I just (well, two weeks ago) returned from a 3 week trip through Cambodia. It was awesome!
The last two weeks I've spent with friends in The Hague, arrived home today.
I'm now sorting out my Cambodia pictures. Be prepared for some Ankor Wat!
I thought other people might like the where-am-I-map on the left I blogged about.
I had the application submitted (a friend helped me out, somehow cuddly sheep seem not to be recognized as application developers) at Yahoo!'s application gallery.
Have a look at: http://gallery.yahoo.com/apps/15419.
Don't forget to rate the application ;-)
If you use it on your blog or site, please let me know. I'm curious. And feel free to link to this blog.
Last Saturday I've returned from a brilliant journey through Cambodja. Really awesome.
But the visitors of this blog had no way to see easily where I'm currently around the globe. That's why I've done some sheepish hacking with Yahoo! Maps and some other tools.
The result can be seen permanently in the left sidebar. The map displays my photo :-) You can zoom in and out and drag the map around. From now on it's easy for me to update where I am.
I hope you like this gadget!
From 16 till 21 August 2007 I went to Copenhagen in Denmark. The weather was cold, but I had plenty of sun already this year.
I went there to visit some friends. Of course I did a bit of wandering around. Not much though.
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
This statue of the Little Mermaid sits on a rock in the Copenhagen harbour in Churchill Park. This small and unimposing statue is a symbol of Copenhagen, and a major tourist attraction.
The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, after he had been fascinated by a ballet about the fairytale. The sculptor Edward Eriksen created the statue, which was unveiled on 23 August 1913. He used his wife Eline Eriksen as the model.
And of course I, Youssouf, had to have my picture taken with this small but beautiful landmark. Here I am, with the statue in the back.
I had to stare at her for minutes. I did not really get her attention.
It's been a bit quiet lately. I've been working on some interesting Bleatology papers. Nothing to share here.
Anyways. More exciting: I'm now on my way to Copenhagen in Denmark :-)
So, pictures will be coming up soon.
The second day of my Rome trip, I went to the Vatican. It seemed the pope was not home, or not giving audience to sheep somehow. I know I'm not a Agnus Dei, just a normal Agnus. So it was obvious I could not see him.
But I saw the Saint Peter's Square, the Saint Peter Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the tombs. And lone lines of people standing in the hot sun waiting to enter the basilica, museums, crypts. Well. Very crowded.
But also very beautiful and impressive. I would not want to miss this!
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
I loved the Vatican museum, well actually museums. There are just short of a dozen of museums out there. Actually a bit too much to see. Hundreds of statues, fresco's, religious artefacts.. It's not easy to have full attention for all of them. Of course the Sistine Chapel was amazing.
No Youssouf on this photo. I think I'm on a photo with a sculpture from the same artist in Milan. Have a look at that photo.
I did not see the pope. But I had the most lovely sunny weather looking out over the square where all the people can sit on Sundays. The Saint Peter's Basilica is beautiful.
For more info see Saint Peter's Square on Wikipedia.
After some really ancient Roman sights, I headed for just as impressive, but more modern spots. There's too much to see in Rome. I just love it!
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
Youssouf at the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II
The Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II) or Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) or "Il Vittoriano" is a monument to honour Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. It is located in Rome, Italy. It occupies a site between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill. The monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1895. It was inaugurated in 1911 and completed in 1925.
See for more info Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II at Wikipedia.
The Trevi Fountain. One of the most famous - and most elaborately carved - fountains in the world. I did not toss a coin in the fountain. I did that before in 2004 and this was my return to Rome already! The legend says: toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain and you'll see Rome again.
For more info see Trevi Fountain at Wikipedia.
I stayed almost 3 weeks on Elba, so there was plenty of time for another excursion. Two days Rome!
I have been to Rome in December 2004.
The coin in the Trevi fountain worked! I was back. This time for a bigger tour.
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
Who doesn't know the Collosseum? One of the new seven world wonders. And Youssouf was there.
For more info see The Collosseum on Wikipedia.
The inside of the Collosseum. Mighty impressive!
The arena itself was 83 metres by 48 metres (272 ft by 157 ft / 280 by 163 Roman feet).[2] It comprised a wooden floor covered by sand (the Latin word for sand is harena or arena), covering an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum (literally meaning "underground"). Little now remains of the original arena floor, but the hypogeum is still clearly visible. It consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. Eighty vertical shafts provided instant access to the arena for caged animals and scenery pieces concealed underneath; larger hinged platforms, called hegmata, provided access for elephants and the like. It was restructured on numerous occasions; at least twelve different phases of construction can be seen.
For more info see The Collosseum on Wikipedia.
I did not see ancient Romans somehow. But their Forum was still there. Covered with old buildings, ruins and temples.
For more info see Roman Forum on Wikipedia.
The 1st till the 16th of August 2006 I went to the island of Elba, Italy. The island is reknown for the period that Napoleon Bonaparte lived there in exile. I made a one day trip to Florence and a two day trip to Rome. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of me on Elba itself.
The daytrip to Florence was really excellent. So many renaissance buildings, really too much to see. Awesome!
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
On the other side of the river you can have an excellent view of the medieval Florence.
At the Piazza della Signoria is a replica of Michelangelo's famous colossal statue David. It's right in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. An excellent masterpiece of Renaissance art.
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral church (Duomo) of Florence, Italy. The basilica is notable for its dome designed by Brunelleschi its exterior facing of polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white.
From 14 till 17 September 2005 I went for a short trip to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. They are vulcanic islands off the African coast of Morocco. Great sunny weather. I did not see much of the island, since I was only relaxing a bit.
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
Here I am, just climbing up a bush for the fun of it. You do strange things after 4 days of relaxing and partying on Tenerife.
The last day in the Ardennes. A lovely sunny morning, only spoiled by a little raindrop in the afternoon. Relaxing in the garden.
And oooh, I love being carressed and tickeled!
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
19 May we went kayaking in the river Amblève and started at Coo. I was so excited and a bit scared, since I'm not a good swimmer.
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
We went for an afternoon of kayaking in the river Amblève in the Belgian Ardennes. We started at Coo. Here you see me at the waterfalls of Coo. The starting point of our wet kayaking tour.
We were about to start our kayaking trip. I was excited and had to go, but I could not hear the others, since the waterfalls behind me were making too much noise.
Fortunately they did not forget to take me with them.
Half way kayaking on the Amblève river we stopped. One of the kayaks turned over, so it was filled with water. While one of my friends was struggling with his kayak, I climbed up the shore and up a tree to have an overview of the kayaks passing by.
I was helping my friend a bit with turning over his kayak to get rid of all the water that was inside. I think he appreciated my efforts, though I did not contribute much. At least I kept dry feet. He did not.
At last.. After some hours of paddling we made it to the bridge where we had to get off. I still had dry feet. Here you can see all the kayaks of our group.
It was great fun! Not too much splashing around though..
I was a bit tired and felt my fluffy muscles after kayaking for a few hours. But I enjoyed it! Hence the big smile. Always a big adventure for a little sheep.
After the hiking and walking through the High Fens, we thought we'd deserve a nice barbeque. So that's what we did that night.
We had a big garden near the house we rented in Xhiermont, Stoumont. We were on top of the hill, so you could see all the green forests and farmlands on the surrounding hills. And again no rain!
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
I was excited and waiting for the barbecue. They've put up a little chair with pillow just for me. At the end of the table. I'm a bit to small to carry all the food and charcoal around, so I did not have to help the others. I really enjoyed it!
That night we were having a barbeque. They managed to get me a chair with pillow in almost my size. Nice and comfortable! The barbeque was great as well. See me sitting there, happily smiling...
Friday 18 May - still on my long weekend in the Belgian Ardennes - I decided to go to the Hautes Farnes, the High Fens of Polêur. A beautiful nature resure with the spongy, acidious wet fens on top of the hills. Beautiful landscape. I loved it.
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
Before I walked over the High Fens, I encountered a couple of beautiful oldtimers at the parking place. I had to polish the hood a bit.
Zoom in a bit on me at the hood of the oldtimer
The High Fens are very wet. And very typical plants grow there. What kind? The kind that sits quite comfortably. But you'll have to be careful with flapsing around too much. You'll get wet feet.
Yes, this is where they used to dig out peat. The Dutch call it 'turf'. Anyways. The weather was lovely.
If you build a path here, it won't last. The ground is too wet. So they just drove some poles into the ground and made a path from timber on top of it. Looks nice and keeps your paws dry.
Well, I did not intend to fall into the water. Luckily I kept my paws dry.
Nice view when you climb the hill on the edge of the 'Hautes Fagnes'.
You haven't heart much of me recently. Besides flapsing around, I thought I'd imitate Youssouf and go on a trip of myself as well. Youssouf was on his way to Ohio, so I went a bit closer. One country ahead: Belgium. From 17 till 20 May I stayed in Xhierfomont, part of Stoumont in the Belgian Ardennes. It's not far from Spa - I even passed it. And of course Spa is world famous. All the spa's in the world are named after it.
It's always green - and rainy - out there. Great nature, forests, fens and water. I liked it! Luckily we had quite some sun as well.
The first day I went hiking near the house I stayed in. Up and down the hills, getting stuck by the river (the path ended) and then climbing up the hills again without a round. Quite an adventure for a flapping sheep!
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
That's the Belgian Ardennes: a lot of water, lots of rain. Beautiful green hilled landscape. And hiking paths that end in a river. So I had to find another route.
This small spruce was so lovely that I had to climb in it. Dunno why. I just flapsed and there I was.
High humidity, a lot of moisture and rain. Ideal climate for a lot of fluffy moss. And fluffy I love.
Last Sunday, the 10th, I arrived back home after 3 weeks in Athens, Ohio in The States. You'll be seeing some pics of that trip soon. Unfortunately I was working hard on my Bleatology research, so I did not take many photo's.
On Tuesday I went to this great place called Casa Pata. It's a traditional restaurant, great interior and excellent tapas. They also have a really famous traditional Flamenco show. I loved it! Excellent guitar players, singers and of course dancers. The star of the show, flamenco dancer Rosa Jiménez, even allowed me to have my picture taken with her.
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
- Koekje (cuddly sheep / friend of Youssouf)
Here I am again, a bit more close-up. Look at those nice cast-iron balconies and the colours! Luckily I'm not under construction, but on top of it. Sort of.
There I was. In front of Casa Patas, a restaurant and famous flamenco club. Each night they have a live performance. The line up of that evening:
Dancers: Primitivo Daza, Miguel Cañas and Rosa Jiménez.
Singers: Pepe Jiménez, José 'El Flaco', Pedro Jiménez.
Guitar: Jesus Losada and Victor 'El Tomate'.
They were all great artists and singing, playing and dancing with great skill, passion and explosive energy. I loved it!
I was just looking down the street and grasping the atmosphere of the evening breeze and the late sun.
At Casa Patas there was a traditional flamenco show. All Spanish people, so you know it's the genuine thing. With great fire, energy and passion the 3 singers, 2 guitar players and 3 dancers gave an excellent performance. Afterwards I went backstage and met dancer Rosa Jiménez. She was very friendly and allowed me to have our photo taken.
I'm Koekje, a friend of Youssouf. From Monday 4 till Wednessday 6 June 2007 I was in Madrid, Spain. I left home, Utrecht, The Netherlands on Monday and headed for Schiphol Airport. I went to Madrid for business purposes. I haven't done much sightseeing unfortunately. On Tuesday I went to this great place called Casa Pata. It's a traditional restaurant, great interior and excellent tapas. They also have a really famous traditional Flamenco show. I tell you more about that tomorrow.
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
- Koekje (cuddly sheep / friend of Youssouf)
Just in front of the gate I was sitting around after a long walk passing all the gates at Schiphol Airport. I was excited to be on my way to Madrid!
I'm just a small cuddly sheep, so I'm impressed by those big planes. Sitting at my departure gate at Schiphol Airport I enjoyed watching all those planes coming in.
Sitting on a container of construction waste in Cañizares street was my way of having a bit more overview. It's the highest point in the street. I love those small streets with their balconies and their colours.
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
After almost three weeks in Belize, Honduras and Guatemala I flew back from Guatemala City to Houston and from Houston (USA) on to Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and then by train back home. Here you see me in the underground inter-terminal passenger train, going to my departure terminal at George Bush International Airport in Houston.
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
After visiting Chichicastenango for it's Maya market on Sunday, the previous day, I continued my trip to Panajachel at the shores of Lago de Atítlan. Lago de Atítlan is a large lake in a volcanic crater, surrounded by three volcano's. Especially in the morning the view is beautiful. Tranquil blue water, blue skies and the volcano's as a gentle shadow at the horizons. On Monday I rented a boat for a trip around Lago de Atítlan. I went from Panajachel to Santiago Atítlan, where I met Maya god Maximón. Then on to San Antonio Palopo for looking at how the coulourful cloths the Maya's are wearing traditionally are made. And on to Santa Catarina Palopo for just a bit of looking around. It's a different world out there!
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
Legend:
Red = travel by bus
Green = travel by boat
Pink = travel by plane
Yellow = Daytrip / excursion (by bus or car)
Yellow with green dotting = Daytrip / excursion by boat
Here I am sitting in the boat.
You can see one volcano in the background.
In San Antonio Palopo I went with a lady to her house. Of course she wore the traditional selfmade colourful clothes. She showed me around in her little house, showing the loom she uses for weaving and all the fabrics she made. It was great to see all of that! I love those colours. Each little town around Lago de Atítlan has its own pattern of fabrics.
Sometimes I just get lucky.
Kissed by a beautiful model - Youssouf at a wedding - Antigua, Guatemala - 14 April 2007.
I was invited to attend a wedding in Antigua. At the end of the party, after some severe dancing, I ran into this girl. This pretty girl turned out to be a Guatemalan model. And she kissed me! I'm still blushing my horns off when I think of it...
To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
I also shot a short video of myself with the glowing lava at the volcano.
Have a look and enjoy it!
The trip continued.. A lot of lava to see and feel. Imagine the heat when you're really close. Or when you just missed one sip of breath when your lungs are filled with volcanic gasses.
To see where these photo's were taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.
This was where the lava flow stopped. The grass still present. The rocks are solid and cold now.
This was where the lava flow stopped. The grass still present. The rocks are solid and cold now.
We were walking up the volcano to the lava flows. You think the volcanic rock you are walking on is safe and cold.. But suddenly at 5 meters, some dust and rock slid down and you could see the hot melted rock glowing under it. This photo has been taken at 3 meters (10 feet) from the glowing lava.
You can see the lava coming down up ahead. But right next to me, on the right, there is a ditch with flowing lava as well.. Awesome!
This is as close as you can get. I felt like being toasted on a barbeque. The distance was 4 or 5 meters (14 feet) and it was hot.. Luckily my fleece did not get scorched, I did smell some burning rubber from the hot rocks below our feet. It wasn't me. You can't see it, but this lava is still moving and very much alive.
