Good morning and yes it's another early one as we want to get on the road before the traffic really gets going.
Florence has been really good but it is one of those places that at every turn you see something new and different, so to spend more time here just wandering around (minus the other tourists) would be ideal.
Last night after dinner we just walked aroud the central city area and at night the town really comes alive. We stopped at a church (not another grotty old church - Ron) and there was an organ recitel going on, then down at the front of the Vecchio Palace a full brass orchestra and choir - just magnificent.
Today we are off to the lakes in the north for some R and R and with luck the weather will hold so some time by the pool with a book will be very much appreciated.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Hello from Firenze
We set out from Zurich yesterday morning at 8.30am and yes that meant another dawn witnessed. The trip through the alps was pretty uneventful on the swiss side, everything as it should be. Then we crossed over and all those surpressed memories of our previous trip to Italy came flooding back, including why we couldn't wait to leave the place LOL. The first thing you notice is the state of chaos that everything seems to exist in, and that came as a big shock after Zurich.
The Milan railway station was sort of working, well bits were, but couldn't quite work which bits, but anyway we did find our train and it was one of the Eurostars and very impressive it was.
This is it in all its glory waiting for our arrival, which very nearly didnt happen as they only put the notice on the departure board 5 minutes before it was due to go, so no leisurely wander down the platform here. Once on board the trip was good, cruised at 303klms per hour and did the Milan - Florence in just under 2 hours. The first class catering was special. The announcement for drinks, snacks and savouries service had our attention as we hadn't eaten all day and the swiss train didn't have a restaurant car and the Milan debarcle meant there was no time there to change money and seek out food.
The trolley arrived, stale peanuts, stale cake, water (tap) wine with no label and then it was gone - still hungry. LOL Eventually we arrived and headed off by foot to our hotel. Directions obtained from the local paper man turned out to be totally incorrect and we were walking in the wrong direction so a cab was hailed and off to hotel Pendini we went. Hotel is fine, bigger room than the waldorf but really do miss a fridge and coffee making things.
We headed out this morning for the first full days touring and were greeted by an amazing sight. Florence is very very very very busy, it's high season and everyone is here. But, considering the numbers things sort of work out. First thing you notice is the traffic.
There are lots and lots of small vehicles of all shapes and sizes and like all good Italians they park whereever they fit.
You will remember from previous blogs the fascination with clocks the swiss have, well the Italians wont be outdone on that one either,
it's sad, negleted and unloved and unfortunately outside of the tourist areas this was not an uncommon site. Derelict and abandoned buildings, public gardens left to look after themseleves and now resemble weed enclosures.
Back to Firenze, The old city is wonderful, the architecture is astounding and there are marvels around every corner.
The star of the show is the Palazzo Vecchio, truly a marvel with all the statues and fountains surrounding it and the Muesem Uffizi right next door is a wonder of 15th - 18th century art. Yes, Leonardo, Michangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens and Carravagios adorn the walls along with thousands of other works.
We were lucky and got there at 9.45am and managed to score tickets for the 10.30 entry so the masses hadn't invaded yet.
Back in the early 1500's they obviously had some housing problems and the government of the day decided to utilize wasted space on the main bridge over the river. I'm sure there was no planning permit system back there - wouldn't happen today LOL. Good place for a restaurant Dean, are you doing anything ?
The whole center of the city is a maze of twisting and turning alleys and most have the most wonderful bars and cafes, plus the compulsory tourist shops.
Lastly today we climbed to the terraces of the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore. Now most of you will know that getting me anywhere near a cliff is out of the question so this was very very very very stupid, ooops I mean brave of me. Firstly you climb up a staircase that is enclosed and so that was fine, then you walk out along a walkway about 8ft wide along side the cathedral on the outside - getting my attention now, finally you walk along a walkway at the front of the cathedral with thousands watching and taking pictures. Let's just say the walkway was about a foot wide, very very very high up and along way down.
I had Ron stationed behind and crabbed my way along with out once looking at the view, all I saw were my feet, but hey I did it. The pic above is from the internal part of the walkway and I did look for this one but was firmly holding on to the rail 8 feet from the balcony edge LOL.
Chow for now.
The Milan railway station was sort of working, well bits were, but couldn't quite work which bits, but anyway we did find our train and it was one of the Eurostars and very impressive it was.
The trolley arrived, stale peanuts, stale cake, water (tap) wine with no label and then it was gone - still hungry. LOL Eventually we arrived and headed off by foot to our hotel. Directions obtained from the local paper man turned out to be totally incorrect and we were walking in the wrong direction so a cab was hailed and off to hotel Pendini we went. Hotel is fine, bigger room than the waldorf but really do miss a fridge and coffee making things.
We headed out this morning for the first full days touring and were greeted by an amazing sight. Florence is very very very very busy, it's high season and everyone is here. But, considering the numbers things sort of work out. First thing you notice is the traffic.
You will remember from previous blogs the fascination with clocks the swiss have, well the Italians wont be outdone on that one either,
Back to Firenze, The old city is wonderful, the architecture is astounding and there are marvels around every corner.
The star of the show is the Palazzo Vecchio, truly a marvel with all the statues and fountains surrounding it and the Muesem Uffizi right next door is a wonder of 15th - 18th century art. Yes, Leonardo, Michangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens and Carravagios adorn the walls along with thousands of other works.
We were lucky and got there at 9.45am and managed to score tickets for the 10.30 entry so the masses hadn't invaded yet.
Lastly today we climbed to the terraces of the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore. Now most of you will know that getting me anywhere near a cliff is out of the question so this was very very very very stupid, ooops I mean brave of me. Firstly you climb up a staircase that is enclosed and so that was fine, then you walk out along a walkway about 8ft wide along side the cathedral on the outside - getting my attention now, finally you walk along a walkway at the front of the cathedral with thousands watching and taking pictures. Let's just say the walkway was about a foot wide, very very very high up and along way down.
I had Ron stationed behind and crabbed my way along with out once looking at the view, all I saw were my feet, but hey I did it. The pic above is from the internal part of the walkway and I did look for this one but was firmly holding on to the rail 8 feet from the balcony edge LOL.
Chow for now.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Zurich
Good afternoon and what a good one it's been. Zurich is such a pretty city, clean, colourful and at the moment very very green. But first some housekeeping for Mark and Caroline.
I know it's only food but LOOK at the selection. Now I am not trying to upset you but thought you should know that we are not exactly starving over here, in fact we are going on a crash diet on return to OZ. But with that in mind it's stuff yourself stupid while you can over here LOL.
I know it's only food but LOOK at the selection. Now I am not trying to upset you but thought you should know that we are not exactly starving over here, in fact we are going on a crash diet on return to OZ. But with that in mind it's stuff yourself stupid while you can over here LOL.You can buy anything in this deli and so far we have attacked it three days running and only venture out for greens - even has wine.
But, now that the house is in order it's back to today. Wandering around this town is a bit like walking through a fairy tale (and dont anyone touch that ) with lots and lots of towers, clock towers, bell towers and houses that you just expect a cookcoo to come popping out of LOL. Almost every house and building has a garden in flower and while I know it's just turned into autumn the amount of colour in window boxes is astonishing.
This morning we headed off to the lanes in the older part of the city and wandered all over. Lots and lots of beautiful boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Very easy to spend a lot of money here.
The waterfront is spectacular. You are surrounded by these amazing buildings, restaurants, churches, towers etc etc etc and everything is clean and tidy. The people are very friendly and very very curious when they find out we're aussies LOL. A G'day or two never goes astray.
Bridges cross over across the aqua green glacial waters coming out of or into Lake Zurich. People were swimming in there today, hmmmmmmmmm tad cold for this little queenslander LOL.
Hans reliably informs me that this was Zurich's first ever office block. Why cant they still build like this instead of those boring glass towers that we seem to keep throwing up all over.
The only thing that really annoys here is the smoking. I guess we have become so acclimatised in Oz about where and when you can smoke that it comes as quiet a shock to find thousands of people still lighting up in or very close to food, really puts a downer on a good meal.
Hans a question about the eggs
WHAT DO THE COLOURS MEAN ?
Haven't been able to work that one out - green, red, orange, blue purple etc etc etc
Florence tomorrow
Monday, September 5, 2011
Trainlag
Yesterday it was off to explore the Swiss Alps so we selected the Berina Express which goes from Chor in the middle os Switzerland down to Tarino just over the Italian border. The morning started early (for us) at 5am as we had to work out how to get public transport into the Zurich HB (station) in the dark having not done the trip before. All that done successfully it was onto our trip from Zurich to Chor on one of the intercity trains.
We arrived at 8.20 and the express left at 8.32 and like most things here if that's the time stated you can bet your life that is the time it will go, and it did. We were promised intrain catering so were a little surprised when this came along -
and in the tried and true tradition of great train trips the coffee was weak but hot LOL.
The country is so pretty, very very green and lush, waterfalls everywhere, snow topped alps !!!!! hang on, there aren't any that we can see, oh it's behind the clouds hmmmmmmmmmmm.
The trip takes you through an area which is famous for its castles and while they were not the types from the knights of the round table era, I would be very happy to have one as a holiday home.
Perched high up on these impossible cliffs are these magnificent buildings and churches. Have no idea how you would get down to the coop store for milk but I guess if you can own one of these you will have slaves that will do that for you.
The country seems to have more than its share of churches in all shapes and sizes. Very elaborate bell towers which chime out all day and all night. Speaking of which there are two (one either side) at Hans and Rolis and they never miss the opportunity to ring out the quarter, half, three quarter and then of course the countdown of the hour - Sunday was special because you can add into that the services LOL.
One of the highlights of the train trip was the glacier at the Berina Pass (I think). We were very lucky because when we went past in the morning it was still relatively clear so we got a reasonable look at it.
The weather closed in just after lunch so the 5 hour trip home was fairly tame and we spent most of the time catching up on lost sleep from last night and reading. Today is a rest day and I might just wander down to the local pool as I feel in need of some excersie other than walking. Italy is all booked for Wednesday so another long train trip on the horizion.
Hans and Roli have made it onto their ship and it looks wonderful, they have a deck the size of our last ship LOL. Hans can't leave messages on your blog !!!!!! tried to this morning.
We arrived at 8.20 and the express left at 8.32 and like most things here if that's the time stated you can bet your life that is the time it will go, and it did. We were promised intrain catering so were a little surprised when this came along -
The country is so pretty, very very green and lush, waterfalls everywhere, snow topped alps !!!!! hang on, there aren't any that we can see, oh it's behind the clouds hmmmmmmmmmmm.
The trip takes you through an area which is famous for its castles and while they were not the types from the knights of the round table era, I would be very happy to have one as a holiday home.
Perched high up on these impossible cliffs are these magnificent buildings and churches. Have no idea how you would get down to the coop store for milk but I guess if you can own one of these you will have slaves that will do that for you.
The country seems to have more than its share of churches in all shapes and sizes. Very elaborate bell towers which chime out all day and all night. Speaking of which there are two (one either side) at Hans and Rolis and they never miss the opportunity to ring out the quarter, half, three quarter and then of course the countdown of the hour - Sunday was special because you can add into that the services LOL.
One of the highlights of the train trip was the glacier at the Berina Pass (I think). We were very lucky because when we went past in the morning it was still relatively clear so we got a reasonable look at it.
The weather closed in just after lunch so the 5 hour trip home was fairly tame and we spent most of the time catching up on lost sleep from last night and reading. Today is a rest day and I might just wander down to the local pool as I feel in need of some excersie other than walking. Italy is all booked for Wednesday so another long train trip on the horizion.
Hans and Roli have made it onto their ship and it looks wonderful, they have a deck the size of our last ship LOL. Hans can't leave messages on your blog !!!!!! tried to this morning.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Day one and everything seems to be coming together again as far as Italy is concerned, although when I rebooked the hotel in Milan the rates have gone from $130 pn to $250pn, but there is not much I can do now as time is getting closer and Italy seems to be very very busy. Lake Gardia is rebooked but unfortunately we look like getting a room on the lower floors as the hotel is totally booked out.
Today Hans, Ron and I went into town to sort out our land adventures while here and Italy and got the most helpful Swissrail guy who spent ages with us sorting out the options and the cheapest way to do it. End result is that for the month that we are here and in Italy, trains from Zurich to Milan then on to Florence and Milan to Zurich on the return, plus the half price card, 6 all transport full day anywhere anyway (train, bus, boat) and daily passes around Zurich all for $1000 for two of us. Plan so far is day trip to St Moritz and then onto the Bernina Express which looks a bit like the Rocky Mountaineer but in the alps. Maybe a day trip to Montreux or Geneva and Hans wants to take us up into the alps proper to really scare me knowing my absolute hatred of heights. LOL
After the rail ticket marathon I decided to look at some old things and buildings as well LOL. Hans and Ron ganging up on me in downtown Zurich.
Today Hans, Ron and I went into town to sort out our land adventures while here and Italy and got the most helpful Swissrail guy who spent ages with us sorting out the options and the cheapest way to do it. End result is that for the month that we are here and in Italy, trains from Zurich to Milan then on to Florence and Milan to Zurich on the return, plus the half price card, 6 all transport full day anywhere anyway (train, bus, boat) and daily passes around Zurich all for $1000 for two of us. Plan so far is day trip to St Moritz and then onto the Bernina Express which looks a bit like the Rocky Mountaineer but in the alps. Maybe a day trip to Montreux or Geneva and Hans wants to take us up into the alps proper to really scare me knowing my absolute hatred of heights. LOL
After the rail ticket marathon I decided to look at some old things and buildings as well LOL. Hans and Ron ganging up on me in downtown Zurich.
Not sure what the attraction was with this carving but it caught our attention, obviously someone with a good eye for detail LOL.
Hans and Roli head off on their cruise tomorrow so look out Zurich we are on the loose.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Ok ok ok, I get the message loud and clear "STAY AWAY".
On the news front we have finally made it out of NYC and onto Zurich. Flight was good even though we had to do the mailrun via Geneva but at least we both arrived safe and sound. Hans met us at the airport and then we settled into getting over the jetlag with champagne, wine, more wine, even more wine and then a cognac disquised as tea at a Chinese restaurant and then oh dam another bottle of wine on the balcony to finally bury any trace of lag LOL.
Living up to my now disasteous reputation, we walked through the door to Hans and Rolis and the hallway lights packed it in !!!!! spooky. Mind you the electrician that arrived this morning was such a good look that Ron and I want his private number incase we need rewiring while Hans and Roli are on the high seas LOL.
Pics tomorrow, if I can hold the camera steady.
On the news front we have finally made it out of NYC and onto Zurich. Flight was good even though we had to do the mailrun via Geneva but at least we both arrived safe and sound. Hans met us at the airport and then we settled into getting over the jetlag with champagne, wine, more wine, even more wine and then a cognac disquised as tea at a Chinese restaurant and then oh dam another bottle of wine on the balcony to finally bury any trace of lag LOL.
Living up to my now disasteous reputation, we walked through the door to Hans and Rolis and the hallway lights packed it in !!!!! spooky. Mind you the electrician that arrived this morning was such a good look that Ron and I want his private number incase we need rewiring while Hans and Roli are on the high seas LOL.
Pics tomorrow, if I can hold the camera steady.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
You are all very unkind to moi LOL
I could start to get a complex if you all keep the comments up LOL but, na dam it I will survive (good name for a song) and just you all watch out as I could be heading your way soon and now you all know what that means LOL.
Back to the business, it is the last night here in NYC so we are off to dinner down on 2nd to a lovely little Italian bistro we spotted last night, looks great and was absolutely packed at 10pm as we staggered past from the French Bistro around the corner LOL.
NYC has returned to normal, or as normal as it ever gets, so today was a bit of a shopping excursion over to the highlights of Brooklyn - yep it was a quick trip and not a cent spent. Hasn't changed much in 15 years so maybe I should wait a little longer next time, that will put it at about 2035 and I will be hmmmm 45ish, give or take a bit LOL. Any comments relating to age will demand a very public response - Di, Hans and Mark beware LOL.
Our flight out tomorrow is 7.30pm and it's overnight to Geneva and then onto Zurich. Blog you then.
Back to the business, it is the last night here in NYC so we are off to dinner down on 2nd to a lovely little Italian bistro we spotted last night, looks great and was absolutely packed at 10pm as we staggered past from the French Bistro around the corner LOL.
NYC has returned to normal, or as normal as it ever gets, so today was a bit of a shopping excursion over to the highlights of Brooklyn - yep it was a quick trip and not a cent spent. Hasn't changed much in 15 years so maybe I should wait a little longer next time, that will put it at about 2035 and I will be hmmmm 45ish, give or take a bit LOL. Any comments relating to age will demand a very public response - Di, Hans and Mark beware LOL.
Our flight out tomorrow is 7.30pm and it's overnight to Geneva and then onto Zurich. Blog you then.
Monday, August 29, 2011
We survived
Good morning and it was a wild ride but almost everyone came through unscathed. Irene arrived at about 7pm last night which was ahead of schedule and just as our main course was being served at a little french bistro about 3 blocks from our hotel, needless to say we were somewhat damp when we arrived back at the hotel. Curfew kicked in at 9pm and was inforce for 24 hours and most people paid it lip service LOL, well for 12 hours anyway.
It had been drizzling for about 4 hours previously but then in came the wind and down came the rain. Not sure what the rainfall tally was as haven't bothered to turn on the TV today but it was predicted to be 8 - 12 inches overnight. At about 11pm it really got going and the wind just howled outside and the rain was like pellets hitting the windows and that kept up until about 8am this morning. It woke me about 3 times during the night and I am sure that at one stage I could feel the building moving so god knows how much some of the high rise apartment towers were swaying.
750,000 people without power, some flooding and trees down but other wise things seem to have come through ok. Like most people still in the city (tourists as all hotels are full) we headed out to breakfast at 10am which was probably in the eye of the storm and what a surreal environment we walked into. No transport of any kind, bridges closed, tunnels closed, ferries stopped, just us and a couple of brave taxis.
Try standing in the middle of Park Ave at 11am on a Saturday morning and see how long you last LOL, but this morning was not a problem. We walkers owned the city for the day. We headed up to 5th Ave and 51st and then walked up to 71st and didn't have to worry about traffic, ignored traffic lights and just wandered at our leisure.
Nothing but us on the road. Like good New Yorkers the locals on the upper East side were out walking the dogs and enjoying the freedom of no cars and the sounds of relative silence. Couldn't hear any birds though - not a kookaburra in sight LOL.
Fashion always plays a part in this end of town. Wandering down amonst the designer stores, up market condos and trend setters we came across this pair who obviously had been out shopping yesterday just to make sure they could been seen to be dressed appropriately. LOL
Plastic wellingtons have never look so good, LOL
buckles and flaps and croc patterns.
We are now booked to escape on the 31st so the travel plans for Italy have been turned upside down and at the moment I have cancelled Milan and tried to rebook Lake Garda for different dates. I will sort most of it out once we get to Zurich. Apparently we were very lucky to get out on the 31st as most people are being put off until Sept.
It had been drizzling for about 4 hours previously but then in came the wind and down came the rain. Not sure what the rainfall tally was as haven't bothered to turn on the TV today but it was predicted to be 8 - 12 inches overnight. At about 11pm it really got going and the wind just howled outside and the rain was like pellets hitting the windows and that kept up until about 8am this morning. It woke me about 3 times during the night and I am sure that at one stage I could feel the building moving so god knows how much some of the high rise apartment towers were swaying.
750,000 people without power, some flooding and trees down but other wise things seem to have come through ok. Like most people still in the city (tourists as all hotels are full) we headed out to breakfast at 10am which was probably in the eye of the storm and what a surreal environment we walked into. No transport of any kind, bridges closed, tunnels closed, ferries stopped, just us and a couple of brave taxis.
Try standing in the middle of Park Ave at 11am on a Saturday morning and see how long you last LOL, but this morning was not a problem. We walkers owned the city for the day. We headed up to 5th Ave and 51st and then walked up to 71st and didn't have to worry about traffic, ignored traffic lights and just wandered at our leisure.
Fashion always plays a part in this end of town. Wandering down amonst the designer stores, up market condos and trend setters we came across this pair who obviously had been out shopping yesterday just to make sure they could been seen to be dressed appropriately. LOL
Plastic wellingtons have never look so good, LOL
buckles and flaps and croc patterns.
We are now booked to escape on the 31st so the travel plans for Italy have been turned upside down and at the moment I have cancelled Milan and tried to rebook Lake Garda for different dates. I will sort most of it out once we get to Zurich. Apparently we were very lucky to get out on the 31st as most people are being put off until Sept.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Am I getting a bad reputation ?
Well by the comments on the previous entry nothing and nobody is safe so we might as well put out an all points bulletin, so everyone is aware of the impending doom. LOL
Well we have had our second flight cancelled and now have no choice but to ride this out at the Waldorf. Luckily insurance will pay for the extended stay so things could be worse. At the moment the earliest we can get out is the 31st which puts us into Zurich on the 1st so we will have to totally rearrange the Italy trip and pray that I can get the hotels and trains to move dates without penalties.
New York today is weird. 90% of stores are closed as the entire public transport system has been shut down. The hotel has limited staff so full room service etc is not possible. The couple of grocery stores that are open are getting the shelves stripped as no one is quite sure what will happen. Like the rest of NYC we have made suitable preparations. This morning it was off to the bottle shop for 3 days supply of drinkable wine, then onto Barnes and Noble for a couple of books and finally the green grocer for a sandwich.
Never thought I would see the day when Bloomingdales was boarded up on a Saturday morning. A lot of people are getting very jumpy about what could occur if the power goes out as is predicted and lots and lots of shops have taken the precaution of Roller grills or as in the pic totally boarding everything up to prevent possible looting and damage from broken glass etc etc etc.
Well we have had our second flight cancelled and now have no choice but to ride this out at the Waldorf. Luckily insurance will pay for the extended stay so things could be worse. At the moment the earliest we can get out is the 31st which puts us into Zurich on the 1st so we will have to totally rearrange the Italy trip and pray that I can get the hotels and trains to move dates without penalties.
New York today is weird. 90% of stores are closed as the entire public transport system has been shut down. The hotel has limited staff so full room service etc is not possible. The couple of grocery stores that are open are getting the shelves stripped as no one is quite sure what will happen. Like the rest of NYC we have made suitable preparations. This morning it was off to the bottle shop for 3 days supply of drinkable wine, then onto Barnes and Noble for a couple of books and finally the green grocer for a sandwich.
Never thought I would see the day when Bloomingdales was boarded up on a Saturday morning. A lot of people are getting very jumpy about what could occur if the power goes out as is predicted and lots and lots of shops have taken the precaution of Roller grills or as in the pic totally boarding everything up to prevent possible looting and damage from broken glass etc etc etc.
Friday, August 26, 2011
We've done it again
Good morning from NYC, and the weather has turned. Firstly some housekeeping:
I have disconnected my go-sim until I get to Europe (toooooo bloody expensive over here) and have put back in my telstra sim so if anyone urgently needs to get us then 04111----- is the one to use. Email is still working but at the waldorf the charge is out of this world so will only be online each morning from the lobby.
Di, this one's for you, we are about to get some weather LOL lots of it and it's due to pound NYC on Sunday, yep the day we are suppose to fly to Zurich. The navy has already left for safer water, the shelters around the city are being prepared and we get kicked out of the waldorf on Sunday morning. You got it right, where I go so does the weather LOL. At the moment it is a category 3 hurricane and expected to go to 4 tomorrow and hit us on Sunday as a 2 - 3. This of course continues the tradition of a disaster somewhere on the trip. War with China and Vietnam on the china trip, chenovyal on the Europe trip etc etc etc LOL
Meet up with Arty last night for dinner in Chelsea and today we are all off to do the cloisters as it might be our last chance for a walk around before the weather totally comes in.
Stay tuned for updates
I have disconnected my go-sim until I get to Europe (toooooo bloody expensive over here) and have put back in my telstra sim so if anyone urgently needs to get us then 04111----- is the one to use. Email is still working but at the waldorf the charge is out of this world so will only be online each morning from the lobby.
Di, this one's for you, we are about to get some weather LOL lots of it and it's due to pound NYC on Sunday, yep the day we are suppose to fly to Zurich. The navy has already left for safer water, the shelters around the city are being prepared and we get kicked out of the waldorf on Sunday morning. You got it right, where I go so does the weather LOL. At the moment it is a category 3 hurricane and expected to go to 4 tomorrow and hit us on Sunday as a 2 - 3. This of course continues the tradition of a disaster somewhere on the trip. War with China and Vietnam on the china trip, chenovyal on the Europe trip etc etc etc LOL
Meet up with Arty last night for dinner in Chelsea and today we are all off to do the cloisters as it might be our last chance for a walk around before the weather totally comes in.
Stay tuned for updates
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Last day in Quebec
Good afternoon from a lovely sunny Quebec. Well the last day dawned with brilliant sunshine so we took off straight away for the fort. It was started by the French but then the English interrupted and took over and finally finished it in the mid 1700's. It is still used today as barracks for the 22ns battalion or some such thing, anyway men in uniform wander around. LOL I did take some pics but it is lots of stone walls with very old cannons sticking through gaps - not very picturesque.
The streets started to come alive last night as the rain finally stopped and I don't know where everyone was but all of a sudden thousands were out and about, with queues at most restaurants. The pic above is one of our favourite streets, very narrow, cobble stones and very very old.
Unfortunately there is not much about the original inhabitants of the area. No museum dedicated to them just bits and pieces every now and then in general museums. However we did find this amazing bronze statue of a family group just outside the parliament.
Today also meant we needed to do some shopping so it was on a bus and off to some smart shopping centre out in the burbs. Found the Apple store and picked up a new mouse, then off to Bailes again from more jocks and Rom picked up a new pair of shorts and some kitchen gadgets.
Off to New York tomorrow so will blog you then.
The streets started to come alive last night as the rain finally stopped and I don't know where everyone was but all of a sudden thousands were out and about, with queues at most restaurants. The pic above is one of our favourite streets, very narrow, cobble stones and very very old.
Unfortunately there is not much about the original inhabitants of the area. No museum dedicated to them just bits and pieces every now and then in general museums. However we did find this amazing bronze statue of a family group just outside the parliament.
Today also meant we needed to do some shopping so it was on a bus and off to some smart shopping centre out in the burbs. Found the Apple store and picked up a new mouse, then off to Bailes again from more jocks and Rom picked up a new pair of shorts and some kitchen gadgets.
Off to New York tomorrow so will blog you then.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Bonjour tu vous
Sticking to our usual way of doing things, we could find our way around without a map so it's off to the next city and todays journey was to "Quebec".
We woke to our first day of grey and rain, but as it's been so long since we have seen any we were not complaining, if anything we quite enjoyed the 15 minute walk to the station. The train left Montreal at 8.30 and there were only 4 people in our carriage so the service was fab, unfortunately they use Qantas catering and the scrambled eggs were not. LOL.
This is as far french as we go on the trip (I think) and while it is not a problem we have encountered people that do NOT speak any English even here in the hotel. The hotel is a quaint petite hotel in the old quarter and was originally two houses. This part of the street has been blocked to traffic so is full of restaurants which we cant afford LOL but is very quiet becuse of no traffic and busy with walking tourists and artists flogging their wares.
We are over the road from the "Fairmont" which like most of the Fairmonts across Canada, was built by the Canadian Railway back when money was no object.
As you can see it's very impressive, nothing like ours LOL.
As our breaky on the train was so miserable it was off to Cafe de Paris for lunch and a quick snack of carrot soup and veal cannelloni with lots of crusty bread.
We woke to our first day of grey and rain, but as it's been so long since we have seen any we were not complaining, if anything we quite enjoyed the 15 minute walk to the station. The train left Montreal at 8.30 and there were only 4 people in our carriage so the service was fab, unfortunately they use Qantas catering and the scrambled eggs were not. LOL.
This is as far french as we go on the trip (I think) and while it is not a problem we have encountered people that do NOT speak any English even here in the hotel. The hotel is a quaint petite hotel in the old quarter and was originally two houses. This part of the street has been blocked to traffic so is full of restaurants which we cant afford LOL but is very quiet becuse of no traffic and busy with walking tourists and artists flogging their wares.
We are over the road from the "Fairmont" which like most of the Fairmonts across Canada, was built by the Canadian Railway back when money was no object.
As our breaky on the train was so miserable it was off to Cafe de Paris for lunch and a quick snack of carrot soup and veal cannelloni with lots of crusty bread.
The hotel has been wonderful to us as I don't think they get too many Aussies stopping in and we must be a welcome change from the hordes south of the border LOL.
Our first request was "Please direct us to a laundry as we are desperate" "no no give it to moi" was the reply and off they went with our laundry and it was all apart of the service - NO CHARGE !!!!! So we will toss them $20 when it comes back in the morning. When you consider that in Montreal and Toronto it was cheaper to buy new stuff than do hotel laundering, then this attitude is amazing.
So far everyone we have spoken to has been great. The people who run the bottle shop were very helpful and knowledgeable, the restaurant was good and we have been given directions to a tapas bar tonight which is just outside the old quarter so prices are $15 a main instead of $39.
Arty I tried to call you today and left a message on your answering machine. Give us a call or I will try again tonight (Sunday)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Bon soir bon ami
Ok now that Hans and Di have joined forces against moi, I will take care in what I publish, well sort of LOL
Yesterday was the walking day, first off we found that there was no laundry within 15 blocks of our hotel and that the cost of lugging dirty washing half way across town was not worth it, so it was off to the nearest department store "La baile" and into the mens department. Isn't it strange how these places feel just like Myer. Lots of middle aged women in black pretending to be busy, totally ignoring customers, hmmmmm must be something in the cosmetic counters on the ground floor that does this. Anyway, found the jock department and bought some new ones to replace the old ones as it is cheaper than laundry at the hotel.
Climbed to Chalet du Mont Royal which is an old volcano on the edge of town and has a great view over Montreal.
As you can see it is above the bloody buildings downtown and by the time we got up and down we were totally stuffed. But that said, we found places that we would never had seen on a planned tour.
Of course now that we are "Eco Warriors" from Sunrise we had to check out the local animals, or what is left of them and these little fellas provided us with a good show of mating in the park.
Strange that apart from the drunks, weirdos, cyclists and tourist there were no other animals.
Today was "museum" day and off we went to the archeology museum of Montreal, which was really good. They are digging up one of the main streets in old Montreal to discover what they had been trying to hide for the last 200 years !!!!!! anyway it was good and will be finished in 2017 so don't rush down to see it LOL. From there it was off to the tower overlooking the waterfront.
In terms of beautiful gardens around the world this doesn't rate, BUT given that it is frozen for 6 months of the year and recreated every summer then they have done a great job. The architecture around old Montreal is really beautiful.
As you would expect very French, but with lots of modern touches.
The narrow cobbled streets are filled with galleries, cafes and bars so there is no excuse for not enjoying a wander around.
The other side of the city is modern Montreal, starting with the art at our hotel. This amazing sculpture is in the foyer, just waiting to greet you every morning after a big night out LOL, Actually he is about the colour of my eyes this morning.
The Biosphere which looks totally science fiction was actually created back in the dim dark ages of the 20th century but still looks very impressive. I think it was done for the Expo in 1967 but not totally sure.
Lastly for this update and I know I have been going on and on, but this is it for Montreal. There is the totally tacky and this one is for Mark and Carolyn, you're never toooooo far away for a "Lark " to appear.
See you in Quebec (unless something really interesting happens tomorrow).
Yesterday was the walking day, first off we found that there was no laundry within 15 blocks of our hotel and that the cost of lugging dirty washing half way across town was not worth it, so it was off to the nearest department store "La baile" and into the mens department. Isn't it strange how these places feel just like Myer. Lots of middle aged women in black pretending to be busy, totally ignoring customers, hmmmmm must be something in the cosmetic counters on the ground floor that does this. Anyway, found the jock department and bought some new ones to replace the old ones as it is cheaper than laundry at the hotel.
Climbed to Chalet du Mont Royal which is an old volcano on the edge of town and has a great view over Montreal.
Of course now that we are "Eco Warriors" from Sunrise we had to check out the local animals, or what is left of them and these little fellas provided us with a good show of mating in the park.
Strange that apart from the drunks, weirdos, cyclists and tourist there were no other animals.
Today was "museum" day and off we went to the archeology museum of Montreal, which was really good. They are digging up one of the main streets in old Montreal to discover what they had been trying to hide for the last 200 years !!!!!! anyway it was good and will be finished in 2017 so don't rush down to see it LOL. From there it was off to the tower overlooking the waterfront.
In terms of beautiful gardens around the world this doesn't rate, BUT given that it is frozen for 6 months of the year and recreated every summer then they have done a great job. The architecture around old Montreal is really beautiful.
As you would expect very French, but with lots of modern touches.
The narrow cobbled streets are filled with galleries, cafes and bars so there is no excuse for not enjoying a wander around.
The other side of the city is modern Montreal, starting with the art at our hotel. This amazing sculpture is in the foyer, just waiting to greet you every morning after a big night out LOL, Actually he is about the colour of my eyes this morning.
The Biosphere which looks totally science fiction was actually created back in the dim dark ages of the 20th century but still looks very impressive. I think it was done for the Expo in 1967 but not totally sure.
Lastly for this update and I know I have been going on and on, but this is it for Montreal. There is the totally tacky and this one is for Mark and Carolyn, you're never toooooo far away for a "Lark " to appear.
See you in Quebec (unless something really interesting happens tomorrow).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Bonjour, Merci, oui oui, bonsoir, Parlez vous Anglis ?
(Excuse my bad french)
AAAAAAh yes we are in Montreal. We love it. Arrived this afternoon and the first thing you notice is that the language situation has moved from English to French as the first language. Luckily everyone so far has good English so it hasn't been a problem.
Sorry Di have to mention the hotel, it's truly amazing. No, not 5 star, not sure where you would put it, but it is definitely a contemporary art gallery hiding as a hotel. The art is wonderful, Warhols etc etc etc I will take pics and post them while we are here. Our room is immediately above the rider and horse and while it is not grand it is pretty dam good.
Walked around the old area this afternoon, restaurant spotting, bar spotting and it's great being back in a place that is almost exclusively french. Fillet mignons everywhere, coquilles st Jacques all over the place and of course frites to accompany everything LOL.
Off to Bistro Boris for dinner so will check in tomorrow.
PS. G'day gets a very strange reaction over here LOL but at our local bar already have us tagged on their computer system as aussies.
PPS. Pic from Niagara that Ron took, it's pretty self explanatory LOL Not what I was expecting when I made the booking.
Good Morning from day 4
We eventually gave up with the crowds and headed home to the promise of a good Mexican restaurant
in the Westend market. The place was packed so the food was expected to be good but in reality was just ok, but the drinks - WOW
The margaritas went down a treat and so did some very cold beers. The weather has been great with hot days 27 and a bit of humidity and cool nights.
All up we enjoyed Toronto and it was much better than we expected, but like our traditional way of travelling - if we could find our way around on the streetcars, underground and above ground rail systems both day and night so we had outstayed our time and it was time to move onto unknown territory.
At the moment we are on a train heading along the side of Lake Erie to Montreal. Bit hard to type so will call it quits and update you tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Day 2 and a weeeee scare
Carbon testing is being carried out to see which is older
Day two and a bit of a scare over breakfast. We found this great little 50's diner in Dundas Square and it is totally original (will try to get a pic tomorrow if we go back) complete with hat and coat racks at every booth and an original 50's espresso machine (which I am sure hasn't had a lot of use). Of course we had to go thought the "how do you want your eggs ? over easy ? sunny side up? etc etc etc and while we were doing that I was checking the calendar to see what would be a good day to do Niagara Falls.
Horror, horror according to the dates we were due to leave tomorrow, so that meant only today in Toronto and no time to do the falls. Crisis meeting back at the hotel with booking slips only to find I had made a weeeee error on the calender and all is well, off to Niagara tomorrow. Did I say I made a mistake? that must be an error too.
Today we just walked the city and did the sights. Westend market for the Mexican which is apparently to die for - closed on Monday, so ended up with so so Chilean food. Off to Fort York, the original fort built by the English in 1700's - might as well have been closed, lots of people packing up from a function last night and all the buildings locked up. How about the Art Gallery ? closed, oh yea it's MONDAY.
So, a casual walk back to our hotel, haircut and afternoon nap before heading out again for dinner. Oh did I mention that our hotel is next door to the Filmore ? Canada's largest gentleman's club, Lap dancing a speciality, but I haven't seen a gentlemen going in yet. LOL LOL LOL
Tomorrow Niagara Falls
Monday, August 15, 2011
We're Off
Good Morning from Toronto.
After many many months of planning we are off and running. A big thanks to Mark for getting up at that ungodly hour to drive us to the Bundaberg International Airport and a big tk u to the rubber band on what is called a qantas flight LOL.
We arrived in Syd to be greeted by the Stamford having totally ignored our room request and so war was declared and a lesson on how to run an accommodation venue (and yes this is suppose to be a 5 star hotel) was entered into. Us 1 them 0.
Sunday morning arrived and it was off to international for the preflight business. Lots of people in uniforms running around enjoying their 5 seconds of power, but after surviving many searches we were in. Off to the Air NZ lounge for breakfast and await our call.
Welcome to the pointy end LOL. We both had mini suite which came with personal 15 inch TV, power for lap tops , socks etc etc etc etc and lots and lots of champagne. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah bliss.
We ended up in 5A and 6A and as you can see it didn't take Ron long to get into the swing of the next 19 hours. Yes, that is a glass of bubbly sitting there. LOL
We arrived in reasonable good condition and headed out for dinner. Off to Charles st which is the local Gay village and only about 4 blocks from our hotel and it just turned out that it was the last day of the Leather Pride weekend (and neither of us for the first time had any leather with us), so it was off to Toronto Eagle for a drink and introduce ourselves to the locals.
Dinner was great at an old mansion and they were doing Maine lobster special for the weekend so we had to indulge. Lag eventually caught up and it was off to the hotel bar for a quick night cap and then a good nights sleep.
Day 1 ends.
Friday, August 12, 2011
One sleep
Well packed and ready to roll. These cockys dropped in to say goodbye this afternoon. Bought along another dozen of their friends and proceeded to make an ungodly mess of the bloodwood seeds LOL.
We think we have everything organised so now it's off to Bundy tomorrow at 6.45 and on to the world.
Monday, August 8, 2011
5 Sleeps
Yet another one of our pets coming over to wish us bon voyage, although if the truth be know I would much rather he/she stay right up high in the trees catching mozzies.I almost walked into this one on Sunday when we went exploring the rain forest for more interesting
trees and this very large spider was just (and I mean just) above my head height and frightened the living daylights out of me. The trip was a major success as we found 5 python trees - the first we have seen fully grown. We have 3 just outside the house near the drive but they are only 3 inches tall.
Planning is almost done for Italy. I have booked accommodation in Florence and Hertz car, I am still tossing up over accommodation in Milan and awaiting confirmation of Lake Garda. We thought that we would only harass Hans and Roli for a couple of days before hitting the road for a week. That will give them time to pack and set off on their great trip without worrying about us LOL.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
9 Sleeps
Here's another one for Bruce, very spectacular with three large flower spikes and they should be in full flower the day after we leave LOL. All the orchids are going on holiday to Mad Nursery while we are away and I am sure they will love being in a hothouse for a change - they will be spoilt and not happy about coming home in October.
The Grevilleas are going crazy and along with the orchids, hibiscus etc will flower soon after our departure so if anyone is going past sunrise would you please take a pic for us to see. LOL
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