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Europe 2023
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Europe 2023

A 25-day adventure by k Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 12, 2023
    k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Hete we go...
    Singapore

    Day 1: ...and we're off!

    September 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Up early...4.15am...to make sure cats were fed and dogs were too! Cambeys picked us up at 8.15 and we arrived at the airport at midday...now a 3hr wait till boarding......and a 24hr wait till London!🤩

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Tourists...
    1Garden at Kensington Palace....needs a good mow!1Matt's just not as excited as me that Harrods is open.1All we could afford.1Big Bus tour1A man, a pint and another man's dog.11st pint of the trip - in The Churchill's Arms2It's Big Ben - we're climbing to the top in 5 days.War damage

    Day 2: Hit the Ground Running

    September 13, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After a long, long, long, trip we touched down at Heathrow Airport at 6.10am....a full day ahead of us before we could sleep. Luckily our Air BnB host let us know we could have an early check-in, so we arrived at our 1st home at 9am, a gorgeous old 17th Century manor type house which use to belong to Wilkie Collins - author of The Woman in White - and a good friend of Charles Dickens. 4 quick showers later, we set out to explore Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, as they were just around the corner - I am sad to report that both could have benefited from a few hours of me and my mower! We found Harrods and went in for a look...and came out again very quickly with a delicious, but expensive bread stick. We jumped on the Hop on/Hop off bus to do a 3 hr lap of the tourist sites, but hopped off at the 2nd stop to have a pint (or 2) of beer - and Matt made a friend! Hopped back on the bus, but hopped back off to find a loo (due to the beer). We found a loo - in a pub - and had another pint, before Matt and I hopped back on to finish the circuit. After successfully working out the Tube system, we arrived home and hopped into bed - a full 48hrs after we woke in Mount Rankin to begin our trip.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    1Heading out early
    1St Paul's3Mural artist had to be an Englishman and a Protestant1Sliw going when you've got a knee that won't bend1View from the top1Tower Bridge...NOT London Bridge1Glass walkway looking down on the Thames1A quick pint to refresh1View across to The Tower of London1The Cutty Sark1Captain Matt1Houses of Parliament1Lions of Trafalgar Square

    Day 3

    September 15, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Day 3:
    We set off expecting to see 7 major attractions...and ended the day exhausted after seeing just a few. We need more time - or a return trip. 1st stop was St Paul's Cathedral; Wow! It was beautiful without the over the top oppulance of the Vatican. I managed the 300 steps to the gallery and Matt did the extra 200 to the top. We then went to Tower Bridge, then took a boat ride to Greenwich to see the Cuttysark. After a pint, we went to Westminster Bridge to take a photo of Big Ben, then just sat and watched London pass on by, before walking to Trafalga Square - passing by Number 10 to see if the PM was home - he wasn't!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    1View from butress wall
    1This is where the bling is kept.1Where Henry VIII had Anne Boleyn beheaded1Crown Jewels - no photos allowed1This is a large flat white!1Windsor Castle1They must have just popped out when we visited.1This place is huge.11St George's Cathedral - resting place of QE II and Henry VIII1English pubs are georgeous1A well earned pint1Dinner1...and another pint!

    Day 4: A day of Kings.

    September 15, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    The Tower of London was 1st up today. My favourite part was standing on the walls, touching the stones that the archers would have touched whilst defending the tower 800 years ago. My least favourite was The Crown Jewels - no photos allowed. We had lunch under a tree; egg and cress, sandwiches - so very British, and then met the Cambeys at Liverpool St Station for a train ride out to Windsor castle to visit with Charlie and Camilla...they must have forgotten we were coming because they weren't home. Not many photos from here because you weren't permitted to take any - but sooooo much history! The castle is HUGE, but strangely elegant - my favourite place so far. We walked past Queen Elizabeth's burial tomb, and stood on Henry the VIII's. The day was so hot we bought an icecream each that claimed they were made from milk from the Kings own cows, before heading into the village of Windsor for a pint at one pub and dinner and another pint at another pub. Trained it back home exhausted.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Waiting for the bus
    Buckingham Palace wallsThe Fab FourWalking The MallMorning tea at the palace1Boys off to a soccer game11Public urination is a "thing"

    Day 5: A Palace and a soccer game.

    September 16, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today we headed out to have a look through Buckingham Palace - it felt a bit surreal to be standing in front of the balcony. No photos allowed, but an amazing building just reeking of history at every turn. We walked up the Mall to Trafalgar Square, then the boys headed out to Tottenham Stadium to watch a soccer...sorry, football.... game while Di and I did some shopping at the Camden markets and Marks and Spencer. Di and I were very impressed with our navigation skills, catching buses and trains all over London. Matt was very glad Cambey made him go to the match....he said he had never seen anything like it. They were both so impressed with the very public urinals on the way to the stadium that they thought they'd better take some photos!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    OMG...I'm here!
    11Matt knows what those blackberries need!1HOPING MATT WILL BUILD ME ONEA great pubLunch in the rainBermondsey Beer MileHarry's recommendationFound this one on the way home

    Day 6: Gardens, Churches and Beer

    September 17, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today Matt and I set off to see Kew Gardens (a place I've wanted to see for a long time) and I wasn't disappointed. I got some great ideas for our own garden including the glasshouse, the pond and the rose walk. Matt found some blackberries that he reckoned needed poisoning. On the way to Kew Station we decided to stop at a pub for a quick pint and were getting a bit worried when we were almost there with no pub in sight; then we saw Tap on the Line - a pub right next to the station. We then went to a gothic church dating back to 606!!! We happened to get there just as the choir were singing - magical. Then it was off to the Bermondsey Beer Mile - a mile with a dozen or so craft brewerys, underneath the railway lines. We staggered home exhausted, but happy.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    OMG...crowded Tube
    QUICK CHAT WITH STAFF AND KIDS FROM ST AMAND SCHOOL ON THEIR WAY TO PARLIAMENTEVEN THE LOOS HAVE A VIEW AT WESTMINSTERWHERE'S WALLY?WE STOOD BEHIND THAT CLOCKMATY LOOKS UP...KERRY LOOKS DOWNMEETING UP WITH CAMBEYS AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE...AS YOU DO!WEST END PHANTOMARE WE REALLY HERE?MATT'S REALLY ENJOYING THE SHOW

    Day 7: WE CLIMBED BIG BEN!!!

    September 18, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    Today (after a very crowded tube ride and a chat with teachers taking their kids to the Houses of Parliament) we climbed Big Ben...right to the top....we stood behind all 4 clock faces before ascending to Big Ben himself, with amazing views over London. I had to pinch myself many, many times as I couldn't quite believe it. We stood there (with ear plugs in) and listened as the bells chimed 12 o'clock. What an experience. We then went to Westminster Abbey; Matt looked up as I looked down but we were both a little underawed - then we visited both the Houses of Commons and Lords before a quick pint on the way to meeting up with the Cambeys for dinner and another pint - right on Trafalgar Square! Then it was off to Westend for The Phantom of the Opera! I had goosebumps and tears while Matt fell asleep. Home by 11.30pm, ready for a 5am wakeup to catch the train to Belgium.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    A VERY EARLY START
    FAST TRAIN TO BRUSSELSWELCOME TO FRANCEBRUGES1DINNERMATT WENT WANDERING WHILE DI, MATT AND I RELIVED THE PHANTOM EXPERIENCE BY WATCHING THE MOVIE

    Day 8: Belgium; Bruges

    September 19, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Up at 5am to catch the train through the Chunnel to Brussels, then on to Bruges. We dropped our bags off and then strolled to the medieval town centre for waffles and Belgium beer. We saw plenty of churches to explore tomorrow and Matt has booked his ticket to climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry Tower - he will have to do this solo! While the Cambeys and I relived our Phantom moment by watching the movie, Matt went for a walk...too tired to go out for dinner, so it was bread, cheese and wine at home.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    CANAL RIDECLIMBED BY MATT LITTLE 20/9/23BELL RINGER BELTING OUT HITS OF THE 70'SVIEW FROM THE TOPVIEW FROM THE BOTTOMOFF TO FIND SOME CHURCHESCHURCH OF OUR LADY - OUTSIDECHURCH OF OUR LADY - INSIDESINT-SALVATORS - OUTSIDESINT-SALVATORS - INSIDE1HARRY'S BREWRY RECOMENDATIONWHAT TO TRY 1ST...HOW HOPS SHOULD BE GROWNONE OF MANY CHOCOLATE SHOPSBEER WALL- CLOSED WEDNESDAYS!BRUGES BY NIGHT

    Day 9: Belfry, Churches and Waffles

    September 20, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We started the day with the Cambeys, for a boat tour of the canals - learning a little bit about the history of Bruge. Matt insisted he climb the 366 steps of the Belfry tower while I insisted I didn’t - so he did... and I ate waffles, listening to the bells playing hits of the 70's like 'Bright eyes' and 'By the rivers of Babylon'. Matt and I then went to explore some of the many churches here. The church of our lady was built in the 12th century, while Sint-Salvators was built in 1360 - we both liked this one better than Westminster Abbey...and it was free!. We then headed to 'Bougogne des Flandres', a brewery Harry insisted we visit - and we're glad we did. Not only were the beers good; we also saw how hops are suppose to be grown...some work is needed on our hop-frame when we return. A quick rest back home, before we went to dinner with the Cambeys at a small restaurant by the canal, and we strolled home through the lit up alley ways, ready for a 4am start to Strasbourg tomorrow.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    AN EARLY START 5am
    WATCHINGBOYS IMPRESSED AT THE SPEED20min CHANGE OVER...DOES THIS COUNT AS A VISIT?1 FOOT IN FRANCE...1 IN GERMANYBORDER BETWEEN FRANCE AND GERMANYSTRASBOURGFANCY THAT...A CRAFT BEER HOUSELook what Matt found11

    Day 10: Strasbourg

    September 21, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    After a very early wake up (4am local time) we walked through the quiet cobbled streets to catch the 5.23 train to the station. A quick train change at Brussels...then Luxembourg....and we were finally at Strasbourg. As our room wasn't ready until 3pm (and it was only 1pm) we decided to catch the tram to the Bridge crossing the Rhine river and stand on the mid point between France and Germany...we got some funny looks from the locals. I was soooo tired by then that I suggested a beer stop - and Matt, being the loving husband that he is, found a bar serving craft beer - in an old tudor style pub on the canal. The Cambeys met up for a drink then went on their way to a pork inspired dinner while we crossed the road to another craft beer joint and had spinach lasagne - the things Matt will do for a good beer. We found our way back to our motel and while I had a shower and jumped into bed with the windows wide open, listening to a rain storm outside, Matt went out ( in the rain) to find the Strasbourg Cathedral; I just hope he finds his way home again!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Strasbourg Cathedral
    The steps Matt climbed1View from the top1Wayching the light changeOff to find more churchesI went up thereBaguettes in the parkFound one...and anotherPicture perfectHey...another churchI needed a break from all those churchesMatt was impressed to find NRL Panthers v Melbourne in one pubLast one of the dayDinner

    Day 11: 4 churches : 3 pubs

    September 22, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    A late start (8.30am) saw us heading straight to the Strasbourg Cathedral. Matt refused to show me any photos he took last night because he said they wouldn't do it justice - he was right : très incroyable! While he, once again, climbed to the top (332 steps), I sat on a pew and watched the stained glass windows change as the sun moved in and out of the clouds; beautiful. The rest of the day was spent wandering around the old part of the city, searching out churches and craft beer. We ate baguettes in a park for lunch and had dinner in a little restaurant by the canal, under a tree in the rain - perfect! We strolled home in a rain shower and were in bed eating Belgium chocolate from yesterday by 6.45pm.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Where is that damn bus...50 mins late
    Belgium into GermanyNot sure which is which???Coming back with wine and cheeseMaccas by the lake

    Day 12 : Off to Lucerne

    September 23, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    6am saw us rudely awoken by our alarm to make sure we were on time to catch the bus to Switzerland....pity the bus didn't have an alarm as it was 50 minutes late. It was a lovely trip; we passed into Germany for an hour or two before moving into Switzerland, and we were able to see villages and towns along the way. We had a short toilet stop for the bus to refuel ...Di and I were confused by the sign, but took our chances. Matt, once again, decided to leave it until the last moment to go and had to come running back when the driver called out "rouse, rouse". We arrived at Lucerne bus station and caught the local bus to our air bnb - we are getting very good at navigating local transport. A quick trip to the supermarket for wine and cheese and we set off for dinner - OMG! Molly had warned us how expensive food was here but we weren't expecting it to be quite so much...a green salad - 21 Franks; beef burger - 25 Franks...so we ended up with a meal deal Mc Donalds 24 Franks, and ate it by the lake. Looks like its going to be a hungry few days here!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    111

    Day 13: Off to Climb a Mountain

    September 24, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    We stood above the clouds today with our 2 best friends...and it was amazing!

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Matt climbed...Kerry didn't.
    1Can you see Matt in the top window?We both climbed this one!View from the top.Covered bridge built in 1300's ( burnt down and rebuilt in 1993 - but don't tell the tourists)lunchWhat is it with Matt and churches?Very, very pretty - with crystal chandeliersBeer and a church...can Matt be any happier?No double-dipping, Cambey!

    Day 14: Luzern

    September 25, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    We had a (somewhat) relaxed day today exploring the Musegg Wall - a wall built in 1370 to protect the city. As we were walking up some very steep steps, Matt saw something move and said " Look at the squirrel" as a dirty, big rat ran towards me. After my heart rate returned to normal - and not from the climb! - we walked along the top of the wall, stopping to climb 6 of the watch towers along the way. Lunch was baguettes and sandwiches by the water, before we found 4 churches - before Matt found 4 churches! - very pretty and totally different from any we have seen before. Midafternoon, washing done for the next 4 days, Matt went out wandering while I lay in the sun reading. Cambeys returned with make-your-own fondue for tea, washed down with a 3.55 Frank bottle of wine. Time to repack our bags; tomorrow Matt and I leave the Cambeys for a few days, to drive across France, before meeting up with them in Paris!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    See you in Paris, Cambeys
    FifiToo easy!Climbing a mountain...just like in Le Tour...only not on bikes!Hope we see some.Stopping for a bush wee...in an oak and birch forest.1Matt drove up here!16th century hotel for the night2Not a straight line in the placeAlley of the cats😪 No catsMedieval church 1Medieval church 2Medieval church 3Medieval church 4...and there were 8 more!Dinner at a brew pubHome

    Day 15: Lucerne to Troyes

    September 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today Matt and I said uf Widerluege to the Cambeys as we set off to drive across France - West to East. We trained it to Mulhouse, just inside the French border, then picked up Fifi; our pearly lavender Fiat rental car for the next four days - Matt was delighted when he saw her! We almost didn't get her as French law says you need an international licence (which Matt had) and a physical licence from your own country (which Matt didn't have; he had his licence on his phone. but this wasn't acceptable). The French Avis lady was amazing - she must have seen the look of panic on Matt's face and disappointment on mine - and allowed us to take Fifi. We set google maps for Troyes, avoiding tolls and highways...and you should have seen the back lanes, alleyways and one way streets we went on. Matt did an amazing job of driving a manual on the wrong side of the road and after driving through the Champagne region of France, we arrived at Troyes mid-afternoon. Troyes is a medieval town with no less than 12 gothic churches - so you can guess what we did when we got there! Our accommodation was in a building dating back to the 16 hundreds with sloping ceilings and wonky floors - perfect!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Lunch for today sorted.
    Piles of spuds drying in the paddocksEating lunch outside Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral1Our Lady of Chartres CathedralMatt is getting fond of Fifi.Oak and elm forestsDriving to our accommodation1Château des Ducs d'AlençonPrisonets were executed by firing squad or sent to concentration camps from hereA much happier place nowDinner with a viewCraft beer and a Cathedral - Matt's happy place

    Day 16: Troyes to Alencon

    September 27, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We headed off to our next stop, Alencon, with a small detour to the town of Chatres to see Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral...a magnifent building dating back to 1194; we could see it rising from the surrounding fields from miles away. Matt did an awesome job navigating the medieval alleyways that they call streets - he deserves a medal. We left the Champagne vineyards behind yesterday and today we drove past mile after mile of potato crops as well as huge piles of spuds drying in the paddocks. Matt tested out his overtaking skills, passing many tractors and harvesters. Once again Google maps had us driving through tiny villages, cobbled alleyways and one way lanes before we arrived in Alencon. 50m from our room was an enormous Cathedral which was shut (sorry Matt) so we took a walk to the Château des Ducs d'Alençon. Built in the 9th century this castle was taken by William the Conquer, Henry I and Louis VI. More recently, it was used by the Gestapo between 1940 and 1945. It is now an open freespace with a playground - a very tasteful repurposing for the public. A quick pint and dinner at a brewpub - with a great view - and it was home to plan tomorrow's trip to Mont St Michel...a place we have both wanted to visit for a very long time.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    .Detour church: Saint Hilaire du Harcouet
    Inside Saint Hilaire du Harcouet1st view; and army aeroplane dropped 30 parachuters offWe made itCan't believe itAfter 30 years, we're here!Inside the AbbeyBusy, touristy side streets - avoid at all costs3Escaping the crowdsView from our room.High tideAlmost seperated on different sidesEntrance is blocked off1

    Day 17: Alencon to Mont St Michel

    September 28, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We had a somewhat shakey start today - Fifi had a coolant light show on her dash and after much googling and youtubing we decided to find a Fiat dealership and ask them for help. We drove into the lot and parked... right in amongst all the cars for sale. Matt took a photo of the dash and I used google translate to have a message ready in case they didn't speak English - which they didn't. A lovely man read my message, looked at the photo, shook his head and put his hand out for the key. He jumped in, turned a knob and all was well - Matt had bumped a menu log button and that was all it was. We were on our way to Mont St Michel...a place we have both wanted to visit for over 30 years! With just 1 minor detour - to look at a huge cathedral at Harcourt - we arrived at 12 and spent the next 5 hours walking around the Abbey, which dates back to the 8th century, and the town at the base. The Abbey and surrounding walls were amazing, but the town was like Disney on steroids. We went back to the mainland to find our accommodation, which was 1 of 4 tiny rooms built above the hosts own home, overlooking cow paddocks and barns and Mont St Michel. We went back at 6.30pm to watch the high tide come racing in and surround the island - it was amazing how quickly this took place. The sun setting over the western walls and reflecting on the ocean was magical. After 30 years, we can now say we've been!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    View from our room
    Our room over a cow shedSpeed limit 130kmBye bye Fifi!2 Euro toilet at Rouen train stationDi and I letting our boys catch up1Fabulous FourCity of love....yeah right!View from top of ArcBeautiful

    Day 18: Bye Bye Fifi; Hello Cambeys

    September 29, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    After taking our last look at Mont St Michel, we loaded up Fifi and headed for Paris. Matt was excited to be on major roads for this part of the journey, especially when he realised the speed limit was 130 - he was not so delighted when he was told that doing 130km/h, in the rain, on the wrong side of the road, in a fiat 500 was not a good idea! We dropped Fifi at Rouen train station and took at 1 and a half hour train ride into Paris where we had to learn yet another ticketing and timetabling system...fun and games - NOT. However we managed to find our next accommodation without killing each other, and rang the Cambeys who were only 10 mins away. After a quick catch up, we all walked down to see the Eiffel tower, then decided to climb the Arc de Triomphe to see the tower light up - magical. A short 2.5km walk home, where we ordered pizza for tea...at 10pm. Off to see a palace full of mirrors tomorrow.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Early morning walk to the Metro
    Looks like a postcard-good job, MattBoys working out how to get there1st look1Hall of mirrorsMarie Antoinette's bedroomNot a church...but nearly as goodWhere has Kerry gone?1...in the garden, of course!1Wonder what's in here?Strucrure supporting terrace aboveBoys being boys...but with their clothes on!Just beautiful!

    Day 19: Palace of Versailles

    September 30, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We were off to visit the French version of Windsor castle today. Having watched Marie Antoinette on netflix before we came, I was ready to have a poke around and learn a bit more. I was not prepared for the absolute over the top grandeur and oppulance that was Versailles...no wonder the peasants stormed the Bastille! The history seeping out of the walls kept Matt engrossed, so I snuck out to walk around the gardens...I didn't know there were 2000 acres of them. I took lots of photos and have lots of ideas for when we return to Mt Rankin. While I admired the plants, Matt took himself off to investigate how the support structure of the giant terrace worked. When we returned home, the Cambeys went out to a nice little French restaurant around the corner for dinner, Matt had toast and I had a glass of wine. A tiring, but pretty nice day for us all!Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Basillica of the Sacred Heart Paris
    Can you see Matt?View from the topWandering to Notre DameNotre DameBiggest skip bin in the world?The Pantheon ParisVoltaire's tombMatt's new fav SaintFancy a quick one?Don't mind if I do!

    Day 20: Another 18,000 steps

    October 1, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today started with a double metro ride out to the Basillica of the Sacred Heart of Paris...otherwise known as "another church". Once again Matt climbed to the top while I sat and looked at the floor and windows. We then caught another train to Sainte Chapells Cathederal - a church with over 1200 individual leadlight panels, but no dome to climb. We then walked to Notre Dame to see how the restoration was going - slowly, and on to the Pantheon Paris. This was a huge surprise, as we didn't know what to expect. The ground floor level was amazing but the crypts below were spectacular. Marie Curie, Voltaire and Victor Hugo are just a few of the big names interred there. On the way back to the metro we found an English pub and had a couple of pints to keep hydrated on a very hot day.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    The Fab four
    1Don't see what all the fuss is about.A little nymph I'd have liked to bring homeVenus de MiloA happy little musicianSelfieOriginal wall of palace beliw the LouvreSaw this at Versailles...now confused...which is the original?Had enough...time to goHappy outside in the gardenThe NeedleWalk to Napoleon's TombThere's the Tower again!Napoleon's TombNapoleon's Tomb

    DAY 21: Culture Vultures

    October 2, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We started the day with early entry tickets to the Louvre and after racing the queue to take a photo in front of the Mona Lisa, we then just free-wheeled around for a few hours; partly because that's how I like it, but mostly because Matt said the maps were rubbish! We found some hidden treasures; like the oldest known statue ever found, a friendly looking musician and a little nymph who would look lovely in our garden. Lunch was bagettes eaten in the Louvre garden; fun fact - this garden was designed by the same man who designed the gardens at Versailles. We then walked to Napoleon's Tomb and war museums, passing by the Egyptian Needle which was unfortunately roped off due to the rugby world cup. While Matt and the Cambeys went in, I found a shady tree in the garden and just sat. Matt found the war museum very interesting but found it hard to understand why the French revere him as much as they do. We were home by 5.30pm and spent the evening with good friends, good food and good conversation.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Police and army wont let us in
    Army blocking entrance to the Notre Dame cryptCan't get inNo bloody tourists herePublic urination is encouragedBeer with a straw - that's a first1st crepeSite of the BastilleAbandoned railway track, now parkland walkUs oldies doing instaQuiche the French wayUp close and personal1Micro brewery...how does he keep finding them?1You guessed it...baguettes for dinner

    Day 22: A day of rambling

    October 3, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    We headed out to see the Crypte Archéologique de l'İle de la Cité, which is under Notre Dame but just as we got there police and army men with machine guns forced the cowd back and put up police tape around the entrance. We waited for 20mins, hoping they'd let us in, but more police arrived and the crowd were forced back further so we thought we'd better go. So we headed off on foot to find the site of the Bastille. We found it on the middle of a roundabout. I decided it was time to try a crepe (yum) and Matt had a beer, served with a straw! We then walked to the start of the Promanade Plantee which is a parkand walk along an old abandoned viaduct and wandered along for a few kilometres before catching a train to the Eiffel Tower to see it up close. From there we went to a micro brewery near the Tropadero before walking home - with a bagette - for tea.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Our transport from Vernon to Giverney
    Finally found the way in.The Fab Four on Monet's bridgeThe shot we came forLook where we are!...and the Cambeys are too!Monet's houseIdeas for homeMore ideas for homeLunchMatt turns vegetarianWaiting for train ride homeLast trip on dirty, smelly, crowded trains.

    Day 23: Monet's Garden

    October 4, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We got up early today to make sure we had enough time to catch connecting trains to Vernon/ Giverney....we missed the 2nd train and had to wait 1hr and 20mins for the next one.....we are blaming poorly signed stations and confusing ticket machines. When we arrived at Vernon we were looking for a shuttle bus to take us to Giverney, but found a tiny train instead. It was driven by a very enthusiastic driver who had no problem navigating narrow streets, roundabouts and traffic lights as he assumed he had right of way while towing 5 carriages behind him. He took us to Giverney and we then spent 1/2 an hour looking for the gardens...again due to poor signage. The gardens were beautiful; salvias, daisys and dahlias in a riot of colours. We took the "bridge" shots then explored the rest of the gardens and house before setting off to find Monet's grave. We stopped at The Hotel Baudy for lunch - where Matt almost became vegetarian when he cut in to his steak. We all celebrated when we hopped off our last crowded, smelly, disease infested train ride home ( well at least for a little while). Dinner was an assortment of left-overs; bagette, cheese, chips, pasta, peanut butter and icecream before the not so nice job of packing was done for an early morning ride to Charles de Gaul.Read more

  • k littleEurope 2023Traveler
    Cambey burning breakfast
    Cambey and his Rugby-man donut at CDG.Paris to DubaiDubai to SydneyAlmost home

    Day 24: Home

    October 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    With 32 hours ahead of us before we were home, none of us were looking forward to the last part of our trip. However we were very glad we had decided to book a taxi to Charles de Gaulle airport rather than taking the metro - best 80 Euro we had ever spent! Sydney Harbour was a very welcome sight as we flew in at 6pm. After dropping the Cambeys off, we drove through our gates to 4 very excited pets and our own bed...and while we were so happy to be home, a tiny part of my mind is asking " Where to next?".Read more

    Trip end
    October 6, 2023
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