Spontaneous meetings

The rain clouds had moved on from the previous day and the sun had come out to show off the beautiful island. I met a fellow expat Mike, who was also filling in time near the airport town waiting for his wife. Kindly he let me take advantage of his lonely planet guide. 
Whilst the weather was so fine I thought I should explore the town of Mahebourg. First on the list, Rault Biscuit Factory. About 1km out from town I wandered the neighbourhood streets, following the occasional factory sign which guided the way. There I was taken on a tour of the factory, being the only tourist in sight. Unfortunately the 99 year owner had died a day before so the atmosphere was a little somber. It was amazing to see how over 140 years they had stuck with the traditional methods. Their biscuits are hand made and distributed amongst the island, particularly to hotels. Between 12,000 - 15,000 are made daily, with only 15 staff members. The only international export is to the east coast of Australia. After the grand tour I enjoyed a cup of tea and a chance to taste test the 9 different flavours - cinnamon was on the top of my list :D 
Back into town to see the waterfront minus the rain, very beautiful. From there down a side street where I conveniently came to the local supermarket and Internet cafe. It was like stepping back into the 1990's using their facilities. At least it could get me onto facebook, lol! One hour later, due to the lag in downloading webpages I started walking. I did a Forrest Gump and just kept walking. Must of been due to the year of not being able to walk endlessly in Dubai which led me on the road to Blue Bay. One of the moat beautiful beaches in Mauritius. About 3 kms into the trip i stopped at a shady tree looking over a picturesque bay. There I met local tour guide Kinsley. Kindly he invited me on an evening disco on the yacht come Friday and an evening tour via motorcycle (watch this space to see what happens) There I continued on for what I expected was 4 more kms until I would hit Blue Bay. Murphy's law the No. 46 bus comes along and I jump onboard and we arrive in less than a minute.  A very pretty public beach, riddled with locals. Here I met Captain Lobster...And no monsieur I do not want to buy a necklace.  :) On the way to buy some food I meet Ali, another tour guide/taxi driver. He convinced me to go on a tour tomorrow, for free! I know there is a catch but I get to see a volcano. (another space to watch) For lunch I enjoyed 2 Roti's and a coconut whilst chatting to Ali. Later followed my  bus trip back to Mahebourg. I enjoyed the whole bus trip this time. :) Back to guesthouse where I discovered the free wifi, woohoo! Shortly after this wonderful connection to the technical world, Reshma the owner needed help food shopping and she wanted to hear about my day, so she said, 'I'd love to hear about your day but I'm in a hurry come food shopping and tell me in the car.' Sold! So off we went, a little out of town to do food shopping Mauritius style - almost identical to Aussie style. Just many more people confines to a small space. Lucky for Zoom-Zoom they were stocked on potatoes and carrots. From there my evening involved Kinsley picking me up on his scooter for a drive around an empty Mahebourg. Practically no one on the street come 8pm. I enjoyed some delicious Ginger fish and coconut ice-cream!

Welcome to Mauritius

I was welcomed to the island of Mauritius from the skies with huge grey and silver rain clouds leaving enough gaps to see the lush green foliage below. My hosts at Le Bamboo Guesthouse kindly picked me up from the airport. Ever so friendly and welcoming. When I arrived at the guest house even the pet rabbit, Zoom - Zoom made an appearance. The 3am flight had taken it out of me, even though half the time inflight was spent unconscious - A quick nanna nap was in order. Come 1:30pm I was ready to explore Mahebourg even with the risk of getting caught in a rain shower, umbrellaless. Oh and down the rain drops hit, conveniently whilst I was under a mass of boa trees overlooking the waterfront. Half an hour later it was safe to finally walk along the waterfront without being rain swept into the harbour. There I met David a local fisherman, tour guide and artist. After seeing his necklaces made from 'nature'. Nature meaning sea urchins, coral and shells, I made a purchase of his necklaces, thinking this could be my shopping for the holiday done... Obviously kidding myself. :D 
It was getting close to 3pm and my tastebuds told me it was time to try some local cuisine. David kindly took me to a local establishment called Salut Les Copains. Here I indulged in my first seafood dish... Octopus! Yummo :) Bargain dinner package - $4 
Back to the guesthouse for what I planned was a quick nap... But ended up being 14 hours later!

27 days later...

Up early for a quick departure to Amsterdam. The aim was to arrive by midday. Mission accomplished! First stop Coster Diamonds to see how they cut diamonds. Unfortunately the ones I wanted were kind of out of my price range, typical. It was amazing to see diamond valued at €126 000. Thankfully they had us in a locked room surrounded by security cameras. The weather was turning less then pleasant and I managed to lose my recently purchased umbrella, so at Coster's I walked away with a new umbrella, and no it didn't have a diamond encrusted handle. ;)

Next on the agenda was a canal cruise. It was great to see Amsterdam from this level. From there we had free time to explore what Amsterdam had to offer, coffee shops, many bikes and the disturbing red light district. On route we managed to delight in the most delicious Belgian chips. 
After spending the afternoon exploring we had our farewell dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant. I decided to try a typical winter meal - Hotchpotch. Potato, carrot, cabbage and sausages. Pretty tasty!

The following day we crossed 4 countries to return to our starting off point, London and used 3 different modes of transport. We couldn't believe how quickly 27 days had flown by. It was sad to farewell my 46 fellow Cosmosians, but thank goodness for Facebook :) That evening I made an immediate departure to Porchester to see Uncle Mart and Aunty Linda.

The shortest visit in Germany

Next destination - a quick visit through Germany. Switzerland had whipped out everyones bank accounts. We headed up through Basel and didn't stop until we got into the Black Forest region of South West Germany. Do you know what I was searching for? Yes, black forest cake :D 

We enjoyed views of the German countryside, particularly the Rhine River. After an hour long traffic jam which lead to a severe case of bus karaoke with DJ Patty and soloist performance by Alisha the Diva we finally made it to our hotel, for dinner. Nadine and I attempted to go exploring but we were near the airport in Cologne. All we managed to find was the sort term parking for the airport.

@ 3000m above sea level

This morning we were off on a lake cruise of lake Lucerne or as the Swiss 'Arnold Swazznagger' Captain told us, the lake of the four forest states. The clouds gave the lake a silvery tinge allowing us to admire the breathe taking views. I think the average number of photos everyone took was around 50 :)

From the lake we headed straight to Engelberg to go to the top of Mount Titlis. The country side on the way there was picturesque.

My eyes couldn't get enough of the different hues of green. Three cable cars later (3000m above sea level) our group made it to the top. We were greeted by icicles and crisp, white snow. In our panic a lot of us had layered up to cater for 0 degrees, but we were welcomed by fresh mountain air with hardly a breeze blowing, which meant perfect snowball fighting weather conditions!!!! Or lets try and eat some snow.  After only a few short hours and many photos later we were back to ground zero, ready to explore Lucerne. Unfortunately the rain clouds had rolled in, but that didn't stop us girls from hitting the tourist  shops or seeing the old surrounding wall of Lucerne and the local church.

Woooooooooohooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

Swiss folklore anyone?

In the morning we stopped at a beautiful Basilica in Innsbruck. Some quick snaps, then off across Austria to knock another country off my belt.



Whilst driving to Switzerland we passed the glacier where the 'Iceman' or Fritz was found. A mummified man from over 5000 years ago. I remember watching a doco on him in highschool. Now I've been pass the glacier and the Innsbruck University where he stayed for many months whilst they examined him. (I like) We had a lunch stop in Liechtenstein. Not a place for those who are hoping to stick to a budget. To stay with tradition I bought a magnet.  (The most unimpressive so far at an exorbitant price)

In front of the miniature castle

On arrival in Switzerland the clouds parted and the blue sky provided a beautiful backdrop for the mountains. The sight was very hard to put into words. Coming from Perth were a hill is classed as a mountain I was overcome by natures beauty surrounding me. That evening we arrived in gorgeous Lucerne. Unfortunately the rain clouds had returned but no one let it affect their 'mood'.  



We visited the famous statue of the Lion. Engraved out of the stones many years ago in tribute to the Swiss soldier who lost their lives at war. If you look closely the outside of the cave is carved into the shape of another animal. The artist did this at the end, after he found out all his work was to go unpaid. Not a happy chappy!

Can you see it?

 

The city of  Lucerne

It was here I made an investment in a new umbrella since my $2 one had taken a battering in Austria. That evening we delighted in some Swiss folklore. My stomach was telling me it was time for cheese fondue! No surprises there :) I discovered a lot about Swiss folklore that night, bottle playing, broom bashing and trumpet like didgeridoos (my terminology, I don't recall the correct terms) At one stage a cow came among the tables and decided to snuggle me nearly unconscious, fortunately it wasn't  real and unfortunately no one got a photo. 

Cross country

The weather was still pretty gloomy and the drop in temperature had dampened many peoples attitude on the bus, but I like it how Janos our 'tour director ' put it on arrival at our first stop. "Enjoy Salzburg, don't let the weather affect your mood." (it sounded better in a Hungarian accent) Enjoy it we did! The palace gardens were beautiful, littered with the most vibrant colours and the sun even crept out from the grey clouds to brighten our day. We walked up to Mozart's house and took some photos. On the top of the agenda was some mouthwatering apple strudel which I had been hunting for since my arrival in Austria. As recommended we ordered some outside Mozart's square... Tasty but I'm sure there may be one somewhere in the Alpine region that will tantalize the tastebuds even more!!

To Innsbruck we go! We stopped at the town centre and there we when to the Swarovski store - uh huh. Not a good idea Mr Tour Director. The original (massive) store was under renovations so we did the best we could with what we were given. I think most of us ladies walked out with a Swarovski bag. The free gift they offered tipped me over. I bought a gorgeous gold plated, crystal filled circular balled ring. The free gift was a bag tag with a little Swarovski crystal - that'll do. :P

City centre of Innsbruck

I had suffered a mild case of cabin fever and needed to go for a walk. Our hotel was right along the Inns river so I convinced Nadine on an evening stroll. A 30 min walked turned into an hour and a half. We kind of got lost when we crossed over the bridge, anticipating to cross the bridge closer to our hotel! Uh oh Nadine, that's a bridge for trains!! And the footpath we were walking along no longer stayed along the river. After a few left, right, right turns, an encounter with an Austrian band and people of the night we found a bridge that placed us a mere 100 metres from the hotel. I certainly slept well that night.

The Inn River by night

Loving the new country!!

Off to another country today, Hello Austria!!! First stop was at Velden to enjoy the beautiful sights of Lake Worth. After feeling slothful, lazing on buses, boats and ferries I powered off for a much need walk around Lake Worth. I only scratched the surface on my 40 min trek. Nadine and I enjoyed raiding the supermarket for delicious ripe tomatoes, Austrian cheese and fresh bread rolls!!

Off to Vienna to make it in, in time to enjoy our night of 'culture'.
We dolled up in our dresses and braved the cooler temps to enjoy a musical journey at the Kursalon Waltz Show. The first thing we noticed were the 3 magnificent chandeliers. Once the musicians began playing the chandeliers lit up and the acoustics in the hall were perfect. We enjoyed well known pieces by Mozart and Strauss. They even put fireworks on at the end of the show - very generous!

Floating through Venice

We made our return to Venice to enjoy a day exploring the 112 islands that make up Venice. First stop a Murano glass store where we saw 'The Maestro' make a glass horse in lesson than 1 and a half minutes - impressive. Obviously I had to make a purchase, unfortunately my choice of a glass aquarium was out the picture but my white glass bracelet fitted the budget. 

Entry in Venice. San Marco's Piazza

Next was the traditional tourist attraction - gondola rides. Stef, Analyn, Jacky, Dee and I jumped on board... The cameras started clicking immediately. If you look at our gondola driver you'll notice he is on his mobile phone. Classic! Once we got into the tiny canals it felt like what you see in the movies. We were treated with a singer and accordion player who swooned us all, even bystanders over the bridge. The rest of the day was spent exploring the multiply bridges and pathways that make up Venice. 

Typically we stopped for a kodak moment at the Rialto bridge and Piazza San Marco. A very unique place which doesn't encourage high tide!

The view from the Rialto Bridge

This sums up Venice

To the floating city

After a small breakfast banquet everyone was out the door to continue exploring the beautiful town of San Marino. I caught the cable car down with Nadine to the part of town the locals hangout. It was time to stock up
on delicious nectarines I had been admiring for days.  By 10am we were off to the northeast of Italy to
Venice. On the way we stopped at a place called Ossi, where there was a beautiful cathedral, oh and we tried Pandine. Traditional flat bread sandwiches. It had to be the saltest ham I'd had in my life, but that didn't stop me eating it, seeing it cost me a small fortune! Our hotel on the outskirts of Venice was delightfully comfy. In the evening we headed I to Venice to see it by night (or illumination). The restaurant we enjoyed served exquisite seafood dishes. The toilets are worth a mentioned, they looked right onto a canal. Whilst doing your business you could watch a gondola go by or see tourists taking photos from a bridge ( hopefully not of me on the throne) 

I love San Marino!!

Upon arrival in Ancona we were shocked to see big grey rain clouds. However it was a nice adjustment from the 40 degree temps in Greece. Antonio rejoined as our driver (big smiles all round) and off we went to a little nation of its own - Republic of San Marino. The old town is perched 1000 metres above sea level on a huge cliff. The views and at dusk we truly beautiful.

The group enjoyed a traditional Italian dinner overlooking the countryside. The majority of the group decided to go exploring in the evening. Nadine and I managed to get locked up out the front of parliament, ready for the guillotine. Whilst strolling through the laneways we came across many gorgeous views of San Marino in illumination ;) 

A local shop keeper by choice, Mike from Detroit, treated us to some fine Italian liqueurs. He even generously gave us a bottle of almond liqueur - Amaretto. Amazing what a smile can get you :D 

Ancient Greece lesson

Traditionally up at the crack of dawn. The mercury was rising and when we stopped at the Olympic stadium we were heating up. Off to parliament to see the changing of the guards. Very unique. Across the street in the quadrangle you could see all political signs and tents of the protestors. Last stop the acropolis to see the Pantheon. Geez was it hot, hitting 38 degrees and every step up we were vetting closer to the sun. Phenomenal views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis. They anticipate to finish the reconstruction of the Pantheon in 5 years... Does that mean I need to go back one day??? If so Santorini will definitely be on the cards. 
From Athens we made our way back to Patras. On the way through we had am comfort stop at Corinth where we saw the canal. It is 25km long, they even have a bungee jumping station (not today)
The ferry back to Greece was a complete contrast of the way there. Hardly a soul onboard. I thankfully got some time to catch up on my Zzzzzz. 

Island hopping

Today we off to sailing around the Greek Islands. We were to visit 3 out of the 2000. Hydra, Poros and Aegina. My aim was to swim at each island. Slowly and I mean slowly we made our way to the first island. Three hours later we arrived, not to be disappointed. A quant town with donkeys walking up and down the cobble streets. Nadine, Robert and I ventured further along the beaten track and found an idyllic Greek beach down the cliff fAce. The colour and temperature of the water was everything I expected. At the next island we only had a quick stop, so in our eAgerness to complete our mission we caught a taxi to a nearby beach, with SAND!!!! The las island we had the longest stay over and it was the most disappointing but the beach wE calling us and we managed to find the only part with sea urchins. Three Additions to our entourage managed to injure themselves.c An entertaining sight watching them hobble And cry out in pain amongst the rocks. Homeward bound after 10 hours onboard. That night I tucked into two Greek traditions, moussaka and baklava. Worth the wait!

An Olympian for a morning

In the morning we bared the warmer temperature and ventures to the archaeological sites of Olympian. To think we were walking through thousands of year old ruins which were once graced by the most elitist athletes of Grecian time. Wow! Our next stop was the capital city, to my surprise it was very quiet, probably to do with it being a Sunday, along with the political protests. We were in to the first Greek restaurant for a gyros...mmm! We spent the evening wandering around Plaka. There I saw the most disturbing beggar, unfortunately he had been in a fire. Majority of his face was burnt, along with his upper torso. He no longer had his arms, very hard to see. :( 

Across the seas

Off to Ancona to catch the ferry to Greece. I'd never quite been on a ferry where people littered the corridors. Along with their pets... So many dogs. Enthusiastically we wanted to party the night away for everyones birthdays on tour, but the disco didn't quite come up to standards, especially with 10 years olds burning up the dance floor. To the cabins we went for any early night. On arrival at Patras we made a quick get away to Olympia. We enjoyed dinner and hit the shops. Our tour groups must have increased sales for the month of August. I bought and cute white summer dress and Greek ring. The only thing missing wS a marriage proposal which nearly came from the local Olympian. Pity he was 40 years my senior. Lol! 

When in Rome

In Rome we heading in for some eagerly anticipated sight seeing. The majority headed to the Vatican. Since I return in August I decided to roam around the neighbouring area - St Peters square. The queue into the basilica was tiny so I made my way in - one word to sum it up -WOW!! Time stood still as I wandered through this majestic building. 
When the group reunited we headed to the Colosseum. Out the front we got a group photo, we all pretty much purchased. From there we headed into the colosseum. The advantages of a tour group meant we got to skip on of the longest queues I've ever seen. Inside my mind flashed backed to the movie Gladiator. To think what they did inside and how thousands of people would spec take over the blood shed on a regular basis! From there we braved the heat and headed to the Forum. We saw where Caesar was buried, nothing impressive. The guide was very informative. I'll spare you the details -google :P 
That evening we caught the metro into town - in Jacky and Dee shock (you did great girls). Around the corner from the Trevi Fountain Nadine, Pat and I tucked into Bruscetta, Pizza and officially the best gelato in the world!!!!! We attempted to get to the Pantheon but my mapping skills were being intermittently sent off track due to the delicious food digesting through my system. We eventually made it there after many lefts, rights and more lefts. I can't wait to return to explore more knooks and crannies of Rome!!

The capital city is in my sights

The city of Rome was to be our final destination today. On route we stopped at Pompeii. A Quite fitting visit since my birthday is the same date of when Mt Vesuvius erupted. Amazing to see how advanced they lived over 2000 years ago. Unfortunately it was so hot I could only concentrate on one thing at a time. Either listening to the guide of taking photos. It wasn't until later that evening we discovered we had been roaming the ancient city in 40 degree weather. No wonder my multitasking skills weren't up to scratch. 
Rehydrated and in the comforts of the air-conditioned bus we continued our journey to Rome. On arrival we were quickly sent off to our evening tour of Rome. First stop, food! What an entertaining evening we had being pampered over for by Italians waiters. Little did we know that all the lovely ladies on the tour would be given a beautiful rose. Some of the deliverances were more theatrical than others. 
Janos then gathered up the group and took us to the Trevi fountain to make our wish! 1 coin for a wish and 2 coins to make sure you return to Rome one day. A sight to be seen! So many people squished around the fountain enjoying the ambience and beauty of the artwork. Moving along to the Spanish steps. Many tourists littered the steps enjoying the balmy Roman evening. I look forward to my return in only a short few weeks.

Super Sorrento!!

Today was my day to enjoy some free time away from the group. We had a gorgeous villa which overlooked the ocean and a lemon tree farm. Mission 1: walk to the beach without being hit my car
Mission 2: Swim in the Mediterranean sea! 
After some quick directions at the hotel I was off! To view and weather wAs ideallic for a summers day. Once arriving at the beach I planted myself on a rock surrounded by Italian mummas. I couldn't have asked for anything more Italian. 
That evening we headed out to Sorrento to enjoy a delicious collection of Italian gastronomy (my new favorite word, compliments of our tour guide)
The highlight for the group would have been the lemon slice which came with a taste of their traditional liquer called Limoncello. It is made my lemon skins left to ferment in pure alcohol- it certainly packs a punch! 
From the restaurant to enjoy the little shopping lanes in The town. Of course a fridge magnet was on the top of the shopping list. After a few turns we came across a beautiful lookout which allowed us to see Naples in illumination (another favorite word) absolutely beautiful! 

Down the west coast we travel

Up at the crack of dawn to venture to Florence. Immediately we were sent to a local Italian leather store. I finally bought my leather handbag -which hangs from a key ring ;)
A local tour guide educated us on the history of Florence. So much knowledge and only so much retained.Thank goodness for the Internet. I saw the statue of David, well the replica  maybe on the second trip through ill see the original. Nadine and I enjoyed a moorish lunch of gelato - choc/mint & choc this round. From Florence we headed down the west coast to beautiful Sorrento. To my amazement Antonio was able to maneuver the coach around the narrowest and windiest streets. Seating in the front seat allowed me to take in all the near misses. I'm not sure how Antonio's blood pressure was going but mine was certainly increasing at each bend. 

From France to Italy... Wooohooo

I enjoyed a sleep in 7:30am, yes that is classed as a sleep in on our tour. Off along the French Riviera - absolutely beautiful!!! I'm surprised the bus didn't tip to the right from everyone trying to get a photo of the coastline.  The group stopped in a small town called Eze. We stocked up on goodies at a perfumery called Fragonard. The guided tour we received was very informative. I learnt - It takes 600 kgs of lavender to make a litre of perfume and 10 times as much of rose petals. Now I can see why some perfumes are so expensive! 
The person who makes perfume is called a 'Nez' which means nose in English. There are only 150 in the world who qualify for the job due to the super sonic smelling senses.  (perhaps Aaron could qualify)
Continuing on it takes 10 years to become a 'nose' and you can only study in France. A 'nose' will only work 3 hours a day (for obvious reasons) and can't eat spicy food, smoke or drink alcohol. A dedicated profession. Everyone bought up since we received factory prices - bargainville. I invested in Royal Jelly in hopes to keep me eternally youthful ;)

On forward along the Italian Riviera to Pisa - tourist central. So many people there posing for photos, holding, pushing or leaning against the Leaning tower of Pisa. It only took 2 hours of being in Italy  for me to purchase my first Italian gelato. It lived up to all my tastebuds expectations!!
Our evening was spent in a quaint little town called Montecantini. There we enjoyed a meal compliments of the hotel, little did we realize it was going to be 5 courser. A walk around the town after dinner was a necessity.

I could stay in Monte Carlo!

(I'd previously written a more entertaining entry, but I managed to delete it...grr! Here is take 2!)
Back across the French border to  make our way to Nice. The country side along the Pyrenees was beautiful! That evening we eagerly headed to Monaco to enjoy an evening feeling rich and famous. The scenario was a sight to be seen. If you would like to join the community you have to pay €2000000 and then you would need to buy a property where the prices for 1 square metre of land cost €25,000. Thank goodness real estate isn't that expensive in Perth. 
Our expectations of a delicious French meal on Monte Carlo was a tad disappointing. Our thoughts of 5 star dining was replaced with chicken and chips (my roomy looked to have about 300g on her plate) and thoughts of soufflé was instead ... Brace yourself... tinned fruit, good ole SPC!! Didn't even get a dollop of Icecream :(
The remainder of the evening was amazing. We saw fireworks over the port which were on par with Australia day festivities in Perth. Later we hit to Monaco Casino (the first in the world) Definitely a place riddled with fast cars and beautiful people!

Oh Barcelona you're great!!

The following morning Barcelona greeted us with the bluest skies. Off we went to explore the old city. We wandered around the Sandgrada and admired the inspiration Gaudi had to design such a tremendous piece of architecture. He started in 1882 and still hadn't finished when he passed away in the 1930's. They hope to continue his legacy and complete by 2025!!! 
From there up to Olympic park to see the view of Barcelona. Next stop was Montserrat about an hour out off town. There we headed 1000m above sea level. At the stop is a small little village with a beautiful monastery. Many people visit there due to the black Madonna. I spent a good hour sitting on the side of the cliff face admiring the phenomenal view. Just what I needed to recharge the batteries. 
In the evening it was great to catch up with Juan from Dubai. Being an ex resident he knew his wag around. Up to Tibibado ( can't remember how it was spelt) for an even higher view of Barcelona and down to the village behind for some paella. Overall another brilliant time in Barcelona!!

Barcelona baby!

Another early day and many kilometers on the road. 
Today we would cross the border to Spain. Off to Barcelona ( as I like to say in the Spanish lisp). We stopped in Carcossone to explore an amazing medieval castle. Inside was riddled with cafes and shops. There were many side streets you could go down and see beautiful surrounding views of the town. On arrival in Barcelona in the evening we were shocked that our tour bus couldn't drop us outside our hotel. We used to the porters lugging our growing suitcases. Too many narrow streets. Unluckily we were staying the same time as a school tour groups. After midnight it was spent putting the pillow over my head trying to block the sound of running kiddies and slamming doors above. 

Before slumber I took a few ladies up to a great lookout point at Gaudi's Park. It was great to return after 6 years. Beautiful artwork to admire, even at dusk.

Onward bound!

On to Bordeaux, with a stop in Blois to see an old, old castle. Where dragons came out of the building. Very theatrical. Then through Tours where we enjoyed a tasty salmon baguette with a donut filled with nutella for dessert. We arrived in Bordeaux to a tasty 3 course meal - not everyday I eat grilled goats cheese and pork of the bone (very rare Alisha consumption)Do you notice the pattern here. Regular food updates :P The girls and I wandered to the city centre, in and out the side streets. We came across a beautiful fountain surrounded by amazing buildings ( I think it was a hotel) on the river. Worth it!

The French have class

First stop in Paris, Notre Dame. There was no hunchback roaming around the upper rooms. (bummer)
Next to the place everyone was anticipating, the Eiffel Tower!!! Gorgeous! 

I spent the afternoon enjoying the palace I Versailles. Breathe taking. Amazing to think people lived in such extravagance centuries ago. I saw  Maria Antoinette's and   Louis XIV bedrooms and the ballroom of mirrors. The gardens are a whole different ball game. Overall the property lies amongst 2000 acres! Very hard to upkeep especially if trying to do it with the limited machinery and tools they had those days.

In the evening we went to a restaurant just down the street from the pantheon. I enjoyed the French gastronomy, frogs legs and snails. Personally I think frog legs taste more like fish than chicken. Moving on, we headed out to Montmartre, detouring passed the Moulin Rouge to see Paris from a higher view point in illumination. Very pretty!

Let the traveling begin!!

The day had arrived to start my 27 day tour around Europe. Apprehensively I approached the Kensington Close in London, not sure who I would be stuck on a bus with... Pensioners, families... Will there be any young adults? To my surprise there was a eclectic group of 47 people whom joined me on the road. 
It was reAssuring to see 2 gals from Brisbane and a young couple from Rockhampton. 
First destination, Dover to take the ferry over the Channel to Calais. Two hours later we met our Tour Director Janos from Hungary and our driver, Antonio from Sorrento. 

This was just the beginning of many long drives we would endure across Europe. In total we will travel 7220 km!!! Whoa! 
On arrival in Paris I met my roomie, Pat from Dongara. Talk about small world :). Finished the evening enjoying a delicious banana and chocolate crepe! Very Parisian!  

Discovery 4 - High Tea is for me

What could be a better way to top of the weekend then High Tea at the Burj Al Arab! Reservations had be made... Funnily  my Aussie accent was misunderstood and they booked my reservation under the name of Alicia Keys. To their disappointment I wasn't the part of 5 they expected!

We took in the extravagant decor. Inside is like a cruise ship.  Very outrageous with highly colourful interior setting.Gold this and a gold that and carpet that had every colour of the rainbow within 1 square metre. 

Upon arrival we were served champagne, berries with fresh cream, roast beef with mint sauce. Then what I had been finally been waiting for arrive... an unlimited supply of finger food which consisted of sandwiches, biscuits and cakes. 
You can't have a pot of tea without fresh scones and cream. Lastly we (or perhaps just me) indulged  in many  Betty Ford chocolates... mmmm!

The view from the Burj

Discovery 3 - Expect the unexpected

It started out as an ordinary Friday morning on the 2nd June. Up at the crack of dawn and off to church. Little did I know I would end up spending the afternoon on a $20,000,000 boat.

Yes! Me driving :P

My friend Juan works onboard and he kindly invited Becky and I to come and have a snoop around. Thankfully the owner was out and about which meant we could check out all the rooms. Extravagant - cream carpet throughout, wood paneling, jacuzzi up top. There was even a crane to bring the jet skis on board! 

Juan was explaining to us that it would take a quarter of a tonne of petrol to take the boat out on a trip around The Palm... geeeez! How much money do these people have?

It was a real treat getting to go onboard, any place that has an unlimited supply of Quality Street chocolates is a place worth visiting. I'd be up for it again any day! 

Those Syrians...

First destination... Damascus for a short break with my Aussie pal, Ashleigh!

The majority of our stay was spent in the capital roaming around the 'Old City' soaking up the history. To think I was walking along the cobble streets Jesus once walked!

The Syrian's are so hospitable and Ashleigh and I have never received so many free gifts on a holiday. We stayed at a fabulous hotel call the - Al Madinah Hotel. You know you're staying a great place when they give you a gift for staying, even if it was a mother of pearl, wooden box.

Politically incorrect food

Discovery 2 - Non slip baths mats work!

Shortly after recovering from the sprained ankle, I decided to add another scar to my collection. I've never been a fan of bath showers and it was on the last day of March I learned why. They're really slippery when wet. After attempting to reach the hair conditioner, my foot slipped letting gravity do its business where my chin landed perfectly on the rim of the bath... it wasn't long until I realised there was a hole in my chin. Thank goodness I bought those packet of band aids a month earlier. 

With my chin strapped up, ice pack in hand and my Irish lifesaver (Eithne) to guide me, we made our way to the emergency department in Rashid Hospital. God's grace and the male nurses description of 'Chin Trauma' got me quickly through a busy waiting room. In and out after 1 hour, free of charge and the 2 cm gash in my chin glued I was ready to take on the world! Well... certainly Pizza Hut, we were starving! 9 days later the steri-strips peeled away to reveal a Nike trademark 'Just do it' scar under my chin. Never a dull moment!  

Discovery 1

Since I was in a new country I thought I would embrace new things. Well little did I know I would fall into the world of RUGBY. All I knew about the sport was that the ball had to be thrown backwards and even then I struggled to get that right.

During the whole experience I met a group of fantastic girls who will forever be known as the 'Toa girls'. They welcomed me in with open arms and patiently gave me tips as I kept asking 'How the heck do you play this game?' Even after a jarred finger and sprained quad I endured until I would have that day on the field.

That day arrived, 2 months later when the Kuwait team were down a player at the tournament our team was hosting in Abu Dhabi.I anxiously agreed to step in and get my first few minutes of play on the field. Wow! it was a thrill, getting to tackle and attempt to barge through the opponents. Unfortunately by the 4th game I was hobbling on my ankle (an old war wound... that party of '99) The next week was spent experiencing my first doctors/hospital visit to Dubai. Little did I know my adventurous streak was going to cost me a small fortune.
One week on crutches and a hefty medical bill was enough to cure me of committing to contact sport any time soon.

Bringing in a New Year

It was a much needed change to see the New Year starting in a completely different geographical location. Seeing the Burj Khalifa (The tallest building in the world) light up at the stroke of midnight, signified a start to many new discoveries this year - culturally, spiritually & emotionally.

Realising how I would cope in a new place where I didn't know anyone turned out pleasantly well. When you're living in a place where 80% of the population are expats, it makes meeting new people that little bit easier. From day one there was someone there to offer me a helping hand, whether with advice about the UAE culture or catching up outside of work for a chinwag.

Immediately I had to do some of the touristy attractions -  The Dubai Mall. That is a world in its own.

• 1200 stores
• Aquarium
• Indoor waterfall
• The Gold Souk
• Outside fountain shows and much, much more.

Then the other mall - Mall of the Emirates. Seriously, having an indoor ski park is outrageous,  a crazy sight in the middle of the desert.

I did have a reason to check out the malls - I needed to deck out my new apartment.

Before I knew it the 4th January rolled around and I was at work. teaching a class of international students - American, Indian, Pakistani, Jordanian, Lebanese, Emirati, Palestinian, South African, German... An experience!

5 months later...

It was 5 months today that I stepped onto the sands of Dubai so I thought it would be quite fitting to finally start my blog. Better late than never!

Dubai certainly is in a league of its own and nothing quite compares to this place.

I guess I should start at the beginning...