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!