Tuesday 18th October
Another early start as out train departs from Antwerp at 8.31am. Breakfast in the relax room, say our goodbyes to our hosts and off to Schipol. From Schipol to Kuala Lumpur where we will spend the am in an airport hotel, the afternoon touring KL and then back to the airport from a 9.50pm departure for Melbourne. I hope the inflight movies are good. Malaysian airlines so the food should be ok. The weather in Antwerp was overcast with a bit of rain. The only rain all trip. Jen says Europe is shedding a tear at our departure. :)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday 17 October
Monday 17th October
An early start and a quick trip to Notre Dame. A dodgy expensive coffee, orange juice and bread stuck at a street cafe, then home to pick up the bags. A metro train to Gare de Nord to catch the fast train to Antwerp, Belgium.
The B&B is fantastic, nice bedroom, huge bathroom, and a relaxing room with couches, much art and a table for breakfast. Classical music playing and a welcome wine, Belgium beer and nibbles. It was most welcomed.
We then went out to see a bit if Antwerp, the current home of diamonds and diamond trade. A visit to a diamond store where we saw the jeweler polishing a stone (actually, not just for tourists) and looked at various stones and rings. It was interesting to see the tradesman applying his craft.
We then went to the old town and saw the lovely old buildings an Cathedral. We stopped for dinner at a nice place and had ack of lamb, lamb chops (about 8) for Jen and a couple of local beers, including a sweet beer that was red!
A walk home via the 'interesting route' and we are ready for tomorrow's train to Schipol, Amsterdam, and then flight to Kuala Lumpur.
An early start and a quick trip to Notre Dame. A dodgy expensive coffee, orange juice and bread stuck at a street cafe, then home to pick up the bags. A metro train to Gare de Nord to catch the fast train to Antwerp, Belgium.
The B&B is fantastic, nice bedroom, huge bathroom, and a relaxing room with couches, much art and a table for breakfast. Classical music playing and a welcome wine, Belgium beer and nibbles. It was most welcomed.
We then went out to see a bit if Antwerp, the current home of diamonds and diamond trade. A visit to a diamond store where we saw the jeweler polishing a stone (actually, not just for tourists) and looked at various stones and rings. It was interesting to see the tradesman applying his craft.
We then went to the old town and saw the lovely old buildings an Cathedral. We stopped for dinner at a nice place and had ack of lamb, lamb chops (about 8) for Jen and a couple of local beers, including a sweet beer that was red!
A walk home via the 'interesting route' and we are ready for tomorrow's train to Schipol, Amsterdam, and then flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday 16 October
Sunday 16 October A well earned sleep in after a long day yesterday and a hearty breakfast and coffee from the cappuccino maker in our little French apartment.
A few trains and we are on our way to Versailles. The French train system leaves Melbourne in the dust.
Versailles was as expected, over the top. The gardens and lakes were my favourite part.
A visit to Notre Dame and then of to find a restuarant for a 'fancy dinner'.
A lovely dinner at Le Colimaçon where I had (insert much fancier names for the dishes where appropriate) a hot pot of meat and veg and Jen had duck. A bottle of good white and chocolate pudding for dessert.
A few trains and we are on our way to Versailles. The French train system leaves Melbourne in the dust.
Versailles was as expected, over the top. The gardens and lakes were my favourite part.
A visit to Notre Dame and then of to find a restuarant for a 'fancy dinner'.
A lovely dinner at Le Colimaçon where I had (insert much fancier names for the dishes where appropriate) a hot pot of meat and veg and Jen had duck. A bottle of good white and chocolate pudding for dessert.
Saturday 15 October
Saturday 15 October An early start and breakfast at a cost little cafe. Some nice illy coffee and eggs, ham an cheese on bread while Jen had an omelette.
A bus ride to the airport with amazing views of the mountain ranges and then on an EasyJet flight to Paris.
Arrived in Paris and no Internet on IPhone. Need to use paper map. Nightmare, where's the blue gps dot telling me where I am! Jen did a good job on the map and local trains and we got there within 1.5 hours of landing. Our host met us and handed over Jen's camera from UPS from Germany. Hooray!
We took a local train to close to the Arc de triumph and walked down the Champs-Élysées. We climbed the stairs and took the required pictures. The tower lit up and sparkled with its beam if light circling, which was nice. Now to climb back down an find some food! A long day, late night, sore feet and no dinner yet makes for grumpy John. Bring on some good food and a big glass of wine/beer (or both).
Dinner at le Petite something with one of the best waiters we have seen. Duck Confit and some red, then bed.
A bus ride to the airport with amazing views of the mountain ranges and then on an EasyJet flight to Paris.
Arrived in Paris and no Internet on IPhone. Need to use paper map. Nightmare, where's the blue gps dot telling me where I am! Jen did a good job on the map and local trains and we got there within 1.5 hours of landing. Our host met us and handed over Jen's camera from UPS from Germany. Hooray!
We took a local train to close to the Arc de triumph and walked down the Champs-Élysées. We climbed the stairs and took the required pictures. The tower lit up and sparkled with its beam if light circling, which was nice. Now to climb back down an find some food! A long day, late night, sore feet and no dinner yet makes for grumpy John. Bring on some good food and a big glass of wine/beer (or both).
Dinner at le Petite something with one of the best waiters we have seen. Duck Confit and some red, then bed.
Friday 14 October
Friday 14 October An earlier morning, buffet breaky and a read of the age, online of course.
The sun was shining again and the sky was clear. Out to take some more pictures and see the amazing mountains. We climbed the steep steps to the castle and talked our way in again without paying to take some pictures. A walk to the icecream store for coffee and cake, a gentle walk back to the hotel and then off to the bus station thanks to our host. We bused to the train and caught the train to Ljubljana, after having the BIGGEST hamburger I have ever seen, and a tasty local beer. Jen had the same hamburger but with the local 'coke like' drink called Cokta. Much tastier than coke.
The train trip is nice, so much better than buses. It appears the shool kids are heading home for the weekend as the train is full of them.
We arrived in Llubljana and eventually our lovely hotel. The street numbers went 7,9,13,11,15. Of course we were #11 and a little frustrated when we could not find it.
We walked along the tourist strip of the river and went to a little restuarant called Julya. I thought of Julie and Julie the movie. We had to wait 30 mins but strolled the bitterly cold streets at 9pm until a table was available. Fortunately he wait was worth it and my beef with mushrooms and a cheesy thing filled with ricotta. Jen had beef with truffles and grilled vegetables. It's a hard life.
A late night pop in to the Llubljana Casino to lose a quick €50 an then home. Luck was not going my way. That's enough for the Casino visits, quit while I an ahead.
The sun was shining again and the sky was clear. Out to take some more pictures and see the amazing mountains. We climbed the steep steps to the castle and talked our way in again without paying to take some pictures. A walk to the icecream store for coffee and cake, a gentle walk back to the hotel and then off to the bus station thanks to our host. We bused to the train and caught the train to Ljubljana, after having the BIGGEST hamburger I have ever seen, and a tasty local beer. Jen had the same hamburger but with the local 'coke like' drink called Cokta. Much tastier than coke.
The train trip is nice, so much better than buses. It appears the shool kids are heading home for the weekend as the train is full of them.
We arrived in Llubljana and eventually our lovely hotel. The street numbers went 7,9,13,11,15. Of course we were #11 and a little frustrated when we could not find it.
We walked along the tourist strip of the river and went to a little restuarant called Julya. I thought of Julie and Julie the movie. We had to wait 30 mins but strolled the bitterly cold streets at 9pm until a table was available. Fortunately he wait was worth it and my beef with mushrooms and a cheesy thing filled with ricotta. Jen had beef with truffles and grilled vegetables. It's a hard life.
A late night pop in to the Llubljana Casino to lose a quick €50 an then home. Luck was not going my way. That's enough for the Casino visits, quit while I an ahead.
Thursday 13 October
Thursday 13 October A sleep in, just making the buffet breakfast at 9.57am.
We eventually headed out in what unfortunately was a colder overcast day compared to yesterday. We had lunch in a pub (turkey roast) and met an 'interesting' couple from Towoomba. The husband was quite talkative and loved Melbourne. We visited the local castle, saw a dancing and archery performance by the castle performers and visited the in house museum. The dancers included some Japanese tourists which was very amusing.
The museum had an awesome model of the local landscape, and projected overlays of different topography. It was very cool.
After the castle we did the 6km walk around the lake. A nice walk past the rowing boats and sheds but we were glad to see the end.
Dinner at the same little restuarant as last night, a nice desert wine to finish for myself and Jen and then off to the Casino again. :)
After nearly losing my €50 stake, I got lucky again and won €24 which nearly covered dinner. I was tempted to go for the extra €6 to cover the bill totally, but have been in that position too many times to know it rarely ends well with the 'just one more' bet.
A nightcap of Stephen Fry and QI then sleep.
We eventually headed out in what unfortunately was a colder overcast day compared to yesterday. We had lunch in a pub (turkey roast) and met an 'interesting' couple from Towoomba. The husband was quite talkative and loved Melbourne. We visited the local castle, saw a dancing and archery performance by the castle performers and visited the in house museum. The dancers included some Japanese tourists which was very amusing.
The museum had an awesome model of the local landscape, and projected overlays of different topography. It was very cool.
After the castle we did the 6km walk around the lake. A nice walk past the rowing boats and sheds but we were glad to see the end.
Dinner at the same little restuarant as last night, a nice desert wine to finish for myself and Jen and then off to the Casino again. :)
After nearly losing my €50 stake, I got lucky again and won €24 which nearly covered dinner. I was tempted to go for the extra €6 to cover the bill totally, but have been in that position too many times to know it rarely ends well with the 'just one more' bet.
A nightcap of Stephen Fry and QI then sleep.
Wednesday 12 October
Wednesday 12 October
We walked around Zagreb and visited the local market and took pictures of the church in a better light. We then made our way to he train and headed for Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Arriving Lake Bled we caught a taxi to Hotel Berc with an American couple and Jen soon realised her purse was on its way to Munich on the train. It fell out if where it was stored and we didn't see it on our departure from the train. Doh!
Another afternoon of phone calls, surfing web pages looking for various contact numbers of the train stops to Munich. A little success in that they searched the carriage a few stops later, with no luck. The purse only had some cash and a debit card, so we got online and transferred all the money out of Jen's account to mine. Jen misses the picture of Barney in his antlers the most. Awwww Barney, we will see the legend soon.
Of course an auto payment was set up in Jen's account and the next day the bank charged her $19 in fees for failed transaction. You can't win sometimes!
We eventually got out of the Hotel Berc, which was more of a pensionè than an hotel, and saw what Bled had to offer. Oh my Lord, amazing! It could not be more picturesque. Crystal clear lake, where they had the recent rowing world championships, snow capped mountains, church on an island in the middle of the lake, castle in the hill, white swans cruising past and to top it off the full moon was poking it's way over the horizon. Suddenly the lost purse didn't seem so bad.
Our Hotel owner/host was very nice, spoke excellent English and had a good sense of humour.
At night we had a meat platter at a little restuarant. Wow, it was a huge serve of cevapcicis, turkey, chicken, sausage, pasta and rice and fries. It was a challenge, and it defeated us, just. Some nice wine and then a trip to the local Bled Casino for half an hour. A typical small town Casino with more staff than customers. Some rather serious identity checking to gain entry, including passport identification and taking your picture, and then some fun on the automatic roulette tables. Real wheel, just auto spin. Luck ran my way and we won €46 which paid for dinner. A nice end to the day.
We walked around Zagreb and visited the local market and took pictures of the church in a better light. We then made our way to he train and headed for Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Arriving Lake Bled we caught a taxi to Hotel Berc with an American couple and Jen soon realised her purse was on its way to Munich on the train. It fell out if where it was stored and we didn't see it on our departure from the train. Doh!
Another afternoon of phone calls, surfing web pages looking for various contact numbers of the train stops to Munich. A little success in that they searched the carriage a few stops later, with no luck. The purse only had some cash and a debit card, so we got online and transferred all the money out of Jen's account to mine. Jen misses the picture of Barney in his antlers the most. Awwww Barney, we will see the legend soon.
Of course an auto payment was set up in Jen's account and the next day the bank charged her $19 in fees for failed transaction. You can't win sometimes!
We eventually got out of the Hotel Berc, which was more of a pensionè than an hotel, and saw what Bled had to offer. Oh my Lord, amazing! It could not be more picturesque. Crystal clear lake, where they had the recent rowing world championships, snow capped mountains, church on an island in the middle of the lake, castle in the hill, white swans cruising past and to top it off the full moon was poking it's way over the horizon. Suddenly the lost purse didn't seem so bad.
Our Hotel owner/host was very nice, spoke excellent English and had a good sense of humour.
At night we had a meat platter at a little restuarant. Wow, it was a huge serve of cevapcicis, turkey, chicken, sausage, pasta and rice and fries. It was a challenge, and it defeated us, just. Some nice wine and then a trip to the local Bled Casino for half an hour. A typical small town Casino with more staff than customers. Some rather serious identity checking to gain entry, including passport identification and taking your picture, and then some fun on the automatic roulette tables. Real wheel, just auto spin. Luck ran my way and we won €46 which paid for dinner. A nice end to the day.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday 11 October
Tuesday of 11 October
A 2-3 hour bus ride to Zagreb. A lively city with Austrian influenced architecture and friendly people.
We are staying in a garret in a building right on the main square. A funky little place with kitchenette and all the comforts. The sound of the trams is nice and reminds us of home.
A nap to recover from the bus ride and then out for some lunch/dinner of chicken, vegetables and panacotta for desert.
A visit to the church, which I thought was one if the best I had seen on the trip, neogothic, and not overdone.
We can check out late tomorrow so we may see more in the am.
A 2-3 hour bus ride to Zagreb. A lively city with Austrian influenced architecture and friendly people.
We are staying in a garret in a building right on the main square. A funky little place with kitchenette and all the comforts. The sound of the trams is nice and reminds us of home.
A nap to recover from the bus ride and then out for some lunch/dinner of chicken, vegetables and panacotta for desert.
A visit to the church, which I thought was one if the best I had seen on the trip, neogothic, and not overdone.
We can check out late tomorrow so we may see more in the am.
Monday 10 October
Monday 10 October
We caught the bus at 830am from Split to Plitviče to visit the national park. We arrived at one of the entrances at 1.00pm about 2km from our hotel. Doh! The hotel didn't have transport until the evening but told us we can leave our bags at information and visit the park, with the husband to pick us up once we had visited the park. This worked well for us and we left our bags at Hotel Jazera for a small fee, had a coffee in their bar and then headed out o the national park. As we only had about 4.5 hours until dark, the ticket seller advised us well of the best walking path to take. So a bus took us into the park to a point where we could walk out, rather than doing a loop. An excellent design.
The park is breathtaking. Dozens of waterfalls, crystal clear, and I mean CRYSTAL clear lakes, thousands of fish which you could see swimming around, Croatia even threw in a rainbow at one stage with no hint of rain to top off the fantasy land that was the national park. The forest was thick in the canopy, but not so dense on the ground so you could see deep into the forest. It was something out of Robin Hood.
We spent 4 or so hours walking the eco-friendly raised walkways over creeks, lakes, ponds, past waterfalls around every corner just in awe of this magnificent place. The Croatians made it a National Park around 1870 and have preserved it with great care. It was UNESCO World heritage listed in 1970.
Dinner at the only place to eat near our accommodation, a pizzeria, once again just before closing, then home. The room was nice and the host lovely, but the drains in the bathroom had a South East Asian 200 year old drain smell.
We caught the bus at 830am from Split to Plitviče to visit the national park. We arrived at one of the entrances at 1.00pm about 2km from our hotel. Doh! The hotel didn't have transport until the evening but told us we can leave our bags at information and visit the park, with the husband to pick us up once we had visited the park. This worked well for us and we left our bags at Hotel Jazera for a small fee, had a coffee in their bar and then headed out o the national park. As we only had about 4.5 hours until dark, the ticket seller advised us well of the best walking path to take. So a bus took us into the park to a point where we could walk out, rather than doing a loop. An excellent design.
The park is breathtaking. Dozens of waterfalls, crystal clear, and I mean CRYSTAL clear lakes, thousands of fish which you could see swimming around, Croatia even threw in a rainbow at one stage with no hint of rain to top off the fantasy land that was the national park. The forest was thick in the canopy, but not so dense on the ground so you could see deep into the forest. It was something out of Robin Hood.
We spent 4 or so hours walking the eco-friendly raised walkways over creeks, lakes, ponds, past waterfalls around every corner just in awe of this magnificent place. The Croatians made it a National Park around 1870 and have preserved it with great care. It was UNESCO World heritage listed in 1970.
Dinner at the only place to eat near our accommodation, a pizzeria, once again just before closing, then home. The room was nice and the host lovely, but the drains in the bathroom had a South East Asian 200 year old drain smell.
Sunday 9 October
Sunday 9 October
The bus ride was from Dubrovnik to split was long, but the sights were amazing. Mountains and sea, islands, and fantastic cloud formations made the hours go by easily. The camera got a workout the whole way. It was a stunning strip of Croatia.
We arrived Split, a tout offered us accommodation, which we declined and then he helped us find our pre-booked accommodation, which was 10 meters away but tucked away down an alley we would have never found. Croatian hospitality once again.
We checked in and after a nap, discovered Jen had left her iPhone on the bus. Arg!
A trip to the bus station with little hope of ever seeing it again. To our great pleasure, they rang the driver of the bus who had found (or the cleaners) the phone and they sent via bus to Split the next morning. That was heart warming and we thought nice Karma as I found a phone in London and contacted the owners and arranged return. Good Karma and nice Croatian bus service.
We then booked a bus to Trogia. A little coastal town about an hour away. A few hours walking the polished marble streets there, lunch and we were done.
Walking all around Split to find a specific restuarant, and some miss communication between Jen and I, meant we walked for 30 minutes to find a place that was 20 meters from our hotel. Oops! But the place that was closing in 15 minutes (at 11pm) kept it's doors open and served up a nice meal and some potent grappa to finish.
The bus ride was from Dubrovnik to split was long, but the sights were amazing. Mountains and sea, islands, and fantastic cloud formations made the hours go by easily. The camera got a workout the whole way. It was a stunning strip of Croatia.
We arrived Split, a tout offered us accommodation, which we declined and then he helped us find our pre-booked accommodation, which was 10 meters away but tucked away down an alley we would have never found. Croatian hospitality once again.
We checked in and after a nap, discovered Jen had left her iPhone on the bus. Arg!
A trip to the bus station with little hope of ever seeing it again. To our great pleasure, they rang the driver of the bus who had found (or the cleaners) the phone and they sent via bus to Split the next morning. That was heart warming and we thought nice Karma as I found a phone in London and contacted the owners and arranged return. Good Karma and nice Croatian bus service.
We then booked a bus to Trogia. A little coastal town about an hour away. A few hours walking the polished marble streets there, lunch and we were done.
Walking all around Split to find a specific restuarant, and some miss communication between Jen and I, meant we walked for 30 minutes to find a place that was 20 meters from our hotel. Oops! But the place that was closing in 15 minutes (at 11pm) kept it's doors open and served up a nice meal and some potent grappa to finish.
Saturday 8 October
Saturday 8 October
We caught the bus from Dubrovnik to Split. Our naval host had it planned down to the minute and had us on the bus with 2 minutes to spare. The amazing race continues.
We arrived in Split and walked to the main square to find our hotel. A friendly local who was trying to sell accommodation offered assistance. Skeptical at first, my intuition was unfounded and he proved very helpful. We would have NEVER found it otherwise, even though we were luckily about 20 meters from the apartment.
A Nanna nap, then the realization Jen had left her iPhone on the bus. That sux.
A trip to the bus station and what I assumed would be a fruitless exercise and talking with the bus staff about a phone left in a bus 6 hours earlier. To my complete surprise and elation, we were told they had the phone and would forward by bus from Dubrovnik to arrive Split at 840am. Once again, Croatian hospitality and honesty. I am starting to have a real soft spot for Croatia and it's people.
Out to dinner, after a walk around the city and a meal of Gnocchi and beef, and čevapčeci's. The owners were also kind to open past the 11pm closing time. Croatian kindness everywhere.
We are now thinking of spending another day here or at least nearby. Booking.com is our friend.
We caught the bus from Dubrovnik to Split. Our naval host had it planned down to the minute and had us on the bus with 2 minutes to spare. The amazing race continues.
We arrived in Split and walked to the main square to find our hotel. A friendly local who was trying to sell accommodation offered assistance. Skeptical at first, my intuition was unfounded and he proved very helpful. We would have NEVER found it otherwise, even though we were luckily about 20 meters from the apartment.
A Nanna nap, then the realization Jen had left her iPhone on the bus. That sux.
A trip to the bus station and what I assumed would be a fruitless exercise and talking with the bus staff about a phone left in a bus 6 hours earlier. To my complete surprise and elation, we were told they had the phone and would forward by bus from Dubrovnik to arrive Split at 840am. Once again, Croatian hospitality and honesty. I am starting to have a real soft spot for Croatia and it's people.
Out to dinner, after a walk around the city and a meal of Gnocchi and beef, and čevapčeci's. The owners were also kind to open past the 11pm closing time. Croatian kindness everywhere.
We are now thinking of spending another day here or at least nearby. Booking.com is our friend.
Friday 7 October
Friday 7 October
Breakfast on the ferry was quite awful, with shaped meats and terrible coffee. We soon found a cafe kn board where we could buy a decent coffee and pastry. We arrived in Dubrovnik and were picked up by our B&B host Ante, an ex naval officer (second mate whatever that is, but I assume important as I was told his rank). He took us to a lookout, amazing views of Dubrovnik harbour, and then a tour of the war museum. The 1991-93 war was like all wars, nasty.
Ante was a legend, full of naval efficiency and information, offering hospitality beyond the call. He even took UK guests to the airport at 6am! All for A$50 per night.
We spent the day touring the old city and walked the entire walled area. What views. What polished marbled streets. Amazing place, but also packed full of tourists off the three cruise ships that had docked that day. I can't really complain, as we are two more tourists added to the mix.
Dinner at La Luna Pizzeria where Jen had a fantastic cheese burger. It sounds bland, but was great. I had chicken, chips and salad and we watched Croatia lose to Greece one nil in the soccer. The locals were interested but surprisingly calm when a goal was scored against Croatia.
I tried to pay the 120 Kn (A$20) bill with Euro! but the kind waiter said No No No, not Euro. I didn't even notice I was fruit to pay with Euro as I was using Jen's purse and didn't know she still had Euro in it. I was just paying wih the numbers on the notes and didn't notice. A kind act from the waiter as I would have been none the wiser.
Breakfast on the ferry was quite awful, with shaped meats and terrible coffee. We soon found a cafe kn board where we could buy a decent coffee and pastry. We arrived in Dubrovnik and were picked up by our B&B host Ante, an ex naval officer (second mate whatever that is, but I assume important as I was told his rank). He took us to a lookout, amazing views of Dubrovnik harbour, and then a tour of the war museum. The 1991-93 war was like all wars, nasty.
Ante was a legend, full of naval efficiency and information, offering hospitality beyond the call. He even took UK guests to the airport at 6am! All for A$50 per night.
We spent the day touring the old city and walked the entire walled area. What views. What polished marbled streets. Amazing place, but also packed full of tourists off the three cruise ships that had docked that day. I can't really complain, as we are two more tourists added to the mix.
Dinner at La Luna Pizzeria where Jen had a fantastic cheese burger. It sounds bland, but was great. I had chicken, chips and salad and we watched Croatia lose to Greece one nil in the soccer. The locals were interested but surprisingly calm when a goal was scored against Croatia.
I tried to pay the 120 Kn (A$20) bill with Euro! but the kind waiter said No No No, not Euro. I didn't even notice I was fruit to pay with Euro as I was using Jen's purse and didn't know she still had Euro in it. I was just paying wih the numbers on the notes and didn't notice. A kind act from the waiter as I would have been none the wiser.
Thursday 6 October
Thursday 6 October
We spent the day in Bari. What I thought would be a dirty port town full off nerdiwells, was unfounded. It was a nice port town wih a history dating back many centuries. It is the home of St Nicholas' relic, which the Croatians stole from Turkey, and is a pilgrimage site. We visited a museum and the relic at a church. Eventually my luggage arrived at around 630 and we made our way to the wharf to catch the ferry. A big line of people and a huge group of mainly women making a pilgramage to another scared place. I forget the name. They were having a great time laughing like school kids. We then boarded the ferry for the overnight trip to Dubrovnik.
We spent the day in Bari. What I thought would be a dirty port town full off nerdiwells, was unfounded. It was a nice port town wih a history dating back many centuries. It is the home of St Nicholas' relic, which the Croatians stole from Turkey, and is a pilgrimage site. We visited a museum and the relic at a church. Eventually my luggage arrived at around 630 and we made our way to the wharf to catch the ferry. A big line of people and a huge group of mainly women making a pilgramage to another scared place. I forget the name. They were having a great time laughing like school kids. We then boarded the ferry for the overnight trip to Dubrovnik.
Wednesday 5 October
Wednesday 5 October
We spent the morning exploring the coast of Siracusa, saw the biggest yaght in the world called the Dilbar owned by a Russian millionaire. We met a lovely older couple and had granita over looking the coast on a very hot morning. We must contact Kay and send her our details.
We left Siracusa and we travelled by bus to Catania then by plane from Catania to Bari. My luggage didn't turn up, and had been sent to Bologna. This was an annoyance as we had to catch the last ferry within the hour. We soon realized this was not going to happen and jumped on the Internet looking for accommodation for the night as it was close to 10.00pm. Our taxi driver drove us at 10-120 Km/hr to the Boston Hotel, in a 50 zone! At times the wrong way down a one way street just for added adventure. On safe arrival, The Stig said goodbye and we called it a night.
We spent the morning exploring the coast of Siracusa, saw the biggest yaght in the world called the Dilbar owned by a Russian millionaire. We met a lovely older couple and had granita over looking the coast on a very hot morning. We must contact Kay and send her our details.
We left Siracusa and we travelled by bus to Catania then by plane from Catania to Bari. My luggage didn't turn up, and had been sent to Bologna. This was an annoyance as we had to catch the last ferry within the hour. We soon realized this was not going to happen and jumped on the Internet looking for accommodation for the night as it was close to 10.00pm. Our taxi driver drove us at 10-120 Km/hr to the Boston Hotel, in a 50 zone! At times the wrong way down a one way street just for added adventure. On safe arrival, The Stig said goodbye and we called it a night.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday 4 October
A slow day. A sleep in and breaky in the hotel. An awesome coffee machine. A load of bathroom sink washing and hanging them to dry on the balcony, in true Italian style.
We then went down to the harbor and walked along the beautiful coastline until we headed down the backstreets and tripped over a restuarant. Jen and I had a pasta dish, mine with small prawns, some frizzante and a beer.
A short walk back to the hotel for an afternoon cat nap, some horrible histories with Stephen Fry and then out to dinner.
A superb dinner at a French restuarant. The surprise entre was fresh ricotta with what was probably caviar on little bits of toast. For main I had steak with a pepper sauce, not very French I know but it was great to eat some meat cooked well (or medium rare as the case was). A nice Merlot rather than the dodgy house red I have had at some places, and for desert a selection of ice creams with warm chocolate an almond shavings. Jen had duck with honey and tarte tatin for desert. It was an inviting little place, good music and the compulsory restuarant cat at the
door looking for hand outs.
A walk of the nice streets stumbling across two archeological sites. The streets were warn and inviting, with the smell of summer and the hum of the odd motor bike on the cobbled street. A perfect end to a relaxing day.
We then went down to the harbor and walked along the beautiful coastline until we headed down the backstreets and tripped over a restuarant. Jen and I had a pasta dish, mine with small prawns, some frizzante and a beer.
A short walk back to the hotel for an afternoon cat nap, some horrible histories with Stephen Fry and then out to dinner.
A superb dinner at a French restuarant. The surprise entre was fresh ricotta with what was probably caviar on little bits of toast. For main I had steak with a pepper sauce, not very French I know but it was great to eat some meat cooked well (or medium rare as the case was). A nice Merlot rather than the dodgy house red I have had at some places, and for desert a selection of ice creams with warm chocolate an almond shavings. Jen had duck with honey and tarte tatin for desert. It was an inviting little place, good music and the compulsory restuarant cat at the
door looking for hand outs.
A walk of the nice streets stumbling across two archeological sites. The streets were warn and inviting, with the smell of summer and the hum of the odd motor bike on the cobbled street. A perfect end to a relaxing day.
Monday 3 October
Monday 3 October
Dad arrives in Rome today, I am keen to give him a call tonight to see how their cruise went. I am hoping well. I mucked up the train arrival and we basically let our train pass, and had to wait another two or so hours for the next one. Jen raised the eyebrow at my lack of logistical prowess.
We waited eating paninis and drinking coffee slushies. Not a bad way to wait, overlooking the beach. We watched 'too big to fail' on the Xoom on the train in the way to Siracusa. It is scary what the banks and US Govt have done. It seems to still all be hanging by a thread. Cash under the mattress may be about the only safe option these days.
Dad arrives in Rome today, I am keen to give him a call tonight to see how their cruise went. I am hoping well. I mucked up the train arrival and we basically let our train pass, and had to wait another two or so hours for the next one. Jen raised the eyebrow at my lack of logistical prowess.
We waited eating paninis and drinking coffee slushies. Not a bad way to wait, overlooking the beach. We watched 'too big to fail' on the Xoom on the train in the way to Siracusa. It is scary what the banks and US Govt have done. It seems to still all be hanging by a thread. Cash under the mattress may be about the only safe option these days.
Sunday 2 October
Sunday 2 October
A bright and early morning for the Mount Etna tour. Our bus guide spoke three languages, Italian, English and German, none of them well and we could hardly understand a word he said the while trip. But we didn't need him to explain what Mount Etna was, or when it had erupted. The bus ride was as scary as always, with narrow an windy Italian roads. the fanicula ride to the 'summit' was short and expensive at €28 each. The weather was foggy, and so we ended up staying pretty much indoors an watched a video on previous eruptions. Stromboli was much better, but it had to be done.
We had a lovely fish, prawn, pizza, salad, frizzante and wine dinner overlooking he Taormina coast. A spectacular view and topped off with fireworks! They must have known we were there.
A bright and early morning for the Mount Etna tour. Our bus guide spoke three languages, Italian, English and German, none of them well and we could hardly understand a word he said the while trip. But we didn't need him to explain what Mount Etna was, or when it had erupted. The bus ride was as scary as always, with narrow an windy Italian roads. the fanicula ride to the 'summit' was short and expensive at €28 each. The weather was foggy, and so we ended up staying pretty much indoors an watched a video on previous eruptions. Stromboli was much better, but it had to be done.
We had a lovely fish, prawn, pizza, salad, frizzante and wine dinner overlooking he Taormina coast. A spectacular view and topped off with fireworks! They must have known we were there.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday 1 October
Saturday 1 October
Geelong won the grand final, and no matter which way I tried, I could not hear or see the coverage. The AFL website has to be voted the worst ever! Another Tel$tra disaster.
We are heading to Taormina by hydrofoil and buses. Today is mainly a day of packing and travel. Bye bye Lipari and Stromboli, you have given us life long memories.
Arrived Toarmina, another ferry-then-bus-then-bus miracle. We have been touched.
Oh my lord, is this place the most picturesque location. Sea, check, mountains, check, ancient site, check, shiny new stuff, check, volcano, check and amazing views of a turquoise bay. Truly magnificent.
http://www.google.com.au/m/search?q=taormina+sicily&pbx=1&aq=1&oq=taor&aqi=g6-k11d7t0& fkt=1115&fsdt=11973&cqt=&rst=&htf=&his=&maction=&site=images&gl=au&source=mog&csll=& action=<oken=a84bf88b
Sent from iPhone
Geelong won the grand final, and no matter which way I tried, I could not hear or see the coverage. The AFL website has to be voted the worst ever! Another Tel$tra disaster.
We are heading to Taormina by hydrofoil and buses. Today is mainly a day of packing and travel. Bye bye Lipari and Stromboli, you have given us life long memories.
Arrived Toarmina, another ferry-then-bus-then-bus miracle. We have been touched.
Oh my lord, is this place the most picturesque location. Sea, check, mountains, check, ancient site, check, shiny new stuff, check, volcano, check and amazing views of a turquoise bay. Truly magnificent.
http://www.google.com.au/m/search?q=taormina+sicily&pbx=1&aq=1&oq=taor&aqi=g6-k11d7t0& fkt=1115&fsdt=11973&cqt=&rst=&htf=&his=&maction=&site=images&gl=au&source=mog&csll=& action=<oken=a84bf88b
Sent from iPhone
Friday 30 September
Friday 30 September
Another day of rest and relaxation. A sleep in, a call to Adelaide, and a lazy day. Around 4.30pm we went for a walk up to the church on the hill, and visit the cats. The view of the ocean and coast was excellent and the cats quite friendly. We came across 'the filippino' restuarant and had a lovely dinner of ricotta and a must reduction, prickly pear semifreddo, rerbert, and two great fish dishes. Desert was pastacchio semifreddo with mulberries and some kind of glaze. A half bottle of red and coffee and biscuits to finish. Lovely.
Another day of rest and relaxation. A sleep in, a call to Adelaide, and a lazy day. Around 4.30pm we went for a walk up to the church on the hill, and visit the cats. The view of the ocean and coast was excellent and the cats quite friendly. We came across 'the filippino' restuarant and had a lovely dinner of ricotta and a must reduction, prickly pear semifreddo, rerbert, and two great fish dishes. Desert was pastacchio semifreddo with mulberries and some kind of glaze. A half bottle of red and coffee and biscuits to finish. Lovely.
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