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Europe '25
  • Wendy Green
  • Wendy Green

Europe '25

Switzerland, Malta, Portugal. Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 14, 2025
    Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
    Hong Kong Mall, filling in time drinking coffee
    1Lucerne11

    The Journey Begins

    Sep 17–20, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Off on our Europe Adventure, finally. 24 hrs in Hong Kong, which was a nice break. Had a late night departure for Zurich so had 12 hrs to entertain ourselves. Lots of coffee and lots of 'steps' around the local mall. Touch and go getting on the Zurich flight as it was quite full, and lots of staff trying to get on. We got the Emergency exit row beside the overwing door, so lots of legroom. Spent 2 hrs (7-9 am) at Zurich Airport trying to connect the eSims, (fail!), train to Lucerne (10-11.30) where we bought a Simcard and got food (12-1pm) Our self checkin room wasn't ready till 3pm, wouldn't let us check in anyway! - long story short, finally found the right hotel 😂 still wouldn't check us in, found a local who rang the office repeatedly... longer story shorter, finally got in at 3.45 pm, 37 hrs after leaving our room in Hong Kong. Shattered is an understatement! Have seen nothing of Lucerne, straight to bed and slept 9 hrs. Now awake, and off on today's adventure. ❤️Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
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    Mt Titlis, Wednesday.

    Sep 17–20, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Wednesday we caught the train to Engelberg, then a wee train, 2 cable cars and a revolving cable car up Mt Titlis. Lovely, however a little spoilt as they're building a new tower, so lots of construction. We went through the snow cave, and over a suspension bridge hundreds of metres in the air. Spectacular views! Was rather cool, however not a cold as we thought it would be. Down the cable cars again, and had a wander through the town. In winter, it's a mountain resort covered in snow. The photos looked magical. Back to Lucerne, then went to see the Chapel Bridge, built in 14th Century as part of the cities fortifications. Into the old town, where we had Schnitzel and fries for dinner (when in Rome...), then onto the Lion monument, sculptured in 1820/21 into a rock wall. It commemorates Swiss Guards that were killed in 1792. Such a lovely old Lion. ❤️Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Thursday, Mt Pilatus.

    September 18, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Today we went on an amazing boat trip along Lake Lucerne to Mt Pilatus, the mountain that overlooks Lucerne. It was the most spectacular day, temps in the mid 20's. I took 250 photos, 😂 so culling them had been really hard. When we got to the end of the lake, we got on a red cogwheel railway that took us right up to the summit, very slow at times because of the steepness! The views were incredible, 360 degrees, from flat lands to lakes, to towns and the Swiss Alps. Went for a walk around the cliffs, but wasn't game to go up to the summit. Went halfway down the other side of the mountain on a gondular to a Rope Park/Flying Fox/Luge, then the rest of the way down on a tiny 4 seater gondular. Got a local bus back to Lucerne. Both shattered, so dinner in tonight, thanks to the local Co-Op! Lucerne is the most beautiful place, would love to come back again - off to Wengen tomorrow, where another mountain awaits us.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Friday, Lucerne to Wengen

    September 21, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    So sad to be leaving Lucerne, such a lovely city, however more sights to see! Caught the train to Interlaken, then on to Lauterbrunnen, then another to Wengen, which is a carless village, only accessible by train. So stunningly beautiful. In the winter it is blanketed by snow - they have ice skating beside the town square, and gentle beginner ski slopes in the field beside. It is perched on the side of a mountain, with a valley below running right up to the base of the Yaungfrau mountain.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
    1

    Saturday - Yungfrau

    September 22, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Today we ventured by train up Yungfrau mountain, 'The top of Europe', at 11,332 feet. The last 7 km was through a tunnel, built between 1898 and 1912. Very lightheaded at the top, so had to take it quite slowly. The Scientific Observatory, which we walked around, is perched on a mountain saddle, overlooking a huge glacier. We went through an ice cave and out on the snow terrace, where there were zip lines and helicopters landing. On the way down, we got off the train a couple of stops before Wengen and walked the rest of the way. Such beautiful countryside, loved hearing the cow bells and the pretty houses. Lots of people hiking and biking on all the trails. So lucky with the stunningly warm weather.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
    1

    Sunday, Grindelwald & First

    September 24, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Sunday was a day of gondulas! We went up one behind the village, straight up the cliff. Walked to another, which took us 20 minutes to get to Grindelwald, a larger town than Wengen, and chocca full of tourists ( very pleased with our decision to stay in Wengen). Onto yet another, which took 25 minutes to get up to 'First' , another mountain, not as high so no snow. There was a cliffwalk, which was very freaky, zip line, go-carty bikes that you could ride some way down the normal, and a viewing platform. We waited for 30 minutes for the viewing platform, got half way to the end, when the clouds came in. Weather was starting to pack up so gave up. Headed back to Wengen, and by the time we got to the top of the cliff behind the village the weather had really clagged in and was raining. So that was the end of the lovely weather! We were so lucky cause by the time we got to Bern the next day, it was overcast and drizzle.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Bern.

    September 26, 2025 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Goodbye Wengen - next, 2 nights in Bern. Had a lovely time wandering round the city, which was designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 1983. It was founded in 1191 and is one of Europe's oldest cities. From the Clock Tower, to the old town, the bears ( which the city was named after), to the 3 coffees, 1 hot chocolate, panini and salmon bagel that cost 💲100 NZ!!! (Switzerland was sssooo expensive!) Change of pace next... Malta.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Friday - Mosta & Mdina

    September 28, 2025 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    First day in Malta, caught up with Kimberley, boyfriend Matt and his sister Kate who have been here for 3 weeks visiting Matts Granma. Had a look through Mosta Dome Church, which is the 3rd largest unsupported Dome in the world. Was so beautiful. Went through the WWII tunnels, then caught a Bolt (Uber) to Mdina, a fortified city. Parts of Game of Thrones was filmed here, as it was all through Malta. Had a late lunch there, overlooking an amazing view of Malta. Couldn't fit any more food in 😂, however we went for dinner with Gran (no photo, will find one later!) Kimber and Matt flying home the next day so a sad goodbye. 😢Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Saturday - Birgu

    September 28, 2025 in Malta ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    When we arrived in Malta we purchased a bus pass for the 7 days we were here. 😱😱😱 We bused into Birgu. Which is a city (suburb) next to the capital Valletta. What a mistake. By car, 22 mins, by bus, 1 hr 10 mins, and it was packed!!! Anyway, went for a walk around Birgu, then to Fort St Angelo, which was originally built in medieval times as a castle, then in 1530's as a fort. Got heavily bombed in WWII, however had been restored to its former glory. Spectacular views of Valletta. Had lunch at a waterfront cafe, which proved apt as it started bucketing down, then thunder and lightening - no photos as we were too busy running. We got an electrical thunder and lightening together right above our heads - I thought we were toast, literally!!! Bus home 😱😱😱, it was running late, packed, couldn't find our connection, finally did, sat behind 2 middle eastern lads, felt very intimidated by them! By car, 25 mins, by bus, who knows, was just glad to get off!!! (Probably 1 hr 30 mins) No more buses!!!!!Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Sunday - Valletta.

    September 29, 2025 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Valletta, capital of Malta. Population 6,400, in the summer, 2.5 million visitors, sometimes 3 cruise ships a day, 0.61 sq. km in size. A busy little place. Some buildings are derelict as when the owners die, they leave it to many family members who don't want to live in the city. We went on a 3 hr walking tour, which was very very interesting. So so hot though. We had lunch, then went to go through the War Rooms but it was closed, on a Monday??? Went shopping 🎉 instead.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Monday, Gozo Island, Blue Lagoon.

    October 1, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    Monday we caught a ferry to Gozo Island, (a bun fight trying to get tickets authenticated!) which was about an hour away. Was wanting to go to the Neolithic Temples, which had some of the world's oldest artifacts, however buses and time were not in our favour, so went to the Citadel at Victoria, where some parts dated back to 1500 BC. The view from there reminded me of the Middle East, so barren. Back on the ferry and to Camino island, to go to the Blue Lagoon, swimming. Absolutely poured with rain when we got there. It cleared up, however there were so many people there, decided to give swimming a miss (didn't look like the ads, thought we'd be the only ones there!) 😂 A nice day out though.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
    2

    Tue, Malta at War Museum n Mdina tour

    October 2, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Caught a Bolt into Birgu to go to the Malta at War Museum. It was amazing - told the story of Malta all during the war, and was taken underground to some WWII shelters. People were in there for between 8 and 11 hrs at a time, no ventilation, no toilets, running water. Women gave birth down there (often with tragic results) and people died down there. 😢 Had pizzas for lunch, then Bolted to Mdina, where we had a walking tour booked. Went down to some catacoombs, which the Romans used as underground cementarys. Was taken all around the town, such amazing history. And some more WWII shelters where the rich people could afford to lay tiles in their own private 'rooms', had curtains and in some cases bunk beds. Home to pack, Lisbon tomorrow.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Thursday - Lisbon.

    October 5, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Flew Malta-Zurich-Lisbon. Only just got on the Lisbon flight, got the last 2 seats after someone didn't show up! Next day, got the tram into Lisbon, and walked along the waterfront. Found the famous Rua Augusta Arch, then wandered through the city. Very vibrant, very very busy and hot. Walked up the steep narrow streets to Jorge, a Castle on the hill. Richard had sardines for lunch, happy boy! Lots of houses are tiled, not painted - more expensive than paint, but lasts a lifetime. It certainly makes the place bright and cheerful. Went for a ride on the tram - going through the narrow streets was amazing - the finicular still wasn't running. Dinner, we found a lovely Italian restaurant - sitting on the roadside, Richard in his swim shorts bottom, and me in my pj's... but that's another story!!Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Lisbon Saturday.

    October 6, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Friday, changed Hotels to where our tour was starting. Very quiet day, dinner with our tour group, only one other English speaking couple!!! Saturday, we had a full day in the bus, touring Lisbon. Went to a Tile Museum that used to be a Convent Church the 15th Century. Amazing looking at the progression of the style of tiles. The Monument to the Discoveries was amazing ( I was there in 1984, hasn't changed!) A long day walking, dinner at the hotel, off to Porto tomorrow.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Lisbon to Porto - Sunday

    October 7, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Set off on the bus to Obidos, an hour north of Lisbon - a walled Roman Castle. Lovely to wander around, although set up for the tourists, lots of souvenir shops, chocolate tasting etc. Next was Coimbra, a very old University town. We were supposed to go through the University, however it was Students day, so it was closed to visitors. Instead, all the students took to the streets, making heaps of noise etc. Crawling up some of the old steep streets was one of the things they had to do, with empty cans tied stopping their feet. The noise was defining! Next to Aveiro, a very flat town nearly on the coast where we went round the canals in old boats, once used to harvest seaweed and salt. Beautiful old buildings, once again covered in tiles, also a bridge covered in ribbons... The Love Bridge. ❤️ Finally on to Porto and our boat. Rather small cabins, but adequate for our needs. 3 course dinner (lunch and dinner both 3 course, and all wine beer splits etc free!) Lots of German and French, only 4 kiwis, 2 Trinidad/Australians.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green

    Monday. Porto to Régua. 1.

    October 8, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Onto a bus this morning, and did a tour of Porto. Alot bigger than I thought - lots of lovely old buildings, most of them tiled, and all so beautiful. Went through the Palacio da Bolsa, which was built as a stock exchange in the 19th century. Has exquisite rooms, staircase, gold leaf room! Then on to a Tile shop, which was heaving with tour groups. Give them all a free tile and they are bound to buy more!!!! (We didn't, most did!) I must say the tiles, jewelry boxes, earrings, flowers etc etc etc that they made were pretty amazing. Back onto the boat, and finally got underway!!!!Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
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    Porto - Régua. 2.

    October 8, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    The boat/ship? is very comfortable. Can hold 132 pax, all alcohol included, wine, beer, juice etc. 3 course meals, so much food!!!!! Spent the afternoon cruising, and took so many photos, around every bend, another photo or 20!!! 😂 Went through a couple of locks, they are so narrow, the boat is so wide, about 6 inches space on each side!!!!Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
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    Tuesday. Régua to Barca D' Alva

    October 9, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Hard to choose 25 photos when you take over 200 photos a day!!! 😂 After a huge breakfast (got to stop eating so much!!) got on the bus and went to the Mateus Palace, where the wine is made. (We used to use those bottles to put candles in, short squat rounded bottles). Beautiful on the outside, Boroque inside, very dark wood, small rooms. The grounds were beautiful, loved the reflective pond out front. Next to the Douro Museum, where they explained the process of Wine and Port making over the years. Back breaking work in those days, - and then the wine/port was transported down the river, through the rapids (before the dams were built!) by small boats to Porto. Spent the afternoon cruising up the river, with more amazing views every time we went round a corner. 3 course dinner, then we were treated to 4 flamingo dancers.
    💃💃💃💃    Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
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    Wed. Barca d' Alva to Salamanca and back

    October 11, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Up early today, as had a 2 hr bus ride to Salamanca in Spain, and back again. Stopped half way for coffee /toilet stop, not your usual cafe.. Cows hooves anyone? A large university city, it makes it money from tourism, students and ham/agricultural products. It has a grand house covered in sandstone shells, and an amazing cathedral, taking over 200 yrs to build. Has the main cathedral part, and 18 chapels around the inside, on the outer walls. The detail in the outside carving was so intricate. Going back to the boat, drove past where the September fires were, that devistated thousands of hectares of land. Temperatures got up to the mid 40's.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
    21

    Thurs. Ferradosa to Porto. Pt 1.

    October 13, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    This morning we went by bus around the Douro Wine growing region - up and down narrow mountain roads - seeing lots of vineyards, different styles of growing/planting grapes and lots of 'wow' moments! Saw from up high, one of the locks we went through (5 locks each way). Stopped at a little village where the train station has pictures, in tiles, showing some of the history of the region. Went to Quinta do Tedo, a wine/port vineyard, right on the river. Had a tour around, then some port tasting, which was very very nice. Back on the boat and headed back towards Porto, mooring about 10 km before so we could go through the last lock first thing in the morning. Was an amazing trip, from the food to the flamingo dancers, the free drinks to the lovely staff. Sad it's over.Read more

  • Wendy GreenEurope '25Wendy Green
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    Fri - Tue, Porto.

    October 17, 2025 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Unfortunately for the last 2 days of the cruise, Richard and I started feeling congested, runny noses, sore throats and swollen glands. By the time we got off, I was feeling a little better, however Richard was really stuffed up. So our plan of hiring a car for 3 days and heading down the coast, was scraped. We stayed in our apartment for 2 days - then on the 3rd day we were able to go out and explore Porto. Went to the Central market, where fresh produce, cheese, seafood etc was sold alongside souvenirs. The Central train station where the beautiful blue tiles told the story of Portuguese history, rural life and transportation. Down to the waterfront where numerous cafes and stalls were vying for custom, then over the Luiz I bridge to where all the Port wine cellars are located. Still loving the tiled buildings!
    Portugal was lovely, however time to head home... next stop, Hong Kong.    Read more

    Trip end
    October 19, 2025
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