- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 36
- segunda-feira, 9 de outubro de 2023 22:00
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 17 m
InglaterraShoreditch51°31’39” N 0°4’31” W
Last day last minute shop

Well the day has come. Last official day left to do any last minute shopping and ensure all the holiday money is spent. Couldn’t quite manage to do that and suitcases are full!
Spent the morning at Spitalfields market, found a whole area we had missed the other day. Grabbed a few more bits and bobs as did the others. Popped down to Angel/Islington to get a security tag off an item Lulu had bought a few days before, quick bite to eat and then back to the apartment.
Nice little rest before out to dinner at a great place with Dan and Cami, just a few minutes walk away. Food was delicious, company was great and a great way to end an epic 37 day trip.
Early rise tomorrow. I leave here at 8 and the rest of the crew at 10 ….. did I mention we had a problem with no hot water today and the men were at the apartment when we got back from dinner. It’s not looking good!
Could be a quick wash only in the morning. 😝
See ya in NZ. Thanks for coming along for the rideLeia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 35
- domingo, 8 de outubro de 2023
- ☁️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 16 m
InglaterraLondon Bridge Railway Station51°30’16” N 0°5’4” W
Cruisey day and great sights

Today we organised a ride on the Toots HoHo bus plus the river cruise. So off we trotted, Susie, Beth and I but first a stop to see the famous Columbia Road Flower Markets and weren’t we just a tad upset that we couldn’t buy any…
Wow these flower markets are amazing, great plants and spectacular flowers available. Didn’t need a map, just had to follow our noses and eyes, everyone coming our way with bunches of flowers in their arms. The girls found a few bits and bobs to purchase tho, and as it is literally around the corner from our apartment, we popped back to drop them off before we left for our adventure. Kelly was off to have brunch and an early dinner with different friends and relatives so her day was full.
Caught the No 26 to St Pauls Cathedral and sought out the Hoho pickup point. Really lovely bus driver, made sure all knew which route we were on, and yes we could change to the other if we chose. We decided to get off at London Tower Bridge and hop onto the river cruise and go all the way to Westminister drop off. Really great option to do and the crew were fabulous giving us the tour highlights and explaining about the Thames. Never knew it was tidal and that it drops up to 7 metres daily…
Decided Houses of Parliament and Big Ben were an opportunity for lunch so ducked into a pub, and I finally got a pie. It was delicious. Fish and chips for Susie and a chicken salad for Beth, not so good Rose today tho.
Back on the Hoho and this time the Blue line, but in retrospect should of stayed on the Yellow Line 🥴
We gave up after another hour and grabbed a Black cab to Oxford Street, me to M & S to get supplies for brekkie tomorrow and the girls to shop for last minute purchases for their grandies.
I day to goLeia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 34
- sábado, 7 de outubro de 2023 12:00
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 42 m
InglaterraPortman Square51°30’53” N 0°9’11” W
Selfridges - wow and wow again

Great day panned out well. We all had a lovely lie in, Lulu arrived at ours early but couldn’t get in cos the chain was on, so phoned me to go down to open up. Breakfast done and dusted and we all went back to bed for a little while.
Beth and Kel were off out to meet a friends son for lunch and Susie and I were off to Selfridges to have a peak and wander.
As you know there are a diverse range of people in London, and today was no exception. Couldn’t resist a photo of the amazingly made up young fellow…you don’t see that in Whangarei! A cocktail bar on the ground floor amongst the handbags. Bags over $5k, babies shoes made of velvet normally 200 pd reduced to 80pd, (sorry Sunny and Zoe, not for you). Every price was escalated in that block of land. Saw some wigs and as my boys are forever telling me I should get one, gave it a go. Closed my eyes when one was put on and squealed in fright when I opened them. 😂 OMG looked like I did at 17. But no, synthetic hair is not for me!
Up to Aubain for lunch on the 2nd floor. Susie and I agree, best lunch we have had on this holiday. Nice little Pinot Gris to go with my Lobster Bisque Spaghetti and a French Rose for Susie with her Goats Cheese salad. Deeeeeelicious! And wouldn’t you know it, there was Pommery Champagne on the wall.
Beth had arrived to join us after her fab lunch with Kel and Alex so we were set to have another wander around.
Purchased a glasses cleaner, but no Selfridges bag 😩. So Susie being the ninja shopper she is took one for the team with her purchase and asked for two extra Selfridge bags for her friends🤭
A wander along to Reiss for the coat Susies been thinking about, and yep thats done and dusted too. Quick black cab ride to Liberty, and I found some OUD candles - (Jo Malone no longer makes that scent) so duly stocked up. Thats it, no more shopping for me. My bags are groaning.
Came back to relax, watch a bit of the rugby, and then off to bed. Early start in the morning, we are HoHoing and doing a river cruise. Should be fun, nice warm day. Hope to get to St Pauls today as well.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 33
- sexta-feira, 6 de outubro de 2023 19:30
- 🌙 18 °C
- Altitude: 22 m
InglaterraQueenhithe51°30’28” N 0°6’6” W
What a day and what a great night

Four sleeps to go, so best to make the most of it huh!
Beth and Kelly went off to get the trench coat Beth has been looking for and which was spotted yesterday. Susie and I had a lovely coffee and croissant at the coffee shop in our driveway…wish I had one on mine….
Then popped onto a bus no26 the City Mapper said, and off we went looking for the Tate Modern. Got off at the right bus stop, and google maps tried to trick me…but we sussed it out. A short walk and then over the Thames on the bridge, down some steps around the corner and there is was. Now there had also been talk of going to OXO for cocktails on the terrace but Mr google had said it was an hour from the Tate Modern so Susie thought her memory must be going cos she was sure it was just next door!!!! However….as we walked along the bridge I was looking all around and said to Susie…is that tower a clock or does it say OXO. Yes, yes thats it, you can see St Paul’s Cathedral from the terrace! YAY…might have to pop up there for lunch.
We let Beth know where we were as she was joining us later, so we went into Tate Modern. Amazing space with lots to see. Decided to look at the ‘free’ exhibition first and it was quite interesting. The Otherworld photography exhibition we would wait for Beth before we went in, and she was on her way. She had got on the no 26 as instructed, got off at the correct stop, but due to her crook knee I suggested a Black Cab to bring her to the door. Duly got the thumbs up she was in the cab…and could you take a pic of me getting out please Di…sure thing. Up the ramp I walked out to the front and waited. Now I thought a video would be good…and yep I videoed 3 black cabs arriving and no Beth wasn’t in any of them! But at last she arrived and did a great photo shoot.
We then all went and looked at the exhibition, you had to pay to view, but I said to the guy, i am an old person do I get a discount…he said oh yes you do..so we all got the pensioners rates!
I’m not really an art buff, but it was interesting, some of it quite confronting, some of it just weird. But each to their own.
That job done, we were off to the OXO bar… and it was just amazing. We all had a cocktail, Beth -Pornstar Martini, Susie - Regular Margarita, and I had the 8th Floor Smash. Trouble was Susie quite liked the Pornstar, and quite a few ‘tastes’ was had. Finally they just swapped. Beth and I had another cocktail each, I tried a new one I think called Bombay Rain, and Beth had a Margarita. We were all VERY happy, giggly and had fun. Small lunch was delicious.
Decided catching a Black Cab home was the best option and a quick rest before makeup lights and action, to get back to the Theatre district for dinner and drinks before our Tina Turner Musical. Lulu has rejoined us for the show as well so good to catch up on her shenanigans all over the place. We saw Gino’s restaurant on our way to dinner so couldn’t resist a pic.
Wow wow wow, could not recommend seeing this musical enough. It was just fantastic. A very real portrayal of her life, no holds barred. Instructions were to not sing and to remain in your seat…was very difficult to do. Such amazing voices. Very talented people.
A really great way to end the day.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 32
- quinta-feira, 5 de outubro de 2023 09:47
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 39 m
InglaterraLondon Palladium51°30’57” N 0°8’29” W
Oxford Street

Good day today. My tummy has finally settled down and hope it long continues like that.
Susie and Kel off on their shopping adventure today, they went to Sheffield, Angel and all over the place. Beth met her friend who used to own Kels Whiritoa house and had a day catching up with her.
I caught the bus and after many diversions finally made it to Oxford. Saw a funeral with an amazing Hearst, but didn’t think it appropriate to take a photo 🤭.
Had myself some fresh pasta with bolognase sauce and a virgin Mojito for lunch.
We all got back to the apartment within 10 mins of each other. Further perusal of goods bought, and discussions on items seen but not purchased so there might be a little more shopping done yet….
Could at last get All Blacks game on the TV, so that meant my ipad was free! Good game to watch, wasn’t a complete walkover which I was expecting.
All in all a good day for everyone.
Pictures are of where we are staying. Hospital on the right, courtyard is out front. Literally walk up the driveway/road and the bus stop is there. Great locationLeia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 31
- quarta-feira, 4 de outubro de 2023 10:45
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 24 m
InglaterraBethlem Hospital51°31’11” N 0°4’37” W
Suitably painted and polished

A leisurely wakeup today and everyone is feeling refreshed. Nothing like a good nights sleep despite the riff raff congregating outside our door and exchanging pleasantries with each other. Everyone a bit reticent about hollering out, to buggar off and chat somewhere else (just in case a gun or knife might be produced 😵💫)
Breakfast done and dusted for most and off everyone dispersed. Kel and Beth to spend the day together shopping and looking around. Susie and I off to our feet and nail appointment.
Confession time… so you know how google translate has been so handy…well google maps cock it up everytime…..
We duly set off to our appointment and although I had thought we could go out the drive into the property, rather than to the side street, google said no Diane, go this way. Same route we took yesterday so thought, ok, follow that arrow. Anyway did get a bit off track, but came back and headed in the right direction….some 10 minutes walking. We get to a familiar spot and I said to Susie, isn’t that the church right beside our place? Yes… it would appear that google took us on a jaunt around in a circle. We could of hop skipped and jumped to the nail bar, not walk for a 1km in a circle. FM! Bit of a giggle and a suggestion that we keep it under wraps… but hey thats what travel is always about. We did see some interesting shops…vintage, second hand, bric a brac…certainly not what Ninja shoppers want to see tho.
While I had my nails done, Susie enjoyed the ministries of having her feet and nails done. And I swear I could hear her purring.
We have both suffered from squiffy tummies since yesterdays lunch, Beth didn’t eat all that we did as she is GF, so it would appear the prawn croquettes may have been slightly ‘off’. Not pleasant and certainly we didn’t feel like heading far from home. However did decide to walk to Spitalsfield Markets and have a gander. Kel and Beth had been there and we had received a pic of a jumper Susie might like, but they had left before she answered. Those bloody maps were doing my head in, so asking a human seemed the best option and yes we are going the correct way, just turn right then left!!!
We made it, and along the way I saw the Shard (I call it the Bullet) and I knew we were there. Found some interesting bits and bobs and then decided maybe a little snack to keep the energy levels up. Easy chicken skewers, maybe slightly too spicy (uh oh) and then to look at some of those stalls. Yep, aha, we liked a few things… few shopping bags filled and then decided it was time to head back. Spotted some cute and amazing statues, the place is full of different ones. Pics to amuse the grandies, and walked to call an Uber cos energy levels were subsiding pretty quickly. Sat down to wait, and a squirrel ran past us! I thought it was a rat!
Anyhoo, Uber was not playing the game so decided to catch a bus, headed out on the street and wouldnt ya know it but a Black Cab was heading our way, hands out, and he just pulled in. Lovely chap, delighted at how delighted I was to be in a Black London Cab.
Home in less than 5 minutes, bags deposited and time to sit, when Kel arrived, and Beth was on her way shortly.
Delights all round looking at everyones purchases. From socks to haute couture… we all are so different in what we buy.
Kel left to go get some wine and nibbles for Dan and Cami who were calling in for drinks before they went out to dinner together. Beth arrived, another show and tell session with lots of ooing and ahhing all around.
A fine day, a little chilly on the arms though. Tired out and eager to relax at our homebase.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 30
- terça-feira, 3 de outubro de 2023
- ☀️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 19 m
InglaterraShoreditch51°31’39” N 0°4’32” W
Back to London and good coffee😁

We arrived back to London on Monday after a 1.5 hour delay. Everyone frayed and tired. Didn’t make it to our accommodation till nearly midnight, so everyone just wanted a shower and bed. Lulu isn’t staying with us but bunked on the couch for the night due to the late hour. Accommodation is A1 with four bedrooms, easy access to everything and very close to transport. Great selection Kel.
Tuesday up and out to get some breakfast nosh and coffee and back to cook bacon and eggs on toast, and then Lulu was off to her friends in Henley for a few days. She will be back on Friday for our Tina Turner night out.
Kel went to meet up with her boy Dan for the day and business friends over here. Susie Beth and I off to the nail spa to get some much needed foot and hand work done. Found a great place and enjoyed the massages and conversation. Lovely bloke told us where to get the No 55 bus to Oxford Street and off we went like seasoned pros!
Had a lovely tapas style lunch at Emery Road, and finally a decent Pinot Gris slipped down my throat. First real wine since we left London all those days ago.
Shopping went well 😆 and the girls both were able to get their new suitcases for the extras.
Came back to the house and dropped everything off then out to find dinner. Went into a bar and ordered a pinot gris, it had filo pies and I was looking forward to that! Well, until she said they had no stock! The pinot gris turned out to be off, and even though I did offer to pay as she had poured it out (of a new bottle I thought) she said, oh no, it was one we already had opened in the fridge…no charge.
Down the road, and saw a Sticks N Sushi place, decided that would be fab and in we went, and oh what a gorgeous place. Staff were fantastic, food magnificent, prices 😵💫 but hell ya only live once.
Went and got a few more essentials from Tesco’s and back home. A busy fun day, walked our tushes off and sleep is needed.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 28
- domingo, 1 de outubro de 2023 20:26
- 🌙 23 °C
- Altitude: Nível do mar
ItáliaPunta Perd'e Sali39°1’50” N 9°1’52” E
Same same relaxing

Another glorious Sardinian day. Lulu and I went for a big walk around the neighbourhood and sticky beaked the houses. Very much a holiday village, with some permanent residents in situ.
We watched the NRL final and enjoyed every minute. Thanks to the VPN we could watch 9now and see it live.
Beach swimming and sunbathing again on the menu, we all enjoyed a dip or two. Pool is very much cooler than the sea thats for sure. Made the most of our last full day here.
Tomorrow we get picked up to go to the airport at 2.30pm and fly back to London, Stansted airport though as British Airways cancelled our original flights when we were in Valencia, and hasty rebooking at 6 x the cost with Ryanair had to occur.
So we won’t land until 8.05pm tomorrow night. I doubt there will be an update done.
Fab day, fab dinner Kel cooked, now off to bed.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 27
- sábado, 30 de setembro de 2023
- ☀️ 27 °C
- Altitude: Nível do mar
ItáliaPunta Perd'e Sali39°1’50” N 9°1’52” E
Sunrise to sunset

That sun rose so beautifully this morning. Gonna be a great day. We chose a stay at home day with maybe dinner out at the local marina for pasta night.
Everyone dipped and swam in the ocean. Beth and Loulou waded around the coastline to the end and saw lots of lovely holiday homes. Suzie emmersed herself in the salt water for ages, and Kelly even came down and loved it so much that after lunch she came back in.
Beth and I set up camp, carried down deck loungers and laid in the sun for most of the day. Book reading, snoozing and swimming was our menu for the day.
Off to the marina, what a shit show that was. only 3 things available on the menu, out of possible 70 items, not one of them pasta! Not a good night at all, barely edible and you could tell it was only frozen swordfish and calamari.
So home and back to bed. Best thing about it was the sunset pic….
Our last day tomorrow…Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 26
- sexta-feira, 29 de setembro de 2023 21:11
- 🌙 23 °C
- Altitude: 24 m
ItáliaArcheological Area and Museum of Saint Eulaliàs Treasure39°12’51” N 9°6’55” E
Oops a bit late 28/29 combined

Sorry about that, I have been relaxing… we stayed home on Thursday and had a day around the pool, swam in the ocean (so salty my feet kept floating to the top even when swimming). Lulu adored being able to just walk in and frolic in the mediterranean, with an almost flat calm. Beth and I braved it first, honestly like bath water, and then Suzie and Lulu had a dip for ages. Kel chose to keep the pool going and we read, sunbathed, relaxed.
Late afternoon/nighttime is a real issue here with the mossies, and it was my turn to be attacked. We went to Pula for dinner to have a look around because the shops shut from 1ish to 5ish in Sardinia, so did a little shopping. Nearly all of us purchased something, then off to dinner, and lucky Lulu and I took the mossie spray with us, because jeez they were diabolocal. I seemed to have been bitten under my chin and in my elbow creases…which has cause an allergic reaction! Bloody hell they are bad. Rubbed every single cream I owned into them but not much relief. So this morning was bigger doses of antihistamines and steriods which has improved them alot. Not much sleep and today we planned to be off to the market in Cagliari, have a long lunch and then just nibbles and drinks.
So off we trot with our €90 taxi into town, and he duly takes us to the markets…. is a bloody food market, and the ‘clothes’ something like you might find on the streets of Marrakesh. So all opted out of that, and went and had a coffee.
We then decided to go back to our ‘hood’ (familiarity is comforting when ya have no idea where ya are), the girls were asking a shop assistant, but she was pretty limited in English so came out of the shop and Beth is chatting with a young man pushing his baby around and he spoke fluent english and gave us directions to either walk to the Old town Square or catch a bus.
Followed said instructions and spotted the bus stop so dived over there as the No. 1 arrived. Girls get on, Lulu is asking questions, horns are tooting behind us, ‘get on Diane’ said Kel so
he can shut the doors, and he starts driving off! Lulu is say ‘Old Town’ he is shrugging so I showed him the google translater….. ding ding ding… he says ohhhhh olD town, emphasis on the D…he thought she was say ole town or something. No wrong bus. you needed to catch the bus on the other side of the road. So off we get at the next stop, walk around the corner and bus arrives. Off we go. And yes it took us all the way to exactly where we wanted to be. Phew…could of ended up anywhere.
Decided lunch was in order.. changed restuarant from the other day…and then wished we hadn’t. Wasn’t awful but we have had better.
some would shop, Kel wasn’t feeling inclined so she was left with the currency card and would top up our stocks.
Simone our private taxi 🤪 was messaged, ‘the girls are ready’ and off we went. Of course we forgot that most of the shops were closed for siesta and the ones open we had seen the other day. A couple of smiling faces at the end, but the rest of us were just ready for home.
Came back and there are people in next door (the other half of the villa) and they have kids, and they are swimming in ‘our’ pool. Not happy campers. We knew an ‘Aunty’ was coming, not 2 families. So 4 adults and 5 kids… and as I write this at 9.34pm they have decided to go swimming 😩
Suzie and Kel of course want to see the All Blacks play but even tho its vs Italy, nobody in Sardinia could give a rats arse about it. So kiwi ingenuity to the fore…We have set up a messenger video call with Suzie’s sister in Timaru, she has her camera set up facing the tv and the girls are watching on the ipad here. Mad I know, but hell it works. Beth, Lulu and I are in our beds… not as keen a fans as we thought 😝
Note the full body mossie armour this evening 🤣Leia mais

ViajanteRaging southerly and 5 metre swells in Wellington today after 100 kph gusts from northwest yesterday. Auckland getting hammered too I believe so great time to be away. Two families with kids in situ would def have rained on your parade.
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 24
- quarta-feira, 27 de setembro de 2023 10:00
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 24 m
ItáliaArcheological Area and Museum of Saint Eulaliàs Treasure39°12’51” N 9°6’55” E
Great day out in Cagliari

Well a new day dawned and everyone in A1 shape. Amazing what a sleep and a refund can do for ya.
Unfortunately Kelly was harassed by the great mosquito population of Perd’e Sali during the night in her nuns cell downstairs. During the night she got up to spray herself with mossie spray but had grabbed her hairspray in the dark instead LOL 🤣. Much laughter retelling us the story in the morning. The rest of us had not one bite so an improvement from valencia’s bitey events.
The gardener was supposed to arrive by 8.30 to do the lawns and fix the mossie window covers, and we were leaving by 9.30am in our highly priced personal service taxi (not) but by 9.20 no sign and our host said there had been an accident on the highway. He did arrive just as we were leaving so google translate came in handy once again. Told him to come back at 4.00 to do the windows and he was very agreeable.
Cagliari, wow! We went to the old town and first stop as always coffee. We reckon they just wave the coffee under the frother to make it look good, cos the coffee is only ever warm. Then around the corner to walk the street up the hill, shopping. Past a good 2 hours doing that (possibly only 100m walk) but we did help the economy very well. Shoes, clothes, jewellery all purchased, (some ninja shoppers more than others) I even walked out of one shop wearing a new dress, and finally found some shorts! YAY.
Back down the hill to have lunch, lasagne for Susie and I, Kel got her cabonara, Lulu got the prawns and calamari in tempura, and Beth gluten free spaghetti. Nice Sardinia sparkling wine, Aperols and Rose finished it off spectacularly. Kel went off for a special purchase and the rest of us decided to get one of everything for dessert (3) and an extra spoon. Tiramisu, Brownie, and Apple Souffle….OMG they were amazing. best tiramasu ever.
Saw a little 8 seater golf cart doing tours, so jumped in, 15 Euro each and we all agree its the best tour we have had. Much better than a hoho bus by far. Our guide was lovely, he had english tour information playing. Stopped to let us out to take photos, and we just ambled along at a lovely pace down narrow streets, up hills, and wondered at the amount of cars around the place - made you wonder how the heck you get on if another car is coming up the hill.
Awesome views, Cagliari is a large city, we could see for miles.
back to the drop off and supermarket was across the road. Phoned Simone to get him to come get us (40 min wait time) and went to get our stock up. Everyone gets to fetch and carry, and select what they want and what we need.
Out we came laden with bags of goodies, Kel and Susie had the usual Gelato (passionfruit and Lemoney) and there was Simone pulling up. timing perfecto!
Back home, our gardener was here and doing the jobs. We had some funny translation moments, but nice guy and everyone is on a high at the successful day. A swim in the gorgeous pool end our day sojourn well.
Chicken pieces, roasted spuds and salad for dinner. Bloody mossies are back in force so inside to eat. Earlyish night for most, its tiring shopping ya know.
Reset and refocus worked Jenny… thanks for the pep talk.
Tomorrow is lie about in the sun, swim, relax and enjoy what we came for.Leia mais

ViajanteSounds fabulous - back to normal. Love the look of that pool - keen to see pic of private beach - the golf cart was one of the local gems I was telling you about. 🤗
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 23
- terça-feira, 26 de setembro de 2023 11:13
- ☀️ 23 °C
- Altitude: Nível do mar
ItáliaPunta Perd'e Sali39°1’50” N 9°1’51” E
Perd'e Sali

Disappointing day. Arrived at the accommodation I booked, no wifi, old and worn out villa. We knew it wasnt gonna be modern but this is tired. Pool and beach are good, but spent alot of time trying to make the owner understand we booked this expecting wifi and for the accommodation to be better standard. Upshot is we can’t find an alternative, so pushed her for a discount which she agreed to, even though Bookabach was going to sort a refund.
Taxi’s here are horrendously priced. Charged us 30 Euro to go less than 5 mins away to Pula and the same return. To go into Cagliari will be 90 Euro each way!!!!!!!! Just terrible.
We have decided to try and make the best of it. A short walk away is the marina, we can get coffee there, Pizza only during the week and pastas on the weekend. Will minimise going to Cagliari and will try and organise a boat trip hopefully from our Marina. Quite frankly I can’t wait to get back to civilisation and where I can understand the language 😵💫
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day when Im not feeling quite so frazzled and feel I have let the team down.
For context the pic is of an umbrella that was left for us to use. they are replacing them and getting the mosquito screens replaced in the windows tomorrow and having the lawns done. So they are trying…..Leia mais

ViajanteGosh what a let down for you all! And yes you will be feeling it when you've made the booking. Dissappointing...

ViajanteWith respect , you are 5 great friends on holiday. The Villa may be tired but you’ve got a good pool, good beach which in high temperatures are big positives. I think you’ll find the local gems in the next few days when the fatigue of getting there has waned. Hang in guys , get your mojo back , tomorrow is a new day 🤗🕺💃🏻🥂
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 22
- segunda-feira, 25 de setembro de 2023 10:08
- ☀️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 109 m
EspanhaL'Eliana39°33’22” N 0°30’56” W
Such a good day all round

Well it was up and at ‘em today. Susie, Beth and I off to Valencia to shop, Kel and Lulu to go into L’Eliana to have a mooch about.
We managed to find the place they went to yesterday by showing the taxi driver a photo…Si si…blah blah place. yup off we go.
Brunch at Cappacino, what a place. Waiters in bow ties, the place was amazing, ambience fabulous. Food was delicious. Suzie did get a surprise when her vienna cappacino arrived with a mountain of cream on top 🫢
The shopping had some fine purchases made by all. I love my spaghetti strap dresses at last!. Finale was getting some grocery items and yet more Rose and a quick taxi ride home.
No sign of the two walkers, but yes they had found a shopping mall.
Our Lulu loves a hairdresser thrown into the mix, and despite me buying some scissors for the requested hair snip, she managed to get her hair coloured and cut, and her nails done all for less than €50 for the lot. Kel had her nails done too and they enjoyed a delicious tapas lunch.
Home for all and swim and sunbath, modelling of newly bought items done, settled in for our final night with pizza and sausages. Trying to sort out what was left, what to bin and what to take. Rubbish taken out to the neighbourhood rubbish bins (fantastic system they have here) in our nighties… sneaking in the darkness amidst giggles and laughter. Great last night in spain, Sardinia here we come.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 21
- domingo, 24 de setembro de 2023 09:52
- ☀️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 109 m
EspanhaL'Eliana39°33’22” N 0°30’56” W
L’Eliana is a quiet town

Another not so busy day for me. I decided to walk into the township, try and counterbalance the lovely food we have been having. 5.5km round trip and that included looking around the place. It seems it maybe place for elderly people (saw a few on walkers and out walking their dogs) and some joggers so probably a mixture. Not alot of shops in the town (and certainly not open on Sunday 😢 but plenty of cafes. Had a lovely brekkie, bread with fresh chopped tomato and avocado, was delicious. Gave up waiting and hoping that the couple of dress shops I found would open and walked back to our place. First few pics are what I saw in the township.
The girls had gone to Valencia to do the Hop on Hop off bus and were seriously not impressed. Earphones not working (even though they went upstairs to try those ones after complaining downstairs were static) and they had seen only commercial area after 4 stops so went down and demanded a refund!
They saw a parade of girls, but not sure what it was about, whether they are for sale? or in a beauty pagaent! Few pics of Valencia they saw of the old part of town.
Lunch was delicious by all accounts, fish, sardines, calamari…. quite happy I had my empanada and fruit tart back here.
Bonus on being alone, I could have a rudey nudey swim. Bliss! Last day tomorrow in this gorgeous weather.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 18
- quinta-feira, 21 de setembro de 2023 11:00
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 109 m
EspanhaL'Eliana39°33’22” N 0°30’56” W
A day of doing nothing

Beth and I got up and went for a short walk this morning but her knee was giving her jip so back to the house. By tacit agreement all 4 decided that a day in the sun and swimming was gonna be the order of the day, so that is exactly what we did.
Lounging about, reading, chatting. Pure bliss.
Louise arrives tonight and we are looking forward to hearing about her adventures.
Might be another chillaxing day tomorrow too 😜Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 18
- quinta-feira, 21 de setembro de 2023 11:00
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 114 m
EspanhaL'Eliana39°33’22” N 0°30’56” W
Paella, chicken, rabbit & snails

Woo hoo today was the day. Downloaded the app for the local taxi, put in our address and waited. Showing the taxi only 9 mins away. Then a phone call, lady I am at address…ahh nope ya aren’t. What address, I read it out to him, “I no understand, I am at the address you put in….” ahhh nope ya aren’t. “Lady, look at me” Nope can’t see ya…
Seems the app did not put the address I put into it, put something completely different. Had to send him a photo of the sign on the street and he said I will be 10 mins. We are now down to 25 mins till the start of the cooking class!!!!!!!!!!
We showed each other our screens when he finally arrived and yes totally different address. Told him his app is crap, he agreed. We chatted for awhile and then he mentioned NZ Cricket, so told him I know Tim Southees father and Trent Bolts mother (sort of do ya know) WELL was he happy, started talking cricket and Kel could chime in with some cricket greats… all was well with the world. He got us to the venue in time. We met up with the group and Jose took us through the history of Paella. Did you know Paella means a pan… and they kept saying we are very simple in Valencia, the home of Paella (not Barcelona as everyone thinks) we use words for multiple things.
The Mercado de Ruzafa was amazing. Veges galore, fish, meat, cheese, olives and gastro delight.
They went through the ingredients we would need and as we were in the Chicken,Rabbit and Snail Paella group we went around getting ingredients (not that we selected them) they had them back at the restaurant. The seafood Paella group had two types of prawns, cuttlefish, mussels.
So off we walked to the restaurant… just a little jaunt around the city.
Christina (the guide for the other group) and Anna the chef were waiting for us all. Anna was a vivacious Spanish woman, loud and fun. They made Sangria and gave us all a glass and told us how to do ‘cheers’ in Spanish. Salute! They had made Tapas of Potata Bravas, Mussels (cooked deliciously and we have the recipe) Manchingo Cheese, Serano Ham (related to prosciutto) and pickled Olives. OMG it was delicious. We could keep on eating them and drinking the Sangria.
So the process began, god they cooked the hell out of the chicken and rabbit (we thought) Beans were fried and kept in as well for the whole time. When anything was added the added salt too. Gees it was salty when they got us to do a taste of the stock.
We will definitely be jazzwardoing it up. At the end of the cooking, and it took quite some time, they gave us a shot of Cervero (just like Zambuca) and did another traditional ‘cheers’. She was a good drop I tell ya. Beth and I LOVED it. Another one would of been great. I quite like that Sangria, so had a few whilst the cooking was happening. Beth kept putting her glass down cos it was getting ‘dangerous’ as it was so delicious. Susie and Kel weren’t fussed on it though.
Lunch was served. No you can’t have both types of Paella, you have the one your group cooked. Damn! So on the plate is 3 snails….oooooo not too sure about that, but anyway I ate them, Beth too, Susie only ate 1 and Kel 0… who are the gastronomic delights huh?
To be fair the chicken was as dry as BoBo Faulkners Armpit, and would love to have added some other flavour, yes Josh we all will bastardise the recipe.
3 hours later our Paella Cooking class was finished. We had a fabulous time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Off to the supermarket to restock our pantry and home to lie about the pool, read books and basically just loll about.
Easy dinner tonight, garlic bread, cheese in the oven and other delights Kel is pulling together. Beth has converted me to Vodka, lime lemon mint and water… Susie and Kel having a Sauv Blanc.
another successful day. 💕Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 17
- quarta-feira, 20 de setembro de 2023 10:11
- ☀️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 17 m
EspanhaGlorieta39°28’9” N 0°22’5” W
Easy day in Valencia shopping

Just a little update. We got up and left at 10am to try and find a shopping outlet superstore…taxi driver took us to main shopping area in Valencia…lots of wooden coathanger stores. Kelly and Beth went off in search of a market, Susie and I opted for a shopping centre. Neither were a success. Our department store housed electrical goods, kitchen appliances and furniture. Their market turned out to be a food place, so we hot footed it over to meet them. It was like a train station that had been converted.
Kel was having paella and did NOT recommend it at all, so I had a quesidilla and Susie a Salmon and Avocado roll thing.
Looked in all the designer shop, decided that E495 brogues and E595 tote was not really our thing, so taxied back, swam, relaxed, swam again… love our place…
Dinner is lasagne and salad at our place. Just a lovely thing to end the day.
I managed to get us onto Skygo yesterday with Josh’s help with a VPN but today the bastard isn’t playing the game…so can’t watch the rugby, damn it.
Maybe the replay will work.
tomorrow is Paella cooking, looking forward to that.
Ps forgot to add the thunderstorm we had last night. Amazing lightning ⚡️Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 15
- segunda-feira, 18 de setembro de 2023 19:00
- ☁️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 114 m
EspanhaVilanova de la Roca41°33’19” N 2°16’10” E
Valencia is a delight

Farewelled Rome with a leisurely start, packed, repacked and tried to distribute things through carry on and big bag… hmmm and I haven’t bought anything.Our lovely host Aldo let us check out at noon so that was really great as I flights weren’t till 4.30pm, but we decided to go straight to the airport and hang out there.
We were able to check our bags through early as well, although there was a slight raising of blood pressure when the girl said, that my little backpack, which i was using as my handbag was all I had paid for, that is considered the one small bag you could have…. jesus wept. I said I have my cabin bag which she made me put in the measure thing…I tell ya I jammed that baby in … and ended up saying well I will just put my ‘handbag’ inside it. Susie had to pay for her cabin bag. The girl had said if you get to the gate with the incorrect baggage for your ticket you will pay 69 euro for it. Ryan Air your descriptions on the ticket are a; confusing and b; bullshit!
anyhoo off we go to our fast track security, boarding passes on my phone cos she wouldn’t print the bloody things, so I have to go thru pass back my phone to the next little monkey, didn’t work, had to ask for help! Blood pressure back up at that point….
Finally made it through and upstairs to the Priority Lounge that Kel and I have passes for, and we could take a guest each. Almost overflowing with people but managed to snag seats, two together and two in another part…so waving across the room was frequent. Food wasn’t much to be recommended but the coffee was good and wine seemed to be okay as well.
Decided I couldn’t fit anything else in the cabin bag, so succumbed and bought the upgrade to my ticket, just a mere 38.99 euro…bastards.
Then we go to line up and there are people getting on with backpacks, and handbags… not in the priority lane where you can have two items… that girl was probably laughing up her sleeve.
Easy trip to Valencia, little snoozes had, videos watched and books read and then we were here. Fastest landing with a huge bump on the runway but we made it.
Grabbed a cab and on our way to our absolutely delightful home for the next 8 days. We were met by Oscar our host, lovely chap, very enthusiastic of having NZ guests, and very proud of his home. Kel and Beth kept the taxi and went back to do grocery shop as we don’t think we will venture too far from here actually, its just so nice. Oscar went and picked them up after showing Susie and I the run of the house. And being the first here….we got to choose which of the 5 bedrooms we wanted 😆.
We aren’t close to Valencia, its a bus ride away, but the smaller village of L’Eliana has just as good shopping and restaurants Oscar tells us.
Did I mention the pool area?? oh my goodness it is delicious.
The girls arrived back with a truck load of food, all of which we are looking forward to eating, sausages, bacon, chicken, fruit, salads, cheeses, wine, crackers and anything else we fancied.
Everyone ecstatically happy with our new abode. Platter made, wine flowed, lemoncello shots had, and then I just had to get in that pool. 10pm swim was so delicious.
Might be a bit quiet for the next few days, book reading, relaxing and enjoying the pool is the wishlist for a little while.Leia mais

ViajanteIt has begun!! You look stunning and so happy. I’m in finally!!!!! 6.4 Geraldine earthquake, epicentre Mt Somers, yay we felt it!!! This is going to be wonderful. We love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️ of to Chch soon
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 14
- domingo, 17 de setembro de 2023 07:08
- ⛅ 19 °C
- Altitude: 25 m
ItáliaTrevi Fountain41°54’4” N 12°28’60” E
Caio Rome, made my dream come true…

Leisurely rise this morning. I was up early again, can’t sleep in no matter what I do… and the rest up shortly after. Beth cooked eggs again, so good to have breakfast in house. Nice relaxed start to the day before we walked the 700m to the Trevi Fountain. Lots of street markets and shops open so a little shopping was had. I managed to find yet another little shoulder bag, and a hat that doesn’t make me look like a flat head when it comes off 😝
Few purses, more hats and scarves purchased and then off to see the fountain.
It lived up to everything I had been told and you could here it from a fair way away, come around the corner and wow, just amazing. Lots of people there even at 10am but the girls said it would get busier. We got the obligatory pics and then just meandered on down to the Pantheon. There is a restaurant Kelly and Susie have been visiting for quite a number of years and that was going to be our lunch spot but before that lets rest and have a coffee. So sat people watching for awhile, and Kel said, we should go into the Pantheon and look at the dome. I had noticed a people on the steps who were scanning something so I said, looks like you have to buy tickets…NOOOO said the girls, we have never paid to go inside. Well YESSS they now do charge for you to look inside and the queues were mounting. Beth and I looked at each other and said no way are we doing a tour, the place will likely fall down on us given our record with tours.
Had a look see around the place then went and sat at the infamous restaurant. The very handsome Antonio served us. Great guy, looked after us well. I saw lobster on the menu and after the Tasmanian Lobster I had, this was a steal at the price 😁 We all enjoyed our meals, me lobster, Kel had veal and Beth and Susie had a prawn and melon salad. Washed down with varying liquids that hit the spot on this beautiful hot day. Ps I had the canolli, girls had tiramisu 😋
It was a looooong lunch and just what we needed. Took our time walking home, bartered on a few more hats, and finally got back to have a rest and recover before going out to watch the rugby.
Grabbed a cab outside our place, price was 6 Euro compared to the Uber of 28 Euro the other night to get to the Irish pub again to watch the Wallabies get beaten by Fiji. There were a number of Australians there, one bloke in particular was especially obnoxious (his wife told him to settle down when he lost his shit at other patrons in the way of his view). WE had thought we might support the Australians but after watching his antics decided buggar it, lets rally the Fijians. They are a good team to watch.
Home to watch Nottinghill (we are having a Julia Roberts revival) and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Its been amazing to come to a city I have longed to see for so long. Thank you girls for agreeing on including Rome in our itinerary even though you have visited many times before. ❤️
We are off to Valencia tomorrow… and we have a pool! My feet are happy just knowing that 😝.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 13
- sábado, 16 de setembro de 2023 09:22
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 50 m
Cidade do VaticanoPiazza del Forno41°54’11” N 12°27’14” E
Vatican City tour

Well today was the day, Beth and I both up early for our tour. Beth cooked us eggs on toast, I made the coffee and then downstairs to catch an uber to the tour office. Of course there were many others there to. You had to be there 25 minutes before the tour started at 10 and we go there at about 9.10 so told to wait outside on the street till 9.35am as there were lots of people getting organised 🤨. BTW whilst waiting this little hawker comes up and said you have to cover your shoulders and knees…. uh oh didn’t notice that on the tour information… and Beth had a sleeveless top and shorts on, I had a skirt just on my knees. Told him I don’t need anything I could pull my skirt down… Beth got stung for 2 scarves at 10 Euro each. I succumbed and bought one too. Not happy at all I tell ya, plus temp was rising and that didn’t help us at all. by 9.30 the temp was 25 and rising. got to 32 today btw
Finally we could go in and get our pink sticker, and then wait for some more. Lots of waiting in this city…. Off we trot with the tour guide Pascale following his little flag, following along like little chickens behind the mother hen.
We get into the Vatican entry point and Pascale informs us that although we booked for the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Basilica, the Pope was having a meeting until 1.00pm and we couldn’t see the Basilica so basically they would just extend the museum visit…see where this is going? Not happy…
Anyway after a bit of delay and waiting and lining up again we get our headsets and off we go, did I tell you there are steps…lots of steps…Beth has a crook knee, my back wasn’t playing the game either so both a bit weary of stairs.
Lots of beautiful art, the marble is extraordinary, the tapestries and paintings unbelievable. So many photos, so many beautiful things to admire. But I have to say after the first hour, it was becoming rather much same same if ya know what I mean.
Loved the square, loved the ceilings throughout, they sure liked their baths the popes thats for sure and wouldn’t mind one like it at my place 🤭.
Finally we get to the Sistine chapel and the guide says the tour ends here, just go on through, sit down and take the time to enjoy the beautiful Leonardo paintings. Well that would of been good, because we no longer had a guide we were pushed through like cows in the cattle yards, prodded at every moment to keep moving. I reckon we had about 2 mins inside before being herded out. Those who still had a guide, were able to stand in the middle and admire the paint works. Throughly disappointed and the review will reflect that when I get a moment to do it.
so Beth and I have decided we aren’t doing tours together, they are always a bit of a flop!
But we can tick that off the bucket list. Wish I had seen the Basilica though, dammit!
Back to the apartment and met up with Kel and Susie, went to lunch and had Spaghetti Cabonara, delish. Home for me to put my feet up and fell asleep for 2.5 hours.
Easy night at home tonight, got into Netflix and watched a movie together with platter food for dinner.
Bed time now, its 11.40pm and feeling jaded.
Tomorrow is our last day in Rome and off to Valencia. Bit of trouble with our onward flights to London later this month, but I will tell you about it next time.
CaioLeia mais

ViajanteAll sounds amazing Di, few disappoints for you that’s sad, getting there and no seeing everything you wished to see damn it for you. Would have been incredible tho. Very envious of your travels. Love you. 🥰
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 12
- sexta-feira, 15 de setembro de 2023 11:00
- ☀️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 26 m
ItáliaBasilica s. Mariae Transpadina (former church, 1564 demolished)41°54’5” N 12°28’9” E
Highs and Lows, awesome views

The day started off fairly leisurely today. Decided to do the HOHO bus again as it’s so good to just sit and look while the heat of the day pounds down on us.
Purchased the tickets online and then went down to the kiosk not far from our building to get the ‘real ticket’…. no you get those on the buses!
So find somewhere to eat, €10 eggs (scrambled or omelete) ham and slice of cheese with little vegetable (lettuce and tom), with orange juice and a coffee. Not bad considering the price.
Off we trot to the closest pick up point and off we go. Rome does not fail to blow your mind. the intricate carvings, statues and buildings are certainly amazing. The traffic and number of tourists? are unbelievable. Hustle and bustle everywhere.
Saw all the major tourist attractions from the bus, and decided after going around the circuit once, that I would alight the bus at the Colessuem and the girls would do their thing.
We got off at a stop closest to where we got on and found somewhere with a toilet and aircon cos it was now 34 deg… ordered our lunch (I had the caprese salad) and then watched the ‘manager’ continuously berate the waiter. And I mean constantly (we thought he was new - a small Indian man) God it was awful and he had a loud obnoxious tone. Anyway we got our lunches and a lot of muttering about ‘bullying’ was had. At the end Beth got up to pay the bill and said to the little guy, “you are doing a good job” and then chatted about where we are from - he said “good cricket team”. Nice little fellow. As we went to leave Beth said to him “Good Luck” and the ‘manager’ came over and loudly asked, why you say good luck to him’ so Beth told him why. You are rude and a bully, I also chimed in with a ‘rude’ as I left. Well did he bellow. Lots of ranting and raving…we headed to the jeweller next door to get away and Kelly tried to calm him down with her quiet voice trick…nup he wasn’t having a bar of it. Apparently the little guy is a liar, he said he was experienced, today was his first day blah blah blah. FM! anyhow he decided it was me who was the culprit and still followed us up the street going on and on and wagging his finger in my face. I wanted to tell him to FO but decided the situation wasn’t getting any better LOL so just kept walking.
Anyway the girls went one way and I went back to find the bus. Off I go around the whole bloody way again, it is searingly hot, and got off at the Colosseum, hook or by crook I was going to see it, have admired it most of my life…around the whole thing I walked looking for a ticket place (and it is now 3.30) asked a guide but he said join a tour at 4.30, I replied I just wanted to walk around myself and he said no tickets left for this month!!!!! So that was that. I had tried to buy online before we left but couldn’t get any…now I know why. Didnt want to do a tour so late and wouldn’t be finished till 6pm.
So back to the bus stop I go, get off close to home and wouldn’t you know it I walk past the same bloody restaurant and he is in the doorway! pulled my hat down low and kept walking 😵💫.
Got back just as the others did too and then rested till we were off to an irish pub to watch the All Blacks. Great pub, cannelloni was delicious for me, lasagne great for Susie and Kelly and beth had nachos. Still very hot though. Few other Kiwis showed up and an aussie and fijian to watch the game. Great young people who loved to chat with the old girls. awesome day and night. Tomorrow Beth and I are off to see the Vatican and yes, we are booked on a tour!! YAYLeia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 11
- quinta-feira, 14 de setembro de 2023 17:25
- ☁️ 29 °C
- Altitude: 43 m
ItáliaPiazza Barberini41°54’12” N 12°29’11” E
Au Revoir Paris, Ciao Rome

It was an early wakeup from Susie that got us all moving at 6am. Showered dressed and packed and downstairs with the suitcases by 6.45 to wait for the arrival of 2 taxi’s at 7 to take us to the train station in Reims. Feet were getting twitchy by 10 past, we were all pissed off, so Kelly and I each ordered an uber. And wouldn’t you know it they arrived at 7.13 with one of the taxi’s turning up. He was given the short shift by all, and off we got into the Ubers. alighted at Gare Du Nord and on to the train. quick ride back to Gare du L’est in Paris and then decided rather than try and negotiate two more trains to Orly Airport we would hop into an uber…we do love the Mercedes Vans. Traffic was horrendous once again but our driver managed to get around the hoards of cars.
Orly is HUGE, sat down and finally had some breakfast and coffee. Off to catch our flight… no buso on this one though 😢 and we didn’t purchase the Speed lane, so had to line up to get on.
Nice little trip to Rome, I had an American guy sitting next to me, he thought I was Australian! Put him straight on that one.
Grabbed another Uber to take us to our apartment and along the way my heart just about lept out of my chest when I saw what I thought was the colosseum, but no thats just a little one madam, the proper one is just along here, look right when we go around the corner! WOWOW there it was. I have wanted to see it all my life. Had a few tears in my eyes I can tell you.
Finally arrived at our apartment where we were met by our host, fabulous guy, took us inside, up the lift! yay we have one, and proceeded to give us a lesson on the famous landmarks and their vicinity to our new home. funny chap but he had filled the fridge with a beer, bottle of Prosecco, milk, muffins and gluten free twisties that Beth was thrilled to see.
Its an older building but really cool too. Few little quirky things. Susie was fascinated by the cornflake dispenser so hammed it up. She has never seen one before.
Kel had told me about one place she has stayed in before that had a toilet in the shower which seemed very weird…and yep we have one here too. Its a second toilet though so we aren’t moaning. As the saying goes… you can have a shit, shave and shower…all at the same time 🤪
Had a wee rest then off out for dinner, gorgeous food, I had the oxtail stew, and it was YUM.
Ps we shopped on our way to dinner, 2 doors down from our apartment, 3 of us bought linen dresses, happy as can be.
Home now, aircons are all on, its hot again in Rome.
Tomorrow will be me exploring all the wonderful historical places I have had on my bucket list. I cannot wait. Hoho bus will be booked for us to see this beautiful city, and for an extra day for me so I can go explore the sites on my own. The other girls have been here before so the excitement for them has faded to visit them again.
Internet is a bit sketchy here so even though I tried to post it last night, I had to wait to the morning.Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 10
- quarta-feira, 13 de setembro de 2023 17:16
- ⛅ 23 °C
- Altitude: 90 m
FrançaPlace de la République49°15’30” N 4°2’0” E
Last day in France - temps cool YAY

Early morning for me and Beth today… just can’t sleep in at the moment.
We had a leisurely breakfast (some of us) and then off to town for cafe au lait and brekkie for Kel and Lou. Afterwards I opted to return to the apartment for some relax time, get my feet right and just have some time to myself. So the rest of this post is by Kelly…
Much cooler today, yipee! Wandered the elegant streets of Reims, it really is beautiful, clean, scented roses blooming. Traffic still a little crazy and of course we always look the wrong way, risky! We have disappointed ourselves for the lack of shopping, me not so much but I am traveling with 3 black belts so a little surprising. Visited the Reims cathedral which is incredible, 34 French kings and queens have been crowned there. Reims looks totally original to me but it was bombed badly during the 2nd world war but has been beautifully restored, so you wouldn’t even know. We visited Maison Mumm, very simple in comparison to Pommery, like Burger King to French Cafe, you could say the product is the same? We had a lunch after being turned away from a couple as they closed for food at 1.30!! It was ok but have to say the food and service is not as good as Paris. The gorgeous young things are a little scathing of us old birds. No tips for them! We had done enough for the day, we have food at home and have a V early start, so home dinner, just a platter (gourmet of course) and plenty of champagne. Tomorrow is a travelling day, we arrive in Roma late afternoon and of course the priority is finding a bar with the rugby on, we are hoping the boys will manage against Namibia, God willing. I know Roma will be 4 crazy days, a new experience for Disey who of course wants to do everything! Then to Valencia for a pool/beach holiday, relaxing, woohoo, over and out xxxxxx
Me again…some more photos of our neighbourhood. We have had some hilarious moments here…Louise doesn’t fail to surprise and gobsmack me at time, from her fantastic communications in french, to her Keilyisms of words that seem to rise up in bubbles above her head for me… Frencharony, there seems to be a ‘arony’ added to many things. Makes me laugh often.
Beth has got us on Vodka and Water - good for the waistline and I like it.
See ya in Rome, I cannot wait!Leia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 9
- terça-feira, 12 de setembro de 2023 14:00
- 🌧 23 °C
- Altitude: 90 m
FrançaPlace de la République49°15’30” N 4°2’0” E
Pommery Champagne House Art

Pics of the Artwork - deserve their own page
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 9
- terça-feira, 12 de setembro de 2023 08:00
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: 112 m
FrançaFaubourg Sainte-Anne49°14’38” N 4°3’6” E
Reims doesn’t fail to impress

What a gorgeous city, slow paced and beautiful. Loulou and Beth up early and off for a reconnaisance walk to suss the area out. They found the cathedral and how close we are to everything, and came back to tell us all about it. After a quick bite we were off, searching for coffee and looking at clothes shop, and yes we have helped the economy very slightly (baggage weight issues). Beautiful buildings everywhere, people are friendly, pleasantish temperature.
So today was Louise’s day-she wanted to do the champagne places - so she was tour director for the day 🤪.
Couldn’t believe it when we saw a place called Eden Park so of course the two rugby nuts needed a pic.
We had a superb lunch at a wee place in town -the biggest Cos Salad you have seen in your life for most of the party, I had this gorgeous ham salad on like a pastry bun, delicious. A lovely bottle of Rose went down nicely, then the rain came…. and I mean it poured for about 20 mins…. cooled the temp down rather well too.
Conductor Kiely had us catching a bus and off we went to Veuve Cliquot… no tour times available but it was a great photo opportunity.
A walk up a hill 😵💫 and along the way, we came across the most marvellous Vranken Pommery Champagne House. Wow what a place, what a story about an amazing woman Jeanne-Alexandrine Pommery who after becoming a widow at an early age, took the world by storm introducing their champagnes. She is know as a true trailblazer, the basis for luxury product promotion: the style, the brand, the communication and public relations. She invented the image of the Pommery Brand.
The vineyards are built on top of Chalk quarries/Pits and it took more than 10 years to build the exterior buildings, plant 25 hectares of vineyards and dig the 18km of interconnected galleries that link the 69 chalk pits to one another.
We went down the 116 steps to the cellar, and OMG there in front of us were all of these artworks displayed. Breathtakingly spectacular, utilising the chalk pits to highlight the art. I was gobsmacked. The temperature was amazing 30 metres underground, perfect temperature for the champagne to mature within the bottles. We all absolutely loved the experience and were so please Loulou had insisted we do it. We got a complementary glass of champagne at the end and it is quite delicious.
The walk back up the 116 steps after our goat climbing a couple of days (well for Beth and I) was challenging on the knees and back and we are paying for it.
Anyhoo we hopped back on a bus and off we went….allllll over the city… end of the work day dropping off all of the locals at their neighbourhoods and after about 30 mins we alighted and made our way home. Time for a rest then off out for a bite to eat.
Have to say so far we haven’t really had the best experience with service or food but hoping to improve.
Look up the Pommery Champagne - its bloody interesting.
Lots of photos today cos its all just so amazing…from just walking around, the pictures of nuns are from the bathroom where we had lunch - to the champagne houses… and that Art! wow…Pommery collection I will add to another post cos they won’t fitLeia mais
- Exibir viagem
- Adicionar à lista de metasRemover da lista de metas
- Compartilhar
- Dia 8
- segunda-feira, 11 de setembro de 2023 17:04
- ☁️ 28 °C
- Altitude: 90 m
FrançaPlace de la République49°15’30” N 4°2’0” E
REIMS here we come!

WOO HOO CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY HERE WE COME….
Early French breakfast today and off to the train station. Our lives were in the hands of the Uber driver, and man did he work at trying to keep us alive. Traffic galore, horns a beeping, cursing going on all over the place. Almost as bad as the Arc de Triumph roundabout!!!
We arrived at Gare de L’est and had a leisurely drink before running to find where the hell we get on the train…the platform number only came up 1 sec before we had to get on….humped 4 large bags + 3 carryon’s onto the train, and found our lush seats…. Loulou got into conversation with her fellow passenger and found out she can go from Reims straight to Charles De Gualle airport when we leave here so happy chappy she is. Her parlez vous Francais is very handy to have…I have google translate 😆 for when she is no longer travelling with us…see how that goes shall we!
Arrived in a very timely fashion to Reims train station and waited while Loulou changed yet another ticket 😵💫 she had purchased…
Got a taxi, pissed a taxi driver off in the meantime so gave him 💶 10 and that shut him up. Mind you the nutty woman who drove us, kept going on like a mad chook in french and I’m sitting in the front seat and shrugging my shoulders furiously cos I don’t know what the hell she is asking for 🥴. Arrived at our accommodation, its is fantastico…4 large bedrooms, large living room kitchen and dining, 2 bathrooms, one toilet though which with 5 women could be a challenge. One little problem….. the goddamn air-conditioning isn’t going… apparently it broke after the last people. FM! So we have contacted the man and he has bought more fans. Loulou has had a go at him when he bought them around, and was very vehement that we haven’t got what we paid for., so he needs to come to the party on compensation.
Believe it or not we had sushi for lunch, and they ran out of rose after we had one bottle! so off to the supermarket to do a stock up. Loulou found a great deal on local Champagne, and buy one get 50% off the other bottle. Quite a nice drop too.
Decided to have a ‘at home’ platters and wine instead of going out for dinner. and I was on washing duty.
PS the owner dropped off 2 fans, and 2 brand new air condition units (free standing).
Beth and I had to do another wine and food run to the local Mono Prix for supplies…
End of a great day, looking forward to tomorrowLeia mais
ViajanteSafe travels!!
ViajanteWell done on all the postings and photos
ViajanteHave loved being part of your journey