Au Revoir Paris

Our visit to Paris began with an early start visit to the Louvre museum. We took in all of the major sights such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Michelangelo gallery. Our history lessons in Roma paid off as we recognised "The battle of the Sabines" all by ourselves.

After lots more walking and a much needed baguette we made our way to Notre Dame which is yet another amazing church. This one had oodles of ambience as the lights were dim, it was quiet and they had background music. Amazingly peaceful given the number of visitors.

We stayed in the Montmartre district so were very close to the Sacre Coeur which is the second highest point on Paris (behind the Eiffel Tower). As you know maps don't show the gradients of hills so there were some disgruntled young people  in our group complaining about how many stairs they needed to walk up. The view was wonderful although a little hazy and the church was beautiful and much younger than many others we visited. We also were treated with the third wedding of our trip.

We trotted off down the streets of Paris and a spot of shopping. En route to a wander up the Avenue Des Champs Élysées we were greeted with riot gendarme in full  combat gear as there was a protest in full swing. We made it to the Arc de Triomphe and climbed the stairs (to the tune of more whingeing!) to the top, for wonderful views of Paris.

Our day booked to ascend the Tour de Eiffel was very interesting indeed. After a picnic lunch in a park (under a tree as it was raining) and where the Oogster made a new friend in 2 year old Dimitri we meandered to the Tower. We had just walked under the tower when police came running from all directions blowing their whistles and getting us to evacuate to the outer boundary. It appears a protest sign needed to be removed and there was talk that someone was going to jump! Firemen, ambulance officers were on the scene and it appears after 30 minutes the crisis was thankfully averted.

The unfortunate part for us was re weather closed in and the top part of the tower was covered in cloud! It was also raining and quite windy - yep we were freezing our butts off! Rocket was relatively pleased by this as it meant he could actually go outside without being too affected by the height.

On our last evening on our tour Rocket completed his culinary quest and tried frogs legs!!!! Mad Dog and I had a taste - overall opinion was tastes like bland chicken. We enjoyed a lovely French meal and our last bottle (thank goodness) of French Wine.

Today I was treated to a wonderful surprise of morning tea at Angelina Paris tea room. They certainly have cornered the market on the Eclair Chocolat - nothing short of divine. I was also spoilt with a tin of their drinking chocolate to bring home. Mmmmmm.

An easy day of last minute shopping and lunch at the best Falafel house in Paris then off to the airport we headed. The LAST time we had to help carry bags up and down stairs across 3 metro stop changes - woohoo! We are checked in and waiting for our flight home.

We have had a wonderful time with so many special memories. As we walked through the passport gate, Rocket and I shared our only high five of the trip. The girls asked why - "because we made it through 6 weeks and kept you all safe".

Au Revoir from Paris - see you all soon.

Blurring of the lines

So it seems like a week since I last had the chance to sit and write some anecdotes if our travels.......we have caught so many trains in the last few days I cannot remember. What I am glad to say is that I only have to carry my bag and the handles or end of the childrens bags down the metro stairs ONCE more! 

We have arrived in at our final destination of Paris and booyah made it to our apartment first go (it only took us 4 weeks to master this so not too bad?). The apartment is massive and recently refurbished and very excitingly the adults have our own room. 

The last few days have been spent across Florence and Nice, which I didn't venture to last time I visited Europe and boy do I wish I had. They are now two of my favourite places. Florence was a much quieter change from Rome and the queue to get in to the Academia was worth it to see the statue of David. My dear husband has become quite the history buff and art lover - who knew! 

Florence also had some great markets where everyone except me acquired a genuine piece of Italian leather. Such a beautiful city and Rocket and I are sure to return. Our trip to Nice required several train changes, one of only a few minutes and in a sprint The Ronnie would be proud of - pulling very large suitcases, we all made it.

We met two lovely Argentinian Grannies who we aptly named Thelma and Louise particularly when Rocket helped them with their bags and they then out ran us for the imminently departing train to Nice and yelling "WAIT, WAIT", one of the only English words they knew! 

The great news is that Rocket has decided that as soon as the girls finish high school we are moving to Nice. We are apparently opening a BnB called the Jolly Swagman, which I think is his way of ensuring all our friends in Australia at least pay for their breakfast when they visit! While I am writing this he has looked up the Ironman Nice dates and is telling me it's only 5000m of climbing on the bike leg, awesome!

In all seriousness, we all absolutely adored Nice. We bypassed our hotel breakfast after finding a Trip Adviser recommended local shop, Emilies cookies where we had bagels and pancakes. Rocket and I tried our first espresso's which would be more aptly named Rocket fuel. 

The Oogster and Rocket braved the crystal blue waters of the Meditteranean and the pebble beach. I opted to bag watch and Mad Dog danced to her iPod and skimmed stones. Happy days.

The dinner was also brilliant and it was nice (pun intended and the kids kept these up the entire time) to have some local cuisine. So, we have the last few days of our trip here in Paris where we have all the sights and probably some more shopping before our Tour comes to a close.

Well ok, I'll sneak one more update in before we leave! Au Revoir Mon Cheri 

Ciao Roma

They say all roads lead to Rome? Well it's been 20 years for me and here I am again - this time with family in tow. It is still the frantic and bustling city I remember.

We had what I think was first time success of finding our apartment immediately, rather than by the long way and needing to ask for directions. It is located approx 500m from the walls of the Vatican city, which is handy for sight seeing, eating out and the metro. The traffic noise however is unparalleled for this writer who is a very light sleeper. I confirm the traffic finally eases around 2am and recommences at 5am, no need for an alarm clock here you can set your watch by it.

We are in a homestay and were greeted by the owner Sanjoy who brought his friends 4 year old son Sami, so he could practice his English. They were a little dubious about saying G'day mate and Seeya mate, but Sami thoroughly appreciated the kangaroo key chain the girls have him.

We hit St. Peter's Basilica early to avoid the crowds (successfully) and climbed the dome to be reminded by my very brave husband that he is scared of heights! I appreciate all the times he carries my (now very heavy) bag up and down stairs now that he does the heights things for me when he is clearly uncomfortable.

The weather in Roma has finally been warm enough for short sleeves shirts and thunderstorms! Faster than you can pack up a stand of knock off Prada handbags out come the umbrella salesmen. We have rain jackets and umbrellas but had left them at the apartment - 5 weeks in we should know by now...no way was I buying another umbrella! The Oogster and I were caught on the Spanish steps in a downpour and a very kind Japanese couple gifted their umbrella to us. 

Doppelgänger or the new seasons look?

Our big plans to arrive early at the Colosseum went well until we realized we forgot to go to the ATM!! Noooooo - more walking! Another big thunderstorm kept the crowds away, and the hawkers were trying to sell raincoats through the gates - we were more prepared this time.  We also did a tour of the Palatino and Roman Forum, by this time it was nice and balmy and we were all getting a bit hit and bothered.  For possibly our best lunch yet we rested at bar 94 just off the main drag, very quiet and a local young artist owned and managed.

We still spend an inordinate time queuing for the bathroom at least they are free in Roma unlike the 1.50€ in Venezia!! 

We visited the Tomb of unknown soldier - which is treated very respectfully by the locals, unfortunately not by the visitors. It's funny how people don't read signs which very clearly state not to sit or lie down. People still do it and the police chase them up with a whistle "NO SIT DOWN NO SIT DOWN" Read the signs people! My other people watching fave is sightseeing in the most inappropriate footwear. Super high heels or suede boots and then have to traipse around in the rain and mud. Bless my well worn converse and runners! 

Today we had our visit with Papa Francesco. Now I'd like to say I received a personal blessing from him, the small matter of the 80,000 other people wanting one too hampered my efforts. He is the most popular pope since Pope John Paul - it was absolutely crazy in the Square and we could actually see him until it started raining and 80,000 umbrellas went up! Papa is a pretty cool guy and didn't let the rain bother him in the slightest.

Onto our must do of our visit to Roma - the Vatican museum and Sistine chapel. We made the mistake of going on a tour which I would equate to being in a can if sardines with a corner open and gasping for air. You can see the goal but can't reach it......there are thousands of people in your way and you have absolutely two seconds to try and appreciate the works of art. There was more time in the Sistine chapel fortunately and the goal was achieved as last time I visited it was closed! Luckily we took the time to visit the Trevi fountain to throw in a coin to ensure we visit again sometime to maybe get the chance to see it in more detail.

Mad Dog and The Oogster are holding up well, though are getting tired with all the walking. We thankfully have the healing powers of gelato on our side as encouragement to keep going. Rocket has continued his culinary tour of Europe, yet I did suggest that the carb loading of pizza, pasta and gelato might be a little early for Noosa in 3 weeks? 

We have a few stops yet to go, Florence, Nice and Paris. This afternoon we are having a rest and a home cooked meal as we need some vegetables! 

Ciao from Roma

Buongiorno from Venezia

As you would know from prior updates my dear husband has not been complimentary about my map reading skills and took the lead for our hotel navigation in Venice. After a super quick train change in Verona which literally involved Rocket standing behind us three girls and pushing all of us including bags onto the train, nerves were already frazzled. 

No problemo says Rocket, I have downloaded the directions from my buddy google maps, it's a ten minute walk. Now his sidekick The Oogster is a keen stopwatch timer when given a time deadline - so after ten minutes elapsed and at least 5 bridges were crossed things weren't looking so good. We luckily saw the light and went old school and asked for directions from a group of old men outside a cafe, one of which was a cheeky gondolier who insisted I give him a kiss.The bonus part of our extra walk was it wasn't raining and we saw some tour highlights on the way. 

Our hotel deserves a mention this time as it is in a quieter part of Venice, and the room is fully decked out in replicated Venetian style. This includes gold gilt padded walls, bright yellow painted bed heads and if course faux crystal chandeliers (photo below for your viewing pleasure). 

We have found trip advisor and lonely planet web sites really helpful for good places to eat and to try and avoid some if the tourist traps. 

On Friday our youngest lady turned 12 and we were woken by the alarm at 6 am to Pink singing "this used to be a Funhouse!" And can we get up now? When she worked out it was still dark we all went back to sleep. Rocket used the birthday opportunity to find some great food including frozen yogurts for morning tea. 

Lots of sight seeing (how many churches can you fit on such a small island!!!), a requisite trip in a gondola, and a surprise bitrhday cake finished up the day.

The dulcet tones of rain on the cobblestones didn't dampen our spirits so we ventured to a Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit of interactive replicas of his codex's - in a centuries old church. This was well worth the entry fee and I like how the Venetians have all this stuff dedicated to him yet the documentary says they didn't accept him here. Bit like how the Aussies claim famous Kiwi's?

The volume of churches caused a lively dinner conversation from the Anglican members of our family - particularly how us Roman Catholics are so showy and Rocket was heard to comment "lots of people had to die for the church to be so rich". When reminded about the English and Scots fighting it out for centuries (not to mention the Brits fondness for colonisation) there was grumbling to be heard and possibly "at least the castles are cool". 

Venice is quite pretty and we all really liked it - you absolutely must have a map and lots of patience for slow walking tourists. All prior trip advice was correct that it is expensive - especially to eat out. Stepping one block (or a canal) off a main square is usually cheaper, quieter and more room to eat.

We are packed up and ready for our ten minute walk to the train to Roma today. Thankfully no train changes or toilets that long drop onto the tracks!

Ciao xx

Whistlestop cities

We weathered the glares, sighing and eye rolling of the locals on the bus trip to the Berlin station, as Aussies are normally cheerful folk I would have said Guten Tag quite loudly but I had the feeling they're not morning people?

An international incident was narrowly avoided when a man attempting to walk against the tide to depart the train became quite vocal for Mad Dog to get out of his way (when she was quite clearly not able to) and then felt compelled to put his hands on her chest to push her. Note to fellow travelers - it's NOT cool to put your hands on other peoples children, and Aussies have VERY loud voices and will use them multiple times if you continue with bad behavior!

The very nice American couple we shared a compartment with looked a little dazed and confused (or maybe scared?) when we all burst in.

The trip to Prague was quite beautiful and Rocket was heard commenting about how we need to come back and ride some of these hills one day.

I know that many of you dear readers have been to Prague and I am in absolute agreement as to how beautiful a city it is. Every street is photo worthy and the Prague Castle is breathtaking and well worth the visit. 

It definitely pays to buy the long visit ticket to the castle as it gives you access to many areas of interest where there are NOT huge tour groups and pushing and shoving (it appears we're quite an orderly and polite lot in Australia). 

The beauty of the city and the massive tourist industry leaves me wondering why the locals find it hard to crack a smile. We were left a little perplexed in a dress shop as to why there were 5 security guards along with all the clothing being security tagged. 

We attempted local cuisine, in reality we were tourist suckered into sitting at tables with lots of weeks old pretzels on them, that the girls both touched and we subsequently had to pay for. Rocket and I tried the dumplings and goulash which was good at the time but has left me with a bout of gastro - thank goodness for the imodium in our first aid kit! 

We managed to squeeze in a walk across the Charles bridge, visit the Astonimical clock and the very cool Grand Orient Cafe for Apple strudel with caramel sauce and ice cream -Yum! 

The girls are awesome at packing along with hauling their bags up and down stairs and off and on trains. They have both gained confidence in speaking to people in other languages and are really embracing all the sights (and food!). 

My cycling group members will laugh when I say we have had quite a few map reading mix ups. For some reason Rocket wants me to make sure the map on my phone is facing north when I snapshot it, turning it around doesn't work for everyone! 

This blog commenced while on the train to Munich. Our traveling companions were a lovely Australian couple, Elvina and Hasso. Hasso was born in Germany but lived in Australia for many years. He and Rocket chatted and laughed most if the way. Hasso is quite hilarious and really came into his own when he found out it was the Oogsters birthday this Friday by insisting the whole carriage sing a unique version of Happy Birthday and then went on to find a piece of cake from the dining car along with a candle fashioned out of paper clips, what a star. Hasso I hope this enough of a shout out in the blog? Safe travels to you both. 

After a successful first attempt (woohoo!) navigation to our hotel we headed off to Oktoberfest. Don't let that fancy name fool you, it's just a giant booze up with people vomiting and staggering around in traditional German gear. 

Our whistlestop cities end tomorrow when we head to Venice for a few days.

Auf Wederhesen again. 

Guten Tag from Berlin

Our last day in Amsterdam was spent with washing and packing along with a lovely afternoon walking the streets with Rockets school friend Simon. We tasted the world famous ice cream (which is mixed with cream) and the frites with mayo. 

We arrived safely into Berlin and while I was able to manage French and Nederland - I was of no help at all. After gaining directions from the very helpful (not!) information desk we set off. Not reading our details properly hurt us and several laps were done until we arrived at what we thought was our apartment. The lovely Russian lady staying there was most helpful and we had a conversation via her Iphone translate app - and we finally arrived. Desperately hungry and tired and with the Oogster refusing to walk any further we staggered to the nearby Turkish place. Lots of pointing and laughing and an awesome dinner was underway. It's worth mentioning the apartment is bigger than our house - older but these Germans know their internal heating!

Our Saturday was met with beautiful clear skies with a temp of 6! We had more success with the underground and joined our Berlin Fat Tires bike tour. As a coach I shall never complain about big groups again - Tanya our guide had 30 odd people of all ages (and abilities), and she did the whole ride in a full length skirt!

The tour was great and we visited many of the important historical sites of Berlin. the most touching was the memorial to the 6M murdered in Europe during WW2. We were all very impressed by the transparency the new Germany has (their words) and the respect to the history they make. It's actually quite hard to articulate and took a while to process before sleep. The tour ended at a bier garden and I was strongly encouraged to try the below! Yikes I still had to ride back....

As many of you fine readers may know we  luckily (??!!) happened to be in Berlin the same time as it's 40th Marathon. Now this race sells out in 20 minutes - so there was little hope of Rocket getting an entry. Thanks to the encouragement of many friends (we'll talk later and you know who you are) and our German friend Andrej, Rocket was in. Well Ralf Ellent was and he looked a lot like Rocket. 

These German folk are quite civilized and the marathon start was 8.45am, I thought this was because it gets light later, silly me it's because it is only 4 degrees. These crazy cats also don't care how dumb they might look, and I'm certain they must have invented compression socks as everyone had them on. 

Poor Rocket was freezing his already skinny butt off in his singlet and shorts so we kept him warm for as long as we could. Now triathlon friends you must NEVER complain again about busy wave starts are or too many people. Holy Moly this was crazy - I have never seen so many people, it was a stream of them coming. Our chances of seeing Rocket were slim, however because he is tall we caught him at the 7k, 20k and finish line. 

I'm sure all of you well travelled folk will agree how surprising it is that countries so close together can be so different, this is why it's so special to have the opportunity to travel and experience it all.

I wrote the first part of this installment before dinner and after a 500ml bier (is now the time I should mention I haven't drunk bier since I was 18?) I'm hoping there aren't too many spelling mistakes and it generally makes sense! 

Our marathoner was feeling pretty good but I think the walk home from dinner is the only time we have all walked faster than him. Hopefully he'll be up to lifting bags off and on the train tomorrow as we are off to a whistle stop tour of Prague and Munich. 

Until then Auf Wiedersehen.

Au Revoir Brussels - hello Amsterdam

Our final day in Brusslels started with a frenzy of packing, waffle eating and chocolate shopping. Not being a big waffle eater I was pleasantly surprised by how good they are and have blanked out how many possible kilojoules are in these babies....

A fast train trip of 2 hours and we arrived in Amsterdam. The feeling of being home I felt on arrival here caught me by surprise and it has stayed through our time here. We managed to navigate a phone call, tram ticket purchases and arriving at our apartment without getting lost (woohoo!!). Rocket was again very thrilled to carry the rapidly gaining weight bags up probably the steepest internal steps ever seen. 

We are very blessed to have relatives in Nederland (getting down with the right lingo - more to come on that topic) and my mums cousin Ria met us and was the most awesome tour guide. We met Ria's husband Nico outside the Western Tower which is Amsterdams tallest church at 85m tall. Nico is learning to play the Carillon bells of the church and as a special surprise they arranged for us to climb the top of the tower and hear The traditional Carillon player and Nico play the bells. A Carillon consists of at least 23 cast bronze bells and they are played on certain days of the week at particular times. We were very priveleged to go to parts of the tower not for other tourists and to stand out on the top with the bells, look above the clock in the photo below.  (at this point Rocket was peaking as there are not any barricades and he had visions of the kids falling off).

Out with bells at the top!

The Carillon player knows many tunes, it was kinda cool to hear Waltzing Matilda ring out across Amsterdam. He also let the Oogster help out with a tune. 

A whistle stop visit to the old Church which happens to be in the red light district (it was day time) was met with the widest eyes and jaw drops from the girls I have ever seen. Followed with quite a few questions - and potentially some explaining to the girls other parents when we get home! 

Ria and Nico very kindly hosted us for dinner and drinks at their home in Almere which comes with it's very own canal - the girls had a paddle in Nico's canoes, which did result with the Oogster getting very wet. A wonderful day. 

Today we had a much needed sleep in followed by a visit to the Anne Frank house museum. This was very moving and touching and reminded us of the terrible tragedies of war. Like many historic places you have to queue - but this one is most definitely worth it along with the tears you shed during the visit. 

Tour de Tanner should probably be replaced by Rockets 'Culinary fest of Europe', or with the Oogsters 'Tour de Toilet!' We have managed to sample Traditional Nederland foods such as raw herring, stoopwaffles (OMG good stuff), broodjes and cousin Ria has us loaded up with traditional sweets to bring home. Sorry England and Belgium, Nederland provides stiff competition in the food department!!

We met up with cousin Ria and her grandchildren Kat and Mas for a visit to the zoo. All of the kids loved it and they were all firm friends by the end of the afternoon. We also had a cultural update from Ria in that it's not kosher to call people from the Nederlands Dutch or say Holland - it's Nederland all the way baby! 

The near 3 weeks of walking has made us all a bit weary - or read that as, the children are tired and cranky and need an early night! The visit to Anne Franks house made for a lively dinner and history discussion - one we will all remember and beats reading a history book.

Thank you to everyone for the feedback on the blog. I'm enjoying writing it, although lots is left out, these are the stories you may have to hear when we get home.