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Let loose solo in Europe 2024
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Let loose solo in Europe 2024

Interailing around Europ starting in Paris. First stop Strasbourg Read more
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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    You can't drink it. It has to be eaten!Up the hill!Pasta anyone! Spoilt for choice.The shields are old Saracen shields adopted by local families for their twice annual Saracen FairOne of the many piazzas, but the biggestThe Fortress built by the Medici's. Its hugeView from fortress of Duomo towerOnly noticed the graveyard after I took the photo!Lovely chicken saladYUM YUM!!! ( You would have swooned Kay🤣)Panoramic view from Park near the Duomo and through the trees towards the town.

    Arezzo Italy

    23 settembre 2024, Italia 🌩️ 18 °C

    I can't say I was sorry to leave Rimini. In fact, I was ready and waiting for my taxi to the station at least 20 minutes before it was due😄
    The first train, taking me as far as Bologna, was packed! It was the Milan train. Chap sat in my reserved seat was most apologetic and moved 'quick sharp'. Lucky for him.
    I had to change trains in Bologna.
    Now, Bologna is a massive transit station with 19 platforms and three levels. I arrived at ground level and departed from the 'lower basement', from platform 19!
    I had a reserved seat, so I hopped on the train and parked myself in my designated seat. It was a very comfortable armchair set in a small compartment. I guessed once the inspector came along, there would be a 'carry on'. I decided I would play dumb. Next, a train attendant popped up with a bag of nibbles, chocolate biscuits, and a small bottle of water. Definitely going to be a 'carry on'.
    The Inspector came, took my reservation paper, scanned it, and moved on. Astonished!    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    How the Romns built walls
    How the Romns built walls1st century BCI do like a bracelet!Alabaster coffin for ashesMosaicSt Augustino ChurchNut tart and lemon tartBought a scarf here!Old monastery now public offices 14th centuryCathedralNice lace tablecloth Anne!!Bishop's bedroom ceilingExterior door of cathedral

    Arezzo sightseeing day!

    24 settembre 2024, Italia ☁️ 23 °C

    Breakfast was very good. Largely because I finally had a decent cup of tea!
    Got myself organised and set off for the Roman Amphitheatre. This one was also built by Hadrian.
    Not too much of it left, but it was a fair size. In the old monastery, attached to the amphitheatre walls, is the archaeological museum. Before it was a monastery, it was a Roman Temple.
    I am not a great fan of museums, but there was so much to see that was 550BC and older.
    I have taken many photos today but will be selective.
    I moved on and came across St Agostino Church. Small, beautiful, peaceful. I lit candles in here.
    Coffee and tiny cakes followed, and the purchase of chocolate powder to take home!

    I had a break back at my room for an hour or so before getting out the crampons to reach the Cathedral. I made it, but my leg really didn't like it! Many frescos 14th century and painted ceiling. Having pestered everyone I found to stamp my cathedral passport, I finally sat down to wait. It paid off. A Monseigneur appeared and with much waving of hands and pantomime, I followed him to the Sacristy, and he duly stamped my book. I don't know who was more delighted, him or me.
    I went to the Church of St Franchesco. Had to pay! The cathedral was free. Anyway, it was mildly interesting, I suppose, but not very thrilling.
    I went back to the church, which is being renovated. I hoped the nuns would sing again, as they did yesterday. They didn't.
    Slightly limping, I found a bar and ordered a beer.
    Now it's dinner time and I am in the same restaurant as last night. Tonight: Round pasta with scallops and lime sauce . I am not sure about the sauce. We'll see😆 Well it didn't look very appetising, and the filling was scallop mush. Never mind, it was food.
    Had a slight panic at one point when I couldn't find the key to the padlock on my rucksack. Found it eventually, thank goodness.
    All packed and ready for the off tomorrow. Enjoy the pics.    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler

    Pisa

    25 settembre 2024, Italia ☀️ 22 °C

    Not the best start today. Missed train to Pisa from Arezzo. I am now resting on Platform 4, waiting for the 11am train. I did manage to book a seat reservation for the train later today. Thank goodness for that! Very pleasant, helpful lady at the booking office.
    Train arrived, and as one, everyone on the plarform poured onto the train. Every man for himself. I found a single seat straight away, and sat down immediately. When we left there were bicycles, babies, enormous suitcases bags etc. All over everywhere.
    The worst was on arrival at Pisa. Hundreds of people rushing about in all directions. There were also stairs to negotiate. I was terrified I would get pushed over! I survived...just!

    Queued up in sweltering heat to drop my bag at the luggage store and exited the station.

    Pisa was heaving with people. I think most of them day trippers from Florence. It was a shame really, because it was difficult to move quickly. It was 20 minutes to the Cathedral and Tower plus 20 back, so, only just over an hour to see and take pics. Ticket Office man took pity on me and gave me an early ticket for the Cathedral. I also managed to get my book stamped. Well happy.
    The Cathedral and Tower are more imposing outside than inside. Built entirely of marble. The carving and decoration is stunning. I tooklpts of photos in a short time so I hope you will get some idea of the beauty.
    My poor legs and feet were done in by the time I got back to the station. Collected luggage, found a loo, and then headed for platform 5 for the train to Genoa.
    Another pantomime getting on the train. People bring suitcases that don't fit the spaces!! I have my reserved seat and have been checked in, so I am fine.
    The rain is following the coast at present, going in and out of tunnels. I think it will be time to buy a jumper tomorrow.    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler

    Genoa

    25–27 set 2024, Italia ☁️ 18 °C

    The train journey wasn't too bad. Pisa train station was very quiet thank goodness. No frantic headless chickens about when boarding the train. I had a reserved seat and no-one came to sit next to me.

    Arrived in Genoa Brignolles. A heaving metropolis! Directions to property excellent. Access to room fraught. Managed to get into the building, then everything got messy.
    No-one anywhere, climbed to 1st floor, and found a door with the right name on it. Locked. I rang the number, and this girl had me up and down stairs twice. Gave me a qr code I couldn't use and a key that didn't work.
    I won't bore you with the rest, but I am in now and settled.
    Very comfortable, and my feet are ecstatic that they are not having to move!
    Just a few pics of the room tonight. Pics of Genoa tomorrow    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    Love this! Outsides Brignolles Station
    Love this! Outsides Brignolles StationBrignolles Railway StationJust liked the buildingMemorial to war deadTiled walkways Via RomaAll sorts of huge mushrooms!Lovely cheeseAll mushrooms!Street side building. Love coloursMore tiled walkwaysGaribaldi (biscuit maker)🤣Genoa theatreGenoa CathedralCathedral and me!Inside cathedralTo show decoration up closeThe Holy Grail.......allegedly🤔Plate Herod received John Baptist Head.FOUND PENGUINS!!!🥳🥳

    Genoa sightseeing

    26 set – 1 ott 2024, Italia 🌬 21 °C

    Well I slept like a log. When I woke up, it was raining! I had a slow start, eventually leaving about 11am. Rain continued on and off. I got very frustrated with Google maps, in the same way the sat nav sometimes drives me mad.
    My poor right foot is suffering, so I found an apoteca. Lady measured my ankle and found me a perfect ankle support. Hope it helps.
    So after a couple of false starts and retracing steps, with a detour round an indoor market, I found the Cathedral. It is pretty imposing and surrounded by large buildings and shops and cafes. I went in, but the barriers were up while staff had lunch!!
    I found a nice cosy cafe. I had delicious tea and a pistachio croissant. When I went back inside the Cathedral the barriers were down. The musee de tresors was open. I paid 5 euros and had a look as you will see. I then began to pester about my cathedral stamp. I eventually made it to the Sacristy, beautiful room, and my passport was duly stamped!!
    Turning away from culture for a while, I went off to the Aquarium at the port. Very interesting and atmospheric. Saw dolphins, and.......found penguins! Get it??
    I discovered, as I left, that battery on the phone almost dead. Inevitably the phone died before I had reached anywhere I recognised
    Pounced on an unsuspecting Italian lady who gave me directions. I managed to follow them far enough that I recognised where I was.
    Stopped off at the cafe to get coffee and a roll, smoked ham and cheese, a muffin, and a bag of crisps. When I made it home, I discovered coffee latte had turned into hot milk!!!🤣
    Soaked feet in the bidet, and they are now wrapped in a towel waiting for a massage with face cream.
    Early start and late finish tomorrow so early night.
    After 20 years, I remembered nothing about Genoa. There is so much to explore, another day or two would have been good. Next time😊    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    CannesCannesThe beach CannesPlace National MontaubanEglise St Jaques MontaubanSunlight through the stained glassBuildings around CathedralLunch

    Montauban Occitanne

    28 set – 1 ott 2024, Francia ☀️ 12 °C

    So a day late saying where I am. It was a long day yesterday. 10 hours and 5 trains to get to Toulouse! I undertook the marathon in order to use only one day on my pass. I arrived in Toulouse at 21.30. First time I have been unnerved by my surroundings. It was dark, and there were many homeless, as well as congregations of immigrants. Fortunately, the hotel was directly opposite the station. A mug of tea later, I was in bed with lights out!
    Breakfast was hugely entertaining and extremely overpriced! Tea leaves to make tea, blocks of butter, running out of everything! Funny to watch.
    I caught the 10am train to Montauban, dropped off my bags, and went exploring. What a beautiful old town! The Place National at the centre, arched walkways on all sides, with shops and restaurants. Lanes that lead away containing all manner of little shops. I came across a 'seconde main' literally, shop. I managed to find a perfectly decent fleece jacket for 6 euros. It was a Croix Rouge charity shop.
    The Cathedral has been closed since 2020. According to the Notice, pasted on its doors. It has to comply with Health and Safety and sort out the electricity. I also found out that there is a major crack in one wall! It's sad as it is a vast church and has an interesting history.
    I had a chocolat chaud and a croque monsieur for lunch, and then went walking. Found an ATM so could then go and buy food at the market. I have some local blue cheese 🧀 and a bottle of local wine 🍷
    More tomorrow.......
    The photos today include some I took in Cannes    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    Famous sculptor did these
    Famous sculptor did these1Mosaic flooring.Lovely unusual pattern on this pieceBlack Prince Caves ( basement)Painted ceiling in museeRestored building in the townFootpath on vieux pontViews across the Tarn River to the townWar memorial (War in 1700s)Exterior of Eglise St JacquesI just liked this. Place Du Coq!Where I am stayingThe covered walkways around the Place NationalTypical street

    Montauban day 2

    29 settembre 2024, Francia ⛅ 4 °C

    It's been a tough few days physically. My body is not quote as strong as I hoped.
    My accommodation here is really nice and comfortable, for which I am thankful.
    I have taken the decision today to curtail my trip and head home on Tuesday. It is an easy journey as I pick up the train here in Montauban. Its a case of discretion is the better part of valour!
    I decided another 4 days travelling, along with
    A further assortment of accommodation was just too much to face. I have been on the move for almost a month and enjoyed the experiences. It's time to quit. The places I will not now be visiting will still be there another time, so all is not lost.
    My plan is to have a slow day today and tomorrow. Get my ticket reservations sorted, and hopefully get the washing dry for repacking. A trip to the museum this afternoon and the Jardine de Plantes tomorrow. I have been to the musee, which is rather more an art gallery. In the basement, there is small archaeological exhibition and references to the Black Prince and the '100 years' war. When I was done with that, I trekked to the station to get my seat reservation ticket, which went pretty smoothly.
    Have had a little walk around the Place National. Everywhere is very quiet. It's Sunday!
    I am having a small glass of wine now, and I will then nuke my dinner and cook the veg.

    Footnote: The sculptor is Antoine Bourdelle.
    Look him up!    Read more

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  • Somewhere in EuropeLet loose solo in Europe 2024Traveler
    Restored houses
    Restored housesTown from riversideVieux pont (being repaired)Local streetCeiling in the theatreThe Cathedral exteriorPart of theatre exteriorHome ....where else!!

    Paris

    1 ottobre 2024, Francia ☁️ 17 °C

    So here I am at the Gare du Nord. I left Montauban at 08.55 and arrived in Paris Montparnasse at 13.00.. what a weird station!! Anyway, I found a taxi and crawled through Paris to the Gare du Nord. I managed to set off the alarms twice. They decided it was my artificial hip. I have no idea.
    On time into St Pancras and then a mad dash through the pouring rain to Euston!
    Made the train to Birmingham and then the final dawdle to Droitwich and a taxi from the station. Jan was pleased to see me and had my key ready.
    On the whole I enjoyed the trip. I didn't do enough planning and was wracked with indecision a few times. All worked out OK in the end. I think Lecce was the highlight, Arrezo was lovely too. The train and bus journeys from Novi Sad to Durres via Podgorica were the most entertaining.
    Many beautiful places, amazing churches, and too much walking!
    I hope you have enjoyed following. Until next time........... some more photos of Montauban and one that welcomed me home🤣    Read more

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    Trip end
    1 ottobre 2024