tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53529447919595873432024-03-12T17:33:07.231-07:00Sophia & the Last Scroll of SapientiaeHelp find the code to unlock a ticking cryptex before its priceless contents is lost foreverUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-20647694501526394112020-02-10T06:43:00.003-08:002020-02-10T08:21:36.311-08:00Wrong answer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HJcfdQT99w/XkFr_kJ2wCI/AAAAAAAAmVQ/Y4Z7iU8K4EUDRh2lJDntvEOq6vq8pYnLQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/animated%2Bword%2BWRONG.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HJcfdQT99w/XkFr_kJ2wCI/AAAAAAAAmVQ/Y4Z7iU8K4EUDRh2lJDntvEOq6vq8pYnLQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/animated%2Bword%2BWRONG.gif" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's the wrong one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hit backspace on your browser and try again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time is ticking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sh5lpy0tvN0/XkFrp335mnI/AAAAAAAAmVE/STBJVKBk64I0TZawJGpIsXOOvMl5n-OMACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/full%2Bstopwatch%2Banimated.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sh5lpy0tvN0/XkFrp335mnI/AAAAAAAAmVE/STBJVKBk64I0TZawJGpIsXOOvMl5n-OMACK4BGAYYCw/s320/full%2Bstopwatch%2Banimated.gif" width="216" /></a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-4345403180479407292019-12-26T08:41:00.000-08:002020-02-28T10:29:38.642-08:00Scroll of Sapientiae translation<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sacred Deora! I figured it out!<br />
Did you notice I pasted it onto the image of the scroll for best effect? 😁<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2wsze2Hz6I/XkUETMlYwOI/AAAAAAAAmno/pf2EhvqZww0nK_yAjlkTxT-UUaSj85lnwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/the%2Blast%2Bscroll%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bbibliotechum%2BdyiH%2Berudig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1216" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2wsze2Hz6I/XkUETMlYwOI/AAAAAAAAmno/pf2EhvqZww0nK_yAjlkTxT-UUaSj85lnwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/the%2Blast%2Bscroll%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bbibliotechum%2BdyiH%2Berudig.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Students and graduates from the <a href="https://www.omniocademy.com/" target="_blank">Academy of Omniosophical Arts & Sciences</a> will recognize this pair of phrases as being "parting wishes" in Naturim - the precursor to what are termed the romance languages. To this day, the custom of speaking these two phrases is used when people go their separate ways.</div>
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"<b>Cheriste som</b>" translates to "<b>Above all, love</b>."</div>
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The response "<b>Alo cheriste pless</b>" translates to "<b>And then love more</b>."</div>
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What a relief! I was worried the message might read "Drink more Ovaltine!"</div>
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So there you have it. The oldest and most treasured message from antiquity ~ an adage needed perhaps more today than ever.</div>
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I can't thank you enough for helping me, not only to unlock this secret that's been hidden for all these centuries, but for reminding me of what really matters. If I ever find myself stuck and in need of a brilliant mind and nerves of steel, I'll be contacting you first. I know there are a <a href="https://omniquest.omniocademy.com/p/now-questing.html" target="_blank">more quests coming up</a>, and I'm sure you'd be an invaluable help!<br />
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With that, I will sign off. I don't know about you, but I could use a shower and a nap. Thus, I bid you cheriste som!<br />
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<i><i>(... That's where you're supposed to say, "Alo cheriste pless.")</i></i></div>
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Arcane courtesies notwithstanding, well done and farewell,</div>
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<i>Rosa</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-4126861575547606242019-12-25T00:20:00.000-08:002020-02-13T08:56:16.784-08:00Opening the Cryptex<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is it! The moment you've waited and worked for. It's time to view the message held in the legendary cryptex, the oldest scroll from the Bibliotechum dyiH Erudig containing what is considered by many to be the most important message in recorded history. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSzF3PBeFhU/XkUD5ijNIMI/AAAAAAAAmnM/ngBh7_6YeO8GHtsKk4u3tiH5VOQ6PcSHwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cryptex%2Bhorizontal.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSzF3PBeFhU/XkUD5ijNIMI/AAAAAAAAmnM/ngBh7_6YeO8GHtsKk4u3tiH5VOQ6PcSHwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/cryptex%2Bhorizontal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The ancient scroll inside</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKdQ5sZNOqk/XkUEFFFkK9I/AAAAAAAAmnU/HIuNBpoPjfMVz3Q2ZAquj6AnftUxF_YzwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/rolled%2Bold%2Bscroll.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKdQ5sZNOqk/XkUEFFFkK9I/AAAAAAAAmnU/HIuNBpoPjfMVz3Q2ZAquj6AnftUxF_YzwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/rolled%2Bold%2Bscroll.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">( ... a big chunk of white space for added suspense ...)</span><br />
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and the message written thereon</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOXCPe-Fh84/XkV9RqSx_wI/AAAAAAAAmn8/o8pX6U6I7nQL2KKHCVHs6q9tjeAXumFagCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bscroll%2Bin%2Bnaturim.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOXCPe-Fh84/XkV9RqSx_wI/AAAAAAAAmn8/o8pX6U6I7nQL2KKHCVHs6q9tjeAXumFagCK4BGAYYCw/s400/sophia%2Bscroll%2Bin%2Bnaturim.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just as expected, it's written in Naturim. Not to worry, I came prepared with a Lexicarta to help me translate the message. Give me a second, then <b><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2019/12/scroll-of-sapientiae-translation.html">click here</a></b> to see what I came up with.<br />
I'm having a hard time typing cuz my fingers are shaking with excitement!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-82080032123419502212019-12-24T22:15:00.000-08:002020-03-11T17:47:54.915-07:00Prost!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxY4nKGAFkY/XkTtFGY5OlI/AAAAAAAAml4/ff-xdca_8wA6MkUcB4tMwLuLMqHAVdwNQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/hofbrauhaus%2B100%2Byears.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxY4nKGAFkY/XkTtFGY5OlI/AAAAAAAAml4/ff-xdca_8wA6MkUcB4tMwLuLMqHAVdwNQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/hofbrauhaus%2B100%2Byears.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Hofbräuhaus - 100 years ago and now</span></td></tr>
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It seems a bit premature to order a celebratory drink while the cryptex clock is still ticking, but I don't think there's any other choice. While you were waiting for the Rathaus-Glockenspiel to strike 12, I called the Hofbräuhaus to inquire if they served something called a Ritterschlüssel.<br />
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After putting me on hold, transferring me more than once, and grilling me mercilessly for more than forty minutes, they decided I was legit, and they okayed you to order the drink, provided you give the code phrase agreed upon. The cost is <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>€15</b> which is nearly $17</span>—just about all you have left if you didn't busk in London or sell any caricatures in Paris. By the time you walk over to the royal brewery known as the Hofbräuhaus, there will be only about <span style="color: blue;"><b>2 Hours & 30 minutes</b> left</span>, so make every second count.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>The moment you walk in the beer hall, order a Ritterschlüssel</b>. When the awaiting bartender asks how you take the drink, reply, "<b>I take it seriously</b>."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjgFRHycPew/XkTtsCcSdYI/AAAAAAAAmmE/La1855AAeD8GzN6OS0kJqp0hFZm4uYYjACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/omni%2Bacademy%2Bcrest%2Bstein.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjgFRHycPew/XkTtsCcSdYI/AAAAAAAAmmE/La1855AAeD8GzN6OS0kJqp0hFZm4uYYjACK4BGAYYCw/s320/omni%2Bacademy%2Bcrest%2Bstein.png" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ritterschlüssel - <br />a dark lager served in an Ocademy stein!</span></span></td></tr>
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Please drink it quickly. There's no time to do otherwise.</div>
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Whoa! What's that case submerged in the stein? Open it up and unroll the little scroll.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4_P96zC3hQ/XkT6sTuL9DI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/SkNaISoDWK0_HP8mp7fCkr_Sjz-9RO6EQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cryptex%2Bkey%2Bin%2Bcase.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4_P96zC3hQ/XkT6sTuL9DI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/SkNaISoDWK0_HP8mp7fCkr_Sjz-9RO6EQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/cryptex%2Bkey%2Bin%2Bcase.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjiDjk-hfn8/XkT6z3Q2GwI/AAAAAAAAmmY/UiEVqeVyVrAAUIANchZosQl7Pmyi2y5mwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cryptex%2Bkey%2Bwrapped%2Bin%2Bscroll.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjiDjk-hfn8/XkT6z3Q2GwI/AAAAAAAAmmY/UiEVqeVyVrAAUIANchZosQl7Pmyi2y5mwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/cryptex%2Bkey%2Bwrapped%2Bin%2Bscroll.png" width="139" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8Qfj0iP4i8/XmkcXgLOR9I/AAAAAAAAm3A/BaNNPK3jH08uhTPSjNlpBc9GQI2xSB-WQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bfinal%2Bkey%2Bscroll%2B01.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8Qfj0iP4i8/XmkcXgLOR9I/AAAAAAAAm3A/BaNNPK3jH08uhTPSjNlpBc9GQI2xSB-WQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/sophia%2Bfinal%2Bkey%2Bscroll%2B01.png" width="216" /></a><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="1110" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpNH-Ojge-AbTDNrOYVh5ne-NLykGO22nkkWjiUOjBDTJ50A/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-83262950002816989822019-12-23T20:09:00.000-08:002020-02-16T05:00:44.253-08:00Day Seven<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_v6snp-zE3g/XkTM11YMxpI/AAAAAAAAmls/jkjWFW0fs_0idYHetiizSSqREAXEWzvTwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMunich.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_v6snp-zE3g/XkTM11YMxpI/AAAAAAAAmls/jkjWFW0fs_0idYHetiizSSqREAXEWzvTwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMunich.png" width="320" /></a>This is it! Day Seven. As of this morning at 9am you have just <b><span style="color: blue;">6 hours left</span></b> before the scroll in the cryptex is lost forever. Even so, you have no choice but to wait for the midday performance of the Schäfflertanz (Cooper's Dance) at the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, the last clock location to visit on your quest tour.<br />
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The back of the Munich postcard mentions a golden rooster. I wonder if the Rathaus-Glockenspiel Wikipedia page makes any mention of a golden rooster chirping. <b><span style="color: #990000;">250Mb</span></b> of data should help you look up the answer.<br />
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You have the morning free, so whatever you do, don't be late for the clock's noon performance!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="1832" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_OCUSgkfU7MtfUHckJZ_Ua6bSlBqYx5fDRWoMKX4hjV9fLQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-33365938101025410932019-12-22T17:38:00.000-08:002020-02-14T08:37:16.956-08:00Willkommen in München<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKlU9ApZfVY/XkSpwgKx1gI/AAAAAAAAmlI/g4fhPmwFddo-FdB36gbtLmzD33oHNOQpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/passport-stamps-from-germany-and-switzerland-in-vector-format-F5HGYX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKlU9ApZfVY/XkSpwgKx1gI/AAAAAAAAmlI/g4fhPmwFddo-FdB36gbtLmzD33oHNOQpgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/passport-stamps-from-germany-and-switzerland-in-vector-format-F5HGYX.jpg" width="200" /></a>I don't know about you, but I'm getting both very excited and very nervous. We're in the final city! You'll be able to save some data when asking for a cab to take you to your lodgings, as the name is easy enough for even Americans to pronounce: <b>Hotel Platz</b> in Marienplatz. The ride should take <b><span style="color: blue;">45 minutes</span></b> and cost <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>€11</b> ($12)</span>. You'll get in too late to go out on the town, so just check into the hotel and rest up for tomorrow's make or break day.<br />
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Now turn off the light and say Gute Nacht.<br />
<b><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2020/02/day-seven.html">Click here</a></b> when you awake.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-14872567728487757312019-12-21T17:26:00.000-08:002020-02-16T04:56:45.065-08:00Day Six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMoPamLjyJs/XkSbwZTX9wI/AAAAAAAAmk8/TkOILWS1Xps0DFTIrZ8IrcWclIVc2jAOACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/russian%2Bfeast%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMoPamLjyJs/XkSbwZTX9wI/AAAAAAAAmk8/TkOILWS1Xps0DFTIrZ8IrcWclIVc2jAOACK4BGAYYCw/s400/russian%2Bfeast%2B01.jpg" width="400" /></a>As of this morning at 9am, my records show you have just <b><span style="color: blue;">30 Hours</span></b> left. The earliest tour of Red Square available doesn't start until 1pm, so maximize your time by taking lunch at 11am. Who knows when there will be a chance to eat later.</div>
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Unlike being in Europe, it's substantially more challenging to get around in Russia because not only is the language different, but so is the alphabet. I've looked up the most popular items on the local menu, but have no idea what they actually are. You'll need <b><span style="color: #990000;">250Mb </span></b>of data to translate them:<br />
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<li>I learned that <b><span style="color: purple;">Пельмени</span></b> is the national dish, but I couldn't tell ya what's in it </li>
<li><b><span style="color: purple;">Борщ Московский</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: purple;">Блины</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: purple;">пончики</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: purple;">Пастила</span></b></li>
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Your tour will go until 3pm and end at Spasskaya Tower where the clock in the postcard is located. The cost is <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>₽700 </b>($11)<b>.</b></span> On top of the tower gate there is a sign with an inscription. It includes the year 1491—the same year shown on the Moscow postcard. I doubt that's a coincidence. Use <b><span style="color: #990000;">250Mb</span></b> to translate the inscription.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46aDhnhLa6Y/XkN2hq83SKI/AAAAAAAAmeo/ZjDLVxElSyYIuMJWRfTC6SWAmfUSwuM-ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMoscow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1464" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46aDhnhLa6Y/XkN2hq83SKI/AAAAAAAAmeo/ZjDLVxElSyYIuMJWRfTC6SWAmfUSwuM-ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMoscow.png" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Иван Васильевич, по милости Божией великий князь владимирский, московский, новгородский, тверский, псковский, вятский, югорский, пермский, булгарский, а по другим причинам - из всех Раксисов, года 30 их правления, эти башни он совершил [поручение] Пьетро Антонио Солари из Милана в первый день марта 1491 года.</span></blockquote>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="880" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckrOiXxqn2Gx2J3hYsiIEQ86aCl5gt43jYen7cHaVmw7wtLQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-24442192738241533162019-12-20T15:01:00.000-08:002020-02-14T08:27:16.478-08:00Time to get serious<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySCyeRLACJU/XkSDBkDjM5I/AAAAAAAAmik/WazRSjUW2JMyUuHUcB-Fb8Rs4qeX34QVQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/moscow%2Bpassport%2Bstamp%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySCyeRLACJU/XkSDBkDjM5I/AAAAAAAAmik/WazRSjUW2JMyUuHUcB-Fb8Rs4qeX34QVQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/moscow%2Bpassport%2Bstamp%2B2.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-JehZZ84AI/XkYc3F0UzdI/AAAAAAAAmqI/n28G0JOB1mwLntLW8IUI22L6lvg8IWTXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B5%2Bstep%2B20%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">Click here</a></b><br />for an accounting estimate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You've been making incredible progress, but we're running low on time and resources and need to speed up the process.<br />
<br />
So let's rush you to Russia!<br />
<br />
A group of belligerent Cryptex Crusaders was noticed sniffing around St. Basil's Cathedral yesterday. At this stage of the game we can't take the chance they'll catch wind of your activities or find out I have the cryptex. To thwart any would-be usurpers, I've posted the name of your Moscow hotel as a jigsaw puzzle instead of as text. That should throw their SEO bots off the cyber scent!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Enlarge the images below the puzzle if you need tech help.</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=072238cbf17a&view=iframe" style="height: 600px; width: 100%;"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click on text images below for How-to HELP</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8N3z95aQY_4/XkY0Pg40c2I/AAAAAAAAmqU/ep7lQ2R9kmkg4pPt0f1twczEL8zNjxCkgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B01.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8N3z95aQY_4/XkY0Pg40c2I/AAAAAAAAmqU/ep7lQ2R9kmkg4pPt0f1twczEL8zNjxCkgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B01.png" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Ge9OP5_wE/XkY0SWyHCjI/AAAAAAAAmqc/k_rzdOa_M78_2t7Po6d5B67AbvC5xM3qgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B02.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Ge9OP5_wE/XkY0SWyHCjI/AAAAAAAAmqc/k_rzdOa_M78_2t7Po6d5B67AbvC5xM3qgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B02.png" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpeJ03zJID8/XkY0UiqJk5I/AAAAAAAAmqk/MgNM-79oZnsm7JlsKyMWo-e823kfMwwNwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B03.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpeJ03zJID8/XkY0UiqJk5I/AAAAAAAAmqk/MgNM-79oZnsm7JlsKyMWo-e823kfMwwNwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/moscow%2Bjigsaw%2Bhelp%2B03.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="407" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ1qFAzWHm5fOJn0mCKF2hutMGs2pN77FsUQ8YmKiiVKDZRA/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-45395939875259214922019-12-19T12:07:00.000-08:002020-02-14T08:24:12.803-08:00L'artiste<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5taB1gYPvo/XkRahOAiFCI/AAAAAAAAmiY/_sE6lsHbqQI2TrsqnMiG2_TOrlQUaniiACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/john%2Blennon%2Bsketch%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5taB1gYPvo/XkRahOAiFCI/AAAAAAAAmiY/_sE6lsHbqQI2TrsqnMiG2_TOrlQUaniiACK4BGAYYCw/s320/john%2Blennon%2Bsketch%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Great job sweet-talking your way into the Musee d'Orsay without paying. Whether or not you earned a few dollars busking, you'll need more money if you are to go to 2 more cities without sleeping on the streets. And no, sleeping on the streets is not an option. It would attract too much attention and could get you arrested.<br />
<br />
The quickest way to score some euros will be to offer your artistic services on the sidewalk outside the museum. You don't need talent. You only need chutzpah! Just 2 caricatures at <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>€20</b></span> will yield <b><span style="color: #38761d;">€40</span></b> (about <b><span style="color: #38761d;">$43.50</span></b>)<br />
<ul>
<li>Grab your travel journal and a pen or ask for paper and pen/pencil at the museum's information desk</li>
<li><b>Choose a famous artist </b></li>
<li><b>Come up with a fake name for yourself</b>, claiming you are a descendant of your chosen famous artist</li>
<li>Use <b><span style="color: #990000;">250Mb</span></b> in data to look up how to say in French, "<b><span style="color: purple;">Caricatures by a descendant of _____<span style="font-size: x-small;">(insert famous artist's name)</span>____ only €20!</span></b>"</li>
<li>Get scribbling!</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://forms.gle/2v6zpKSuPqYumAZn6" target="_blank">Click here</a></b> after you've created your masterpiece.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-45142929891609797542019-12-18T22:59:00.000-08:002020-02-16T04:45:52.764-08:00Impressions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlOxRqlqmQg/XkbIQKjkGjI/AAAAAAAAmrM/U6FHzyUuIzIIl6z5tMzQFxTFd7S-vzcKQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BParis3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlOxRqlqmQg/XkbIQKjkGjI/AAAAAAAAmrM/U6FHzyUuIzIIl6z5tMzQFxTFd7S-vzcKQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BParis3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: orange;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRH3Ts2XnV8/XkYRaB33VqI/AAAAAAAAmp0/u9jZ2mGyADkRNlwMeU6jrs1gm_187S7uwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B5%2Bstep%2B18%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">Click here</a></b><br />
<span style="color: orange;">for an accounting estimate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
The back of the Paris postcard reads: <b>Miss Cassatt. (Girl in Garden) Bequest of Mr. P. 1937</b>. Let's get to the museum to see what this could mean.<br />
<br />
The Musee d'Orsay opens at 9:30am today and is just a <b><span style="color: blue;">5-minute</span></b> walk from the hotel. Admission is <b><span style="color: #38761d;">€14</span></b> ($15.25) and thus is beyond what you have left ... unless you earned some money busking.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;">However ... I have a sneaky idea. Tell the person at the ticket counter that you are a new member of the <b>AFMO</b> (American Friends Musee d'Orsay) at the $250 "friend" level. If they ask for membership info, suggest they call the New York office and ask for <b>Christine</b> who handled your membership. Since it's the middle of the night in New York, they would be unable to call and you should be off the hook.</span></i></blockquote>
Once you're in the museum, take a look at the Impressionist works by Miss Cassatt currently housed there. Click on the images to enlarge them enough to read the descriptions so you may locate the painting in question:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9WtpG-EZjY/XkRIktrJz_I/AAAAAAAAmhc/Un23lcgoZP8YlB_VncmlZb361ArV7acUACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B01.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9WtpG-EZjY/XkRIktrJz_I/AAAAAAAAmhc/Un23lcgoZP8YlB_VncmlZb361ArV7acUACK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B01.png" width="212" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhsborHV3Lg/XkRIoGVTJKI/AAAAAAAAmhk/400Ob-AfqYkkGIysqedbIDMZS7iB9b__wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B02.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhsborHV3Lg/XkRIoGVTJKI/AAAAAAAAmhk/400Ob-AfqYkkGIysqedbIDMZS7iB9b__wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B02.png" width="212" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpS5PyXuIUM/XkRIq9-AHpI/AAAAAAAAmhs/aTwp09UQoDojjSdZpaeaSrFQiG5mJfvggCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B03.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpS5PyXuIUM/XkRIq9-AHpI/AAAAAAAAmhs/aTwp09UQoDojjSdZpaeaSrFQiG5mJfvggCK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B03.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfGRnjmx3n4/XkRIuBRXaAI/AAAAAAAAmh0/lz7FlV-YLA0aJ4picACiY9MLZk5YeLIWQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B04.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfGRnjmx3n4/XkRIuBRXaAI/AAAAAAAAmh0/lz7FlV-YLA0aJ4picACiY9MLZk5YeLIWQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B04.png" width="212" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DyTvePKvw4/XkRIyArrw7I/AAAAAAAAmh8/I-UE6EjFmZ8Azxg0n89Bc4PPGEbmzSwBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B05.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DyTvePKvw4/XkRIyArrw7I/AAAAAAAAmh8/I-UE6EjFmZ8Azxg0n89Bc4PPGEbmzSwBgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B05.png" width="198" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh3xRHgwl6k/XkRI01NWiPI/AAAAAAAAmiE/78fiMubZSaoYEuCazsE20RQlGv510m-GgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/miss%2Bcassatt%2B06.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh3xRHgwl6k/XkRI01NWiPI/AAAAAAAAmiE/78fiMubZSaoYEuCazsE20RQlGv510m-GgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/miss%2Bcassatt%2B06.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="675" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelHUP-5S6ZLwTVHvTN4FO0eVxrEM6ibDw8fcCitw2o2oKIXQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-90838228115216296792019-12-17T22:58:00.000-08:002020-02-14T08:12:50.718-08:00Bienvenue!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdy_4qPPs4A/XkN8go-dsyI/AAAAAAAAmgI/aGEIL5jVwD8U1o7--nTj71KDUo83mv-cwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/paris%2Bpassport%2Bstamp%2Boval%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdy_4qPPs4A/XkN8go-dsyI/AAAAAAAAmgI/aGEIL5jVwD8U1o7--nTj71KDUo83mv-cwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/paris%2Bpassport%2Bstamp%2Boval%2B01.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
When you arrive in France, make sure to exchange some currency for € Euros. (Currently, <b><span style="color: #38761d;">$1 = € .90</span></b>). Take a moment to Google how to ask in French where to catch the train that lets off near the Hotel d'Orsay.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [As usual, it should use about <b><span style="color: #990000;">250Mb</span></b> of data.]</span><br />
<br />
The choice of hotel is based on the fact it is right by the <b>Musee d'Orsay—your destination as depicted on the Paris postcard</b>.<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
While at dinner, you may want to bone up on the history of the storied museum. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[This search should take about <b><span style="color: #990000;">750Mb</span></b> of data]</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Gare d'Orsay is a former Paris railway station and hotel, built in 1900 to designs by Victor Laloux, Lucien Magne and Émile Bénard; it served as a terminus for the Chemin de Fer de Paris à Orléans (Paris-Orléans Railway). It was the first electrified urban terminal station in the world, opened 28 May 1900, in time for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. After closure as a station, it reopened in December 1986 as the Musée d'Orsay, an art museum. The museum is currently served by the RER station of the same name. </b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>In 1977, the French Government decided to convert the station to a museum. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1978 and reopened as the Musée d'Orsay in December 1986. The chief architect for the conversion was the Italian Gae Aulenti. There is a huge clock which still works in the main terminal housing the museum.
</b></i></blockquote>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqY9G0Jiwak/XkOIU4QyFoI/AAAAAAAAmgs/5C5iGpaLSlAwfs4vVcyavgHVlVvWFeCagCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/eiffel%2Btower%2Bat%2Bnight%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqY9G0Jiwak/XkOIU4QyFoI/AAAAAAAAmgs/5C5iGpaLSlAwfs4vVcyavgHVlVvWFeCagCK4BGAYYCw/s400/eiffel%2Btower%2Bat%2Bnight%2B001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">€25.90</span></b> is the cost and must be paid when you arrive.<br />
Cab fare to/from the Hotel d'Orsay to the Eiffel Tower is<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> €9 </span></b><br />
and the ride takes just <b><span style="color: blue;">5 minutes</span></b> each way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomorrow morning, immediately after your visit to the museum, you will head off to your next destination. So if you want to do any sightseeing in the City of Light, tonight's the night. Fortunately, being in the 7th Arrondissement, you are near the Eiffel Tower!<br />
<br />
Figuring you would indeed want to visit the iconic landmark, I've arranged a 9pm tour for you going to the top.<br />
<br />
If you're not ready to turn in when you arrive back at your hotel, consider watching the movie <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjSNBP4P9RU" target="_blank">Hugo</a></b>, a charming Valentine to the magic of film-making, set in a fictionalized version of the Gare d'Orsay, complete with clocks.<br />
<br />
Bonne nuit!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2019/12/impressions.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> when you awake and we'll begin Day Five</b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-86133497047193199842019-12-16T08:31:00.000-08:002020-03-11T08:22:37.440-07:00BuskingYour exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Big Ben completed, it's time to grab lunch in preparation of heading to Paris. Fortunately, the trip to France is short, especially when traveling by Eurostar train.<br />
<br />
Stroll over to the popular nearby St. Stephens Tavern where they are offering a great deal on fish & chips today.<br />
<br />
This might be a good time for me to mention that in going over your funds, I found you're running low, but I have a solution. After lunch (before jumping on the Tube that is conveniently located at St. Stephens) take a few minutes to <i><b><span style="color: purple;">busk</span></b></i> for some extra money. Should you not know what busking is, consult that English>English dictionary I mentioned previously, or watch the video below!<br />
<br />
For example, if you make <b><span style="color: #38761d;">£5 per song</span></b> and sing 7 songs each lasting about 2 minutes, you'll end up earning <b><span style="color: #38761d;">£35</span></b>. Not bad for about <b><span style="color: blue;">30 minutes</span></b> of work, including breaks between songs!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q4Ll-MvZrj4" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="407" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexSFun6z39RNM_tpz52VQFK10yUKDA4v2RZ_1KiQvZma-ZpA/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-84571573999361356602019-12-15T22:50:00.001-08:002022-06-19T12:19:01.094-07:00Day FourAnother 24 hours has passed. According to my calculations, that gives us just <b><span style="color: blue;">78 Hours</span></b> to open the cryptex, with 3 cities down (including Istanbul), 3 to go. We'll be calling it close, but there's hope.<br />
<br />
After spending yesterday ensuring you weren't tailed, we need to make up for lost time today. Per the postcards, you need to check out Big Ben. The only problem is, tours of the inside of the tower are only available to UK residents as arranged by a member of Parliament. I've managed to get you in on a tour, but you'll have to feign a British dialect.<br />
<br />
Please <b><span style="color: red;">call the Ocademy at </span></b><span style="color: red;"><b>(929) 466-6457</b></span> and <span style="color: red;">leave a voicemail message saying a sentence or two in your <b>best British accent</b></span>. If prompted to give your name, say QUEST and you'll be able to leave a message. If I do <i>not</i> return your call, you're okay to continue on and take the tour, as videotaped below:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/inD5GnTjs_E" width="800"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you've completed the tour, <b><a href="https://forms.gle/EUaMtnfSaXgLpWaN8" target="_blank">click here </a></b>to move on to the next destination</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-42670772269097495832019-12-14T22:45:00.000-08:002020-03-11T08:19:15.238-07:00London Town<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCxatLrsY28/XkK_ZX52WuI/AAAAAAAAmbg/NIhH3dOZ6CIgYX9nR06E1_bTwifXnd_BQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bquest%2Bkeyhole%2Briddle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCxatLrsY28/XkK_ZX52WuI/AAAAAAAAmbg/NIhH3dOZ6CIgYX9nR06E1_bTwifXnd_BQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/sophia%2Bquest%2Bkeyhole%2Briddle.png" width="50" /></a>Whew! You answered the riddle correctly. Now we can move on. Did you pack a magnifying glass? You'll need it to view the tiny image up in the right corner. You may purchase a magnifying glass in the Heathrow gift shoppe for <b><span style="color: #38761d;">£15</span></b>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(...or you could simply click on the image to enlarge it 😉) </span>The numbers written in the image indicate where you will be staying in town. Googling the numbers (with a space between each group of numbers) should use <b><span style="color: #990000;">100Mb</span></b> of data as well as give you the name of your hotel.<br />
<br />
My email account has been secured, however I've been apprised by the Knaights there is a good chance someone might be following you. Thus, you'll need to bide your time today and keep moving while the live video provided by your fairyfly companion helps me keep an eye on you from this end. Take note of anyone who looks suspicious or whom you recognize as being in places you visited throughout the day.<br />
<br />
I've arranged for you to spend the day as follows. Apologies for the rain:<br />
<ul>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyKo-S0RDjo/XkLf9dfWVYI/AAAAAAAAmb4/inf54_njDGAwJ0nvpx5UzY0DW2m1vK2jACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/browns%2Bhotel%2Blondon%2Btea%2Blibrary.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyKo-S0RDjo/XkLf9dfWVYI/AAAAAAAAmb4/inf54_njDGAwJ0nvpx5UzY0DW2m1vK2jACK4BGAYYCw/s400/browns%2Bhotel%2Blondon%2Btea%2Blibrary.jpeg" width="400" /></a>
<li>From Heathrow airport, take the train and Tube according to the route shown at <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDQ84f3Zt-k/XkWtmTLs4EI/AAAAAAAAmoI/_pwuo5xYYFI1Z5Yg7l7X0jz2Cnh2a9nCwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/heathrow%2Bto%2Bppwb%2Bhotel%2Bstation%2Bmap.png" target="_blank"><b>this link</b></a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[It should take you <b><span style="color: blue;">35 minutes</span></b> to get to your destination and cost <b style="color: #38761d;">£9.25</b>] </span></li>
<li>If you failed to pack a <b>brolly</b>, purchase one from one of the street vendors outside the hotel. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[The brolly should cost <b><span style="color: #38761d;">£10</span></b>]. If you don't know what a brolly is, consider purchasing an English>English dictionary!</span></li>
<li>Once you've checked in at your hotel, grab a cab outside the hotel and ask them to take you to <a href="https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/browns-hotel/restaurants-and-bars/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Brown's Hotel for afternoon tea</a> at 3:30pm<b>.</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[It will take less than <b><span style="color: blue;">15 minutes</span></b>. and cost <b><span style="color: #38761d;">£8.50</span></b>] </span></li>
<li>While at tea, get acclimated to the area by taking a <a href="https://www.p4panorama.com/panos/London-city-360-degree-virtual-reality-tour" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">360° tour of the city</span></a>. For the sake of yourself and those around you, I recommend watching with the sound <i>off</i></li>
<li>At 5:30pm hail a cab and ask them to take you from Brown's to the London Eye. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[It should take <b><span style="color: blue;">15 minutes</span></b> and cost <b style="color: #38761d;">£8.50</b>]</span></li>
<li>From 6-6:30pm enjoy the incomparable view from the London Eye, paying particular attention to anyone below who may be watching you. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I've pre-paid for you and your reservation is under the name Chris Smythe which sounds suitably nondescript) </span></li>
<li>At 6:30 hail a cab going from the London Eye to St. Martin's Theatre in London's famed West End. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[The ride should take under <b><span style="color: blue;">30 minutes</span></b> and cost <b style="color: #38761d;">£12</b>]</span></li>
<li>You should arrive at the theater at 7pm, in plenty of time for a performance of <i>The Mousetrap</i>, Agatha Christie's play that holds the distinction of being the longest-running play in history, having opened in 1952. Your 7:30 performance will last 2 hours & 40 minutes including an intermission</li>
<li>After the show, you may choose either to take a cab or walk back to the hotel. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[Either choice will take less than <b><span style="color: #38761d;">15 minutes</span></b>. The cab fare will run <b style="color: #38761d;">£7</b>]</span></li>
<li>When you arrive back at the hotel, please answer the questions below to ensure all went as planned and that you were not followed. Thereafter, have a good sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="1126" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1RisAdcXDfUylpHqyKksOkT8q4vjTybl2r69L5jrKbBMuEQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-13694509511859241792019-12-13T22:19:00.000-08:002020-02-16T04:27:14.025-08:00Day Three<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE__cjbaWPQ/XkK43oF3gnI/AAAAAAAAmbU/d8RF3yBzc04S_3wGbw-qIwTYHueY5eITgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/london%2Bpassport%2Bstamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE__cjbaWPQ/XkK43oF3gnI/AAAAAAAAmbU/d8RF3yBzc04S_3wGbw-qIwTYHueY5eITgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/london%2Bpassport%2Bstamp.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSZHpUA5BY4/XkX7rOzKGpI/AAAAAAAAmpc/AnGRMfCxp0cHYE9oG4NIU2QQU43fzFqYwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B3%2Bstep%2B13%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">Click here</a></b><br />if you'd like <br />an accounting estimate</span></td></tr>
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Good morning! Ready for Day 3 of our quest?<br />
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Make sure you avail yourself of that free breakfast offered before departing. Expect a typical Czech meal consisting of a slice of rye bread or a roll (rohlík) with a spread such as butter, jelly, or honey, or perhaps a slice of cheese or meat such as salami or ham, along with a cup of hot tea flavored with either sugar or honey and possibly lemon.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>TEDIOUS DETAILS</b> <b>for those who are keeping track </b></span><br />
As you dine, use <span style="color: #990000;"><b>250Mb</b></span> of your data to look up how to ask for the bus that leads from Prague's City Centre back to the airport. The cost for the bus is <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Kč69</span></b>. Catch it at 9am to arrive at the airport at 9:30am, 2 hours before your flight which leaves at 11:30am, arriving at London Heathrow at 1:35pm. When you arrive at Heathrow, exchange a bit of currency. At the moment <b><span style="color: #38761d;">$1 = £.77</span></b> (Pound sterling). If you wish to exchange some of your Czech Koruna, <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Kč1 = £.034. </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(There is only a one-hour time difference between Prague and London, and as mentioned previously, we are not factoring in time changes since the cryptex just keeps on ticking.)</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: right;"><b><span style="color: blue;">* * *</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: right;">There's something else I should mention. Not to worry you, but I received an alert saying there was some unusual activity on my email account. I pray I've not been hacked. As a safety precaution, </span><b style="font-size: large; text-align: right;"><span style="color: purple;">answer the following riddle </span></b><span style="font-size: large; text-align: right;">to prove you're a human (or a reasonable facsimile):</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSCjRKsjiUtZW3uJxt1jQ-fZxrUuI561Zfr_wEE_lXBZZFsg/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyisZ6BgOs/XkLN3yzz4PI/AAAAAAAAmbs/6sFmutux7mc2PA8avXRoN9ol1fUpfth9wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/day%2B3%2Briddle%2Bhint.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="15" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyisZ6BgOs/XkLN3yzz4PI/AAAAAAAAmbs/6sFmutux7mc2PA8avXRoN9ol1fUpfth9wCK4BGAYYCw/s200/day%2B3%2Briddle%2Bhint.png" width="50" /></a>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: xx-small;"> [If you desperately need a hint, unscramble the letters in the upside-down image directly above]
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy8emf051DU/Xkk04BzuXlI/AAAAAAAAmuQ/aRwAn2pgck8XMt5gR0wV0PK40usfI28dgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/stars%2Bsource%2B%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy8emf051DU/Xkk04BzuXlI/AAAAAAAAmuQ/aRwAn2pgck8XMt5gR0wV0PK40usfI28dgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/stars%2Bsource%2B%25281%2529.gif" width="45" /></a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-75006744657898896972019-12-12T22:10:00.000-08:002020-02-14T07:33:33.558-08:00A night off for very good behavior<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXwPkDyyUmo/XkI3HTk2E5I/AAAAAAAAmaY/DmSOe5WVE_4XVbs-qdb6ohxCZ22uw3wTgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Trdelnik_Prague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXwPkDyyUmo/XkI3HTk2E5I/AAAAAAAAmaY/DmSOe5WVE_4XVbs-qdb6ohxCZ22uw3wTgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Trdelnik_Prague.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's now 6pm and the next flight to London doesn't leave until 11:30am tomorrow which means you have a well-deserved night off. Use your Visa gift cards for a nice meal. You'll likely need <span style="color: #660000;"><b style="color: #660000;">350Mb </b><span style="color: #660000;">to </span><span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;"><b>choose a restaurant from the list of suggestions on the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g274707-Prague_Bohemia.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor site</a></b></span></span>, but it will be worth it. if you eat meat, may I suggest <b>svíčková na smetaně</b> - a steak dish prepared with double cream and served with dumplings and cranberries. And for dessert, try a <b>trdelník</b>. Whatever it is, it's said to be popular. Here's some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYDKmYBQbS0" target="_blank">traditional Czech music</a> to listen too as you scroll the restaurant listings.<br />
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Before I forget, I should mention the Prague Tourism Commission has instituted a promotion whereby your hotel will comp your breakfast if you order three view-on-demand movies filmed in Prague. There is no charge for the films.<br />
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<i>10 movies shot in Prague:</i><br />
<ul>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvwM5Apf9eM/XkI-VicoxMI/AAAAAAAAma8/8cepr6J8A2Mzj6B2qY0vLcopFo92WN8tQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/amadeus%2Blaugh%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvwM5Apf9eM/XkI-VicoxMI/AAAAAAAAma8/8cepr6J8A2Mzj6B2qY0vLcopFo92WN8tQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/amadeus%2Blaugh%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Amadeus </li>
<li>The Bridge at Remagen </li>
<li>Casino Royale </li>
<li>The Illusionist </li>
<li>Immortal Beloved</li>
<li>Kafka </li>
<li>Les Miserables</li>
<li>Mission: Impossible </li>
<li>Operation: Daybreak </li>
<li>Slaughterhouse-Five </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="707" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYRWG2Wv3aaBmq1VJSZDpb_PAr9iBxZjF2foClNxjrP3STlg/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-37540585745740474722019-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:002020-02-16T04:23:07.170-08:00The bell tolls ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnYj7_qKPAU/XkI6NiHy8II/AAAAAAAAmas/XRUF5n7XeOkpD6bUOQo-gcpa4lN-RvfgACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/prague%2Bpassportish%2Bstamp%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnYj7_qKPAU/XkI6NiHy8II/AAAAAAAAmas/XRUF5n7XeOkpD6bUOQo-gcpa4lN-RvfgACK4BGAYYCw/s200/prague%2Bpassportish%2Bstamp%2B01.jpg" width="200" /></a>I hope you feel well-rested after your flight and <b><span style="color: blue;">30-minute bus ride</span></b> from the Prague airport to the city centre, because you now need to hit the ground running.<br />
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When the bus drops you off, select any hotel where you'd like to stay. You'll have <b><span style="color: blue;">20 minutes to check in</span></b>, then report to the following nearby address for a tour that will last <b><span style="color: blue;">2 Hours</span></b> and cost <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Kč250</b></span>. Show this address to anyone in town and they can direct you to the desired location:<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia. </b></span><br />
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Here's what Wikipedia has to say about this popular attraction:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square. The clock mechanism has three main components — the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures, notably a figure of a skeleton, representing Death ... On the hour, the skeleton rings the bell and immediately all other figures shake their heads side to side, signifying their unreadiness "to go".</b></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="572" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtOyUGmE3gL_A_mUfVXpdKB1oAR5CYZMg__2bjpfYC1XhCww/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-23283047978368474152019-12-10T20:19:00.000-08:002020-02-22T21:49:21.540-08:00Leap PragueDespite the excitement of getting the book open, we need to focus on the basics to get you where you need to go and in the right order.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you touch down at <b>Václav Havel Airport Prague</b>, please <b><span style="color: purple;">email me a photo of a sign showing an airport</span></b> (preferably the one mentioned) to let me know you arrived safely: <b>omniocademy+sophia@gmail.com</b> . <span style="color: purple;"><b>Type LANDED in the subject box</b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EI_g0ZzD2Y/XkXvifAJlkI/AAAAAAAAmo4/WYtIsBnaBFsB-uL0fFn3xFXVtwuhEyD-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B2%2Bstep%2B10%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">Click here</a></span><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;">if you'd like an accounting estimate.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><i>The images posted below are coloring pages relating to the cities you'll visit</i></span></span><i>—just a little something to pass the time as you travel. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dwlaup0SM/XkIkJMkO8qI/AAAAAAAAmaA/na64uyZCeQ8EPWblE4FUF0bKi7GhJVBzwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/hagia%2Bsophia%2Bcoloring%2Bpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dwlaup0SM/XkIkJMkO8qI/AAAAAAAAmaA/na64uyZCeQ8EPWblE4FUF0bKi7GhJVBzwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/hagia%2Bsophia%2Bcoloring%2Bpage.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWWJlWOjsDs" target="_blank">Turkish lounge music for your journey</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmu6GWcLRVs/XkXxFvj27QI/AAAAAAAAmpE/dtyY-Psw4gI48AcMj748-08K9FBdzYonwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/35948a979e9154a6fafc31fd655e0317.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmu6GWcLRVs/XkXxFvj27QI/AAAAAAAAmpE/dtyY-Psw4gI48AcMj748-08K9FBdzYonwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/35948a979e9154a6fafc31fd655e0317.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9DcYsS2YYA/XkSGdpdElyI/AAAAAAAAmjA/OPp6_lCL91kLdliPbZ78rkyVoZmGJWBRQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/st%2Bbasil%2Bmoscow%2Brussia%2Bcoloring.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9DcYsS2YYA/XkSGdpdElyI/AAAAAAAAmjA/OPp6_lCL91kLdliPbZ78rkyVoZmGJWBRQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/st%2Bbasil%2Bmoscow%2Brussia%2Bcoloring.gif" width="247" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-70738408002843881272019-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:002020-03-11T09:13:36.587-07:00Contents of Sophia's book safe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click on images to enlarge them)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what's in Sophia's book safe:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfGYSoY5H4g/XkIHAWOon6I/AAAAAAAAmXg/lH_tjtEdXY8tryL8V0btKPqgh2HSVf8OACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bbook%2Bcontents%2Ball.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="577" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfGYSoY5H4g/XkIHAWOon6I/AAAAAAAAmXg/lH_tjtEdXY8tryL8V0btKPqgh2HSVf8OACK4BGAYYCw/s640/sophia%2Bbook%2Bcontents%2Ball.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Postcards? I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't postcards! There must be a reason for it though. Is there any sort of pattern to them? The backsides are cryptic, with curious notations that offer little in the way of discernible information. And our fairyfly has scanned the cards to determine if there is hidden writing, the kind that can be seen when heated or under a black light—nothing there.<br />
<br />
Below are images of the front and back of each postcard. I've listed them in alphabetical order by country for ease of reference.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
BRAZIL<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(statue of Christ, Rio de Janeiro)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5na4nBemkE/XkN1P86RzzI/AAAAAAAAmcE/9N-FSagRVA80RxMXyw77RQ3EIQVpXZC8wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Brio.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5na4nBemkE/XkN1P86RzzI/AAAAAAAAmcE/9N-FSagRVA80RxMXyw77RQ3EIQVpXZC8wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Brio.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcN2B6u7KyU/XkN1ahP2g7I/AAAAAAAAmcM/BatOclZwX7Y4eAIlL5WrMQOUtQyoq__owCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BRio.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcN2B6u7KyU/XkN1ahP2g7I/AAAAAAAAmcM/BatOclZwX7Y4eAIlL5WrMQOUtQyoq__owCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BRio.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CHINA<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(The Great Wall)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrtX_m03oxY/XkN1iNBOM0I/AAAAAAAAmcY/FfI4Tm6pkH4put19vi5QCFlU90g7MdgYgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bgreat%2Bwall.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrtX_m03oxY/XkN1iNBOM0I/AAAAAAAAmcY/FfI4Tm6pkH4put19vi5QCFlU90g7MdgYgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bgreat%2Bwall.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzC59GwciWs/XkN1oyLVE8I/AAAAAAAAmcg/NWEBWuDUzBkCIvv1CKwZlFJlOhTKavlvwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BChina.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzC59GwciWs/XkN1oyLVE8I/AAAAAAAAmcg/NWEBWuDUzBkCIvv1CKwZlFJlOhTKavlvwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BChina.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CZECH REPUBLIC<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Astronomical clock, Prague)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6t7PSr17m4/XkN1vJaGw-I/AAAAAAAAmcs/oXk0yiLwXRYJ71KO6pKzkZv8eB0CAyG6gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bprague.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6t7PSr17m4/XkN1vJaGw-I/AAAAAAAAmcs/oXk0yiLwXRYJ71KO6pKzkZv8eB0CAyG6gCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bprague.png" width="246" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUJQuSTPgxY/XkN1z6uR7hI/AAAAAAAAmc4/9MfJ3kMN6cMQmrUJjUg4S2dgfbxb_YPMwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BPrague.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUJQuSTPgxY/XkN1z6uR7hI/AAAAAAAAmc4/9MfJ3kMN6cMQmrUJjUg4S2dgfbxb_YPMwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BPrague.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ENGLAND<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, London)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJxM710SRp8/XkN16MLKf9I/AAAAAAAAmdA/-DQ0TyRhNSEw3nGCADpJRpQbkbY3esF3wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bbig%2Bben.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJxM710SRp8/XkN16MLKf9I/AAAAAAAAmdA/-DQ0TyRhNSEw3nGCADpJRpQbkbY3esF3wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bbig%2Bben.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVjxLQ1k51c/XkN19yuUyYI/AAAAAAAAmdI/yrn2VG4qJpoLiB-1c-Cw1pz5Ty8quV0PgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BLondon.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVjxLQ1k51c/XkN19yuUyYI/AAAAAAAAmdI/yrn2VG4qJpoLiB-1c-Cw1pz5Ty8quV0PgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BLondon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FRANCE<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Clock by Victor Laloux at Musée d'Orsay, Paris)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVJKgc7pDpk/XkN2CSYSa0I/AAAAAAAAmdU/CM5fZUp_l-glFZCO9wei906Ui5wm_H1iwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bparis%2Bmusee%2Bdorsay.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVJKgc7pDpk/XkN2CSYSa0I/AAAAAAAAmdU/CM5fZUp_l-glFZCO9wei906Ui5wm_H1iwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bparis%2Bmusee%2Bdorsay.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jWvZOOx1k/XkbIoW2pk7I/AAAAAAAAmrY/7urlsO3hersMjYihF9ABdhMN9Auc2-orQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BParis3.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jWvZOOx1k/XkbIoW2pk7I/AAAAAAAAmrY/7urlsO3hersMjYihF9ABdhMN9Auc2-orQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BParis3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GERMANY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Munich)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-bfL2OfQSU/XkN2U4PAPoI/AAAAAAAAmdw/PI9c0h5BAhUuC-e_kRjPv9yMksfgzrG_QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Brathaus%2Bglockenspiel.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-bfL2OfQSU/XkN2U4PAPoI/AAAAAAAAmdw/PI9c0h5BAhUuC-e_kRjPv9yMksfgzrG_QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Brathaus%2Bglockenspiel.png" width="251" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iW5gt6hVHs/XkN2YNpV0KI/AAAAAAAAmd8/RJU8U5bRqlglSNEqwA3VovxiMh5WZS22ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMunich.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iW5gt6hVHs/XkN2YNpV0KI/AAAAAAAAmd8/RJU8U5bRqlglSNEqwA3VovxiMh5WZS22ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMunich.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RUSSIA<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Spasskaya Tower & Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfsbzsB-E3I/XkN2cSOlcyI/AAAAAAAAmeE/nvsWiQsVNpwBoBMSVzWYHmN_IlXC-OsfQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bred%2Bsquare%2Bst%2Bbasil.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfsbzsB-E3I/XkN2cSOlcyI/AAAAAAAAmeE/nvsWiQsVNpwBoBMSVzWYHmN_IlXC-OsfQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bred%2Bsquare%2Bst%2Bbasil.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46aDhnhLa6Y/XkN2hq83SKI/AAAAAAAAmeM/BvmrDrs_saMIUyoAl-9cjGrw19Y-dsmWACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMoscow.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46aDhnhLa6Y/XkN2hq83SKI/AAAAAAAAmeM/BvmrDrs_saMIUyoAl-9cjGrw19Y-dsmWACK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMoscow.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TURKEY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hagia Sophia, Istanbul)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJcdm5ho1QM/XkN4NDSxQeI/AAAAAAAAmf8/Txn_GpAcGsEH0T3miqJZysgnWxrycbc1QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bhagia%2B2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJcdm5ho1QM/XkN4NDSxQeI/AAAAAAAAmf8/Txn_GpAcGsEH0T3miqJZysgnWxrycbc1QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bhagia%2B2.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BxxuFnxM3k/XkN2wRf4_eI/AAAAAAAAmek/yyIxuIwBVFA8sTWy1hKVhnZ0IMFIj9lHwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BIstanbul.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BxxuFnxM3k/XkN2wRf4_eI/AAAAAAAAmek/yyIxuIwBVFA8sTWy1hKVhnZ0IMFIj9lHwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BIstanbul.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
USA<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Mount Rushmore)</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5puIfe4tNiY/XkN21rdBgyI/AAAAAAAAmew/v38RPwW2xPoEEzQc0H7bGTMS76IXukQOQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bmt%2Brushmore.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5puIfe4tNiY/XkN21rdBgyI/AAAAAAAAmew/v38RPwW2xPoEEzQc0H7bGTMS76IXukQOQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bmt%2Brushmore.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSFI0IHAhco/XkN281CuBkI/AAAAAAAAmfE/2NcDzZp0IHM2uuG4FGI2-iRS56-R9IDTQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMt%2BRushmore.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSFI0IHAhco/XkN281CuBkI/AAAAAAAAmfE/2NcDzZp0IHM2uuG4FGI2-iRS56-R9IDTQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BMt%2BRushmore.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(San Francisco)</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ciQlzNlkOSg/XkN3BIChlfI/AAAAAAAAmfM/aALXtnDiAUod_bEtdgvrItboqKGEMOiMACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bsan%2Bfrancisco.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ciQlzNlkOSg/XkN3BIChlfI/AAAAAAAAmfM/aALXtnDiAUod_bEtdgvrItboqKGEMOiMACK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bsan%2Bfrancisco.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwt6aqQz3mE/XkN3GE6jBDI/AAAAAAAAmfY/0nj0CECfIEAZXZnsJX3WNTumNErLm3gnACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BSan%2BFrancisco.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwt6aqQz3mE/XkN3GE6jBDI/AAAAAAAAmfY/0nj0CECfIEAZXZnsJX3WNTumNErLm3gnACK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BSan%2BFrancisco.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
VATICAN<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(St. Pete's Basilica)</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYIYjaEGiiA/XkN3O2e1FhI/AAAAAAAAmfk/aApiPs24sKgklrgaC78homJ3N7WNwhwAgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bvatican.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYIYjaEGiiA/XkN3O2e1FhI/AAAAAAAAmfk/aApiPs24sKgklrgaC78homJ3N7WNwhwAgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bpostcard%2Bvatican.png" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AryHhAP4zQ/XkN3Ru4hwWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rGcNjmzvr1EUDc9cZ5SdYAbpyNzvM-7JQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BVatican.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AryHhAP4zQ/XkN3Ru4hwWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rGcNjmzvr1EUDc9cZ5SdYAbpyNzvM-7JQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/quest%2Bpostcard%2Bback%2B-%2BVatican.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Hopefully the scroll enclosed will offer some direction.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_HpvD4NduQ/XkIMIWNKEVI/AAAAAAAAmX0/a-0SwU8Y9Ns282Q_48iE3tY2TR43ZJuUgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bscroll%2Bribbon%2Bwax.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_HpvD4NduQ/XkIMIWNKEVI/AAAAAAAAmX0/a-0SwU8Y9Ns282Q_48iE3tY2TR43ZJuUgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/sophia%2Bscroll%2Bribbon%2Bwax.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlMutKVxJcw/XkTB2-rXHSI/AAAAAAAAmlg/vc4O4bKr6AQlnZWb-ltsGQvE1I6ZkGdDQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/knaights%2Blong%2Bquest%2Bscroll.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlMutKVxJcw/XkTB2-rXHSI/AAAAAAAAmlg/vc4O4bKr6AQlnZWb-ltsGQvE1I6ZkGdDQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/knaights%2Blong%2Bquest%2Bscroll.png" width="302" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For ease of readability, here's what the scroll says:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Valiant Knaight of the Firmament,
The existence of this scroll means that once again the cryptex has had to be moved to keep its location secret.
If the cryptex has been activated, then you know time is of the essence and must be followed strictly to prevent the scroll’s destruction.
Go where the clocks lead in the order they dictate.
Having come this far, you have already proved your worthiness. Now proceed with vigor and (like Sophia) wisdom, and you will prevail.
Instinct will take you far.
Travel is a blessing and a privilege.
Trust what you know, and learn what you don’t.
Continue quickly. Keep faith. Secure the message at all costs.
Once the cock has crowed and you are in possession of all the pieces to the cryptex’s puzzle, take a brief stroll via “Maria quadratum est scriptor” to the nearest brew house to work things out. Ordering a Ritterschlüssel is sure to put you in the proper mood and frame of mind.</blockquote>
<br />
The scroll includes the phrase "Go where the clocks lead in the order they dictate." What could that mean as applies to the postcards? Which of the postcard cities show a clock? I'd advise keeping a <b><span style="color: purple;">written list of the cities</span></b> for future reference. <b><span style="color: purple;">You will also want to keep a list of answers to all questions preceded by a rosette 🏵 emoji</span></b> (as shown in the first question in the form below.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">This part of the quest requires precise answers and concentration. If you get things wrong, you will not be able to move on, so be sure to answer each question with care.</span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="1141" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8GGC6yqjUzZKt9MNitNtBH99NgYh0o4GNOVeE0HPLxQGUkw/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-83584481265759193342019-12-08T09:08:00.000-08:002020-02-16T04:02:13.195-08:00Open Sesame?<div>
Holy Sophia! The book is actually a safe? COOL!<br />
It truly must be the right book because the word <i>wisdom </i>(the meaning of Sophia's name) is at the bottom of the bookplate. WOOOHOOOOOO!<br />
<br />
You need to get the book out of the basilica before someone stumbles upon you in the tunnels or notices the book is gone, but there's no sense leaving until you know the book safe opens. Let's see if we can quickly figure out the 3-digit lock code.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6Y6nXmPi0/XkG2LGYoN4I/AAAAAAAAmWo/5OE3sUoZExUcAKKerEYgysAZ6HJYEVwuQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bbook%2Bsafe%2Bcover%2Bcombo.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6Y6nXmPi0/XkG2LGYoN4I/AAAAAAAAmWo/5OE3sUoZExUcAKKerEYgysAZ6HJYEVwuQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/sophia%2Bbook%2Bsafe%2Bcover%2Bcombo.png" width="252" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uFUaMY9kxI/XkG2HxpbkiI/AAAAAAAAmWg/__46HnrXU-0ye4lb3QD2uG4bouCKJI2EwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bbookplate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uFUaMY9kxI/XkG2HxpbkiI/AAAAAAAAmWg/__46HnrXU-0ye4lb3QD2uG4bouCKJI2EwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/sophia%2Bbookplate.png" width="310" /></a> </div>
<br />
Take a look at the wording on the bookplate.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<b>Dedicated to she who was both wise and selfless. One who would open this book would do well to revisit the origin of the great lady’s legend. May the <span style="font-size: large;">number</span> of the reader’s days be thrice blessed</b>."</blockquote>
The word <i>number </i>appears larger, and "thrice" refers to 3. And there just happen to be 3 digits needed to unlock the book safe!<br />
<br />
As I recall, both the <a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/p/quest-home.html" target="_blank"><b>story about Sophia's </b></a><i><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/p/quest-home.html" target="_blank"><b>origin</b></a> </i>and the <b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/SaliolumHoliday" target="_blank">Saliolum booklet</a></b> mentioned an R.C. year with 3 digits. I can't remember it off hand, but could that be the number needed to unlock the book? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="639" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr8kUfNB1mI6E5iySnOHTh8zoWBL3k-R93GUhHBA7W5QWdiQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading...</iframe>
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-56961755756041112802019-12-07T08:20:00.000-08:002020-02-16T16:45:59.257-08:00Sermon interrupted<div>
<a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2019/12/open-sesame.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2d7hBlpcjiM/XkGr2s0TR9I/AAAAAAAAmV0/-_n7ttHzhyMFpnKYBHFthVNqgCwGyTKswCK4BGAYYCw/s320/sophia%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B3D%2B.png" width="180" /></a>Excellent work locating the volume involving Sophia by name:</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">S</span></b>ermons </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">o</span></b>n </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">P</span></b>ious </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">H</span></b>umility </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">I</span></b>nvolving </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">A</span></b>bstinence</span><br />
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<div>
The next trick will be to get out of the gift shop without anyone noticing you've pinched the book! Tuck the book under your coat and calmly exit. You'll need to go somewhere private to open the book and see what clues it holds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4h_OkOFyAU/XTiA9PMLTTI/AAAAAAAAjl8/xwqCpP-PBNQSlZkVOhaOxUwrvZznOX4vgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dark-hallway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="550" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4h_OkOFyAU/XTiA9PMLTTI/AAAAAAAAjl8/xwqCpP-PBNQSlZkVOhaOxUwrvZznOX4vgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Dark-hallway.jpg" width="138" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Entrance to the tunnels</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My research shows there are tunnels beneath the basilica. The door to the tunnels is marked EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY in various languages (including English) and is located just to the right of the men's restroom across from the gift shop. Due to construction, the alarm on the door has been deactivated. Yea!<br />
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If you brought a flashlight as one of your 10 items to pack, we're in good shape. If not, you will have to use the light on your mobile phone if it has one, thereby draining power. If you did not pack either a flashlight or phone charger, return to the gift shop and purchase one or the other. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[The flashlight should cost <b><span style="color: #38761d;">₺18</span></b>, a phone charge <b><span style="color: #38761d;">₺60</span></b>, and the trip to the gift shop <b><span style="color: blue;">15 minutes</span></b>.]</span><br />
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Once you are deep in the tunnels and don't see or hear anyone, <b><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2019/12/open-sesame.html" target="_blank">crack open the book</a>.</b><br />
(If working remotely, click the image of the book at the top-right of this page.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hpT1TFlH5w/XTiBmctx9jI/AAAAAAAAjmI/j-DxCoKyY30vZKdiSZH3X_vyAm2vR0gRgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Hagia_Sophia-tunnels-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="527" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hpT1TFlH5w/XTiBmctx9jI/AAAAAAAAjmI/j-DxCoKyY30vZKdiSZH3X_vyAm2vR0gRgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Hagia_Sophia-tunnels-08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-47981744459268426882019-12-06T08:28:00.000-08:002020-02-14T07:03:22.469-08:00Which book is Sophia's?So here we are in the gift shop, and there's a whole shelf containing the unwanted books from the Mahmud Library!<br />
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If you're wondering how I'm obtaining photos, a Turkish student who is enrolled in the Ocademy's Widgetry class has outfitted a fairyfly with a teeny tiny GoPro camera, enabling me to see what you see. That said, if you hear or see the insect buzzing around you, do not swat it!<br />
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Now, you'll need to decide which book is the one that pertains to Sophia. Slowly scroll over the titles and select the one you think is the correct one.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="530" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2020-02-10-103136" orgheight="530" orgwidth="800" src="https://www.image-maps.com/m/private/0/7pvnpmljc98sg7vrghvur4tasi_books-in-gift-shop-at-hagia-sophia-for-image-map.jpg" usemap="#image-maps-2020-02-10-103136" width="800" />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-28839403522328828852019-12-05T18:17:00.000-08:002020-02-16T03:55:45.889-08:00Türkiye'ye hoşgeldiniz! (Welcome to Turkey!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVnjxh8M7zk/XkCmlvG94NI/AAAAAAAAmUY/JSqxlFu5og4OiwnszlRQ_p0p5Oqt3W7pACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Istanbul%2Bpassport%2Bstamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVnjxh8M7zk/XkCmlvG94NI/AAAAAAAAmUY/JSqxlFu5og4OiwnszlRQ_p0p5Oqt3W7pACK4BGAYYCw/s200/Istanbul%2Bpassport%2Bstamp.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5lg2m-y2xY/XkXpqMB29iI/AAAAAAAAmos/Jqf-tMESWYc1tnrxVHdncpYle-qlaEWygCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B2%2Bstep%2B05%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">Click here</a></b><br />if you'd like an accounting update</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You made it to Turkey! Time to collect the first of many passport stamps.<br />
<br />
I do hope you chose to bring your passport with you as one of your 10 items, otherwise, I'm afraid you will have to go home to get it, losing valuable time. If you've not exchanged money yet, please do so at the Istanbul Havalimanı airport so you can pay for bus fare.<br />
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<div>
When you arrive at Hagia Sophia, you'll find we've hit a glitch. Evidently some Cryptex Crusaders also went to the basilica in search of clues and ransacked the Library of Sultan Mahmud I where you were supposed to visit in hopes of finding a book bearing Sophia's name. That makes our task harder. The online report states:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"On the South corner of the nave, there is a bronze grilled library of Sultan Mahmud I. With its Kütahya & Iznik tiles on the inner walls, the library had a capacity of 5000 books which are preserved in the library of Suleymaniye at the moment." </blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The report goes on to say that the library of Suleymaniye has been temporarily closed to visitors and is currently under armed guard to prevent a breakin there as well. <b>A handful of books deemed valueless remain onsite at Hagia Sophia</b> in keeping with Sultan Mahmud I's centuries-old directive that "knowledge should never be lost." Given the size of the basilica and grounds, the book we need could be anywhere.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the sign posted on Mahmud's library gate can steer you in the right direction.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Click images to enlarge)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lj2Y1Bk9qw/XkDDM9xTYCI/AAAAAAAAmUw/JG0A_UdQQKA06fg4wknhNwOwrxiBuYHCwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/HS%2Blibrary%2B03%2Bmahmud-1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lj2Y1Bk9qw/XkDDM9xTYCI/AAAAAAAAmUw/JG0A_UdQQKA06fg4wknhNwOwrxiBuYHCwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/HS%2Blibrary%2B03%2Bmahmud-1.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3acnV20qrTc/XkDDMznsWII/AAAAAAAAmU0/CMzcwIGBMoMg6LfpL8-bStvrn9sBAw6xACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/HS%2Blibrary%2B04%2B%2Bmahmud-1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3acnV20qrTc/XkDDMznsWII/AAAAAAAAmU0/CMzcwIGBMoMg6LfpL8-bStvrn9sBAw6xACK4BGAYYCw/s640/HS%2Blibrary%2B04%2B%2Bmahmud-1.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HOPVeyO3KM/XkDDMWYzRvI/AAAAAAAAmUk/aZ8n1wnv73gpCQ6RMSam9XzLB8ibt__XQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/HS%2Blibrary%2B05-1%2Bmahmud.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HOPVeyO3KM/XkDDMWYzRvI/AAAAAAAAmUk/aZ8n1wnv73gpCQ6RMSam9XzLB8ibt__XQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/HS%2Blibrary%2B05-1%2Bmahmud.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please translate the sign using either your Turkish>English dictionary (if you packed it) or <span style="color: #660000;"><b>250Mb</b> of your data</span>. Remember to type SQ at the end of your query to keep your search untraceable. Here's the verbiage to translate: <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Kütüphane kapalı. Yardım için hediyelik eşya dükkanını ziyaret edin</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="1085" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXyyoClmTIE-s-NBkSAv9btk5ZoB2zEnlihVUCr8bN4cNsmQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-72018090308754807732019-12-04T10:13:00.000-08:002020-03-11T09:05:39.374-07:00Math optional<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFrOR4qogH4/XTZzZ-1lyVI/AAAAAAAAjkM/ZL8MR8ozt8kDrgvCpsEWkI4BW2pkrlJ0QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/turkish%2Blira%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFrOR4qogH4/XTZzZ-1lyVI/AAAAAAAAjkM/ZL8MR8ozt8kDrgvCpsEWkI4BW2pkrlJ0QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/turkish%2Blira%2B01.jpg" width="400" /></a>I'll use Gran's credit card to book your hotels. My cache of frequent flyer miles should cover your flights, and the Visa gift cards should cover most of your meals. However, you will have to pay for your ground transportation and incidentals using the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">$100</span></b> in cash I have wired to you. You will not be able to use your own bank cards lest your activity be tracked and the mission compromised.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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Right off the bat, tomorrow <b>you'll need <span style="color: #38761d;">$5</span> for bus fare to the airport </b>here in the States. It's too risky to get a ride from a loved one or call for a ride that can be tracked.<br />
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Additionally, you may want to use a little of the cash to exchange for Turkish lira before you go. It's up to you. The going exchange rate is <b>1 US dollar = 6 Turkish lira</b>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTVrTnV3qnM/XjXSX7i89vI/AAAAAAAAmQI/kL3TydyTJhIi7__Hat-TCg7QRSdDKaQBQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Sophia%2Bquest%2B-%2BMath%2Btally%2Bsheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTVrTnV3qnM/XjXSX7i89vI/AAAAAAAAmQI/kL3TydyTJhIi7__Hat-TCg7QRSdDKaQBQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/Sophia%2Bquest%2B-%2BMath%2Btally%2Bsheet.png" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Click image</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">to enlarge & print</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If questing as part of a Cadrix, you may want to assign specific individuals the tasks of keeping track of time, data, and cash usage. If you're questing alone, I'll do my best to keep track of all that for you. </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not great at math, but will try to provide rough estimates along the way based on general activity, should that information be useful. </span><br />
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Click on the grid image at right if you'd like a tally sheet to use for accounting.<br />
And <b><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kZ9g5dDEeE/XkYELj36H5I/AAAAAAAAmpo/qLSzXK9UqiAs7V51MMb1eCgRmYIcfaVDwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sophia%2Bday%2B1%2Bstep%2B04%2Baccounting.png" target="_blank">click here</a> if you'd like to get an accounting status as of this juncture.</span></b></div>
</div>
<br />
Like your credit cards, your phone can be tracked. I've sent you a non-traceable international data plan that can be used from any smartphone, laptop, or computer. The plan has <b><span style="color: #990000;">5GB</span></b> available, so make sure to use your data wisely. To access the plan,<b> simply add the code <span style="color: #990000;">SQ</span> to the end of any browser search</b>. For example, if you wish to use Google Translate, type "Google Translate SQ" in your browser.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Now please board the plane, and <b><a href="https://lastscroll.omniquest.omniocademy.com/2019/12/turkiyeye-hosgeldiniz-welcome-to-turkey.html" target="_blank">click here to continue to the next step</a></b></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5352944791959587343.post-62546236451556486602019-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:002020-02-13T09:38:55.043-08:00Get packing!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ALj-QRSF4/XTZzPmdLAdI/AAAAAAAAjj8/zFbinOJu1HUTEFm74Ad0bieYyHYb9tQcwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/hagia%2Bsophia%2Bexterior%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ALj-QRSF4/XTZzPmdLAdI/AAAAAAAAjj8/zFbinOJu1HUTEFm74Ad0bieYyHYb9tQcwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/hagia%2Bsophia%2Bexterior%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkVH37uOpEo/XTZzRsivryI/AAAAAAAAjkE/nDOhjq8-rAA7f_Zf_P7df_bQ4RmkaJ_CQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/hagia%2Bsophia%2Binterior%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkVH37uOpEo/XTZzRsivryI/AAAAAAAAjkE/nDOhjq8-rAA7f_Zf_P7df_bQ4RmkaJ_CQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/hagia%2Bsophia%2Binterior%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now that you've surmised you're headed to <b>Hagia Sophia</b> (Ayasofya Meydanı) in <b>Istanbul, Turkey</b>, it's time to figure out what to take with you. Aside from minimal clothing, <b>your luggage will hold only 10 items</b>, so think carefully when deciding what to pack.<br />
<br />
I tried to come up with some items that may be useful on your quest, should you need suggestions on what to pack. Feel free to come up with your own:<br />
<ul>
<li>Passport</li>
<li>English>Turkish dictionary</li>
<li>Flashlight</li>
<li>City guidebook</li>
<li>Magnifying glass</li>
<li>Umbrella</li>
<li>Journal & pen</li>
<li>Compass</li>
<li>Camera</li>
<li>Power adapter</li>
<li>Phone charger</li>
<li>Rope</li>
<li>Lighter</li>
<li>Duct tape</li>
<li>Extra socks</li>
</ul>
Please submit your packing list via the form below so I know what sort of tangible tools and resources you will have at your disposal.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEcucbDIBxGYi_MczAC2FP04MNN3-fZGjHqixTUhdfI3vyyA/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading...</iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com