Breaking Out My New Friend

I have recently made a new friend.  His name is Russell the turtle.  We have so much in common.  However, he is being kept in a pen/jail.  My role in this new relationship is to get him out of jail, so we can have many adventures together.

Here I am breaking Russell out of his jail.  There's no stopping us now.  Watch for our many adventures.

Adventures with Joe and Brian

My friends Joe and Brian took me along on a recent cruise to the Carribbean.  I love to travel with friends.  These guys treated me so well taking me along everywhere they went.  You will see from the photos what the cruise ship was like, the cabin, the beaches, and what a great time we had.

Once I got on the plane, I just had to get into the cockpit.  I did.  It was amazing. However, the pilots wouldn't let me actually fly the plane, I got to know my way around pretty well.  

After the flight, we got settled on board the cruise ship.

There was so much to do on the ship.  I rocked at playing shuffleboard.

Ok.  Let me at those islands and beaches!!!  I have my towel ready for a relaxation vacation.

Although I love to relax, Joe and Brian made sure I had lots of adventures and excitement.

Scuba diving was among my most favorite activities. Pat and Suzanne, the photographer and co-authors of my book series, will be writing a book about my adventures. 

Chinese Food

Trying foods that are different was something I promised myself I would do when I went to China.  Various parts of China have foods unique to the area.  Some areas have dumplings as their specialty, in Bejing where the Peking Duck dinner originated, it is a must try.  Lots of foods are sold on the street, too.

The Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xi'an, China

I love to work puzzles, and this may be the world's largest puzzle. In the early 70's an amazing discovery of what is believed to be over 8000 soldiers and horses made out of terra-cotta were found buried underground. Three farmers were digging a well and found this tomb of warriors ready for battle.  The wooden beams that were supporting the farmland above collapsed and broke the warriors into pieces.  The Chinese are patiently, scientifically, putting this army back together.  So far about 1000 have been completed.  It boggles the mind to stand above the pits and see this vast army.  I didn't want to leave.

The Great Wall

I love to visit old places.  In China, the people believe that a person must visit The Great Wall once in their lifetime.  There are so many steps. The steps are worn and uneven because so many people have climbed them and the wall is built along the ridge of a mountain.  Along the wall hang many locks that newlyweds hang, lock, and throw the key over the wall which is supposed to make their life together last forever.

Trip to China 2010

Learning about different people, searching for new friends, and traveling are my favorite things to do.  I  recently returned to Kansas City, MO from a trip to China.  The sites, sounds, smells, and surroundings filled my senses.  I left from San Francisco, CA and flew on a 747-400 to Beijing, China, the capitol. 

Beijing is a very busy city with over 3,000,000 cars.  There are too many cars, so the air is fouled.  According to the last digit on the license plate, a car can't be driven one day per week.  Many people still travel by bicycle and the Chinese people love to exercise and be outdoors even when it is very cold.

Off on another trip!

Although I just returned from a trip to China, I just found out a couple friends have invited me to the Eastern Caribbean! I am so excited to sunbathe, see the sea(again) and to perhaps ride on a catamaran...and hang out with cool guys. I love having so many friends.