocDIxmRBK0ctUnnB6HClf8qUI52uGQ8WuafDAI82d-Amw7ywJbegniCVf3f5kDyvFjHVZprkj5w/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sultanahmet Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_n3bVIU1e070glc7kraGd2TaWtB3NoKQBKge0emEaEIw95O7eGpKmkV9mn2t5VwZOl_kND2g5pvS5qFLg28ubJ-Nitz5rbL8I-6T1V8BIeLmB5yUCkO6mBUdXyZh9uGhdTs0V6Y_SEI/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_n3bVIU1e070glc7kraGd2TaWtB3NoKQBKge0emEaEIw95O7eGpKmkV9mn2t5VwZOl_kND2g5pvS5qFLg28ubJ-Nitz5rbL8I-6T1V8BIeLmB5yUCkO6mBUdXyZh9uGhdTs0V6Y_SEI/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arasta Bazar : Deserted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Io-aU7F1AiVubER9GGm_q4_G2FEwV0qB_UcPIEHXwx0MhBMCh4RwEKOeIJOs9Nw1fcvRRppX6lJFx1KdLc2RElomml4vnu6tPNK-r6XjTL_i3IRlhXL9U1Kt540SItAXo4mHD-d1B0w/s1600/IMG_5736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Io-aU7F1AiVubER9GGm_q4_G2FEwV0qB_UcPIEHXwx0MhBMCh4RwEKOeIJOs9Nw1fcvRRppX6lJFx1KdLc2RElomml4vnu6tPNK-r6XjTL_i3IRlhXL9U1Kt540SItAXo4mHD-d1B0w/s1600/IMG_5736.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dome of Blue Mosque</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4pz0AxpaNb8jMSL8Ir1J1H04CwMfHIxfmjAs8p0RKoh25EDeis9CdSQdl-kITrreJNk9esgWx6f_X_VmdYfRhfOfM1hqZ0BEYtisZU-Nuy9_Kl3OXE0uuypTRj2CpAaNmRSfkVB0KGM/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4pz0AxpaNb8jMSL8Ir1J1H04CwMfHIxfmjAs8p0RKoh25EDeis9CdSQdl-kITrreJNk9esgWx6f_X_VmdYfRhfOfM1hqZ0BEYtisZU-Nuy9_Kl3OXE0uuypTRj2CpAaNmRSfkVB0KGM/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Mosque at Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCt2QpOL2xEO5CHXP4YSThidVd1UbzKNLj9M_BCydVP55fifG4zX9R5xtM6DZ9y8vbPRTeLn466WynY1RBb00Wegg4ZkxKm-ucVcxu3D4z87ZwvouYIGtkB3XWPtyG22wIRWviwkPLVw/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCt2QpOL2xEO5CHXP4YSThidVd1UbzKNLj9M_BCydVP55fifG4zX9R5xtM6DZ9y8vbPRTeLn466WynY1RBb00Wegg4ZkxKm-ucVcxu3D4z87ZwvouYIGtkB3XWPtyG22wIRWviwkPLVw/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obelisk of Roman emperor Theodosius. He had it moved from Egypt (initially erected by a Pharaoh)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQpEdoTldJho6KGGky9opV9DAuzzRxui6ekuYLMpiJAvSc7LV8f8v7LuF8A1mfvcDMQ0rIt-725EAUqlnKBKKGdFdMAphZYixx1mY2A1OYLAWLIFDSmqmGn6NrnlD6Z9JBHoGYn_FmU/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQpEdoTldJho6KGGky9opV9DAuzzRxui6ekuYLMpiJAvSc7LV8f8v7LuF8A1mfvcDMQ0rIt-725EAUqlnKBKKGdFdMAphZYixx1mY2A1OYLAWLIFDSmqmGn6NrnlD6Z9JBHoGYn_FmU/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another structure in Hippodrome</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGhTyDxeASNQpc7-FoFYDs2DTsOP7VT8YGKmT33mdeuGJXkXYxJPr2kfUC9qhZSzo2lpZ3xWkdxd372byc_I2UnpLCI51MvcUqT8_e-AbllOViiNtRmcVden6U00QqHIbHX95ls9azNA/s1600/IMG_5761.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGhTyDxeASNQpc7-FoFYDs2DTsOP7VT8YGKmT33mdeuGJXkXYxJPr2kfUC9qhZSzo2lpZ3xWkdxd372byc_I2UnpLCI51MvcUqT8_e-AbllOViiNtRmcVden6U00QqHIbHX95ls9azNA/s1600/IMG_5761.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sultanahmet Square at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Tuesday</b><br />
Zain was running a fever, and on Tylenol since last Friday. All the Monday's activities made it worse for him, so we decided to split up on Tuesday. I went out to see some museums with Maheen, while Momina cared for Zain in the room, then when I was done, I stayed with Zain, and Maheen accompanied Momina.<br />
<br />
We saw Museum of Turkish-Islamic Art, Hagia Sophia, Archaeology Museum, Museum of Islamic Science, Great Palace Mosaic Museum, and Ayasofia Kucuk. We walked to all these places as they are in the Sultanahmet area.<br />
<br />
In my opinion Archaeology Museum is the best of all the above museums. The holy relics in Museum of Turkish-Islamic Art are quite unique and worth seeing. Hagia Sophia is majestic, and must be on everyone's list of places to see.<br />
<br />
Topkapi is closed on Tuesdays.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzKsoQkhxhSimQIdpt8KXR6_-0FjV21_Ja4xUNxzeWnUseF_YT75KCkZQ0XuCKSzL3wri4Jiuz1HkU3wuC8SxuDrX01AqchZA_ko3SLHLnKQakZjU5ErwNAeL1qI_2aNm-I7Dcu-Hd6E/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzKsoQkhxhSimQIdpt8KXR6_-0FjV21_Ja4xUNxzeWnUseF_YT75KCkZQ0XuCKSzL3wri4Jiuz1HkU3wuC8SxuDrX01AqchZA_ko3SLHLnKQakZjU5ErwNAeL1qI_2aNm-I7Dcu-Hd6E/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hagia Sophia artwork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGtKJ_EX0eD6GDlHD-QBCAusctzhg3A5JUJ8ZnWV_QoSbxc5LadE_4noA_XuanqM3Z4fEwEMCS8BLeOJTssFdfSk8mM8ElsY1kXZ8m_bk5xiUqhnSNpU7G-5UVii6mGz09qnxajMmQPw/s1600/IMG_5775.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGtKJ_EX0eD6GDlHD-QBCAusctzhg3A5JUJ8ZnWV_QoSbxc5LadE_4noA_XuanqM3Z4fEwEMCS8BLeOJTssFdfSk8mM8ElsY1kXZ8m_bk5xiUqhnSNpU7G-5UVii6mGz09qnxajMmQPw/s1600/IMG_5775.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Hagia Sophia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABSEd-kc3NKsHQgYcas-wAZakkbEXkuTYV0VaQd9rWuMJXX2JCUFLq8g47y-yzP67GzUwq7qOAQgilwJfeUXOa_hlY2DbyOt0ynt_SZFPAuDgJqWrIz-hpuLd7Q16YlWe8ogUMu3l-Yc/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABSEd-kc3NKsHQgYcas-wAZakkbEXkuTYV0VaQd9rWuMJXX2JCUFLq8g47y-yzP67GzUwq7qOAQgilwJfeUXOa_hlY2DbyOt0ynt_SZFPAuDgJqWrIz-hpuLd7Q16YlWe8ogUMu3l-Yc/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three sixty of Hagia Sophia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMe5-Mfjc_A5yfwn5FwDiWa5mfrT4b6T4OoZGxnTe8FzzLUoQLLH4DS0VqBXUv2Vj5Kqtz4VmSYFMR34ONTeHbJFouYX8-Rk17fBkhq6-ayf3lmYobN2cWGb6xWowiwuA_0GvfRTWBls/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMe5-Mfjc_A5yfwn5FwDiWa5mfrT4b6T4OoZGxnTe8FzzLUoQLLH4DS0VqBXUv2Vj5Kqtz4VmSYFMR34ONTeHbJFouYX8-Rk17fBkhq6-ayf3lmYobN2cWGb6xWowiwuA_0GvfRTWBls/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard at Hagia Sophia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55n0_EAmh0YUkKU-AGbytforewsjkvvQ3FWxhmSFD6A4AjKFYONCyRdTfpzFYnJuuzfm4-UT06fAC-iyXOy1-qIpdhQwFMwbZyFpK1SJPL-Zd_JV_dH9P7umuVp_LoEai1DQdQYGqeko/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55n0_EAmh0YUkKU-AGbytforewsjkvvQ3FWxhmSFD6A4AjKFYONCyRdTfpzFYnJuuzfm4-UT06fAC-iyXOy1-qIpdhQwFMwbZyFpK1SJPL-Zd_JV_dH9P7umuVp_LoEai1DQdQYGqeko/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building outside Hagia Sophia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvass6YTQWmk_ttEFqfnta-bKG5BoKoW6J8Why2IBK0mGWOcZRBCyktUI6yBChG08B-GY_8syKB-0UwKU-brp9U-IH1MoRdscLnR7jU_syJDJNA9WU0bZlMIq-pSXmt8xHSLrbRqnoUg/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvass6YTQWmk_ttEFqfnta-bKG5BoKoW6J8Why2IBK0mGWOcZRBCyktUI6yBChG08B-GY_8syKB-0UwKU-brp9U-IH1MoRdscLnR7jU_syJDJNA9WU0bZlMIq-pSXmt8xHSLrbRqnoUg/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest Quran in Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9cARuEyEWi-6JfgQxgT7OMV9M3tSwP8Ol0XuX7Skq9bR8S44Fwv9UOq5pCYPQH4CX3eNan6g5jA7K3lxutDAfqgND9CENEhh1At0dN9AROgUWF0iwLFnQBUHhgBIUZGQ8VrfmmiNLcE/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9cARuEyEWi-6JfgQxgT7OMV9M3tSwP8Ol0XuX7Skq9bR8S44Fwv9UOq5pCYPQH4CX3eNan6g5jA7K3lxutDAfqgND9CENEhh1At0dN9AROgUWF0iwLFnQBUHhgBIUZGQ8VrfmmiNLcE/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Mosque: View from Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ9edhPfr6l4Tf5sZdQKRAekV_HENIGde9iiiM22MPUGiu88tQ-JyAYwb0iMTNEAf5QindglSNLaziBJLNQdHLDi1umAWyHUAIEkYFOwNc0-mxj0IdXZS81DTz-RuhX150TC-lyJ4ooc/s1600/IMG_5815.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ9edhPfr6l4Tf5sZdQKRAekV_HENIGde9iiiM22MPUGiu88tQ-JyAYwb0iMTNEAf5QindglSNLaziBJLNQdHLDi1umAWyHUAIEkYFOwNc0-mxj0IdXZS81DTz-RuhX150TC-lyJ4ooc/s1600/IMG_5815.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayasofia Kucuk Mosque dome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPgwaqgsqlrOoLFRjWQI8oVtnglvbnhFGXeqwPHThPlKKYUd0j-Pt8hOZWhJkPodHbnaaIJ332h6RPqIS8eNfQg-UAmU-eMzkYj-3Kmi7Jcn5XTnooi0zLC-KDFy2i4v7TcMBVKqRatY/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPgwaqgsqlrOoLFRjWQI8oVtnglvbnhFGXeqwPHThPlKKYUd0j-Pt8hOZWhJkPodHbnaaIJ332h6RPqIS8eNfQg-UAmU-eMzkYj-3Kmi7Jcn5XTnooi0zLC-KDFy2i4v7TcMBVKqRatY/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65YAU7WLgovdLfqjN-GZX-DnK9mxmn04uoIqYFwtVm_-Qbo7qfuRrLZRtRwNWR3mwhL-49xynn_q1nID50nIEOWIus2M8ZqcXhwSZ9RCmZLXLEhvBYewBpkuf3iurc88Qgkph5BNeWwI/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65YAU7WLgovdLfqjN-GZX-DnK9mxmn04uoIqYFwtVm_-Qbo7qfuRrLZRtRwNWR3mwhL-49xynn_q1nID50nIEOWIus2M8ZqcXhwSZ9RCmZLXLEhvBYewBpkuf3iurc88Qgkph5BNeWwI/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of Hagia Sophia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWM-KWmweyzZnSgqSe-ZviRNKBkokTOmULDEqn1PkkBnbj3QLb6Dr7sDP-pKWGjZlLGDvSssdxU8uj4UXyGNAfIivdA4VZp8wTgtIcILMwZuHCgijqJkfeT3UiFWXXa_9is4fck7HVCU/s1600/IMG_5830.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWM-KWmweyzZnSgqSe-ZviRNKBkokTOmULDEqn1PkkBnbj3QLb6Dr7sDP-pKWGjZlLGDvSssdxU8uj4UXyGNAfIivdA4VZp8wTgtIcILMwZuHCgijqJkfeT3UiFWXXa_9is4fck7HVCU/s1600/IMG_5830.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archaeology Museum: Many thousand year old statues. This one seems to be from Persia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkz0646tduEL1tZEfeeNiOUyFwDDIs3P9U8mvxItYGUmRw1S-7ruUBzFzGF5IWu7uVEF7Mk4LZuseJy5ddv8BaMNJeaF9LIETmcIA2uNJHc613p6VGKWSLGTFeR1G5VBIGFPu69Frqgc/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkz0646tduEL1tZEfeeNiOUyFwDDIs3P9U8mvxItYGUmRw1S-7ruUBzFzGF5IWu7uVEF7Mk4LZuseJy5ddv8BaMNJeaF9LIETmcIA2uNJHc613p6VGKWSLGTFeR1G5VBIGFPu69Frqgc/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archaeology Museum: Roman statues</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBug1b5F2odz600Bo78PeqaMoxWfyZZ53j370BZPcY2uNdHLEfdaK4Oo2VSSsjwTWonrRHKVlTlVYrj7vb7j_q6Ikaj6-xm28JLIbwvkIW482Aku65dcPLoo13-n4uenfGvHKdfag8BHU/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBug1b5F2odz600Bo78PeqaMoxWfyZZ53j370BZPcY2uNdHLEfdaK4Oo2VSSsjwTWonrRHKVlTlVYrj7vb7j_q6Ikaj6-xm28JLIbwvkIW482Aku65dcPLoo13-n4uenfGvHKdfag8BHU/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archaeology Museum: Soft face Medusa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Wednesday</b><br />
We planned all rainy days<b> </b>for inside activities. We spent the whole day exploring Topkapi and the accompanying Hagia Irene. Zain was feeling better, and we headed to Topkapi. We entered the Haram first, which has the most impressive artwork. Haram is the residence of the Sultans, and a must see. Haram has an extra fee for people who do not have museum passes. Then we exit the Haram into the main area of the Topkapi palace. There are several rooms with relics and crowns/jewellery. Sword of Ali, Dress of Fatima (RA), and many many more holy relics are forbidden for photography.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocceA-KHkJtThxo92VRCvFh5SvmuNCYA5fM9SSSyHd3fSnalNZCzibjBHI_p1eimk1F-OX6ix3NLEHjhYD7ZGmUyKungQqPbDqPk6uYLQcTRbB7UR6A05WvwImv5RbeXij3-BtsOZ72Q/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocceA-KHkJtThxo92VRCvFh5SvmuNCYA5fM9SSSyHd3fSnalNZCzibjBHI_p1eimk1F-OX6ix3NLEHjhYD7ZGmUyKungQqPbDqPk6uYLQcTRbB7UR6A05WvwImv5RbeXij3-BtsOZ72Q/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocceA-KHkJtThxo92VRCvFh5SvmuNCYA5fM9SSSyHd3fSnalNZCzibjBHI_p1eimk1F-OX6ix3NLEHjhYD7ZGmUyKungQqPbDqPk6uYLQcTRbB7UR6A05WvwImv5RbeXij3-BtsOZ72Q/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Haram domes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCRmGX6dif92B1cJeseZx3HVUIhi2Gs2CzsznQPt80V9FqjaQOl3Yki8uGuATexpejhdkux3KejY1_sG7ItkZ3If-qgFKC16S5DRcnObPIrwWhWtelZv_WabxTWsAvSiG_yVbZq2MA04/s1600/IMG_5851.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCRmGX6dif92B1cJeseZx3HVUIhi2Gs2CzsznQPt80V9FqjaQOl3Yki8uGuATexpejhdkux3KejY1_sG7ItkZ3If-qgFKC16S5DRcnObPIrwWhWtelZv_WabxTWsAvSiG_yVbZq2MA04/s1600/IMG_5851.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Haram domes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvVUsCbPbTSNCBXXTdoIjuwEZAQfPgTiHn8LBxWVrT9GzKEM7lhffIiNzbFM1mBnpJ1EG9SXKwn75C7XAZ4eAhYeFd4NpsqEpZOxbdOKBYiOULpssAaa-7teC9vHdY9O2XG3Hb7ikl-U/s1600/IMG_5855.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvVUsCbPbTSNCBXXTdoIjuwEZAQfPgTiHn8LBxWVrT9GzKEM7lhffIiNzbFM1mBnpJ1EG9SXKwn75C7XAZ4eAhYeFd4NpsqEpZOxbdOKBYiOULpssAaa-7teC9vHdY9O2XG3Hb7ikl-U/s1600/IMG_5855.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Haram domes - the most beautiful room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XHORqsr1OMn3VrWEj1Z50BXhdvJ57SG87Emc503hJEDQrc2BKfJ2wrl_hba9r1XjuKHr6OaoGXF-Ik8FnbX2OxSwMdtdae_oiZU-2LoqHY3O16Q-LiZ2mOD81ZIg2IsHfAfcFl2IpYA/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XHORqsr1OMn3VrWEj1Z50BXhdvJ57SG87Emc503hJEDQrc2BKfJ2wrl_hba9r1XjuKHr6OaoGXF-Ik8FnbX2OxSwMdtdae_oiZU-2LoqHY3O16Q-LiZ2mOD81ZIg2IsHfAfcFl2IpYA/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Haram domes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl5YtpKW88cjavVC7OhvtUblC5FWZezb8B1sFQO_oIGi_7anUuOZxWG0BmAGZOKIjfnjfzb6P0v2XBr1Z42Q7pmHr1S1X8zOEcD0S3Q8THLGGlFMF4OJA0BhgtHTsNu4wfwSatji2o4Q/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl5YtpKW88cjavVC7OhvtUblC5FWZezb8B1sFQO_oIGi_7anUuOZxWG0BmAGZOKIjfnjfzb6P0v2XBr1Z42Q7pmHr1S1X8zOEcD0S3Q8THLGGlFMF4OJA0BhgtHTsNu4wfwSatji2o4Q/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Haram domes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QJ1ASjplBQGPH1WH6QNU_ftvmrJ4nJVBcYVo4fl8qSuTYaVviiubH2U77kEYztIQr3rWxpRkgzfhN6zfatHzPhHedfHd_laHuegFOeyDAkPWyixy_CbGUi9oeen609R8J6VwDsS7_bY/s1600/IMG_5875.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QJ1ASjplBQGPH1WH6QNU_ftvmrJ4nJVBcYVo4fl8qSuTYaVviiubH2U77kEYztIQr3rWxpRkgzfhN6zfatHzPhHedfHd_laHuegFOeyDAkPWyixy_CbGUi9oeen609R8J6VwDsS7_bY/s1600/IMG_5875.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topkapi: Yard overlooking Bosphorous </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hagia Irene was a let down and can be skipped.<br />
<br />
We walked out of Topkapi in Gulhane
Park. The park is full of tulips, and we saw storks building nests in trees. Museum of Islamic Science which is in Gulhane Park is also a worthy visit. The museum displays machines (and their replicas) built by scientists in Middle East while Europe was in dark ages. Zain took quite a bit of interest in this museum due to his fascination with science.<br />
<br />
We walked back from Gulhane Park to hotel, then after some rest took a taxi to Taksim square. We walked down Taksim to Galata via Istiklal Cad., then to Eminonu, then to our hotel in Sultanahmet.<br />
<br />
Taksim and Istiklal is a very busy place, full of people wandering aimlessly. This can be considered a bigger more modern Grand Bazar.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday</b><br />
We decided to visit the Eyup area, then walk back to Sultanahmet. We took a taxi to Eyup Sultan Mosque which lies at the tip of the Golden Horn outside the city walls. We prayed at the mosque and visited the grave of Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (RA). He died on siege of Constantinople in 674 AD.<br />
<br />
We took a cable car from the mosque to the Golden Horn view point, then walked back down through the historic graveyard.<br />
<br />
We walked from the mosque to Chora Church. This church in my opinion has better artwork than Hagia Sophia. Then we walked to the nearby Fathieye Church. This church is not as impressive as Chora Church and can be skipped.<br />
<br />
We took a taxi to Shehzade Mosque. Shehzade Mosque is another majestic mosque rivalling Blue Mosque in grandeur.<br />
<br />
We walked from Shehzade Mosque to Suleymanye Mosque. Suleymanye Mosque is a must see mosque. It seems bigger than Blue Mosque, and has unparalleled open views of Bosphorous and Galata Tower. We walked from Suleymanye Mosque down to Eminonu, then to Grand Bazar. Since I had no interest in shopping, I took Zain back to the hotel. The ladies turned up at hotel around 8 PM with some jewellery bought at the Grand Bazar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB_nD7Ma95jI7lMUfpfVkAEBlgppTMGoIj4ZXfitfGIwcO7Rkiz9zKUCzuvmBgoyNf8vTjLYSE1F3RZeJ5eN2z5S3owtd3CsKdFYWtgoV-KCKW2FW01yyU5FrEygv6Z8lSyhu05-sh1g/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB_nD7Ma95jI7lMUfpfVkAEBlgppTMGoIj4ZXfitfGIwcO7Rkiz9zKUCzuvmBgoyNf8vTjLYSE1F3RZeJ5eN2z5S3owtd3CsKdFYWtgoV-KCKW2FW01yyU5FrEygv6Z8lSyhu05-sh1g/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosque of Abu Ayyub Al Ansari dome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcunI01-AlH4iiBjYDZD4lDBtSGMaCBhmFqOsvOLmW3ZPyETGvhT6-_Lb7-TH_t4JSnt6FtcxgYYTemWAVZCDB3FMkPXh8z0taqgAtAWmYAUifGk7PJg1c0BUZKdGftiZN6v9TEiT-Rg/s1600/IMG_5878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcunI01-AlH4iiBjYDZD4lDBtSGMaCBhmFqOsvOLmW3ZPyETGvhT6-_Lb7-TH_t4JSnt6FtcxgYYTemWAVZCDB3FMkPXh8z0taqgAtAWmYAUifGk7PJg1c0BUZKdGftiZN6v9TEiT-Rg/s1600/IMG_5878.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People praying at the grave of Abu Ayyub Al Ansari. You can see the grave from the window </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7_jle89UsH1k8jllLJBSykyvADB-BEZpQij3wge9NZXQ62MskHe9EFnhKDgCzjns-uDQ5sArmguPgxWKtiVScp8XMkUgEc1s34Er82J7xuGvyyeg-QqZHY8ovyoLazBx9rVmkISovPM/s1600/IMG_5879.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7_jle89UsH1k8jllLJBSykyvADB-BEZpQij3wge9NZXQ62MskHe9EFnhKDgCzjns-uDQ5sArmguPgxWKtiVScp8XMkUgEc1s34Er82J7xuGvyyeg-QqZHY8ovyoLazBx9rVmkISovPM/s1600/IMG_5879.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Horn vista point. Cable car runs from bottom to the vista point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWWSOkBi9RBA8CIBWgeTrvt1Uj8SU7te9YHK15pmi8ETXt01O184OVQ-raLiOuFcYk6Z7Pr9y6K7cGGGLNuAwPYK_jUp34DqtsML0WbMZGBQjZMxS9sBdc2p9jDa3ZOHuphwLwD9bCLc/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWWSOkBi9RBA8CIBWgeTrvt1Uj8SU7te9YHK15pmi8ETXt01O184OVQ-raLiOuFcYk6Z7Pr9y6K7cGGGLNuAwPYK_jUp34DqtsML0WbMZGBQjZMxS9sBdc2p9jDa3ZOHuphwLwD9bCLc/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eyup mosque from the graveyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41BBTIzB3DrG1IpvxAtF0f1bjFnVX-YoY5kTgVk1KWu8z8ZP0w3nJWlEJTGcsnOuw-syIxrZzVx6kJPqbGLuN8Kjyuuw5LUuGBtfRSpIGxq-jMC44fa9df1ESdGuDV8MTY_xyiuGrB08/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41BBTIzB3DrG1IpvxAtF0f1bjFnVX-YoY5kTgVk1KWu8z8ZP0w3nJWlEJTGcsnOuw-syIxrZzVx6kJPqbGLuN8Kjyuuw5LUuGBtfRSpIGxq-jMC44fa9df1ESdGuDV8MTY_xyiuGrB08/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stray animals abound in Istanbul. They are everywhere and roam free. They are well fed and healthy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZrCQVIpn3lFc29Y3oELj1CgEYpWRacfU9vcTYeDUfCkiA8uMD8hAD3pebefrWrQX_sMAXoCxz1r7JGPP63DI1TAe50AjpBdRrJklQH5CgLVAhz-6uwUngN175272C3d_vmBc3D5fS4w/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZrCQVIpn3lFc29Y3oELj1CgEYpWRacfU9vcTYeDUfCkiA8uMD8hAD3pebefrWrQX_sMAXoCxz1r7JGPP63DI1TAe50AjpBdRrJklQH5CgLVAhz-6uwUngN175272C3d_vmBc3D5fS4w/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dome of Chora Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXIVGW4sO4Ya3rY_DLTZkrF5fR4eJmI_oh2HFEX6rKNhYJ9whQhLJFhJ4UTj4vvXtQN0hgdQ8nKiAG_t1rMH6o67qOg4bZgVPlq5wUpblgWEwWHK1dXglq0yK-b22x0-PPktP0I-A7lI/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXIVGW4sO4Ya3rY_DLTZkrF5fR4eJmI_oh2HFEX6rKNhYJ9whQhLJFhJ4UTj4vvXtQN0hgdQ8nKiAG_t1rMH6o67qOg4bZgVPlq5wUpblgWEwWHK1dXglq0yK-b22x0-PPktP0I-A7lI/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dome in Chora Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgRLFkv_lTLUUcF7jfJ6Wesn-GZpdN-CiXzPytcrmpYuOc19doOMrjQAd7uz9SCZCz4SAHJ7R4Jzj20N2WhnwhK4GcnCkfGGRHtlnNHtSnpxj54g_vRD8xXi7DnFNyUjCno9aWJI4Cio/s1600/IMG_5899.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgRLFkv_lTLUUcF7jfJ6Wesn-GZpdN-CiXzPytcrmpYuOc19doOMrjQAd7uz9SCZCz4SAHJ7R4Jzj20N2WhnwhK4GcnCkfGGRHtlnNHtSnpxj54g_vRD8xXi7DnFNyUjCno9aWJI4Cio/s1600/IMG_5899.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saints of Chora Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdBCo5j5t59b-vdbr8Llp1p-xNpSOkG3FzaMoBx5ra2t4M5aY1m2rm2xOu8op5n6b3_M2M7hGOEZPiXy1Ln6l3UjHLrfdGfiLWxsIh3e0ise0d6x8g7QzG9_ahczPXR4X02FrSSfrkaE/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdBCo5j5t59b-vdbr8Llp1p-xNpSOkG3FzaMoBx5ra2t4M5aY1m2rm2xOu8op5n6b3_M2M7hGOEZPiXy1Ln6l3UjHLrfdGfiLWxsIh3e0ise0d6x8g7QzG9_ahczPXR4X02FrSSfrkaE/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another artwork in Chora Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uishvNya3Lv6C6MTL06C6Q4X8_Lzwcfdv5uW-FCoJgACV-3KkOeW5roammGvXYtNFbM6vSgWwF0T07V-y3Yg-hQEe2JMohnQMMF5tlq7NdrLpSx7TfuJTn5JRutlmzS8Q1NItlyoBPA/s1600/IMG_5905.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uishvNya3Lv6C6MTL06C6Q4X8_Lzwcfdv5uW-FCoJgACV-3KkOeW5roammGvXYtNFbM6vSgWwF0T07V-y3Yg-hQEe2JMohnQMMF5tlq7NdrLpSx7TfuJTn5JRutlmzS8Q1NItlyoBPA/s1600/IMG_5905.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fathieye Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsz9a0BoLBxMWigRghnsHTL80yfQJSm2V4-6edip97A1Beg0yBUAQbTwdiB_iJEu368DwDvrgl60VHiGlqL3HmWm0VoYKjGcKu9-tgxJ6IqebaXJy22z73R63V5fwsLWaEFVB6EJgW8/s1600/IMG_5909.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsz9a0BoLBxMWigRghnsHTL80yfQJSm2V4-6edip97A1Beg0yBUAQbTwdiB_iJEu368DwDvrgl60VHiGlqL3HmWm0VoYKjGcKu9-tgxJ6IqebaXJy22z73R63V5fwsLWaEFVB6EJgW8/s1600/IMG_5909.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dome of Shezade Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuGVuV6DN4dehhJgf4xIKEgfj4bKZjNMMJKxF29qouH9nMuz868FTJlCiHGNGaughUzV8CajOb8zRmQtJbH3-Lg8ZjmyitODEMteRMSaRMdggu26685r3xMsyDT0Yeqh9C7-Esxtf17M/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuGVuV6DN4dehhJgf4xIKEgfj4bKZjNMMJKxF29qouH9nMuz868FTJlCiHGNGaughUzV8CajOb8zRmQtJbH3-Lg8ZjmyitODEMteRMSaRMdggu26685r3xMsyDT0Yeqh9C7-Esxtf17M/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Galata from Sulemaniye Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihdonbaWMijX1sy6wBYcdYAZjEl4_Y19AbEo-8gVWGUNYt65ab2U9k8ewvkMR49Jnh_WZEHKPtXk6gDUIjh26LzniWewapyW-07kogPiawrBVu6dOmrkVTmJB05u1meN7FCfZogQZAsA/s1600/IMG_5914.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihdonbaWMijX1sy6wBYcdYAZjEl4_Y19AbEo-8gVWGUNYt65ab2U9k8ewvkMR49Jnh_WZEHKPtXk6gDUIjh26LzniWewapyW-07kogPiawrBVu6dOmrkVTmJB05u1meN7FCfZogQZAsA/s1600/IMG_5914.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulemaniye Mosque vista point: Galata Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfzLOM08hU2Eb7eS6Az1uLiptBqHnFo3z5Ik68Mnh8yA0JsYjIZKjZhNzQAlBik4r1oD9DAi9b71gBjalN8Bvt7_2d5bTXw5jYxmFqoDSvOqjTiFNzx8YsJa6w3pyR9n0W094Klc2Vh4/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfzLOM08hU2Eb7eS6Az1uLiptBqHnFo3z5Ik68Mnh8yA0JsYjIZKjZhNzQAlBik4r1oD9DAi9b71gBjalN8Bvt7_2d5bTXw5jYxmFqoDSvOqjTiFNzx8YsJa6w3pyR9n0W094Klc2Vh4/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More minarets of Sulemaniye Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9WN8kdM9SIv7jEzX-42kfy3fsFwLqaISdgLWwOTZMfbYf-_k7bFSjuY5DomJWrFOYv3c_J6QCpZo_fdXOxgTnPTrdJyEH_E662WnBMKfQWgFwKPai41MMNHxGrtXB0zAY8Mi-M9V1I/s1600/IMG_5920.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9WN8kdM9SIv7jEzX-42kfy3fsFwLqaISdgLWwOTZMfbYf-_k7bFSjuY5DomJWrFOYv3c_J6QCpZo_fdXOxgTnPTrdJyEH_E662WnBMKfQWgFwKPai41MMNHxGrtXB0zAY8Mi-M9V1I/s1600/IMG_5920.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulemaniye Mosque</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UOgai-uruUZ4neoMU7RzrwSr0PnhhhSm9yRuMWGmTO4ShwLnPC1tL6uJQVAu_XjCo9n3wvWDXZQ8k7BXLl6ox5E44TKU9srosGmHxfumqqrnSYtghYFtnHXp4u5EOcaR3nfquSl_kU0/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UOgai-uruUZ4neoMU7RzrwSr0PnhhhSm9yRuMWGmTO4ShwLnPC1tL6uJQVAu_XjCo9n3wvWDXZQ8k7BXLl6ox5E44TKU9srosGmHxfumqqrnSYtghYFtnHXp4u5EOcaR3nfquSl_kU0/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulemaniye Mosque dome. Largest dome in Istanbul.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKccvYa3EyFrW61rqAmbIme05kwovvR9rvRtRVCZfLY_w7GplLbfv3Ieb_fz-QlH7O3VuJA2hEUQcktM2Tx6RvCapMQDGFpzZhDlyvHMv3RX6wf_OnVqjlvnwTg4JJxE-FLIc9j6T_Qqo/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKccvYa3EyFrW61rqAmbIme05kwovvR9rvRtRVCZfLY_w7GplLbfv3Ieb_fz-QlH7O3VuJA2hEUQcktM2Tx6RvCapMQDGFpzZhDlyvHMv3RX6wf_OnVqjlvnwTg4JJxE-FLIc9j6T_Qqo/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three sixty of Sulemaniye Mosque</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Friday</b><br />
We decided to visit Buyukada (pronounced Buke-adaa). Buyukada is the farthest of the Prince's Islands in Marmara Sea, South of Istanbul. Sehir Hatlari runs service from Kabatas. We took the tram from Sultanahmet to the last station (Kabatas) and then walked to the Sehir Hatlari sea bus terminal. The bus runs every couple of hour. We took the 10:30 AM service. The sea bus made several stops at the Asian side, and at other Prince's Islands to arrive at Buyukada. Total travel time is about two hours for four TL (about two US dollar). <br />
<br />
Buyukada does not have any motorized vehicles. Only horse carriages and bicycles are allowed. However, there is no comparison with Mackinac Island. The company that runs carriages there makes the roads unsafe. Since there are no speed limits on the Island, the carriage drivers will run their horses as fast as possible to get more tourists hauled through the day. They will run over any
pedestrian in their way. They speed through busy streets. The horses are mistreated, starved, and beaten. The carriages share the roads with pedestrians and the bicycles.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of places to eat in Buyukada, and food price is similar to that in Sultanahmet.<br />
<br />
Before we knew about the dangers on Buyukada roads, we decided to rent some bikes, and ride around the Island. Its about ten miles ride, up and down some hills. You barely get to see the ocean due to private construction with tall walls. It took us about two hours to circle the island on the ring road. We were very careful and soon learned to co-exist with the carriages. We saw some roaming horses in the way, and some openings offered views of Istanbul and Marmara Sea. I will not ride bikes with kids on Buyukada roads again.<br />
<br />
We bathed in sun while we waited for the next sea bus back to Istanbul. We arrived in Kabatas at 7 PM, walked up to Taksim, then down to Galata. We visited Galata Tower at night, then walked down to Galata Bridge. From there, we took the tram to Sultanahmet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnmKO3yYKQn78urJviYYH3t6WsWXal-zEJRNZZWDtFM_22OCFCtvOVO04g5MIQjSvYGvNqOPRCU_6GPwX0Xije713gppXxaJMf4OzMSUtgaUzL78aihiufEZaZL-ZOJOBDzwu02nlF9M/s1600/IMG_5942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnmKO3yYKQn78urJviYYH3t6WsWXal-zEJRNZZWDtFM_22OCFCtvOVO04g5MIQjSvYGvNqOPRCU_6GPwX0Xije713gppXxaJMf4OzMSUtgaUzL78aihiufEZaZL-ZOJOBDzwu02nlF9M/s1600/IMG_5942.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to Buyukada on Sehir Hatlari</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVpUdkEf5RPDUIPpQUYZtb2MIjKrGltoi51QtaEPNFU4v4EMR_s-ztag62RQ562Ssh6HE5IwDJTacJuykbhewftitajpu4s5z_OEVTYoRVhT-8hE7gwJCEUADmnuqaDRYf_gyQH8-Jk8/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVpUdkEf5RPDUIPpQUYZtb2MIjKrGltoi51QtaEPNFU4v4EMR_s-ztag62RQ562Ssh6HE5IwDJTacJuykbhewftitajpu4s5z_OEVTYoRVhT-8hE7gwJCEUADmnuqaDRYf_gyQH8-Jk8/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carriages and Bikes in Buyukada</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAPUbtIl8UYfWIdtI8pTMB_cUcBa7oaqgTISwyWE8AHfWiglP-3Au8OnxYJUwkBbT9sj39vo0SDvCyxEIA5y1B__kzCF7n4NxjLmfCWV0QAazFO6AmX-X-VFN7Ke_rgqkCa_urj0avdc/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAPUbtIl8UYfWIdtI8pTMB_cUcBa7oaqgTISwyWE8AHfWiglP-3Au8OnxYJUwkBbT9sj39vo0SDvCyxEIA5y1B__kzCF7n4NxjLmfCWV0QAazFO6AmX-X-VFN7Ke_rgqkCa_urj0avdc/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of free horses on roads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RcwJ8FtUdyS7uUI1jG3zB0XXfXgMsioZFH6BB3xsz_DVjRGaYl1GNhcXqxP6AyN4BeoOypFX6SLuP5BnPHLpvFe3gMbjaa9PAF69iQfMchL-YvMKdhmdoAQmzjxRLrYqI4RCADsOWo/s1600/IMG_5957.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RcwJ8FtUdyS7uUI1jG3zB0XXfXgMsioZFH6BB3xsz_DVjRGaYl1GNhcXqxP6AyN4BeoOypFX6SLuP5BnPHLpvFe3gMbjaa9PAF69iQfMchL-YvMKdhmdoAQmzjxRLrYqI4RCADsOWo/s1600/IMG_5957.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Istanbul from Buyukada ring road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXQZfde_1oc33kMuliYgm8W8QBcda0iCA9JQdycVEUWwq94MquaUviP9dojLrVl7KQsUkHnLeFg1p1155h3YyzuZfEe4FVIEykUUh56RuNr2-rN0b2RvMraQEXrN1gcMT8Ap-l9qAEfo/s1600/IMG_5967.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXQZfde_1oc33kMuliYgm8W8QBcda0iCA9JQdycVEUWwq94MquaUviP9dojLrVl7KQsUkHnLeFg1p1155h3YyzuZfEe4FVIEykUUh56RuNr2-rN0b2RvMraQEXrN1gcMT8Ap-l9qAEfo/s1600/IMG_5967.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolmabahce Mosque</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX1JH4jVGXss0d0tJ5RiWGcXjdiJY8s64hUARSzzZbr54aEtiHMFImcUt7Jj4qqbXAulmeNP2XNva_W7DhnntpqwcIIcdtb2GD2hqkiDVQE0DIw77Pg7WZ7IWEdqz0VxsVJ1qsUfU0yE/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX1JH4jVGXss0d0tJ5RiWGcXjdiJY8s64hUARSzzZbr54aEtiHMFImcUt7Jj4qqbXAulmeNP2XNva_W7DhnntpqwcIIcdtb2GD2hqkiDVQE0DIw77Pg7WZ7IWEdqz0VxsVJ1qsUfU0yE/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolmabahce Mosque: Dome and the biggest chandelier I have ever seen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5bQ1RwZNo6uavza6I77HkgmcnNnUBl5bbCasDFW3GMyREHfmHB5XBHaIgl09M6wkh1xJHBEcmRWnbgYoJe3NfuZs79xfzkfwVkPO1V-IswZPthKSwlcdxqAvObhTXfhOQGrKRbWnWZk/s1600/IMG_5972.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5bQ1RwZNo6uavza6I77HkgmcnNnUBl5bbCasDFW3GMyREHfmHB5XBHaIgl09M6wkh1xJHBEcmRWnbgYoJe3NfuZs79xfzkfwVkPO1V-IswZPthKSwlcdxqAvObhTXfhOQGrKRbWnWZk/s1600/IMG_5972.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istiklal Street. Busy and nothing special.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIMvVhyowisZk0oTw4Or9SvIO49DOYqEvB-ywvC0X91KZxqClPqawmB9xJ7qLqpF8Evf807Vgonw_HQIUdKPKSZRaQBHsXkVh9JyYAx_O-VDuQdZgi5UfP_7_QfbmD2Tgoh_0WinPZNA/s1600/IMG_5983.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIMvVhyowisZk0oTw4Or9SvIO49DOYqEvB-ywvC0X91KZxqClPqawmB9xJ7qLqpF8Evf807Vgonw_HQIUdKPKSZRaQBHsXkVh9JyYAx_O-VDuQdZgi5UfP_7_QfbmD2Tgoh_0WinPZNA/s1600/IMG_5983.JPG" height="640" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galata Tower at night</td></tr>
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<b>Saturday</b> <br />
We took the tram from Sultanahmet to Ataturk Airport for our return trip to Boston. The tram journey from Sultanahmet to the airport is about one hour and costs six TL per person (there is a change in tram at Zeytinburnu). You see the city wall near Zeytinburnu station. <br />
<br />
Since we did not have enough time, we skipped the Asian side of Istanbul for another day. <br />
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<b>Tips</b><br />
<br />
Get a hotel in Sultanahmet to save time. Get a hotel that has breakfast included to save time in the morning.<br />
<br />
Get the tram card (Istanbulkart) ASAP to save yourself a lot of walking. Trams go everywhere and run frequently.<br />
<br />
All public rest rooms are paid (one TL per person). You can use your tram card for rest rooms.<br />
<br />
Sea buses to Asia, and to Prince's Islands, and even the cable car at Eyup/Golden Horn accept tram card. <br />
<br />
Taxis are actually cheap for a party of four, but make sure you bargain and negotiate a fixed price (plus five TL for traffic).<br />
<br />
Tips are welcome but not required.<br />
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Sometimes locals can be rude, and annoying, but do not take that as insult. It is a different culture from US. It is more like a Pakistani culture where people show emotions more openly. People will touch you and your kids to show affection. This is normal.<br />
<br />
Do not take the carriage ride at Buyukada. <br />
<br />
Sit on left side of Sehir Hatlari when going out on long Bosphorous tour. Sit on right side of Sehir Hatlari when going out to Buyukada. These positions will give best views of the city on the European side. On return trip, sit on opposite side to see the Asian side (less scenic).<br />
<br />
It can get really cold in the sea bus. Sit inside, or bring warm clothes.<br />
<br />
To capture the artwork at domes, bring along a wide angle lens (fish eye is the best).Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-45282536228751872522014-12-22T21:12:00.001-05:002014-12-22T21:12:34.057-05:00 The Great South West: North Coyote Buttes, The Wave<a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-great-south-west-bryce-canyon.html" target="_blank">... Continued from The Great South West: Bryce Canyon National Park</a><br />
<br />
After our hike of Bryce Canyon, we drove an hour to Kanab. This is where our plans fell apart. The weather took a turn for the worst and we hunkered down in a snow storm. I had obtained the passes for South Coyote Butte area and was fully prepared to hike it from House Rock Valley Road to Cottonwood Cove. This is an area for which we got the Jeep for. Driving on the gravel / clay road can be challenging when it is wet. <br />
<br />
I went to the Kanab Visitor Center (the one next to Comfort Inn) on the day the storm was dumping snow and rain, and was informed that the people who went earlier towards the area were lost and some jeeps got stuck in the wash. I decided to skip South Coyote Butte hike, and tore up my four permits. Instead I decided to apply for the North Coyote Butte permits for the next day. There were fifteen applications for the permits, out of which four were withdrawn by the scared applicants. They were scared by dire warnings by the park trooper to not go to the area due to the continuing storm that was expected to continue for another 24 hours. I decided to not withdraw. They give ten permits per day to North Coyote Butte. I had applied twice on Internet without success but this time the odds were in my favor.<br />
They drew 1 permit, followed by 2 permits, 2 permits, then 4 permits (mine). Jubilation as I was going to The Wave!<br />
<br />
As the storm was dumping snow, we decided to take the kids to the Best Friends <a href="http://bestfriends.org/">Animal Sanctuary</a> in Kanab. The people at the Sanctuary are doing some great work. We got a tour of the facility, and kids got to play with some cats and dogs. I was worried the entire day that the next day to North Coyote Butte will be washed out, and I will have to tear up my permits just like I tore up my South Coyote Butte permits that day.<br />
<br />
Woke up the next day to find that the snow had become drizzle. I decided to approach the hike to The Wave from a longer but safer route starting at BLM1065 at intersection of 89A and House Rock Road. Radar was showing severe activity near the Coyote Byttes. The road 89A from Kanab rises towards Jacob Lake and the drizzle became moderate snow. My heart was sinking, but as we descended back into the valley near the House Rock Road BLM1065, the snow was gone. House Rock road winds 21 miles to the Wave Trail at the Coyote Wash. As we got closer to the trail, it started snowing heavily. The snow stopped a mile from the trail. Despite all the bad weather, the dirt road was better than what the ranger had described, and we had no issues travelling on it (some people on the trail told us that they approached from the North on a shorter but riskier route, and had no issues).<br />
<br />
We parked at the trail and followed the three mile hike to The Wave on my Chart Sack app. I had scanned the map provided by BLM in the app. We packed some high energy food like avocados, cheese, chocolate bars, and bread. Four of us carried a total one gallon of water (only half of it was consumed during the entire hike). It was cold and the sky was overcast.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsnzn72mbRVyytCoSJiWdwLiK9OY2AwSiP7dfkQ5vkdfBbN4r6sMlGigQoAbA4xIqAaf38ic_gQV7POTlfqNbU12-cUWtyX1tIHZtleJv2x576PySDIQROKuHv7LdMSvgyL_U67OPW8Q/s1600/wavetrail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsnzn72mbRVyytCoSJiWdwLiK9OY2AwSiP7dfkQ5vkdfBbN4r6sMlGigQoAbA4xIqAaf38ic_gQV7POTlfqNbU12-cUWtyX1tIHZtleJv2x576PySDIQROKuHv7LdMSvgyL_U67OPW8Q/s1600/wavetrail.jpeg" height="640" width="441" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLM Wave Hike Map in Chart Sack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Coyote Butte area is quite scenic. We walked through a wash, among plant of dazzling colors, next to red and yellow peaks, and through sand dunes to The Wave. The last part of the hike makes your heart race as you climb a soft sand dune at high elevation. Kids had no issues, but wife was unhappy/tired till she got to The Wave.<br />
<br />
The Wave presents its dazzling colors and patterns. However, we were a bit disappointed, as the Wave itself was smaller than it looks in the pictures. The area above Wave had incredible views of the valley. I am sure the Cottonwood Cove in the South Coyote Butte is similar to the area just above Wave, which in our opinion is better than Wave itself. The hype about wave is not justified but you must see it once. But do not obsess yourself with winning the permit lottery.<br />
<br />
We got to The Wave early in the morning while it was overcast. The pictures come out better with the overcast sky than when the sun broke through. Direct sun casts shadow on the wave, making half of it dark which kills the dramatic effect of the wave pattern.<br />
<br />
With controlled number of visitors to the North Coyote Butte, the
sand stone structures on the ground are still intact. But they break
easily when you step on them. Please stay on the trails and avoid
stepping on delicate stones or this marvel could erode in our life time.
I had strict orders for the kids to respect and leave alone the delicate nature found in this area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyjOuu6Y4QTgeZ_nQhGme3zLcbmKQSTntrKtUqAi595ZyQuwRUhmVX0Tpctt6J8isBI45VdT-ZNY6By1-rE2IgTZ6Fc-gM4zBgh6TmAWkFvOgtHoPWecw5fEB7-Wr9N15gndrNX8EzM0/s1600/IMG_5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyjOuu6Y4QTgeZ_nQhGme3zLcbmKQSTntrKtUqAi595ZyQuwRUhmVX0Tpctt6J8isBI45VdT-ZNY6By1-rE2IgTZ6Fc-gM4zBgh6TmAWkFvOgtHoPWecw5fEB7-Wr9N15gndrNX8EzM0/s1600/IMG_5323.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zain on One Side of The Wave</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p8GwsaaSxHRR0BLPARUQuS1bNeeJsF0bxuUl6woGYwYji2oI9DG5R8tfll4LZb_jA2GvQC_10sdp2-wjpLzv2cf6x5G8hh7BXhADj-MEouBcNTUxUC0LDLhqGY4QVrZlBLMvBaGCwQ0/s1600/IMG_5378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p8GwsaaSxHRR0BLPARUQuS1bNeeJsF0bxuUl6woGYwYji2oI9DG5R8tfll4LZb_jA2GvQC_10sdp2-wjpLzv2cf6x5G8hh7BXhADj-MEouBcNTUxUC0LDLhqGY4QVrZlBLMvBaGCwQ0/s1600/IMG_5378.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the Center of The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8iHX-OCK3pa_66nMXZrVxfiL5sd4vfKLcYfm6-PWQ6A-u5U-XjTU-RpftBfq2JAmsPKOfgRUUhyphenhyphenb8UP_QHxXoPKmOw_cv4cRReQVuj3kQeeWlEqfOT1FFc7yv3QLLRl0z0vTKn9mXaM/s1600/IMG_5383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8iHX-OCK3pa_66nMXZrVxfiL5sd4vfKLcYfm6-PWQ6A-u5U-XjTU-RpftBfq2JAmsPKOfgRUUhyphenhyphenb8UP_QHxXoPKmOw_cv4cRReQVuj3kQeeWlEqfOT1FFc7yv3QLLRl0z0vTKn9mXaM/s1600/IMG_5383.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP53ftXJXAhSdtgnIAJLPfDmOU6R_Qmr2c2EcaysiotKqUiXxls3yn91g2iZcuL04rqRtstqXKHCKpPOQdzbRm5-kkG2QUr7V-IzAEZcLtTeNMuoHCRfjyd48UelKGj7H01UNgzXaYVd8/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP53ftXJXAhSdtgnIAJLPfDmOU6R_Qmr2c2EcaysiotKqUiXxls3yn91g2iZcuL04rqRtstqXKHCKpPOQdzbRm5-kkG2QUr7V-IzAEZcLtTeNMuoHCRfjyd48UelKGj7H01UNgzXaYVd8/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family at The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBmeBYEgHWsQH9cYZGlGdONXmwZTRfOM5Qac6I-BUg_k7GF6qLtH-KnVDGhB0yDM-rfccU6ZYvsphPeUW-qGwitysBouHLQX6qCavg5_rLAf4NXGUsX-HEm45iD0StNp6cfgmPw0FPB8/s1600/IMG_5403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBmeBYEgHWsQH9cYZGlGdONXmwZTRfOM5Qac6I-BUg_k7GF6qLtH-KnVDGhB0yDM-rfccU6ZYvsphPeUW-qGwitysBouHLQX6qCavg5_rLAf4NXGUsX-HEm45iD0StNp6cfgmPw0FPB8/s1600/IMG_5403.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Own The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXlZkVFJd-aYpSSwgxDTElj3RDwfxd88vEmCRMjqoIuMcwXm0ZK1V4YlefHZ7stqXhr7IOe4XhFzACaxHWdNRkvlqvr146zroPDq58VDxkxMiJ80IVyUyZnggDH4Wvj4zT3gwJgoAuEA/s1600/IMG_5437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXlZkVFJd-aYpSSwgxDTElj3RDwfxd88vEmCRMjqoIuMcwXm0ZK1V4YlefHZ7stqXhr7IOe4XhFzACaxHWdNRkvlqvr146zroPDq58VDxkxMiJ80IVyUyZnggDH4Wvj4zT3gwJgoAuEA/s1600/IMG_5437.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Depth of The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9odSaJXqxeUfwQU4e5vHuq01JPywHklDzXP7k9v_GBxoanTtAJxsaK932_AmWJHPDffCcCQwD78lc6hiVBcevEYf9FzW6AufDYR6h8-BQbpQVTcEmt0yj0dohOVwCmFKSf0UKdc3yZ_c/s1600/IMG_5447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9odSaJXqxeUfwQU4e5vHuq01JPywHklDzXP7k9v_GBxoanTtAJxsaK932_AmWJHPDffCcCQwD78lc6hiVBcevEYf9FzW6AufDYR6h8-BQbpQVTcEmt0yj0dohOVwCmFKSf0UKdc3yZ_c/s1600/IMG_5447.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puddle in the Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01Oc2lv3jcH7ECGzGeoWpJzqqoKaxXyQShnz-2_68EivY8C4sE0zWA-ylqHXA8TjfGqEMoLX-hRn9bKvyaERBqMZv_8md6QLueqGIxJ_45bd80Wv7l7466TDMvcOhPPg-jCjQTB8xq5Y/s1600/IMG_5464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01Oc2lv3jcH7ECGzGeoWpJzqqoKaxXyQShnz-2_68EivY8C4sE0zWA-ylqHXA8TjfGqEMoLX-hRn9bKvyaERBqMZv_8md6QLueqGIxJ_45bd80Wv7l7466TDMvcOhPPg-jCjQTB8xq5Y/s1600/IMG_5464.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patterns of The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OkdN-fB9pCwWldIcUdANsC1l68397yvt94rsV_5nziz0Ou34ZImBVPgTkTrwivRjO5GiovFBjWK3doYrrqe0VNiCqCDoMt7XSSMYE2WQ5kS2D24-4tIRzfs85JdHXSPlc1p4XUh_5LE/s1600/IMG_5466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OkdN-fB9pCwWldIcUdANsC1l68397yvt94rsV_5nziz0Ou34ZImBVPgTkTrwivRjO5GiovFBjWK3doYrrqe0VNiCqCDoMt7XSSMYE2WQ5kS2D24-4tIRzfs85JdHXSPlc1p4XUh_5LE/s1600/IMG_5466.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full View of The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3wnW7Ngz8pyMrTijzSEIx6Xt3TDdzCIWa-k7A4pR8yE1-q_W9htaNKuDYSU-tgI_07TDpZYH-2F-EGUYHGXVccKvjIs8ROy9wJJw7TtmSqT7vjjjJkPD8VG3whkzqJK04lIJi3LY38/s1600/IMG_5486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3wnW7Ngz8pyMrTijzSEIx6Xt3TDdzCIWa-k7A4pR8yE1-q_W9htaNKuDYSU-tgI_07TDpZYH-2F-EGUYHGXVccKvjIs8ROy9wJJw7TtmSqT7vjjjJkPD8VG3whkzqJK04lIJi3LY38/s1600/IMG_5486.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patterns on the Buttes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJSPFJ-uP0txSP4OhX2GfKE0dtMvx3IXUq4a4lyVyoDGW01h3PHHuc7hlkV0EY0oiteE_BD8GXtcphDMLxlzd5YGv318NVIhwKEEjIUDOUhBc8yp32Pj5_cEPuf1Iql0IKQHPNCUQaIQ/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJSPFJ-uP0txSP4OhX2GfKE0dtMvx3IXUq4a4lyVyoDGW01h3PHHuc7hlkV0EY0oiteE_BD8GXtcphDMLxlzd5YGv318NVIhwKEEjIUDOUhBc8yp32Pj5_cEPuf1Iql0IKQHPNCUQaIQ/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area Above The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHthlf8vg18RskYmvgphzAzbJF3QYOQS_Y1wkCOXUfbikmqIdftW1dcNCEVx1guVf3CgEbiz1R4x0jcWNCHRdGczGgAk2Z1q2CdHxzlL4nG7wyOvYNZdk3u3YA28qajXJFXBF61vwrTkk/s1600/IMG_5492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHthlf8vg18RskYmvgphzAzbJF3QYOQS_Y1wkCOXUfbikmqIdftW1dcNCEVx1guVf3CgEbiz1R4x0jcWNCHRdGczGgAk2Z1q2CdHxzlL4nG7wyOvYNZdk3u3YA28qajXJFXBF61vwrTkk/s1600/IMG_5492.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remarkable Colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK5cqiiJfnlpzbc5kjhTAWWKjhB1gSH4I0WkWeGNV_BO2_RMppzUFSJG2O5MfOK65j1BxOqHW43mpaTVEw5Y2lEARYAwDk0rTQ1WezoWnnl_6y7UO7Bgnyro2jMGqssEANpmDR61CNTU/s1600/IMG_5507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK5cqiiJfnlpzbc5kjhTAWWKjhB1gSH4I0WkWeGNV_BO2_RMppzUFSJG2O5MfOK65j1BxOqHW43mpaTVEw5Y2lEARYAwDk0rTQ1WezoWnnl_6y7UO7Bgnyro2jMGqssEANpmDR61CNTU/s1600/IMG_5507.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSeMhbpAIMx2rmRHLNnsqdB13YxjHXLtNE4AEf3JReq-2dk2dWZmYxzGLFPiclhVxIKY_7Mz0KvXKEA0YouenmjYL-gAjISd9DH506iMDZTMKJWWbW-K5I3nAxWhAjM7RuonuJBWDY1U/s1600/IMG_5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSeMhbpAIMx2rmRHLNnsqdB13YxjHXLtNE4AEf3JReq-2dk2dWZmYxzGLFPiclhVxIKY_7Mz0KvXKEA0YouenmjYL-gAjISd9DH506iMDZTMKJWWbW-K5I3nAxWhAjM7RuonuJBWDY1U/s1600/IMG_5512.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vastness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bgnWDsvw25CDZ83mpxoPzIsCfQFmFnH7DK3J5BeO6PLWouPaoh72Qr4neK87khM75Ciw9i8wLVF2p1bwES1aBgqFRttcWpYZaN1U52eN3FhONSESciXtCsb-kxJWoFWJAkG2qGHolAk/s1600/IMG_5530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bgnWDsvw25CDZ83mpxoPzIsCfQFmFnH7DK3J5BeO6PLWouPaoh72Qr4neK87khM75Ciw9i8wLVF2p1bwES1aBgqFRttcWpYZaN1U52eN3FhONSESciXtCsb-kxJWoFWJAkG2qGHolAk/s1600/IMG_5530.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Above The Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRd4Bu8i3MsgOz-fkpW_7GzPJw66WHzbx1ACLml9PjUWB3Y8_SCura1HfrfHpNQI2kNRUIqCJJDL5e7q23sn2rlY93-E32WeRdIAmlNvhPRE8H5SoBuxjMqjkbSzLhr80_oVgB1FXxsE/s1600/IMG_5556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRd4Bu8i3MsgOz-fkpW_7GzPJw66WHzbx1ACLml9PjUWB3Y8_SCura1HfrfHpNQI2kNRUIqCJJDL5e7q23sn2rlY93-E32WeRdIAmlNvhPRE8H5SoBuxjMqjkbSzLhr80_oVgB1FXxsE/s1600/IMG_5556.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in Full Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_d1dfdO0jXtMULz97Z98lkBzz-wqcY9gvXDaP6DrnyHpyn7-CFzZrnV2xmKM-KIvAxn8HMgSOeWta1OEqsviH9BeUAkFUGNvePhFDlHmbSlk9aFGHYqLI8_lrtAWPIuK9XE8EyDe8zM/s1600/IMG_5560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_d1dfdO0jXtMULz97Z98lkBzz-wqcY9gvXDaP6DrnyHpyn7-CFzZrnV2xmKM-KIvAxn8HMgSOeWta1OEqsviH9BeUAkFUGNvePhFDlHmbSlk9aFGHYqLI8_lrtAWPIuK9XE8EyDe8zM/s1600/IMG_5560.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyote Butte North Hike Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-69219814383686825302014-12-22T19:51:00.001-05:002014-12-22T19:53:31.899-05:00The Great South West: Bryce Canyon National Park<div class="post-header">
</div>
<a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-great-south-west-canyonlands.html" target="_blank">... Continued from The Great South West: Canyonlands National Park</a><br />
<br />
The next morning, we drove four hours from Moab to get to Bryce Canyon. Just like other places, there were few visitors in the park. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpkGjE85OryhQGZxbmslFxLMDwZ6NzNB_QCZXllJqozvI-fqSFj-KkuGdmueQUzZWpWqHgDYnFzq1cCzPKQt9boxEMzEZXU06smc7o2u8whW2GoFr8etHYaYtbV-HkXGhVLpaw8JPKBM/s1600/Whole_Park_summer-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpkGjE85OryhQGZxbmslFxLMDwZ6NzNB_QCZXllJqozvI-fqSFj-KkuGdmueQUzZWpWqHgDYnFzq1cCzPKQt9boxEMzEZXU06smc7o2u8whW2GoFr8etHYaYtbV-HkXGhVLpaw8JPKBM/s1600/Whole_Park_summer-web.jpg" height="640" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon NP Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We started our hike into the canyon at Sunrise Point to get below the rim into the towering hoodoos. The trail winds down through man made tunnels into the bottom of the Canyon on the Navajo Trail. A hoodoo at the bottom looks like Queen Victoria if you have wild imagination.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccHIqnuJOzOdX9pFb7b5UHJz1tOaTd4xnFzpGqA9OyuPGd2HcRQ-ETXRJXYPIqUALTAnL4A7DeRQSz9RqNRlvEhnC14h4m5nwJUkmItf9Wv92n2N2Tn6XOZlF2qRn9_RXy5NPvgWZ_dI/s1600/IMG_5167.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccHIqnuJOzOdX9pFb7b5UHJz1tOaTd4xnFzpGqA9OyuPGd2HcRQ-ETXRJXYPIqUALTAnL4A7DeRQSz9RqNRlvEhnC14h4m5nwJUkmItf9Wv92n2N2Tn6XOZlF2qRn9_RXy5NPvgWZ_dI/s1600/IMG_5167.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Sunrise Point at the start of Navajo Trail Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hike is 3.5 miles. It gently slopes down to the bottom for 1.5 miles, then stays flat for a mile, then comes out of Sunset point after a steep incline through a column of hoodoos called Wall Street, then stays flat for half a mile back to Sunrise Point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QkhgyxLNcWApZ0ZBxxdvVX3E5hrapOw2Q9dpU7-to_06RHJF0hHes1Jxzv0G8iIpVdT51vyv00PjDOdj-7fuWXwVAdxw2tf_s6Ror2kYWZjro7W370XdUxqp1r2COtz61_VuFavnuB4/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QkhgyxLNcWApZ0ZBxxdvVX3E5hrapOw2Q9dpU7-to_06RHJF0hHes1Jxzv0G8iIpVdT51vyv00PjDOdj-7fuWXwVAdxw2tf_s6Ror2kYWZjro7W370XdUxqp1r2COtz61_VuFavnuB4/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Snow, Blue Sky, and Yellow/Orange Hoodoos Make a Pretty Composition</td></tr>
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Kids had no issues with the hike, although it was a bit chilly and windy at elevation of eight thousand feet. There was some snow on parts of the trail but it posed no threat to the footing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8udsJhMaIs2EujemqKt-xXIkIWp9mY7t6uj9Z1BD8eNqIRygTKu3vi6t4J_MzeLVaw0nOmrCXntEKn_YcoibJnY-zMlnbu4nEHFotSwyjw2FKNWhK5oyA_DVanlOT2NJkhKwrsbhiGzQ/s1600/IMG_5185.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8udsJhMaIs2EujemqKt-xXIkIWp9mY7t6uj9Z1BD8eNqIRygTKu3vi6t4J_MzeLVaw0nOmrCXntEKn_YcoibJnY-zMlnbu4nEHFotSwyjw2FKNWhK5oyA_DVanlOT2NJkhKwrsbhiGzQ/s1600/IMG_5185.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Najavo Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0hOhN4hqUx6QJsyk3X-eY3pUEEirPhnrMwyR0D7ihlftbZxDA9CKpNHfT3W-3fgMw19C4aBhXyRDtNYjy3mYsf7qc7KUrGyMW17Vx4G8_snpCrr3Va1oSCujb3wzpjGtmRztsnic6fM/s1600/IMG_5192.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0hOhN4hqUx6QJsyk3X-eY3pUEEirPhnrMwyR0D7ihlftbZxDA9CKpNHfT3W-3fgMw19C4aBhXyRDtNYjy3mYsf7qc7KUrGyMW17Vx4G8_snpCrr3Va1oSCujb3wzpjGtmRztsnic6fM/s1600/IMG_5192.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Past a Man Made Tunnel</td></tr>
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The sky was clear with unlimited visibility which gave a good background to the yellow/orange hoodoos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3a7fzyad3QghCnkC06wAJ70v7kSKjS2cZEc9gbjHIZizY4IoycxKw3m1RyjpUiXeHCW-jZ0g9KSSJzM3vfvRBYB8XZqXCrUKUzDq0utLQRXfF1t1bUTG0-t9lBUIaBszSufCIlX6Gik/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3a7fzyad3QghCnkC06wAJ70v7kSKjS2cZEc9gbjHIZizY4IoycxKw3m1RyjpUiXeHCW-jZ0g9KSSJzM3vfvRBYB8XZqXCrUKUzDq0utLQRXfF1t1bUTG0-t9lBUIaBszSufCIlX6Gik/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winding Down Navajo Trail</td></tr>
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The Byrce Amphitheatre is seen best on the last segment of the trail from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. There are several benches to rest and enjoy the view of the amphitheatre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKRu-vzfCYfz1uVfMBipFfR2KdU_ZlVDwCZdEGVZdSxJtEnhYGI-iarLSSQUo1tu3VimgcYPyxt3y0e-hD88nIg1Gyd8dhHfxGfDmaqE_FmkJK8creIIV2qwA0LbAHkecY4Oay1Olsz4/s1600/IMG_5213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKRu-vzfCYfz1uVfMBipFfR2KdU_ZlVDwCZdEGVZdSxJtEnhYGI-iarLSSQUo1tu3VimgcYPyxt3y0e-hD88nIg1Gyd8dhHfxGfDmaqE_FmkJK8creIIV2qwA0LbAHkecY4Oay1Olsz4/s1600/IMG_5213.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoodoos From Near the Bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVyO29tamps3bVejVx-6eVGejPwGxTPpCkQ5E9jgkATZX-XPSASXrMl-6rNVLi3KPaOGZiPUas21YSIqVhUl-0n40SrCb7EfJXGiRlXQ7lOh2ciJXjLYpt7hXnnhuE8aWsBMaZDpcMk/s1600/IMG_5264.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVyO29tamps3bVejVx-6eVGejPwGxTPpCkQ5E9jgkATZX-XPSASXrMl-6rNVLi3KPaOGZiPUas21YSIqVhUl-0n40SrCb7EfJXGiRlXQ7lOh2ciJXjLYpt7hXnnhuE8aWsBMaZDpcMk/s1600/IMG_5264.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoodoos at Wall Street</td></tr>
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We heard that the amphitheatre is best seen from Inspiration Point, but after a long enjoyable hike, we were fully content, and skipped Inspiration Point for our return trip. Bryce is an incredible scenic place, and I could sit there on a bench staring at the hoodoos all day long. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkeOBcGnzFRthEGwyuj-Vp89NNtEfDEPbROJWN0grljgo4_JtesciTttzEfGH-_4oKwOVEWKxPPCRcZr1oI3Qjc0XBIfRba3K_RUTUq2gVUFpo0XSsy8O4_ELFJ7ZmlYVxBvGLmYqTg8/s1600/IMG_5302.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkeOBcGnzFRthEGwyuj-Vp89NNtEfDEPbROJWN0grljgo4_JtesciTttzEfGH-_4oKwOVEWKxPPCRcZr1oI3Qjc0XBIfRba3K_RUTUq2gVUFpo0XSsy8O4_ELFJ7ZmlYVxBvGLmYqTg8/s1600/IMG_5302.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre from Sunset Point </td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-5008919427828787522014-12-22T16:59:00.005-05:002014-12-22T16:59:58.653-05:00The Great South West: Canyonlands National Park<a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-great-south-west-arches-national.html" target="_blank">... Continued from The Great South West: Arches National Park</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBkKlKvpQ-lOHymnMW9iurXbloXE0J33SCPFm-BrWMOLRAYxeS8XcYJ7MdR8NEsZcL64sRamaFwoh4cLgzWhRZh_juvgcynKEksb8XTaiD2O-xA0l-I24WKYT-4Fhzwzg21UuycEEAT8/s1600/island-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBkKlKvpQ-lOHymnMW9iurXbloXE0J33SCPFm-BrWMOLRAYxeS8XcYJ7MdR8NEsZcL64sRamaFwoh4cLgzWhRZh_juvgcynKEksb8XTaiD2O-xA0l-I24WKYT-4Fhzwzg21UuycEEAT8/s1600/island-0.jpg" height="400" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Island in the Sky as seen in Chart Sack app</td></tr>
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Canyonlands National Park lies next to Arches National Park and covers a vast land area around the Colorado River. We allocated two days to explore it, but because of approaching weather, we cut short our stay in Moab, and decided to cover just Island in the Sky portion of it. We bundled the visit with Dead Horse Point State Park in that day. Hopefully we will be able to return one day to explore the Maze and the Needles area in the park, and maybe get dirty on the dirt roads down into the Canyons.<br />
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It was clear and sunny when we drove from Moab to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands. We stopped in the way to see the deep canyon from Shafer Trail. Shafer Trail road was closed due to recent snow storm. We could see ice on this winding, steep dirt road, and would have avoided it even if it was open. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk37VUc7dK5iWnZnN9dndjOCllcvp583OBI2K-IcJmqFzK4_vr1f5ouecm5z32KwWr-i0SBi5QTQXFfUxLmXtXfikkcCHnyBOD9lvgM22j1s-dvz-wkmBFYj-xuZrVDuTWz5RSGYfvnI8/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk37VUc7dK5iWnZnN9dndjOCllcvp583OBI2K-IcJmqFzK4_vr1f5ouecm5z32KwWr-i0SBi5QTQXFfUxLmXtXfikkcCHnyBOD9lvgM22j1s-dvz-wkmBFYj-xuZrVDuTWz5RSGYfvnI8/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Mesa Arch at Sunrise</u></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCRzPel11wEpy3HB8u7_hl3ISybtS83PTaYbUb1sW-6DWYdTEPtlNaX6JnCIdO2NMHUTbKcmu8Dy8oOnIawDIR_Cw6iSaD66eXca7lNzkFRJpBgeIIuVHV9NpE-UEEPkdwRgalzga5ks/s1600/canymap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
We reached Mesa Arch from the road via an easy quarter mile hike. The sun had risen and it was well above the horizon, yet we got the orange glow of the sun in the arch. This is a must see location in Canyonlands at sunrise. The deep views of the Canyon from the arch create a perfect photo composition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o9e7waAu7bVoRaLl1OJDrfyLamxwKmXMWQDvcnHyLJOkVI-034fZW6nShWdOvIwfsip4C8zgPl8nvwDpWAUAgX-2fYrkrOxaAAbv71fGlx4fTlQ21izQvntpHSbURB-vMsUUDz4CAkw/s1600/IMG_4989.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o9e7waAu7bVoRaLl1OJDrfyLamxwKmXMWQDvcnHyLJOkVI-034fZW6nShWdOvIwfsip4C8zgPl8nvwDpWAUAgX-2fYrkrOxaAAbv71fGlx4fTlQ21izQvntpHSbURB-vMsUUDz4CAkw/s1600/IMG_4989.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Standing on Mesa Arch and Looking into the Canyon</u></td></tr>
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We drove from Mesa Arch to Grand View Point Overlook. I would skip the Grand View Point Overlook if I have Dead Horse Point in the itinerary, as the later one has more majestic views of the Canyon (albeit of different areas).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRq0yEwI3VIlFg_Y_XbM0XntJtRjIPCr2LJ6lvFX-MuhkA24QQuPmC1FHPlTIZu9hdy6hyphenhyphenayXii_7bffHomPatMpMUSBbYH07-7TKFlF1Fzs4_QrOuNcn5fyE097lBgE5qRAJx-5qgTw/s1600/IMG_5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRq0yEwI3VIlFg_Y_XbM0XntJtRjIPCr2LJ6lvFX-MuhkA24QQuPmC1FHPlTIZu9hdy6hyphenhyphenayXii_7bffHomPatMpMUSBbYH07-7TKFlF1Fzs4_QrOuNcn5fyE097lBgE5qRAJx-5qgTw/s1600/IMG_5013.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand View Point Overlook</td></tr>
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We drove back to the Mesa Arch, then to Upheaval Dome. The Whale Rock hike near the Upheaval Dome looked interesting, but we skipped it in favor of the Upheaval Dome trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53IkPefMbwT60EtvAs6BNoYPNEBFPLdS_S9prb8LrpVxLzpXpgG4aQ0nAVX0Jo-g-zm5xLDn6dhROCMrN2hgTNcbieihij_RaBBXOnQ_U1lFp_Avzvo70blVqFYbv4axP82N1F70Filo/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53IkPefMbwT60EtvAs6BNoYPNEBFPLdS_S9prb8LrpVxLzpXpgG4aQ0nAVX0Jo-g-zm5xLDn6dhROCMrN2hgTNcbieihij_RaBBXOnQ_U1lFp_Avzvo70blVqFYbv4axP82N1F70Filo/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Side of the Crater<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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There is a moderate hike from the trail head to the Upheaval Dome First and Second Overlooks. Upheaval Dome is a huge crater, also called the Belly Button of Utah. We hiked and back from the Second Overlook with much exploration left to some other day around the round trail along the edges of the impact crater.<br />
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There is a steep trail that "falls" down from the First Overlook into the crater. Its worth trying if you are not afraid of steep descents on narrow trails.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNMnXdwOBK49M0d0lYTQg4uCc11J9QUbtN5dXTHt_TYlZJTK8MOHSjzBMM9JwqKMYNMNOSlTPklQ-tg90hCWmV19pRuoC66gx_yFvBPWzj7AEqXxyhm0uEj1HvrfI_14ItBSdkXMlVc0/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNMnXdwOBK49M0d0lYTQg4uCc11J9QUbtN5dXTHt_TYlZJTK8MOHSjzBMM9JwqKMYNMNOSlTPklQ-tg90hCWmV19pRuoC66gx_yFvBPWzj7AEqXxyhm0uEj1HvrfI_14ItBSdkXMlVc0/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on Viewpoint in the "Center" of the Crater</td></tr>
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We drove back to Mesa Arch, then to the Dead Horse Point State Park. The Dead Horse Point Overlook offers the most stunning Canyon view. This is a must see area near Island in the Sky portion of the Canyonlands. The Canyon below is deep, and the stone wall at the top edge of the Canyon is quite scary to stand on, yet we managed to get some pictures taken there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdiqcH2kqv3mMO9TPpweq3aWoW9gWhwsIVmWS3OEOZxDP13A1DZYgWlAIB6aCAQSEs7hHhCl9nFYfkFupbZnLfSXnSzqnMuKxNNEpJts5wdSeN4lhUYcOOoVOnC6OLFOnRmvmOjd3EWE/s1600/IMG_5088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdiqcH2kqv3mMO9TPpweq3aWoW9gWhwsIVmWS3OEOZxDP13A1DZYgWlAIB6aCAQSEs7hHhCl9nFYfkFupbZnLfSXnSzqnMuKxNNEpJts5wdSeN4lhUYcOOoVOnC6OLFOnRmvmOjd3EWE/s1600/IMG_5088.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx9Bv4oK5MqY0hbiWjsbnDR43dO1bffngIGwN-yOcAPWj32x1ovvq6xMClGuhASumHSJywn79vXwnsbnIWxSqLKgTAmfO-qFpqM99nw007jnDOsR3AFEZmnBoIvqryh6El76kjUMM_vE/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx9Bv4oK5MqY0hbiWjsbnDR43dO1bffngIGwN-yOcAPWj32x1ovvq6xMClGuhASumHSJywn79vXwnsbnIWxSqLKgTAmfO-qFpqM99nw007jnDOsR3AFEZmnBoIvqryh6El76kjUMM_vE/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Horse Point Viewpoint Edge Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8kG_wVhGNKf_mZ_Fs9w8XLpyh2XpH5Hoc1uklJby2E-3Ro7eIVlQ6ZfRha1X_BtvHdGrvu0AXgDG05epeoX8h6UC1k2vvaOiyOfX38MFw9wpxqSUO6m7OrQWmy4r9nTliydDHsuPEJo/s1600/IMG_5136.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8kG_wVhGNKf_mZ_Fs9w8XLpyh2XpH5Hoc1uklJby2E-3Ro7eIVlQ6ZfRha1X_BtvHdGrvu0AXgDG05epeoX8h6UC1k2vvaOiyOfX38MFw9wpxqSUO6m7OrQWmy4r9nTliydDHsuPEJo/s1600/IMG_5136.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Canyon from Dead Horse Point Overlook</u></td></tr>
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There was not a single human being in the park except us four.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-39452157989180365792014-12-22T15:13:00.000-05:002014-12-22T15:13:29.288-05:00The Great South West: Arches National ParkWe come to the second chapter of our exploration of the South West.<br />
Unlike <a href="http://zk4u.blogspot.com/2014/04/four-corners-done.html">last time</a> flying in spring, we decided to drive in winter. We chose winter for several reasons including hotel availability, clearer atmosphere, and less competition for space from warm weather tourists. A major reason to visit in December was to increase our chances of winning "The Wave" <a href="http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes/permits.html" target="_blank">lottery</a>. Some disadvantages in winter are chilly conditions at higher elevations, short days, and ghost towns with few restaurants open.<br />
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We flew commercial from Boston to Las Vegas, then rented a Jeep Wrangler at the airport to drive 450 miles to Moab, UT where our exploration begun. It snowed the first day on the drive to Moab.<br />
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I have written an <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chartsack.charts&hl=en" target="_blank">app</a> for Android that lets you scan and navigate on the National Park Service maps without need for Internet. I had downloaded the NPS maps for all our exploration areas on my N7 tablet and had no difficulty locating any point of interest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uYXPFXZDmVTl_SsP-l3TFC-zKbfvf2bqEXNJfG-oJFfs-MafaoRfv-Ea7LUSELRfmKSp_vctOKu0QOf9N-hHme5LR-QpKyk8L7yUkD2-DEQBpQve6ZD7EExWrVEMs8G18uWjZw3g9MQ/s1600/ARCHmap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uYXPFXZDmVTl_SsP-l3TFC-zKbfvf2bqEXNJfG-oJFfs-MafaoRfv-Ea7LUSELRfmKSp_vctOKu0QOf9N-hHme5LR-QpKyk8L7yUkD2-DEQBpQve6ZD7EExWrVEMs8G18uWjZw3g9MQ/s1600/ARCHmap.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Arches NP as Loaded in Chart Sack app</td></tr>
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It was sunny the next day, and the snow had melted. We drove through Arches National Park from the entrance to Balanced Rock, and then to the trail head of Delicate Arch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB7vJ5ZfIT-fPB2S_iJrGfAizjCALpPur92zJDgOHO2G364fftowyCVQQIxrIBVSaFLWCINHtY7qHULU4NR3yMnoo5FeTOZnmD_mC-lwqOfHASylyZOapuGOYMhCd-otCeZHj3I_53zo/s1600/IMG_4666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB7vJ5ZfIT-fPB2S_iJrGfAizjCALpPur92zJDgOHO2G364fftowyCVQQIxrIBVSaFLWCINHtY7qHULU4NR3yMnoo5FeTOZnmD_mC-lwqOfHASylyZOapuGOYMhCd-otCeZHj3I_53zo/s1600/IMG_4666.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Entrance of Arches NP at Sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6zenpc9vz5pLga-XKARpUAIeq1W2k1CIJCAzLQ-9eLgdwNwNN1cSBqY2MewC8BnBjaAlPPntxCHU7jDA6fI9hHnIdbfv4IioX7xy_GMT4lTKNXlVzOZzr99ApsUiFGroVr842jRzEpw/s1600/balanced_rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6zenpc9vz5pLga-XKARpUAIeq1W2k1CIJCAzLQ-9eLgdwNwNN1cSBqY2MewC8BnBjaAlPPntxCHU7jDA6fI9hHnIdbfv4IioX7xy_GMT4lTKNXlVzOZzr99ApsUiFGroVr842jRzEpw/s1600/balanced_rock.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balanced Rock</td></tr>
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The road to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint was closed, so we decided to hike to the Delicate Arch. The hike is moderate intensity and there is a slight diversion to petroglyphs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-zJd0TX3cCnZUj-6_ReU31GtIvV1ugJbeXur_ZRGu78oWNQMKjDCZG80WbKUh8RJ4mHGPI5ivgvEAgQ_cDOjwOtAJkt_XwP81Ka9cdvlJEgUIbJT72jp2jkHWBkz4f2FW9T4VH4qUoQ/s1600/petroglyphs.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-zJd0TX3cCnZUj-6_ReU31GtIvV1ugJbeXur_ZRGu78oWNQMKjDCZG80WbKUh8RJ4mHGPI5ivgvEAgQ_cDOjwOtAJkt_XwP81Ka9cdvlJEgUIbJT72jp2jkHWBkz4f2FW9T4VH4qUoQ/s1600/petroglyphs.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyphs</td></tr>
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You should follow the rock markers, otherwise you end up on the wrong side of the arch in the amphitheatre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1QU_S60RhG1AP-FIYiaBT_1Ck2u0N9Kmjzr8zLqcHA3H90MERgkpvV_R1L0gofy2PbgCrDZiP9AaCTtIkOVaoNgx3u-mRaeYwB8tUPFf0I2QsaN2C8vMAt2FqKahOI316p94Aad1uzk/s1600/rockcairntrailmarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1QU_S60RhG1AP-FIYiaBT_1Ck2u0N9Kmjzr8zLqcHA3H90MERgkpvV_R1L0gofy2PbgCrDZiP9AaCTtIkOVaoNgx3u-mRaeYwB8tUPFf0I2QsaN2C8vMAt2FqKahOI316p94Aad1uzk/s1600/rockcairntrailmarker.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail rock marker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcfNz3JuHqDftEB63nDkClwDi8nrSpUUqsOCNo3gOZZVhmlOPrARf5nRlgNwG2PP7MdORR5qfMO5w1bkjqHl1ned2qj_0jr05JjYi19LWAjh__P5qfA3BG0XEjK9Txp2B_cYu9-nAwsw/s1600/IMG_4733.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcfNz3JuHqDftEB63nDkClwDi8nrSpUUqsOCNo3gOZZVhmlOPrARf5nRlgNwG2PP7MdORR5qfMO5w1bkjqHl1ned2qj_0jr05JjYi19LWAjh__P5qfA3BG0XEjK9Txp2B_cYu9-nAwsw/s1600/IMG_4733.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre Side of the Delicate Arch </td></tr>
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It is quite challenging to cross from the amphitheatre to the arch, so we went back to the last stone marker we saw, then hiked behind the "hole" in the amphitheatre wall to the arch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSQ4BoLWXyPpA88xJEIq1Tyua8Z85QDukzSSoeQTt_NbXSG1ter4yYYJNydmpm37G4u-GeOZefrrcc5NOque8ZRhCahWPOCcBaTxvZCdgPHqmXlItcg6eqwxslgT1DYUn3eg3mBZxqNM/s1600/IMG_4750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSQ4BoLWXyPpA88xJEIq1Tyua8Z85QDukzSSoeQTt_NbXSG1ter4yYYJNydmpm37G4u-GeOZefrrcc5NOque8ZRhCahWPOCcBaTxvZCdgPHqmXlItcg6eqwxslgT1DYUn3eg3mBZxqNM/s1600/IMG_4750.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window in Amphitheatre on the Hike to Delicate Arch</td></tr>
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You can stand in the arch and look down below in the deep valley. This is a must see in Arches NP. The hike is moderate three miles round trip (including the amphitheatre and petroglyphs) with elevation gain of a few hundred feet. The wife pulled her calf muscle, and was on bandage from then onwards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mKHuog8SnDbLYBreZZpbUdLFOp8SVvelTvvmz3UzXrfrJf3bLLaD5sj5MKCbhVq-06IiEjBpXk5PYJRJXyXnKrnHAVpv4thMeXB3EXYhy09AwO3duVuOhmERPRsTj0QaT1SjKE7wpes/s1600/IMG_4757.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mKHuog8SnDbLYBreZZpbUdLFOp8SVvelTvvmz3UzXrfrJf3bLLaD5sj5MKCbhVq-06IiEjBpXk5PYJRJXyXnKrnHAVpv4thMeXB3EXYhy09AwO3duVuOhmERPRsTj0QaT1SjKE7wpes/s1600/IMG_4757.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmBKDqByWsmklMuu_kLSCKlJ3ZH6ovrfztiATElo4R7Yxmdeb6mOhXqPYzVx2QlUiuPKCjfqkcJfDKOrVKSkis7lMCYU6KNCf4I2l_cTRQTQ74_e4OTcLpbPO_vnQjnKz5kihwGe4Xq8/s1600/IMG_4769.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmBKDqByWsmklMuu_kLSCKlJ3ZH6ovrfztiATElo4R7Yxmdeb6mOhXqPYzVx2QlUiuPKCjfqkcJfDKOrVKSkis7lMCYU6KNCf4I2l_cTRQTQ74_e4OTcLpbPO_vnQjnKz5kihwGe4Xq8/s1600/IMG_4769.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch, (easier crossing is from cameraman side)</td></tr>
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From the Delicate Arch trail head, we drove to the Devils Garden trail head. We drove by several arches that we skipped as we could see them from the road (Sand Dune arch area).<br />
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We chose the counter clockwise hike of the Devils Garden, and found it to be quite hard with couple of eight year old kids. The hike is easy till Landscape Arch (you can see it on the left of the trail), then turns scary at the primitive trail area (warning signs). We gave up at the Fin Canyon, particularly due to steep drops, and little margin of safety for the kids to play in. The hike back down over the boulders at the start of the primitive trail scares the parents as there are deep crevices around the boulders that an adventurous kid can easily slip into.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8P_9DQw31J_yMIIjNLCcY5jfWqjFGGwL8IJRwES7dbMlO63YSzeB2JnGaqJDMFNYpylXC9drKYnJFDhLgTx7D32bRSS43QinpNHuZH2oHFr0CFTh6Oh14IS-YdV9C0EAf1p7YSnrp1g/s1600/IMG_4843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8P_9DQw31J_yMIIjNLCcY5jfWqjFGGwL8IJRwES7dbMlO63YSzeB2JnGaqJDMFNYpylXC9drKYnJFDhLgTx7D32bRSS43QinpNHuZH2oHFr0CFTh6Oh14IS-YdV9C0EAf1p7YSnrp1g/s1600/IMG_4843.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primitive Trail (easier part of the hike after negotiating the boulders)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CkV6rI0hXhOlZ3gOoIAqoQHi0V-keDLVZcGiHFdmrUVdbhZwvH2oGW52_3XJH36ppiZ_uz7nnDuEp9sfGEwies8dpvL9ymeZFCUiRjONdJfWf3H-px02ZVAJKavfEQo6m2rZsINXZ2A/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CkV6rI0hXhOlZ3gOoIAqoQHi0V-keDLVZcGiHFdmrUVdbhZwvH2oGW52_3XJH36ppiZ_uz7nnDuEp9sfGEwies8dpvL9ymeZFCUiRjONdJfWf3H-px02ZVAJKavfEQo6m2rZsINXZ2A/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An East View Near Devils Garden</td></tr>
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We visited the Windows section on our way back to Moab. It is an easy and worthwhile hike to see the North and the South Window.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11VYsv27ntTsiqeLH51dKSK-Zx0X4ItiBfxKvicHO5V7BJfvFLNoW68oEAep5vyeIsLVBofIvHl2chnrK9_P4s9MSO77veEOeuqTMCzDnS4LBV5V0dxqNz2znnOjwo4FeVw9Op5QTPyc/s1600/IMG_4905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11VYsv27ntTsiqeLH51dKSK-Zx0X4ItiBfxKvicHO5V7BJfvFLNoW68oEAep5vyeIsLVBofIvHl2chnrK9_P4s9MSO77veEOeuqTMCzDnS4LBV5V0dxqNz2znnOjwo4FeVw9Op5QTPyc/s1600/IMG_4905.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zain in the North Window</td></tr>
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We had plans for off road driving in the Klondike Bluffs, but this is all you can hope to accomplish in Arches in one day. We decided to go to "Island in the Sky of Canyonlands National Park" the next day.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-76507900648485996842014-10-08T21:42:00.002-04:002014-10-08T21:42:14.562-04:00Progress on CFII am currently working on the CFI training at Executive Flyers.<br />
As always, I started the work by passing both the written exams, 94% in flight instructor airplane test, and 100% in fundamentals of instructions.<br />
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The first stage in the Executive Flyers CFI syllabus is commercial maneuvers proficiency from the right seat. It took me about 6 hours of flying to pass the stage check for the right seat.<br />
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The second stage in the syllabus is FOI preparation with the instructor. That has finished.<br />
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The third stage is the mock student instruction in the aircraft which I am currently working on.<br />
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I have read some excellent books on aviation, and highly recommend the fly better books from <a href="http://www.flybetter.co.uk/">http://www.flybetter.co.uk/</a><br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-52388789745199645642014-07-10T08:42:00.003-04:002014-07-10T08:42:44.216-04:00Commercial Rating DoneI passed the commercial SEL airplane rating check ride on July 8, 2014.<br />
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Now I can pursue the CFI rating.<br />
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The rating was supposed to be quickly done, but it dragged on for five months. <br />
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I started work on the rating in February. The school (EFA - Executive Flyers) is well known for quality instructions, and hence its single fleet of commercial aircraft was pretty much always booked. You had to book it at least two weeks in advance. The instructors are also very busy. A flying combination of airplane, instructor, and VFR weather in NE is hard to achieve. The longer it takes to finish, the more hours you will need to get the lazy eights within PTS. <br />
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The minimum required complex aircraft hours for the commercial rating is ten. I finished in thirty. <br />
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This contrasts to my instrument rating (on the NSAC Skyhawk with Mike) where I finished in the minimum required hours plus a couple.<br />
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Commercial rating is fun. You learn to do some interesting maneuvers, and get to fly a complex aircraft. You improve your flying skills, and learn how to control the aircraft with precision. There is a lot of emphasis on safety, and handling emergencies.<br />
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Flying + Instruction Cost = 30 x $220 = $6600<br />
Practical Test = $400<br />
Written Test = $150<br />
Written prep, PTS, and other books = $100<br />
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Total = $7250<br />
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This is $312 less than my instrument rating cost.<br />
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1819525505613991911.post-78959132776753349252014-04-27T16:21:00.003-04:002014-04-28T10:07:58.643-04:00Four Corners DoneWe arrived in Phoenix on April the 18th, and drove to Mesa where we stayed overnight. On the evening of the 18th, I was checked out on N80511 at Classic Air Aviation. The Cessna is a 180HP 172M. I was worried about high density altitude, but the aircraft handled all situations easily. The most challenging was Cortez, where with density altitude of 8600 feet, and direct cross wind 10G20 made it a bit of a challenge. The N80511 has vortex generators, which lower its stall speed to 40 knots and that helps to get airborne quickly. <br />
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I executed each landing as a short field landing, and each takeoff as a short field takeoff. My recent commercial training helped a lot in executing safe operations near the airports.<br />
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On the 19th, we took off from KFFZ (Falcon field) and headed towards Sedona on a 45 minute flight. We were warned by Dave Spetch (A friend through Avare) that I should stay East of KFFZ for 20 miles to stay out of the B airspace of Phoenix in a rising terrain. The terrain rises from 1500 feet at KFFZ (Mesa) to 5000 feet at KSEZ (Sedona), but I had to climb to 7500.<br />
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From flat desert terrain of Phoenix area, we were in red stone rocks of Sedona in 45 minutes. KSEZ is on a mesa, and it feels like landing on an aircraft carrier. The wind dictated runway 21 and its an interesting approach to runway 21. Although it makes entry to the left pattern easier from the South East, the ledge at that end sinks the aircraft into the valley on final.<br />
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As taught by Roger (my commercial instructor), I aimed for the numbers on the runway, stayed at 65 knots (a little faster than recommended final speed), full flaps, and controlled the descent via power. When I sank (can feel the sinking as it is abrupt), I added full power so the aiming point stayed at the same reference point. Never there were any abrupt pitch or airspeed adjustments. Controlled the altitude with power.<br />
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We were greeted by John and Anne Wiley at the tie down. They had flown from Santa Barbara the previous night. From Sedona onwards, they were with us throughout the trip to Cortez. We stayed in touch using frequencies 123.45, and 122.75 when 123.45 was busy.<br />
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We drove to the town, where we bought some clothes, ate, and rested.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona from the airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and Momina, Maheen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and I, Maheen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona can be busy on the road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping area in Sedona</td></tr>
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In an Indian Jewelery shop, I saw a postcard with a beautiful red rock called Cathedral Rock. I asked the shop keeper about its location, then drove to it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Rock in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Rock</td></tr>
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We were ready to fly to Flagstaff. From then onwards we were flying loose formation with Wileys. Anne was our travel agent, booking last minute hotels and rental cars, calling FBOs for tie down fees, checking fuel prices, and securing courtesy cars or rides. Last minute hotel reservations adds excitement to the trip. The aviation go/no-go was not only limited to weather / runways, it now included room availability, FBO closing time, and the quality of the town we are planning to go to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Sedona from runway 21, runway in bottom right</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Flagstaff from Sedona</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Flagstaff</td></tr>
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We took off from Runway 21 in Sedona ahead of Wileys, and turned North to Flagstaff (KFLG). Flagstaff's pattern altitude is 8000 feet, and the density altitude was 9000 feet. The landing though was quite easy with calm winds.Its a short 15 minute flight from Sedona, and the terrain rises quickly. We were full throttle the entire way.<br />
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Holiday Inn at Flagstaff is remarkable in a sense that they have a courtesy shuttle to wherever you need to go. Just tip the driver, and he will be there to take you anywhere in the town at any time. Old town Flagstaff is a fun walk, and has some good food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert North of Flagstaff</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lava or tar?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrain North of Flagstaff, flew around it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron, start of Marble Canyon</td></tr>
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The next morning we took off from Flasgstaff to our way to the Marble Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. This was going to be our longest flight of 3 hours. We had to fly around the Humphrey peak (13000) foot. We took the Western pass, while John flew to the East of it. From green Flagstaff, you end up in Desert of Tuba City within half an hour. The terrain in the desert is quite remarkable. The first signs of the Marble Canyon are at Cameron in Southwest of Tuba City. The Canyon starts like a river, and then gets deeper. The Marble Canyon joins the Grand Canyon. We decided to follow the Marble Canyon to the North of Grand Canyon, outside the 14500 area, and climb to 10500 feet so we could navigate counter clockwise over the Grand Canyon through the Dragon Corridor. Flights to the South should be at 10500, and to the North at 11500. The lower you are the better view it is, so it makes sense to circle counter clockwise. After passing the Dragon Corridor, we flew over KGCN (Grand Canyon Airport). We decided not to land at KGCN or visit the Grand Canyon via foot. KGCN is not a firendly airport with lots of traffic. We had been in flight for 2 hours now, and just after passing KGCN, Momina spilled out the omelette from her nose. We had the flight bags for this inevitable situation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9IgCWsE-jJSQhOIriAF1EVI55X0IpD388B0_Nud6V1i0uNy4D35lIhCAcg8e9vuSTcGjTHju_KUybwHUMUAENNxRr91oGvh8jqAN-_-HSPIBSHmrRFCHVMlwPOACss29YhrGb7CmQO0/s1600/IMG_3749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9IgCWsE-jJSQhOIriAF1EVI55X0IpD388B0_Nud6V1i0uNy4D35lIhCAcg8e9vuSTcGjTHju_KUybwHUMUAENNxRr91oGvh8jqAN-_-HSPIBSHmrRFCHVMlwPOACss29YhrGb7CmQO0/s1600/IMG_3749.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon starts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRadbFs-UyNVyEn4QxumSiZpXblzEfNujBlN5GA-m67IagYBoTACDCHLLnVjDFqPF6nSMlrooWadaB61XuP1LC37JZllOpTFiroi8gPZnS7rZyfusStd5bSBWdbSqaF7p6k3nT3x_tUas/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRadbFs-UyNVyEn4QxumSiZpXblzEfNujBlN5GA-m67IagYBoTACDCHLLnVjDFqPF6nSMlrooWadaB61XuP1LC37JZllOpTFiroi8gPZnS7rZyfusStd5bSBWdbSqaF7p6k3nT3x_tUas/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon gets deeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rB2iilzKcc6PVhi8RIb1adRiBgyPUfpOD3nrvbTW-ZiSGOWK4R1VkGowZ4DCauddZgVq155dm-uqP3ly166EXRuwaVi_hQsG04UomB8prVHEMNvFy5wMDkOLC_yRqueysLOhzJb57tQ/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rB2iilzKcc6PVhi8RIb1adRiBgyPUfpOD3nrvbTW-ZiSGOWK4R1VkGowZ4DCauddZgVq155dm-uqP3ly166EXRuwaVi_hQsG04UomB8prVHEMNvFy5wMDkOLC_yRqueysLOhzJb57tQ/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN5neZOzaCBknQnp6jhXqJ60AZrYROYz8NKBZFCChtYAa_TlvjY6Eoo37E-MNbBvB09M5qbHD42kjfwWEu2FSnxF-ZIBERxVThdOvkn24JDZDTUdeU2QavQ8cqbezVcZX3Jtxd3NJ6Tg/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN5neZOzaCBknQnp6jhXqJ60AZrYROYz8NKBZFCChtYAa_TlvjY6Eoo37E-MNbBvB09M5qbHD42kjfwWEu2FSnxF-ZIBERxVThdOvkn24JDZDTUdeU2QavQ8cqbezVcZX3Jtxd3NJ6Tg/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon joins Grand Canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUosyAgUpU6MTxiDrTOvkSHcsSBDycolIDBeLevm8gGjw5j2gm698x6WVIuvAS-Di7_EWq2V3CKB8c5VHsY1p8deIreRTWGtyBCJ3jXrQvJyv_FqreJ1DbYWn00CyQJlD3baG2D8TrfM/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUosyAgUpU6MTxiDrTOvkSHcsSBDycolIDBeLevm8gGjw5j2gm698x6WVIuvAS-Di7_EWq2V3CKB8c5VHsY1p8deIreRTWGtyBCJ3jXrQvJyv_FqreJ1DbYWn00CyQJlD3baG2D8TrfM/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGI021OAUXAxhZ7FphOX2NCXcTePsRtP5M8KFO6V5rl52HHPVUJZR_VzjxFJqh-tMDyPa_jWw2WByFPlA2J4TGJ0OTvWlbujshIT4E9kIPnPzj8wxnzu6cgtlI0i4xU4nkYk1oSsM9i8/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGI021OAUXAxhZ7FphOX2NCXcTePsRtP5M8KFO6V5rl52HHPVUJZR_VzjxFJqh-tMDyPa_jWw2WByFPlA2J4TGJ0OTvWlbujshIT4E9kIPnPzj8wxnzu6cgtlI0i4xU4nkYk1oSsM9i8/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Grand Canyon from Dragon Corridor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmGVCQ0YJVxpiZj3_7ZEwkiq3a2UorGzLdkiC0jOwpkT43FsEV1BdOrujjod1gkf98jadsSDXiOO5Z-INWBCdw1BMkSMgPgBjU2bQQtzzqp6DJQturxwcI0Vpojuznq3EFBIa6AbyluQ/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmGVCQ0YJVxpiZj3_7ZEwkiq3a2UorGzLdkiC0jOwpkT43FsEV1BdOrujjod1gkf98jadsSDXiOO5Z-INWBCdw1BMkSMgPgBjU2bQQtzzqp6DJQturxwcI0Vpojuznq3EFBIa6AbyluQ/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Marble Canyon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWNaMaTrvtt_lgQP5FZ9TlSvqPNlEG6mCHSmSs5Bm-QO-JiSoCm9azGomdqlKB1EDVKUspY2A2DnAjA5H5OCLDJwyGKosI8ZXrjDyrnt-TgPfaMdupGT8snHjVK-2RqjW8XoI78YC_Bg/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWNaMaTrvtt_lgQP5FZ9TlSvqPNlEG6mCHSmSs5Bm-QO-JiSoCm9azGomdqlKB1EDVKUspY2A2DnAjA5H5OCLDJwyGKosI8ZXrjDyrnt-TgPfaMdupGT8snHjVK-2RqjW8XoI78YC_Bg/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon gets red</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7D_MmsdNOqYU3xPvfAPJQzYftdVvNz8Q2cBoBAfH2TnWlGL4meDFRZNKaiqnD0jq13qAh-bnDCh61u0vR9ZSf2wD_60wsRqUk8Myqbjl9e9h_GLpGyaTPPJZ6BQ_Nd3qyD5Kap4EQkE/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7D_MmsdNOqYU3xPvfAPJQzYftdVvNz8Q2cBoBAfH2TnWlGL4meDFRZNKaiqnD0jq13qAh-bnDCh61u0vR9ZSf2wD_60wsRqUk8Myqbjl9e9h_GLpGyaTPPJZ6BQ_Nd3qyD5Kap4EQkE/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N66111 John flying in formation over Marble Canyon </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR6hAd1ydTXxN1YJujdhaI3S1EZ-rBUIyZxMyYQAHx_neIv6X5HCzAHl5k5zpnnUqVj7uwrMAPysrhExx33QnjAYYkNFUrXkl-4voZQBcvsnpSPUOqE2Jocodi9uXS39BwQxWhRLCtLo/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR6hAd1ydTXxN1YJujdhaI3S1EZ-rBUIyZxMyYQAHx_neIv6X5HCzAHl5k5zpnnUqVj7uwrMAPysrhExx33QnjAYYkNFUrXkl-4voZQBcvsnpSPUOqE2Jocodi9uXS39BwQxWhRLCtLo/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQeBsqRS9INuQoaE3wTYq3Yg44y4NnDcRQi4THEVQvDQbCne7eUeahcwQQDLSIHsfb95ElBNpIwqAHYm-albPuZietAYb0Nve5vWD4ovXpLPXBfJ_LSaPi0p6gUonKn3DD3nTgsOno0g/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQeBsqRS9INuQoaE3wTYq3Yg44y4NnDcRQi4THEVQvDQbCne7eUeahcwQQDLSIHsfb95ElBNpIwqAHYm-albPuZietAYb0Nve5vWD4ovXpLPXBfJ_LSaPi0p6gUonKn3DD3nTgsOno0g/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River bend in Marble Canyon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvVD_SOj0FSqby4xQ2u4IX9-v_UuAmJqg1rQuKto308QRpA8ZBDF5yL-2bENioHVm7Q9d-CJY7LvNLaBP7XPGQG9Y8al9RkwWNvpBgDJGNuOjd4yHxgbdpmWnz0xY_iIN-kPLue9h1vg/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvVD_SOj0FSqby4xQ2u4IX9-v_UuAmJqg1rQuKto308QRpA8ZBDF5yL-2bENioHVm7Q9d-CJY7LvNLaBP7XPGQG9Y8al9RkwWNvpBgDJGNuOjd4yHxgbdpmWnz0xY_iIN-kPLue9h1vg/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not Horseshoe Bend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f__wt9VWzh00sgVavcUvP3_JToUFo9oITocmYsrKze5tii4dBy6PDlWuIPfMq9ySX2e-Oo0FBxkDq9-yP88OwaVfCiFLmu8ivTe_4UUh_HRDlrtli4QfGBjwLnL4XUBPnNaRldpHjR0/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f__wt9VWzh00sgVavcUvP3_JToUFo9oITocmYsrKze5tii4dBy6PDlWuIPfMq9ySX2e-Oo0FBxkDq9-yP88OwaVfCiFLmu8ivTe_4UUh_HRDlrtli4QfGBjwLnL4XUBPnNaRldpHjR0/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close to L41 (Marble Canyon airport)</td></tr>
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I had removed the restraining screw from the pilot side window of the aircraft so the window fully opened. I took several pictures of the Northern part of the Marble Canyon while Momina was sick with the window fully open. The kids were in the back seat, and they figured out that the best way to negotiate wind blasts from open windows was by keeping their faces under their jackets. Although they do not appreciate flying, when I turned to check on them, I saw them peeking through the windows at the most bizarre and striking terrain under them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino5yOgh3GLHjX-GCKXQ7hDE_sbDR_T7vy460ptpzEszIKoB7B0EF5zxIQ-MdNV4vc3tywjF0E4oPPuzApBPt2z0Bzyu5f7HTcPICXbr_P9oxTHbIPwOHrdMXSzUFUlSRZNU_H3-AE0Ho/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino5yOgh3GLHjX-GCKXQ7hDE_sbDR_T7vy460ptpzEszIKoB7B0EF5zxIQ-MdNV4vc3tywjF0E4oPPuzApBPt2z0Bzyu5f7HTcPICXbr_P9oxTHbIPwOHrdMXSzUFUlSRZNU_H3-AE0Ho/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protection from the "hurricane" winds of the open window</td></tr>
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We had booked the Marble Canyon Lodge for our stay at the Marble Canyon airport. The approach to L41 (Marble Canyon airport) was quite eventful. Momina had just recovered, but was not eager to take pictures, so I was taking all the pictures. I was distracted and incorrectly read the pattern altitude to be a thousand foot higher than it should be. I circled to check the wind cone, found the winds to be favorable for runway 21, and joined the pattern. John was much behind me, and I was the only person in the pattern. On final, I realized my mistake, and did a go around 500 feet above the surface.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOKJwkOs8MMdBAhbOQSm47s6Og4aC4wskbaiNcP9j_-INzNdsmU2KtOpTm-J6DoBfOsudt_bpzist843zDzPmjXfsATYjOUBt2NyowYRzMOThCcXzlD_h5JkCSZynIfwy5Dm0I66lYDk/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOKJwkOs8MMdBAhbOQSm47s6Og4aC4wskbaiNcP9j_-INzNdsmU2KtOpTm-J6DoBfOsudt_bpzist843zDzPmjXfsATYjOUBt2NyowYRzMOThCcXzlD_h5JkCSZynIfwy5Dm0I66lYDk/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding wind sock at Marble Canyon airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-A9DkuJu-HmxPx9I_GgxiPAbgk0V8CCv0uk8tcB1Fr7wN6QbFaOMMju6uz42NLyzxLh7w4uKKqxj0VMi9vpIsvWiGCzLUsUBHqkYWi461-TQbdnCWYXXzF6wQ8EKx-SLQPKbrtk_ZVI/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-A9DkuJu-HmxPx9I_GgxiPAbgk0V8CCv0uk8tcB1Fr7wN6QbFaOMMju6uz42NLyzxLh7w4uKKqxj0VMi9vpIsvWiGCzLUsUBHqkYWi461-TQbdnCWYXXzF6wQ8EKx-SLQPKbrtk_ZVI/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon airport</td></tr>
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I came back for the approach with correct pattern altitude. Just like Sedona, on approach to runway 21, you sink because a deep canyon North of runway 21 on final has down drafts. Added full power at the feeling of sinking and was able to land like a short field. The short field approach helps quite a bit in negotiating these tricky landings. And whenever in doubt, I am never hesitant to go around.<br />
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The lodge at Marble Canyon airport was not as comfy and clean as advertised in Google Reviews. After a short stay at the airport, we decided to abandon our rooms there, and flew to Page. There is a pass North East of L41 for flight to KPGA (Page). If you take the pass, you will not have to climb in circles. Although in windy conditions, flying low over the passes is a recipe for some very bumpy rides (from my experience later on in the trip).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvs19zSabLkXES74qruBZySZIf-r7FHMx2IqrZBRxRHLCJTd_IUI7kkzc9IPOJoZGAd_74To194_nvqNLpk9TIHYB0iumRK48JAtSFeVdpcSX5GhLyYH5KVvjQaRlQItxhiPis33qdY/s1600/IMG_3850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvs19zSabLkXES74qruBZySZIf-r7FHMx2IqrZBRxRHLCJTd_IUI7kkzc9IPOJoZGAd_74To194_nvqNLpk9TIHYB0iumRK48JAtSFeVdpcSX5GhLyYH5KVvjQaRlQItxhiPis33qdY/s1600/IMG_3850.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KPGA, wastness and color</td></tr>
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Page is now my favorite small town. We stayed here for two days. The two most interesting places in Page are the Antelope Canyon, and the Horseshoe bend. The food here is as cheap and as good at it gets.<br />
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First we attempted the Lower Antelope Canyon. Its on a short 5 mile drive from the town near the smoke stacks. The entry fee is $28 for adults, and $20 for kids. We tipped our guide $4 for an even bill of $100 for four of us. Its every penny worth. My tips... Stay in the back, and let the crowds move ahead of you. Visit at 10 am for 11 am tour, so when you are in the middle, its noon time, and the sun is shining through. This makes photography easier. Set ISO 400, shutter at 50, and daylight settings. Do not use the flash. We were told only mono pods are allowed, but we saw people carrying tripods. Chances are that if you stay in the back, you will be thought of as part of the photography group and will be allowed to take the pictures with no other people in the frame. The guides are very helpful so please tip them. I think the Lower Antelope Canyon beats the Yellowstone's Morning Glory pool in our list of most scenic places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XourU00XKZEaFwocEH6dToKMf006j15AqXz3HT8wJ8P_AY8TChyWU52GGKPtnLhZNGP4e58Gvo7uKDiOA_O5dhgd_yKutFqUBpbyHpYqj5y8nkvvDLkBRNHZ1v6TA4QL7g-IPeoZPLY/s1600/IMG_3856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XourU00XKZEaFwocEH6dToKMf006j15AqXz3HT8wJ8P_AY8TChyWU52GGKPtnLhZNGP4e58Gvo7uKDiOA_O5dhgd_yKutFqUBpbyHpYqj5y8nkvvDLkBRNHZ1v6TA4QL7g-IPeoZPLY/s1600/IMG_3856.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids having fun while we wait for our turn at Antelope Canyon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBEEpuuDU15tCRD7cqdp9DV1W5UqMXTRYqTey8yZ4ULLY3MKePgCun9iq3UBCGxp8fETdqVaWjmUaL4N0jQW1hbakn6ifyHTkBWZ018uZRZaNnAfAaRcWxPnBs3lEd3XgNaXLY1PZ6GQ/s1600/IMG_3873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBEEpuuDU15tCRD7cqdp9DV1W5UqMXTRYqTey8yZ4ULLY3MKePgCun9iq3UBCGxp8fETdqVaWjmUaL4N0jQW1hbakn6ifyHTkBWZ018uZRZaNnAfAaRcWxPnBs3lEd3XgNaXLY1PZ6GQ/s1600/IMG_3873.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Antelope Canyon entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE80Te3hy_RkDauPWcL4Ha3uhYY4PDUaGKKSLF-bphLy2QKJj7tvIDFtihvDvoGvfdLGsqDDs5bzp7Jhx7Z7FTptRCfAZbvGF9okKFtjqFMBVS7Z3VN-297U219oJOTH9Rf6dUQJGMbCw/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE80Te3hy_RkDauPWcL4Ha3uhYY4PDUaGKKSLF-bphLy2QKJj7tvIDFtihvDvoGvfdLGsqDDs5bzp7Jhx7Z7FTptRCfAZbvGF9okKFtjqFMBVS7Z3VN-297U219oJOTH9Rf6dUQJGMbCw/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goes down 120 feet through stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTUBgwq56QH2t4fpI9mt1oj7mfNlSjCo2Soy7_ucbrkqFg8JLR4UW8DuoxIof2qtNE0eEJBPQIMgRe3ONawBtr1zo1QD2acVuSHERCjLx_D1191Qm6skziGihQmPH47VDPGXXG3EYrI/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTUBgwq56QH2t4fpI9mt1oj7mfNlSjCo2Soy7_ucbrkqFg8JLR4UW8DuoxIof2qtNE0eEJBPQIMgRe3ONawBtr1zo1QD2acVuSHERCjLx_D1191Qm6skziGihQmPH47VDPGXXG3EYrI/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature at its best</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp412jYxvw60pWnYSvHJ3RooWUQ8guNtbQ-es4C1MlmtYfb2RgqeZHbQf8JNrNKoN6JH2NFU3hXMNh5u7qBGe6Q_y6zfshvn4IObRreWtGvraEixY5_XblrGOclj0vT6Q_TiHWO_rTdVM/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp412jYxvw60pWnYSvHJ3RooWUQ8guNtbQ-es4C1MlmtYfb2RgqeZHbQf8JNrNKoN6JH2NFU3hXMNh5u7qBGe6Q_y6zfshvn4IObRreWtGvraEixY5_XblrGOclj0vT6Q_TiHWO_rTdVM/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep down</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AAC4C25hHAsuvElWn5XURCzIBLbude9Kr8UwGmrrKnAyGLLZDAZPVsTQSnILNrRhciJHVzTC_OIUs5xRRroJwatRhYIEHcctr3ZdHR2jJPCIfaKP-ewEJQ5uSqjmbe-r9drrHUJHj1Q/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AAC4C25hHAsuvElWn5XURCzIBLbude9Kr8UwGmrrKnAyGLLZDAZPVsTQSnILNrRhciJHVzTC_OIUs5xRRroJwatRhYIEHcctr3ZdHR2jJPCIfaKP-ewEJQ5uSqjmbe-r9drrHUJHj1Q/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With flash</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabyI_n7inbJZE6MpcUMKOt7x_x6m904kKdnH7Ism2et_PmM9zAw6K5eXjyaancniAw5_2OPDx4PX1mRCttaCtj12MmudSuovOth6bK2I4lelIUQ_5wzBRBVNBSbmfhKkISkTLkNMgrRU/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabyI_n7inbJZE6MpcUMKOt7x_x6m904kKdnH7Ism2et_PmM9zAw6K5eXjyaancniAw5_2OPDx4PX1mRCttaCtj12MmudSuovOth6bK2I4lelIUQ_5wzBRBVNBSbmfhKkISkTLkNMgrRU/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbFOyHGH2mp7WpDr49mfgGljH-OopiBO0cSUMGHt_5VrpCygaUo6oSoyAQ5_mzIj4C_MBMcLj4Xw1uiiWuMXSoGpYNH5cz-85bZL89nKD0L8Eh99Putl7dNYzaKoWn3MUvi-ykeDfJUU/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbFOyHGH2mp7WpDr49mfgGljH-OopiBO0cSUMGHt_5VrpCygaUo6oSoyAQ5_mzIj4C_MBMcLj4Xw1uiiWuMXSoGpYNH5cz-85bZL89nKD0L8Eh99Putl7dNYzaKoWn3MUvi-ykeDfJUU/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is no blue here, but lighter shades of red appear blue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvASvTvc8Un71SrDUSJIrfAbrSYYPfQE1lUK-nWQrmSy9iXo0XRAotatU2Ksm5DnmuMMUEhxqiKI-mCqnceV2J2fU4ZcpBUW4eB3kEYzmBi8fCqapLgL4b1s6FOzu19t_ssWqzX63nr-k/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvASvTvc8Un71SrDUSJIrfAbrSYYPfQE1lUK-nWQrmSy9iXo0XRAotatU2Ksm5DnmuMMUEhxqiKI-mCqnceV2J2fU4ZcpBUW4eB3kEYzmBi8fCqapLgL4b1s6FOzu19t_ssWqzX63nr-k/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmM9va7jjXP-wBiwvKcUwG2t_3JgZnhmauUnqzCKpF6kWAUqNUs-YZKA4dZjTUAOCwdMge948DTxU1TKwZWJYcjypYC6eQPF99c_QYekLOfMA2Mqxs942n7wN4T_nfcXwdS9hVZ-p3Gs/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmM9va7jjXP-wBiwvKcUwG2t_3JgZnhmauUnqzCKpF6kWAUqNUs-YZKA4dZjTUAOCwdMge948DTxU1TKwZWJYcjypYC6eQPF99c_QYekLOfMA2Mqxs942n7wN4T_nfcXwdS9hVZ-p3Gs/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Antelope Canyon exit. From top it looks like there is not much here</td></tr>
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At the exit of the Canyon, our guide showed the children how to make quick pottery.<br />
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I am confident of my observation that every house in Page has an angry vicious dog, trying to get out of its pen, and pounce on you, so walks beyond the main street is not recommended.<br />
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The Horseshoe bend is another marvellous place in the Page area. This is a small hike from the parking area of the Horseshoe bend. The walls at the Horseshoe bend drop vertically 1000 feet below to the river. Standing at the very end of the ledges is dangerous. You need a wide angle lens here to take the picture of the whole bend. We visited at sunset, although we were of the opinion that the sunrise would be more spectacular. Or we didn't know the light setting to snap the sunset so that both the Sun and the bend are visible in the picture. Tripod is recommended at Sunset. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWo7b3qGMIwIIxcdqEDRB572ytGDQ609r1ZopnJ3DKpuvncPJ0_qXqaRhdr4Z2Tu5n9fiii7ACt3aaO5dyp2h3lHfGFAtKyh83GwNOOeX6GeoTHpXJ9mF0Myp_CxmBYWoF0-XWOTWbRo/s1600/IMG_4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWo7b3qGMIwIIxcdqEDRB572ytGDQ609r1ZopnJ3DKpuvncPJ0_qXqaRhdr4Z2Tu5n9fiii7ACt3aaO5dyp2h3lHfGFAtKyh83GwNOOeX6GeoTHpXJ9mF0Myp_CxmBYWoF0-XWOTWbRo/s1600/IMG_4030.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus on the Horseshoe bend trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32v9x8SlLT0nJrNJ5BkyKcpf9fpnad9sHCHEJafmL397SDf2-YTDCrXcnxvjXn-_bqPh-xJIoppiO1cOHIfutal-OX2eZNvP0fqH6xiCcxC7v1STcrD_GOauncR-zG1oq2wcZ3sAQdHQ/s1600/IMG_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32v9x8SlLT0nJrNJ5BkyKcpf9fpnad9sHCHEJafmL397SDf2-YTDCrXcnxvjXn-_bqPh-xJIoppiO1cOHIfutal-OX2eZNvP0fqH6xiCcxC7v1STcrD_GOauncR-zG1oq2wcZ3sAQdHQ/s1600/IMG_4034.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe bend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwHsl4qTT8JgOnu-3VrS1nH3hc8GH6I13Pw2Vt9DsLtTwakdBJPZv2OVUpBKI1hAz0YxXa2C5ymcbTETSdUpFOutXDLL_mSKI0uoVCVPF26tyMX0I8PNAdgfbqVGc1HowL6UCqY49qJc/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwHsl4qTT8JgOnu-3VrS1nH3hc8GH6I13Pw2Vt9DsLtTwakdBJPZv2OVUpBKI1hAz0YxXa2C5ymcbTETSdUpFOutXDLL_mSKI0uoVCVPF26tyMX0I8PNAdgfbqVGc1HowL6UCqY49qJc/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scales of the bend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-hHSrfWcn6k_7niC73W6rvrYmdYyHrWY8kUBdsVAptLp6E38N0_gn_U2gA-N3xI_imQ4Tzp46pl-_y45mnh2dEW8zFlHT61XQgE_k8F3YmjleHLitM286iDLVM7Wa1xMNlhJ3u1mjHE/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-hHSrfWcn6k_7niC73W6rvrYmdYyHrWY8kUBdsVAptLp6E38N0_gn_U2gA-N3xI_imQ4Tzp46pl-_y45mnh2dEW8zFlHT61XQgE_k8F3YmjleHLitM286iDLVM7Wa1xMNlhJ3u1mjHE/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super woman</td></tr>
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The next day we were greeted to some gusty winds, and forecast of medium turbulence hazard at noon. But we stuck to our plans to fly to the Monument Valley (where How the West Was Won was filmed). Planes do not break apart in medium turbulence? and at worst we will slow down if the bumps are extreme. We took off from Page when the winds were calm at around 10 AM. I circled the Horseshoe bend, then flew over the Dam at Lake Powell. I followed Lake Powell to the East. The terrain became rough and started rising quickly. As it is not a good idea to fly over rough terrain with no emergency landing spot, John discovered a green patch, and a pass through the terrain to negotiate the way to the Monument Valley. John got there first. I followed. The winds were howling and wings needed levelling constantly. Then we encountered the forecast turbulence. At first we felt some minor jolts and then a sudden boom that threw the things around. My Avare tablet hit the cockpit top then fell on my lap. Momina started yelling. I checked on the kids and found them giggling. I asked "Are you OK kids?" and Maheen replied "That was so much fun!". Zain nodded. I calmed down Momina but she was not happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN8F09VAY8qCgMBGy4qIiWv7xU-1MU1QOqUusZtFCAwiKJWB4VWHBunoUyj_6-1QO-5K8cr-uzRw8rWVbjOylkon0_4Jhwr0_TaYmqcoPSmOMG01sam5IeYjGWhyoME0uJzhM7hKi1as/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN8F09VAY8qCgMBGy4qIiWv7xU-1MU1QOqUusZtFCAwiKJWB4VWHBunoUyj_6-1QO-5K8cr-uzRw8rWVbjOylkon0_4Jhwr0_TaYmqcoPSmOMG01sam5IeYjGWhyoME0uJzhM7hKi1as/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up in the air at Horseshoe bend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dndhyphenhyphen-8oRZreACMZo_eE0MV9KoHst6MHeLgNwRpB5gz3j3GDdBHq11Gh_BmRdUp7uhWGhrk11u18wuJkeatOYhC9Zby0QRO2_1oyAVJKshYhxaDXkOz0dqHo_y6pKSgWqmsEYA44lEw/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dndhyphenhyphen-8oRZreACMZo_eE0MV9KoHst6MHeLgNwRpB5gz3j3GDdBHq11Gh_BmRdUp7uhWGhrk11u18wuJkeatOYhC9Zby0QRO2_1oyAVJKshYhxaDXkOz0dqHo_y6pKSgWqmsEYA44lEw/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Horseshoe</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT61RQGYC4EG81PRG94CYgLZkynyVGvf4MfnDPw52bE4ja1Tce_CzWepdLDmL7qVwpWasu68XXIXHzAJIbguzhF0u88Z52Y6iBX_1avoEEKYVm7G0vZOhMQvo04r4kjDsVwnN50gO6xSs/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT61RQGYC4EG81PRG94CYgLZkynyVGvf4MfnDPw52bE4ja1Tce_CzWepdLDmL7qVwpWasu68XXIXHzAJIbguzhF0u88Z52Y6iBX_1avoEEKYVm7G0vZOhMQvo04r4kjDsVwnN50gO6xSs/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dam at Lake Powell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWI31yTnY5eAktZOMO21aTRQ70c0bQRU6r1LeBJsIjpHPSx2hAkGXdptj5OLkEi5kIVF6q304nbvxUj8Y2xz2Gij7aTy6_lCBvZG4T7ybLVuAjKebEpbjTB7qhyCBIJlWDwCiioJYCp8/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWI31yTnY5eAktZOMO21aTRQ70c0bQRU6r1LeBJsIjpHPSx2hAkGXdptj5OLkEi5kIVF6q304nbvxUj8Y2xz2Gij7aTy6_lCBvZG4T7ybLVuAjKebEpbjTB7qhyCBIJlWDwCiioJYCp8/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Powell, going East</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYhsAAkHYaN84S0Xp0Qcq-sENSnJsGTLtsux1-m0ry9GkOgvA4KpZmVRzfm_18FQGatwwTWTj-2no-YfBXIUB28x9slFbv8o_HubvsaLyLxNOvfMVvj4rTBn5dqRoxGadQKjqiw-wJiU/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYhsAAkHYaN84S0Xp0Qcq-sENSnJsGTLtsux1-m0ry9GkOgvA4KpZmVRzfm_18FQGatwwTWTj-2no-YfBXIUB28x9slFbv8o_HubvsaLyLxNOvfMVvj4rTBn5dqRoxGadQKjqiw-wJiU/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close to Monument Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIasBkhdtaoG51wUamz1bQc9AISAmv2ow6xXFNV0Yj5vv6fOOoioErzDSWovDXfh0as8Wy2XSl-tuwAkkNVjEDBPrnsVXWXLwKSpMLZZkx1rH8pa1H91qNLJ-Aw3yXkhPnzVMH1ERSE8/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIasBkhdtaoG51wUamz1bQc9AISAmv2ow6xXFNV0Yj5vv6fOOoioErzDSWovDXfh0as8Wy2XSl-tuwAkkNVjEDBPrnsVXWXLwKSpMLZZkx1rH8pa1H91qNLJ-Aw3yXkhPnzVMH1ERSE8/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone surviving family of the erosion huddled together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Monument Valley was visible through dust bowls. The wind was blowing the dust hundreds of feet up from the valley floor.<br />
<br />
We decided to circle the Monument Valley counter clockwise. I was staying at 7500 feet, 80 knots, and a few thousand feet above the Monument valley floor. The turbulence continued, but nothing as severe as the bone shattering boom earlier. However complicating the matter was up and down drafts during the circling. On the downwind of the buttes, the Cessna was sinking or almost staying level with full power, and on the upwind, it was climbing with power idle. I decided to leave the valley after two circles as I saw tears in Momina's eyes (due to fear). Landing at the monument valley airport was not an option as the winds were not favoring the runway there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK5Gcx0jZH4XsmL9QrIFD_ChYK7-5lewSM-1h-7cvH59bcd3mFjbWZYxS2CF2stco6G5j8su22YYlL1nQTjP_KKTqUL6yXvf9SilVnGaZFHzxx-SJJ1hLLn9QlFnh_D2tyzm6bDE93js/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK5Gcx0jZH4XsmL9QrIFD_ChYK7-5lewSM-1h-7cvH59bcd3mFjbWZYxS2CF2stco6G5j8su22YYlL1nQTjP_KKTqUL6yXvf9SilVnGaZFHzxx-SJJ1hLLn9QlFnh_D2tyzm6bDE93js/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in the Monument Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_as8F4ukwSNrfGYnL5GBXrjSGleLG8A7MS7Z3veMq0hvXafDqKWjlLFz19UlyoxYaTR8QV0ZNlFF_frjERz25ND9f-hAe_futoykPHVAYcfF7NNZaRRM1gLbUrx8o-LPfj5hd3zWmz4/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_as8F4ukwSNrfGYnL5GBXrjSGleLG8A7MS7Z3veMq0hvXafDqKWjlLFz19UlyoxYaTR8QV0ZNlFF_frjERz25ND9f-hAe_futoykPHVAYcfF7NNZaRRM1gLbUrx8o-LPfj5hd3zWmz4/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circling counter clockwise at 7500 feet MSL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKckOs3Myxf4DIDOoAavdV1hA44GwiKje_e5qVPb0oG9z2ljgsJSq0Totlvilms3KJbs8W-3vF1eWp9zzFJqwtaOW4cpV4LQxiWlKup2NdTL5HtJx4XQM1pNeLG1RQG_D4Xi3wgDYhN4/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKckOs3Myxf4DIDOoAavdV1hA44GwiKje_e5qVPb0oG9z2ljgsJSq0Totlvilms3KJbs8W-3vF1eWp9zzFJqwtaOW4cpV4LQxiWlKup2NdTL5HtJx4XQM1pNeLG1RQG_D4Xi3wgDYhN4/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Updrafts take you high</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcccWibTMDt8lU-Q3Px1KddKx7OGYLIbR_3U_COdSw1l8cY6BPfMKb1JM7_5UnxYYN3Ec4GcEBP-0nIqLqb1VSKnEr9yTOIM40Ed6QKyiXrleKqt-IFD26pT4ngk-5nTRWgVz3Sjf60o/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcccWibTMDt8lU-Q3Px1KddKx7OGYLIbR_3U_COdSw1l8cY6BPfMKb1JM7_5UnxYYN3Ec4GcEBP-0nIqLqb1VSKnEr9yTOIM40Ed6QKyiXrleKqt-IFD26pT4ngk-5nTRWgVz3Sjf60o/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downdrafts bring you down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFAwJc5-EPV7DxZnAYTYjlIhvO5ljYecddwwiXBiIdagFnxq75nI3PNXuSJbthIoqaKQ-LEdyExaKTL54YQIbq0Ff9Fp9-ZOjWQydYCzRLG8Qg4bTcSDJcP5VwFFRLP67mIB5Ngi21v8/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFAwJc5-EPV7DxZnAYTYjlIhvO5ljYecddwwiXBiIdagFnxq75nI3PNXuSJbthIoqaKQ-LEdyExaKTL54YQIbq0Ff9Fp9-ZOjWQydYCzRLG8Qg4bTcSDJcP5VwFFRLP67mIB5Ngi21v8/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last circle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaz7FQ_JH3tdP6vM9MYPeFqErYn9M4U8VwScOggix6IVUckShrL5W6_U91UUOrkTL8TrgWAdSl3hSzXvfW2oZtKBfSDzsa9rUKYJK-on5o5WlWXteDJO_rbfU10MWJ28bl6haNqndLAA/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaz7FQ_JH3tdP6vM9MYPeFqErYn9M4U8VwScOggix6IVUckShrL5W6_U91UUOrkTL8TrgWAdSl3hSzXvfW2oZtKBfSDzsa9rUKYJK-on5o5WlWXteDJO_rbfU10MWJ28bl6haNqndLAA/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrasts are unbeiveable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdao5VCphKRO7PUfGagsmYM5Mf5F_CCmgVWw68Ki4Xe8YmZPya7JHu0TtMEkYPEed1MUXQ-8gwHFvXOo92tIg3F63lXdVGM-gPJ6nrw9-rLQVfWPhnCl3c3W4jsV5Nqr-eVJI704tDZ8/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdao5VCphKRO7PUfGagsmYM5Mf5F_CCmgVWw68Ki4Xe8YmZPya7JHu0TtMEkYPEed1MUXQ-8gwHFvXOo92tIg3F63lXdVGM-gPJ6nrw9-rLQVfWPhnCl3c3W4jsV5Nqr-eVJI704tDZ8/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing East</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLHImJxvD2h0_HHDIn8-SnwW4pyS99TIJUv4sbQp4mR7SOo7VHA1K0P-hvQ3kzXm-27g3bBoXMISoe1Z_H3sHMpm0LYuxWiLexC1H5HzP3kypzk4GC0Sbik3gvC6V67SnK6Qd8elcOq0/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLHImJxvD2h0_HHDIn8-SnwW4pyS99TIJUv4sbQp4mR7SOo7VHA1K0P-hvQ3kzXm-27g3bBoXMISoe1Z_H3sHMpm0LYuxWiLexC1H5HzP3kypzk4GC0Sbik3gvC6V67SnK6Qd8elcOq0/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye to the wastness of the Monument Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before we took off from Page, we reviewed several airports for destination in the gusty winds and found Cortez, CO (KCEZ) to be the best option (favoring the decision was $3 tie down fee, availability of rooms, and places to see). We headed to KCEZ from the Monument Valley. It was bumpy all along and we flew around the Sleeping Ute Mountain to KCEZ for approach on runway 21. The ASOS reported density altitude of 8600 feet and head wind of 10G20. It was an easy landing. Short field approach with speed a little above recommended to compensate for gusts. The runway at KCEZ is 7000 feet long so I cannot take pride in that landing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLQCRVon7_Bmg2gyRe3vjWEBg6CmS_FvSRvQhC1nteXvorISg0Rtc58PwMuN8zmmlRpLqiiGncnXXEvN0oDd2WVwmu2FU5HF8a-zlWDhpl5D1S0GsYWSTnMNJk5xVkJya8DC_jTlw1n8/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLQCRVon7_Bmg2gyRe3vjWEBg6CmS_FvSRvQhC1nteXvorISg0Rtc58PwMuN8zmmlRpLqiiGncnXXEvN0oDd2WVwmu2FU5HF8a-zlWDhpl5D1S0GsYWSTnMNJk5xVkJya8DC_jTlw1n8/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Cortez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt1C89p1ajSF_7H0V4SsH8TwjcVUhhUtVkpbotbqFexA_naO39XzikLlKGSBMC3_zrDiY5OTJz1P6PFmzTpX2EdQjcm4JVc4Nh-kBoqjWx0Q1ZD7yJNOCg8P_siv4vdIyXKHIBNRKG4U/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt1C89p1ajSF_7H0V4SsH8TwjcVUhhUtVkpbotbqFexA_naO39XzikLlKGSBMC3_zrDiY5OTJz1P6PFmzTpX2EdQjcm4JVc4Nh-kBoqjWx0Q1ZD7yJNOCg8P_siv4vdIyXKHIBNRKG4U/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney planes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKwzFyPuUiJDxDYYpyPwAc_oD__2TMn1yS8tsat5qOhSjyN1nga-mdOrcb9mVuPMxte73oL_P6dMT6XXsVMg7BRFDCN9982rMqcBEKz9O3AjnqFx5HP4hdjaDYAX0Mex6X0ImhQdMMxs/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKwzFyPuUiJDxDYYpyPwAc_oD__2TMn1yS8tsat5qOhSjyN1nga-mdOrcb9mVuPMxte73oL_P6dMT6XXsVMg7BRFDCN9982rMqcBEKz9O3AjnqFx5HP4hdjaDYAX0Mex6X0ImhQdMMxs/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High terrain to the West</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Mesa Verde is an hour drive from Cortez. We drove to the Indian villages built in the rocky mesa. The rangers at the park were extremely helpful. They gave the kids all the information about the village history. No entry fee here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAphFfSBNAw5yz0FZ2uJ8lJdBxBJuAn0H3QArR1tjEVpUXsyR_PhAHHqPmsfisvVCvKeDqcE0DAbMeFnZ1gSlaydgq0GONkihRuXjmRkr0JAYRKSprx7XiWAfwnrg4W4F_DNl1dYmUQg/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAphFfSBNAw5yz0FZ2uJ8lJdBxBJuAn0H3QArR1tjEVpUXsyR_PhAHHqPmsfisvVCvKeDqcE0DAbMeFnZ1gSlaydgq0GONkihRuXjmRkr0JAYRKSprx7XiWAfwnrg4W4F_DNl1dYmUQg/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe adobe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhebaBc2VYHiTZbYWC1YtnLnTL2YS4MpkqPwJAFl1Af_DY-K7lwAF3srOfHuTjXnQsDN3oAhu10DMQ-Tv39bcItMEM5dVL0Fj-neWtJN7P5FzZ9lA8lXWIv9q2Nj711F8Vj2SW3WpCV0/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhebaBc2VYHiTZbYWC1YtnLnTL2YS4MpkqPwJAFl1Af_DY-K7lwAF3srOfHuTjXnQsDN3oAhu10DMQ-Tv39bcItMEM5dVL0Fj-neWtJN7P5FzZ9lA8lXWIv9q2Nj711F8Vj2SW3WpCV0/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soot patterns </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ0BphKxHYcYoqkDSjQOBd4SA92ITTFgvtBLGTD6c0OLEnbRe5sFcOF7WPpZ0Bju9scIoJGtRKhYlQ0jbI552otUS-1uy3GSO0f4vgsHKdswD9u_OalAG3WuXfkig2mcac5g_kYzJDV8/s1600/IMG_4206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ0BphKxHYcYoqkDSjQOBd4SA92ITTFgvtBLGTD6c0OLEnbRe5sFcOF7WPpZ0Bju9scIoJGtRKhYlQ0jbI552otUS-1uy3GSO0f4vgsHKdswD9u_OalAG3WuXfkig2mcac5g_kYzJDV8/s1600/IMG_4206.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No this is not supporting the rock's weight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIApkMDvjT5r2jyQRPBdaZQcA6FOlftBuPgW3ySdhabe8eha9kPhGx19-RhyphenhyphenVLlUa6RnGno-wvVSD4UMH_HxXsYSbynOPgSH7EagUw60zUnzJPznje10Luzd1kJN0u0SNy4_VA5NNKhk/s1600/IMG_4217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIApkMDvjT5r2jyQRPBdaZQcA6FOlftBuPgW3ySdhabe8eha9kPhGx19-RhyphenhyphenVLlUa6RnGno-wvVSD4UMH_HxXsYSbynOPgSH7EagUw60zUnzJPznje10Luzd1kJN0u0SNy4_VA5NNKhk/s1600/IMG_4217.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside a chamber in the village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1JSPAycaOUocJLT1NwcIY11RicSDqcxb9Fob_9knoS2XX27zC457uO5EtiiOUe7RQis5L3DGA2MRU9ZPbOYsr-CVG1SphAkj19n_iInwNxUVFwRJ2wPyjq6NcKK7rJzJ_ltofJZI0sM/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1JSPAycaOUocJLT1NwcIY11RicSDqcxb9Fob_9knoS2XX27zC457uO5EtiiOUe7RQis5L3DGA2MRU9ZPbOYsr-CVG1SphAkj19n_iInwNxUVFwRJ2wPyjq6NcKK7rJzJ_ltofJZI0sM/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say its all original and no repairs made since discovered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwDRfVNmxQCA67mWNMV5Zlrv3BofcfZAi4O0_s7C4-JvW6ReqtFkGKduXKuYuNSMxfXQpoKTIUgaBdNucoigxiAwqHIu1X3gnETNf0E9B8zOBifq-m6p6J2Es0A0FP0PAaTVACSGGtUo/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwDRfVNmxQCA67mWNMV5Zlrv3BofcfZAi4O0_s7C4-JvW6ReqtFkGKduXKuYuNSMxfXQpoKTIUgaBdNucoigxiAwqHIu1X3gnETNf0E9B8zOBifq-m6p6J2Es0A0FP0PAaTVACSGGtUo/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dozen villages in this valley / Mesa Verde</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqvMGjl-IEesxQC8bWBkNpktxRmHrpKM02IjM5EhsTv_eb7PRyqofNbHkA1rx2iN9sl_zOtn2BMAbQcfDKACQWKnAACXarxhXpAox2C6QO1sNY44DjhR2RgAhgmGWihvj_KeXK4dwqE0/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqvMGjl-IEesxQC8bWBkNpktxRmHrpKM02IjM5EhsTv_eb7PRyqofNbHkA1rx2iN9sl_zOtn2BMAbQcfDKACQWKnAACXarxhXpAox2C6QO1sNY44DjhR2RgAhgmGWihvj_KeXK4dwqE0/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the biggest village we saw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KvVvWLUtx6s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The gusty winds continued the next day. We extended our stay at the hotel in Cortez, hoping to stay for one more day, as the bumpy rides from the last day had scared my passengers. Then I broke my GPS tablet with Avare. John and Anne decided to leave for Durango, and we were on our own. I decided to continue onwards to Pason, AZ. I was at the KCEZ ready to take off when the winds picked up again. 10G16 direct cross wind, 8000 feet density altitude. Another short field takeoff at the 7000 foot runway, and I was up and climbing before any gust could hit (am I lucky?) although I was prepared for it with full aileron into the wind.<br />
<br />
It was turbulent but not as much as the previous day. We headed to the Shiprock. Shiprock is what inspired me to plan this trip. It appeared in the Visual Approach picutre of the AOPA magazine. It was quite turbulent near Shiprock as the rock sticks out 2200 feet from the surface, nearly vertical, and probably disrupts the winds for some nasty turbulence. We decided not to circle it, and moved on towards Pason (KPAN).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-g3SFiDvVYe4bFXsBh-nrUQoScwTHRf8VeLEbsFMZtqmN5ELOJssPMC1Ua5hg3QQSKmecb7QS0bm-HarkxtefZffiM9shkUHmPFiQe1nOkPKoPBvsSQ_TM0iy6J1BRQbivONFlkHx0M/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-g3SFiDvVYe4bFXsBh-nrUQoScwTHRf8VeLEbsFMZtqmN5ELOJssPMC1Ua5hg3QQSKmecb7QS0bm-HarkxtefZffiM9shkUHmPFiQe1nOkPKoPBvsSQ_TM0iy6J1BRQbivONFlkHx0M/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiprock (NM)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UE6i81TBf4FRaOiyJJRtDqHxpml26pIh0a00Pjjzu5sIIWerv66IHSpkUR-2SA7rYm8uiEuqB9QbWZM2_stqAeHIivI0be2pdFhdRPICmOvpNptrEMcvdI8jNoJOsmT6qmtvWrkK9-Q/s1600/IMG_4262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UE6i81TBf4FRaOiyJJRtDqHxpml26pIh0a00Pjjzu5sIIWerv66IHSpkUR-2SA7rYm8uiEuqB9QbWZM2_stqAeHIivI0be2pdFhdRPICmOvpNptrEMcvdI8jNoJOsmT6qmtvWrkK9-Q/s1600/IMG_4262.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticks out of the desert floor half mile up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-WmT8wnsBYMudjHh8pB2mRC1TYURW5DMFuC-XHAEd00MIcbVDVgbQD-uF_09h25VQif0h-I1luCr201pbgrr63VJFOokutiNby2EKdVS3-v_iEb33PfoEhe9HIzUqwEmopchS0RQ-D0/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-WmT8wnsBYMudjHh8pB2mRC1TYURW5DMFuC-XHAEd00MIcbVDVgbQD-uF_09h25VQif0h-I1luCr201pbgrr63VJFOokutiNby2EKdVS3-v_iEb33PfoEhe9HIzUqwEmopchS0RQ-D0/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors of the Shiprock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNYol-ykYof-aKtKtrDnq5rFVvjt3IXJFGTDG6qIorebTmjmt1nqi7xYyg8IbITNLvMC-zLU1rVWbuuNjlKnPC2yEP2XZJKZkvomis-2hj6WiudaFetMPqSwY3qs9e4YUG0KmlAH5ejA/s1600/IMG_4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNYol-ykYof-aKtKtrDnq5rFVvjt3IXJFGTDG6qIorebTmjmt1nqi7xYyg8IbITNLvMC-zLU1rVWbuuNjlKnPC2yEP2XZJKZkvomis-2hj6WiudaFetMPqSwY3qs9e4YUG0KmlAH5ejA/s1600/IMG_4265.JPG" height="169" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neverending story?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The terrain rose again, and I had to zig-zag around the rising but interesting terrain to find a couple of passes to the desert ahead. The turbulence had died down, but we had strong head wind. <br />
<br />
We flew past another planned destination point called the Meteor Crater. Its a big hole in the desert from a Meteor Strike.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKfVurnsj2tUxT5UQFC2lV1cAp9XbtdEOl6S4A2w98OFqk_8WgrGZJ-wug6Bo42xd8ZQqP7xdAhXygG_coCDR-TlGTw7L11tB6g1ND1u3D0mIrziJTAsvq1icWidSJebxV8n7ta6MuRE/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKfVurnsj2tUxT5UQFC2lV1cAp9XbtdEOl6S4A2w98OFqk_8WgrGZJ-wug6Bo42xd8ZQqP7xdAhXygG_coCDR-TlGTw7L11tB6g1ND1u3D0mIrziJTAsvq1icWidSJebxV8n7ta6MuRE/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half formed arches near Chinle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9jf6Lk8akJKlTVwckz9c2rHlijh5gvXLRpFIaHChDXMXPfBcBSPz_9c7-9ZwUM7oJVHaJ2In3h1shp-fLgjqxfqvwUcT1PX0KEAKM4F2FImEaQKfdoLL-nyltCVa_iAzNChGe83umEU/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9jf6Lk8akJKlTVwckz9c2rHlijh5gvXLRpFIaHChDXMXPfBcBSPz_9c7-9ZwUM7oJVHaJ2In3h1shp-fLgjqxfqvwUcT1PX0KEAKM4F2FImEaQKfdoLL-nyltCVa_iAzNChGe83umEU/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySCZi_8NTx-n_es5N8Za4gSlOqwEQoLsNpoPay77VDl25ne5jsGLslLp5EJIuYMuCJAO1OiYhrk_hVcwem6c91H9BKFOAp5q3hNcZF5qkg-NlQEpyIxusKhs_OeY8FdzUWgfbOg1Lszw/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySCZi_8NTx-n_es5N8Za4gSlOqwEQoLsNpoPay77VDl25ne5jsGLslLp5EJIuYMuCJAO1OiYhrk_hVcwem6c91H9BKFOAp5q3hNcZF5qkg-NlQEpyIxusKhs_OeY8FdzUWgfbOg1Lszw/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrain near Chinley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfp68Bf4twUVYRCrIZp3-93di5NZD2Ol05o2HEToJly3h2RoLUNkfkp58BajsLbbqUCACDDMI2gvaMAUUVvUd6IWj0vYPcxFvEXMHewkZ7rk66K6pTcF3ZuhUTT-hqGQ65zKTi03ddRJI/s1600/IMG_4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfp68Bf4twUVYRCrIZp3-93di5NZD2Ol05o2HEToJly3h2RoLUNkfkp58BajsLbbqUCACDDMI2gvaMAUUVvUd6IWj0vYPcxFvEXMHewkZ7rk66K6pTcF3ZuhUTT-hqGQ65zKTi03ddRJI/s1600/IMG_4278.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrain near Winslow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kHmHt4IiVXqSGPT-T5kyGgcVti_CbwWrIHQ3CGz6cV-9AIV5ep059_z_na4td52evFgWyu1R3oJXzbjqzIsQjJZUL_R-CxOQdwN2n-jDdgPOSpG6-TvT-xVyDrwGi7qUWdq2hvs23Ac/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kHmHt4IiVXqSGPT-T5kyGgcVti_CbwWrIHQ3CGz6cV-9AIV5ep059_z_na4td52evFgWyu1R3oJXzbjqzIsQjJZUL_R-CxOQdwN2n-jDdgPOSpG6-TvT-xVyDrwGi7qUWdq2hvs23Ac/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disease of the desert?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVAVJYt1yVsf_cKq0PWiL66uMlzbOuAApFQbih_yCnF-u794vEhBc4JybO2QbY6yE_MfrCFUNeSZmCyXvp7InPh5EMnvUJk40R8CgS54S5Ad0ykw7nqfd3S9mhMcaYEYoL_YU0Gt8Td4/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVAVJYt1yVsf_cKq0PWiL66uMlzbOuAApFQbih_yCnF-u794vEhBc4JybO2QbY6yE_MfrCFUNeSZmCyXvp7InPh5EMnvUJk40R8CgS54S5Ad0ykw7nqfd3S9mhMcaYEYoL_YU0Gt8Td4/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aSyg5yJUh6C9CxtzL0s5CcxywudXLnvUJDg1EncVnoYTFe01f6g604Wqul9FtJ1E3vnIvlu7pYt2SeccrD1NTsjFdS7wlF_4_5km29-ptvl_fGAt8ucuMMqP5uDca89nhuvPDJ2cWR0/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aSyg5yJUh6C9CxtzL0s5CcxywudXLnvUJDg1EncVnoYTFe01f6g604Wqul9FtJ1E3vnIvlu7pYt2SeccrD1NTsjFdS7wlF_4_5km29-ptvl_fGAt8ucuMMqP5uDca89nhuvPDJ2cWR0/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meteor crater is deep and big</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After the Meteor crater, the terrain towards Pason rose sharply, and I found a pass to the valley where Pason lies 5 miles ahead, 3000 feet down. Big mistake that I flew 500 feet above the pass (lazy not to climb so close to the destination). Another boom, and things thrown around just after passing the pass. And Momina got nervous again. Then another jolt as we passed the second ridge, and then strong downdrafts. I added full power and stopped the descent. Then as we just turned final, smooth air, direct head wind, and a smooth landing. On the ground Momina declared that it was as rough as the previous day especially near Pason. However, she flattered me by declaring me the pilot that makes consistent good landings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkie5svRxwZaeVT-UKgyU213i1wmaqXIru1qOy0U1KEII86ppQ5oW1yWURFUuXx9_25IgJJGlSPcOAJ5mkjmRaJnl2LR4BxRXYAaTrXJchMswew49yg_l8xfIjvuKwfxpHTt4qlqD9eFs/s1600/IMG_4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkie5svRxwZaeVT-UKgyU213i1wmaqXIru1qOy0U1KEII86ppQ5oW1yWURFUuXx9_25IgJJGlSPcOAJ5mkjmRaJnl2LR4BxRXYAaTrXJchMswew49yg_l8xfIjvuKwfxpHTt4qlqD9eFs/s1600/IMG_4298.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky crane at KPAN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnssyTe0wygYnT3kB_UJjyPyZ1ZMQySpJ7fzMxHfvhTvlG_R_tcwq3pl2A0W4dqk9FHgcNlaHxKR65jIPtja1bByP3UE17ANBOqI45Al-vJVcAWSIw2r7zWV1r_WaFKXy6KK5G7biCKe0/s1600/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnssyTe0wygYnT3kB_UJjyPyZ1ZMQySpJ7fzMxHfvhTvlG_R_tcwq3pl2A0W4dqk9FHgcNlaHxKR65jIPtja1bByP3UE17ANBOqI45Al-vJVcAWSIw2r7zWV1r_WaFKXy6KK5G7biCKe0/s1600/IMG_4301.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need to say its big?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M3F95XP0WYazURCKuNT23HgL7loLh0FamVdLbwPO8ZVq2iw2pP0obGiJh2UxlcRorqEpnlseibHoewTYH8ww_TnmAuig46AE3AgzECE7YY906LllR0M8CCHBRIffb-UZ36YezSKAj8Y/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M3F95XP0WYazURCKuNT23HgL7loLh0FamVdLbwPO8ZVq2iw2pP0obGiJh2UxlcRorqEpnlseibHoewTYH8ww_TnmAuig46AE3AgzECE7YY906LllR0M8CCHBRIffb-UZ36YezSKAj8Y/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whats in the Belly?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBVXndIHiJlNsQtTfX2TXC6mHGh0odta1i5g-mPs6XkChBw1RKmkPHI78G-J1Ub0GToiYL0m0Iu7EwTsa1jWNhuugzVcI0V4d6RscJBHPAP2J8-_ZdhqpRiCf1bJWpJ_dKIR8lNPhuLQ/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBVXndIHiJlNsQtTfX2TXC6mHGh0odta1i5g-mPs6XkChBw1RKmkPHI78G-J1Ub0GToiYL0m0Iu7EwTsa1jWNhuugzVcI0V4d6RscJBHPAP2J8-_ZdhqpRiCf1bJWpJ_dKIR8lNPhuLQ/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray at KPAN</td></tr>
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Ray (the airport Manager) at KPAN is the nicest airport manager we ever met. He helped us get a rental car, and drove me to a air park next to the airport to show me some houses with airplanes parked in them. The road signs read "Stop sign not for aircrafts" :).<br />
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We stayed in Pason for a night. The winds died down the next day. We took off from Pason, and landed at Mesa Falcon Field in the morning, then drove to Scottsdale for a relaxing day. We were quite tired from the trip, yet came back fully satisfied that we saw almost everything of what we had planned to see. It was a visit we will will remember for the rest of our lives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpGIOica2bstyzLY5Ui1QlHMvdanwDK1JssWpQbhSqZYw5eM-EMxjVyHKJ_7Bsbd138HBcuCk7yP1-Y4azlNZ7SDLugvWSWhCTeKJPzrGm0FbXGvIXnhOZ5ihR-TWOVzGPumzlaJfZwI/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpGIOica2bstyzLY5Ui1QlHMvdanwDK1JssWpQbhSqZYw5eM-EMxjVyHKJ_7Bsbd138HBcuCk7yP1-Y4azlNZ7SDLugvWSWhCTeKJPzrGm0FbXGvIXnhOZ5ihR-TWOVzGPumzlaJfZwI/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day: Train ride at http://www.therailroadpark.com/ (McCormick Stillman Railroad Park)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IfUmjrGITa957zWjcjkzTL2N72iFXmZHwLtz1W6yVICuwtniGADWoLCyUgeMlOShXb_39rNmnkHoHba_-Z4K1yix21OzkcnISogTaaebLpB_Ig9GFB48lVtJDADxBKn4NY63Z8qqSDI/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IfUmjrGITa957zWjcjkzTL2N72iFXmZHwLtz1W6yVICuwtniGADWoLCyUgeMlOShXb_39rNmnkHoHba_-Z4K1yix21OzkcnISogTaaebLpB_Ig9GFB48lVtJDADxBKn4NY63Z8qqSDI/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing tall in heat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzidQ0hE6C_P9gM7jW3_WBwbNxTSxyiC9K3t-LszVDDfMuhWB9l2jiJFqUS7J325ELFSFdnDlaJvnLQ9fj2-L6-h__GvSaevYwH1sqD6EI7EPoiiHhIQdfpzzdso2nFk0GcIYQt96NBoY/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzidQ0hE6C_P9gM7jW3_WBwbNxTSxyiC9K3t-LszVDDfMuhWB9l2jiJFqUS7J325ELFSFdnDlaJvnLQ9fj2-L6-h__GvSaevYwH1sqD6EI7EPoiiHhIQdfpzzdso2nFk0GcIYQt96NBoY/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum at the railroad park</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9ZINPuOGFQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQGuFrZ9-f0Ml7_lg0eqQDUsfjpFnCff0c0lFtLJ6Oe9P537xTw1MJfi2rVAo1O9haxEO0yIKiZYQyxHD0jgGqv5DzDbSkf2alEIcAFcKpWxqy_-IFw4s6QbU4kb8Vs3lViVVGHdhDBk/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQGuFrZ9-f0Ml7_lg0eqQDUsfjpFnCff0c0lFtLJ6Oe9P537xTw1MJfi2rVAo1O9haxEO0yIKiZYQyxHD0jgGqv5DzDbSkf2alEIcAFcKpWxqy_-IFw4s6QbU4kb8Vs3lViVVGHdhDBk/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had enough of planes, trains, and autos.</td></tr>
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<br />Zubair Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03653522695941536000noreply@blogger.com0