Dubrovnik

Today we explored the old city, walking through the old streets, churches and museums. There was a lot of information about the Serbian-Croatian war of the 1990’s. Dubrovnik was bombed during the war and isolated for a number of years. They have done a wonderful job of rebuilding the damage. Kate and I had a nice afternoon shopping and sipping cocktails in a local bar. It was a shame that it was rining as a boat trip to a local island would have been interesting.

Senj

We left Italy and made our way to Croatia, it was a about a 5 hours. We passed through Trieste which was a very pretty city and then down the Croatian coast which reminded me very much of Greece. We were aiming for Split but it was getting late and we were tired so we stopped at Senj at a nice Hotel overlooking the water. We had a lovely meal in a Croatian restaurant and went back and shared a bottle of wine. Next morning we set off for Dubrovnik, Split was on the way and we stopped and walked through the old city and had lunch in the park. We arrived in Dubrovnik about 4pm and found a great 2 bedroom apartment close to the centre of Dubrovnik. There was free Internet in Dubrovnik 9we have to guess the logon and it was a bit slow but a relief after being off for a few days! Dinner was at the Taj Mahal (not Indian but Croatian). The old city was highlighted by night lights and it was beautiful, so well preserved and quite unique in the use of limestone and marble.

Feltre

We set off to Feltre today, stopping at Bassano on the way. Bassano is an old medieval city where they make grappa. Its on a river and very attractive. we bought some grappa and then set off to Feltre having a great pizza for lunch. We met Eliana (the cousin who inherited Zia's house) at Zia's. It was very errie being there without Zia Grazia. We went to her grave and said goodbye to her-we were so sad. Eliana's mother Lenny had us for dinner and we spent the night at Zia's choosing some keepsakes. After visiting Pedavena and having a beer we set off for Croatia. Ciao Zia, thanks for many great memories and so much fun. We loved you!

Arzignano

Today we had lunch with Maria and Francesco and went shopping in Castelgomberto. It was lovely to spend some time with them. In the evening we went to Primo’s house for dinner and it was great fun. Primo’s father-in-law was staying with them recovering from a knee replacement. He is 87 and full of good humour. A fantastic (6!) course meal and warm, entertaining company. A great night. I know I said we would cut down on eating but Italian home cooked food is so....good!

Arzignano

Today we had a quite time, catching up after yesterday and had another amazing lunch with Gemma (she is such a good cook, the food is wonderful, the polenta to die for). After lunch we went shopping for gold (presents for Sarah and Kate wanted some gold earrings). What a shock! Gold is not longer popular in Italy and due to the economic down turn (it’s bad in Italy, lots of unemployment) jewelers are not stocking much gold. We did find some nice pieces eventually and I bought a beautiful watch. In the evening we had dinner with the Collareda’s in a mountain restaurant-bellisimo!

Venice

Today we spent the day in Venice-what a city, unlike any I have ever visited. It is not the first visit to Venice for most of us except for Igor. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. Wandering the streets and cannels of Venice is magical. We went to Murano to buy some glass and watch the glass blowing. Lunch was great and then back to the Rialto bridge to buy some Venetian masks. We walked for about 7 hours today but it was great.

Arzignano

Today we went to Gemma’s funeral. It was very sad for the family. After lunch we went to the old town where the Collaredas’ grew up and the old family home. We spent a few hours with Claudio and then went into Arzignano to do some shopping and have a coffee. Another wonderful meal with Gemma and Claudio finished off the day.

Lake Como to Arzignano

We got up early and headed to Lake. We travelled up in the vernacular railway to a small town. A great view of the surrounding countryside and such a nice town. Lake Como is lovely and it was such a warm and beautiful day. We then went back into Switzerland to a factory outlet that Kate had heard about, all the European brand names at discounted prices eg Armani shoes for $600. Everyone seemed to be out and about buying up big! After a couple of hours and a pizza for lunch we set off for Arzignano. We arrived about 9pm and Gemma, Claudio and Nadia were waiting or us. It was lovely to see them again but also sad as there had been a death in the family. Fedela’s wife Gemma had died the day before after a long illness.

Zurich to Lake Como

12 April-Robert and my 34th wedding anniversary. Its amazing how time goes by so quickly. After breakfast we walked through the city centre of Zurich-a real German feel and beautiful. The river and lake is a great backdrop to the old buildings. The trip to Lake Como was spectacular with the scenery of the Alps, lakes, rivers and small villages scattered along the way. We had a picnic lunch of bread, cheese, salami, and fruit. We arrived in Como about 4pm and found a hotel, and then set off and explored the Lake area. A really pretty town with many old buildings and piazzas, we strolled through a market and then had a nice Italian meal and some wine.

Paris to Zurich

Our last day in Paris was quite one, we haven’t stopped in 2 weeks and we needed to catch up on some washing etc. We also had to pick up the car that we will be using to travel from France to Italy, Croatia, Macedonia and then back to France. Picking up the car was a challenge i.e driving on the right side of the road and then navigating back to the Apartment. We made it and then had to find a park (and find the car again in the morning!). Kate and Igor got back late from Champagne and we went to bed ready for an early departure-Zurich was the plan. Having GPS made it much easier to get out of Paris (using a map I think we would still be doing a circuit of Paris). We travelled for 7 hours: 647 klms on motorways so it was quite pleasant. The tolls were expensive but the roads very good. After a drive around the city we found a place to stay and had a lovely dinner.

Paris

Off to the Catacombs today, they are nearby our apartment. The Catacombs were developed as early as the 15 Century and contain a labyrinth of tunnels many metres underground. It was off putting seeing thousands of skulls and bones neatly stacked against the walls, very eerie. Then it was time to visit the Eiffel Tower but as you can see from the photos there were thousands of people lined up to go up into the tower. Some had been waiting 2 hours and thought it would be another hour before they would gain access. So we decided not to wait and made our way to the Musee Robin i.e. the Thinker and Ronin's exhibition was magnificent. The mansion in which he lived was wonderful surrounded by a lovely garden.
We decided to cook tonight because it is so expensive in Paris e.g. the previous night we paid $80 for risotto and a pizza with ½ bottle wine! There is a supermarket nearby and a street with small shops selling fruit, cheese, meat, olives etc. Just like the movies :-). The salad was lovely but the meat like a piece of leather (could have been stewing steak-my French is very rusty). The wine is good and cheap. A quite night watching a DVD, our first quite time since we left Australia.

Paris

Our first day exploring Paris. We have ahd great weather but today is cold and overcast. Kate and Igor are off to Champagne for a couple of nights but they left us their passes on the underground and entry into many of the attractions. So handy. Our first visit was the Sainte Chapelle. It was built in the 13 Century and has the most amazing stained glass. Next was the Conciergerie. It was originally a French Palace but became a prison during the French Revolution. Marie –Antoinette was held here until she was beheaded. The gothic halls were beautiful.
We then wondered down the avenue and found the Seine-so beautiful. The Louvre was next. Wow its so impressive, photos and film do not do it justice. Saw the Mona Lisa-much smaller than I imagined. So much to look at and see in one place. Next was the Arc de Triomphe . another magnificent monument. We walked up the stairs-a few hundred straight up! It was worth it the view was breathtaking. All of Paris was stretched out in front of us with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Paris is everything I thought it would be and more. A great day!

Off to Paris

Our last day in Berlin and lunch with friends and family of Jenny and Karl. Another great German meal in a lovely restaurant. Jenny then took us to the airport via the underground. The underground in Berlin is very efficient and so cost effective. We didn’t miss our plane this time! Jenny and Karl were such great hosts and tirelessly showed us their city. Thank you, it was such a delight to spend time with you and get to know Berlin through your eyes. Berlin is a great city, full of such treasures and so interesting. I loved strolling the streets.

Kate and Igor met us near the apartment. The apartment is everything you would imagine of a Parisian apartment. Quaint building, a winding spiral wooden staircase (3 stories up and no lift!). Its small but very functional, clean and all of the comforts of home. And wireless Internet access. We caught up over a bottle (or 2) of wine and then went out for a nice Moroccan meal. Yes, know what you are thinking, we are doing a lot of eating. We will have to cut down or we will be so fat by the end of the trip! (but the food is lovely).

Berlin

Today we decided to have a rest and do a river cruise. It was delightful. The cruise lasted 3 1/2 hours and included historic and modern buildings in the metropolis of Berlin, green riverbanks (where the Germans dump sand and create a beach!), industrial areas and the elevated railway. It was great to see Berlin from the river, drink hot chocolate and eat some lovely German food for lunch. We also visited the largest department store in Europe and it was amazing. The food court took your breath away with the variety and also the prices of the food ie prawns for $90 per kilo!

Berlin Day 3

Today we went to Potsdam, the old Prussian capital. We walked around the lake to the Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Conference was held in 1945. The Palace was built for the Crown Prince Wilhelm in 1917 in the style of an English country mansion. It was beautiful and the surrounding gardens lovely. The self guided audio tour was informative. We then went into Potsdam to the Dutch quarter were we had a lovely German lunch in a cosy restaurant. Potsdam is an old medieval city with beautiful gates and interesting buildings. We walked to the Sanssouci Palace, built by Frederick the Great in 1745-47. In the evening we went to a concert in the Philharmonie to a Johannes Bach Concert. Beautiful music but the concert was in German (funny that) so Jenny had to translate which made it hard to follow the story. After we had hot chocolate at Potsdamer Platz. This is a new city centre, and the Sony Centre an impressive structure of steel and glass. Another full day in Berlin. Berlin is a great city to visit and even better when you have hosts like Jenny and Karl. It is easy and cheap to travel on public transport-if only Sydney had a public system nearly as good!. The food is great and there is so much to see and do.

Berlin Day 2

Up early and off to the Art Market next to the Museum Island and of course I had to buy some earrings and a necklace. Then we spend a few hours in the Pergamon Museum This holds a reconstruction of the reconstructed Pergamon Alter and other archeological findings from the Near east. it was really impressive and the walls from Babylon were worth seeing. It was then off to the Berliner ensemble Kantine for lunch where you cn eat with the actors from the theatre. we finished off the day in Hackeshe Hofe Market. In the evening we went to the Cafe Gralow, a small cafe for dinner and listen to the Russian singer Anara Churikova. A lovely evening.

Berlin

We arrived in Berlin after missing our plane. So a long day waiting at Standsted! Jenny and Karl met us at Schoenefeld and we travelled to Berlin on the underground. The next day we got up and made our way into the centre of Berlin, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Hackesche Hofe, and the Jewish Museum. We had a lovely lunch of potato soup and the best hot chocolate! We returned to Reichstag and had a tour of the parliamentary chamber and then climb the cupola. It is magnificent!

London

The Tower of London was on the agenda today. There were loads of school children: French, German and English but it wasn't too crowded. We have been before in 1992 but as it was late in the day we didn't get to have a good look at all of the exhibits. Today we spent 4 hours and it was really interesting. The Crown Jewels are amazing and Henry VIII armour impressive. The guided tour was interesting and humorous. More wars but if you like English history then its really worth the visit. The Thames is nearby and the scenery enchanting. Back to Eileen's for several gin and tonics and then we went to the local Greek restaurant for dinner. Off to Berlin in the morning.

Day Four

Met a couple on the underground from Perth who are off to Dublin to visit their daughter who married an Irishman and about to have a baby . Got the underground to Eileen’s house (she is in Spain at a wedding but left the keys with her neighbour). We went to bed for a few hours (getting old!) then decided to walk to the local town and have a look around. So like home but different architecture! Had a beer and gin and tonic at the local. Off to London early in the morning.

Day Three

Our last day in Singapore. Set off to the National Museum and Fort Canning. The National Museum was really interesting with an audio tour (the tour guide went missing) of the history of Singapore. It’s amazing how well Singaporean people have done to build this most amazing country. Against all odds following WW2 they have developed a prosperous country that is clean, well organized but full of colour and 4 different ethic groups living in harmony.

Hot today and very sticky, We walked up the hill to Fort Canning and the Battle Box. This is the underground bunker where Percival made the decision to surrender to the Japanese. Interesting but bit sick of war stories. We then walked down Orchard Road. Not somewhere to go with Robert or when travelling light. An amazing array of things to buy, not cheap but very up market. So we decided to go back to the hotel and have a swim and shower. It was so nice (thanks Gayle for saying to swimmers only take up a small space!) and refreshing. We meet another couple on their way back to England, after visiting Australia and New Zealand, catching the same flight! Off to the airport and hoping to update the blog etc. The MRT is great and so easy but couldn’t get onto the free wireless-not sure why but bloody annoying!!!! The flight was with very good we slept for a few hours and the movies were great, catching up after not getting to the movies for the past year

Day Two

We went to Sentosa Island and it was fabulous. MRT to Harbourside and then a bus to the Island. We hopped on a tram and checked out the lay of the land. There are some great beaches and resorts on the island. We choose to visit Fort Siloso, the Tiger Tower, Images of Singapore and the Cable ride back to Harbourside.
Fort Siloso was really interesting and well worth the hour and a half we spent walking through the different areas. The Images of Singapore was great and gave a historical and interesting perspective of Singaporean culture. The mixture of European, Malay, Chinese and Indian has create a wonderfully rich culture based on tolerance,, harmony with great emphasis on family. The Tiger Tower ride was cancelled due to a pending storm, but it didn’t cancel the cable ride back to Harbourside! It was very daunting with a slight wind and a bit of lightening but a great view of the harbour.
Back on the MRT and a visit to Chinatown. The rain started so we found shelter and had a quite beer. A bit of shopping then off to Little India for a great meal. We finished off the day with a swim and a couple of duty free scotches! A big day but great fun. Lots of people travelling from many different countries. I finally feel like I am on holidays! It’s a great to be foot loose and fancy free for 9 weeks. A different perspective on life and what is important. It’s a big world!

Day One Singapore

Our first day! Good trip and now off to explore Singapore. We explored Little India, just down the road from our hotel. Lots f shopping and restaurants. Next the Botanic Gardens. This is really worth a visit. The gardens are beautiful and the orchids spectacular. Back to Little India and a lovely lunch. We were hot and sticky so cooled off in the pool before heading off to Arab Road on the MRT. The underground is truly magnificent in Singapore –only $34 for a 3 day pass and so efficient, clean and fast. Arab Road was full of life (saw some men smoking a pipe in a restaurant, we were told they were flowers but I not sure that was true!). Dinner was disappointing, we got ripped off but Arab Road is certainly lively and interesting.