White Mountains – the roof of New England

Actually they are only white from the late autumn to the early spring. The White Mountains in New Hampshire, part of the Appalachian mountains got their name from the snow coverage of the bright granite mountains. And again the weather in New England didn’t abandoned us. A deep blue sky as you can see on the picture: the top of New England, the Mt. Washington. While I’ve taken the photo dad was looking for the measuring point. Exactly 1,917 meters; and although we climbed the Mt. Washington as only real US-Americans do – in the car – the way up and down was not that easy. Especially not for the brakes of my car. From time to time we had to stop in one of the lots on the way down ;)

If you decide to go by car you even get a CD at the toll station at the start of the 8 mile auto road, full loaded with a mix of the mountain’s history, the challange of building the auto road and pratical tips to arrive the summit and the valley (on the way back) save.

New Haven, Connecticut and my new university: Yale!

Yale’s old campus — Originally uploaded by *tobi*

To extend our weekend I took a day off on Monday. And I came my target, to visit all New England state at least for a short trip, a step nearer: Connecticut, south of Massachusetts, the third smallest state of the US. By the way, does anybody know, what state beside Rhode Island is smaller than Connecticut? From Woburn it was nearly 150 miles (one-way), passing Hartford, the insurance capital of the United States, towards New Haven. The city on the Atlantic coast seemed to us like a small Boston. But what’s really that important for me, is that it houses one of the elite universities of the United States: Yale.

And I really have to say, I like the old campus with its small park surrounded by buildings in new gothic style. This is exactly what I was looking for. But the summer vacation already started, so I unfortunately couldn’t attend any lectures. Anyway, only Yale was it worth to visit New Haven. Our way back started at the Light House State Park in the near of the New Haven harbour and led us past the Connectivut shoreline with a view on Long Island.

A Sunday arround Lake Winnipesaukee

At Lake Winnipesaukee
Originally uploaded by *tobi*

On Sunday we – dad and me – were going around Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Yes, this state is more than one trip worth. The Lakes Region in the center of this New England state attends on you with a couple of beautiful lakes surrounded by hills of the upcoming White Mountains in the north. Lake Winnipesaukee is the larges one and even on its east side not that much commercialized. Taking a trip with the boat, going swimming or just relaxing on the shore is really what you need on a Sunday afternoon ;)

New Hampshire: from the coast to the lakes region

Originally uploaded by *tobi*

Actually New Hampshire has only 27 miles of Atlantic coast line. I bet they bought this small part in the last centuries from Maine and Massachusetts. But these 27 miles are really one of the most beautiful ones, if you want to take a sunbath or simple hang around at the beach. (Yes Andreas, I followed your hint.) Unfortunately it wasn’t that warm today. Same with the Atlantic ocean. I don’t wanna estimate the water temperature, it was cold. My feet felt like dead *g* After our short trip at Rye Beach we went East, towards the lakes region of New Hampshire, the area where once the British generals spent their holidays to recover from the US colonists. And they really had the right touch, as this area comes up with a dip of the Canadian flair, endless highways trough the foreland of the White Mountains, dozy little villages in the middle of nowhere, like in Maine and an unforgettable mix of www: water, wood and wilderness.

Dad the messenger, candles and sushi dinner

Originally uploaded by *tobi*

At first: thank you very much for all your wishes and birthday greetings! I recieved many mails and hope that I haven’t forgot anyone of you to thank for his or her greetings. If so, I probably remember and catch it up. It’s a little weired to have birthday and nearly nobody is with you. Furtunately my dad visits me these days. He arrived in the evening on the 21st and played messenger. Part of that were these two little candles you see right here. Thank you mom, to keep this tradition despite the great wide ocean between us! And honey, thanks again for your lovely words. I feel the same for you! *kisses*

The Summer is starting! It’s my 25th one.

Today 25 years ago I saw the light of the day and experienced my first start of the summer. I hope that all of you have a beautiful start into the summer too.

Lobster Bake in Andover

Originally uploaded by *tobi*

You are currently looking at my first lobster! Yesterday the whole company was invited to the CEO’s hometown Andover to join him for a lobster bake for lunch. As starter clams were served, that were also very delicious! In the following afternoon we were playing volleyball and enjoyed the warm and sunny day.

TOP 5: How do you know that you are already more than 3 months in New England?

Rank 5: In the evening – right after work – you automatically say: “I will go home now!” (Happens nearly every working day.)

Rank 4: The guy at the front desk says: “You don’t have to tell me your room number! I still know your name and your room number.” (Happened last week when I brought my postcards to the front desk.)

Rank 3: You are spoiled with the never-ending opening hours of the malls, outlet stores and super markets. (Happened last week during my late night shopping.)

Rank 2: You suddenly hear a “Hey Tobi, how are you?” when you enter the local Starbucks. You get your Starbucks coffee for free and your name is written on the coffee cup. (Happened last Sunday.)

Rank 1: You miss your girlfriend, your family, your friends and your cat so much. (Every single day.)

Nahant: rocky, Revere: sandy!

Originally uploaded by *tobi*

After waiting for Rene, who decided to have late breakfast at Penera Bread (Asian weeks right? *g*) we hit the road again. This time to Nahant, an island right in the Bay of Boston. Our plan to go swimming was blocked by the parking situation and the more rocky than sandy beaches on Nahant. But I could finish my project “Atlantic” at Revere Beach, were I took my first bath in the ocean. Fresh, convenient and alone – unfortunately! The others were only ankle-deep in the water.

Laconia Bike Week and Newfound Lake

Originally uploaded by *tobi*

Well, then I will follow my fellows Jan and Rene and give an impression of the Saturday. As both mentioned in their blogs we spent the late morning and noon with watching hundreds and thousands of more than less curious bikers on their Harley Davidsons. It’s impressive how similar the person on the bike matches the bike (as seen in Jan’s “BLOB” example). We probably needed one and a half hour to pass the whole road between Laconia and Meredith, New Hampshire. But the jorney was the reward: with walking speed through noise, must and leather outfits.

Anyway, the rest of the afternoon we spent at the Newfound Lake, a few miles North west of Meredith. Unfortunately again without swim suits – the water was clear and acceptable, but we almost got our shower 30 minutes later after it began to rain while we were hiking a mile through the wood. And, no! The guy on the Harley is neither Jan nor Rene ;)