Europe 2024

Greece, Italy, Spain, Singapore Read more

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Trip start
June 17, 2024
Europe 2024
Perth to Athens
Jun 17–19, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Day 1
The adventure begins. Left Perth on Qatar bound for Doha, then Doha to Athens
Not much out of the ordinary
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Europe 2024
Arrived safely in Athens
Jun 18–20, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
Day 2
Arrived at Athens airport around 2.30 and found our pre booked transfer. Theodore had a great command of the English language which made things very easy. Got to our apartment and after a few attempts out finding out how to open the door managed to get inside. Wow…..lift for 2 only. Everyone made it up and course we were all desperate for a shower. Bit of a rest then off exploring. Found a great restaurant with authentic local fare. Sardines, Mousakka, cabbage dolmades and a few others. To our surprise the leftovers we asked to take with us were accompanied by the ramekin they were cooked in. We eventually hit a brick wall, went back to the apartment and waited for Anne to arriveRead more
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Europe 2024
Full day in Athens
June 19, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
Day 3
Woke up with number 5 traveller (Anne) who joined us at the end of yesterdays edition. Made our way to the trustee Hop on Hop off service and did a full loop.
Saw the highlights of Athens including the Acropolis and the changing of the guard (see point 2 below). Found our way home from downtown had a rest before venturing back for a lovely evening drinking with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis as the sun went down. Too tired to walk back home, all 5 of us piled into a taxi, much to Bri’s concern, as it was only licensed for 4.

Stories of the day
1. When one goes to throw rubbish in the bin, it’s best to throw the rubbish, not one’s phone. Can’t reveal who that was but initials are SC
2. The changing of the guard is an awesome spectacle, but it was different to the last time we witnessed it. That was 2016 when one of our fellow travellers attempted to touch one of the guards. Not being allowed to speak, the guard very loudly and forcibly banged the butt of his rifle on the ground to protest, next to our friend. We found a little sign that referenced that moment and thus the barring of any tourist getting within 30 metresRead more
TravelerOhh so glad I made it on a sign 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I never forget that 😜
6/19/24Reply
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Europe 2024
1
Athens to Paros
Jun 20–25, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 33 °C
Day 4
Up at sparrows fart for transfer to the famous Piraeus port. Lovely morning, arrived early (around 7am) for an 8.45 cruise. Pretty chuffed as we were the first ones to arrive. BUT, little did I know that means diddly squat, nada, zilch, nothing here in Greece. By the time we boarded (see further down for that debacle) there must have been 50 to 100 people that just decided to join the line at the front. Needless to say I was furious.

Departure was supposed to be 8.45. No sign of cars or passengers even boarding and it’s 9.30. More people joining the queue AT THE F&@!ING FRONT). 9.45 and…….mad scramble to the stairs…..yes stairs…….with heavy bags.

What was puzzling was passengers and cars were still arriving after 8.45, so we reckon they combined 2 cruises without telling us.

No communication from anyone at any time. Google and Trip advisor reviews will NOT BE GOOD

Made it onboard. Now time to calm down. Jarryd and Mitch are not the only ones with weird tattoos. (Refer to photos)

5 hrs and we’re in Paros. Pretty slick disembarkation….basically get off, we have to get to the next port. But, we’re here. Awesome place. Still not sure why they can’t replicate our caravan toilet process……toilet paper in the basket next to you.

Steph is a very happy camper……Joel and his girlfriend Kayla have joined us for a couple of nights

Found the most amazing rooftop bar. Only recently opened so the 2, 33 Euro bottles of wine were free.Read more
Traveler Beautiful
6/21/24Reply
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Europe 2024
Paros second day
June 21, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Day 5
A nice sleep in then brekky at the hotel. Then a walk into town to meet Joel and Kayla and a look see around. Well, that of course turned into the first shopping experience. The girls had some sandals custom made and I had a t-shirt. custom printed. A bite to eat and then back to the hotel for a swim

Another walk into downtown Paros in the evening for dinner. And another lovely meal, all electing traditional Greek fare. Followed by a street walk for……of course more shopping…..oh, and Gelato for Bri and IRead more
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Europe 2024
Paros third day - Antiparos & Despotiko
June 22, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 28 °C
Day 6
Up and ready for the 9.30 pickup for our cruise to Antiparos and Despotiko. Didn’t start too well. We were ready 5 minutes prior to pickup ( as requested), but didn’t get picked up till 20 minutes later.
The day was awesome though…….2 of the many islands. Great time, great crew, great hospitality

Another lovely meal down by the waterfront.

We said blood bye to Joel and Kayla tonight as they head off on their way once again.

Quote of the day - “Joel’s bum is so white”…….thanks Kayla, we all needed to know that.Read more
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Europe 2024
Paros and Naousa
June 23, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Day 7
Managed to get the drone up for the first time today. Put together a nice video of the hotel and views from it. Walked into downtown again and visited a restaurant owned by the daughter (and her husband) of a good friend from Perth - Barry Burns. Unfortunately Barry’s daughter was not there. Thoroughly enjoyed the burgers though.

After much consternation, we decided to hire a car. Dinner was booked in a village 10 or so KMs from our hotel and originally planning on catching a bus. The hire car was the best move I reckon, albeit one traverse to the wrong side of the road had the ladies a little stressed.

Back to the restaurant……..OMG, it was superb (photos attached). Yes, Peter Yin, there was Sea Urchin on the menu and yes, we tried it. Very nice indeed. Gail & Bri had seafood linguine and Anne, Steph and I had a house fish specially……flame cooked at the table.

All in all great day.Read more
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Europe 2024
Last day in Paros
June 24, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Day 8
Started the day with a 6.7km walk around Parikia with Bri. The sense of smell is very
Powerful……we were drawn into the bakery like blowflies to…….
Took off in the car around 10.15 and went to a couple of lovely calm beaches back out towards Naousa.
Personal space and lining up are just not the done thing here. The photo with the chair……we had been laying on the beach enjoying the view, then this couple walked and placed the chair within 2 metres of us, completely blocking the view.
As you do, more food. Took a stroll to some restaurants not part of the main cluster in the town centre and a little bit closer for us to walk to. We found one right on the beach. It was awesome. Probably one of the best meals we’ve had to date. And the staff were fantasticRead more
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Europe 2024
Paros to Naxos
Jun 25–28, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Day 9
Farewell to Paros. Absolutely beautiful place. Boarding was a lot more organised leaving than arriving. Very luxurious ferry.
Bri and Anne were playing a card game called speed. All of a sudden Anne yells “Stop” at the top of her voice……customers all around were both shocked and entertained. Mind you, it scared the crap out of me.
Arrived safely albeit organised chaos. Got to our apartment which actually looks like a building out of the Flintstones. Unpacked and out to explore and a bite to eat. Very qui t during the heat of the day but come 8 pm when we returned, everything comes alive. Found a restaurant Kayla and Joel recommended and again had some delightful food.
After dinner we were just wandering the streets looking for somewhere to have a drink. Walked into one bar and was greeted by the broadest of Irish accents. It just so happened to be the only Irish bar in Naxos. So although not on tap, I managed to get a Guinness in a can.Read more
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Europe 2024
Naxos
June 26, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 27 °C
Day 10
Well earned sleep in today. Headed downtown for brekkie mid morning. The food was a little disappointing but the coffee was good. Took a walk to one of the local beaches and on the way took a detour to a derelict building in the most perfect location. (See the photos). Headed back home for the obligatory afternoon siesta.Read more
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Europe 2024
Naxos Bus Tour
June 27, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Day 11
Another early morning, this time to get a bus for a full day tour of the island. Whilst we eventually got picked up, my call to change pick up points nearly resulted in a missed trip.
Wow, what a stunning place. Mountains upon mountains. Narrow roads that have sheer drops hundreds of meters down. So much history here. Amazing scenery
Back to the hotel for a rest and freshen up then out to dinner……just for something different. The restaurant we wanted to go to was fully booked so off to the Rum Bar. Best rum I’ve ever had Rumbullion from the Caribbean. Had a wonder I ended up at another awesome restaurant. Fantastic food and service. Awesome way to spend our last nightRead more
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Europe 2024
Last day Naxos (to Palermo)
Jun 28–Jul 1, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Day 12
Time to pack the bags.
The most significant event was Anne finding such a lovely coffee so close to where we were staying, because all other coffees have been too strong.
So as well as last day good coffee, last day finding of single good looker for Bri ☺️

The ferry boarding was very smooth……but late. So far not a good hit rate for punctuality

Perth - Doha. ✈️ ☑️
Doha - Athens ✈️ ☑️
Athens - Paros 🚢 ❎
Paros - Naxos 🚢 ☑️
Naxos -Athens 🚢 ❎
Athens - Palermo ✈️ ❎

No photos today given most of it was just travelling.

Get ready for the Italian adventure nextRead more
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Europe 2024
Palermo
June 29, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Day 13
After a huge delay at Athens airport we arrived 3 hours late. Got to our Air B n B and thought we may have to sleep on the sidewalk, but after a few phone calls we got in. What an amazing apartment.
Got about 5 hours sleep then up to explore our new location
Breath taking to say the least. Amazing architecture and history.
Had the most amazing lunch that way over the top, but I think they saw us coming.Read more
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Europe 2024
Palermo
June 30, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Day 14
After arriving late in the early hours of the previous morning we all had a good sleep in. Steph’s foot is giving her grief so she decided to stay in whilst the rest of us headed out for some lunch. My pick this time. After sitting down to get our lunch order underway it was observed there was no Arancini or Bruschetta on the menu so my credibility in selecting restaurants was shot.
Alas, after staying, placing an order and receiving our food, my selection was redeemed. Absolutely beautiful food. We tend to not order a meal each, rather share a few places, as there is so much of it. The 3 meals we ordered were sensational. Pizza, Sardine Spaghetti and a salad.
Looking to dine out for dinner Bri contacted the restaurant our tour guide from the previous day recommended, but they were closed. We wandered the streets and stumbled across a restaurant just off the main drag. Another great pickRead more
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Europe 2024
Palermo to Catania
Jul 1–4, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Day 15
Bri’s birthday party today. Packing the bags once again for our next stop - Catania, by bus.
Very mountainous and dry landscape.
Arrived safely in Palermo to a very homely apartment, adjoining the owners actual home. Had a well earned break till the evening cool. Headed out for a drink then dinner. Found the rooftop bar, had a drink and then headed for dinner. Found a really lovely place where the food was awesome. Finished dinner then found a great cocktail bar to celebrate Bri’s birthday. Anne was on fire tonight - and thought this was another place Craig would like……..so she left some of him here (see photo). Home time now ready for the big trek tomorrow (Bri and I hiking up Mt Etna).Read more
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Europe 2024
Catania
July 2, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Day 16
Bri and I were up early for our Mt Etna tour, while the others had a nice lie in. On an 8 seater with a bunch of yanks, a couple of or Italians and a Scotsman. Set off at 8.10, but because one of the other buses had a flat tyre we were a little late to our destination……..but it was well worth it. Absolutely stunning to see what the earth is capable of doing. We drove on a road recently constructed over the top of the lava flow from 2002 eruption. Leading up to our stopping point was so tropical in vegetation, yet lost all the humidity we were experiencing at sea level in the main town. In fact Bri was cold at some points.
Another fantastic meal for dinner topped off with gelato of courseRead more
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Europe 2024
$The story about the fracture in the lava$
Catania and Sinagra
July 3, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Day 17
Today was special. We woke early, secured a hire car and completed a 320 km round trip to a village called Sinagra, the birth place or my maternal grandfather.
The name Fogliani is well entrenched in this village. Managed to locate a cousin of my grandfather by the name of Giuseppe. As you will see in a couple of the photos, a gentleman of pride (not just because he also rocks a good tash). He has been to Australia a number of times and could name suburbs, streets and other Italian families I had heard of.
He also showed me a couple of documents, that when translated into English gave a little bit more detail about the family.
The journey (particularly on the way there) was like a Leyland brother adventure but made it in the end.
Upon our return, it was a quick change and back out on the streets of Catania for another street food adventure, with yet again gastronomic local delights.
Now I know where my love of fresh bread, buttered, with vanilla ice cream comes from.
The history of Catania runs deep, very very deep. Our street food tour guide took a quick detour through a restaurant (picture attached) which by pure accident discovered a fracture in the solidified lava some 10 metres underground, that revealed a river that had been completely covered by the 7th layer of lava to consume the city of Catania.Read more
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Europe 2024
Catania to Barth-a-lona
Jul 4–7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Day 18
The downside of visiting so many places is the fact it really does take a whole day out of your holiday from the time you start packing and getting to the next station or airport. Sitting at Catania airport killing 4 hrs before the flight to Barth-a-lona.
The positive so far for today was the wealth of knowledge our Biologist driver had of Sicilian history. We learnt so much from him in the short 30 minute ride to the airport.

Arrived in Barcelona to a far more conducive climate. Bri is just so happy there is some serious shopping here (little does she know we haven’t got that much time). I hope Bonnie doesn’t brag too much about what she bought.
Steph is taking some serious R & R for her ankle.
Found the food markets on La Rambla, ordered a large beer, thinking it was a pint…….woah, was I wrong……..1 litre. More beautiful food. The Tapas was amazing.
Found an Oirish bar, with Oirish fellas so the Guinness was grand.
Planning tomorrow’s activities nowRead more
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Europe 2024
Barth-a-lona
July 5, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Day 19
Started the day early for a change. Bri and I went for a walk to see the morning sires (and to ease the waist line). Had to have the maintenance man over to fix the shower and replace the batteries in one of the smoke alarms.
Steph decided it was time to get her ankle formally looked at. Had a Dr come to the apartment who recommended a hospital visit. X-rays revealed no broken bones. Rest required.
Bri then decided it was time to shop…..so she did.
Another street food walking tour. Bri tried everything but most were not to her liking. Of course capsicum (or as the Europeans call them, peppers) was part of a few of the dishes we had. We had to make a detour on the way home where Bri found some amazing garlic prawnsRead more
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Europe 2024
Barth-a-lona day 2
July 6, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Day 20
Started the day with another walk with Bri. The weather here is a little more conducive to physical activity. Came upon some amazing buildings and gardens.
After freshening up we headed downstairs for Brekky, making sure we had a take away ordered for Steph, who is still resting her ankle, then off to see the sites (minus Steph)
We did the Tommy tourist hop on hop off bus tour and saw what this amazing city has to offer. None of us are particularly keen on lines and everywhere we went they were huge. Needless to say La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and the many more attractions were enjoyed from the outside.
Coming to the pointy end, The European Cup has graced just about everywhere we’ve been. Tonight on our nightly dinner venture it was the Pom’s in the quarter finals. We had to stop and watch of course. Whilst watching sport, particularly football (soccer to us Aussies) can be very stressful, happy to say they won on the penalty shootout.
Gail and Anne were not too hungry so they went home with a bottle of Rose whilst Bri and I came across an awesome place so close to our apartment that served the best Paella. But we were under instruction to bring back take away…….and another bottle of Rose. It’s nice to come across a fellow “tash” connoisseur every once bit n a while.Read more
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Europe 2024
Barth-a-lona to Valencia
Jul 7–11, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Day 21
Next stop València. This time via train. Up bright and early to get to the station. The fast trains are awesome. I saw the speed reach 249 km/hr but is was so comfortable and smooth.
Got to our apartment a little early but was able to drop our cases and then head out to lunch. Oh my Gawd…….awesome tapas followed by a seafood Paella.
The ritual these days is back to the apartment after lunch for a short rest before heading out to dinner. Tonight we found a local bar for a traditional Flamenco show that was fantastic. Then wandered the streets for dinner, which didn’t let us down. Brilliant Tapas and Paella……again

And of course…..more amazing architectureRead more
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Europe 2024
Valencia
July 8, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Day 22
Up early for another walk. Valencia is beautiful. A bit overcast and gloomy early with a few raindrops, but still managed to see some of the highlights
Back for a shower and then off to Brekky with the gang. Steph is still resting her ankle though.
Hire some bikes and did a great ride along the park on the northern side. It was fully of various activities for all the community to enjoy….soccer pitches, playgrounds, exercise areas, water features and lots more (retraced part of my morning walk).
Valencia has a mix of the old and new, evidenced by the photos.
Another fabulous evening mingling with world, sampling drinks and local fare.
Apparently, the Spanish coasters I purchased were not appreciated by all. However, the young ladies in the store were very appreciative, mainly because they reckon it’s the first time anyone has purchased that designRead more
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Europe 2024
Valencia
July 9, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Day 23
A bit of a sleep in this morning before venturing to the fresh food markets. Wow so much lovely stuff…..cheese, fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood…..amazing.
Also bought the extra cabin bag we need for all the shopping the girls (truth be told, and me too) have purchased. Had to cough up for additional luggage on Ryanair even though it is an international journey.
Came back to the apartment to drop off the shopping then onto the beach. The water was around 2 hundred meters from the restaurant strip. And just for something different…..more food. Interesting to note wine and beer accompany all meals, no matter what time of day.
The evening was spent on a catamaran cruising out through the harbour to watch the sunset. Steph was able to join us tonight, which was great. Whilst our own West Aussie sunset over the ocean I think is better, the Valencian sunset over the city was still pretty awesome.
The crew were patriotically fixed to their mobiles watching the first half of the Spanish/French quarter final of the Euro Cup. The Europeans are very passionate about their football.
Standing along the restaurant strip, contemplating putting the drone up a fella walks up to me and hands me something. Not offer you get tourist gimmicks/services for free. Bri continues her shopping.Read more
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Europe 2024
Valencia
July 10, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Day 24
Pre booked day tour today to Montanejos and “Girl Friend” waterfall. What a fantastic day. Our host, Juan, who hails from Equatorial Guinea was the perfect host. Recently started his own tour company after many disagreements with the larger more profit drawing companiesRead more
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Europe 2024
Valencia to Barth-a-lona to LutonLondon
Jul 11–15, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Day 25
Earliest morning yet to catch the train from Valencia back to Barcelona for our flight to Luton. Family time now. Arrived safe and sound but unable to say anything yet as we are here for Gail’s Uncle David’s 80th birthday. This post will be published post catching up with David. In the meantime we are staying with Gail’s paternal uncle and aunty, Derek and Jenny. We had our first home cooked meal in well over 4 weeks. Lovely catchup and chat.Read more
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