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Travelling with John, Claire and Caitlin Read more
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  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Art in Leichenstein

    July 23, 2018 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Wonderful art in the heart of the city, the Prince is into art in a big way apparently and pays for everything, a very rich country. His castle on the hill overlooking the town.

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    St Gallen, Leichenstein & Carmen

    July 23, 2018 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Went back to the town of St Gallen to have a look at the world famous library and old books. The room is spectacular and books even better, I didn’t realise that the Irish were in Austria in the 1500’s!!! Then went to Leichenstein and well up into the mountains to a ski resort, 1700 metres, breathtaking. Then our highlight, Carmen on The lake at Bergen’s. It was touch and go if they were going to perform because of rain but it stopped 5 mins beforehand. Wow, words cannot describe the performance and stage props. 2 and a half hour show, went to a bar after and got home at 1.30am. Opera started at 9.45pm. Off to Innsbruck today. This place is beautiful.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Catania to Zurich

    July 21, 2018 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Flight to Zurich this morning, wonderful to catch up with Bruno & Gabi. On the road again, how about four countries in one day, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Love the countryside and the lovely homes, real picture postcard stuff. Great to be with B & G who speak the language. Went to great waterfalls, volume of water incredible, visited a lovely town for a drink. Had dinner at hotel near the mountains, bit too much wine so now off to bed!!!Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    My next adventure

    July 20, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Sad in a way for us all to go own way but I am ready for my next adventure in Austria with Bruno & Gabi. The hotel Ravesi was an amazing place to stay,a photo of our little friend who was wandering around last night under the light. Lovely views of the hotel gardens and of Lipari. Boat trip uneventful but trip from Milazzo to Catania took an age. Staying at a hotel close to the airport as I have an early flight to Zurich in the morning. Hotel and the service is crap, maybe they have a monopoly??? Better to come, I am sure. Bon voyage Italy, look out Austria.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Drive to Rinella

    July 19, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Lovely drive to Rinella for a swim on a ‘sandy’ beach stopping to view Pollara from a great height, such a beautiful spot. Had a great swim even though it was at a port and loads of people, the water is so clear and warm. I then took over from Claire on the scooter, whopper, the ‘flying Nolesy’ amazing!!! Lunch at a beautiful place with loads of fun with the owner/waiter, too many courses so no dinner tonight. Just nibbles & drinks. Back for a swim in the pool, and a walk around the village. It is going to be hard to leave this place😍Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Salina & Lipari

    July 18, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Relaxed brekkie by the pool this morning, then off on our trek to Lipari. On line schedule says leave 10.30am, get to wharf - oh, left at 9.50 next one 11.30. Much swearing xxxxx. Finally on boat black smoke billowing from engine but made it to Lipari. Brought back many memories from 2001, I lit a candle for Mike in the local church, shed a few tears then went walking. A delightful place, lovely shops and narrow lanes. We had a lovely lunch in the town and generally just wandered. Our ferry was half an hour late (so what’s new) then about the same to load!!! Back safely on Salina it was time for a swim. We love our hotel and it’s pool. Short walk to dinner which was great then on to a movie in the Piazza, unfortunately all in Italian, no sub titles!! Salina is a delightful island to just relax, Italian time and we have had a lot of that. Deli’s with wonderful capers, aubergines cheeses and all sorts of goodies.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA
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    Explore day on Salina

    July 17, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Slept in this morning then went in our car with Claire following on her motor scooter to Santa Marina for a swim and explore. Quaint little place. Had our swim at a beautiful clear water rocky beach. Unfortunately not a lot of sand here. We decided to go back later in the evening as most of the shops and markets would be open as there was a festival with live music and fireworks. John drove the scooter back with Cait on the back. Speed limit on the island is 30kph but I am sure the locals go faster!!! Another swim then siesta before a drink and 6pm nibbles here at the hotel. Went to Santa Marino again and did the shops, markets xxxx. Too tired to wait for the music festival and fireworks which started at midnight!!! Great day in beautiful weather. Night photo of the pool shows our rooms on the first floor, such a great spot.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Petralia soprano to Salina

    July 16, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Left at 9am this morning heading for Isle of Salina, a 2 and a half hour trip to catch our ferry at Milano then an hour and a half ferry trip stopping for coffee at the small town of Tisa. What should have been 10 mins off the autostrade took about 45 mins as the road was shocking. Autostrades great, we lost count of tunnels and viaducts, but local roads you would not believe. Arrived Milazzo to find our ferry was ‘broke’ so we had to wait for the next sailing an hour later. Our accomm. on the island made up for it especially the infinity pool, we had a swim after we had settled in. We have our own private deck overlooking the pool and ocean, just magic. Went for a walk before dinner, had a drink at a bar carved into the rocks then on to have pizza.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Last day on Sicily

    July 16, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Lovely day yesterday, visited a little village high up in the mountains with amazing views. Then usual story, supermercato, lunch, (food much cheaper here than home, even saw zespri kiwifruit cheaper than home) swimming, sunbathing then siesta before more swimming and going out to dinner. I think we could all get used to this life!!! Dinner was at a village called Gange, set very high up in the mountains, very narrow winding roads. We were so high up when we came out from dinner we were in the clouds, just amazing, eerie and weird. The village itself set on a mountain was awesome. Drive to Messina today to board the boat for Salina.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Petralia Soprana

    July 14, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Said goodbye to our appt and left Syracuse this morning after stocking up for lunch and headed to the mountains of Palermo Region. Had our picnic under a tree at a delightful little place called Enna. Roads in this region are rather hit and miss unless you are on the autostrade, they are a dream. Good driving from John in shocking conditions at times. Found our wonderful accommodation in the middle of nowhere, lovely rooms and an inviting swimming pool, just what one needed in 36 degrees although it wasn’t ‘burn’y’.
    Went out to a local restaurant miles away from anywhere and just went with the flow, we didn’t know what we were getting until it arrived with an explanation from the chef. 7 courses later and we all agree that it was the best ever. Ready for bed now. Might just have a chill day tomorrow!!!    Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Syracuse

    July 13, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    The girls and I went to the Greek Theatre today whilst John headed to Catania to pick up Sarah who was flying in from Rome. We got there just on opening so no one around, ticket salesman took a liking to us and only charged 10 euro instead of 10 euro each. Liked him!!!!! Greek amphitheatre is huge and the caves equally so. As we were leaving the buses were arriving full of tourists, good choice to go early. We went home then wandered down to the waterfront and swam and sunbathed, so lovely and warm. Usual story, lunch then siesta. Just arrived back after a lovely dinner. Five of us now and ready for our next venture into the mountains.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Noto

    July 12, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    No early start but a pleasant drive to a small town 32 km west of Syracuse at the foot of the Iblean Mountains, a
    Lovely drive through orange orchards and olive groves. A lovely town with so much history. Beautiful churches and wonderful architecture. Thank goodness John was driving, typical Italian, no plan, total chaos but totally organised!!! FOR THEM!! Back to appt. in heat of afternoon, then a swim in beautiful clear water. The girls and I had Fish Therapy, different to say the least!! Dinner at 8pm (a lovely little restaurant in a small street/alley, superb food. Then a glass of wine (John and I) and discussion with the girls on world politics, interesting but time for bed!!!!!!!!!Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Syracuse, Sicily

    July 11, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Another early start for a 2 hour train trip to Rome airport. Beautiful scenery on the way lots of grass being cut for hay & acres of sunflowers. Met John & girls, now all in our appt in Syracuse. Went out to have a swim on the waterfront, so lovely and warmI could have stayed in forever. Supermercato to stock up, home for shower & snack. Just back from waterfront after a drink and light dinner. So nice, lovely temperature.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Last day in Florence

    July 10, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    A much needed ‘chill’ day today although I did go out for a couple of walks, one this morning, went exploring and found places I hadn’t seen before. I stopped at a lovely little restaurant for a great lunch. Back to hotel to read the paper and siesta, really tried to pack a little, seems to get more & more difficult!!! Didn’t feel like dinner so had a bar snack and the usual aperol spritz (this is becoming a habit) will have to stop (when I leave Italy)!!! Went out for another walk, lovely to see everyone eating outside and enjoying themselves. Off at 7am in the morning to meet John & the girls at Rome airport, then we all fly to Sicily for another adventure. They have been enjoying Rome.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Cinque Terre

    July 10, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Early start yesterday for Cinque Terre, started by a two hour bus trip, three train rides and two boat trips, lots of tourists but all good. Such a beautiful part of Italy. Amazing how they built into the rocky outcrops and have managed to stay there. Lots of locals swimming and a number of super yachts. Lunch was included at a wonderful place overlooking the sparkling water at the third village, lots of local wine and even a limoncello at the end. Didn’t get back to Florence until 9pm absolutely knackered. Chill day today.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Pisa and Lucca

    July 8, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Long bus trip to Pisa but well worth it. Very hot day with big crowds but plenty of space really. Met a lovely American couple an teamed up with them. Had a lovely lunch with wine tasting? Not bad either!! Nearly caught by pick pockets but heard them just in time and yelled at them, they are so quick. Luckily I had my wits about me, not day dreaming as usual!!! Loved Pisa. Then on to Lucca and a wander around the old town, great little place. Back about 8pm. Another big day tomorrow.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Florence

    July 7, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Out early this morning for an hours walk to find where I have to be tomorrow to meet a group to go to Pisa and Lucca. Back to watch some dragon boat racing. Unfortunately I couldn’t get close to the kiwis. Lunch beside the river then siesta. Did 12 km today so not bad. Just back at the hotel in the bar having an aperol spritz before bed. Big day tomorrow.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Hotel Bernini

    July 6, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Said goodbye to John & girls this morning as they head off to Rome. I moved into Hotel Bernini right in the middle of all the action. Very fancy pants hotel. Had lovely lunch overlooking the river then back to hotel. Went out late in arvo to see the opening ceremony for the world dragon boat racing. Met up with kiwis from Pyes Pa, we couldn’t believe it. Cheered for the kiwi team. I will be watching the racing tomorrow.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Florence

    July 6, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Woken up to bells ringing at 7am, they will forever be in my mind!!! Breakfast in a lovely cafe 5 mins from our appt. just love their fresh juice and food. Walked around one of the many squares with all the tourists. Waited in a queue again to visit a museum. Had an early lunch at the same place we had dinner last night. Walked over the Ponte Vecchio bridge and watched the dragon boats practising on the Arno River. Opening ceremony for the International Festival tomorrow night with racing on Sat. NZ team racing. Came home for Siesta (could get used to this)!!! Back downtown to see the famous sculpture of David, just mazing. Claire has sore throat so only three for dinner. Let’s hope Claire better tomorrow. Nothing worse than being unwell whilst on holiday.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Florence

    July 5, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Woken up to bells ringing at 7am.. They will forever be in my mind!!! Breakfast in a lovely cafe 5 mins from our appt. just love their fresh juice and food. Walked around one of the many squares with all the tourists and waited in a queue again to visit a palace museum. Had an early lunch then walked down to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and watched dragon boats practising on the Arno River . Opening ceremony for the International Festival tomorrow night with racing on Sat. NZ team racing. Had siesta then back on the streets to see the famous sculpture of David, just amazing. Claire has sore throat so only three for dinner, hopefully she will feel better after a good nights sleep.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Leaving Venice

    July 4, 2018 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Up early to look through St Marks Basillica and well worth the wait in a queue. Such a beautiful church with lots of history. We said goodbye to our appt and breakfast cafe to board a train to Florence. Two hours later and a short walk from the station to our appt then out. We booked to go in to the church, through the museum and up the cupola (dome). Not quite as tall as the Vatican but still about 367 steep steps and yes I did it albeit slowly. I am now knackered but I did it. Museum was so interesting. Don’t think the girls were impressed with seeing a finger from John The Baptiste!!! Out to a lovely restaurant 10 mins from appt. we all love Italian food. Lovely appt right in the middle of all the action, just great.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Venice

    July 3, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Went to a small glass blowing factory, on Murano Island and I drooled over some of the items made, prices to make your eyes water. Visited the (Peggy) Guggenheim art museum, very interesting story on how it evolved. Wandered through the narrow streets in pleasant temperatures. Had a Gondola ride on the canals, all touristy but with doing. Ended the night with a lovely meal in one of the back streets, trying to keep away from the crowded ‘eatery places’, works well. Just love all the wonderful old buildings.Read more

  • Nolene DE LUCAItalyNolene DE LUCA

    Italy

    July 2, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Long flight from Hong Kong to Milan. Caught train in to Central station to meet with John then back to his hotel for a quick shower and a catch up with the girls before we all boarded a train to Venice. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms (YAY) air bnb close to Rialto bridge. Settled in then went walking, lovely lunch and of course the inevitable shopping for the girls. (Capping that!!). Early night, ready to hit the road or canals this morning.Read more

    Trip start
    July 2, 2018
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