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A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.
A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.

U2 at The Rose Bowl

October 25, 2009
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THE ROSE BOWL, PASADENA, CA :: Just the facts on U2’s awesome Rose Bowl concert: Our hotel: Marriott Courtyard in Old Town Pasadena (an easy 15 minute walk to the...

A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.
A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

October 24, 2009
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SANTA MONICA PIER, SANTA MONICA, CA :: We met with Kristie’s Dad and Carol at the Santa Monica Pier and treated them to their first Cirque du Soleil show: Kooza....

Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.

Eureka Dunes

October 23, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After exploring the Racetrack, I drove in pitch darkness to Eureka Dunes and camped there overnight. I was a little spooked out by being...

A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com

The Racetrack

October 22, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Kristie attended another education conference in Los Angeles, which we somehow magically coordinated with U2’s concert at the Rose Bowl...

A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.
A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.

Burg Eltz

August 25, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 13 :: MOSELKERN, GERMANY :: The last stop on our European vacation was Burg Eltz, perhaps Germany’s most famous and best preserved medieval castle...

Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.
Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.

Gelnhausen

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: GELNHAUSEN, GERMANY :: From Kraków, we boarded an early morning flight to Frankfurt. After picking up our car from the airport, we experienced...

A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.
A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.

Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: While vacationing on the enchanting Rhine River, we decided it was well worth the splurge to stay in a real-life castle! The...

A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.
A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.

St. Goar & Bacharach

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: ST. GOAR & BACHARACH, GERMANY :: The last two days of our European vacation were spent on the most scenic stretch of the Rhine River,...

A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.
A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

August 23, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: WIELICZKA, POLAND :: On our way back to Kraków, we stopped to tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Normally, we wouldn’t be too excited to...

A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.
A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

August 23, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: OŚWIĘCIM, POLAND :: Among the symbols of the holocaust, the sign above the gate to Auschwitz concentration camp perhaps best encapsulates the evil and...

A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.
A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.

Kraków

August 22, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 10 :: KRAKOW, POLAND :: After Kristie completed her Business Week program in Gdynia, we flew south to Kraków where we enjoyed two days of fantastic...

A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.
A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.

Gdynia Business Week

August 21, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAYS 3-9 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie says, “After volunteering as a Company Advisor (CA) for Washington Business Week for 8+ years, I was intrigued when I...

A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.
A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.

Hel

August 17, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 5 :: HEL, POLAND :: When looking across the sea from the shores of Gdynia, you can just barely spot a strip of land that seems to...

A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.
A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.

Toruń

August 16, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 4 :: TORUN, POLAND :: Today, I visited Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 200 kilometers south of Gdynia. I hired one of the hotel’s taxis...

A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.
A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.

Sopot

August 15, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 3 :: SOPOT, POLAND :: Today was my first day on my own as Kristie started her Business Week program. I had planned to check out Sopot,...

View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.
View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.

Malbork Castle

August 14, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: MALBORK, POLAND :: On our first full day in Poland, we decided it would be best to hire a private guide to take us on...

A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.
A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.

Gdańsk

August 14, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: GDANSK, POLAND :: After our tour of Malbork Castle, we were taken to Gdańsk, Poland’s third-largest city with over a thousand years of history....

A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.
A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.

Gdynia

August 13, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 1 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie was selected to participate in the first-ever Gdynia Business Week, an intensive and fun business simulation program designed...

Stunning emerald lake nestled among lush pine forests and rugged mountain peaks in the Pacific Northwest.
Stunning emerald lake nestled among lush pine forests and rugged mountain peaks in the Pacific Northwest.

Orca Tour

May 24, 2009
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VICTORIA, B.C. :: While in Victoria, Kristie and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to go on a whale watching tour. The resident orca pods frequent the waterways around...

Colorful buildings line the canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Boats are docked along the waterfront.
Colorful buildings line the canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Boats are docked along the waterfront.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

May 23, 2009
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BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. :: Kristie and I visited Victoria during a sunny Memorial Day weekend. The trip was great, but I wish it was easier to get there. We traveled...

Victoria
Victoria

Victoria

May 23, 2009
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VICTORIA, B.C. :: Kristie had been to Victoria several times before, a long time ago with her high school drill team, but this was my first visit to the city....

A close-up of a white daisy with a vibrant yellow center, set against a stark black background.
A close-up of a white daisy with a vibrant yellow center, set against a stark black background.

The Butchart Gardens

May 23, 2009
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BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. :: The Butchart Gardens are very impressive, but very crowded and pricey too. Tickets for each adult are $26 CAN and kids are $13. The cost shocked...

A classic bicycle leans against a vibrant orange building, adding timeless charm. Green shutters frame the windows.
A classic bicycle leans against a vibrant orange building, adding timeless charm. Green shutters frame the windows.

Copenhagen

March 18, 2009
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: In sunny Copenhagen, I walked amongst rows of cheerfully colored homes and alongside a forest of masts bobbing about the canals. A graceful white swan...

A hummingbird perched on a vibrant red flower, delicately sipping nectar. The backdrop is a lush green blur, highlighting the bird's intricate details.
A hummingbird perched on a vibrant red flower, delicately sipping nectar. The backdrop is a lush green blur, highlighting the bird's intricate details.

Rosenborg Castle

March 18, 2009
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: When my dad was stationed in Germany, I loved visiting castles. I was only four or five at the time, but I vividly remember the fairytale scenes...

A serene interior hallway with arched doorways and soft sunlight streaming through the windows, illuminating the textured floor.
A serene interior hallway with arched doorways and soft sunlight streaming through the windows, illuminating the textured floor.

Kastellet

March 18, 2009
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: When viewing a satellite image of Copenhagen, it’s easy to spot the star-shaped fortress, Kastellet. Since its construction in the early 1600s, the...

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