That's it!

Home again after a fabulous trip! Last few days in Dublin with friends of Stuarte's who took us to Carrick-on-Shannon to see a bit of the Irish Countryside. Long trip home via Hong Kong which was made bearable by being lucky enough to have seats in Business Class-thanks to a lot of saved up frequent flyer points. Europe was fantastic and hope to do some more of it again one day! Thanks Stuarte for making it so much fun xx

Almost there!

Had the most gorgeous 3 days in the Loire Valley but finally had to leave there and head to Amsterdam which was a real eye opener! Coffee shops with no coffee and a red light district that left nothing to the imagination, and BIKES!!! Everywhere!!! Thousands of bikes-one multi storey bike parking lot can take 2500 bikes but needs to be able to take 7500 bikes per day. We are now in Dublin staying with friends of Stu's and it's cold!!! Very strange after 11 weeks of not wearing long sleeves. Only a few days to go and then business class via Hong Kong and home.

Lovely Loire!

Just finished 3 days cycling around the Loire Valley, averaging about 35km per day. (Although day 3 had some killer hills.) It was beautiful looking at all the French Chateau and gorgeous scenery. We rode from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon and a loop around Chinon. Beautiful countryside and we had wonderful picnic lunches with food and wine we bought along the way. Off to Amsterdam tomorrow.

Au Revoir Paris!

We're almost at the end of a wonderful week in Paris-the city of cafe's! There's one every 30m or more! Crepes, coffee, french onion soup, fondue, macaroons, eclairs, croissants-need the gym! Thank goodness for all the walking and all the steps. Went to Versailles on a bike tour which was great and I did all the arty museums while Stu had a veg! Have ridden bikes everywhere and we're experts at the Metro which is fabulous. Off to cycle the Loire Valley tomorrow.

Bonjour!

We are in Paris-city of love, lights and a million souvenir shops! Had a fabulous time in Venice but finally had to leave Italy for France and beautiful Paris. Our little(very little) apartment is right in the heart of the Latin Quarter-5th Arondissement and we have 100 restaurants within 100m-No exaggeration! Have been up the Eiffel Tower, seen the Arc De Triomphe, Sacre Couer, Notre Dame, Montmarte, the Louvre and much more. We have hired bikes and ridden around the city and found an Aussie Pub to watch the footy on Friday-Go Cats!!!

Venice

We arrived to the madness of Venice yesterday afternoon after nearly being washed away in a freak thunderstorm in Florence that delayed all the trains. Finally caught the Eurostar and then when we arrived got a Vaporetto(water taxi) to our little apartment-up 58 very steep steps! (You can see me at the door!) There are boats of all sizes flying everywhere-and Gondola's gently floating along in the middle of all this. Was a high tide in St Marks this morning which was funny to see. This happens about 130 days a year.

Duomo's and Leaning Towers!

Yesterday we did the hop-on hop-off thing in Florence and got a great overview of the city from across the river. Today I got energetic (Stu chose to slob) and caught the train to Pisa-about 45 mins away to see the Leaning Tower. It was quite amazing to see just how far it leans and it feels weird to climb up the 300 steps as first you lean one way and then another while your body wants to stay upright. Thousands of tourists everywhere! Off to Venice tomorrow.

Firenze!

Ciao from Florence-Firenze! We arrived here Friday after Stuarte dragged me away from the Cinque Terre! (Have to go back there!) We are staying in a Villa that is over 200 years old on the outskirts of Florence. Yesterday we caught the train into the city and wandered around the famous San Lorenzo markets-lots of leather! Stuarte found me an angelic little friend to have a photo with! Today we rode the bikes into Florence-took about an hour along the river-and then rode all around the city which was great. Lots of little alley-ways like Rome. The Duomo (cathedral) is magnificent. It was begun in 1296 and has a bell tower and smaller chapels. There are many beautiful old buildings, including the Ponte Vechio Bridge which was built in 1345 and has many jewellery shops on it.

Fun in the Sun!

Spent yesterday walking some of the Cinque Terre trail around the cliffs-amazing view and then spent the afternoon lazing on a lilo in the mediterranean! On one part of the trail-the Vial della Amore-everyone clips padlocks with their loved one and throws the keys into the sea! Ours is now one of the thousands!!! (Corny but you have to do it!) Our host bought us freshly caught fish and homemade pesto so we had a beautiful dinner on our balcony watching the sunset.(You can see Stu pointing to our apartment.) Have been swimming lots-the water is really warm. Off to Florence on the train tomorrow. Ciao!

Cinque Terre!!!

We are in beautiful Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre! Everything you see in the pictures is true-it is stunning. Like Santorini but coloured! We caught the train from Rome and then had to drag our cases up and down many, many, steep stairs! Who needs the gym? We caught the ferry between the 5 villages today and have been swimming near our apartment. In the picture our apartment is the third from the one with the poles under it at the front. We are on the first floor and the view is amazing! Beautiful weather, food and view-don't think we'll leave.