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