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Europe 2024
  • Karen Cotton
  • Karen Cotton

Europe 2024

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton
    1

    Rome - 26,000 steps

    1 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Each day we seem to top the previous day's step count. Today we set a trip record of 26,000 steps (and the day's not over yet). Our feet are sore, our legs are sore and we feel like we have walked from one end of Rome to the other ten times over.
    We got up early to see the Trevi Fountain on our own. WRONG! Everyone gets up early to see the Trevi Fountain. Then we passed the tiktokers dancing in front of the Pantheon. They nearly had an old bag doing some retro dance moves in the back of their vid.
    It is lovely just wandering the streets and taking in the sights. Probably my favourite thing to do. The coffee drinkers love rocking up for an espresso shot at the coffee bar. Cheaper if you stand at the bar and don't sit!
    My other favourite thing to do is escape rooms. We did one this afternoon and made it out. Started pretty bad- we were locked in the room and looking at each other with no clue where to start but got better from there. One clue was a slingshot that you had to shoot rubber walnuts through mesh to hit
    a target in the next room. Brett and Graham loved it but Bree and I were ducking and diving trying to miss the projectiles ricocheting back at us. Fun times!
    Edit: by the end of dinner we are up to 27,000 steps, 2 x handbags, a limoncello and a gelato.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Sorrento here we come

    2 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We were up bright and early for our driver to take us to Rome Termini, and then the driver cancelled. Dragged our cases to the taxi rank - no taxis. Public holiday, streets were blocked. A bit of a stressful start but made it to the train with heaps of time. Graham dropped a full Yeti on his head from the overhead storage. He had a big dent on his head and we all laughed.
    Our driver to Sorrento made us laugh. Everything in Sorrento is the best in Italy - best church, best lemons, best pasta, and on and on.
    Bought our first bottle of Limoncello on the way to our accommodation. We are right in the middle of the action on the main street; great location.
    Had a fantastic dinner and lots of limoncello spritz, followed by gelato then more limoncello.
    Went to the chemist and there is a whole section with gluten free products.
    Graham lobbed himself in the middle of the instagrammers to get his shot. The results speak for themselves.
    We love Sorrento.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton
    1

    Amalfi Coast Day Trip

    3 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We are all exhausted. We had a full day (and I mean full day) tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello today. Thank goodness we had a private driver (the only way to travel). Ravello was our favourite town (not so busy) but we also loved the views around Positano. It's definitely instragram central in these parts.
    Any tourist who chooses to drive this area is mad. The roads are so thin and winding, so unless you know what you are doing you can create a complete cluster. Watching two buses passing each other was fun.
    Lots of fabulous ceramic art to be found, but I think it would be difficult getting a ceramic table top in my suitcase. I also don't want to take out a second mortgage to pay for it.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Pompei

    4 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Graham and the kids took a trip to Pompeii today. I've asked the girls to describe their day. "The tour guide was hilarious and we went to the brothel". Sounds like they had a lovely day.

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton
    1

    Sorrento at night

    4 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    We went to the most amazing restaurant to dinner tonight. Parrucchiano was opened in 1868 and is still going strong. You eat in open air lemon grove terraces and after dinner we went for a stroll through their garden, which was beautiful.
    Sorrento really comes alive at night. We sit on our balcony watching the passing parade and listening to the buskers. Last night there was a couple singing opera. Magic!    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Sorrento Beach Day

    5 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Graham and the kids set off for Bagni Regina Giovanna Beach. They had to head down the alley to the beach then climb across the rocks but they said it was worth it. Until the crowds arrived. Brett jumped off a cliff to thrill the crowd.
    This afternoon we headed down to the beach clubs at the Port for happy hour(s). Well we are on holiday! Graham and the kids walked up the stairs but as I'm still not well I got pointed to the lift. And then the fun began. Firstly, why are all you youngsters catching the lift? You are young and fit - climb the stairs. I would be if I could. The queue to get in the lift was like the Hunger Games, and anyone who knows me knows that my biggest peeve is people trying to push in. So the lady behind me thinks she will try her luck. This will not end well for her. I had the stance of a dancer waiting for her music to start - one leg out to the side, one elbow out the other. She gave it a red hot shot a couple of times, but it was not happening on my watch. Luckily for all I got sent to a line in front of a lift and my last view was her trying to push her way onto the other lift and the attendant sending her back. You can imagine how happy I was on my lift ride up.
    The highlight of my day (apart from the lady getting kicked off the lift) was the lemon sponge cake. I am so easily impressed.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton
    1

    Capri

    6 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    A summary of our day in Capri; fabulous, shit, fabulous.
    We went to the wharf in Sorrento at 8am for our 8.15am boat. 8.15 came and went, so did 8.30, 8.45. Finally we were collected for 9am boarding. The crew were all fussing around me getting on - "careful madam". Do I look like an idiot? They picked the wrong one. Graham sat on the side of the boat and then fell flat on his back on the deck, legs in the air. And that was our introduction to the 8 other people on board.
    Spent a few hours cruising around the island, visiting all the little grottos and seeing the line for the Blue Grotto. Stopped for a dip in one of the coves then headed for the island.
    Queued for an hour for the stupid little bus to jam us on board like sardines and deposit us at Anacapri. Queued for tickets to the chairlift. That bit was actually lovely. A great view over Capri. Ran around at the top to take a couple of photos then queued for the chairlift back down. As soon as we got off we bolted as we saw a big group heading in the direction of the bus stop. Beat them there as our bus pulled up, but it was full. Brett asked if they could please squeeze the four of us on, which they did. We stood on the stairs up against the doors, and luckily they didn't open.
    Power walked to our jetty as the boat arrived. And that is how you spend three hours on Capri. You haven't lived until you have been jammed onto one of their stupid little buses.
    Stopped on the way back for a swim or limoncello. Who would like to guess what I chose?
    A lovely day was had by all.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Montepulchiano day 1

    7 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Today is travel day, so I wasn't planning a post. But then we turned up to our beautiful farmhouse overlooking the Tuscan countryside and oh my goodness it is glorious. The pictures don't capture the views. The property is a 200 year old farmhouse set amongst vineyards. Divine!
    What was not divine was our trip here. We hired a Jeep Compass, which shows it will hold one large and one small suitcase. We had 2 x large, 3 x small suitcases and 5 x large backpacks. I figured we would do two trips, even though the round trip to our accommodation was an hour. But the boys were up for a challenge and we squeezed everything and everyone in for a very uncomfortable ride.
    Looking forward to checking out the countryside tomorrow.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Montepulciano

    8 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We had such a lovely day today! We headed in to Montepulchiano town and spent a while trying to find a car park. Eventually parked down the hill and walked up - yay! The town is glorious but it is all up hill. Gotta burn off the pasta carbs some way.Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Family bbq

    8 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Travel all the way to Italy to continue the Aussie tradition of a bbq, but with some special guests. Deb, Stefano and Ernie arrived last night! We had a fabulous night drinking wine and burning meat. Were having such a good time no one took photos (thanks Brett for these two).
    Once it got dark the fireflies lit up. Will do better tonight and get some photos!    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Pienza and hot springs

    9 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    I know this is getting boring, but today was fabulous. We met up with Deb, Stefano and Ernie and headed off to the small medieval town of Pienza. Everywhere you look is the quintessential Tuscan postcard views of rolling fields, wineries, olive groves and winding conifer lined driveways to the farmhouse. Oh and we even saw a wild deer today.
    Arrived in Pienza then played find the parking spot - it's a national sport. Wandered Pienza then had gelato no 1 for the day. Real home made gelato with whole fresh berries. Stopped in a small deli and had a wonderful lunch of meats, cheeses and local wine. Passed the same gelato shop as gelato no 1 so popped in for gelato no 2.
    Got kicked out of a knife shop by a grumpy old man for trying to take a photo - "I would not take a photo in your house". All good.
    It started to rain so we thought we would try our luck to find some thermal springs.
    Played the carpark game again then headed down to the thermal springs. This place was amazing! There are no changerooms to be seen, so we were all holding towels up changing into bathers. Not a time to be self conscious. There was a man staring intently at Bonnie as she was changing. He had no shame. The water was so warm and apparently has healing powers; we could have sat there all day. . We had to prise Ernie away from here. I think they will be back!
    Ended the day with the best pasta we have had so far in Italy in a very nondescript restaurant. And now we sleep.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Montepulciano Day 4 extra photos

    10 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We made Bree and Brett stand under via Dell A'More - Love Street - for a photo,
    My favourite Ernie quote of the day: To Brett "I think you have stood in dog poo". Thinks for a minute - that might be rude. "Or a treacle tart".Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Montepulciano Day 4

    10 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    At Ernie's request we started the day with a visit to Nonna's farm, where they are staying, to visit the animals. Nonna has quite a zoo happening. I liked that a lot of the animals are let out for a roam. A strange sight to see horses wandering through the vineyard.
    Drove down to Umbria to Lake Trasimeno but as soon as we got there it started to rain. When in doubt, go wine tasting. We love the old boys who rock up to refill their flagon from the hose in the winery.
    Visited a couple of tiny hilltop towns where time stood still, then finished the day with a castle visit.
    Stefano's brother and nephew drove three hours to have lunch with us. It was so interesting to see how men in different cultures react with boys. Andrea hugging Ernie and was kissing him. Next minute Graham has Ernie upside down swinging him around.
    We are all exhausted!    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Canoe trip

    11 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    When we were at Lake Trasimeno yesterday we saw that you could hire canoes to go to the island. You can also catch a ferry. Apparently it won’t take long to get there by canoe, so we decided to paddle there. Deb, Stefano and I were in a triple canoe, Brett and Bree in a double and Ernie decided he could paddle alone. Graham and Bonnie were smart and decided to cheer us off from the shore. It’s 1.7km to the island, as the crow flies (there is a photo showing the island in the distance).

    We all get loaded in our canoes and head off. Ernie is paddling strong, the three of us are floundering around a bit and Bree and Brett look ready for the Olympics. For maybe the first 5 metres we were together. Ernie starts drifting off to the right, Bree and Brett head off like they had a motor behind them and the three of us headed to the left to keep the chop face on.

    It’s pretty had going and we end up nowhere near Ernie. He’s on his own. After a while the guy who rents the canoes can see that maybe this is not going great, and jumps on a SUP to head over to Ernie to make sure he is ok. I wanted to shout at him that he was worried about the wrong canoe. We can see Bree and Brett’s canoe on the island, so we know they at least made it.

    After a good hour or so we could see the shore getting closer and finally made land. Great. Except we also have to get back. Bree and Brett were sitting watching us in hysterics. They thought we looked so useless and were hardly moving when they passed us that we would turn around.

    Had a wander around the island then summoned the courage for the return trip. By now it’s quite windy and very choppy. Ernie was lucky. He rowed a little then got tethered to Bree and Brett for the trip home. Favouritism. Because it was so choppy we headed face on into the chop. Graham thinks we rowed twice as far as necessary. We were just trying to not sink the canoe. Old mate on the shore who rented us the canoe didn’t know where we were heading. Old mate who rented us the canoe also said on the trip back it would be very easy and the wind would blow you back. I call bullshit. It was just as hard as the trip there, if not harder.

    We kept saying, we will laugh about this one day. Still waiting for that day.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Cortona

    12 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Spent a lazy morning with Deb, Stefano and Ernie before saying a sad farewell as they headed back to the UK. It has been so lovely having them here to share our adventures.
    We had a lovely birthday celebration dinner (another celebration!) in Montepulciano the night before. We were struggling to find an open restaurant plus one that did gluten free. Arrived at a lovely hilltop restaurant, but no bookings available. Stefano went back in for some Italian negotiations. The owner rang a few friends but no go. We were just heading up the road when we heard the owner shouting out "Australians!". He managed to squeeze us in to a couple of tables. The food was divine, and I was serenaded by the owner. You don't get that every day.
    After the UK entourage left we hopped in to the car to drive to another hilltop town of Cortona. It was lovely, but very steep. There was a poor lady trying to navigate the hill in wedges. Rookie mistake. We were very amused by the fact most of the sandwich places close down for a three hour lunch break. Isn't that your busy time of day?
    Walked past a little shop that was like a cave, where Nonna was doing wine tasting. A real authentic experience. Purchased the best limoncello, which Nonna had made herself.
    We did miss our interpreters. Graham ordered a Coke zero and ended up with a zero alcohol cocktail. We were in hysterics (except for Graham).
    We have had such a lovely time in Montepulciano - the farmstay was fabulous.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Venice

    13 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Time to leave Tuscany and head to Venice. Played the tetris game again with the people and luggage on the way to the train station. People looked on in awe when we opened the doors and fell out. Luckily we left in plenty of time as we got caught in road works for a while. When we got to the start of the road works they were making everyone turn around and head back the way we had spent the last 10 minutes in a gridlock. Have you people never heard of detours?

    After a few trains and more hours we arrived in Venice to wait for our water taxi, even though we had booked in advance. Finally made our apartment and what a lovely surprise. Right in the middle of the action. I have been to Venice before but it never fails to awe. Just beautiful.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Gondolas and Pigeons

    14 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Spent the day wandering the streets of Venice, soaking up the atmosphere. So easy to get lost here. It is such a magical place.

    Got our tourist on and went for a gondola ride. We were busy checking out all the hot looking gondoliers. The boats were all lined up and so were the tourists, so we were able to calculate whose gondola we would be on. He looked like Father Christmas - the girls were devastated.

    The ride was so lovely and the goldoliers are very talented to not be smashing into the buildings. Really enjoyed the ride, even the bit where the boat was listing to one side and I was thinking we were going for a swim.

    Finished the day by entertaining the tourists by feeding the pigeons in St Mark's Square. Someone had to do it.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Last Day in Venice

    15 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Last day in Venice so we had a full day planned. Got some breakfast and one of those enormous seagulls swooped in and stole my focaccia. Horrible things. Did a two hour tour of Doges Palace, which was interesting. It was a bit like Parliament House and the Supreme Court back in the day, but with lots of gold leaf and enormous paintings.

    The afternoon was another tour, but this one was St Mark's Basilica followed by a walking tour. The basilica was very impressive, more gold, incredible mosaics and the bones of St Mark (who was around at the time of Jesus). Apparently they stole the bones and bought them back here so that they could have a saint and build a church. All's fair in love and war.

    After tea we had a gelato and one of those seagulls on steroids stole Graham's gelato. He was not a happy chappy and the seagulls are now two for two. The majority of St Mark's Piazza was under water tonight so Graham and I took our shoes off, I hitched up my dress and we waded across.

    To be honest I wouldn't have come to Venice this trip if it weren't for the fact the kids had never been, but I'm so glad I did. It still holds so much magic.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton
    1

    There's always that one day

    16 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Travel day. We got up super early to catch our water taxi - left our apartment at 6.40. Went to the taxi depot for them to ring our taxi (I don't see the benefit of prebooking this service). She gave very detailed description where the water taxi would arrive. We waited and waited - no taxi.
    Brett sprinted back to the taxi depot to check our pick up point and the taxi lady yelled at him that we were in the wrong spot. Brett saw our taxi starting to reverse out of the dock so he jumped on the taxi as it was backing out. The driver was not happy. He was even unhappier when he realised he had to drive around to another jetty pick us up. We tipped him. He was slightly happier.
    Got to the Venice train station. Train strike! Most trains were cancelled but we were lucky and our train headed off to Milan. Arrived in Milan and most trains were again cancelled. Ours is not. Winning! It was delayed 50 minutes but we were happy to wait. Just before our 50 minutes was up - train was cancelled. Not winning!
    Couldn't get a driver. Further trains were cancelled. Not looking good. Graham went to two ticket offices and the second gave us an alternative train, but it was about to leave. We ran to the platform and dragged our bags up multiple flights of stairs. Bree was standing one foot on the train and one on the platform so it wouldn't leave without us. Threw our bags on just in time .... and then sat on the train for 45 minutes.
    Eventually made it to Como train station. Huge queue for taxis. Graham bought us tickets for the regional bus. Nowhere to store our bags so threw them on seats, which was fine until lots of people got on the bus. The driver was a grumpy bum and drove like a maniac. Made it to Bellagio. Now to climb the stairs with all our luggage.
    The girls threw our bags on their backs and Brett sprinted up the stairs with Bon's suitcase on his shoulders. Thank goodness they have been working out at the gym.
    Ten hours after we left our apartment in Venice we finally arrived in Bellagio. Brett was saying look at the lovely view. I don't care.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Lazy Day in Bellagio

    17 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Spent the day strolling around town. Did the high street in the morning then joined the throng down against the shore of the lake in the afternoon. It is very busy here. Currently sitting on the balcony overlooking the lake having a quiet drink while the boys cook dinner. We have really scored with our accommodation here.Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Lake Como Boat Day

    18 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Had a glorious day on Lake Como today. We hired a boat for five hours and cruised around the lake, checking out all the towns, fancy schmancy villas and manicured gardens. Gardeners here must earn a lot of money. We saw one property which had a robo lawn mower with a dog chasing it!
    We saw George Clooney and Richard Branson's villas, but unfortunately neither were waving at us from their balconies. Brett backflipped off Nesso Bridge (that's him in the photo). We weren't happy with the photo so we made him do it again. Found a lovely area to stop for lunch, prosecco and a swim for an hour or so. It's a tough life.
    We enjoyed it so much we're going back tomorrow for another go.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Lake Como Boat Trip

    19 Jun 2024, Itali ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We fluffed around Bellagio, waiting for our afternoon boat hire. We got there to find there had been a market all day that was packing up ... oops. Probably a good thing as we would have bought more stuff to carry.
    Had another three hour boat hire and it was once again glorious. We went to the other leg of Lake Como which was much less populated and had more rugged mountains - a bit more like Switzerland. Had a lovely afternoon drinking limoncello spritz and swimming in the lake. Bree dived in and lost her bather bottoms, and we laughed. Parents of the year. We are all debating which side of the lake is better but I think all of it, for different reasons.
    Saw something very strange. There was a lady in her 50s topless in a boat, not a care in the world. Trust me, she should have been wearing a top.
    We have all loved being on the lake to get away from the tourists and the "influencers".
    We have returned to the apartment to drink more prosecco, cook dinner and play Dean Martin music. I am not sure how tomorrow's 6am pick up will go.    Baca lagi

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  • Karen CottonEurope 2024Karen Cotton

    Nice

    20 Jun 2024, Perancis ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Another looong travel day today, starting with a 6am pickup in Bellagio and including a train delay, but we have arrived in Nice for a quick stop over. We are very pleased that today was our last train trip.
    Our apartment is one back from the Promenade des Anglais, which is pretty cool. It is also up four flights of stairs. Need to work off all that gelato.
    Lots of people partying down the beach, beach volleyball games, cyclists doing tricks and families still swimming at 9pm. Definitely a party vibe here.    Baca lagi

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