Munich and Bavaria

The transition from Athens Greece to Munich Germany, was not as odd as I had anticipated.
The trickiest part was realising we were extremely tired and we still had to navigate the S-Bahn from the Airport in Munich with 3 children that just wanted sleep. It was a struggle, but the hotel was close by and check in was quick.

On arrival at our room we were very pleased to see we had a huge suite with lounge and dining area and everyone had a real bed. Oh and there was air conditioning. This might sound normal, but after a week on a yacht with no AC, low ceilings, small beds and close living conditions…..this was pure luxury!!! That doesn’t mean we didn’t love our week at sea, but we do like creature comforts too.

In the usual “Jo style” we had to be up early to catch the train to Neuchwanstein Castle in Bavaria, which would take 2 hours. Unfortunately I didn’t put on my Capt Von Trapp hat and we were rather tardy and therefore missed our train by about 5 minutes. Of course it was everyone else’s fault, not mine. Luckily the train runs hourly, so we just waited it out and then got the best viewing seats on the next train. Of course the views are amazing but the kids really weren’t that excited. Even so, I loved watching the beautiful countryside roll by and then the mountains appear before us with all their grandeur. It was the hottest day on record for Munich (37c) for 50 years, so we had hoped the mountains would give us some respite. I think it was maybe 2-3c cooler. We soldiered on. Did the castle tour, had a cold beer and then walked to the Alpsee Lake for a dip with everyone else. Truly stunning location and the water was very cool but very refreshing. Before you knew it, it was time to catch the train home. We were stuffed, due to the hot weather and all the walking up the mountainside. My joints were sore for days after that. That evening we found a lovely traditional Biergarten called Augustiener Keller- Biergarten and left it to the waiter to order. The beer was very good and the food was schnitzel.

The following day was my Jo shopping day and Dan and the boys went to the Deutsche Museum. Both parties had a successful day. It was just lovely strolling around the beautiful streets stopping when I chose to, without the "Come on Mum" When we made it home it was time for a sleep in the afternoon. Yes please!

On Tuesday we went to Salzburg Austria, which only took 1.5 hours. I had bought the train tickets the day before so we knew exactly which platform to go to. Munich Hautbahnhof is huge, so it is very easy to get confused, especially if you can’t read German. Much to their credit, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. The train station manages to coordinate UBahn, SBahn, Regional Trains, Intercity trains and trams under one huge roof. With trains going all over Europe, it is quite amazing looking at all the boards, thinking “Berlin today, Prague tomorrow”! Anyway once we arrived in Salzburg we quickly realised it was cooler, so we took the Hop On Hop Off Bus outside the train station. Corny I know, but seeing the clouds grew and then it rained, we knew it was smart decision. Luckily it cleared by lunch time. We had a fabulous meal in the Town Square in a restaurant dating back to 1121. Just beautiful inside and a real “Pinch me moment”. On our return train trip to Munich we were lucky enough to get a double decker train with panoramic windows. I managed to stare at those mountains for most of the journey back.

Finally today, once we packed our bags and put them in storage at the hotel, we took the tram to Nymphenburg Palace, once home to the many Kings of Bavaria. The size and scale of the Palace is similar to that of Versaille in France, but unfortunately the gardens are not as beautiful. All the same the rooms inside were quite beautiful and we really enjoyed the coach and sleigh pavilion. The sun was shining so we sat and enjoyed our last lunch in the Garden Restaurant of the Palace. Soon we were off back to the hotel, collected our bags and headed for the airport for our long journey home to Adelaide. I write this flying from Munich to Helsinski, before turning around to fly to Singapore. I haven’t calculated how many travelling hours, we have ahead of us. It just might be too depressing!

Au Revoir Europe. It was fun getting to know you again!

Sporades Islands, Greece

Wow, what am amazing week. We were extremely lucky with the weather which stayed around the 30c everyday. We did have one weird storm, but that just refreshed the boat.
After a flight from Rome to Athens we were collected with the other guest, which there were 6 and then driven 2 hours north to Ag. Konstantinos to meet our home for the next week. Yacht Anatolie, its Capt. Themis and 1st Hand Hannah.
It was a balmy evening and we were ready to relax.
Aperitifs and a delicious welcome supper awaited us.
We stayed in Port for the night as it was now 7pm and later had dinner together at a local Greek Restaurant. So much amazing food, but the basics were fresh Calamari, BBQ Octopus, Greek Salads, Bread, Tsatsiki, Eggplant Mousakka and a few cold beers.The food was always good.
The next day after a hot and restless sleep we set sail for the Islands of the Sporades. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnosius and a few beautful spots I can't.
There wasn't much wind so we only got a couple of opportunities to get the sails up, but it didn't bother me as I am a bit of a chicken. Our days were spend swimming, reading, eating, playing cardsor chess with the Capt. (Jackson often won) and chatting to our fellow guests. We shared the boat with a family of three from Cincinatti, who had a 10 year old boy, a charming couple from Monaco, France and a gentleman from Belgium. Chris and I revelled in the opportunity to practise more of our French as they barely spoke a word of English.
We quickly learnt that our 1st Hand, Hannah, was an amazing cook and we were spoilt with the most delicious breakfasts and lunches in beautiful bays, each day.
The hardest part was sleeping, as sometimes there wasn't a breathe of wind and the cabins were hot down below. The only solution was to sleep up on deck, which I and the boys did on three nights. It's tough sleeping under the stars and a full moon, as the boat gently bobbed about.

A fabulous week, with lovely companions and new friends made. The boys also had a ball with all the swimming and jumping off the boat. An experience hopefully, never to be forgotten.

It was also really lovely to get feedback from the French couple about how much they liked the boys and that we would be welcome in their home when ever we wished to cross the miles again. you never know!!

Rome July 13

We arrived in Rome after a very peaceful week in Tuscany, so we new our quiet existence was soon to change. The train trip from Orvieto to Rome only took one hour, but it was very hot and we went straight to the shower on arrival at I Tre Moschettieri.

Our accommodation just off Via Del Corso was a pleasant surprise. Beautifully furnished and lovely and quiet, away from the hectic streets below.

After a good rest we headed out to explore close by.
The Trevi Fountain was heaving with tourists at 5pm.
A short stop and a few photos were enough for us. Food was on the agenda. We walked across to The Pantheon. A Wow moment for all and beautiful inside. Jackson and Christopher were so excited that they could relive their computer game Assassins Creed. It was like they had already been there. Also Jackson amazed us with all his knowledge from reading books that involve Roman history, myths and legends.

I dragged the family through the beautiful Piazza Navona and we admired the fountains, then we continued on to Campo Di Fioro. Ah yes! This will do for dinner. We had a lovely meal. The boys are pretty good at finding their way around an Italian menu by this time and we ate well.
I was determined to see different aspects of Rome this time, so we headed across the River Tiber as the sun was getting low. What a treat! A magic time of day, with the sun setting over the river and people enjoying a balmy evening out parading. After this all were rather tired so we headed home. A great start to Rome.

Early on Thursday we had a prearranged tour with RealRome Tours. A behind the scenes of Ancient Rome and the Coliseum. Our guide Ferdanando was an archeologist and truly amazing. The boys and Dan and I alike really loved the tour. Lunch at Piazza Venezia was good so we were refueled to visit the Capitolini Museum, which had a fabulous exhibition on the Fall of Syracuse and Scientific Inventor Artemides. Wow again. The building alone is stunningly beautiful inside. Home and a big rest! We went to a locals restaurant which was upstairs but the waiter struggled, we struggled with the language and we quickly ate what came and had an early night.

Friday morning sleep in and then a little shopping before heading over to Castel Sant d'Angelo and the Vatican Area for lunch. Amazingly the clouds opened and a cracking thunder and lightening show was put on for us. Luckily our afternoon tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica are all inside. Our Guide Nicolo, also from RealRome Tours, was knowledgeable in every aspect of the Vatican and quite funny. Dan and the boys decided that they wanted to climb to the top of the Duomo. Lifts took them half the way. Meanwhile I collected our bag and did a little shopping. Once we re met Gelato and Expresso were on the agenda. I dragged them up away from the tourist trail to Via Cola di Rienzo. A lovely area and found a very traditional caffe. All were happy. From there it was a long walk towards the Piazza Del Popilo and then down the Via del Corso for dinner and home.

Next challenge was packing and early departure the following morning to Greece.

Rome was a hit, more then I anticipated. We never felt scared of pickpockets and felt the city was far cleaner then Paris. We only took one bus trip to the Vatican and walked everywhere else, which was easy. The trick to our success was definitely the guided tours, with a reputable company. It gave us structure, and prevented the "The Oh my God, look at that queue!" moments.

Tuscany, Italy - Castellina in Chianti

Five days in Tuscany have been wonderful. A complete contrast to Venice. The people are different and the food and countryside amazing.

 We have found the people so friendly and relaxed, with time to share their love of their region Toscano. We have enjoyed the best Gelato and Pizza you could hope for. It was so cheap, we had to have it every day!
The Vino Rosso, Chianti Classico wasn't too bad either.

 The views from our Villa at Algergo Il Colombaio were beautiful and Roberta our host, a most gracious new friend. Her two naughty cats, caused us some grief with their antics, but it was all part of the charm of Castellina in Chianti.



Time for relaxing by the Pool each afternoon, after a day of exploring has kept us all sane. The weather has been pretty hot ranging from 30c to 34c today. I think we might have also entertained the other guests with the O'Leary freestyle races and card playing competitions.
We managed to visit Siena and its glorious Il Campo. Monteriggioni, a small but beautiful walled city with a big history from the 12th century. Radda and its rather scary and winding road, but you are rewared with the most spectacular views.
San Gigmanano, with history from northern Africa from the 13th Century.
Tomorrow we are off to Rome, but we will most defintely miss our piece of paradise in Tuscany.

Venice days 1-3

Rooftop view from our hotel

We arrived into Venice by private water taxi. It was the only way to arrive into Venice island properly.




We have definitely ticked off the must do's of Venice.
Eat and drink good coffee, pizza and gelato.
Get lost (more then once) in all the laneways and canals and not care!
Sleep in the afternoon, when all the crazy tourists are out in the heat.
Aside from this we have enjoyed a visit to the Peggy Guggenhem Museum. Walked through the rooms of The Doges Palace. Had a gondola ride. Dined out at 11pm in a peaceful Piazza with a glass of Vino Bianchi in hand, whilst also enjoying playing card with the boys. Stumbled across amazingly beautiful churches and little exhibitions.

About to go on our Gondola Ride

Sculpture at Peggy Guggenheim

View from the Rialto Bridge

My feet are sore but my heart, mind and soul are full!

Paris Day 4-5

Today is Sunday so we did as the Parisiens do and that is walk the local streets. For us we went to Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter via The Pantheon. A stunning Church, built just to make the French look impressive and dedicated to Saint Genevieve. It was so peaceful inside and quite beautiful.

Strolling from there we made it to the Ancient Roman road which is Rue Mouffetard. Lined with building from 1670-1690. Wall to wall small restaurants, boulangeries, charcuterie and the occasional boutique. The smells and sights were wonderful.

We were not disappointed at the bottom of the hilly road where there was a square and we watched the locals singing and dancing to truly French songs such as Edith Piaf etc. fabulous moment.
 A stop for ice cream then we were off to The Luxembourg Gardens. A Sunday family tradition to relax in the sun and Enjoy family time with a picnic. It was a warm 29c.I managed to order lunch for the whole family in French. I think they really appreciate it.

We watched men play very intense Chess and cards and Families playing Petanque. Very special to see normal life abounding.

From there a walk past St Sulpice and its beautiful fountain. Matthew quickly took off his shoes and jumped in to cool down. Oh to be 7 years old!

We strolled home via Rue de Buci for and cool drink. arest at home and then back out for our traditional late night dinner. Chris had his Escargot which he enjoyed although it was a little tricky to eat.

Today is our last full day and we are off to do a guided behind the scenes tour of Tour Eiffel. We took the bus which was nice arriving with plenty of spare time to marvel at Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece. Breathtaking.





Our guide Chloe a local lady gave a facinating tour of how it came to be. unfortunately we had one American lady who took a while to warm to the "information first, ascend second tour".
It was wonderful to not stand in a huge queue and be whisked straight up. We had a beautiful clear day, so the views were spectacular.

 

Truly a wonderful day. We left very happy. Home to rest then our final dinner in Saint Germaine du Pre.

Thank you so much to our wonderful host Alain in our lovely apartment on Rue due Savoie

Paris Days 1-3

 

Thankfully the weather has improved and the summer clothes are on. Arrival into Paris by Eurostar was Uneventful, but we quickly realized that we had been spoilt in London, with a spotlessly clean Tube and streets. Possibly brought about by having the Olympics last year. The Paris Metro was filthy and much harder to navigate and packed with people. All the same we found our way to Rue de Savoie in the 6th and were quickly meet by Alain our Landlord. A lovely and helpful Frenchman.

After a quick unpack we went exploring.

Saint Germaine du Pre is a beautiful part of Paris with many hole in the wall restaurants, famous cafes, shops and boutiques.

Before you knew it we were off to our first Museum 'The Musee du Orsay'. With some planning it is possible in Summer to avoid queues and additional costs. This Museum was open till 945pm on Thursday nights and discounted entry after 6pm. Bonus! Fabulous Museum and building. Home to bed!

Friday was to be a fun and relaxing day. A four hour bike ride through central Paris (outstanding Bikeabouttours.com), lazy lunch in the Le Marais. Exhaustion kicked in so home for a nap, then out at 7pm to the Louvre. Also open till 945pm but on fridays. Once again no queue and room to see even the "Mona Lisa". Then we went to a little restaurant on Rue du Buci. Boys were eating dinner between 10-12midnight. Great Day.

Today we struggled a bit with public transport trying to get from Bastille to Montmarte, so way too much walking and looking at maps, but we were rewarded when after a quick stop at Sacre Coer we wandered the hilly back streets and went to Lamark Cailaincourt. There was a fab antiques market and great relaxed French cafes with very few tourists. We found the bus and home for a nap. Early dinner then a wander through our lovely local streets.

Last Day in London day 6

Today is Harry Potter Film Studio Day out at Leavensden nr Watford.
Superb, Magic, Spellbinding can only describe how amazing it is to see all the work that went into making these movies. A Hit for All.

Hagrid's animatronic head

Dobbie immortilised

From here it was Harrods for a quick look and see (they had a sale on)! and our last Pub meal in South Kensington, in readiness for travel to Paris early tomorrow. A fabulous stage one to our European jaunt.