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 CathedralInside the Cathedral…at the entranceLooks a little worse for wearCathedralStill is an amazing buildingVery 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 CalaisOn 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 diagramBorder control and customsready for the carsTraffic at Calais for the tunnellining 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’.
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 gardensFlower gardensThe Luxemburge HouseWalkwayLovely viewVery symmetricalNicely manicured lawnsWalking through the gardensFountain and statuesA water feature in the gardensPond 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 DameThe Bottom of Notre DameHad to get a photo with The Notre Dame behind meLook at that work of art!Amazing buildings on the way to the Notre DameBoats 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 louvreThe entrance is under the PyrimadLooking back to the LouvreThe 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 CathedralThe view of Paris from MontemarteVillage shopGot 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
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 🙁
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 visitedThe map of the regionThe view while we had our lunchbliss…absolutely blissThe most relaxing place to beBetween the rowsThe Champaign region of Eastern FranceVines for miles!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
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
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 TowerFrom The topParisFabulous!another viewLooking up from the first levelanother viewWaiting patiently aye DanielLooking across at the TowerLooking up at the tower..it’s huge!beautiful viewSunsetting over ParisMe with the plaqueFabulous viewLooking out across the riverLooking 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 ArcMagnificent at nightSide 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!
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
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 CastleView from an opening in the castle wallHigh up looking back down where we had come fromLooking over the ruins to the view beyondAnother amazing view of the Castle ruins and scenery beyondWrite up about the castleLooking at the Castle from the carparkLooking up at the wallsJudy 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 MetzView of the CathedralWalking in the Piazza…town squareStreets of MetzWalking to a restaurant in MetzMetz SignDiscovering MetzFinding a Cathedral along the way
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!
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!
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 PalaceUs girls on the palace balconyThe Palace gardensLooking out across the gardensLooking up to the big monumentLooking down another garden pathUp on the Balcony with the fabulous view behind meDaniel and me at the statueThe second PalaceTaking a photo of Teresa taking a photoGold plated statuesGreat view behind me againThe Palace groundsLovely town on our way to ViennaTown we visitedShops behind meA very picturesque little townThe 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 housewalking along the river at SalzburgSalzburg SquareMozart StatueThe old town of SalzburgThe houses built in the hillsPosing by the river
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 HotelOur HotelOn the bus – first part up the hillView from the first busLooking up at Eagles NestFabulous 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 photoThe cross at the topThe view!Ahhh I wasn’t scared at all!Don’t slip Judy!Teresa and me at Eagles NestThe view over the edgeAmazing isn’t it!The path we walked!Here we are going downOutside the tunnel entrance to the liftIn the tunnel waiting for our turn to go up in the liftStill in the tunnelLovely photo of Daniel and MarysiaGoing into the lift!Look at that view!Lookin up from Eagles NestAnother fabulous viewJust 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 ourselvesNight at MunichCathedral at MunichThe Cathedral in Munich SquareLovely ceiling in the BierhausWhat a fabulous evening!The Band!Look at the meal! Huge!Daniel with his Beer and Marysia with a very big bagel
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!Amazing building on our way to tea at BudapestThe street not far from our Hotel in BudapestFirst courseBudapest has very unusual money!Between restaurantsDessert 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 peopleThrough the palaceBudapest gardensgreat view of the gardens and buildingsA lovely ceilingA Museum???On the hop on/off bus at BudapestDolls..dressed in local clothingAnother view of Pest from BudaGreat viewsanother good viewAnd these tooThese took my fancyLook at the view behind us. We were amazed at how pretty Budapest lookedThe view of Pest from BudaFabulous architectureUndergroundUnderground cavesCathedral with an amazing roofCathedral 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 MuseumThe iron CurtainJudy and Teresa at the iron curtainAnother pleasing viewYay…we have met up with Daniel and Marysia!
Our youngest grandchild G4 turned 4 in May. The oldest grandchild is G1 and she was 16 in February. The two in the middle are G3 and G2. The are only a week apart in age. G2 turned 7 on the 29th of January and G4 turned 7 on the 5th of February. So, for having 6 children ranging in age from 19 to 35 we only have 4 grandchildren…that is until now!!!
We have the best news ever. Stacie and C3 are having another baby due in February, and C1 and D1 are due a month later. So exciting!! Our only prayer now is that C2 and D2’s prayer will be answered. They lost little Lillianna at 4 months pregnancy and they are hoping God will bless them with another pregnancy….we are hoping and praying for them too!
Grandchildren are such a blessing!
C1 and D1’s post on Facebook…very well done 🙂yes it’s a positive….yay!!!
The school holidays are now over. I am in a mix of emotions! So happy to have had the grandsons to stay and have lots of Nana cuddles, but sad because all too soon the time was up and they have now gone back home to Palmerston North. They are fabulous little boys. G2 is quieter, very thoughtful and loving, and an absolute lover of computer/video games! He reminds me of his Uncles, C4 and C1. He gets totally into this other world. His Mum and Dad have to make sure that he is having adequate breaks away from the computer as he would play games all day. He is actually quite clever and has left me one of his games to take care of. I have been sucked into the quest, and have been feeding his little monsters and looking after his ‘earnings’ as best I can, but it is getting very close to me saying ‘no more…that’s enough!’ G2 won’t have access to my computer again until the next School holidays and I am NOT going to keep doing this for 10 weeks! Far too time consuming and very addictive I must say! Even if the look of his gorgeous pleeding eyes remains forever burned in my memory…I will stop arghhhh!
G4 is far more active than G2 but that could also be his age. He turned 4 in May and he hasn’t a care in the world. He makes the most of every environment he is in! We went to the indoor playground, the local parks and to the zoo, and he ventured off in all directions in each place. About 2 years ago he ran straight into a wall in McDonalds playground because he was running so fast and got an amazing bleeding nose! Blood everywhere! Believe it or not he did exactly the same this holidays…at McDonalds as well….same place! You just have to love him though. He has such a cute look of innocence and gives love so freely!
Both boys slept in C5 room in our old bed. Yes Robin and I have finally brought a new bed..after 23 years of marriage…and I love it. I have had longer and more refreshing sleep than I have in years. It’s not a soft bed but it has memory foam and moulds to your body shape. I haven’t had an aching hip or shoulder since sleeping on it! Yay! But…back to the boys…every morning they would come and hop into bed with me. I loved it! Even though they would have a cuddle and then one would lay with my iphone and the other with the galaxy pad…we were together and that was all that mattered! I miss them soooo much.
Whee…G2 goes down the slideG4 in the ball playface down in the ball pit!G2 learning to play table tennisStacie helping G4 play table tennisSmile for the camera G4Just look at that cute face 🙂The look of concentrationall in onesies!a favourite park to visit. Lots of boys activities!Just too cute…love him!Lovely pose G4 🙂both boys on the big swingG2 posing for the cameraG4 loved this!
This year has been a huge year for our eldest daughter C5. On January the 15th she turned 21. We celebrated with a big family dinner on her actual birthday and then on the following Saturday night we had a combined dinner with her special friends at a local nightclub ‘Crowded House’. We had a lovely meal together and talked into the late evening and left C5 and her friends to continue celebrating into the early hours of Sunday morning. She is a very friendly and well loved young lady and her many friends helped to make her evening special and celebrate her and her very special birthday. C6 and I had fun purchasing 21 gifts and wrapping them up. It was a delight to watch C5 see all the presents and then watch her open each present up. She is so beautiful and photogenic. Her face is a delight to watch 🙂
Then on the 24th of May…C5 had her graduation ceremony. What a fantastic celebration of her three years of study and the end with her capping! She is now a qualified nurse and is working at ‘Carefirst’ in New Plymouth. Even better she loves her job!
We are very proud parents. C5 is a delightful person. She is so loving and caring and giving. She has brought us so much joy and happiness. We can’t wait to see where her nursing takes her in life, and we also look forward to everything she does in the future. She is also an amazing photographer and has suprised many people with her most fabulous talent at just managing to ‘snap’ that photo at just the right time. An ability many of us would love to have. God certainly has gifted her with many wonderful qualities. We love her as she is…she is just perfect!
C6 wrapping the 21 presentsLook at that beautiful face! How can you NOT love her!HappyAnother presentBirthday cake. Isn’t she beautiful!Blowing out the candles!Our two beautiful girls! We are so proud of both of them 🙂C5! Your tongue!…we do have some fun as well!Yes they’re my girls alright!Mum, Dad and daughter xC5 and her good friend EdCelebrating you C5!Here’s the proof!An amazing beautiful and talented young lady!Yes C5…we are very proud of youCelebrating YOU young lady!C5 and her study buddiesThe CappingAnd she can officially wear the cap! Congratulations C5. Well done! It is a great achievement.
