Restablecer búsqueda
Convention 23 Europe
  • Roger van Kollenburg
  • Roger van Kollenburg

Convention 23 Europe

An International convention, family in the Netherlands and RKMC family around Europe! Sight seeing some bucket list places Leer más
+2
SeguirResumenResumenCalendarioCalendarioFotosFotosCompartirCompartirLista de deseos
ResumenCalendarioFotos
  • Inicio del viaje
    25 de agosto de 2023
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 1a Dubai

    26 de agosto de 2023, Emiratos Árabes Unidos ☀️ 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 🛫🇦🇺🚒🏍️🛬    Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 1b Amsterdam and Rotterdam

    26 de agosto de 2023, Países Bajos ☁️ 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 🍺🍺🥃Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1
    122

    Day 2b but wait there is more

    27 de agosto de 2023, Países Bajos ⛅ 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 Rotterdam    Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1

    Day 3 into Belgium

    28 de agosto de 2023, Bélgica ☁️ 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.Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    3

    Day 4 Brugge

    29 de agosto de 2023, Bélgica ⛅ 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 🌹Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1

    Day 5 Off to the battle fields

    30 de agosto de 2023, Francia ⛅ 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 relaxLeer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 6 Corbie France to Geneva

    31 de agosto de 2023, Francia 🌧 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!Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 7 Geneva to Genoa!

    1 de septiembre de 2023, Suiza ☀️ 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 nightLeer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1
    1

    Day 8 of to Florence

    2 de septiembre de 2023, Italia ☀️ 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 🍕    Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 9

    3 de septiembre de 2023, Italia ⛅ 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😂😂😂    Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    11

    Day 10 - A trip around Florence

    4 de septiembre de 2023, Italia ☀️ 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!Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 11 - Ducati and Ferarri 😎

    5 de septiembre de 2023, Italia ☀️ 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!    Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1

    Day 12 Stibbert Museum Florence

    6 de septiembre de 2023, Italia ☀️ 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!Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 15 ABM and dinner

    9 de septiembre de 2023, 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.Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1
    1

    Day 17 Stuttgart

    11 de septiembre de 2023, Alemania ☀️ 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 🥺Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 18a Damiler Benz

    12 de septiembre de 2023, Alemania ⛅ 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 🥰Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    11

    Day 18b still more Benz

    12 de septiembre de 2023, Países Bajos ☁️ 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 ☺️Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1
    1

    Day 18c and yep more Benz

    12 de septiembre de 2023, Alemania ☁️ 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 😌

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero
    1

    Day 18d in Venlo

    12 de septiembre de 2023, Alemania ☁️ 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 🥰Leer más

    Ver traducción
  • Roger van KollenburgConvention 23 EuropeViajero

    Day 19 a day with the family

    13 de septiembre de 2023, Países Bajos ☁️ 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!    Leer más

    Ver traducción