Reset search
European Holiday
  • Elvin Brooking
  • Elvin Brooking

European Holiday

Three years on our 'wish list' and the 12 months in the planning stage during some trying times Read more
+3
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    May 1, 2024
    Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler

    In Transit

    May 1, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    7hr lay over for transfer to Singapore

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    The most famous old hotel in Singapore The Raffles Hotel
    1Maarama the gym bunny walked all 300 steps up2This clever bugger took the escalators provided1Santosa Island with Universal Studio, Aquarium, Water Park and numerous swimming beachesGreenery everywhere around the City1Tankers waiting to deliver oil, petrol1Free bus trolley that travelled the 10kms round trip to all the different resorts n swimming beaches1Silosi BeachFloral arrangement sculpture at one of the malls3Marina Bay Sans1Merilon Park - photo opportunity1Merilon Park2Very thirsty...you really have to jostle for a photo position3This 7 floor mall next to our Hotel even had a designated indoor cycling track

    Singapore

    May 1–3, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Beautiful country tho damn hot n muggy. Visited Santosa Island where Universal Studio, The Aquarium are located as well as a Water Park and numerous swimming beaches
    Also Merilon Park and Marina Bay Sans
    Sweated off a good 5 litres of fluid LOL but replaced it with yummy Street food
    An absolute abundance of multi level shopping malls too    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    The Lion of Lucerne, sculptured solid rock in memory of Swiss Guards who died defending French King
    Jesuit ChurchFive floors of Rolex watches but only sold to Swiss Nationals making them a Prestige itemOur group having shared dinner together

    Lucerne, SWITZERLAND

    May 7, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Overnight stay - Quaint little town, our old historic hotel was very enjoyable
    Visited the stone carved Lion that was in memory of the 660 Swiss Guards killed defending the French King Louis XVI during the French Revolution I 1796
    Beautiful historic architecture    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Beautiful scenery reminded us of Queenstown and WanakaQuaint countryside

    Swiss Landscape

    May 8, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Travelling from Lucerne, Switzerland today across the border to Italy and our destination Venice
    Multiple tunnels on our journey with one tunnel 17kms long
    Because Switzerland remained neutral during the war and are literally surrounded by Germany, France and Italy, many of the tunnels have been rigged for demolition in the event of an invasion to prevent accessRead more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    2

    Venice

    May 8–9, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Today and tomorrow we explore the amazing city on water, Venice
    Built by the Venetians after the fall of the Roman Empire to protect themselves from the Barbarian hordes intent on taking back land seized during the time of the Roman EmpireRead more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    The Bronze Statue of David above the City of Florence
    Clasped Hands Monument inrecognition of 'The Moses Project' to protect Venice from rising sea levelsThe Island of Murano the home of the birth of Venetian Glass Blowing with Dolomite Range behindIsland of Burano with the colourful homes Painted as such by fisherman to guide em in bad weatherBurano's own leaning towerCanals running thruout the Quaint townSimply GorgeousSplash of colour everywhereLife in earlier daysMe and my gorgeous darlingMaking a wish at the wishing well which already came true when Maa meet me 😁The City of FlorenceA beautiful way to cap of a great evening

    Florence

    May 9–10, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We spend the morning in Venice visiting the Island of Burano with it's colourful homes, past the Island of Murano, the home of Venetian Glass Blowing
    Driving from Venice to Florence (Firenze) a short 3hr drive to our hotel for the night Hotel Neroli
    After a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, we slowly wind our way up the Tuscon Valley to our family run dinner destination tonight - Le Time
    Then we stop at the bronze statue of David by Michelangelo above the city    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Museo de'l Opera del Duomo
    Fountain of NeptuneFountain of NrptuneMicelangelo's replica statue of DavidAmaxing sculpturesStatue depicting MarsGrand ArchitectureChurch of John the Baptist where the majority of early Florence people were baptisedGolden doors depicting the story of Christ and John the BaptistThis dome was completed by a famous Florence artist without plans or designsThese holes in the wall all over Florence was where alcohol was served during days of alcohol banThe early Florence prisonStanding at the entrance to where prisoners would enterBasilica di Santa Croce where Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Galileo are entombed3The Great doors into Basilica di Santa Croce

    Florence to Rome

    May 10–14, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today, we leave Florence after visiting the Piazza Di Santa Croce, and the Basilica di Santa Croce the final resting place of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Galileo among others and Piazza del Duomo and Senoria Square and the Cathedral of FlorenceRead more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    First the Vatican then the Sistine Chapel and finally St Peter's Basilica
    The crowds were large it was deemed to be but a fifth of the number of visitors in the high seasonIncredible historyRepresenting the MadonnaImpressive candle holderInside the Pantheon

    St Peter's Basilica

    May 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    The final part of the Trilogy, is St Peter's Basilica
    Roman Emperor Constantine The Great decided to build the Basilica upon where the Apostle had been buried, regarded as the chief of Jesus's apostles and first Bishop of Rome (Pope)
    Regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines and as one of the greatest churches of Christendom    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    The fountain has four large statues symbolise four large rivers Nile Ganges Danube n Rio de la Plata
    The most famous fountain in the world as well as the largest Baroque fountain in the CitySwiss Guardsmen who were named by a previous Pope as his personal securityAmazing architecture surrounds much of central RomeVatican City were the Pope holds mass and people gather when awaiting the appointment of a new PopeThe body of Christ in the arms of his mother, Mary after his crucifixionThis is an original toilet chute attached to a building that fell directly on to the pavement belowNarrow lanes between buildings that traversed thru much of the inner city regionThe size of this door showed the wealth of the owner as it was large enuf to access a chariotMany buildings were built from repurposed materials removed from early roman buildings/monumentsThis building displays different marble colours used in it's constructionA cross bridge erected at a later stage to provide access between buildingsThese buildings and courtyard were originally owned by a wealthy familyOnce owned by a wealthy family, probably a Senator, are now Government officesTrevi FountainBelieved to be the oldest water source in RomeJust GorgeousMay my wish come trueOur guide within the Pantheon who was extremely knowledgeable

    Fontana di Trevi

    May 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    TREVI FOUNTAIN - Located in the Quirinale District, features Neptune on a shell shaped chariot
    One of the oldest water sources in Rome dating back to ancient times since construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct in 19BC
    Named in honour of a young Roman girl who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink
    With your back to the fountain you hold a coin in your right hand and throw it into the fountain over your left shoulder making your wish to the Gods    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    ColosseumNgati Awa in the houseRoman Forum where daily Roman life occurred In the background Palace Dominus AureaThe three columns to the right are all that remains of a great building in the roman forumA Church still in use today and where the church bells rang out as we visitedPalatine Hill ruins housed Roma's first permanent settlementMuch if the area was damaged by an earthquake and then looters removed much of the marblePanoramic view of the roman forum ruins looking down from Palantine HillThis was the hub of roman societyArch of Constantine built to commemorate the victory of a major battle the army wonThis cross in the Colosseum was commissioned to remember those Christians who perished in the ArenaThis place had a very eerie feeling about it The Pope holds mass here on Good FridayAn earthquake meant it was left to rack n ruin until the Pope deemed it of National significanceThe following pic would have looked like this originallyOne the the hundred arches supporting the seating area for the publicGames were separated into 3 different events First was wild animal hunting spectacleSecond was the execution of Christians, enemies of the RepublicThird was the Gladiator fights which may have also included female fightsPanoramic view of the third tier of the Colosseum where the poorest people satDue to a fun run raising awareness and funds for Cancer all roads around Colosseum were closedEntering the Arena area of the Colosseum thru the same walkway Gladiators would have tread

    Colosseum VIP Arena Access

    May 12, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today's visit to the Colosseum took in the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and access to the Gladiator Arena
    The Colosseum name is a recent term as it was originally known as Flavian Amphitheater after Emperor Vespasianus Flavius who built it.
    It took 8-10 years to build and seated between 50-60,000 people    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour which we were able to haggle down from €32 each to €20 Euro
    Yet another fabulous fountain outside the Swiss EmbassyBasilica of Santa Maria Maggiore first Church in the World dedicated to the Virgin MaryThis rear shot shows the four levels that would have gone all around the ColosseumEach level represented class of patrons Bottom and closer to the action would have been the wealthyRome's United Nations Headquarters within walking distance of the ColosseumRear view of the Palantine Hill settlement which originally housed all classes of RomansMonument to Julius Augustus CaesarThe Bridge of SighsConstruction and renovations were occurring all over the CityThe Tomb of Alexander The Great. Note the Armed Guards who are on 24/7The full monument to Alexander The GreatThe rear view of The Pantheon2Found a Harley Davidson store within walking distance of one of the scheduled bus stops Woop WoopTrevi Fountain

    Hop On Hop Off Roma

    May 13, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Last day in Rome and we had planned to spend the day relaxing by the large swimming pool, but to our surprise there are 'seasonal times' from May - July when pools must close, even at fricken hotels.....STREWTH....it's been over 24 degrees everyday we've been here!
    So....Hop On Hop Off bus tour around the central city it is.....    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Trenitalia InterCity train from Roma
    We ultra experienced at taking trains in Roma, both Metro and Main line nowTaken from the train, this settlement on the edge of the cliff faceView from our hotel room, just gorgeous 😍2Balcony for taking in the view and abundance of sunshine and room service brekkie2Site smells of jasmine and all the rooms are named after flowers. Our room is Narsico - DaffodilFlowers blooming all around the propertyTaken from the lower garden areaCity of Salerno, lying on the Campania Coast and surrounded by the Apennine MountainsCobblestone lane, beautiful murals along in memory of people offers mix of traditional n modernityThis Cathedral housed the remains of Pope San Gregorio VII and Apostle n Evangelist MatthewCrypt that may hold the remains of someone of wealth from a noble Salerno familyThe courtyard within Duomo di S. Matteo2These gigantic brass doors within Duomo di S. Matteo with it's famous cryptAlibaba...Open SesameThe first set of steps of three, from the hotel down to the city. Over 100 steps in all...Night time first night after dinner in town from a street Cafe of a dish called Pokē

    Salerno Day 1

    May 14, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Departed Rome via train, which was easier than expected.
    Arrived here to 22 degrees, and a very different vibe to Rome
    Beautiful boutique hotel which was a family estate and run by the family.
    Pluses are absolutely stunning views and adorable rooms, with a bathroom almost the same size as our bedroom
    Downers are the swimming pool has been out of action for past 11 months, no restaurant onsite, though complimentary breakfast is included
    Took a walk into town down three levels of steps of about 100. Thankfully, there's an escalator that goes from the town road halfway up only due to top part of it, under repair.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Positano not as busy as Amalfi, a bigger swimming beach with large area aside for paid cabana seatin
    Line up of boats at Amalfi wharfOverlooking Positano and the Positano Beach Club in the foregroundRush hour trafficPrivate Beach1She suddenly realised she was photo bombing our selfie with her own selfie....sheesh2Relaxing on the open seaWatch towers adorn the coast line where armed with cannons to fire on raiding sea vesselsThe cave area known as 'Mouth of the Shark'Another watch yowerAgain watch tower. There was one every 10kmsThis area was where Red Bull 'World High Diving' contest is held in Italy2You could take the steps from this Hotel down to the private beach or the supplied liftAmazing Hotel that was designed to blend into the hillside. In 2016 was listed in Top 7 Best Hotels2Third swim opportunity below the Top 7 HotelYet another TowerOur Hotel in Salerno - Villa Poseidon Boutique Hotel3

    Positano

    May 16, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    An Oasis for intellectuals and artists who favoured it for vacations.
    Famed for it's brightly coloured gypsy-styled summer clothes, which are found just about everywhere in the shops of the city.
    A typical fishing village, with it's most important source of income, coming from tourism, due to it's picturesque position, and it's climate.Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Vietri Sul Mare town the start of the Amalfi Coast. These rocks are known as "Due Fratelli"
    Cetara - built into the mountainside landscapeThe seaside town of Erchie, predominantly small fishing villages. Domed churches are a common sightMaiori - these fishing villages mainly caught anchovies and tunaMaiori- terraced gardens are abundant on these fertile mountainside townsLarge hotels with private beach access are everywhere along this coastlineLarge concrete blocks to prevent high sea's eroding the town seashoreDefence towers all along the coastline built to warn and protect the towns from attacking sea shipsTime for a dip in the Mediterranean SeaWater temperature of 14 degreesThe Terraces where mainly lemon trees flourishTown of MinoriBattlement structuresBeautiful villa's adorn this astounding coastline above yet another watch towerThe town of AtraniPiazza Duomo and to the left, Cathedral of AmalfiMy gorgeous wife and I enjoying our holidayOur launch for the day1Two elephant's with trunks entwinedThe summer vacation home of Sophia Loren

    Amalfi & 'The Divine Coast'

    May 16, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    The most evocative of the "Riviera" towns, from Ravello to Amalfi, an extraordinary wealth of precious artistic treasures preserved and augmented thanks to religious faith and local traditions.
    Stretching over 140kms of coastline, with over 100 black sand and stony beaches, with 80% only accessible by boat.
    Raised by UNESCO in 1997 to the status of World Heritage Site    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Scenic view from The Rock of the Lady area, a secret place that even many locals don't know about
    Our guide for today Francesca1Steps up to Arechi Castle built for it's positioning, to spot approaching war shipsLooking towards Amalfi CoastThe Castle had a constant garrison of personnel and the King would reside here when threatenedInside has been extensively renovated as museum with a vast collection ceramic pots and gold coinsThis was the original entrance into the CastleBattlement parapets1Cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Matteo and Gregorio VII1Stunning fresco art adorning the walls and ceilingsEntrance into the CathedralMaarama looking for Divine Intervention1Again absolutely beautiful art adorning the Cathedral1Ceiling of the Dome

    Salerno Panoramic Trip

    May 17, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Panoramic scenic views from The Rock of the Lady & Amechi Castle, built 300 metres above sea level, overlooking the City of Salerno.
    Then we visit Cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Matteo and San Gregorio VII, the main Catholic place of worship in Salerno.
    A minor basilica built between 1080 - 1085 after the conquest of the City.
    Then, a visit to Chiesa di San Giorgio - a great example of early Baroque architecture.
    Built in the 16th century, an ex monastery converted into barracks for Carabinieri a d the Guardia di Finanza    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Much better weather today, not so hot as not alot of shade available
    The Temple of Neptune, also believed to have been dedicated to Hera, Apollo and AthenaThe Temple of Neptune the largest and best preserved of the three on Paestum/PoseidoniaMany guided tours occurring so we just stood near and listened to the English speaking guideTemple symbol of Doric Order in ancient Mediterranean of which inspirati can be found thruout Europe1The son of the God Neptune and his sister and wife Hera, Hercules 😁Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and BeautyRepresenting in EuropeThe columns made from sandstone blocks and fitted perfectly to heights above 20 feetHow did they get these blocks perfectly square and rectangular shapedClose examination shows absolutely no gapsThe Temple of Hera, known as The Basilica the only temple to have matching columns on all sidesThe Temples of Neptune/Zeus and Temple of Hera, sister and wife of Zeus, side by sidePoppies grow wild all over the siteThis was a marble water feature in a prominent home that sat within an atrium, also caught rainwaterThe Temple of Athena the Warrior GoddessThe smallest of the three Temples, it is believed that this temple was the people's templeMere mortals thort to be able to visit this temple as the other two were only for high society

    Paestum

    May 18, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    The site of three of the best preserved Greek Temples in the world dating back from 550 to 450BC,
    Neptune, Hera (known as Basilica) and Athena
    Conqured by Roman's in 275BC the city was built on the ruins of the original street grid and renamed Paestum from the then known name of PoseideniaRead more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Bronze head of a bearded man found in the River Sele
    Fighting Warrior 'Hoplite'Part of Doric Frieze in monumental temple. Two females depicted dancing in honour of HeraParts of the continued friezeHercules slaying the giant Alcyoneus part of the Doric frieze of the first cult buildingStatue of Hera seated on a throne holding a sacrificial cup (Patera) Circa 5BCGreenstone adze headWedding party having pics taken on the grounds1Wedding ChapelParts of the original church are visibleThe original church bell

    Paestum Museum

    May 18, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Thankfully, during the Second World War, American troops building roads uncovered ancient ruins and halted all works. During the excavation conducted by an archeological expert, artifacts were uncovered and are on display today in the Paestum Museum.
    Many of the other larger artifacts on display were removed from the Temples to protect them from looters and souvenir hunters!    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    First town at the start of the Amalfi Coast
    Very old part of the town, below is the fishing village part of the townLooking towards AmalfiAmazing art on the shop walls from ceramic tile artMore history adorns the village wallsColourful clothing another highlight of this amazing townColour, Colour everywherePublic village courtyardAmazing ceramic table tops We purchased some art from hereThis piece of art we feel in love with unfortunately was too big for our bagsEvery town has a domed church and an Adonis 😇Gorgeous 😍❤️😍Ataahua ❤️Stunning ❤️Some of the Coast watchtowers have been renovated into homes

    Vietri sur Mare

    May 20, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Visited the first town that is the start of the Amalfi Coast- Vietri sur Mare.
    World famous for it's incredible array of ceramic art.
    Sat down in a little communal area, next to an elderly Italian gentleman, who would have been in his late 80's, early 90's.
    He suddenly started conversing with us and began to show us a photo's from an album, that he took out of his rucksack.
    We began to utilise Google translate but soon abandoned it, as we realised he didn't care if we spoke or understood Italian, he was going to tell us his life story.
    So we sat there for nearly an hour, as he showed pictures of his family (in fine wood inlay frames) and his wood craftsmanship, in particular inlay work for church lecterns.
    We laughed with him as he told us funny stories, which must have been funny as he laughed as he talked all in Italian....    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Stunning weather 25 degrees Told the sea temp was about 21 degrees WOW
    This healthy food buzz around Europe is okayGetting my tan on......😁Outstanding views from our balconyArrived at our Air BnB and welcomed by our host, Ivana. Drop bags and off to visit Old TownTrained back to Roma Termini, then changed the train out to Roma Airport, and our stayLast morning in Salerno and this beautiful 3 mast sailing ship docks at Harbour below usAhem.......Late afternoon stroll along the beachInternational sign posting1Having quiet time with my gorgeous wife

    Bon Voyage Italy

    May 21, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Train back to Rome from Salerno for an overnight stay prior to flight across to Croatia 🇭🇷
    Then, a 50-minute flight to Dubrovnik to start our 14 days here in the Baltic state

  • Elvin BrookingEuropean HolidayTraveler
    Amazing view from our Air BnB, taking in Old Town and swimming beach below
    1Croatia is everything we expected and moreStart journey along the walls of the city. An hour to traverse, with incredible historic featuresThe bells starting ringing as we passed. Must be a 'tohu'The scenery is just majesticFortresses all around the walls, housed garrisons of men, to react to dangerTrvđava Minćeta - Fort Minĉeta built at strategic placementDesigning and then building of the walls that still stand today, is a feat of accomplishmentLooking down into one of the squares, where townsfolk would have congregatedCommunal gardens for those that live within Old TownTvrđava Bokar - Fort Bokar overlooked a small entrance bayAs late as 1991-1992, Dubrovnik and it's wall were called upon to defend itself from attack1991 Serbian and Yugoslavia bombed Dubrovnik damaging 6% of the Old Town, Independence of CroatiaThe Walls and The City stood firmThis place had a very special feeling for usSome of the ruins destroyed during the fighting for Independence of CroatiaTried to have her locked up......The location of our 'home" whilst here in this beautiful cityDuring the 1600- 1700's, cannons would have defended the Old Town from naval attacks3This 'mermaid' was discovered attached to the ancient shipwrecked anchorOld Town Harbour

    Dubrovnik - CROATIA

    May 22–25, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Three nights here at our Air BnB accommodation, met by our host Ivana.
    Spectacular views from here across to the "Old Town," the site of filming for the epic TV Series, Game of Thrones!

    Quick hello and show around, then drop our bags, and off for an easy 10-15 min stroll, to check out Old Town, as well as tour the City Wall, which is a must do!Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice