Another Roadtrip

When I was pregnant, hubby and I visited the  wild animal sanctuary and this weekend we had the opportunity to visit again, with Beli of course!  

she was really happy about seeing all the animals, she just didn't want a photo with me!

What the founder/owner of the sanctuary has done with these animals is amazing: he has provided a safe haven for more than 290 lions, tigers, bears and other carnivores rescued from illegal or abusive situations, (the number has almost doubled from three years ago!) 

 A three year old tiger, Meeka stole the show. She was full of energy and captivated us with her playful personality. She jumped in the water and chased around a block of ice!

  We talked with one of the volunteers and she told us about some of the tigers and where they came from. For example, Meeka was rescued from a home in Minnesota, she was being kept as a 'pet' in the backyard with a chain around her neck. Two others were rescued from a truck stop in Texas where they were roadside attractions and their cubs were sold to motorists who stopped to put gas. 

 You can also read about the 25 lions rescued from Bolivia here. It's really an inspiring story!

Looks like Gala, (rescued from Mexico when she was only a cub) is enjoying the beautiful Colorado sunshine!

what's your opinion about captive animals?
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I have mixed emotions when I take Beli to the zoo. I wonder if the animals are 'happy'.

Did you know before I choose pharmacy as my career I had first considered becoming a veterinarian?
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Animals still and will always have a special place in my heart.

A new friend

 A few weeks ago our landlord brought home a puppy. Beli stayed behind doors because she is scared of dogs. So when our landlord suggested putting a fence so Beli could continue playing outside but also have contact with the dog, we agreed.

  I think she is ok with his presence, in fact they have developed a strong bond. When we call Beli inside to have dinner, the puppy cries and Beli says, "the puppy is all alone!"

Can you see him behind the kitchen window?  

And after dinner, she goes back outside to make sure he is ok. 

Lunch in Telluride

The resort town of Telluride might be the ultimate destination for many but for us, it also meant an enjoyable scenic route, through winding mountain roads.

We began our road trip during Labor Day weekend with no particular set agenda. After breakfast in Ouray, we continued driving to the town of Telluride.

We arrived in the midst of the 38th Telluride Film Festival.  It was rumored George Clooney and Tilda Swinton would be there to receive some sort of award during the festival.

We walked through the town, admiring the restored Victorian buildings.

Some of the homes were really small!

 While riding the free gondola from Telluride to Mountain Village we met  film producer, Chris Kobin. He invited us to the premiere of the documentary, Hollywood Don't Surf!

 Unfortunately,the showtime at 10pm was too late for us. 

 We had lunch, picnic style. (Look, we are both wearing pink sweaters! haha)

While we didn't see any Hollywood stars we did meet a few college students who spotted George Clooney and Jennifer Garner!  

photo  via

After lunch in Telluride we continued driving southwest to the town of Cortez, for our final destination Mesa Verde National Park. 

You think we would be tired of all the driving, but like I said, we really enjoyed the scenic drive.
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more about Mesa Verde in another post.

Grape clusters sitting on a vine

(images from hubby's grandparents farm in Croatia)

All the time I spent living overseas,
and I can't recall the local brands
so I was happy to come across an article about Croatian wines,
you can find the article here
And...
If you live near San Francisco you should try the donkey plavac with a balkan burger!
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Do you prefer red or white wine?

favorite brand?

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Have a wonderful weekend!

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Breakfast in Ouray

this is part one of our road trip to Southwest Colorado.

I had asked some of my friends for advice. 

I didn't know if it was feasible to visit 3 to 4 cities in one weekend.

One friend suggested it was possible, but we would be spending most of our time

in the car. And she was right!
Here are some photos along the way.

 Drove by the Blue Lake and into the
Black Canyon,

Our first destination

was the town of Ouray, 

also known

as the "Switzerland of America."

charming original Victorian structures

 A walk around town before breakfast.
Unfortunately, we didn't have time to relax in the Hot Springs Pool

Off to our next destination, Telluride!