• The Off Grid Odyssey
  • Rebecca Mattocks
  • The Off Grid Odyssey
  • Rebecca Mattocks

Europe 2019

Matt and Becky's Europe vacation Read more
  • Fantastic Pisa

    September 27, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Have had an amazing day wandering around Pisa. We have visited the entire Duomo and have been in awe of the grand architecture and the age of the buildings... some as old as the 12th century.

  • Now we are confused

    September 27, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Fairly sure we left the UK behind but so far we have been faced with both of these. We are in Italy, honest.

  • And they all waited till we came out

    September 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Having spent my first night ever under a mosquito net, was a little worried about being swarmed when we emerged!! Could hear them all night and felt a bit sorry that they didn't get a snack... Matt is grateful though.... time for breakfast and then on to Florence.
    Pisa you have been amazing.
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  • More amazing architecture

    September 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    The Basilica Santa Croce in Firenze. A beautiful church with a Piazza full of life, food, drink and happiness. A truly wonderful part of Firenze to visit.

  • Tuscan Lunch

    September 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We just had an amazing lunch at the Auditore in Piazza Del Grano in Firenze. We had the Tuscan sharing board and a lovely bottle of wine. All for just €51.

  • Just mooching and looking up

    September 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Arrived in Florence, found our apartment (more flights of stairs!) And decided to just mooch all over to see what was what...
    We found some incredible buildings and immersed ourselves with all the people and noise and music and food and had a great day, ending with a trip to a supermarket and a home cooked dinner of spag bol and salad. Off to see David in the morning and more exploring...Read more

  • Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Have spent a happy few hours with Michelangelo, Bartolini and Stradovari.
    Dont really appreciate all of the religious artwork but definitely appreciate the sculptures and the music. Definitely worth a visit just for David but avoid the queues by pre booking as there was a 2hr queue at 9.30am thia morning.Read more

  • A well earned rest

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    After a busy morning visiting Michelangelo's David and the Basilicas of Florence it is time for a well earned rest.
    Two things to note from our stops in Italy are that most places won't let you sit outside unless you are eating and then there is a cover charge of about €2 per person. If you just want a drink, and who doesn't, then stick to bars rather than restaurants.Read more

  • Basilica di Santa Croce

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Spend a happy couple of hours paying our respects to Michelangelo, Galileo , Roasini, Machiavelli, Dante (although he rests elsewhere) and Florence Nightingale. (Although she is buried in Hampshire) Rested our eyes upon sculptures by Donatello and frescoes painted by Gaddi and Giotto.
    Honestly humbled to see his work and his final resting place (Michelangelo) and even a memorial to Leonardo Da Vinci.
    At €8 per person very worth it but be prepared to book in advance or queue.
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  • Dramatic Floods

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    In 1966 Florence was hit by a devastating flood. Over 1 million pieces of art were lost forever and 101 people were killed. It is hard to comprehend the flood but the water was 5 meters high throughout the city. The white plaque above Becky's head shows the level the water reached as does the marker post inside Santa Croce. It us almost impossible to comprehend the damage caused by the water, mixed with mud and oil, as it filled up this beautiful cityRead more

  • Piazzale Michelangelo

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    So... when you have been walking all day, and are a little tired, why not take a stroll up the 100 + steps to the top of the world (honestly feels like it) and look down upon the whole of Florence. It's pretty cool up there.
    Take in the views at the front, take a pic or 2 and then turn to find a bronze David... I kid you not... the 3rd copy of the David has been placed at the top of a flippin great hill. Worth the climb though and definitely worth the view.
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  • Fontane delle Rampe del Poggi

    September 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    So... whilst walking down off the top of the world... we stumble upon the most amazing water falls and park. 5 tiers of waterfalls crossing 3 roads.
    At the bottom is a fountain and one of the medieval towers that used to protect the city.
    Well worth a visit and it's all downhill!
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  • Much excited

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Shooting through the Italian countryside on our way to Rome. Very excited to be on the way. Even brought snacks..

  • Bolsena Volcano.

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Now extinct and with a miraculous lake on the top. It is the largest volcanic lake in Europe with 2 islands and black volcanic sand beaches. It was active until 104 BC. The miracle occurred in 1263 when a priest on a pilgrimage suffered a stigmata. Never been this close to a volcano before.Read more

  • Piazza del Popolo

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Finally exploring Rome and we began with a piazza that is unique is as much as it had a giant Egyptian obelisk in the centre and 2 identical churches at its edge. The 4 lion fountains were built in 1828.
    In Rome there are 6000 fountains all of which you can drink from.
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  • The Spanish Steps

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Very large staircase... not gonna lie, too tired to climb but looked fab from the bottom.
    Very impressive fountain at the bottom and a lovely church at the top.
    Fill those water bottles now whilst you have chance!!Read more

  • Fontana di Trevi

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    What can I say... just astounding. Truly spectacular. The fountain really feels like it grew here, right out of the building. Built in 1732.
    They say that if you throw a coin in, it will bring luck, but our hotel owner says that every night they take upto €4000 out and it all goes towards helping keep Rome clean.
    Very impressed by this and well worth a visit... watch your personal stuff though as pick pockets are plenty on the crowd.
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  • Volume Di Roma

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    1800 year old Roman building discovered during demolition work during the 1930's. Street level then was 9 meters below current street level

  • Pantheon

    September 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So cool and the words basically mean Agrippa was ere.
    They actually mean built by Agrippa.
    So fantastic lit at night. No idea why they felt the need to build it so big!!!
    It's the oldest , most intact, piece of Roman architecture in the world.Read more

  • Absolutely Amazing!

    October 1, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We have spent a very happy morning at The Colosseum. Can not explain the sheer magnitude of this place in time or history.
    The whole Colosseum still has the aura of the mighty empire who built it.
    Currently having lots of renovation done on the lower levels but still an absolutely fantastic place to visit.
    Would come again and again even though it's a very gory history!!
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  • Amazing lunch

    October 1, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Handmade panini crisps and a bottle of wine for €7. Plus loads of free sheep cheese samples. You have to try this place.