La Spezia and the Cinque Terre
Arrived in Italy for the first time at about 3.00 in the afternoon and even though we had only travelled one railway station, the differences in France and Italy were noticeable. The architecture was different for a start, and although there were many fine Italianate mansions, many places were the concrete boxes and shutters a la Safety Beach 10 years ago!
And as opposed to the clean and tidy French streets, graffiti decorated every wall and spot and the place had that anarchic sense that most Italians have. But the coffee was immediately better and the language more familiar. ( I do live in Dromana). La Spezia was a pleasant place, but the Cinque Terre towns were amazing.
Despite the rain in the morning we travelled to the first village and went for an amazing walk on a track chiselled into the hillside overlooking the famous Mediterranean Sea. The track was an incredible work of engineering in the first place, and luckily the rain again kept the usually teeming crowds down. From here to Monterosso the largest of the cinque villages where we explored the windy streets and had a lovely Italian lunch overlooking the water. The food too is more familiar than France and the Ministrone soup with crusty bread and the Pizza slices were delicious. We then spent the afternoon exploring the other villages of this famous region. The sun had appeared again by this time and we enjoyed a warm afternoon. Steph frolicked in the warm sea. Jumping out of the small waves. It was really warm actually. Returned to our hotel, the fifth floor of the Mary Hotel opposite La Spezia station and packed the bags for the trip to Venice, the Jewel of the Sea.
Missing everyone, home in a week.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Nice
Bon appétit mon ami, as we journey into the South of France and sunny Monaco and the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Well its actually not that sunny, rather grey actually but warm with no rain.
We flew from Luton airport in London on Easyjet, after dropping the motorhome off. I was actually sad to see it go in the end. But it was getting a little cold. Easy jet wasn’t that bad an experience actually, nothing like that terrible reality TV show. A two hour flight was just like Jetstar and we landed at the interesting Cote de Azure city of Nice.
This is an interesting place, beautiful along the coast, but edgy at the same time. Lots of Algerians and other French Aficans and LOTS of Dog Poo.
I had heard about the dog poo on French streets but hadn’t really experienced it till Nice. Every second person walk dogs of all shapes and sizes along the cobbled, windy streets, rarely bothering to pick up droppings.
What is it with Europeans and dogs. They are allowed in caravan parks, and pubs in England, shops in France and dog borries as big as Baileys (you know the ones Lou) litter the streets.
I’m not sure Kath would approve.
And the women in France are all skinny, there are no big ones. Perhaps it’s the diet of cigarettes and short blacks. Which seems to be all they have.
Stayed at a rather nice hotel, 3 stars not 5., Hotel Aria and it was nice to have a real bathroom with spa after three weeks in a motorhome. Saw the sights of Nice and the famous Boulevard de Anglais along the beachfront. Had Chinese for dinner and went to bed about midnight.
A slight problem was uncovered when we found out that a train strike was hitting Nice on the day we were to travel to La Spezia in Italy. Damn Bolshie French. After a change of arrangements we decided to take two nights in Nice.
This was a good move as we were able to explore the sights and sounds of Monaco for a full day. This is an amazing place a millionaires playground on a beautiful coastline. It seems to have peaked in the late 70’s and early 80’s however, and the once so chic Fairmont Hotel overhanging the cliffs is an eyesore and blocks out the magnificent Palace and Casino.. Spent the day exploring Mote Carlo and the interesting shops around the old town. All in all a pleasant place to be delayed by a strike.
Have headed off to Italy on a local train for two nights in La Spezia on the Cinque Terra coast. 5 hours on a train will not be pleasant. See you all soon.
We flew from Luton airport in London on Easyjet, after dropping the motorhome off. I was actually sad to see it go in the end. But it was getting a little cold. Easy jet wasn’t that bad an experience actually, nothing like that terrible reality TV show. A two hour flight was just like Jetstar and we landed at the interesting Cote de Azure city of Nice.
This is an interesting place, beautiful along the coast, but edgy at the same time. Lots of Algerians and other French Aficans and LOTS of Dog Poo.
I had heard about the dog poo on French streets but hadn’t really experienced it till Nice. Every second person walk dogs of all shapes and sizes along the cobbled, windy streets, rarely bothering to pick up droppings.
What is it with Europeans and dogs. They are allowed in caravan parks, and pubs in England, shops in France and dog borries as big as Baileys (you know the ones Lou) litter the streets.
I’m not sure Kath would approve.
And the women in France are all skinny, there are no big ones. Perhaps it’s the diet of cigarettes and short blacks. Which seems to be all they have.
Stayed at a rather nice hotel, 3 stars not 5., Hotel Aria and it was nice to have a real bathroom with spa after three weeks in a motorhome. Saw the sights of Nice and the famous Boulevard de Anglais along the beachfront. Had Chinese for dinner and went to bed about midnight.
A slight problem was uncovered when we found out that a train strike was hitting Nice on the day we were to travel to La Spezia in Italy. Damn Bolshie French. After a change of arrangements we decided to take two nights in Nice.
This was a good move as we were able to explore the sights and sounds of Monaco for a full day. This is an amazing place a millionaires playground on a beautiful coastline. It seems to have peaked in the late 70’s and early 80’s however, and the once so chic Fairmont Hotel overhanging the cliffs is an eyesore and blocks out the magnificent Palace and Casino.. Spent the day exploring Mote Carlo and the interesting shops around the old town. All in all a pleasant place to be delayed by a strike.
Have headed off to Italy on a local train for two nights in La Spezia on the Cinque Terra coast. 5 hours on a train will not be pleasant. See you all soon.
Nice
Bon appétit mon ami, as we journey into the South of France and sunny Monaco and the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Well its actually not that sunny, rather grey actually but warm with no rain.
We flew from Luton airport in London on Easyjet, after dropping the motorhome off. I was actually sad to see it go in the end. But it was getting a little cold. Easy jet wasn’t that bad an experience actually, nothing like that terrible reality TV show. A two hour flight was just like Jetstar and we landed at the interesting Cote de Azure city of Nice.
This is an interesting place, beautiful along the coast, but edgy at the same time. Lots of Algerians and other French Aficans and LOTS of Dog Poo.
I had heard about the dog poo on French streets but hadn’t really experienced it till Nice. Every second person walk dogs of all shapes and sizes along the cobbled, windy streets, rarely bothering to pick up droppings.
What is it with Europeans and dogs. They are allowed in caravan parks, and pubs in England, shops in France and dog borries as big as Baileys (you know the ones Lou) litter the streets.
I’m not sure Kath would approve.
And the women in France are all skinny, there are no big ones. Perhaps it’s the diet of cigarettes and short blacks. Which seems to be all they have.
Stayed at a rather nice hotel, 3 stars not 5., Hotel Aria and it was nice to have a real bathroom with spa after three weeks in a motorhome. Saw the sights of Nice and the famous Boulevard de Anglais along the beachfront. Had Chinese for dinner and went to bed about midnight.
A slight problem was uncovered when we found out that a train strike was hitting Nice on the day we were to travel to La Spezia in Italy. Damn Bolshie French. After a change of arrangements we decided to take two nights in Nice.
This was a good move as we were able to explore the sights and sounds of Monaco for a full day. This is an amazing place a millionaires playground on a beautiful coastline. It seems to have peaked in the late 70’s and early 80’s however, and the once so chic Fairmont Hotel overhanging the cliffs is an eyesore and blocks out the magnificent Palace and Casino.. Spent the day exploring Mote Carlo and the interesting shops around the old town. All in all a pleasant place to be delayed by a strike.
Have headed off to Italy on a local train for two nights in La Spezia on the Cinque Terra coast. 5 hours on a train will not be pleasant. See you all soon.
We flew from Luton airport in London on Easyjet, after dropping the motorhome off. I was actually sad to see it go in the end. But it was getting a little cold. Easy jet wasn’t that bad an experience actually, nothing like that terrible reality TV show. A two hour flight was just like Jetstar and we landed at the interesting Cote de Azure city of Nice.
This is an interesting place, beautiful along the coast, but edgy at the same time. Lots of Algerians and other French Aficans and LOTS of Dog Poo.
I had heard about the dog poo on French streets but hadn’t really experienced it till Nice. Every second person walk dogs of all shapes and sizes along the cobbled, windy streets, rarely bothering to pick up droppings.
What is it with Europeans and dogs. They are allowed in caravan parks, and pubs in England, shops in France and dog borries as big as Baileys (you know the ones Lou) litter the streets.
I’m not sure Kath would approve.
And the women in France are all skinny, there are no big ones. Perhaps it’s the diet of cigarettes and short blacks. Which seems to be all they have.
Stayed at a rather nice hotel, 3 stars not 5., Hotel Aria and it was nice to have a real bathroom with spa after three weeks in a motorhome. Saw the sights of Nice and the famous Boulevard de Anglais along the beachfront. Had Chinese for dinner and went to bed about midnight.
A slight problem was uncovered when we found out that a train strike was hitting Nice on the day we were to travel to La Spezia in Italy. Damn Bolshie French. After a change of arrangements we decided to take two nights in Nice.
This was a good move as we were able to explore the sights and sounds of Monaco for a full day. This is an amazing place a millionaires playground on a beautiful coastline. It seems to have peaked in the late 70’s and early 80’s however, and the once so chic Fairmont Hotel overhanging the cliffs is an eyesore and blocks out the magnificent Palace and Casino.. Spent the day exploring Mote Carlo and the interesting shops around the old town. All in all a pleasant place to be delayed by a strike.
Have headed off to Italy on a local train for two nights in La Spezia on the Cinque Terra coast. 5 hours on a train will not be pleasant. See you all soon.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Canterbury
After driving all day from Normandy we decided to come back to balmy (that is warm) England a day early. The ferry crossing was very rough but it was nice to finally be driving on he left hand side of the road again.
Actually its is amazing how easy it is to adapt to the right hand side of the road. Much easier than expected and the roads n France are so much better than England!!
Still it was nice to find food that we recognised!! I am officially over baguettes!! What is it with these bread sticks, The French love them, morning noon and night. Still the wine is so good and so cheap in France whose complaining. A really nice Bordeaux costs no more tha 3 Euro!! And beer is cheap all ove Europe. Viva la France!!
Stayed in Canterbury (yes Warrick, the Chaucer one) and this town was fantatic!!
Had a 3 pound roast ( I think its time to bring back the Sunday roast Lou). Turkey, Ham and Beast with heaps of veggies all smothered in gravy and mustard. It dont get no better that that!
Went to Canterbury and explored this magnificent, walled city. It dates back to the Romans and the Cathedral goes bacy to the 9th century. We wandered around and probarbly enjoyed this place more than any other English town.
And believe it or not we even had time for the top shop and H and M. And Maddy brought a real, Thats real, Leater jacket!! Looks fantastic.
Had a relatively pleasant drive to Hertford, and Gab is now spending the night getting ready for our Easyjet flight to Nice tomorrow. Italy beckons!!
love and regards to all!
Actually its is amazing how easy it is to adapt to the right hand side of the road. Much easier than expected and the roads n France are so much better than England!!
Still it was nice to find food that we recognised!! I am officially over baguettes!! What is it with these bread sticks, The French love them, morning noon and night. Still the wine is so good and so cheap in France whose complaining. A really nice Bordeaux costs no more tha 3 Euro!! And beer is cheap all ove Europe. Viva la France!!
Stayed in Canterbury (yes Warrick, the Chaucer one) and this town was fantatic!!
Had a 3 pound roast ( I think its time to bring back the Sunday roast Lou). Turkey, Ham and Beast with heaps of veggies all smothered in gravy and mustard. It dont get no better that that!
Went to Canterbury and explored this magnificent, walled city. It dates back to the Romans and the Cathedral goes bacy to the 9th century. We wandered around and probarbly enjoyed this place more than any other English town.
And believe it or not we even had time for the top shop and H and M. And Maddy brought a real, Thats real, Leater jacket!! Looks fantastic.
Had a relatively pleasant drive to Hertford, and Gab is now spending the night getting ready for our Easyjet flight to Nice tomorrow. Italy beckons!!
love and regards to all!
Mon St Michel, Normandy and Canterbury
Mont St Michel is an amazing sight as you are travelling on road towards it. For those of us who are regular Le Tour afficionados the sight is a familiar one, an ancient , medieval castle on an island surrounded by water, one of the most extreme tidal regions in the world. But it still blows you away when you see it for real. We checked into the very luxurious Pontorson Park, the best so far, and went down to the famous abby the next day. It is a mind boggling place to view from the outside.
When inside the realities of 20 million tourists per year are more apparent. Many of the 500 year old houses and cottages that surround the abey have been turned into tacky souvenir shops (Maddy thought these were fantastic) or Frites and Seniors shops (chips and toasted cheese French sandwiches!!). The museums are alos to be avoided, really cheesy and typically French, all style and no content.
Still to watch the tide drain out from atop a 1000 year old church was something to be relished. Four hours in this spot, and only the cold wind dragged me away.
By the way, we have been here a month and the weather is getting really cold. Like Melbourne in the depths of winter, eeven though its only one month into Autumn. Time to go South my friend!!
Headed off to Normandy to explore the D Day beaches and what a surprise this day was. I was expecting flat boring beaches a la Saving Private Ryan, but this area was beautiful. Hilly, lovely coastal towns and charming shops. Went to Aromanche which was the main port for loading troops and hardware following the D Day landing. The whole place is surrounded by rusting floating wharfs that the British brought over to supply a floating harbour. This port overlooked the Beaches where tha aliied forces gained a foothold for the assault on the Nazis in 1944. Really amazing and moving. The cemetery of 10000 Us Soldiers whoe died on the beaches and in the hedgerows of the small French villages really put things into perspective.
Went out for a lovely French meal in the town that night and hid away from the cold.
When inside the realities of 20 million tourists per year are more apparent. Many of the 500 year old houses and cottages that surround the abey have been turned into tacky souvenir shops (Maddy thought these were fantastic) or Frites and Seniors shops (chips and toasted cheese French sandwiches!!). The museums are alos to be avoided, really cheesy and typically French, all style and no content.
Still to watch the tide drain out from atop a 1000 year old church was something to be relished. Four hours in this spot, and only the cold wind dragged me away.
By the way, we have been here a month and the weather is getting really cold. Like Melbourne in the depths of winter, eeven though its only one month into Autumn. Time to go South my friend!!
Headed off to Normandy to explore the D Day beaches and what a surprise this day was. I was expecting flat boring beaches a la Saving Private Ryan, but this area was beautiful. Hilly, lovely coastal towns and charming shops. Went to Aromanche which was the main port for loading troops and hardware following the D Day landing. The whole place is surrounded by rusting floating wharfs that the British brought over to supply a floating harbour. This port overlooked the Beaches where tha aliied forces gained a foothold for the assault on the Nazis in 1944. Really amazing and moving. The cemetery of 10000 Us Soldiers whoe died on the beaches and in the hedgerows of the small French villages really put things into perspective.
Went out for a lovely French meal in the town that night and hid away from the cold.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Paris and the Loir Valley
After a well needed rest day, exploring the local village of Maisons Lafitte we again hit Paris with a vengeance.
Started off with Mass at the magnificent 13th century Cathedral of Notre Dame, yes even I went along, and depite the French I could still follow most of what was going on. This was a nice time to sit down and look at the ceilings and magnificent monuments, but no still no conversion for moi!
Made a bee line back to the Louvre for our date with the the enigmatic and elusive Mona Lisa. A little disappointing in the end, actually rather a pissy little painting that Ive seen a hundred times before! But youve gotta do it!
From here to the Place de la Bastille, wandered arounfd the west bank markets, went to Napoleons Cathedral de Madeline and even a little shopping. (a lot more expensive than London, all designer label)
Went out for dinner in Paris and the caught the Metro to the Eiffel Tower for the fantastic lightshow. In the end we feel weve done Paris and the girls said this was the real highlight, a magnificent city.
After a daunting drive through Paris we hit the motorway toward Tours in the Loir region. And also hit a 30 euro toll!!! Checked into the tiny village of Sonzay. The next day we drove along the Loir region, one of the best drives Ive had ever! and reached the magnificent Chateau Chemanceau (you know Warrick) the one over the Cher river that Phil Ligget so adores!!
This day was fantastic. Wandering around the building and the grounds was a highlight of the trip and even the girls were happy. Spent over 4 hours here! The gardens in particular Kath, sacre bler!!
The Loir region was very special and the park was great despite the Unisex toilets. (How European!)
Headed off today and have checked into the best campsite we have stayed in so far at Ponsefont (sic) about 9 ks from Mt St Michel which we are to explore tomorrow. This is a great park, free tennis, internet, all modern..cant wait to see the famous Mont tomorrow.
Great cycling here Warrick. Very serious bikes and not a helmet to be seen!
I am surprised about the quality of coffee however in all of Europe. Havent have a good Lavazza since we left Dromana. All well missing everyone but the days are flying by. Have taken two gig of photos bet you all cant wait for the return home party. !1
Au Revior Madames and madameoiselles!
Started off with Mass at the magnificent 13th century Cathedral of Notre Dame, yes even I went along, and depite the French I could still follow most of what was going on. This was a nice time to sit down and look at the ceilings and magnificent monuments, but no still no conversion for moi!
Made a bee line back to the Louvre for our date with the the enigmatic and elusive Mona Lisa. A little disappointing in the end, actually rather a pissy little painting that Ive seen a hundred times before! But youve gotta do it!
From here to the Place de la Bastille, wandered arounfd the west bank markets, went to Napoleons Cathedral de Madeline and even a little shopping. (a lot more expensive than London, all designer label)
Went out for dinner in Paris and the caught the Metro to the Eiffel Tower for the fantastic lightshow. In the end we feel weve done Paris and the girls said this was the real highlight, a magnificent city.
After a daunting drive through Paris we hit the motorway toward Tours in the Loir region. And also hit a 30 euro toll!!! Checked into the tiny village of Sonzay. The next day we drove along the Loir region, one of the best drives Ive had ever! and reached the magnificent Chateau Chemanceau (you know Warrick) the one over the Cher river that Phil Ligget so adores!!
This day was fantastic. Wandering around the building and the grounds was a highlight of the trip and even the girls were happy. Spent over 4 hours here! The gardens in particular Kath, sacre bler!!
The Loir region was very special and the park was great despite the Unisex toilets. (How European!)
Headed off today and have checked into the best campsite we have stayed in so far at Ponsefont (sic) about 9 ks from Mt St Michel which we are to explore tomorrow. This is a great park, free tennis, internet, all modern..cant wait to see the famous Mont tomorrow.
Great cycling here Warrick. Very serious bikes and not a helmet to be seen!
I am surprised about the quality of coffee however in all of Europe. Havent have a good Lavazza since we left Dromana. All well missing everyone but the days are flying by. Have taken two gig of photos bet you all cant wait for the return home party. !1
Au Revior Madames and madameoiselles!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Disneyland
Having been myself twice in LA I knew what to expect, and it was a carbon copy of the US one but the best part was how quiet it was, compared to the US. A grey cool day kept the crowds away and there was virtually no waiting on any ride or attraction, particularly the scary ones which made Steph and Mad very happy. We all had a great day and did everything there was to do and more. We went hard all day and really got our 300 Euros worth. (is anything worth 300 euros??)
Wandered around every corner of the Park and would have walked 20 ks. Had dinner at the adjoining Disney Park and got home at 10.30 PM
A great day and one the kids were really looking forward to!
Today we are having a rest day, catching up with washing and cleaning, before hitting Paris hard tomorrow.
Gab has only had one major meltdown. Frustrated with the langauge (especially when travelling) and the early closing of the Louvre (we are going back) she started to think that Dromana to work in Rosebud was easier!!
A day at Disneyland cheered her up for now and I am getting used to this French lingo.
Well must get on with life and get out of this cigarette smoke. (everyone in Europe still smokes even the young girls, its like Australia 20 years ago)
Au Revior for now
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