Ever Get that Sinking Feeling.

Today we were let loose in Venice, after the usual orientation talk. We were then taken to an exhibition of glass blowing at Murano Glass works which was spectactular to say the least. To say that these guys were skillfull is an understatement. They are nothing less than master Artisans in their craft and it was apleasure to see them perform was in fact a honour.


After that we were shown the coloured glass and ofcourse they did the hard sell so that many might buy their hand blown glass. A few did, but the majority settled for a cheaper trinket or the like.

Out into the street for a couple of hours to mingle with the natives, but more likely the tourists. I Have a theory that says that once the tourists go home for the night then there is really no one that actually lives in Venice.

Once our time was nearly up we set off to find Bern (TG) and head off by boat to one of the outer Islands callerd Burano.

This little island is the home to Venice's fishermen and as such is very  colourfull. We went there to lok at the local shops with their Glass and Lace work, both of which was very good. We also enjoyed a seafood lunch which was also very good and very decadent indeed.

After that we returned to Venice and our Hotel for a nice dinner and bed.

Onto Austria on the morrow and should be a driving day all day...YAY.

Neil and Lois

39 Days out

Greece.....The Musical.

Well here we are kiddies back on good old Terra Firma instead of terra water.

Since writing last we have travelled overnight by Greek Ferry to Greece. Then on a big drive to Athens, where we arrived just in time for a big protest march outside our Hotel. Tired and worn down we had little rest before we were wisked away to a Greek dinner. Back to the hotel and then up nice and early to be driven down to the docks where we joined our Ship the "Aquamarine" and then onto a 3 day cruise.

She was a grand old lady in her day and did the job adequately this time around. We visited many ports including ports at Crete, Turkey and Santorini (Sight of the white washed buildings). We decided that cruising is not for us though it was a interesting time.

The photo left was taken in Turkey at Kardisia (?) where we sighted a herd of cats. The only ones we had seen since Greece. The Bazzar was really interesting with such things said as "come in and see the genuine fake replicas".

Rerturning back to Athens in the early hours of Monday we then did a tour of the acropolis, the Pantheon and Athens before sprinting to the Port of Patros where we boarded an up beat ferry owned and operated by the Grimaldi family (Duchy of Monaco).

After a long overnight ferry ride we landed back In Italy some 2 hours late and then drove 5 hours onto Venice. We had a late dinner before heading to bed around 11pm totaly exhausted and stuffed.

Neil and Lois

37 Days

Think I'll Go Down To Sorrento For A swim.

Yes off we headed to Sorrento after a really hard day touring Rome yesterday. People were tired yet more was to come. Many were booked in to take an optional tour down to Capri. We however despite Uncle Bunnys recomendation to take the optional, decided on not doing it and taking the train down to Sorrento instead. But wait I digress.

Firstly it was nescessary to get down to Sorrento. So we set out for Naples where most of the tour (36) had debussed to catch the ferry at the port complex there. After that the remaining 10 of us were driven to our hotel and left to do our own thing. Which was fine by us.

We caught the train into Sorrento and had a look around the town on foot. But soon returned to our Hotel due to fatigue and foot soreness from Rome. When the rest of the tour returned they were pretty much spent having had two really big days on the trott. After that we had a group meal and retired for the night.

Initialy no photo's as we are in Athens and have a crap internet connection thats looks like Tarzan and works like Jane. Typical Greek absolutely shambolic. Was able to add some when in Venice.

We are about  to go on the cruise and most probably won't have internet access, reported to be very pricey per day. So if you don't hear from us, like for 3 days don't worry.

Lois and Neil

30 Days.

When in Rome, Do As The Romans Do.....Swelter!

We are now in Rome (Roma) to all our Italian friends. We have been up since sparrow fart and have done what amounts to the tourists triatholon. Namely, St.Peters Basilica, Sistine chapell and if that wasn't enough the Colleseum!

Ancient Baths





To top it all off its about 29 degrees C and I feel like I'm about to melt. Melbournes what, like 10 degrees did I hear you say? It hasn't rained today allthough that would have been welcome as we stood waiting for the metal prison to come and pick us up. Does it sound like we are over bus transportation yet?

It may be comfortable but would like a bit of a rest from it soon. Which should happen very soon as its Greek cruise time in two days or so.



Ancient Temple



Palantine Hill

 Seen left is an ancient temple still standing today, around 2000 years old.

Right is the ruins of the Emporers Palace on the Palantine Hill.

The Colleseum is seen right and stands today pretty much as it did 30 years ago, except for the illegals trying to sell you anything and everything. Will be well versed for those pesky beggars in Egypt by the time we get there, I'll tell you.

Also the buses no longer park close to the Colleseum, though they have refrained from flooding the area with a lot of tourist shops, unlike Pisa.

Interestingly today is the 140th anniversary of the founding of  Italy as a modern state under King Victor Emanual as a direct result of Garabaldi's revolution and the expulsion of both French and Austrian Armies.

Off to Sorrento tomorrow and thence to Greece. Don't know what the internet will be like on the over night ferry to Greece. Are being told not to expect too much, but time will tell I guess.

Lois and Neil

29 days. 





All Roads Lead To Rome.

Sunday and all roads lead to Rome. But first a stop at Florence. Last time I visited Europe this was my favourite place. Its history and the fact that the centre of the city was closed to all but foot traffic, made it my favourite city. Now you can forget that as the centre of Florence is now open to some traffic and the freedom for pedestrians is but a long lost memory of old farts such as I.

I found that Florence is no longer the city I like and has been cheapened and being run down by the decission to allow motorised trafic back into its once pristine streets. To me the wear and tear on its street surface has led to them bitumenising some of the old cobble stone streets. A real shame in my opinion. Also the  annoyance of the illegals and their attempts to sell sub-standard wares really annoying and counter productive. No sorry, old lady needs lots of tender loving care, best days are behind her.

Then back into the metal monster and the geman machine trundeled onward to Roma, ariving late after noon.
Whilst most of the rugged crew enjoyed a night tour around Rome, Lois and I went off on our own and enjoyed the local enviroment where we sampled a local drink at a local bar that could be best decribed as rocket fuel. It came in a brandy Ballon type glass as well as some three plates of appetisers. An interesting experience. Wouldn't have missed it for quids.

Neil and Lois
Day 28

I'll Have a Monticatini ... thanks

Leaving Nice after such a nice stay was hard to do. But leave we did as the metalic monster weaved its inexreable way to its final destination some hours yet into the future.

Our first stop was Montecarlo where we ascended to the Palace atop the hill over looking all 1.5km of Principality. Some beautiful views and a pleasant time spent there, especialy as it was quite early and we beat the other hordes of ghengis khan and so had the place more or less to ourselves. Nothing more repugnant and offensive to the ears than a bunch of Americans invading an historic site en-masse.

Then off to Pisa. pictured left is how Lois often enjoys the interminable travel times in the metallic monster. The journey to Pisa was not that long however and time went as quickly for us as is does for an inmate on death row.

Ariving at the bus parking, which 30 years ago was 200 metres away from the tower. Today we boarded a tractor decorated with Mac Donalds advertising pulling two trailors with seating. This turned out to be a lot more exciting than the visit to the leaning tower itself. Screaming out into the traffic with all on board clinging on for dear life the trip took all of 10 minutes which should give you some idea of just how far away the busses park than they did 30 years ago.

Except for the fact that they now charge you to climb the tower nothing really had changed. Well hardly nothing. What has changed is the stalls now lining the road where the busses used to park. Selling all types of tourist crap, cafes, food stalls and associated rubbish they seek to rip every last penny from the unsuspecting tourist. Coupled to this the uncountable numbers of illegals trying to sell you umbrellas, painting, scarfs and illegal pirate copies of brand names. Then the poor old tourist can have a rough time.

As it rained when we were there the sale of umbrellas boomed. One of our fellow suffers purchased the illegal special and it failed after he first used it!!


The return trip on the Mac Donalds terror machine was made worse by the fact that the wet roads and the drivers inclination to hang wheelies on every turn he made and ended with a 180 degree u turn made us appreciate Antonio our drivers skillfull handling of the metal monster.

From there the metal monster pushed on to our stop for the night at a place called Monticatini, which I suspect is a little like stopping at Craigieburn for the night. However it was small, clean and comfortable. I didn't sleep a wink, though not the fault of the Hotel. The bathroom was like showering in the closset it was so small. One consolidation though was we did have a private balconey whjere we could sit and drink while Lois smoked.... pure bliss.

Neil and Lois
27 Days

Nice All Day

Friday saw us in Nice All day.  Last time I didn't like Nice at all. This time it was different I Thought it nice and relaxing and saw more here this time than last time.

We walked around all the old quarter and visited a Market square where lois was in her element, combing through the many stalls dragging me behind her.

Many stalls with many things. Most were food but soap, bricker brack was also present.

After lunch we headed off to a local Village called St.Paul. A magnificant old walled city that stood atop the clouds or so it seemed as the bus crawled up to the town. A great little stop that was worth more time.

After that we visted a perfume factory which was a pure TRO (Tourist Rip Off) and waste of time.

Then onto a town called EZE wher we had a magnificent meal high in the clouds at a place called La Bergerie which was an old sheep shed turned into a restaurant.

Neil & Lois

26 Days

How Can Nice sound like Niece?

Today we headed back into France. We few, poor few, desterned to wander the ages like the lost tribes of Israel, or so it felt. Over 750 Km in a day is a killer on the bus for any one, no mater how experienced or otherwise.

Then after a long day we stopped at Cannes at about 4pm. Did I say a Long Day?
Here Lois met yet another old friend, who just happened to be lounging around doing not much at all.

After a short stop where we wandered around checking out the shops, finding toilets and the usual things you do, we bumped into yet more friends of Lois, though much younger than before.

This time they were found in the restaraunt seen left. Cannes was more interesting than I first thought and it was good to look around at the shops and then eat an icecream while watching the men play Pentanque (Spelling) not bocce.

Any way after a while we boarded the metal Monster and departed Cannes for Nice where we arrived about 7 pm almost 11 hours after leaving Barcelona. Enjoyed a nice included meal of Salad, Chicken cokovan ending with a cream carramal. We then adjourned to a curbside cafe where we enjoyed a nice Coffee Creme before we turned in for the night.

We did have one stroke of luck as there is a laundry service here that cost about 3 Euro a Kg and will be ready for our departure intwo days time.

Anyway off to bed now for two weary travelers, looking forward to the sleep in tomorow.

Lois & Neil
26 Days in.

Barcelona Rambles.

Today was a free day in Barcelona..ollay!
We took advantage of the chance to sleep in. After breakfast we travelled down town to whats called the rambles. Seen left it is really a large mall with plenty of shopping and buskers, unfortunately also pickpockets a plenty. Plenty to see as we walked the 2 km mall down to the docks where we visited the maritime museum. Our first museum in all of Europe.

Seen right is the reconstruction replica of the Barcelona flagship that fought against the Turks in 1571. The victory by the allies of spain, Venice and Malta  saved Europe from the Turks. The Galley was reconstructed in 1971 for the 400th aniversary of the sea battle. The importance of this victory by the western nations is lost on most people today but in it own way was as important as the victory at the gates of Vienna in stemming the tide of the muslim advance into Europe.

Back on the mall Lois made another friend in the mall with a busker. There were many done up like this and were very entertaining but required the Euro to allow photos to be taken.

After the Museum Maritime we were very thirsty as it was about 27 degrees celcius. So we both stopped at a cafe where we had a flensing drink, after all it must be 5 o'clock somewhere in the world.

After a while we ventured on and came across a local market where we stopped to watch the local comings and goings. After a while and as the clock was saying 12 of the clock we decided to stop and have a bite to eat. In many ways it reminded me of the Queen Vic Market but ofcourse much more European. There were many kiosks where you could buy different foods and sit and eat them on site. Which is exactly what we did. Absolutely beautifull

Seen left is something like we ate at. Not the kiosk but simular. You could get sea food only or meat only or general food. We had Sausage, green pepper, potatoe and tortoa (tortea), also a huge beer each for about 7 Euro each. These people drink copius amounts of beer at any time and don't seem to be worse off for it. The local beer seems be called 1664 and is very nice.

Tomorrow we travel to Nice so are back in France. I must say that both Lois and I have enjoyed Spain. So until we meet again all I can say is
ADIOS AMIGOS.

Lois & Neil

25 Days In

The Agony of a Long Distance Runner.

Today we drove from Madrid to Barcelona, a distance of over 650 Km's. Trapped in a metalic cylinder for the better part of over 7 hours with only a couple of stops of about 30 minutes duration or thereabouts before we arrived and then almost immeadiately taken on a further 2 hours of City orientation. By the end I had begun looking for the rusty razor baldes.

The picture to the right is yours truly sporting his new look, which was as a result of swimming across the pool and not stopping until I hit the concrete wall. Not hurt but my pride sure suffered as the life gaurd called me out of the pool under the blood rule. Dumb!

After the tour of the city we returned and had barely enough time for a very bland Dinner. So a very dull and somewhat boring long day, a frenetic city tour and a very dissapointing dinner. A day that left each and every one of us feeling bored, tired, hungry and stressed.

One of the sights of Barcelona seen in out  city tour. (Seen right)

Too long a day , too boring and a day wasted that could have better set up. Ofcourse only my opinions.

 

Neil & Lois

25 DAYS.

"Holy Tolledo Batman"

We are now in Madrid, Spain and about to leave to head to Barcelona tomorow.
Since our last post much has happened and we have journeyed far from France into Spain.
Left can be seen our Hotel in Bordeaux, namely the Hotal Ibis. Probably the nicest until that time. Once we left Bordeaux we travelled until we arrived at a seaside resort called Biaritz located on the Atlantic sea. The day was warm and Lois insisted on getting her feet dipped in the Atlantic Ocean, which we duly did.

Then onto Pampalona where they have the running of the Bulls each June.
Unfortunately for us its not on at this time. However we did get to see Hemmingways bar where he used to drink and write. Had tappas and singora, which is a local drink that packs a kick. Tastes a lot like Port Wine jelly in my opinion.

After a good night in a good Hotel (ABBA), no not the group, we left for Madrid and passed through some pretty rough country before we stopped at Segovia.

Segova is Just a little town that posseses one of the best examples of Roman engineering in a Viaduct that survives intact today. Despite our taking this photo the Viaduct appears to continue to be sturdy and should see yet another two thousand years.





We arrived in Madrid late and really did very little and stayed behind in the Hotel whilst most of the tour enjoyed a fun night eating out at an optional dinner.

Next day (Today) we were still in Madrid and went on a city orientation tour. Picture at the right was taken in the grounds of the Royal Palace in the heart of Madrid. The Gardens and Palace was spectacular and very interesting, No longer the residence of the King, except for cerimonial occasions, it is still kept in immaculate condition.

From there we then went on a optional tour to Tolletto. It was really spectacular as it was a walled city standing on a hill, with very winding streets.

We did chance on a little bar that had great beer and Tappas. Lois found here a new friend...no BULL!!
Great bar, great atmosphere, plenty of papers on the ground which it is said makes for a great Bar. Go figure.

From there we went up to the main square where we enjoyed a pizza, spanish style, naturally with a couple of beers. 

Also Lois met yet another friend. Is that a nervous smile I can See? Policeman was very good and was a real sport to allow his photo to be taken.



Neil & Lois
24 Days.

Paris to Bordeaux

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me. 55 today and our 5th wedding aniversary. Hip Hip Hooray.

Today we travelled from Paris to Bordeaux. A pretty dull day with not much happenning. Over 600 Km's travelled and not much to report. We did stop at Tours where we had a nice Lasanga and a big... did I say BIG beer.


Also a long dull day on the bus, but it was nescessary so that we got to Bordeaux. First meal together was really good and all enjoyed it.

As Samuel Pepys said "anon to bed"

Neil & Lois
20 Days

Paris.

Wednesday the 8th September, off we went on our great European adventure. Cold and misty when we left London and never really improved until we arrived at our Hotel. It is called Hotel Kyriad but probably should be called Hotel Le Dump. Very small rooms, beds and just about every thing else was just not up to the standard that we had so far enjoyed. We were warned by our Tour Director that this hotel was probably the worst we'd encounter, lets hope she is right.

That night we went out to a really nice French restaurant located in what looked like a bomb shelter but which was really a renovated wine cellar. We had a great meal, though Lois had snails which almost turned my stomach. It had a little group of entertainers who were excellent. They sang and danced, played the accordian, which reminded me that the deffinition of a gentleman is one who can play the accordian but refrains from doing so. Nonetheless the evening was great and concluded with a night cruise of the river Senne seeing the illuminations of Paris, including the eiffel tower.

Today we were taken for a ride, a ride around Paris to see the sights and then set free to run riot for most of the remaining afternoon.

We looked at Notre Dame, The Louve, Walked the Champs Eleysee and ended at the Arc De Triumph.

All good.  Plenty of photo's but the internet connection not so great and having trouble uploading any photo's tonight.

I did at least forfill one thing that I had promised Lois and that was that I would buy her a drink on the Champs Eleysee, which we did today.

Off to Bordeaux tomorow for My Birthday and our wedding aniversary.

Neil & Lois

19 Days.

Fit for a Queen.

Our time here in London is ending and Tomorrow we head out to the continent for the next 30 days.

We have seen quite a lot in the full 3 days we have been here, though the last day has been ruined a bit with a strike by the UG rail witch has caused a bit of consternation amongst the people of London.

On Sunday we had a rather full day with visits to Hyde Park, Apsley House, Constitution Hill, St.James Park, Churchill War Rooms, The Horse Guards Museum and the Horse Guards.

Seen right posing out side Buckingham Palace, what lairs!

Then returning on the underground back to the hotel.

Monday was Lois's Happiest Day of the trip so far. She got to go where most men don't go, namely to Buckingham Palace through the state rooms. The tour was the most revealing yet undertaken and showed just what opulence the royal family lives in. Words cannot express the design and colour of the Palace. Certainly was an experience of a lifetime for both of us. Surprisingly most Britons haven't bothered to take the tour so don't know what they are missing.

Then after that off to Harrods below are some shots from inside Harrods.

                      Seen to the left Lois in her element at Harrods.

Neil & Lois

14 Days

On the Web Again...just can't wait to get on the web again!

Well it has been some time ago since we last spoke. Well a lot has happened in that time. Most of the silence was caused by the lack of  reasonable Internet access. Also my nett book was damaged which has forced us to replace it at some cost. However as it was my fault then I have really no one to blame except myself.

Since leaving Liverpool we had arrived in Edinburgh. Where we had a tour of the Castle with this big burly, kilted, bellowing Scotsman as a guide. Lois didn't like him at all as he yelled at every one and tried to get us laughing at his appalling jokes. Seen right is a view of some of the buildings within the castle near the top. After that we went on an optional tour of the Tussocks which showed those that went what the highlands looked like. Edinburgh is the highest into Scotland that we were going to go. We both liked this tour very much.

During our free time in Edinburgh and after a sprinkling of rain, Lois decided that a tea break was in order. I said that I'd kill for a large Hot Chocolate. This is the cup I got... Biggest cup I'd every drank from and one of the best hot chocolates I'd ever had.

The next day we left for York via Hadrians wall. Seen right is Lois studying the sights of England. Often it is good to relax the eyes for the exciting things to come. After all its a Holiday.

York I found Great though to be sure we did not spend much time there. The local custom of hanging the flower baskets, I find enchanting and really makes the places cheerful and full of character, sometimes missing at home. The weather started picking up at York and we enjoyed pretty good days up until the end of the tour.

The rest of the day was made up of travelling to Sherwood Forrest, no bandits there unless you count the obligatory gift shop. From there onto Coventry. Interestingly the first change of batteries for my still camera after two weeks or so.

Lastly we visited Warwick Castle. This is actually a medi-evil theme park, which Cryal Castle in Ballarat attempted to copy with out much success. But where Cryal failed Warwick succeeded tremendously. After school holidays were still on there were lots of kids and parents in what was really a large crowd. Set in the remains of the largely intact Warwick Castle, we saw the interior apartments and the grounds of the Castle. Of most interest was the Falcon displays, the Joust which went for over 30 minutes and the firing of a Trebuchet (Pronounced TREB BOO CHEY) which was a medieval siege weapon. Got it all on Camcorder so if your unlucky you can sit through it all many times when I get home.

Saturday was the last day of out British Tour and we travelled onto Stratford on Avon where we saw the Bards House and heard the history of him and Ann Hathoway his wife.
Best of all though Lois found a Christmas shop where she indulged herself and we inherited a few new Xmas decorations.
Also whilst there she went into a jumble sale and emerged victorious with not only a great new small plate but two hand woven table cloths which she was ecstatic about as the plate was only 50p and the two table cloths were only 1 pound in total.

Onto Oxford for our last stop. Oxford is just a lovely university town that you could spent a lot more time in. Strangely we both felt that many places that you stop in is either way to long or really not enough time to properly see the town. Oxford was such a place. Our main highlight of Oxford was eating in a Cafe, just like on the Bill and then looking around a real old fashioned non tourist market. Seen right is a photo that would give food poisoning a bad name. All unrefrigerated meat and nout seemed to worry about it.... go figure.

Anyway our tour finished mid afternoon with our return to London, saying goodbye to our fellow prisoners...oops travellers and being dropped off at our Hotel. Overall a good tour with a great Tour Director by the name of Edwin Lerner and our Coach driver By the name Of Syd was a real pro who certainly knew how to get those monster buses around those small streets.

Neil & Lois.

13 Days.