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Europe Trip 2024
  • Karen Long

Europe Trip 2024

An 8 week driving, sailing, touring trip to France, the Greek Islands, Ireland, Scotland and London. Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 21, 2024
    Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Setting off
    Favourite cocktail bar at the airportFollow travellersCointreau! Best part of the flight.Rue Montorgueil.L'escargot MontorgueilThis is why its called the red eye flight.Creme brulee of course.

    Setting off!

    April 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Today we are setting off on an 8 week trip to France, The Greek Islands, Ireland and Scotland.
    A pretty relaxed start with a flight down to Brisbane in the morning. Marl, Millie and Dan picked us up and we had lunch with Joc and Lan before visiting Mum and chilling out at Marl’s for the afternoon.

    Our flight doesn’t leave until 9 tonight which doesn’t take long after you get through security and immigration and have a few drinks in the bar.
    14 hours to Dubai and then another 7 to Paris. Doesn’t sound too bad, but boy it’s a long time to fill in and without much sleep.

    We finally landed in France at about 2 in the afternoon and made our way into the city. We’re staying in a similar place to where we stayed last time, which was 12 years ago so we thought it would be easy to find. Amazing how much has changed since then, you can see they are doing a lot of work to tidy the place up for the olympics.

    We did eventually find our accomodation and manage to eventually get through the security of three locked doors and gates. It is only a little apartment but very cosy and has everything we need.

    After a shower and freshen up we headed out to find some dinner. Settled on L’ Escargot Montorgreil bit of a famous restaurant, been here since 1832, so they must be doing something right, and yes we did have the escargot and they were small but delicious.

    It is very cold, think we both have four layers on and I’m missing my beanie I forgot to pack. Lucky I have lots of hair.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Yes its cold!
    Petite Palias entry hallPetite Palias CourtyardEiffle tower looking stunning in the sunshine.Crossing the river!Back in Rue Montorgueil for happy hour!

    Day one in Paris

    April 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Heading out for a coffee this morning, it’s hard to describe what sort of coffee you want in France, so it’s a bit hit and miss what you get.

    This morning we were debating how to get around Paris. Decided to hire a couple of bikes. They have them all around town and you can pick one up at one spot and drop it at another. We over to Notre Dam to see how the renovation was going, then along the river where there are so many lovely old buildings, past the Dorsay Museum where we are hoping to visit, the queue to get in was miles long, so we keep going.

    All went well until I opted for an electric one and couldn’t stop in time for a motorbike. My poor bike came off second best and the motorbike took off. Luckily no damage to me, the bike was not so fortunate. Bent the front wheel and when Graham eventually came back to find out where I was, he jumped on it a few times to straighten it out, at least enough to ride it to the next bike rack and dump it.

    We went past the Grand Palais, it too is getting some restoration work done but the Petite Palais was open and free entry as well. Wow the building and gardens were beautiful, full of beautiful French artwork as well as antiques and sculptures. I can just imagine how ornate the grand Palais must be.

    It is a glorious day today so we rode on then to the Eiffel tower, so many tourists lining up to climb it, or take the lift. Luckily we have done that and were just happy to see it from the park and take a few photos.

    It’s freezing today even with the sun shining. We both have four layers on. It’s very easy to ride around Paris. Well it’s all flat and they have bikes lanes everywhere. So many bikes though and some of them zooming through the traffic everywhere. We got lost a bit after lunch and these two teenagers showed us the way back to the river. Just follow me this kid says. Holy hell, he was darting through the traffic everywhere. Was all we could do to keep up. Got us back on track though.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Pretty dawn
    Sans tourists.Inside The DorsaySpectacular setting!So clever.Lovely view from up here.Sacre Coeur from MontmartreMontmartre Streets.Saved the best bar for last.

    Second day in Paris.

    April 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    We are awake early this morning. Bloody jet lag makes it hard to sleep sometimes. We got a couple of bikes and rode along the river just as it was getting light. It so peaceful to be out and about before everybody is awake. The bridges, the gardens and the Louvre were virtually empty apart from a few groundsmen cleaning up. Gosh it is cold today though, the fickle sun has disappeared and the temperatures are dropping. We found a nice warm coffee shop to huddle in for a while with a cafe crème and a croissant.

    The mission this morning is to visit the Dorsay Museum. the Dorsay is renowned for its rich collection of Impressionism art as well as sculptures and the amazing architecture of the historic railway station it is housed in. The most famous being Monet and Van Gogh. So many people lined up to get in, luckily it’s a massive museum and they all disappeared very quickly once we got inside. We spent a lovely few hours in there looking at the different painting we’d only seen on tv.

    Just as we were about to leave we came across one of the restaurants, wow what a fabulous room, so of course we had to have lunch in there. Along with quite a few other fellow museum goers. It really was a lovely lunch though in a great atmosphere.

    On the bikes again this afternoon and up to visit Sacre Coeur. I’m glad we opted for the electric ones on this trip. It was all uphill and then really uphill at the end. Pretty sure we went through the ghetto of Paris to get there too. I wasn’t game to stop, despite the horrendous traffic and the evil kin-evil other bike riders.

    Holy it was packed up there, so many people about. Gorgeous view of the city from the steps of Sacre Coeur though and lots of fabulous artists in Montmartre painting portraits. Must be cool to be able to paint like that.

    Now the problem of course is the return trip down the hill and now it’s even busier with everyone on their way home. I think I deserved a medal for staying on two wheels, almost stacked it a few times when someone stepped out in front of me or took the red light going the other way. Finally we got back to civilisation and couldn’t find anywhere to leave the bikes. They have to go back in a rack and there needs to be a spare slot. I was ready to dump the bloody things but luckily we finally found an empty slot.

    We needed a drink after that nerve wracking experience and found the perfect bar for our last night.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Into Normandy, cars, cider, amd cheese.

    April 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Picked up our hire car this morning from Orly airport. Peak hour getting there so the train was absolutely packed. They had a strike at the airport so lots of people there trying to hire a car. Eek hope that doesn’t happen when we have to fly to Athens.

    Talk about being thrown into the deep end, driving on the wrong side of the road is bad enough without the stress of so much traffic. We finally got far enough away from Paris for the traffic to settle down a bit and to start looking for somewhere to eat. It was surprisingly hard to find somewhere. We ended up stopping at a road side cafeteria whose special of the day was Fillet Mignon. Ha ha only in France.

    We upgraded the car to a Mercedes Benz Compact, a snazzy little thing with lots of bells and whistles. Well after driving for a couple of hours it started doing a few odd things. Felt like the brakes were locking on for a few seconds. After that happened a few times we rang the service department and arranged to go into Caen and have it looked at.

    Our accomodation is a tiny cute little cottage about three kilometres from the village of Vimoutiers. Horses and cows in the paddock a few chooks and a pig who seems to think we should feed him. Gorgeous views across the valley to Camembert!

    We’re meeting some old friends for dinner. They just happen to be crossing France at the same time as us. It was so lovely to catch up with them.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Caen day trip

    April 26, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We have to make an unexpected trip into Caen this morning. Our hire car is playing up and we need to get it sorted.
    It’s only an hour’s drive away, needed to get through a toll gate which was a bit challenging but we managed. Caen is quite a big city with a lovely 11th century castle in the centre. The castle was built by William the Conqueror and Caen is where he and his wife Matilde are buried.

    It’s a beautiful old city with so many churches and abbeys and of course the Castle which is one of the largest in Europe. We had a lovely walk around looking at the architecture of the older part of the city.

    Turns out they had to replace our car, shame cause the other one was very flash, this one not so much!

    With our new wheels we headed off to find a Cider and Calvados tasting. La Ferme De Billy. They have been making cider since 1651.
    The cider was lovely, the Calvados must be an acquired taste.

    Found a lovely restaurant for lunch near Pont-L’Eveque. Great food, cider and beer! We called into the farm where they buy their cheese and got some to take home. After that lunch all we’re going to need is some cheese.

    Made our way back to Camembert and visited their cheese museum and factory. Then a quick stop in Vimoutiers for some wine, beer and baguette to go with our cheese.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Dairy visit.

    April 26, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    After sampling all the cheeses yesterday we were keen to see where all the milk smokes from. It’s takes about 2 litres of milk to make one little Camembert. We found a farm nearby who were open to the public. They have about 60 cows to milk and all their milk goes to Graindorge Fromagerie where a lot of local cheeses are made.

    These cows are massive and produces 20 litres of milk per day. Even though they have an automatic milking machine, it still takes someone to herd the cows in, release them, clean up after them.
    Interesting to see though. Funny thing we went to the supermarket this afternoon and there is only one type of milk and only a couple of small bottles, no cream at all. Guess the cheese uses it all up.

    Some cute little calves there as well waiting for Mama to be finished milking. And a cage full of rabbits( pets or dinner) we weren’t sure.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Pretty towns, Cider & a fabulous dinner

    April 27, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    After the dairy visit we went on a little road trip through Cambremer and Beuvron-en-auge. Both very pretty villages, cute streets and lovely churches. Cambremer had a cidery and what a coincident so did Beuvron-en-auge. Villages are all so close together here so it’s easy to visit a few in a morning.
    We had lunch at the creperie in Beuvron-en-auge Raclette crepes, yes more melted cheeses. Crepes were so thin, they were so quick making them.

    Home for a bit of a rest and then we decided to try and find somewhere for dinner. My first option wasn’t any good, they only do meals at lunch time but he sent us off to look at a few other options. We picked Carte Bancaire. Oh my goodness what a gem. Wish we had another night here so we could go again.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Mont Saint Micheal

    April 28, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We’ve had a full but very enjoyable day today. We left our little cottage at Vimoutiers this morning and travelled overt to Mont St Michael. It was a 2 hour drive but we set the gps to back roads and it was a lovely scenic drive for most of the way.
    Seeing Mont Saint Michael for the first time is a bit like Uluru. Suddenly it is there on the horizon getting closer and closer and bigger and bigger.
    We haven’t done our usual early thing today because of the long drive so we have to contend with all the other tourist and there is plenty of them.
    It’s a 2 and a half kilometres walk from the car park or you can take a shuttle. We opted to walk and it lovely watching the Abbey getting closer and closer.
    It still seems amazing to think they built this Abbey out on a tidal rock more than a thousand years ago.

    The abbey was amazing to visit so extensive and elaborate for its time.
    They were actually having a service in the Abbey. The choir sounded amazing.

    10 Facts About Mont-Saint-Michel
    It was born from a dream. ...
    It once had a train station. ...
    The island has the highest tides in Europe. ...
    The bay has quicksand. ...
    Its structure is symbolic of France's ancient social hierarchy. ...
    It has a hidden chapel. ...
    The town was never conquered. ...
    The Abbey had a stint as a prison.
    It has a British twin.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Bayeux Cathedral
    Half timbered buildingsTapestryWar museumSo moving to visit.Etretat CliffsSunset in Etretat

    Bayeux

    April 29, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After leaving Mount Saint Michael we needed to find somewhere to stay along the way and opted for Bayeux.

    What a lovely little town this is, it has the most amazing church with dozens of stained glass windows and it’s the home of the Bayeux Tapestry and also the Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

    We had a lovely wander around the old city looking at the different buildings, the church, the mill, canal and waterwheel.

    Off to see the Bayeux tapestry this morning. It really is amazing 70 meters long and depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England ending in the battle of Hastings. One of the best preserved medieval artefacts in the world. It is incredible it has survived intact for more than a thousand years.
    After the Tapestry we headed for another look at the church. The sun is out today and we wanted to see the stained glass windows in the sunshine.

    Then on to The Bayeux War Cemetery, it is the largest Second World War cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France. The cemetery contains 4,648 burials, mostly of the Invasion of Normandy. So moving to see all those white tombstone perfectly lined up and so we’ll maintained. Some of the tombstone have no names but still there are flowers around them.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Honfluer Harbour.
    Old City in the backgroundEtretat beachfrontEtretat CliffsEtretat Beach. Pebbly beaches are so noisySetting sun on the cliffsEveryone is waiting for sunset.BeautifulTime for a drink.

    Afternoon at Etretat.

    April 29, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Leaving Bayeux we are driving over to Etretat to spend the night.
    We stopped in at Honfluer thinking it would be a quiet little fishing village and so did 10000 other people. We managed to find a park and had a delicious seafood lunch and a lovely chat to the French people beside us.
    WOW I don’t think there are any quiet villages on the coast anymore, Etretat was crazy busy. The streets are so narrow and cars parked everywhere. We decided to find some accomodation and come back in later this evening in the hope that most of the day trippers have gone home.
    That plan worked reasonably well and it was a lot quieter on the shore front. The cliffs we had come to see are gorgeous. Especially in the evening light.
    We climbed to the top of the South cliff for some amazing views and then headed down for a lobster dinner.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    So pretty
    A liitle odd but interestingHe's a big biyView over EtretatJust one of the gorgeous wondowsBenedictine advertising through the ages.We are ready for some tasting.Yum yum.

    Gardens of Etretat & Benediction Palace

    April 30, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Sarah gave us a beautiful breakfast this morning before we left the B&B. We want to visit the gardens before we leave this morning. We did a bit of a sneaky park up the top of the cliffs near the gardens. Hope the car doesn’t get towed away while we’re there.

    It’s a small but very well manicured garden. So many topiaried bushes. And the sculptures spread throughout the gardens added a nice touch. Lovely views of the cliffs from up there as well.

    Then we were off to Fecamp to visit the Benediction Palace. Luckily we got there before they close at lunchtime for two hours. They have an app you can download to guide you through in English. Such an opulent amazing building. Beautiful stained glass windows depicting different scenes of Benedict monks. We had a guided visit of the distillery at the end, in French unfortunately but we had our little app to listen to. And then we had a tasting at then end, I couldn’t believe some people didn’t even have theirs. Graham and I had double lots. Seemed a shame for it to go to waste.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Oh dear!
    Yep its well and truly flatWere the hell are we?Oh yes did i mention its raining.In the tow truck.

    Best laid plans.

    April 30, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A funny thing happened in the way to Dieppe. It was only about 60 klms but oh my goodness, we must have picked the busiest most convoluted route, through ports and over bridges. Not the most relaxing drive. We only had 20 klms or so to go and we hit a gutter and boom the tire was gone. Graham got out to change it, No spare tire, no jack, nothing. We called the road assist number, got an answering machine who said they’d call back, nothing. After waiting for 20 minutes or so Graham went and knocked on someone’s door and this nice lad came out and rang a tire repair place for us. Thank goodness he did because the rental company didn’t answer and didn’t call back.

    Long story but the tire place came to pick us up and tow us back to their workshop which was in the middle of fucking nowhere. Then there was lots of going and froing about what they were going to do with us. In the end we paid for new tires and the hire car company eventually rang us back about four hours later and supposedly we will be reimbursed, we’ll see!

    The nice lad in the house, and the garage workers couldn’t have been more helpful. Considering none of them spoke much English and we are hopeless at French. There was lots of google translate going on.

    Finally at about 6.30 we got the tires on and we were on our way again. Such a drama all because there was no spare.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Dieppe Harbour
    View from the window this morning.Its a tiny windowLaon CathedralWindows are amazingChicken mousseIts actually warm today.Delicious lunch

    Dieppe and on to Epernay.

    May 1, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We finally got to Dieppe at about 7 o’clock and we were both starving. Tried a few restaurants but they were booked out. Seems like everyone was out having dinner.

    There are lots of restaurants along the water and we found one with Coquilles Saint Jacques on the menu. So delicious.
    We started chatting to the couple at the next table who were helping us read the menu. They were travelling in their little van for a couple of weeks but were sick of the cold so going to Belguim.

    We still hadn’t found anywhere to stay, and after searching for a few minutes I found a little apartment just half a block away. Great, got a backpack out of the car and we were set. Well after climbing up 5 flights of stairs we were! 😂😂

    We are setting off early for Epernay today. It’s a three or four hour drive depending on which way we go. We took the fastest route for the first couple of hours and then got off at Laon to enjoy the countryside a bit more. Driving into Laon we saw a high Cathedral up on the only hill for miles so of course we headed for that.

    So many beautiful churches in France. Build a Cathedral must have been first on the list for a new settlement. The bigger and higher the better. This one was no exception, amazing gothic architecture and stunning windows

    Arrived in Epernay and found our accomodation. It’s right in the middle of town but a surprisingly roomy one bedroom apartment. It too is up three flights of stairs. We’ll be wearing off all the cheese, beer and wine climbing up and down them for the next few days.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Hautvillers
    Pretyy streetsAnd lanewaysThe rains are comingLinch cafe styleHautvillers town hallAy-Champagne town hallHes a bit lonely out in the rain.

    Rainy touring.

    May 2, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    It very overcast this morning and after a quick coffee we are off to have a look at a couple of nearby villages. Hautvillers was the first stop. A very picturesque village only a few ks away. So many champagne houses there as well. Lots of names I’ve never heard of, guess they don’t have to export to Australia. There are grapes vines everywhere, no grapes on them yet and it must be pruning time because they are all regulation back and sides.

    On then to Ay-Champagne, a bigger city, with lots of nice old buildings It had started to rain by the time we got there so we found a coffee shop and a chocolate eclair. The couple at the next table started talking to us, he could speak a few words in English, not much but we managed to understand most of what he was saying with google translate.
    He was fascinated we’d come all the way from Australia, gave us some of their biscuits they’d just bought at the bakery, and recommended a nice restaurant for dinner.
    Turns out he works for Moët, said he was in the labelling department. He insisted on taking Graham to show him where the restaurant was, probably thought we were hopeless and would never find it. He had a flash Moët company car so don’t think he was on the production line. Wish we had hit him up for a tour.

    The rain wasn’t letting up so we headed home, stopping at Hautvillers again to pick up some things from a cute little bakery we’d seen.

    After a lazy afternoon we headed out again for dinner. Stopped at a little bar for a drink on the way, there were a group of kids playing darts, 3 guys and 1 girls, the girl was killing it. The restaurant was quite busy and well worth the recommendation . Chef came out to double check how Graham wanted his steak, the waitress was always checking if everything was ok. The head lady came out to help us interpret the menu. Lovely evening.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Dinner at Henri’s

    May 2, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    After a lazy afternoon we headed out again for dinner. Stopped at a little bar for a drink on the way, there were a group of kids playing darts, 3 guys and 1 girls, the girl was killing it. The restaurant was quite busy and well worth the recommendation . Chef came out to double check how Graham wanted his steak, the waitress was always checking if everything was ok. The head lady came out to help us interpret the menu. Lovely evening.Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Gorgeous vineyards.
    Canal in Mareuil-sur-AyMareuil-sur-Ay ChurchMeeting up with Christophe.Looking over mareuil-sar-atChampagne yourCheese heaven.

    Last day in Epernay

    May 3, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    What a fabulous day we’ve had. We took a little tour to another village this morning and visited the main square and the church. Just as we were getting out of the car at the church. Christophe, our friend from yesterday pulled up. We couldn’t believe it, what are the chances of him driving past just as we stopped. Anyway after a bit of a chat he says “wait here don’t move” and hurtles off in his. car.
    Comes back in five or so minutes with a bottle of Moët for us and a Moët lapel pin for me. We couldn’t get over how generous it was. Turns out he rides mountain bikes as well so he and Graham had a animated hand conversation about that before he had to head off somewhere.

    We had to be back in Epernay at 11.30 for our Champagne tour of Mercier Champagne. We just had enough time to visit the lookout above Mareuil-sur-ay, wow what a view and the morning has turned glorious for us.

    The wine tour was fabulous, they give you a handset which interprets the tour for you, you get on a little train and tour the caves below the Mercier Mason, they are just enormous, and back to the reception to sample three glasses of champagne. Oh my goodness we haven’t had anything to eat today so we rolled out of there after the tour.

    Back home for a quick patisserie lunch and a rest and then we went for a drive around a couple of small villages close by. So many little villages and all so cute.
    I wanted to do one more walk down champagne avenue , the houses are all so opulent and it is so pristine. A credit to the region really. We stopped in at Hotel De Ville, it doesn’t operate as a hotel anymore it’s now the town hall. The gardens are gorgeous though and there were lots of people enjoying them.

    Walking back closer to our hotel we tried out a cheese bar just around the corner, the plan was to have a cheese platter for entree and then go somewhere for desert. OMG that cheese platter was fabulous and neither of us needed any dinner after that.

    We’ve had a lovely stay in Epernay, met some great people, seen some lovely countryside, had some fabulous food and wine. Who could ask for more.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Fresh cooked chicken
    Those rib eye on the bone were massiveGrey skies but still prettySo many of these half timbered buildingsAnother old fossilPretty streets of TroyesStumbled on a fondue restaurantLemon meringue pie.

    On the road again.

    May 4, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Setting off from Epernay this morning we made a wrong turn and came upon a market. We decided to pull over and have a look. Oh my goodness if only we had markets like this at home. So much amazing food and such fabulous quality. We really have nowhere to store food but we bought chicken legs, sausages, champagne pate, a baguette and strawberries. We ate the chicken and sausages for breakfast on the road and the baguette and pate for lunch.

    An hours drive in we stopped at Troyes to see the half timbered houses. It’s Saturday morning so it is busy busy and finding somewhere to park was a bit of a challenge but we managed a park at Hotel De Ville. I think every town has a Hotel de Ville. Came up in the street right at the old timbered houses. Wow there were so many of them. It’s amazing these old building are all still standing, some a little crookedly, but still there and still in use.

    Another couple of hours drive got us to Dole, which we were expecting to be a small town and it is, but in the middle of a huge place. Google maps keep wanting us to go down a street with a bollard in it but we finally found our accomodation. It is lovely, and the old town is lovely too but I don’t know that it has enough to keep us entertained for two days. Might have to venture further afield.

    We went foraging for dinner and considering there doesn’t seem to be that many people about all the restaurants are booked out. We found a French frontage fondue place who said if we eat straight away and are done by eight we could come in.

    Nobody in there had much English and we had no idea what we had ordered but it was all delicious. I think we keep the owner amused, he keep coming out to talk French to us, none of which we understood but it seemed to entertain everyone, us included.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Dole

    May 5, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We were all set to go for a bike ride this morning but couldn’t find the keys to unlock the bikes. Rang the owners and they had to send someone out to find them, he couldn’t come until 5 o’clock. So annoying.

    So off we went to do the perched cat trail around town. About a four kilometres trail that winds around the old streets and points out different points of interest.

    We lost interest about half way through when we came to a restaurant we wanted to try. Sunday is a busy day for lunch. None of the restaurants open on Sunday night, only lunchtime. We lucked out and got a great table overlooking the canal.

    Had a look in the church after lunch and then bought some supplies for dinner since we have to fend for ourselves.

    Finished off the cat tour in the afternoon with a look at the art gallery and Hotel Dieu.

    Finally Matthieu turned up and found the key to the bikes, probably be raining tomorrow and we won’t be able to use them. We are having a quite evening at home with our picnic supplies.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Lazy Monday

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Woke up to drizzle this morning, thought it might be a good day to catch up on emails, do the washing, refuel the car, repack and in general relax for the day. We have been on the go pretty much every day since we left home.

    We got all our jobs done in the morning, bought a quiche and brownie for lunch, and opened our bottle of Champagne. All of them delicious and then of course we had to sleep the Champagne off for an hour or so.

    We had passed a Luthier shop a couple of days ago and we called in there to see if someone was in. Graham and Roberto had a lovely chat for half an hour or so and we came away with a souvenir of Dole in the shape of a soundboard. Roberto also recommend a restaurant for us as well but as they don’t open until 7 we had a few hours to kill

    The sun has come out this afternoon and we decided to finally take the bikes for a trip along the canal. It was a lovely ride, mostly flat with a good path and a canal. What more could you ask for.

    Home again to finish off our last glass of Champagne and then off to find our restaurant. It really didn’t look too inspiring from the outside but once we got inside it was lovely. Nobody spoke any English in there except the chef, who had to come out when we got there and say “ yes it is possible for you to have dinner” After that it was all sign language with the waitresses. Even Google translate struggled with the font on the menu, so somethings where a surprise when they came out. All good ones luckily.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    Travelling through green fields again.
    Its an impressive buildingMetal horse.We fit right in.Somewhere to have your roast dinnerSo many muralsThe nurseryDrawing roomI have no idea what this room would be used for.

    On our way back to Paris.

    May 7, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We are packed up and on our way back towards Paris today. We only plan to go about half way and find somewhere to stay. Travelling over to Montbard and then a little further on to visit Ancy Le Franc. Montbard is a little trip down memory lane from when we came to France last time. We started our canal boat tour from Montbard. Today we went past a few of the places we went through with the boat. Things look very different from a car, much more suburbia than I remember.
    Ancy Le Franc is a chateau built in the 1500’s It is being slowly restored to its former glory. The top floor looks amazing but the ground floor needs a bit of work yet. It holds t he biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France, they are in every room. The maintenance on these Chateaus must be incredible, and Chateaus are everywhere. It really must have been a have and have not society, no wonder there was a revolution.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    On to Athens

    May 8, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    We are packed up and on our way back to Orly Airport early this morning. We need to return the rental car and we went to beat some of the traffic. Taking the freeway to make it as quick as possible.
    An hour and a half later and 12 euro for the toll and we turned off for the airport.
    Even Google was confused trying to find the rental car drop off, but eventually we got there.

    Graham had to get his grumpy pants on to make sure we got the money back for the tires. They weren’t too happy about it to start with but eventually someone higher up came out and got it sorted for us.
    So now we have the whole day to fill in at the airport hotel. Teeny tiny little room even by Europe standards
    .
    We walked over to the airport and figured out where we have to go tomorrow, got all our luggage repacked, had a nap, went for dinner and drinks at the hotel next door. It looks way more classy than ours well at least the foyer does.

    Now we’re finally on the flight to Athens. Goodness what a shamozzle getting on. It’s packed and everyone had two or three pieces of hand luggage. It was every man or woman for themselves trying to get it all stowed. I was glad ours was checked on.

    We just flew over the French Alps. They went on as far as you could see.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Sail away party.

    May 9, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Thank goodness the plane was on time and we had no trouble getting at taxi to the port. Hugely expensive but easy at least. We’re spending two nights in Athens after the cruise and I hope there are some hidden treasures because all we saw was traffic, squalor and graffiti in the hour drive from the airport.

    The check in process was easy and very streamlined getting on the ship. We found Marl, Millie, Joc and Lan. Had a quick catch up and then got ready for the sail away party.

    It was a lot of fun with free pink bubbles I may have had a bit too much of, a wade in the pool and then dinner with everyone at one of the restaurants.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler
    On our friends balconyBlue domesMore blue domesPretty church on the side of a cliff.

    Happy Birthday Graham

    May 10, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    It’s Grahams birthday today and we’re spending it in Santorini. It’s not the most spectacular day weather wise. Hopefully we don’t get any rain. We are on the early tender and headed straight up the cable car. There’s a track you can walk up or take a donkey ride but the cruise boat gives you complimentary tickets to the cable car so why not.

    Santorini is full of lovely white building, with a few blue domes scattered through them on top of the churches. Most of them are either restaurants or accomodation.

    We walked along between the tree villages so many photo opportunities along the way. Had a coffee somewhere with a fantastic view. We met a lady coming out of her gate and asked her if we could take some photos from her patio. “No she says you come upstairs it is much better view”. She was right it did have a great view. We got a tour through the accommodation as well.

    So many great ocean views from up there. After a few hours of wandering we headed back down to the boat and a rest before dinner.

    Dinner tonight is at the Test Kitchen. Oh My Goodness the food was amazing. Six courses and all delicious except the dessert which was so so sickly sweet. They made Graham an extra special dessert for his birthday.

    We stopped by On the Rocks and watched a band. We were only staying for two songs but they were so good. Chris and Tanya came and joined us for some dancing and two songs turned into two hours. Graham got a free birthday beer and a song.    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Bodrum, Turkey

    May 11, 2024 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we are moored in Bodrom, never heard of it before we booked this cruise. No tender today we can just get off and walk into town. Nice walk along the water towards the Castle area. So many dogs and cats around here.

    We made it to the Castle area and the market, goodness so many shops. Think this is like the Shenzhen of Turkey. We bought a Turkish coffee, wow so strong, we got half way through the little cup before it turned to mud. They give you a little cup of water with it, you need it to clean the grit out of your mouth.

    It’s a pretty little town, but very commercial, shops selling everything from bag to shirts. We found a cute little bar right on the water and stayed there for a few drinks, watching the tide come in and the waitresses mix cocktails.

    Back on the ship for a couple of quite hours and then we were off for drinks at The Rocks and then dinner and a show.
    The show was called The Rose, I have no idea really what it was all about except there seemed to be one guy in love with both a girl and a boy, but eventually they decide the three of them could make it work. There was plenty of great singing and dancing and some amazing acrobats. In the end the evil queen didn’t like them be so happy, so they all drank a cup of poison and died. Very gracefully and acrobatically though. Fabulous show!    Read more

  • Karen LongEurope Trip 2024Traveler

    Mykonos.

    May 12, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    It’s Mother’s Day today and I got a lovely message from all the kids.
    We’ve just moored at Mykonos, Millie is felling the effects of a cold so she is staying on the boat and Marl is coming with us for a walk around town.

    Mykonos is full of little alley ways and pretty white houses. We spent a few hours wandering the little streets and trying to avoid the horrible wind. Bought a few little souvenirs while we were there. Had the most expensive coffee and ice cream both of which were really good at least.

    It’s lovely and sunny today but the wind cuts right through you. After a few hours the tourist where pouring in and we’d had enough so back to the boat for some hot soup and a nap.    Read more

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