On to China! The famous Great Wall was impressive. Also the Forbidden City was very enjoyable.

They explained to me why Bejing’s Tiananmen Square is called the Gate of Heavenly Peace, and how!

But the food, dear reader, I’d rather not discuss that!

The cradle of humanity. In Africa I went to Zimbabwe on vacation. Later we went to Congo and Mali because Ingrid had to do work there. For some reason I wasn’t too fond of Africa, wich wasn’t the fault of the people. They were very friendly.

Destination Washington. I did a real stand-up at the White House, just like the news report!

Then straight to New York. You know the statue of liberty? I went all the way to the top, right up to the crown. A little scary but very special nevertheless. I got lessons about liberty, equality and fraternity on the go.

My first destination was Prague, a magnificent city. Many golden towers, wonderful houses and hidden alleys. And also doll theaters, Kafka and the heritage of a darker past…
I’ve been there about five times already!

For every major location we visit, I get a pin to remember we went there.
Problem is, we visit many places. Which means I would have many pins and subsequently, I would weigh a ton!
Well, fortunately, I have a couple of outfits I can change into and a few backpacks to carry them around.

Sometimes I even buy other souvenirs, but I don’t like to spend too much money on those. I do write postcards to our friends at home though.

At first, Jeanine gave me a dark red sweater and a green scarf. I also got a beaded chain around my head (maybe to hide my ears a little?). Ingrid made me a little skirt later on and bought me some sturdy shoes.

When we left for China in the winter, I received a red duffle coat. Not surprising, as it was mighty cold!

A few years later, Ingrid got me a knitted top and some cool bermuda shorts. You can see me in those on the sunny trips. Although, to be honest, I think they’re a bit old-fashioned…

When we went to a summer course at a Scottisch university I had to go in regimentals; An ecru dress and a violet knitted vest. Very British indeed!

Sometimes I still wear this combination, when we go to more ‘chique’ destinations, like here in a Buddhist tempel in Thailand.

On every trip, Ingrids photo bag is my home. At night, I can stay on the nightstand. I mean, whenever we have one, that is.
When we  arrive at a special or unusual place, I pose for a nice picture. Of course, I will post some of these here.
On cold winter evenenings we sit by the fireplace, dreaming away while staring at the flames. So warm and cozy!
Sometimes we write letters to the nice people we met on our journeys.

 

This is my passport, which you probably already saw in my previous post. At least once in every country we visit it is being stamped at a post office.

Besides being a travel document it sort of functions as a diary as well. Ingrid duly notes every location with the corresponding date of visit.

In fact, it is already full. So she got me a new one. It looks super-professional, but I think I like the old one better.
It contains so many memories…

Hi, I’m Stubby. A proud Border Bear, born in the good year of ’96. As such I am quite and old member of the Family and a bit peculiar. Or better: different, you’ll see immediately when you look at my ears.

Me being distinctive must have been an attractive feat. On February 4th, when I was not even one year young, dear Ingrid Vrancken took me on what became quite a journey.

First to her place in Hasselt, Belgium, which became my home. Then to many places far away. As matter of fact, I became her favourite travelling companion, she takes me everywhere.

When I have the time, I’d like to share some of my stories here in the near future. So stay tuned!