The Oldies Trip

A 35-day adventure by Kate Read more

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Trip start
September 23, 2024
The Oldies Trip Traveler
And we're off
September 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
TravelerSafe travels!
9/22/24Reply
TravelerHave a safe flight!!
9/22/24Reply
TravelerYay! Just got to get through immigration. Dodgy looking couple 🤣
9/22/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Finally relaxing with a well earned bevi
September 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
TravelerDefinitely! An beer at the airport when you’re travelling somewhere just tastes better🍻
9/22/24Reply
TravelerOff to a great start 🍻
9/22/24Reply
TravelerGood to see you are getting some practice xx
9/22/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Strange language
September 23, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
This is the first sign we saw as we entered customs, Amsterdam. Language if you don't mind please! Strange way to welcome guests into a country.
TravelerTom found this particularly funny😂😂😂
9/23/24Reply
TravelerDitto with Peter 😂😂
9/23/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
The land of clogs and tulips 🌷
September 23, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
TravelerWell after a long flight we've arrived. We both feel pretty good. No exploration today. A quiet dinner and into bed early.
9/23/24Reply
TravelerGlad you both are there safe and sound! Let the holiday begin🥳🍻 xx
9/23/24Reply
TravelerThe best feeling knowing you’ll be doing nothing! Enjoy it and have a good rest 😴
9/23/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
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Sex , Drugs but no Rock n Roll
September 24, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Well, for a little country at its longest point, 400km, it didn't disappoint. Started the day wit a good breakfast and walked to the tram - Number 5 into CBD. Arrived at the station, beautiful clean and not a bit a graffiti in sight. We met Ari,our American tour guide, 28, who just happened to have a Masters in History. He was fantastic 👏. The buildings have sculptures on the outside, depicting what that family living there did for a living - candle maker, blacksmith, or wine maker.🍾 The red light district was interesting. Families, yes, mums and dads with babies and toddlers actually live right next door to the ladies in the windows. There's also a child care centre as well.👩‍🍼 What an early education these kids would get! Finished our tour at the Sex Museum - had a lot on history. Let's just say there's nothing that hasn't been done through the ages🤯
Amazing day - Amazing Country. 14000 steps 🚶‍♀️ ✨️ doing pretty good🚲🚲🚲Read more
TravelerLooking good!! Sounds like the museum was fun 😂 glad you guys had a good first day out xx
9/25/24Reply
Traveler Were these for torture or pleasure? 😂
9/25/24Reply
TravelerI think torture🫥
9/25/24Reply
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Canal cruising
September 25, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Headed off at 9am on a guided bus tour of Amsterdam, then boarded a canal boat for a cruise. Cruised past Anne Frank's house after she and her family fled from the Nazi's. Had the best italian pasta dish at a little restaurant down a pretty little lane way. Mark headed off for a nap , and I headed to the Reich Museum to view Rembrandt and Van Gough paintings. I never thought I'd see the famous portrait of Van Gough in my lifetime. All of the museums artefacts are between 1500s - 1600s. Amsterdam has been a truly incredible place and not what I'd expected. On to Belgium 🇧🇪 tomorrowRead more
Traveler Finally some seafood Kate😍🤤
9/25/24Reply
TravelerHeaps of fresh seafood in it.
9/25/24Reply
Traveler Amazing!
9/25/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Bruges - OMG
September 26, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Arrived Bruges. This town was first settled in 1075. It is like being transported back in time to a Hanzel and Gretel fairy tale. The Belfry Bell Tower in the main square has 47 bronze bells weighing 27 tonnes. All of the buildings are absolutely gob smacking my jaw just dropped. We went to see one of Michael Angelo's sculptures in the Bascilla. Napoleon stolen it and the Hilter took it to destroy. Luckily it was retrieved. It is only one of 4 sculptures of Michael Angelo's housed outside of Italy. Had some Belgium mussels and waffles and off the bed ready for Paris tomorrow.Read more
TravelerLooks so beautiful and full of history. Very glad you’ve enjoyed yourselves! I’ll add it onto my list of places to visit 🇧🇪
9/26/24Reply
TravelerSo lovely!😍
9/27/24Reply
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More Bruges
September 26, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Traveler Yuuuuuum!
9/26/24Reply
TravelerIsn’t it so crazy to think about that these buildings have been here, standing, for that long! Blows my mind.
9/26/24Reply
TravelerSame!
9/27/24Reply
Traveler Beautiful!
9/27/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Bruges
September 26, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
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All aboard
September 27, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
After a four bus trip from Bruges we arrived in Paris. Drove over a bridge and got my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Boarded the ship, our room is good and the bed is really comfortable. Nora from Bulgaria is assigned to us and she is very attentive.
Fabulous 4 course meal with wine 🍷 a few pics of the Eiffel Tower and into bed 🛌 😴 Oh and did I mention right next to our room is a lovely selection of French wine.Read more
Traveler Seems like it would have been yummy!
9/27/24Reply
TravelerYou have died and gone to heaven. 😁
9/30/24Reply
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Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Versailles
September 28, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Started today in a lovely village, Conflans. Discoverd by the Vickings in 876AD. Crosaint and coffee ☕️ at the shop and the Pariennens were delightful 😊.
Headed to the Palace of Versailles an incredible eye watering experience.Opulencee and decadence certainly explains the French revolution. Marie Antoinette gave birth to her children in full view of an audience. This viewing authenticated the line to the throne.
Another excellent four course meal and wine, lots of laughter. Time for bed 🛌 😴Read more
Traveler It’s a Hobbit hole, but on the other side of the world!
9/29/24Reply
TravelerLooks lovely!
9/29/24Reply
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Quaint Les Andelys
September 29, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
A beautiful little town founded in the 6th century. Richard the Lion Heart Duke of Normady and the King of England built his little castle in 1196. The ruins still remain today and can clearly seen as you enter the town. A stroll around the streets and stop for a hot chocolate back on board for lunch and a bit of an afternoon nap.
P.s The French people have been lovely. Haven't found any one rude at all.Read more
Traveler It’s like we haven’t left Scotland!
9/29/24Reply
Traveler The Dahlias’ in the UK were looking lovely too!
9/29/24Reply
Traveler You both look so happy🥰
9/29/24Reply
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Cows, Apple trees and WW11
September 30, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
Early start to Normandy. Passed apple orchards where the make apple 🍎 cider and beautiful healthy looking cows 🐄. These wonderful beast make are famous for producing delicious cambernet cheeses 🧀 😋. Enough of the feel-good stuff. Now, onto the sombre stuff. Headed to Normandy - Utah beach and Omaha Beach and onto the American War Memorial. Over 425 American soldiers landed on these beaches as well as Canadian, British, and other European countries. They fought the German's to take back control of this beautiful French region. Over nine thousand American lost their lives and are buried in graves here. 21,000 German soldiers are also buried in unmarked graves. No matter what side they are still someones son, father, brother or husband. War is a terrible thing 😪
Onto Honflueur tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing how Joan of Arc was BBQ 😶Read more
Traveler Mark🙄
10/1/24Reply
TravelerGosh, that would have been very interesting yet eerie!
10/1/24Reply
TravelerThe beach is looking suitably windswept.
10/4/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Normandy
September 30, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
American War Memorial
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Honfleur
October 1, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Started the day again with a delicious breakfast. The food and staff on the ship 🚢 have been fabulous! Headed off to Honfleur, a little fishing 🎣 village, usually packed with tourists, but we were lucky not many people around. Lovely little shops and meandering lanes to explore. Called into a place that served apple 🍎 cider and crepes, a scrumptious morning was had by all.Read more
Traveler 😍😍
10/1/24Reply
TravelerHave you tried the calvados drink?
10/4/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
I am woman hear me roar
October 1, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
In the afternoon, we headed off and wondered around Rouen, the capital of Normandy. The Notre Dame Cathedral laid its first stones in 326, and Richard the Lion Heart is buried there. When you first see this cathedral, it stops you in your tracks. We have seen so many Cathedral, but nothing prepares you for this! We then made our way to the site where the Patron Saint of France was burnt at the stake in 1432 aged 19 in the town square. Joan led many French battles to victory. There are only the large rocks remaining depicting the spot where Joan, of Arc, was burnt at the stake. There is a moment made in the shape of her helmet, and inside, this structure is a modern church. Nearly 15000 steps. Big day and another 4 course meal and wine. Time for bed.Read more
TravelerSeems like you’re really enjoying it. That cathedral looks beautiful 😍
10/1/24Reply
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
A trip to a pretty little garden
October 2, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
We are docked in Vernon 10 minutes from Giverny, where Claude Monet lived. Monet's father wanted him to pursue a business career, but his mother was a singer who supported Claude's in his chosen passion, the arts 🎨. Monet and his wife moved to Giverny with virtually no money and lived in a little farmhouse. Slowly, they began to transform the garden. He diverted the stream so it would run through the garden. From there, he built his famous water lily pond 🪷 and bridge crossing, which I have been lucky enough to walk over today. The gardens and surrounds are spectacular 🌹🌱🪻🌻🍁Read more
TravelerWhat an experience. I’ve always wanted to see this! Looks so beautiful, very lucky xx
10/2/24Reply
TravelerDefinitely didn't disappoint
10/2/24Reply
TravelerYou can see where his inspiration came from…..beautiful.
10/4/24Reply
TravelerThis is incredibly beautiful, you were right Kate, I love it! Forget the castle in Scotland, I want to live here🌼
10/4/24Reply
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Paris CBD and Montmartre
October 3, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Arrived Paris and saw all the usual places. They are still dismantling structure from the Olympics, and it interesting to see where these events took place. The building with the gold dome is the Hotel des Invaildes. King Louis XIV commissioned this in 1670 in order to provide accommodation for soldiers. Napoleon's remains are buried here. Off to Montmartre, which is situated on one of the 7 hills surrounding Paris. Bascilique de Sacre-de Coeur stands high on the hill. We chose to use the cable car instead of the steps. Lots of artists 🎨 shops. Back to the ship 🚢 for another gastromic 4 course feast and bed 🛌 😴Read more
Traveler 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
10/6/24Reply
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Paris Largest Museum in the world
October 4, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Big day at The Louvre. Could and spents days here. In fact, to see all of the exhibits, it would take you 3 months if you were to view each one for 30 seconds, distance 25.75 kms. When construction began, they dug down to discover limestone wall dating back to the 12 century. You walk past these and can clearly see what it was like. The sphinx housed here is 5000 years old. The Coranation of Joesphine is a beautiful painting. Venus de Milo, many others, and of course Mona. Time to rest😴Read more
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The Oldies Trip Traveler
Au revoir Paris
October 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Early morning 🌄 ✈️ start off to "The Old Dart "
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A tour around the Cotswolds
October 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
What an incredible day! We headed off 9.00 am. Barney was our tour guide. He was fantastic. Stonehenge first, we thoroughly enjoyed it. A stone has been discovered at Stonehenge that was transported from Scotland 5000 years ago. Went to a little village, Avebury, which also has stones with sheep
Not as well known at Stonehenge. The round stone structure in this village is where they locked up the trouble makers of the village. A bit to eat and then to Laycock.
Parts of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice ( Colin Firth) were filmed. Back on the bus with Barney - Castle Coombe next stop ✋️ A bit like Bruges, an extremely pretty village. The film War Horse filmed here. Not many tourists were around today , and the weather was perfect 👌 🙂Read more
TravelerWe went to Avebury, had a nice pub from memory lol
10/7/24Reply
Traveler What a great shot x
10/7/24Reply
Traveler Awesome pic and looks like you struck good weather 😀
10/7/24Reply
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Based in Bath
October 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Arrived Bath yesterday after the most harrowing trip to the airport 🛫 speed warp factor 5! As I watched the driver steer the car with one hand and twirl his lip balm in the other, strangely, I began to recite the 'Hail Mary' even though I'm not religious. I hung onto the B - Jesus strap and shut my eyes. Anyway, we arrived safely, picked at Heathrow by lovely Des and Maria. Lunch at The Artichetic in Bath with Des and Maria and checked in at The Royal Motel Bath. Off the costwolds today where Mark is also hoping to find some bangers and mash.Read more
TravelerNot sure who the responsible one is here!
10/7/24Reply
TravelerOoh that looks like trouble right there ! 🤣
10/7/24Reply
TravelerDefinitely trouble!
10/8/24Reply
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Another Church
October 8, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Just a stroll around today via The Abbey, which kept us out of the rain. Went to the indoor markets. Wondered down a little lane and found the smallest pub in Bath full of locals, so about 10 people.
They wanted to hear all about Australia. Mark was in heaven because he had bangers and mash washed down with a couple of pints🍺🍺 Finished the day with a couple of loops on the hop on hop off bus 🚌Read more
Traveler Happy travellers 😀
10/8/24Reply
Traveler Think the holiday has peaked for Mark!
10/9/24Reply
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Mr Darcy?
October 9, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Went to the Jane Austen Centre this morning to see if I could find Mr Darcy. Came close, found a military gentleman instead 🥴 was an informative tour, and was enjoyable. Off to the Roman Baths this afternoon.Read more
Traveler Oh look it’s a Pride and Prejudice remake 😀
10/9/24Reply
Traveler Is that Mr Darcy? Or Mr Williams? Hard to tell.
10/10/24Reply
Traveler PLEASE tell me you stole this for me
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The Roman Baths
October 9, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Afternoon at the Roman Baths. King Bladud, so legend, has it discovered the springs when he was bannished from his kingdom because he contracted leprosy. Whilst living in the woods with pigs 🐖 he noticed after the pigs bathed in the muddy waters their leprosy disappeared. He decided to bathe in these waters as well and returned to his kingdom cured of leprosy. The Romans arrived in 43 AD and, over the next 3 decades, built a reservoir with a sophisticated series of baths and Temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. It is very interesting and an amazing place to see.Read more
Traveler Gosh! Didn’t know the readings were this high.
10/10/24Reply
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