Today is our last day in Rome and as yet none of us have typed up anything about our adventures as tourist in this great big beautiful, hot, chaotic, religious and any other adjectives which could be used to describe this city. However that will be done, and hopefully Sharryn will begin during her lay over in Dubai.
We all leave Rome today - Sharryn and Garey commence their trip back to New Zealand and Peter and I leave for London tonight. We spent the morning together then said our farewells at the train station and Sharryn and Garey headed to collect their suitcases and take the train to the airport. They leave Rome aroound 4.30 p.m. for Dubai, with a ten hour lay over then on to Sydney and then Christchurch.
After saying goodbye Peter and I headed to near the Trevi Fountain and had a nice leisurely lunch, enjoyed the atmosphere at the Fountain and will soon head back to the Station to collect our bags from storage and head also to the airport for our flight to London.
It is very warm in Rome today, and as we haven't had many high temperatures during our travels it is just lovely. I am sure that London will not be as warm!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Venice
We left Tuscany on Saturday morning, we have already written up our last couple of days but it is saved on the memory stick ready to download into the blog and I don't have it with me so that will have to wait.
We drove to Venice on Saturday morning - it took about three and a half hours. We have parked the car in a parking building at the edge of Venice and from there we took one of the public boats (five euros each) to our hotel. Our hotel is right on the Grand Canal - we have two double bedrooms and they did say they would be small and they certainly are narrow. Our double bed is right against the wall and we have a foot maximum between the double bed and the wall. We do have an ensuite bathroom and small table and chairs - the room is long and narrow. The best thing is that we have double opening doors right on to the Grand Canal so we can enjoy all the activity of the area. We are more than delighted with our position.
We will write up more of our adventures but we are all loving our time here. It rained yesterday whilst we were travelling and light rain all afternoon. However today has been fine all day although temperatures a little lower and have needed jackets most of the day. Venice has a wonderful atmosphere.
Today is Sharryn and Garey's wedding anniversary so out for dinner tonight to celebrate their 29 years. Saying that we have hardly missed a night that we haven't been to a restaurant for dinner. Last night was no exception and we had a great meal at a restaurant recommended by our hotel and then we walked for about an hour or wo, to help digest the dinner, and experience Venice. We are now far from the Rialto Bridge so we walked to there and back again last night following all the little lane ways.
More to come soon - again sorry no photos but we are unable to save them on the memory stick and get them to post.
We drove to Venice on Saturday morning - it took about three and a half hours. We have parked the car in a parking building at the edge of Venice and from there we took one of the public boats (five euros each) to our hotel. Our hotel is right on the Grand Canal - we have two double bedrooms and they did say they would be small and they certainly are narrow. Our double bed is right against the wall and we have a foot maximum between the double bed and the wall. We do have an ensuite bathroom and small table and chairs - the room is long and narrow. The best thing is that we have double opening doors right on to the Grand Canal so we can enjoy all the activity of the area. We are more than delighted with our position.
We will write up more of our adventures but we are all loving our time here. It rained yesterday whilst we were travelling and light rain all afternoon. However today has been fine all day although temperatures a little lower and have needed jackets most of the day. Venice has a wonderful atmosphere.
Today is Sharryn and Garey's wedding anniversary so out for dinner tonight to celebrate their 29 years. Saying that we have hardly missed a night that we haven't been to a restaurant for dinner. Last night was no exception and we had a great meal at a restaurant recommended by our hotel and then we walked for about an hour or wo, to help digest the dinner, and experience Venice. We are now far from the Rialto Bridge so we walked to there and back again last night following all the little lane ways.
More to come soon - again sorry no photos but we are unable to save them on the memory stick and get them to post.
Friday, October 20, 2006
A Much Needed Quiet Day
As written by Sharryn
We started the morning very slowly, not out of bed until after 9 and then a leisurely breakfast. Gill and I updated the blog while Peter read and Garey did the washing (of course). After about an hour of doing nothing Garey had had enough and was standing at the electronic gates wishing them to open. He and I set off on a walk to find the café we had seen about three or four km away. Gill and Peter followed a little later. We walked further than we remembered the café being and still did not find it. As Garey and I were ahead we decided to turn back as we had walked a long way down hill and could see the winding road in front that did not seem to be taking us anywhere near coffee. About 500 metres up the road we found Gill and Pete who had asked a couple of Italian men about coffee and were given directions. We turned around again and headed down the hill and to the left when we had been to the right. We were so close but yet so far. We came across a couple of food places but they were closed as Italy does shut down in the middle of the day but luckily there was a restaurant open and we had lunch. Pete had decided that there was no way he was walking up the hill but Gill had studied the bus timetable on the way down and we were able to catch a bus back to the Villa. Now when I say bus you might think city, town or even two lane roads but I do not want to deceive you there are none of the above here. No road markings or footpaths in site. Interesting walking I have to say but you see so much more when on foot.
We came back and lay by the pool for a while then headed out for a drive. We found the café we had been looking for just up the road a little but not the road we had walked up. Good excuse for an ice cream though.
We have found a town we will visit on Friday. Neither Peter nor I were keen to get out of the car today as I had bare feet and he had shorts on. He does not usually get seen in shorts in public.
Off to Florence for the day tomorrow.
We started the morning very slowly, not out of bed until after 9 and then a leisurely breakfast. Gill and I updated the blog while Peter read and Garey did the washing (of course). After about an hour of doing nothing Garey had had enough and was standing at the electronic gates wishing them to open. He and I set off on a walk to find the café we had seen about three or four km away. Gill and Peter followed a little later. We walked further than we remembered the café being and still did not find it. As Garey and I were ahead we decided to turn back as we had walked a long way down hill and could see the winding road in front that did not seem to be taking us anywhere near coffee. About 500 metres up the road we found Gill and Pete who had asked a couple of Italian men about coffee and were given directions. We turned around again and headed down the hill and to the left when we had been to the right. We were so close but yet so far. We came across a couple of food places but they were closed as Italy does shut down in the middle of the day but luckily there was a restaurant open and we had lunch. Pete had decided that there was no way he was walking up the hill but Gill had studied the bus timetable on the way down and we were able to catch a bus back to the Villa. Now when I say bus you might think city, town or even two lane roads but I do not want to deceive you there are none of the above here. No road markings or footpaths in site. Interesting walking I have to say but you see so much more when on foot.
We came back and lay by the pool for a while then headed out for a drive. We found the café we had been looking for just up the road a little but not the road we had walked up. Good excuse for an ice cream though.
We have found a town we will visit on Friday. Neither Peter nor I were keen to get out of the car today as I had bare feet and he had shorts on. He does not usually get seen in shorts in public.
Off to Florence for the day tomorrow.
Sorry no photos
Hi Everyone, sorry we have not been able to upload any photos into the blog for the last week or so. We are limited to access at either an internet cafe or here in the office at the villa and when not actually using the laptop we canot upload any photos.
We have been out in Florence for the day today so more about that later. We have an Italian dinner prepared by the mama from the villa to enjoy first!
Take care
We have been out in Florence for the day today so more about that later. We have an Italian dinner prepared by the mama from the villa to enjoy first!
Take care
Friday, October 13, 2006
We are now in Salzberg
Sorry no photos today as we have no internet access at our accommodation. We travelled from Sarah´s apartment in Zurich to Salzberg via Liechenstein today. We left at around 9 a.m. and it took just over an hour and a half to get to Vaduz in Liechenstein. We had planned on going through the castle but it is now closed to the public so decided it didn´t warrant the twenty minute walk up the mountain to the castle just to view the gardens. I was a bit disappointed but that is the way it goes.
We travelled on to Innsbruck in Austria - the highway took us through manz tunnels and one was over eleven kilometres long and cost us eight euros and fifty cents for the priviledge (around $17 Australian). After lunch in Innsbruck we travelled on to Salzberg where we have lovely accommodation. Tomorrow we are off on the Sound of Music tour - we are bound to have Garey and Peter singing for the next day or so.
Just had dinner in a lovely Austrian restaurant and now wondering the citz centre which is just beautiful. We are looking forward to seeing it in the daylight tomorrow.
The weather has been just great - no more rain since the day on the canal in France. Autumn in Europe is just beautiful.
Will add photos when we next have better access.
We travelled on to Innsbruck in Austria - the highway took us through manz tunnels and one was over eleven kilometres long and cost us eight euros and fifty cents for the priviledge (around $17 Australian). After lunch in Innsbruck we travelled on to Salzberg where we have lovely accommodation. Tomorrow we are off on the Sound of Music tour - we are bound to have Garey and Peter singing for the next day or so.
Just had dinner in a lovely Austrian restaurant and now wondering the citz centre which is just beautiful. We are looking forward to seeing it in the daylight tomorrow.
The weather has been just great - no more rain since the day on the canal in France. Autumn in Europe is just beautiful.
Will add photos when we next have better access.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Experience Mount Pilatus
Hopefully this photo will give you some idea of just how steep the train track really was.
Sharryn, Nicole and Gill climbed heaps of steps to the top of one of the mountain peaks while Garey and Peter stayed below - surprise, surprise
This is the cable car at the top of the cable - about twenty five people went in one car at a time, standing room only. As the car went over the cable it gave quite a jolt and moved very quickly. It was really interesting to stand at the very front of the car and watch as we went down.
The view on the way down the cable car
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Lucern and Pilatus mountain experience
We went to Lucern on Monday - it was a drive of about an hour on the highway. However Nicole decided to take the local roads and then got horribly lost and had to revert to the highway so that we made it to Lucern. This is the third time I have visited Lucern and it is just as beautiful as ever.Lucern is known for the covered walkway which has flowers all along one side. The walkway had a disastrous fire some years ago and only one third of the original walkway is still standing and the rest has been rebuilt. It has amazing paintings under the eaves.
We decided to take the Golden Round trip which was a one and half hour ride on a boat to the end of the lake, then up on a cog train to the top of Pilatus Mountain, then by two separate gondolas down to the base of the mountain and then by bus back to Lucern. This took us about four hours and we all really enjoyed it. Again the day was lovely - around 22 deg and no wind. This is the boat that we took to the end of the lake. Sharryn spent most of the time taking photos of the houses on the foreshore so pity those of you who have to sit through them.
This is the trains lined up at the train station ready to go up the mountain. It has a 48 degree incline so was consistently steep most of the way. Depending on where you sat in the carriage you were either leaning backwards in the seat or forwards just about falling out of them. The train trip was about 30 minutes. On the way up we could see those keen Swiss walkers with their Nordic poles.
We tried to take photos of the track on the way up but unfortunately it is difficult to get the impression of the steepness of the track.
A Much Appreciated Picnic
A fabulous picnic of wine, local cheese, bread and a variety of meats. What else could you ask for with a view like this.
Part way up the mountain - you can see that it was a beautiful day. We had been told that it would be cold and so had taken warm clothes with additional warm jackets and Sharryn and Garey even took rain jackets. But we didn't need any of them, and ended up carrying them the whole day.
This is Nicole and her parents, Beatrice and Markus. We had met Beatrice and Markus on our trip to Bern in 2004 and they made us just as welcome this time around. It was lovely to spend the day with them and then we all went back to their chalet in Grindelwald for dinner at night before returning to Bern. There were another couple walking with us who were friends of Markus and Beatrice.
A taste of Switzerland with friends
We drove to Switzerland on Saturday 7th October and are now staying with Nicole who lived with Peter and I in NZ when she was an exchange student in 1999. It is really lovely to meet up with her again and also her family. On Sunday we went up into the Alps near Bern, driving through Interlaken and took a cog train up to Schynige Platte. There were a lot of people heading up the mountain as it was a beautiful day and it was the last day the train ran before it closed for the winter season.
We rode the train for fifty minutes and it took us up 1500 metres. At the top the most popular choice is to go trekking. Many of the people had the Nordic walking poles and were very serious about their walk. For the balance, which was a good mix of families and groups we all headed up the different tracks. We joined them. The walk was reasonably easy along gravel tracks.
This photo was taken about a third of the way up the mountain with a view of the Alps - Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau (which is commonly known as the Top of Europe)
The Swiss family were all very concerned that Peter wouldn't make it, so Garey decided that a little helping hand was required. It really wasn't necessary but oh well. In fact we all really enjoyed the walk which took about two hours with extra time part way through for our picnic lunch.
We made it!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
We have arrived in Bern
We arrived in Bern around 6 pm today - thank goodness we have the lovely English lady who helps us via the GPS. Nicole was waiting to meet us and was very excited to see us finally arrive. We have settled into her apartment and then went and had dinner with her. Tomorrow we are having the day out and about but before we go we will try and get some photos on to the blog for you. It is lovely to have access to the internet so readily.
From the canal to Bern
We arrived at Decize, where we joined the canal boat, at around 5.30 p.m. The instructions said to be there between 4 pm and 6 pm and we knew that we were going to be much nearer 6 pm and to make matters worse we couldn’t find the actual port area. If only we had listened to the GPS it would have been helpful! However we rang the depot and they kindly came and met us. I think that they were conscious that if they didn’t they might be held up at the end of their working day!
The boat we have is called a Tamaris. It is ten metres long and has two main cabins, the front where Peter and I slept had twin berths, and fortunately for Peter one was quite a bit wider than the other. The area cabin had a double bed. There was also a double bed in the living area and also another single bed. There were two toilet/shower areas and a small galley kitchen. It was more than comfortable and was fully equipped. It took a bit
of an adjustment to pump the water into the toilet, wee then pump the water out of the toilet again. To have a shower you closed the toilet lid, turned on the shower then pumped the water out at the end. Quite an experience.
Sailing time is limited to daylight hours and an 8 km per hour speed limit. The locks were mostly manned by a lock keeper, but over the five days we went through four that were automatic. The locks could only be used between 9 am and 12 noon then 1 pm to 7 pm.
The first night we negotiated the first of the automatic locks, then sailed to just prior to the first manned lock and as it was nearing 7 pm by then we moored to the side of the canal and stayed overnight. The rain came in overnight and did it pour. For most of Tuesday it rained, varying between light showers and torrential downpours. Peter and Garey shared the driving of the boat and at the locks the rope tying and holding procedure. As for Sharryn and me, we opted to provide food as required and relaxed the rest of the time. And that is how we spent our five days. The guys taking turns driving and holding ropes, Sharryn and me preparing and cleaning up after food, giving instructions and generally relaxing. It was certainly the lifestyle to which we were keen to continue.
We sailed all day on the Tuesday and stopped at one of the little villages to moor and had dinner at the local pub. Great food, red wine served in a carafe and a lovely French lady to serve us. There were only two other guys plus us in the restaurant. The menus are easy for us to manage with our French ability – four courses (entrée of salads, main course, cheeses, dessert and lots of bread continually provided) and no choice. All this four 12 Euros per person (about $24.00 NZ) so was great value.
We decided to make that stop the furthest distance along the canal we would travel. So next morning we started our slow trip back down the canal – in all about 70 kilometres. We stopped at most of the villages, Sharryn and I rode the bikes along the track until my bum hurt so much from the bike seat and the uneven tracks caused my wrists to ache. Garey took over from me at one point but I noted that was the only time he sat his bum anywhere near the bike seat, and needless to say Peter never even attempted.
We found that most of the villages were “people less” or so they seemed. We saw very few people at all unless they were in either the patisserie or the bar serving us. Fortunately other than the first day the weather improved and for most of the time the sun shone but it could have been a bit warmer.
On Thursday we took a side canal into Nevers which is the largest town on that part of the canal. We moored near the town and walked into the city and we were able to access the internet for the first time and updated the blog. That night we walked back into the town and chose a wonderful restaurant for dinner. It was a great choice – very French with wonderful friendly staff and even more superb food and wine. We again had the standard four courses and each course had an accompanying wine. The waitress spoke a little English so she was able to interpret the menu for us and we were able to make educated choices as there was a choice of three for each course. It was a great night out and we appreciated the walk back to the boat to help our food settle. It was the eve of our wedding anniversary and a lovely way to celebrate.
Friday we sailed back to the main canal then on into Decize where we moored at the mooring and could then take the rental car into the township to look around. We really enjoyed our five days on the canal – it was relaxing to say the least, particularly for Sharryn and me. It was a perfect way to start our holiday and one that all of us would be keen to try again sometime in the future.
Today is Saturday and we have left Decize and are driving to Bern in Switzerland. Our drive has taken us north to Besancon through the wine areas. We stopped near Beaune (which is just south of Dijon) and visited one of the small boutique wineries and after sampling bought some red wine. The castles we saw along the way were just amazing. We stopped for coffee at one of the small villages and again our wonderful French ability was put to the test. We must be getting better as we got what we wanted. Shame we leave French behind today and have to move on to German!
Peter and I are sitting in the car beside the Citadel in Besancon while Sharryn and Garey have a quick look. Peter and I visited the Citadel with Cam back in 2004 so decided not to go in this time. There are not the crowds here this time as there were when we visited in June. Shortly we cross the border in to Switzerland, near La Chaux de Fonds where Cam lived when he was in Switzerland for the year. Unfortunately his family are away in Vietnam on holiday so we won’t see them this time. Next stop overnight is Bern.
The boat we have is called a Tamaris. It is ten metres long and has two main cabins, the front where Peter and I slept had twin berths, and fortunately for Peter one was quite a bit wider than the other. The area cabin had a double bed. There was also a double bed in the living area and also another single bed. There were two toilet/shower areas and a small galley kitchen. It was more than comfortable and was fully equipped. It took a bit
of an adjustment to pump the water into the toilet, wee then pump the water out of the toilet again. To have a shower you closed the toilet lid, turned on the shower then pumped the water out at the end. Quite an experience.
Sailing time is limited to daylight hours and an 8 km per hour speed limit. The locks were mostly manned by a lock keeper, but over the five days we went through four that were automatic. The locks could only be used between 9 am and 12 noon then 1 pm to 7 pm.
The first night we negotiated the first of the automatic locks, then sailed to just prior to the first manned lock and as it was nearing 7 pm by then we moored to the side of the canal and stayed overnight. The rain came in overnight and did it pour. For most of Tuesday it rained, varying between light showers and torrential downpours. Peter and Garey shared the driving of the boat and at the locks the rope tying and holding procedure. As for Sharryn and me, we opted to provide food as required and relaxed the rest of the time. And that is how we spent our five days. The guys taking turns driving and holding ropes, Sharryn and me preparing and cleaning up after food, giving instructions and generally relaxing. It was certainly the lifestyle to which we were keen to continue.
We sailed all day on the Tuesday and stopped at one of the little villages to moor and had dinner at the local pub. Great food, red wine served in a carafe and a lovely French lady to serve us. There were only two other guys plus us in the restaurant. The menus are easy for us to manage with our French ability – four courses (entrée of salads, main course, cheeses, dessert and lots of bread continually provided) and no choice. All this four 12 Euros per person (about $24.00 NZ) so was great value.
We decided to make that stop the furthest distance along the canal we would travel. So next morning we started our slow trip back down the canal – in all about 70 kilometres. We stopped at most of the villages, Sharryn and I rode the bikes along the track until my bum hurt so much from the bike seat and the uneven tracks caused my wrists to ache. Garey took over from me at one point but I noted that was the only time he sat his bum anywhere near the bike seat, and needless to say Peter never even attempted.
We found that most of the villages were “people less” or so they seemed. We saw very few people at all unless they were in either the patisserie or the bar serving us. Fortunately other than the first day the weather improved and for most of the time the sun shone but it could have been a bit warmer.
On Thursday we took a side canal into Nevers which is the largest town on that part of the canal. We moored near the town and walked into the city and we were able to access the internet for the first time and updated the blog. That night we walked back into the town and chose a wonderful restaurant for dinner. It was a great choice – very French with wonderful friendly staff and even more superb food and wine. We again had the standard four courses and each course had an accompanying wine. The waitress spoke a little English so she was able to interpret the menu for us and we were able to make educated choices as there was a choice of three for each course. It was a great night out and we appreciated the walk back to the boat to help our food settle. It was the eve of our wedding anniversary and a lovely way to celebrate.
Friday we sailed back to the main canal then on into Decize where we moored at the mooring and could then take the rental car into the township to look around. We really enjoyed our five days on the canal – it was relaxing to say the least, particularly for Sharryn and me. It was a perfect way to start our holiday and one that all of us would be keen to try again sometime in the future.
Today is Saturday and we have left Decize and are driving to Bern in Switzerland. Our drive has taken us north to Besancon through the wine areas. We stopped near Beaune (which is just south of Dijon) and visited one of the small boutique wineries and after sampling bought some red wine. The castles we saw along the way were just amazing. We stopped for coffee at one of the small villages and again our wonderful French ability was put to the test. We must be getting better as we got what we wanted. Shame we leave French behind today and have to move on to German!
Peter and I are sitting in the car beside the Citadel in Besancon while Sharryn and Garey have a quick look. Peter and I visited the Citadel with Cam back in 2004 so decided not to go in this time. There are not the crowds here this time as there were when we visited in June. Shortly we cross the border in to Switzerland, near La Chaux de Fonds where Cam lived when he was in Switzerland for the year. Unfortunately his family are away in Vietnam on holiday so we won’t see them this time. Next stop overnight is Bern.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Quick Update
We have called into a town called Nevers and have found an internet cafe so have updated the blog. Not used to this European keyboard: Sorry put Sharryn's notes on twice and have trief to delete and couldn't do it easily. Sorry no photos will try from Nicole's on Saturday. Until then. Having a great time.
Sharryn's dialogue
Well Peter and Gill have arrived with a real keyboard. I can now type and you will understand at least some of what I have written. It is difficult when a Q is where the A should be and you have to hold down the shift to get a full stop, and that is just a couple of differences in a European keyboard.
Monday 25 Sept
Well last I wrote I said the weather was great, that was because the internet café was underground and when I went upstairs it was raining. A quick change of plan, what to do in the rain. Harrods was a good start, what a shop. We saw a cutlery set which was 9999.00 pounds that is $30,000.00 just to cut your food. Kiwifruit were 11.99 pounds for a kilo that is $36.00. Loved the shop and bought a couple of Christmas decorations. Yes the Christmas shop was open already. I asked and they said it opened in August, talk about Christmas comes early!
We managed to get tickets to Billy Elliott the Musical for that night. The Theatre was in easy walking distance to our hotel (10 min) so it was perfect. Fantastic show, thoroughly recommended.
Very tired and well ready for bed by the end of the show. Eyelids may have even dropped a couple of times.
Tuesday 26 Sept
Walked for miles today. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens to Buckingham Palace. Lucky enough to see the Royal Horse Guards practicing in the gardens. The changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace was very impressive. Garey really enjoyed it. It was very cramped and you had to stand for an hour before and for about an hour of the change. Lots of photos.
We caught the train to the Tower of London for a great tour. The tour is conducted by a Beefeater. He was fantastic, had a joke for every occasion and made for a very interesting tour. Some of the buildings are 900 years old. All sorts of people had their head chopped of there and some have their bodies entombed in the church there. We were there three hours. A Beefeater has to be in the British Military for 22 years and have no blemishes on their record and then apply for a position at the Tower. They live at the Tower with their families and are locked in at night; they have their own Doctor and Hospital. Very interesting life, I bought the book.
We went back to our room for a quick change an another train to meet Ange Hersche for dinner. We went to Covent Garden near where Ange works and she arrived with three reviews of the internet. We picked Mediterranean and it was very nice, Ange shouted which was so nice. We had planned to take her out for tea not the other way around. She was her happy bubbly self and is in London for another year working for a Law Firm in Fleet Street.
Walked 20 km today.
Wednesday 27 September
Last day in London, what do we really want to do that we have not already. Garey did the washing again and then we set of for St John Gate. It was good to see it but unfortunately there was an investiture on so we could only look a the ground floor. Decided to walk back to central London through banking and insurance area. It was lunch time and we had heard that all London accountants go to the pub at lunch time and we can now tell you that is true. Suits everywhere.
Saw the Old Bailey and St Paul’s Cathedral. Walked over London Bridge and along the Thames to Tate Modern Gallery where we saw lots of famous paintings and including Monet’s Water Lilies. It was huge, an entire wall.
We then went along to London Eye where Garey watched as I went for a ride on it. Views for miles. It takes about 20 minutes to get around.
We went back to the room early so we could go to internet café but after we had had a rest ( not long) it was closed. Hence the end to blog updates until now.
Real English pub for tea.
Thursday 28 September
Early start for the Eurostar to Paris. We caught the underground to Westminster and then change trains for Waterloo. Next stop Paris. The trip was 2.30 hours only 20 min under the sea. Saw country England and France. When we arrived in Paris we new we had to catch the Metro (Paris underground) but it was all in French ( funny that, you would think we were in France) may has well been Martian. Finally found something that looked like it might have said information and a lovely women who spoke English. She wrote down directions but left out that one of the stations had two names. A little more confusion but we got there in the end. It was too early to check into our hotel so we left the luggage there and went down the road to a café for lunch. The waiter spoke English and the menu was in both so choosing a meal was easy. Lovely two salmon salad for me (raw and cooked) and a steak for Garey. Our hotel was lovely, we were on the 5th floor. 100 steps and we did not use the lift. We had a balcony off the room, it was very narrow but nice to step onto and watch the world go by.
We went to the Eifel Tower for the afternoon. Garey was feeling brave and bought tickets for both of us to go to the top. Unfortunately the lift stops at the second floor and you have to change to another. At that stage Garey decided that was high enough. Once again I went to the top on my own. I am getting used to looking down on him. Views all over Paris from both levels. It truly is an engineering fete.
A visit to the supermarche and back to our room for wine bread and cheese. Very French we thought.
Tomorrow will be our last day on our own, so we plan to go out for dinner.
Friday 29th September
A slow start to the morning, breakfast does not finish until 10 so we made our way down stairs at about 9.30. Croissants, bread rolls, chocolate croissants. We watched in amazement when the French hotel guests broke their croissants apart and dunked them in their hot chocolate. How do they do stay so slim? There are Patisseries on every corner and they have so very rich food. I have found Flan Coco yum yum.
We set of for Luxembourg Palace and Gardens in the middle of Paris. Not too long a walk, just two or three km,s or at least that is all it should have been. We took the tourist route. The streets all look the same! We had more bread and flan coco in the gardens for lunch. The Palace is impressive but the gardens and water features are beautiful. They have chairs positioned around the gardens and people sit and read, eat and just people watch. A fantastic place to just sit and relax.
Across the road and down the road is the Parthenon, a huge church with a crypt with anyone who was anyone in France buried there; Marie and Pierre Currie, Victor Hugo and Jean Moulin to name a few.
Another walk, this time through the old part of Paris (as if it is not all old) to Notre Dame which is on an island in the middle of the Seine. What an impressive building, inside and out. We hired an auditory tour thingy, (sort of a hand held speaker) and it talked us through there. Have to see it to understand but do not worry I have not mentioned yet that I am taking an average of 200 photos a week so you WILL get to see for yourself.
We walked back to the Eifel Tower cause I know how to get home from there. It was a very long way!!!!! Decided to have a break along the way and do a river cruise.
Did I mention that the road beside the river ran out but Garey thought the footpath was wide enough so we kept going. We got to the end of the road with an entrance to a tunnel and decided we should not go any further. To get out of this involve climbing a fence which my shoe became stuck in and I slipped. Bruises for Africa! Luckily they do not hurt.
Remember the dinner we had planned well we are too tired and bread and cheese in the room is more appealing.
Saturday 30th September
Gill and Pete arrive tonight. Looking forward to seeing them.
A little over walking 20 km a day so caught the Metro to the Louvre this morning. We found a shopping centre along the way. Was amazed to see people shopping with their dogs. A lab in the china home ware shop!
Like everything we have seen the Louvre was impressive but the queue were very long so had a good look around and moved on. A walk along the Champ Elysse to the Arc de Tromphe seemed more appealing. The size of this is unexplainable. Much bigger than we ever imagined. Not just an Arch one way but both ways. Did not climb to the top as once again queues huge. Spent ages watching the traffic as there are about eight exits and as many lanes so as you can imagine cars going everywhere.
The tomb of the Unknown Warrior is there too. A very impressive memorial.
We walked back to the Eifel tower and people watched. There is a long grassy area to the back of the tower were we lay and watch people for ages.
Back to the hotel room for Garey to do the washing. He managed to use the Laundromat and the instructions where all in French. Well Done I say.
We had a quite night, Garey stood on the balcony for about 2 hours waiting for Gill and Pete to arrive he was very excited. I was keen to see them to but not enough to stand on the balcony for two hours.
We had a quick catch up and decided to meet for breakfast at 9. To sleep.
1st October
Met Gill and Pete in their room before breakfast and had a man in the next room tell us off for making too much noise. How rude it was 9 am. I think that just made Pete noisier. Croissants, bread etc for breaky again. Looking forward to some cereal.
As Pete has mentioned we were off to Invaildes which is a church museum tomb all in one. Beautiful dome in the ceiling all hand painted.
The café for lunch was very nice and the beers were expensive $15 NZ each. Gill had every right to complain. The boys now take a look at the menu before deciding which beer to have.
Dinner at Diane’s was lovely, they have a lovely home just outside central Paris. Gill and I learned about Crème de Cassis which is added to white wine. Very nice indeed. We had cold soup for entrée and duck and mashed potato for mains (like a Sheppard’s pie). Beautiful berry dessert.
We stopped at the Eiffel Tower on the way back to watch the light show. Do not worry I have video, and wandered home. We were all tired especially Gill and Pete and they had only been there one day.
2nd October
Could not get a taxi this morning to go and pick up the rental car, much to all our disappointment but mostly Peters. We had to catch two trains with all our bags which was easier than it sounds. Peter did the obligatory moan but coped very well
Monday 25 Sept
Well last I wrote I said the weather was great, that was because the internet café was underground and when I went upstairs it was raining. A quick change of plan, what to do in the rain. Harrods was a good start, what a shop. We saw a cutlery set which was 9999.00 pounds that is $30,000.00 just to cut your food. Kiwifruit were 11.99 pounds for a kilo that is $36.00. Loved the shop and bought a couple of Christmas decorations. Yes the Christmas shop was open already. I asked and they said it opened in August, talk about Christmas comes early!
We managed to get tickets to Billy Elliott the Musical for that night. The Theatre was in easy walking distance to our hotel (10 min) so it was perfect. Fantastic show, thoroughly recommended.
Very tired and well ready for bed by the end of the show. Eyelids may have even dropped a couple of times.
Tuesday 26 Sept
Walked for miles today. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens to Buckingham Palace. Lucky enough to see the Royal Horse Guards practicing in the gardens. The changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace was very impressive. Garey really enjoyed it. It was very cramped and you had to stand for an hour before and for about an hour of the change. Lots of photos.
We caught the train to the Tower of London for a great tour. The tour is conducted by a Beefeater. He was fantastic, had a joke for every occasion and made for a very interesting tour. Some of the buildings are 900 years old. All sorts of people had their head chopped of there and some have their bodies entombed in the church there. We were there three hours. A Beefeater has to be in the British Military for 22 years and have no blemishes on their record and then apply for a position at the Tower. They live at the Tower with their families and are locked in at night; they have their own Doctor and Hospital. Very interesting life, I bought the book.
We went back to our room for a quick change an another train to meet Ange Hersche for dinner. We went to Covent Garden near where Ange works and she arrived with three reviews of the internet. We picked Mediterranean and it was very nice, Ange shouted which was so nice. We had planned to take her out for tea not the other way around. She was her happy bubbly self and is in London for another year working for a Law Firm in Fleet Street.
Walked 20 km today.
Wednesday 27 September
Last day in London, what do we really want to do that we have not already. Garey did the washing again and then we set of for St John Gate. It was good to see it but unfortunately there was an investiture on so we could only look a the ground floor. Decided to walk back to central London through banking and insurance area. It was lunch time and we had heard that all London accountants go to the pub at lunch time and we can now tell you that is true. Suits everywhere.
Saw the Old Bailey and St Paul’s Cathedral. Walked over London Bridge and along the Thames to Tate Modern Gallery where we saw lots of famous paintings and including Monet’s Water Lilies. It was huge, an entire wall.
We then went along to London Eye where Garey watched as I went for a ride on it. Views for miles. It takes about 20 minutes to get around.
We went back to the room early so we could go to internet café but after we had had a rest ( not long) it was closed. Hence the end to blog updates until now.
Real English pub for tea.
Thursday 28 September
Early start for the Eurostar to Paris. We caught the underground to Westminster and then change trains for Waterloo. Next stop Paris. The trip was 2.30 hours only 20 min under the sea. Saw country England and France. When we arrived in Paris we new we had to catch the Metro (Paris underground) but it was all in French ( funny that, you would think we were in France) may has well been Martian. Finally found something that looked like it might have said information and a lovely women who spoke English. She wrote down directions but left out that one of the stations had two names. A little more confusion but we got there in the end. It was too early to check into our hotel so we left the luggage there and went down the road to a café for lunch. The waiter spoke English and the menu was in both so choosing a meal was easy. Lovely two salmon salad for me (raw and cooked) and a steak for Garey. Our hotel was lovely, we were on the 5th floor. 100 steps and we did not use the lift. We had a balcony off the room, it was very narrow but nice to step onto and watch the world go by.
We went to the Eifel Tower for the afternoon. Garey was feeling brave and bought tickets for both of us to go to the top. Unfortunately the lift stops at the second floor and you have to change to another. At that stage Garey decided that was high enough. Once again I went to the top on my own. I am getting used to looking down on him. Views all over Paris from both levels. It truly is an engineering fete.
A visit to the supermarche and back to our room for wine bread and cheese. Very French we thought.
Tomorrow will be our last day on our own, so we plan to go out for dinner.
Friday 29th September
A slow start to the morning, breakfast does not finish until 10 so we made our way down stairs at about 9.30. Croissants, bread rolls, chocolate croissants. We watched in amazement when the French hotel guests broke their croissants apart and dunked them in their hot chocolate. How do they do stay so slim? There are Patisseries on every corner and they have so very rich food. I have found Flan Coco yum yum.
We set of for Luxembourg Palace and Gardens in the middle of Paris. Not too long a walk, just two or three km,s or at least that is all it should have been. We took the tourist route. The streets all look the same! We had more bread and flan coco in the gardens for lunch. The Palace is impressive but the gardens and water features are beautiful. They have chairs positioned around the gardens and people sit and read, eat and just people watch. A fantastic place to just sit and relax.
Across the road and down the road is the Parthenon, a huge church with a crypt with anyone who was anyone in France buried there; Marie and Pierre Currie, Victor Hugo and Jean Moulin to name a few.
Another walk, this time through the old part of Paris (as if it is not all old) to Notre Dame which is on an island in the middle of the Seine. What an impressive building, inside and out. We hired an auditory tour thingy, (sort of a hand held speaker) and it talked us through there. Have to see it to understand but do not worry I have not mentioned yet that I am taking an average of 200 photos a week so you WILL get to see for yourself.
We walked back to the Eifel Tower cause I know how to get home from there. It was a very long way!!!!! Decided to have a break along the way and do a river cruise.
Did I mention that the road beside the river ran out but Garey thought the footpath was wide enough so we kept going. We got to the end of the road with an entrance to a tunnel and decided we should not go any further. To get out of this involve climbing a fence which my shoe became stuck in and I slipped. Bruises for Africa! Luckily they do not hurt.
Remember the dinner we had planned well we are too tired and bread and cheese in the room is more appealing.
Saturday 30th September
Gill and Pete arrive tonight. Looking forward to seeing them.
A little over walking 20 km a day so caught the Metro to the Louvre this morning. We found a shopping centre along the way. Was amazed to see people shopping with their dogs. A lab in the china home ware shop!
Like everything we have seen the Louvre was impressive but the queue were very long so had a good look around and moved on. A walk along the Champ Elysse to the Arc de Tromphe seemed more appealing. The size of this is unexplainable. Much bigger than we ever imagined. Not just an Arch one way but both ways. Did not climb to the top as once again queues huge. Spent ages watching the traffic as there are about eight exits and as many lanes so as you can imagine cars going everywhere.
The tomb of the Unknown Warrior is there too. A very impressive memorial.
We walked back to the Eifel tower and people watched. There is a long grassy area to the back of the tower were we lay and watch people for ages.
Back to the hotel room for Garey to do the washing. He managed to use the Laundromat and the instructions where all in French. Well Done I say.
We had a quite night, Garey stood on the balcony for about 2 hours waiting for Gill and Pete to arrive he was very excited. I was keen to see them to but not enough to stand on the balcony for two hours.
We had a quick catch up and decided to meet for breakfast at 9. To sleep.
1st October
Met Gill and Pete in their room before breakfast and had a man in the next room tell us off for making too much noise. How rude it was 9 am. I think that just made Pete noisier. Croissants, bread etc for breaky again. Looking forward to some cereal.
As Pete has mentioned we were off to Invaildes which is a church museum tomb all in one. Beautiful dome in the ceiling all hand painted.
The café for lunch was very nice and the beers were expensive $15 NZ each. Gill had every right to complain. The boys now take a look at the menu before deciding which beer to have.
Dinner at Diane’s was lovely, they have a lovely home just outside central Paris. Gill and I learned about Crème de Cassis which is added to white wine. Very nice indeed. We had cold soup for entrée and duck and mashed potato for mains (like a Sheppard’s pie). Beautiful berry dessert.
We stopped at the Eiffel Tower on the way back to watch the light show. Do not worry I have video, and wandered home. We were all tired especially Gill and Pete and they had only been there one day.
2nd October
Could not get a taxi this morning to go and pick up the rental car, much to all our disappointment but mostly Peters. We had to catch two trains with all our bags which was easier than it sounds. Peter did the obligatory moan but coped very well
Paris and beyond
Saturday or was it Sunday who cares we have arrived, I must be honest I was really knackered; it was that final bit from London to Paris that did it. We arrived here at the hotel at 10 on the Saturday evening and that was at 5am on Sunday morning for those of you who care! To those of you who I have driven crazy with my constant talk about going on holiday lately I don’t apologise cause I am now here and you just never know maybe I will talk about it for months after I come back as well!
Sharron and Garey were at the Hotel when we arrived as it was a damp evening in Paris, well I think that was their excuse cause I think that the reality of it was they were just so excited to see us come! Garey was downstairs like a shot lickety split to meet us and even carried our cases for us, whoops, no sorry let me correct that, at least my case upstairs to our suite, well maybe not suite but at least it does have a separate bathroom and really for Europe and the price is the best hotel that we have probably stayed in. (www.cheaperthan hotels.com ‘Alyss Hotel’)
We pretty much mucked around on Sunday visited the ‘Invalides Museum’ which is where Napoleon has his tomb. Talk about spending a fortune to bury ones-self this thing was massive took us hours to walk around as we also at the same time visited the museum which had a lot of military memorabilia for the past going back to the time when they used to wear armour etc. Let me tell you for those of you involved in the military today those guys and I guess maybe women did it tough then, if they had fallen over then the weight of the armour would have killed then let alone the enemy! It also covered the wars through to the last world war with a particular section on the holocaust which was sobering with it graphic shots of just how the victims were treated.
BTW we walked everywhere yesterday well at least almost everywhere, I recon at least a 1000 miles although that would probably be contested by the others who would say 15 to 20 K’s only, but for those of you who know me you would have to agree that was a miracle in its selfJ gosh that right I have had another of those seldom encountered moments I caught a TRAIN.
We had lunch at a little café the food was great not to expensive, well it can’t have been cause Gill only complained at me about the cost of the beer, but one had to have the beer to counter all that walking.
Last night was one of the evenings that will set this trip apart we went out to Diane’s and her parents for dinner and the evening. For those of you who don’t know, Diane was our last host student and this is the second time that we have had the chance to visit with her and her parents back in Paris. Xavier (Dianne’s Papa) and Diane picked us up down town in Paris by the ‘Arc De Tromphe’ and drove us back to their place it was fantastic meet up with Sylvia her Mama and brothers and sister again as well. Relived a bit of the past and generally caught on all of the changes over the last couple of years. It’s these type of experiences that money cannot buy and shows the true value of working with AFS, you do create worldwide friends. We came back to the city much later by train Silvia offered to take us, but, my trusty tour guide had decided that train once again was a good idea as apparently we wanted to stop at the Eiffel Tower and take a photo of it under lights – thus that is what we did.
Well it’s now Monday and today we head for Decize and the canal boat for the next five days – goodness me, how life is so tough, mind you, I think that I am designed for this style of life just wandering around the world so that is definitely the end of any inheritance sorry guys!! So till next time that I write TTFN for those of you working bad luck for those of you not you will know just how I feel.
Monday Afternoon 2 November.
We have arrived now in Decize and for those of you who don’t know where it is its in France somewhere. We picked up the car this morning its an Alpha and we drove here today from Paris in it, I can swear by my new mate the shella who talks to us from the navman thingy she actually got us here in a funny sort of way.
The next thing that I feel I must report on is Garey’s ability as a ships captain, the first lock (which is one of those water thingies that change you in the level of the river) no problems at all just more or less full steam ahead – we cruised upstream for about an hour a very pleasant experience I must admit – me drinking beer and Garey concentrating as he must and one would expect of the captain on the safe passage of his vehicle or in this case vessel. Well the time arrived for us to tie up for the night that’s when the fun started, first he tied us to a tree which in reality wasn’t a bad idea but no alas all on board advised him that that was not correct so he drove a stake into the ground – well you would have thought that would have worked but alas no we had to change the direction of the boat for which we had to reverse against the stake tearing it from the ground with Garey holding on for dear life the boat going backwards the captain on shore – not really a sight that any captain would like to imagine, anyways I was real disappointed that I did not have a camera as he fought to save his vessel as he held the rope for dear life stake attached and Garey coming along behind. I guess all ended well in the end and we did get tied up (all I had to do was just give him a little advise) in the end had dinner and I have lived on the sight all night!! So let’s see what tomorrow holds eh – it certainly will be interesting to see just how he gets those stakes out of the ground!!
Thursday 5th
My how time flies, Gill has this inane ability to find these small little Villages’ on the side of the canal that we are still floating along – mind you some of them don’t exist whilst other are not open until hours after we’ve have passed them, I guess that’s just another way of saving some money! Seems strange that as of yet I have not cleared email since last Saturday or was it Sunday in London one tends to wonder just what is happening out there in the big world and is anyone even missing me. Today as I understand it we are heading in the general area of Nevers where we will in nautical terms ‘Moore or tie up our Vessel’ whilst we once again explore old buildings and churches following which we should be able to find a small pub that will sell food etc so that we can replenish for the day.’ I would suggest that when you are reading my ramblings if you want to find out what we have really done read Gills or Sharons! Ok that’s all for now so till L8r cheers.
Sharron and Garey were at the Hotel when we arrived as it was a damp evening in Paris, well I think that was their excuse cause I think that the reality of it was they were just so excited to see us come! Garey was downstairs like a shot lickety split to meet us and even carried our cases for us, whoops, no sorry let me correct that, at least my case upstairs to our suite, well maybe not suite but at least it does have a separate bathroom and really for Europe and the price is the best hotel that we have probably stayed in. (www.cheaperthan hotels.com ‘Alyss Hotel’)
We pretty much mucked around on Sunday visited the ‘Invalides Museum’ which is where Napoleon has his tomb. Talk about spending a fortune to bury ones-self this thing was massive took us hours to walk around as we also at the same time visited the museum which had a lot of military memorabilia for the past going back to the time when they used to wear armour etc. Let me tell you for those of you involved in the military today those guys and I guess maybe women did it tough then, if they had fallen over then the weight of the armour would have killed then let alone the enemy! It also covered the wars through to the last world war with a particular section on the holocaust which was sobering with it graphic shots of just how the victims were treated.
BTW we walked everywhere yesterday well at least almost everywhere, I recon at least a 1000 miles although that would probably be contested by the others who would say 15 to 20 K’s only, but for those of you who know me you would have to agree that was a miracle in its selfJ gosh that right I have had another of those seldom encountered moments I caught a TRAIN.
We had lunch at a little café the food was great not to expensive, well it can’t have been cause Gill only complained at me about the cost of the beer, but one had to have the beer to counter all that walking.
Last night was one of the evenings that will set this trip apart we went out to Diane’s and her parents for dinner and the evening. For those of you who don’t know, Diane was our last host student and this is the second time that we have had the chance to visit with her and her parents back in Paris. Xavier (Dianne’s Papa) and Diane picked us up down town in Paris by the ‘Arc De Tromphe’ and drove us back to their place it was fantastic meet up with Sylvia her Mama and brothers and sister again as well. Relived a bit of the past and generally caught on all of the changes over the last couple of years. It’s these type of experiences that money cannot buy and shows the true value of working with AFS, you do create worldwide friends. We came back to the city much later by train Silvia offered to take us, but, my trusty tour guide had decided that train once again was a good idea as apparently we wanted to stop at the Eiffel Tower and take a photo of it under lights – thus that is what we did.
Well it’s now Monday and today we head for Decize and the canal boat for the next five days – goodness me, how life is so tough, mind you, I think that I am designed for this style of life just wandering around the world so that is definitely the end of any inheritance sorry guys!! So till next time that I write TTFN for those of you working bad luck for those of you not you will know just how I feel.
Monday Afternoon 2 November.
We have arrived now in Decize and for those of you who don’t know where it is its in France somewhere. We picked up the car this morning its an Alpha and we drove here today from Paris in it, I can swear by my new mate the shella who talks to us from the navman thingy she actually got us here in a funny sort of way.
The next thing that I feel I must report on is Garey’s ability as a ships captain, the first lock (which is one of those water thingies that change you in the level of the river) no problems at all just more or less full steam ahead – we cruised upstream for about an hour a very pleasant experience I must admit – me drinking beer and Garey concentrating as he must and one would expect of the captain on the safe passage of his vehicle or in this case vessel. Well the time arrived for us to tie up for the night that’s when the fun started, first he tied us to a tree which in reality wasn’t a bad idea but no alas all on board advised him that that was not correct so he drove a stake into the ground – well you would have thought that would have worked but alas no we had to change the direction of the boat for which we had to reverse against the stake tearing it from the ground with Garey holding on for dear life the boat going backwards the captain on shore – not really a sight that any captain would like to imagine, anyways I was real disappointed that I did not have a camera as he fought to save his vessel as he held the rope for dear life stake attached and Garey coming along behind. I guess all ended well in the end and we did get tied up (all I had to do was just give him a little advise) in the end had dinner and I have lived on the sight all night!! So let’s see what tomorrow holds eh – it certainly will be interesting to see just how he gets those stakes out of the ground!!
Thursday 5th
My how time flies, Gill has this inane ability to find these small little Villages’ on the side of the canal that we are still floating along – mind you some of them don’t exist whilst other are not open until hours after we’ve have passed them, I guess that’s just another way of saving some money! Seems strange that as of yet I have not cleared email since last Saturday or was it Sunday in London one tends to wonder just what is happening out there in the big world and is anyone even missing me. Today as I understand it we are heading in the general area of Nevers where we will in nautical terms ‘Moore or tie up our Vessel’ whilst we once again explore old buildings and churches following which we should be able to find a small pub that will sell food etc so that we can replenish for the day.’ I would suggest that when you are reading my ramblings if you want to find out what we have really done read Gills or Sharons! Ok that’s all for now so till L8r cheers.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
We've made it to London
After a further twenty hours in the air we have now arrived in London. We flew over China, Mongolis and Western Europe coming south of Moscow and across the Baltic Sea to London. As we left Hong Kong we had amazing views and then we had a reasonable view of China and Mongolia - the mountain range was just amazing and covered in snow yet the rest of the land was quite desert like. After a while we flew through cloud which lasted until we arrived in London. Coming in London we could pick out Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Melinium Dome and London Eye.
Security was much tighter at Heathrow. Although we have not cleared Customs here we had to go through security. They did say that we would need to dispose of all toiletries and food products but we decided to put our back packs through as they were and remove what they wanted removed. They went through with no problems. The queues were quite long and slow as everyone had to remove shoes, jackets, belts, jewellery etc.
We have spent the last couple of hours in the British Airways lounge (partnership with Qantas Club). I have telephoned my two cousins here in London and chatted to them. We will stay with them later in the month. We leave for Paris in about an hour - we sure hope that our bags have been following us as we last saw them at the check-in counter in Melbourne.
Our hotel bed in Paris seems very inviting at this stage - and it will be great to catch up with Sharryn and Garey and hear what they have been up to over the last few days.
Bye from London!
Security was much tighter at Heathrow. Although we have not cleared Customs here we had to go through security. They did say that we would need to dispose of all toiletries and food products but we decided to put our back packs through as they were and remove what they wanted removed. They went through with no problems. The queues were quite long and slow as everyone had to remove shoes, jackets, belts, jewellery etc.
We have spent the last couple of hours in the British Airways lounge (partnership with Qantas Club). I have telephoned my two cousins here in London and chatted to them. We will stay with them later in the month. We leave for Paris in about an hour - we sure hope that our bags have been following us as we last saw them at the check-in counter in Melbourne.
Our hotel bed in Paris seems very inviting at this stage - and it will be great to catch up with Sharryn and Garey and hear what they have been up to over the last few days.
Bye from London!
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