holiday – Page 6 – Pamper Stamper

September 13, 2013May 15, 2015

A Forever Friend

Nearly five years ago a very close friend of mine decided that she needed a change in her life. So she bravely decided to apply for a job in the UK, through an agency called Oxford Aunts. See my friend Glenda is a nurse and had been managing a rest home for the previous eight years (approx), and assistant manager for nearly six years before that. Oxford Aunts finds nurses employment in elderly peoples homes as a live in care giver/nurse/home helper position. Glenda was perfect for the job and has been living with and looking after some very nice elderly people ever since. The present lady she is looking after is in her 90’s and is an artist, who is still doing art and even has a studio on her top floor of her house. I have been to see Glenda the previous two trips to England and I couldn’t be here again and not get to see her! So the last full day in London and we arrange to meet and spend the day and evening together.

Teresa very bravely drove Marysia’s car to Henley on Thames where Glenda lives. We had a few giggles as the indicator is on the opposite side to most cars, and it was a manual…Teresa drives an automatic! We had the window wipers going a few times even though it was perfectly fine. Glenda was waiting outside for us, had a car park sorted for Marysias car, and once the greetings were over, we were off. Glenda had planned a little tiki tour of Henley on Thames and some of the surrounding villages. I always find it interesting to see what Glenda has discovered in her little ventures around England and am amazed at how knowledgeable she has become. She probably knows more about her area than many locals. Henley on Thames itself is an awesome little town. I would love to live there too!

This place is right at the end of the bridge into town

We went into an old antique shop that is filled to the brim!!! so to speak. This was a sign at the door.

The gatehouse at George Harrisons place at Henley on Thames

The first little village we came to is the village that Glenda is going to be celebrating Christmas in with her new found friends in England…and there is quite a sum of them! Approximately 27, mostly from New Zealand or Australia, will get together and have Christmas lunch and festivities together.

A lovely back garden with a stream flowing through

Our drive through trees as tunnels to the first villsge

The next place was an amazing little village where ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ is filmed. We were able to even go in the little church and have a look inside, and then wander through the church grounds. In this village there is also a windmill that you can see on a hill nearby. ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ was filmed there.

There you go...a letter box and phone box together....and Judy posing for the photo :-) — There you go…a letter box and phone box together….and Judy posing for the photo 🙂

Can you see the windmill in the background. 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' was filmed there — Can you see the windmill in the background. ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ was filmed there

The 'Vicar of Dibley' church. Dawn French must love being filmed in this lovely little church. — The ‘Vicar of Dibley’ church. Dawn French must love being filmed in this lovely little church.

The Parish of Turville. Home of the filming of the Vicar od Dibley

We carry on driving through some other little villages and find a quaint little pub for our lunch. We also saw lots of thatched roof places..I love them!

Another lovely little village and the church

Now…Judy and I have seen the rivers with the locks on them to move the boats from one level to another, but Teresa hadn’t seen anything like that at all. So that was our next place to go. The little place was so scenic we sat and watched lots of boats go through the gates, both directions. It was just a lovely peaceful and very rewarding afternoon.

We were watching the boats go through the locks from the bridge

We decided to sit down and relax...a very pleasant afternoon — We decided to sit down and relax…a very pleasant afternoon

The lock gate starting to open — The lock gate open at the other end, letting a boat into the lock.

We ended the day with a lovely meal together at a little pub about an hours drive from Henley. We got back to Glenda’s place in the dark and then Teresa bravely drove us back to Daniel and Marysia’s place. What a fabulous catch up with Glenda and a most perfect way to do it. Thank you my friend Glenda. Love you always…..mwah

September 8, 2013May 15, 2015

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.

Inside the Cathedral...at the entrance — Inside the Cathedral…at the entrance

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!

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!

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’.

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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!

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!

Had to get a photo with The Notre Dame behind me

Amazing buildings on the way to the Notre Dame

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!

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.

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

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 🙁

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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!

bliss...absolutely bliss — bliss…absolutely bliss

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.

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.

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!

Looking up at the tower..it's huge! — Looking up at the tower..it’s huge!

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!

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!

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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.

High up looking back down where we had come from

Looking over the ruins to the view beyond

Another amazing view of the Castle ruins and scenery beyond

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!!!

Walking in the Piazza...town square — Walking in the Piazza…town square

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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!

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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

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.

Up on the Balcony with the fabulous view behind me

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 🙂

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!

On the bus - first part up the hill — On the bus – first part up the hill

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

Ahhh I wasn't scared at all! — Ahhh I wasn’t scared at all!

In the tunnel waiting for our turn to go up in the lift

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 🙂

Daniel with his Beer and Marysia with a very big bagel

September 7, 2013May 15, 2015

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!

Amazing building on our way to tea at Budapest

The street not far from our Hotel in Budapest

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

Look at the view behind us. We were amazed at how pretty Budapest looked

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 🙂

Yay...we have met up with Daniel and Marysia! — Yay…we have met up with Daniel and Marysia!

Life couldn’t get better!

August 26, 2013May 15, 2015

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.

Imagine it in it's day! — Imagine it in it’s day!

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!

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

Palatine Chapel ceiling and more mosaics

Outside the Palatine Chapel...amazing Mosaics inside and out! — Outside the Palatine Chapel…amazing Mosaics inside and out!

Our tour group listening to the tour guide

Just amazing isn't it! — Just amazing isn’t it!

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!

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!

Inside the baths....ruins — Inside the baths….ruins

You can just imagine a huge temple standing there!

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.

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.

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!

August 10, 2013November 29, 2017

Florence

Yay…2 nights here 🙂 and we have a lovely place to stay. I just had to add these two photos for fun 🙂

Another ‘must visit’ place. One of the oldest cities in Italy. Thank God for details on photo files though as I have taken so many photos of similar architecture from all over Italy. But Florence is probably one of my favourite cities to photograph.

The Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio’s two neighbouring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie.

The Bridge really is amazing and usually filled with shoppers and tourists

Looking at the next bridge along the river a bit.

Looking at the Ponte Vecchio bridge from the other side.

Further along the river away from the Ponte Vecchio Bridge

We had lost one of our tour members and were trying to find him. I found him in the crowd!

The first glimpse of the huge building that was amazing!

Florence is the home of the statues of David. With the original housed in the museum which we were lucky enough to have a tour through. There is another in a big square and also another on a hill on the edge of town but this one is in copper rather than marble. I photographed them all.

Ticket to Academy Gallery to see the original David - no photos inside! — Ticket to Academy Gallery to see the original David – no photos inside!

Yes....that's David behind me — Yes….that’s David behind me

We went to a leather shop which sold every imaginable product made with leather. As part of the tour we were shown how they make a wallet and also some of the ladies were chosen to model some of the leather jackets. Now these jackets are fabulous and I would have loved to have purchased one at euro500-1000 and possibly even more!

We were lucky enough to do an extra tour to the hilltop village San Gimignano, about 20 minutes away from Florence. This village is older than Rome itself, built on the 14th century. Talk about architecture that takes your breath away and the view from the surrounding area from the top of the town is amazing. The place is a UNESCO world heritage town, and is considered the medieval Manhatten of Italy die to its towers that dominate the skyline! consequently I took heaps of photos!

For the evening dinner we visited the Abbey Monastry. Four Monks still live at the Monastry but unlike in the past, these monks are able to talk to and see each other. Amazing sacrifice to God I must say! There are little porcelain heads on the top of each column in the middle courtyard and each head is worth millions. After we toured the Monastry we have an amazing meal in the next door building which is where the monks used to make their medicines.

Fabulous artwork in the cathedral at the Monastry

More of the artwork - frescos — More of the artwork – frescos