tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22644416146945474862024-03-04T23:58:06.922-05:00Dadventures We're ex-Pats in the Big Apple, digging for dadventures to fill our void between Fenway forays. Follow-us across the Slope and the globe as we discover kid-friendly fun.your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-7123838542690321022014-09-02T18:03:00.000-04:002014-09-02T18:03:22.880-04:00Daddy Day Camp, vol. 7, Final Edition, Jacob Riis Beach, the Rockaways, Queens, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jari.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacob Riis Beach</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jacob+Riis+Park/@40.566623,-73.876081,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xfdf6d9a6c4e5da91"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Rockaways</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jacob+Riis+Park/@40.566623,-73.876081,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xfdf6d9a6c4e5da91"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Queens, NY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Labor Day is past. The Summer has ended. Everyone is back at work. Yet here in New York there are two magical "extra" days negotiated in the <a href="http://www.uft.org/calendar">teachers contract</a> for training. Two days where families freak out. Two days when I really try on my new "stay at home daddy" hat for real. Mommy needs the car for work. So we grabbed our beach toys and books to beat the hottest day of the summer yet at Jacob Riis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Riis is our fav city beach and we hadn't been here all summer, just <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/06/rock-rock-rockaway-beach-rockaways.html">Rockaway</a> down the road. When Elian's mom pointed out that the <a href="http://bustime.mta.info/m/;jsessionid=9F9E87DA9AF6D6BB637E1689641AE45E?q=Q35">Q35 bus</a> would get us there in an hour, we were in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't know where all the other kids are today. <a href="http://www.14streety.org/newcountry/new-country-day-camp/">Camp</a> is over, after school not yet begun, but they weren't here with their nannies. At 11 it was just us and a whole lotta <a href="http://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm">national seashore</a> at the end of Flatbush Avenue. But what made it most clear the summer was done was sadly watching the remaining lifeguards dig out their summer guard chairs from the sand and store them in the 1930's palace of a beach house behind us. <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/search/label/Daddy%20Day%20Camp%20%2714">Daddy Day Camp</a> is done; I guess it's time to get to work. </span>your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-69610897027282666312014-08-28T14:28:00.001-04:002014-08-28T14:33:23.978-04:00Daddy Day Camp vol. 6, 80's Dadventures at Action Park, Vernon, NJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinctF3w2lJ7bV9IEIajMY2U6DSGYY-2Sv9L9D_28UctiYkWQyEFWy_qRX66lrTML3LHbp-andtxWsuQ6FT8BA-EiUEp8oDyCYfZa4EIYp2vAaKMjK0G5kt_VWFXyTgpVoIo7RAHpneBv0/s640/blogger-image--1085859459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinctF3w2lJ7bV9IEIajMY2U6DSGYY-2Sv9L9D_28UctiYkWQyEFWy_qRX66lrTML3LHbp-andtxWsuQ6FT8BA-EiUEp8oDyCYfZa4EIYp2vAaKMjK0G5kt_VWFXyTgpVoIo7RAHpneBv0/s640/blogger-image--1085859459.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.actionpark.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Action Park</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.actionpark.com/">Mountain Creek Resort</a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sll=41.188826,-74.508&sspn=0.0248034,0.0439463&cid=9335162667998448643&q=action+park&ei=p3P_U_CsH8jwgwT-74GwBA&ved=0CJ8BEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">200 Route 94</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sll=41.188826,-74.508&sspn=0.0248034,0.0439463&cid=9335162667998448643&q=action+park&ei=p3P_U_CsH8jwgwT-74GwBA&ved=0CJ8BEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Vernon, NJ</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYkbTyHXwbs&noredirect=1">Jessie's Gir</a>l" blares over the pool side radios. <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ghostbusters">Ghostbusters is in theaters</a>. Cut Jersey boys swing from vines into deep pools like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120855/">Tarzan</a>. The only give aways that we weren't in 1984? The hair on the girls ain't that big, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4">Born in the USA</a>" has been out for thirty years and I'm no longer enjoying my last boyhood summer before junior high. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">None of this kept me from "bookin it" up the molten sidewalk in bare feet to the <a href="http://www.actionpark.com/wet-and-crazy/">High Tide Wave pool</a>. Sure there are a few new rides, and the resort name has changed, but little else at this water park paradise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We ate the same chicken fingers my dad bought me all those years ago under the same beach themed umbrellas. Sydney rode his christening <a href="http://www.actionpark.com/wet-and-crazy/">Tarzan Swing</a> ride, soaring twenty feet in the air over a deep clear pool. Liji, just at the 48" magic number tagged along for everything else. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lXspeNWCiIiSwXagv_ace8HOH0aJU4_b3ygtwd210Lpgmd8D3aTvlivo1PEF3ENQN4dfkG46qlc8u6e9MslGLSo2nIPoS8O6WivkwfIe-DW7KFT8kE2jVCEFAonjx3wUebi04uXWn_o/s640/blogger-image--485542795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lXspeNWCiIiSwXagv_ace8HOH0aJU4_b3ygtwd210Lpgmd8D3aTvlivo1PEF3ENQN4dfkG46qlc8u6e9MslGLSo2nIPoS8O6WivkwfIe-DW7KFT8kE2jVCEFAonjx3wUebi04uXWn_o/s640/blogger-image--485542795.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But what did we return to again and again? That magical place where the waves are perfect, the water salt free and the lifeguards aplenty. So if need a break from the beach and a little nostalgia in NW Jersey, this is your place. </span></div>
<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-88289817079365003922014-08-22T20:34:00.001-04:002014-08-24T17:39:24.630-04:00Founding Philadelphian, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://www.fi.edu/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Franklin Institute</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sll=39.958211,-75.173135&sspn=0.0252638,0.0439463&cid=2418395641521861752&q=franklin+institute&ei=pFr6U6LVEuS_sQT8gIL4Aw&ved=0CJoBEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">220 N 20th Street</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sll=39.958211,-75.173135&sspn=0.0252638,0.0439463&cid=2418395641521861752&q=franklin+institute&ei=pFr6U6LVEuS_sQT8gIL4Aw&ved=0CJoBEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Philadelphia, PA</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As a former US history teacher<i> </i>who was particularly passionate about the American Revolution I have a confession to make: I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Autobiography-Benjamin-Franklin-1706-1757/dp/1596980303">Ben Franklin</a>! I love that he grew up in Boston. I adore his passion for public libraries. He was an amazing ambassador to the French with his coon skin cap. But mostly I love his passion for American scientific know-how. Where better to celebrate than in the institution committed to his work and memory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We began our journey in the new <a href="https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/your-brain">Brain</a> exhibit. It had everything from optical illusions to experiments on reflexes and the senses. Grandpa Barry studies the brain and would love this place to share with the boys. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimND4kih5SB6xkHcxqq6tK0XlFDW6jF2ycIGEtWIYItFOvsHF-NCAUiwZGHBI0tRqb4tFlu6Flc9aTcaOV8BWWiiLCKhxku5hcznkIeTpm8tAXUK2oMs7DAcmvH3XHTc7eADqfclNud0/s640/blogger-image-270380031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimND4kih5SB6xkHcxqq6tK0XlFDW6jF2ycIGEtWIYItFOvsHF-NCAUiwZGHBI0tRqb4tFlu6Flc9aTcaOV8BWWiiLCKhxku5hcznkIeTpm8tAXUK2oMs7DAcmvH3XHTc7eADqfclNud0/s320/blogger-image-270380031.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hadn't been since I took a junior class there in '08, but the <a href="https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/giant-heart">heart exhibit</a> still rocks! The kids got to walk two floors up through the valves and loved exploring their anatomy. They got to peddle a bike that powered opera singers belting out lyrics on fitness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZne-ALVO-PaRTfcme-kxDiszxcuI3sQTGBYormezGKt79G-jIc1_qC7ofN6bbKM3rQM0XtYxyMXxaedVDloqFeWjOz-8XLJDaDqECBO9jtcPq0u0Q7ap4qXUfyN_2T9TQWDE1uBVb4s/s640/blogger-image-1574449487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZne-ALVO-PaRTfcme-kxDiszxcuI3sQTGBYormezGKt79G-jIc1_qC7ofN6bbKM3rQM0XtYxyMXxaedVDloqFeWjOz-8XLJDaDqECBO9jtcPq0u0Q7ap4qXUfyN_2T9TQWDE1uBVb4s/s320/blogger-image-1574449487.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the <a href="https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/sports-challenge">Sports Challenge</a> center we got to see how fast they could pitch, race a wheelchair and score on a soccer goal. If we had had more time would have even ridden the circus exhibit bike across the third floor of the entrance atrium. There were so many more fun, engaging activities left to do we will need to get back for more. What a great way spend a rainy day in the city of Brotherly Love. </span></div>
your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-42026399077786958052014-08-20T13:33:00.002-04:002014-09-02T18:03:43.299-04:00Daddy Day (Overnight) Camp vol. 5, Backcountry Big Apple, Harriman State Park, Stony Point, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44VAAV4cK93urtN6kGMRrxa6jyeVscrIqYFPtBEzGXMVJYYHY_N5Bla5IBmi4Z7HAWPqPcK2dR0Uv5P4mHRJ1twCJp71BAVUkEicV5vO7CuaSx7oHt3hWyCa-EhoL_V4O3OFoDtX4ixg/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44VAAV4cK93urtN6kGMRrxa6jyeVscrIqYFPtBEzGXMVJYYHY_N5Bla5IBmi4Z7HAWPqPcK2dR0Uv5P4mHRJ1twCJp71BAVUkEicV5vO7CuaSx7oHt3hWyCa-EhoL_V4O3OFoDtX4ixg/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://nysparks.com/parks/145/details.aspx"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Harriman State Park</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Harriman+State+Park/@41.29232,-74.078908,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x44c6bdc57c4a8832"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stony Point, NY</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRPtHPUhu0Z9trMzh-TIs9kPnbkh9XioC5AAfxBVQkVjZ769v4_SUCRAwRjNE98etmAhWUqk9kPeyJASXWXchSOPrxBHgyQQO_FUZ1nHpNONWLlSzPs0ihvoUg7KKXoRuH5R5PNqm6CY/s1600/IMG_1252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRPtHPUhu0Z9trMzh-TIs9kPnbkh9XioC5AAfxBVQkVjZ769v4_SUCRAwRjNE98etmAhWUqk9kPeyJASXWXchSOPrxBHgyQQO_FUZ1nHpNONWLlSzPs0ihvoUg7KKXoRuH5R5PNqm6CY/s1600/IMG_1252.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As a kid spending summers in NJ with my dad, there was no better quick escape to the wilds than Bear Mountain in Harriman State Park. Only an hour from dad's house, we would head up here for <a href="http://nysparks.com/parks/145/amenities-activities.aspx">climbing, hiking, overnights and even some cross-country</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N367zFMRAyngILTKEjBr1pa1h059JsTTwBkHlcfYBgB7sYZ0eIT7wsUELDCT-DnTCMF4P6JBXe_3z7n3nmXtSEN3MYmahJuRSjXf4GdR51hwyIKrKHKgjz2EjSGz8djy4kf0jJqzku8/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N367zFMRAyngILTKEjBr1pa1h059JsTTwBkHlcfYBgB7sYZ0eIT7wsUELDCT-DnTCMF4P6JBXe_3z7n3nmXtSEN3MYmahJuRSjXf4GdR51hwyIKrKHKgjz2EjSGz8djy4kf0jJqzku8/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My friend Adam and I grew up heading out of cities into the wilds. While I led Manhattan kids into the woods at <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleycamp.com/">Hidden Valley</a>, he had served the camp circuit at <a href="http://www.bccymca.org/USA_New_England_camps_sleepaway_camp_overnight_camps_boys_camp_overnight_camp_leadership_programs_summer_camp_activities_new_england_sleepaway_camps_rustic_camp">Beckett</a> in the <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/search/label/Berkshiretastic%20for%20Dads">Berkshires</a>. Both of us have been eager to take the kids on their first overnighter. Now we have partners in crime.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6e99NTJHjTkTQ2XafZSICsUme0UtCXc5oadiK4SkCHcKKrG1_DlsKOq0JcC6OoTGgD-DEHHXw8h32LwNl76nldNKFMBCQJoU78vjzkYoUAW5D9sIu0HUeJSfbfZuIPVrDrat1By7WHc/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6e99NTJHjTkTQ2XafZSICsUme0UtCXc5oadiK4SkCHcKKrG1_DlsKOq0JcC6OoTGgD-DEHHXw8h32LwNl76nldNKFMBCQJoU78vjzkYoUAW5D9sIu0HUeJSfbfZuIPVrDrat1By7WHc/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Adam suggested a moderate hike near Bald rocks in the southern half of the park. We reached the peak in an hour, then had a leisurely mile long stroll to a lean to where we ate lunch. We set-up camp not far from there. It was an amazing mid-week crowd, where we didn't see another person till late in the day. We could have been in the real back country and we were only fifty miles from the city.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_IVD7uEYdKhreovMxfRJNGkbIfi0bMirooic-vA9ZMiLSM3DeOVIEkqcJv-Sb8iaW7kKGGCqC5-K-1hcFkOkxNU-QL9IaaBTEymxiAdNYCnpcx2hnDmmErbZZP2sna371trb6fSz3os/s1600/IMG_1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_IVD7uEYdKhreovMxfRJNGkbIfi0bMirooic-vA9ZMiLSM3DeOVIEkqcJv-Sb8iaW7kKGGCqC5-K-1hcFkOkxNU-QL9IaaBTEymxiAdNYCnpcx2hnDmmErbZZP2sna371trb6fSz3os/s1600/IMG_1268.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We spent the rest of the afternoon setting up our bear bag, exploring and making "gnome homes." I even pulled out the ole whisper light stove to make a huge batch of mac and cheese for dinner. After a roaring (sanctioned by the park service, don't worry) fire back at the lean to, we sent the kids off for an early bed so we could enjoy a little adult sunset.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2y4eZu8RM0bviqDI0pkp6gsvHl_tKbx-2ZKITLMg8R0UN3Xp-Ep62IEsY1mVBRlpg6QTWN7sudxWCe3n1Q0_Hp5JaENIlxZoR4-rdh4Xjy1NHJfBG9qhZz6oZke7uYVpFH2ytsH6a5o/s1600/IMG_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2y4eZu8RM0bviqDI0pkp6gsvHl_tKbx-2ZKITLMg8R0UN3Xp-Ep62IEsY1mVBRlpg6QTWN7sudxWCe3n1Q0_Hp5JaENIlxZoR4-rdh4Xjy1NHJfBG9qhZz6oZke7uYVpFH2ytsH6a5o/s1600/IMG_1280.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Us city-slickers had a little trouble with all the racket that night (crickets are louder than fire engines I guess). But we made it up and out in no time. Just enough to enjoy the hike out and head into Tuxedo Park for a big diner breakfast! What a great escape from the city, and home in time today for naps (for me that is!)</span><br />
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<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-69738602761469369242014-08-15T23:29:00.001-04:002014-08-17T20:30:41.482-04:00A Slice of the Woods' Past, Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, NY<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.adkmuseum.org/">Adirondack Museum</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5267384526495450413&q=adirondack+museum&ei=RUjxU6q3O6u_sQSTm4LIAg&ved=0CJoBEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Route 30</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5267384526495450413&q=adirondack+museum&ei=RUjxU6q3O6u_sQSTm4LIAg&ved=0CJoBEPwSMA4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blue Mountain Lake, NY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We have not been lucky the last two summers up at Big Moose lake with the weather. It always amazes me that whether it's Maine, the Northern Kingdom of Vermont or upstate New York, it can be 50 degrees here and 80 at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are always searching for rainy day activities that don't include things we could do back home; movies, snacking, mini-golf. Dad had the brilliant idea of the Adirondack Museum. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The boys were captivated with the history of this adventureland. We spent ages on the <a href="http://www.adkmuseum.org/exhibits_and_events/permanent_exhibits/detail/?id=6">antique train</a> that used to be a Brooklyn Rapid Transit car before becoming a mile long shuttle between two lakes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_H6xHJOXHrbsomeX4jgQRaPpxGa-xFwdC2aGCFjr7mD7pc6cQARmSVMcHxOvcqZN0dTWOT53gSySbfnGVgCkG3N6A12TJZ8972OzVajHYq3gGOwjSOwnmG2c6Rkah7gTeEts2W4KgsA/s640/blogger-image-1372336433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_H6xHJOXHrbsomeX4jgQRaPpxGa-xFwdC2aGCFjr7mD7pc6cQARmSVMcHxOvcqZN0dTWOT53gSySbfnGVgCkG3N6A12TJZ8972OzVajHYq3gGOwjSOwnmG2c6Rkah7gTeEts2W4KgsA/s320/blogger-image-1372336433.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But besides the 12:30 feeding of the trout, the highlight was the American Mountain Man Encampment. Mountain Man Bill and his reenactor friends showed us how to skin a fox, to shoot a rifle and throw a tomahawk. It was another great entree for the boys into our wilderness past and the history of this amazingly scenic place. </span></div>
your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-69388891607040379862014-08-10T09:14:00.000-04:002014-08-10T09:14:47.082-04:00Jersey Shore Mommyventure, Sandy Hook Beaches, Gateway National Seashore, NJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScE4Rv89UH4zlHkKSOzI33O8mshPf3T0BVqBN_5nZjRNfoPaHXP5uUQfqQn-LYIeLdVornbfzbmTh6rtU7rF_I_efSeNPk1qzmhdLS65q3_lsNLT0ITxPkLRYQ5Tt77WLGjZrVu2grPw/s640/blogger-image--59575871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScE4Rv89UH4zlHkKSOzI33O8mshPf3T0BVqBN_5nZjRNfoPaHXP5uUQfqQn-LYIeLdVornbfzbmTh6rtU7rF_I_efSeNPk1qzmhdLS65q3_lsNLT0ITxPkLRYQ5Tt77WLGjZrVu2grPw/s400/blogger-image--59575871.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sandy-hook.com/">Gateway National Seashore</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.sandy-hook.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sandy Hook, NJ</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEcuYHATOZynzvYUjLIB2N7ECLqkKAWeiRCqwe_TljG1TE9xB07Vu-Ce4APwKN30KtJs0fiBd7q1Yc9KElGCA9Wo2_g_YUCSGAxGKHFWzQRQWDtJ4Adg6nRgXh1aHzHpBcflSS5N8k-g/s640/blogger-image--581344124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEcuYHATOZynzvYUjLIB2N7ECLqkKAWeiRCqwe_TljG1TE9xB07Vu-Ce4APwKN30KtJs0fiBd7q1Yc9KElGCA9Wo2_g_YUCSGAxGKHFWzQRQWDtJ4Adg6nRgXh1aHzHpBcflSS5N8k-g/s320/blogger-image--581344124.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Jersey shore. For us kids of the 80s it conjures up tides full of <a href="http://articles.philly.com/1988-05-23/news/26261136_1_bags-of-medical-waste-marine-police-medical-debris">hypodermic needles</a>, trashy shore rats and the venerable <a href="http://brucespringsteen.net/">East Street Band</a>. I will brush past the infamous tv show generation and move on to my own kids who have never been here. Since mommy had a hectic week at the office, I thought we would start with a "secluded" intro, most easily accessed from NYC via a ridiculously scenic but equally overpriced <a href="http://www.seastreak.com/">Seastreak</a> ferry from Wall St. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While incredible for our budding oceanographers, it was a little disconcerting to mommy and me to discover boundless <a href="http://natureontheedgenyc.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-large-drum-fish-washes-ashore-at.html">sea treasures washing up on shore</a> (Ahh Jersey, still having that deoxygenated river problem from pollution thirty years later? Might I suggest tougher <a href="http://www.csc.noaa.gov/legislativeatlas/lawDetails.jsp?lawID=459">clean water laws</a> like the ones we passed in Mass.) The boys collected rays, flounder, crabs, horseshoe and more common clam shells. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They spent most of this mommy beach day in the wonderful surf though. The temp was perfect, the skies blue and the waves just the right height to reach her belly and the boys' chests. Sydney is growing into a fearless <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2010/07/obx-beach-experience-nags-head-beach.html">boogie boarder</a> as Liji gets more and more comfortable with big waves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The food trucks were pretty nice too. It's not always easy to get as good a BBQ at the beach as we did at <a href="http://www.hogheavenllc.com/?page_id=117">Hog Heaven</a>. The Shave ice at <a href="http://www.kona-ice.com/">Kona</a> was a wonderful way to end a perfect beach day. No boardwalk, no amusement rides, just amazing views of Manhattan, Coney Island and beyond. A pleasant first toe into the water of the Jersey Shore. </span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-75455685094960088052014-08-07T22:10:00.000-04:002014-08-08T04:48:14.424-04:00Daddy Day Camp '14 vol. 4, Mind the Gap, Canoeing at the Delaware River Gap, Dingman's Ferry, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/search/label/Daddy%20Day%20Camp%20%2714">Daddy Day Camp '14 vol. 4</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dingmans+Ferry,+PA+18328/@41.220094,-74.8712799,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c36273c9814563:0xc31e62cd317a922f">Canoeing at the Delaware River Gap</a></span></div>
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As the water rat said to the mole in the "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1061285-the-wind-in-the-willows">Wind in the Willows</a>," <span style="line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">"Believe me, my young friend, there is </span><em style="line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">nothing</em><span style="line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." I took this advice very seriously at a young age and hope to instill such wisdom in my own boys. They too were drawn to the water rat in the tale, and seem to love current as much as me. We shall see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">Dad and I put in many times at the Delaware Water Gap when I was a kid. Our favorite spot was </span><a href="http://delawareriverwatertrail.org/resources/river-etiquette-and-safety/river-conditions-and-hazards/" style="line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">Skinner Falls</a><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">; a class II, certainly no class IV or nothing, just a fun run on the rapids. The boys ran their first, albeit much smaller rapids today and were squealing like piglets. Even our friend Mouna and Courtney, our family saviour, who had never paddled before was seduced by them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took the requisite lunch break. We took a few little swim breaks along the way too. The weather was perfect; hot, breezy with a few drifting clouds. Courtney quickly mastered the art of the paddle. Sydney was an amazing Captain and and Liji plugged away for a solid four and a half hours. It was quiet, stunning wilderness only two short hours from the city. It was a simple pleasure to be "simply messing about in boats."</span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-38961199078477654002014-08-06T22:19:00.000-04:002014-09-02T18:04:12.812-04:00Daddy Day Camp '14, vol. 3, Pop-ups & Roller Dancers, Brooklyn BridgePark, Pier 2, Brooklyn, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eCzIcpgmBjiZz33BP9iNMmEs7xLkUg7Au-sOsbrd1rqcnWsFA-YplCxrAIJtE2fI0ZaXfgAtRmXaLZuJC5Bopg7ZgO_lkZpDzxkX58AH8CtBXEzyyYmoZP-SIeAKcagzVBEXfEOgs04/s640/blogger-image--117260954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eCzIcpgmBjiZz33BP9iNMmEs7xLkUg7Au-sOsbrd1rqcnWsFA-YplCxrAIJtE2fI0ZaXfgAtRmXaLZuJC5Bopg7ZgO_lkZpDzxkX58AH8CtBXEzyyYmoZP-SIeAKcagzVBEXfEOgs04/s400/blogger-image--117260954.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/activities/roller-skating"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pop-ups & Roller Dancers</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=pier+2+roller+rink&ie=UTF-8&ei=6uDiU8iSNMqHyATI9oGICw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pier 2</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=pier+2+roller+rink&ie=UTF-8&ei=6uDiU8iSNMqHyATI9oGICw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Brooklyn Bridge Park</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=pier+2+roller+rink&ie=UTF-8&ei=6uDiU8iSNMqHyATI9oGICw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Brooklyn, NY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lanyard is back, and so is the <a href="http://bustime.mta.info/m/index;jsessionid=0E3842C586988003BF654185B255945F?q=B63">B63</a> bus on another Daddy Day Camp trip. This time we headed out with our neighbors/BFFs Luke and Ruby. After two excellent weeks together at <a href="http://www.14streety.org/newcountry/new-country-day-camp/">New Country Day Camp</a> they couldn't wait for another play date. We stayed local, but fun and headed back to <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/08/smorgasburg-pier-5-brooklyn-bridge-park.html">pier 2</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's always fun with these guys because you never know the combos you'll get. Today Sydney skated with Luke and Ruby helped out Liji. I have memorized the official summer <a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/">soundtrack</a>, so I was not shocked to hear it blaring in the awesome new roller rink looking over the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Liji and Sydney love ice skating, so roller was just a refresher. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But even more exciting was Mayor Mike's pop-up pool campaign. This cute little one came replete with its own beach and <a href="http://www.lizzmonade.com/location/brooklynpier2/">Lizzmonade</a> stand of delicious drinks. If it weren't for the 45 minute time limits to deal with a 60 person capacity, we may never have left. </span></div>
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<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-22662949020510799222014-08-05T18:13:00.003-04:002014-08-06T10:04:27.575-04:00Daddy Day Camp '14 vol. 2, Long Island Surfers, Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxf0IzrE5pMGGPTBE9-8Ydq_OOZER11Uvu5kd_lMhbri3YoGxh5YZ_lj2jGEcA_X5JB7bXyMZztd4MrdRZrbfE94pVTkZ23Wkk1gVrflSiDL2jIUM3Qa3WkXd3z4ZEXik8aY5MvDzshQ/s640/blogger-image--823058770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxf0IzrE5pMGGPTBE9-8Ydq_OOZER11Uvu5kd_lMhbri3YoGxh5YZ_lj2jGEcA_X5JB7bXyMZztd4MrdRZrbfE94pVTkZ23Wkk1gVrflSiDL2jIUM3Qa3WkXd3z4ZEXik8aY5MvDzshQ/s400/blogger-image--823058770.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/search/label/Daddy%20Day%20Camp%20%2714">Daddy Day Camp '14, vol. 2</a></span></div>
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jones+Beach+State+Park/@40.59446,-73.510401,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x31ee0d11259870c5"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jones Beach State Park</span></a><br />
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<span jsl="$x 8;" jstid="104" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jones+Beach+State+Park/@40.59446,-73.510401,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x31ee0d11259870c5">1000 Ocean Parkway</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jones+Beach+State+Park/@40.59446,-73.510401,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x31ee0d11259870c5"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span jsl="$x 8;" jstid="106">Wantagh</span>, NY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We launched our second phase of Daddy Day Camp today by adding in our friends Ben, Ben and Mouna. Mouna and Liji have been BFFs since PK and Sydney has been chilling with the Bens since K. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I took the easy route for my first solo with five kiddos. We hoped our alternative transit jams, the corner <a href="http://bustime.mta.info/m/index;jsessionid=0E3842C586988003BF654185B255945F?q=B63">B63 bus</a>, to Atlantic terminal and got the <a href="http://web.mta.info/lirr/getaways/beach/JonesBeach.htm">MTA Family Beach pass</a> for $22.50 for all 6 of us, round trip! (Ironically it was the Nassau county <a href="http://www.nicebus.com/">NICE</a> bus standing us up for 30 mins. on the return that was the only week link). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As always, Liji, Mouna and I jumped in quick to drip castling. The boys put in a request for "Hogwarts" this time. The big kids launched into a big surf for most of the day. It was one of those beautiful, New York summer days where it has super hot and humid in town, but a lovely breeze by us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There's little that beats a day at the beach with buds. Perfect weather, traffic-free train rides and refreshing waves on a sticky day make the grade. Thanks MTA! Sorry we didn't stay for the show with <a href="http://jonesbeach.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=424:john-fogerty-jackson-browne-aug-5-2014&catid=56:concerts-2014&Itemid=100054">Fogerty and Jackson Brown</a>.</span></div>
your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0Freeport Freeport40.657686 -73.581677tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-72279139496636448572014-08-04T20:22:00.004-04:002014-08-06T10:04:47.679-04:00Daddy Day Camp '14, vol. 1, Great DADventures Six Flags, Jackson, NJ<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/search/label/Daddy%20Day%20Camp%20%2714">Daddy Day Camp '14, Day #1</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Six+Flags+Great+Adventure/@40.137068,-74.440215,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c164831c62ca1d:0x2bd60c6088332f46"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Six Flags Great Adventure</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Six+Flags+Great+Adventure/@40.137068,-74.440215,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c164831c62ca1d:0x2bd60c6088332f46"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rye 537</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Six+Flags+Great+Adventure/@40.137068,-74.440215,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c164831c62ca1d:0x2bd60c6088332f46"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jackson, NJ</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today we launched Daddy Day Camp. We decided that the most fun way to prep for Stay-at-home dad-dom would be to enjoy a summer of fantastic with the boys. So I left my job early and the next month is dedicated to squeezing every ounce out of August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My kids love animals. The also love amusement park rides. Despite our many trips to <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/">Busch Gardens</a> to see my uncle Arnie hard at work, we don't have that luxury in the northeast. Except for Great Adventures. We got to the "<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/safari-road-adventure">Safari Off-Road Adventure</a>" early before the crowds (ok, we did get in a ride on the "<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/runaway-mine-train">Runaway Mine Train</a>" first. As twenty of us piled into a "safari" car and tumbled across the "continents" we hung out with gnus, 'roos, dozens of species of antelopes and a number of tigers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Things started to heat up after lunch so we circled back around to the <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/ride-list">Saw Mill Log Flume</a>. While not terrifying, it was a solid soak (fake sad, faces, no worries). Then we headed to <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/el-toro">El Toro</a>. While the attendant at the entrance insisted Liji could make it on, the attendant at the ride forty-minutes of waiting later confirmed my fears that this was not true and we sadly headed off in search of fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Getting challenged to a <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=great%20adventure%20bumper%20cars">Stampede Bumper Car</a> duel will bring a smile back to any face. But, even happier was cutting the line at the <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/dark-knight-coaster">Dark Knight</a> indoor coaster with our "exit" pass from the attendant at El Toro. But the biggest smile on the face sadly came from a stuffed Bugs Bunny and giant-headed wolf that we won at the squirt gun races. Ahhh, know that's amusement!</span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-22714497697886231572014-08-03T22:18:00.003-04:002014-08-10T21:05:52.520-04:00The Bright Lights of Broadway with "Matilda", Shubert Theater, NY, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://us.matildathemusical.com/">Matilda the Musical</a>" </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shubert+Theatre/@40.7580173,-73.9872417,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c25852896a3193:0xfbc747d5ea21cea9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Shubert Theater</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shubert+Theatre/@40.7580173,-73.9872417,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c25852896a3193:0xfbc747d5ea21cea9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">225 W. 44th, NY, NY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the most important reasons for living in the "Big Apple" is the access to one of the world's most amazing performing arts scenes. It has been a good year for us both with the kids "<a href="http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com/">Spider-Man, Turn off the Dark</a>" and without "<a href="http://www.ofmiceandmenonbroadway.com/">Of Mice and Men</a>" (ok Spider-Man was not that awesome, but James Franco surprisingly was). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We racked up playbills this year like we owned the place. But by far the best performance has been this adaptation of the amazing <a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/">Roald Dahl</a> book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Matilda-Roald-Dahl/dp/0142410373">Matilda</a>."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps you are living on another planet and never experienced "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Adventures-Charlie-Willy-Wonka/dp/0142417408">Willy Wonka</a>" or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Witches-Roald-Dahl/dp/014241011X">The Witches</a>," but if you have, you know that there is no greater children's author dead or alive. "Matilda the Musical" did not disappoint (and I hate musicals and book adaptations in general). From the fantastical moving "<a href="http://www.broadway.com/videos/154686/making-matilda-episode-4-designers-rob-howell-hugh-vanstone-on-setting-the-stage-for-matilda/">scrabble" set </a>to the nine year old lead that nailed it, our boys were equally inspired to tryout one day for the "Great White Way." So whether you're in town for good or the weekend, make it out to see this show before it's too late!</span></div>
<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-56608761933998210332014-08-03T22:12:00.000-04:002014-08-04T07:19:35.896-04:00Smorgasburg, Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY<div>
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<u><a href="http://www.smorgasburg.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Smorgasburg</span></a></u></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Smorgasburg/@40.6681669,-73.9800645,13z/data=!4m5!1m2!2m1!1ssmorgasburg+brooklyn+bridge+park+pier+5!3m1!1s0x0:0x8ba388e570f59d7"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pier 5</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Smorgasburg/@40.6681669,-73.9800645,13z/data=!4m5!1m2!2m1!1ssmorgasburg+brooklyn+bridge+park+pier+5!3m1!1s0x0:0x8ba388e570f59d7"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Brooklyn Bridge Park</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I go to great lengths to avoid <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/markets/smorgasburg/">Williamsburg</a> and to even further ones to explore <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/06/on-waterfront-at-pier-6-at-brooklyn.html">Brooklyn Bridge Park</a> with the boys. So when I heard the one reason I ever ventured into hipsterville was now next to the bridge, I was sold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our kids are evolving into foodies. I know it's obnoxious, but I kinda don't care. Even before they hit the new <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/07/ample-hills-of-deliciousness-ample.html">Ample Hills</a> stand, they ventured through Nic's bud's place at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RamenBurger">Ramen Burger</a>, then onto the <a href="http://lumpiashack.wordpress.com/">Lumpia Shack</a>, some sticky rice at the <a href="http://bamboobites.com/">Bamboo Bites</a> stand and then we threw in some <a href="http://bunnaethiopia.net/bunna/index.php/bunna-events">Bunna's Ethiopian iced coffee</a> and Thai street roti for me and a Thai iced tea for mommy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had also gotten really excited for the new features at <a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/park/pier-2">Pier 2 </a>this season. We desperately wanted to get our <a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/activities/roller-skating">rollerskate</a> on, but they were washed out. So instead we old-schooled it with some shuffle board and bocce, free of charge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We even managed to get mommy and her preggers belly in in the action to earn a stop back at the food carts for blackberry <a href="http://www.peoplespops.com/peoples_pops.html">People's Pops</a>, bubble tea and delicious limeade. Hey, bocce is thirsty work!</span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-71077586230689957822014-07-24T20:46:00.003-04:002014-07-28T10:11:16.116-04:00Ample Hills of Deliciousness; Ample Hills Ice Cream, Brooklyn, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j4POfn4zUMh6R2OChbt9Yu-YsAkKozbk0sSQRLez-NppWSSW401m63MH2qiHi0Bs_AKu6EYVzIeVulLw7sv4M2MceLpW3P5voY0JXvSWDr96yvgJqmHZIwHOZV0iIveOtzCYqDBQ3uo/s1600/IMG_2347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j4POfn4zUMh6R2OChbt9Yu-YsAkKozbk0sSQRLez-NppWSSW401m63MH2qiHi0Bs_AKu6EYVzIeVulLw7sv4M2MceLpW3P5voY0JXvSWDr96yvgJqmHZIwHOZV0iIveOtzCYqDBQ3uo/s1600/IMG_2347.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amplehills.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ample Hills Creamery</span></a><br />
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</td><td style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">623 Vanderbilt Ave<br /> Brooklyn, NY</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Houston, we have a problem. And her name is ice cream. Don't get me wrong, I love a good scoop of toffe heath or fresh strawberry. But I married a icecreamaholic. And what happens when you mix my recessive genes with her dominate sugartastic ones; a kiddo that loves the stuff. "What do you want to do for your 8th birthday Sydney?" "I want a party at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amplehills">Ample Hills</a>, the best ice cream shop in the world!" How does a parent say "no" to that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before opening this Prospect Heights bastion of the new "Brooklyn" cool, <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2010/06/chatting_with_a_4.php">Brian Smith</a> was a published Sci-fi author and producer for the Sy Fy station. Clearly, giving up monster movies for cream was a genius career move. Sydney got to go back stage to see the magic at work. What makes that "cracked caramel" so good? How many egg yolks go in that "<a href="http://nonabrooklyn.com/ten-reasons-to-eat-ice-cream-in-winter/#.U9GoLoBdUug">egg nog</a>" flavor? (uh, yeah 10!) "I'm sorry, did you say the 'Munchies' has ritz, potato chips AND pretzels?" He got to ride the ice cream bike, as did all of his friends. Props to our friend Emily S ("<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emilys-Homemade/154248217942721">Emily's Homemade</a>" cookies, amazing!) for pioneering this outing in our circle, it was amazing AND delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We used to walk the twenty or so minutes there every once and a while. It was a good buffer. Today I discovered that they have an outpost at Pier 4 in the <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/06/on-waterfront-at-pier-6-at-brooklyn.html">Brooklyn Bridge Park</a>. But then, on the way home I was reminded of something terribly sinister that I had read this spring. There is now an Ample Hills factory and shop just down the street at Union at Nevins. Oh no!</span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA40.686402 -73.96849559999998340.6623205 -74.008836099999982 40.7104835 -73.928155099999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-28459207391021351422014-07-23T13:03:00.003-04:002014-07-24T21:00:12.846-04:00World Cup Fever in the City, Red Bulls Arena, Harrison, NJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5e0v8QKRAJmuLbFLNYNdUtOGDMRVB9uxzGA8epiMvp2r6Txwk4Z6raYa7aiUY83p2V5UcAGIvV29kvpYUdkN5s_1ZD-pg4VMNesh7b948ciV-ae3m3XsusH23bdLRRFOmmcW2wctshY/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5e0v8QKRAJmuLbFLNYNdUtOGDMRVB9uxzGA8epiMvp2r6Txwk4Z6raYa7aiUY83p2V5UcAGIvV29kvpYUdkN5s_1ZD-pg4VMNesh7b948ciV-ae3m3XsusH23bdLRRFOmmcW2wctshY/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fifa.com/">World Cup Fever in the City</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5204022939675795762&q=Red+Bull+Arena&ei=FerPU6PHNs_nsATT7IH4BA&ved=0CMABEPwSMBA">Red Bulls Arena</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5204022939675795762&q=Red+Bull+Arena&ei=FerPU6PHNs_nsATT7IH4BA&ved=0CMABEPwSMBA">Harrison, NJ</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">RED SOX NATION SPOILER ALERT: My kids might be growing up to be <a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/">Red Bulls</a> fans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm so sorry Sox Nation. I tried so hard. We go to Fenway every year. They wear Dustin jerseys to school in Brooklyn and to the Bronx for games. They know that the Manning brothers are no match for Brady, Bledsoe, Eason or Grogan. They danced in the streets when the B's won the Cup. We even live five blocks from the <a href="http://www.barclayscenter.com/">Barclay Center</a> where we rooted for KG and Pierce BEFORE they were Nets. They even hate the Lakers and they don't know why. But, I think I lost them on soccer. I'm sorry. Truly, I am.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPyI1-qaMygy5y5K5ZMNxES_2KrMC7QolXhErmVFutq57HZD1Sj70UEYkDprN7QHY0oapXKIVcfOtA6e-jKg25HXApxmFT8oMwO9bBMzyskhUnVBBctEfarneHIa4dEaXldjaQLUyDEQ/s1600/IMG_0944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPyI1-qaMygy5y5K5ZMNxES_2KrMC7QolXhErmVFutq57HZD1Sj70UEYkDprN7QHY0oapXKIVcfOtA6e-jKg25HXApxmFT8oMwO9bBMzyskhUnVBBctEfarneHIa4dEaXldjaQLUyDEQ/s1600/IMG_0944.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was the World Cup summer that did it. Like Newton, in Park Slope soccer is king. Kids stroll the streets in <a href="http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=229397/index.html">Messi</a> and Neymar jerseys. The boys play in the fall with <a href="http://www.brooklynayso.org/">AYSO</a> and in the winter and summers with <a href="http://supersoccerstars.com/brooklyn-summer-2014/">Super Soccer Stars</a>. This Cup we chose Argentina. Messi was easy to love, who doesn't like a South American team over those European moneybags (Yanks anyone?). We were heartbroken when <a href="http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/staff/players/neymar-jr">Neymar</a> went out before the finals. We were even sadder that Messi didn't realize his dream of winning a Cup, and had to lose out to those damn Germans.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI4m-htk7zYQD5MzgUC_awBah-5HDrao3Qx2z7MPx0eBkClf9qUehc880Mws9chZte8V2Qmw3fsFphZwWh49Z5uutqSG_V6Invj8xPrmrgCZcGk8ssx4Z_UE5OJrcu89LKDvfVXB6yDU/s1600/IMG_0945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI4m-htk7zYQD5MzgUC_awBah-5HDrao3Qx2z7MPx0eBkClf9qUehc880Mws9chZte8V2Qmw3fsFphZwWh49Z5uutqSG_V6Invj8xPrmrgCZcGk8ssx4Z_UE5OJrcu89LKDvfVXB6yDU/s1600/IMG_0945.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But we couldn't go to Brazil, so what's a Sox fan to do? Head to NJ. It didn't help that we rooted for France when they won the Cup and the captain of the Red Bulls is <a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/thierry-henry">Thiery Henry</a>. We were doomed when Red Bull midfielder <a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/tim-cahill">Tim Cahill</a> tore it up for Australia. Now <a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/bradley-wright-phillips">Bradley Wright-Philips</a> is tearing up MLS by leading the Golden Boot race with his 17th goal (that we saw live!). But the final straw were the chants from the fans, let's go Red Bulls as the boys sung along "let's go Red Sox" and we distinctly heard others joining in. It ain't Foxboro, the Garden and it sure ain't <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2010/04/guest-blog-author-christopher-klein.html">Fenway</a>, but at least it's in Jersey, not the Bronx!</span>your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-16370976011017935572014-07-23T12:37:00.001-04:002014-08-04T07:20:06.497-04:00Eating with Kiddos in China; Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M1I72nCYbHivBwRZEgl3vzi4_8noWgWzkPmsHl_LmuOoztkx5VLRF0uu7fnwo5OP9dYtyppKajyE2K-Fn6foMYttlqEUD8DqdTnXtMIMuTpyFlB_cTBAhyTWnVBzyznew_WR2pR7Ai8/s640/blogger-image--1192460791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M1I72nCYbHivBwRZEgl3vzi4_8noWgWzkPmsHl_LmuOoztkx5VLRF0uu7fnwo5OP9dYtyppKajyE2K-Fn6foMYttlqEUD8DqdTnXtMIMuTpyFlB_cTBAhyTWnVBzyznew_WR2pR7Ai8/s640/blogger-image--1192460791.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eating with Kiddos in China</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The most significant source of fun and frustration traveling with kids is eating. We were delighted at how willing they were to experiment. We were willing to give them a "break" from Chinese and also avoided the obvious. That formula seemed to work. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOq3uDh8fNzMqB9Yvgl3q-_qM86aIAziqBNiybFw4B3xZsub48qqbKiY28XO7c0Ur2zFLbHehcHVwFKfRz-RkGhbezUAlkJq4pwDqFeaYeLEP8RpNt9SuvT4tsCTpcWfS8X27U0Sg6k8/s640/blogger-image--817551751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOq3uDh8fNzMqB9Yvgl3q-_qM86aIAziqBNiybFw4B3xZsub48qqbKiY28XO7c0Ur2zFLbHehcHVwFKfRz-RkGhbezUAlkJq4pwDqFeaYeLEP8RpNt9SuvT4tsCTpcWfS8X27U0Sg6k8/s640/blogger-image--817551751.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Familiar foods were always a great place to start. Our first delights were <a href="http://www.followmefoodie.com/2012/09/breakfast-in-china-soy-milk-chinese-doughnuts/">donuts</a> and <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/07/from-dim-sum-to-pirate-booty-chuen-chau.html">dim sum</a>, something our kids are used to and love. We sold them on <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2009/12/dimsum-dragons-and-temples-chinatown.html">dim sum for years</a> before we travelled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Easy staples, available everywhere, included fried rice (although staying awake during jet lag made this takeout), <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/07/noodles-monks-and-subways-modern-and.html">noodles</a>, wonton soup and common dishes like sweet and sour or veggies without sauce are everywhere. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGJadq9NiR8Tg5LCxQTXdMn0ZoZOoTGmoQbs8fWDTsWvQDBhjEdUt4YBDHS8JAnf_Wez1XNERa6fZVdEKzY1QRkp73FGte3RvgmwEP-75qWqx0Ru75Mbdmr0OtfqKsKTFTdRFg__7gmU/s640/blogger-image-1006318978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGJadq9NiR8Tg5LCxQTXdMn0ZoZOoTGmoQbs8fWDTsWvQDBhjEdUt4YBDHS8JAnf_Wez1XNERa6fZVdEKzY1QRkp73FGte3RvgmwEP-75qWqx0Ru75Mbdmr0OtfqKsKTFTdRFg__7gmU/s640/blogger-image-1006318978.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dumplings are the nexus of kid friendly and adventurous. Fillings ranged from typical pork to intestines. Staff know American kids are not used to the later, and will not offer unless you ask. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meals like <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2014/07/getting-lost-in-forbidden-city-beijjng.html">Peking duck</a> were more for the adults and the experience. They tried it, but settled on duck spring rolls and veggies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then there is the <a href="http://andrewzimmern.com/">Andrew Zimmern</a> "off the map"; watch daddy and Nic try stuff. I am a big believer in modeling and moderation. So, I let them watch me try a cricket, not a scorpion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our goto fast food break in the states is Subway. Clean, relatively healthy (compared to McD or KFC) and there is always something they like. We were fortunate that they were everywhere. We did DQ one time too. Sometimes kids just need a little home, a playground, the pool. Meatballs on sub rolls so hit the spot for our boys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes daddies just need their iced coffee too without worrying about water born bacteria in their ice. When it's 100 and feels like 115 because the humidity is 85% I am thankful for a little slice of home too. </span><br />
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<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-58773365702330977892014-07-22T10:54:00.000-04:002014-07-22T10:54:46.239-04:00"Chinese" Disney,Disney Land, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage">Disneyland Hong Kong</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=3869629387062596613&q=hong+kong+disneyland&ei=kBHJU8iZBa7IsAT224CwAg&ved=0CMkBEPwSMBA">Lantau Island</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=3869629387062596613&q=hong+kong+disneyland&ei=kBHJU8iZBa7IsAT224CwAg&ved=0CMkBEPwSMBA"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hong Kong, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">PRC</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What do you do with an afternoon to kill near the airport in Hong Kong and you need the kids to stay up late to adjust for jet lag? Why, head to Disneyland! It just so happens that the two ladies on this trip are South Florida residents who went to "Florida" day in <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2011/02/disneyrific-walt-disney-world-magic.html">Orlando</a> as an annual rite of passage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So what makes this different from Disney World? Umm, it's in Chinese for starters. Everything is in miniature from Sleeping Beauty's Castle to Tomorrowland. But more importantly it also includes <a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/html/MysticPoint/en_US/index.html">Mystic Point</a>, <a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/html/ToyStoryLand/en_US/index.html">Toy Story Land</a> and a number of "Asian" themed restaurants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like most of the rides. Grizzly Gulch was a more modernized runaway train than Orlando's. Mystic Manor was a fascinating take on the Age of Exploration in a Haunted Mansion fashion. Toy Story Land was beautifully anchored by Tinkertoys giant Slinky the Dog rides and your fav toys from growing up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But the highlight of this cool, sea breezy evening was Kam's fav "<a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/parks/landing?name=FantasylandLandingPage">It's a Small World.</a>" (Ok, having a planet named "KamiandSeth" as the main act of an animated Stitch show was pretty cool). Shockingly there was no wait, and the diversity blew away its Orlando partner. From the Pacific Islands to the Middle East, the representations were fantastic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dinner and dancing were the magical "Chinese" cap on the night. What better way to spend our last night in China than with piggie bao and fireworks! Let's see what Tomorrow brings ...</span><br />
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-86100313392387565292014-07-21T11:15:00.000-04:002014-08-04T07:20:20.389-04:00Guangzhou Bubba Gump ; Tai Wen shrimp Farm, Guangzhou, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Huadiwan/@23.087143,113.234018,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x340257cbf904720d:0x28aaf554345f352f">Tai Wen Shrimp Farm</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Huadiwan/@23.087143,113.234018,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x340257cbf904720d:0x28aaf554345f352f">Near Huadiwan Subway Station</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Huadiwan/@23.087143,113.234018,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x340257cbf904720d:0x28aaf554345f352f">Guangzhou, PRC</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My boys love to fish. It is not that I don't like fishing, it just happens to play into all of my weaknesses (i.e patience and all of it's related friend categories). My boys on the other hand could sit with Uncle Lon or Grandpa Barry for hours (as they did today). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4wl-kAxNMt9zL80qyWj9nXvwXz3nEyPpvJWTv2gstoZwOyMEvOKr1Q3O8zxPax2qfc9EAb8d7RxFzNmhqg1p2Odv_ugSHKVQL6b1Qd7EBOPkikkVepy7uOBkpLHVWYhWPtX7V40Eyfo/s640/blogger-image--1782895403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4wl-kAxNMt9zL80qyWj9nXvwXz3nEyPpvJWTv2gstoZwOyMEvOKr1Q3O8zxPax2qfc9EAb8d7RxFzNmhqg1p2Odv_ugSHKVQL6b1Qd7EBOPkikkVepy7uOBkpLHVWYhWPtX7V40Eyfo/s640/blogger-image--1782895403.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lon is a masterful fisherman. The entire time we lived on <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2009/07/our-back-nine.html">Lake Cochituate</a> we caught a total of five or six. One day we left Lon home with the canoe. He filled the boat and we ate wonderful Thai fish a thousand ways. Yet in Guangzhou his newborn has kept him from exploring fishing ops. The boys love to fish with him, so today was a perfect chance for him to explore his new hometown. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddGatsRIgLf0LAknW71Oatp20tbf5yuHql6oNQlk8SJFewX-K-nVauVtAuf6ZCe5aeI7suEOzmxbCwbCQfHbiucHcVrYITkee185EqLpaRrJxFgSOsvteEyuymLsbT5fcHz1D5qz8a7A/s640/blogger-image--1032604087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddGatsRIgLf0LAknW71Oatp20tbf5yuHql6oNQlk8SJFewX-K-nVauVtAuf6ZCe5aeI7suEOzmxbCwbCQfHbiucHcVrYITkee185EqLpaRrJxFgSOsvteEyuymLsbT5fcHz1D5qz8a7A/s640/blogger-image--1032604087.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How he found this place I will never know. Something about looking for a fishing hole, a cabbie and a neighborhood that looks like a scene from "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120620/">Brokedown Palace</a>." He makes friends with fisherman everywhere he goes. Somehow, just a ten minute walk from the <a href="http://www.chinatouristmaps.com/travel/guangdong/guangzhou-metro/guangzhou-metro-map-2010.html">Huadiwan subway station</a> he found this shrimp farm. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWM0Lexxc1aBy0jpdWKq6AWwM66l0g3PhAukP5PY-6HEGuJTH0OanQF07JZm-zYxhfvmI-tqRL0zWw8C2WJOvL9LwxQ55SJv_bmXG8kLTxUx6LjVERZHPWa37zaStcM8eV_B7Ebf75NI/s640/blogger-image-834742779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWM0Lexxc1aBy0jpdWKq6AWwM66l0g3PhAukP5PY-6HEGuJTH0OanQF07JZm-zYxhfvmI-tqRL0zWw8C2WJOvL9LwxQ55SJv_bmXG8kLTxUx6LjVERZHPWa37zaStcM8eV_B7Ebf75NI/s640/blogger-image-834742779.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Shrimp fishing is not as easy as it sounds, even though they were in a pool (yes, shooting fish in a barrel). The boys caught a bunch of big ones right out of the gate. I of course lost at least six trying to pull them up before they had the hook on their shrimpy little mouths. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWgQpqf7CughSvaNU4WXLyrKfqr_1Slha2LZPrWHjYxYG29k9PdhyphenhyphenKr0V5HiRB54LnSTWIkx7K_YMB-LoQaOZCdX7Y1PcVbVVwWMiXbdvbhajF3jATpRRl5zFyXqpCZCvNgDzgdBBQVo/s640/blogger-image-1282830724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWgQpqf7CughSvaNU4WXLyrKfqr_1Slha2LZPrWHjYxYG29k9PdhyphenhyphenKr0V5HiRB54LnSTWIkx7K_YMB-LoQaOZCdX7Y1PcVbVVwWMiXbdvbhajF3jATpRRl5zFyXqpCZCvNgDzgdBBQVo/s640/blogger-image-1282830724.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We caught fifteen or so, they threw in another pound for dinner (they would have cooked them there but Lon is also a trained chef). So we headed home to their place for some Thai chili shrimp. What a great last night in Guangzhou!</span>your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-17155755895716161932014-07-20T06:28:00.000-04:002014-07-20T06:28:57.408-04:00Move Over Williamsburg; Redtory, Ghuangzhou, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck3GrndvnU5rOHINahlQyfi4ppKzWPmFiSodyYxU0uttandD9H04ySsMauspqHIf_ealG06_ihveA0u4z7urNTaxMgp_E6hcJDkXT1RAZiHjBZ117M2nvN3ZjpOx1pqp8Oz73oV7pcyI/s640/blogger-image-511460268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck3GrndvnU5rOHINahlQyfi4ppKzWPmFiSodyYxU0uttandD9H04ySsMauspqHIf_ealG06_ihveA0u4z7urNTaxMgp_E6hcJDkXT1RAZiHjBZ117M2nvN3ZjpOx1pqp8Oz73oV7pcyI/s640/blogger-image-511460268.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redtory.com.cn/english/about.php?id=2">Redtory Artists' Center</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/Redtory+Artists'+Center/@40.7126462,-74.0059413,11z/data=!3m1!4b1">128 Yuancun Sihenglu</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/Redtory+Artists'+Center/@40.7126462,-74.0059413,11z/data=!3m1!4b1">Guangzhou, PRC</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREo5E_EWpx1LrIpIEw5BqCXE6Z764Ld0Ubj7OcYCMEYlXBHV3SAtTdkrHhxcfjLnd5JpInDEgDwcgQoZ1ll24kaSJVEh6zmeHpKB04VFf_MgQcTV5gLwwLiYKrV2HYvqHnstKYQ2nUE/s640/blogger-image--818322464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREo5E_EWpx1LrIpIEw5BqCXE6Z764Ld0Ubj7OcYCMEYlXBHV3SAtTdkrHhxcfjLnd5JpInDEgDwcgQoZ1ll24kaSJVEh6zmeHpKB04VFf_MgQcTV5gLwwLiYKrV2HYvqHnstKYQ2nUE/s640/blogger-image--818322464.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My kids fancy themselves artists and as such, they love a good artist collective. Like <a href="http://dadventuresinbeantown.blogspot.com/2010/02/winter-wonderland-west-stockbridge.html">MassMOCA</a> in North Adams, MA these folks have made mastery out of industrial space. Guangzhou has always played second fiddle for its industrial past, but this outpost of post-modernism is a vision for old Canton's future. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5An0D6cVlcixY3c7rwt2YKFg-APXA9TZI4BiTvSRqSiBEmnRUpGXcwkEYXYMKolOrCdlHSmOaGGYlGcKmzbknR3mPfo_erf9dXE-3SAQpEsjLGzrRAqhyphenhyphenCEMI7nowcH8YAZMNbqZkss/s640/blogger-image--1801921452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5An0D6cVlcixY3c7rwt2YKFg-APXA9TZI4BiTvSRqSiBEmnRUpGXcwkEYXYMKolOrCdlHSmOaGGYlGcKmzbknR3mPfo_erf9dXE-3SAQpEsjLGzrRAqhyphenhyphenCEMI7nowcH8YAZMNbqZkss/s640/blogger-image--1801921452.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unlike our obnoxious neighbors in Williamsburg who are DYIing designer pickles, these people are making the space the art. For fans of Japanese animation classic "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/">My Neighbor Totoro</a>," your kids can even get in on the fun at the ceramic studio. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki0stZPtCniQTsERDZ45H1CTtasIx_UqPnyzpbTfRIFXIdtwE6VakEjAFMsWZIgkIIqywCMdinDkCnRVbf4zc711f0mmEt7jAuWT5r_yJB54r84-KrJCReBfGJabwL-f2TbukW8ym8aI/s640/blogger-image-628269128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki0stZPtCniQTsERDZ45H1CTtasIx_UqPnyzpbTfRIFXIdtwE6VakEjAFMsWZIgkIIqywCMdinDkCnRVbf4zc711f0mmEt7jAuWT5r_yJB54r84-KrJCReBfGJabwL-f2TbukW8ym8aI/s640/blogger-image-628269128.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The beauty and uniqueness of this space is its quintessential "Chineseness." The giant Buddha with hair, the distinctly Chinese angels in this masterful open space, covered with sandy floors and the kitsch she trending western has plenty of eastern spin. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyJkFymaoX_0CCiVZ-XCtzAw9ahMbqugh4__kW3rrhQP32BQxIm8Clw8c-KKR7eHDKjU9NZiU4muFhuH-tPBHAdhB2ENAyKd8tRmQ5KaMHCLsS9LjCmLNQy_oMABEMVwdEMCnHZ7ix1M/s640/blogger-image-1029189545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyJkFymaoX_0CCiVZ-XCtzAw9ahMbqugh4__kW3rrhQP32BQxIm8Clw8c-KKR7eHDKjU9NZiU4muFhuH-tPBHAdhB2ENAyKd8tRmQ5KaMHCLsS9LjCmLNQy_oMABEMVwdEMCnHZ7ix1M/s640/blogger-image-1029189545.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like Williamsburg, this too shall pass. Redtory will not be secret for long. The most interesting space, a reconstructed old train depot and cars was the site of simultaneous photo shoots while we passed through. So if you're passing through soon, get the kids there before it becomes home to million to million dollar condos that artists could never afford. </span></div>
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<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-37279497750950253902014-07-18T08:16:00.000-04:002014-07-18T08:16:54.877-04:00Escaping Beijing; The Summer Palace, Beijing, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7_sNfqmcUK19YQSbnydON8z5I_9VPXPAPrFXeI0YbhkBjLT_W6zkWWT9kuTevtoIwODm9HSZnUm8cs2BVufBSxZqB7D0lAkPIq7TLAbyIz33vmTAELUde3LWQdnDE3pWo2yMoDuJCPk/s640/blogger-image-1469842887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7_sNfqmcUK19YQSbnydON8z5I_9VPXPAPrFXeI0YbhkBjLT_W6zkWWT9kuTevtoIwODm9HSZnUm8cs2BVufBSxZqB7D0lAkPIq7TLAbyIz33vmTAELUde3LWQdnDE3pWo2yMoDuJCPk/s640/blogger-image-1469842887.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5033249184497836338&q=summer+palace+beijing&ei=sw7JU-mCEpDJsQTjnoHIDQ&ved=0CLwBEPwSMBA">The Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&cid=5033249184497836338&q=summer+palace+beijing&ei=sw7JU-mCEpDJsQTjnoHIDQ&ved=0CLwBEPwSMBA">Beijing, PRC</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were warned. It will be hot. It will be humid. It will be overcast. The <a href="http://aqicn.org/city/beijing/">pollution</a> is off the charts. Perhaps this is why the last <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/summer/boat.htm">Empress Dowager Cixi of China</a> was willing to rebuild the Summer palace instead of her navy. Seems as though this didn't help her beat the Brits, but it sure did make for a fabulous escape from the city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unlike the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is open, spacious and downright breezy. As our two lady guides paddled us across the lake, the boys and I felt like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093389/">the Last Emperors</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost as impressive, in a light and airy kind of way were the dumplings at the <a href="http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/venue/Food__Drink-Chinese-Chinese/13924/Du-Yi-Chu.html">Du Yi Chu</a> Imperial institution, opened in 1738 and discovered by the Emperor on his way home from a field trip a few years later. The pork dumplings put American buns to shame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Imperial splendor of the Mings was also on display at the <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/heaven/">Temple of Heaven</a>. Despite the long day, the boys were still willing to run up the stairs to this incredible monument to Confucius practice. The surrounding cypress park, some trees over 800 years old was equally tranquil and inspiring. We will miss Bejing and the Mings as we make our way back south. </span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-76363367584016606722014-07-17T20:13:00.001-04:002014-07-19T07:13:37.189-04:00A lil' Canton Colonialism: Shamian Island, Guangzhou, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/guangzhou/shamian-island.htm">Shamian Island</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=shamian+island&ie=UTF-8&ei=rWXIU7TpBsjjsAS5p4HoBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ">Guangzhou</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=shamian+island&ie=UTF-8&ei=rWXIU7TpBsjjsAS5p4HoBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ">PRC</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As one comes near to the end of an adventure, you tend to slow down a bit. Reflect, get an iced Americano and dream of home. So too, did the British as they neared the end of their global imperialist exploits. Shamian Island is a bizarre amalgamation of this same end of an époque architecture and modern non-western life that you across the old Empire from <a href="http://burma.usembassy.gov/">Rangoon</a> to <a href="http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/">Penang</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Where once a beautiful park sat, surrounded by high end hotels, the <a href="http://www.bot.com.tw/english/Pages/default.aspx">Bank of Taiwan</a> and the British consulate, now sits a lovely mini track and work out area. Where there was a stunning neo-classical facade is now drying laundry hung over peeling paint. The hotels gone, the most magnificent Starbucks in the world moved in (yeah they own the whole building, including theta lovely veranda we sat on). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Old Canton was the centre of the Eastern empires for years. It hosted the Brits, French, Germans, Portuguese and yes even imperialist Americans (clearly we won, there is both a stunning Starbucks AND Subway). All of this fun; the Opium Wars, the Nationalist revolution under Sun Yat Sen and the Communist insurgents under Mao has made for a fascinating intro to Sydney's understanding of geopolitics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Liji was fascinated with the tanks of swimming spoonbills, giant bullfrogs and snails all headed for the dinner plate. "Don't the French eat frog legs?" "Yes, but I doubt they invented it." So for a lovely stroll back into a fascinating era of China's past, hit the European island of Shamian. </span></div>
your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-83977673862459115752014-07-17T16:11:00.001-04:002014-08-04T07:20:46.584-04:00Noodles, Monks and Subways; Modern and Ancient Guangzhou, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/guangzhou/six_tree.htm">Temple of the Six Banyan Trees</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Temple+of+the+Six+Banyan+Trees/@23.128224,113.260111,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xe6cf424b5556276e">Liurong Si</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Temple+of+the+Six+Banyan+Trees/@23.128224,113.260111,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xe6cf424b5556276e">Guangzhou, PRC</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We set off on our first Guangzhou (formerly Canton) adventure today with a little help from Uncle Lon, who makes life simple, clear and stress-free. We started the day in modern, central Guanzhou by the brand new <a href="http://www.gzdjy.org/">Opera House</a>, the <a href="http://www.gdmuseum.com/english/">Guangdong Museum</a> and the stunning Canton tower. This enormous central section of this ancient city barely existed before the <a href="http://ocasia.org/game/GamesL1.aspx?9QoyD9QEWPeJ2ChZBk5tvA==">Asian Games</a> came to town just a few years ago. It is a bizarre mix of cutting edge architecture and capitalism gone amok with a creepy underground mall, acres long with only a Starbucks and a few empty, half-built store fronts. But the boys were most excited by the clean, quiet and bustling subways that shuttled us quickly across this giant metropolis of 12 million. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Old Ghuangzhou is a different story. Winding back roads, beautiful ancient temples and endless jade markets gave the kids hours of entertainment. They were as amazed by the forty foot Buddhas at Six Banyans as they were by another healthy dose of noodles and "<a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=rice+noodle+roll&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDgw4HsxCnfq6-QVKuRV62EheIaVRgUZxuoiXoV1pSlFmSmZ8XnJmSWp5YWVydFHZBePuvOK9V6vFHuM4bLalOngMANa17zEkAAAA">slippery shrimp</a>" dim sum that has had them eating their way through Cantonese delights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were particularly impressed with their questions at the <a href="http://www.gzgxs.org/">Guangxiao Temple</a> as they wandered the halls of hundreds of giant, golden Buddhas with various states of facial hair and expressions; "why did the Buddha have so many different looks?" "Why do people burn incense?" "Why do people leave big bags of rice for the monks?" Tomorrow we leave for Beijing via the bullet train, but we can't wait to get back to Auntie Nina and Uncle Lon's hometown of surprising delights. </span><br />
<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-61723921221571821402014-07-16T18:11:00.001-04:002014-07-18T15:08:53.776-04:00Getting Lost in the Forbidden City, Beijing, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Forbidden city in Beijing might just be one of the grandest monuments built by mankind. <a href="http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage">Versailles</a>? Miniscule. <a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/theroyalresidences/buckinghampalace/buckinghampalace.aspx">Buckingham Palace</a>? peshah! The courtyard at the Gate of Supreme Harmony held room for an audience of 100,000 for the Emperor. It took us forty minutes just to walk around the walls to the appropriate entrance, even though our lovely hotel The <a href="http://www.lgapartment.com/">Lee Garden Apartments</a> was just two blocks away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Did we hire a guide through this labyrinth? No, we relied on our trusty bestie Auntie Nic. Nicole has served as BFF, partner in crime, playmate, cricket-eating challenge companion, but most of all a wonderfully patient travel companion for every member of the clan. Today, she made imperialist grandeur come alive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here we are ringing the bell...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After guiding us through the maze of the largest string of palaces on earth, Nic took preggers Kam back to the hotel via rikshaw. The boys and I decided to run up the steps of <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/jingshan.htm">Jingshan park</a> for a stunning view of the entire walled city below. We then skipped down the five-block long Beiheyan Dajie park, sandwiched neatly between the uptown and downtown lanes of this enormous avenue. For a night-cap, I thought the hotel pool would wear them out, maybe the <a href="http://www.china.org.cn/travel/beijingguide/2011-08/05/content_23143593.htm">Peking Duck</a> will. </span><br />
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-50046079184951681952014-07-16T10:15:00.001-04:002014-07-17T16:53:46.210-04:00Transportation Alternatives with Shorties in China<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Getting Around China with Kids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">PRC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like many Americans, I spend way too much time in my car. Sure, I ride my bike, the subway, I've even taken the <a href="http://www.amtrak.com/acela-express-train">Acela</a> to Boston a few times. But also like many Americans, my perceptions of China are frozen in time back in the <a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_nixchina_1.html">Nixon</a> visit. I imagined a sea of bikes streaming through every city. Tough for kids in an urban setting, tougher for a preggers mommy. Thankfully, I was wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let's start with the FUN! We rode <a href="http://www.hktramways.com/en/index.html">double decker busses and trolleys </a>through Hong Kong. We rode <a href="http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/travel/lantau_island/">ferries</a> like we had never been to an island before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took <a href="http://www.np360.com.hk/en/">gondolas</a> up to see a Buddha and to mount the base of the Great Wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took an old fashioned <a href="http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/">tram</a> up Victoria peak for stunning views of the HK harbor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, best of all, we got mommy/Auntie Nic-ferried on a <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/summer-palace/">paddle boat </a>for six at the Summer Palace. The girls even managed to find a rikshaw home from the Forbidden city when the taxis were full of Chinese toursists. China has a million fun options for kids to get around. Also, it added a taste of the new Eco-friendly ethos of China to a heavy carbon footprint trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All of the hype you have heard about the transit revolution in China is true. The new high speed train from <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/beijing-guangzhou/">Guangzhou to Beijing</a> was a mere eight hours of stunning mountainous, rice paddy-filled views. Fifteen years ago, when my bud Leo was here, it was a twenty-two hour local; no videos, flush toilets or dining cars with chefs, braised cod and an assortment of ramen wonders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOaWQ6IjSMP3F9XtQf7_Pl8J2myaGEADLx8VdhtwGhsNFA4l9nu2FWjpqDDIBuBbR_u1GVlJPqw3tDQfzyAVyU3PWgV8C09hqKisytcaBGPOi8jTMYJFsCHRnIZqZ0WdnPXZZ2sViSDI/s640/blogger-image--1816280812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKBpz_mwIeIpyIay4oONQg9rbg12kFDMNNpBd7fO7n77-QXYedcMrZ0nE8qtG6QAt1pwHwJLo8CmlfzjdHNFsZE6hYjGcuJlqdan_vCYvmgCgwdNs5wCvC_N79yPYphjqkNGYNEK3g6c/s640/blogger-image--829319371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKBpz_mwIeIpyIay4oONQg9rbg12kFDMNNpBd7fO7n77-QXYedcMrZ0nE8qtG6QAt1pwHwJLo8CmlfzjdHNFsZE6hYjGcuJlqdan_vCYvmgCgwdNs5wCvC_N79yPYphjqkNGYNEK3g6c/s640/blogger-image--829319371.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now even the <a href="http://www.it3.mtr.com.hk/b2c/frmScheduleGuangdong.asp?strLang=Eng">local trains</a> have come a long way from what I heard they used to be (picture the film Ghandi for imperial comparisons. Today, they are clean, cool, efficient and timely. We took one from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and it was nicer than Amtrak. We also rode myriad taxis and hired a car in Beijing, which was reasonably cheap by US standards, but a luxurious way to hit three spots in one day, with two kids and a preggers mom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwwSCP5roGH2NVmc3VDK0OG0PFlgD_xzSigylF9BB0zXtAZeMXsjTGcHoA9kQVxecajxWrdPjTYLLbd_TfRSiSCgfypyWxG_jX7SDoQADNULV9Q8sm-k-GQVj_J6A8VuaWXvNI7Z8xU8/s640/blogger-image-1637463948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwwSCP5roGH2NVmc3VDK0OG0PFlgD_xzSigylF9BB0zXtAZeMXsjTGcHoA9kQVxecajxWrdPjTYLLbd_TfRSiSCgfypyWxG_jX7SDoQADNULV9Q8sm-k-GQVj_J6A8VuaWXvNI7Z8xU8/s640/blogger-image-1637463948.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But the biggest surprise was the extensive subway systems in every city. While incredibly crowded, they were very easy to navigate. And they were less than a dollar a ride everywhere, $0.30 in <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/transportation/subway.htm">Beijing</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOaWQ6IjSMP3F9XtQf7_Pl8J2myaGEADLx8VdhtwGhsNFA4l9nu2FWjpqDDIBuBbR_u1GVlJPqw3tDQfzyAVyU3PWgV8C09hqKisytcaBGPOi8jTMYJFsCHRnIZqZ0WdnPXZZ2sViSDI/s640/blogger-image--1816280812.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I suppose we could have tried the camel rides, rented the motorbikes, or that motorboat at the Summer Palace, but I think we mounted enough forms of fun. So if you make it here, know that the transit options are extensive, enticing and enjoyable for kids and parents alike. We have a lot to learn in the good ole USA. </span>your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-45627547364616718322014-07-16T03:16:00.001-04:002014-07-17T16:53:46.205-04:00The Ming's Great Wall; Beijing, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mZ7fBDTEpHA_A1htNfGrLYiOkf5OR4mUoFTQaHSgUmpe5i0-Emd9i4wwe5HmMAkl8YZzGtNvZHAQ2KyLe76nTDyTF4ikDbcZO-lpmWgE2LxDrMjDaNr0oBwBe8VJfEbXisas6pvDCE8/s640/blogger-image-1712801858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mZ7fBDTEpHA_A1htNfGrLYiOkf5OR4mUoFTQaHSgUmpe5i0-Emd9i4wwe5HmMAkl8YZzGtNvZHAQ2KyLe76nTDyTF4ikDbcZO-lpmWgE2LxDrMjDaNr0oBwBe8VJfEbXisas6pvDCE8/s640/blogger-image-1712801858.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mutianyu+Great+Wall/@40.4298,116.5684,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x35f12505932889f7:0x396eaaf057fc57e7!2sMutianyu+Great+Wall!3m1!1s0x35f12505932889f7:0x396eaaf057fc57e7">The Great Wall and the Ming Tombs</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mutianyu+Great+Wall/@40.4298,116.5684,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x35f12505932889f7:0x396eaaf057fc57e7!2sMutianyu+Great+Wall!3m1!1s0x35f12505932889f7:0x396eaaf057fc57e7"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mutianyu, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">PRC</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Evidently the <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/ming_tomb.htm">Ming emperors</a> were not the only ones interested in keeping put barbarians. This civilization has a long history of walled towns, walled cities and even, evidently walled countries. While the Great Wall may be one of the <a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/history/ancient-wonders/">Seven Wonders of the World</a>, I am much more curious about how they defined their sense of who was "Chinese"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Manchurian dynasty (<a href="http://www.history.com/topics/kublai-khan">Kublai Khan</a> ruling China as an outsider) was particularly difficult to explain to the kids. Sydney and Liji were much more interested in how the wall served to keep put invaders. They planned all sorts of defenses against the Mongolians. Almost as interested as they were in the differences between "<a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/sacred-way.htm">kneeling" and "standing" lions, dragons, camels and elephants</a> at the nearby Ming tombs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was another suprisingly "California summer day" as our hotel manager described it; clear blue sky, <a href="http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/aqirecent3.html">no pollution</a>, really hot but not humid like the south. It made for a hot but not daunting hike across the wall on the peaks of these stunning mountains a mere sixty miles from Beijing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BrzfUSyX97-3dG7XWtRkgW3lVXhO4imXbmMtpS5Nfwk5wAGgOqXeTdqkkdt2ZqqkQL6x9NKldKdNHroyhNnJ4_A0vNlq9aqIx301kdgoWfT37ZhLPjLUoT45bXltPH0hYkH0EyZCZX0/s640/blogger-image--999146021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BrzfUSyX97-3dG7XWtRkgW3lVXhO4imXbmMtpS5Nfwk5wAGgOqXeTdqkkdt2ZqqkQL6x9NKldKdNHroyhNnJ4_A0vNlq9aqIx301kdgoWfT37ZhLPjLUoT45bXltPH0hYkH0EyZCZX0/s640/blogger-image--999146021.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The gondola ride down was a relief from the heat, but also a stark reminder of the challenges for both the Ming era builders (500,000 died building these walls) and their northern invaders in taking on this glorious, rugged landscape. </span><br />
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<br />your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2264441614694547486.post-57044546671546154792014-07-05T03:19:00.002-04:002014-07-17T16:53:46.215-04:00Intro to Buddhism; Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, PRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.plm.org.hk/eng/visitors.php">Po Lin Monastery</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-US&espv=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&cid=3935677428691353630&q=po+lin+monastery&sa=X&ei=haW3U82-AtLl8AXVpoDIBw&ved=0CCoQ_BI">Lantau Island</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-US&espv=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&cid=3935677428691353630&q=po+lin+monastery&sa=X&ei=haW3U82-AtLl8AXVpoDIBw&ved=0CCoQ_BI">Hong Kong, PRC</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Over the years the boys have had as much exposure to other religions as we could fit in; from explaining Christmas decorations to hijabs, we do our best. Thankfully today we had Uncle Lon along for the ride. Raised in a Buddhist family in northern Thailand and having spent some time in a monastary, he brings a whole new (and extremely valuable) perspective to our very western children. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What little the boys know of the Buddha (no, not yoda, as Liji commonly refers to him) is from Chinese menus. You see Liji and I posing in front of the General who shares the sign of the <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/rat.htm">rat</a> with both of us in the twelve year lunar cycle. So, the <a href="http://www.plm.org.hk/">Tian Tan Big Buddha</a> was excellent exposure. As they hiked up the hill to one of the tallest peaks in Hong. Kong, Lon schooled them on the Buddha.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mommy and I of course were more than happy to support this habit if it meant eating wonderful vegetarian Cantonese in the Po Lin Monastary at the base of the hill. The boys again were willing to dig into new delights, including cool new mushrooms, lotus root and lemon tofu (ok the taro root wasn't a big hit, but they tried it!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One of the many highlights of the trip was the twenty five minute cable car ride from the subway station. As we soared above the cliffs, waterfalls and short "broccoli" trees of this mainly rural island we all reveled in what a contrast the many islands of Hong Kong provide. </span></div>
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your source for blogging adventures for dads and momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13256162170774317291noreply@blogger.com1Hong Kong Hong Kong22.278081 114.176707