5 girls do Europe

September - October 2023
A 39-day adventure by 5 girls travel Europe Read more
  • 39footprints
  • 7countries
  • 39days
  • 305photos
  • 8videos
  • 24.7kkilometers
  • 21.8kkilometers
  • Day 36

    Last day last minute shop

    October 9, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    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 ride
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  • Day 35

    Cruisey day and great sights

    October 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    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 go
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  • Day 34

    Selfridges - wow and wow again

    October 7, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    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.
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  • Day 33

    What a day and what a great night

    October 6, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    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.
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  • Day 32

    Oxford Street

    October 5, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    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 location
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  • Day 31

    Suitably painted and polished

    October 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    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.
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  • Day 30

    Back to London and good coffee😁

    October 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    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.
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  • Day 28

    Same same relaxing

    October 1, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    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.
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  • Day 27

    Sunrise to sunset

    September 30, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    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…
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  • Day 26

    Oops a bit late 28/29 combined

    September 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    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 🤣
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