After much consideration and a great deal of research, I've decided to make the leap and purchase a new camera. I bought the Olympus E-510, double lens kit. Luckily, I managed to get a good deal with Best Buy and received double Reward points with the purchase of the camera and three accessories. To complete the set, I grabbed an extra battery, a camera bag, and a 2 gig ultra fast memory card. Here are some samples, taken around my house at Virginia.
WOW! What an honor!
Thank you for your recommendations. Look for another update soon as I venture to Wilhelma, one of Europe's most beautiful zoos! Please continue to leave your comments, I love to hear from you.
Thanks again!
Jackie
The sun decided to come out for me a little this morning after a week of rain, so I thought I'd stroll through Killesberg Park. I started out from the house and walked ten minutes through a small, hidden path that takes you to the park.
The park is located directly behind the Killesberg Messe, which is used as a place for exhibitions for large audiences. The Ubahn is located here as well in case anyone prefers to use public transportation. I went the back way and visited the animals first. The animal area is quiet and calm, in comparison to most zoo attractions. You can feed and pet the animals through the wooden fence, and there is a variety to see; donkeys, ponies, goats, llamas, and pigs. Nearby, there is a quiet lake with flamingos,and ducks that enjoy bathing around the fountain.
(this tree is my favorite in the whole park)
I had an instant connection with two of the animals. The first was the white goat. I was wearing a green t-shirt, so maybe he just thought I looked like food and decided to approach me. The other was a pony named Jana (pronounced "Yana"). I fed her some grass and rubbed her nose for a few minutes. When I started to leave, she began to follow me around the fence. She had a very peaceful look about her, but I imagine she just wanted some company.
(Jana)
I passed a small playground for kids that had a zipwire line. It was tempting not to try it out for myself, but I figured I wouldn't interrupt the long line of kids anxiously waiting to ride it. You sit down on a circle tied to a rope and then leap off the edge. When you hit the end of the line, it jerks you hard in the other direction and you start to slide back towards the starting point. Two people decided to go at the same time in this photo.
The park is known for its beautiful gardens. In September, you can actually come and take some of the flowers home with you. (Don't quote me, I heard through someone else. However, the local newspaper will usually have a statement about this in case you're interested.)
I decided to drop three euros on some lunch and ordered a plate of currywurst. It was fast and quick, and I was able to enjoy a nice view of the garden area as I ate.
After lunch, I thought it was time to climb the tower for a better view of the park. This is a really cool (and free) attraction. As I was climbing, I noticed that each step had a sponsor or dedication. The view from the top was beautiful, and I was able to catch the park train as it rounded a corner of the park.
There is a fountain area near the Messe where you can go and wash off if you're hot. I stood in front of it and let the wind do the rest. On the way back, I noticed a small memorial for those that had died in the Holocaust. I was told that this was only one of many memorials that you could find as you headed towards Munchen (Munich) to the south.
I intend to go back again for some pictures. I'm especially looking forward to the winter, as I'm sure it's beautiful there when snow has fallen. Check back for more updates, or visit my flickr to see more photographs!
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