Berlin and Paris

On this grey and rainy Sunday in Paris we were lucky to go to the Eiffel tower with visiting friends to walk along the colorful parade of 140 Berliner bears.  No ordinary brown bears  but dressed up in the costumes symbolizing the 140 nations of the UN.

To talk about the artistic value is not the right moment. The excitement and positive surprise of tourists from all over the world visiting the Eiffel tower was palpable and infectious. Nice to notice that the US bear was by far the most popular to pose with for the camera.

The message of tolerance and living together in peace warmed everybody's heart and soul. We all felt positive and a little sad that this parade will leave tomorrow.  Will they parade perhaps in Jerusalem? 

http://www.buddy-baer.com/en/united-buddy-bears/world-tour/paris-2012.html

Veterans Day in France

This week we remember World War I and World War II which destroyed so many young lives.  Which left so many grieving mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children.  The impact of the millions who died can never be measured.

The American Military Cemetery in Suresnes is small with 'only' 1565 graves.  Just outside of Paris at Mount Valerien and the view from there over the Bois de Boulogne to the Eiffel tower and

Montparnasse tower is impressive.  

The European Union has to stay strong and work out all the difficulties to keep the peace!

http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/su.php

"The Hippie airline" - my favorite then and now

There are still some people who remember when Icelandair went under the name Loftleidir .

At that time the Luxembourg airport in the 'heart of Europe' was the only place one could check in to fly to New York.  Always with a stop over in Keflavik on Iceland, a former US military airport. 

One had to leave the plane and walk in the fresh and cold air to the waiting hall.  There rows and rows of Iceland sweaters could be bought in the Duty free store. 

Now, Keflavik International Airport is a large modern building which can accomodate numerous arriving and departing planes with direct access gate to plane.  Alas, no fresh arctic air to inhale when changing planes.  One can still walk along the long corridor to the Duty free stores and there in a corner of a fleece sporting and outdoor clothing store are the well known hand-knitted sweaters like in the 70's.

http://www.loftleidir.com/our-history/

Respect for Mother Nature

When Mother Nature 'tricked' us, like it did last weekend, it gives us an occasion to think about the many 'treats' we get every day and every year.   A selection of 'treats' from her can always be  admired in the exhibition of minerals, gems and meteorites in the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Let's think about and practice to treat Mother Nature well and with respect so that we are not 'tricked' soon again.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/harvardmuseumofnaturalhistory/show/with/2900201354/