Convention 23 Europe

An International convention, family in the Netherlands and RKMC family around Europe! Sight seeing some bucket list places Read more

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Trip start
August 25, 2023
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Day 1
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 4:56 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 242 m
Australia Chandlers Hill -37.865188, 145.32093837°51’55” S 145°19’15” E
Day One - Melbourne to Dubai
August 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Day 1, checked in and ready to fly! First leg is 14 hours to Dubai. I’m excited to be catching up with friends and family, I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and I can’t wait to see the sights to be seenRead more
TravelerTravel safe. 🇦🇺☕️
8/25/23Reply
TravelerHave an awesome time!
8/26/23Reply
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Day 2
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 12:14 PM
☀️ 42 °C
Altitude: 6 m
United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport 25.249137, 55.3608625°14’57” N 55°21’39” E
Day 1a Dubai
August 26, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 42 °C
Not much to say, 14hours (slept for the better part, Oh and John Wick 4 lol)
Landed at 05:20 Dubai time (11:20 Melbourne) at a little dark outside with 37°c - So glad the AirPort airconditioning is working well 😎
Coffee and a snack D46.00 (AUD $19:20) not bad for the best coffee since I left home
Next stop Amsterdam 🛫🇦🇺🚒🏍️🛬Read more
TravelerIt’s a balmy 15 here today, at least it’s not raining…..😂
8/26/23Reply
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Day 2
Saturday, August 26, 2023
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Brielle 51.894585, 4.16683451°53’41” N 4°10’1” E
Day 1b Amsterdam and Rotterdam
August 26, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Easy 7 hour flight with little sleep, arrived in Amsterdam to be herded out through customs, then waiting for bags, poor wifi and the the expedition to get to the car! Driving in the rain on the wrong side of the car, on the wrong side of the road and can’t find the wipers (lol - that bits a joke) but I keep indicating when I want the wipers and the wipers go when I want to turn 🥹 safe now with beer and whiskey 🍺🍺🥃Read more
TravelerJust what you need - everything on the wrong side to mess with your head. I’m sure the rain made you feel like you were at home though. 🤣. Suffice to say, there hasn’t been a drop of rain since you left, overcast but pleasant.
8/27/23Reply
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Day 3
Sunday, August 27, 2023
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Brielle 51.894602, 4.16675451°53’41” N 4°10’0” E
Day 2 Rotterdam
August 27, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Another full day with visits to fire stations and the port of Rotterdam. Ray and Jolanda have shown me so much in such a short time. It is an amazing city! The growth and land creation is incredible! The port is 42 Km’s long and growing.Read more
TravelerCRANK 🚒👨‍🚒
8/28/23Reply
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Day 3
Sunday, August 27, 2023
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 3 m
Netherlands Brielle 51.894555, 4.16674351°53’40” N 4°10’0” E
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Day 2b but wait there is more
August 27, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
After the Port a quick break, feed the puppy and back out to see more! Just beautiful. Brielle is beautiful as well and a gentle after dinner! (Without a phone 🥹)
Dinner was at “T’ Kont van het Paard” a very old stable turned into a quaint pub
Plus a few extra pics from RotterdamRead more
TravelerStunningly beautiful
8/28/23Reply
Traveler Smile 😊
8/28/23Reply
TravelerLMAO, I did. After the photo 😎
8/28/23Reply
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Day 4
Monday, August 28, 2023
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: 26 m
Belgium Oostkamp 51.139414, 3.23537351°8’22” N 3°14’7” E
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Day 3 into Belgium
August 28, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
After enjoying a relaxing morning it’s time to bid farewell to my awesome hosts and move on to Belgium.
It’s island hopping, bridges and tunnels - incredible.
I arrive to Coffee with Nancy and Buba and we are off to see some some sights a fire station, the Brothers in Arms memorial and the last post at the Menin Gate. Somethings just break your heart - but in a good way.Read more
Traveler Lest we forget
8/29/23Reply
Hi Roger, You are having an amazing trip.The Last Post at Menin Gate! Wow. Very moving. Carolyn [Carolyn Arch]
8/30/23Reply
TravelerIt is amazing, the last post was incredible
8/30/23Reply
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Day 5
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 5:17 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Belgium Oostkamp 51.146981, 3.23517551°8’49” N 3°14’7” E
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Day 4 Brugge
August 29, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Another fire station and breakfast then off to see Brugge! OMG, words can not describe the beauty of this time capsule. The history, the architecture and the friendliness are incredible. Catching up with Ine and being shown around, lunch! Beer! Walking! Dinner with members of Belgium 2. Can’t thank them enough 🌹Read more
Traveler 🤣
8/30/23Reply
TravelerThe King and his champion 😂😂😂
8/30/23Reply
TravelerHi Roger have walked there and had fish and chips near that bridge an amazing town like being in the Middle Ages ❤️❤️
8/30/23Reply
Traveler Bahahahaha!
9/4/23Reply
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Day 6
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:57 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 105 m
France Villers-Bretonneux 49.868563, 2.51748349°52’7” N 2°31’3” E
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Day 5 Off to the battle fields
August 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
An easy start to the day and a leisurely drive to Villers-Bretonneux. Found the Barling’s on the wall, enjoyed the Monash centre. Then off to the Guard’s cemetery. Oops, I have a flat tyre and it is toast! Local Renault dealer is taking care of it. But I’m stuck for the night. I will be back on the road in the morning so nothing left to do be relaxRead more
TravelerIt looks very impressive Roger and you can feel the almost like a kind of holiness in those war cemeteries!
8/30/23Reply
TravelerSadly no Mum, I feel a cold chill from the breeze and a sense of loneliness. It is a sad place
8/31/23Reply
TravelerIt is that Roger!🥰
8/31/23Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, August 31, 2023
🌧 17 °C
Altitude: 29 m
France Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Corbie 49.906879, 2.51121949°54’25” N 2°30’40” E
Day 6 Corbie France to Geneva
August 31, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
A real lazy start waiting for a tyre! Lovely little hotel “La Caroline” looked after me for the night. The local Renault dealer also is fantastic and stepped above and beyond! A tyre is on its way and I will be on the road today! I even have a loan car to visit local sites (like back to the Memorial) - again I’ve enjoyed the immersive experience of the memorial, without the constrains of yesterday’s rush to the next spot! These will have to wait for a return. One can not describe this experience so easily, it must be felt. I arrived in Switzerland late today all the better for my time in France!Read more
TravelerVery sombre. I’m sure it was peaceful and allowed time for reflection.
9/1/23Reply
TravelerWhat a place to have to spend more time. Wonderful that you could just go back and take everything in. I can imagine you there.
9/1/23Reply
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Day 8
Friday, September 1, 2023 at 9:26 AM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 441 m
Switzerland Vernier 46.218645, 6.08023646°13’7” N 6°4’49” E
Day 7 Geneva to Genoa!
September 1, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Well, there is a lesson in doing your homework! The Mont Blanc tunnel is a €54 toll EACH WAY….. total tolls for the last two day almost €200 🤬 sadly no place to stop on the roads today so you’ll have to take my word for it that driving through the Alps is incredible. Snow (and thick) on the highest peaks. Mint Blanc is about but one of the tunnels on this road and almost 12 kilometers on its own. The Hotel is adequate and parking is a nightmare (more home work next time) but achieved. I really think time for a shower and an early nightRead more
TravelerMore adventures had, just amazing 🥰
9/2/23Reply
TravelerOMG! $335 for tolls! Insane!
9/4/23Reply
TravelerAnd then fuel is €2.00 per litre on average!! For the cheap stuff 🥺 and about 50 litres a fill on average 😭
9/6/23Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, September 2, 2023
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 258 m
Italy La Chiocciola 43.710289, 11.39702643°42’37” N 11°23’49” E
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Day 8 of to Florence
September 2, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Crazy night with noise out side and a 400 metre walk to the car from the hotel. The number of African people trying scams is beyond belief, and they try everything! (I work here for the parking you must pay!) but I had paid parking and I’m leaving - sorry nothing for you 😂😂😂.
Pisa is crazy as well and again the scammers try to get in your pocket… sorry I have no cash. The tower in nice.
Then off to find Florence and Francesca! Pizza for dinner 🍕Read more
Traveler Toll point Euro style!! Long que and wait 🥺
9/2/23Reply
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Day 10
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 10:42 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 383 m
Italy Bottega Nuova 43.719805, 11.37946743°43’11” N 11°22’46” E
Day 9
September 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Good Morning Florence, today is mostly resting, a visit to pay my respects to Leonardo and a little shopping for lunch. Looking at Leonardo’s bike and seeing if it is good to ride to Bologna on Tuesday for our tours!
Also we are making the BBQ clean again to cook T bone steak today’s lunch, had help from Leo to handle this I think ☺️. oh, I have a little fluffy friend as well😂😂😂Read more
TravelerStunning weather, helps relax the soul. 😊
9/3/23Reply
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Day 11
Monday, September 4, 2023
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 254 m
Italy La Chiocciola 43.709991, 11.39732943°42’36” N 11°23’50” E
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Day 10 - A trip around Florence
September 4, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
So today was a short drive and onto a bus to get into the heart of Florence! So many conflicting emotions as you walk around the ancient centre of the town! Very narrow streets (to be expected) so many modern commercial shops and not much in the way of traditional shops! A lot of the old buildings are being restored and some are not. The cathedral in the centre is huge and beautiful. The inside was also incredible, but maybe not worth the €30 to enter! The ancient Roman art works are great. The lunch and Ice cream we ate was awesome! My feet and knees hurt lol. Big day!Read more
TravelerBeautiful weather makes for fabulous photos. What an experience.
9/4/23Reply
TravelerWonderful photos, Roger. Great day!
9/4/23Reply
TravelerIce Cream! Yum!
9/4/23Reply
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Day 12
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 258 m
Italy La Chiocciola 43.710223, 11.39727543°42’37” N 11°23’50” E
Day 11 - Ducati and Ferarri 😎
September 5, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Awesome day! A quick 45 min drive up to Bologna and we have breakfast with Nastro. Another quick drive, literally around the corner to Ducati. The factory tour is incredible. We see every step from crankshaft to bikes being fired up for the first time 😃 we see special editions (Lamborghini) of which there are only 260 and an extra 63 that are for Lamborghini owners only - sold out in a few hours before pricing is even released. We also see race replicas!! WOW - photos are not allowed 😌
Lunch is traditional local food YUM, and of to Maranello 😉🏎️🏎️ finally dinner with Nastro and Elizabeth and a drive home!Read more
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Day 13
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:15 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 90 m
Italy Museo Stibbert 43.792919, 11.25511243°47’35” N 11°15’18” E
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Day 12 Stibbert Museum Florence
September 6, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
What a golden gem! And not on too many radars! This little museum packs a punch ☺️ weapons and Armour from the Middle Ages and from around the world. The Japanese section is incredible. I’m told this is the largest surviving collect in the world, with Japan coming to study it. Words and pictures can not do it justice!Read more
TravelerWow - an absolutely amazing place can’t wait to see more pictures.
9/6/23Reply
Traveler Great exhibit.
9/7/23Reply
TravelerWow. Love the pictures.
9/11/23Reply
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Day 15
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 1:09 AM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 398 m
Austria Lustenau 47.420833, 9.67165347°25’15” N 9°40’18” E
Day 13 - Fußach, Austria Convention
September 8, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
It’s here! Almost 8 hours drive from Florence to Fußach and we are in Austria…. So many friends and family to catch up with
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Day 15
Friday, September 8, 2023
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 396 m
Austria Lustenau 47.420807, 9.67187847°25’15” N 9°40’19” E
Day 14 Convention
September 8, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Busy catching up with more people and meeting new friends
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Day 16
Saturday, September 9, 2023
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 396 m
Austria Lustenau 47.420805, 9.67187847°25’15” N 9°40’19” E
Day 15 ABM and dinner
September 9, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
So today is all about the annual business meeting and the formal dinner. With 27 proposed bylaw changes it’s a surprise how quick the meeting went. I shoot off to the hotel after some lunch to get ready for the Dinner, yes I had a nap lol. The dinner is always a highlight, I’m honoured to hold our national flag for the Anthem. I’m invited to sit with Scott Ryan at his table. I was surprised to be asked to receive an award on behalf of an Australia 22 member and to pass it on. Truely honoured to. The night rolled on until 3am.Read more
TravelerWhat an incredible night!
9/10/23Reply
TravelerAlways a bit event when you’re all together. But never enough time to catch up with everyone. Until next year.
9/11/23Reply
TravelerSounds like an amazing night!
9/11/23Reply
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Day 17
Sunday, September 10, 2023
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 294 m
Germany Berliner Platz 48.776981, 9.16236548°46’37” N 9°9’45” E
Day 16 farewell till next year
September 10, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
I’m tired 😂😂 I’ve slept till 8am, Ken and Jan Mahon are joining me in the car to Stuttgart so they can catch a train. BUT first - Breakfast and goodbyes to all these magnificent buggers. Stuttgart here we come!Read more
TravelerSafe trip home Roger❤️❤️
9/10/23Reply
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Day 18
Monday, September 11, 2023
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 293 m
Germany Berliner Platz 48.777084, 9.16218348°46’38” N 9°9’44” E
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Day 17 Stuttgart
September 11, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Museums and sights 🥺 well that didn’t go to plan! Arrived in the hotel room and thought I’d jump on the WiFi and try booking tickets for both the Porsche and Mercedes museums - guess what? The only day of the week they don’t open is Monday. Walked a bit, but not much to take pictures of. Will try Porsche in the morning on my way to Venlo. On another point though, today mark 22 years since 9/11 so a quiet reflection 🥺Read more
TravelerA lot to reflect on 😢
9/11/23Reply
Traveler 😢
9/11/23Reply
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 9:50 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 293 m
Germany Berliner Platz 48.776993, 9.16225948°46’37” N 9°9’44” E
Day 18a Damiler Benz
September 12, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
OMG, what can I say? This museum alone would make it worth paying premium for the blog….. 10 photos is not enough!
From the first Daimler and Benz vehicles to the merger, both world wars and recognition of their part. To the developments and of coarse racing heritage! Thank you Rashelle, I only had time today for one and these pics are for you 🥰Read more
TravelerWhat an experience, the care taken to preserve the history is amazing. Thank you for choosing the Mercedes museum & not Porsche.
9/12/23Reply
TravelerThat is amazing!
9/13/23Reply
TravelerLove love love! Thank you! Wow! I also have friends who just did Porsche & apparently that was amazing too! But good choice I say!
9/13/23Reply
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 10:50 AM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Netherlands De Krosselt 51.392323, 6.17571151°23’32” N 6°10’33” E
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Day 18b still more Benz
September 12, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
More Benz, because it’s too much for one post lol, I know it’s not what your Dad drove Connie! But it was the precursor and is the only one there🥰 but wait there is more - still have the race section ☺️Read more
Traveler Close enough 💕
9/12/23Reply
Traveler OMG! The bus! Wow!
9/13/23Reply
TravelerLove! Was lucky to sit in a newer model of the SL gull wings years ago for the F1 GP! The safety car came into work for us to have a look. I also have a massive frame print of it in my office!
9/13/23Reply
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 11:50 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 223 m
Germany Mercedes-Benz-Museum 48.78841, 9.23372848°47’18” N 9°14’1” E
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Day 18c and yep more Benz
September 12, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
This place is awesome and it doesn’t end. Well actually it did, with a good coffee and blue berry muffin lol. Then the 5 hour drive to the Netherlands 😌
TravelerStunning 🤩
9/12/23Reply
Traveler Too many double ups & new ones need to be added!
9/13/23Reply
TravelerHurry up & come home so I can see more pics please!
9/13/23Reply
Traveler🤣
9/13/23Reply
TravelerOver a parmigiana at the Acorn maybe ☺️
9/14/23Reply
TravelerDeal!
9/17/23Reply
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 2:18 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 202 m
Germany Gelsdorf 50.588642, 7.04213150°35’19” N 7°2’32” E
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Day 18d in Venlo
September 12, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Well I made it to the hotel! Basic, clean and close to family. A Jack with dinner and pork Schnitzel with Fries should do me well. Off to see the Family in the morning after some breakfast 😎 a little bit excited 🥰Read more
TravelerIt’s been a few years so I hope you have enough time to catch up on all that’s been happening. Enjoy your time.
9/12/23Reply
Traveler OMG - yum…. 🤤
9/12/23Reply
TravelerGive tante Annie big hug from me Roger and I am so pleased you are seeing her.🥰🥰
9/12/23Reply
Traveler🥰
9/12/23Reply
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Day 20
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Netherlands De Krosselt 51.392199, 6.17589751°23’32” N 6°10’33” E
Day 19 a day with the family
September 13, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
It has been too long since I’ve seen these people 🥺 the last time was supposed to be 2020😭 but today that all changes!
Hugs, coffee and cake first with Annie, Anita and Leon! A drive to lunch (pancakes - yummy) then a short drive to Arcen for a walk through the town centre and a drink overlooking the Maas river! From there to Wim and Anita’s home for more coffee and wait for Wim to come home! Then off to dinner. Pork belly and local beer topped off with a latte (I will be honest and say I can’t wait to get home for a good coffee 🥺)
And just like that the day is done and it’s time to say our goodbyes till next year!! Just the best day!Read more
TravelerHow wonderful. Great day with family xx
9/13/23Reply
TravelerDutch family is awesome...well most of them! Enjoy!
9/13/23Reply
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