tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54128879911682527642024-03-14T11:51:13.064-01:00Sarf's TravelsA Tale of my life in Iceland, from the point of view of a Canadian.<br>
Pics at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/ ">Flicker photos</a>Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-4844825012355497852014-03-03T02:52:00.001-01:002014-03-03T02:52:39.370-01:00Dreaming<div class="mbs _5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dreaming of brilliant blue sky over a sea of green forests.<br />Drifting with the warm wind blowing through fields of golden grain.<br />Rays of golden sun drift through puffy white clouds.<br /><br />As I drift along I ponder if the blue I see the same blue you see?<br />Are the warm memory's I have, invoke the same feelings for you?<br />Is what I look and long for the same that you look and long for?<br /><br />The world I see is different from the world you see.<br />Can two people see the world similar enough to want to drift together?<br /><br />Will the wind ever blow us onto the same course?<br />Will I ever know who you are?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Robert Babiak - March 2, 2014</span>Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-39843434482004185982012-11-11T03:32:00.002-01:002012-11-11T03:32:51.427-01:00Im Learning....Well it has been a while, I am most of the way through the first semester, and have gotten second semester planed out.<br />
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Still trying to figure out if I am going to look for a summer job, or go to summer school.<br />
<br />
If I do summer school, then I might be able to shave a year off the program, but I won't have any income over the summer. It is a matter of how fast I burn my savings paying for this, I think I have enough to do the 4 years, But it could be close. I need to get off my but and apply for student loans.<br />
<br />
Classes are going good, and I am actually enjoying English class more than I thought I would. Studying Martian Luther King Jr. essay "A Letter From Birmingham Jair" has inspired me to start writing a novel. I am about 80k words in now and the Urban Fantasy novels should be about 90k - 100k words.<br />
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All told school is appealing to me, and I am doing good grades wise.<br />
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<br />Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-49802339296265891312012-08-04T17:46:00.002+00:002012-08-04T17:46:38.637+00:00The FutureWell I am now moved into my parents basement. I am living the myth, 40 year old in there parents basement. <br />
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The reason, I am taking advantage of the family tradition of living for free while going to school.<br />
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Yep back to university for me in the fall for a Bsci in Computer Science. Paid my tuition yesterday and am prepping a borrowed laptop (thanks Heather and Mike).<br />
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Still waiting to see if i can get advance credit for the intro to computers classes.. If so then I will add a forth class in the 200's other wise it is time to learn how to program again in java.<br />
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Probably going down to Heritage days tomorrow, thank god the city fogged for Mosquito's.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-57713918251308454092012-06-23T23:12:00.002+00:002012-06-23T23:12:21.223+00:00Escape from L.V.Monday i pack the u-haul and move back to Canada. Vegas is cool but VERY F-in hot, if you know what i mean.<br />
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The job just hasn't worked out, and I have needed to change my life. So come fall I am enrolled to go to Uni and do a Bsc in computer science. Not sure if I want to reenter the games industry when I am done or not. At one point it was a dream, but the dream has died and withered. <br />
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As a programmer I just did not have enough creative input into the games. I kept seeing designs that I could see where not fun, but no one would listen. When I put something that I knew was fun, I would catch crap for doing it without asking, and praise since it was so good.<br />
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But if I asked ahead of time I would be told that was dumb, it wears you down after a while. Makes you depressed, and do sloppy work.<br />
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Part of what was wrong with this job in Las Vegas that I know what i know, but lack the theoretical and formal education. My years of experience has surpassed my knowledge, i am expected to know things I have never done before because I have lots of experience. <br />
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So off to get the missing knowledge, and being near family will be nice.<br />
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PS. miss Cara also...Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-47096063340811641762012-04-15T19:29:00.002+00:002012-04-15T20:26:42.256+00:00Long time...<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Wow it has been a while since I posted..</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Yesterday I rented a car and headed out to the hoover dam. Everyone has been telling me that I needed to do the dam tour. </span>Unfortunately<span style="font-size: 100%;"> the dam tour wasn't running because the elevator was broke... :(</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/7078510117/" title="Las Vegas 2012-8135 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/7078510117_43020e95d4_m.jpg" width="131" height="240" alt="Las Vegas 2012-8135" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">So the dam took allot less time that I expected. So i figured out how to get my GPS to find the right red rock canyon (there is one near Reno also) and headed there. It looks like a area i will be going back to a few time. There is </span>allot<span style="font-size: 100%;"> of easy - moderate trails to hike.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Didn't have good foot wear yesterday so I just drove the scenic drive. </span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/7078518001/" title="Las Vegas 2012-8225 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5312/7078518001_e77638b656_m.jpg" width="240" height="103" alt="Las Vegas 2012-8225" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/6932444550/" title="Las Vegas 2012-8268 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/6932444550_98fde2907a_m.jpg" width="240" height="111" alt="Las Vegas 2012-8268" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I have some work to do at work, then I am going to head back to red rock for about 5:00 ish. The park is open until 8:00 pm today, and sunset is about 7:00 pm today :) </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Hopefully get some nice sunset photos, and a bit of hiking prior to that to see the petro glyphs. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >More pics of what I saw including some nice steel flowers.. and a few pics of my new digs. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div>Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-21876619297879009072012-03-13T12:59:00.002-01:002012-03-13T13:02:47.472-01:00make me home sick.<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Saw this video of Alberta, so many images that I know.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ThFCg0tBDck" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ThFCg0tBDck</a> <div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">I wish I could find the one of Iceland, there are </span>memory<span style="font-size: 100%;"> of both, kinda don't know where home is atm. </span></span></div>Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-14086792388096002582012-01-09T14:18:00.003-01:002012-01-09T14:21:42.486-01:00Vegas baby! VEGAS!Well I am moved to Vegas, the stuff will hopefully be picked up today and arrive some time in the second half of the month. <br /><br />the apartment complex I am living in is allot like a hotel... or at lest it has that feel, a workout room, pool, spa, with a nice view of the mountains. The lot next door is a solar farm so there is a nice view across it to the mountains :)<br /><br />Today is also the first day of work, got the first day jitters. <br /><br />So here is hoping for a good day 1.<br /><br />PS. Photos coming soon(tm)Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-33190714703040321672011-11-26T22:15:00.002-01:002011-11-26T22:18:16.958-01:00So long and thanks for all the fish!Well computer is all packed up, and I am posting this from the iPad. Tommorow i will board a plane for Canada and not be back to Iceland for a few years,mwell maybe for fan fest :)<br /><br />It has be a interesting 4 years and I am going to miss this country, and a lot of people. K, D, and S will be especially missed. The ocean has grower on me, I love it, I even like the wind here, except when it is cold. <br /><br />Iceland I will miss you.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-32629605817418657342011-11-06T16:56:00.002-01:002011-11-06T17:01:22.968-01:00The 20%As most of you know now, CCP had 20% layoffs, I was part of them :( So the chapter of my life spent living in Iceland will be coming to a close. <br /><br />I am going to miss living here, there was something about living in Iceland that resonated with my being. Even the blowing rain sideways could not make me dislike living here. Sure it was not all roses and butterfly's, but the ruggedness of the country appealed to me. <br /><br />AS of the 27th I will be flying out of here, probably not to return for many years, but I will come back at some point, there is still more of Iceland that I want to see. <br /><br />I am going to miss the fireworks at new years, the crystal blue sky that goes on forever during the summer. The moss covered fields and rugged piles of dirt they call mountains... :P<br /><br />I will be leaving behind a group of wonderful co-workers and a few good friends that I will miss dearly. <br /><br />Every door closes eventually, but the future could be even more exciting.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-14108818852187696642011-07-30T19:41:00.004+00:002011-07-30T20:06:13.786+00:00Went Down under...Well not Australia, but underground. On Friday Kenny, Diana, Stuart and I went on a cave spelunking tour. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991043689/" title="caveing-7331 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5991043689_2c79b70a36_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="caveing-7331"></a><br /><br />This isn't the entrance, the entrance is this small hole that you need to drop through, my t-shirt and jacket where riding up around my armpits when I got down. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991041247/" title="caveing-7329 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5991041247_0dd7da6938_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="caveing-7329"></a><br /><br />The first room is the ice room, during the winter the whole room covers in ice and icicles, now only another kilometer to go to the other end...<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991045255/" title="caveing-7332 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5991045255_b37ac86c3b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="caveing-7332"></a><br /><br />I had expected something like walking along a cobble stone street when I think of lava tubes, this was nothing like that! This was scrambling over lose shifting rocks from the size of a baseball, up to a small piano in size. You had to test every footstep before going. And to top it off I had a flashlight that kept flickering off. <br /><br />About 600m in I felt like I was at the limit of my endurance, I was taking longer to recover each time I stopped and was stopping more often, to top it off I slipped and landed on my ankle and it HURT! ALLOT!!! Had to sit that one for a bit. <br /><br />The problem with sitting is that you get hot moving, but when you sit you get cold fast, it is only about 6C in that part of the cave. So you cooled down fast! No matter how tired you where you got up and kept moving to stay warm. <br /><br />We came across many interesting rock formations, I didn't dig the camera out for each of them, but we saw ledges like in Indiana Jones movies, we sat rock that had dripped down the side of the cave, we saw puddles of rock that had cracked clean through and we saw this where the rock had cooled while dripping from the ceiling.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991605956/" title="caveing-7340 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5991605956_6d41dd78ed_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="caveing-7340"></a><br /><br />We got past the 700m of rock scrambling and hit the lava tube, this part went smooth as it really was as smooth as a cobble stone street. <br /><br />Saw a 15m deep lava pit, didn't take a picture of it, looks like a hole in the ground. We had lunch at the lava pit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991052443/" title="caveing-7343 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5991052443_26bcc24912_m.jpg" width="240" height="155" alt="caveing-7343"></a><br /><br />Then we realized we would have to do it all again to get back out..<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5991609108/" title="At the end by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5991609108_3592bcf004_m.jpg" width="240" height="162" alt="At the end"></a><br /><br />The return trip went faster, I think as we knew what to expect. And made it back fairly quick, at least it seemed faster. Our guide I swear could teleport! I would be looking for a footing and he would be behind me by a few meters, then I would look up and he would be 10 meters in front of me... On the way back I think I figured out part of what he was doing. It seemed like the trick was to plan a half dozen steps ahead of time, then go, let your momentum carry you from one rock to the next and the next... He would stop and look then move across the tops of the rocks. He obviously didn't have a bum ankle like me, I tried what he was doing but my ankle would scream and I would falter.. I did get along better and if I pushed through the pain knowing that the next step would re-leave the pain I got along good. <br /><br />We got back to the entrance and scrambling out that hole was challenging, we where then presented with the walk back to the van, that was another half hour walk in a traditional side-ways rain storm with a touch of hail added. <br /><br />All toll it was not enjoyable but well worth the time and pain spent to see the lava tube, once I have recovered I will have fond memory of the trip.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-58050383546472876822011-06-21T08:15:00.001+00:002011-06-21T08:16:16.177+00:00Its the longest day of the year...Welcome to the longest day of the year, and we have nice sunny weather here today..Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-35046535139163104982011-05-04T09:18:00.002+00:002011-05-04T09:29:19.816+00:00A wee walk, and climbing on fairy homesI started the morning with a walk up to the towner on the hill, the group wasn't getting going until 9:00 am so I had lots of time.. <br /><br />The path had this neat anti-rockfall mesh, like giant chain-mail. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661469787/" title="Scotland-6700 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5661469787_c0ffce434c_m.jpg" width="240" height="198" alt="Scotland-6700"></a><br /><br />the tower was kinda small, but neat to look from <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661474665/" title="Scotland-6708 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5661474665_b2b5506e8a_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Scotland-6708"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5662043702/" title="Scotland-6720 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5662043702_e8b6941331_m.jpg" width="240" height="127" alt="Scotland-6720"></a><br /><br />We then got together and headed for the river Leith(sp?) where it is told is the tears from a Scottish giant maiden that was crying over her lost love that went to Ireland. The legend goes that those who put there face into the river will have beauty for the rest of there lives. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5662052356/" title="Scotland-6740 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5662052356_17dacc1258_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="Scotland-6740"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5662053082/" title="Scotland-6744 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5662053082_b2d678eaa4_m.jpg" width="240" height="205" alt="Scotland-6744"></a><br /><br />We then went to a light house on tip of the isle of Skye and had to walk down, and up and down the hills to get there. Lots of UP :(<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661519133/" title="Scotland-6786 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5661519133_7ceff2ecda_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="Scotland-6786"></a><br /><br />Then we headed to the Fairy glen and climbed on there home. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661552363/" title="Scotland-6838 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5661552363_24391f84b9_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="Scotland-6838"></a><br />It is said that stacking the rocks and leaving tokens for the Fairy will bring you luck, so I left a 50Isk coin on the rocks.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661564021/" title="Scotland-6847 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5661564021_68cf1ede1d_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="Scotland-6847"></a><br /><br />The next day we where on our way to Inverness, Castle Dun Vegan, and loc Ness.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-37316983502508531132011-04-30T16:55:00.002+00:002011-04-30T17:08:13.954+00:00A wee trip to the higlandsWell day two we left early and headed to Pourtree, a Town on the isle of Skye. We took the ferry across so had to be there by 5:30 to ensure we made the 6:00 ferry (the last of the day)<br /><br />Our first rest break was a Hamish the Highland Coo..<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661390973/" title="Scotland-6482 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5661390973_3fd6a8f3d3_m.jpg" width="240" height="147" alt="Scotland-6482"></a><br /><br />There was also a loom set up there on how they weave tartans. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661386461/" title="Scotland-6476 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5661386461_398456a7e7_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Scotland-6476"></a><br /><br />We stopped at the Onich hotel for lunch, Had a good lunch and had some time to walk on the beach. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661403391/" title="Scotland-6540 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5661403391_3a70999251_m.jpg" width="240" height="158" alt="Scotland-6540"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661978554/" title="Scotland-6560 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5661978554_4beb2eeacd_m.jpg" width="240" height="142" alt="Scotland-6560"></a><br /><br />Then we where back on the road again and our next stop was the Harry Potter Bridge :) It was in the first movie as the Hogwarts train steamed across the bridge. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661991608/" title="Scotland-6598 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5661991608_e1b282e4fa_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Scotland-6598"></a><br /><br />It is also known as the glen Finn-en monument<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661437127/" title="Scotland-6608 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5661437127_4b43edd4a6_m.jpg" width="168" height="240" alt="Scotland-6608"></a><br /><br />Any who.. we made the ferry at 4:30 so caught the 5:00 one so where where ahead of schedule. There was a cool statue on the docks that we saw as we set sail. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661448655/" title="Scotland-6643 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5661448655_78906202e4_m.jpg" width="214" height="240" alt="Scotland-6643"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661451711/" title="Scotland-6650 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5661451711_4a0b96c0ba_m.jpg" width="240" height="151" alt="Scotland-6650"></a><br /><br />We got to Pourtree early and got set up in hostels, B&B and hotels and then wandered for dinner. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5662028550/" title="Scotland-6676 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5662028550_697fd89317_m.jpg" width="240" height="98" alt="Scotland-6676"></a><br /><br />After i wen't to bed i flipped on the TV and was watching the movie "The brides made' at one point in the movie they are in Scotland and they all hop in the range rovers and head to the pub. And there was a shot of the cars going along the docks to the pub. So look at the above picture and picture a line of ranger rovers driving past the buildings.. It was cool, I was there...)<br /><br />For the record the pink one is not a pub as the movie shows it, but a hotel. <br /><br />Anyway end of day two, i start the morning with a walk up to the tower you can see above the hostel.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-39438509006666753952011-04-27T19:51:00.002+00:002011-04-27T20:08:14.884+00:00Scotland and a wee birthday.Well i went to Scotland for Easter, flew into Glasgow and took the train to Edinburgh. That night I wandered around the Nelson Monument. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661863428/" title="Scotland-6156 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5661863428_0bc0fd1bba_m.jpg" width="158" height="240" alt="Scotland-6156"></a><br /><br />Then wandered over to the royal mile and had dinner at a nice Italian registrant. <br /><br />The next day was my free day, started the morning at 9:30 am opening of the castle. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661883238/" title="Scotland-6240 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5661883238_8d831da510_m.jpg" width="167" height="240" alt="Scotland-6240"></a><br /><br />I totally lucked out, they where doing a 21 gun salute for the queens official birthday. But first I did the free guided tour of the castle, learned a lot about the castle and it's surrounds, went in and saw the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Destiny... More on the stone later :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661324811/" title="Scotland-6260 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5661324811_1db5f543df_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="Scotland-6260"></a><br /><br />The sky was overcast but so bright it washed out most of the sky on my photos, it was kind of annoying, and neat. It was like having a large overhead fill flash..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661336103/" title="Scotland-6295 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5661336103_b8588e6d37_m.jpg" width="200" height="240" alt="Scotland-6295"></a><br /><br />Anyway I stayed around for the noon salute and watched them fire the guns :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661337901/" title="Scotland-6340 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5661337901_c4996a332f_m.jpg" width="240" height="96" alt="Scotland-6340"></a><br /><br />After that I walked over to the botanical gardens, it was a long walk, and the weather was warmer than it looked. Stopped for pizza along the way and then toured the gardens. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661368569/" title="Scotland-6430 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5661368569_39f7eecaaf_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="Scotland-6430"></a><br /><br />Went on the hot house tour, and that was cool, there was also a science center set up and that had some really interesting things. The gardens weren't in bloom yet, but there was the odd bloom, and lots of planting and work going on. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbabiak/5661359125/" title="Scotland-6417 by robert babiak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5661359125_357b76aa55_m.jpg" width="240" height="235" alt="Scotland-6417"></a><br /><br />Anyway after that I walked back to the hotel and put in a really early wake up call. The next day was the start of the tour to the isle of Skye. Had to be at the bus stop at 8:30 am.. Good thing there was a hour time zone change, it made the wake up call that never came pointless...Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-27911556446918972152011-04-21T16:07:00.000+00:002011-04-21T16:08:16.833+00:00Sore feetStarted at the castle at 9:30 and the at noon headed to bot botanical guarden.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-6335097968351328562011-04-20T06:26:00.001+00:002011-04-20T06:27:47.262+00:00Scotlandi ho...Well sitting in the airport waiting to board my flight to glass glow.. Then I will take a train to edundbrough and then a bus tour of thenisle of sky.<br />More posts to followSarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-3809463045486793182011-03-27T22:46:00.002+00:002011-03-27T22:49:30.610+00:00News, get your News hereWell I have a bunch of pictures used by a e-zine that I took at fan fest. <br /><a href="http://dome.fi/pelit/artikkelit/pelit/eve-online-fanfest-2011-eve-is-real">Eve is real!</a><br /><br />But before you go to read it... I should let you know it is in finish!<br /><br />But my name is down there at the bottom. I put my pictures up under the creative commons non commercial use, but for this one I said they could use with accreditation.<br /><br />I am bouncing on the inside..Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-10496475578236766602011-02-11T18:47:00.002-01:002011-02-12T21:58:58.337-01:00The Beast!It came in the Night<br />It's howl starting as a soft and soothing moan.<br /><br />As it came closer it's anger began to be heard.<br />It's howl becoming a shrieking,<br />soon it's bellows rattled doors and windows.<br /><br />It's spittle sheeting across the windows. <br />Dripping through the cracks, drip, drip drip.<br /><br />Then it's claws began to pelt the windows non stop.<br />rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, faster and faster until<br />it was a continuous sound that almost drowned out it's roar.<br /><br />Sleep was impossible, huddling in bed against the memory <br />of cold that it's howling, beating sounds invoked. <br /><br />The only good thing about the rain is it got rid of the snow...<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Edit: The <a href="http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2011/02/11/severe-storm-hits-iceland/ ">news</a> said 30m/s winds with gusts to 55M/s...Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-81236853315590254432011-02-04T18:00:00.003-01:002011-02-04T18:01:28.710-01:00cool video of landing in LA<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="320" height="195" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0ac0bXkxM3E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-52372528333137517642011-01-23T14:30:00.002-01:002011-01-23T14:35:33.461-01:00good bookI don't get as much time as I used to to sit in bed and spend the day reading as I used to. But i did today and finished a wonder full book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Falls-ebook/dp/B003HHQ12Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295796617&sr=8-2">Mercury Falls</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Kroese/e/B003PEDI66/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Robert Kroese</a> has written a wonderful tale about the apocalypse. If you are a fan of Douglas Adams then you will love this nonsensical and whimsical book of the dealing of angles and how some people just don't get it.<br /><br />Well here is my attempt to publicize a book I enjoyed.. Hope you are tempted to pick it up and read it, warning though it will leave your brain in a twisted mess of spaghetti. It is not as bad as Hitch hikers guide, but comes close at times...<br /><br />Enjoy.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-19156591327329273092011-01-17T07:00:00.002-01:002011-01-17T07:00:47.792-01:00SnowWe had one inch of snow last night, Guess what we are all still at work,a nd the city hasn't shut down..<br /><br />Ha take that Atlanta!Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-21065495513513968482011-01-13T12:26:00.002-01:002011-01-13T12:27:41.705-01:00Drunk scientis<a href="http://io9.com/5731129/drunken-scientists-pour-alcohol-on-superconductors-and-make-an-incredible-discovery">Drunk scientist make better super conductors</a><br /><br />Proves to you that some things are just better with wine.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-36551495289515727922011-01-09T08:22:00.002-01:002011-01-09T08:26:50.633-01:00home againWell X-mass with the family was good, got to ce nieces have grown up. Cara has become a small person that knows 3 words, Saide(sp?) has become a wonderful little girl! She has a smile that lights up a room, and she likes to pose for photos (this is a rare trait in our family)!<br /><br />Did the loot day thing, and the big family boxing day dinner, spent a bunch of time connecting with Friends, missed one we played telephone tag the whole trip. <br /><br />Glad the flights are done, sad that vacation is done. Now need to stay awake for another 12 hours and do a crash conversion to Iceland time in time for work tomorrow morning. <br /><br />Going to call some friends and see if they will help keep me awake, Probably go swimming, the cold water and exercise should help and maybe play Santa today.Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-29930586428732805672010-12-15T07:42:00.001-01:002010-12-15T07:43:26.596-01:00two more sleeps till i flybounce, bounce, oh wait 12+ hours in airports.. sigh, oh well, bounce, bounce...<br /><br />:)Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5412887991168252764.post-49485721018111973002010-11-03T16:29:00.000-01:002010-11-03T16:30:33.645-01:00and Let it snow, let it snow.yep it is snowing in Iceland. <br /><br />This is not as common as most people think... and my parents are off in Australia where it is nice and warm, being summer there...Sarf's Travels.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08434388382906484265noreply@blogger.com0