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
Villers Bretineaux and Paris
Hello everyone! Bonjour!
Left Brugge and headed South towards the WW1 region of the Somme and Villers Bretineaux at a relatively early time by Sephs standards. Hit a beautiful freeway and thought how easy is this. It was then that I realised I was on a toll road. 100 ks later when we came out at Villers I was hit with the hefty toll of 10 Euros. Sacre Bleur!..and we complain about City Link!
The war region was incredible, we saw the Australian war memorial which is exceptionally well maintained. Its on the highest point in the region and the view from the top of the tower over the thousands of graves of young soldiers was very moving. More so than I imagined.
The town itself has references to Australia all over it, from signs saying never forge the Australians to Kangaroo signposts and cafes. And I thought the Fench didnt care!
The museum itself was closed (as everything else is in France from 12.30 to 2.30.)
Headed off on an exhausting (and technically challenging ) drive into our Paris park. This is an amazing spot. Only 5 ks from the centre of Paris, on he Banks of the Seine River. Drove down narrow little lanes, only two cars honked, and parked for at least the next 5 days. It is a great spot. 3 train stations from Le Grand Arch/Defence station. (right at the Arc de Triumph)
Its like camping on the Yarra river in Hawthorn!
French facilities leave a little to be desired however. (ie no toilet seats or paper in the loos) Lucky we have our own.
Hit Paris big time the next day. Started with the Arc de Triumph. How the French navigate this in cars is amazing. At least six unmarked lanes all merging and crossing Chaos!! I could just imagine the bikes of Le Tour screaming down The Champs Elysee and finishing under this amazing monument!!
Eiffel Tower next. We walked to the third level. (like climbing a 21 storey building) and then caught the elevator to the summit. Amazing views and we saved lining up for three hours by walking up half way. Very romantic at the top but at 12 euros a glass of champagne, we stuck to or bottled water.
From here we wandered along the banks of the Seine, up the Champs Elysee, past the Palais Royale, and had an expresso sitting in the deck chairs in The Tuilleries Park. From here to the Louvre where we wandered through some of the classical works of modern civilisation including the Venus de Gummi Bear. (Milo) and yes the Mona Lisa. Caught the train home exhausted.
Friday it was kids day, Disneyland!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
In Brugges
Crossing the Channel was much less painful than I could I have imagined! No passport checks, no queues. On the boat in ten minutes and shopping in duty free five minutes later. We sat down, had a coffee and said goodbye to the old Dart and cheap phonecalls. The 100 k drive to Brugges in Belgium was the easiest of the trip so far, despite being on the wrong side of the road. We drove straight off at Calais, hit the motorway and didn't stop till we pulled into The Brugges park. Madly went off to find a teller machine for some Euros then went down to the amazing town centre. It really is a time capsule of medieval Europe. Old cobbled streets and amazing shops, churches and houses along a surrounding a picturesque creek. Finally brought my French phrase book out only to find the local langauge is Dutch or Flemish!! Gab whipped up another fantastic dinner... and we finally had Internet after 5 long days!! We dont get much news here other than the European economy so it was good to get all the low down.
Heading off to the Somme region and Villers Bretineaux tomorrow and may get as far down as the Paris campsite. (About 8 ks out of the city centre)
By the way still no photos I know and theres agood reason. I forgot to bring the cable. Will try to buy a card reader this week.
Heading off to the Somme region and Villers Bretineaux tomorrow and may get as far down as the Paris campsite. (About 8 ks out of the city centre)
By the way still no photos I know and theres agood reason. I forgot to bring the cable. Will try to buy a card reader this week.
Devon Cornwall Stonehenge, Brighton Dover and all that Jazz
Well Dartmouth in the South Devon Hills was truly spectacular! Another ridiculously perfect English village with quaint characters wanderng down the street. The pace of life is slow and old ducks drive like they have all the time in the world. Which they do, they cant go anywhere, the driving is so slow. Narrow winding lanes past hedges, cottages over little brooks. Squirrels and owls all over the place. But impossible if you are on a mission to see all of England in two weeks. Nothing has changed in most of these villages since the middle ages other than the price of petrol. (a pound a litre). Interestingly the litre of petrol is the only thing that is metric in the whole country. Dont look on a map and say well cover 200 ks in two hours . The average touring in some parts is more like 30 miles an hour.
Headed off in the morning to Cornwall and stayed the night in Englands surfing gold coast Newquay. Surfshop after surfshop in the old shopfronts and twenty or so guys braving sloppy 3 ft beachbreaks. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the village and the caravan site was a real resort. Usually they are a strip of manicured grass, with a couple of old poms winging about Gordon Brown or the state of the economy. Its not like caravanning in Australia, the poms are actually really reserved and tend to stay in their vans peering at you like Mrs Marple. Still were not in them very often.
Headed off the next day and after three hours on the motoway (YAY) reached the Stonehenge. Europes premier stone age relic.Very impressive and has a certain era about it. You can almost feel the old druids?, wandering around. Caught up with Kristin and Andy (gabs friends) at the very impressive Salisbury. The cathedral is used in the Harry Potter films and is magnificent. After a pint we headed off to Bognor Regis to stay the night. Problem was we left things a little late and couldnt find anywhere to stay!! After having my second major meltdown we crawled into the Brighton park at 9.30 and slept in the driveway. (the park had shut, the pommies go to bed about 7). Still we survived.
The Brighton pier and Eastbourne were typical pommy seaside resorts with the amusement piers and the pebble beaches but was hindered a little by the poring rain!! Not too cold but wet!
Finally settled in to the Faulkstone camping ground. This was an interesting stay on an historic coast. Gab saifd it was the worst beach she ever seen. All this concrete over the whole place. The concrete was actually the area thet they used to load the troops and ships in WW2. Really amazing the whole place. We camped the night under the white cliffs of Dover in the same area where men and troops were loaded off to fight the Nazis and planes struggled to make it home during the battle of Britain.
France tomorrow.
Headed off in the morning to Cornwall and stayed the night in Englands surfing gold coast Newquay. Surfshop after surfshop in the old shopfronts and twenty or so guys braving sloppy 3 ft beachbreaks. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the village and the caravan site was a real resort. Usually they are a strip of manicured grass, with a couple of old poms winging about Gordon Brown or the state of the economy. Its not like caravanning in Australia, the poms are actually really reserved and tend to stay in their vans peering at you like Mrs Marple. Still were not in them very often.
Headed off the next day and after three hours on the motoway (YAY) reached the Stonehenge. Europes premier stone age relic.Very impressive and has a certain era about it. You can almost feel the old druids?, wandering around. Caught up with Kristin and Andy (gabs friends) at the very impressive Salisbury. The cathedral is used in the Harry Potter films and is magnificent. After a pint we headed off to Bognor Regis to stay the night. Problem was we left things a little late and couldnt find anywhere to stay!! After having my second major meltdown we crawled into the Brighton park at 9.30 and slept in the driveway. (the park had shut, the pommies go to bed about 7). Still we survived.
The Brighton pier and Eastbourne were typical pommy seaside resorts with the amusement piers and the pebble beaches but was hindered a little by the poring rain!! Not too cold but wet!
Finally settled in to the Faulkstone camping ground. This was an interesting stay on an historic coast. Gab saifd it was the worst beach she ever seen. All this concrete over the whole place. The concrete was actually the area thet they used to load the troops and ships in WW2. Really amazing the whole place. We camped the night under the white cliffs of Dover in the same area where men and troops were loaded off to fight the Nazis and planes struggled to make it home during the battle of Britain.
France tomorrow.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wales, Bath and Devon
After leaving the beautiful lake district we took off on a magical mystery tour through the weird and wonderful Wales. Deciding to venture deep into the Welsh back waters. We arrived at the mainly Welsh speaking Bala. This was one wierd place, strange little people, strange little houses who all speak Welshish language as Gab calls it. Camped by a babbling brook in a beautiful location. All was good until we hit the slow winding roads with the occasional potato truck going at 5 km per hour which almost sent me mental, had my first major meltdown. Still we reached Cardiff. We went through the magnificent Cardiff castle and saw the sights of the beautiful city. Had a lovely dinner of curry, chips and Guiness beers with Gab's friends Kristen and Andy and had a lovely night. Unfortunatley there was nowhere avalible to camp. We were sent down a narrow lane to a cow paddock with no toilets or showers. So we parked our van in the front of Kristen's friends house. It was like sleeping in a street in the middle of Melbourne, still we managed. And a fantastic night, thanks Kristen. After leaving had a great day at Bath. Highlight was the Roman Baths and pump house, a 2000 year old Bath for the local Roman Leaders. Steff even managed to fight a TopShop and i bought my first thing for the trip so far, a pair of pants. After sitting in a traffic jam on the M5 and went winding down rediculously narrow lanes in South Deven, we arrives at Dartmouth at 7.30pm. Look foward to spending some time exploring today. See you soon.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
York, Scarborough, Edinborough and the Lakes District
Well the last three days have been a blur. We have been traveling all over England and yes even into bonny Scotland! And still no photos, but they are coming.. it's just the time it takes to upload them.
We headed off from the busy Stratford upon Avon region to the wonderful city of York. Dates back to the Vikings and then was a major Roman outpost at the height of the empire. Beautiful town on the banks of a wide river. Ancient buildings, an historic castle (again) and wonderful narrow streets dating back 900 years. Yet where were Steff and Gab.. the Top Shop. We really need these stores in Aus, cheap and really well made funky clothes. Headed off to Scarborough. This place was amazing, Britain's original seaside resort. Victorian buildings, penny arcades, vaudeville theatres along a beautiful beach. The old codgers sunning themselves were really funny, wearing old pants with bracers and a hanky on their head.
I thought the pommy TV shows were all exaggeration, but they are fair dinkum!!
If you want to know what the camping experience is like hire a copy of Carry on Camping with Sid James. Its exactly the same now!! And the towns and villagers are just like the TV shows, everything is heritage, like a picture postcard. Very pretty towns with old codgers like the Benny Hill show.
Left Scarborough and headed off for our biggest drive to Edinborough Scotland. Drove through the Yorkshire moors, but didn't really have time to stop. We were on a mission to meet Rach and go out for dinner for Gabs birthday. Thanks to Rach it all went to plan. She found a motorhome park, outside a bus stop and after a quick freshen up we were down in the heart of the city drinking a pint!
This is really the most magnificent place. Every corner is old and interesting with he spooky castle overlooking the whole town. Lots of cool people but an amazing location. Worthy of a much longer stay.
Went out with Rach and Flynn for a fantastic Thai meal and then sunk a few pints at the local. Rach caught a train to Glasgow and we headed off on one of the last buses back and got to bed abut midnight.
So Gabs birthday comes to a close, a mere two weeks after her party. (Which is about the normal time span for Gabs birthday!
Headed off today on a fantastic drive through Southern Scotland, stopped at the very overrated touristy Gretna Green. We spent the afternoon at the fantastic Carlise Castle. This was a major castle since the 12th century and went into the tower that Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. I think this was the best castle so far, really intact and interesting on the border counties.
Arrived at Kelsal in the Lake District at 5 PM. Gab and I took a walk and Steph hit My Space with a vengeance. The prettiest spot so far! Amazing Beatrix Potter countryside with quaint streets and houses. The poms love their heritage! Nothing gets knocked down and this place is one that has to be seen. Hope to explore the area more tomorrow before heading south to Wales.
We are all going well, the motorhome is easy to drive, and Steph has only had one or two meldowns!!
Missing everyone. Pictures are coming soon and stay tuned for more adventures.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
On the Road in England
Well the adventures continue!
Picked up the motor home in a quaint little town of Flamstead near Luton after catching the train from St Pancras. Its what we expected, quite nice and new with good beds, clean, but they are always smaller when you actually get them.
Naively headed off to Oxford, which I thought sounded quaint and charming but was actually a nightmarish first drive along England's busiest freeway to get to a huge town about the size of Ballarat!! Got to Oxford and found that the whole place was booked out. As luck would have it however we ended up in Standslake in the heart of the Cotswolds!! Thank god I ended up hiring a tom tom GPS coz I would have been driving around Luton still.
Beautiful spot we stayed out, on a pristine lake. real Beatrice Potter territory, the poms sunning themselves in the last rays of summer.
Actually he weather has been perfect, cool nights but sunny days with the temp about 20 degrees.
Headed off today on the most perfect drive through the back country roads of the Cotswolds, took pictures at a church built in 1226 and went to a market.. all good ..until we hit the roundabout between Stratford upon Avon, where we are staying tonight, and Warwick.
This was the worst gridlock I have ever experienced. 90 minutes to travel 4 ks!!!
Hideous!! But the drivers are amazingly polite, never flustered, heaps better than Aussie hoons.
Went to Warrick castle all afternoon. This is a genuine medieval castle. Fantastic, real dungeons, and a great big trebechet. ( A huge slingshot)
All great fun.
At Stratford upon Avon for the night, and will do the Shakespeare thing tomorrow, before heading off to York.
Followed the Cats win on the internet, at least they got the justice the Bombers of 2000 never did.
Sorry about the lack of photos, have taken about 400 but never on the internet enough.
Friday, September 25, 2009
London
This city is everything you've heard about and more. What I like is that there is no real centre. it's a series of quaint villages, pubs on every corner, and people are much more groovily dressed and funkier than home. Maybe thats because we live in Dromana!~ Gab is very impressed with the boys, many David Beckham like types with expensive haircuts and the obligatory fag in their mouth.
Everyone smokes and they go hard at the pints let me tell you.
The highlight for the girls was the shopping yesterday. Harrards is amazing and I picked up Gabs birthday present there. (A DKNY watch really nice Dont tell here.
Steph was on a buying role and picked up a (genuine) Dolce and Gabbane t shirt for a song. So she says. With Aunty Annes pounds too. (Thanks Annie)
For me the British museum and Houses of Parliament and Saint Paul's were the highlight. How did an empire ever get that grand that they could build such magnificent monuments. Missed the Cathedral though. (Sorry Marnie)
Love to all stay tuned for the next post. Wherever that may be.
London Calling
Arrived at Heathrow at about 2.30 and were amazed how quickly we got through British customs, must be our smiley faces. Gab is the only one that gets searched. Must be those voluptuous curved.
On the subway and checked into the two star St Athans hotel in Russell Square. The room is about as big as our bedroom and that includes an ensuite! but the position is fantastic. A short walk from the amazing British museum and the Trafalgar Square.
Immediately hit all the sites via the Tube and the buses. Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square. Had a great sleep followed by the full English breakfast. All for 90 quid! Bargain. Don't ask me about the beds though thats another story.
The next two days have been a blur of postcard scenery. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the London Eye, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the changing of he guard. (this was a drag waiting for two hours with a million Italian students!! etc etc Its amazing to see al these wonderful sites, the British empire at its grandest after 40 years of stories from Katie.
We are all well, eating out every night, and going through money like water. Still your only here once ain't you.
Pick up the motorhome today so another adventure begins!!
Pictures to come soon.
The list goes on and ev
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
from steff :)
this is gay :)
and dad says he is sorry for his spelling mistakes.
cause he was worried about the internet fading away.
he made me say that
having greaaaat fun :)
and dad says he is sorry for his spelling mistakes.
cause he was worried about the internet fading away.
he made me say that
having greaaaat fun :)
here at last!
Well here we are in London after hearing about it from Katie fr all these years and it is spectacular!
The first plane ride to Dubai, wel what can you say, 14 hours of boredom but Dubai itself was amazing. The sheer almost obscene displays of wealth was something to behold.
We hit the worlds biggest mall, the Dubai Mall, with no sleep and the girls hit it hard, five hours of mind numbing shopping. The whole place was almost unreal, aquariums, huge plazas and elaborate displays of wealth. It was Stephs paradise!
After a good night sleep we waled dwn to old Dubai by the ports andwent to the old gold souks. It was then that it dawned on us why the whole joint was so crowded and why everyone was so well dressed. It was the holiday thet followed Ramadan, so Muslims were expected to dress up and celabrate. We looked like Dromana yokals in comparison to the white robes of the Arabs and the burkas.
This night was an absolute highligt. We took a four wheel drive tour to the dunes. The driver was a total maniac, Goggles Pizzano, and where he took that Toyota Land Cruiser was amazing.
This was followed by an Arabian feast and belly dance performance. Mind blowing. 36 degree heat but the sand of the desert cool and a light breeze blowing off the gulf. This tour was an absolute highlight and worth every cent.
Even Steff liked it!
Flew out to London and immediately hit it with avengeance!! So far two day crammed in with every attraction that it is possibel to do in a 28 hour period.
The city is everything I expected and more.
But I will fill you in on our London adventures in our next instalment.
The first plane ride to Dubai, wel what can you say, 14 hours of boredom but Dubai itself was amazing. The sheer almost obscene displays of wealth was something to behold.
We hit the worlds biggest mall, the Dubai Mall, with no sleep and the girls hit it hard, five hours of mind numbing shopping. The whole place was almost unreal, aquariums, huge plazas and elaborate displays of wealth. It was Stephs paradise!
After a good night sleep we waled dwn to old Dubai by the ports andwent to the old gold souks. It was then that it dawned on us why the whole joint was so crowded and why everyone was so well dressed. It was the holiday thet followed Ramadan, so Muslims were expected to dress up and celabrate. We looked like Dromana yokals in comparison to the white robes of the Arabs and the burkas.
This night was an absolute highligt. We took a four wheel drive tour to the dunes. The driver was a total maniac, Goggles Pizzano, and where he took that Toyota Land Cruiser was amazing.
This was followed by an Arabian feast and belly dance performance. Mind blowing. 36 degree heat but the sand of the desert cool and a light breeze blowing off the gulf. This tour was an absolute highlight and worth every cent.
Even Steff liked it!
Flew out to London and immediately hit it with avengeance!! So far two day crammed in with every attraction that it is possibel to do in a 28 hour period.
The city is everything I expected and more.
But I will fill you in on our London adventures in our next instalment.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
