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Italian High
  • Malcolm Albany
  • Flight of the phoenix
  • Richard A
  • Malcolm Albany
  • Flight of the phoenix
  • Richard A
  • Ali A

Italian High

In a propofol induced post-colonoscopy state of euphoria, Richard agreed to join us in the Dolomites
as part of the Festival of 50. Welcome Richard and Ali! Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 25, 2026
    Italian High
    Bring on the Bellini
    In Italy during the world cup and they didn't have the courtesy to qualify!Happy campersAm I the only one to get triggered by this same annoying ad before every movie? Jane rage 🤬We decided to make use of our 10 hours transit time to try out one of the free Singapore city toursOur only criteria was that the bus would be air-conditionedThere were 2 30 minute walks along the river front. The first commenced from Clarke QuayApparently this was a Chinese mafia houseTC was our highly animated guide.He talked a little about Singapore but mostly about TC!The best part of the tourThe second and final stop was the Marina Bay Sands waterfrontPerformance wear check... Pass, but still a long way to go.Lucky because the replacement options here are on the pricey side

    Andiamo!

    June 25 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    The rain has just set in at Sydney which added a little extra joy to our departure. Even the news that the airport no longer stocks Amarula was not enough to dampen our spirits. After all, a European heatwave can't be that bad, can it?Read more

  • Italian High
    Mountain air after a hearty breakfast
    Fresh as daisies1A bit of company along the trailSeceda RidgeThe microclimate changing rapidlyLunchtime! Manuela recommended this one as it was further along and late rain was predictedRifugio DanielRiccardo scored the best table by somehow "un-reserving" it with the waiter2Burrata: made locally of courseThere was still 8km to goMaybe a little more after a minor navigation fail by the boysRecharged we had a spring in our stepsAnd love in our heartsSo we powered on just ahead of the brewing cloudsMooMeadows turned to forestsAs we hit the village the rain absolutely pummeled down. We ran to a hotel & courtesy vanned home

    Amaze Amaze

    June 27 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Day 1 started with a bang. We caught the Col Raiser gondola towards the Seceda Ridge Trail. The 16km hike up to the ridge and then back down, through meadows and forests to Ortisei was exhilarating. Even with clouds looming we couldn't resist stopping for lunch at one of the many charming rifugios where Richard snagged a front row table overlooking the mountains. Sleep came easily yet again and fortunately I woke up a little closer to sunrise today.Read more

  • Italian High
    The stage was set
    The cast had been given their linesWould this be a classic drama?A comedy?1Or a tragedy?Whatever it was it was going to be epic4 ball ambrose with the lofty aim of even par...1Our opening tee shot to set the tone for the day...The tone was contagious and we hung in with clutch shots to stay 1 over parWe birdied to bring it back to even but we were running out of golf balls!1It all came down to this one shot... Which sent the audience wild! Encore!!!Our lunch destination was a short hike from the clubhouseWe each raced the clouds in our own wayA well earned rustic meal.Our new lodgings were far from rusticWe weren't sure what to expect from our included dinner but it was very glamWe didn't drink but the wine list was a book thicker than our wedding photosAhhh.... Sweet dreams tonight!

    Golf Club Alta Badia

    June 28 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    There were a lot of expectations leading into today and I was worried that I would over-hype it. I would finally get to play a dream round of golf with my regular golfing buddy from uni days after life had gotten in the way for so long... And what a spectacular setting: Perfect weather, slight breeze and lush green fairways surrounded by the imposing, magnificent rock formations. Would we play like chumps and just be grumpy? Would the girls be bored stiff? Hell no! Ignoring the fact that we nav failed, obliviously drove along a local road and had to be escorted back to the course, it all went according to the script. In fact it was better than the script. We need a new scriptwriter.Read more

  • Italian High
    We thought this was going to be a 2 hr ride through the villages. We were very wrong.
    We would end up at the top of a ski runThe skies had teased us with the promise of perfect weather for our rideWe loaded with swanky protein wondering why Manuela thought we'd need a rest after a town rideWe met our guide, Andre, and were soon fitted out ready to goAndre put us through our paces, & despite his better judgement, decided to take us up the mountain.We began with a long gentle descent to a river which we would follow to tomorrow's starting pointThe river glistened in the soft sunshinePast the happy horses who pull the skiers along in the winterThrough the woods1Through a few little townsWe were still in our comfort zone enjoying the view and getting our groove onAndre then stopped to ask us about single track ridingWith the loose gravel and the edge we suggested single track walkingAnd now began the climbIt's all smiles here but later it was steep & slippery with grooves that caused a few tumblesDid I mention smiles?The hills and scattered huts and flowers were simply beautifulThis is one of Bel's, obviously1The vista reminded Richard of a screensaver from Windows 2000Lunch was local fare in Rifugio Bioche2The sky gods were angered by Richard comparing the mountain to a screensaverSuddenly things were serious as we had to race the rain down a very technical routeWe made it home wet and happy but not drenched.

    Kings of the Mountain

    June 29 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We all earned our polka dot jerseys today with a massive 43k ride to the iconic summit cross atop the Störes hill on the Pralongiá High Plateau. The elevation gain for our trip was 1100m and earned me all sorts of PBs on Strava. It was a massive return on investment for Richard and Ali who had been HIIT-style bike training for weeks with this ride in mind. They came away with quads intact and ready to take on tomorrow's multi-day hike.Read more

  • Italian High
    We bounced back well from yesterday's pedalling ready to tackle the mountains
    We may end up smelly but at least we are colour coordinatedSo much energy before the first big climbDedication to the craftHard to capture how steep the red zones wereMountain spring water kept us going1To the top of the first major climbWith this view as a rewardLove the doFinishing the big climb gave us a second wind3But we made sure to stop and say hello to these gorgeous creaturesThis lot weren't so friendly so we gave them a wider birthOn and on we trekked as the familiar afternoon rains were predictedAnd at long last... Lunch!Utia de Gran FanesWe had it almost all to ourselvesBest beer I've ever hadGive it backSoft and tasty with a sharp bite. (In the foreground)Why I'm not allowed hiking sticks.There is a marmot in there...I promise!Ta-da (Thanks Richard)The mountain lakes recede as summer gains momentumWe made it to Rifugio Fanes before sunset! And we can still walk so tomorrow we do it again 💪1

    Fanes Hiking with Friends

    June 30 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Our multi-day hut to hut walk began today. The rifugios would supply food but we would need to carry enough clothes and personals for 3 days so every item was scrutinized. Our concerns were alleviated by Manuela's simple reassurance: "If you don't have it, you don't need it". She was right. We kept it simple and enjoyed a hike that was physically and psychologically exhilarating.Read more

  • Italian High
    Thanks for a comfy bed and nice dinner Rifugio Fanes
    We departed just after Charlie.. a blue heeler cross who is here with his owners for 6 months.Would a long winding descent break our spirits?Or would a traverse? (Any decent nanny state would ban this one from the public)?No way! We had the satisfaction of looking back at the heights from which we cameUnfortunately, what goes down must go up.We discovered that red zones on Kamoot are not an exaggerationThe cowbells were music to our ears as we rounded the final cornerFodara Vedla!It is such a cute little village complete with a tiny churchWe rewarded ourselves in the usual wayWe are trying not to take these scenes for granted. It's storybook stuff.

    Middle Earth

    July 1 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Today was day 2 of our trek across the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. There were zero flat sectors on our trusty Komoot map. We were either concentrating hard on the long morning descent or working hard as we tackled the switch backs and 40 degree tracks on the way to our shelter. I've had a few hotel upgrades over the years but none of them have given me greater pleasure than being offered two private rooms with ensuites when we expecting dorm accomodation with 2 randoms. We are pretending to be characters from LOTR but we probably identified more closely with Disney princesses.Read more

  • Italian High
    Today was the most physically and mentally demanding
    But we didn't let that stop us from having fun. Marmot patrol!We were braveThese didn't scare us though. We're from Straya!The peaks became rocky and angular68 degrees to be precise1We just reminded ourselves that it is doing us goodThen came the serious descentOver half the day would be challenging the quads and kneesAt times, a little extra support was neededAnd the marmots were no longer around to cheer us onA lot of concentration was required with all the loose stonesBut finally the end was in sightAnd before we knew it we had made itRichard needed to touch the water to let it sink inLake Braies!Worth a second lookWe crossed the whole parkLike this minus a few zigs and zagsUndoing all the hard work... Humbug. We earned it

    Choose your battles

    July 2 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Some people swim the English Channel, some people cycle across the Nullarbor... but you don't want to bite off more than you can chew. For us it was hiking all the way across a mountainous national park through moderate-difficult terrain. We didn't have to brave harsh elements and the most dangerous wildlife that we came across was a territorial marmot, but we each had to face our own challenges to get there. The nature high, the sense of achievement and the bonding from sharing that experience has been deeply fulfilling. Fist bumps all round.Read more

  • Italian High
    I'm not thrilled by heights but I got to play golf so here we are
    There was the promise of the intriguing WW1 tunnels but this was going to take some mind over matterThe early sections of the climb didn't allow you to ease your way inSome of us clearly didn't take this seriously enoughThey should be concentratingAnd obeying the 2m ruleA little professionalism please1"Lean back for the photo"...ah, no.The end of the rock climb led to another hiking climbOur hiker legs were given one final ascent. The incredibly steep walk to the top of LagazuoiIt's that building in the distance at the top of the slope that must be at least 45 degreesThere were dozens of loose stones switch backsIt wasn't quick but we made it.Some quicker than others (I needed to regain some sort of credibility after my rock climbing effort)Recharged, we headed into the hand crafted WW1 tunnels used in battles between Italy & AustriaI was expecting a sort of outdoor museum, but these tunnels were dark and slippery and extensiveAnd we were relying on phone torches. Luckily they still had enough battery.There were multiple vantage points to enable potshots at the enemy supply line2Finally we arrived on the other side of the mountainAnd made it back happy that we can put our feet up for the next week

    Empty the tank

    July 3 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Our last day as a Fab 4 before parting ways tomorrow and we went out with a bang. Any reserves that we had left were spent climbing the Via Ferreta to Lagazuoi before bumping our way down the old WW1 tunnels. Today was probably the most exhilarating, but was also physically and mentally the hardest. We all agreed that, by the time we returned to the hotel, our endurance had come to an end. We'll tally up the bumps and scratches tomorrow but now it's time to cheer on the Socceroos. (Finished this after the game: Another scar. 😭)Read more

  • Italian High
    Our 5 mast 400 passenger yacht for 7 nights
    3Trying to look FrenchTugs and pilots guided us away from VeniceI watched the San Marco side and time lapsed the otherGourmet dinner while watching Venice pass byMy favouriteI chose to take my coffee up on deck1French flag of course

    Time to Split

    July 4 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    A prebooked taxi took us to the airport and the port. The driver was a gruff-looking, fat, mustachioed German speaking man with a warm, chatty, super-friendly Italian disposition. He looked like he was his own dubbed movie.

    The drive was pleasant and, despite getting a bit lost at the port, we arrived just in time to catch the end of lunch on board Club Med 2.

    The ship has just been renovated but the marketing photos are probably a bit more flattering than the reality (which is a touch dated). The crew and clientele are 95% French so there was no warm DCL style welcome. Our initial concerns, however, were swept away as soon as the food arrived. The quality is outstanding and it brings out the animation in the staff who are clearly excited about what they put on the plate. Tomorrow: Cres    Read more

  • Italian High
    A tiny island. Actually 2. The Romans dug a channel down the middle: they were too lazy to go around
    There are more port options with a yacht than a large cruise linerFirst ones on and first ones offYe olde city gatesMorning markets. The prices were actually similar to Italy.Ticking off the landmarks was easy in such a small placeThere seemed to be more boats than peopleChurch of St Mary the Great (never heard her given that title before)So many alley ways. This was one of the few straight ones.Franciscus Patricius: Defender of Platonism and attacker of Aristotle(ism)So many included water sports. Today snorkelling: no phones!Lots of seafood options as you'd expectSail fish sashimi3The French took "elegant" night very seriously in their own Edna kind of way.

    No title

    July 5 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    For the first time I have failed to come up with a (debatably) catchy title for our day. That's mainly because today we were at Cres, on a yacht and went snorkelling. I was all set for watercress until I discovered that the pronunciation is nothing like that at all.

    Here is what I learnt: Cres is pronounced like "tsress" (rhymes with "dress" but with a sharp "ts" sound at the beginning). The name is just one syllable, and the "e" is pronounced as a short vowel.
    For a practical breakdown:
    Start with a crisp "ts" sound, identical to the end of the word "cats".
    Flow directly into "ress" (as in "stress".

    Try that with a lisp!    Read more

  • Italian High
    We continued our trend of being first off to get our touring done before the heat kicks in
    Thrilled about another bike dayThe Bishop's residenceKrk is more accessible and seems to be popular with the BritsThere are hundreds of this type of entry to the water. Great for the sand averse.Our ship is small enough to access little islands. It feels less intrusive too.2We won't mention the road sections or forgetting to return the chainThe bulk of the journey was pretty with shade and rock wallsFortunately the BBQ fish was better than my photography skills1Crispy, salty and followed by a cold beerStaff doing the iced tea rounds. If you're French it was accompanied by a trivial pursuit question

    Breaking the Cycle

    July 6 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    I've now figured that the footprints this week are going to be pretty similar. Gym, eat, explore an island, eat ,sleep, eat, sleep again.
    Today was the exception as I'd already decided to re-traumatize Belinda on the 2 wheelers. This time there would be no guide determining the route and the pace... just me (& my trusty Kamoot app on a phone that kept overheating). Krk is more developed and prettier than Cres. We planned to cut a diameter across the island then circle back along the coast. It ended up being a chord and a minor arc but we still racked up 22km of trail so it wasn't terrible. Furthermore it will justify the 7 days worth of French food that we are embarking upon. I would normally pick Italian oven French any day of the week but the food onboard has been exceptional.Read more

  • Italian High
    A few shops and rental places but overall a very quiet, relaxed little island
    A short stroll to a nice place to take a dipThe water is clear enough..To see all the sea urchins!But we went in anywayToken old building photoI joked that the half mast was due to the football. I was right! 🤣The sails were up tonight as the cool breeze kicked in3Another sunset over the water ❤️

    Hi Vis

    July 7 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Vis was shut off to the public during Yugoslavia's struggles in the 90s. It has been a military base in every conflict in the region dating back to the 1st century AD. We are deliberately avoiding FOMO during the cruise. With only two of us we are happy to just wander and enjoy without feeling the need to hit any sights.Read more

  • Italian High
    King's Landing aka Dubrovnik. It'll be interesting to see how long the GoT boom lasts
    The stairs minus the rotten tomatoesSt Ignatius' Cathedral.Inside: a calm, quiet oasisThe start of the walk along the walls encircling the old city. Still dry.We learnt of masterful defensive architecture by eavesdropping on the guidesWe had the benefit of being able to run away when people asked stupid questionsThe city is still functional. Getting things past council must be a bitch tho. Matching bball court!The church and the wealthy dominate all the best locationsSelfie 10m later: Mr and Mrs Sheen!There were many hole in the wall bars and swimming spots which would be lovely in, but sticky out.Our earliest return to shore time (and at the largest & most historical stop).. shame!

    Walk of Shame

    July 8 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The Game of Thrones set of Dubrovnik was our destination today. It was 28 - feels like 38 - even at 0830 as we left the yacht. As such we decided to man the ramparts, find the Cersei Lannister stairs and then return for a swim and a Margarita. Our grand plans of historical enlightenment will require a dedicated Croatia trip.

    Furthermore our grand plans of Game of Thrones themed role play photography were also put on the back burner. Any sort of reenactment would've irritated the locals, been poor quality and would not have passed Alison's Find Penguin editing standards given the content of the series. Shame! Next time I'll bring Eu Han Chin.    Read more

  • Italian High
    Mljet
    Royal National Park?.. except the water is a more brilliant turquoise from the right anglesChannel surfing was enjoyed by young and old. The in between (besides us) worked on their tan linesThe bridge connecting the 2 salt lakesThere's always someone with a better boatWe've been sleeping too early for the Club Med dance activities1Acting like 50 yr old while the 60 year olds act like 18 year oldsWe'll make tonight the exceptionDancing? No, football! Viva la Morocco!!

    Home Away from Home

    July 9 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today we visited the Island of Mljet. It is a relatively isolated, green island. With the landscape, the heat and the chirping of cicadas it felt like going for a day trip to the Royal National Park minus the Shire bogans.

    My komoot hiking app is getting a bit embarrassing to show in public on this leg of the trip. It took us to a bridge connecting the greater and lesser salt lakes which are the selling points of the Island. A small channel ran under the bridge with a decent current. Floating along the short "lazy river" amused us for an hour or so as we enjoyed floating easily in the concentrated saline baths.

    Lazy river turned into lazy yacht for the rest of the day. The highlights were "floral night", a ridiculously early anniversary present (I'm crap at secrets!) and finally succumbing to the bistro hamburger.    Read more

  • Italian High
    Who knew that Montenegro had fjords?
    2Don't show IvanaThe narrow neck that defines the Bay of KotorAdding to the country tallyThey didn't skimp on the walls1A famous pastry unique to KotorThe best place to get it according to a friendly, local cafe ownerTasted like a vanilla slice made with water and they forgot the passion fruit icing!I should've read this before the krempitaTook me a while to realise that this was art not a lover of brown clothingSome things don't changeCats are well loved hereAnd they know itSo many inviting little cornersBut eventually we braved the sun and walked the wallsI'd rather be a sentry here than Dubrovnik.Putting less in my plateLast night on the cruise. The French know how to relax.And to eat!Cruise menus are always impressive on the last night. Primacy and Recency.I was the one wearing a grey shirtThanks Club Med 2

    Jewel of Montenegro

    July 10 in Montenegro ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Kotor was settled by the Romans 2000 odd years ago and since then has been occupied by the Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians and finally by cats & tourists. It's a stunningly beautiful stone town that, IMO, is prettier, quieter and shadier (as in out of the sun cf Bankstown plaza after 9pm) than Dubrovnik. It is also positioned in the Bay of Kotor - a beautiful protected body of water with a narrow neck that makes for a grand entrance. All this, and I got to add another country to Penguin!Read more

  • Italian High
    We no longer had three mountains or the sea to shield us from the heat.
    First class in southern Italy is a long way from Business class in Munich esp aircon and toilets!3We located close to the station to train everywhere but it was 37 at 7pm so Uber it wasHidden club vibes at All'OrroAn extended nontraditional playful menuYes, it's a kitchen sponge!This was a cod and pork savory dishThey were not all in camouflage.Carbonara! Our hotel manager said his mother would have a heart attack1But most were. Here the carousel actually worked and played music1Preparing for the flight home at the communal library. Got a good trade in.

    Amex Day

    July 11 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We disembarked in Bari which has become popular, along with Puglia, since the release of White Lotus Season 2 (which is the best season btw). Unfortunately transiting tomorrow would've been a bit risky so we had to settle for a night in Rome instead. We used the Amex travel credit to stay at the Radisson Palazzo Montemartini (right next to Termini train station) and booked dinner at Restaurante All'Orro which is Michelin Star restaurant on the Amex dining credit list. I should be getting some sort of kickback for this post!Read more

  • Trip end
    July 13, 2026