London!!!

Two days travelling around and exploring inner London…..perfect!

Yes two days in a row and we were up at 6am, ready to catch a ride into London city with Daniel and Marysia. They have to leave home at 7am to be at work in time. Phew…what a mission! Four of us getting ready for the day in one hour! It isn’t a quick trip back home if we forget anything. And our ride home would be after work at 5.30pm, then traffic willing we would get back home at around 7.30pm. What a long day for all the commuting workers of London!

So us three girls trotted off to the great unknown….no actually Judy and I had both been to London before. I nearly lead us all astray as Hyde Park was much bigger than I remembered. Apparently we had only walked a tiny wee bit last time, and to get to the place that I had walked was going to take about an hours walk to get there. And to Judy’s grace and willingness (haha) we walked Hyde Park. What an amazing park to have right in London itself. Actually London has lots of parks in the inner city. It is very well planned. So we joined all the cyclist and joggers and started our own walking group of three on a very pleasant Tuesday morning 🙂

NZ war memorial
NZ war memorial
Representing NZ soldiers killed in the war. The NZ Memorial
Representing NZ soldiers killed in the war. The NZ Memorial
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Gates at the entrance of Hyde Park
An early morning walk to brighten up the day :-)
An early morning walk to brighten up the day 🙂
Diana memorial walk
Diana memorial walk
The amazing Hyde Park
The amazing Hyde Park
Wellington Arch
Wellington Arch
Photo taking of the Wellington Arch
Photo taking of the Wellington Arch

We walked all the way to Buckingham Palace via the Wellington Arch…took some photos to prove we had been there and then caught the hop on/off bus to discover more of London. Passing such monumental places like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament, The London eye, Tower bridge, Tower of London, Piccadilly circus, Victoria Street Shops and Harrods of London….to name a few! We decided to stay on the bus and go right around the whole route. That way we could decide on the places we wanted to stop at the most.

Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Big Ben
St Pauls Cathedral
St Pauls Cathedral
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
The gates of Buckingham Palace
The gates of Buckingham Palace
The palace behind us
The palace behind us
A smallish crowd outside the palace today
A smallish crowd outside the palace today
By the statue outside Buckingham Palace
By the statue outside Buckingham Palace
House of Parliament
House of Parliament
So many wonderful old buildings to see!
So many wonderful old buildings to see!

By the time we had finished going round the route we were starving. The decision to get off near Trafalgar square was unanimous and we found the first food place to eat at. Marysia had suggested two places that are great for fast food, yet healthy and relatively cheap. We were within a block away from a ‘pret a manger’ which was one of her suggestions, and we weren’t disappointed. Fabulous food! And apparently they are owned by McDonalds…who would’ve known! A shopping trip to Victoria Street was in order as we had a ‘need to shop’ urge come upon us (well actually Teresa more than Judy and I, but we were happy to go with it).

We joined the bus trip again and found our way to St Pauls Cathedral. Here we were meeting Daniel for our adventurous trip back home. Two very full train trips and a short walk to the car park and we were off. Three hours later we arrive home very tired and hungry. It was a very bad day for travelling on the motorways….apparently!

The next morning was a repeat of the previous day but Marysia was the driver. Our first stop was the Tower of London. We had tickets so headed straight for fast track entry. Luckily we arrived early and there wasn’t too much crowd. But we found this place amazing and ended up spending all morning and until 1.30 there. The Tower of London is a must see! We didn’t go there last time and I am so pleased we managed to fit it in this trip. So much history and a well preserved castle. The crown jewels are also kept there so we were able to do a walk through and see the amazing richness of them all.

This window caught my eye. I had to focus in the cross. Very significant I think!
This window caught my eye. I had to focus in the cross. Very significant I think!
The Tower bridge from the Tower of London
The Tower bridge from the Tower of London
The Tower of London
The Tower of London
Guard and guns
Guard and guns
Buildings inside the Tower of London
Buildings inside the Tower of London
The bridge view from the ferry
The bridge view from the ferry
On the ferry on the river Thames
On the ferry on the river Thames
Posing on the ferry
Posing on the ferry
We wanted to go on the Eye but just ran out of time. Maybe next time :-)
We wanted to go on the Eye but just ran out of time. Maybe next time 🙂

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The Tower bridge
The Tower bridge
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
The Tower of London
The Tower of London
Looking at the Eye through the trees
Looking at the Eye through the trees
Another view of the Tower of London
Another view of the Tower of London
Tower bridge form the Tower of London
Tower bridge form the Tower of London

From The Tower of London we walked down to the fery terminal and caught the ferry up to The London Eye. Our plan was to have a ride in the eye. Sadly it was almost 2.30 before we got there and we still had so much to see. The queues looked very long and the trip around in the Eye is nearly an hour long….so it had to be by-passed this time round!

Our last place of interest that was a ‘Must see’ for us was Harrods. So after a lovely roast meal lunch in ‘Shakespears Pub’ combined with a shandy….we followed with a Harrods Beer (wine for Teresa), olives and almonds in a Harrods restaurant! Oh to live a life of luxury. Sadly we couldn’t afford many purchases at Harrods, just a memoir or two 🙂

Us in one of Harrods many themed restaurants/dining areas :-)
Us in one of Harrods many themed restaurants/dining areas 🙂

Now to cap the day off just nicely we hopped back on the bus and took a trip to Notting Hill. We wandered through the shops and markets of Portobello Road. What a amazing place to visit and meander through. A few purchases made here and we wandered around to find the little bookshop from the ‘Notting Hill’ film. I will include a photo, but need to mention the bookshop from the film is actually the little shop on the right of the now new copied Notting Hill Bookshop. Still….we went there!!! After our leisurely look around Portebello markets and shops we caught a taxi to the huge Westfield nearby. Marysia met us there and we picked up lovely chinese takeaways to eat as the day ended. Another perfect day…I am so blessed!

The Little white building is the actual shop in the movie Notting Hill
The Little white building is the actual shop in the movie Notting Hill
Plaque of Notting Hill
Plaque of Notting Hill
The Hummingbird Bakery :-)
The Hummingbird Bakery 🙂
Walking along the markets
Walking along the markets
Portobello Street = beautiful!
Portobello Street = beautiful!
Portobello Street
Portobello Street
Notting Hill Bookshop...film one is the place next door on the right :-)
Notting Hill Bookshop…film one is the place next door on the right 🙂

Windlesham here we come!

Our Eurotunnel booking from Calais to Folkestone was for 8pm. So, we had all day to travel from Paris to Calais and it is only a three hour trip. And…we woke up to a beautiful morning in Paris. A little sleep in was in order, a nice leisurely breakfast, and we eventually check out if the Hotel at 11am. It was kind of a sad feeling to be leaving Paris. There is still so much more to see and explore and there is also the thought that I may never get to visit Paris ever again. But I am much luckier than some people, I have now been to Paris twice. I need to be more thankful! So we get out on the highway after doing a couple of circles around the Arc De Triomphe. Daniel says that you can’t drive through Paris without experiencing this amazing piece of roadway. Ahhhhh it’s just crazy. People just changing lanes and pulling out in front of you. Fun! We laughed all the way around…twice. What a memory! The decision was to get off the big motorways and drive through some local villages. Our lunch stop was Amiens, a town that has a cathedral that looks just like the Notre Dame. Same design and artwork! But this place was worn out and crumbling. Such a sad sight as in its glory days it would have looked marvelous. I guess if it was in Paris, it would have been fully restored.

Marysia outside the old Cathedral
Marysia outside the old Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral...at the entrance
Inside the Cathedral…at the entrance
Looks a little worse for wear
Looks a little worse for wear
Cathedral
Cathedral
Still is an amazing building
Still is an amazing building
Very much like Notre Dame
Very much like Notre Dame

We walked the length of the Main Street admiring the town and found a nice restaurant for lunch…outside seating to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. An hour later and we were still waiting for our food. I guess the chef had packed up all the lunch menu ingredients as it was nearly three o’clock. And when the food finally came it really looked like it had been thrown together in a hurry. I think they had forgotten out order! Our first bad dining experience, not bad for a month away!

statue at town on our way to Calais
statue at town on our way to Calais
On our way to get a late lunch
On our way to get a late lunch

We headed for the coast and although we couldn’t see the sea it was great to know that England was just across the shore and that was where we were heading. Arriving at Calais was a great feeling and getting in the queue to board the Eurotrain was exciting. We had crossed to England like this last year but Teresa hadn’t ever, and it was great to share this new experience with her. It only takes 35 minutes, but to think you are in a tunnel under the sea…and still sitting in you car…on a train carriage…makes it quite an adventure. Another great memory!

The Eurotunnel train diagram
The Eurotunnel train diagram
Border control and customs
Border control and customs
ready for the cars
ready for the cars
Traffic at Calais for the tunnel
Traffic at Calais for the tunnel
lining up for the Eurotunnel
lining up for the Eurotunnel

So after driving on Europe’s roads for nearly a month, we drive off the train and onto England’s soil. It’s a funny feeling but somehow you feel like you are home. My ancestors do come from England but that was a very long time ago. Robin was born here and he didn’t go to New Zealand until he was three years old. He still has lots of aunts, uncles and cousins in the Bournemouth, Poole area. We visited them the last two trips over. Sadly I won’t have time this trip. I must look up Dad’s side of the family sometime. The roads here are really wavy and as Daniel speeds along you almost feel like you are in a boat…although its bumpy as well. Daniel thinks its because when the roads were built, they never planned for the amount of traffic that actually uses the roads now, and to repair them would cause major traffic delays. And lots of complaints…so everyone just puts up with the roads like they are. We arrive at Daniel and Marysia’s place at eleven pm and Marysia cooks tea…bless her! It’s so nice to be ‘home’.

3 nights in Paris

You should see our very nice Hotel. It is so quaint. Filled with olden day memorabilia like a treadle sewing machine, a spiral staircase with ornate railings, an old pendulum clock, gold etched picture frames and lace doilies. The rooms have flowery wallpaper and old handbasins and furniture. It is an old home that has been in the family for years and been converted to a hotel. We feel rather spoilt to stay in such a place in Paris! Really hard to believe…I have to remind myself that this really is my reality for the moment!

We venture off for a walk. It’s not far to the Notre Dame Cathedral and also the Louvre says Marysia..and we can go through the Botanical gardens (known as the Jardin de plantes) and the Luxembourg gardens (known as the Jardin de luxembourg) on the way. Well it was quite a distance, maybe not for the younger person, but it was quite a walk, but well worth it. Both of the gardens were fantastic. We stopped at the Luxembourg gardens for a picnic lunch. And what a lovely lunch it was! Red wine, cheese, salami, tomatoes, fresh bread and olives…yum!

About the gardens
About the gardens
Flower gardens
Flower gardens
The Luxemburge House
The Luxemburge House
Walkway
Walkway
Lovely view
Lovely view
Very symmetrical
Very symmetrical
Nicely manicured lawns
Nicely manicured lawns
Walking through the gardens
Walking through the gardens
Fountain and statues
Fountain and statues
A water feature in the gardens
A water feature in the gardens
Pond in the gardens
Pond in the gardens

The Notre Dame is amazing. The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris or Notre Dame de Paris (‘Our Lady of Paris’ in French) is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Paris, France, with its main entrance to the west. Notre Dame Cathedral is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. It was restored and saved from destruction by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, one of France’s most famous architects. The Notre Dame Cathedral was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction spanned the Gothic period. Its sculptures and stained glass show the heavy influence of naturalism, unlike that of earlier Romanesque architecture. It was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports). The building was not originally designed to include the flying buttresses around the choir and nave. After the construction began and the thinner walls (popularized in the Gothic style) grew ever higher, stress fractures began to occur as the walls pushed outward. In response, the cathedral’s architects built supports around the outside walls, and later additions continued the pattern. And thank God that they did, so we can visit it and look at amazement at the wonder of the place…and take lots of photos!

The top of the Norte Dame
The top of the Norte Dame
The Bottom of Notre Dame
The Bottom of Notre Dame
Had to get a photo with The Notre Dame behind me
Had to get a photo with The Notre Dame behind me
Look at that work of art!
Look at that work of art!
Amazing buildings on the way to the Notre Dame
Amazing buildings on the way to the Notre Dame
Boats on the Sienne
Boats on the Sienne

Next place to walk to was the Louvre. The Louvre—is one of the world’s largest museums, and a historic monument. A central landmark of Paris, France, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine. Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres (652,300 square feet). With more than 8 million visitors each year, the Louvre is the world’s most visited museum. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) which began as a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. Remnants of the fortress are visible in the basement of the museum. The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and confiscated church property. Holdings have grown steadily through donations and gifts since the Third Republic. As of 2008, the collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings. So, those are the factual things about the Louvre, but we know it as the place with the glass pyrimads on the square in the middle of the louvre. Everyone takes their photos with the perspective of touching the top of the pyrimad with their finger. They extend their arms and the person taking the photo positions the camera in just the right place. Fun!

Looking into The louvre
Looking into The louvre
The entrance is under the Pyrimad
The entrance is under the Pyrimad
Looking back to the Louvre
Looking back to the Louvre
The big Archway at the Louvre
The big Archway at the Louvre

We walk along the side of the river Sienne and watch the boats transporting people up and down the river. We need to find another Metro station and they are sometimes hard to find. Another bit of walking…never hurt us though and it was great to look at the markets on the way. But we really wanted to get to Montemarte before it got too late. Montemarte has to be seen in daylight..as well as at night. After a couple of Metro changes we got there and just in time.

We arrive and immediately walk through the lovely Montemarte town and up the stairs to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France, and it is very picturesque. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. It was consecrated after the end of World War I in 1919. It is a popular landmark, the basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. The view from the top, outside the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is amazing. It’s a great place to take in the scenery and also to take some photos the Paris landscape. There are often street performers all around the Basilica and on the many steps and levels up to it. A very interesting place to go! So if you ever go to Paris, I suggest a visit to Montmarte should be on your trip plan. It’s well worth the visit.

Looking up to the Cathedral
Looking up to the Cathedral
The view of Paris from Montemarte
The view of Paris from Montemarte
Village shop
Village shop
Got this photo from the web! The Sacre-coeur in full sunlight. Just beautiful!
Got this photo from the web! The Sacre-coeur in full sunlight. Just beautiful!

We wandered around the steep little roads and looked in a few shops. We also sampled the local bakery by buying some lovely custard tarts. Actually we just sat down on the steps and ate them while having a bit of a relaxing moment and also doing some people watching. And there are plenty of people to watch…the place is buzzing with them. I guess the Moulen Rouge show which is held at the theatre at Montmarte also brings a lot of people to the area.

Just sitting and resting our legs for awhile
Just sitting and resting our legs for awhile

Well you would think that that was enough action for one day, but no! We found our way back to the Metro and then back to the middle of Paris. Daniel really wanted to go to a pub where a jazz band was playing for the evening. The pub had an underground cave/theatre where the band would be playing. We wandered around until we could find the place…and then joined with about 30 other people in a little underground room. The band was great, very talented, and very loud. Daniel loved it! Both Judy and I sat there with tissue rammed into our ears. Through the tissue we loved it too. Once again it was a very late night. Paris is a fabulous place to visit! We go to bed feeling exhausted but very satisfied with the day.

Next morning we wake up to our first wet day of the holiday. We meet for breakfast and all decide that a sleep in was in order. So back to bed it was and after a little nap I wrote a little more on my blog!

Indoor shopping was the best way to fill in the day. Eventually we ended up taking the Metro to a different shopping mall and found sunshine! Lots of walking and people watching for me. I didn’t buy anything.

Tomorrow we pack up and head home (Dan and Marysia’s home) in Windlesham. The holiday has been fabulous but sadly it is coming to an end 🙁

Metz to the Metro!

Have you ever wanted to travel around and explore the Champaign region of Eastern France? I hadn’t really thought about it much, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Marysia suggested driving the Champaign route following the little signs that the locals had put up along the road. Each winery offered samplings of their champaign, but sadly we travelled during the holiday season, and also midday which is siesta time…far too hot to be out working. But we did find one open that had the most amazing gardens. Here we were sitting drinking Champaign, eating crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes like we didn’t have a care in the world…or another place to be at! Sheer luxury!

The winery we visited
The winery we visited
The map of the region
The map of the region
The view while we had our lunch
The view while we had our lunch
bliss...absolutely bliss
bliss…absolutely bliss
The most relaxing place to be
The most relaxing place to be
Between the rows
Between the rows
The Champaign region of Eastern France
The Champaign region of Eastern France
Vines for miles!
Vines for miles!
Look at the rows!
Look at the rows!

But the next stop had to be Paris..we were booked into our Hotel for three nights…and we were really looking forward to being in Paris! The earlier we arrived the better. It meant that we could start exploring and make the most of our time there. So having been to Paris before I knew a little of the Paris Metro.

Hotel Courtyard
Hotel Courtyard

The Paris Métro or Métropolitain (French: Métro de Paris) is a rapid transit system that operates in Paris, France. A symbol of the city, it is noted for its density within the city limits and its uniform architecture influenced by Art Nouveau. The network is mostly underground and runs to 214 km (133 mi) in length. It has 303 stations, of which 62 facilitate transfer to another line.

A very quiet Metro
A very quiet Metro

Paris’s is the second busiest metro system in Europe, after Moscow. It carries 4.5 million passengers a day, and an annual total of 1.479 billion (2009). And we managed to be included in that large number of people for three days. Daniel parked his car outside the cute Hotel that we were staying in and all our travel while in Paris was by the Metro system. Yes we squashed into the carriages and sometimes managed to find a seat. We were entertained by buskers who used the travel time and closed doors to try to earn income from the unsuspecting travellers. It was easy to think that they were just singing because they were filling in time while travelling…but after the song along came the upside down hat and the request for money. Actually some were very entertaining, and quite good singers, although we did wonder if they were lipsyncing.

The Métro introduced newer trains to allow higher traffic, but further improvements have been limited by the design of the network and in particular the short distances between stations. We were quite amazed with the train carriages that had car tyres as wheels. They seemed to be faster that the old steel wheels and actually looked rather odd. Anyway travel by Metro was a very good way of getting around and we managed to get to where we wanted to go without too much trouble.

Our first place to go to was the Eiffel tower. Marysia had been up the tower several times so it was a great opportunity for her to go shopping. We couldn’t get fast entry tickets from out Hotel so it was line up in the queue for nearly 2 hours for us! But really it is well worth it. You take two lifts to get to the top. Viewing platforms from both lift exits…but the best is the top (goes without saying really) And we were there at the perfect time, as the sun was going down. Made our photos look even better with the evening glow of the sinking sun shining over the city. We stayed up the top as long as possible. It was crowded. Thank God it is stable!

Sunset and the Tower
Sunset and the Tower
From The top
From The top
Paris
Paris
Fabulous!
Fabulous!
another view
another view
Looking up from the first level
Looking up from the first level
another view
another view
Waiting patiently aye Daniel
Waiting patiently aye Daniel
Looking across at the Tower
Looking across at the Tower
Looking up at the tower..it's huge!
Looking up at the tower..it’s huge!
beautiful view
beautiful view
Sunsetting over Paris
Sunsetting over Paris
Me with the plaque
Me with the plaque
Fabulous view
Fabulous view
Looking out across the river
Looking out across the river
Looking straight down
Looking straight down

Coming down we took the Metro to the Arc de Triomphe, our meeting place with Marysia. To drive  around the Arc de Triomphe, a grand traffic circle where a dozen boulevards converge on this mightiest of triumphal arches, is a courageous thing to do. In the mid-19th century, Baron Haussmann set out to make Paris the grandest city in Europe. The 12 arterials that radiate from the Arc de Triomphe were part of his master plan: the creation of a series of major boulevards, intersecting at diagonals with monuments as centerpieces (such as the Arc de Triomphe). If there is an accident here, each driver is considered equally at fault. This is the only place in Paris where the accidents are not judged. No matter what the circumstances, insurance companies split the costs fifty-fifty. In Paris, a good driver gets only scratches, not dents. Daniel drove around it on our way out of Paris….actually he drove around it twice!

Map around the Arc
Map around the Arc
Magnificent at night
Magnificent at night
Side view
Side view

We viewed the Arc and then had a lovely meal together before taking the Metro back home to our Hotel and settling in for a well deserved nights sleep….we were worn out!

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Munich to Metz

Munich to Metz is 515 kms and we travelled very speedily along the autobahn, reaching speeds of 120 miles an hour in places. Luckily Daniel is a great driver and we all were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the journey. We stopped quite frequently during our travels, as with 3 woman there is often a need for a toilet stop…but usually it was Marysia who spoke up first! Bless her…she loves to drink lots and what goes in must come out 🙂

Our accomodation for the night at Munich...very cosy
Our accomodation for the night at Munich…very cosy

The longest part of the trip was from Dachau to Baden Baden. We had planned a stop in Baden Baden but weren’t sure just where to stop. Driving in we noticed a very old castle on the hills surrounding the town. So we decided we would have a look. What a great decision!

Hohenbaden Old Castle (Altes Schloss Hohenbaden) is one of the oldest possessions of the Margraves of Baden – with origins that go back to the 12th century. The oldest part of the complex, the Oberburg (upper castle) is built on a crest on the southwestern side of the Battert hill. The newer Unterburg (lower castle) was expanded on the orders of Margrave Bernhard I in the late 14th century. The impressive Bernhardsbau, the main building in the castle’s lower bailey (courtyard), bears testimony to the heightened importance of the Margraves of Baden. In 1479, however, they moved to the more comfortable Neues Schloss (new palace) in the valley. The old castle fell into disuse, and was left in ruins after a fire in the late 16th century. Interest in Hohenbaden Old Castle was reawakened in the 19th century, when Baden-Baden became a popular spa destination. Today, the ruin, with its fabulous view, is one of the most attractive destinations in the northern Black Forest.

Entry was free and we were able to climb up and down stairs, walk along narrow passages and lean over the very high castle walls. We all looked for the perfect place to take photos of the marvellous views. All of us trying to be so very brave as it was exceptionally high and felt unstable, although it wasn’t really unstable. I am sure we wouldn’t be able to freely wander around it if it was unsafe. Another fabulous experience and celebrated with a lovely afternoon tea at the castle cafe.

A tall wall in the Castle
A tall wall in the Castle
View from an opening in the castle wall
View from an opening in the castle wall
High up looking back down where we had come from
High up looking back down where we had come from
Looking over the ruins to the view beyond
Looking over the ruins to the view beyond
Another amazing view of the Castle ruins and scenery beyond
Another amazing view of the Castle ruins and scenery beyond
Write up about the castle
Write up about the castle
Looking at the Castle from the carpark
Looking at the Castle from the carpark
Looking up at the walls
Looking up at the walls
Judy inside the center courtyard
Judy inside the center courtyard

Back onto the autobahn and the next stop is Metz. We arrived late in the afternoon, so a walk through the city strets looking for a nice restaurant for tea was in order. We came across a cathedral or two and also, very typical of Europe, the piazza, or square where people gather. We found a lovely restaurant and enjoyed our meal in the open air along with many locals and tourists. Very nice indeed!!!

Cathedral at Metz
Cathedral at Metz
View of the Cathedral
View of the Cathedral
Walking in the Piazza...town square
Walking in the Piazza…town square
Streets of Metz
Streets of Metz
Walking to a restaurant in Metz
Walking to a restaurant in Metz
Metz Sign
Metz Sign
Discovering Metz
Discovering Metz
Finding a Cathedral along the way
Finding a Cathedral along the way

Dachau

Leaving Munich we travelled firstly to Dachau. Another visit to a concentration camp!

Opened in 1933 by Heinrich Himmler, its purpose was enlarged to include forced labour, and eventually, the imprisonment of Jews, ordinary German and Austrian criminals, and eventually foreign nationals from countries which Germany occupied or invaded. It was finally liberated in 1945.

Dachau was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in Germany, intended to hold political prisoners. It is located on the grounds of an abandoned munitions factory near the medieval town of Dachau, about 16 km (9.9 mi) northwest of Munich in the state of Bavaria, in southern Germany. The Concentration Camp at Dachau was opened 22 March 1933, with the arrival of about 200 prisoners. The camp could hold up to 5,000 people, and described it as “the first concentration camp for political prisoners”

The prisoners of Dachau concentration camp originally were to serve as forced labor for a munition factory, and to expand the camp. It was used as a training center for SS guards and was a model for other concentration camps. The camp was about 990 feet wide and 1,980 feet long (300 × 600 m) in rectangular shape. The camp entrance was secured by a large iron gate that had the inscription: “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work makes you free”). As of 1938, the procedure for new arrivals occurred at the Schubraum, where prisoners were to hand over their clothing and possessions.
After 1942, the number of prisoners regularly held at the camp continued to exceed 12,000.

The Dachau Concentration camp was heavily defended and secured to ensure that no prisoners escaped. A ten-foot-wide (3 m) area of ground called “the neutral zone” was around each camp building. This was to mark where prisoners were not to trespass. A four-foot-deep and eight-foot-broad (1.2 × 2.4 m) ditch lay behind the “neutral-zone.” The whole camp was surrounded by electrically charged barbed wire and a wall. On the west side of the wire was a deep canal filled with water, which was connected with the river Amper.

In the post-war years it served to hold SS soldiers awaiting trial, after 1948, it held ethnic Germans who had been expelled from Eastern Europe and were awaiting resettlement, and also was used for a time as a United States military base during the occupation. It was finally closed for use in 1960. Several memorials have been installed there, and the site is open for visitors.

Visiting the camp brings to reality the attrocities that were performed against the jewish people during the time they were imprisioned there…and at many other camps as well…like Auswich, where we visited last year in Krakow, Poland. It is a sad reminder of just how cruel human beings can be. My heart grieves for all those lives lost completely unnecessarily. And at the way they died. So very sad!

IMG_4078 IMG_4084 IMG_4090 IMG_4126 IMG_4131 IMG_4085

And we make it to Munich!

Leaving Budapest we bypass the trail a little to visit Slovakia in Bratislava. Another country to tick off the bucket list. Even if we were only there to wander through the town and have lunch! I did get a photo or two and and I am happy to have had the experience of  ‘going to Bratislava’ hehe

we cross the boarder!
we cross the boarder!

Our aim was to get to Vienna and have enough time to look around the place. Vienna has the most amazing palaces and palace gardens. We didn’t have long there but we did meander through one of the gardens and take lots of photos. Another palace we just did a quick visit to and took some photos but didn’t walk around it.

Statue at the Palace
Statue at the Palace
Us girls on the palace balcony
Us girls on the palace balcony
The Palace gardens
The Palace gardens
Looking out across the gardens
Looking out across the gardens
Looking up to the big monument
Looking up to the big monument
Looking down another garden path
Looking down another garden path
Up on the Balcony with the fabulous view behind me
Up on the Balcony with the fabulous view behind me
Daniel and me at the statue
Daniel and me at the statue
The second Palace
The second Palace
Taking a photo of Teresa taking a photo
Taking a photo of Teresa taking a photo
Gold plated statues
Gold plated statues
Great view behind me again
Great view behind me again
The Palace grounds
The Palace grounds
Lovely town on our way to Vienna
Lovely town on our way to Vienna
Town we visited
Town we visited
Shops behind me
Shops behind me
A very picturesque little town
A very picturesque little town
The local markets
The local markets

We only had one night before we needed to move on to Salzburg. And we did it. Salzburg is great, especially the old part of the town. Little streets squashed up together filled with shops and restaurants and memorabillia of Mozart. The old town was built right against the surrounding cliffs, even with houses connected to the cliffs as their back wall. Fabulous! The whole place was buzzing with people and full of life. Wandering back to the car along the river and crossing the bridge was just lovely, very picturesque. Sigh…my soul is once again satisfied with the wonder of our beautiful world, and our God who created it all 🙂

Mozart's house
Mozart’s house
walking along the river at Salzburg
walking along the river at Salzburg
Salzburg Square
Salzburg Square
Mozart Statue
Mozart Statue
The old town of Salzburg
The old town of Salzburg
The houses built in the hills
The houses built in the hills
Posing by the river
Posing by the river

IMG_3877

And there is more to come…

Our Accomodation is fabulous. A hotel built in Berchtesgaden right beside a beautiful clear flowing stream and the hotel itself looks just like a Swiss chalet. We are in Austria, but very close to the swiss alps. Towering above us is the huge hill/nearly mountain (a subpeak of the Hoher-Goll known as the Kehlstein) where Eagles nest sits! Eagles Nest is a is a chalet-style building. It was built as an extension of the Obersalzberg complex erected in the mountains above Berchtesgaden. The Kehlsteinhaus was completed in the summer of 1938 after 13 months of construction, prior to its formal presentation to Hitler on his 50th birthday on April 20, 1939. It is situated on a ridge at the top of the Kehlstein mountain 1,834 m (6,017 ft), reached by a 6.5 km (4.0 mi) long and 4 m (13 ft) wide road that cost RM 30 million to build. It includes five tunnels but only one hairpin turn and climbs 800 m (2,600 ft). We did the first part of the trip up by normal bus, but had to change over to a special bus for the second part. The road is so steep and has many very tight corners. Buses transport tourists up in relay. About six buses follow each other up and then down again…all filled with tourists…both directions!

The river by our Hotel
The river by our Hotel
Our Hotel
Our Hotel
On the bus - first part up the hill
On the bus – first part up the hill
View from the first bus
View from the first bus
Looking up at Eagles Nest
Looking up at Eagles Nest
Fabulous house
Fabulous house

The last 124 m (407 ft) up to the Kehlsteinhaus are reached by an elevator bored straight down through the mountain and linked via a tunnel through the granite below that is 124 m (407 ft) long. The inside of the large elevator car is surfaced with polished brass, Venetian mirrors and green leather (the elevator is still used daily). Construction of the mountain elevator system cost the lives of 12 construction workers. We used this elevator to go up along with about 38 other people. It was hot and stuffy! But fortunately it didn’t take very long to get up. When we lined up to go back down we found out that it had broken down! Imagine being in the lift when that happened! Stuck inside a mountain and the only way out is either up or down the lift shaft. Can’t just make another opening in a hurry! Not through granite! We ended up walking down the 124 m via a windy track…actually it was a lot of fun and had amazing views. Most of the people waiting for the lift to be fixed were elderly people and there is no way they would manage the track. It was also very steep!

Looking back at Eagles Nest with Daniel and Marysia in the photo
Looking back at Eagles Nest with Daniel and Marysia in the photo
The cross at the top
The cross at the top
The view!
The view!
Ahhh I wasn't scared at all!
Ahhh I wasn’t scared at all!
Don't slip Judy!
Don’t slip Judy!
Teresa and me at Eagles Nest
Teresa and me at Eagles Nest
The view over the edge
The view over the edge
Amazing isn't it!
Amazing isn’t it!
The path we walked!
The path we walked!
Here we are going down
Here we are going down
Outside the tunnel entrance to the lift
Outside the tunnel entrance to the lift
In the tunnel waiting for our turn to go up in the lift
In the tunnel waiting for our turn to go up in the lift
Still in the tunnel
Still in the tunnel
Lovely photo of Daniel and Marysia
Lovely photo of Daniel and Marysia
Going into the lift!
Going into the lift!
Look at that view!
Look at that view!
Lookin up from Eagles Nest
Lookin up from Eagles Nest
Another fabulous view
Another fabulous view
Just over the edge!
Just over the edge!

For all the trouble it took to build the place, Hitler rarely visited it. It has been suggested he only visited the Kehlsteinhaus around 10 times, and most times for no more than 30 minutes! Why built it for him anyway…that’s what I think!

Back on the road and we travel on to Munich. So happy to visit Munich again. Our main aim was to get to the centre of the town and show Teresa the amazing architecture, and clock towers, and to have our evening meal at a Bierhaus. A fabulous experience to be among hundreds of people all eating huge meals and drinking out of enormous handles of beer and singing along with the omm pah band. Believe me…it’s lots of fun 🙂

At the Bierhaus enjoying ourselves
At the Bierhaus enjoying ourselves
Night at Munich
Night at Munich
Cathedral at Munich
Cathedral at Munich
The Cathedral in Munich Square
The Cathedral in Munich Square
Lovely ceiling in the Bierhaus
Lovely ceiling in the Bierhaus
What a fabulous evening!
What a fabulous evening!
The Band!
The Band!
Look at the meal! Huge!
Look at the meal! Huge!
Daniel with his Beer and Marysia with a very big bagel
Daniel with his Beer and Marysia with a very big bagel

 

Sad farewells and new beginnings

So here we all were in the hotel foyer saying our goodbyes. The Insight Vacations ‘Grand tour of Italy and Sicily’ had come to an end! And we were on our own! No more Brad to lead us into unknown terrtiories. We had to make and follow our own decisions! Ahhhhh! And no more Max! Our trusty bus driver. Big hugs all round again…and a few shed tears and we were off!

Rome to Budapest via Athens! Yes we land in Athens for one hour. I asked the air hostess if the flight was leaving on time as we had another flight to connect with. Her answer was I am sure you will be okay. We land in Athens and are directed to the gate we need to board the next plane…and the gate leads directly to the plane we had just gotten off! Naturally we were going to be okay…it is the same plane!..she could have told me that and then Judy could stop worrying (I wasn’t worried of course!) Anyway out came the cameras and we take as many photos as we can (in the departure gate) to prove that we have been to Greece…even if we haven’t even left the airport!

Our next worry was finding our way to the Hotel in Budapest when we land. But that was easy peasy as well. The airport has buses that run to the various areas of Budapest. All you have to do is pay the fare and tell them where you are staying. We boarded the right bus and away we went. To think that the transit from Rome to the Hotel in Budapest was our biggest concern…and yet it was as calm as anything. All three of us were delighted and ready for the next stage of our journey.

We wandered the local area and found that we were just a few blocks away from a street of restaurants. Entree at one, main meal at one, dessert at the last. And at the end we had savioured food from the local Hungarian dishes. Goulash is delicious and the Chocolate pancakes so yummy!

on the plane to Budapest!
on the plane to Budapest!
Amazing building on our way to tea at Budapest
Amazing building on our way to tea at Budapest
The street not far from our Hotel in Budapest
The street not far from our Hotel in Budapest
First course
First course
Budapest has very unusual money!
Budapest has very unusual money!
Between restaurants
Between restaurants
Dessert time :-)
Dessert time 🙂

We decided that the hop on/off bus was the best option to see Budapest the next day and weren’t disappointed. Budapest is lovely and has some amazing buildings and things to see. We found out that Buda is the flat area and Pest is the hilly area across the river. We went over to Pest and took some very good shots of the whole area from a lookout on a hill. We also had a lovely bowl of Goulash there…I could eat Goulash for every meal. It is a bit like a beef stew but a lot runnier…like a soup. Big chunks of veges and meat! Yum!

Looking through the archway. The place was crowded with people
Looking through the archway. The place was crowded with people
Through the palace
Through the palace
Budapest gardens
Budapest gardens
great view of the gardens and buildings
great view of the gardens and buildings
A lovely ceiling
A lovely ceiling
A Museum???
A Museum???
On the hop on/off bus at Budapest
On the hop on/off bus at Budapest
Dolls..dressed in local clothing
Dolls..dressed in local clothing
Another view of Pest from Buda
Another view of Pest from Buda
Great views
Great views
another good view
another good view
And these too
And these too
These took my fancy
These took my fancy
Look at the view behind us. We were amazed at how pretty Budapest looked
Look at the view behind us. We were amazed at how pretty Budapest looked
The view of Pest from Buda
The view of Pest from Buda
Fabulous architecture
Fabulous architecture
Underground
Underground
Underground caves
Underground caves
Cathedral with an amazing roof
Cathedral with an amazing roof
Cathedral at Buda
Cathedral at Buda

Teresa had really wanted to go to Auchwich, but we really didn’t have time to go up to Krakow in Poland. When she found out that Budapest had a tour available which was all about the holocaust, we made that our next stop. Once again a very sad but memorable reminder of just how cruel humans can be to each other…when you add prejudice and hatred together! We came out to see a statue of the iron curtain and were just taking our photos, when Daniel and Marysia walked along the path! Yay…now our second part of the holiday was really about to start…and I loved reconnecting with my second to eldest and his lovely fiance 🙂

At the Holocaust Museum
At the Holocaust Museum
The iron Curtain
The iron Curtain
Judy and Teresa at the iron curtain
Judy and Teresa at the iron curtain
Another pleasing view
Another pleasing view
Yay...we have met up with Daniel and Marysia!
Yay…we have met up with Daniel and Marysia!

Life couldn’t get better!

 

 

Time for a catch up…maybe

Today is our first wet day for a month and with good internet I thought that maybe the time could be utilised with some blogging. So here I am in Paris sitting on my bed, listening to the rain outside and relaxing! What..you say! Yes I know…I can hardly believe it myself…but in my defense, the last 2 days have been full on! And, we are all so tired! So here I am in Paris and still in bed at 11am!

Now where did I blog last? Oh thats right…in Sicily, fabulous place that it is! I really can’t believe that our tour incorporated such fantastic accomodation for us there. Tours really are a fantastic option for having the best places to stay, and also quick access to all the sightseeing places. We certainly have been spoilt!

We had spent most of our time on the south west coast of Sicily but now needed to travel up to the North coast in preparation for the return trip to Rome, by boat. Along the route was another place to stop and walk through the ruins of Temples and palaces. The valley of the temples once formed part of the greek colony of Akragas, and we looked at them in awe…and took lots of photos.

Sitting on the edge of an old tomb
Sitting on the edge of an old tomb
Just amazing
Just amazing
Beautiful ladies on a beautiful day
Beautiful ladies on a beautiful day
Imagine it in it's day!
Imagine it in it’s day!
Remains of a giant carving
Remains of a giant carving
Nice photo of Judy...and the background too :-)
Nice photo of Judy…and the background too 🙂
Lovely view behind us...look carefully!
Lovely view behind us…look carefully!

On our last day in Sicily, we stayed at Palermo. We wandered through the local markets. Oh how I would have loved to have been able to purchase some of the lovely fresh fruits and vegetables, some of which I had never seen before. Each stand was full of colour, and exuded the smell of the produce available. The fish stands certainly stood out! But these were quite interesting with the many varieties of fish for sale…including many live ones!

Beautiful and fresh
Beautiful and fresh
Surroundings look very poor
Surroundings look very poor
Look at those grapes!
Look at those grapes!
Fresh Sardines
Fresh Sardines
Swordfish anyone?
Swordfish anyone?
Look at the lovely tomatoes!
Look at the lovely tomatoes!
Look at the size...yum!
Look at the size…yum!

We also did the optional tour at Palermo…the Capuchin catacombs! 8000 mummies…yes 8000, all from 1599-1881, and dressed in their pre-18th century finery, and perfectly preserved and on display! All grouped by their class or profession – even a hallway of brides! I was most taken with the 45 monks still in their clothes, but each having a three braded cord around their necks. The three cords represent penance, poverty and chastity. No photos were allowed at this place and understandibly so. They weren’t that lovely to look at…but well worth the visit.

After visiting the Catacombs, we all boarded the bus again and went off on another tour to discover Palermo’s golden age. A local tour guide took us to the Baroque Quattro Canti Square and we also had a glimpse of the fountain of shame. The story of the fountain is that a fountain was built and the designer/artist wanted naked statues placed all around it. The trouble was it was outside a Nunnery and the first sight the Nuns got when they pulled their curtains in the morning was the naked statues…all men! The Palermo Cathedral was awe inspiring…and place where your spirit was just touched by God! Inside the mosiacs depicted the bible story from Creation to Revelation. Absolutely amazing…and so very pretty! And the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans was huge and completely cobered in glittering 12th century mosaics. Have a look at these photos. They really don’t do it justice. You really have to see it all in person!

More stories from the Bible at the Palatine Chapel
More stories from the Bible at the Palatine Chapel
Palatine Chapel ceiling and more mosaics
Palatine Chapel ceiling and more mosaics
Outside the Palatine Chapel...amazing Mosaics inside and out!
Outside the Palatine Chapel…amazing Mosaics inside and out!
The Cathedral
The Cathedral
Pretty amazing
Pretty amazing
Looking one way in the Cathedral
Looking one way in the Cathedral
The Cathedral was huge!
The Cathedral was huge!
Inside the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
amazing isn't it!
amazing isn’t it!
Look at that work of art!
Look at that work of art!
Our tour group listening to the tour guide
Our tour group listening to the tour guide
Outside the Palermo Cathedral
Outside the Palermo Cathedral
Just amazing isn't it!
Just amazing isn’t it!
The mosaics inside the Palatine Chapel
The mosaics inside the Palatine Chapel

The last afternoon was spent at a local farm where we had a fabulous meal together sampling the local foods. The farm itself was high up in the hills and we got a magnificent view of Palermo. The food, the company, and the sights were amazing!

So to get back to the mainland we needed to board another boat, but this time an overnight stay on a ship! The bus pulled up alongside the ship and we got priority entrance and just walked on board (up a scary flight of steps) as a group. Our cabin was just big enough for the three of us but served it’s purpose nicely. I got the top bunk, and I must admit, clambouring up and down isn’t a very glamourish sight at all! My body doesn’t bend like it used to and the roof was only 18 inches above me! But all three of us were like excited teenagers and we made the most of the experience and giggled all night.

Yes...I had the top bunk!
Yes…I had the top bunk!
Our view of maples
Our view of maples

We arrived at Naples at 6.30am and had to be ready to walk out as soon as the ship berthed. The Bus took us to a local Hotel and we joined all the other Hotel patrons for breakfast.

We viewed all the sights of Naples from our bus windows as we didn’t have any stops in Naples itself, but headed straight to Pompeii! Yes…I have always wanted to go to Pompeii. I can remember learning all about it as a primary school student. We meandered through it’s streets looking at the ruins imagining how it all would have looked before Vesuveus? errupted. It was also hard to believe that archeologists had spent years unearthing the whole city. I was suprised to see inside a house that was used for prostitution and still see pictures on the wall which described their lifestyle! It was a very interesting place though and I am pleased that I have been there.

Look at the road....bit bumpy!
Look at the road….bit bumpy!
A street in Pompeii
A street in Pompeii
Inside the baths....ruins
Inside the baths….ruins
Me posing!
Me posing!
You can just imagine a huge temple standing there!
You can just imagine a huge temple standing there!
Amazing ruins with The volcano behind!
Amazing ruins with The volcano behind!
The layout of Pompeii
The layout of Pompeii
Ruins of an outside theatre behind me
Ruins of an outside theatre behind me

Travelling on…we stopped at Cassino. A beautiful memorial and graveyards for fallen soldiers. The grounds were perfectly manicured and the headstones well kept. Such an honouring place for all those men who gave up their lives for freedom for all. We wandered around looking for the NZ section and felt so proud when we found it. Even though we didn’t know any of the soldiers personally, it was a very moving moment.

Entrance of the cemetry
Entrance of the cemetry
Memorial Plaque
Memorial Plaque
Well kept gravestones
Well kept gravestones
Just a fabulous setting
Just a fabulous setting
Amazing gardens
Amazing gardens
Nice photo of Judy
Nice photo of Judy
The NZ gravestones
The NZ gravestones
Found a Rolston name
Found a Rolston name
As we were exiting I couldn't resist taking this photo
As we were exiting I couldn’t resist taking this photo

Moving on we arrived once again in Rome! This time the arrival wasn’t touched with excitement as last time, only 2 weeks earlier. This time there was a sense of sorrow and pending end! The tour was finishing! We were all to fly off in different directions the next morning. Our little travelling family was ending. Emotionally I was wrung out. I loved everything about the tour. It was like a little bit of heaven on earth for me.

after dinner fun!
after dinner fun!
Judy, Brad (Our tour guide), Teresa, Max (Our bus driver) and me
Judy, Brad (Our tour guide), Teresa, Max (Our bus driver) and me
A bunch of our 'Brad family' listening to a guide
A bunch of our ‘Brad family’ listening to a guide

So we all celebrated our last meal together and shared many hugs and tears….along with email addresses and Facebook names. Thank God for the World Wide Web!

 

Florence to Sorrento

Our first LONG trip on the bus. Quite a distance to travel. The Kindle comes in handy along with iPhone games and the bus Internet when you can get it 🙂 Judy Teresa and I have been lucky enough to have a double seat each. I have been able to fold this slightly bigger body of mine up and have naps along the way.

We arrived at Sorrento late afternoon and went straight up to the pool bar to freshen up with a nice cold shandy and good conversations. Tea was a treat for all the senses. We went down to a seaside restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal flavored with incredible views…just lovely.

Me, Judy and Teresa in Sorrento
Me, Judy and Teresa in Sorrento
Our Wanaka friends
Our Wanaka friends
The boats at dusk
The boats at dusk
The seaside town of Sorrento
The seaside town of Sorrento
More of our tour party
More of our tour party
The boats at dark
The boats at dark
Lovely sights as we ate
Lovely sights as we ate
The restaurant at night
The restaurant at night
side view of the restaurant
side view of the restaurant
At dusk
At dusk
another view
another view
The tour party arrives at the restaurant
The tour party arrives at the restaurant
spoilt with fabulous views
spoilt with fabulous views
Our new friends Marg and Di from Melbourne
Our new friends Marg and Di from Melbourne

The next day was one of my most favourite of the whole holiday so far. We took the ferry out to the island of Capri. What a spectacular Harbour to arrive at! Such a beautiful town. We boarded a second boat to venture around the coast listening to our guide describe the history of the area all whilst taking in the amazing scenery. But the best thing if all was being able to jump off the boat into the beautiful aquamarine/blue clear water and swim! Wow…it felt wonderful, very salty but wonderful!

 

me swimming!
me swimming!
Capri behind me!
Capri behind me!
Arriving at Capri...Just beautiful!
Arriving at Capri…Just beautiful!
The boat trip
The boat trip
Harbour at Sorrento
Harbour at Sorrento
Fruit stand at Sorrento
Fruit stand at Sorrento
Beautiful warm blue sea
Beautiful warm blue sea
Yes thats me....what an amazing day
Yes thats me….what an amazing day
One of the many wonderful sights on our boat
One of the many wonderful sights on our boat
On the boat to Capri
On the boat to Capri
Look at Sorrento!!! Marvelous
Look at Sorrento!!! Marvelous

And after the boat ride we went by Finicular up to the restaurants, shops and gardens and enjoyed Capri from that vantage point! I feel spoilt by seeing so many amazing things 🙂

At the top of the Isle of Capri
At the top of the Isle of Capri
Fancy doing the walk down to the water?
Fancy doing the walk down to the water?
Posing again! At Capri.
Posing again! At Capri.
Another great view of Capri
Another great view of Capri
Our tour party listening intentley
Our tour party listening intentley
Just look at that fantastic view!
Just look at that fantastic view!

While in Florence we did a tour of the Amalfi coast. I have always wanted to visit a village built along the banks/cliffs of the sea and also travel around the windy, but spectacular coastal roads. This tour ticked both of those desires! And Postitano the little town was fabulous. We were going to do the long walk down to the coast but after going halfway in the burning heat, Judy and I decided that ice-creams were a much better option. The views were spectacular though. I loved it!

Postitino
Postitino
A stop along the Amalfi Coast
A stop along the Amalfi Coast
The three of us with that amazing view behind us
The three of us with that amazing view behind us
Positino
Positino

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